Today was the first day in a while that I was tempted to eat sugar. This weekend we were out of town for Trip's 40th high school reunion. Sunday morning at the hotel there was nothing but a green banana and some grits that I could eat. Don't get me wrong it was a great buffet for non-vegan, gluten friendly folks. However for myself it was challenging to find anything besides juice that I could have. I finally decided it was better to have the grits and omelet instead of being hungry so I ate one small cheese omelet and a double pack of grits with hot water.
Today on the heels of that processed, non-vegan waver, I wanted cheese and sugar so badly. I'm not kidding. It was nuts! I could hardly stay away from the kitchen. I even ate a couple left over crumbs from Kate's omelet this morning, but that's the unhealthiest thing I ate all day. Oh, wait a second, I did have some bbq chips today too, but at least I didn't tie the feed bag on! It was all I could do to resist getting a Milky Way bar after seeing Kate eat one, but I held fast. I did experience a psychological food trigger today also. It happened when Kate was crying and in distress over her time-out. I wanted to grab something yummy and bad for me right then and there! I didn't give in though!!! Another mini-victory!
To be honest, I was also a little discouraged of how I didn't look thinner in the reunion pics, but that's okay. It's only been two weeks! I get to pray up better than I did today. I definitely didn't cover myself in prayer today like I needed to.
Well, it's late, but I'm going to T-Tapp before bed. I did it last night and I slept more soundly.
So that's it for now. I'd really appreciate your prayers for peace, focus and strength of the spirit to be effective in this process. Thank you so much for your encouragement and prayer support. God bless you!
Satisfied in Christ,
-Karen
Monday, March 29, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
3/24/10 Home again, home again jiggity jig!
Well, we got home late last night from the water park! What a place! So much to do! The kids loved it. We just couldn't stop laughing with each other. So fun to be silly!
Remember how I wrote about feeling a little self conscious about my body in that swim suit? Well, after this mini vacation, I think everyone feeling a little self conscious about their physique should go to a water park for a few days and get over it!~ Seriously, there comes a point where it just doesn't matter any more. I started out wearing a t-shirt over my swimsuit. By the final day the t-shirt was off and I just didn't care anymore. There were a lot of other folks there without perfect bodies too!! I still believe having healthier, thinner bodies is important, but we get have a level of acceptance for our bodies during the process of losing the weight too. I don't want to be foolish and say oh, this is just the way I am and that's it. I get to say that this is the way I am right now and I get to be okay that my body's size during this process. My improved health and weight may not visibly improve overnight, but my attitude and focus has.
Remember how I wrote about feeling a little self conscious about my body in that swim suit? Well, after this mini vacation, I think everyone feeling a little self conscious about their physique should go to a water park for a few days and get over it!~ Seriously, there comes a point where it just doesn't matter any more. I started out wearing a t-shirt over my swimsuit. By the final day the t-shirt was off and I just didn't care anymore. There were a lot of other folks there without perfect bodies too!! I still believe having healthier, thinner bodies is important, but we get have a level of acceptance for our bodies during the process of losing the weight too. I don't want to be foolish and say oh, this is just the way I am and that's it. I get to say that this is the way I am right now and I get to be okay that my body's size during this process. My improved health and weight may not visibly improve overnight, but my attitude and focus has.
Monday, March 22, 2010
3/22/10 Discouragement Tries To Rear It's Ugly Head....
We decided to go to a water park for a couple days since we couldn't make our CA trip and wanted to make it special for Kate. Yesterday I put on my swim suit I bought about 3 years ago and it sure fit differently! I could still wear it, but my shoulders and back seem to be pouring out of it. It hardly seems to cover my thighs anymore as well. I opted to put a T-shirt on over it since I didn't want the bathing suit top riding up over my tummy. Discouragement was knocking at my door, but I quickly reminded myself that it's been less than a week that I got back on track with eating better and following the Lord's lead with this Weight Loss Ministry. Physical changes don't necessarily happen overnight! Stay the course! You are doing great!! No need to be discouraged! I'm doing so well that I can see and feel a difference in other tangible ways. I noticed that my face is slimming down, my eyes look bigger and brighter somehow, my skin is glowing and I have lost some inches already!
