Chapter 3: The God Habit - Put First Things First

DAY 2

I chose this topic (just like last week’s) because it is an area I struggle with.  I say every evening that tomorrow I will get up at 5:45 so that I can have 15 or 20 minutes alone with God before my husband gets up.  But the procrastinator in me knows that I can hit the snooze up to 3X and still have time to drink my coffee before I have to wake up my daughter.   I do normally sit for 15-20 minutes with my bible, my current bible study & my coffee but often find myself distracted – sometimes by facebook, emails, the TV my husband turned on, etc.   This is something I need to work on – a very important part of my day.   I so desire to hear God’s ever quiet whisper and know without a doubt it is God speaking directly to my heart.   In order for this to happen, I have to grow in my relationship with him.   I am an infant on milk and desire to mature to solid food. (Hebrews 5:14)  I can only grow my relationship with the Lord by spending time with Him.  Although my normal “quiet time” usually works best on my lunch hour, spending time with Jesus first thing in the morning is critical in how my day will go.

How you start your day is how you are going to live your day.  And how you live your day is the way you will live your life.    Author Unknown

As I was preparing for today’s blog, this quote hit home and stepped on my toes – big time!! 

We all have heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  There are health benefits to starting our day with a good breakfast.

Starting our day with Jesus feeds our soul. 

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.  John 6:35 (NIV)

Spending a few moments in God’s word each morning gives us instructions for our day.

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.   Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.  Psalm 25:4-5 (NIV)

Offering prayer in the morning opens the lines of communication for conversation with God throughout the day.

Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament.   Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.   In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.  Psalm 5:1-3 (NIV)

In order to conquer sin, we must learn to live by the promptings & power of the Holy Spirit.  (Read Galatians 5:16-17)   As we walk in the Spirit, we are given the fruit of the Spirit. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

As I read this I thought of Joyce’s view on good habits – if we develop enough good habits, there will be no room for bad habits.  By walking in the Spirit full of the fruit only He can provide we have no room for the acts of our sinful nature.   If we are not in Christ and walking daily, hourly, minute by minute with Him our sinful nature will rear its ugly head.  

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.  Galatians 5:25 (NIV)

As Joyce mentioned in this chapter, she does not believe God counts the minutes or hours we spend with Him.  I think He rejoices in every moment we spend with Him and waits patiently for us to come back when we wonder off.

If this is an area you struggle with as well, start by spending a few minutes with God each morning.   Before getting out of bed, say this simple prayer from Charles Stanley:

Father, I thank you for awakening me to this new morning!  Please help me to begin this day rejoicing, and with praise to You on my heart and lips for keeping me through another night.

I also praise You for the promise of Your Word in Lamentations 3:22-23 that your loving kindnesses never cease, and Your compassions never fail, but they are new every morning.

I commit this day to You.  Help me to keep You uppermost in my thoughts, and help me to magnify & glorify Your great name in all that I do and say.  I pray this in the powerful name of Jesus.  Amen

You can also leave scripture cards & prayer requests on your bathroom mirror, the coffee pot, your morning cereal box, etc. so they can serve as reminders to stop and offer prayer & thanksgiving to God.

My daughter & I have started reading Lynn Cowell’s Devotion for a Revolutionary Year on the way to school each day.   She keeps it in the glove box of my car and reads a verse & devotion each morning.   This give us time to pray together as well as open discussions of what is going on at school and her life.

However you do it, developing the habit of starting our day with God & spending time with Him throughout our day is the best thing we can do for ourselves, our families, our friends and all those who we may cross our paths.

Please pray with me:

Father, thank you for loving me and being so very patient with me.  It is exciting to think that You, the God of the Universe want a relationship with me.  Help me to start each day thanking You for the many blessings You have provided me and opening the lines of communication so that no matter what comes my way, I know You are with me and that there is nothing too big for You to handle.  Father, I pray for each wonderful Jesus girl doing this study or reading this blog.  I pray that they will decide to start every day with you and will put You first in all that they do.  Be with each one us and provide us with the peace that only You can give.  May everything we do & say bring honor & glory to You.  It is in Jesus name I pray.  Amen

Love you ladies so very much,
Melanie

Chapter 3, Behavior 1, The God Habit, Section 1&2

Behavior 1: The God Habit

I asked our Facebook Group yesterday what was everyone’s number 1 best habit. I received a variety of responses, meditation before the workday begins, drinking water, etc. I asked that question because in this section of chapter 3, Joyce is going to encourage us to develop, The God Habit! Joyce considers this the number one best habit we should have.

