M is for Mountains

During my devotional time this morning, I was seeking God's word for me; something I do everyday.  He never disappoints me.  I was lead to a Scripture verse in Isaiah 49.  It is here I found our M word--mountains.  Verse 11 reads, "I will turn all my mountains into roads."..

At times, I know our journey toward recovery from food strongholds seems too big to get over, to wide to go around and right in our path as we try to move forward.  Isaiah 26:7 says, "The path of the righteous is level."    That is the path I am seeking, I need some level ground, and I know Jesus is that level ground.

This past weekend I was at a Christian speakers and writers' conference.  I was surrounded by 607 other Christian women.  We spent a lot of time hearing God's word.  The teachings/training sessions were always soaked  in scripture.  The name of Jesus was spoken often.  I found I did not struggle so much with the desire to eat; great meals were provided and I did not crave more.  I was busy, but I was also close to Jesus.  That makes all the difference for me.

Thought for today is a quote by Max Lucado, "A craving for more is ungratefulness."

Grace 'n Grins,
Judy

Back in the Saddle

September Starts Today - It seems like such a long time since my last posting, but then again summer has just flown by. I am happy to be back and ready to share more thoughts and feelings about this stronghold to food.

I am happy for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the fact that I am still working toward freedom from my food stronghold. That may sound like an admission of defeat, but just think about it; I have not given up the fight. How about you? How are you doing with regards to breaking free from the bondage to food? Are you still fighting too? That doesn't mean that we are failures because we have not yet overcome, no, quite the contrary. I am still looking to Jesus to become my stronghold. I acknowledge that:

• There is still work to do
• I am still willing to do it
• Grace still abounds
• I will take all I can get

So, are you willing to continue on this journey with me? Are you feeling renewed and refreshed and ready to move forward? Let's see where we are lead this month.

Scripture encouragement for today is from the book of Nahum 1:7 "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,"

Grace 'n Grins,
Judy

Phone a Friend (2)

Partners on the Path - God did not create us to live a solitary existence. God created us for community: with Him and with others. He knows that life will be difficult at times and He has instilled in us this desire for relationships.

I often recognize when someone has been put in my path who can relate to something I am experiencing at this moment in time. I also know when God is using me to touch someone else in this same fashion. I love a one-liner I read in The Purpose Driven Life, "God never wastes a hurt." Do you find this to be true too? Knowing this, trust that the accountability partner you have chosen has been provided by God's grace and use her in the following manner:

• As you share with each other, allow her life experiences to speak to you
• Be honest with her about your struggles - if food is a stronghold in your life, tell her
• Allow her to hold you accountable and give her permission to check-in with you regularly
• Pray with your accountability partner. Then also pray for her when you are not together, she will be praying for you too

If you are anything like me, you will soon treasure this unique and healing relationship. Writing as one who was a "loner" for years, God has blessed me with many friends and people who genuinely care. He will do this for you too.

Scripture encouragement for today is from 2 Chronicles 20:17 "You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid: do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you."

Grace 'n Grins,
Judy

It Is NOT About the Food

What is it all about? - This week let's talk about what goes on when we rely on our food stronghold to survive. I discovered recently that my love/hate relationship with food is rooted in my heart! Wow, what an eye opener that has been. I have known for a long time that there is something going on with me, that I can loose weight; I can get myself to the point where I am looking and feeling much better; but I don't stay there. You too?

For the longest time I thought that this is just the way life was meant to be for me. I decide to loose weight, I find a diet that works for me and then I do it! But, it never lasts and that never surprises me when it doesn't. Now, isn't that something to admit? Can you relate to this?

This week I will share with you my journey of discovery into my issues with food and how I am starting to see where God is leading me. Please feel free to comment and to share your struggles too.

Scripture encouragement for today is from Psalm 147:3 "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

Grace 'n Grins,
Judy

How's it working for you?

