When there's room for improvement....

In a recent discussion about health and physical fitness, Kevin and I both agreed we have room for improvement.  He wants to eat less carbs and get back into running.  I've resolved to stop eating an entire bag of Buccee's Beaver Nuggets in one sitting.  I know, I know.  We should probably market our new plan.  We'd make millions, but then I'm afraid of what all that money would do to the character of our family.  So in the meantime we'll just consider this a public service and offer this advice to everyone for free. 

You're welcome.

Is there really anything I can point to in my life right now that doesn't have a little room for improvement?  Let's see....

Parenting. 

Nope, looks good there.

 

 

Housework.

 

This is going to look really good when I get finished, so we'll go ahead and put a checkmark by that one as well.

 

Personal appearance.  I have managed a shower almost every day this week.  Not once have I forgotten to brush my teeth.  And then there's my fashion sense.

 

Check. 

 

The kids recently asked me if we could add a spoiler and some racing stripes to the minivan, you know, to make it look cooler.  As if there was any way a white Dodge Grand Caravan could possibly be cooler.  So I'll give myself a check minus there.  But beyond that I think we're covered. 

 

Oh, except for the days when I'm not covered and need this reminder.

 

"Praise the Lord...His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love."  Psalm 147

 

Lord be with me on the days that I need to remember that my horses (or horsepower!!) and legs are what they are.  Is there always room for improvement?  Absolutely.  Is there anything wrong with working to make things better?  Not at all.  But God's delight does not rest  here.  His delight comes from the condition of our hearts no matter what the outside of us looks like.

 

I know some people doing amazing things, life-transforming things.  Friends and family members that have lost staggering amounts of weight, fought their way back from depression and anxiety, stepped into the role of a single parent, taken on a new career, overcome bad habits.  Praise God for his work in you!  You are worth the hard work it takes to get there, every bit of it.  Keep up the good work, even after the days that you fall completely off the wagon.  Rest in the assurance that He who began a good work in you will see it through to completion. Phil 1:6  God's love for you is unfailing, and nothing delights him more than those who would receive it today.

 

Receive it, friends.  Receive it. 

 

(I mean, can you believe you're reading this for free?  Again, you're welcome.) 

 

XOXO....Kelly

 

 

 



8-minute miles

Isn't it curious the things we hold on to sometimes?  Like when I was training for the 1/2 marathon back in the winter.  I was obsessed with being too slow.  I couldn't believe that I couldn't beat an 11 minute mile.  I mean, I used to be able to run an 8 minute mile.  In seventh grade.  But somehow my mind totally ignored the fact that was 31 years ago and I was actually upset not to have run faster.

Last night I dreamt about a friend from high school I have not thought about in years.  An incident was brought to mind that I had nearly forgotten about, but now can't seem to stop dwelling on.  It's like the last 14 years haven't happened at all.  My feelings are right back where they were in high school. 

Now for those of you that know me well, this is truly ironic.  I've often remarked what a terrible therapist I would because the only real advice I'm capable of giving anyone is GET OVER IT.  Not entirely thoughtful is it?  I have zero tolerance for baggage and people that choose to carry it.  And yet, here I sit, suddenly burdened by what was a blink in time for my teenage self.  Why such a dream at such a time?  Oh, where is Joseph and his coat of many colors when I need him??

Paul gives this encouragement in Philippians.  "....I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." 

In other words, get over it. 

It doesn't matter what happened yesterday.  Christ Jesus has taken hold of you.  You are redeemed.  You are a new creation.  His love does not erase your past.  It brings you up and out of it and beyond it, for He is greater than that which is in this world. 

Maybe I've never forgiven my friend.  Maybe I've never forgiven myself.  Maybe I've got to stop letting little boys and dachshunds wake me up all night and actually get some rest. 

But one thing is for certain.  Christ has taken hold of me.  Whatever the future holds He is already there.  To look back is to move away from the prize for which God has called me heavenward, to move away from all the He has in store for me.  I'm not who I once was, way back in high school or in seventh grade.  And, frankly, thank God for that!!

XOXO....Kelly

Praying

I'm praying for someone today who doesn't believe, but who could really use God's comfort and peace right now.  I'm praying despite all of her doubts and misgivings and cynicism because God is way bigger than any of that stuff could ever be.  I'm praying that He would reach down to her and maybe this time she'll reach back.  I'm praying because it's too important not to.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside still waters,
He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I shall fear no evil
For you are with me.
Your rod and your staff they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
In the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil.
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23

Praying for you, friend. 
XOXO....Kelly