What began as this great idea one afternoon in Barnes & Nobel, has become a chore. I wish I could say that Ms. Manning's book, Harvesting the Fruit of the Spirit, became more interesting and enlightening as the chapters progressed. But, alas reader, I cannot say this.
So today I am sharing with you all my inability to complete a book, and thus a Bible study. I would like to sum up the fruits below. My opinion of them. And no, I will not be quoting myself when I write a book one day.
Love
God is Love. Jesus taught us that we must love our neighbors, especially those who are difficult to love. The most difficult part of this fruit, in my humble opinion, is loving everyone and everything that is God's.
Joy
Joy to me is the light of the spirit that radiates from certain individuals. Those that truly understand what it is to be a child of God.
Peace
Inner peace is a wonderful gift you can give yourself. Forgiving yourself and forgiving others, no matter what has transpired, is so difficult. I suppose that is why there is such hatred, war, and anger in this world.
Patience
The Bible says that all things come in HIS time. As a controlling woman, I find it is almost impossible to let His will be done. His will can be completely opposite of what you wish, but we should not question that will.
Gentleness
Gentle and Kind. Those two words seem to complement each other. I believe if you love everything and everyone you will treat them kindly and with a gentle heart.
Goodness
When you know what is right and you do things and act the right way you are being good. Ask any 5 year old, they know what good is: "Being nice; sharing," says my six-year-old daughter, Zoe. Can it be simpler than that? No.
Faith
To have complete acceptance of something that cannot be proven as absolute truth. To have faith in God is such a special fruit, and pretty much should be the first fruit. Without faith in a greater power, one would probably not even consider loving those who are unlovable. Even if there isn't a patriarchal God, believing that we are all connected is a belief based on faith. We don't have a string tied to each other, but to believe that we are all from the same source is a faith in our connection.
Meekness
This fruit happens to also be a B-Attitude. In Matthew 5:5 scripture states, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." When I did a Bible study on the B-attitudes a couple years back, I found meekness to be an exceptionally interesting study. I disagree with Ms. Manning's quote, "Meekness is to be humble and submissive to the will of God." I just have a real problem with the word: submissive. Maybe it is from the new colloquial definition with bondage. I think a better word is obedient.
Temperance
The first thing I think of is temperance with alcohol. Many religious people do not drink, but I cannot imagine Jesus meant for us to not drink any alcohol. After all, he was the one that turned water into wine at the wedding in Canon. Ms. Manning suggests that we temper our emotions to those pleasing to God. Makes sense. But I still think Meek incorporates tempering our emotions and actions. Eh, what do I know?
And thus concludes the fruits of the spirit. I suppose I will try a completely different study in the future.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Fruit of the Spirit - Patience
So...did you have patience during my time away with these lovely scripture posts? Hope so!
Today begins the study of the fourth fruit of the spirit: Patience.
Those living today have created a world of instant gratification. Technology, albeit a wonderful tool, has dumbed down society and made us impatient.
No longer does the phone ring and we wonder, "who's calling?" We have caller ID, we have a voicemail system to take the message, and we have a mobile phone that allows the person to track us down further. My sister, for example, has been known to call each number 5 times before she gives up. No message left at either number, and she then worries if I'm okay. Maybe I'm on the toilet, maybe I'm in the shower, or maybe, just maybe I don't feel like talking.
One of my favorite Bible verses (maybe it is because there is a song with similar lyrics) is Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. These verses speak of being patient for things to happen on His time, not ours.
Those living today have created a world of instant gratification. Technology, albeit a wonderful tool, has dumbed down society and made us impatient.
No longer does the phone ring and we wonder, "who's calling?" We have caller ID, we have a voicemail system to take the message, and we have a mobile phone that allows the person to track us down further. My sister, for example, has been known to call each number 5 times before she gives up. No message left at either number, and she then worries if I'm okay. Maybe I'm on the toilet, maybe I'm in the shower, or maybe, just maybe I don't feel like talking.
One of my favorite Bible verses (maybe it is because there is a song with similar lyrics) is Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. These verses speak of being patient for things to happen on His time, not ours.
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Body Makeover week 4 begins
Ah, reader, another successful and difficult week. As I move along the training process, my body is sore (muscles, etc.) and it is emotional for me as well. I am so much more cognizant of what I eat, drink, feed my children, etc. I also have noticed that I actually awake excited to complete my workout, because I am proud when it is accomplished and most often I feel amazing.
I also added Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar to my morning vitamins and supplements. It isn't the most pleasant tasting tablespoon of liquid, but the benefits are amazing. I should be taking a tablespoon three times a day, but last week and this I am just incorporating it with my morning stuff. Maybe I'll get to the three times a day at some point.
As the summer comes to a close, I have this week and next to continue with the current program. However, I am creating a schedule that includes group classes and personal time starting after Labor Day. I am definitely looking forward to school starting. I have Evie in preschool 5 mornings a week, and Zoe will be in school 5 days all day (woo hoo 1st grade). I am really hoping to have time for exercise AND time for personal stuff. :)
I also added Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar to my morning vitamins and supplements. It isn't the most pleasant tasting tablespoon of liquid, but the benefits are amazing. I should be taking a tablespoon three times a day, but last week and this I am just incorporating it with my morning stuff. Maybe I'll get to the three times a day at some point.
