It has been awhile since I have written my thoughts here. This was supposed to be a place to share my thoughts on a daily or at least weekly posting schedule...I have really gotten off track because, as you can see, it has been over a month. I have heard from a few people that they have read this blog, so to them I say, "don't leave me yet" but I still think this is mostly written for my own satisfaction. Really who do we need to satisfy besides ourselves? Well, I like to keep my DSH happy because he loves me and wants the best for me. And I am sure kids #1-4 want the best for me, too. But what I really should be focusing on is what makes my Lord, God happy because, after all, he loves me more than anyone here on earth and ultimately knows what is best for me. When I searched the Bible for the keyword "self-control" 13 results came up, all pretty much saying the same thing: God likes me to keep it, Satan loves it when I don't.
This past month I have had days when I felt like I was not in control and I felt stressed out and uncomfortable. One of the toughest times was trying to decide on the extent of our kitchen make over: style of cabinets, choices for counter tops, appliances, which company to do the work...I spent hours researching online, reading design books, talking to friends. I would dream about my choices and wake up to second guesses. This is the kitchen I will live with the rest of my life, I figure, and I want to be happy in the end with what I get. I cannot say that the cost didn't figure in as part of the stress as well. As final plans were made, I felt relief. Of course, the demo hasn't even started yet, and the disruption to daily living while it all is being completed is supposed to take three weeks, but I have decided to not let it stress me.
As of Feb. 9, I am attending Weight Watchers meetings again because, since retirement, I have gained 20 pounds. Yeah life here is good...a little too good. Actually, I do get more time for exercise now, but I also have more time to graze in the kitchen, too. One thing about teaching all day-can't eat except at designated times. And I do think my problem is mindless eating. Eating for something to do, not because I need nourishment. So that is another piece of my life where I need to be in control. It is easy to blame others for my over eating, but ultimately the choice to eat something is mine.
Which brings me back to pleasing God. He wants me to stay connected to Him through His word. So when I feel like I am stressing out or losing control, I will pick up my Bible or a devotional book and find strength there.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
