Encouragement (Page 20)

Distractions ruin my good intentions. Last summer, God nudged me to pick up my manuscript and complete it. He was guiding me through the final edit. I got busy during the fall and took a break. It has sat untouched for all these months. Minor illnesses mess up my eating goals. This past week, I was sick and my stomach hurt. When I feel bad, I am tempted to snack all day. When I eat too much, I feel like giving up on my goals. 1 John 4:4 is, “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over thoseRead More →

February 14 is a day set aside to celebrate love. The world has twisted “love” to mean lust. This love comes with conditions that must be kept to keep it going. In the past, I was in love with the chocolate I got for Valentines Day. I searched the world for love. Later, I learned that only God’s love is pure and infinite. 1 John 2:15 is, “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you.” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015). I have experienced God’sRead More →

No matter what life throws my way, I can trust in God’s strength to lift me up. My husband lost his job earlier this month. I know God uses these “valleys” to help us depend fully on Him. I also know to fully trust God instead of worrying about the future. It is easier to indulge in worry and food instead of leaning on Him. Exodus 15:2 is, “The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise Him – my father’s God, and I will exalt him! (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015).Read More →

After living over 50 years, I finally realize my life will never be trouble-free.  Usually, I have long enough to rest after resolving one issue before running into another problem. Most of my troubles are minor annoyances.  I get overwhelmed when I have to deal with several minor issues at one time.  I get tired of finding time to handle these trials, no matter how big or small.  I want a vacation from stress. Jesus never promised us a trouble-free life. John 16:33 is, “I (Jesus) have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will haveRead More →

I become my worst enemy when I think negative thoughts. I feel like I will never succeed. I stuff food down to soothe these feelings. Since I overate again, I feel like a failure that does not deserve to lose weight. I see my mistakes, but God sees me walking away from bondage. I need faith that God has delivered me and continues to guide me. Matthew 21:21 is, “Then Jesus told them, ‘I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and so much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you beRead More →