Sunday, October 26, 2008

On My Knees

I have a serious confession to make to you guys today... those that have been with me for a while know that I am truly my own worst critic, and sometimes put a little too much pressure on myself to meet goals/deadlines.

This morning when I did my weigh in, I was up a couple of pounds... and I honestly had a moment where I wondered why I put myself through this surgery and all of the emotional twists and turns that have come with it if it wasn't actually going to change my life for the better.

In moments like that - I tend to want to retreat from the world and hide from whatever the perceived failure is... and this morning that meant that I really didn't want to go to church. (It's okay - I'm inviting my Pastor to read this... so stay with me here...)

I walked into the YMCA this morning like I have many other Sunday mornings, and this was to be the morning that I first heard God speak to me... it was subtle at first, but when I sat back and added all the minor occurrences together - it was truly a message from God.

As I sat there doing my Sunday morning routine of folding the programs for our service, one of the men from the church, Steve, came up to me and asked me how much weight I've lost. Now, I know that my fellow weight loss surgery buddies have had this happen a lot, and honestly it has happened to me too - but this was different. I don't think that Steve even knew that I have been trying to lose weight, and I know that he didn't know about me having surgery...

It just struck me as different - this wonderfully nice man that I know from Sunday mornings - sought me out to ask that question, and then to tell me that I look great. On the very morning that I was feeling the most down about this process that I have been and continue to go through.
It was as if God was speaking through Steve to tell me to look at how far I've come, and to renew my strength to carry on with the rest of the journey.

The morning continued, and we started our service. This morning, Justin (our Worship Pastor) chose one of my favorite worship songs to sing. Take a moment to listen to the words of this song, and think about the powerful message that can be taken from the lyrics.




For more reflection here are the lyrics to the song you heard above:


Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back I know You are near


And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?


Chorus:
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go Lord,
You never let go of me


And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth


Chorus:
Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You


Once again, God spoke to me through this song this morning to remind me that I'm not alone in this struggle - he is with me through the whole process, and it is my pleasure to tell everyone that I've only made it this far in the journey through him.

I can't even put into words how timely this song was for me this morning. I am caught in the storms of my life, and sometimes I forget to realize that with God - I need not fear - he'll never let go.

The final time that the message to me from God came through this morning was in the message that Pastor Kevin gave today. We've been going through a series called "40 Days of Community - What on earth are we here for?" which has lead us through the book of Acts.

Today's portion of our series was titled: An Unstoppable Force - we read through Acts 5:12-42 (NIV) , and we took some notes - this is where I applied it to my weight loss struggle. (I also understood it in the context that Kevin was presenting it - as for our church to be an unstoppable force)

What did they do?
They were obedient in adversity.
They chose to obey God rather than men.
They rejoiced in their suffering.

What we should do:
Do what God calls us to do even when it is hard.
Care more about what God thinks than what others think.
Rejoice even when things are difficult.

(there were more bible verses studied, but I'm trying to condense this as much as possible.)

This is how I think this applies to this particular struggle in my life - I think that for so long I've worried about what others think about my weight, because we all know what pressure society puts on us being thin and beautiful... but God thinks we are all beautiful - after all we are exactly how he created us to be, right?

I want to do what God is calling me to do, and what he is preparing for my future (I desperately pray that he's preparing me to be a mother)... and in that I need to rejoice in my struggles because if this was easy - I wouldn't be learning anything, right?

So my lovely internets - today has renewed my resolve to continue down the path:
  • My workouts are going to be meaningful.

  • I'm going to make a conscious effort to watch what I'm putting in my body - no more mindless snacking.

  • I'm going to drink water instead of anything else - when and if I drink my full 64 ounces in a day - then I can have some iced tea.

  • I'm going to thank God for everything I have accomplished in the journey thus far, and for every new milestone that comes in the future.

  • If things haven't changed dramatically by mid-November - I'll be going for my 1 year surgery follow up and I'm going to ask Dr. Weinstein every question I can think of!

  • Above all - I'm going to use my knowledge and tools to the best of my ability for God, my family, my friends, and myself.

  • I'm going to actually start believing and living like my body is a temple.

