Discussion Board

Thank you everyone for taking time to send your thoughts about balancing esteeming others, and taking care of yourself.

Thank you also for the many verses to ponder. Matt. 11:28-30 is a good description of the problem and the solution as well. Thanks, Luv for the reminder.

Merriweather, if you ever think of the name of the poem, I'd enjoy reading it. I had to chuckle though, when you mentioned that you cannot serve with an empty pitcher. I thought of Gideon and his army, armed with empty pitchers! I understand what you meant though, and you are so right. I've been running on empty physically, and emotionally for a long, long time.

No, Pink, no one every called me Superwoman. On the contrary. What I do, is about what every woman in my church does in one way or another.

It's not really the jobs and busy-ness that make it the hardest, really. It's the emotional issues, and that's where the esteeming question came in. Except for working in the nursery, every one of the responsibilities that I named, involve people with great emotional needs, or people who in effect, drain me emotionally. I have to keep in mind what you've all said, that it's only God who can meet those needs, and not me. Likewise, only He can meet MY needs as well.

Ps. 119: 27-29 speaks of these things, and I need to keep focused on these verses (and others) more. "Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works. My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word."

Thanks again, everyone. And, thanks for being understanding, and not scolding.

Merriweather, I pray that your son in Iraq is safe and well, and that he comes home strengthened in his walk with the Lord (or seeking to have one, if he's not saved). Bless him for serving.

Buns, thank you for telling about how physically caring for yourself, makes it possible for you to serve with strength and joy, not just exhaustion. That resonated with me. Sounds like we have some things in common. I too, had the blessing of homeschooling my children. I pray that you have wisdom from the Lord in your friendship with Bill.

I will close with the same good verse that Pink quoted. Good choice, Pink!

"31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10, NIV)

Jubilee

As I said in lounge my computer is down. And my time at library is almost up. But wanted to say the thought of you guys was really sustaining to me when it went down. Not sure when it will be fixed/replaced whatever.
I was sitting church thinking Hey there is a guy in China praying for me. How bad can anything be.
And when It happened, I prayed. Felt so cut off \
Well, it was 10 pm. My kids are 2 hrs later. BUT my daughter in law called me. I so felt the love of Jesus. Knew he was telling me he knew my needs.
I will try to get back to library some time this week. Love in Christ to all.

Hi to All!

I'm so glad we have this little group here to find strength and encouragement.

Buns - you are doing so great!!!!!!! I'm so happy for you!
Jubilee - I'm praying for you. You are a sweetie pie.
Merri - I hope that you're computer will be up and running again soon. Thank you for sharing about your son in Iraq. I will pray for his safety both spiritually and physically of course. Reaching out to others as you have said really does help keep things in perspective.
Pink - thanks as always for your wisdom and encouragement

I have been enjoying studying in Proverbs about the "tongue" and "pride" Ouch!! Very convicting!

Today I want my words to be like "apples of gold in pictures of silver". Thank you to all of you who show so much kindness and care with your words.

Hi, I am back at the Library. Humbling. Seeing so many people who are obviously struggling. Some look homeless. Makes me really appreciate all I have.
I am trying to read Issaih. I think I even misspelled it. I am reading it, but think I need a book that explains some of the imagery. You know?
Any ideas?

I am also familiar with computing at the library when I am in the USA, Merriweather. So many people are searching for something....

One of my many coworkers said in regard to herself and her husband, "We are sprinting to the finish line!" If you are over 50, you are probably in the second half of your life. Have you thought about how you want to finish your life? Do you pray about finishing well?

"1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12, NIV)

Let us run!

A few months ago we finally found brown rice in Wuhan. However, it is relatively expensive--about $.60/pound. Yesterday we took a bus across the river and bought around 15 pounds of rice at the super Walmart. I think I had about 12 pounds of rice and veggies in my back pack and I was unable to sit until we got back home. Do you ever think about what carrying extra weight is doing to your body--feet, legs, back, heart etc.?

As I carried that extra weight yesterday, I thought about how much relief people experience when they drop the weight. I know! I have weighed about 100 pounds more than I weigh now.

Now think about this: In regard to every aspect of your life--your service to the Master, your relationships with others, your health, energy level etc.--how many reasons you have to drop that extra weight. You know how to do it if you are McDougaller. If you do not, you can look around at this site and figure it out! So as the Nike people say, "Just do it!"

Dear Father, help each person reading this to focus on Jesus and to throw off everything (every pound) that hinders us on our journey. May we joyfully follow Jesus. May we finish well. Help us to sprint to the finish line. I ask this in the wonderful and powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

Hi All!

Pinkrose - you actually have a super walmart in China??? I can't believe it!! And .60 lb for brown rice is a good price compared to here - I just bought some for .79 and that was a sale price!

I liked your thoughts about dropping weight so that we can better serve the Lord and those around us. How long has it been since you dropped the 100 lbs? That is GREAT!!!!

I've got a busy day and weekend ahead of me but I'm thankful for you all and will be praying that you all have a blessed weekend and rejoice in your salvation and many blessings.

you are right Merri - when we look around we can always be grateful for what we have. There is always someone who has less.

Wuhan is a city of over 10 million and I think we have at least three Walmarts here. I call them super because they are like the super Walmarts in that they have a great variety of food items. Of course the merchandise is much different than what you will find in the USA. Since white rice here is about $.25/pound, we think that $.60/pound for brown rice is expensive.

I weighed 250 pounds when I was about 26 years old, a long time ago. I managed my weight reasonably well by exercising, especially running, for many years. I think that McDougalling and not relying too much on exercise is a much better way to manage weight!

Have a great weekend and do not be spooked!

update on Bill

first of all, thanks for praying. We have talked about things, and are happily hanging out as good friends.

Secondly, Bill has been cutting back on his meats and no dairy, no fat. He cooks for large groups every day but one, so he does check the meat by having a bite. He is also eating eggs for some breakfasts.

Well, he tells me that his blood sugar this morning was 191, and he hasn't seen it below 200 for his morning reading, in weeks. He is really happy about it and so am I. It's awesome to see the amazing human body respond to God's perfectly provided plant foods

keep praying. Right now, it is a super special friendship and that's where I'd like to see it stay for both of our sakes.