Read this today from a friend on an online Eat to Live support group. I'm so thankful for others that encourage and help me learn in this journey.
"There are two approaches to improving health through improved nutrition.
The first is to remove the most offending food products which actively promote inflammation and disease. The most detrimental of these products are animal sourced foods including eggs, dairy (butter, yogurt, cheese, milk, ice cream, sour cream, etc.) as well as beef, pork, poultry and fish.
So many plant based approaches focus on removing these harmful foods from the diet, but they fall short by not also removing manufactured/processed foods which are very low nutrient food-products that contain numerous questionable and sometimes very harmful ingredients; ...they lack the wealth of phytonutrients found only in whole plant foods, and tend to be high in added fat, salt, sugar, and chemicals such as artificial colors, flavorings designed to be addictive, and preservatives.
A more optimal approach to nutrition is to not only cut out the animal products, but also dramatically limit the various manufactured products - even the ubiquitous loaf of bread is processed food - high in sodium and low in nutrients and fiber. Focus instead on whole plant foods - and making meals from ingredients that are recognizable as fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds.
This is the Nutritarian approach to optimal health and leads to optimal weight, and the reversal and prevention of multiple disease processes." Cher Hunter; professor, nutritionist, mentor
The above explains why I don't fit under the label, "Vegan" or "Vegetarian". The goal is not simply to remove foods from my diet or label something as *evil*. The primary focus for my health and my family's health is that I purpose to put the most optimal foods available INTO our bodies. This not only helps me in my weight loss, healing and protecting from disease, but it builds our bodies to perform at their best, thereby bringing glory to the Lord in all we do.
May we use our physical bodies always to serve you, Lord, in thanksgiving for all you do that enables us in this way. Help us see that every action we take, a food we eat, a nibble we resist, an activity that strengthens us, a choice that guards us, they are a form of worship unto You.
Showing posts with label glory. Show all posts
Showing posts with label glory. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Willpower?
This morning I had my highest fasting number to date. I feel so silly to admit this, but it nearly brought me to tears. I am battling so many feelings of failure this morning and it's showing in my attitude, efforts, and stamina. I really just want to give up. Not for good. But, for today I want to just walk away from all the balls that I'm juggling and let them fall. So, what did I do? I pouted. I read a bit. I prayed, half-heartedly. I ignored my exercise. I sat and felt sorry for myself and then got up and vacuumed a couple rooms in the house. At least I can feel depressed with clean floors. ;)
So, as I sit working on minor things to just keep my day plugging along, I received this comment from a dear friend on my post last night:
Tracy I want you to know that I have been having a hard week this week and whenever I wanted to give up I thought of you and your will power! You are wonderful!
So, yeah. Now the tears are freely flowing.
Ladies, if I had any willpower, I would surely NOT be in the place I am now. I have never seen myself as someone who is strong or terribly self-disciplined. I do know that I have some strong insecurities regarding perfectionism and failure. I struggle daily with fears that I will somehow let someone down in some way. I suppose this could easily be seen as *willpower* or stamina. Honestly, it's sinful pride and fear that most often drives me when I am left to my own devices.
This is why this journey has always been about my walk with the Lord. From the beginning, even when not pregnant, I could force myself to do everything "right". I could follow a plan well and work to impress the class. However, my efforts were in vain because they never brought about the results I longed for.
This is what it looks like when I use my own strength:
When I would eat the perfect amount of calories combined with the right amount of activity, I would still lose at half the rate I "should" have been losing. Fail.
When I would adjust my percentages of protein versus carbs, raw foods versus cooked, whole foods versus junk, I would still see the same results. Fail.
When I would press harder to exercise. Push aside other priorities believing that my health and weight loss was far more important because I only had so much time to accomplish it, I still saw the same results. Except I added losing ground in other important areas, adding to my struggle. Fail and Fail.
And now, when I had been working to hold off on a pregnancy, knowing that losing weight was crucial to avoiding the GD and a healthy pregnancy, I still saw the blessing of those two pink lines. Well, there was nothing I could do but trust the Lord had a plan even though I felt I had let Him down. Again.
I walked into this pregnancy armed with education and experience from my last GD experience. I was determined I would "beat it" and "win" this time. Yet, here I sit, barely half way through...not even to the third trimester when a pregnant body *starts* to struggle with blood sugars and I'm already sunk. My friends, my research, and my brain tell me that it's foolish to believe this lie. But, my heart still does. Fail.