As the summer comes to a close, I have this week and next to continue with the current program. However, I am creating a schedule that includes group classes and personal time starting after Labor Day. I am definitely looking forward to school starting. I have Evie in preschool 5 mornings a week, and Zoe will be in school 5 days all day (woo hoo 1st grade). I am really hoping to have time for exercise AND time for personal stuff. :)
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Fruit of the Spirit - Peace 4
The Devil made me do it - at least that is how I feel Ms. Manning relates to the negative events in her life.
I might be completely reading into her writing, but it isn't the first time I have heard the devil blamed for stupid decisions. I believe that God made us with a conscience, and the ability to choose; we have to learn to live with the consequences that result from our actions.
It is what I tell my girls each day: You reap what you sew. If you make a good choice, the result will be a positive one; if you make a bad decision, the result will be a negative one. Maybe not immediately, but eventually your decisions do come back to fruition. This has NOTHING to do with the Devil. In my humble opinion reader, many people never want to take responsibility for their actions. It is much easier to blame someone (the Devil) rather than accept the consequences.
I would like to end this rather "soapbox" blog on a positive note. So...one verse was especially poignant today:
It is what I tell my girls each day: You reap what you sew. If you make a good choice, the result will be a positive one; if you make a bad decision, the result will be a negative one. Maybe not immediately, but eventually your decisions do come back to fruition. This has NOTHING to do with the Devil. In my humble opinion reader, many people never want to take responsibility for their actions. It is much easier to blame someone (the Devil) rather than accept the consequences.
I would like to end this rather "soapbox" blog on a positive note. So...one verse was especially poignant today:
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Fruit of the Spirit - Peace 3
Why must all stories end happily ever after? Truly that drives me insane.
Today, Ms. Manning blessed her readers with another short story: Baby Isaac. Of course there were two main characters that lacked peace, and they live through very traumatic events. However, at the end of the story, everyone is happy and peaceful.
Maybe it just seems like the thing to do, that is: they lived happily ever after. But truly the story shouldn't end like that. The story should have ended a paragraph prior. Then the reader could infer or make the decision on his/her own as to the ending. Not all stories have to end either; my story is constant.
A dear friend of mine, Holly, writes a blog called: Possibilities and Peas. Her latest post Possibilities and Abundance really touched me. It was so honest and straight forward; no pretentiousness about it.
Finding peace in our lives is truly a wonderful gift we can receive from God. Waking up from the fog, the darkness of a dreamlike state; no longer wishing for more, but rather being content with what you have.
Thank you, Holly.
Maybe it just seems like the thing to do, that is: they lived happily ever after. But truly the story shouldn't end like that. The story should have ended a paragraph prior. Then the reader could infer or make the decision on his/her own as to the ending. Not all stories have to end either; my story is constant.
A dear friend of mine, Holly, writes a blog called: Possibilities and Peas. Her latest post Possibilities and Abundance really touched me. It was so honest and straight forward; no pretentiousness about it.
Finding peace in our lives is truly a wonderful gift we can receive from God. Waking up from the fog, the darkness of a dreamlike state; no longer wishing for more, but rather being content with what you have.
Thank you, Holly.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Fruit of the Spirit - Peace 2
This morning I walked the track with a friend of mine, Roger. We grew up together, and I remember such silly stories from our childhood - when peace was just what you knew.
I recall this time, when I was probably 6 years old. Actually my sister and I would be about the ages of my girls. We had been playing with our friend, Roger, and he had to go home at a certain time (probably dinner). His sister, Renee, would be coming to pick him up (he had ridden his bike over). We didn't want Roger to have to go home.So Kelly and I came up with this great idea: make a paper Roger. Paper Roger could go home with Renee, and Roger would stay with us.
So we traced Roger on a piece of paper (or as I remember quite a few papers taped together - badly). We somehow stuck this paper Roger to his bike, and then left it in the driveway for Renee to find. Needless to say, the trick did not work - but we were so confident that it would we were very focused.
What a child finds peace in seems so simple, and yet as an adult we cannot seem to think like a child to find that peace again. Now I'm not suggesting drawing a paper person to trick someone, but what I am stating is that in that simple act of playing and imagination we were peaceful and content with our lives in this world. There was no worry, no anxiety, no concern for "what if Renee doesn't get tricked?" We were confident little souls on this earth: full of peace.
That is my desire: to regain that innocence and simple thoughts that don't require worries or fear.
I recall this time, when I was probably 6 years old. Actually my sister and I would be about the ages of my girls. We had been playing with our friend, Roger, and he had to go home at a certain time (probably dinner). His sister, Renee, would be coming to pick him up (he had ridden his bike over). We didn't want Roger to have to go home.So Kelly and I came up with this great idea: make a paper Roger. Paper Roger could go home with Renee, and Roger would stay with us.
