Good morning! How are my brothers and sisters in Christ? Are you tired? Are you ready for the next week? I am in some ways. I can tell, though, that I'm starting to run on empty. Let's see what the Good Book has to say about rest.
Exodus 20:8-11
"Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living with you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy."
When we are in any sort of transformation whether it be for a job, new baby, weight loss, drug and alcohol recovery, new marriage (or just making the most out of our marriages and doing the best we can for our kids and family) we need to be especially careful to have all our faculties about us. If we allow ourself to get overtired, we will be less able to cope with the demands of life. It will be harder for us to maintain composure, patience, kindness, fairness, healthy eating habits, sobriety, etc. and we will be more susceptible to a relapse.
Rest is essential to the maintenance of any kind of balanced life. The Bible recognizes the importance of rest for people, for farmland, for animals, and for God Himself. Weekly rest was even included as one of the Ten Commandments.
Are you turning your nose up? Are you wondering how on earth you can have this day of rest? I wonder about that also. But I am understanding, through trial and error, that the Bible is right! I need to give my all to God six days a week. I have been given the strength, will-power, grace, mercy, and love needed already by the Good Lord! I can do this! And. . .so. . .when I take Sunday off, I feel peace and hopefulness for the next week!
How do we do this? Stuff has to get done. Well, I don't have the exact answer, but God does. So you and I need to pray for his help in the area of our lives, just like every other area.
Something I have started doing is putting a roast on before I go to bed. Or chicken breasts. I don't get this done every Sunday, but I'm trying to. Small steps! I want to live my life the way God wants me to live my life. So far his answers are right and my guesses have not worked out for me or my family in the long run! God knows, I don't!
God wants us to have the rest we need for a balanced life. As part of our new healthy lifestyle we should include a weekly Sabbath or intermission. This should be a time to relax from our regular duties and allow our body to rest. It should also be a time of spiritual refreshment, a time to reflect on God's promises and remember that it is God who sustains us.
Happy Halloween everyone! I pray that you all will take the time today to breathe, smell, feel, hug, love, remember, and thank God for all your many blessings!
In Him ~ Becca
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Day 4
Good morning! How are we all doing this fine day? I hope you are all well and I pray that you and your family and friends are blessed by God in every way possible!
It has occurred to me that I have forgotten to share some very important things with you! It's vitally important for you to have these tools for your success!
1. I suggest that everyone gets a really good study Bible. I was able to borrow the Life Recovery Bible from a dear friend and I love it! It has the 12 steps listed and it applies those steps to regular life and adds very inspiration scripture along with it. Very Awesome! And use it! If you don't know where to start, I can help you! It is a life saver!
2. I must decide what I'm doing this for! Why am I alive? What are my gifts, strength, etc. And then decide to live that way. An example: I have an eating disorder, I'm very sensitive to the needs of others, I'm a great listener, and I have decided that I'm living this life to glorify God. So I'm going to live that way. Help where I can and chose to not live in side the "box." To be loving, caring, and accepting of others! Not to judge!
3. I must realize, and you should think about this also, that I'm not like anyone else. I am different. I'm beautiful just the way I am. I don't have to be like anyone else, do things like anyone else, I can be myself. That person that God made me to be. So there. You are beautiful too! You are special and beautiful to God!
Only three things! But probably the most important things that one could do for improving one's life.
Well, it's Halloween weekend, lot's of candy and parties! Take it easy on yourself. Take a step back and really take in the beauty of it all. The cute little kid costumes, the holiday decorations, the smells of wonderful things baking, that laughter of children getting ready to trick or treat, and the beauty of the trees, leaves, gardens, flower beds! It's all part of life. Do you feel better? Did you remember to breathe?
Some times when we step back, take a moment, it can really put things into perspective. What is the point of this life? To worry about how big my thighs are, does this costume make my butt look big, are people going to talk about me behind my back? Is that the point of this life? I think not! Enjoy this moment, you're never gonna get it back. This life is bigger than our issues with weight, success, money, etc. You're breathing, that's very big. You're heart is beating, that's amazing! You are loved, that's everything!
Go out into the world and be fruitful! Share your gifts and love one another! Let God's love move through you and help make someone's life better!
Noth'n but love for you all!
Blessings ~ Becca
It has occurred to me that I have forgotten to share some very important things with you! It's vitally important for you to have these tools for your success!
1. I suggest that everyone gets a really good study Bible. I was able to borrow the Life Recovery Bible from a dear friend and I love it! It has the 12 steps listed and it applies those steps to regular life and adds very inspiration scripture along with it. Very Awesome! And use it! If you don't know where to start, I can help you! It is a life saver!
2. I must decide what I'm doing this for! Why am I alive? What are my gifts, strength, etc. And then decide to live that way. An example: I have an eating disorder, I'm very sensitive to the needs of others, I'm a great listener, and I have decided that I'm living this life to glorify God. So I'm going to live that way. Help where I can and chose to not live in side the "box." To be loving, caring, and accepting of others! Not to judge!
