Yesterday I was reminded of the scripture that encourages us to run the race with confidence. Only one can win the race. We do it by disciplining ourselves. Seems like I've been running for years, without results. Running to and from God. Running to and from food. Running to and from exercises. Running, running, running and getting absolutely nowhere, (with all of that running, you'd think I'd be burning more calories - hamsters do!)
I read some words written by the Bible teach Beth Moore this morning. She was talking about addictions and how they grab hold of you and how often we just resolve to give in and stop fighting. There are days when we stop running and fighting and we let the grizzly catch us and rip us into tiny, little shreds.
Through the years, I've watched countless people diet and regain, diet and regain, just to diet again. No wonder our minds are so cluttered. No wonder we can't stay focused. We find excuse after excuse after excuse to indulge ourselves and throw discipline to the wind.
I'm so tired of running. So tired of losing the race. So tired of getting nowhere. I'm tired of fighting. Tired of food plans, just plain tired of it all - as a matter of fact, I'm just plain exhausted. There's nothing left of me.
Reviewing the paragraphs I've been writ ting for the past few minutes, there is a common theme - I, I, I, I. Hmmm, seems to be all about me - yep, it's all about me. "I" is an exhausting subject! I'm realizing that self-centeredness is exhausting.
LORD, HELP ME GET MY FOCUS OFF OF ME! I have no more words, only His words. Let Him do his work in me, I'm too tired to continue with my own nonsense!
I Corinthians 9:24 "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
AMEN and so be it!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
It's a New Day
All of us experience it. We have up days and down days and blah days. Days when we feel like doing nothing and days when our family and friends can't get us to sit down because we are a whirlwind of activity. We hunger for what is "normal". We long to have a routine. We cry out for days that go well, but there is always something to derail us - too much traffic in the morning that makes us late for work; a call from the school nurse that our child has a fever; bad weather, when it's the day we finally decided to start our running or walking routine.
As I typed the sentences above, I felt the tug of something greater. The tug that I allow the changes in my day to get me off track. Could it be I'm looking for an excuse to fail? A chance to blame someone else for my failure to lose weight? I think I might have just uncovered my vulnerability to failure.
It's not my fault, it's the restaurant for serving such high-fat foods; it's grandma's fault for teaching me to enjoy cookies and milk; it's my families fault for having all of these salty snacks around; it's your fault for ... fill in the blank.
Personal responsibility. Personal discipline. Personal motivation. Personal accountability. That's the remedy, that's the key to moving forward and tasting success.
My desire is to be healthy, but I'm never going to get there if I don't stop blaming others for my overeating. The Bible has promised me that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength and yet I keep on going my own way, following my own failed paths.
But, it's a new day - the freshness of the morning rain, the quietness of the house, and the prospect of wonderful things all warm my heart right now. I can do this thing. I can throw this monkey off my back. I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength! Philippians 4:13
As I typed the sentences above, I felt the tug of something greater. The tug that I allow the changes in my day to get me off track. Could it be I'm looking for an excuse to fail? A chance to blame someone else for my failure to lose weight? I think I might have just uncovered my vulnerability to failure.
It's not my fault, it's the restaurant for serving such high-fat foods; it's grandma's fault for teaching me to enjoy cookies and milk; it's my families fault for having all of these salty snacks around; it's your fault for ... fill in the blank.
Personal responsibility. Personal discipline. Personal motivation. Personal accountability. That's the remedy, that's the key to moving forward and tasting success.
My desire is to be healthy, but I'm never going to get there if I don't stop blaming others for my overeating. The Bible has promised me that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength and yet I keep on going my own way, following my own failed paths.
But, it's a new day - the freshness of the morning rain, the quietness of the house, and the prospect of wonderful things all warm my heart right now. I can do this thing. I can throw this monkey off my back. I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength! Philippians 4:13
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Always Available is not Always a Good Thing
Sometimes I hate the fact that food is so easily accessible in America. I wonder if there are statistics showing that people who live in the city weigh more than people who have to travel further for their food? Within five square miles of my house there are probably ten grocery stores and at least 50 restaurants. Always available.