So we traced Roger on a piece of paper (or as I remember quite a few papers taped together - badly). We somehow stuck this paper Roger to his bike, and then left it in the driveway for Renee to find. Needless to say, the trick did not work - but we were so confident that it would we were very focused.
What a child finds peace in seems so simple, and yet as an adult we cannot seem to think like a child to find that peace again. Now I'm not suggesting drawing a paper person to trick someone, but what I am stating is that in that simple act of playing and imagination we were peaceful and content with our lives in this world. There was no worry, no anxiety, no concern for "what if Renee doesn't get tricked?" We were confident little souls on this earth: full of peace.
That is my desire: to regain that innocence and simple thoughts that don't require worries or fear.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Fruit of the Spirit - Peace
Today begins four days to devote to Peace.
This is such an essential element to life: Peace.
Ms Manning suggests that in order to survive the "storm" we need the armor of God. This armor of God was new to me earlier this year. My Evie did a project in preschool that was about the different parts of armor. Such an awesome concept to introduce to little ones. Here are the parts of armor as described in Ephesians:
Belt of Truth
Breastplate of Righteousness
Sandals of Peace
Shield of Faith
Helmet of Salvation
Sword of the Spirit (God's Word)
May God's armor protect you today and always!
Ms Manning suggests that in order to survive the "storm" we need the armor of God. This armor of God was new to me earlier this year. My Evie did a project in preschool that was about the different parts of armor. Such an awesome concept to introduce to little ones. Here are the parts of armor as described in Ephesians:
Belt of Truth
Breastplate of Righteousness
Sandals of Peace
Shield of Faith
Helmet of Salvation
Sword of the Spirit (God's Word)
May God's armor protect you today and always!
The start of week 3
So I am now a vitamin/supplement junkie.
I am taking a multi-vitamin (2), an omega 3 supplement (1), and a liver cleanse with milk thistle (1) each morning. This combination should help my body work even harder to lose fat and excess stuff that is causing my organs to tell my body to store fat.
I was very pleased that in two weeks I have lost 10 pounds. My body is sore on a daily basis, but I know the muscle aches are helping my body become a lean, mean fat burning machine!
My trainer is on vacation this week, so I will be doing more walking with my new Cardio Trainer Pro phone app. The program takes walking to a new level as I have set the intervals to 2 minutes walking at 3.1 mph and 1 minute at 3.8 mph. That way my heart has time to recover and works harder each 1 minute interval. After 45 minutes I am completely sweaty and ready for a large bottle of water!
My perception of food has changed a lot in the last two weeks as well. In fact, I am not craving sweets or carbs. However, the one thing I have craved is a soy latte from Starbucks. But I have given myself 31 days without alcohol, coffee shop beverages, white sugar, white rice, white flour, sweets, and anything that isn't healthy.
Here's to another successful week!
I am taking a multi-vitamin (2), an omega 3 supplement (1), and a liver cleanse with milk thistle (1) each morning. This combination should help my body work even harder to lose fat and excess stuff that is causing my organs to tell my body to store fat.
I was very pleased that in two weeks I have lost 10 pounds. My body is sore on a daily basis, but I know the muscle aches are helping my body become a lean, mean fat burning machine!
My trainer is on vacation this week, so I will be doing more walking with my new Cardio Trainer Pro phone app. The program takes walking to a new level as I have set the intervals to 2 minutes walking at 3.1 mph and 1 minute at 3.8 mph. That way my heart has time to recover and works harder each 1 minute interval. After 45 minutes I am completely sweaty and ready for a large bottle of water!
My perception of food has changed a lot in the last two weeks as well. In fact, I am not craving sweets or carbs. However, the one thing I have craved is a soy latte from Starbucks. But I have given myself 31 days without alcohol, coffee shop beverages, white sugar, white rice, white flour, sweets, and anything that isn't healthy.
Here's to another successful week!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Fruit of the Spirit - Joy 4
Do you have the blues? I personally believe everyone goes through low points in their lives. Ms. Manning suggests that only Christ can truly chase your blues away; through Joy.
Manning suggests that a sad song (secular in nature) cannot rid our hearts of blue thoughts. I truly don't agree. I believe in the very strong spiritual nature of music - secular just as much as sacred. Music has a wonderful ability to lift spirits and allow our hearts to emote about whatever is hurting them.
Unlike Ms. Manning, I don't believe that a secular song cannot bring us closer to our creator. But I do agree with her - we must press on. We must continue the uphill climb, no matter how difficult (and it WILL be difficult) and emotionally and spiritually painful.
I'm sure we all have a mantra - something that centers us. Ms. Manning has a poem she wrote. I have been thinking about (meditating if you will) what centers me. Is there a particular song that is my "theme song"? I will get back to that at a latter date, because at this point I come up blank.
Manning suggests that a sad song (secular in nature) cannot rid our hearts of blue thoughts. I truly don't agree. I believe in the very strong spiritual nature of music - secular just as much as sacred. Music has a wonderful ability to lift spirits and allow our hearts to emote about whatever is hurting them.
