Each month of this year, I have enjoyed rifling through the pages of my journal, looking back on what I’ve written, and then writing a blog post about it all. You can check out the other posts here-January, February, March, April, and May.
God, I don’t want to go anywhere without You
As I have mentioned before, I am reading through the Bible this year. The plan I am following takes me to a different spot each and every day. This has definitely made a lot easier to stick to the plan.
One day I was reading in Exodus 33:14-17; And the Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses. I will give you rest-everything will be fine for you.” Then Moses said, “If you don’t go with us personally, don’t let us move a step from this place. If you don’t go with us, how will anyone ever know that your people and I have found favor with you? How else will they know we are special and distinct from all other people on earth?” And the Lord replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and you are my friend.”
I am sure that I have read this passage before, but it sure stuck out to me on this particular day. So often, I decide that I am going to do such and such, but completely forget about the Lord. I want this prayer to be my heart’s cry-that I wouldn’t want to go anywhere without the Lord at my side.
Summer Sun
I don’t know about you, but I LOVE the summer time! In fact, I feel sad thinking about how short the summer is. I love the sunshine, bike rides, the green grass and trees, the flowers, and lovely walks in the sunshine (and the rain).
Reading
I’m reading “What to Say When You Talk to Yourself” by Shad Helmstetter. I was able to join an online book club using zoom. It’s been amazing and so challenging! Previously, I had read Dr. Caroline Leaf’s “Switch on Your Brain” book. This one is a simpler, non-scientific version that utilizes some of the same principles. One thing that challenged me, was recognizing that the way I have been thinking about myself and the way I have been talking about myself have definitely not been thoughts of the uplifting variety. Long ago, I had chosen to speak as much good over my children, husband, and other people as possible. Somehow, though, I thought it was okay to speak unkindly about myself. I had long thought that it doesn’t harm anyone when I speak unkindly about myself. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
How do I see myself?
The other day, I was in the grocery store and ran into a former elderly neighbor. We had a nice chat and she immediately commented how slim I was. I went home and I was like “what?” Honestly, I have gained about 10 lbs. from my favorite all time weight and about 5 lbs. from my normal weight in the last 2 years. All I have been focusing on, is the weight I want to lose. It’s interesting what a change in perspective does.
Desiring Jesus
I re-read this quote by Gloria Copeland this month and was inspired all over again.
“Before you fold your arms and sit back, know this. When we become like Jesus and desire God so intently that we’re willing to cast aside our desire to please men, and praise Him without reservation, we’ll truly see the Glory of God. Why? Because God manifests Himself where He’s wanted. He shows up where hearts are hungry. He’s not going to reveal Himself to a great degree among people whose hearts are only partially turned toward Him. Consequently, He’s finding people who want His presence more than they want to be respected by their neighborhood.”
Our 14th Anniversary
If you follow me on Facebook, you know that Bernd and I recently celebrated our 14th Wedding Anniversary. Would you know it, we both forgot about it first thing in the morning. We had a lovely time chatting before Bernd left for work, but neither of us actually remembered what day it was. I actually only remembered when I opened my email and a friend had sent an Anniversary wish. At the time, I was quite frustrated by the fact that I had forgotten. However, a friend commented on my post on Facebook and mentioned how we can celebrate like it’s our anniversary every day. That is such truth. For me, it’s easy to compare what other people do with what we do or don’t do. Honestly, neither Bernd nor I are big on getting each other gifts for occasions unless we are aware of something the other person wants or needs. We don’t feel it necessary to spend money needlessly, if there isn’t anything the other person wants or needs. I recognized, in that moment, that I wanted to be able to impress others with what we did for each other, instead of just being thankful for my wonderful husband!
All that aside, Bernd and I did go out for a drive and ice cream later on in the week. We had a most excellent time and we were truly blessed to be able to do that.
Motivation
This month, I wrote a post on motivation. Why? Because I generally write about the things that are touching my life. In all honesty, I have been lacking motivation this month on and off. Things haven’t been going exactly the way that I’d like them to, so I have wanted to give up and quit. I’m thankful for the fact that I have people in my life that remind that I don’t REALLY want to give up. On that note, however, I’m recognizing that it’s okay “to treasure relationships, slow progress, and enjoy my family.”
These are some of the things that I have learned in June. How about you? What have you learned?
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