Listening to myself read the above paragraph out loud, sounds pathetic to my ears. Pathetic that I'm complaining about so much available food when so many in this world scratch for the food they eat. I saw a brief five-minute segment on the Travel channel the other day that showed young boys roaming the city dump scavenging for something that they might sell in order to buy food. They work 12-14 hours each day in filthy garbage and human waste, just to make enough money to feed their families. This very fact should shame me, but being truthful, it shames me very little because I'm so spoiled that I can't even empathize with their pain.
I'm reminded of the word "balance" just now. The Bible reminds me often to find balance. Philippians 4:12 (NIV)says - "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
Each day I strive to strike a balance between the foods I eat and the foods I want to eat, but leave on my plate. I must confess that I'm not as content when I'm hungry as I am when I'm well fed.
"Dear Lord, how greedy (I've) we've become as an American. A land so teeming with abundance that we eat more than we should and waste what we shouldn't. Forgive me my selfish ways and remind me often how blessed I really am. In Jesus Name, Amen."
Listening to myself read the above paragraph out loud, sounds pathetic to my ears. Pathetic that I'm complaining about so much available food when so many in this world scratch for the food they eat. I saw a brief five-minute segment on the Travel channel the other day that showed young boys roaming the city dump scavenging for something that they might sell in order to buy food. They work 12-14 hours each day in filthy garbage and human waste, just to make enough money to feed their families. This very fact should shame me, but being truthful, it shames me very little because I'm so spoiled that I can't even empathize with their pain.
I'm reminded of the word "balance" just now. The Bible reminds me often to find balance. Philippians 4:12 (NIV)says - "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
Each day I strive to strike a balance between the foods I eat and the foods I want to eat, but leave on my plate. I must confess that I'm not as content when I'm hungry as I am when I'm well fed.
"Dear Lord, how greedy (I've) we've become as an American. A land so teeming with abundance that we eat more than we should and waste what we shouldn't. Forgive me my selfish ways and remind me often how blessed I really am. In Jesus Name, Amen."
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
I Need a Place to Hide
Today I just want to hide. Far, far away from my feelings and emotions.
What do emotions have to do with eating? Honestly, I wish I understood it. Some eat when they are bored, or tired, or alone. Others eat because they love to celebrate, or when in a crowd or while attending a special event. And, some of us eat just because the food is in front of us and it looks fresh and tasty.
I confess that there is only one time that I do not like the taste of food is when I'm grieving. Last night was a prime example of that. I couldn't at first understand the feeling I was having. Then I recalled the few times that I have a hard time eating. It's definitely when I'm grieving. Food tastes like cardboard, even my favorite foods.
Grief is hard to explain - it doesn't always come just because someone you love dies. Sometimes it comes when something you want so badly never happens. Like the dream you've had for years seems like it will never be fulfilled. Or, the feeling that happens when you realize someone you love will never be what or who you've hoped and prayed they would be.
Only God can take away that kind of grief. It's gut-wrenching and far reaching into the inner cavernous of your soul. It takes your breath away and your desire to continue doing good.
Proverbs 18:10 says, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Today Lord I'm running until I find that tower. Please open the door wide so I will not miss the entrance. I need the safety of your strong arms today. In Jesus name I pray, Amen"
What do emotions have to do with eating? Honestly, I wish I understood it. Some eat when they are bored, or tired, or alone. Others eat because they love to celebrate, or when in a crowd or while attending a special event. And, some of us eat just because the food is in front of us and it looks fresh and tasty.
I confess that there is only one time that I do not like the taste of food is when I'm grieving. Last night was a prime example of that. I couldn't at first understand the feeling I was having. Then I recalled the few times that I have a hard time eating. It's definitely when I'm grieving. Food tastes like cardboard, even my favorite foods.
Grief is hard to explain - it doesn't always come just because someone you love dies. Sometimes it comes when something you want so badly never happens. Like the dream you've had for years seems like it will never be fulfilled. Or, the feeling that happens when you realize someone you love will never be what or who you've hoped and prayed they would be.
