Communion

I Corinthians 11. Most of this chapter talks about communion. Some people implement communion traditionally and some every so often for different reasons. Of course some argue how often we, as believers, should take communion. Well, one day God laid something on my heart. Just like every other blog, this is something for you to think about. This may not tickle everyone's fancy.

One day I was having a discussion with a friend about communion. We both at one time attended a church that implemented communion once a year in conjunction with Passover. We also attended a church where communion was implemented the 1st Sunday of each month. And there was another church we attended where communion was implemented with the move of God, as in each level God grew the ministry, we took communion. But people could take communion whenever they felt the need, even if the ministry as a whole didn't take it. Why? The Bible says work out your own soul salvation.

In 1Corinthians 11, it talks about your heart and reflecting on your life when taking communion. It talks about making sure you don't take communion wrongfully. Something that I've realized is that there are some people who say the way they do communion is the right way. At that time, I pray that they are checking their heart and reflecting on their life.  Why do I say that? I say it because society has us, even believers, competing to say who is right and who is wrong. One thing I have learned is that everyone does NOT learn the same NOR is everyone on the same level. God has a path for everyone. Each person's path is different. So what God has for you at this time may not be for me right now or ever.

So as I was talking to my friend, God spoke to me. "Communion is NOT just drinking grape juice or water for My blood and a communion cracker for My body. Bread is also My Word. Water is My Spirit. When you go to study My Word or even as My Spirit stirs inside you, do these things in remembrance of Me. When you discuss My Word with other believers, do it in remembrance of Me. Not to prove your point. If you truly believe in Me and move with and in Me, it will be done out of love and not self gain. Communing is also being in my presence. But don't get in My presence for a "fix". Get in My presence, commune with Me in order for change to happen. In order to get instruction from Me instead of getting what you WANT or hearing a few words then going about your business without the true understanding of what I've told you!!"

There's nothing more for me to say after that. All I say is, I hope that you are encouraged to truly commune with God and remember Him when you commune no matter what form of communing.

Thanks for reading! Email me questions, comments, concerns, topics to blog about, etc. jay.robin10@gmail.com

Heartbroken

All of my life, I've heard people of God, saints, believers say that God is coming back soon. One day a few years ago I heard a song and part of the lyrics say "Break my heart with what breaks Yours". In this song, the song writer is asking God to break his heart with what breaks God's heart. I've been singing it since the first time I heard it. Over the years, I've realized that I have become more sensitive with some things, spiritually and naturally. My question right now is, have you paid attention to why people's actions break your heart? I'm not talking about those you don't know. I'm talking about the ones closest to you. Those you have let in your heart. Now, this is not a blog that depicts everyone. But it is something to think about.

When I blog, I talk about me, my struggles, my thoughts, etc. I've been facing some things for YEARS now. And tonight of all nights, the lightbulb came on! There was a time that I wanted something so bad that it was all i thought about morning, noon, and night. I tried my best to obtain it. But it wasn't God. At times I would say I wanted God, but my actions did NOT back up my words. But now as in today, there is something I'm trying to obtain. And it's the kingdom of God and His righteousness. And now, I'm fighting tooth and nail to have my actions back up my words.

Interesting thing. As I think of a conversation I had with my mom today, it fits PERFECTLY with what I'm saying now. In the conversation, she informed me that she had to preach. And her sermon was entitled, "By Any Means Necessary". She was saying that the Devil tries to get God's people down, doubtful, faithless, etc. by any means necessary! But the flip side to it is, we as people of God need to pursue and seek God BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY!! It's time out for us getting blow after blow from the Devil and we just sit there and mope and SAY but not really believe, " My God is able". And why do I say that we say it but don't believe it? Because our actions don't line up with what we're saying. What does that look like? Glad you asked. Example: Things are going crazy on your job. It looks like you may lose your job. But you KNOW God has place you there for a reason. What's your response? People SAY: "God brought me to this job and He will give me another one", "My God is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all I can imagine", "I've never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed beg for bread". People's ACTIONS: In service, sitting. Looking down, depressed, lost all hope, faithless. Looking on the internet filling out applications when God hasn't told you to do ANYTHING to find new employment. Why do we do this.....TO GOD?????

