B.E.E. 90x Update: I Get It and You Can Too

Sometimes I am stubborn.  I assert my will without considering the consequences.  I ignore that tiny little voice . . . that polite, loving, and patient voice. 

Sorry God.

But I get it . . .  now. 

Almost at the end of B.E.E. 90x. 

Jeez.

Rather than be frustrated with myself, I am thankful. 

Thankful that due to how long it has taken me to “get it” --  to apply what I have learned and know . . . that just maybe . . . maybe sticking with the original plan I declared almost 90 days ago will last much longer into my future.

My family’s future.

Which I think is the whole point I started B.E.E. 90x back in January:

Remember, the B.E.E. 90x Challenge isn’t about outdoing someone . . . or striving to achieve perfection . . . or completing the goal precisely. 

It’s about taking 90 days unto the Lord.  It’s about setting an attainable goal.  A goal with a boundary.  A goal with a finite date.  Not something you attempt to do for an entire year.

That doesn’t mean you will quit after 90 days . . . but it makes your task doable . . . smaller . . . manageable. 

30 days makes a habit.  Perhaps after 90 days your habit will become a lifetime commitment.  You won’t even think of it as a New Year’s Resolution – which was/is the VERY LAST thing I wanted the B.E.E. 90x Challenge to be for me . . . for you. 

But as I have sought to put the B.E.E. 90x plan into action . . . time in the Bible, eating well, exercise . . . I have made good changes.

I have cried.  I have gotten angry.

But I have changed.

 

Like our school.  I’ve given up on the dream . . . the way that I envisioned.  We aren’t in the school room surrounded by our lovely workboxes.  We are in the kitchen.  At the kitchen table. 

Where I am. 

Because I cook.  I ferment.  I sprout.  I grind. 

This is where I am.  I’m learning to be a GAPS girl. 

B is for Bible.  I’ve learned that my morning Bible time . . . might happen in the morning . . . but if I have been up several times at night with one or more of the kids . . . it is OK if I sleep as long as I can. 

Therefore . . . I put up scripture in Naomi’s room.  The Hottie and I are trying to go to bed earlier to read our personal Bible’s before doing our night time devotional.

E is for Eating.  Just because I sprout, doesn’t mean we can eat our nutritionally viable grain if our bodies can’t handle it.  Just because my baby has only had breast milk . . . doesn’t mean her gut can handle my favorite beverage . . . raw milk.

I may have thought I knew a lot about whole foods . . . but I have more to learn. 

And I’m going to.  I’m enrolling in the Reversing Food Allergies Course tonight right after I finish writing this blog post.

(On a side note, if you have PCOS, seasonal allergies, a leaky gut, an inability to lose weight – even if you eat well and exercise, a child with autism or ADD . . . ADHD . . . please join me.  If you have eczema . . . arthritis . . . life doesn’t have to be a series of medications . . . doctors appointments . . . or filled with a longing for the food you’ve been told you can NEVER ever have again.)

That felt like a prescription commercial.  Sorry about that.  Kind of.  I just want you to know that there is hope.  Healing.  One more road to travel down.

You don’t have to do all of this alone.  I don’t have to learn all of this all by myself.

I really think there is hope.  I know that when my Redeemer returns for me . . . I will be changed in an instant.

But while I’m waiting, I really want to live a full life. 

I’ve seen a glimmer of that this week.

(Insert:  E is for Exercise) With the small changes I have made in the past 7 days, I have lost 3.4 pounds.  I have had energy to exercise, even when I was actually significantly sleep deprived.  

I have enjoyed my children . . . which to me – has been the best gift.

And many of those changes have been because of following the guidelines in the GAPS diet. 

If a change in my dog’s diet can make a drastic difference in her behavior . . . and I am more civilized . . . intelligent . . . and motivated . . . than a diet change for me . . . might have dramatic results. 

I picked up my manual from the library. 

Yes, that is my hand.  I wanted you to see that I do indeed do what I say I’m going to do. 

And now, I’m going to go register for my class (before the price goes up).

Because it is the next phase of B.E.E.’ing for me.

P.S. You can use the coupon code HEAL to receive $20 off . . .