Prepare for landing! - Each week seems to have challenges; sometimes each day has them. I am learning that my struggle with food isn't about the food, it is about my heart. When I can keep on the path, not turning to the right or the left, but just plug along straight down the path I have gone before, it is easier to follow a healthy eating plan. But, when I have to deviate from the usual, the comfortable, and I find myself on unfamiliar ground it gets a bit trickier to maneuver.

I am learning to prepare for times when I will find myself in a setting that is not routine. I want to be sure that I don't turn to food for that familiar face in the crowd to comfort me. I am not always comfortable in situations that I can't control: a hospital room, a funeral home, a company picnic. Anyone of these scenarios can take me back to my food stronghold.

It is becoming more and more obvious to me that I need to be prepared for turbulence in my life. By starting my day with a bit of quiet time with God I can get through these rough skies. When I acknowledge that He gives me the strength I need to face any turmoil that may be waiting for me; that He is my parachute and it is firmly fastened, I am ready to land safely!

Scripture encouragement for today is from Psalm 63:6-8 "On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me."

Grace 'n Grins,
Judy

How's it working for you?

Have a plan - Last week I did not post as often as usual, some weeks are busier than others as I am sure you will agree. So, let's get caught up a bit. How was your week? How did you address your food strongholds last week?

I had a good week, as I finally took some of my own postings seriously. I have been convicted about planning for a long time now, but just never took the time to do it. By planning, I mean actually writing down on my official menu planner just what I plan to eat for each meal and snack. I would list the corresponding food value and manage to stay within my allotment for each day.

As I have been praying about the issues related to my eating disorder I could sense God whispering to me that if I would only plan my meals. Well, I did just that and then I made certain that I had everything on hand that I would need for the weeks' menu. I can't tell you how freeing it was to not have to make any decisions when it was meal time. I would merely look and my plan and do it. It was wonderful. There was another blessing too, I was able to write my menu plan when I was hungry and I found that I was more creative as a result.

Try it and let me know what you think!

Scripture encouragement for today is from Hebrews 4:14 " Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens,*Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess."

Grace 'n Grins,
Judy

Still Enjoying the Journey

More Progress -- This week we talked about changing things up a bit, enjoying the journey and getting off of the highway and checking out the back roads. While much of our conversation this week has been based on figures of speech that are meant to encourage us to change things up a bit and not get stuck in the same old diet routine, the discussion can also be taken literally.

It is always good to have a new outlook for an old habit. When we are able to look at today or tomorrow with fresh eyes there is a new eagerness to move forward.

Enjoying the journey means that while changing my eating habits, giving up my food strongholds is the ultimate goal, God has much in store for me as I work on this. He wants me to work through my problems with Him at my side and He want me to learn to laugh too. Enjoying the journey means to enjoy the process and the progress I make each day trusting that He is in control when I surrender to Him.

If God can accept me as I am then I should be OK with me too.

Scripture encouragement for today is from Psalms 32:1-2 (MSG) "Count yourself lucky, how happy you must be -- you get a fresh start, your slate's wiped clean -- Count yourself lucky -- God holds nothing against you and you're holding nothing back from him."

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

Work in Progress

Negatives and Positives - On my journey to overcome a food stronghold I realize how I talk to myself is important. Every morning when I wake up I appreciate that it is a new day, I have not yet used food to fill a need, lift a spirit, comfort a hurt, get even with, insert my will...you get the idea. Every morning I wake up to a brand new day; another opportunity for a fresh start. Now, right now, I will grab my coffee, my Bible and my journal and sit down with God. A few minutes alone with God before starting the day is time well spent.

It is helpful to start the day on a positive note. The song I sing the rest of the day will depend on the tune that gets into my head first. This week we will be discussing the negative and the positive influences in our days. Share what really lifts you and gives you motivation to get through one more day practicing good eating habits; what encourages you to continue learning how to "eat to live"?

Remember, we are all a work in progress and none of us will be perfect until the Day of Christ Jesus!

Scripture Encouragement for today comes from Zephaniah 3:17:
The Lord your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."