Next Ice Age or a Blood Pressure Issue?

The weather in Florida these last few weeks has been rather cold. I believe one night we got down to 19 degrees but by no means am I complaining because I like the cold weather. It’s such a nice break from the 90’s and somehow I think covering up in layers makes me look less fat… Didn’t say it made sense I just feel better with the pale pasty white flab covered.

However I can’t tell if I’m getting ready for the next ice age or if it’s a blood pressure issue. I have high blood pressure; well I did have high blood pressure. During the summer of 2008 my doctor discovered my BP was extremely high (well no wonder I was hot all the time and had severe migraines) and I’ve been on medicine since then. I think the medicine is almost working too well because now I’m freezing all the time. I tried to blame it on the 20 and 30 degree nights we’ve had or the fact my husband insist on sleeping with the fan on HIGH… Now I’m questioning if it’s really just me. I sit around and shiver all day. For instance the other night I actually slept in gloves I was so cold. Not to mention the three layers of thick bedding on top of me and the 2 layers of socks. Now today my house is registering 70 but I think it’s lying. My hands, feet, nose, and ears all feel like there are icicles hanging from them. Have you ever tried typing on a laptop in gloves? Yeah umm….difficult!! Here is a mental image for you; gray headband, red gloves, one shirt covered by black zip up hoodie, my husbands plaid pj pants (because they are thicker than mine), two layers of socks, bedroom slippers and oh yeah I can’t forget the scarf… But what you don’t see is the blanket covering my shoulders and the one over my lap. I’m sadder than a 3 legged dog chasing a meat truck.

Focus on Christ

I debated on sharing something I came across today because of the sensitivity of an issue I'm currently dealing with in my life. Something that I never thought of as being a sin but within the last 7 to 8 months has been pointed out to me as a sin because of the act of over indulging. This summer I did a Kelly Minter study, No Other Gods, which started a thought process that I never had in regards to something particular. I never realized that this something was an idol of my heart, something I craved more than Christ. It was something I desired more and used to satisfy a void in my heart. Without going into too many details and revealing too much (as I don't know if I'm ready for that) I read something interesting today in another study I am doing in regards to a habitual sin in my life.

One is my only cure for sin is to focus on Jesus Christ. The cure for habitual sins is to look to Jesus and keep focused on him. If I look left or right and shift my focus from Him I will end up like Paul did in Matthew 14 when he took his eyes of Christ and started sinking in the water. But what gave me the chills is what the author said next in regards to Christ on the cross: Jesus is being wounded in His hands for the wrong I've done with my hands. His feet are pierced because of the wrong places my feet have taken me. He is wearing a crown of thorns because of the wrong thoughts I've cherished. His heart is being gashed open because of the wrong loves I've had....

The mental image I got after reading that honestly gave me the chills. When Jesus accepted his fate of dying on the cross for my sins He knew the sacrifice He was making. He knew the commitment He was making to God and the sinful nature of people. If He was willing to die for me, then why would I want to continue in this same sin. He died once for me so I need to stop asking Him to continue bearing that same sin over and over again on the cross.

Lord we know you are the same today as you were yesterday and you will be the same tomorrow. I thank you for your promise of eternal life.

Child Proof Drawer