What is the God Habit?

Intentionally seeking and spending time with God every day! I myself need to work on this life application. Oh, I know that word. I studied it for years; I do not know every scripture by heart. However, I understand the basics of Christianity. Is that enough though; is it enough that I know what is right? The word says to those who know what is right and doeth not to him it is sin! I think I am in trouble! I think I have become too comfortable with my salvation that I am taking some aspects for granted.

Joyce has to say this about the God Habit:

“The God habit is the first one that I want to address, because without the habit of spending time with God in prayer and studying His Word, we will be unable to develop any other good habits, and bad habits will overtake us and rule our lives. Seeking and spending time with Him is our most vital need.”

Focus Scripture:

Acknowledge, God in all your ways and then He will direct your steps.
(Proverbs 3: 6).

Getting The God Habit

Our Challenge this week is to begin seeking God’s face every day for every area of our lives, not just getting the bills paid, or making it through the workweek but in every area! I know I so need do this! I need to be desperate about it! What about you? Are you complacent in your Christianity? Do you come before God everyday saying today I am seeking your face and following your direction! OH, I can say with all honesty and sincerity, I must work on this area! Excessively I am interested in what I what, when I want and how I want it; Including my diet and exercise! Or (lack thereof.) Man I sound like a Brat! I should want to go to the one with all the answers, but I just might be afraid of what he as to say! Okay, I know that sounds like fear. I know the scripture about Fear too! Honestly, though can you say that without a doubt that you seek God’s will out for your life everyday and then walk it out?

Joyce goes on to say:

“I don’t want to give you a program to follow; I only want to encourage you to form a habit of putting God first in everything you do.

If you will seek first His Kingdom, He will add all of the other things that you need (Matthew 6: 33).”

We are free to seek God’s guidance whenever we choose, however Joyce encourages us through these scriptures to seek his presents at the beginning of our day.

“In the morning You hear my voice, O Lord; in the morning I prepare [a prayer, a sacrifice] for You and watch and wait [for You to speak to my heart]. Psalm 5: 3”
“Mary Magdalene was the first one to see Jesus after His resurrection, but she also was the one who came to the tomb early (John 20: 1). The other disciples stayed in bed, but Mary arose early and went to look for her Lord. I need and receive a lot of help from God, and receiving the following Scripture as direction for my life has helped me in amazing ways. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God will help her right early [at the dawn of the morning]. Psalm 46: 5”

 I made an extra effort this morning to spend some alone time with God. I am glad I did! He whispered something very sweet to me this morning. I am going to hold onto that promise!

Remember Ladies it is not the amount of time you spend. It is important that you Do IT. Although as you begin to cultivate The God Habit, you will have to force yourself to move on to other tasks. I have experienced that before!

Let us start building the best and the number 1 habit of seeking God’s direction for our daily lives!

Prayer:

Lord, I pray for all the Ladies Lord, Help us all too fully realize that we need you directing our paths in every area! Help us (All), to fully surrender to you with everything we have so that we can be successful in all the areas of our life!

((((HUGS))))

Until Next Monday!
Leanne

Week 3 - Chapter 3 - Behavior 1 - The God Habit

Can you believe that it is already Week 3 / Chapter 3 of our book?      This week is on Behavior 1 - The God Habit.   I cannot steal Leanne's thunder and give any goodies away, but would like to share a Power Thought from Joyce that goes along with our study on Making Good Habits.  This is taken from her book  Power Thoughts. 

I am disciplined and self-controlled.

"For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it"

Hebrews 12:11

"The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.  What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly." Thomas Paine

Before we can ever receive a prize or enjoy a reward, we have to do the work required. (JM)

A disciplined life begins with a disciplined mind.  We must be able to set our mind and keep it set concerning our desires and goals.  (JM)

Remember this Power Thought this week as we continue our journey to make good habits!  Here is our reading/blog assignments for this week.

Reading for this week:

Day 1 - The God Habit and Time Management (Sections 1 and 2)    - Leanne
             Leanne will provide a weekly reflection verse.

