Following is a prayer from my heart. I share this to give you a glimpse into what the Lord is doing in me in this season and in hopes that it might help someone out there who might feel alone in their struggles with food. Because food-related sin is so widely accepted in our culture, it's easy to feel alone if you are trying to deal with it spiritually rather than in the flesh.
Father,
I come before you and repent to You for pridefully not heeding Your voice when you cautioned me against eating a second helping of dessert. I rationalized it in my mind, "It's a tiny brownie...I haven't eaten much today...It should be okay with the Lord..." But I did not ask.
The truth is, my sin was not eating the brownie. My sin was refusing to stop and ask You if it was Your perfect will for me while having a heart that has no will of its own except to hear the will of my Father. (John 5:30)
You have asked me, "Do you want to be made well?" (John 5:6)
My answer is, "yes, Lord."
You have said that You will free me from my bondage to food if I surrender to You all of the time. You have told me that if I doubt in my heart that you want me to eat something, that I am to stop, ask You, listen to You and obey You.
So, Lord, I confess to you that although your still, small voice prompted me to question whether you wanted me to eat that brownie or not, I ignored You. I am sorry, Lord. And I ask that you would bring me to full repentance...hatred for my sin. Help me to see that it's not about the brownie...it's about our relationship.
"Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30
Thank you, Lord that by the blood of your son, Jesus Christ that I am forgiven, cleansed and commanded to "go and sin no more." Thank you for loving me no matter how many times I fail and that you always welcome me to come to You when I do. No matter how many times I need to come, you say, "Come." I love you.
I also wanted to add that when I shared a prayer request several days ago, It was very quickly answered. Thank you for your prayers and I would greatly appreciate your prayers for this issue.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Love to Eat/Hate to Eat Book Discussion: Chapter 2, Question 2
(It's Friday already??)
What change is God most interested in accomplishing in you? What verses in the book of Romans affirm this? Write out these verses here:
He wants me to become conformed to the image of His son.
Romans 8:28-29:
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren."
I love what Elyse says about verse 28..all things working together for good. If you have the book, go look it up. It's very encouraging!
What change is God most interested in accomplishing in you? What verses in the book of Romans affirm this? Write out these verses here:
He wants me to become conformed to the image of His son.
Romans 8:28-29:
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren."
I love what Elyse says about verse 28..all things working together for good. If you have the book, go look it up. It's very encouraging!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
21 Day Habit Challenge Week One Check In...Let's Have It!
So, comment and let us know how the habits have been (or not been) forming. Be real...be honest. Is this helping? Why or why not?
Here is the list of those of us forming new habits...pick someone to pray for:
Missy--sit down to eat dinner each night until everyone is finished.
Kellie--exercise 4 times per week.
Bird--memorize 2 scriptures per week
Maryfran--take vitamins every day.
Milly--not speak ill of anyone.
Dani--Check each day to be sure the kids have done their chores correctly
Julie--read a chapter per day in the Bible
Debs--record everything she eats in a food diary
Brandi--Sit down to eat without doing anything else at the same time.
I will go first. :-)
Stopping everything and sitting down to eat has been very good for me. First it pretty much eliminates mindless eating and it helps me to have more time to think, "Am I really hungry?" Instead of just putting something in my mouth because I want to or because it's "time to." It also eliminates the bad habit of just eating without having put food on a plate first like at a party. I totally goofed last night and did that at the refreshment time after Life Group. Woops!
I have done really well for the most part, but I still am tempted to eat snacks without sitting down or sit in front of the computer with my snack. I am going to make myself sit either at the table or the sofa.
How are all of your habits forming? How can we help?
Here is the list of those of us forming new habits...pick someone to pray for:
Missy--sit down to eat dinner each night until everyone is finished.
Kellie--exercise 4 times per week.
Bird--memorize 2 scriptures per week
Maryfran--take vitamins every day.
Milly--not speak ill of anyone.
