Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Surprising April- God is Good

April ended up being a really good month in terms of some of the things I have been focusing on.

FOOTBALL PLANNING:

I spend a lot of time in April getting ready for spring football. Looks like we are going to have over 80 players in grades rising 10th -rising 12th. I took the personnel we have and will be experimenting with some new concepts- very happy with all that we are looking at!

PERSONAL STUDIES-DEVOTIONAL WRITING/READING:

I have a lot going on- but it keeps me occupied (which is a good thing).
So far.... not having any difficulty keeping it going up daily- the key has been staying 5- 8 days ahead of publishing.

I sometimes wonder WHY I am doing it- and there is this sense that my 50th year is important to document some of my patterns. This may be something good for my children down the road.


APRIL IS DIET AND EXERCISE MONTH FOR ME:


The reason I 'wait' until April is because it is more of the new year (Nissan) and the weather is more likely to help boost the progress.

And it did pay off.


some notes about 'weight'- it is so hard to plot on a daily basis. My body can make a 4-6 lb swing just on water retention. So I have to stay very patient with the numbers.

But on April 1 I weighed in at 231.4  and was very displeased with that number. But I had a BAD Nov/Dec as far as eating goes. And it showed. I HAVE to keep from doing that!

But I ended up with a low weight of 218.6 on April 28 ( though I was 221.4 this morning).

I have a 'number' in mind for Aug 6 when I will turn 50 so I need to keep pushing!

WHAT'S AHEAD?

May 18- my oldest daughter turns 21 and #2 graduates form high school...yikes!

I have been enjoying the May devotional series I am working on and super excited for the 'Summer with the Savior Series" (June-Aug).

We have a summer trip to Zion National Park, Utah.

Will begin Marathon training in Aug. for the Mercedes in Feb. 2015



Friday, April 18, 2014

A GOOD FRIDAY PRAYER

Lord-


its raining and dark this morning- and I think about how it went for you last night


all those years before….


the mockery of hasty courtroom judgements
sleeplessness- hunger- thirst

and you know the time is near… how specific do you know what is about to happen?

What is the balance of your humanity and deity?


Do you already know each bone fragment and shard that will rip out your skin?

Is there a guardian angel to make sure your life is spared in the flogging?
Only to save you to endure more suffering on the tree?

And why am I so numb now?
I know it- but I no longer feel it- except in fleeting moments…

And then I look at Isaiah 53…. 700 years before You walked as a man…

despised…
rejected….
man of sorrows….
pierced…
crushed….
taking on the iniquity of ALL..of me!

And you spoke just one word at the end: "Tetelestai"

“IT IS FINISHED”

I remember the tears I shed watching “The Passion of the Christ
but my eyes are dry this morning.. though I feel a depth in my heart.

Strangely, it is more JOY than sorrow…

That is how sweet your grace is!

It is so good- that even if I don’t feel it right now

it is real…. still

And salvation is based on the FACT of your life- death-resurrection

I am legally cleared by my trust in that fact
I am adopted also because it is by faith that I receive Your gift

And Your Spirit is increasing my zeal and power to die to myself
and live for You.

Lord...please reach out to any and all who do not know You yet
Open the eyes of their hearts today

I pray against the enemy who wants them to die in deception and rebellion

And please...come again soon! I long to see You ….

not in your humility and suffering
but in Your exaltation and glory!

In the meantime- give me Your resurrection power to shine a light
Thank you for the cross… my only hope because of my sin and shame

HOW? WHY?

I am so amazed at what you did for me!

In the Precious name of Jesus..The Christ.. The Savior… The LORD

AMEN