Day 2 - The God Habit  - Put First Things First - Melanie

Day 3 - The God Habit - Get the God Habit - Sherry

Day 4 - The God Habit - The Word Habit - Kara

Day 5 - The God Habit - Beware of the "Religious Compartment"  - Kelley

Day 6 - The God Habit - Weekly Recap - Cynda
Day 6 - Prayer Blog - Kendra

Day 7 - Weekly Assignments Posted for Upcoming Week - Kelley

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for your continued blessings. Thank you for being there for us as we work to rebuild our lives making good habits.  We love you Father and ask that you be with us this week as we work on 'The God Habit', the most important habit of all.  It is in your name we pray, Amen.

<3 Blessings,
Kelley

PRAYER - What Does Your Prayer Life Look Like?

Yesterday was a busy day for me and I wanted our post on prayer to be one that we not only read but one that we can put a vision to.  Many of us need a vision to put what we know is right and we know is God's Will to action.  For that reason, I waited until this morning when I had time to focus and put into words what is truly on my heart because I am lacking.

Prayer is something that is lacking for many of us - not that we don't pray or talk to God, because we do, but ask yourself these things:

• Are you giving Him quality time?  Have you set a time to reach out to Him each day?  A time that is not rushed - a time when you are truly reaching out to Him with all of you? or are you praying in the midst of trying to wrap up a list of a million things you have to get done?

 Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees. ~ Corrie Ten Boom

Prayer is an effort of will.  ~ Oswald Chambers

Prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan. ~ John Bunyan

If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. If they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees. Let no one go there unwarned and unprayed for.  ~ Charles H. Spurgeon 

The quote below is intense. I have printed this and placed it where it is visible to me throughout the day.  Read it not only once, but read it multiple times! Let it sink in - hear what it is saying. 

It is because of the hasty and superficial conversation with God that the sense of sin is so weak and that no motives have power to help you to hate and flee from sin as you should. ~ A.W. Tozer

Is your prayer time intense? Are you on your knees reaching out to ABBA begging for grace and mercy in your life and the lives of those that are in such dire need His presence? or are you having 'hasty and superficial' conversation with Him.  The needs of the world are HUGE. The needs of our own families and friends are HUGE. We should be so full of His presence in our hearts that we can do nothing else but wear out knees regularly BEGGING him for for healing, for intervention in the lives of the lost, for his presence in all we do.

 In Pastor Mark Batterson's book, The Circle Maker Mark says:

“Bold prayers honor God, and God honors bold prayers. God isn’t offended by your biggest dreams or boldest prayers. He is offended by anything less. If your prayers aren’t impossible to you, they are insulting to God." - Mark Batterson

If your plans aren’t birthed in prayer and bathed in prayer, they won’t succeed - Mark Batterson

Go home. Lock yourself in your room. Kneel down in the middle of the floor, and with a piece of chalk draw a circle around yourself. There, on your knees, pray fervently and brokenly that God would start a revival within that chalk circle.”  - Mark Batterson

 The other thing that Mark reminds us is that you must never give up.  Pray.  We know that everything comes in God's perfect timing if it is of His Will.  It may not come today, it may not come tomorrow, and it may take years.  But if it is of God's Will, it will come.  We must continue praying. We may be on the verge of an answered prayer and give up right as God had planned to bless us with answered prayers.  Never give up. Always believe. Pray. 

The biggest difference between success and failure, both spiritually and occupationally, is your waking-up time on your alarm clock. We won’t remember the things that came easy; we’ll remember the things that came hard. - Mark Batterson

The more you have to circle something in prayer, the more satisfying it is spiritually. And, often, the more glory God gets. - Mark Batterson

I don’t want easy answers or quick answers because I have a tendency to mishandle the blessings that come too easily or too quickly. I take the credit or take them for granted. So now I pray that it will take long enough and be hard enough for God to receive all of the glory. Change your prayer approach from as soon as possible to as long as it takes. - Mark Batterson

• In your quality time with God, make time to listen.  God does communicate with us - it may not be audible, but he will provide us with direction if we pray and stop long enough to hear Him.  As fervent as we are about praying, we need to be just as fervent about listening.