Unlike Ms. Manning, I don't believe that a secular song cannot bring us closer to our creator. But I do agree with her - we must press on. We must continue the uphill climb, no matter how difficult (and it WILL be difficult) and emotionally and spiritually painful.
I'm sure we all have a mantra - something that centers us. Ms. Manning has a poem she wrote. I have been thinking about (meditating if you will) what centers me. Is there a particular song that is my "theme song"? I will get back to that at a latter date, because at this point I come up blank.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Fruit of the Spirit - Joy 3
When I was a little girl I learn the song, "This is the Day." Here are the lyrics:
This is the day, this is the day
That the Lord hath made, that the Lord hath made
We will rejoice, we will rejoice
And be glad in it, and be glad in it
This is the day that the Lord hath made
We will rejoice and be glad in it
This is the day, this is the day
That the Lord hath made
That the Lord hath made, that the Lord hath made
We will rejoice, we will rejoice
And be glad in it, and be glad in it
This is the day that the Lord hath made
We will rejoice and be glad in it
This is the day, this is the day
That the Lord hath made
I often wonder how many people are depressed or feeling helpless out in this great world. I have a friend who shared with me her helplessness yesterday.
For all practical purposes reader, we will call this friend, Elizabeth. Elizabeth has been dating a man (lets call him Mr. Darcy) since New Years Eve 2010/2011. Mr. Darcy has a job with the government. Said job sends Mr. Darcy all over the world. Mr. Darcy is currently in Japan, and has been for almost 3 weeks. Elizabeth is not dealing with this international job very well at all. She said she feels helpless and lonely.
I can only point her in the direction of self-love and comfort it finding peace from within. I found myself wondering if Elizabeth knew about finding joy through our creator. Finding joy in life itself and not in your boyfriend or another person is essential for happiness, in my humble opinion.
However, because Joy is a hard fruit for me to cultivate, it is difficult for me to elicit the purpose and reason to incorporate the fruit in someone else's life. I am making a very good effort to help Elizabeth, so wish me luck.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Why Weight Watchers Doesn't Work
As I sit here on the completion of day 12 of my body makeover journey, I have become quite frustrated with a diet I have been on 3 different times in my life: Weight Watchers.
Nine years ago, on July 5th, I joined Weight Watchers. I was extremely diligent, and lost 60 pounds by January of the following year. I kept this weight off for quite sometime, and then I became pregnant with Zoe 7 summers ago. I was famished, and ate, and ate and ate. However, when Zoe was a year old, I successfully lost the baby weight by walking 3 miles every day.
Then I got pregnant with Evie approximately 5 years ago. I gained more weight with her, and when she was a year old (3 years ago), I rejoined Weight Watchers. This time I did WW online, and had success. Three years ago this August, I weighed in at 147 pounds.
But unlike the previous time on Weight Watchers, I was not as committed to the program. I also found myself craving foods like never before. It was also three years ago I went on Paxil for anxieties.
Back in March, I found myself rejoining Weight Watchers online. Third time a charm? Hardly. Seventeen pounds quickly fell off...but then I plateaued, and that is when I realized that I was not really losing any more weight. I was following the plan, but my body looked fat, swollen and lumpy.
Why was this happening? Many reasons that are unhealthy. My two biggest problems with Weight Watchers are: promotion to sugar free and fat free foods and the ability to choose foods as long as it "fits" in their famous point system. All chemicals that are sugar free (nutrasweet, aspertame, etc.) are really bad for you. Plus they give me migraines and make me nauseous within an hour of eating the food. Weight Watcher meals, shakes, bars, etc. have an abundance of chemicals and left me craving more food. My body was deprived. And fat-free foods add a TON of sugar. Remember the 80s craze to be fat free?! Yeah...didn't work then either.
I also thought the idea of choosing what I ate was a smart solution to dieting. Wrong! Say a person started with 40 points for the day. This person ate very smart all day, and had 10 points after the kids went to bed. That person could drink two jiggers of whiskey, and still have points left over for candy or carb-filled WW frozen dessert. This does not even take into account the extra weekly points this person has to use. Why not another drink? Maybe a few chips? Maybe a sandwich?
And therein lies the issue with WW. Portion control is great! Counting calories, points, whatever is important to stay within a smart amount of food: great. Journaling: perfect! However, even though Weight Watchers does not tell people to eat poorly, the opportunity presents itself daily. I was under this assumption that if I ate good all day I deserved to have dessert. Why not? It was within the points I could consume...
I have learned SO much already from my personal trainer and a great book from Jackie Warner, "This is Why You're Fat (and how to get thin forever)."
Chemistry, Sugar, and three organs make a huge difference in your body's thinness or thickness. I have never been great at taking vitamins, besides my pregnancies. However, Jim and I are going to make a visit to the VitaminStore tomorrow to pick up a myriad of vitamins and supplements. I have been drinking a protein shake each morning for breakfast (after I work out) and it has lots of vitamins and minerals. However, I know I am missing some that are essential in losing weight and staying trim.