Now, when it comes to those closest to us. Those we have let in our hearts. How many times has someone you let in your heart hurt you by not taking your word as a true statement? Yes, we have disagreements. Yes, we argue. But when your telling the truth (not saying you lie all the time or ever) and trying to live peaceably with those who are connected to you, it hurts down to the bone when they say things that cut below the belt, right? It feels as though they have taken your heart out and ripped it to shreds, especially based on how close they are and how much you care about them. And you think to yourself, why would they do this....TO ME???

So now, let's put this altogether. It hit me today that there was a time that I pursued something other than God. I pursued it by any means necessary. To have things my way. But I was still saying that i loved God. I was saying that i believe God. I was singing praises unto Him. I was shouting/dancing with the best of them. I was doing things but my lifestyle did NOT reflect what i was saying. And now, I'm saying things and I am by any means necessary seeking the kingdom if God and His righteousness. But God had to show me something. A lot of times I ask God, what is the lesson I'm supposed to learn from this situation or that situation? And today God brought back the words to that song, "Break my heart with what breaks Yours". As the words came to my mind, He let me know that right now I am experiencing the heartbreak I caused Him when I was saying one thing but doing another. Everytime I experienced someone breaking my heart because they said one thing but did another, I was reaping what I had done to Him. And the reason is because I had not TRULY repented for the thoughts, words, and actions I had done against His will for MY life!!

Everyone reaps the harvest they have sown. Are you reaping your harvest? Have you TRULY repented? Are you seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness by any means necessary?? I don't know if you have an answer to any of these questions. If you do, I pray that you do what you need to do to make things right and to get into Heaven. But if you don't, think about it. Ask God for His guidance. Repent, the kingdom of God is at hand!!! The signs of the times are proving the Word of God to be true more and more each day.

I pray you were blessed and encouraged by this blog. Please read, comment, and share. Email me at jay.robin10@gmail.com if you have any questions, topics you want me to talk about, or comments. Thanks in advance.

-JayRobin

Getting Healthy Journey Post 4

It's been a LONG time since I've blogged. I didn't understand why I couldn't get anything out. But after today, I get it. So, here we go.

I have said while losing weight I will blog about what is revealed to me that I need to work on. So the past few weeks there have been incidents that have revealed how big of an affect my selfishness and unwillingness to change has on others, not just me. For so long, I would hide my emotions of being upset or pissed off about something. If someone made me upset or did something I didn't care for or change something in a way I didn't like, I would act as though everything was ok. But once I got home, I would let out how I felt or I would be quiet and think about what happened. For a while I've been asking God to show me myself. I've asked Him to let me know what I need to work on. Well, some things have happened lately and it was things I didn't like or wasn't fond of. So as a result, my emotions of being pissed have been exuding from me and affecting others. In response to me letting someone know that I'm still trying to process things, I was told that I need to let it go. That I need to move passed what's happened or changed. But my question to that is, how do you honestly let something go or get passed something?

Honestly, at first I was thinking people knew me as this nice, sweet, cool with everything person. So, I felt that everyone expected me to be that way ALL the time. Why can't I have my moment while at home? Why couldn't I have a day of being pissed? Why couldn't I have a day of being in my emotions? I was tired of putting on a smile for everyone. I was tired of feeling as though no one treated me as I treated them. But during church, it really hit me. I'M THE ONE WITH THE PROBLEM. This was God showing me....ME! I'm still working on MASTERING MY EMOTIONS. I have an issue and I have to stay prayerful with this.

In one of my posts, I talked about not looking IN the mirror. That I was just looking AT the mirror. I realized this not only is something needed naturally, but spiritually as well. I have realized that I have been looking AT certain areas of my spiritual life but I haven't looked IN the mirror. And since I haven't been looking IN the mirror, God had to put this issue IN my face. So now I have no choice but to deal with it now that it has been brought to my attention. I KNOW this will be a process. But I'm willing and ready to deal with this head on.

So, now to my weight loss. Within the past few weeks, I have gained 1 pound, lost that 1 pound, lost .2 of a pound, and this week I lost 1 pound. I'm still moving forward with this losing weight. It has been a struggle but I'm willing to continue. Although I have been losing weight, I haven't kept up with my exercising nor sleeping well like I used to. So this week I will be changing some things in my daily regimen in order to do better with both my weight loss and spiritual life.

I hope this blog helps someone who reads it. If you have any questions and/or comments, email me at jay.robin10@gmail.com or leave your questions/comments in the comment area.