This is when the Lord steps in. This when He shows me just how far from the truth I really am. This challenge to right the wrongs I've done in my life regarding my body are not about losing weight, winning a battle against diabetes, or avoiding a dreaded medicated hospital birth. Truly, those are good aims. Who would fault me for working so hard to get healthy so that I can keep a baby safe during pregnancy? Yet, this isn't about me. This is about me giving glory to my Lord.
The truth is that whatsoever I do, whether I eat or drink, whether I fast or cleanse, whether I exercise or rest, it is ALL to be done to the glory of God. Not to my hope for results. Not to my joy at a number on a scale. Not to the satisfaction of a smaller size. Every striving, every effort, every choice is to be for HIM and the glory HE will receive, not to myself.
This changes my perspective on this journey. It becomes not the THING *I* do, but a PART of the THING that *God* is doing in me. It is as important as the work He does to create patience in me as I work with my children in their daily tasks. It is as important as the work He is doing to empty me of myself as I strive to love and respect my husband as unto the Lord. It is as important as the work He is doing to press me beyond my comfort levels and into areas of forgiveness with extended family. It is all connected because it is all about how He is at work to change me into His image.
And this is why the results should not matter because the results are not my work to be done. My Lord has called me to be faithful in my efforts and to trust Him with the results. He has commanded me to trust and obey as He does His work. He has set forth in His word clear directions on how I should live my life in all ways and this is where my focus needs be. I am to strive, to pour out my life, to give all my energy to obey the commands He has placed on my life, allowing Him to choose the results that will honor Him most. And this means the results in my parenting, marriage, home, ministry, as well as my physical health.
So, how am I applying this principle? Not very well today. Today my eyes have gotten off course and focused again on the results that I cannot control. I have once again attempted to take back control and responsibility for that which I have no business handling. I've already proven time and again that when I am in control, the results will not be pleasing to myself or to Him. What I need to do is to return to the truth that this is all about Him and the work He is about. Not only in my life, my baby's life, but surely His plan spreads far beyond my mind's eye. To know that He desires to use my efforts, my struggles, even my failings to bring Him glory and reveal Himself strong gives me hope. It gives me purpose. It causes me to remember my place in this work. To remain faithful, to keep His words always before me, to trust His judgement, and to every moment ask for His strength to do the right thing.
I will answer one day not for the number on the scale or the number on the meter. I will answer for my obedience to make right choices. I will answer for my diligence to learn and equip myself with the best knowledge I can find to make those right choices. I will answer for my idleness versus my activity. I will answer for my efforts to stay on course, regardless of the outcome.
I think of my last labor. I was given a short amount of time to birth my baby before they would put me on meds. I was angry and felt cheated to be forced in this manner. Yet, I took that to motivate me to give everything I had to do what I believed was best for the birth of our baby. I spent an entire day pushing myself to accomplish this goal only to be faced with the fact that my body wouldn't comply. When I finally agreed to the meds it was with a heart of peace. I knew that even if I was being forced into what wasn't *best* for our little one or myself, I had done everything in my power to do what was best. It was now time to allow the Lord to work out His best and accept the results as He had planned. I will never regret my efforts in that time. I had the satisfaction of knowing I had done everything I could to remain faithful and strong to the end. I had finished well and that allowed me to rest fully in the next step of His plan.
I need to keep that memory in my heart in the coming months. Giving up is not an option. Yet, I don't see my ability to press on as *willpower*. It is simply the work of the Holy Spirit in me keeping me from whatever false sense of strength I think I can or can't muster up. It is amazing to see that the Lord would choose such a vessel as me to accomplish His work. That leaves me humbled and ever more eager to continue on. To think that anyone else would see anything in me that would cause them to have courage, well, that can only be the work of the Lord. And for that, I am blessed to be used as a part of His plan.
Writing this out was what I needed today. Thank you, Lord for your truth and the ability to discern it from the constant barrage of easily believed lies that surround me. Please, let me remember that my choices, my work, my strivings bring you glory even if the results don't seem to match.
So, as I sit working on minor things to just keep my day plugging along, I received this comment from a dear friend on my post last night:
Tracy I want you to know that I have been having a hard week this week and whenever I wanted to give up I thought of you and your will power! You are wonderful!
So, yeah. Now the tears are freely flowing.
