I had to laugh at Elihu.  He thinks he really knows what he’s talking about.  He thinks Job has committed some huge sin and that’s why he’s going through all he’s going through, just wait until he see’s Job is innocent of everything that people have said he’s done, like I said yesterday, I sure would like to see the looks on all of their faces when they all find out and then also when they see how much more God blessed Job in the end.  The devotional this morning is kind of long but was really good.  It spoke to my heart and confirmed a few things that we been hearing in church.  Even though the United States is in a so called recession God isn’t.  God has unlimited resources at His disposal and He gives all of them to us so that we don’t have to go through the so called recession.  I truly believe that God wants to bless us now more then ever so we can help further His Kingdom.

Today’s Reading

Job 34:1-36:33
2 Corinthians 4:1-12
Psalm 44:1-8
Proverbs 22:10-12

Daily Devotional

"For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world…"
(Ephesians 1:4, NIV)

God chose you before the foundations of the earth. Before the worlds were ever formed, He knew you. And, He didn't create you to be average. He didn't create you to barely get by. No, He created you to excel! Not only has He chosen you, but He has equipped you with everything you need to live His abundant life. He has deposited seeds of greatness inside every person. But in order to tap into those seeds of greatness, you have to believe this and act on it.

Too many people today are going around with low self-esteem, feeling inferior like they don't have what it takes. They are living a lie. And as long as we have a poor self-image, we're not going to experience God's best. In order to be all that God has called us to be, we have to see ourselves as chosen, valuable and victorious.

Today, meditate on this truth. Let it sink down deep into your heart. Let it build confidence and security in you. As you understand your value, you'll rise up higher and higher into the life of victory He has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, thank You for choosing me. Thank You for equipping me. Help me to see myself the way You see me. Show me Your ways that I may walk with You in confidence and trust all the days of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

I can't make the meeting in September, we have tickets to the Mizzou football game that day.  If I remember correctly the meeting is the 3rd Saturday of the month.  I would love to get togethor.  Maybe another day?? Raynetta

Oh, Jan, I'm sooooo sorry that Michele is making a bad choice. Is it motivated by love for him or is there a substance abuse component? I usually think women put up with bad men because they are addicted to drugs, alcohol or being needed (even if they are used as a punching bag). You have more than done your best but she's the same age as my DD and I know you still worry and care about the decisions you can't understand. I begged Stacy to get out of that relationship in Michigan for a couple of years and she finally did but she's a little more bull-headed than Michele - once she left he was out of her life period!!! This new man she's with now is much nicer, Adam likes him and he's good to both Stacy and Adam so thats a blessing. He is pleasant, knows how to behave and really loves them both. I doubt she ever gets married again, Benny was the love of her life and when he died somthing in her heart died with him, but I should never say never.
I will continue to pray for Michele - that she'll make better decisions and that he won't physically hurt her in the meantime. You know abused women usually do go back to the abuser so don't feel like you've failed her or didn't teach her right. She's been an adult for a long time and has made her life what it is and it's hard to change. Does she blame you?? Sometimes they do. If she does, don't take it on yourself. You sure don't deserve that!!
I love you and am concerned for you. Call if you need to talk.
Hugs,
Lana

{{{{{Jan}}}}}  So sorry to hear Michelle went back.  I can imagine how difficult that is for you.  I will never understand those kinds of relationships.  You've done all you can.  I have sent up prayers for her and you.

I made 45 meatballs and cooked spaghetti for 10 people yesterday for my GD's birthday.  Her mom was working her second job until 5:00 and they were considering going to the Mexican place that no one but them like.  The girls love my Spaghetti and Meatballs so I offered to make it.  They provided salad and garlic bread.  I had a very small piece of birthday cake but the pouch didn't appreciate it.  This is the second piece of cake I've had since WLS.  It just doesn't taste like I remember. 

This week I'm working on stopping my obsession with the scale and tracking what I eat.  The scale is now under the bed and I'm not going to weigh for awhile.  I have been writing down what I eat then recording it on Spark People.  Counting calories and carbs is consuming me and I need to quit.  Last week I was having those feelings of failure I had before WLS and talking negative talk.  I do need to lose at least 20 lbs. but I may never do that. 

My goal now is to eat healthy, make sure I get 80-100 grams of protein daily and exercise.  I'm trying to stay away from processed foods.  I'm so much better off healthwise than before WLS and I want to maintain that good health. 

Next week I'm on vacation.  I'm planning to paint the living room and maybe the bedroom. 

Can your hubby cook the meals?  If not, what I did was when they were eating, I would go in the bedroom and hubby would clean up dishes, etc. afterward.  That helped some.  It is hard, but you can do it.