Good Morning! I began my day this morning with a devotional from a book called
"Jesus Calling." It has become a way of life for me. I would like to share todays
reading with you.

Linger in My Presence a while. Rein in your impulses to plunge into the day's activities. Beginning your day alone with Me is essential preparation for success. A great athlete takes time to prepare himself mentally for the feat ahead of him before he moves a muscle. Similarly, your time of being still in My Presence equips you for the day ahead of you. Only I know what will happen to you this day. I have arranged the events you will encounter as you go along your way. If you are not adequately equipped for the journey, you will grow weary and lose heart. Relax with Me while I ready you for action. Ephesians 2:10; Hebrews 10:3

Isn't it wonderful that we don't have to worry about the day. The Lord is taking care of it and us.

Have a wonderful and blessed day to all of you.

WORK TO BE DONE!!!

I had intended to journal after my gastric bypass surgery, but
that didn't happen. Just as an update, I went to my primary doctor
on Thursday. She said by her records I have lost at least 83 lbs
plus the 21 lbs I lost before surgery. Making a grand total of 104 lbs.
I would like to lose 20 more lbs. I praise the Lord for His strength
through all of it. Enough about losing. Since I have moved to Luther I,
I have seen doors open on a daily or weekly basis. I give the Lord all
the credit for that. BUT, the Lord is working in another way in my life.
When you live in a place like this you find alot of angry, lonely,bored
people which creates alot of negativity. Gossiping and rude remarks are
an everyday occurance. Complaining seems to be a must in order to "fit"
in. I will have to say there are many good things also. The Lord is teaching
me that how I live my life makes a big difference when I am around other
people. When the gossip starts its like the Lord is standing there shaking
my shoulder saying,"Eunice, you can make a difference here". I believe the
Lord is not only using me at Luther Place, but He is teaching me how to be
a true child of Christ. I love the Lord with all my heart, and I get tearful
when I think how much He loves me.

CALMNESS IN THE LORD

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 28:11

I will be moving very soon. When I read this verse it calmed me down. It's so comforting. I have to say I miss the kids, Daniel, Rebekah, Christian and Abby. the way they interact is amazing. Rebekah teaching Abby how to do ballet routines and Daniel teaching Christian boy stuff. Somedays I like to sit in my room and just listen to their conversations. Rebekah is alway singing, course her mother does too. Daniel can fix and put together just about anything. The most beautiful part of being here, is hearing all four children quote scripture and tell stories that are in the Bible. It is so wonderful to hear such young children know that much about scripture. The Lord has blessed them too with God fearing parents. I love them all.

WAKE UP WITH THE BIBLE

This morning I felt a need to say somethings. The Lord has complete control of my life, but I continue to sin. Complaining to the point of not knowing I am complaining about things that are none of my business. I read scripture more, but not as much I would like to. I don't sent a note of encouragement to someone who may need it. I don't take a dinner over to a mother (and family) who has had a hard day or just because I was thinking about them. Our speaker, Joe Reese, just puts it on the line!!! He got me to thinking. He said for every hour I spend watching television I should read my Bible for an hour (or more). Saying I am a christian is not enough. I need to talk and walk as a christian as the Lord tells me to through scripture. Being sick, tired or depressed is no excuse for me not to follow the Lord. I love the Lord with all my heart, but I need to show it, not just think it!!!!!

Encouragement

When I became a believer, I felt I didn't know anything about what scripture has to say. I did't know where to start, or how to understand the way people spoke back in those days. I would listen to mature believers and I thought I would never remember what the Bible said. I've tried to study going by books and Bible studies, but that hasn't worked. The Lord has answered my prayers. SUNDAY SCHOOL!!! I absolutely love sunday school. The leader reads the verses and explains each one in my language and at my level. I am learning so much and am so encouraged. Have you ever wondered what happened to Joseph (Mary's husband)? I could go on forever, but I wanted to say thank you to the men who teach and whom I have seen grown in the Word. You are truly a blessing from the Lord.

The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:9-13

This week has been a difficult one. I's still having difficulty keeping things down.
Next Tuesday they will be doing a scope, which I am glad they are. When I throw up my head feels like its going to pop. Ice helps a great deal. I turn on the TV and
I see all the hurting and children without parents and I pray for all of them and not myself. The Lord puts us in situations for a reason. They are planned ahead of time by Him. I pray all of this suffering will open hearts and let the gospel in
for salvation.

6 Week Check-Up Of My Surgery Journey

November 25 was my day of surgery. I thought, this isn't so bad. I was up walking in the hospital and was doing real good. Two or three weeks later I was back in the hospital throwing up blood. I would like to thank Jackie, Barb, Rachel and Shawna for
all the support they gave me during those days. The Lord really blessed me. As I get smaller, I put on an outfit and have to model it for Lynn, Scott, Daniel and Boo. I have to be honest and say there have been some very difficult days. My depression meds were messed up. I was embarrased to be depressed in front of of Lynn and Scott, but the doctor got them straightened out. I am still vomiting at times which is no fun, but that is normal at times. As of yesterday I am not limited as to what I eat. (even chili). Two ozs is the catch! Over that you really get sick and hurt. I can get up and down easier now and I sleep better. My daughter calls me every couple days to see how I am doing and to say how proud she is of me. Isn't that something? They have taken me off of 13 medications now ( some of which I had to take 3-4 times daily). So needless to say I am going through quite a change. Even through all of this I still thank the Lord for being with me every moment of the way. I love Him with all my heart and pray that each day I will become more of the saint He wants me to be. As I close, I am tying with tears in my eyes for my salvation and the promise He has given me.