I am hopeful for my weigh in on Monday!
Nine years ago, on July 5th, I joined Weight Watchers. I was extremely diligent, and lost 60 pounds by January of the following year. I kept this weight off for quite sometime, and then I became pregnant with Zoe 7 summers ago. I was famished, and ate, and ate and ate. However, when Zoe was a year old, I successfully lost the baby weight by walking 3 miles every day.
Then I got pregnant with Evie approximately 5 years ago. I gained more weight with her, and when she was a year old (3 years ago), I rejoined Weight Watchers. This time I did WW online, and had success. Three years ago this August, I weighed in at 147 pounds.
But unlike the previous time on Weight Watchers, I was not as committed to the program. I also found myself craving foods like never before. It was also three years ago I went on Paxil for anxieties.
Back in March, I found myself rejoining Weight Watchers online. Third time a charm? Hardly. Seventeen pounds quickly fell off...but then I plateaued, and that is when I realized that I was not really losing any more weight. I was following the plan, but my body looked fat, swollen and lumpy.
Why was this happening? Many reasons that are unhealthy. My two biggest problems with Weight Watchers are: promotion to sugar free and fat free foods and the ability to choose foods as long as it "fits" in their famous point system. All chemicals that are sugar free (nutrasweet, aspertame, etc.) are really bad for you. Plus they give me migraines and make me nauseous within an hour of eating the food. Weight Watcher meals, shakes, bars, etc. have an abundance of chemicals and left me craving more food. My body was deprived. And fat-free foods add a TON of sugar. Remember the 80s craze to be fat free?! Yeah...didn't work then either.
I also thought the idea of choosing what I ate was a smart solution to dieting. Wrong! Say a person started with 40 points for the day. This person ate very smart all day, and had 10 points after the kids went to bed. That person could drink two jiggers of whiskey, and still have points left over for candy or carb-filled WW frozen dessert. This does not even take into account the extra weekly points this person has to use. Why not another drink? Maybe a few chips? Maybe a sandwich?
And therein lies the issue with WW. Portion control is great! Counting calories, points, whatever is important to stay within a smart amount of food: great. Journaling: perfect! However, even though Weight Watchers does not tell people to eat poorly, the opportunity presents itself daily. I was under this assumption that if I ate good all day I deserved to have dessert. Why not? It was within the points I could consume...
I have learned SO much already from my personal trainer and a great book from Jackie Warner, "This is Why You're Fat (and how to get thin forever)."
I am hopeful for my weigh in on Monday!
Fruit of the Spirit - Joy 2
Yesterday I posted one of my all time favorite scriptures, and this morning I experienced it first hand.
I have been waking up early to exercise as part of my body makeover. Some days I go to my personal trainer, Kara, at Elements of Exercise, and other mornings I walk/jog the neighborhood track.
This morning was no different. However, my walk began earlier because Evie woke up at 6:20. So in the light of dawn I drove to the school and began my walk. I listened to the peaceful sounds of the crickets, and the occasional squawk of a bird. It was truly magical watching a flock of birds take flight in the pinky blue sky.
If there ever was a case study for feeling connected to this earth, this nature surrounding me, it was that place in time; that moment. Sunsets have no merit to a clear sky at dawn and listening to the world waking up. It was completely spiritual and magical AND joyful.
"For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning."
Psalm 30:5
This morning was no different. However, my walk began earlier because Evie woke up at 6:20. So in the light of dawn I drove to the school and began my walk. I listened to the peaceful sounds of the crickets, and the occasional squawk of a bird. It was truly magical watching a flock of birds take flight in the pinky blue sky.
If there ever was a case study for feeling connected to this earth, this nature surrounding me, it was that place in time; that moment. Sunsets have no merit to a clear sky at dawn and listening to the world waking up. It was completely spiritual and magical AND joyful.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Fruit of the Spirit - Joy
"For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning."
Psalm 30:5
Psalm 30:5
Joy is probably the one fruit I most desire to contain within my heart. I'm sure, reader, that it is quite simple to point out those that are joyful - always joyful. I can think of two people who are always in a state of joy: Bonnie and Nancy.
Bonnie, as most of you know by now, is my Jehovah Witness friend. She is always warm and full of life. It was that light I wanted to possess. I also assume this joy was catching, and had a lot to do with my desire to see Bonnie each week (even if we were studying the Jehovah Witness view of life).
The other joyful person is Nancy. She is a mom at the Christian school my children go to. She is always full of the bright light of Christ. Her eyes, her actions, and her contagious smile. She seems to have to do very little to convince me to participate in school activities with gusto!
Ms. Manning, the author of Harvesting the Fruit of the Spirit, states:
"We find joy is more than a state of mind; it is a state of faith - faith to anticipate that circumstances are going to get better and God is in control regardless of how out-of-control things appear to be." (page 50).