No more passive eating! Intention! Intention! Intention! I see the difference in my food choices when I'm intentional! No more "I hope I do better today" or "I wish I could lose this extra weight." That was all just passive thinking, living and eating. I am sticking with a commitment between God and myself to make the right choices that honor and give glory to Him. I get to make choices that do not defeat me nor tear down the goals I've set for myself. In the same way that my passivity was a lifestyle, so is my intentionality. Everything I choose to do has a direct impact on my life and others. God gets to remain at my center even at the table. Okay so I don't indulge in the obvious bad stuff out there like drugs, alcohol, etc, but when it comes to food choices why should I or anyone else look the other way? What are we as believers saying spiritually when we give into cravings regularly or addictive eating? I believe what we are saying is that we have two masters. One is food and the other is God. We have made food so important that it has become an idol.
Satan would love for Christ's followers and believers to get side tracked in anyway especially if it can have serious and deadly implications. Unhealthy, addictive eating often leads to being overweight and obese. Being overweight or obese makes us susceptible to many serious health problems. One more way for the Evil One to pick off God's people one by one! This is so avoidable if we can see it happening and come to the Lord for protection, strength, support and focus! In Christ we are strong!!
Satisfied in Christ,
-Karen
No more passive eating! Intention! Intention! Intention! I see the difference in my food choices when I'm intentional! No more "I hope I do better today" or "I wish I could lose this extra weight." That was all just passive thinking, living and eating. I am sticking with a commitment between God and myself to make the right choices that honor and give glory to Him. I get to make choices that do not defeat me nor tear down the goals I've set for myself. In the same way that my passivity was a lifestyle, so is my intentionality. Everything I choose to do has a direct impact on my life and others. God gets to remain at my center even at the table. Okay so I don't indulge in the obvious bad stuff out there like drugs, alcohol, etc, but when it comes to food choices why should I or anyone else look the other way? What are we as believers saying spiritually when we give into cravings regularly or addictive eating? I believe what we are saying is that we have two masters. One is food and the other is God. We have made food so important that it has become an idol.
Satan would love for Christ's followers and believers to get side tracked in anyway especially if it can have serious and deadly implications. Unhealthy, addictive eating often leads to being overweight and obese. Being overweight or obese makes us susceptible to many serious health problems. One more way for the Evil One to pick off God's people one by one! This is so avoidable if we can see it happening and come to the Lord for protection, strength, support and focus! In Christ we are strong!!
Satisfied in Christ,
-Karen
Friday, March 19, 2010
3/19/10
I went through the motions a bit today catching up on things, going to the store, cleaning the house, preparing for company etc while Kate was out at a play date today. My prayer time wasn't what I would have liked it to be, but I did take the time to talk with Him through out the day. Now the day is done and I will regroup for another one tomorrow. Did well with food today. Actually went a little too long between breakfast and lunch I guess since I started getting the low blood sugar shakes as I walked into the grocery store. Bought some V8 and went to work. Didn't crave any sugar whatsoever today. Didn't crave anything processed or bad for me for that matter. Just out of curiosity, I checked my measurements this morning. Although I only check a few areas like my waist, thighs, hips, left forearm and left calf I've lost accumulatively nearly 2 inches in all those areas after just 3 days on this new path of eating, praying and studying the Word. It looks like I've lost a few pounds too, but my scale is an old fashion kind that isn't very reliable so I may need to invest in a digital one. However, I do not intend to keep physical tabs so much on weight, but on inches lost. Inches are much more reliable and rewarding I find.
I'm working on other incentives and reward systems in this study that have nothing to do with food that I think will encourage and also help motivate people taking on this Bible study.
I'm so thankful the Lord is carrying me through this. He is making this all possible! Thank you Jesus!
It is clear that my family and I are under attack by the Evil One. I covet your prayers of protection, strength and focus in Jesus Christ.
To God be all the glory!
-Karen
Thursday, March 18, 2010
3/18/10 This is has become a ministry now...