3. I must realize, and you should think about this also, that I'm not like anyone else. I am different. I'm beautiful just the way I am. I don't have to be like anyone else, do things like anyone else, I can be myself. That person that God made me to be. So there. You are beautiful too! You are special and beautiful to God!
Only three things! But probably the most important things that one could do for improving one's life.
Well, it's Halloween weekend, lot's of candy and parties! Take it easy on yourself. Take a step back and really take in the beauty of it all. The cute little kid costumes, the holiday decorations, the smells of wonderful things baking, that laughter of children getting ready to trick or treat, and the beauty of the trees, leaves, gardens, flower beds! It's all part of life. Do you feel better? Did you remember to breathe?
Some times when we step back, take a moment, it can really put things into perspective. What is the point of this life? To worry about how big my thighs are, does this costume make my butt look big, are people going to talk about me behind my back? Is that the point of this life? I think not! Enjoy this moment, you're never gonna get it back. This life is bigger than our issues with weight, success, money, etc. You're breathing, that's very big. You're heart is beating, that's amazing! You are loved, that's everything!
Go out into the world and be fruitful! Share your gifts and love one another! Let God's love move through you and help make someone's life better!
Noth'n but love for you all!
Blessings ~ Becca
Friday, October 29, 2010
Day Three
Good morning my sisters and brothers in Christ!
How are we feeling today? Do you have a lot on your "plate" today? Do you feel the stress and pressures of expectations? There is help!
Darn it, I can't find the exact scripture but it goes something like this: Jesus said "If your are tired and weary, come to me and find rest. For the yoke I carry is easy and I will show you and be with you."
In other words, faith, love, peace are found in Jesus! Trust in Him and do not worry. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift, that is why it's called the present!
If you are just joining me in this healthy lifestyle journey, please go back a few blogs and read the "Plan!"
And then come back and join us here!
It has been on my heart that I need to drink milk and eat a clean diet! No sugar, no processed food, etc.
Okay, perfect, I can do this! And you can too!
It's the beginning, almost, of a new month! Payday! So, I'm going to do my best to make a menu that my whole family can follow, with all the healthy stuff that we all need! You can too! So what shall we buy?
I love the Dr. Oz site. He has lots and lots of information about healthy eating, living, etc. And I have found a grocery list, imagine angels singing, which will be very helpful. You can find it also by going to Dr. Oz.
Okay, so I sucked down my last english toffee coffee, and it was goooood. So today is it! This is what I'm going to do: Twice a week I'm going to have a free meal day! Which means if I want a special, yummy coffee, I can have one! And then if I know that there is a birthday party coming up, I will set that free meal for that time frame. But the other days I sticking to a healthy eating diet like glue. Because I need to make those healthy habits stick!!! What do you think?
Clean dieting?! This could get interesting! Clean dieting means that we would stick to foods that have not been altered or changed by man. Veggies, fruits, nuts, eggs, meat, chicken, pork, milk, you get the picture. Whole grain breads and crackers, oatmeal (not flavored or sweetened), stuff like that! Well, that makes it pretty clear as to what our dinners will consist of! I'll probably have to open a cook book to find ideas as to how to prepare these foods in different and exciting ways!
Something else that will help me is another one of Dr. Oz's ideas! Eating the same things for breakfast and lunch every day. That way I know what I'm doing, what to expect, and I'll save the "variety" for dinner time with the family! I am a creature of habit, so this is great for me! If you just can't eat the same things over and over, then I suggest that you make a menu of three or four meals that you know are safe and healthy for you, and stick with those. And then, maybe after two weeks or a month, change it up a bit!
Remember that we are going to be responsible for our eating habits. And something that should help us all is the fact that God knows! He knows that we're trying and He has given us the strength and ability to handle these situations. He also knows when we eat to much! He is with us always! He is our provider. And there is no reason why we should be gluttons! We can do all things through Christ! (Phillipians 4:13)
So, what are we supposed to remember? God loves us, He loves us so much. He sent His Son to live here with us, and show us the Way. Then, His Son died for us. That we may have everlasting life in Him!
So, go out today and let the love of our Lord, Jesus Christ, flow through us unto others! Treat yourself right and live in the glory of God!
You can do it!
Love you and God Bless!
How are we feeling today? Do you have a lot on your "plate" today? Do you feel the stress and pressures of expectations? There is help!
Darn it, I can't find the exact scripture but it goes something like this: Jesus said "If your are tired and weary, come to me and find rest. For the yoke I carry is easy and I will show you and be with you."
In other words, faith, love, peace are found in Jesus! Trust in Him and do not worry. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift, that is why it's called the present!
If you are just joining me in this healthy lifestyle journey, please go back a few blogs and read the "Plan!"
And then come back and join us here!
It has been on my heart that I need to drink milk and eat a clean diet! No sugar, no processed food, etc.
Okay, perfect, I can do this! And you can too!
