A Day Full of...

Today is and will be a day different than others. Why?
1st Today is the first day, since my third child, that I went jogging, not walk/jog. YA! I warmed up with a 5 min. brisk walk then, I jogged, and jogged and jogged. I decided that I would just keep going until I needed to stop. I was able to jog until the last two minutes, which I walked to cool down. When I woke up this morning, I was so tired, I didn't want to go walking at all. My body was lazy and I had a hard time to snap into it, but I knew I would feel better after so I went into the VERY cool air and started walkin'.
2nd After my devotions and shower, I was drying my hair and notice something sparklling. Yup... it's another grey hair... I'm not sure how I feel about it. Mind you, this might be the 3rd grey hair I find; nothing major. lol I find it somewhat funny because, I remember what I thought of people who were 38... "she's old!!!". I don't feel old. Actually, I feel like I'm still a young adult, 22 or 23 years old. I'm sort of in shock, realizing that life is not going backward but forward and that we don't live forever. We know this in our mind but sometimes it's as if we are in denial. Concerning my grey hair, I'm not sure if I should start covering it; dying it or just let it all go grey. I can't picture my self in grey hair...LOL. Some people actually look better in salt pepper color hair. As for me... hmmmm not sure.
3rd Yesterday, we went to the Moncton SPCA to see their dogs. The people there are amazing! It was a wonderful experience thus far. We went back and forth from one dog to another, trying to see what dog would be the "right one". We spent time with two dogs, one named Cody who we found out is very dominant and has an obedience problem like climbing on the cupboards... ya... that's what I said. Then we spent time with Lexi who is a black part lab/boxer. She is beautiful and a very good dog. She did try to be dominant by jumping on Samuel and I and do what seemed like a dance. I found this strange and asked the worker there why she did that and she was the one who explained to me that Lexi was trying to dominate us and that we needed to be firm and pull on her collar to the side while saying "NO!". "She will quickly learn that you are the ones in control." She only did it 3 times, the third time she came down right away. There is one problem with Lexi, she sees cats as prey and should not be around them. hmmmm... that's a problem since we have a cat and she's timid already. Today we plan to go to the SPCA again to spend time with Lexi again and see if we can spend time with Bessy who is also a fixed Female. She is a black lab mix, I don't remember with what. She is better with cats and she's younger so perhaps she would be a better match.
4th During my devotions, the Lord showed me something I never noticed before. In Proverbs 9, we start with "wisdom buildeth her house", a woman who is wise and she shows it by how she prepares her day ahead of time, she cares for her family, reaches out to others to teach them and draw them to understanding. I've read through this proverbs many times and remember reading about the foolish woman who does nothing and is lazy. What drew my attention, that I had not noticed in detail before, was that in the same proverbs, we begin with the wise woman and we end with the foolish woman who both call out to the simple. One difference is in the obvious, one is wise and the other foolish but, the perhaps not so apparent, is that as they both call out to the simple, the people react differently. It is not said exactly how the people reacted toward the wise woman but, God takes the time to specify that, the foolish woman is ignored by the people; Proverbs 9:15, "To call passengers who go right on their ways". That was, for the first time, very obvious to me, the differences not only in the women but in how the people reacted to them. Food for thought. So, "A Day Full Of lessons to be learnt and new accomplishements".

What's the difference?

