We are valued

Just as you are - Do you ever think, "If I could only loose 20 pounds life would be perfect?" Do you ever dream about looking like one of those models on the magazine covers? I know, we hear all the time how those photos are touched up, how no one is perfect and those pictures are far from real, but that does not change my wishes.

I really believed that if I could loose weight, life would greatly improve. Of course, I also believed that if every one around me would get their act together and behave in the manner that I thought appropriate, my life would be perfect too. Are you starting to get the picture?

Life will never be perfect - not in this world anyway! The good news is that we can improve and so can our life. Last week we talked about how it is not about the food. Our happiness, peace of mind and our joy in life comes from a heart that is open for business.

During the years when I was so miserable because of my food issues and because of every one else's behavior I really needed heart surgery. My heart was closed. I did not feel worthy to be loved, therefore I wasn't. My mixed up thinking made my life miserable. Knowing that God loves me just the way I am is clearing up my wrong thinking. I am trusting in God's care and provision.

Scripture encouragement for today is from Jeremiah 17:9-10 " The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve."

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