29 DAYS OF DISCOVERY

When I started my Lent journey, I knew I had 40 days from start to finish. I started off strong and confident that I could do anything for 40 days - especially with God's help. As time went on, the devil started trying to tempt me with food and even though I felt weak, I stayed strong by praying and turning to scripture.

Over the last few weeks, the devil has intensified his battle against me and I'm feeling the pressure from all sides. First, he hammered me with an upper respiratory infection that just wouldn't go away, then he pelted me with an inflammatory issue called pleurisy. THEN, he continued to chip away at my confidence by turning up the pain level and taking me out of my normal routine. 

Thank God for the support of my friends and my sweet wonderful husband! After weeks of misery - physical and mental...not being able to run, workout, do daily tasks...I have discovered much more about myself than I could have imagined.

I discovered:

• I'm not bulletproof
• I'm going to struggle at times
• In my weakness I need God more than ever
• I am not a patient person
• I'm a perfectionist who will never be perfect
• I am pro-active with my health, but that doesn't always keep me from getting sick
• I have the most amazing friends on the planet
• I can totally survive without exercise (although I wouldn't recommend it)
• Steroids make you gain weight
• I still have a tendency to try to do everything myself
• God is with me ALL the time, not just in the good times
• You must be your own health advocate - if you're not getting answers, keep asking!
• I have a long way to go with a lot of things!

Let's all buckle down and finish strong! We only have 11 more days to go. Don't let Satan tighten his grip this close the finish line. Remember...the battle is already won!

DEVOTIONAL

I have really missed my "Made to Crave" bible study girls! It's been several weeks since I've been healthy enough to attend and this morning I really wanted to be there, but this was the first night that I have slept good in over three weeks. So hopefully next week!

So my devotional this morning came from Matthew 19:16-26.

16 Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?" 17 "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments." 18 "Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, " 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,19 honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.' " 20 "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?" 21 Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." 22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?" 26 Jesus looked at them and said,"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." 

Do you ever feel like you're trying to "earn" your way into heaven? I know I have felt like that before. I'm a perfectionist and I'm always striving to be better, faster, more efficient. But Jesus says forget all that nonsense! If you want to be perfect give up yourself and your possessions and just follow Him! (Think how much simpler life would be if we actually did this!)

What could you give up today? Could you make a difference in someone's life by giving of yourself?

MEALS

Breakfast: the usual (hopefully my appetite is back on track)

Lunch: 870 Bistro Birthday Lunch with Anna!

Snack: protein smoothie

Dinner: deer burgers and baked sweet potato fries


Side note: I am MUCH better today. I finally got some rest last night and I'm hoping I continue to get better over the next 10 days and I can get back to NORMAL!!!! Thank you guys for your prayers and love! :)