Good Day Pudgy Girl Followers!
How are you? Have ya'll been well? I pray that is so. This last Saturday, I ran the SHHS Early Bird 5k, 2015 for the sixth time. I've lost track, but I believe since I began this journey of physical and spiritual fitness that makes my 13th or 14th 5k race. I run to push myself and stay active. I do not race competitively, I simply sign up to do 5k's so I keep running every week with a goal in mind, oh and for the t-shirt of course!
For any new readers I'll recap, In September of 2009 I embarked on a mission to lose weight and find fitness. At that time I weighed 260 lbs and was 273 lbs. (pregnant with my son) at my heaviest. I went from 260 lbs down to 163 lbs in the next year. Losing 97 lbs has been a wonderful struggle of self discovery, and I will always struggle with food and weight issues. I know that. I have used no magic program, I just count my calories faithfully, staying between 1200-1400 per day and try to exercise 3 or more times a week. Since my weight loss, I've had a third baby, and gained about 60 lbs with that pregnancy, That caused a lot of stress and concern. After having the baby, I lost 20 lbs and have been struggling up and down with the last 40 lbs for three years now. Ugggg! It's been a lot harder to lose the weight since I'm getting older, however, I am still working at it. I took a break from running for awhile, and now I'm finding I am enjoying it again. My 5k times are terrible, and it feels like starting over, but the key here is I'm not giving up I will keep putting in the miles and counting the calories all the way back down to 160 lbs. (my goal weight)! I won't give up because the prize is worth the effort!
As I put time and effort into my physical fitness, I am constantly working on staying spiritually fit. My prayer life is a daily and sometimes constant source of encouragement from my Heavenly Father. After all, prayer is our communication and conversation with the Savior. It also holds in it such power as we can not humanly understand. I have different facets to my prayer life, and one of the most important privileges I have as a Mother, is praying for my children. Not just a privilege, but a responsibility to pray for their very souls, lives, health, spiritual growth, protection, understanding, etc. It is our jobs as parents to be the proponents of prayer for our children. It is also our job as parents to lead by example.
You can't give away what you don't possess. If you don't know the Savior in a personal relationship, you can't effectively witness for Him and pray for others. Your prayers will not be effective for a couple of reasons:
1. Unconfessed sin separates us from God, so that He will not hear.
“Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities (sins) have separated you from God; your sins have hidden his face from you so that He will not hear” Isaiah 59:1-2
2. We don't really believe God can answer them.
“But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does” James 1:6-8
I don't want to get too theological or "deep", I just want us to arm ourselves with the truth. The truth is we need to pray daily for our kids. The truth is in order for our prayers to be effective, we must be right with the Lord ourselves. Let's go to battle friends, and use prayer as our weapon against the enemy. Let's be in the Word of God daily so we are filling our minds and hearts with the power that comes from the Bible.
Like we must work to stay fit physically, we must work to stay spiritually fit as well. Let us not give up on reaching our goals. The goal is always worth the effort! Lord, bless you friends as you strive toward health!
In His Service,
Pudgy Girl
Monday, November 9, 2015
Friday, August 21, 2015
Are We Losing our Sensitivity?
Hello Friends! We've been traveling, singing and sharing the Gospel of Christ all over this country for four years now. As a music evangelist, I have a unique perspective on church. We're serving in different churches every week. This includes all different denominations as well as non-denominational churches and inter-denominational functions. It's very interesting to see the differences, as well as note the similarities in worship styles and ideals in the church today. I did not go into this ministry with any expectations, I mean to say, I answered the call the Lord placed on my life with a resounding "yes"! I excitedly embarked on the work the Lord had for me to do with whole-hearted eagerness because I truly love what He is calling us too. Singing and sharing the Word of the Lord is something I've always felt drawn to do. Having that in mind, I pray daily, that the Lord would have me share His message and nothing more. Not share my agenda or personal opinion, but share His words wherever we go. I pray the Holy Spirit would fill-up my being so I can be an effective tool for His Kingdom. I also read the Holy Bible daily, and then study and listen to Biblical material to prepare for our ministry time and to grown in my own faith. That truly is my daily focus.