 Prayer is not monologue, but dialogue. Gods voice in response to mine is its most essential part. ~ Andrew Murray

Remember:

 
Our prayer and God’s mercy are like two buckets in a well; while one ascends, the other descends.  ~ Arthur Hopkins 

Prayer is the acid test of devotion. ~ Samuel Chadwick

Prayer – secret, fervent, believing prayer – lies at the root of all personal godliness.  ~ Williams Carey

Today's Assignment:  Pull out your bibles and find scriptures that reveal what we have read in the quotes above.  I know there are scriptures for all of these things.  Let's have a bible dig to find them.

If you have a specific prayer request, please leave that below in comments as well.  Let us pray for you as we intensely and prayerfully reach out to our Heavenly Father today.

Prayer:  Father God, thank you in advance for answering our prayers. For providing us with your Grace and Mercy every day of our lives.  Thank you for this group of prayer warriors and for the lives we lift up to you each and every day.  We love you Father and are so thankful you are a God of answered prayers.  We worship and praise you today and always.  Amen.

Prayerfully and in God's Love, 

Kelley <3

  

The Week in Review 

Get Started Now

You know, I don't think satan wanted me to write this recap. He threw problems, worries and distractions at me all afternoon.  Ladies, the enemy does not want us to get started, defeat procrastination, live by faith daily or be excited about conquering projects. It is time for us to make a decision and put these principles into practice.  Make the commitment.  There is no reason we cannot have the victory.

Procrastination 

Walt Disney said "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." So, are you willing to make the sacrifices needed to free yourself from the bondage of bad habits?  Procrastination is a thief, stealing our potential, our time, our self-esteem. How do we overcome procrastination?

Faith

It is all about our faith living in today.  Change is difficult but necessary. God knows exactly what we need. It is about trusting God. We need to hand our challenges over to God.  Faith demands action.  Procrastination is not faith.  Don't put off making a change or wait until it is convenient. Great character is not developed through ease and convenience.  It is developed by doing what needs to be done now, no matter how difficult it is.

Conquering Projects

We can do this. We can tackle our habits!  Let's be "can do" kids.  Start by prioritizing your tasks each day.  Remember, when we are women of action, we don't give the devil the opportunity to exaggerate the reality of what we are facing.

Thought

This week I heard a pastor speak about the importance of speaking God's truth into our lives, even if our current situation doesn't reflect those truths.  The more we speak His truth aloud, the more we believe those truths, the more real they become and we open ourselves up for positive changes and blessings.  God's Word never returns void.  I have included a few examples.  When you are tired, angry, stressed or feel defeated, speak these truths.  They are God's promises to you.  Take it one habit at a time, one day at a time, one decision at a time

Phil 4:13 - I can do anything with God's help

Daniel 1:8 - I will not defile my body.

Matt 6:32 - God already knows all my needs

2 Tim 1:7 - I can do this.  God has given me a spirit of self-discipline and self control

1 Cor 10:13 - God won't let me be tempted or pushed past my limit.

Psalm 73:4 - My body can be healthy and strong

Ecc 11:10 - God wants me to keep my body healthy.  He will help me

Hosea 7:15 - God gave me a good mind and a healthy body.

Prov 16:10 - I will make divinely directed decisions

Father, today I pray for all of us that are struggling with bad habits, habits that are stealing joy and robbing of self-esteem and confidence.  I pray that we will reach out to you for strength and a renewal of our minds - that we will review the scriptures that are shared here and put them where they can be seen as reminders that with you we can conquer anything - even these habits.  Thank you father for your constant love and promises - especially the promise of eternal life. Today if there is one person that doesn't know you Father, we pray that they will open their heart to you and reach out to you - for with you they will be complete.  We love you Father.  We ask these things in your most precious name, Amen.

(((Hugs)))

Cynda

Chapter 2 Section 4 -- Get excited about conquering projects

Kara here with the next section of chapter 2. So for those who don't know me I have three beautiful little girls who are three and under. A is  3 and B and C are almost two year old twins. With three little ones time too myself is a rare commodity. Therefore, I need to make the most out of my time. That is why I asked Kelley to blog on this topic.

Lately I've been saying to my kids that we are the can do family. I dislike when A says "I can't" because 9 out of ten times she can. For example she can put her shoes on the correct feet. She also can get dresses by herself. The outfit may not match but hey she is dressed. Every ti,e she says I can't I tell her we are the can do family and we can do everything through Christ who gives us strength (Philippians 4:13). She now says it to me when I say "mommy is trying to finish dinner right now so I can't get you a drink."