Getting Healthy Journey Post 3

This post is being written and posted A LOT later than I anticipated. But here we go...

I went to my weight watchers meeting Saturday and became devastated. I got on the scale and the check-in lady told me that I had GAINED a pound. I was devastated because I was thinking, although a couple of days I went over my points (due to traveling and being busy), I worked out 4 of 7 days this week. Where did I go wrong? How did I gain a pound? I was so sad, mad, hurt, confused, etc., that I didn't know if I wanted to continue. So much was going through my mind in that split second that I didn't hear the next thing she said to me. After snapping out of it, I asked her to repeat herself. She said, "You've made it through 4 weeks, would you like to be recognized for that?" I said yes not totally grasping what was said. I found a seat for the meeting. Sat there and waited for the meeting to start. The meeting began with recognizing people for different things. Different people lost 5 pounds or more. I was thinking, " Should I keep going?" Then I heard my name. "Jaymi Robinson? Did she stay for the meeting?" I raised my hand. The meeting leader said, "Let's give Jaymi a hand! She has made it through 4 weeks of weight watchers!" I smiled and received the charm key chain that she handed me. But as I stated in Getting Healthy Journey Post 1, I'm working on mastering my emotions. And honestly, I was ALL up in my emotions. I was still in shock that I had GAINED weight. After the meeting, I went home and stayed there for a while. I eventually moved on (to an extent emotionally) and kept tracking my points but didn't care if or how many points I went over.

The day before I was talking to my pastor and while we were talking, something was pointed out to me. "There is power in your choice". This helped me to realize that even though things may not be the way I want them to be, the greatness comes in the choice I KNOW I should or need to make. As the Word of God says, "...the Holy Spirit will bring things back to your remembrance...." (paraphrased...scripture is John 14:26). Although it was later that week, God reminded me of the conversation my pastor and I had. And that's when I changed my mindset. So what....I gained a pound. But with making a choice, I had made it through 4 WEEKS!!! Yes, continuously making the choice and conscious effort to track what I eat/ate, exercising, and simply...not giving up is what has gotten me to this point. So, have I exercised like I did last week? NO. But I'm glad to say, I have stopped emotionally eating (naturally and spiritually) because of gaining 1 pound.

I hope that as you read this post, that you realize that though you may not be in a place where you want to be...don't give up. Try to look at the positive in your life because of the choice(s) you've made. Believe it or not, your choices are the reason you are at the point you are in your life. Although there are things that happen to us that we have no control over, the thing that matters is, HOW WILL YOU REACT TO IT? WHAT CHOICE WILL YOU MAKE?

Remember to read, share, and comment. Email me if you have any questions or want me to explain something more.... jay.robin10@gmail.com

Thanks for reading☺

Mr. and Mrs. Robinson

So...last weekend (May 3) I was able to witness the ceremony of my brother, Corey, and his wife, Brittiny. They have been married since November but decided to have their ceremony May 3. The wedding was so beautiful. There is so much I want to say about these 2 people that I'm not sure how long this blog will be....so fair warning...THIS WILL LIKELY BE A LONG BLOG!!!

So....here's some background......

Corey L. Robinson. He's my brother! We are 5 or 6 years apart. The first memory I have of my brother is us going to the hospital, naming him, and feeding him. I was so excited because I became a big sister that day, December 8th. Can't remember the year. Throughout the years, we have gotten along, fought and argued. But what's ALWAYS been present has been LOVE. Witnessing my brother say his vows and "I do" to his wife was the most amazing moment ever! At that moment I realized that my little brother had grown up, for real! A lot of times we want to keep people a certain age. We want to continue remembering how someone was years ago. But at that moment I couldn't fight the fact that....my brother had become a wonderful man of God. I don't talk to him much because of the distance. Corey, I want you to know I am so proud of you. You are going on with life. You are moving forward. Continue to do so. Continue to follow God in EVERYTHING you do. Be obedient to Him. Keep God first.