Only God can take away that kind of grief. It's gut-wrenching and far reaching into the inner cavernous of your soul. It takes your breath away and your desire to continue doing good.
Proverbs 18:10 says, "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Today Lord I'm running until I find that tower. Please open the door wide so I will not miss the entrance. I need the safety of your strong arms today. In Jesus name I pray, Amen"
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Time to Declutter
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (New International Version): "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
Think about that closet, basement, office or garage you've been promising to clean out. What a mess! So messy that it's overwhelming to think about starting the job of sorting, tossing, putting away or giving away all of the things you saw when you first opened the door to the project.
Time after time, we have visitors to our homes and when we given them the quarter tour, we show them everything except the dreaded places where we hide our messes. We coyly say, "I'd show you what's behind this door, but this is where we toss our messes, or that's our office, we haven't filed anything for at least five years.
Our bodies are a lot like our messy houses. We keep promising to clean up. We keep promising not to stuff so much into our mouths that we have to begin hiding our messes. We hide behind bulky clothes and long hair, and before we know it five years has passed without filing one healthy recipe.
Now that it's spring, it's time to clean the clutter from our temples. We were bought at a high price, our bodies house the Holy Spirit of God, and we don't even belong to ourselves! Fathom that statement! It's time to do what we do whenever we visit other's homes - we leave it better than when we came. Shouldn't we do as much for our own house of flesh - our temple?
"Dear Maker and Creator, you created me for a purpose; a holy purpose. Forgive me for driving your temple to ruins because I failed to maintain it all these years. Please give me the tools and supplies I need to rebuild and send me workers when the job becomes overwhelming. Restore its light and beauty. In Jesus name."
Think about that closet, basement, office or garage you've been promising to clean out. What a mess! So messy that it's overwhelming to think about starting the job of sorting, tossing, putting away or giving away all of the things you saw when you first opened the door to the project.
Time after time, we have visitors to our homes and when we given them the quarter tour, we show them everything except the dreaded places where we hide our messes. We coyly say, "I'd show you what's behind this door, but this is where we toss our messes, or that's our office, we haven't filed anything for at least five years.
Our bodies are a lot like our messy houses. We keep promising to clean up. We keep promising not to stuff so much into our mouths that we have to begin hiding our messes. We hide behind bulky clothes and long hair, and before we know it five years has passed without filing one healthy recipe.
Now that it's spring, it's time to clean the clutter from our temples. We were bought at a high price, our bodies house the Holy Spirit of God, and we don't even belong to ourselves! Fathom that statement! It's time to do what we do whenever we visit other's homes - we leave it better than when we came. Shouldn't we do as much for our own house of flesh - our temple?
"Dear Maker and Creator, you created me for a purpose; a holy purpose. Forgive me for driving your temple to ruins because I failed to maintain it all these years. Please give me the tools and supplies I need to rebuild and send me workers when the job becomes overwhelming. Restore its light and beauty. In Jesus name."
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Leaving What is Past, Behind
Philippians 3:12-14 (The Message)
"I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back."
Disappointments, failures, almost-there - so many I can't count them on all. And yet, each new day offers possibilities and successes that we never imagined. Why is it we get stuck in the past? Why can't we leave it behind in search of new adventures? Instead, we lament over the same old uncertainties. We rob ourselves of joy and reaching the stars.
Today I've been granted a new 24 hours to do what I want. Do I choose to wallow in the past? Or, do I choose to open new doors, reject old feelings and reach for the stars? I've never ridden on a rocket ship, but today I think I'll investigate the possibilities. I'm going to make it to the stars this time, so I'd better do some research to find out exactly how it's done.
"Lord, forgive me when I try to do things without your help. You have promised me all of the tools I need to be a success. It's foolish of me to not take advantage of things that are priceless, provided out of your wealth. Today I choose to be lavished by your good gifts. In Jesus name, Amen."
"I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back."