B.E.E. 90x Challenge: Always True Giveaway

The espresso basket was tipped ever so precariously in the machine yesterday morning.  At first glance, the handle looked twisted correctly into place for the perfect brew. 

But it wasn’t.

Unfortunately, it was tilted.  The front of the basket was connected . . . but the rear dangled in midair exposing grounds . . . and eventually providing the channel for the overflow of liquid espresso.

Gritty puddles of hot espresso formed small ponds on the kitchen counter. 

A failed attempt. 

Rewind fifteen minutes.  I had asked the Hottie to make me a mocha (cocoa powder, raw honey, raw milk, and decaf espresso if you are wondering) with a voice filled with a yawn from a late night, fully knowing that he already had countless demands tugging at the elastic of his waist line.

I wanted his attention, too.  Thus, I asked for one of his amazing lattes.  There is just something about someone else making something for you. 

Fast forward to post-coffee flood.  As I cleaned up the black mess, I felt the heat of guilt creep into my cranium.  The poor man . . . he was already busy with three boys anxious to consume the Hottie’s every waking moment with superhero play.  And each second that ticked by that lacked his undivided attention, it was as if it turned our children’s voices into howling coyotes. 

Like a good martyr, I said, “Don’t worry about it.  I’ll clean it up.”

Inside my head I was thinking, “I shouldn’t have asked anyway.  Like we have time.  We have to get to church.  But still . . . he could have argued with me.  He should have said something like, ‘No, no, Jodi.  I want to bless you.  I know how much you love me to make you a coffee.  It’s no bother.’”

Instead, “Dadddyyyyyyyyyy, I’m still hungry.”

The mocha lay forgotten on the counter along with my heart.  Yes, I know I am being dramatic.  But this silly, stupid accident . . . .sent my selfish thoughts into a thick froth.  The kids voices sounded like the high shrill squeal of skim milk being steamed.

I wanted to snap.

Instead, Miss Naomi began crying . . . which was actually a welcome relief.  She is easy to appease.  Change her diaper, nurse her, cuddle.  Simple.  Easy. 

But as I sat in her room, I moped.  I sulked.  I brooded.

God, I’m sick of all this. 

• I’m tired of being fat.
• I’m tired of failing to memorize scripture.
• I don’t want to yell anymore.
• I’m tired of not taking a shower for days.
• I’m tired of never working out.
• I’m tired of wearing the same two outfits.
• I’m tired of not having our school days planned in advance.
• I’m tired of unfolded laundry lying around.
• I hate how grouchy I am.
• I’m tired of always feeling guilty.
• I’m tired of always being negative.
• I’m tired of all the things I keep failing to do. 

And then it hit me. 

I often think my problem is my children. 

But my list of “tired’s” wasn’t my children.  They all reflected myself.  Me. A certain me that didn’t include the Lord.

Saturday night, we attended the quarterly adult dinner hosted by my MIL and FIL.  As we sat around the painstakingly decorated and elegant table, each family member took turns asking a scripted question from The Conversation Cube.

This cube contained the types of questions that I always asked others . . . but that night I dreaded revealing the truth about my heart . . . my state of mind. 

A particular question was posed that has percolated through my thoughts ever since . . .

“What is your greatest accomplishment?”

I had a Bullwinkle moment.  “Dugh . . . jee . . . I don’t know.  Never.”

I know some of you might think I am being hard on myself. 

But I’m not.  A great accomplishment is something that happened as a result of the Lord.  Sure, I’ve given birth naturally 4 times, lived through a miscarriage, dealt with significant nursing issues, fought against PCOS and thyroid disease, climbed a 14,000 foot mountain, camped above tree-line, survived India transportation . . . but I desire an accomplishment that truly sustains itself for years to follow.

All I feel like these days is like a wind-up Cracker Jack toy.  I sputter around for 12 hours and then prematurely unwind before the day is through. 

However, my SIL (who is going to be featured soon for B.E.E. 90x) said that her recent weight loss was her biggest accomplishment. 

Folks . . . the gal lost over 90 pounds. 

90 pounds.

That is perseverance.  Anyone who has ever struggled with a significant weight problem understands the battle that my SIL fought.