With that being said, I felt led to share some thoughts for us to consider as Christ followers today. Here are some questions for you to ask yourself;
1. Do you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life?
2. If your answer is no, then why do you think that is?
3. Do you think you feel Him occasionally but not consistently?
4. If you feel and hear from the Holy Spirit do you follow His leading?
5. Do you think it is important to be sensitive and obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit?
*6. Are you actively growing and maturing in your Christian faith?
In the United States, approximately 70.6% of the total population claim to be Christians in 2014 according to the Pew Research Foundation. I won't break down further the number of peoples who belong to this or that denomination or particular line of thinking. I'm just going to assume for the purpose of this blog, these folks are believers and followers of Jesus Christ and believers of His word the Holy Bible. In the societal time in which we live in, making that assumption may be a mistake, but lets not quibble that detail now, lets just go with this thought process.
If a very certain majority of the people in this country believe this way, why is our government, (a representation of it's people), passing un-biblical laws? Why are so many of our churches empty and closing? Why are there people in our churches acting and speaking against biblical fundamentals? Ah the questions could go on and on here. Clearly this is a widespread topic that is much too big of a bite for me to chew on all at once. The answer of course is sin, disobedience to the Holy Spirit of God.
What can be done about these problems is the same answer as to *question number 6 above *. The answer is a very real presence of the Holy Spirit in our personal, every day lives, AND an obedience to His leading. This very large important subject is an umbrella under which I would like to point out just a couple of things for us to consider. As Christ followers, we need to be both encouragers and witnesses.
We need to be encouraging fellow believers including our Pastors. Spurning one another on in the faith. We should be attending church services, praying with and for each other, corporately worshiping together and giving of both our time and money offerings. We should be uplifting our Pastors and praying for them daily. We should seek ways to cooperate and be good teammates with our church leaders and fellow Christians, for we really are on the same team! We are not called to criticize our Pastors or each other or secretly plot against one another. We are not called to tear down but to build one another up.
So should we also be witnessing to our family and friends about the saving power of Jesus. Telling people one person at a time, what the Lord has done for us and what He can do for them. Inviting them to church is a great start. Be a friend to them. Show love, forgiveness and kindness, all the while remembering you are a representation of Jesus and acting accordingly.
As a final thought, I remind you that none of us are perfect. We will make mistakes, the key is to daily invite the Holy Spirit to be present in your life, and then listen and obey His prompting. Daily prayer and reading of His word is crucial to growth and maturity in your personal walk with the Lord. This is how we learn and become sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Now make it a point to plant a seed for Christ today. Go today and encourage and witness in the hopes of expanding the Kingdom of God one soul at a time! I pray for you today to invite and feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life. Take care and God bless!
Prayerfully Yours,
Pudgy Girl
With that being said, I felt led to share some thoughts for us to consider as Christ followers today. Here are some questions for you to ask yourself;
1. Do you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life?
2. If your answer is no, then why do you think that is?
3. Do you think you feel Him occasionally but not consistently?
4. If you feel and hear from the Holy Spirit do you follow His leading?
5. Do you think it is important to be sensitive and obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit?
*6. Are you actively growing and maturing in your Christian faith?
In the United States, approximately 70.6% of the total population claim to be Christians in 2014 according to the Pew Research Foundation. I won't break down further the number of peoples who belong to this or that denomination or particular line of thinking. I'm just going to assume for the purpose of this blog, these folks are believers and followers of Jesus Christ and believers of His word the Holy Bible. In the societal time in which we live in, making that assumption may be a mistake, but lets not quibble that detail now, lets just go with this thought process.
If a very certain majority of the people in this country believe this way, why is our government, (a representation of it's people), passing un-biblical laws? Why are so many of our churches empty and closing? Why are there people in our churches acting and speaking against biblical fundamentals? Ah the questions could go on and on here. Clearly this is a widespread topic that is much too big of a bite for me to chew on all at once. The answer of course is sin, disobedience to the Holy Spirit of God.
