My past failures brought me shame and guilt. Times I spoke unkind words or carelessly retold a story haunt me.  I ate to soothe away self-disgust.  More shame flowed throughout my brain since I couldn’t stop stuffing food down my mouth.  Additional guilt over lack of self-control made me miserable. God is the only one able to lift me out of my pit.  Psalm 34:5 is, “Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, 2004, 2007)  God takes my shame away when I seek Him.  He gives meRead More →

I am not expected to enjoy non-stop happiness just because I am a Christian.  I battle through one trial only to face greater distress on the other side.  Before I followed God, I remember wondering, “Why me?”, every time something did not go my way.  I felt mistreated by the universe.  I blamed others and never accepted responsibility for actions that created my circumstances. 1 Peter 5:9 is, “Stand firm against him (the devil), and be strong in your faith.  Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.”  (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996,Read More →

God has freed me from overeating and this unhealthy obsession with food.  Before, I was “free” to eat how much I wanted.  There were side effects from eating too much:  stomach issues, weight gain, bloat, and feeling tired all the time.  I carried constant guilt from continuing to fall. True freedom comes from submitting to God.  Galatians 5:13 is, For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters.  But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature.  Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, 2004, 2007).  I am free to enjoy all foods, in moderation.  NoRead More →

Every time I overeat, I feel guilt. Shame that I have failed again rushes over me. The fact I resolved to do better beats me up.  This guilt tells me I am doomed to stay fat forever.  Overcome by negativity, I am tempted to give up and eat everything in sight.  This self-disgust is not from God.  Instead, He gently nudges me when I fall short and motivates me to get back on track. 2 Corinthians 7:10 is, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011).  There is a hugeRead More →

I get tired and frustrated sometimes.  In those moments, my discouraged heart tells me to quit.  This temptation encourages me to eat whatever I desire and fibs that I will never lose these last few pounds.  This urge to give up also spills over to my spiritual side, so I skimp on my time with God. 2 Corinthians 4:16 is, “That is why we never give up.  Through our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.”  (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, 2004, 2007).  God strengthens me so I have the courage to press on. When I am weak, I must remember to reachRead More →

Continuing to eat only the food my body needs has been my greatest challenge.  In the past, I found excuses to overeat.  Once I slip, it is easy to keep eating excess food.  I also erroneously think I can start over tomorrow, or even next Monday.  Over time, God has helped me eat less food.  I can tell when I am full and stop eating.  Before, I ate until my stomach was physically bloated, stretching out over my pants. Psalm 119:105 is, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”  (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, 2004, 2007).  God hasRead More →

Usually once I start seeing progress, I celebrate by eating more food than my body needs.  Since no foods are ever off limits for me, I don’t have a “cheat meal”.  Instead, I stuff more food in my body.  Sometimes I “think” I am hungry so I can eat more food.   Or I decide to continue eating after I am full.  This self sabotage keeps me on my weight on a “yo-yo” cycle. I self destruct because I have taken my eyes off of God.  Psalm 63:5 is, “I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.”Read More →

Jesus had to endure a brutal death to pay the price for all sin.  He bore the punishment for all of my wrongs, including gluttony, and love of food.  Because He rose up from the grave, I am free to live.  Psalm 51:1-2 is, “Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love.  Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins.  Wash me clean from my guilt.  Purify me from my sin.  (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, 2004, 2007).  On this Easter, I am grateful that my sin has been taken away.  I have been washed from my past sins andRead More →

I don’t want to surrender everything in my life to God.  I need my “me” time to relax and recharge.  It hard for me to join a new bible study or spend more time in God’s word. This has been one busy week where I can think of many other things to do, including rest, instead of writing this post. My stubbornness in surrendering is not limited to time. I also am tempted to hold on to money, possessions, and even my food intake. During Lent, I normally focus on Bible readings about Easter and sacrifice. My current devotions are about surrendering everything to God andRead More →

I don’t follow a specific diet or meal plan.  This allows me to enjoy my favorite foods without guilt.  I never was able to lose weight following a diet or restricted food plan.  I did eliminate processed sugar and high fat foods for 5 years, but started bingeing on rice cakes and other diet foods.  Food had always been my comforter for hurt feelings and celebration for successes.  I am learning that food is to nourish my body and not the answer to all of my problems. It has taken me a long time to slowly identify and remove all the damaging old habits from my mindset.  I wouldRead More →