"2011" PPEA Prom

Made For More Moment- CHIC-FIL-A

"Do not conform to the behaviors and customs of this world but let GOD transform and change the way you think"-- Romans 12:2

Today I had the opportunity to gratify my sinful nature.  The part of me that wants to do what I want to do, when I want to do it, without any self-control whatsoever.  

It's a very special anniversary for my husband and I.  We decided to run errands together and then planned to stop and eat out.  As my hunger increased I began to think a lot of about what I wanted to eat.  It went from lean meats and fruit, to fried potato's, gravy laden biscuits and bacon.  I didn't even realize what was happening.  I was sitting there having an affair in my head with food.

Out of nowhere I heard a whisper, Mary, what are you doing?  I realized I had been dreaming/thinking about making some really bad decisions that were going to move me away from my goal.  

What is my goal? 

"In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do."-- 1 Tim 3:11

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, and self-control." Gal 5:22-23a

"In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone."-- 1 Peter 1:5-7

"So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world." 1 Peter 1:13

I immediately confessed to my husband what I had been doing and then made a plan to go somewhere where it would be easy to stay the course.  We decided on Chic-fil-a.  Even after we began traveling in that direction I must confess that I was still having conversations in my head, trying to justify having the fried chicken with french fries.  That old flesh kept yapping in my ear but..., 

I have no obligation whosoever to do what my sinful nature is urging me to do (Rom 8:12)

So I surrendered to the Lord and enjoyed a nice 7 point lunch.  It was WONDERFUL and very satisfying.  During my food affair that took place in my head, I could not imagine liking the baked chicken as much as the fried.  I thought I was going to be deprived of something.  Instead, I learned: 

NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS OBEDIENCE TO THE LORD FEELS! 

Mary, do not conform to the (old) behaviors and customs of the world but let ME change YOU!

25 Years Ago TODAY.......

25 years ago today I went out on my first date with the cutest boy EVER!  

I had no idea that this one date would FOREVER change my life so drastically.  The Lord gave me the perfect man for me.  He is my best friend, protector, he makes me laugh more than anyone else ever could.  He takes care of our family.  He is a good provider.  I love you Scott Arnold!  I am so thankful for you. 

I love you, Honey!

Made For MORE Moment- Carrabba's

I had a HUGE victory last night and I know it was only the Lord. I think it helped that I had just finished the chapter, "It isn't fair" from Made To Crave. Her words kept running through my head.

My husband took me out to Applebees for a late lunch. A few hours later a friend of mine had a crisis and needed to get away. She told my husband she needed to "steal" me so she could have another adult to talk with. I had been up since very early and was exhausted but went anyway because I adore this friend and looked forward to spending time with her. I tell you this because I was TIRED and when I'm tired I don't always make the best decisions.

She hadn't eaten dinner and we went to Carrabba's. I wasn't really hungry because I had just eaten a few hours earlier but something happened when I walked into that restaurant. The smells, the sights, the ambiance.

I started to think...., You know you've been so good, Mary. You have all those bonus points left and it wouldn't really be cheating if you used them tonight. You should get the scallops, they're grilled and protein so it won't even be that bad. You're friend is going to feel stupid if you sit there and don't eat.

Then we get the menu's and I see fried Calamari and I think I don't need a whole meal why don't I just get this appetizer?

I cried out to the Lord with an SOS and I could hear Lysa saying..., When I was floundering, struggling thinking "IT'S NOT FAIR" I am reminded that I am trying to do this in my own strength. For my strength is made perfect in your weakness. Lean on me, Mary!

Something happened! He changed my heart. I sat in that restaurant and had a diet coke and enjoyed the "conversation" and the "fellowship" and did not have one bite of anything. Not even the fresh italian bread and dipping oil.

PRAISE THE LORD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!!!!

Coffee W/ Jesus- Week In Review!

"So, I say live by the SPIRIT, Mary and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature." -- Gal 5:16

"And if the spirit of HIM who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His spirit who lives IN you." Romans 8:11

"So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded." 1 Thess 5:6

"When he comes on that day, he will receive glory from his holy people—praise from all who believe. And this includes you, for you believed what we told you about him."  1 Thess 1:10

"But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one." 2 Thess 3:3 

"The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith." 1 Tim 1:5

"Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus."  1 Tim 1:14