How's your girdle feeling?

That's a pretty funny topic seeing as I'm trying to get into shape... well any shape but round, square, rectangular and any of those that have more than three sides... My run? Went well thank you. Samuel and I are still going together. I am going to see his hockey game tonight, it's at the same time as Jacob's gymnastic so Moe and I are splitting the "team", I hope to see the improvement in his game because of the running. We did 5 minutes walking and 1 minute jogging. It felt good. We were able to pass the mid point today; that was exciting. It was not raining either so it didn't seem so dark out besides, there was a lot of traffic so the road was often lit. Ok... back to the girdle. "Girdle: The girdle is an indispensable article in the dress of an oriental : it has various uses ; but the principal one is to tuck up their long flowing vestments, that they may not incommode them in their work, or on a journey." I was reading in Jeremiah chapter 13 today and God asked Jeremiah to do a little experiment. God asked Jeremiah to get himself a linen girdle and put it on his loins then to bring it to the Euphrates, dig a hole then to put the girdle in it and cover it back up. "After many days", the Lord told him to go get the girdle out of the ground where he hid it. The girdle was "marred, it was profitable for nothing." This is what the Lord told Jeremiah after the experiment. "This evil people, which refuse to hear my words, which walk in the imagination of their heart, and walk after other gods, to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this girdle, which is good for nothing. For as the girdle cleaveth to the loins of a man, so have I caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, saith the LORD; that they might be unto me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear." You know, this is not much more different for us today. The Lord really spoke to me about this. Questions I asked myself:

• am I refusing to hear God's word when He shows me something specific I need to address in my life?
• Do I direct my life in the desires of my heart instead of God's desires for me?
• Do I have things in my life that are more important to me than God?
• Do I make more effort to satisfy or please those more important things?
• Do I find rest, encouragement and glorify those more important things?

If so, I am as useful to God as that girdle would be to me if I was trying to do some work, going on a long journey or to battle and have that long robe wrapping itself around my ankles. I am profitable for nothing. You know, I have so times where God says (paraphrase), "Thumbs up girl! You're getting it, keep it up!" but if I'm honest to myself and especially before God, He often has to correct me, nudge me over a bit or just plain out rebuke me. Sometimes, the desires of my flesh become priority in my life and not God. God is so merciful! I can't begin to express how thankful I am that Jesus died on the cross for my sins and give me an opportunity to accept the Father's free gift of salvation. Without it, I would never have a chance to see my Father's face one day. To hug Jesus and tell Him how much I love Him. I would be cast into hell for eternity. I might not know as well as God knows "my frame", but I definitely I am not worthy as Jesus is, yet He's the one who paid the price. What a good God we have. Today, because the fashions have changed, we no longer wear girdles for the purpose it once had. We use belts but, looking at the statistics of overweight people, I would say we wear belts for the sake of fashion and not for its purpose. I think it's a mirror image of today's society. We have become so fat of ourselves and our own agenda that we think we don't need God. We only wear Him, His name that is... Christian, for "fashion" sake. The reality is, we are going to be unhealthy and die a slow and painful death, yet at a younger age than necessary. Just like our spiritual; we will be unhealthy therefore, producing no fruit (good works, and bringing others to Christ), and die a slow and painful death because life will be so boring, uneventful, a waste of time, and without God's hand of protection and blessings... then we'll die, come face to face with our Maker to answer, "as a saved person, my child, what have you done with the life I gave you?" The similarities between the experiment of the girdle and our choice of how we live is amazing! I want my Lord, God and Saviour to be as a girdle for me, purposeful, close and needed.

Are you circumcized???