Dani--Check each day to be sure the kids have done their chores correctly
Julie--read a chapter per day in the Bible
Debs--record everything she eats in a food diary
Brandi--Sit down to eat without doing anything else at the same time.
I will go first. :-)
Stopping everything and sitting down to eat has been very good for me. First it pretty much eliminates mindless eating and it helps me to have more time to think, "Am I really hungry?" Instead of just putting something in my mouth because I want to or because it's "time to." It also eliminates the bad habit of just eating without having put food on a plate first like at a party. I totally goofed last night and did that at the refreshment time after Life Group. Woops!
I have done really well for the most part, but I still am tempted to eat snacks without sitting down or sit in front of the computer with my snack. I am going to make myself sit either at the table or the sofa.
How are all of your habits forming? How can we help?
Friday, May 23, 2008
It's My Choice
1. Suffer doing what is right and have peace and joy being surrendered to God.
or
2. Have temporary happiness doing my own thing and then suffer greatly with regret because I was not surrendered to God and our relationship has been strained.
Put another way...
1. Accept the fact that I am blind in and of myself and I need to wait for my Guide to lead me in safety, peace and joy with Him.
or
2. Do what seems right to me even though I have not sought God's will or heard from Him yet and end up wandering around aimlessly or getting trapped.
or
2. Have temporary happiness doing my own thing and then suffer greatly with regret because I was not surrendered to God and our relationship has been strained.
Put another way...
1. Accept the fact that I am blind in and of myself and I need to wait for my Guide to lead me in safety, peace and joy with Him.
or
2. Do what seems right to me even though I have not sought God's will or heard from Him yet and end up wandering around aimlessly or getting trapped.
Love to Eat/Hate to Eat Book Discussion: Chapter 2, Question 1
(If you are taking part in the 21-day Habit Challenge, be sure to read the previous post...)
Chapter 2: The Change God Desires
What does 2Timothy 3:16-17 teach about the purpose and power of the Bible? Is this the way that you have thought about scripture?
One thing that just struck me is in verse 17 it says that the man of God may be complete. When His word is not in my heart, mind and determining my actions, I am incomplete.
So, back to the question :-) It says that scripture is profitable for correction an instruction in righteousness (among other things. I'd just like to address these.)
Correction--I can go to scripture to see if I have strayed. Scripture is my standard. Not what others say, not what I feel, not what I see.
Instruction in righteousness--I can go to scripture to see how to live. I want to be righteous because that leads to intimacy with the love of my life: Jesus.
Yes, I would have to say that this is how I now see scripture for the most part. Of course, the fruit in my daily life is what I must go by. And I know how easy it is for me to slip into old patterns of measuring my success based on how I feel, comparing myself to others or, in the case of eating issues, what the scales say.
Okay, now it's your turn...discuss!
Chapter 2: The Change God Desires
What does 2Timothy 3:16-17 teach about the purpose and power of the Bible? Is this the way that you have thought about scripture?
One thing that just struck me is in verse 17 it says that the man of God may be complete. When His word is not in my heart, mind and determining my actions, I am incomplete.
So, back to the question :-) It says that scripture is profitable for correction an instruction in righteousness (among other things. I'd just like to address these.)
Correction--I can go to scripture to see if I have strayed. Scripture is my standard. Not what others say, not what I feel, not what I see.
Instruction in righteousness--I can go to scripture to see how to live. I want to be righteous because that leads to intimacy with the love of my life: Jesus.
Yes, I would have to say that this is how I now see scripture for the most part. Of course, the fruit in my daily life is what I must go by. And I know how easy it is for me to slip into old patterns of measuring my success based on how I feel, comparing myself to others or, in the case of eating issues, what the scales say.
Okay, now it's your turn...discuss!
21-Day Habit Challenge Day 3 Check In: We're All In This Together!
Happy Friday, everyone!
I wanted to post yesterday, but it was one of those days that turned into one of those nights where you can barely muster up the strength to turn on he dishwasher before crawling into bed...
