Motherhood

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My steps won't slip (verse six)

For years now, I have made exercise a priority in my life. Most days of the week, I ensure that I'm participating in some kind of physical activity. It used to be about how I looked, but now it is far more important to me because of how exercise makes me feel. I'm more energetic and have a more positive outlook when I am getting regular exercise. I feel pretty strongly that it also helps me stay healthier.

During an ice storm this winter, I took a potentially injurious fall. No, let's be honest, here. I had a major wipeout. I ran outside to the garage to tell the Hubs that dinner was ready. I didn't realize the walkway was slick and before I knew it, my feet were in the air. I landed on my shoulder/elbow and upper back, and hit my head pretty hard as well. I lay there for a minute, as I wasn't immediately sure that I wasn't injured. Hearing the thump of my landing, the Hubs came out of the garage and found me flat on my back in the ice and snow. We ascertained that I had no breaks (reference?!) and he helped me up. I was sore for days and had a terrible headache the next day. And the bruise…! I couldn't help but think that I would have been much more likely to be injured if my body wasn't used to physical exertion - aka, if I wasn't "in pretty good shape."(Side note: I sort of wish there had been a camera set up so I could see the video of this epic wipeout. I'm fairly certain I could have won America's Funniest Home Videos.)

Metaphorically, we won't slip when we hide God's word in our hearts. I would go to great lengths to ensure that I never take a fall like that on the ice ever again. It may also take great lengths to be sure I don't fall spiritually, either. Memorizing scripture makes my spirit stronger, just as exercising on a regular basis makes my body stronger. It is my hope that through scripture memory, I am protecting myself from slippery steps.

Laughter and Sleep

Via

Minimal

What I'm pondering…

Buy less, choose well.

-Vivienne Westwood

How will I love Jesus today? - Verse Five

My mornings start at 5:30am.

This is what my early morning looks like.

For a long time, I would get up at 5:30 only M-F but recently I've begun getting up early on the weekends, too. This is not for everyone, but for me, this is the time of day that is quiet. The time of day when I can think and be alone. It is beyond worth it to me to have this time of peace to get up early. (It's not like the boys let me sleep past 7 anyway!)

I'm currently participating in a Beth Moore Bible study called Jesus, The One and Only. I haven't done a Beth Moore study I haven't liked, although I've liked some better than others (Esther and the Patriarchs are my favorites, in case you're wondering). This particular study hasn't really grabbed me like some of them do - at least, not until this week. Week Four, Day Four, to be precise. The title of the day's homework is "Loving Much." It covers the story from Luke 7:36-50 about the woman with the alabaster jar of perfume. If you don't know the story, I urge you to stop reading this blog post and go read it right now.

The page out of my homework

Anyway, all of this ties into My Sword 2014 because as I completed the homework assignment, I asked myself this question, "How am I going to love on Jesus today?" I realized that I need to ask myself this question every day. How am I showing my love for my savior on a daily basis? There are many answers to this question and I will not belabor the point any longer, except to say that it was a powerful reminder to me.

Because of my Bible study homework this week, I've selected John 14:21 as My Sword verse five.