Faith – Page 2

My Love

Posted on February 15, 2016 by TreeFebruary 15, 2016

Happy Valentine’s Day! I was planning on a whole post about love and marriage. But as I was jotting down notes in my journal, I realized that is not doable in just one post. There is so much to cover, and I look forward to writing about those topics. But for now, I will just post a little tidbit about my love.

Tim & Tree – Feb 14, 2010

This is me and my hubby in one of my very favorite pics of us together. It was taken 6 years ago today at our friend’s wedding. We have changed a little since then, but I don’t think there has been a pic as great as this one since! LOL

That day he gave me a CD of 3 songs he had written for me and recorded. I love all of the songs. They are very special to me, and I have not shared them with the world until today. I was listening to them this morning, and suddenly felt a peace about sharing them. I have always clung to them tightly. I was trying to figure out why. And I think this is it: I am at a place now in my relationship with him where I feel that I am a priority to him. I feel loved, valued, cherished, fought for! I feel secure enough that I don’t have to be stingy with these songs as a way of making myself feel like I am important to him. I know that I am. We have gone through a LOT since this photo was taken. Don’t get me wrong, I was truly happy in this picture. But now, I am even more happy. I have joy. And I have the blessing of a man who fought for his wife and his marriage, who makes God number one in his life so that he is the best husband he can be. That’s my love.

And now, here are the songs that he wrote and recorded for me:

1. The Lucky Guy

2. We Are One

3.I Ain’t Leavin’ You

I hope you enjoy them!

Blessings,
Teresa

One Thing, One Ring

Posted on February 7, 2016 by TreeFebruary 7, 2016

I watch Lord of the Rings as often as I can. And that’s not very often, because the rest of my family doesn’t always agree, or the time doesn’t allow. Sometimes I watch just part of it, like I did just a few nights ago. The movie to me is like visiting with old friends. It has a hugely impacting story that I just love. For one thing, the entire premise is a journey of heroic selflessness to destroy evil. Along the way, there is so much growth of character and relationships. It’s just jam packed with goodness for me. Anyways, as I was watching for the billionth time, it hit me, as it has before a billion times about how relative the story is to us as Christians. Let me tell you about it.

There is this ring. The One Ring. It is the key to destroying or empowering the evil in the world of Middle Earth. In a scene early in the first movie, we see Isildur with the One Ring, following Elrond, a very much older and wiser Elf Lord to the place where the ring can be destroyed. Isildur hesitates, and Elrond tells him, “Cast it into the fire! Destroy it!” Isildur replies, “No.” and walks away, holding onto that source of evil and power. Temptation had it’s day and evil had it’s way. Isildur did not choose wisely. It had taken hold of him, and eventually leads him to his death

Jump ahead 3,000+ years. Now the Ring is in the possession of Frodo. He wears it around his neck, and it’s a tremendous burden. It’s heavy, causing him pain and injury. He cradles it and strokes it, as it speaks lies to his mind, taking hold of him. He even puts it on his finger, knowing that when he does, the enemy can see him, and it puts him in more danger.

We are so like these characters! We hold in our possession something we deem is bright, shiny, beautiful, powerful, irresistible, enchanting. But in truth it is the one thing that we need to let go of in our lives. To surrender it means freedom. Only we are blinded and we feel that surrendering it will make us weak and incomplete. That’s the deception! Listen to the voices of those around you who are begging you to cast it into the fire! Listen to the voice of God, asking you to let it go!

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Cor 10:13

I am still fighting the battle of food addiction. Like the One Ring, it wants to be found. The foods I am trying to avoid call out to me often. They remind me how delicious they taste. But I know their game. There is a bitter aftertaste in my soul awaiting me if I succumb to their seduction. And I will not allow that. I look forward to the day on my journey when I can say “It’s gone!”, as Frodo declared at the end of Return of the King. At the point where the One Ring was destroyed, it no longer had a hold on him, and he could see clearly. His mind was not consumed with the thoughts that the ring wanted him to have. He was free.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Gal 5:1

What One Thing is your One Ring

So what One Thing is your One Ring? What in your life weighs you down, burdens you, tempts you, and steals your will? Cast it in to the Fire! Destroy it!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me Phil 4:13

Blessings,
Teresa

To Feel Free

I have fought the battle of food addiction and weight gain for many years. Unfortunately, I have been on the losing side for most of it. I lost some weight, but always gained it back. Up and down, up and down. The reason is, I was using outside methods to fix an inside problem.