What can be done about these problems is the same answer as to *question number 6 above *. The answer is a very real presence of the Holy Spirit in our personal, every day lives, AND an obedience to His leading. This very large important subject is an umbrella under which I would like to point out just a couple of things for us to consider. As Christ followers, we need to be both encouragers and witnesses.
We need to be encouraging fellow believers including our Pastors. Spurning one another on in the faith. We should be attending church services, praying with and for each other, corporately worshiping together and giving of both our time and money offerings. We should be uplifting our Pastors and praying for them daily. We should seek ways to cooperate and be good teammates with our church leaders and fellow Christians, for we really are on the same team! We are not called to criticize our Pastors or each other or secretly plot against one another. We are not called to tear down but to build one another up.
So should we also be witnessing to our family and friends about the saving power of Jesus. Telling people one person at a time, what the Lord has done for us and what He can do for them. Inviting them to church is a great start. Be a friend to them. Show love, forgiveness and kindness, all the while remembering you are a representation of Jesus and acting accordingly.
As a final thought, I remind you that none of us are perfect. We will make mistakes, the key is to daily invite the Holy Spirit to be present in your life, and then listen and obey His prompting. Daily prayer and reading of His word is crucial to growth and maturity in your personal walk with the Lord. This is how we learn and become sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Now make it a point to plant a seed for Christ today. Go today and encourage and witness in the hopes of expanding the Kingdom of God one soul at a time! I pray for you today to invite and feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life. Take care and God bless!
Prayerfully Yours,
Pudgy Girl
Monday, April 6, 2015
Lent, Easter, Then What?? Motive Check!
Dearest Friend,
Did you go to church on Easter last weekend? Did you participate in a Lenten tradition, like prayer and fasting? Why? Obviously I can't hear your answers, and they're not for me to know, I'm asking to get you to ask yourselves, then question your motives. This is something I do a lot. My husband Terry is the critical thinker. The motive questioner, if you will. When I say this or that, he often says, "why?" I've adopted this into my own personal thinking now without him even asking. So let's us try this personal motive check together, you and I.
When you went to Easter Service last weekend, did the minister give an invitation for you to pray and accept Jesus as your personal Savior? Or did he give an invitation for you to re-commit your life to Christ? Did you do it? Did you walk forward and publicly pray at an alter, or raise your hand and admit to the confession of your sins and acceptance of Jesus? Why? Were you thinking about getting home and getting dinner on the table? Mentally checking on the ham? Were you apathetic about that whole part of the service, as if his question was intruding on your thoughts or ruining a perfectly "nice" church service? What exactly were/are your motives for not accepting Christ as your personal Savior? Could it be that you feel there is time closer to the end of your life for praying that prayer? Or do you feel since the Lord is a loving God, He couldn't possible send you to hell? Have you done some things in your past that couldn't possibly be forgiven? Is that it? You feel to tarnished, too unworthy? Whatever, your reasons and motives are, please know this... it is a lie. It is an excuse fabricated by the enemy who is the king of lies and excuses.
Let's move back to you. What if you did make that choice for Christ, and you need this encouraging word? What is threatening your joy or your choice of salvation? Do thoughts and decisions from your past whisper to you in regret? The hopes of a baby dashed again and again like Sarah and Abraham in Hebrews? Or the deep desire for a romantic relationship? How about the fear that your children will never heal from your divorce? The unspoken fear that abortion is unforgivable? Is it drug use or pornography addiction? Or is it the angry word you spoke yesterday keeping you at arm's length from your husband or child or parent? Really, my friend what is your reason for keeping Christ out of every part of your life?
Know this, God was faithful in His promise to Abraham and Sarah in giving them a child of they're own. God was faithful to Jacob by keeping his offspring as numerous as the grains of sand. In fact, God's promises are numerous and He kept them. He will be faithful to forgive you, change you, give you the peace that only comes from Him, and He is faithful to give you eternal life. He is true and ever faithful. The enemy is the lie, and we mustn't fall for it one more minute. DO NOT fall for the reasons and excuses he's throwing up to you to keep you from coming to the saving and forgiving power of Jesus Christ. Pray forgiveness, repent and walk in your inheritance that is freedom in Christ Jesus!