Ladies, if I had any willpower, I would surely NOT be in the place I am now. I have never seen myself as someone who is strong or terribly self-disciplined. I do know that I have some strong insecurities regarding perfectionism and failure. I struggle daily with fears that I will somehow let someone down in some way. I suppose this could easily be seen as *willpower* or stamina. Honestly, it's sinful pride and fear that most often drives me when I am left to my own devices.
This is why this journey has always been about my walk with the Lord. From the beginning, even when not pregnant, I could force myself to do everything "right". I could follow a plan well and work to impress the class. However, my efforts were in vain because they never brought about the results I longed for.
This is what it looks like when I use my own strength:
When I would eat the perfect amount of calories combined with the right amount of activity, I would still lose at half the rate I "should" have been losing. Fail.
When I would adjust my percentages of protein versus carbs, raw foods versus cooked, whole foods versus junk, I would still see the same results. Fail.
When I would press harder to exercise. Push aside other priorities believing that my health and weight loss was far more important because I only had so much time to accomplish it, I still saw the same results. Except I added losing ground in other important areas, adding to my struggle. Fail and Fail.
And now, when I had been working to hold off on a pregnancy, knowing that losing weight was crucial to avoiding the GD and a healthy pregnancy, I still saw the blessing of those two pink lines. Well, there was nothing I could do but trust the Lord had a plan even though I felt I had let Him down. Again.
I walked into this pregnancy armed with education and experience from my last GD experience. I was determined I would "beat it" and "win" this time. Yet, here I sit, barely half way through...not even to the third trimester when a pregnant body *starts* to struggle with blood sugars and I'm already sunk. My friends, my research, and my brain tell me that it's foolish to believe this lie. But, my heart still does. Fail.
This is when the Lord steps in. This when He shows me just how far from the truth I really am. This challenge to right the wrongs I've done in my life regarding my body are not about losing weight, winning a battle against diabetes, or avoiding a dreaded medicated hospital birth. Truly, those are good aims. Who would fault me for working so hard to get healthy so that I can keep a baby safe during pregnancy? Yet, this isn't about me. This is about me giving glory to my Lord.
The truth is that whatsoever I do, whether I eat or drink, whether I fast or cleanse, whether I exercise or rest, it is ALL to be done to the glory of God. Not to my hope for results. Not to my joy at a number on a scale. Not to the satisfaction of a smaller size. Every striving, every effort, every choice is to be for HIM and the glory HE will receive, not to myself.
This changes my perspective on this journey. It becomes not the THING *I* do, but a PART of the THING that *God* is doing in me. It is as important as the work He does to create patience in me as I work with my children in their daily tasks. It is as important as the work He is doing to empty me of myself as I strive to love and respect my husband as unto the Lord. It is as important as the work He is doing to press me beyond my comfort levels and into areas of forgiveness with extended family. It is all connected because it is all about how He is at work to change me into His image.
And this is why the results should not matter because the results are not my work to be done. My Lord has called me to be faithful in my efforts and to trust Him with the results. He has commanded me to trust and obey as He does His work. He has set forth in His word clear directions on how I should live my life in all ways and this is where my focus needs be. I am to strive, to pour out my life, to give all my energy to obey the commands He has placed on my life, allowing Him to choose the results that will honor Him most. And this means the results in my parenting, marriage, home, ministry, as well as my physical health.
So, how am I applying this principle? Not very well today. Today my eyes have gotten off course and focused again on the results that I cannot control. I have once again attempted to take back control and responsibility for that which I have no business handling. I've already proven time and again that when I am in control, the results will not be pleasing to myself or to Him. What I need to do is to return to the truth that this is all about Him and the work He is about. Not only in my life, my baby's life, but surely His plan spreads far beyond my mind's eye. To know that He desires to use my efforts, my struggles, even my failings to bring Him glory and reveal Himself strong gives me hope. It gives me purpose. It causes me to remember my place in this work. To remain faithful, to keep His words always before me, to trust His judgement, and to every moment ask for His strength to do the right thing.
I will answer one day not for the number on the scale or the number on the meter. I will answer for my obedience to make right choices. I will answer for my diligence to learn and equip myself with the best knowledge I can find to make those right choices. I will answer for my idleness versus my activity. I will answer for my efforts to stay on course, regardless of the outcome.
