Engagelife’s Weblog

Do you ever forget that a life change is called that for a reason.  I struggle with the fact that I can see something new and/or amazing about God and be changed by what was revealed to me about God.  Then I go back to my old selfish, compromising, untrusting self.   I go from KNOWING that God’s way is the best way to live.  Instead I return to trying to control my life and do things my way.

Our pastor, Charlie Boyd, reminded us in his message about Jacob this week that life change is a life change.  We are changing people not changed people.  Yes, ultimately we are changed when we become justified by the blood of Jesus, but our salvation is also a work in progress.  God uses our entire life on this earth to make us into Him image. 

I often forget what He has done in my heart and return to “my old ways.”  It’s encouraging to know that God is STILL at work in my life.  I’m not perfect and not going to be here on this earth, but there is a new day coming when I will live out the Life that lives in me forever.

It is official…I’m a runner.  Never in my life would I have ever thought that me and my sister would be RUNNING in the park.  Almost a year ago I weighed 35-40 lbs. more than I do now.  I couldn’t go up the 8 or so steps at my mom’s house without being out of breath.  Yesterday I ran over a mile.  I won’t lie.  It wasn’t a “walk in the park,” but It was awesome.  I understand the post run rush that runners get.  The truth is that God has brought me to this place.  He has given me the motivation to exercise.  He gave me the competitive drive to push myself beyond what i think I can do.  Believe me, I definately couldn’t do that much running before yesterday!  Needless-to-say, I’m stoked!!!!

To me running is now part of engaging life, so put on your tennis shoes and get to steppin’.

This evening I will be celebrating the life of my Aunt Marilyn.  She will be a certain milestone age this coming Wednesday.  What you don’t know about her is that she knows how to engage life.  She lives.  A few years ago my aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She beat it, but about two years ago the cancer returned.  It was now in her spine.  No one ever mentioned that she was going to die, but I knew it was that serious.  What’s amazing is that she is still alive and kickin’.  I do mean kickin’.   She is so good at living that you would never know she has cancer.  She laughs as much as she ever has.  She’s closer to God than she’s ever been.  She’s just as fun as she’s always been.  My aunt knows what it’s like to face the end of life, and she has decided to make the most of her life.  I believe that her attitude towards life is very much a part of her body’s response to her treatments.  She is doing well considering that she does have cancer.  I just think she is a perfect example of a person who has taken life by storm, and I truly admire her for it.

I love you Auntie M!