Testimony Tuesday: I’m Walking

I just finished my morning mile and tears started streaming down my face.

Tears, because I realized that I was walking without pain and I remembered the many days that I dealt with chronic pain in my hip. Walking was painful, sitting was even more painful. Other than my husband, no one really knew just how much pain I was in. On top of that, I had several doctors tell me that I would always be in pain and their insistence made me believe that the pain was just a normal part of my life.

BUT GOD. I understand that there are many conditions in life that we must deal with, but I decided to cling to my faith. I prayed that God would do what ONLY he could do in the supernatural and that I would do my part in the natural. I spent the last year going to physical therapy, sometimes two and three times a week. This month, my husband and I joined a new gym and have been consistently working out 4 to 5 times a week.

I may have slight pain some days, but it’s NOTHING compared to what it used to be. My therapists don’t understand it. My doctor initially thought I would need surgery, BUT GOD.

Last year, I posted a photo of my handicap placard. I got it in 2008 upon my until diagnosis. That was my registered placard, not my mom/dad/auntie/grandma’s. MINE. And I declared that this time next year I wouldn’t need it. I’m happy to report, not only do I NOT need the placard, I now park at the furthest parking space in most parking lots. God IS faithful!

I’m sharing this testimony this morning, praying that it encourages you to KEEP GOING! Believe God for his best for your life and refuse to settle for anything less.

Matthew 19:26 New Living Translation Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”

Walking: Mary Mary

Morningstar Blackbean Crumbles Recipe on FixitWithFran.com

Meatless Monday: MorningStar Chipotle Black Bean Crumbles

I had two back to back meetings scheduled for this evening, so I knew I needed to plan ahead. I came home at 4:30pm and used these MorningStar Chipotle Black Bean Crumbles to make tacos for the Husboo. He loved them and EVEN had seconds. My final evaluation is always completed by asking if he would have that meal again. With NO hesitation he said, “YES!” Another #meatlessMonday win!

Product review: The crumbles are a new MorningStar product and I highly recommend them. They are preseasoned and the cook time was only 8 minutes. I had taco seasoning on standby just in case the flavors weren’t to my liking, but I didn’t add a thing.

I served the tacos using Old El Paso’s new Tortilla Bowls and added Sargento 4 Cheese Mexican Blend and Wholly Guacamole’s spicy pico and guacamole dip. A quick, 30 minute meal.

I also purchased the Grillers Recipe Crumbles, so I’ll review those at some point in the future. Until then, “Go fix something!” 🙂

There Remaineth a REST

I have the feeling today’s going to be a GREAT DAY! Perspective matters so, so much. This morning, my mind keeps going to the declaration my Bishop made of 2015 as the year of REST. It’s hard to feel like you’re “resting” when you’re as busy as I am–I’m working on improving my health and fitness and working out for 1-2 hours every day is a major commitment on top of family, church and work, but its so necessary to reach a place of TOTAL health and that’s my overall goal.

At the same time, I’m learning to REST in the peace of God in the midst of my busy schedule– If I was not as busy as I am, I wouldn’t be as focused on pursuing peace, so there’s another lesson in adopting the proper perspective.

My power verses for this morning are Matthew 11:28-30 (New Living Translation)

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Here’s a song I love, by Donald Lawrence called There Remaineth a Rest. I hope the lyrics encourage you today. Remember– God’s REST is promised. It’s a finished work– just because you aren’t “there yet” doesn’t mean you can’t take on His rest. Keep walking in obedience and carry your burdens to Him. Philippians 4: 6-7

Donald Lawrence– There Remaineth a Rest

There remaineth a rest, a rest
For the people of God
A promise, a finished work
And we must guard it with our hearts
Everything you will ever need
Was provided at Calvary
There remaineth a rest, there is a rest
There remaineth a rest, there is a rest
A Rest, the finished work of the Lord

Prayer to Be Well-Balanced

Today’s going to be a busy day and then I’ll be traveling for the next 24 hours. Sometimes, you can’t find the exact words you need to pray, but that’s what Google is for. I love this website (Prayers.org). I found this prayer this morning and thought it was worth sharing. Happy Friday-eve!

To Be Well-Balanced

Father, in the name of Jesus, I come boldly to Your throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Forgive me for getting caught up in my own pride. Sometimes I behave as though I am indispensable at home, at the office, at church and in other situations. I become irritable and fatigued, feeling that no one appreciates all that I do. Help me to step back and take a personal inventory. My spirit is Your candle, searching out all the inward parts of my being.

Jesus said, Come to me, all of you who are weary and over-burdened, and I will give you rest! Put on my yoke and learn from me. For I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light (Matt. 11:28-30 PHILLIPS).

Lord, not only am I yoked up with You, but also with my spouse, my colleagues and others whom You have sent into my life. I am not alone, and I cannot carry this alone. Help me to resist the temptation to be yoked together with unbelievers for the sake of financial profit.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Help me to keep my priorities in order. Help me to fulfill my call and responsibilities at home as a husband/wife and/or parent. While I am at work, help me to stay focused. Also, help me to take time to find rest—relief, ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet—for my soul.

I cast the whole of my care [all my anxieties, all my worries, all my concerns, once and for all] on You, for You care for me affectionately and care about me watchfully. I affirm that I am well-balanced (temperate, sober of mind), vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of mine, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. In the name of Jesus, I withstand him; firm in faith [against his onset—rooted, established, strong, immovable and determined]. And after I have suffered a little while, You, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favor], Who has called me to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Yourself complete and make me what I ought to be, establish and ground me securely, and strengthen and settle me.

To You be the dominion (power, authority, rule) for ever and ever.

Amen (so be it).

Hebrews 4:16    Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV
Proverbs 20:27    Matthew 11:29 AMP
2 Corinthians 6:14    1 Peter 5:7-11 AMP

Prayer For January 22nd

Work has been very, VERY busy. I hope to be back to blogging soon. In the meantime, this prayer met me where I was this morning. I hope it encourages you as well.

….We give you this day and all that is in it and ask that you use us and fill us, Lord. We welcome you into our lives, our homes and our relationships. Be the Lord of our lives, in every area of our lives. Please have your way and do a mighty, cleansing and healing work that we might grow in you and represent you well. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen

Hope For The Broken Hearted

Hello, Friends! Here is the prayer for today…

Dear Lord,

You say in your Word that you hear the hopes and cries of the helpless and you comfort them. We are also told that your rod and your staff, comfort us, even in our darkest valleys. Lord, we lift up to you, every person who is needing comfort for their physical pain… for their hurting hearts…for their brokenness. May we find comfort in your Word and in Your Presence. Lord, we thank you in advance for your comfort…Lord, may each of us take comfort in who you are…in your greatness…in your faithfulness…in your promises and in your great love for us. You are a very present help in times of trouble. We pray to be filled with hope and comfort as we remember we never walk or face anything alone … that you know what we need before we ask…that you are near to the brokenhearted…that everyone who calls on your name will be saved…

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