So you missed your opportunity to accept/re-commit/be encouraged in Christ on Easter. SO WHAT! Today is a new day, and the resurrection is still true today. Easter can and should be celebrated everyday! Don't wait another minute, pray today. Not sure what to pray? Not sure who to ask for help or what to read or do? I will help you. I want too! E-mail me today Melissa@TheWrightsMinistries.com When you're tempted to doubt or be fearful or listen to the lies that call you a failure or bring up your past remember this. If you accept Jesus you belong to the Creator of the Universe and you are a child of the living God. Accept your right to live in peace and joy that is Christ!
In service to Him and Sincere love to you,
Pudgy Girl
Did you go to church on Easter last weekend? Did you participate in a Lenten tradition, like prayer and fasting? Why? Obviously I can't hear your answers, and they're not for me to know, I'm asking to get you to ask yourselves, then question your motives. This is something I do a lot. My husband Terry is the critical thinker. The motive questioner, if you will. When I say this or that, he often says, "why?" I've adopted this into my own personal thinking now without him even asking. So let's us try this personal motive check together, you and I.
When you went to Easter Service last weekend, did the minister give an invitation for you to pray and accept Jesus as your personal Savior? Or did he give an invitation for you to re-commit your life to Christ? Did you do it? Did you walk forward and publicly pray at an alter, or raise your hand and admit to the confession of your sins and acceptance of Jesus? Why? Were you thinking about getting home and getting dinner on the table? Mentally checking on the ham? Were you apathetic about that whole part of the service, as if his question was intruding on your thoughts or ruining a perfectly "nice" church service? What exactly were/are your motives for not accepting Christ as your personal Savior? Could it be that you feel there is time closer to the end of your life for praying that prayer? Or do you feel since the Lord is a loving God, He couldn't possible send you to hell? Have you done some things in your past that couldn't possibly be forgiven? Is that it? You feel to tarnished, too unworthy? Whatever, your reasons and motives are, please know this... it is a lie. It is an excuse fabricated by the enemy who is the king of lies and excuses.
Let's move back to you. What if you did make that choice for Christ, and you need this encouraging word? What is threatening your joy or your choice of salvation? Do thoughts and decisions from your past whisper to you in regret? The hopes of a baby dashed again and again like Sarah and Abraham in Hebrews? Or the deep desire for a romantic relationship? How about the fear that your children will never heal from your divorce? The unspoken fear that abortion is unforgivable? Is it drug use or pornography addiction? Or is it the angry word you spoke yesterday keeping you at arm's length from your husband or child or parent? Really, my friend what is your reason for keeping Christ out of every part of your life?
Know this, God was faithful in His promise to Abraham and Sarah in giving them a child of they're own. God was faithful to Jacob by keeping his offspring as numerous as the grains of sand. In fact, God's promises are numerous and He kept them. He will be faithful to forgive you, change you, give you the peace that only comes from Him, and He is faithful to give you eternal life. He is true and ever faithful. The enemy is the lie, and we mustn't fall for it one more minute. DO NOT fall for the reasons and excuses he's throwing up to you to keep you from coming to the saving and forgiving power of Jesus Christ. Pray forgiveness, repent and walk in your inheritance that is freedom in Christ Jesus!
So you missed your opportunity to accept/re-commit/be encouraged in Christ on Easter. SO WHAT! Today is a new day, and the resurrection is still true today. Easter can and should be celebrated everyday! Don't wait another minute, pray today. Not sure what to pray? Not sure who to ask for help or what to read or do? I will help you. I want too! E-mail me today Melissa@TheWrightsMinistries.com When you're tempted to doubt or be fearful or listen to the lies that call you a failure or bring up your past remember this. If you accept Jesus you belong to the Creator of the Universe and you are a child of the living God. Accept your right to live in peace and joy that is Christ!
In service to Him and Sincere love to you,
Pudgy Girl
Friday, September 5, 2014
Are you Naive?
