Rain comes....

Rain Comes...

Hi there.  Pastor Perry shared some amazing insights when he preached on Sunday.  Link for Perry's short video   

When we got laid off from our jobs, one day apart, we were faithful tithers,   partners with several ministries, and helpers at church and in the community.

It hit us like a landslide and caused some serious doubts.   It was when I heard that 'rain comes to the righteous and the unrighteous'  (ref. Mat. 5:45) that I realized that being a 'good' christian doesn't always mean that  you will be protected from hardship.

On the contrary, our steps are ordered by God and he uses whatever he wants to mold us into his image.  The Bible says to endure hardship like a good soldier (ref. 2Tim. 2:3) 

I found out how addicted to comfort we were! A lot of extras had to go as we adjusted our lifestyles.  It has been an interesting journey, to say the least!

Things turned around when I started to dig into the word of God and get serious with my confessions and praise and worship.   Thank God for the power of his word!  Thank God for the power of the blood of Jesus!  Thank God for Holy Spirit who teaches, counsels and encourages us! 

Watch the video and be encouraged!

Bless you!
Brenda Gale Thompson
(photo courtesy of www.photobucket.com)

Weight Loss Time. Yahoo!

I am so tired of yo-yo dieting that I joined Weight Watchers a few weeks ago.  I have been gaining and losing the same 40 lbs since I was 16 years old.

I really like the plan. It has changed a lot over the years and now it is much more realistic as a lifestyle.
I finally realized that I can't just lose the weight then go back to my bad eating habits.  This has to become a lifestyle if I don't want to continue yo-yo dieting.

Therefore, the last few weeks I have been poring over the plan and searching out healthier recipes to cook for my gang.

I have done a low carb diet.... and the carb headaches are horrible. I could only do it for a few months then had to take a break.  It wasn't realistic for the long term.

I have been on another strict diet plan and it was a good plan, just very expensive and restrictive.

I lost 40 pounds going on a series of juice fasts. I started with 1 day fast then worked my way up to a 40 day fast.  Ended up doing a couple of 21 day fasts and a 40 day fast.  I was weak a lot of the time because I have an active lifestyle.  Cooking meals for everybody was really tough because I was so hungry.  They say you are supposed to fast and pray.  I did do some praying, believe me!

I was looking for support to help me make healthier choices long term and the point plus plan looked appealing.   My Mom had us on the Weight Watcher's  program when I was 12 years old  and this new plan is SO much better.

The Bible says that a drunkard and a glutton (someone who over eats) tend to poverty (Prov. 23:21)  I certainly don't want anything to stop me from reaping all the harvests I have sown.

That is why I haven't been writing as much lately.  I am trying to get a handle on what to eat and how to make healthier  decisions. My motto is simple, "Every week I don't gain weight I consider myself a winner. "  I found some great web sites for Weight Watchers recipes and there's an on-line support group on Facebook that is really busy.  All these tools will help me reach my goals. PTL!

I bless you today.  Have a great day with HIM!
Big hugs,
Brenda Gale