So, here's the official list of people taking part in the 21 day challenge to form a new habit:
Missy--sit down to eat dinner each night until everyone is finished.
Kellie--exercise 4 times per week.
Bird--memorize 2 scriptures per week (which verses are you memorizing this week?)
Maryfran--take vitamins every day.
Milly--not speak ill of anyone. (Did I get that right, Milly?)
Dani--Check each day to be sure the kids have done their chores correctly
Julie--read a chapter per day in the Bible
Brandi--Sit down to eat without doing anything else at the same time.
If you are taking part in the challenge and are not on this list, please say so in the comments and I will be happy to add you. :-)
Please take a moment to choose someone to pray for. Okay, now let us know how it's going so far.
I will start. I did well Wednesday and most of yesterday, but then I actually forgot the first part of my goal. So I ate snacks while standing up. And I also ate while at the computer a couple of times, but by His grace I stopped. It is taking some getting used to, but this is really good for me.
I am looking forward to hearing from you all!
I wanted to post yesterday, but it was one of those days that turned into one of those nights where you can barely muster up the strength to turn on he dishwasher before crawling into bed...
So, here's the official list of people taking part in the 21 day challenge to form a new habit:
Missy--sit down to eat dinner each night until everyone is finished.
Kellie--exercise 4 times per week.
Bird--memorize 2 scriptures per week (which verses are you memorizing this week?)
Maryfran--take vitamins every day.
Milly--not speak ill of anyone. (Did I get that right, Milly?)
Dani--Check each day to be sure the kids have done their chores correctly
Julie--read a chapter per day in the Bible
Brandi--Sit down to eat without doing anything else at the same time.
If you are taking part in the challenge and are not on this list, please say so in the comments and I will be happy to add you. :-)
Please take a moment to choose someone to pray for. Okay, now let us know how it's going so far.
I will start. I did well Wednesday and most of yesterday, but then I actually forgot the first part of my goal. So I ate snacks while standing up. And I also ate while at the computer a couple of times, but by His grace I stopped. It is taking some getting used to, but this is really good for me.
I am looking forward to hearing from you all!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Check In Here
It's technically Tuesday night, but we will be leaving really early for a homeschool field trip, so I am putting this up tonight.
If you are taking part in the 21 day habit challenge, please say so in the comments. Also, let us know how things go the next few days by commenting here. We want to encourage each other.
As I stated before, mine is as follows: For the next 21 days, I will sit down to eat without trying to do anything else at the same time.
With God, all things are possible! Good night!
If you are taking part in the 21 day habit challenge, please say so in the comments. Also, let us know how things go the next few days by commenting here. We want to encourage each other.
As I stated before, mine is as follows: For the next 21 days, I will sit down to eat without trying to do anything else at the same time.
With God, all things are possible! Good night!
Reminder: Habit Challenge starts tomorrow!
(Read the previous post if you have no idea what I am talking about. :-)
If you are joining me in the challenge to form one new good habit over the next 21 days, now is the time to pray about it and define exactly what habit you are going to form. (Make sure it's measurable.) I will post an official challenge check-in post tomorrow and that will be a place where you can name your challenge and let us know how it is going over the next few days. I may post a mid-week check in and I will definitely post an official check-in at the 7 day, 14 day and of course the 21 day mark.
Let's lift one another up in prayer. And may I suggest praying as you read? It's easy to forget over the course of the day.
Is there a prize you ask? Of course!! One newly formed habit that will produce lasting fruit in your life. :-)
If you are joining me in the challenge to form one new good habit over the next 21 days, now is the time to pray about it and define exactly what habit you are going to form. (Make sure it's measurable.) I will post an official challenge check-in post tomorrow and that will be a place where you can name your challenge and let us know how it is going over the next few days. I may post a mid-week check in and I will definitely post an official check-in at the 7 day, 14 day and of course the 21 day mark.