In response, it was said to her that she had accomplished something H.U.G.E.  She had radically changed her habits. 

She made a life change.  Dying to her old patterns.  Refusing to stay the same.  Choosing something opposite of insanity. 

Like the sharp slap of steam being pushed through the frothing wand, I felt stirred. 

I have to change.  I don’t just want to.

I. Have. To. Change.

I can’t use my kids as an excuse anymore.  They are a blessing.  (Please tell strangers to stop saying that I have my hands full, because I am beginning to believe them.) 

I can’t use my lack of sleep.  I can’t use the dog ate my homework excuse (though Ruth does eat about anything and everything.)

If I want to be happy --  if I want to enjoy life – if I want to value my kids and have a good relationship with them – if I want to be the highlight of my husband’s day --  if I want to be a reflection of my amazing God --

I. Have. To. Change.

Time to get rid of the idols.   

Food.  Sleep.  The Blog.  Coffee.

What’s yours?

Banishment. 

I. Have. To.  Change. 

It won’t be easy.  It won’t be quick.  But it must happen.

My inclination is to be silent.  I’ll do this under my own power. 

Look where that has gotten me thus far.

No where. 

I’m worse off now than when I started B.E.E. 90x.  Worse.

That’s dumb.  That’s pride.  That’s idolatry in my life.

On Sunday my pastor said, “Life that is wrapped up in itself is a very small package.”

Hmmm. . . .

“Pride is the only disease that makes everybody sick but yourself.”

I don’t want to be that girl.

Ugh.

I hate change. 

But I have to change.  Five little verses have given me a benchmark.  Five promises.  (Thank you James MacDonald for pointing these out.) I may paint them on our walls.  And though I am a believer in Jesus Christ . . . in some ways, I feel like I am taking baby steps all over again. 

(I know – she matches well.) 

I have to fortify.  I have to grab hold of some solid truth so that I don’t despair.  I don’t want to sink into the pit I know all to well.  I’ve been there three times and I don’t wish to return as much as my body may desire to dwell there. 

And I’m going to cling to these verses. 

I’m going to work through them. 

I’m going to apply them.  Mainly because James MacDonald said so in his book, and I figured he should know.  I don’t have the time to go searching right now.  I need a quick application.  One to put into practice now.  Like a drive thru Starbucks.  Give me the drive thru Bible application, Lord.

1. It is the Lord who goes before you.  He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you.  Do not fear or be dismayed.  (Deuteronomy 31:8)
2. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.  (Proverbs 3:5-6)
3. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
4. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.  God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.  (1 Corinthians 10:13)
5. No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn.  This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord.  (Isaiah 54:17)

I need to start believing God.  I need to start clinging to Him again.  I’m swimming in my coffee grounds because I’m not spending time with Him. 

Instead, I should use the time it takes to make my coffee to drink in His Word of a morning . . . or afternoon. 

I’ve got to be ready.  Prepared.  To make changes, I’ve got to believe God.  He is always true. 

It’s a powerful book.  As you can see . . . it’s been shaping my thoughts.  I want to be like a firmly planted tree.  (Psalm 1) Impossible to be uprooted.  Impossible to kill.  Because I know that no matter what . . . God is Always True.

By the way, you can win this book.  I’ve got an extra one to send to you, thanks to the great people working with Moody Publishers and C. Grant Company. 

• Leave me a comment. 
• Tweet about it and leave me a comment. 
• Put my blog button on your blog.
• Become my fan on Google Connect.

Giveaway ends February 27, 2011. 

It’s a good book.  I’ll send it anywhere mail can go.  Yes, shipping is being paid by me.  But a second copy of the book was given to me.

How has your B.E.E. 90x been?

B.E.E. 90x Challenge – Check In

How is your B.E.E. 90x Challenge going?

Last week was one that proved rather challenging for me.

The addition of Ruthie allowed me to revisit sleepless nights, interrupted afternoons, and the necessity of applying a watchful eye to survey what the bundle of red fur was refining her hunting skills upon.  

Mix that in with some throw-up and a few fevers . . . and you have a Granola Mom who is a bit remiss in practicing what she preaches.