I think of my last labor. I was given a short amount of time to birth my baby before they would put me on meds. I was angry and felt cheated to be forced in this manner. Yet, I took that to motivate me to give everything I had to do what I believed was best for the birth of our baby. I spent an entire day pushing myself to accomplish this goal only to be faced with the fact that my body wouldn't comply. When I finally agreed to the meds it was with a heart of peace. I knew that even if I was being forced into what wasn't *best* for our little one or myself, I had done everything in my power to do what was best. It was now time to allow the Lord to work out His best and accept the results as He had planned. I will never regret my efforts in that time. I had the satisfaction of knowing I had done everything I could to remain faithful and strong to the end. I had finished well and that allowed me to rest fully in the next step of His plan.
I need to keep that memory in my heart in the coming months. Giving up is not an option. Yet, I don't see my ability to press on as *willpower*. It is simply the work of the Holy Spirit in me keeping me from whatever false sense of strength I think I can or can't muster up. It is amazing to see that the Lord would choose such a vessel as me to accomplish His work. That leaves me humbled and ever more eager to continue on. To think that anyone else would see anything in me that would cause them to have courage, well, that can only be the work of the Lord. And for that, I am blessed to be used as a part of His plan.
Writing this out was what I needed today. Thank you, Lord for your truth and the ability to discern it from the constant barrage of easily believed lies that surround me. Please, let me remember that my choices, my work, my strivings bring you glory even if the results don't seem to match.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Thursday January 5, 2012
Today's Good Things:
Busy and productive
Felt better than the day before
I did better emotionally today than yesterday
Talked with nurse and am pleased with their attitude regarding my glucose test
We're doing well with our new MOTH schedule, considering it's new ;)
Today's Not So Good Things:
Didn't have exercise time this morning
Should have been a little more strict with my menu - the fridge is getting bare so my choices aren's so great
I'm up late
So, my results from the 1 hour glucose challenge came back and my number was high, 157. Anything over 139 shows risk for GD. No surprise on my end. I faxed over the results yesterday and they called me right back. I spoke with the nurse today and she was very pleasant. She went over the plan for the 3 hour test that I now need to take. Again, no surprise on my end. ;) But, I was surprised to hear her say that it was not a big rush. She wasn't concerned at all about me getting it done by my next appointment on the 12th. That was pretty cool. So far, this office has been way more laid back than I expected.
So, at some point next week-ish I'll have to do a carb load for 3 days. Yuk. Then I'll go in for the 3 hour test. At this point, I'm resigned that I'll fail it and then see what they'll want to do from there. Is it a lack of faith on my part that I haven't even prayed and asked the Lord to help me pass this test? Honestly, it just doesn't even seem possible in my mind. I've been praying for the grace and strength to get through this pregnancy without fear and abuse. I haven't even thought to pray that my body would just work right. Why am I not doing that? I think I've been so intent on working through accepting the GD that I haven't even considered praying it away. I've been WORKING it away. Yet, I know it is not by works, but by grace that He is glorified. Help me be faithful in DOING what is right, yet still TRUSTING in your ability to deliver and accomplish your purposes in this. Forgive me for failing to bring all aspects of this to you, Lord. Forgive me for not walking in the hope that you give. I know that I've been afraid to truly hope because I don't want to be disappointed and go through the mourning of a normal pregnancy again. Help me work through these emotions, Lord.
Busy and productive
Felt better than the day before
I did better emotionally today than yesterday
Talked with nurse and am pleased with their attitude regarding my glucose test
We're doing well with our new MOTH schedule, considering it's new ;)
Today's Not So Good Things:
Didn't have exercise time this morning
Should have been a little more strict with my menu - the fridge is getting bare so my choices aren's so great
I'm up late
So, my results from the 1 hour glucose challenge came back and my number was high, 157. Anything over 139 shows risk for GD. No surprise on my end. I faxed over the results yesterday and they called me right back. I spoke with the nurse today and she was very pleasant. She went over the plan for the 3 hour test that I now need to take. Again, no surprise on my end. ;) But, I was surprised to hear her say that it was not a big rush. She wasn't concerned at all about me getting it done by my next appointment on the 12th. That was pretty cool. So far, this office has been way more laid back than I expected.