You must think I've lost my marbles to ask that question, but as usual, there's a reason to my madness.
I was reading in Galatians 6 today, along with Proverbs 27. In Galatians 6, Paul talks about circumcision, should you or shouldn't you? The part that really struck me is this verse, Galatians 6:13 "For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh."
Here is what's going on. There are people, Gentiles (non Jews) who have been saved and are not circumcised because they never followed the Jewish custom; and there are Jews who, because of the Jewish custom, have been circumcised. These same Jews are trying to influence the saved Gentiles to be circumcised; I'm assuming because they are now in a faith that began in Jewish history. There are two problems. 1. These Jewish people in question are not even following the law of the Jews, sort of just have the name of being Jewish and one symbol to mark them apart and that's it.(Sort of like people who call themselves Christians but don't go to church and have never accepted Christ as their personal Saviour) Paul feels that if the Gentiles get circumcised, which has NOTHING to do with salvation, will boast the Jews and make them believe/think they've been able to side track the saved Gentiles.
I couldn't help but think of this in today's world.
Sometimes there is good Southern Gospel music on the "Christian" radio station here. I'll turn it to that station and we, the kids and I, hear what sounds just like worldly music, a bit heavy, with Christian lyrics. Needless to say, it quickly grieves our spirit and we go back to listening to the CD we were listening to.
Think about it. The music part of "contemporary Christian" music sounds like the world's music, they don't even believe the same as we do. They don't acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, the Son of God, who died for our sins, a torturous death at that, and is risen again, sitting at the right hand of God. They don't follow, respect, acknowledge or live any of this, yet we choose to "uncircumcised" ourselves (take off our standards), and be like the world. All this in the name of drawing people to Christ, so we think. First of all, do we think that by having an unsaved person listening to contemporary "Christian" music will give them a desire to become like Christ? The message is loud, "don't change, there's no difference between you and me, we still act foolishly, we still satisfy our flesh, we are still selfish." There is no difference between us and the world AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS, Christ died for all and salvation is available to ALL, but the bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." Can we not praise God in softness? I do recall that God has a still small voice and when He can't get our attention, He yells, and it sounds/looks like what happens just before we drop to our knees in beggingthe Lord for mercy, whatever that might be for you. If God speaks to us with a still small voice, and we appreciate his softness and just sincereness of His love for us, don't you think that's all He wants from us?
Why do we think that we need to act or be like the world to draw them to Christ? If we are following them, they are looking in front of them, not behind. If God is hidden under all that worldliness, do you think they will notice Jesus Christ in us IF they happen to glance back to see who is following them? I dare to say no.
The bible calls us to be separate, different from the world. When they see us devoted to a God who deserves and merits our adoration, commitment and surrendered life, they will look back to see who's following and notice that there is nobody, but people are following us, who are following God, and will stop in their tracks, watch, listen and begin to walk in our direction.
Let's not be circumcised, taking off our standards and our white robes of righteousness that Jesus Christ paid highly for. Let's be separate not only in music but in all things of our life. Let's surrender ourselves to the way God wants things done.

The X Factor 2009 - Daryl Markham - Auditions 2 (itv.com/xfactor)

Simple Understanding

A couple of days ago, the Lord showed me something specific in His Word that brought a deeper understanding of something He previously showed me.
I was reading in Proverb 24, because we were the 24th day of the month. I read and stumbled on the the inspiring verse 3 and 4 being, "Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established; and by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious pleasant riches."
I paused there for a moment, meditating on the beauty of diligence and purpose. I then continued and came upon:
vs 31, "And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, [and] nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down." **note** grown over with thorns/ Do you want a family who's thorny; touchy, aggressive?
vs 32, "Then I saw, [and] considered [it] well: I looked upon [it, and] received instruction." **note** people watch and consider our ways then they judge what brought us to the state of our family; laziness, inconsistency. They will see us as needy.
vs 33, "[Yet] a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:" **note**inconsistency, and putting no effort, selfishness, laziness
vs 34, "So shall thy poverty come [as] one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man." **note** vs. 4 talks about pleasant riches whereas vs. 34 talks about poverty that comes as one that travelleth (poverty touches/travels in every part of our life)
I don't want verse 34 to happen to our family, but how can I make sure I am a woman of understanding?
A few years back, the Lord spoke to my heart about when my children talk to me, I need to look them in the eyes, this tells them that they are important and have my attention. This will help give me their heart.

Understanding begins with listening
Proverbs 8:33 "Hear instruction, and be wise"
Proverbs 5:31 (b) "Bow thine ear to my understanding"

Then with reading His Word
Proverbs 9:10 "...knowledge of the holy [is] understanding"

We need to pass that understanding to our children by teaching them God's Word. Helping them learn Scripture. Using God's Word in comparison to their actions helps them to commit Scripture to memory and as an adult it will keep them.

Proverbs 1:8,9 "My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: For they [shall be] an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck."

A few Scriptures for misbehaviour

• Doing things in secret; being sneaky proverbs 15:3, "The eyes of the LORD [are] in every place, beholding the evil and the good."
• Lying Proverbs 12:22, "Lying lips [are] abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly [are] his delight."
• Being mean to others Ephesians 4:32 "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
• Putting other down Philippians 2:3, "[Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
• Bragging Proverbs 27:2, "Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips."
• Doing things slothfully, 1 Corinthians 14:40, "Let all things be done decently and in order"
• Busy bodies (mind your own business) 1 Thessalonians 4:11, "And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;"

Reacting in anger Proverbs 15;1, "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."
Consistancy is THE hardest part of being a parent, as far as I'm concerned, but God's Word promises me a reward if I am deligent.
Proverbs 29:18, "Where [there is] no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy [is] he.

Run Baby Run!!!