But as Toby Mac would say,

We lose our way, we get back up again
It’s never too late to get back up again
And one day you gonna’ shine again
You may be knocked down, but not out forever

We lose our way, we get back up again
So get up, get up, you gonna’ shine again
It’s never too late to get back up again
You may be knocked down, but not out forever

Remember, the B.E.E. 90x Challenge isn’t about outdoing someone . . . or striving to achieve perfection . . . or completing the goal precisely. 

It’s about taking 90 days unto the Lord.  It’s about setting an attainable goal.  A goal with a boundary.  A goal with a finite date.  Not something you attempt to do for an entire year.

That doesn’t mean you will quit after 90 days . . . but it makes your task doable . . . smaller . . . manageable. 

30 days makes a habit.  Perhaps after 90 days your habit will become a lifetime commitment.  You won’t even think of it as a New Year’s Resolution – which was/is the VERY LAST thing I wanted the B.E.E. 90x Challenge to be for me . . . for you. 

Continue on your journey.  You just need to get back up again.  Like me. 

B is for Bible:  Still reading chronologically (out loud to the boys) through the Bible, in addition to Beth Moore’s Fruit of the Spirit Bible Study, and attempting to dive into the book of Ephesians . . . or maybe it’s Galatians with our home fellowship.  (Either way, I am allowing Kay Arthur’s study titled Free From Bondage God’s Way to guide me.  And the reason I don’t know  which book we are studying. . . I was babysitting the 1 million children in our basement.  I could ask the Hottie, who is our fearless leader, before I post this but he’s not on Twitter.)

And my heart?  It misses God.  I feel a wee bit too busy.  Sometimes I don’t show up to my coffee date with the Lord when I told Him that I would be there.  I know that makes Him sad.  It makes me sad.  And my children notice when I don’t have a Moses glow. 

E is for Eating:  We have had a lot of good food emerging from our kitchen, thanks to the Nourished Kitchen menu’s . . . but I have been eating past full and in-between.  I’ve come to falsely believe that to have fun, food has to be involved.  Food pretends to be my best friend . . . but it makes for a lousy confidant.  As soon as it is in my mouth, it spreads its lies on my hips. 

E is for Exercise:  Non-existent last week.  I’ll be honest.  I already gave you my paltry reason why.  I can’t change it.  But I can have a new goal: I will exercise three times this week.  That is a reasonable goal for all this is going on in this household.

What about you?  Fill me in!  I love your comments . . .

The B.E.E. 90x Challenge

I have received NUMEROUS blog posts in my inbox regarding New Year’s resolutions or lack thereof . . .

and emails regarding

goals that just “happened” due to being prompted by the beginning of a New Year. 

I don’t want to bombard you with more thoughts on the New Year. 

But I’m going to.

(And yes, this old bat actually stayed up.) 

I didn’t get to see the ball drop in Times Square. 

(Not that I am bitter.) I have ONLY seen the ball drop EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. as long as a I can remember.  SOME PEOPLE neglected to inform us that it was midnight.  We were playing the Wii . . .  and a certain someone (who shall remain nameless but I am sure you can guess who it was because I am married to him) was resisting seeing a certain Dick Clark with lots of makeup on. 

I couldn’t look at my watch.  I was driving my racecar.  The nameless man was the ONLY one not playing.  He had been counting down the minutes until midnight with his fancy schmanshy (my new word) atomic, digital, and battery-less watch.  HE KNEW THE TIME.

While I deal with my “issues,” here are some suggestions for the new year . . . but certainly not resolutions . . . and this list isn’t setting you up for failure but offering an opportunity for growth.

1. B for Bible. Join me in reading the Bible in 90 Days (begins January 3rd – over 700 people are signed up so far!)
2. E for eating. Consider the Eat Fat Lose Fat challenge (starts January 5th)
3. E for exercising. Practice the moves of Dr. Jiggle (Veggietale character, in case you were wondering)and spring into action by exercising over the next 90 days.  To help me accomplish this massive movement of my postpartum body, I am using

• Biggest Loser Yoga (though I am hoping to obtain a Wholy Fit DVD)
• rebounder
• Leslie Sansone’s Walk at Home 
• Jillian’s 30 Day Shred
• P90x (which I blogged about last year)

Choose all three options and grab my button for your blog!  (I hope it works!  This is the first time I have made a button!)