I really gained understanding of this truth when I read the book Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst. Now, it took me quite a while to really take to the battle plan. I first read this book a few years ago, and have read it many times over since. In fact, I keep the daily devotional on a loop. I need it that badly. It boils down to this: The better my relationship is with God, the better enabled I am to handle the battles that rage around and inside me. I am most equipped to fight when I am closest to my Savior. He wants me to win! All hard things, all sacrificial things – are possible through Christ who strengthens me!

^“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil 4:13

I purposed in my heart that this year – 2016 – I would BE a different person. I would stop wishing I was this way or that way, and BE what I want to BE! One of those wishes that I am making come true is that I would lose the unhealthy weight I have gained over the years; that I would care about my body, the temple of God!

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
1 Cor 6:19-20

For the first time in a long while, my trip to Disneyland this week did not include cravings for any and all sweet treats. I did not look longingly at goodies being enjoyed by all the guests there. I didn’t feel left out. Not that I would indulge in these things normally, but the craving was always with me – a constant companion telling me that it just wasn’t fair, and shouting to me that I was really missing out on something by not having those sweets!

On the same trip, I saw a large group of girls wearing matching shirts that read: “Rides? We’re here for the food!” That just really struck me. I was glad that that was NOT me! I even felt like it was a rather pathetic testimony to be sporting around on a shirt. I realized that my mind has been transformed, and food is no longer at the forefront. It felt really good. I felt FREE. And that made me so happy!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2

Is there a constant craving companion in your life? Maybe it’s food, like mine was. It could be shopping, or the need for attention or praise. Or even a substance. Whatever it is that is nagging you, I want to let you know that FREEDOM is possible. You can break the bonds you have with your addictions. The key? Strengthen your bond with God. The more you seek Him, growing your relational bond with Him, the more the bonds of your addictions are loosened. You can choose to give your heart and mind to Christ, and walk in FREEDOM!

Galatians 5:1

Blessings,
Teresa

Sticks and Stones

Posted on January 20, 2016 by TreeJanuary 25, 2016

Who made that up anyways? – “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!” I remember saying that all the time as I was growing up. It’s a great kid’s comeback, but it’s certainly not true. We may recover quite nicely from bumps and bruises, but it’s words that leave wounds that never fully heal.

“There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise promotes health.” Proverbs 12:18

The Bible speaks volumes about the words of our mouth, the destruction it can bring (even bringing life and death), and how we need to be mindful of what we say. Our tongue is a mighty tool or weapon, depending on how we use it. And God cares very much about how we choose to do so.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21

Words have great power. I am a “words” person. I take things spoken to me to heart, literally. This is not always a good thing. I have bad memories of words that were spoken to me, going all the way back to when I was a young teen. I remember them vividly, and am sure I will never forget. I don’t dwell on them, but they do “pop” up in my mind from time to time.

Here is an example of something that happened last weekend when I went on a lunch date with my hubby. I told my husband that I wanted to share something close to my heart with him. He responded in such a way that made me feel super self-conscious, and just literally dumb. He didn’t say anything bad, really. And now l know his intent was not as I had perceived it. But his reply was, “Oh, really?”, and that just shut me down. I was not about to share at that point. I told him how he made me feel, and he replied by saying that he didn’t realize what an impact his words had on me. THAT baffled me – because he has known me for over 30 years, and I went on to let him know that his words pierce me. And then that shut him down. Oh boy, was that date off to a bad start. We were only having our soup before the meal – and I wanted to just leave! After a few moments of silence (besides the soup-slurping), he spoke up. Thankfully, he is full of Godly wisdom. He used new words to make things right, and our date was redeemed!

