Yep -- still here -- I was getting lonely here though. No, my husband's grandmother passed last week and it's been a difficult couple of days. . .she was the matriarch (spelling?-ya know what I mean). Anyway, huge family and this is a blow. We buried her Saturday and then there was a family war on sunday - so sad -- I felt bad for Pap as his 6 kids literally exploded about ridiculous things. . . .please just pray, as they're not christains either - so they don't understand true heaven, or mercy or forgiveness. . . . .
This was the first time in about four months that I didn't do lessons for a while and boy does it make a difference! The only good day I had was my fast day on Friday -- it was the viewing (2:00 - 9:00). I knew it would be a long day and God did sustain me as we didn't get to eat until about 10 or 11 that night.
I haven't been exercising either. I should have weighed in yesterday and can't bring my self to do it! I was acutually at my lowest point last weight in and I can't take seeing it come up!
I love my treadmill - a couple months after becoming a stay at home mom, I started using my treadmill while she was sleeping. It's just become habit. As soon as I put her down, I get on the treadmill -- but I also watch TV while "treading." I love it -- I love TV and like to think of it as MY TIME. I love catching up on the news or finding a good old movie -- I know, I should use that time as worship time, but I'm such a news junkie - I could watch FOX news all day!
When I was working, I did Curves on my lunch hour and loved it -- I miss the machines and muscle building -- now I didn't have huge muscles, but I did notice toning.
Exercise is hard -- hard to find something you'll make a good habit out of. . . .I'll be praying!
Please also pray for me -- I just finished day 51 and need to think about what to do next. This is my second "60 days" and I feel like I'm ready for more, but I don't have the victory I need to continue. I hate to do the 60 days again - just because I know the material, I know what I need to be doing! Dunno -- maybe I just need to suck it up and head back to Day 1 again. Just pray that I obey God's leading and that he will make it clear!
I've found it harder to do my lessons and keep up with everything since I came back from my trip. Guess I got out of the habit. I am still doing them, just slower. Took me two days to do the last lesson.
Last week our church put on a Sports Clinic for the children. We have been blessed with a lot of gifted athletes. They teach various sports and even cheerleading. Then they share the good news with them. I just sent out cards to over 40 kids who gave their hearts to Jesus!!
There are many families who now attend church because of past Sports Clinics. We are overflowing with young families with children. Hallelujah!!
Will keep you and your husband's family in my prayers. May they realize they need to hope in the Lord.
Praying the Lord will direct you in what you should do and make the path clear to you. Isn't there another 30 day course after this one??
I plan to go on to the mentoring course after this one. I still have a long way to go but helping others helps me to keep on course.
Today's lesson reminded me of a book (by Brother Lawrence) that I read a long time ago, "The Practice of the Presence of God." I found they have a website that is great. There is even some booklets you can print out. I just printed the one on "The Closer Walk." I think it complements our lessons at TLT. The website is: practicegodspresence.com
Sounds like we are all having our struggles. I haven't done TLT for about a month. I am ready to get back on schedule though. I have also gained back about 8 lbs. Ouch! I haven't been doing my exercises either.
The good news is my family and I went to Colorado to go 4 wheelin' and it was one of the best vacations we have ever had. God really blessed us that week. It was wonderful. . . and we all got to see a black bear!
I start working again on Thurs. (at the school) and the girls go back to school. Hopefully we will get back into the routine of things and it will make doing TLT easier. I hope!
I was beginning to wonder if anyone was still here! Glad to know there are still a few of us. I have not done my lessons for a while either-maybe this afternoon I can finish one. We have been so busy this summer and I can't believe the kids will be back to school in three weeks.
My daughter and I were baptized Sunday and I had to say a short speech about my faith journey and I had half the church in tears! Iwas so proud of my daughter though she said she gave her life to Christ after having watched the Jesus film at our church and realizing he was real (she was 8 at the time and now she's 10). Anyway it was a great day being surrounded by family and friends.
Enough rambling from me have a great day everyone.
I just finished day 59 -- I really don't think I can graduate and go to day 60. I going to stay away for a few days and then probably do the 60 days a THIRD time. I believe that I need to have the physical victory of weight loss to continue. It's just a by-product of spirit fullness, and clearly I'm not demonstrating it!!!!!
God is so clearly calling me to give up food and I'm sooooo stubbornly trying to live on both sides of the fence, serve him and food -- we all know it doesn't work!
I can honestly say that I am still living in habitual and continual sin. . . . still overeating - oh, not as much as I used to. . .but still choosing food as my be all, end all. It has to stop and when I go back the THIRD time, it must be real - I must be ready to sacrifice the food that holds me so tightly! God's blessings are not for those who continue in sin -- once we know Him, he writes his law on our heart and his spirit convicts and helps us to throw-off habitual sin -- if we CHOOSE to --- how many of us are still CHOOSING food -- God has soooo clearly said to me -- choose you this day, who will you serve?
Please don't take offense -- I'm preaching to ME! My spirit man has been so down and sad -- and I believe that I'm greiving the spirit by the way I live. . .. . hard stuff to swallow - but so true.
Praying for you all -- that we all would choose HIM and allow him to empower our lives with self-discipline that brings freedom!