We all have our strengths and weaknesses. If you are good at one thing but bad at another find someone else to help you with that thing. If you are good at swimming but hate running then find a way to swim. Are you struggling cooking healthy meals everyday? Find a friend who you can either
 1. Shop together and cook all the meals for the week on Saturday or Sunday or
 2. Find a friend willing to do a meal swap with you. You make them two meals for the week and they make you two in return.

We all probably have to do lists a mile long. In a book called "I Used to be so Organized" the author tells about the organization of to do lists. She says first write everything you have to do today. Next try the whole week. Then the big projects for the whole month. Next look at the big to medium projects and try to break them down into smaller pieces. For example, for this blog post I could have said Monday read chapter 2, Tuesday write and outline and do some research and Wednesday write the blog post. This will help you to feel like you accomplished something each day or week on the bigger tasks. Then prioritize the tasks for today, this week and this month. What absolutely must get done today? What can wait till tomorrow or later in the week?

Also, if you are struggling there are great programs out there for smart phones and tablets. One such program is Astrid tasks. It allows you to set tasks and also set how much time you think that task will take you to complete. It can remind you of upcoming due dates. You can also share with a friend that can help keep you accountable or in my case my husband so that we can add to dos to each other's list.

I know we can all start to conquer our projects. I know most would say their biggest detriment to exercising is that they don't have enough time. Make it a priority on your to do list. Schedule it in your day. Don't give up that time for anything. I know we can do this together. Let's hold each other accountable and make our weight loss goals a reality. Also,don't forget to repay about your goals as God is your strength and wants to see you succeed.

Dear Father,

Please make everyone in this group "can do" kids of the one true God. When the words "I can't do one more rep" or "I don't have time to exercise today" or " I can't make a healthy meal because I'm too busy" want to come out of our mouths please replace them with the truth that we can do anything through you that strengthens us. In Jesus name. Amen. 

Have a blessed day everyone. 

Chapter 2 Section 3 - Faith Lives in the Present

I chose this day because I believe I have strong faith. Though I doubt and worry I always have that gut feeling, knowing in the end…it will all be OK! As I reached the end of this chapter I was a bit uncomfortable…God reminded me there are still areas I need to work on.

This chapter is all about your faith living in TODAY. It doesn’t matter if you ate cookies 2 weeks ago. It doesn't matter that you could not maintain healthy eating when we started this bible study. What matters is stepping up and taking control now, today. We can talk about eating right, we can talk about exercising, we can talk about our plan to eat healthy for 21+ days, but until you actually roll up your sleeves and dig in, it’s nothing but talk…

James 2:17 tells us “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”  

OUCH! I have to confess. We started this bible study last week I have made no real changes. So that verse and my words above actually sting. Let me tell you, I have excuses. Last week was a busy week for me, new clients, on the road, on the metro, and tired. Nothing but excuses. Yet we talked about creating new habits and tossing out the old ones. Yet the devil was on the sidelines cheering on my excuses…I didn’t have faith in myself or in God to get me through the week to eat healthy!

1^st we need to live in the present and do what needs to be done. Joyce tells us that “We need not wait for some special word from God telling us what to do.” Just like we know we have to wash cloths, we do not wait for God to tell us to wash cloths, we just do it, and we obey. So take that leap.

2^nd We need to be less consumed about what we can’t eat, less consumed with thinking about the chocolate cupcake sitting over there in the wrapper.  Matthew 6: 31-32 “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.”

Did you hear that? God knows exactly what you need!! No need to be wrapped up in eating, or worrying about what to eat next. God, our Abba, will provide your needs. So instead of thinking of what you can or cannot eat, or what not-good-for-us-goodie is sitting in the cupboard, change your thoughts to God. Repeat Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things (resist eating unhealthy food) through Christ who strengthens me.” Constantly remind yourself of 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation (that sweet sitting on the table) has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” Get away from the food (temptation), pray to God, and go walking!

3^rd We need to remember, eating health is all about being outside of our comfort zone for a bit. I can tell you I love food, fatty food, southern food, & sweets. So making a change is difficult. Joyce tells us “Don’t start eating right or exercising when it is convenient to you. Do it now.” That’s another OUCH for me! Last week, despite my schedule, and being tired, I should have buckled down and eaten healthy.  I had the right tools (healthy choices) but chose unwisely.