The better half of this union is, Brittiny Brown Robinson. So, one day I was told my brother had a girlfriend. My mind began going 100 miles a second. I was wondering... Who is she? What does she do? Is she in school? Does she have a job? Is she lazy? Will I like her? Is she the one for my brother? Yeah...just like a big sister would wonder...right? At the beginning of their relationship, I didn't come around much. I honestly can't remember why but it definitely had nothing to do with her. As time went on, I would at times go to my mom's a day or two over the weekend or something. At times, Brittiny would be there. We had a few interactions. She seemed cool. But what I could notice from what I observed is that she is intelligent, strong, caring, observant, faith-filled, prayerful, and most importantly a woman of God. As the time has went on, we have exchanged numbers and had many, many conversations. Everything I observed of her is true. But now I can add friend, confidant, sister, and wonderful mate for my brother. Brittiny, I want to say thanks for our conversations. You are great, powerful, and very capable. Stay encouraged. Continue praying and following Christ.

So....the wedding.....

First question, who knew Ohio had a city named Louisville?? I didn't until I got the invitation to the wedding. Second question, a wedding on a farm??? Lord, what will this look like??? Will cows and chickens be roaming around? A farm? But to my surprise....this venue was the most beautiful place!! Everything was beautiful from the weather to decorations. Seeing my brother stand in the front waiting for his wife was amazing to see. I smile every time I think about it. That's when I noticed he was a grown up. Then the wedding party came in. It was a mixture of their lives coming together. And then it was time for Brittiny to walk down the aisle. She did something I've never seen before but was so beautiful. She had 4 women, who I assume, are spiritual mothers and/or sisters to her. They walked her halfway down the aisle. Then her dad met her once they stopped and walked her down the rest of the aisle. They said "I do" and vows. And the greatest line of the night and I quote, "By the authority vested in me as a minister of this state and your pastor, I pronounce you husband and wife. Now keep doing what you've been doing." Who said this? Apostle Steven L. Best. After they kissed and the wedding party walked out, it was time for pictures. Pictures were taken. Then we were able to go for the reception. OMGoodness! Talk about a barn being transformed! There was an area for the buffet food lines. We got mason jars that had handles. There was a candy bar. And the greatest...a PHOTO BOOTH!!!! They also had corn hole and giant connect 4. I didn't play any of the games but I did enjoy myself. Especially seeing the smiles on their faces!

I would like to say to Mr. and Mrs. Robinson. Follow God. Continue to pray and seek God together for your marriage. I love you both so much! Hope to visit you all again....sooner than later.

Getting Healthy Journey Post 2

So.... This has been a VERY long and busy weekend, which is why I haven't written or posted anything. My brother got married...well....had his wedding ceremony!! All info on that will come in another post.

So, I had to go to my weight watchers meeting on Friday instead of Saturday due to going out of town. It was different but I actually had fun going. We were supposed to bring in recipes to share with each other. I got so many different ideas....that I will eventually try! At this meeting I was recognized for losing at least 5 pounds since I my start date!!! I lost 4.6 pounds last week. A total of 8.2 pounds in 2 weeks!!!! It's so amazing to see and feel this transformation happening!

As I told you all, I am going to reveal things that are revealed to me as I go through this journey. Something I realized this past week is that, it's okay to do things by myself! Yes, I said it. It's okay to have fun and explore alone. When I think about MY perspective of my life, I remember ALWAYS trying to "fit in" with everyone. I felt like a loner during most of my life, whether childhood or adult. I could never seem to be cool enough to really be in the "in" crowd. I was a likeable person. But was never really invited to things with those who I considered my "friends" at that time. This was those from school and church.

I realized that I've always tried to "act" like others or do what others would do. I would try to not be me so much that now I'm grown and have NO CLUE what I really like. I would do things that others liked to do to please them and keep "friends". I never thought or asked myself, "What do I want to do?".

Last week I walked the legacy trail by myself, of course not the whole trail but 2 miles. I really enjoyed it! The weather was beautiful. I had my phone and headphones to listen to music and I walked my 2 miles. I don't like to be in the wild or nature much but it was so calming, reassuring, and literally BEAUTIFUL!! Calming because the wind was blowing peacefully every now and then, the sun was shining but not too much, and everyone respected each other on the trail as people passed each other. Reassuring because I was able to view nature and how God provides for each of the animals, fields, etc. Also that I was by myself, doing something for myself, and enjoying it. And beautiful because it just....was/is.

Walking by myself was one thing I did for me and shows me that, I am loving me more and more each day. This may not seem big to others, but it's HUGE to/for me. I am single and have no children. Who else (right now) should I be pleasing or getting to know besides God? ME! Whenever the day comes that I meet the one God has for me, how will he know what I like or don't like if I don't know?

