Thursday, August 29, 2013

Things I Learned This Summer (Part 1)

Hey Friend,

As the smell of school bus fumes fill the air and kids with bright new sneakers once again grace the halls of neighborhood schools, I thought it would be a good time to write my back to school essay..."What I Did This Summer".

Seriously, I did learn quite a few things about God, myself, my family and others this summer and I hope that you won't be bored to tears with my reflections...

After several years of what seemed like nothing but trials - a long drawn out divorce, my dad passing away, the dog dying, a rebellious son, extensive knee surgery and recuperation which made me have to leave a job I loved (teaching), and a few other plagues; dawn finally peeked through the darkness.

Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

On May 31st, my summer began with the sweetest, kindest, most wonderful man in the world asking me to marry him.  I know that only God truly loves unconditionally, but I have to say that my fiancĂ© comes pretty darn close. I've been a busy bee making wedding plans.  We want something small and intimate, but boy I've realized what an industry weddings have become.  When asked by the florist who my wedding planner was, I replied, "You're looking at her!" 

One thing is for sure...God has been in control all along.  God is in the business of bringing beauty from ashes and He has never failed nor forsaken me.  Perhaps that's why I knew immediately what lyrics we would dance to for our first dance together as husband and wife:

Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true

That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you     (Rascal Flatts)

Besides, this southern girl needs a little country to kick off what I know will be many happy years together. 

Now there's the little matter of fitting into the dress I picked out.  That leads me to another thing I learned:  It's a lot easier to put on weight than to take it off.  Okay, no big revelation there, but what matters is understanding why I put it on and having the right motivation to take it off. 

For why I put weight on, glance back at the 3rd paragraph.  I admit I am a stress and comfort eater (double whammy). When the goin' gets rough, give me the M&M's.  There is something physiologically soothing about eating a pint of ice cream.  But, God calls me to cast my cares on Him and find comfort and refuge beneath His wings.  Ben and Jerry's is a far cry from the comfort God can offer.

My motivation to take weight off was all wrong too. 

I am the temple of God and His spirit dwells in me. (1 Corinthians 3:16)

If my body was God's temple, then God was slummin' it for quite awhile.  I was not treating my body like a suitable dwelling place for God's Holy Spirit.  I will not say that this has been easy, but I did have to come to the realization that God had equipped me with everything I needed to make some radical changes in my life (which included my eating and exercising habits).  I had to believe with my whole heart in Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me.

 Christ and I have taken off 45 lbs. and still have a way to go.  Like many things in life it takes commitment, obedience, accountability and encouragement.  Since taking that first step, God has been faithful to provide.  When I slip up or stumble, He doesn't criticize me, He just says, "Keep taking steps, Bev!"  God is pretty awesome that way!

I'm out of time and room for today and laundry calls my name so I will end this post with one simple thing I have learned...Whether they are two or twenty, children are most beautiful when they are sleeping.  Nuff said. 

Love,

Bev



 

12 comments:

  1. First... I love, love that song by Rascal Flats. My oldest son is a fan of country music and he got me hooked to that group several years ago.
    I love reading about your wedding plans!
    Seriously, we MUST meet one of these days. I was just sharing with a friend yesterday about my eating issues and said almost the exact same words..."I was not treating my body like a suitable dwelling place for God's Holy Spirit." Congrats to you on the weight loss. So proud of you.
    Love you. Enjoy the long weekend.
    (((hugs)))
    Beth

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    1. Beth,
      God understands our struggles, even with treating His dwelling place with tenderness. Together we will overcome!! I love having you pop in and I would love to be able to share ((hugs)) and a cup of coffee in person...maybe God can orchestrate that?! Love you beautiful friend,
      Bev ((hugs))

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  2. ADORE that RF song!

    And mega-sized congrats to you on your engagement!! Just thrilled for you.

    Way to make me laugh and tear up, all in one post Bev. You are a delightful gift!

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    1. Kristen,
      Love you country girl! When you pop in it's like a breath of fresh air has come to my door. Thanks for your continual encouragement and inspiration...
      Love you,
      Bev

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  3. So glad things are looking up! Congrats on the weight loss and the lessons learned. Thanks for sharing them with us. Enjoy this time!

    Karla

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    1. Karla,
      So glad to see you stop in! Yes, my life is on the up-swing right now and I feel so blessed! You continue to be in my prayers, friend. Keep me posted on how you are doing please!!
      Love,
      Bev

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  4. As always, i have sooo enjoyed reading your blog! You are such a great writer and sure hit the nail on the head about trusting God and i loved the phrase about the Ben and Jerry's! : ) I too am a stress eater and I am thankful to have lost some weight this summer too......yay!

    Thanks for your insight, Bev. I am so happy for you and Dave!

    I too, LOVE that Rascal Flatts song!

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    1. Lisa,
      You are my one "original" follower and I SO appreciate your love and encouragement! Congrats' too on your successful weight loss...together we will disappear haha.
      Love you big, big bunches,
      Bev XO

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  5. Was brought to your blog by a comment you posted on Robin Dance's blog about Parents, Rock Stars, and Prodigals . . . as I read your comment I felt a kindred spirit . . . same name :-)

    and then I read some of your blog posts and WOW! our lives have even more common threads - a long, ugly divorce...older kids' lives impacted ...rebelliousness and a prodigal...and even Rascal Flatts-(my precious husband of 3 years has been God's tool to help with the healing of my wounds).

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  6. Dear Bev,
    I'm always delighted to meet another Bev! I read your comments on Robin's post and please know that I will be praying for your son and I ask you to pray for mine?! I believe that God draws kindred spirits together for love and support and I'm so blessed that you've been drawn here. Keep the faith...
    ((hugs)) Bev

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  7. This is such a lovely post! Congratulations on your wonderful summer. God is delivering to you some mighty blessings and you are obeying His call. I'm so glad you linked up today with Crystal stine. I've enjoyed reading your journey!

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    1. So glad you popped over from Crystal's link up. Yes, I have truly been blessed and my prayer is that others will take heart that God pours out His blessings on all His children and we need to receive them with an obedient heart. Enjoyed stopping by your blog today!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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