Encouragement (Page 14)

I try to cram as much living into my days as possible.  Like most people, I am busy with work and family responsibilities.  My favorite thing to do on a day off is rest.  By rest, I mean do nothing until I am bored.  Once I feel restless, I tackle my never-ending “to do” list.   Even though I take time off to recharge, I still feel tired alll the time. I find true rest with God.  Mathew 11:29 is, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls”. (HolyRead More →

I have to depend fully on God.  When I take my eyes off Him, I lose my focus and slip. My heart naturally seeks God, but I try to fill it with worldly things.  This weakens me, so I drift away from God.  I end up bloated from eating too much again. Psalm 18:32-33 is, “God arms me with strength, and He makes my way perfect.  He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights.”  (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2007). God gives me strength to do the impossible and step away from food.  He has changed my heart so IRead More →

I am currently reading the Easter story in my Bible.  I am touched by the fact that Jesus sacrificed His earthly life for me.  In the past, I have given up candy, cookies, or soda for Lent.  This token sacrifice has done little to bring me closer to God.  This year I am fasting from gossip.  It is much harder than not eating a food I know I can enjoy after Easter.  I have not been perfect, but have tried to be positive about others instead of tearing them down.  I know I do not want to start talking bad about others again. Gossip isRead More →

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 →