Scripture for GAPS Encouragement

Because this diet is a bit of a struggle to get through, at least during the Intro Stages, someone suggested to me to find Scripture verses to think about and meditate on during the frustrating days-- when things don't go right, food doesn't taste good, and I just want to quit.  I thought I'd share them with you, and hope that they speak to you and give you encouragement in whatever you're trying to get through!

*All photos taken at the Creation Museum gardens, Burlington, KY*

Romans 12:1-2:
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Psalm 150:1-2: 
Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty expanse.  Praise Him for His mighty deeds; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.

Colossians 3:17: 
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Joshua 1:9: 
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Proverbs 3:5-8: 
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 your paths straight.  Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.  It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.

Isaiah 40:29-31:
He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power.  Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.

Philippians 4:13: 
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

January Comes and Goes...

And things don't change much, really.  It seems that January is usually a slow month, but this month has felt like it's gone by quickly.  We finally had a decent snow over the weekend, and everything has a nice white blanket now.  It's not supposed to last long, though.  What an odd winter!  We've had more rain than snow.  Oh well.  I have no control over the weather...yet.  Bwaaaahaaahaaa!

But I digress.  Or do I?  Bwaaaahaaahaaa!

A few weeks ago, we got a lot of rain overnight, and it caused some ponding on the back roads that I take to work.  The water had mostly subsided by the time I left work, and the roads were almost completely dry.  As I was driving, I came up behind an old man in a PT Cruiser, who came to a near-complete stop for some very shallow water that was coming across the road.  After getting through the death-defying water, he would go no faster than 35 mph down a road that was 55 mph, so I decided to pass him when there was no oncoming traffic.  As I passed him, he decides to flip me off!  I don't know why, because I had been patiently driving behind him, but I guess I offended him somehow.  An old man!  Old people aren't as nice as they used to be, I swear. I wasn't sure whether to laugh or be extremely mad at him, and I was a little of both.  I won't tell you what went through my mind--that's between me and God.  I just figure that he was being a moron and I was right, and that's all there is to it.  The end.

Hmm, what else is going on?  I've been lacking motivation lately.  In fact, at times I feel as though I border on depression.  It's hard to try and be excited about doing things I don't want to do.  My husband and I are trying to get back into shape and eat healthier, so that's been a plus.  We've both lost a few pounds so far (I type as I stare at the large peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-cookie on the plate next to me--you can't deprive yourself of everything, right??) and we've been exercising every day during the week.  I finally have my craft room arranged and useable again, after purchasing two large storage cabinets for my craft supplies.  It's nice to be able to use the room again, and have room to work in there.  Both cabinets are white, so it brightens the room up in the dull winter daylight.  I'm very happy with it.  As a result, I'm working on some new items for my shop.  I got the raise at work that I should have gotten last May, but that raise timing coincided with the pastor who hired me getting assigned to a new church, so it didn't happen.  My husband received a glowing review from his boss at work last week, so we're happy about that.

Well...I guess that's it for now.  Another Sunday gone, and another case of the Mondays is about to set in.  At least I have a few delicious cookies to cheer me up this week.

I know you're jealous.

It's easy to feel alone or forgotten in this world.  Life is tough!  Here is a Scripture verse from Isaiah 41:10 that I find encouraging: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."  I hope you find it encouraging, too!