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When I get upset, I want to take my anger out on the closest target. I attack the wrong enemy by exploding on someone who did not cause my problem. Anger hurts my relationships and does nothing to help me. I think what I do is better than getting even. Romans 12:19 is, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for the Lord’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” Ephesians 4:26 is, “In your anger, do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” Holy Bible,Read More →

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Like everyone else, I start the New Year by thinking of ways to improve myself. Some of my past resolutions have been unrealistic and failed to bring permanent change. I need to find why I fall short of my goals. Most (if not all) of my food slips are from eating to fill my spiritual needs. I will never be done growing spiritually. In Matthew 5:48, we are commanded to, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” ( Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011). Even though I will never be perfect, God desires I keep striving towards perfection. I fall flat on myRead 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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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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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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Lately, racing mind won’t stop to seek Jesus. When I read my devotions, I think about everything else except the Lord. Even though my life seems full enough, I try to squeeze more in. My stress increases while my mind works harder to stay focused on God. Exodus 14:14 is, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still”. (Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011). God desires for me to quiet my brain and reflect on Him. Last week I had to “fake it until I made it“. I pushed through my devotions even though I did not feel like it. ContinuingRead 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 →

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I am impatient and don’t like uncertainty. Waiting brings me feelings of restlessness and anxiety. Knowing that God will create something better than I can imagine does not help me let go. Instead of trusting God, I do whatever I think will fix my problem. I create a bigger mess and more stress. God is the only way to find peace. Psalm 46:10 is“Be still and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015). It is hard for me to wait or be still. God resolves my unknownsRead More →

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My life has never been trouble free. In the past, food helped me survive, but failed to take away pain. Complaining about my struggles does not fix my problems. Turning to God is the only way I find peace and joy. James 1:2 is, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,” (Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011). I find joy while crying my heart out to Him. God comforts me and uses tough times to bring me closer to Him. I would rather face troubles with God by my side than enjoy pleasure without Him.Read More →

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I am a professional worrier. My mind is a dangerous place that assumes the worst will come. I waste time planning how I will fix make-believe headaches. Worry keeps me from finishing what I need to take care of. My energy is drained and I ignore happiness in my life. Matthew 6:34 is, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 2015) Many times I worry about events that never happen. Worry never solves problems. Instead, it causes me to feel hopeless. The time I waste worrying keeps me fromRead More →