<center><a href="http://www.granolamom4god.com" target="_self"><img border="0" alt="Granola Mom 4 God" src="http://i640.photobucket.com/albums/uu129/GranolaMom4God/Meme%20Buttons/bee90challenge.jpg" /></a></center>

B90 (and then some) x

Just wanted you all to know that I finished Operation B90x.  So excited.  Did the happy dance. . .

. . . . but still no baby.  I kind of hoped I would instantly go into labor.  But God isn’t a genie in a bottle.  (Thank goodness!)

No matter! I completed the goal. 

I would so encourage you to do the next session (starting in January), if you haven’t ever challenged yourself to read through the Bible in less than a year. 

Only 12 pages a day . . . or something like that.

In closing,  I discovered two neat verses as I wrapped up my reading tonight. (I finished with 1,2,3 John and Jude, having listened to Revelation through streaming audio this afternoon.)

For my children:

“I have no greater joy than this,

to hear of my children walking in the truth.” 

3 John 1:4

And to you, my reader, I pray the bold and offer the italicized as praise to God:

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever.  Amen.”

Jude 1:24, 25

B90x: Almost There

I desperately, frantically read last week.  And read some more. And then read some more.  I read until late at night.  I read in the spa Sweet Pea’s birth tub.  I read on the couch.  I read to the boys while they played in Sweet Pea’s tub.  I read while Smiley took a bath.  I banned myself from all things fiction.

But I still have 8 days left of my Bible in 90 Days. 

Even though the deadline has come and gone.  I will finish this goal.  I’m so close. 

And I still have to obey what the Lord told me:  read the Bible from cover to cover before Sweet Pea is born.  Even though we have decided on her name, I want to honor my Lord. 

Plus, all of this time in the Word, has made me a better daughter to the King, a wife, and a mother . . .  I think, at least. 

Favorite verses from my recent readings:

• Man does not life on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.  (Matthew 4:4)
• Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  (Matthew 6:27)
• Ephphatha!  (Which means, “Be opened!”)  Ahem.
• For my Father’s will is that EVERYONE who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:40)
• A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.  (John 16:21)
• I’d love for my face to be likened to an angel like Stephen’s in Acts 6:15.  Because it MOST CERTAINLY didn’t come even close to that today.
• And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  (Romans 8:28)
• If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31a)

The Hottie asked me what my new goal is going to be.  Will I take 8 days to finish this . . . or push the throttle and complete it in less that that?  I told him that this post was supposed to decide that.

But I think that tonight, I shall let God decide.  I’d like think that I’m going to have a baby tonight. 

Alas, no signs of that on the horizon, though. 

I know . . . patience. 

B90x: Week 11, Day 71

I decided that it was time to fess up and let you all know that I am indeed not Wonder Woman.  The reality is that I have not reached my goal that I was going to gloat upon this morning.

Goal: 

• to have caught up on my Bible reading (I left that in a comment over on Mom’s Toolbox.)
• to blog about my reading and learning

Though, I did consume many excellent passages this past week, it wasn’t enough to allow me access into Day 71’s reading of Mark 9, though I must admit I am super excited to enter the New Testament. 

I have decided that Lamentations is not nearly as long a book as I had perceived it to be and that Jeremiah and Ezekiel probably weren't fun men to be around, though mighty men for God. 

(This was where the Hottie and I did our Bible reading yesterday during the last few hours of our Last Hurrah.  In case you are wondering, the location is the 100 Acres over at the IMA.) 

In fact, Ezekiel sparked a nightmare in my overly active imagination.  I woke up to myself gagging this morning. 

Seriously. 

I was dreaming about a person who wasn’t allowed to bathe and was essentially given the same instructions as Ezekiel, having to lay on their side for 390 days.  I was quite disgusted yesterday when I read about this.  Originally God commanded Ezekiel to cook his food over human excrement.  (But I wondered how he was to accomplish this if he was bound.)  Thankfully the fuel was changed to cow dung.  I felt better about that having witnessed this in India. 

The stench and dirt that had accumulated on the  person in my dream was unbearable.  And as any pregnant woman would do in my situation, well . . . you wake up gagging. 