Yesterday was a good day although it did present some challenges. I really had no food impulses or temptations until the evening when I sat down to watch some TV. Trip and Kate went to see a movie and there I was hungry. Seemed fine at first and then I realized I wanted a quick flavor. I slightly succumbed to some bbq potato chips and then made an ever so slightly improved choice over to some salsa guacamole and tortilla chips. After that I went into full throttle temptation for a candy bar.
Oh, I wanted a Milkway or two or three! I knew just where they were too. I'd gotten a bag recently for our Sunday school class! The last bag I bought was gone before Sunday though. Oops! Folks who don't understand this kind of addiction may only see the humor in this, but it is a battle. My defense against this attack was God's word and his Holy Power over my sinful desires. At that moment I grabbed my Bible, put my Lord first and drew on the power of my Savior's promises. He empowered me to stop that temptation in it's tracks. I later chose a healthier substitute in a few pieces of pineapple! Yes, wanting that chocolate or any other food impulsively and in excess was a sinful desire because it has become an idol and an over indulgence in my life. It is contrary to the actions a believer is to display and partake.
"When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God." Galations 5:19-21
Yes, impulsive eating is right up there in my opinion with lustful desires and idolatry. However, when I accepted Christ as my savior, the passions of my sinful nature were nailed to the cross. Doesn't mean I'm completely sin proof in this world, but that God's gift of His Holy Spirit now indwells in me a new nature. This new nature leads me away from these sinful desires. I am strengthened and directed by my new nature.
"So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses." Galations 5:16-18
The Holy Spirit produces nine fruits that are to be present in me not some of the time, but all the time.
"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another." Galations 5:22-26
So although I may not be completely sin-proof still, through the act of acceptance of my Lord's precious gift of salvation, His spirit now lives in me. His Holy Spirit makes it possible for me to be truly satisfied in this life with or without the comforts or this world or the lustful desires of my heart including chocolate! As I continue to live my life as His child and dedicate myself to Him, His Spirit guides me and leads me to a more Christ-like life. I may not be perfected completely in this world, but the Lord has me on this journey of sanctification through my trials until I perish and enter His Kingdom glorified with Him. Sanctification is the progression of holiness through Christ Jesus in this life, separating us from evil.
"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified." John 17 :15-19
So now it is 5:21 AM. I'm thankful to our Lord for His leadership and strength in my life! Thank you Lord! All Glory to you! Time to go back to bed for now. We will be having more children over today like we did yesterday. I get to be rested! Lord willing, I will write more later.
Satisfied in Christ,
-Karen
Oh, I wanted a Milkway or two or three! I knew just where they were too. I'd gotten a bag recently for our Sunday school class! The last bag I bought was gone before Sunday though. Oops! Folks who don't understand this kind of addiction may only see the humor in this, but it is a battle. My defense against this attack was God's word and his Holy Power over my sinful desires. At that moment I grabbed my Bible, put my Lord first and drew on the power of my Savior's promises. He empowered me to stop that temptation in it's tracks. I later chose a healthier substitute in a few pieces of pineapple! Yes, wanting that chocolate or any other food impulsively and in excess was a sinful desire because it has become an idol and an over indulgence in my life. It is contrary to the actions a believer is to display and partake.
"When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God." Galations 5:19-21
Yes, impulsive eating is right up there in my opinion with lustful desires and idolatry. However, when I accepted Christ as my savior, the passions of my sinful nature were nailed to the cross. Doesn't mean I'm completely sin proof in this world, but that God's gift of His Holy Spirit now indwells in me a new nature. This new nature leads me away from these sinful desires. I am strengthened and directed by my new nature.
"So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses." Galations 5:16-18
The Holy Spirit produces nine fruits that are to be present in me not some of the time, but all the time.
"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another." Galations 5:22-26
So although I may not be completely sin-proof still, through the act of acceptance of my Lord's precious gift of salvation, His spirit now lives in me. His Holy Spirit makes it possible for me to be truly satisfied in this life with or without the comforts or this world or the lustful desires of my heart including chocolate! As I continue to live my life as His child and dedicate myself to Him, His Spirit guides me and leads me to a more Christ-like life. I may not be perfected completely in this world, but the Lord has me on this journey of sanctification through my trials until I perish and enter His Kingdom glorified with Him. Sanctification is the progression of holiness through Christ Jesus in this life, separating us from evil.
