Lessons from The Chopping Block

I was sick earlier this week and while I was spending some very rare "down" time at home I ended up watching a series called "Chopping Block". The plot was a master chef from Europe had come over here and was offering 8 couples with one a chef and one a restaurant server (with varied relationships; husband/wife, sisters, friends, etc) a chance at their own restaurant. Each week he would eliminate a couple, until he picked the winning couple. What was really interesting about the show is he ended up picking not necessarily the best chef, but the couple he felt had listened to his guidance most through the process and grown the most from start to finish. At the end, between the two finalists, there was clearly one who was a better overall "cook" and probably should have won the contest - but he chose the other because he felt she had taken his guidance and suggestions all through the process and developed the most from his efforts in mentoring them. In his comments he remarked that he could develop the first one's technical skills - but that willingness to learn couldn't be taught to the other one.
This willingness to learn and be humble is an essenital ingrediant in the walk of faith as well. Jesus tells us to learn from Him first and foremost.. "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls". (Matt 11:29) We are also instructed to learn from those who have gone before us in the faith and can teach us, "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." (Phil 4:9). There's no sense in "reinventing the wheel" in my Christian walk. I have much to learn - first from the Master and also from the successes and missteps of those who have gone before me on the journey.

Monday weigh in (posted Tuesday!) 173

R&R - Rest and Repentance

Is 30:15 "This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says, "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it".
This verse hasn't been from my "through the Bible in a year" reading - but the Lord has given me this verse at the beginning of this year as a sort of guidepost that I need more rest and more quietness in my life. And so does my family. Likely that rest and quietness will lead to some repentance as well! As I watch the pace at which life is being lived around me, some days it makes me tired just to watch! I don't believe the Lord intended for us to skim through life - but to savor and treasure it. So, please help me Lord, to stay focused on You as I enter into this new year and new decade... not get so wrapped up in the urgent all around me that I don't see what's truly important.

Monday weigh in 176 (down 3 pounds - my goal is 2 pds per week to make my ultimate goal of 50 by June!!)

Walking, Standing, Sitting....

Psalm 1:1 - Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord; and on his law he meditates day and night.
There seems to be a progression to sin, doesn't there - until I find myself doing things I never thought I would do. First I walk along side people I really shouldn't be walking with.... Then I stop and talk awhile and I'm standing in the middle of situations I shouldn't be in.... Then I have a seat and I find myself part of the group. It's happened to me at different seasons of my life.
As I start out this New Year, I want to keep my eyes focused this time and not even slow down for any distraction that isn't headed in a positive, healthy direction.