I went walking/jogging today. I was supposed to go yesterday too but I over slept. I regretted it so much, because I was really looking forward to going. Today, I jogged more than I walked. Warmed up for 5 minutes brisk walk, then I jogged for 3 minutes, walked for 2 minutes then jogged about 3-4 minutes. I walked for 2-3 minutes then jogged most of the way back, maybe walking a total of 2 minutes. I then cooled down with 2 minutes of walking.
I wore my boots this morning... no, not my high heel boots; my husband asked me that with a strange look on his face. lol I went with a pair of winter boots that my cousin gave me; I got a blister and they were not comfortable when I walked, hence why I ran more than usual. (Maybe I should of worn my high heel boots.)
It was cold this morning but the sky was filled with stars and the moon shined my pathway again this morning. I woke up early, starting my "run" at 5:46am. I felt soooooo good after I was done. I must do some research on the effects of walking/running, outside, first thing of the day, I'm sure there must be some detoxification that happens because I feel so good physically when I go out running in the morning.
Anyway, that's that.
I read in Proverbs 8 this morning, "bet" you can't guess why... lol. I also read in Jeremiah 17 and 18. I was specifically struck with the call of wisdom. Over and over again, Proverbs 8 talks about knowledge, understanding and wisdom. They have very similar root meanings but by looking in the dictionary, we see that although these words begin with similar meaning, they have different ways of manifesting themselves.

Definitions:

• Knowledge: acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles, as from study or investigation (2) awareness, as of a fact or circumstance.
• Understanding: mental process of a person who comprehends; comprehension; personal interpretation.
• Wisdom: the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight.

God is very specific, with and through His Word, He never leaves us confused or "hanging". 2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Through study (definition of study: application of the mind to the acquisition of knowledge, as by reading, investigation, or reflection), we get knowledge, we then get understanding by thinking on these things that God has shown us and "putting the pieces of the puzzle" together, then by recognizing our responsibility to what God showed us, we apply it into our life and practice, show and use what we have learnt. This is wisdom.
James 1:5 says, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
If you struggle with applying the things God has taught you and shown you in His Word, ask Him to help you develop the ability and will to show these new things in your life.
I noticed that God teaches in increments, little by little, adding new understanding and desiring me to add to my knowledge, temperance (consistency), patience, godliness...(see 2 Peter 1:5-8).
It's no wonder that God created all things to grow. It's also no wonder that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (see Proverbs 1:7). Learning/studying of the things of God will help us know Him better and recognize His power, grace and mercy. We then grow in these last three things.
We serve an awesome God.

Vanessa Williams - Oh, How He Loves You And Me

Through life God constantly shows us His love for us; first through the death and resurrection of His ONLY Son, through the forgiveness of our sins, then through everyday life.

Ouch! That's sharp!!!

You know who "Zorro" is right?! He's a man, mostly dressed in black with a very sharp sword; it's so sharp it can slice a "Z", in a tight black fabric tarp, with just the tip of the sword! (It's not real, just a movie...) Although that's a movie, Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." I know for a fact that this scripture is absolutely true, aside from the fact that the whole bible is true, I know this by experience also. Once, while going through a very valley in my journey, I decided to go see my pastor and his wife for counselling to help me get to other side of the valley. This valley did not just include me so I had to learn how to persevere whether the circumstances changed or not. It seemed that nothing the pastor said was getting through. In my heart, I kept saying, "ya but... ya but... ya but...!" Then the pastor quoted Philippians 3:10 "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death" hoooooof! It was someone punched me in the stomach. I began to cry uncontrollably. The word of God, His sword, had pierced through my hardened heart and showed me that it didn't matter what the circumstance was, I had a choice to make: whether to accept the opportunity to know Christ in a deeper way through sufferance, and seeing His power manifested in that situation, or to turn my back on a deeper relationship with Him for the temporary satisfying of my flesh. To stay where I was spiritually and to never see the circumstance really change but get worst because only the power of God could change it.
I went home that day, still sobbing, knowing not only what I had to do, but what I wanted to do. I wanted more than anything to see God's power manifested in my life. I wanted to see a miracle and be a part of it. I wanted to be drawn closer to God; to have REAL fellowship with Him. I could never experience what He, Jesus, went through but He knows my struggles as if they were His own.
We, my Lord and I, made it through that valley, and I DID see the power of God manifested in not only my life but of others.
Often while reading the specific scriptures intended for that day, God takes His Sword and takes just the tip of it, and cuts through my soul and spirit, to show me something He wants to change or to take out of my life.
This morning, I read Proverbs 7, then went to Ephesians 4 and 5. As I began to read Eph 4:1, "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called." I had noted beside there from a time past, *wife and mother*.
The tip of God's Sword just tapped on a particular spot in my heart. Reminding me that my present "vocation" is wife and mother, along with teacher to my children and to other women in the church. He reminded me that I have a responsibility to walk worthy of that vocation. How can I "be a duck if I don't walk like one"?
I stayed there for a while, meditating on what God was showing me. Thinking about how difficult that can be at times. Life as a Christian is not always easy if you are seeking to grow and you don't think more of yourself than you are. I felt the nudge to keep reading. Eph 4:2 said this, "With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;" Ahhhhh... the encouragement of the Lord, just a reminder that He "will never leave us nor forsake us".
Lord seeks to have a real relationship with us and this requires somethings on our part:

1. We need to be born again, once by flesh but then again in the spirit. By accepting we are a sinner and God is Perfect, Holy and Just. That we need to be reconciled to Him by accepting the free gift of salvation, by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ only. Not our works, nothing can be added to it. Then by repenting, turning away, from our sins and asking Christ to wash our sins away. Making Him our Saviour. Then living for Him, being a testimony to others.
2. We need to be sincere, everyday, towards God. He knows our frame, in other words, He knows we are not perfect, that we fail. We should not pretend to Him nor to others that we are, or that we have it all together; God and others can see through that.
3. Read His Word daily, and spend time just talking to God and allow Him to talk to you. Just "shut up" and listen for His still small, but powerful, voice.

I love that intimate relationship I have with the Lord. There is nothing on this earth like it. I can't imagine my life without it. Eph. 5:19, "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" so, I want to share this hymn with you.

At the Foot of the Cross

Yesterday, was to be rest day for the daily walk/jog, I did that yet, I had the hardest time getting going. I dragged my feet all day. The first of two times my feet actually left the floor was when the Bathurst SPCA said we were approved and we could go get Kody. I literally leaped for joy. I was so excited! That's probably why I cried today when we both, DH and I, accepted that now, was not the right time to buy a dog. We would be best to put the money in things to finish the house so we can get our mortgage. It was hard to accept, we all wanted to have Kody. I'm thankful that there was another family looking at him so he will have a home soon.
By the time we would of drove up to Bathurst and back, paid for the dog, got his rabies shot, which was required and his tags it would of cost the same as what the spindles are costing to finish the railing for the stairs. This would not of been a good example of being good stewards.
We are also experiencing another illness in the family which could be deadly, we don't know if it's before or after Christmas. The results should be in by the end of next week.
It's only been 2 years, in October, since my husband's father passed away with lung cancer, my grandmother who was 95 died of breast cancer this fall, and now perhaps another member of the family has cancer.
Sometimes life seems crazy, almost in vain. There are battles no matter where you turn, Christians who allow themselves, including me, to be used as a tool for Satan and cause division, strife and mislead those who are not saved. "What is this all about?" we could ask ourselves but it needs to be all laid at the foot of the cross. Our struggles, our hurts, our fears, our insecurities but especially, those who we pray for and try to lead to Christ. That's what it's all about. Being willing to trust God, willing to be used as a vessel, willing to run the race in a way that pleases God and draws as many people to Christ as possible.
It's hard to separate our human duties and spiritual duties sometimes and find the balance but I have found that when I lean on God and just trust in His decisions for my life, spend time in His word and in fellowship with Him, I am much more willing to just follow.
We need to be willing, to be willing.

