Delighting in Obedience

I have joined over 40,000 other women in the current Online Bible Study, Made to Crave. It is a six-week journey via Proverbs 31 Ministries in which you devote time and energy to studying about God, deepening your faith, and quite possibly changing your life. Head over to Proverbs 31 to find out more. It's also not too late to sign up, if you're interested. 
LINKING UP FOR WEEK 3'S BLOG HOP.  I am a work in progress, and that's okay! I'm learning {slowly} that being obedient takes time. In this study about craving God and not food, it's making me take a long, hard look at myself. Sometimes it's okay, but others, it's hard to examine myself and be truly accepting of where I am currently. Do I want to lose weight? Of course! Is it hard? YES! Am I defined by a number on the scale? Not anymore. 
Lysa Terkeurst encourages us through Made to Crave to be defined by our obedience to God. 
How powerful is this?! Instead of being described by just how much I weigh, I'm approaching it differently {or, attempting to...} and am looking at myself based on my obedience to God. Although this is much more satisfying than staring at a number on the scale waiting for it to finally stop climbing, I'm still not happy in being described by this. Why? Let me explain. 
I'm not very obedient to God - at least not as often or as much as I want to be. BUT, at least it's 'want' and not 'should'. Yes, I want to be more obedient to God. I'm working on it. I admit that I choose watching a few T.V. shows over reading my devotional or bible study for a night, or two, or three... I have good intentions, but being intentional in my obedience and following through is what I'm working on now. I can do it! 
Although I am progressing in my obedience to God, I'm nowhere near where I want to be! That's right, I'm failing. But that's okay. God accepts me exactly where I am in my relationship with Him, and He knows what my future holds. I know that my obedience to Him will in fact become stronger and more sincere. I know that I'm on the right path. It's definitely not a straight line. In fact, there are many, many curves and overlaps on my path to become more obedient, but it's MY journey, and I couldn't be more proud of where I am! 

I will give you hidden treasures,

    riches stored in secret places,

so that you may know that I am the Lord,

    the God of Israel, who summons you by name.

-Isaiah 45:3
Moving forward, there are specific things I am going to incorporate into my day-to-day in order to fulfill my desire to become more obedient to God. 
STARTING MY DAY WITH GOD I will begin every morning with God's word. Whether I have five minute or thirty minutes, I will start the day being rejuvenated in His glory. 
IT'S ABOUT THE LITTLE THINGS I don't plan on making huge life changes here. I believe it's about the little things. I will have my Bible and study tools {devotionals, journal, etc.} with me every day, no matter where I go. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Well, by keeping these things with me, I will be constantly reminded to just take a few minutes for God. I know this will help, because it has before. Right now, it's all about consistency, which will take some time but will definitely cause a change in my lifestyle to become more obedient. 
BE ALARMING I will be setting an alarm on my phone to remind me to pray and/or study Scripture. Again, it's a reminder that this needs to be done, and until it becomes second nature, I know that this is another useful tool to aid in my journey of obedience. Because a journey it will definitely be. 
These are just three things that I have already slowly begun to incorporate into my daily routine. These are by no means a huge change or life adjustment. They are small and very doable because I'm all about realistic expectations and realistic changes. Why? Because I know myself, and I know that if I have unrealistic goals such as waking up an hour early every day to devote to Scripture or devoting certain days/hours to it, I know that I will fail. I know myself, and I know that all too often, I choose other things/people instead of choosing to be obedient to God. And why would I want to set myself up for failure?! 
I love how Amanda puts it: 


"I wrestle with being obedient. I have a rebellious heart that is prone to wandering, and being obedient to the direction and commands of Jesus does not come naturally. But obedience is one discipline that is foundational in every season of life. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Our obedience to Christ is a sweet love song of worship and adoration of our Savior, no matter our season in life. Even when we’re knee-deep in the muddy waters of waiting."




My heart, too, is rebellious. Like I said, I choose material, temporary things instead of being engrossed in Scripture and study. I make up excuses, such as, "I'll get to it later." or "Right after this show." But God feels my love for Him most when I'm obedient. So, I'm working on it. It may take a few months to be on the track I'd really like to be on, or it may be a few years. However long it takes, I know the journey will be well worth it and that I'll eventually be satisfied with my obedience to our Savior. I'm going to be delighted in my obedience to the Lord. 
I encourage others to do the same. Be realistic and take baby steps. God accepts you right where you are, but you have to be willing to put in the time and effort, no matter how big or small, to become obedient in Him. It doesn't take much, but it takes something. 

How are you being intentionally obedient to God?

#Determination

I have joined over 40,000 other women in the current Online Bible Study, Made to Crave. It is a six-week journey via Proverbs 31 Ministries in which you devote time and energy to studying about God, deepening your faith, and quite possibly changing your life. Head over to Proverbs 31 to find out more. It's also not too late to sign up, if you're interested. 
LINKING UP FOR WEEK 2'S BLOG HOP.  This study is all about satisfying your deepest desire with God, not food. I turn to food on so many occasions, it's pretty much ridiculous. I'll almost never turn down food when it's offered {unless it's spicy and/or contains cilantro}. I'm an emotional eater, but along with 40,000+ other women, I'm determined to crave God instead of food. 
This week, we're talking determination. 

de·ter·mi·na·tion

diˌtərməˈnāSHən/

noun

firmness of purpose; resoluteness.