Well, today was day two and I got up a little later, 5:51 am and Samuel, our eldest son, wanted to come with me so I got him up and we left. My son was amazed that it was so dark and one of many questions he asked me was, "Is there more than just one street light?" Samuel is not a nervous type person but he was anxious about this walk in the dark thing. We got to 8 minutes and we arrived where there are woods on both sides of the road and no street lights. I could hear a rustling but I thought it's probably just my hair against my coat so I ignored it. A little later, Samuel asked me, "Am I talking too much?" I wanted to say, "Yes" but I didn't have the heart so I told him, "If talking takes away your nervousness, I don't mind." he said, "OK". LOL I guess he was nervous because he kept going....LOL I enjoyed yesterdays peace and serenity but I enjoyed spending this time with him too. I heard this rustling sound again and paid more attention to my hair against the coat and it wasn't that at all... ok, so now I'm nervous so I told Samuel, "ok, now it's time for us to jog..." LOL so we did, until I felt far enough from what ever was making that noise. Sure enough, I couldn't hear the rustling. That was scary because we had to walk by there again. YIKES! We turned around at 15 minutes, a little further than yesterday because, remember we jogged a bit of the way... LOL. I suggested to Samuel that since these houses were closer to the road, maybe we should whisper. We kept walking and once we got to the tree section of the walk, I listened intently. It was drizzling "...but not enough to make the leaves make noise... wait a minute," I told myself, "there ARE no leaves!" Now I was freaked! No problem, "It's time to jog again Samuel." and jogged we did... and jogged... and jogged, until we reach Mr. Fisher's house. It's amazing how much better in shape you think you are when you fear an animal might be prowling the edge of the woods where you are. ANIMALS! You say? Uhuh! Hear we have bears, moose, deer, bobcats and coyotes. We got home safely, two minutes early, so we walked it out in the yard and decided that tomorrow we are bringing a flashlight.

On The Run...

Perhaps you've noticed that there's a day that was missed with my running program... I started today instead of yesterday since I went to bed too late on Sunday.
This morning, I woke up at 5:09 am then I finally got up at 5:41 am, got dressed and head outside for my first walk.
I felt crazy at first; you see here in the country, in November, it's dark and there are hardly any street lights. Did I mention it's hunting season too? Ya... so I walked at a steady pace, don't worry! lol. I checked my watch 2 min. after I started, then 5 mins. after I started and already I was bored. LOL I kept walking, checking my cell phone for the time, to make sure I walked 15 minutes one direction then another 15 back home. I laughed to myself because I couldn't wait to tell you that it was so dark, that when I opened my phone, it would blind me so when I looked away, I could see a greenish/yellow rectangle... LOL After about 10 into the walk, I started getting into it. At 14 minutes, I stared at my phone to make sure I turned around at 15 exact and that I did. The number changed from 4 to 5 units I spun on my heels and headed back home. I quickly discovered, by the burning sensation in my "buttock" that I was now walking uphill. mmhmmmm! It was obviously getting close to 7 am because there was starting to have traffic. LOL still dark though; everyone had their high beams.
I must say, that it was a good first walk, me and I and myself laughed hysterically the whole time.
When I got home, I stretched, grabbed a fresh cup of coffee, headed upstairs to sit on the sofa in my bedroom and spend time with the Lord. He laid something very interesting on my heart; showing me new things in His Word, things I never connected so deeply. Unless something else should be posted, I plan to post what I learnt.
If you have begun this running program with me, let me know how your day went.
May the Lord bless you.

