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I made it through December without overeating, but I am struggling to stay on track in this new year. I prepare to be around food during the holidays by spending more time with God. After my Christmas excitement goes away, I relax and spend less time with God. Taking a break from Jesus allows me to slip into temptation. I am grateful that it was only one week of sloppy eating instead of an entire month. I know to turn back and lean on God. Ephesians 6:10 is, “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Holy Bible, New LivingRead More →

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Lights are hung outside my house. The tree is trimmed and decorations cover my fireplace. My house is ready for Christmas, but I am not. There are no presents under our tree. My schedule is packed with parties and fun holiday activities. Fun turns to frantic when I forget why I celebrate. I need to prepare my heart and mind to celebrate the coming of Christ. Matthew 1:21 is, “She (Mary) will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011). I lose the trueRead More →

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In: Emotional eating, Encouragement

The closer I get to God, the harder it is for me to drift away. My heart feels “not right” after I barely glance at my devotions for a few days. I get a sour feeling in my stomach when I eat too much and realize I have slipped. God uses these empty feelings to draw me back to Him. Psalm 27:8 is, “My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015). God calls me to draw close to Him even when I go through the motions. I amRead More →

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When I think about everything God has done for me, I know I can never thank Him enough. Not only has He saved me from sin, but I have a life worth living. I can face whatever life throws me as long as God is by my side. 1 Chronicles 16:34 is, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011). We are commanded to thank the Lord. Early in my Christian walk, I took God’s blessings for granted. I was embarrassed to admit my successes were blessings from God. My faith grows when IRead More →

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On my own, I am weak and powerless. I forget my limitations and try to make things happen. My efforts waste both time and energy. I keep forcing things to work and worry when it falls apart. I end up tired and stressed. Isaiah 40:29 is, “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015) God gives me strength to do what He wants me to do. Without Him, my efforts are useless and accomplish little. God also gives me wisdom so I don’t waste time on things he doesn’t have for me. He gives me allRead More →

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In: Emotional eating
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In the past, seeking God was not the my first choice when I was stressed. I ran to food, complained to friends, or avoided situations. Complaining and avoiding solved none of my problems. I got temporary pleasure from stuffing my face because food helped me forget about my problems. My troubles still annoyed me and I had guilt from overeating again. 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.’” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015). Jesus wants us to bring our troubles to Him. Only God can helpRead More →

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In: Healthy eating
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I am struggling to get over an upper respiratory virus. In the past, being sick was my excuse to overeat. When I don’t feel good, I want food. I used to stuff food down my upset or queasy stomach for comfort. Since I never remember if “Feed a fever, starve a cold,” is correct, I eat whenever I feel ill. Excess food has never cured my sicknesses. I think some of my minor illnesses are from eating too much unhealthy food. This time, I did not want to overeat. I slept and binge watched old shows for comfort instead. Psalm 147:3 is, “He heals theRead More →

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This school year, I agreed to co-direct one act play. So far, I am having fun being creative. But, these added responsibilities increase my stress. During my morning quiet time, my mind reminds me of things I need to do. I have to work harder to connect with God. Psalm 37:5 is, “Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015). I have to trust God and leave everything in His hands. When I commit my plans to Him, He guides and calms me. In the past, I stuffed my face with excess foodRead More →

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In: Encouragement

Sometimes, I don’t feel like reading my Bible or praying. I get tempted to skip it just this once. I try to keep reading, but my mind wanders. I either have to quit without finishing or rush through. I feel disconnected from God and guilty for wasting time. Sometimes, I have to force myself to spend time with God. If I fake it long enough, my spirit catches up to worship Him. Psalm 51:10 is, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011). God renews my spirit and cleanses my mind. Recently,Read More →

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Sometimes, I don’t have time to pray or read my Bible. I start my day without Jesus and forget to include Him later. One day stretches into several as I find another excuse to skip or rush my daily quiet time. Eventually, my devotions just go through the motions. I don’t understand why I feel distant from Him. Before I realize why, everything in my life seems wrong. I am cranky and complain about small details. When God is the first priority in my life, my desires fall behind my love for Him. Matthew 6:33 is, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, andRead More →