Comfort in an idol?

I'm doing a study right now with a friend entitled The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace. Let me just say God has A LOT of changing to do in me! The last couple of chapters have really impacted me.

"Each of us is worshipping something or someone within our heart every waking moment of each day," the books states. "Who or what you worship is 'what's on your mind', 'what you long for -- wish for", 'what is really important to you', and 'what you have your heart set on'." Very sadly, this is food for me. I think about food all the time. And I don't mean just the obvious "what should we eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner" thoughts. I'm talking about the fact that when I have something sweet in the house it calls my name all day long until I succomb to it. Or when I don't know what to do next, I stand in front of the pantry or the open refrigerator looking for something tasty. My body doesn't even know how to register "full" most of the time for goodness sakes!

Another thing the author states in her book is that "If you do not repent and turn to God for a refuge (comfort and relief on His terms), you will be forced to seek relief, comfort, and escape somewhere else." She adds that these could be things like "sleep, television, reading, food, clinging to people for comfort, shopping sprees, exercise, hobbies, being busy at church or volunteer activities" to name a few... and I'll add facebook. I realize I run to many things for comfort outside of God Himself. In particular, I turn to food in a very unhealthy way. This is something that requires change in my life.

Martha Peace continues to say that "the God of the Bible wants the undivided worship and devotion of your heart. He wants your thoughts, motives, and choices to be focused on glorifying Him. He should be your greatest longing and desire and refuge. Your thoughts, motives, and choices should be set on glorifying Him, not on your idolatrous heart's desire." Taking this to heart and applying it to my life could seriously make some changes in my relationship with food!

After the girls are in bed and I feel the stress in my body to the point that I can't relax, my first thought is always "What is in the pantry or fridge?" Instead, I should pull out my journal and pray or the Bible or another book to turn my thoughts to God.

Without quoting the entire chapter, I was also impressed by the following: "What you have your heart set on will make all the difference in the world in your fulfillment and your joy. Ask God to give you new heart's desires. Then proceed to seek after God with the same passion and energy that you are currently expending on idolatrous desires," and she quotes 1 John 2:15-17.

I don't expect changes overnight. I've created terrible habits for myself and I must replace them with new ones. The biggest is that when I feel a need for comfort, I should talk to God rather than turn to food. It's not going to be easy but I'm grateful for this new revelation for me.

March 31st - Red Letter Day

Tomorrow, I plan to participate in Red Letter Day.

The plan is simple: On March 31, mail an empty red envelope to:

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500

On the outside of the envelope, write:

“This envelope represents one child who died in abortion. It is empty because that life was unable to offer anything to the world. Responsibility begins with conception.”

For more information you can go here.

Rest in Reading

This weekend was pretty restful. We spent some time playing games with good friends. I got a little shopping done. Organized a little bit in the house. I also spent some time reading a novel my husband bought me for Valentine's Day. It feels good to be rested.

I think reading a good novel is one of the best ways for me to feel rested. My favorite author is Lori Wick. She has such a way with writing that throughout the storyline connects the reader with God. I come away feeling refreshed and longing to grow closer to God. She writes fictional stories. The storyline tends to be a romance. At the same time, she works in little sermons and prayers throughout her stories that leave you longing for more of God. You desire to learn the conclusion of the story and see how the characters all fair in the end. Yet, I am drawn to her novels because of the way she leaves me longing for God.

God is working on teaching me about rest. I'm enjoying the rest I've been getting along the way and I am looking forward to what He wants to teach me. I know it will all be for my benefit.

Longing for Sleep

Three kids has me in a tailspin. I really have yet to adjust to three. I love each of them. They each add so much to our lives. I wouldn't trade any of them for anything in the world. (Although maybe for a full night's sleep...) Seriously, I just cannot figure out how to balance life and the demands of three children.

I have great intentions. The baby is almost 7-months-old. She should know how to sleep through the night. I've contributed to this problem. We've created some bad habits and she doesn't get herself back to sleep by herself. Well, maybe she would if I gave her more time to do it. I just don't want her to wake up her sisters and have three children up in the middle of the night. Twice, while her older sisters have had sleepovers, I've allowed the baby to cry it out and get herself back to sleep. They were not consecutive days and we are still getting up a couple of times each night.

Needless to say, I'm tired. My brain is foggy. My body is desiring rest. And I'm overeating to compensate. I'm a few pounds from attending Weight Watchers for free again and yet I'm not disciplined enough.

Random thoughts...
Foggy brain...
Think I'll go find something to help me relax that doesn't put pounds onto my body...

Praying for our soldiers

As you pray for the men & women sacrificing for our country, please remember Rod's cousin, Thomas Iverson, in your prayers. Here's a picture to put a face with the name as you pray. Thanks!