"My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified." John 17 :15-19
So now it is 5:21 AM. I'm thankful to our Lord for His leadership and strength in my life! Thank you Lord! All Glory to you! Time to go back to bed for now. We will be having more children over today like we did yesterday. I get to be rested! Lord willing, I will write more later.
Satisfied in Christ,
-Karen
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
3/17/10 Challenging, breakthrough kind of day yesterday....
Okay so yesterday was a breakthrough kind of day for me. I stuck with my commitment to not eat impulsively. It was difficult at times, but I just kept reminding myself that I get to keep my word with the Lord and that He is big enough for me to lean on and give up all my weaknesses to. I kept going back to His Word and then I'd pop a grape into my mouth sometimes too! I ate mostly vegan except for the chicken corn chowder last night. Other than that it was water, herb tea, apple juice, beans, lentils, grapes, strawberries, spinach grapeseed mayo and rice bread.
Went on a 30-40 minute walk yesterday with Kate and her friend that was spending the night. They skated and I walked with Nugget. It was good for all of us. Today I need to T-Tapp. I really notice a difference in my allergies, metabolism, etc when I T-Tapp. In case you have no idea what I'm talking about, here is T-Tapp's website: http://www.t-tapp.com
Anyway, this weight loss Bible study is not mine but to the glory of God. I can only write it through the experience of what the Lord is leading me through in this Biblically. My Lord is my Master. Food has no power over me. My insecurities, impulses, or whatever moves me create an unhealthy temple for the Holy Spirit is powerless over my Lord. He is ruler over my life.
I get to be transparent and real about this struggle and the power of my commitment to the Lord. I already feel lifted up by my prayers and the prayers of others. I am in a new zone now, God's zone.
Please continue to pray for my spiritual strength and protection in our Lord Jesus Christ as I face these impulsive food choices and demons to forge ahead in the God Zone. I can't thank you enough for your encouragement and prayerful support of myself and my family during this time.
Satisfied in Christ,
-Karen
Went on a 30-40 minute walk yesterday with Kate and her friend that was spending the night. They skated and I walked with Nugget. It was good for all of us. Today I need to T-Tapp. I really notice a difference in my allergies, metabolism, etc when I T-Tapp. In case you have no idea what I'm talking about, here is T-Tapp's website: http://www.t-tapp.com
Anyway, this weight loss Bible study is not mine but to the glory of God. I can only write it through the experience of what the Lord is leading me through in this Biblically. My Lord is my Master. Food has no power over me. My insecurities, impulses, or whatever moves me create an unhealthy temple for the Holy Spirit is powerless over my Lord. He is ruler over my life.
I get to be transparent and real about this struggle and the power of my commitment to the Lord. I already feel lifted up by my prayers and the prayers of others. I am in a new zone now, God's zone.
Please continue to pray for my spiritual strength and protection in our Lord Jesus Christ as I face these impulsive food choices and demons to forge ahead in the God Zone. I can't thank you enough for your encouragement and prayerful support of myself and my family during this time.
Satisfied in Christ,
-Karen
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
3/16/10 Taking it up a notch
Today I just got on my knees while I was in the shower and plead with the Lord to just get this stronghold of addictive food habits off my back!!! Here I am trying to write this Bible study and I'm not even in the zone yet. I know the Lord will direct my steps. I know that He wants me to not only lose this weight I've struggled on and off with for over a decade, but to lead others on a similar path to live life in a more Godly healthy way. He's shown me the basis of how it can be done, but I've lacked commitment and focus. I can't do it without Him!!! My weight has shot up to my personal highest and I refuse to be defeated by this wretched, worldly addiction to processed foods etc. I believe the Lord will use this struggle to help me identify and empathize with what others are going through. This struggle will not be in vain. I ask that the Lord use me and my battle to make a difference for His children. May God be glorified in all I write, say and do. Thank you Lord for your precious Word and example you've set before us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
