How can you resist those big brown eyes (Mom with Misty)
BREAKING BAD HABITS
We all have them whether we want to admit it or not! During my parents’ month long visit a bad habit was developing for my darling Shih Tzu (Misty). My parents just could not resist sharing their people food with her. Every morning my dad would share his breakfast with her and any other snack he had throughout the day. Boy did she follow him around like a lost puppy!
We all have them whether we want to admit it or not! During my parents’ month long visit a bad habit was developing for my darling Shih Tzu (Misty). My parents just could not resist sharing their people food with her. Every morning my dad would share his breakfast with her and any other snack he had throughout the day. Boy did she follow him around like a lost puppy!
My parents went back home about two weeks ago, and we are trying to "break the bad habit" of begging. Looking at us with those big brown eyes and practically asking us to share. Whether were snacking while watching a movie or having tea in the livingroom she is always there looking longingly at you as you eat! It is tough saying "no" when she looks at you so cute and innocently. Discipline is not always pleasant but necessary! With perseverance and commitment, we will eventually break this habit.
MY BAD HABIT
This got me thinking about bad habits that we pick up during our life time, and how we need discipline in our own lives to curb such habits. Discipline can be one of the toughest things we deal with but it is for our good. "Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:10-11
This got me thinking about bad habits that we pick up during our life time, and how we need discipline in our own lives to curb such habits. Discipline can be one of the toughest things we deal with but it is for our good. "Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:10-11
I have been disciplined by My Heavenly Father many times (actually too many to count), and believe me it has been painful but necessary! One of my recent bad habits that started developing over the past several months, was my obsession with texting. I carried that phone around with me like it was my life source, and we all know what happens when "things" start taking more of our time than God. I was texting at the grocery store, during dinner, at other events, at lunch with friends, the list goes on and worst of all I was even texting while driving! Usually waited until I was stopped at a red light, but we all know how distracting texting and cell phone use can be especially when it is the person in the car ahead of you.
Loving comments were being made by my family and friends, but I chose to ignore it thinking what is the harm in staying connected with all these people most times it was a prayer request and wouldn’t God want me to be there to encourage them! Unfortunately, it was affecting my family and friends and therefore needed to be addressed. God impressed upon me during our Week of Prayer at Calvary that the fast I needed to do had to do with my cell phone! That’s right a "cell phone fast".
Our prayer guide for the week of January 5-10th stated "Fasting is the voluntary and deliberate abstinence from food or any activity for the purpose of concentrated prayer. ... Fasting allows us to come to know God more intimately through increased time in his Word and through meditation whereby we see the release of His kingdom purposes".
THE ROAD TO FORGIVENESS
That was it, I need to deliberately free myself from the control that the cell phone was having in my life - can any of you relate. There was such freedom that came when I shut it off and put it away so that I could be available to God and my family. I repented and asked for forgiveness knowing that not only did it take time away from God but it also had taken time from my family. They needed all of me to be there 100% engaging them with all that I have and all that I am. The same thing with God, when we enter into His Presence he wants 100% of us wholeheartedly ready to do His Will and serve Him with all that we are and all that we have!
That was it, I need to deliberately free myself from the control that the cell phone was having in my life - can any of you relate. There was such freedom that came when I shut it off and put it away so that I could be available to God and my family. I repented and asked for forgiveness knowing that not only did it take time away from God but it also had taken time from my family. They needed all of me to be there 100% engaging them with all that I have and all that I am. The same thing with God, when we enter into His Presence he wants 100% of us wholeheartedly ready to do His Will and serve Him with all that we are and all that we have!
I have incorporated my cell phone/texting fast into my daily routine and have made it a habit to turn off my cell phone when I am at home with my family in the evening or when I am praying or studying God’s Word. Also, during the day when I am with a friend or at a public place my cell phone is put away so that it does not become a distraction and take away from the moment I am in. I have learned that we have many moments in life why not make sure we are in them 100%!
MY PRAYER
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your discipline! Although it is tough to go through it, I know it is necessary. You are my source of strength, and I want to shine for You! Polish me so that the image of Your Son is reflected in my life. I love you and want my life to Glorify You so that those I come into contact with will come to know You! In the name of My Jesus, Amen.
Thank you for your discipline! Although it is tough to go through it, I know it is necessary. You are my source of strength, and I want to shine for You! Polish me so that the image of Your Son is reflected in my life. I love you and want my life to Glorify You so that those I come into contact with will come to know You! In the name of My Jesus, Amen.
Hi Deirdre,
ReplyDeleteI love the blog you have designed, especially the picture of me. :)
Just kiddin' by'.
Great job and keep up the good work.
I am glad that I was there to be a part of the transformation....the good work of our Father.
Hope your day is full of sunshine.
Love and Prayers,
Mom
oxxoox