There was a word in the book today that I had never heard before: Shekinah. So, as you know, I HAD to look it up. Shekinah is a feminine Greek word to mean dwelling place. I thought it was very interesting that Ms. Manning used a very old Greek term in her writing, considering she is Baptist. I am not assuming what Baptists say and not say, but I am surprised to see this old feminine word used to describe God's glory.
I had a furrowed-brow moment in the section as well. Ms. Manning lists all the information in the Bible:
"Between the pages we can find a parental handbook, a financial advisor (which should be spelled: adviser), legal services, medical assistance, marriage counseling, conclusive scientific finding, stress relief techniques, history, prophecies, and more, much more." (page 49)
I am pretty open when it comes to interpretations of the Bible. As much as Bonnie protested, the Witnesses also draw conclusions to the text. However, the idea of "conclusive scientific finding", as stated by Manning, was a baffle to me. There is nothing about algebra in the Bible. However, maybe she meant scriptures that refer to the basic scientific truths that we now hold. At PleaseConvinceMe.com they list scientific findings with scripture, and it is VERY interesting.
That being said, I am truly interested in being the one people call: enlightened with the love of God. I want to be joyful and emit that joy to others. We'll see if I can sow, water, cultivate and harvest that seed.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Fruit of the Spirit - Love 4
Harvesting Love - That was today's section of Harvesting the Fruit of the Spirit, by Wanda J. Manning.
Today's reading centered around the story from yesterday. The woman in the story, Kayleen, did not love herself. Ms. Manning states, "When we lack self-love, we are doomed to fail at finding true intimacy with others because we feel unworthy." (page 43)
I do not believe there is a creature (cast down angel/hellfire and brimstone) that "makes" us do evil. However, Manning suggests otherwise:
I do believe that life experiences influence our perception about our self worth. As stated in an earlier blog, we have core lies that we tell ourselves all the time. It is these lies that make us believe we are not worthy of love (real love) and thus we convince ourselves to get into hurtful and vulnerable situations.
Ms. Manning also mentioned abortion being a sin as well as premarital sex. This is not a surprising read, but I am not going to get into a moral discussion regarding fornication and abortion. I will state that if you are interested in my opinion of abortion, please read a blog I wrote a few months back: Abortion.
Today's reading centered around the story from yesterday. The woman in the story, Kayleen, did not love herself. Ms. Manning states, "When we lack self-love, we are doomed to fail at finding true intimacy with others because we feel unworthy." (page 43)
I do not believe there is a creature (cast down angel/hellfire and brimstone) that "makes" us do evil. However, Manning suggests otherwise:
"Ungodly love (lust) is a pacifier from the devil, and we understand his trickery is never for our betterment, only our demise." (page 43)
I do believe that life experiences influence our perception about our self worth. As stated in an earlier blog, we have core lies that we tell ourselves all the time. It is these lies that make us believe we are not worthy of love (real love) and thus we convince ourselves to get into hurtful and vulnerable situations.
Ms. Manning also mentioned abortion being a sin as well as premarital sex. This is not a surprising read, but I am not going to get into a moral discussion regarding fornication and abortion. I will state that if you are interested in my opinion of abortion, please read a blog I wrote a few months back: Abortion.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Fruit of the Spirit - Love 3
Today I welcomed a different approach to the lesson, in Harvesting the Fruit of the Spirit by author, Wanda J. Manning.
Today was a story, a very personal tale of how one woman found Jesus. I have always found the statement, "I found Jesus," rather odd - because God has ALWAYS been there. God is not hiding, and Jesus and HIS love are proof of this. But that thought aside, I did enjoy the short story of a life that experienced false love. Through prayer and complete surrender, the heroine found an inner peace and true love: the unrequited love of God.
Maybe the author should have done a book of short stories..?
Today was a story, a very personal tale of how one woman found Jesus. I have always found the statement, "I found Jesus," rather odd - because God has ALWAYS been there. God is not hiding, and Jesus and HIS love are proof of this. But that thought aside, I did enjoy the short story of a life that experienced false love. Through prayer and complete surrender, the heroine found an inner peace and true love: the unrequited love of God.
Maybe the author should have done a book of short stories..?
Monday, August 8, 2011
Fruit of the Spirit - Love 2
MY NEW COMPLAINT!
Okay, readers...the thing is: I do not like the version of the Bible Ms. Manning uses in her book, "Harvesting the Fruit of the Spirit."
I am not a King James Version (or a NKJV) person. Cannot help it. However, once you throw a thee, though, and "th" on the end of words you completely lose me.
One statement stuck out for me, and warrants being stated here:
Okay, readers...the thing is: I do not like the version of the Bible Ms. Manning uses in her book, "Harvesting the Fruit of the Spirit."
I am not a King James Version (or a NKJV) person. Cannot help it. However, once you throw a thee, though, and "th" on the end of words you completely lose me.
One statement stuck out for me, and warrants being stated here:
"As Christian, we must often ask ourselves, do we profess our love for Christ by simply saying 'I love Jesus,' or do our Christ-like behaviors echo a symphony of love, a composition guaranteed to touch the heart of Christ?" page 15
NO WHITE SUGAR!
