T4T (Thought 4 Thursday): Calorie Counting Update & Faith in Action

Calorie Counting
I’ll start with some light stuff, it is 4:12 AM, as I enter my consumption/calorie count for this Thursday morning and get ready to caffeinate this almost 41 year old body. Incase you’re wondering, I do love that first sip of hot strong, coffee with my new addiction, Italian Sweet Cream creamer, someday I would like to try a French Press. All while I listen to some JJ Heller unplugged. Go sign up to win her new cd over here.
For those of you wondering, why is Bryan up at 4:12 AM? I thoroughly enjoy getting this early of a start, it clears my head. Whether I use this time for some devotions or use it to blog, or just to get my geek on and listen or read some tech podcasts and blogs.

Let’s take a moment to mention our progress in #nomoreroundman or calorie counting.
I have lost 17lbs and feel a little stuck here, but that is okay. I feel great physically, mentally has been a bit of a challenge, but I think a little vitamin D would help that at this point in our western Pennsylvania winter…
Brenda has lost 9.9 lbs. and she keeps losing. She is ranked 3rd in her percentage of weight loss competition, at work. That’s awesome!!
We continue to eat less of healthier options, and exercise as time allows. We are making some progress.

Faith in Action
Yesterday’s Bible Study at G.R.O.W. was another great discussion. We were talking about Faith in Action. We read the 2nd chapter of James,

Here is the NIV version: http://bible.us/111/jas.2.14-17.niv

I really enjoy the Message version:  http://bible.us/97/jas.2.14-17.msg

The Message version reads as follows:

Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?

I know I felt quite convicted. Throughout the day I leave comments abroad saying I’ll pray for people online and in passing, and do just that. I also on occasion stop and help the elderly or a person that seems innocent and easy to help. Other times and even in our own neighborhood, I get what I call "tunnel vision". I ask myself, “How can I possibly help them?”. or “If I offer, what if they take advantage and constantly show up at our door?” I am not very proud of these thoughts and questions that role through my head, but they do... It’s pretty simple, I am broken, I am selfish, I know we are so very blessed, but can’t turn and help a person in need on my own street.  It’s pathetic in a way. Why, is so hard to help?
The obvious: It won’t be easy, and it may be opening a door to a chaotic mess of drama, and careless behavior that I don’t want our girls to have to witness. 
The not so obvious: Reaching out would most definitely show and teach the person in need, God’s love, and in return will teach and enrich the person reaching out with God’s love.
Is sheltering our children from this kind of thing, the wrong thing to do? I just want to protect my family. We work very hard to provide a stable, loving and semi-drama free environment, under our roof. (I include semi-drama, because Brenda has been known to call me a drama king(queen) at times…I have my moments, she is my Rock, even when she calls me names!!

This is one of my many struggles in my faith. I will be continuing to pray for answers to my many questions and an avenue or opportunity to help those in need, including those on my very own street.
Thanks for visiting…