Good Day Pudgy Girl Followers! I trust this summer has been a good one for you. Here we are looking smack dab at Fall 2014, and I am still surprised at how fast this year has flown by. Fall brings a marked change in activities around this pudgy girl's house. I've got one in football, one in marching band, and our singing engagements are busy to say the least. Unfortunately, the busyness has led to a lack of discipline toward my exercising. Here's the bright side: 1. I recognize and acknowledge my laziness! 2. Both my Sweet Terry and I have renewed our commitment and motivation to... simply put... move our tails! We've dedicated to 30 minutes of activities daily. Walking, running, bicycling, weights, a cardio video, all is fair game for us this Fall. Of course, to be physically fit, we must stay on track in the kitchen. Watching our calories and portions isn't easy and it's not very much fun, but it is a necessity for me! We've been trying to eat at home more. Making and sticking to a weekly menu has helped a lot. That way we are not naive to what is being put into our foods and therefore our mouths. Fitness and health takes work and dedication, and is very much worth it!
Speaking of being naive, I read in my Bible this week two verses that spoke to that topic. These two verses also serve a strong warning to believers of Christ. Romans 16:17-18 "17I urge you, brothers, to watch for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people." Most people in our country consider themselves to be knowledgeable and have some common sense. I think people find the thought of being naive, slightly offensive. While it is true that some of us are naive or ignorant about certain subjects, there is one subject we should not be naive about, our spiritual fitness! Our relationship with the Lord determines our life, peace, and eternity and is not something we leave to chance. It is also not something we allow to be influenced contrary to the teaching of the Bible. This has become a popular topic on social media, certain leaders of large churches or organizations in our country have been preaching and speaking what I initially called fluff, however, now I can see how dangerous it is. It is smooth talk and flattery and deceiving. I don't care how many of your friends re-post a feel-good message that says your ok, I'm ok, we're all ok, don't fall for it! Search the scriptures and pray for yourself! Seek Biblical answers and get into right relationship with the Savior! Friends, as followers of Christ, we are called to know the scriptures and be obedient to them. If we begin to listen and follow a person because what they preach makes us "feel" better, than biblical standards, we will individually answer for that. We aren't not to be naive, we are called to know better! I have too many friends and family re-posting this garbage and I'm afraid they're believing it. I love you! I want better for you, because I want to spend eternity with you! I want you to really know Jesus Christ as Savior and friend in your life! For there is no other answer for this life and the next life, NONE!
If you are a person in a leadership role, Pastor, Singer, Actor, Mentor, Parent, Grandparent, etc. Do not be a false witness. Do not teach, preach, speak or write "feel-good fluff". Be a representative of Christ in everything, for you will be held accountable for it. Do you have a question about something the Bible says about a certain topic? Seek Godly counsel in the scriptures and with a trusted leader grounded in Christ! And Pray! Pray and read the Bible daily. The Lord is not tricky or elusive, He wants His truths to be found by those who truly seek Him. Remember He loves us so much! I want you to know this Lord personally. I love you and am here for you!
May God's truths be breathed into you today,
Pudgy Girl
Speaking of being naive, I read in my Bible this week two verses that spoke to that topic. These two verses also serve a strong warning to believers of Christ. Romans 16:17-18 "17I urge you, brothers, to watch for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people." Most people in our country consider themselves to be knowledgeable and have some common sense. I think people find the thought of being naive, slightly offensive. While it is true that some of us are naive or ignorant about certain subjects, there is one subject we should not be naive about, our spiritual fitness! Our relationship with the Lord determines our life, peace, and eternity and is not something we leave to chance. It is also not something we allow to be influenced contrary to the teaching of the Bible. This has become a popular topic on social media, certain leaders of large churches or organizations in our country have been preaching and speaking what I initially called fluff, however, now I can see how dangerous it is. It is smooth talk and flattery and deceiving. I don't care how many of your friends re-post a feel-good message that says your ok, I'm ok, we're all ok, don't fall for it! Search the scriptures and pray for yourself! Seek Biblical answers and get into right relationship with the Savior! Friends, as followers of Christ, we are called to know the scriptures and be obedient to them. If we begin to listen and follow a person because what they preach makes us "feel" better, than biblical standards, we will individually answer for that. We aren't not to be naive, we are called to know better! I have too many friends and family re-posting this garbage and I'm afraid they're believing it. I love you! I want better for you, because I want to spend eternity with you! I want you to really know Jesus Christ as Savior and friend in your life! For there is no other answer for this life and the next life, NONE!
