Stepping out of our comfort zones

It seems like lately that God has really been stretching and growing me. Several things have popped up recently that have pushed me out of my comfort zone.

Talking in front of a group is not my idea of a fun time. But That is what I am doing in March at the Spring Women's Retreat at my church. Our theme is "When Life Gives You Lemons..." It was decided at a recent retreat planning meeting, that we would structure the retreat around 5 or 6 testimonies from ladies who have had tough circumstances. I sat through the whole meeting and didn't say too much, but in my head, I was having a battle with God. "I'm not going to volunteer to speak. No one would want to hear my story. It's not a radical conversion story or a turning from drugs or the like" was some of the thoughts running through my mind. BUT God (You got to love those words) wasn't going to let me get out of there without throwing my name on the list. He gently reminded me that my story is one of His faithfulness and Goodness.

So I am now working on putting together my testimony of how God has walked with me through depression, chronic pain and a myrid of health problems. There were times when I couldn't see the "Good" that would come from all this, but God always worked it out for His good and I wouldn't trade those bad times for anything. Through each bad time, I learned more about God and was changed for the better. So I am being obedient and stepping out of my comfort zone and will be sharing in front of 30 or more ladies. Pray for me...

Another way I have been pushed out of my comfort zone just happened this week. Not only am I not good in front of groups, I'm not real good with meeting new people. I lack self-confidence. Normally when I know I am going to be put in a situation with people I don't know, I get very nervous and withdrawn. On Wednesday, my hubby and I met some new friends from the GSPN.TV community for supper and then a Lost viewing party. I am just praising God that I was calm and relaxed during it. I even had a great time. I met a lot of great people who'd I'd normally never have met as none of them live in the same city/state that we do.

SO I'm learning that sometimes God leads us out of our comfort zones. But when He does, He will be with us. And you never know, you might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!

A clean slate...

As I go to bed tonight, I am facing a new day tomorrow. A fresh clean slate lays before me. Not only are my sins forgiven & forgotten, but God has extended His Grace to me once again. So, tomorrow is a new day & here are the things I'm looking forward to changing with God's help:

1. Eating healthier - I am cleaning out my kitchen & purging it of all the junk food (brownies, fudge, cookies) so I can eat better & feel better.
2. Exercising - I want to be more fit so I can feel better & lose weight.
3. Educating my kids - I am looking forward to starting school tomorrow and challenging my kids to learn as much as they can.
4. Emotional stability - I am resolved to trust God & not my emotions. As I exercise, eat better & do what needs to be done, I truly believe my body will become more emotionally stable.
5. Consistancy - I want to be more consistant with my kids in discipline, in schedule, in time spent with them. I want to be more consistant with my time with God. I want to be more consistant in my attitude & my life as a whole.
6. Transparency - I want to be real. I want to not put up a fascade. I want everyone to see the real me. It may be hard, it may not be pretty, but at least I'll be real!

I'll let you know how I'm doing...Tomorrow the clean slate begins....