I welcome everyone that is reading this, and everyone that will read it at some point to hold me accountable for these commitments, and if you hear me struggling along the way - remind me of this post and this day.

19 comments:

  1. Wow! Kim that is awesome. Praise God for doing His work of changing hearts and transforming lives! I pray that prayer for each of our services every week, but it is so encouraging to hear from someone that they are hearing from God and being challenged. Thanks for sharing this with us.

    justin

    P.S. That's one of my favorite songs too :+)

    ReplyDelete
  2. "I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on"

    I see a light coming for you, Kim! First of all, thank you for sharing your experience today with all of us. God speaks to us in His speaking to you!

    You're going to reach your goal. You are already healthier than ever before. You've come so far, and you're an example to many of us.

    You just keep holding on!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ah-Mazing!! We're going to have to start thinking of new getting together snacks :)

    PS-I love that song too and really needed to hear it this morning too!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kim I am so happy for you! It is amazing how God puts us in situations so we can truly hear his words. You know that God is walking with you and prepared Kevin and Justin long before today so they could bring these words and songs to you when you needed them most and would be most receptive to them. I love our church and church family and know that God has brought us together for his glory. Keep the faith and if you ever need a pep talk or a shoulder please let me know. Thank you for all you do at CFF, we are blessed to have you in our family.

    Love
    Cheryl

    ReplyDelete
  5. I just read your whole week! Wow! You are a great writer!!! This English teacher would give you an A+++++!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Thanks for sharing!!

    Natalie

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am amazed by your strength. I also love that song, And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life, those are pretty powerful words. When I heard this song at church a few weeks ago those words hit me like a ton of bricks.
    Your doing a great job but I am glad you are encouring yourself to do more.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Good for you, Kim! I loved your testimony and I love it when God does cool stuff that speaks to us directly!

    You're going to be just fine, Kim. I can feel it in my heart.

    Oh and I love that song too...it's on my ipod.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kim, your post struck a chord with me. I too am struggling with weight loss and it just brings me down and I feel like a failure. But you are right, God sees us as beautiful and we have to take care of our temple. You have set some great goals. I will be setting some of my own as well. Take care and cast all your fears to God!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Kim,

    I am sooo proud of you! Keep up the good work (through the struggles and all)!

    Tracy

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for sharing Kim!

    It is good to share with others what our Amazing God is doing!

    I am encouraged by your listening heart and willingness to obey!

    Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  11. Kim,

    I just read your blog. I am so proud of you. You are doing so well. Isn't God amazing and filled with grace to "speak to you" through encouragement from someone. We serve an awesome God. I am routing for you! And of course praying for you!

    Love ya,
    Amy

    ReplyDelete
  12. Gosh, Kim is making me blush!!!!

    I would like to take credit for my comments, but I’m probably not capable of making appropriate and timely comments (very often).

    So, Kim is correct when she says GOD was working on Sunday morning.

    What she is going through is more difficult than anything I’ve ever done!!!!

    I will add her to my prayer list.

    Steve (via copied email to someone else)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Sounds like God is doing something good in you, on the outside, but more importantly on the inside!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Kim - thanks for sharing! It's amazing who and what God uses to speak through to get to us what He wants us to hear!
    I hope you continue to have hope in your journey to lose weight and especially to be a mother!!! You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love that song and the reminder that God is with us and we have nothing to fear. May He continue to hold you close and give you the strength that you need for this journey.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow Kim! I just read you blog. Amazing! You are such a beautiful woman. It was a very emotional Sunday for me as well. I'm just not as brave as you to annouce my feelings to the world. You are a big inspiration to me.

    Thanks so much for sharing you inner most thoughts,
    Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  17. WOW

    GOD IS SO AWESOME! I love hearing those kind of God stories.

    Vicki

    ReplyDelete
  18. Kim,

    I enjoyed your blog the other day. It really spoke to me. Keep the faith.

    Thanks,
    Cathi

    ReplyDelete
  19. That is awesome, Kim. You've gotten through so many bumps along this road already, and I know you'll continue to find your strength and have an amazing attitude through this entire journey.

    - Samar

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for your comments. I really enjoy getting feedback on my writing!