Seeing ahead

Wow... I feel like all is a blurr. I just ate some pasta and I'm ready for a nap...
Things are pretty busy here today but let's start at the beginning.
My morning walk/jog.
I woke up a few minutes late... 5:50am. Samuel seemed pretty tired walking yesterday so I asked him if "he wanted the day "off"", he told me if he wasn't awake that I could go running without him. It did take some convincing because he wanted to make sure I was ok to go running alone. "You're not scared to go alone?" "No, because the Lord told me that He was protecting us, we would be fine." "Ok then." It was nice to have some quiet time and just push myself to the max.
It was a crisp morning but I had long undergarments so I was nice and warm, and when I arrived, I was definately warm. The sky was clear, hence the cooler temp., and I coud still see the stars. The moon was bright, even shinning through the trees' skeleton, leaving their shadow on the road. I could hear the trickeling water in the ditch and the crackle of the cold branches. It was beautiful.
I tought to myself how awesome it is to have a God who looks out for you and know well in advance, your need. He knew I would be alone to walk this morning so ahead of time, He prepared the moon to shine at it's brightest to light my way.
My devotions
The Lord never ceases to amaze me. Imagine if I were closer to Him, how many more blessings I would see, touch, hear and feel! As I read His word, it comes alive on the pages. Seeing the turmoil of Jeremiah and the anger of the Lord towards the people who purposly lie about Him, misleading those who are seeking. That is specifically what the Lord showed me this morning. In combination with reading Proverbs 2, it seemed it was a theme for today. God considers it very important to be close to Him so we can have wisdom, knowledge and discretion, along with other important things. With these things, He can guide us, direct us and help us stand but, without spending time in His word and in fellowship with Him, we lack these things.
My weight loss
I have a juicer and love using it. I thought that there must be some juice recipes that could help me with my weight loss, and sure enough I found many recipes. HINT*** greens: broccoli, sprout, spinach and celery are great weight loss helpers. Mix this with carrots. with a dash of Cayenne pepper, which helps to kick start your metabolism, and voila! Here's one I'd like to try soon. Coconut, celeri and spinach. mmmmmmm wow! They had suggested to keep vegetables with vegetables but one recipe I really like is 3lbs of carrots and 2 granny smith apples.HELLO! That's good!... I'm ready for some juice!
School...
Going really well. Yesterday, we did an experiment. Can liquid move upwards if it is not be sucked up like a vacuum or pushed up? The answer is yes. If you put a bucket of water and stand up a straw in that bucket, the water will begin to go up. In our experiement, we had to put water with food coloring in one plastic see through cup, rolled up a piece of paper towel, place it in the colored water, then put the other end of the paper towel in an empty plastic see through cup. The colored water eventually "climbed" up the paper towel which a few hours later, it had totaly gone into the other cup! That was so cool! Samuel's light bulp went off and he ran outside. He had remembered that this summer, he had cut a stem of a branchy weed and noticed a sponge like center. He went to get one to try the experiment on it. We cut the bottom in half on the length and saw the sponge like material he reffered to. We dipped it in the colored water and watched the green liquid "climb" up into the stem of the weed. Now THAT was cool! All of a sudden, we had new "knowledge" of God which taught us the fear of the Lord. The more we know about His creation, the more we recognize it's awesomness, the more we reverence, honor and respect Him. What a mighty God we serve.
Now...
I need to finish up my house work, fold clean clothes, iron a bunch of them, bring Dominique to piano, come home and get ready to make supper which we will be soon after leaving to go to church for bible study.
It's a full day but a blessed one none the less.
I still need a nap...

Today's walk

This morning it was CRISP! HELLO!!
We started walking at 5:56am. We slipped a couple of times but never fell. There was a slight covering of snow so we could see better. The black road we could find no problem, against the white snow but the black ice on the black pavement was a little harder to spot.
Samuel has been getting pains in his side and I think it's because he's not breathing right, so he's been concentrating on that. Needless to say, walking fast and breathing right is hard to do when you are concentrating on one and not the other.
We both agreed that we should probably wear long johns tomorrow.
I found a neat site if you are interested. I think I would like to download some of their podcasts.
http://www.5k101.com/
If you like to download podcasts, may I suggested:
http://www.nvbc.org/preaching_podcasts/index.html for some good preaching.
Today, we have a friend who went to visit a dog we are thinking of getting. He is part lab part Bernese. BIG DOG!
She had nothing but wonderful things to say about him so I will be passing along this information to my husband, and maybe we will have our new dog. Here's a picture of him.



Until we meet again...