So, to sum up this blog. Get to know YOU if YOU don't know you. Whether you are single or not. Do things for YOU and sometimes it's best if you do those things ALONE. BE YOU! #LEARNINGTOLOVEME #LEARNINGTOBEME

If you have any questions and/or comments, email me at jay.robin10@gmail.com. Put BLOG READER in the subject line. Hope you enjoyed the post. Hope it helped you.

Getting Healthy Journey Post 1

So, I think every blog I've posted thus far, I have explained how this year is about me. Well, here goes some more info about my journey thus far. I am what the medical field calls, morbidly obese. I am about 100 pounds over the ideal weight for my height. Am I happy about this fact...truth... reality? No. I actually have not been happy about the fact that I've been overweight for most of my life. I look back at #TBT (Throwback Thursday) pictures and wish I could be that size again. I even make the comment, "I was considered fat back then!" Which is the truth.

So now the question is, "What am I going to do about losing weight?" I've got to do it somehow. I'm tired of looking at the mirror and not in the mirror. I'm tired of going clothes shopping and coming out with only underclothes because my size clothes aren't available or don't look right on me or cost too much. I'm tired of not feeling comfortable in my own skin. The list goes on and on. I, most times, put on a face that I'm okay with me. Don't get me wrong, I'm growing and learning to love me. But I want to love a healthier me, not just a skinny me. I beginning to love me enough to care about my health because it's a concern that I have. I cannot do it for someone else. I have realized that. For me, being healthy includes mind, spirit, and body. In order to become a healthier me, I have to first notice what needs to be changed. As I work on this, I will blog about something that has been pointed out to me that I need to work on. As a heads up, I will be VERY transparent in these blogs. So, here we go.

One thing I noticed about myself is that I was/am an emotional eater. In the words of one of my friends, "Master your emotions". I am getting better at this. Mastering your emotions simply means.... DON'T ACT OUT OF YOUR EMOTIONS. This doesn't just mean when someone makes you mad, don't cuss them out. Or don't try to get vengence because that's God's thing to handle. But I had to realize mastering my emotions also included the way I eat naturally and spiritually. What does that look like? I'm glad you asked. Natural example, because I feel lonely or happy or pissed, don't sit and binge on food. Spiritual example, because something is being said that I don't completely understand or want to hear, I tune everything out. Unless God tells me otherwise, I have to be ready and willing to hear/eat what needs to be said to me whether I want to or not. After hearing/eating, I talk(pray) WITH God about it.

These are things that I have and at times still do struggle with. A lot of times, things happen and I want to give a person a good talking to or as some say a good ole tongue lashing. Or because I simply went to the doctor and they told me I have high blood pressure AND type 2 diabetes at 31 years old, I wanted to go home and eat all the food my stomach could and couldn't handle. Or because my pastor is telling me something I really don't want to hear but need to hear, I want to hang up the phone and hear nothing else she has to say. These are examples of my struggles with mastering my emotions. All of these examples affect my health. We as humans have emotions, and that's okay. But work through your emotions before speaking, making a decision, or picking up that bag of chips.

So in the efforts to stop naturally overeating, I have joined weight watchers! NEVER thought I would ever say that. But, I'm so glad I did. I am alloted so many points a day. And I have a certain amount of overage points for the week if I need them. I am proud to say that I have used the overage points only ONE day and it was only 3 points out of 49 that I used. I have not started to work out yet, but it's on the agenda starting today!! So, in ONE WEEK I have lost FOUR POUNDS!!!! I was so nervous but at the same time excited to weigh in. I now understand why the meetings are so imporant. I get enouraging words from others. I'm in a room full of no judgement. The people have been or are currently where I am. Which is simply to lose weight while getting healthy. It has blown my mind how many people come out to a meeting at 7:30 in the morning on a SATURDAY!!! But we all come together to encourage each other and give new ideas. I am surprisingly doing something new and loving it.

Well, that's all I have for today. I hope this encourages everyone who reads this. If you want to join weight watchers, let me know BEFORE you do. I think there is a possible way for both of us to get ONE month free if I refer you!! So, email me at jay.robin10@gmail.com. Use the subject of Weight Watchers Referral. If you have any questions or comments, please do leave a comment below or email me with the subject of Blog Reader. Make today a great one. And remember, MASTER YOUR EMOTIONS.