Ladies Our Challenge: Take a leap of faith. Yes, it is time to hand our “What shall we eat?” right back over to God. Create a food plan for a week that works with your budget. Plan it down to the exact amount of salt! Then take it meal by meal. Reaching out to God when you are tempted.

Abba, I want to thank you for always being a daddy who is there for us, loving us and providing us with our needs. I pray that you will help each one of us get through the road blocks, the temptations, that keep us from maintaining healthy habits. Father, I pray that you strengthen our faith with you, allowing us to reach the level where we are able to make those healthy choices without even thinking about it. Abba thank you for being the wonderful daddy that loves us throughout. Amen

Chapter 2 Section 2 - Defeating Procrastination

Hi, my name is Melanie and I am a procrastinator.  It is also why I choose to blog about this particular section.   Joyce described me when she told Ellen’s story.  So it got me to thinking about why I put things off.

• I am tired…mentally & physically exhausted.
• I am lazy…I could do that but curling up on the couch to watch a Hallmark movie sounds much more fun.
• It is a dreaded task.
• I have so much on my “to do” list that I find myself overwhelmed & easily distracted.
• I have set up unrealistic expectations that I know I cannot meet.
• Fear of the “What If’s” …what if I fail, what if the response is not what I expect, what if it hurts, etc. 

Regardless of the reason, Satan is doing a happy dance every time I put off doing what needs to be done.  How many times does that task go undone or only gets done when it becomes a crisis?  God’s word tells us:

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.  Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

When I put things off instead of just doing them, I am not honoring the Lord with my work.  Everything we do from the smallest task to the biggest task should be done with all our heart & mind.   We are working for the Lord.  

Our message at church on Sunday was about the calling of Matthew in Matthew 9:9-13.  Jesus told Matthew “Follow me” and Matthew got up and followed him.   No thinking about it, no procrastinating, he just did it.  Jesus wants us to follow him.  He wants a relationship with us.  He wants us to spread the Good News.     We are to trust God with the things he has told us to do and we are to do them.   If I offer excuses as to why I can’t do something or procrastinate at doing a task, I am not following Christ.  I am following my own desires.  I am not growing my relationship with Jesus.  I am allowing procrastination to steal the blessing & joy God intends for me. 

God has blessed me with a wonderful husband and two beautiful children.  With this blessing, I was given the responsibility to be a good wife & mother.   Take a moment to read about the Proverbs 31 woman in Proverbs 31:10-31.  WOW!!   She has no time to make excuses.   She is a “now” person and is aggressive at performing the tasks at hand.   “Her husband has full confidence in her, she brings him good, she gets up while it is still night, she sets about her work vigorously, she watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness”…….21 verses to describe this wife of noble character.   There is much to be done and much that she does one item at a time to bring order to her home.

So how does this apply to developing a healthy lifestyle with our food & exercise?  We honor the Lord when we honor the temple he has given us.  Our body is a holy temple.  With the food choices we make, the exercise we perform, and by taking care of our physical, spiritual & mental well-being, we are honoring God with our body.  

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)

As wives & mothers, we can make sure our families are healthy with the foods we prepare.  Let your children see you exercising and include them in.   Start healthy habits for your children at an early age. When our families see us exercising or making healthy food choices, they understand that our health & their health are important to us and to God.  

What is your family’s favorite meal?  What small change can you make to make this recipe healthier?  Maybe you can use whole wheat pasta, low fat milk or cheese, or add an extra serving of veggies.

What activities do you enjoy doing with your family that get you (and them) moving?   Go on a “nature” walk around your neighborhood, play Frisbee in the park or have a hula hoop contest.  Be creative, have fun & exercise without even realizing it.  J

Don’t procrastinate any longer.   As Joyce tells us we can form the habit of being a “now” person, one who does what needs to be done as soon as we can.   Start making one small good habit today.  Share with us the habit you are working on developing and the steps you are taking.

Please pray with me.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the many blessings you have given us.  Help us to recognize them and not take them for granted.   Let all our daily tasks be done with a full heart as we remember we are working for you.   Lord, we ask for your help in developing good habits.  Show us those areas in our lives where we may not be making healthy choices and give us instruction on how to change them.  My prayer, Lord, is that we will not put off these choices any longer but that we will trust & follow You.  It’s in Jesus mighty name, I pray.  Amen.