“A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1

The power of life and death, blessing or curses, encouragement or discouragement, a good date or a bad date – are in our words. What we say matters. Taking a moment to think before you speak is always best. It can not only save you from trouble, but prevent you from hurting those you love. Proverbs 15:28 speaks of the heart of the righteous studying how to answer. My husband has a difficult job, where his character is consistently tested. He has learned to respond instead of react. The difference? Thinking before you speak.

“The heart of the righteous studies how to answer,
But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.” Proverbs 15:28

In the book of Matthew, Jesus says that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks”. It’s not always as simple as thinking before we speak. Sometimes it’s a heart issue. Here is my prayer:

Psalms 19:14

Do you have trouble reigning in your tongue? Try to remember to pray and think before you speak. Then respond, don’t react.
Teresa

Resolute Resolutions

Posted on January 17, 2016 by TreeJanuary 20, 2016 1

Happy New Year! I can hardly believe that half of January has already passed into history. By this time, many people have already forgotten about their New Year’s Resolutions. And that is what I want to talk about.

Nowadays, New Year’s Resolutions mean nothing. They are empty promises made to self just for the sake of speaking something . They should really be called, “Things I’d like to do this year – but most likely won’t.” Honestly, I can’t remember a time when these things were taken seriously. I’d be sitting around, just before midnight and people around me would start spouting off their resolutions. They all sounded really good. Even mine – every year I spoke up it was “lose weight, draw closer to God”. Things I thought would please or impress.

Has the word resolution lost all it’s meaning, as so many words in our language today? The root word is resolve. That means to bring an end to a problem. So, if I make a resolution to lose 20 lbs – then at the end of that year, my 20 lb problem should be resolved. If I make a resolution – to “resolve” to eat healthy; I have decided firmly, I have determined to, I have made a resolution to do that thing.

To be resolved is to be resolute, determined, purposeful, firm, unwavering, steadfast, inflexible, unyielding, unrelenting. You get the picture?

So then, as I make a resolution this year – I am not viewing it as something I’d like to do if my time allows, or if I am temporarily inclined.

I am resolute in my commitment. I will not waiver or yield. I will remain steadfast and determined; working relentlessly towards my goals.

Isn’t this cool? I actually took this picture. Clouds are my favorite.

I have many resolutions this year. There are about twelve on my list. Most of them require me to not be “me”. I am asking a lot of myself this year. I want to BE the type of person who will declutter her house, clean out her garage, let go of some collectibles. I want to BE a person who makes the time to exercise, plan healthy meals, and actually lose those 20+ lbs. I want to BE the person who blogs at least 2X a week, and keeps a life plan book. All of this goes against the grain of my creative brain and procrastinating ways. But I don’t care.

What really made me plant my foot firmly is the lifeplan book. I wanted one so badly. But I kept telling myself that it would be a waste of money, and that I wouldn’t use it. Because, after all – I know how I am. And then I thought to myself, “How ridiculous! I WANT to BE the person who uses this organizational tool, so BE it!” In other words – “JUST DO IT!” So, I ordered the planner and am using it, and so far I LOVE IT! It helps me to get my plans and to-do lists out of my head and onto paper, where I can see them. And better yet – I can ~~cross off~~ the stuff I have completed, which is no small sense of accomplishment to me!

My word for the year is “BE”

Some synonyms for be are: remain, stay, last, continue, survive, endure, persist, prevail

It’s used to indicate the identity, qualities, or condition of a person or thing.

I will BE resolute

I will BE determined

I will BE purposeful

I will BE firm

I will BE unwavering

I will BE steadfast

I will BE inflexible

I will BE unyielding

I will BE unrelenting

A HUGE part of this change in me will come from drawing nearer to God. The time I devote to spending time in His Word, in prayer, and praise will shape me into the woman who is able to do all of these things. My mind and heart will desire the things that He desires. I will be equipped. He will be the strength in my weakness. And I will become the very best version of me ever.

To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.

All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

Proverbs 16: 1-3

What about you? How do you feel about New Year’s resolutions? Did you make any? And if you did, how do you plan to accomplish them?

Teresa

P.S. The planner I purchased is the Erin Condren LifePlanner. Using the link I provided in the left sidebar, you can visit her site, sign up, and save $10 on your first order!