Reconstruction

Reconstruct:

 to construct again; rebuild; make over

Hiking to the top of Devils Bridge!

I was in the check out line waiting to pay for my groceries when I began to stare at the items placed on the belt. Reconstruct.... the word that came to mind as I stared at the almond milk I was about to purchase. I immediately began to ponder the last 5 months of nutrional therapy sessions and the knowlwdge my nutritionist was giving me to reconstruct my mind and thinking around food, calories and weight. She advised me to stay away from almond milk because it has basically no nutritional value and switch to a soy or dairy based milk that has higher calories, fat and protein. Our bodies need these things...nutrients, they call it.

Most of my life I have had an incredibly flawed and distorted view of food, calories and weight. I developed body image issues in the third grade and a few years later developed a full blown eating disorder. After twelve years and a relapse, I am just now realizing that reconstructing my thoughts and attitude around food is key in my healing and recovery process. I am realizing I have to deconstruct and dismantle the foundation this world has built for me and partner with God and close friends to reconstruct a new Christ centered foundation. I tried for years to reconstruct on my own, however...I failed miserably. It really wasn't until a sermon I heard at church titled, "Jesus, the transparent one" where I realized that I had to be fully transparent and intentionally allow others I trusted into this space with me. Don't reconstruct alone. 

A few in my reconstruction crew!

Romans 12:2

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world,

 but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will" 

The bible calls this idea of reconstruction the renewal of the mind. It takes hard work, time and intentional effort. I visited a friend not too long ago who had categories of scripture hung up on the wall in her room to help her in this very process of renewing her mind. Reconstruction is a theme that applies to each of us in all areas of our lives. If we don't reconstruct the way we think, we will find ourselves in the same broken cycles that keep us bound. 

As I continued to medidate and pray on this idea of reconstruction, I began to think about other things the Lord is trying to reconstruct in my life. One of those things is conflict (I hate it with a passion!) but as humans, it is inevitable. I am learning that conflict in my friendships and relationships can be healthy and properly worked through, even if it doesn't feel good. Relationships are too important and valuable to simply just throw away or give up on even if that seems to be the easy way out. It is easier to run and avoid than it is to sit down and work things out. So, I am learning to reconstruct specific areas of my life. 

Smores at Nakias bachelorette!

What about you? I encourage each of you reading this to reflect on what might need to be constructed in your own life. How can you take the steps to get there? What lies have you believed that need to be reconstructed with truth, knowledge and faith? 

Xo,

Beth

Wilted Faith

Wilt:

to become limp and drooping, as a fading flower; wither.

to lose strength, vigor, assurance, etc.: to wilt after a day's hard work.

In the world we live in, being tired is often an understatement. In so many of my conversations in asking others how they are, I often here “I am so tired” and the same typically goes for me when someone asks me how I am. Tired is often our answer. We live in such a fast paced world where our attention is pulled in so many different directions. As humans, we are involved in numerous relationships....marriage, kids, friends, co-workers, relatives, etc. It can often feel draining and tiring. We work, we serve, we take care of our families, connect with our friends and try to pencil in laundry, packing lunches, cooking dinner, cleaning up, etc. Balancing responsibilities in today’s world is exhausting.

My boyfriend came and spent thanksgiving with my family and I. He brought both my mama and I flowers (so sweet, thanks babe!) and the flowers lasted SO long. Weeks later and they were STILL standing. My parents and I were shocked, to say the least. One afternoon I walked into my room and noticed the flowers were finally wilting and I was confused....they had lasted so long! I picked up the vase and realized there was no water left....I had failed to give them fresh water.

Thanksgiving 2017

In that moment the Lord spoke to my heart and helped me to understand the spiritual state of many people....myself included at times. If we are honest, we have all been there. We have or have had wilted faith because our vases are empty. We are so distracted and pulled in so many different directions that we often neglect the very One who gives strength to our souls and hope to our hearts. 

John 4:13-14

Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”

When we drink from the well of this world, we are left empty and dry. There is a God size hole in our hearts that only He can fill but so often we try to fill that hole with anything and anyone else. But, when we drink from the well of Life, our hunger and thirst is satisfied. For example, the woman at the well....Jesus came to her already knowing her story. She was sleeping around with many different men searching and hoping for love...trying to quench the thirst of her soul. You see, we all have a desire to be loved and accepted....we are designed for love. With arms wide open, Jesus offered her a drink from the well of Life...a cup of Love....from His heart to Hers. 

The flowers that lasted for almost...ever!

Many often have a perception that God is only judging them for their sin....failing to recognize He is a gracious God also longing to forgive our sin. Instead of judging the woman sleeping around, He met her in the space she was in and offered her something more satisfying. Living water for her soul...to cure her wilted faith. He offered her Himself.

John 3: 17

“God sent his Son into the world not to judge 

the world, but to save the world through him.”

So, maybe you’ve got a case of wilted faith. Maybe you feel like your in a place where you have no faith at all. Hang in there and cling to the Lord, friend. Sit at His feet and pour your heart out. This morning as I poured my heart out to the Lord, I was venting to Him and saying “Lord, I’m just SO angry! I just can’t believe....” and then I studied some scripture on anger. Thankfully those moments with the Lord gave me the grace to maneuver throughout the rest of my day. It is this Living water that strengthens our souls and fills our hearts with hope.

If I am struggling in a certain area, one thing I like to do is look up scripture on that particular topic or read different books/chapters related to that topic. It renews my mind and refreshes my soul.

Cheers to 2018 and living for Jesus!

Xoxo

Beth