P is for Powerful

Friends, this letter presented countless possibilities. I found it difficult to pick merely one. Most of the words were positive, like: peace, prayer, permission, people and progress. But, I would guess that even these words, when not viewed from positive vantage point could be construed as dubious (don’t you love this word?).

When I am struggling with my diet or my menu for the week, I am not always approaching it from a positive stance.  Just the fact that I have food to eat should be a great big positive.  Add to that the fact that I am free to make my own choices and the upbeat meter begins to rise.  Usually a gauge I can fall back on is my prayer and devotional time.  How much time did I spend talking to God about my problems.  All of them, not just the obsession I have with food.

This past week Geneen Roth, author of Women, Food and God was on the Oprah show.  Now I don't normally tune in to that program, but the topic was interesting.  Of course I ended up disappointed because right away they had to clarify that the God referred to in the title was not the "religious" God.  Well, what other God is there I asked?  God is the Powerful Word.

Every area of my recovery, and that includes my recovery from compulsive overeating, needs to be centered and focused on God - the religious God.  Maybe I should write a book...um

Scripture encouragement for today is found in Ephesian 6:10-18.  Verse 13 is the text that jumped off the page for me is , "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."

Grace 'n Grins,
Judy

Time for a Change

We all need a make over every now and again.  I decided it was time to change things up a bit on this site.  You will notice that there is a new look to the site, new layout and colors.  I have to get a current picture posted to.

I am still going to writing about struggles with my food addiction.  Yes, I might as well call it what it is, a food addiction.  I am learning a lot about myself as I deal with this issue head-on.  Over the past year and a half, I have managed to lose 30 pounds, but now I find that I am struggling every day.

How about you?  Is this an everyday challenge for you as well?  Is it more a seasonal thing, like holidays, special occasions, family gatherings?   Let's discuss what it is that trips us up.  I find that I am getting bored with the menus I had been working with.  I was craving some of that good flavor which comes from eating foods with a fat content.  After all, fat is extremely tasty.  I thought I was over that, but I guess I am not.

Any suggestions?  I sure could use some.  I will be sure to address what ever issues you are struggling with too.  Together we can figure this out.  I look forward to hearing from you. We are in this together.

Scripture encouragement for today  Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!  Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?  Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV)

Grace 'n Grins,
Judy

Get off the Highway

Take the scenic route - Every once in awhile I make the decision to take a different route. This applies not only to small jaunts to the office or the grocery, but longer trips. Have you ever been tempted to take the next exit off of the freeway and find your destination using back roads and a map? Do you know that at one time these back roads were the only way to get to grandma's house? You could be in for a real treat!

We can discover blessings in remote places and on out-of-the-way expeditions. I often need to think outside the box when it comes to my food addiction. God is helping me to see that He is the only stronghold I need. When I am following a diet, aka eating plan, I should pull off at the nearest exit and forget about the fastest way to arrive at my destination. It is time to take the scenic route.

Depending on where I am right now, this route will look different. There will be days that I will see rays of sun-shine glancing off of dewy mountains encircled in morning fog. Other days I will be able to see plainly, the road ahead, my vision will be clear. Isn't that how God keeps us close to Him? I am learning to stop thinking so much and to start praying more. When I keep close to Him and truly surrender to Him, my stronghold is clear and I discover that I am having such fun taking the scenic route.

Scripture encouragement for today is from John 10:10 "Satan has come to steal what the Lord has given you. Jesus has come to give you life abundantly."

Grace 'n Grins,
Judy