Carol Chapman (Page 20)

In the past, I would fast from one favorite food, like candy, or soda during the 40 days of Lent.  At first I was tempted to indulge in what I gave up.  I quickly found another “fix” to replace what I could no longer eat.  This “fasting” never brought me closer to God.  This time I will fast from gossip and negative talk.  James 3:5 is, “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.  Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark”  (Holy Bible, New International Version, 2001). Once word are spoken, I cannot takeRead More →

It is easy for me to run to God with big issues.  Financial woes and health concerns signal the need to reach for His help. Every time I call out in prayer, God comes through. Sometimes He answers my request and other times He strengthens me to survive a storm.  My faith and trust in God have grown through answered prayers.  There is no problem is too small and unimportant for God to handle. Isaiah 26:4 is, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”  (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, 2004, 2007).  As longRead More →

My frustrations add up as I face constant stress. There never is enough time in the day to finish everything on my “to do” list.  I forget to thaw meat so I scramble to find ingredients to cook dinner.  My job and family responsibilities leave me little time to relax.  If I focus on the negatives in my life, I feel the world is against me.  My old escape, food, is around the corner tempting me to indulge.  Deep down, I know God is the answer instead of food. Philippians 4:19 is, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches ofRead More →

Occasionally, I forget eating healthy is a slow race I will compete in for the rest of my life.  If I “sprint” by following a fad diet to lost 10 pounds, I will gain the weight back.  Sometimes I don’t see progress and am tempted to give up.  Galatians 6:9 is, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good.  At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”  (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, 2004, 2007).  I must keep doing the right thing.   I am a work in progress.  God is patiently continuing to show me allRead More →

I once relied on earthly wisdom and diets to fix my overeating problem.  Society told me I was fat, so I cut calories and fat grams.  Later, I was told to watch carbs instead of fat. These “elimination” food plans only made me want to indulge in foods I no longer ate. I was sick of the constant thoughts of food tempting me to indulge.  I felt worthless because I had no willpower.  Finally, I cried out to God for help. Psalm 91:2 is, ”I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” (Holy Bible, NewRead More →

During the first week of a January, I reflect on positive changes to make in the new year.  Losing weight has always been at the top of my resolution list.  Fitness goals follow, and I also try breaking a bad habit, like being late.  Over the years, I have learned most resolutions are made to be broken.  While self-improvement is not bad, some of my aims have selfish motives. These short term goals will produce no lasting results. For long lasting change, I need to shift my focus to a heavenly one.  Psalm 119:20 is, “My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at allRead More →