It Was a Sad Day At The LeBlanc Residence Today

It started out a day like most others then... Today, as I opened the door to call the kids in to get ready to go for groceries, Marty ran outside. He never did that before, he was getting really good at sitting and waiting till we had the leash and coming only when we were ready to clip it on him. He got really excited to go see the dog across the street. He made it there with no problem and Samuel went to get him. (It's a female dog...) In back of that house is a cow field and when he saw Samuel, he thought Samuel was playing with him so he started running. Samuel, who is 11 tried to get him but Marty is a fast runner. I was in the van, getting ready to go down the road where we can get to the end of the cow field when a grey van drove by. I was talking to the neighbour who was on the driver's side of my van and the grey van was going in that direction. In a bit of a distance, Marty jumped out of the ditch and the van hit him... Samuel saw it all happen, in detail. He screamed and we heard him from where we were. He, Samuel, just screamed a sound and ran over to Marty who was still alive. The grey van slowed down but never stopped. I sped behind him, going 140km/h I caught up to them. I drove in the middle of the road and kept my right hand on the horn, while I waved him to pull over from outside the window. He finally stopped and I went to the door. It was an older couple and the driver, man, was about to get out. I told him, "Why didn't you stop! You just hit my son's dog and he's there crying, completely devastated and you just drive off?! What's up with that!?" I was shaking like a leaf. He said, "I didn't realize I hit him. We were heading to the hospital." I wasn't sure if they were rushing there because of an accident or for an appointment. I told them that I wanted their phone number. They asked why. I told them, I would not bring them to court, nor call the police because they didn't stop. (at that point, I didn't realize technically, we were in fault) I told them that I wanted to be able to contact them for my son's sake. "He just witnessed his dog get hit by a van, that's traumatic for a child!" The man asked how old he was and I told him. They gave me there number and I left. I got to Samuel who was crying and helpless. Our neighbour was with him. Marty was just laying there with blood on his paw but otherwise seemed ok. I went to console Marty because every time a car or truck came by he started crying and was afraid. I would pet him and shhhhh him to help relax him. Our neighbour said we shouldn't touch him in case we hurt him and he lashes out; biting us. I couldn't hold back and neither could Samuel, so we slowly started to pet him and comfort him. He couldn't get up. I knew he needed to be brought to the vet but I also knew we couldn't even afford the appointment so I called my husband and he came home from work to see Marty. Poor Marty, when he saw my husband, he started wagging his tail but he still couldn't get up. My neighbour has the female dog and read that we should have a blanket and water for him, so she went to get a blanket for him and she put it near his head when he laid his head. Moe arrived shortly after that and once a women, who is a dog groomer, stopped on the side of the road to come see, she felt she recognized him. It's the groomer on Elmwood Dr. She suggested we bring him to the vet and we could follow her to a good one. The neighbour went to get her dogs muzzle so Marty wouldn't bite us out of pain. The first time they tried to lift him, while laying in the blanket. Moe couldn't alone, Marty was in too much pain. The woman helped Moe and so did our neighbour. I brought Samuel in the van, he couldn't handle hearing Marty cry from the pain. They finally got Marty in the van and my husband said he would call me, and that I was to go do all that I had previously planned to do. We parked on the side of the road and prayed. Samuel started by thanking God for allowing him to be able to have Marty, asking that He would help him but that he would not suffer. I then prayed that Moe would have wisdom in making the right decisions that He would give the vet wisdom and that it could maybe not cost too much. We then headed to town. We went to the bank, then to the library when Moe called me. I chose to only tell Samuel when we got back in the van because I knew he'd be devastated. Moe told me that Marty's shoulder was badly broken and his paw was hurt. They would usually put a cast on a dog but in this case, because Marty was a big dog, they would have to operate. The surgery would cost between 600$ and 2000$, with his heart in his throat and tears in his eyes he said he told the vet to put Marty to sleep... Samuel cried so much when I told him. His first question was, "Did it hurt Marty to be put to sleep?" Samuel loves Marty so much. We went to Costco and did the groceries we needed to do, then brought Christmas wish list to the aunts that requested it, to them and to my mom to drop off some stuff she asked for. My husband called to see how Samuel was doing. I told him that I could not be that strong if the same thing happen to me at his age, he was really being mature about it. We had talked on and off about it in the van, where most of our best discussions happen, God knew. Samuel said that he forgave "the couple who hit Marty, it was just an accident." Later he told me, just out of the blue, "I wish I would of closed my eyes." He could see it happening over and over. He told me several times how it happen from where he was standing. It makes me cry just to think of the pain he is experiencing and the visions he has in that little innocent mind of his, I wish I could take it away. We're home now, and the house seems so empty....We miss him so much already. Jacob, who is 7 said, "Oh well we won't have to worry about loosing his leash in the snow." Samuel feels awful for the previous owners who felt that God wanted us to have him and sacrificed much to allow us to have him! Samuel said, while driving in the van that he felt like he disappointed the previous owners, because they allowed us to have Marty, thinking we would take care of him but we didn't because he died. I spoke to the couple a little while ago and explained to them what happened at the vet. The lady was very sorry. I could tell in her voice she was remorseful. She explained to me that the reason they had to go to the hospital was because her husband was having an ultra sound to his heart (ecogram) "and it didn't go well..." My heart went out to her. We had lost a dog but she is loosing her husband. I told her that I was so sorry and that we are Christians, believing in forgiveness. We just wanted to put this behind us. She heart fully apologized again and asked that I relay that message to Samuel. I told her that Samuel forgave them and that although Marty is not replaceable, we can always someday have another dog, but if it were my child, it would not be the same. I was thankful that Samuel had not been hurt. I want to post some photographs of Marty, just in memory of him. He was a cuddly big baby. He loved to play and run away with stuff...LOL (I found my shoe under the stairs) He was not a human but we loved him just the same and we will miss him.