Disappointments, failures, almost-there - so many I can't count them on all. And yet, each new day offers possibilities and successes that we never imagined. Why is it we get stuck in the past? Why can't we leave it behind in search of new adventures? Instead, we lament over the same old uncertainties. We rob ourselves of joy and reaching the stars.
Today I've been granted a new 24 hours to do what I want. Do I choose to wallow in the past? Or, do I choose to open new doors, reject old feelings and reach for the stars? I've never ridden on a rocket ship, but today I think I'll investigate the possibilities. I'm going to make it to the stars this time, so I'd better do some research to find out exactly how it's done.
"Lord, forgive me when I try to do things without your help. You have promised me all of the tools I need to be a success. It's foolish of me to not take advantage of things that are priceless, provided out of your wealth. Today I choose to be lavished by your good gifts. In Jesus name, Amen."
Monday, May 16, 2011
Don't Let Disappointment Define You
Each of us has that one person in our lives that Joyce Landorf calls "irregular people". You know, the ones who can find your hot-button within five minutes of open dialog. Boom, there it is, the hit below the belt; the thing that makes you feel like you're nobody; the word that keeps you depressed for days.
It's easy to revert back to destructive habits because it's the place we've always found comfort. But, I'm choosing today to take another road. I'm choosing to beat them at their own game. Today I refuse to listen to the words and phrases which would normally have me spinning out of control. Today, I choose to listen to God's voice. He, and He alone knows what I need to make it through my days. Scripture tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:5 (The Message)
"The world is unprincipled. It's dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn't fight fair. But we don't live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity."
"Dear Lord, help me today to focus on the things that build your temple and do not destroy. Your word also tells us that our bodies are the residence of your Holy Spirit. Forgive me when I eat things that are not helpful to restoring your temple. In Jesus name, Amen."
It's easy to revert back to destructive habits because it's the place we've always found comfort. But, I'm choosing today to take another road. I'm choosing to beat them at their own game. Today I refuse to listen to the words and phrases which would normally have me spinning out of control. Today, I choose to listen to God's voice. He, and He alone knows what I need to make it through my days. Scripture tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:5 (The Message)
"The world is unprincipled. It's dog-eat-dog out there! The world doesn't fight fair. But we don't live or fight our battles that way—never have and never will. The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture. We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity."
"Dear Lord, help me today to focus on the things that build your temple and do not destroy. Your word also tells us that our bodies are the residence of your Holy Spirit. Forgive me when I eat things that are not helpful to restoring your temple. In Jesus name, Amen."
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Fifteen Pounds
This morning I went to Google to ask the question, "What things weigh 15 pounds?" Here are a few answers I got (but can't verify since you can't believe everything you read on the internet!) - 6,810 one dollar bills, 4,086 paper clips, 8,444 jelly beans, or 2,383 sticks of gum.
I have no need for 4,086 paper clips, and I'm quite certain that eating more than 8,000 jelly beans would be painful in many ways, but bring on the $6,801 in one dollar bills! In our current economy, I think I could find merchants who would be glad to gather my cash.
If you're still reading, you're probably wondering why I've typed all of this nonsense, when what I'm really trying to say is that today I am 15 pounds lighter than I was on December 12, 2010.
Enter anxiety: It's at about this point in God's Weighting Room that I become nervous and overconfident that I can eat whatever I want and still lose weight. Where did that kind of crazy thinking come from? I'm not sure, but I'm in search of more answers and most of them are not as silly a question as "What things weigh 15 pounds?"
"Lord, I come to you, my Maker. You've known me since creating me in my mother's womb. You and You alone know the answers I am seeking. Give me answers that make sense. Please give me answers that are clear. Help me to continue to seek you and your righteousness for they are my fountain of wisdom. In Jesus name, Amen"
I have no need for 4,086 paper clips, and I'm quite certain that eating more than 8,000 jelly beans would be painful in many ways, but bring on the $6,801 in one dollar bills! In our current economy, I think I could find merchants who would be glad to gather my cash.
