Learning to Dance, not just walk

It has been a while since my last blog I know. More has changed, I am now in school studying Security Technology. My journey for a new church home is continuing to grow with me being back where I thought I was called in the first place. But most of all, I am learning that a lot more healing has occurred than I ever thought. I am able to no longer walk day by day. I am learning that a lot of times if I just let go and let my heart lead and not listen so much to my head, I am actually able to dance along the way.

To walk in the enjoyment of who I am and what I was made for. I am learning to not get pulled into other peoples drama and also that I do not have to have drama to have people in my life.  I just returned from a very good lunch with one of my favorite constant people on this planet.  We have been friends through thick and thin, ups and downs and the constants and uncertainties of life.  We keep each other sane and real and it's so much fun.

I love where my life is now and where I am with Jesus. To just be me and do what He wants for me to do. I don't always know where it is I'm going. And some times I wouldn't have picked where it is, but it's always an adventure and a chance to dance, even if I'm dancing in the rain....I'll still dance.  Stay tuned.....

A new view

In my reading this morning I was continuing in Luke where my pastor was yesterday.  I was reading in Luke where Jesus called the disciples and the line "they dropped their nets, left everything and followed him." This line struck me, even though I had read it over and over again for years.

It started me thinking, what does it mean to truly "leave everything and follow Him"? A lot of times we see it as laying down all worldly possessions or leaving the things that we knew and follow Jesus. It may be those things, but to me it's also internal, to drop all the pains, hurts, defense mechanisms and ways I've made life work to follow Him and what He has to say and do in my life. Having recently given up eating meat and changing a lot of my eating habits, I have found that some of these things are easier than others to give up and change. But it's the mindset of these changes that are more difficult. The internal talking and lies associated with all this is where the true struggle is. The same with leaving everything to follow Jesus.

Is this what I really want, is the question? I will take this daily to His feet and seek Jesus on the things that He wants to speak into.  As with the eating choices, I can't look at this as denying or disciplining myself but looking ahead to a wonderful new adventure and the changes that come....

The Journey Continue

In an ever seeking quest on this new journey I'm on, I've decided to become somewhat vegetarian.  I saw a video my friend Tom posted on FB and it really bothered me.  This caused me to stop eating Pork, Chicken and Beef (before any of you comment, no I don't own any leather or suede - it's all faux)
This has also caused me to eat healthier, more veggies and fruits, more grains etc.  I feel better already and it's only been a few days.  I still eat fish but not as much and more pure than processed.  I have also been increasing my workouts.
One of my heroes is my brother Rick.  He proved that the curse of obesity in my family can be broken.  New life here I come.....

A Good Surprise

I have been lamenting on the trouble I've had finding a church home.  Yesterday, after a good workout at Life Works, I stopped in the new church that meets at the vocational school across the street from the gym.  It's called Renew Communities and since part of my blog is about being renewed, I thought this was a pretty good sign of where to visit.  I had heard the pastor Andy Sikora speak many times at another church and I really like the way he speaks.
This was a really good service with some amazing worship, and interactive teaching.  There was also good coffee and snacks (yummm).  I felt very at home at this place and relaxed, I am planning on giving it a chance for a while and even go to the picnic this coming Sunday.  For those of you who know me this is a big stretch but I am excited about it.  Good eating, good workout and good worship....hmmmm...stay tuned
  Peace, Ruth

To have TOTAL health!

I started a fitness challenge with some my friends Kera and Amy.  We have committed to each doing 90 minutes of cardio a week.  We usually get past this and do 60-90 per day!  It's a way for us to stay motivated and accountable.

I have also been thinking about my eating and the options that are out there: vegetarian, paleo, atkins, southbeach, weight watchers, jenny craig, nutrisystems....... and one thing keeps coming back to my mind, what was different in my grandparents and parents day.  They ate more natural foods, I heard a quote I agree with, if I don't understand what's in it, I shouldn't eat it.

So this is my quest, to eat naturally, move more and increase strength and health.  To heck with the "perfect size" or shape, but it's about how I feel, and move!  I may never go under 200 lbs, but if I'm fit and healthy and at my best then that's what's important.  

Stay tuned.....

The Journey Continues

Tomorrow, I start what's called an Explore Course.  This tells me about a church I want to go to and the specifics of it.  I'm really hoping it will help get me out of the "cerebral" and back into the feeling of things emotionally.  As I have said I am gunshy about going back to church.  But I know I need to have more of Jesus in my life and this will help come from church community....we shall see. Stay tuned....

Does He Care?

Do you ever wonder if God's love is real?

Do you ever wonder if he's there?

Do you ever wonder if Jesus is listening?

Do you wonder if He really cares?

How many people would give up their child

or give up their life for another?

How many people would to hell and back;

suffer torment and strife for a brother?

Would we really suffer the ultimate heartache;

the death of our only child?

Would we really turn our backs on our children;

leave them abandoned in a world run wild?

That's what the Father did when He sacrificed Jesus;

His wonderful beloved Son.

He sent him to earth just for our sake.

The grief of a Father was a battle won.

How can we ever thank Jesus,

and the love and mercy He gives.

Where would we be without his blood,

the one thing in life that makes us live.

Do we ever fully realize,

what it took to fulfill the Father's will?

He had to stand by and watch his only son

beaten, tortured and killed.

So when you're not sure if the Lord's love is deep,

if you're not sure that He's really there...

Just look at a child and think of the Father

who had his Son put to death.

How can you doubt that He cares?

written 4/12/2003