Peaches and Prayer

What a beautifully hot and humid day...sense the sarcasm? Even so, we did not let it keep us indoors. G and I headed to a local farmers market this morning. It was nice to be out, leisurely strolling among the flowers, peaches and fresh veggies. I just love buying local when I can. This particular market has delicious homemade ice cream. Of course, I would choose the hottest week of the summer so far to opt out of sweets. The many flavors of ice cream seemed to taunt me as I strolled by. However, I can proudly say that I rebuked their calls and left the market without even sampling. This market also has delightful mini pies...of which I also avoided. Instead, I opted for some fresh fruit. I left the market with some beautiful flowers and gorgeous sweet corn. By the end of my excursion this morning, I was pleased to see some pretty peaches, succulent strawberries and some juicy watermelon in my vehicle. Who needs ice cream? (deep down this girl haha...just not this week)

As I've mentioned in previous posts, I've been working on two main things: my prayer life and getting healthy post-baby. So far, I've been doing well to get in my 5k training. I'm down about 3 pounds from last week, which is very encouraging. I'm determined thus far and am trying my best to reach my goal of 150 minutes of exercise each week. I've become addicted to Food Network, which has not been the case for a few years now. It used to be about the only channel I watched when I would watch television...but over the last few days, I've been tuning into such shows as The Pioneer Woman, Barefoot Contessa and Chopped. My inspiration to cook continues. I've always loved to cook and bake, but with a new baby it is quite difficult, and honestly, during my pregnancy, I just did not have the energy. When my husband is home, I try to take full advantage and cook from scratch...which is my favorite way to cook. I'm all about some semi-homemade, but every now and then a made from scratch, comfort food meal is necessary.


When it comes to my prayer life, I am discovering that the same attitudes that I have to have towards getting healthy are the same attitudes I need to have towards prayer...and this week's devotions have really helped to drive that point home. The two attitudes that I have been trying to maintain in both areas this week as I exercise and pray are boldness and persistence.

I need to be BOLD: I have set a bold, personal goal of 150 minutes of exercise each week. For some this may be a drop in the bucket, but for me and all that I am juggling, it proves to be challenging. I must be bold in my endeavors. Matthew 7:7-8 instructs us to ask, seek, and knock. As I go through my exercise each day, I ask God to give me the endurance. I seek His will to treat my body as His holy temple and I continue to "knock" on His door in need of encouragement to continue on. All of these things He gives as I continue to come to Him. This same boldness can be and should be applied to my prayer life. I am God's child. I rarely hesitate to ask my mom for help, prayer, advice, etc. It should be no different with God. If anything, He should be the first One I go to. ASK. SEEK. KNOCK.


Today's devotion focused on PERSISTENCE. Anyone who knows me, knows I hate to run or even jog for that matter. However, jogging is part of my 5k training. I have to be persistent. I can't give up when my calves are burning and my body says "no more". It is important to continue to push myself. Today's scripture was Luke 18:1-7. This scripture focuses on a parable told by Jesus. He told the story of a woman who continually went to a judge for justice. Her persistence resulted in the justice that the woman felt was deserved. God does not mind our continual calls upon Him...even if it is for the same thing, over and over again. We are not always aware of God's answers to our prayers unless they are a clear "yes". The "permanent no", "maybe" or "later" are always harder to recognize. My  mom once told me the story of a woman we went to church with when I was little. Her husband was not a Christian and thus, he was not saved. She prayed to God everyday for 40 years for his salvation. Her prayer was finally answered and her husband came to know Christ. I also think of all of my friends, and our family included, who long awaited or are still waiting for God to bless their homes with children. From personal experience, the wait is painful and none of the reasons for why there is no child help ease the hurt...especially when it seems so easy for some, when there are so many unwanted children/pregnancies, and countless teenage pregnancies. When your home is filled with the love of God and you are able to offer what God requires in your marriage, it is so disheartening when your arms remain empty.

However, persistent prayer, even when it hurts, is essential. We prayed continually for God to fill our home with children as He saw fit. We did not know how He would answer this prayer until August of last year. I am now blessed to say that we have a beautiful little girl. I can also think of many close friends and family members with similar stories. God's goodness is there for all of us who  know Him...we may just have to be persistent in our asking and in His time, His answer will be revealed.

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8

 

Just for Fun

I love to share my love of reading with my daughter. These were a few books we picked up this weekend to add to her collection.