Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Living Well Wednesday - Mirrors

I am in a very introspective mood today, so beware! I have not reach the point in my journey toward better health where I have claimed many victories. Many defeats, where I have honestly said "at this point and time I just don't care". Afterwards of course there is a sadness over not overcoming! But the good thing is I don't despair to the point of giving up! I so appreciated Darlene's post today! Aren't you all amazed at how they speak to right where you are at that time, I am! I so needed to read her post! And she even quoted back to me the very verse I put on my post last week! Humm.... could God be asking me "Kim, have you taken that thought captive yet?!" This morning he brought the word "mirror" to mind. Not only the physical mirrors that we women detest, but the mirror of the soul. What does that mirror say of me?!
1 Corinthians 13:12
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
James 1:22-24
22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
This week has been a struggle on more then just one front! The thing is when I look at those who suffer tremondously around me I think "girl you have absolutely nothing to be crabbing about!", but alas that does not stop me from having my very own pitty party! I feel that I am coming to a crossroad, and I honestly do not know what God wants me to do! I have never been one to enjoy conflict, struggle or stress, and that is right where I feel I am! What does God want me to go through in order to bring him glory, or am I being called out from where I am to something else he has for me! Could someone just tell me! I don't want to just give up, even though I feel completely overwhelmed at times! I want to be a faithful servant, used by God to bring glory to him in Word and in what I do! That old pride thing always comes back to haunt me too! When you look in the mirror your soul you see your heart! Here is are some verses that hit me with the plank in my eye this morning too:
James 3:13-15
13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.
Hebrews 4:11-13
11Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience.
12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
So I persevere in my walk because I want no other way! I Choose today to trust Him and to know that I can claim:
Philippians 3:12-16
Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own.
13I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
14I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.
15So let those [of us] who are spiritually mature and full-grown have this mind and hold these convictions; and if in any respect you have a different attitude of mind, God will make that clear to you also.
16Only let us hold true to what we have already attained and walk and order our lives by that.

Have a blessed day and remember to pray for all the lovely ladies over at CWO who are desiring to Live Well also!

13 comments:

tammi said...

A beautiful, thought-provoking post, Kim. Thanks for baring your heart and sharing your self-examination. I've had the same kind of week and self-defeating thoughts ~ it was so nice to read this encouragement here today!

Fran said...

Cling tight to Him! He's got ya!

hugs and blessings~
Fran

Love Bears All Things said...

Thanks for sharing your heart. Wonderful verses you posted here.
I pray you have a great week.
Mama Bear

Denise said...

Beautiful friend, you are awesome. You will succeed at meeting your goals, God will see you through this walk of your live. I am praying for you.

Diane said...

Kim, I think you're going through the trials and tribulations right now that God intends for you to go through so that you can and WILL bring Him glory! What you are experiencing will be used one day by God to help someone else possibly or maybe help yourself again down the road! You already have victory - victory in Christ!! With Him, all things are possible and no earthly chains can keep you bound in sin! You have Christ in you! Use His Power to get through every DAY, every HOUR, every MINUTE of temptation! He's right next to you just waiting for you to hand over the controls!!! Every time you're tempted to eat something you know you shouldn't, read a scripture passage and see what God gives you to get through that minute of the day!! He is trying to equip you.

I love you sister and your heart is so filled with Christ's love and compassion - LET HIM HELP YOU!

Cheri said...

I'm struggling with what to say to you because this post scares me. In my own selfish little world, your words frighten me because it sounds like you're wondering if you should stay at your position.
I would be so sad if you left because you're such a blessing to the kids and parents.
However, I know you need to follow God's call on your life and that is what is important, not my selfish desires.
Now maybe I'm reading way too much into this post and that isn't even what you're talking about- if so then just take this for me telling you how much I appreciate all you do at church!

Anonymous said...

"forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,"

That is something to remember this week for sure!

Cheryl said...

You have such a sweet heart girlfriend! Great post. Loved the scripture. Hope you have a good week! God Bless~

Heather said...

Kim,
Phil 3 is one of my favorite passages. There's hope there. No matter how we look in the mirror (or how we degrade ourselves as we peek into that image), we're on a journey. I'm just like you. I don't like my physical or spiritual mirror a lot of times. But I'm so glad God sees me with a different perspective: a vision of what I will someday be!

Marsha said...

This is beautiful! Thank you for sharing your heart with us. It's such a thought provoking post.

Anonymous said...

Very encouraging post for me, my prayer is for you to be encouraged too! I think it's time for us to get coffee girlfriend! Call me, we'll set a date.
Love you bunches,
~Debi

Suzie said...

I missed your post yesterday but I'm so glad that I went back to CW to read it today!

I really needed to hear your words. I feel like many were my thoughts too! Especially about getting to the point where we just don't care. Sometimes it just seems too hard and the goal is too far down the road....but God!

He is your strong tower and you are bringing Him glory simply by seeking His will. Wouldn't it be great if we always knew what He wanted and where He was leading us but we know our God doesn't work that way. I believe He keeps us guessing simply, so we will always seek Him.

You're right where He wants you to be....dependent on Him! He will answer you as you continue on in His Word.

Have a blessed week and thanks for being so honest!
Suzie ;)

Melissa in Mel's World said...

AH, my sister, I have SO been where you are, and I have great news for you...there is sunshine on the other side of that cloud.

I can sense your frustration and yet also your desire to truly do whatever God has planend for your life. Your obedience to His call will be honored, you know it's true.

Email me if you get a chance, I would love to share with you (offline) some of the things God has brought me through to get me to this point. You are loved, appreciated, and prayed for.

Take Care,
Melissa