I wanted to get up early anyways.

To learn more about the Bible in 90 Days, head on over to Mom’s Toolbox.

B90x Check-In

The Bible in 90 days – 12 pages a day.  Umm . . . I am probably more like 6 pages a day. 

With having hardwood floors throughout much of the new house . . . you could say that sound carries. 

A lot.

So, three little boys have been waking up earlier than they used to, which slightly foils my morning Bible reading.  I can continue reading after they wake up, but I am often bombarded with lots of little questions, declarations of hunger, and imaginary gun fire. 

I have been stopping my survey of the Bible to read their devotional to them, but they usually take that as their cue to look forward to breakfast. 

I am three days behind – four if you count today.  But the sun has not set yet. 

Random Thoughts:

• I like the name Hezekiah.
• It saddened me that “because of the Lord’s anger that all this happened to Jerusalem and Judah, and in the end he thrust them from his presence.” (2 Kings 24:20)  May this never be in my life.  However, I know that sin can and does keep me from hearing the Lord’s voice.
• Jabez’s prayer is so random in 1 Chronicles 4: 9-10, yet I know it is there for a purpose.  (Maybe just for his posterity, that they would feel so sorry for him because his name means, “I gave birth to him in pain.”  Seriously, what does that say to a kid?)  Anyway . . .

Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory!  Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.”  And God granted his request.

• I love reading about how David was able to worship – with all his might before God . . . I don’t believe that I can truly say that I have unashamedly worshiped like that . . . but I would like to.  I would love to not be aware of my surroundings.
• I’m glad I don’t have to carry a gold shield.  That would be heavy.
• Wow.  22,000 head of cattle and 120,000 sheep and goats were sacrificed before the Lord at the dedication of the temple.  I just can’t even imagine. 
• I know that when you go to visit someone, you often bring a gift.  But Solomon was already rich beyond belief.  Yet, the Queen of Sheba brought MORE talents, spices, and precious stones to him when she came for a visit.  He didn’t need it. He even sent back with her more than she brought to him.  Seems like a slightly silly exchange.
• I like this verse, “The Lord is with you when you are with him.” (2 Chronicles 15:2)
• And, “For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9)

And that is all I got to say about that.

Oh, Mr. Smackdown wanted me to send you all this picture from today.

And while I am at it, here is a picture of Mr. Smiley.

Honey was sleeping.  Lucky duck. 

B90x Check-In

There is something satisfying about feeling how many pages you have read in your left hand as you finish the last word being held in your right hand of your daily reading.

Random thoughts from this past week:

• I felt a little sorry for Joshua.  Everyone kept reminding him to be strong and courageous.  Either everyone else was a bit nervous or he was showing some signs of apprehension about entering the Promised Land.
• I love that we have stones in our house just like it talks about in Joshua 4:6, “In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’” tell them . . . Though packed, our stones are a testimony to the number of years that the Hottie and I have been married and faithfully serving the Lord together. 
• Didn’t realize that the manna stopped the day AFTER the Israelites entered the Promised Land and ate some of its food.
• I wonder if Rahab changed her ways?
• It is bad news when you don’t inquire of the Lord!  (Joshua 8:14)
• In all honesty, it is disturbing all of the killing, blood, and sacrifices.  I know that the people had to have a way of being reminded of making atonement for sin . . . but yikes.  Thank you, Lord, for sending Jesus.  I know that He went through the worst of the worst for us . . . but I am grateful for His sacrifice.  I just have to wonder what when through the priests’ heads. 
• Not much has changed . . . Joshua 22: 5 stands true today, “To love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to obey His commands, to hold fast to Him and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul.”
• Poor family of Gideon.
• Why is it important for us to know that Jair’s 30 sons road 30 donkeys?  (Judges 10:3-5)
• It seems like a lot of mighty men for the Lord were loose cannons . . . like Samson, for example. 
• There are some cultural customs that we can’t understand, but in that culture it makes complete sense.  I don’t have to agree with it.  For example, in many cultures you defend your guest completely – no matter what.  To not defend a guest is to be dishonorable.  (Judges 19: 19)
• Naomi must have been a pretty special MIL for Ruth to want to stay with her.  Even if Ruth had no family left . . . still that says a lot.
• I love this phrase: “The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of His words fall to the ground.” (1 Samuel 3:19)
• I am glad that we don’t have to be scared of God.  I can talk with Him anytime. 
• Even back then, God cared more about obedience than sacrifice.