Today begins week 2 on my journey to fitness and health. I must say that my 8 times around the track (2miles) was a lot easier today than it was last Tuesday. But my muscles are still like jelly (and I'm sweating).
My trainer, Kara, has me on a nutrition plan based on Jackie Warner's book Eat More, Cheat More, and Lose More. I have not purchased this book yet, but it is on my "to do" list today.
I am hopeful with this new life program, because I lost 6 pounds and I am not craving the things I used to (i.e. sugary foods, bread, etc.).
I am supposed to eat five meals a day EVERYDAY: breakfast, lunch, and diner, plus a mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack. Kara suggests eating every 3 hours. I also need to limit my intake of whole grains to no more than twice a day. Which is so different than my history with Weight Watchers and other programs. I am not to eat white sugar, flour, nor rice. And no milk. However, I do put milk in my protein shakes.
I have also given up alcohol. I have not had a drink since last Sunday. Yes, I love my one beverage a day...but I don't even crave it. Crazy, huh? Yeah, I know.
The other crazy part is the 3 liters of water I need to consumer every day. That is 101 fluid ounces. The first few nights I peed 3 times! I felt like I was pregnant again. However, now I am only getting up once a night.
Here is to another week!
My trainer, Kara, has me on a nutrition plan based on Jackie Warner's book Eat More, Cheat More, and Lose More. I have not purchased this book yet, but it is on my "to do" list today.
I am hopeful with this new life program, because I lost 6 pounds and I am not craving the things I used to (i.e. sugary foods, bread, etc.).
I am supposed to eat five meals a day EVERYDAY: breakfast, lunch, and diner, plus a mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack. Kara suggests eating every 3 hours. I also need to limit my intake of whole grains to no more than twice a day. Which is so different than my history with Weight Watchers and other programs. I am not to eat white sugar, flour, nor rice. And no milk. However, I do put milk in my protein shakes.
I have also given up alcohol. I have not had a drink since last Sunday. Yes, I love my one beverage a day...but I don't even crave it. Crazy, huh? Yeah, I know.
The other crazy part is the 3 liters of water I need to consumer every day. That is 101 fluid ounces. The first few nights I peed 3 times! I felt like I was pregnant again. However, now I am only getting up once a night.
Here is to another week!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Fruit of the Spirit - Love
I had intended on spending time with a new daily devotional. However, I got stuck on the Day 2 readings about Sowing the Seed in the Love chapter. I have not finished the section at this point. However, I plan on revisiting the book tomorrow morning.
First of all, Ms. Manning (the author of Harvesting the Fruit of the Spirit) starts the section off with a beautiful illustration of Love:
But then, on page 10, Ms. Manning brings up a movie I believe was highly overrated and borderline snuff film.
Ms. Manning states, "Jesus knew the torture depicted in Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ would only be a shadow of the actual torment and humiliation that would be thrust upon him."
As a lover of language, the author's editor should have reread the above sentence. What the sentence says is that Jesus knew of Gibson's movie and the torture scenes would be only a shadow. Place a comma between "torture" and "depicted" and another one between "Christ" and "would" and I think Ms. Manning would have achieved what she truly meant. Regardless, bringing up this gory movie was really a road block for me.
I understand that many of the Christian community encouraged their flocks to see (literally flock) the movie. Not long ago I decided to watch the movie myself. I was curious what was so moving in the motion picture that wasn't described in the Bible itself. The movie was well acted, the costuming was lovely, and the scenery was very authentic looking. However, the gratuitous blood, depicted in a few scenes, warranted me to push the fast forward button on the remote more than once.
The point that really disturbed me was that the author had to use The Passion to connect her readers to Jesus's horrid torture and death. Is it necessary to bring up a movie that was obviously cinematic in nature (i.e. squirting blood from a wound after days hanging on the cross with no food or water). But squirt Jesus did...all over on lookers.
Okay, I am done with my issue of the book. The section ended with a word that I never knew the exact meaning before: agape. So I looked it up. Agape is a Greek word that has been translated to mean God's love in the Christian faith. I love thinking of God's love on a different level than humans. His unconditional love is something we should strive to achieve, but could never measure.
So onto the next part of Sowing the Seed. Hopefully I can complete the entire section tomorrow and leave the other 3 parts for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Hopefully nothing as frustrating as The Passion will come up again.
First of all, Ms. Manning (the author of Harvesting the Fruit of the Spirit) starts the section off with a beautiful illustration of Love:
"Love is the greatest emotion known to man; it rules the world. Love is the essence of God's Spirit, for He encompasses love." page 7She follows that up with another lovely statement:
"Love is an action; therefore, it is always busy expressing itself." page 8
But then, on page 10, Ms. Manning brings up a movie I believe was highly overrated and borderline snuff film.
Ms. Manning states, "Jesus knew the torture depicted in Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ would only be a shadow of the actual torment and humiliation that would be thrust upon him."
