Really?

I've been a Christian for many years.  Most of my life.  And in those years, I've had times of trouble with obedience.  I've even argued with God.  My latest disagreement with Him was about being called to lead our Children's Ministries--a position that didn't even exist. 

I had many legitimate reasons for not doing it.  After all, I'm a busy mom of 6, homeschooling my family.  Three and a half years ago, God pulled me out of my ministry positions, only allowing me to gradually pick up a couple--a light load.  And I needed that!  Doing this would make no sense!

Many times, I've heard fellow Christians say, "God wants us to use common sense."  I may have said it myself.  A couple months ago this phrase triggered that still, small voice saying, "Really?"

My mind began to wander through the Bible stories; the stories I've been told, I've read myself, and I've taught to others.  I was looking for God wanting His children to use common sense. 

Wander with me through the Old and New Testaments as we look for God's use of common sense.

*  God told Noah to build a big boat in a land that had no bodies of water and had never seen rain.

*  God told Abraham to offer his son as a sacrifice--the son that would fulfill God's promise to multiply Abraham's descendants to outnumber the stars.

*  God called Moses--the man with the stutter--to be His spokesman to Pharoah.

*  God told Joshua to lead his people around Jericho and destroy the walls with a shout.

*  God informed Gideon that his army of 22,000 was too big to fight the Midianites.  He only needed 300 men.

*  When fighting a giant, forget the army or strongmen--send a young boy with a slingshot.

*  God unraveled a plot to exterminate the Jewish race by placing a Jewish girl as Queen to a self-centered King.

*  God sent a baby to a poor virgin girl to save the world.

*  Dipping seven times in a dirty river can cure leprosy.

*  Spit in the dirt; the mud will open blind eyes.

*  If someone treats you badly, return it with love.

I cannot find any example of God saying, "My people, who are called by my name, shall use common sense."  Wrack your brain; can you?

In fact, you can almost test God's will by it not following common sense!

Are you facing a decision?  Do you see an open door of ministry and wonder if God really wants you?  Do you doubt that you could possibly do what God is asking you to do?  Does common sense say you should stay in your pew and keep your mouth shut?  Ah ha!  God is calling you!  And like Moses, if God calls you, He will equip you.  Step out in faith with me.

Just 10 minutes

On March 18, 2006, I was sick of being tired all the time, hanging on to baby weight from my last 5 babies, and the perimenapause symptoms I was having at 37 years old.  So I pulled on my snow boots, coat, hat and scarf, and started walking around my backyard.  The ground was slushy.  It was raining/snowing out.  I thought I could die from the effort.  I walked 10 minutes.  And I lived. 

When I got in the house, I was amazed at how ALIVE I felt.  My heart seemed to be buzzing from the flood of oxygen.  I was hooked.  I started walking every day.  Soon 10 minutes wasn't enough.  Then 15 minutes wasn't enough.  I dusted off the exercise bike in my basement, too.  I borrowed a Leslie Sansone walking video from library and fell in love with indoor walking. 


I want to add that one thing I mentally fought with was: "What will the neighbors think?"  It held me back until I decided that what they thought wasn't going to keep me feeling like crap!  And one neighbor did comment.  I answered him and kept on walking! The mental benefits from walking--fresh air, time without kids, feeling muscle in my legs, weightloss, etc.--far outweigh anything the neighbors are thinking!

Today I walked 3 miles with a Leslie Sansone video.  There is no way I could have done it back in 2006.  But I am still amazed at what that first 10 minutes led to!  FlyLady says you can do anything for 15 minutes (except hold your breath.)  This motto has kept me walking and riding the exercise bike many times.  And if you can do anything for 15 minutes, surely you can do it for 10.  So, go on, get moving.  You can do it for 10 minutes 

New Year's Resolution

Happy New Year--2012.  Wow, where did time go?  I'm still trying to figure out how July went by so fast!

I've been thinking about this blog and what it is.  I've read others' blogs and mine is so different.  I'm not sure what I'm aiming at.  I guess it's kind of like a public diary to me.  We'll see where it goes this year!

My New Year's Resolution is to get back in shape.  That includes exercise and eating right.  Today is Day 4.  Day 1 couldn't really count because I was sick as a dog on New Year's Eve, so was in no shape to exercise on the 1st. 


In the first 4 days of 2012--except for Day 1-- I've exercised at least 30 minutes a day, exercise bike, walking videos, and Wii Fit.  I've cut out almost all sweets.  I'm an all-or-nothing kind of girl.  Eating sweets makes me crave more.  It's easier to say "No" than "No more." 

Recipe of the Day--Pumpkin Soup (super easy)

1/2 onion, finely chopped
1 t. minced garlic (opt.)
Olive oil or marg. enough to saute onion (1-2 T.)
2 cups pumpkin--I used pumpkin I cooked, pureed and froze after Halloween; 1-15 oz. can will work
Salt & pepper to taste

Saute onion & garlic in oil/margarine until tender. Add pumpkin.  Stir until bubbly.  Stir in enough liquid (broth, milk, or water) to get the consistency you prefer.  Stir until bubbly.  Season to taste.

Great way to load up on an orange veggie!  If you haven't ever cooked pumpkin before, it is worth the effort!  It is smooth, and tastes more like winter squash than canned pumpkin.

Blessings!