The past several months our family has been in prayer seeking a church family to call home. We've been in this place many times before and it's never all that enjoyable. This past week was very difficult for me, working through a variety of issues and concerns regarding this decision.
Today we visited a new church after David met with an elder this week. We went with interest, but guarded. I am delighted to say we were so surprised by the Lord!! We had such a refreshing time with a loving family of believers. We soaked up clear and powerful teaching of God's word as if we had been starved (and, quite honestly, I now realize that we truly have been starved for this direct handling of the scriptures). We were greeted and welcomed with such affection and kindness. We were welcomed as a family, just as we are, no pressure to conform to anyone's methods of church.
I feel so light! My heart has been so heavy, so burdened, and so unable to rightly focus on other aspects of life. Today we are both enjoying the Lord's answer to prayer, celebrating that there is HOPE for us to find a place to grow, learn, and serve for our family.
Thank you, Lord!!
And, yes. This does have something to do with my weight loss efforts. I know that a great deal of my downward slide last week had to do with my negative emotions in dealing with this issue. While I am grateful for such a lovely turn-around, I realize that I need to work better at not allowing my emotions to determine my actions. However, this gift from the Lord feels the same as if I had stepped on the scale and found I'd lost 50 pounds in one week!! I'm just so relieved and joyful for His leading and provision.
It shows, too. I have breakfast prepped and in the fridge. I've got lunch ready for the crockpot. In fact, I got out my weekly menu and I'm getting back on track with meal planning. I have my papers ready for school tomorrow. I look forward to my daily routine and getting back to my exercise. Basically, I'm ready to greet the week with a smile. That comes from renewed hope, and I'm overjoyed that the Lord has given it!
"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life." Proverbs 13:12
Praise the Lord Tracy!!! You are so right the worries of the world do effect our weight loss. You are a wonderful sister in Christ. Great update
ReplyDeleteThats wonderful Tracy!!!! I am so happy for you!
ReplyDeletePraising HIM with you, Tracy! Isn't the Lord's faithfulness just amazing! It is also great when you learn something new about yourself (even when it is painful) because it gives you renewed hope of change, of becoming more like who Christ wants you to be. I am so happy for you! Wow! (And glad to see you "back on track" in the physical side of things, too!
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