Posts
A couple days ago, I shared my Clean Slate approach to 2012.
In general, the junk mail clean-out has been a success. But... (There's always a but.) Some companies require a 10 day processing time. I'm not a techno-whiz, not by any stretch of the imagination, but I wonder what could possibly require 10 days in automated computer email. Anyone out there know what could take so long?
As to the improved diet -- and I don't mean weight-loss, though losing the muffin top is a goal -- that's been a little harder. We got a lot of chocolate for Christmas. It seems only right that I should help my family's overall health and participate somewhat in the reduction of the choco-pile, especially since the majority of it was given to me! Perhaps I should amend that goal to include 10 days to "process" all that chocolate!
As to time with God... well, that's been a quiet, one-sided conversation. Mine. I talk. I listen... so far, I'm hearing crickets. Here's the tough thing when talking with God... sometimes He's quiet. Grrrrr! I like quick fixes, answers, solutions. God likes me to grow, stretch, mature, and trust. I'm not trusting well these days, not God, not others.
How is it that I can know the words, "...that in all things God works for the good of those who love him," (Romans 8:28), and not trust? How can I know that God has a good and pleasing plan for my life (and the lives of those I love) and still struggle to walk in that plan?
The second half of Romans 8:28 concludes with "and have been called according to his purpose." I think the answer to my questions rests in understanding that second half. Not just understanding, but trusting... that God has a purpose. He wastes nothing. He uses everything for our good, when we trust in Him.
My heart is spinning in circles... trust God. Then you'll understand. I don't understand, so how do I trust. I know He's listening, quietly -- oh so quietly. I know those crickets I hear aren't an absence of God. No, those crickets are his ever patient, ever loving self waiting on me to really step into trust.
Looks like I've got some growing to do this year... Please allow 10 days (or 10 months) for processing. I need all the time I can get!
Love,
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
14 comments:
Hi Karen!
I'm in the EXACT same boat as you. How funny; you described the post-Christmas scene here as well: I received WAY too much chocolate for the holidays and I can't stand the idea of "wasting" it. Every so often, I know I'll want a lil piece of sugar and if I throw it all out now, I'll regret it. I'm on the spiritual journey as well---trying to grow stronger in the Lord and have some patience---SO hard for me!! Dealing w/some "issues", and intellectually I KNOW that my life's difficulties are placed there for my growth---so why can't I just calmly accept that!? I still find myself wanting to push instead of just absorb the lesson(s).
Shelly,
Maybe together we can start appreciating the lessons! :) I'll pray for you and you pray for me and let's see how we do. Iron sharpens iron, cord of three strands... you know!
Enjoy that chocolate! tee hee
Love,
Karen
So open and honest. Thanks for expressing in words exactly how I feel! This post and Barnacles are certainly working on my heart early in the new year!
-D-
Karen, thanks for your thoughtful comment on my blog; I'm following you here, as I prefer to follow by blogger so glad we met! As for talking to God, what I try to remember is he hears us without our having to utter a word. I experiment with spiritual meditation here and there (in a second or two out of the day) which reminds me of that.
I'm having a kind of a "downer" day and so glad I ran across you post. After going through a period of coaching where I was reminded of this verse over and over, the hustle and bustle of life pushed these words away from me. Today I pondered life, I wondered, "what in the world am I doing??!!" Ahhhh...yes. I need to have faith and trust. But boy, it's hard isn't it? Like you, I want to simply "add water and stir" so I know the plan. It's not that easy, though!
I find that when I'm only hearing the crickets it isn't that God has "stepped away" ..... it's just that He is waiting for me to be ready to listen.
I'm one of your newest followers. I'm enjoying your open and honest approach to life and your relationship with God.
Great post, Karen. I love your down to earth writing style. I can relate to all that you said, from the chocolate to the waiting to the stepping out in faith. Whew. Glad I'm not alone!
I have some growing to do as well - great post! Especially about listening to God....man, I begin to pray, and within minutes I'm drifting to what I need from Target. Lots of growing, and slowing down to do! Great post!
Funny! I, too, wonder sometimes what could possibly take so long to remove a number or email from a list when it's all automated. Now, about that chocolate -- toss it. I know it was a gift but one of the lessons I learned when I lost all my "extra" weight 15 years ago was to not keep any junk food in the house. If I wanted sweets or junky stuff, I needed to have to go out to buy it (preferably walking, whenever possible) and would only get enough to eat while I was out. Whatever wasn't eaten while I was out got thrown away before I returned home. It's amazing how much easier it is to stay on track when you get all that junk out the house (at least that was my experience).
Fawn,
I've been putting a piece in my daughter's lunch each day. She is seven and only 38 lbs. She can handle a treat a day :). Much of the rest I sent to my husband's office. The big box of chocolate is from my 14 year old son -- and I think I'm obliged to keep that one. His love language is gifts, and he found a box of German chocolates with no fruit! (I can't stand the mix of fruit and chocolate.) My husband said it took him almost an hour to select as he read each and every ingredient on every kind of chocolate the store had. Sweet!!! At least the pieces are small and individually wrapped. I think I'm good to go until Valentine's day :)
I agree with you! God is often too quiet, haha but he does speak through others, if you're ready to listen. Hope He answers you soon though, I can give Him a bit of nudge later on for you :)
It seems like it takes a while to really start reaping the benefit of extra time with Him. It's so hard to lose all the distractions and really spend focused, quality time learning and hearing. It always pays off...that's the power of prayer, too.
Your posts are always so well written and always give me something to think about.
Keep listening; I'm sure He has big plans for you.
Thank you! Sometimes I wonder if I make sense. It helps to hear that I wrote clearly :) And I keep praying, listening, waiting and trusting. It gets easier.
Post a Comment