As a lover of language, the author's editor should have reread the above sentence. What the sentence says is that Jesus knew of Gibson's movie and the torture scenes would be only a shadow. Place a comma between "torture" and "depicted" and another one between "Christ" and "would" and I think Ms. Manning would have achieved what she truly meant. Regardless, bringing up this gory movie was really a road block for me.
I understand that many of the Christian community encouraged their flocks to see (literally flock) the movie. Not long ago I decided to watch the movie myself. I was curious what was so moving in the motion picture that wasn't described in the Bible itself. The movie was well acted, the costuming was lovely, and the scenery was very authentic looking. However, the gratuitous blood, depicted in a few scenes, warranted me to push the fast forward button on the remote more than once.
The point that really disturbed me was that the author had to use The Passion to connect her readers to Jesus's horrid torture and death. Is it necessary to bring up a movie that was obviously cinematic in nature (i.e. squirting blood from a wound after days hanging on the cross with no food or water). But squirt Jesus did...all over on lookers.
Okay, I am done with my issue of the book. The section ended with a word that I never knew the exact meaning before: agape. So I looked it up. Agape is a Greek word that has been translated to mean God's love in the Christian faith. I love thinking of God's love on a different level than humans. His unconditional love is something we should strive to achieve, but could never measure.
So onto the next part of Sowing the Seed. Hopefully I can complete the entire section tomorrow and leave the other 3 parts for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Hopefully nothing as frustrating as The Passion will come up again.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Fruit of the Spirit - Day 1
I have started a new daily devotional!
Today I began a new journey: learning the fruits of the spirit using a lovely book from Wanda J. Manning.
The nine fruits of the spirit are: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, and Temperance. Each day I will be reading a portion of the above book and let you know how the text and scripture move me.
Each "fruit" is sectioned (tee hee) into four parts: Sowing the Seed, Watering the Seed, Cultivating the Seed and Harvesting the Fruit.
If you want to join...you can get the book from Barnes and Nobel as well as Amazon.
Today I began a new journey: learning the fruits of the spirit using a lovely book from Wanda J. Manning.
The nine fruits of the spirit are: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Gentleness, Goodness, Faith, Meekness, and Temperance. Each day I will be reading a portion of the above book and let you know how the text and scripture move me.
Each "fruit" is sectioned (tee hee) into four parts: Sowing the Seed, Watering the Seed, Cultivating the Seed and Harvesting the Fruit.
If you want to join...you can get the book from Barnes and Nobel as well as Amazon.
Monday, August 1, 2011
cha cha cha CHANGES!
Today I have begun a new journey. One that I have tried before and failed miserably. What is that you might wonder? Well, reader, I have hired a personal trainer.
I have been very depressed and stressed lately. My body, my hair...everything. So last Wednesday I hired a sitter and got a make-over. My hair (cut and colored), a manicure and a pedicure were all on the schedule. While I was at Salon E getting these awesome services, I learned about Elements of Exercise. EOE takes up most of the building and the back area is the salon and spa. Cool, right?! One location to make you feel beautiful: inside and out.
So on Friday, after doing a bit of soul searching, I called and set up a meeting with a Personal Trainer. On Saturday morning (10am) I met with Kara. She really made me feel comfortable and she wasn't sticky skinny. She was fit and healthy looking.
This morning, at 7am, I was at Elements of Exercise getting my first session of personal training. Boy, it was quite a workout. However, I also got nutrition information and tips on how I won't be on a diet. I need a full body flush out: chemicals gone, unhealthy food gone, and positive and healthful food put in. But more than anything I am just in need of a head to toe make-over.
What really did it for me was when I looked in the wall of mirrors at my body. Who was that fat girl standing next to Kara? Was that me? It was a sobering moment, and one I will NEVER EVER forget.
So here is the first of many blogs to come regarding the journey to overall fitness. Wish me luck!
I have been very depressed and stressed lately. My body, my hair...everything. So last Wednesday I hired a sitter and got a make-over. My hair (cut and colored), a manicure and a pedicure were all on the schedule. While I was at Salon E getting these awesome services, I learned about Elements of Exercise. EOE takes up most of the building and the back area is the salon and spa. Cool, right?! One location to make you feel beautiful: inside and out.
So on Friday, after doing a bit of soul searching, I called and set up a meeting with a Personal Trainer. On Saturday morning (10am) I met with Kara. She really made me feel comfortable and she wasn't sticky skinny. She was fit and healthy looking.
This morning, at 7am, I was at Elements of Exercise getting my first session of personal training. Boy, it was quite a workout. However, I also got nutrition information and tips on how I won't be on a diet. I need a full body flush out: chemicals gone, unhealthy food gone, and positive and healthful food put in. But more than anything I am just in need of a head to toe make-over.
What really did it for me was when I looked in the wall of mirrors at my body. Who was that fat girl standing next to Kara? Was that me? It was a sobering moment, and one I will NEVER EVER forget.
So here is the first of many blogs to come regarding the journey to overall fitness. Wish me luck!
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