So, at some point next week-ish I'll have to do a carb load for 3 days. Yuk. Then I'll go in for the 3 hour test. At this point, I'm resigned that I'll fail it and then see what they'll want to do from there. Is it a lack of faith on my part that I haven't even prayed and asked the Lord to help me pass this test? Honestly, it just doesn't even seem possible in my mind. I've been praying for the grace and strength to get through this pregnancy without fear and abuse. I haven't even thought to pray that my body would just work right. Why am I not doing that? I think I've been so intent on working through accepting the GD that I haven't even considered praying it away. I've been WORKING it away. Yet, I know it is not by works, but by grace that He is glorified. Help me be faithful in DOING what is right, yet still TRUSTING in your ability to deliver and accomplish your purposes in this. Forgive me for failing to bring all aspects of this to you, Lord. Forgive me for not walking in the hope that you give. I know that I've been afraid to truly hope because I don't want to be disappointed and go through the mourning of a normal pregnancy again. Help me work through these emotions, Lord.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
That's About the Size of It
Found out a couple weeks ago we had a little Poppy Seed growing. The following week it grew to the size of an Apple Seed. This week we are enjoying our little Sweet Pea even though he or she brought an abundance of fatigue, moodiness, and nausea along.
So, the plan changes for the coming year. I'm grateful I can rest in the confidence that these are God's plans. Over the past several months, the Lord has been working on this heart of mine teaching me new lessons in contentment. Gone are the fears and anxiety that I was carrying regarding the prospect of a new pregnancy. The Lord has moved me over to peace, surrender, gratitude, and joy. We don't know how long this little one will be with us, but we are all being careful to enjoy each day. The children are over the moon with excitement. They've been taking extra special care of their dear ol' Momma with a fervor. What a blessing.
Next step is to work on my new menu plan. My goal is to combine the GD plan I used with my last pregnancy with Dr. Brewer's pregnancy diet, hoping my hard work in these areas will keep away the GD issues that plagued us with our last baby. Please pray I can be diligent with exercise, discplined in my eating choices, and persevere in prayer regarding my health and Baby's. Above all, I continue to desire the Lord to be glorified in all of my life. I may not be decreasing physically in size in the coming months, but I pray the Lord's purposes, presence, and power will continue to increase in every way.
So, the plan changes for the coming year. I'm grateful I can rest in the confidence that these are God's plans. Over the past several months, the Lord has been working on this heart of mine teaching me new lessons in contentment. Gone are the fears and anxiety that I was carrying regarding the prospect of a new pregnancy. The Lord has moved me over to peace, surrender, gratitude, and joy. We don't know how long this little one will be with us, but we are all being careful to enjoy each day. The children are over the moon with excitement. They've been taking extra special care of their dear ol' Momma with a fervor. What a blessing.
Next step is to work on my new menu plan. My goal is to combine the GD plan I used with my last pregnancy with Dr. Brewer's pregnancy diet, hoping my hard work in these areas will keep away the GD issues that plagued us with our last baby. Please pray I can be diligent with exercise, discplined in my eating choices, and persevere in prayer regarding my health and Baby's. Above all, I continue to desire the Lord to be glorified in all of my life. I may not be decreasing physically in size in the coming months, but I pray the Lord's purposes, presence, and power will continue to increase in every way.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Monday July 18, 2011
Today's Good Things:
Morning and evening walk (at least 3 miles total)
Good choices for meals, lovely salad from the garden for dinner!
Ditching the soda
Oh, and some good time in the pool yesterday! (just throwing that in because I'm so glad I did it. ;-) )
Today's Not So Good Things:
Caved in to my sweet craving at snack time :(
I met with my friends for our coffee night tonight. It was lovely, as we ended the evening with a great paced walk that lasted about an hour. I also skipped the coffee and had a bottle of water. I haven't been drinking enough, so that was a good choice. (Especially since I had already had plenty-o-decaf already today.)
Cycle started today and I feel so much better. The last few days have been yucky and a little up in the air wondering just what to think about a 38 day cycle. ;-) All the tests were bfn's, but, I admit, I was starting to wonder. So, I have another month (or longer!) to keep working at getting stronger, wiser, and more faithful in my choices to honor the Lord with my body.
Would you believe I forgot all about my weigh-in this morning? I was so occupied with starting my day that I completely forgot. I have no idea what to expect, as I saw a huge drop after my cycle ended last month. But, when am I not afraid to step on that blasted scale, right? I guess I'll give her a go tomorrow and see how bad it is. I definitely feel bloated and like I've gained a good 10lbs in the last few weeks. Sigh.