Oh - JANET - thanks for that website -- looks like good stuff --- speaking of good stuff -- anyone know of a good woman's bible study?
I'll probably be "leading" this fall -- by leading, I mean, just getting us through the study/book and keeping the group on point and time. The past two studies we did were AWESOME! Nancy Leigh DeMoss stuff - Lies Woman Believe and Seeking Him. . . In fact, the reference section in the back of Lies tipped me off to TLT.
Talked about doing a TLT study, but it wouldn't really fit all the women -- need something a little broader -- if I ever do a TLT study at our church, it will probably need to be a seperate time and study -- and perhaps, not just women!
I was thinking yesterday how easy it is to pray and ask for help for others and forget to ask things for yourself. I also believe we must keep things in perspective too. A dear friend of mine just found out her mom has cancer and they, the doctors, are moving very quickly to start chemo and do more tests to see if it has spread. I have been praying fervently for them both and thanking God that at least I have my health and my family is healthy.
Shy moment-don't give up on the smoking! My mother has attended church and been on our board and smoked all the while feeling tremendous guilt for it. If not for her and some other faithful followers our church would have been closed years ago. She smoked for close to 40 years and her mother never even knew! Anyway at the beginning of June her and my grandmother went on a trip out west for 2 weeks and she knew she would not be able to smoke so she bought the patch and began her journey-she has not smoked since! Praise God! She lives in a house with two other smokers and she told me just the other day that everytime she has a craving she asks God to help her throught it and he does. (if only I could get this straight with my dieting!)
I guess my point is gear up and I know you can do this. My mom has quit many, many times before and it didn't work for long so this time something is new whether it's her faith in God to help her through or faith in herself that she can do this. She also did it very quietly-her grandchildren and children thought she just was chosing not to smoke in front of them. We are so very proud of her though! And I pray that whatever damage has been done is being reversed little by little. I will pray for you as well.
I am so glad people are coming back here! I was feeling very lost and am finding that over the summer I am missing my weekly bible study group (we use studies from Stonecroft I think-each little booklet studies a book from the new testament using the Good News Bible). Anyway good to see some people back here.
Just check out settingcaptivesfree.com and then look for The Lord's Table - Course I. It's really a great program and I believe it is the cure for every diet out there!
Oh, but wait, the Lord's Table is for food issues -- they do have substance abuse course -- like I said, check out the main site (SCF) they might have something to help with your smoking. . . . isn't if funny how something so small as an extra bite or cigarette can turn into such sin!!!
Amy- I am glad that you had a such great vacation. Will keep you (and the rest of us) in prayer that you get back into routine of work and TLT.
Rennie- Glad you joined us.
The Lord's Table is a 60 day course that concentrates on feasting on the Lord instead of food. They have two eating plans. I like the first one. They mention that you might not get a regular mentor because of the large number of new students, but I have a really great mentor who emails me every day with encouragement. It also helps us to keep accountable to someone.
Here is the website if you would like to check it out:
Tracy- How precious that you and your daughter were baptized at the same time. I was baptized with my oldest son.
Flower- One of the Best Women's Bible Studies I attended was the Beth Moore series of "I'm Believing God." There are 10 sessions which are held weekly. We have group discussions, watch a video, and pray for each other. Our morning session has lunch afterwards. Our evening session has child care for those with children. It helps to deepen our faith and learning to trust God. You can do it alone online if you want to, but the group sessions are really better. There are 5 days of homework for every session.
We are even using the 5-Statement Pledge of Faith as an affirmation in our Sunday Worship Services now.
Here it is:
1. God is Who He Says He Is
2. God Can Do What He Says He Can Do
3. I Am Who God Says I Am
4. I Can Do All Things Through Christ
5. God's Word Is Alive And Active In Me
So I'm Believing God!!
This will increase your faith and also help with your weight loss program.
hello ..... I just joined SCF and my friend joined with me and so did my sister and her friends. I can sure use some support and prayer. May I join this forum?
Thank you for the welcome. My biggest issue in my life is dealing with my short temper, that was one of the reasons I joined this plan because I know through scripture and God's help I can overcome it showing the fruits of the Spirit and lose the last 55 pounds and drawing a closer relationship with God.
Glad to have you join us- there's plenty of room for more at the Lord's Table.
Your sister and friends are welcome, too.
Shy Moment- I love the way you have with words when you write your posts.
( I read some of your other posts, too)
I watch Joyce Meyer and have learned a lot from her. Joyce once shared about her struggle with cigarettes. She would teach a Bible Study and then go out to her car and lay down in the seat (so no one would see her) and smoke!! I've also heard it said that smoking will not keep you out of heaven, but it might get just you there quicker!!
I will be praying for you.
I am having a very hard time with the fasting day....... I have kept an eye on my blood sugars and have been in prayer, I don't have much longer to go, so far this has been an experience.
Hope all is well with everyone. I just finished Day 38 and it was an interesting lesson with only bible reading no commentary. I have to admit I have felt a little lost over the summer because all the bible studies and church events that go on during the year are suspended and I find having these makes me feel closer to God. Anyway hope you are all doing well and continuing with your lessons and having great success. Post soon!
Glad you joined us. 
I've also heard it said that smoking will not keep you out of heaven, but it might get just you there quicker!! 