If you are a person in a leadership role, Pastor, Singer, Actor, Mentor, Parent, Grandparent, etc. Do not be a false witness. Do not teach, preach, speak or write "feel-good fluff". Be a representative of Christ in everything, for you will be held accountable for it. Do you have a question about something the Bible says about a certain topic? Seek Godly counsel in the scriptures and with a trusted leader grounded in Christ! And Pray! Pray and read the Bible daily. The Lord is not tricky or elusive, He wants His truths to be found by those who truly seek Him. Remember He loves us so much! I want you to know this Lord personally. I love you and am here for you!
May God's truths be breathed into you today,
Pudgy Girl
Saturday, August 16, 2014
An Update in Truth
Hello to you, Pudgy Girl Followers! Physical fitness update: I've been working on the 1200 calorie day for the last 3 weeks. I've lost 4 lbs. and eh, I'm not impressed with myself. Mostly because if I'm honest, and I'd better be honest... There have been a couple days each week I have NOT stuck to the plan. That is troublesome to me. If I would be faithful to my plan I'm certain I'd have lost more. So, here I try again to stick to 1200 calories each day, with one cheat day per week. I have not been running much, as I am not able to run in the SGM 5K in September, for we are unable to make the trip to Tennessee. I have been exercising with my Lil Bit. Lil Bit is my youngest baby Baylor. We've been bicycling and walking, and I do so enjoy our time together. Exercising is so much better with a buddy. I'm committing to a better week of discipline with my eating and exercise. I'm hoping for a three pound loss this week. I'll let ya know.
I mentioned honesty earlier. I believe that being truthful is so important, even if it makes me look bad. I wish I could honestly say I live exactly perfect. That I always say and do the right thing, but that is just not the case. I do know there is more than a high moral value placed on truthfulness. The Bible talks about truth in Ephesians 6:14, and with world events being what they are right now, we need to have an honest talk here. Right here, for this blog is about Spiritual fitness, and let's truthfully check our own personal fitness level. The Bible refers to future evil times that this world's inhabitants will be exposed too. In fact, the Bible says in Ephesians 6:13-15 "13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." I believe it is a day of evil when a terrorist group is beheading Christians. And raping and hanging and murdering them for believing in the one true Savior, Jesus Christ.
My friends, I want to be found spiritually fit, and I want you to be found spiritually fit. We have a job to do right up until the very nearing end. All of us. Here it is: We must spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to this dying world! That is the pure, unadulterated Truth. Not watered-down, feel-good, you're-ok-I'm-ok, pat each other on the back mumbo-jumbo! Do you get me? Do you understand what I'm saying here? You need to have your relationship right with Jesus. You need to have your eternity nailed down and only you can do that. It doesn't matter how holy your Dad, Mom, Husband, Wife, Son, Daughter, or Friend is, it matters where you stand with the King of Kings. You also must be in right relationship so when you pray for others, the Lord will hear your prayers. See James 5:16. Finally, once you know whom this day who you're serving, tell your people. Then tell people who aren't your people, and pass it on, in love and make disciples, for that is our call and great commission! Go, love, serve and be a friend to all! For there is nothing that matters more as the hour draws neigh. Need help? Need prayer? Need a friend?? I'm here for you. Get in touch with me and I'll do my best for you. I love you, and I'm praying for you dear reader!