B90x Check-In

The Bible in 90 days . . . B90x.  The Hottie and I have slightly changed the name, as some of you already know.  B90 reminded us  so much of the pre-pregnancy let’s prepare for the ski-trip days of  P90x, that we had to add the “x” because it just didn’t sound right not to. 

X for Extreme.  Lots of training in 90 days. 

What have I learned?  What has God revealed to me?  What is God doing?  (This are always the questions that I ask other people.)

I think that perhaps the entire reason I felt a strong conviction to start and complete B90x was so that I stayed in the Word during this insanely busy time in our lives.  I also felt God wanted me to prepare my heart before Sweet Pea was born.

So, what have I learned . . . not so much learned . . . but I have had fun asking questions or coming up with random thoughts.

• I imagine that the earth was like a  big water balloon before dry ground appeared.  (Genesis 1:6-10)
• I wonder what Cain’s mark looked like on his forehead.  Perhaps it was hideously scary so that no one even thought to kill Cain. (Genesis 4:15)
• Cain’s wife must have been his sister. (Genesis 4:17)
• The account of the Nephilim produced a great discussion between the Hottie and I.  Man, did those dudes really mess with mankind.  (Genesis 6)
• Did fresh water fish survive since lakes mixed with the ocean?
• When the Tower of Babel was built, I think they used brick over stone, because then the people could claim that they made all of the materials to construct this skyscraper.  (Genesis 11)
• Sarai was blessed to be beautiful when she was old.  It rather irks me that twice Abram failed to show a little bit more chivalry and backbone to claim his wife as his wife. 
• I wonder what Abraham and his gang thought when God established circumcision.  Do you think they coughed a bit and asked God to define this practice?  (Genesis 17)
• Were Lot’s daughters so naive about the world, that they didn’t realize men still existed?  Did they think the entire earth turned to salt?  And that their dad was the only male left to give them children?  (Genesis 19:130-36)  Yikes.
• Wahoo!  A breastfed baby!  (Genesis 21:8)
• Does anyone like the name Keturah?  Just asking.  No reason.
• What kind of kiss did Jacob give Rachel?  (Genesis 29:11) and would that have seemed a little unusual to have a complete stranger kiss you and then begin weeping?
• OK . . . I’m going to be honest.  I’m impressed that Jacob still slept with Leah, since he seemed to despise her.  She certainly had her fair share of children.  Just stating the obvious and dealing with a fact of life here, people.
• It is pretty amazing the fast track Joseph took . . . from prison to the palace in 30 seconds.  (Genesis 41:37-41)
• What about the name Serah?  How would you pronounce it?  Just wondering.
• I love the verse Genesis 49:20.
• Yippee for midwives!  (Exodus 1)
• I love that God could have done the whole Exodus thing by Himself and made it easy . . . but He wanted to involve a common man in His plan.  Anything is possible.
• I think Pharaoh has some unresolved childhood issues.
• Jethro and Moses seem to have a REALLY good relationship for being in-laws. But why should I be surprised?  I listen to my MIL and DIL.  They are wise and godly.  (Exodus 18)
• At first I got confused because it said that Moses and God spoke face to face. (Exodus 33:11) Later we read that God states that no one may see His face and live.  (Exodus 33:20)  Sounds like a contradiction . . . but it's not.  We have telephones, right?  It is easy for us to imagine talking with God because we talk to people every day without seeing them, whether on the phone, email, twitter, facebook, etc.  God had to have people understand that Moses talked to Him one on one . . . kind of like telephone or how people talked before the telephone came along . . . face to face.

Well, that’s all I have to say about that.  This doesn’t even begin to dip into all of the scribbles I wrote in my Bible, but it gives you an idea of the conversations that I had with the Lord.

I need to go finish today’s reading. 

Technorati Tags: Bible in 90 Days,Mom's Toolbox