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My natural reaction is worry whenever troubling thoughts pop in my mind. I imagine the worst possible ending actually happening and plot how to “get even”. Worrying drains my energy and brings a deep spiral of anxiety. None of my problems get better and I feel worse. Psalm 55:22-23 is, “Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders – he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out. He’ll never let good people topple into ruin. But you, God, will throw the others into a muddy bog, Cut the lifespan of assassins and traitors in half. And I trust in you.” Holy Bible, The Message , 2002 GodRead More →

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Non stop stress seems normal these days. I am overwhelmed from dealing with one crisis after another. My tired brain runs on fumes. No matter how much I work, I get overwhelmed by what needs to be done. I turn to food even though I know it won’t solve my problems. Matthew 4:4 is, “Jesus answered… “It takes more than bread to stay alive. It takes a steady stream of words from God’s mouth’” Holy Bible The Message, 2002, I need more than bread or food to survive. There is no way I can handle everything on my own strength. Trying harder burns me outRead More →

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2020 was a tough year and 2021 is off to a rough start. I hate to admit it, but I am guilty of stress eating. My stress and fatigue increase each day. Instead of seeking the Lord, I look to food for relief. Some of my pants no longer fit. I am tempted to accept stress weight gain as my “new normal” so I can enjoy food. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 is, That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long…” Holy Bible, New LivingRead More →

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I feel like I have experienced a life’s worth of hard times in 2020. If another struggle/trial/obstacle is thrown my way, I might go crazy. When I focus on negativity, everything seems doomed. I hate to admit that my hopeless feelings lead me to excess food. Romans 5:3 is, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.” Holy Bible, New Living Translation Seeing the heavenly view changes my perspective. God is not finished with me and uses everything to make me more Christlike. Unlike food, the Lord comforts and helps me deal withRead More →

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My muscles swell after working out, so my pants fit tighter. Other times, my body retains water. My mind tells me I have gained weight even though I know better. I listen to lies. I believe I have failed and feel like I will always be overweight. Psalm 42:5 is “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again – my Savior…” Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015 I get discouraged when I take my eyes off the Lord. I fall for lies and forget to seek Jesus. When I praise God,Read More →

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When I worry, my fear level jumps from mild to extreme. Deep down, I know the Lord will guide me through any crisis. If I take my eyes off Jesus, anxiety sets in. This worry quickly takes over, so I forget God is in control. Psalm 34:4 is, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Holy Bible, New International Version Only God takes away my fears. He helps me let go of situations I have no control over. Jesus shows me I don’t have to fix world problems. He gives me wisdom to navigate though my troubles.Read More →

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Many years ago, I learned the importance of forgiveness. When others hurt me or someone I love, I need to forgive. This releases me so my hurt can heal. If I don’t let go, bitterness and anger festers in my heart. When I get upset by others who disagree with me, I am unforgiving. Colossians 3:13 is, “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015 God wants me to tolerate others. To me, this is a heart issue of wanting people to agree with me.Read More →

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Fear has always been my downfall. My brain can examine any situation and create the worst possible ending. With today’s uncertainty, my anxiety will be out of control if my mind keeps thinking negative thoughts. My fears keep me from drawing closer to God and destroy my peace. 2 Timothy 1:7 is, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015 The Lord wants me to break free from fear. When I seek Jesus, I find strength to overcome my anxiety. He reveals truth so I can see faith onRead More →

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Stress eating used to be my downfall. I used food to soothe my anxieties, including the extra activities during May. This year, my school year ending stress is replaced by living in a world of COVID 19. With the Lord’s help, my eating has been better during these last two months. Psalm 63:1 is “You God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.” Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011 I have been seeking God instead of food. Without dieting, I am starting to seeRead More →

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When I find dramatic cliffhangers in a book, I skip to the end for a quick peek. I hate waiting for an ending, even in life. The “not knowing” when I can safely eat at a restaurant or get a pedicure is killing me. I am starting to find peace by letting go of my need to know. James 4:14-15 is, “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog – it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, ‘If the Lord wants us to, we will live, and doRead More →