In His Service,
Pudgy Girl
I mentioned honesty earlier. I believe that being truthful is so important, even if it makes me look bad. I wish I could honestly say I live exactly perfect. That I always say and do the right thing, but that is just not the case. I do know there is more than a high moral value placed on truthfulness. The Bible talks about truth in Ephesians 6:14, and with world events being what they are right now, we need to have an honest talk here. Right here, for this blog is about Spiritual fitness, and let's truthfully check our own personal fitness level. The Bible refers to future evil times that this world's inhabitants will be exposed too. In fact, the Bible says in Ephesians 6:13-15 "13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." I believe it is a day of evil when a terrorist group is beheading Christians. And raping and hanging and murdering them for believing in the one true Savior, Jesus Christ.
My friends, I want to be found spiritually fit, and I want you to be found spiritually fit. We have a job to do right up until the very nearing end. All of us. Here it is: We must spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to this dying world! That is the pure, unadulterated Truth. Not watered-down, feel-good, you're-ok-I'm-ok, pat each other on the back mumbo-jumbo! Do you get me? Do you understand what I'm saying here? You need to have your relationship right with Jesus. You need to have your eternity nailed down and only you can do that. It doesn't matter how holy your Dad, Mom, Husband, Wife, Son, Daughter, or Friend is, it matters where you stand with the King of Kings. You also must be in right relationship so when you pray for others, the Lord will hear your prayers. See James 5:16. Finally, once you know whom this day who you're serving, tell your people. Then tell people who aren't your people, and pass it on, in love and make disciples, for that is our call and great commission! Go, love, serve and be a friend to all! For there is nothing that matters more as the hour draws neigh. Need help? Need prayer? Need a friend?? I'm here for you. Get in touch with me and I'll do my best for you. I love you, and I'm praying for you dear reader!
In His Service,
Pudgy Girl
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Request Granted
Good Day Pudgy Girl Followers,
First order of business today, physical fitness accountability. I've notice how hard losing weight has become since having my third baby. Nearly two years after having her, I'm still staring down my last 40 lbs to lose. I'm also older, maybe that is a contributing factor. I've messed with my calorie intake and I think I'll carefully cut an extra 300 calories out of each day for a couple weeks to see how that goes. I'll keep you informed on my progress. Training has become a little bit slower with the return of the high temperatures and humidity. However, we're still getting it done. It's been wonderful having my sweet Terry running with me. He is such an encouragement. Now, on to the spiritual fitness accountability.
Have you ever really considered if you were granted any request of your choosing, what would you choose? Of course you've thought about it, we all have. I have often felt and said, if I could have anything, I'd want to have my house paid off, be completely debt free, take an exotic family vacation, have a new Prevost bus to travel in. How about you? In 2 Chronicles 1:1-3 King Solomon pleased the Lord in his obedience and offerings and the Lord said to him, 7..."Ask for whatever you want me to give you." Do you know what that king asked for? He asked for wisdom and knowledge to lead his great people. Wow! How very unselfish and kind. The Lord of all the universe was impressed, in fact He was so please with Solomon that he granted his request. Because Solomon was so unselfish in his request, the Lord chose to grant him wealth, riches and fame as well as wisdom and knowledge. I read that chapter today and I felt conviction of selfishness. I want to be like Solomon, eager to be a good leader and steward over what God has entrusted me. The job He's called me to do. I pray the Lord helps me be the best servant that I can be, and not a selfish wish maker. Now, after hearing about Solomon, what request would you ask God to grant you today?
Serving til Jesus Comes,
Pudgy Girl
First order of business today, physical fitness accountability. I've notice how hard losing weight has become since having my third baby. Nearly two years after having her, I'm still staring down my last 40 lbs to lose. I'm also older, maybe that is a contributing factor. I've messed with my calorie intake and I think I'll carefully cut an extra 300 calories out of each day for a couple weeks to see how that goes. I'll keep you informed on my progress. Training has become a little bit slower with the return of the high temperatures and humidity. However, we're still getting it done. It's been wonderful having my sweet Terry running with me. He is such an encouragement. Now, on to the spiritual fitness accountability.
