Made to Crave...

I'm still reading Made to Crave and trying to make gradual changes that will lead to a healthier lifestyle. I feel like I'm making some real progress and even though the scale isn't moving a whole lot, I feel good and have more energy...and with a 2 year old and an 8 month old- that's a good thing!

Here are some parts of the book that I wanted to share with you in hopes that they can help motivate you as well...

*The body God has given me is good. It is not perfect, nor will it ever be. I still have cellulite. I still have stretch marks...but my body is a gift, a good gift for which I am thankful. Being faithful in taking care of this gift by walking according to God's plans gives me renewed strength to keep a healthy view of my body.

*Running may not be your thing...So find what is! The best kind of exercise is the kind that you'll do. And while I realize my temple may not be God's grandest dwelling, I want to lift up the Lord in whatever willingness I have each day and dedicate my exercise as a gift to Him and a gift to myself. This undivides my heart and reminds me of the deeper purposes of moving my body.

     "Do you not know that your body is a temple 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 body". 1 Cor. 6:19

*EVERYTHING is permissible, but not everything is BENEFICIAL. I want to make choices that will fuel my body instead of weighing it down and making it feel sluggish

*Becoming a woman of self-discipline honors God and helps me live the godly characteristic of self-control.

*Don't get distracted by food. Don't let yourself think that it can satisfy the longing in your soul, or that it will make you FEEL better...Only Jesus can do this.

*LEARN TO ACCEPT THE NUMBER ON THE SCALE FOR WHAT IT IS- AN INDICATION OF HOW MUCH YOU WEIGHT AND NOT AN INDICATION OF YOUR WORTH!

*Know that with God you're able to say unreservedly, "I can!", "I will!", and "I did!".

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For me it all boils down to this- I have got to stop saying to myself, "you know, it's been a hard day. The kids have been fussy, the house is a wreck, I deserve a milkshake. I NEED a milkshake". Because honestly, I don't need that milkshake. This was my attempt at self-medicating. What I most likely need is some time spent in prayer and in God's word to recharge, refocus, and renew my spirit and my resolve. Until I learn to depend on him when things get tough instead of food, I'm going to struggle. 

I appreciate the messages some of you have sent with your encouragement and questioning why I am trying to lose weight. For me, this is not about just losing weight. Although I am not drastically overweight, I struggle with self-control and with overindulgence when I am upset or stressed. And I have been convicted that this needs to change. 

I am thankful for those of you who are also on this journey and who are offering your motivation to me along the way. Please let me know if you haven't if you are also trying to be healthier, and I will be praying for you, as well. 

What would life look like if we accepted God's workmanship?

I posted the following devotion several months ago, but it seems to fit where many of us are right now, so I'm re-posting.

Defined By God

Shari Braendel

"The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord." Psalm 45:11 (NIV)

One word. Flabbergasted.

That was the emotion I had coursing through my body as I sat at the coffee shop discussing my weight issues with a friend.

I told her I had recently cut out certain foods from my diet, but was continuing to maintain my "happy weight," that number the scale just seems extremely happy to faithfully report whether I have eaten healthy and exercised that week or not. We had a good laugh as she described how sometimes she locks her scale away so she's not tempted to jump on it every day just to find out if she's still her same "happy" self.

As a result of this conversation I realized that if I am not careful I can easily allow the scale, or the mirror, to become a compass that shifts my focus and points me in the wrong direction. It seems illogical, yet at times I look to this digital device, or this earthly reflection to gauge my emotional status and essentially define me.

The Bible tells us that the God of the universe is enthralled with our beauty. Seriously? Yes, indeed! He thinks we are amazing and wonderful. Unfortunately, more often than not, we look in the mirror and only see our flaws; hair that's just a mite too frizzy; a tummy that's a bit too fluffy; and thighs that have a few too many dimples on them. My friend Renee likes to call her cellulite "the fingerprints of God." One time I shared that with a group of women, and one of them said, "Well then He must have REALLY big hands!"

So, what would life look like if we accepted God's workmanship? Can you imagine how different we would feel about ourselves if we glanced in the mirror and told God "thank You for making me so wonderfully"? If you listen closely, I bet you would hear Him respond, "All beautiful, you are, my darling; there is no flaw in you" (Song of Solomon 4:7, NIV).

No matter your size or shape, the number on your clothes tag or your scale, you are beautiful! Let's embrace that we are fine just the way we are because if God says so, then it's true!

Dear God, thank You for making me the way I am. Please help me to have more confidence. I will practice defining myself through Your eyes and not my own. I am grateful, and humbled to be Your beautiful daughter, and I can feel Your approving gaze upon me. In Jesus' name, Amen.