February was definitely a month to chill literally! It was cold here in Texas with some days seeing us using every heater we could lay our hands on, plus our fireplace and the furnace heater to keep things relatively warm in our tiny home on wheels. The weather may have been cold, but the group we had the pleasure of working with was welcoming, many smiles with laughter, birthdays were celebrated again and often deep conversations were had! It turns out the RV oven is a good option too when its cold so much baked bread and goodies were consumed during our time together!
Now we are well in to March and I have been spending more time journaling and trying to focus on gratitude. I have been on my laptop less, especially in February as we had internet, but couldn’t seem to get a good enough signal for laptop use. I normally do our budget, but have agreed for T to take charge of that for a while, so one less reason to get on. Its amazing how much I rely on a phone! Since Lent started my goal has been to incorporate more fruits and veggies back into my diet and spend less time on Instagram my guilty pleasure and segway to a comatose state sometimes scrolling, scrolling, scrolling! You get the idea. So far it has been eye opening how I automatically default to opening the Instagram app when I open my phone and have to be very aware of my thoughts and actions. I’m not going to lie. I know its a first world problem, but it has been a real eye opener how much I use that little app to take up so much of my time. Its even comical when I think about some of the reasons I came off FB and now find myself using a different platform to technically do the same thing.
T and I attended a Biker Church yesterday with another couple we are serving with this month and the pastor made a good point about TV watching that I feel can apply to social media as well. Why do we choose to invite people (tv people) into our home that we normally wouldn’t associate with or invite into our homes. The pastor was using Philippians 4:6-9 as a reference point.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
It had me thinking what exactly am I putting into my mind? What things have I allowed to creep back in that I know are not good for me that are causing me to stumble mentally, emotionally, spiritually and ultimately physically? When I am not focusing on things that are true, right, pure, lovely etc. my anxiety levels definitely increase which causes several physical responses. Last month one of the ladies shared some books she didn’t need anymore and I picked up one by the author Ted Dekker called When Heaven Weeps which is based off the book in the bible named Hosea. It easily caught my interest, at times made me mad, other times was difficult to read because of its content, but thankfully ended well. That book also reminded me of my weaknesses and how easy it is to fall back into sin. Has anyone read any of Ted’s books or could recommend another book to me? I have been reading more this year discovering some new authors to me and would like to continue. I am finding I am really enjoying less screen time. T and I have been watching House of David on Amazon Prime. If you have been following along too I would love to know your thoughts. Sourdough baking is going…lol Not giving up but I have had one really good loaf out of 5. I bought some whole wheat flour today and hope to get some rye flour soon to hopefully boost my starter which in turn should help the dough. I have no new news on making skin care. I am thinking I might need to do a few more free classes to get some inspiration. T’s back is still bothering him. We would appreciate your continued prayers for him and for us as we make our way back to Oklahoma at the end of this month for Dr’s appointments and an opportunity to see some familiar faces.
Stay in touch. Love to each of you- Lou
I will look into Ted Dekker, I am not familiar with him. I hope your travels to Oklahoma go well, and that Terry finds some relief for his sore back. It’s been a delight to work & serve with you Lou & Terry during the month of March. Hugs, Connie