Have you ever really considered if you were granted any request of your choosing, what would you choose? Of course you've thought about it, we all have. I have often felt and said, if I could have anything, I'd want to have my house paid off, be completely debt free, take an exotic family vacation, have a new Prevost bus to travel in. How about you? In 2 Chronicles 1:1-3 King Solomon pleased the Lord in his obedience and offerings and the Lord said to him, 7..."Ask for whatever you want me to give you." Do you know what that king asked for? He asked for wisdom and knowledge to lead his great people. Wow! How very unselfish and kind. The Lord of all the universe was impressed, in fact He was so please with Solomon that he granted his request. Because Solomon was so unselfish in his request, the Lord chose to grant him wealth, riches and fame as well as wisdom and knowledge. I read that chapter today and I felt conviction of selfishness. I want to be like Solomon, eager to be a good leader and steward over what God has entrusted me. The job He's called me to do. I pray the Lord helps me be the best servant that I can be, and not a selfish wish maker. Now, after hearing about Solomon, what request would you ask God to grant you today?
Serving til Jesus Comes,
Pudgy Girl
Monday, July 7, 2014
A New Bible
I'm so bad a blogging regularly. I haven't posted since September 2013. Sheeps! Da's a long time ago. Well, as I strive to mature and grow spiritually, and attain physical fitness, I may need to share more regularly. I have mentioned before that I find a great motivation in public accountability. In fact the Bible calls us, as Christians to be accountable to one another see Proverbs 27:17, Galatians 6:1-2, James 5:16.
Since September '13, I have ran in two 5K events and my sweet Terry ran the most recent event with me. It was the most enjoyable race I've ever participated in simply because my best friend ran beside me, encouraging and pushing me the whole way. My times have not been personal bests, but they have not been my worst time either. I'll keep striving to move, walk, run, & pedal my way to physical fitness. The next 5K I've chosen to train for is going to be the 5K of a lifetime! It is combining my two favorite things, Southern Gospel music and running. That's right, this year at National Quartet Convention, they are hosting the first ever Southern Gospel Music 5K! I'm so looking forward to September 27, 2014 and running this event. This is serious motivation for my training!
On my 10th birthday, my Grandpa and Grandma Oathout gave me the single most important gift a child can receive, my own Bible. As of the time of this blog post, I am 38 years old, and I have used that red leather NIV for 28 years. A few months ago, the cover of that precious Bible tore almost completely off after much use and too many years of stuffing thick papers in the cover. I have since been using my online Bible on both my phone and tablet. I decided that my devotions would benefit from going back to using a physical book Bible, so I went in search of a different Bible in our bookshelves. Having chosen a nice NIV couples devotional Bible, I turned through the pages to see that I hadn't used this particular Bible in at least 5-10 years. There was a special surprise I found in the pages of this book. I found a homemade Mother's Day bookmark given to me by my oldest child Taylor Jewel, when she was 3 years old. It made my day! It really did. I felt like it was a gem for my day, sent to me by my Heavenly Father saying to me, "It's fine to use a different Bible other than your favorite, the point is, just be in My word everyday, Melissa."
In Acts 21:10-14, the Bible speaks of a man with the gift of prophecy, correctly foretelling the future imprisonment in Jerusalem, of Paul for the sake of the Gospel. The other believers begged him not to go ahead and journey to Jerusalem, for they feared for his life and freedom. However, Paul rebuked his friends, saying he was ready to be jailed or even die for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He said "The Lord's will be done." After reading this, I immediately thought, is my faith even half this strong? Or have the strongholds in my life come to bind me so that I can't say and mean, God's will be done in all things in my life?? Oh my prayer today be the prayer of Paul, Thy will be done in me oh Lord, let me not be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but to go into all the world proclaiming the good news of salvation in Jesus!
This pudgy girl will keep working to train for my ultimate SGM 5K, lose these last 40 lbs, draw closer to the Lord, and live in His will for my life! Wanna go for a walk, run or bike ride?? Do you need prayer or an accountability partner?? Call me, I want to help you however I can. Improving oneself is a lifetime journey we walk hand in hand with Christ Jesus our Lord.
-Prayerfully Yours,
Pudgy Girl
Psalms 104:33
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