Well it has been 7 months since I last wrote on here. I have continued on my quest to be obedient to God in regard to my lifestyle change and have lost 36 pounds! I can't begin to tell you what a sense of FREEDOM this journey has brought me! I feel ike I have found the me I was created to be. It has been an endless thrill to rediscover parts of my body I forgot I had, muscles and bones I forgot were part of me. I have more energy and excitemnet in life but most of all I have found a deeper relationship with God. He has renewed my mind and the Holy Spirit has empowered me to exercise regularly and make good food choices. I have found my strength to continue even when it is hard, through Christ's example of obedience on the cross. He suffered SO much more than me, I can at least suffer a little for Him!
Oh, Lord, your way is true and right. Thank you for opening my eyes to my unhealthy lifestyle that was keeping me in bondage. Thank you for true freedom which is only found in You! Help me to continue to be odedient to you and your ways which bring true life! In the name of Jesus Christ, your Holy Son, Amen.

Craving God

So I have started a new journey of learning to crave God more than food, comfort, pleasure or anything else that tries to distract me and drag me off captive. Lysa Terkeurst has put together a book and bible study called Made to Crave that I am working through.

I had seen Lysa's book before Christmas but was not really interested. Then after Christmas and once again poisoning myself with all kinds of junk food, I saw it again and God spoke to my heart and I knew I had to do this study. So I ordered the book and study and began watching the Made to Crave live webcasts while I waited for them to arrive.

Four weeks ago I was feeling so tired and dragged out and sickly. I had missed church the day before and couldn't figure out what was wrong with me. Then a thought came that I should try exercising. "But I don't feel well!" I rationalized. "Well just try it and if you feel worse, stop and lay down." the thought responded. So I did. Far from feeling worse, I felt great after! I couldn't believe how much better I felt! How foolish am I that I don't do this thing which makes me feel so well physically and mentally, I thought. Why is it I crave what is bad for me instead of God who desires my best? So I have chosen to live a new lifestyle for God and choose Him over food that is permissible but not beneficial, choose exercise over lazyness, strength over weakness. God desires what is best for me which is also what glorifies Him most. When I am healthy and strong then I am better equipped to serve Him and follow the call he has on my life.

Father God, help me to follow the nudging of the Holy Spirit as I venture on this new lifestyle. May all I say and do be glorifying to you. Help me to turn to you when I am tempted in any area of my life and choose you. I was made to crave You first and foremost for you alone are what satisfies. Thank you for not leaving me in the mud and mire but lifting me up and setting my feet on the firm rock of your faithfulness and salvation!
Amen