R is for Rest and Relaxation

I thought it would be appropriate to use these two words as the expressions for today.  I have been on vacation and have not posted for over a week.  I am still on vacation, but missed writing, so here are a few thoughts.

It is important, as we journey along the path leading us out of our bondage to food, to take time to relax and enjoy our life.  It is also important to enjoy the journey we are on.  I find that time away from home and routine helps me to refocus and rejuvenate and refresh my outlook.  How have you taken time out this summer?  Have you gotten away from it all?  Did you deliberately plan an escape, if only for a day? 

Life is fun and we need to remember God wants us to be happy.  I find my happiness is reinforced when I take time for me; when I take time out from life's routine for some R and R.

Scripture encouragement for today is from 2 Peter 1:3, "Everything you need God has placed within you."

Grace 'n Grins,
Judy

A Fresh Look at Life

Wednesday Wonder - Do you have a routine that you fall into everyday? Are there a few things that you plan to do daily which help to keep you on target? I find that having a schedule in mind for my day helps to keep me motivated, gives me purpose and a reason to follow through on things that I need and want to do.

I love a good to-do list. One reason I like lists like this is because of the sense of accomplishment felt when I check off each item of importance. My list might look something like this:

• Quiet time with God and my favorite coffee
• Menu plan for the day ready to go
• Check the weather for exercise options
• Work/chores to finish today

I am a "ducks in a row" sort of person, so list works well for me. Maybe you have a different way to get your day off to a good start. Tell us about it.

Scripture encouragement for today is from Jeremiah 16:7-8 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

Grace 'n Grins
Judy

Encouraging Words

Friday Fruits - It is Friday and while many of us look forward to the weekend and time with family, it can be challenging for those of us who struggle with food strongholds. The weekend often signals a time to get out of our routine; the weekend gives us permission to give in to our desires. After all, it is a time of rest.

I find that all of this is true. The weekend is meant for us to Regroup. I often use the weekend to examine how the past week went. I can use this as a time to prepare a new eating plan for the coming week or to repeat one from the past weeks that worked really well.

Relax is another practice I have for the weekend. I will relax from my routine, relax from everyday deadlines and unwind for two days. While I don't cease my eating plan I will loosen up a bit, in that I will allow a treat into my plan for one of the days.

It is important to me that I Restore myself over the weekend, that I fill my heart and my head with positive words and uplifting thoughts. Monday can be a difficult day if I have not taken the time to re-estabish my goals, to give myself (and God) credit for the successes of the past week and to forget about any perceived failures.

Scripture encouragement for today is from Romans 12:11-12 (MSG) "Don't burn out, keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard time; pray all the harder."

Grace 'n Grins,
Judy