Let's lift one another up in prayer. And may I suggest praying as you read? It's easy to forget over the course of the day.
Is there a prize you ask? Of course!! One newly formed habit that will produce lasting fruit in your life. :-)
Monday, May 19, 2008
They Say It Takes 21 Days...
To make or break a habit. I am challenging myself to form a new habit: sitting down to eat without doing anything else at the same time. (It's amazing how many things I can do while I eat!)
Why this particular habit, you ask? Well, first of all, I believe the Lord told me to. And I can see why. I mean, when I eat while doing something else (even watching TV), I tend to eat more and not feel as satisfied.
I have been reading Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. I was struck by something he said in the chapter titled, "Study":
I am trying to focus on doing one thing at a time now. Forming a habit of sitting down to eat without other distractions, for me, is just one step toward living a more purposeful and focused life.
For whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God. -- 1Corinthians 10:31
So, does anyone else have a habit they would like to form? Please pray about it first. Then let me know!
My challenge officially begins Wednesday. First, let us know what habit you want to "make or break." Make it measurable. (Not, "I want to read the Bible more..." Instead, try, "I will read 2 chapters every day for 21 days.") Check in periodically in the comments to let us know how you are doing; at least once per week. We can encourage and pray for each other.
But if nobody else is led to take part, I don't mind doing it alone. I will update you on my progress :-)
Why this particular habit, you ask? Well, first of all, I believe the Lord told me to. And I can see why. I mean, when I eat while doing something else (even watching TV), I tend to eat more and not feel as satisfied.
I have been reading Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. I was struck by something he said in the chapter titled, "Study":
Most people find it virtually impossible to go through an entire day focusing on a single thing. We are the lesser for this dissipation of our energies.
I am trying to focus on doing one thing at a time now. Forming a habit of sitting down to eat without other distractions, for me, is just one step toward living a more purposeful and focused life.
For whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God. -- 1Corinthians 10:31
So, does anyone else have a habit they would like to form? Please pray about it first. Then let me know!
My challenge officially begins Wednesday. First, let us know what habit you want to "make or break." Make it measurable. (Not, "I want to read the Bible more..." Instead, try, "I will read 2 chapters every day for 21 days.") Check in periodically in the comments to let us know how you are doing; at least once per week. We can encourage and pray for each other.
But if nobody else is led to take part, I don't mind doing it alone. I will update you on my progress :-)
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Carrot Spice Muffins
I made these this afternoon. They were delicious with a glass of milk. I think I will add 1/2 T molasses next time... Enjoy!
(Photo by Bird)
From Whole Foods for the Whole Family; La Leche League Cookbook.
1 1/2 C whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/8 tsp. each ginger and allspice
1/3 C honey (I used fructose and in the future I will prob. add about 2 T more liquid to compensate. The recipe said I could sub sugar for honey but didn’t say to add more liquid…I think the batter should have been a bit more wet.)
1 egg
1/2 C sour milk (1/2 T vinegar or lemon juice and the rest milk)
1/3 C oil
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 C grated carrots (about 2 large)
1/2 C raisins
1/2 C chopped pecans
Combine dry ingredients and spices in large bowl. Mix fructose or honey, egg, milk, oil, vanilla, carrots, raisins and pecans in medium bowl. Add to dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened. Fill greased or lined baking cups 2/3 C full. Bake 400 deg. 15 minutes (check after 10 min.) They say this makes 18, but I divided it among 12.
FYI, each has 137 cals, 2 g protein, 18g carbs, 2g fiber, and 7g fat
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Those who eat chocolate shall...
Oh. My bad. It's...
Those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
I am constantly feeling like I need a little something to perk me up. Chocolate and coffee are my choices 90% of the time. This is partly due to hypoglycemia and partly due to the fact that I never get enough sleep at night. (This "perk me up eating" is different from comfort eating.)
The Lord showed me this familiar verse in a new light earlier this week and my prayer is that when I feel the urge to run to chocolate that I will wait on Him. He will renew my strength!
