Don’t accept it as a Fact…

For the last 15+ years I have looked exactly the same.  Yes, my hairstyle has evolved numerous times but I am talking about my body shape and weight.  I’ve looked like this for so long, that I just accepted it as “the way I am”  I did not try any type of dieting program or weight loss prevention type things.  I just determined in my mind, that this is the way I am, this “season of life”, so why fight it.  Can you relate?  Has something been in your life for so long that you have just accepted it as a fact, the way things are?  It may not be weight.  It could be a habit.  It could be a mindset.  It may be that thing in your past that you have dragged with you FOREVER!  So what can you do about it?  If you were like me, you just accepted it as true and didn’t look for another way.

That’s where I was.  I just accepted me like that.  Please don’t get me wrong or misunderstand me.  I am not seeking a platform to beat myself up.  I’m not giving you a platform for beating yourself up.  My challenge is this:  Don’t accept what is as fact.  It does not HAVE to be. Walk with me and I’ll explain further what I mean…

A friend of mine was also dissatisfied with her “look” as well.  She researched different programs and weight loss platforms and discovered something that worked for her.  Then, her being the GREAT friend that she is, didn’t say to me, “Why don’t you try it? You need to lose weight!” or anything like that.  Instead, she said, “If you want to try it to, I’ll help you.  I’ll share with you what I learned and I’ll encourage you when you experience challenges.”

You see, she offered to walk with me on this journey.

She didn’t just give me the answer and then walk away. She chose to walk alongside me – over both the rough terrain and smooth paths.

And let me tell you, my friend, there has been BOTH!!

The result?  I have lost over 30 lbs and am now wearing the same size clothes I wore 20 years ago.  Yep, I’m excited and I can tell you my husband is even MORE excited!

Now I don’t want you to miss the point of this story.  It is NOT about losing the weight.  It is NOT about the weight loss program that worked for me.  It IS about the fact that my friend chose to invest herself in me and my “acceptance” of a problem that was not good for me to continue to carry on my life’s journey.  My friend knew I was unhappy, even though I had never voiced it.  She knew that I had accepted it as a fact. She chose to offer me her friendship, her support and her personal challenges, in order for me to shore up the courage to take the first step.  She believed in me – in our friendship and in the results that two together can overcome much.

It comes down to choice.  What was I choosing to accept as a fact?  She chose to offer a hand in my journey.  I chose to accept.  The result is my previous reality is no longer my current reality. Things can change. Things can get better.  Who, in your life, can you reach out to today? Don’t accept their thoughts or feelings as a fact…  The fact is, you can make a difference today.  Get out there and be a friend to someone today.

The results will amaze you!

What Are You Listening To?

“Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” These words found in Romans 10:17 have become my latest challenge.  As I look at these words I evaluate how much time I actually spend “listening” to God’s Word.  Now PLEASE do not get me wrong, I am not saying that I am no longer going to read God’s Word, nor that it is unimportant – because it is.  But I am wondering why I don’t spend time literally listening to God’s Word, IN ADDITION to studying God’s Word.  Therefore I have committed to listening to God’s Word.  Earlier this week I downloaded the Bible.is app on my iPhone and each night this week I have listened to the Word of God all night long.

Several things have happened:

1. My sleep is much deeper.  I have not once this week woke up in the middle of the night, as I usually do.
2. I cannot remember any dreams.  Most days I can wake up and give you a brief rundown of something I either dreamt about and/or thought about during the night.
3. I am happier each day.  I find that the little things don’t frustrate me – I am laughing more.
4. I actually think more about Scripture and truth than I usually do.
5. I have prayed more this week

Now I can’t say for sure that all of the above is a direct result of literally listening to God’s Word but it does give me cause to wonder.  I am going to continue this upcoming week as well.  I am also committing to listening to that app while I am walking each day this week.  Can’t guarantee anything earth shattering, but I look forward to fleshing out growing my faith – by listening to God’s Word – and hearing from Christ, who is the Word of God.

Really excited about this and if you want to join me on this journey; put on your walking shoes, grab your ipod and share your experiences with me!

Remember