I am completely exhausted.  It is the end of the school year, need I explain more?  Fatigue usually triggers me to overeat.  I normally gain a few pounds during the rush to finish the school year.  This week, my eating was better than in the past, but not perfect.  God has changed my heart so I quickly realized I was eating because I was tired, not hungry.  He helped me to set down the food and run to Him for relief. Matthew 11:28 is, “Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.’”Read More →

I read my Bible regularly.  I also try and listen to what God says to me.  This brings me peace and shows me steps I need to take.  But, reading is not enough.  I must do what His Word says.  Instead, I sometimes choose to do the opposite.  I feel I should give a random stranger a word of encouragement, but don’t want to be embarrassed.  Other times, I get sucked into gossip or laugh when others are made fun of.  People who might never read a Bible see me as an example of Christ.  When I fail to convey Him with my actions, I fail.  I don’tRead More →

God’s will is occasionally crystal clear to me.  More often, I sit in uncertainly.  All my options can look the same.  Other times, I get overwhelmed weighing the positives and negatives of both possibilities.  I have been know to seek other’s opinions and sometimes base decisions on what another person thinks is best.  I get tempted to rush into selecting the choice that appears to be best. God has taught me to wait and pray for direction. Psalm 27:14 is, “Wait patiently for the Lord.  Be brave and courageous.  Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2007).  When I am stuck withRead More →

I have a “love hate” relationship with sugar.  I love the taste, but hate the calories.  Too much sugar makes my stomach ache and breath smell like rotten candy.  I used to stuff my body with gobs of sweets.  Once I started eating sugar, I was powerless to stop.  I was overweight and frequently got sick. So, I went “cold turkey” and quit eating foods with added sugar. I felt healthier, but missed something.  After a while, I turned to sugar free versions that never fully satisfied.  I did lose excess pounds, but missed my treats. This deprivation increased my lust for food.  I refusedRead More →

Deep down, I am a rule follower. I try to do the right thing.  It bothers me when other people get away with disobedience.   Even when their actions don’t involve me, I plot ways to fix their wrongs.  This creates stress and stirs my emotions. The more I focus on injustice, the more upset I get.  Eventually, I reach for food to ease my emotions. Matthew 7:1 is, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  (Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011).  Only God knows our hearts and is qualified to judge us.  I have no business condemning others.   God is my defender and can fightRead More →

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 enjoy working out.  It relaxes me and I have the satisfaction of doing something good for myself.  Everyone knows that to lose weight, one must eat less and exercise more.  I have been know to invent excuses for overeating, including believing I deserved extra food for burning calories in the gym.  Since I stuffed my mouth after working out, my weight stayed the same, and even went up.  I even stopped going to the gym since it did not help me lose weight. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 is, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom youRead More →

I am reading the Easter story and meditating on what Jesus has saved me from.  He died to pay for my sins so I can live. Before, I felt guilty for my past mistakes.  This guilt beat me down.  I felt hopeless, like I was a failure that should give up. Luke 24:5-6 is, “…Jesus said, “It is finished.”  With that, he bowed and gave up his spirit.”  (Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011).  Jesus was the final sacrifice for all sin.  I live free from guilt because Jesus died for me.  His forgiveness wipes away my sin.  He gives me strength to clean up messes that my sin leftRead 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 →