Isn't it interesting that we are to wait? We can't expect "instant strength" like I have accustomed myself to by going to chocolate and coffee. I might actually have to endure a time of weariness before the strength comes...BUT it will be lasting strength!
Those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
I am constantly feeling like I need a little something to perk me up. Chocolate and coffee are my choices 90% of the time. This is partly due to hypoglycemia and partly due to the fact that I never get enough sleep at night. (This "perk me up eating" is different from comfort eating.)
The Lord showed me this familiar verse in a new light earlier this week and my prayer is that when I feel the urge to run to chocolate that I will wait on Him. He will renew my strength!
Isn't it interesting that we are to wait? We can't expect "instant strength" like I have accustomed myself to by going to chocolate and coffee. I might actually have to endure a time of weariness before the strength comes...BUT it will be lasting strength!
Prayer Request
Please pray for me as the Lord leads. You are about to hear about of one of my common struggles. I gained some weight while Eric and I were on our trip and it has not come off as easily as it came on. (Imagine that!)
I have been way too aware of this. More times per day than I can count, anxious thoughts come, mainly out of pride (my faithful Father showed me that this morning.) "When will I be at goal again? What will people think?, etc."
Please pray for me to have His grace to take every though captive in obedience to Christ and to care only about what He says...not what I think or what others might think.
He is faithful! I appreciate your prayers.
And if you have a prayer request, feel free to leave it in the comments or e-mail me and I will post them.
I have been way too aware of this. More times per day than I can count, anxious thoughts come, mainly out of pride (my faithful Father showed me that this morning.) "When will I be at goal again? What will people think?, etc."
Please pray for me to have His grace to take every though captive in obedience to Christ and to care only about what He says...not what I think or what others might think.
He is faithful! I appreciate your prayers.
And if you have a prayer request, feel free to leave it in the comments or e-mail me and I will post them.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Love to Eat/Hate to Eat Book Discussion: Chapter 1, Question 5
Whether you've read Love to Eat, Hate to Eat or not, you're invited to join in on the discussion. There are no wrong answers! (This book discussion began on my friend Char's blog, Sensible Mom.)
5. Do you think about God as someone you can enjoy? List five characteristics of God that you most enjoy.
[Optional] Write a prayer of praise and commitment. Start with the above list of the five characteristics that you most enjoy about God. Also include in it both your fears and your desires to glorify God through your eating.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Welcome To "Surrender"
This blog is simply about being surrendered to God, plain and simple. With regard to surrender, I plan to focus on two primary issues (and these issues are issues that I struggle to daily and completely surrender to God):
One of our early endeavors for this blog is a book discussion focusing on Love to Eat, Hate to Eat: Breaking the Bondage of Destructive Eating Habits by Elyse Fitzpatrick. (You can see a picture of this book on the sidebar. If you want to buy it at your local Christian bookstore, the list price is only $6.99! I'll bet you could find it on half.com for even less. The book includes a study guide, which is what we'll be using.) Right now we have a couple of people who plan to participate in the book discussion, and if anyone else is interested in joining, please don't be shy! Let me know either in the comments or via email.
I'm looking forward to this journey of complete and absolute surrender to the one who is worthy: Jesus Christ.
- obeying Jesus with regard to eating
- looking to Jesus alone for a healthy body image
One of our early endeavors for this blog is a book discussion focusing on Love to Eat, Hate to Eat: Breaking the Bondage of Destructive Eating Habits by Elyse Fitzpatrick. (You can see a picture of this book on the sidebar. If you want to buy it at your local Christian bookstore, the list price is only $6.99! I'll bet you could find it on half.com for even less. The book includes a study guide, which is what we'll be using.) Right now we have a couple of people who plan to participate in the book discussion, and if anyone else is interested in joining, please don't be shy! Let me know either in the comments or via email.
I'm looking forward to this journey of complete and absolute surrender to the one who is worthy: Jesus Christ.
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