Honestly, the word of the week could not be more fitting for me, personally. It was a tough week all around.
I haven't been doing too well with this study. There, I said it. I've found that it's been difficult to keep up with, but mostly because there is so much else going on, and the time that I want to devote to it just isn't there. There's always something else to do or that needs to be done. But I'm not letting that get me down. I'm determined to break free from the cycle I've created for myself and not only catch up on this study, but spend the necessary time to relish in what I'm reading. #determination
Part of my difficulty with the study was that I was reading the wrong book. Epic fail, y'all. See, the author, Lysa Terkeurst, also wrote a version of Made to Crave, minus the food aspect and is geared specifically toward young women. I wasn't understanding how the material that I was receiving in my email wasn't adding up to what I was reading. But seeing that I was already struggling with keeping up, I didn't pay any mind to it. Well, this week, I've been determined to catch up and truly devote time and energy to the study, as I knew it could change my life. By finally doing so, I realized I had the wrong version of the book {the cover art is exactly the same!}. I was defeated and had a huge moment of weakness. My determination was gone. I was ready to throw in the towel and just forget about the whole thing - I was behind anyway, what would it matter? It mattered. I was uplifted by several people to not be discouraged or allow Satan to take over. Several people from the study itself offered to purchase the book online and have it shipped directly to me. Y'all, the generosity hit my heart like a ton of bricks! I also looked into purchasing the book in store, as I wanted to get back on the wagon as soon as possible! It was in stock at Barnes & Noble, but it was $16.99. I couldn't justify paying that {again} for the book. So, just for fun, I looked to see if the Family Christian Store had a copy. Not only did they have a copy, it was on sale! On my lunch break, I headed over to pick up my copy and finally get back on track. I purchased the book for $8.11. Is God good or what?! I was determined to fight against the odds and not break the bank. #determination
Determination also played a key role in other areas of my life this week, not only with this study. I have several other commitments that I've been giving excuses for not keeping up with, but this week, I've been determined to change that. I'm OVERRULING my excuses. No more, "I'll do it tomorrow." No more, "It doesn't matter when it gets done." No more. #determination 

I'm also determined to be more organized in my life - to really use my planner and feel more at peace that I know what all is going on and when things need to be done. Working two jobs, plus overtime has really spread me thin, so being organized is truly going to help every single day. #determination
As always, Colten has been so unbelievably amazing through all of my long nights, tired fights, and all around lack of energy to do anything but eat and sleep. I'm determined to not only manage my work schedule better {B12 is my hero}, but to also make time for my husband. Whether he needs me to just help around the house more or to listen to how his day went, I'm determined to be there for him and be a better wife. #determination
I'm also really trying to focus on myself. As important as it is to be there as a wife, daughter, sister, friend, it's more important to not lose myself in the process. I'm determined to take the time I need to make myself better mentally, physically, and spiritually. If I need to recharge, I'll do it and not feel guilty for taking that time for myself. That doesn't mean I have to neglect my loved ones, but I can do both, and I will. :) #determination
Most importantly, I'm determined to deepen my faith and better my relationship with the Lord. I've steadily gotten better at studying Scripture and attending mass on Sundays, but I know there is much more that I can and will do. God has great plans for me, and I plan to live according to His will, wherever the path may lead. #determination
What are you determined to do? 

A Raging Battle

I have joined over 40,000 other women in the current Online Bible Study, Made to Crave. It is a six-week journey via Proverbs 31 Ministries in which you devote time and energy to studying about God, deepening your faith, and quite possibly changing your life. Head over to Proverbs 31 to find out more. It's also not too late to sign up, if you're interested. 
LINKING UP FOR WEEK 1'S BLOG HOP. 
Food isn't the only thing that tempts to destroy our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.  What other things do you currently crave more than God?
To answer this question, I really want to take a look at the definition of crave. 

crave

krāv/

verb

1. 1.

   feel a powerful desire for (something).

2. synonyms:

   long for, yearn for, desire, want, wish for, hunger for, thirst for, sigh for,pine for, hanker after, covet, lust after, ache for, set one's heart on,dream of, be bent on,  itch for,be dying for

A powerful desire. To long for, desire, hunger for, covet, lust, be dying for. Could there be a more powerful word out there? Wow! 
This question makes me sad. Yes, sad. Why? Because currently, the answer is a long list of things. Things like craving an hour at the end of the day to watch a television show, those girl scout cookies my boss keeps offering, a day off from job #2, my husband to finish school, that cute pair of shoes and a new scarf, completing a Pinterest project for once in my life, a clean house, a magic cure for the unlimited piles of laundry sitting in our house, more time in a day... this list goes on and on. Sadly.  
When I'm lonely, I crave my husband, family time, and friends.  When I'm angry, I crave space and bitterness.  When I'm frustrated, I crave miracles and answers.  When I'm tired, I crave sleep.  When I'm happy, I crave unending time for the happiness to last. 

Now, let's go back to the definition of CRAVE. How amazing would it be to truly crave God in each of those moments? Instead of lusting after material things that don't matter, crave God. Desire, yearn for, be dying for, ache for GOD.
Just those two words: Crave God. Think about that. I've been focusing on those two little words all week long, and it's been a great start to this study! 

Our word this week is EMPOWERED.  I feel empowered to make it through this study, and truly be committed to it.  I'm empowered to make a lifestyle change, and truly strive to crave God more than material things that will never last.  I'm empowered to share my story.  I'm empowered to not let others' opinions and thoughts of me get the best of me. The best is for my Savior and Creator. The best is in His hands. 

My soul yearns, even faints,

    for the courts of the Lord;

my heart and my flesh cry out

    for the living God.

PSALM 84:2

Mandisa's song Overcomer is our theme song for this study, and it's a powerful one! I'm empowered to be an overcomer and begin to crave God in my life. In the good times and bad, Crave God. 
It's a raging battle, to continually fight against worldly cravings. But it's a battle that I will not stop fighting. It's a battle that I am fighting, along with the other 40,000+ women in this study. It's a battle that is worth fighting for. Will you fight? 

What do you crave?