Either way, I'm going to keep up my momentum for the week. I'm going to work on logging tomorrow as well as keeping up with my early morning walk. I'd love to get in a swim tomorrow too, since the day promises to be a hot one. (though I don't get in all that much swimming with so many little ones to watch ;-) ) I've been fighting some insomnia the last few nights, so I hope that doesn't leave me to worn out to get up and going in the early morning.
Morning and evening walk (at least 3 miles total)
Good choices for meals, lovely salad from the garden for dinner!
Ditching the soda
Oh, and some good time in the pool yesterday! (just throwing that in because I'm so glad I did it. ;-) )
Today's Not So Good Things:
Caved in to my sweet craving at snack time :(
I met with my friends for our coffee night tonight. It was lovely, as we ended the evening with a great paced walk that lasted about an hour. I also skipped the coffee and had a bottle of water. I haven't been drinking enough, so that was a good choice. (Especially since I had already had plenty-o-decaf already today.)
Cycle started today and I feel so much better. The last few days have been yucky and a little up in the air wondering just what to think about a 38 day cycle. ;-) All the tests were bfn's, but, I admit, I was starting to wonder. So, I have another month (or longer!) to keep working at getting stronger, wiser, and more faithful in my choices to honor the Lord with my body.
Would you believe I forgot all about my weigh-in this morning? I was so occupied with starting my day that I completely forgot. I have no idea what to expect, as I saw a huge drop after my cycle ended last month. But, when am I not afraid to step on that blasted scale, right? I guess I'll give her a go tomorrow and see how bad it is. I definitely feel bloated and like I've gained a good 10lbs in the last few weeks. Sigh.
Either way, I'm going to keep up my momentum for the week. I'm going to work on logging tomorrow as well as keeping up with my early morning walk. I'd love to get in a swim tomorrow too, since the day promises to be a hot one. (though I don't get in all that much swimming with so many little ones to watch ;-) ) I've been fighting some insomnia the last few nights, so I hope that doesn't leave me to worn out to get up and going in the early morning.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Everything but the Elephant
This story comes from the book I'm reading. I've been keeping a page with quotes that challenge me from that book, but I wanted to type out this story here. It's been a wonderful analogy for me in this area of weight-loss and health as well as applying it to every other area of my walk with the Lord. In fact, we've been asking ourselves frequently around here, "Is that part of the elephant?"
It seems there was an artist who, one day, found that a large piece of granite had risen unexpectedly from the yard outside his home. Now, I don't know about you, but if that had happened to me I'd be upset. Just one more annoying thing I'd need to take care of before I could mow the lawn. Reportedly, it did annoy the artist, and he knew he'd eventually have to do something about it. He debated about borrowing a jackhammer from a friend until he remembered that, of course, he had no friends with jackhammers. Then he thought about getting some dynamite and blasting the granite into smaller stones that he could then carry away. But that didn't seem right either so he sat and thought about what to do. As he sat and thought and looked at that stone, he began to look past his problem. He forgot about his goal of getting rid of the stone. He actually started to see the stone. He noticed the lines and the shape. He decided to be grateful for the stone. Then one day he got out his chisel and hammer, and within a short time, he created an unbelievable reproduction of an elephant. Neighbors and passersby alike were amazed when they saw what appeared to be a real elephant grazing in his yard.
A friend asked the amateur sculptor how he'd managed to do such a good job in reproducing a realistic form of an elephant without even a model or picture to go by. The artist replied confidently, "It was really pretty easy, actually. I just chipped away everything that didn't look like an elephant."
This story comes with the challenge to focus on the person you most wish to become. As I read this story, I am struck with how it illustrates the fact that God's spirit is at work within me to chip away at everything that doesn't look like Christ. Because of His finished work on the cross, the victory of His resurrection, His application of righteousness to my life, and the gift of His Holy Spirit, I am now becoming the person God created me to be. In His word, I see that He is at work to reveal and remove those habits, weaknesses, and desires that keep me from loving my Lord fully. I am seeing this in new ways as I work to face the addictions and desires that hold me in the area of what I eat and how I use my body. When I read through this blog, I see the excuses and habits that have defeated me in the past months. Magnify that by the number of years I've been alive and I see a life that needs some chipping.