It is easy to say "just do it" but I know it is not always easy to do.  However those times where I just did it (instead of making excuses or putting it off for another time), I was blessed.  Those days where I really wanted to skip boot camp but didn't are the days I feel so good when I am done.   Just do it and share with us what you did today!!  J

Love you ladies!  You are an amazing group of Jesus girls!  Believe it, live it, share it!!

Melanie

Chapter 2 Section 1 Procrastination

Chapter 2-Section 1, Procrastination  

WE all do it, put things off that we want to do! Put things off because of many different reasons we come up with, however, according to Joyce the truth is we are not willing to endure being uncomfortable now in order to reap later.

 Bruce Barton said, “What a curious phenomenon it is that you can get men to die for the liberty of the world who will not make the little sacrifice that is needed to free themselves from their own individual bondage.”

This reminds me of myself as a mother and I wife, I usually do whatever takes to help my children and husband in their lives but neglect to make the little sacrifices to free myself from my own bondage.  Someone's needs are usually more important than my own! 

HONESTLY being  imprisoned by (FAT) stinks!  I am unable to wear the clothes I would like to wear and pay less for them, ride amusement park rides, be out in public shame free in a pretty bathing suit, my health is at risk, having a longer lifetime here on Earth for my youngest child! WOW, I have great reasons for wanting to be free!

So the BIG question! What are YOU and I WILLING TO DO TO CHANGE, TO BREAK FREE!?

I am in prayer; I need to make a new habits of exercising and continuing to make  better and healthier  food choices! 

Our Focus Scripture: 

  (it is not found in the section of the book but I think it works)

Daniel 1:8

King James Version (KJV)

⁸ But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine, which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

We have to purpose in our Hearts that we will not defile our bodies with foods that will not profit us!

Lord, I come to you this Morning asking that help each one of us identify the areas in our lives where we are in bondage! Lord, you came to set the captive free! Even us that are slaves and in bondage  to bad food choices and lacking motivation to move! Lord I pray that this post would not only be a reminder to myself why I need to make better choices but would inspire the rest of the women here to live better, for you and for themselves! We are worth it! ~In Jesus Name Amen!

P.S.~ In tears Now

Until next Monday!

Week 2 - Chapter 2 - Get Started Now!

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.     1 Corinthians 10:13

Joyce tell us at the end of chapter 2 to choose a habit you want to form and begin putting those principles into practice.  Some say it takes 21 days to form a habit ~ but Joyce tells us to be patient.  Just remember, 'When we decide in favor of God's ways, He always joins forces with us for assured Victory' (JM)   There is no reason we cannot have victory over our habits, our struggles  - if we are not victorious, we are not doing something right or just don't care to put in the required effort and strength.  My issue is the latter - I just don't give this battle what it requires.  The buck stops here. It's 21 days - I'm ready to commit to giving 21 days toward forming a habit.  Are you?  From April 22 - May 5 is a 21 day span.  Let's do it.  My commitment has to be towards exercise and and food.

I commit to exercising 5 days a week.  It will consist of Muay Thai, my treadmill, daily push-ups, and sit ups.  I would like to ask that you help me be accountable for this.  Call me on the carpet as needed.  I also commit to eating healthy - no french fries or junk.  HEALTHY.    Now, what is your commitment going to be?

SO, I  have an assignment for you to do today, which is not what I planned for Sunday; however I am feeling the pull to get us deeply into The Word for this study.  Please read the following article - you will notice a lot of scripture being quoted/shared.  I am going to ask that you pick a section from the write up and pull out the scripture/verse that lights your heart on fire.    If you'd like to spend some time going through all of those quoted - please do! Pull out your highlighter and  highlight the verses, put them on index cards - whatever it takes to get you digging into The Word Jesus left for us.  Check out the following link!

http://www.gospelway.com/christianlife/change_yourself.php

Here are our reading assignments for the week and who will be blogging for us each day!