If you're still reading, you're probably wondering why I've typed all of this nonsense, when what I'm really trying to say is that today I am 15 pounds lighter than I was on December 12, 2010.
Enter anxiety: It's at about this point in God's Weighting Room that I become nervous and overconfident that I can eat whatever I want and still lose weight. Where did that kind of crazy thinking come from? I'm not sure, but I'm in search of more answers and most of them are not as silly a question as "What things weigh 15 pounds?"
"Lord, I come to you, my Maker. You've known me since creating me in my mother's womb. You and You alone know the answers I am seeking. Give me answers that make sense. Please give me answers that are clear. Help me to continue to seek you and your righteousness for they are my fountain of wisdom. In Jesus name, Amen"
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Saturday Morning
I survived the week without too much food temptation. I oh, so, wanted ice cream last night. We didn't have any at home (so that we won't be tempted to eat it), and I was too tired from a week of Corporate America to get up and make the extra effort of going somewhere just for ice cream.
My mind is beginning to wrap around this idea of dropping pounds. It's not as scary as it once was for me. I'm ready to shed this blanket of flesh and show the world who I am underneath it all. It's going on summer after all, and we should be wearing less covering, don't you think?
Saturday mornings are precious to me. They give me time to reflect and to dream. We are only given so many Saturday mornings in a lifetime. The idea is best represented in the story "1000 Marbles". I don't plan to waste too many more Saturdays doing the same things I've always done, just to get the same results. I'm thinking it's time to move beyond that way of thinking. You think?
"Dear Father, give me fresh ideas today. Ideas that are planted by you. Ideas that glorify you. You promise me that if I put you and your kingdom first, all other things will be added to me. In Jesus name, Amen"
My mind is beginning to wrap around this idea of dropping pounds. It's not as scary as it once was for me. I'm ready to shed this blanket of flesh and show the world who I am underneath it all. It's going on summer after all, and we should be wearing less covering, don't you think?
Saturday mornings are precious to me. They give me time to reflect and to dream. We are only given so many Saturday mornings in a lifetime. The idea is best represented in the story "1000 Marbles". I don't plan to waste too many more Saturdays doing the same things I've always done, just to get the same results. I'm thinking it's time to move beyond that way of thinking. You think?
"Dear Father, give me fresh ideas today. Ideas that are planted by you. Ideas that glorify you. You promise me that if I put you and your kingdom first, all other things will be added to me. In Jesus name, Amen"
Thursday, May 12, 2011
One Thousand Times
For at least one thousand time throughtout the past 45 years I've placed myself on a diet. I've tried and lost a few pounds. I've tried and failed miserably in my attempts. But, never, no never have I sustained.
Sustainability - a 21st century industry word. "They" say if it's not sustainable, it's not a good product. Well, maybe that's just what I need - stay the course, do the right things over and over - sustain.
Follow me as I endeavor to put an end to this madness. Follow me and God as He does a good work within me. Follow me, as I follow Him who understands what it takes.
Follow me as I weight on Him!
"Lord, you tell me that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. I'm weary from the years of failure; I'm weary from the times I attempt these things on my own. I'm just plain weary. Help me now to rest in you and bring my heavy burden of flesh to you. I trust that you have a plan for all of this. You know I'm a great starter, but help me to remember that You are the author and finisher. It's the finish line that you'll need to lead me to. In Jesus name, Amen."
Sustainability - a 21st century industry word. "They" say if it's not sustainable, it's not a good product. Well, maybe that's just what I need - stay the course, do the right things over and over - sustain.
Follow me as I endeavor to put an end to this madness. Follow me and God as He does a good work within me. Follow me, as I follow Him who understands what it takes.
Follow me as I weight on Him!
"Lord, you tell me that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. I'm weary from the years of failure; I'm weary from the times I attempt these things on my own. I'm just plain weary. Help me now to rest in you and bring my heavy burden of flesh to you. I trust that you have a plan for all of this. You know I'm a great starter, but help me to remember that You are the author and finisher. It's the finish line that you'll need to lead me to. In Jesus name, Amen."
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