The author give the challenge, "If you are serious about continuing your walk on this spiritual path to weight loss, you will work hard to chip away everything that does not look like the person you most wish to become."
I give myself the challenge, Just chip away everything that doesn't look like Jesus.
It seems there was an artist who, one day, found that a large piece of granite had risen unexpectedly from the yard outside his home. Now, I don't know about you, but if that had happened to me I'd be upset. Just one more annoying thing I'd need to take care of before I could mow the lawn. Reportedly, it did annoy the artist, and he knew he'd eventually have to do something about it. He debated about borrowing a jackhammer from a friend until he remembered that, of course, he had no friends with jackhammers. Then he thought about getting some dynamite and blasting the granite into smaller stones that he could then carry away. But that didn't seem right either so he sat and thought about what to do. As he sat and thought and looked at that stone, he began to look past his problem. He forgot about his goal of getting rid of the stone. He actually started to see the stone. He noticed the lines and the shape. He decided to be grateful for the stone. Then one day he got out his chisel and hammer, and within a short time, he created an unbelievable reproduction of an elephant. Neighbors and passersby alike were amazed when they saw what appeared to be a real elephant grazing in his yard.
A friend asked the amateur sculptor how he'd managed to do such a good job in reproducing a realistic form of an elephant without even a model or picture to go by. The artist replied confidently, "It was really pretty easy, actually. I just chipped away everything that didn't look like an elephant."
This story comes with the challenge to focus on the person you most wish to become. As I read this story, I am struck with how it illustrates the fact that God's spirit is at work within me to chip away at everything that doesn't look like Christ. Because of His finished work on the cross, the victory of His resurrection, His application of righteousness to my life, and the gift of His Holy Spirit, I am now becoming the person God created me to be. In His word, I see that He is at work to reveal and remove those habits, weaknesses, and desires that keep me from loving my Lord fully. I am seeing this in new ways as I work to face the addictions and desires that hold me in the area of what I eat and how I use my body. When I read through this blog, I see the excuses and habits that have defeated me in the past months. Magnify that by the number of years I've been alive and I see a life that needs some chipping.
The author give the challenge, "If you are serious about continuing your walk on this spiritual path to weight loss, you will work hard to chip away everything that does not look like the person you most wish to become."
I give myself the challenge, Just chip away everything that doesn't look like Jesus.
For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; Romans 8:29
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 1 Peter 1:14-15
For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again ; death no longer is master over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all ; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness ; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. Romans 6:5-13
Friday, February 25, 2011
What If?
Journal Entry: February 21, 2011
"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your behavior; because it is written, 'You shall be Holy, for I am Holy.'" 1 Peter 1:13-14
I've been quite frustrated that my efforts at losing weight have not met with the results that I read they should. According to the information out there and the reports of my tracking, I should be having great success in meeting my goals.
Lord, I went into this confident that I could "do it right". That I would discipline myself and it would work. The perfectionist in me wants to scream.
I realize that by being overweight, I feel a disdain for myself. I feel like a failure. Living with the results of my ignorance of the flesh, my lifetime of sinful indulgences - it's painful. You have forgiven me. I am FREE! And I want it to show. Everytime I make a right choice, when I resist a bad one, I want it to be evident in my physical stature. I want to see the good from doing good. And I want others to know as well, so they don't see me and think I am still what I once was.
It's all tied up in me, isn't it? I am so concerned about how I feel about myself. I am so aware of how others view me and my body. I continue to seek the glory in this time and again. I'm so hung up.
Lord, if I never lose another pound, will I still praise You? If I stay this size for the rest of my life, will I remain faithful to a holy life? You have commanded me to not be conformed to the former lusts of my ignorance. You have commanded me to be holy in ALL of my behavior. Will I obey these commands even if my body doesn't change? If I never see that magic number on the scale? Will I walk this path for Your glory rather than my own?
This, again, I must remind myself, is not about me losing weight to become a smaller size. It's not even about me being in perfect health so I can do more for You. This is about me being and doing what You have called me to today--right now. Making right choices right now with my eyes fixed on Your glory right now--not when I've met a goal, dropped a size, or posted a great "after" picture for the world to praise You (and me...::blush::)
You must recieve glory everytime I break a habit, resist a temptation, and do a hard thing to honor You. And no one else may see it, yet You do. You see my heart and these things are my acts of worship--private worship to You.
Show me. Strengthen me to be holy as You are holy.
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