Week 2 - Sunday - Review assignments and begin reading Chapter 2         (Kelley)
Week 2 - Section 1 - Monday:  Get Started Now and Reflection Verse       (Leanne)
Week 2 - Section 2 - Tuesday:   Defeat Procrastination                               (Melanie)
Week 2 - Section 3 - Wednesday:  Faith Lives in the Present                      (Sherry)
Week 2 - Section 4 - Thursday:  Get Excited About Conquering Projects   (Kara)
Week 2 - Section 5 -  Friday:  Weekly Recap                                               (Cynda)
Week 2 - Praise and Prayer Day                                                             (Stacey and Kendra, or either)

Please continue to lift these awesome ladies up! They are doing a GREAT job!

We are all going to make a commitment, starting Monday - Please tell us yours is.  If you need an accountability partner, let me know!  We can get that arranged as well! 

Let's have a GREAT, GREAT week!

Love you bunches <3

Prayer and Praise Day

As we reflect on this last week, our hearts are so heavy for all that's happened in our country; from the bombing in Boston to the explosion in Texas! We keep hearing, "WHY do things like this happen". We know that JESUS promised us in this world we will have trouble, we know that bad things happen to good people. In the midst of it all, we know without a doubt that GOD was right there. We know that there is a promise of hope because of JESUS' death on that cross. Today as we reflect on the week-not only what's happened to our nation-but on what's happened in our lives, let's take time to reflect on the families th...at have been affected by these tragedies, but also let's take time to reflect on the praises we have for HIM.

Philipians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to GOD."

Matthew 18:20, "For where two or more are gathered in my name, there am I with them".

Post your prayer requests and your praises here so we can pray and celebrate with you!!



((hugs)))

The Week in Review

The Anatomy of a Habit

Hasn't this been an awesome start to our study?  We have some wonderful ladies leading us!  Here's a brief recap:

Living By the Spirit's Power

Galatians 5:16 - So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves

On Monday Leanne started the week off by looking at control.  Leanne reminded us that we are what we do repeatedly.  She asked who we could be without our bad habits.  One ingredients is for us to focus on what we want to do.  How do we begin the change?  Use scripture! And let it empower us to makes changes.

Repetition

Deuteronomy 7:2 - And when the Lord your God gives them over to you and you smite them, then you must utterly destroy them. You shall make no covenant with them, or show mercy to them

Bad habits are our enemies and on Tuesday Kelley pointed us toward repetition as an effective means of changing our habits.  Kelley also reminded us that Deuteronomy 7:2 refers to the irrevocable giving over of things (our habits) to the Lord, often by total destruction.  So, what can we as Jesus girls do to defeat and destroy our bad habits?  Show them no mercy!  We can do that by:

1. Reaching out - talk to Jesus constantly

2. Recalling scripture - constantly

3. Being accountable - constantly

4. Recalling a catch phrase - constantly

(Did you figure out the key word...lol)

Do whatever it takes - over & over & over again! Don't let bad habits steal the destiny God has preordained for each of us!

Reprogram

1 Corinthians 10:13 - No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.

On Wednesday Sherry showed us that simply acknowledging our bad habit or negative trait is a good way to begin reprogramming.  Make small changes and better choices.  Think about the decisions being made - what are we doing & why?  Take it day by day, moment by moment.  Be diligent and it will get easier.

Be Active

Ezra 10:4 - Arise! For this matter is ^[a]your responsibility,for it is your duty, and we are with you. Be strong and brave and do it.

On Thursday, Melanie encouraged us to be active.  Passivity opens a huge door for the devil and Melanie urged us to Just Do It!  Fight for it!  Keep on doing it over and over again until it feels normal.  Flip that light switch on!  Take that power and get moving!  If we aren't actively doing what is right it becomes easy for the enemy to persuade us to do what's wrong.  Live by decision, not by emotion.

Thought

Overeating or unhealthy eating is evidence of neglecting our duties as caretakers.  Healthy eating & exercise are not the only way to care for our bodies but they are important issues.  We are truly God's temple, we are the only ones who can take care of it and HE has commanded us to do just that.  But most importantly God warned us that there are consequences for ignoring His command.  Poor choices usually lead to more poor choices.  So, are you ready to change?  Let's get started!

Leanne gave us a sneak peek at whats up next:

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step" - Lao Tzu

"The biggest thief of success is procrastination"

We CAN do this ladies!

Father, walk with us as we strive to get rid of our bad habits and become more like you..  Show us the best ways to care for our temples.  Give us wisdom and discernment as we make better choices.  May all the glory be Yours.  So be it!

(((hugs)))

Cynda