It's the beginning, almost, of a new month! Payday! So, I'm going to do my best to make a menu that my whole family can follow, with all the healthy stuff that we all need! You can too! So what shall we buy?
I love the Dr. Oz site. He has lots and lots of information about healthy eating, living, etc. And I have found a grocery list, imagine angels singing, which will be very helpful. You can find it also by going to Dr. Oz.
Okay, so I sucked down my last english toffee coffee, and it was goooood. So today is it! This is what I'm going to do: Twice a week I'm going to have a free meal day! Which means if I want a special, yummy coffee, I can have one! And then if I know that there is a birthday party coming up, I will set that free meal for that time frame. But the other days I sticking to a healthy eating diet like glue. Because I need to make those healthy habits stick!!! What do you think?
Clean dieting?! This could get interesting! Clean dieting means that we would stick to foods that have not been altered or changed by man. Veggies, fruits, nuts, eggs, meat, chicken, pork, milk, you get the picture. Whole grain breads and crackers, oatmeal (not flavored or sweetened), stuff like that! Well, that makes it pretty clear as to what our dinners will consist of! I'll probably have to open a cook book to find ideas as to how to prepare these foods in different and exciting ways!
Something else that will help me is another one of Dr. Oz's ideas! Eating the same things for breakfast and lunch every day. That way I know what I'm doing, what to expect, and I'll save the "variety" for dinner time with the family! I am a creature of habit, so this is great for me! If you just can't eat the same things over and over, then I suggest that you make a menu of three or four meals that you know are safe and healthy for you, and stick with those. And then, maybe after two weeks or a month, change it up a bit!
Remember that we are going to be responsible for our eating habits. And something that should help us all is the fact that God knows! He knows that we're trying and He has given us the strength and ability to handle these situations. He also knows when we eat to much! He is with us always! He is our provider. And there is no reason why we should be gluttons! We can do all things through Christ! (Phillipians 4:13)
So, what are we supposed to remember? God loves us, He loves us so much. He sent His Son to live here with us, and show us the Way. Then, His Son died for us. That we may have everlasting life in Him!
So, go out today and let the love of our Lord, Jesus Christ, flow through us unto others! Treat yourself right and live in the glory of God!
You can do it!
Love you and God Bless!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Day Two
Okay, I did fairly well yesterday! How about you? I must confess that I ate more almonds then I should have, but they were good! We can't beat ourselves up for small set backs! We are in a learning process. . . .
If you have just joined me on this road to recovery, please go back to the last post and read that first. Then join me here!
We need to talk about exercise. We need it. We need it for stamina, to work our hearts, lungs, muscles, to release stress, and for peace! WHAT? PEACE! That's right, for peace! There is something about exercise that can really open our spirit to the good things that God has done and will do for us. Come on now, you have felt it! That feeling of - Wow, I did it - or I can do it! It is true that our excitement to exercise will fade now and then, but if we press on we will get to a new level which will cause that feeling of excitement again! And when I feel excited about something, usually every thing seems better!
Now let's talk about food. We need it. But we don't need it that much! I thought about my love affair with food and also thought about all the other things in life that I really like and came to this conclusion. Food is the only thing that seems to control me. I love beautiful flowers. But if I happen to see a beautiful flower bed, I don't pick 'em and take them home. I leave them. I love fashion. But when I go to Rapid and see all sorts of really cute things, I make a decision to buy what I will actually use - what will benefit me and my closet! See, I make decisions everyday, all day long as to what I need and what I don't need. I can make these decisions about food!
So how am I going to do this? By holding myself accountable. Yikes! But yes, I have to be responsible in this area in my life, just like all the other areas. When we get our credit card statement and our spouse hits the roof, it's a good indication that we need to be more responsible. Or if one should get arrested for picking other people's flowers, that's a good indication also! But when our jeans are getting tight or beyond tight, why does it take us so long to get "responsible?" Because we tell ourselves "It's just a little ol' 2 lb, double cheese burger and fries!" "They can eat it, why can't I?" "I deserve to eat this cake after the day I've had!" And on, and on, we go! It's funny isn't it! No more lies people! We must live in reality!
We are going to pray! "I can do all things through Christ!" Phillipians 4:15
I have to be honest with God and myself. I have to realize that I can't do this on my own. I can't, I've tried! But, with God I can and so can you! He wants the very best for us! He wants us to love ourselves and be good to ourselves! You all know the serenity prayer: God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. If we have a food addiction, it's really like being an alcoholic or a drug user. A food addict will use food for the same reasons as would an alcoholic or drug user. And when you use things to make yourself happy, for coping, after awhile your brain chemistry starts to change. Your body gets used to having this "stuff" when things are a certain way, bad or good. And starts to want them NOW! And more often.
Changing is hard. We've all heard that we can't change anyone but ourselves. Which is true. But when it comes to any addictive behavior, we need God. We can make the decision to let go and let God!
Let's pray:
Dear heavenly Father,
Thank you so much for this day! Thank you for all the blessings you have brought into my life! Dear, Lord, I need your help. I have tried to do this on my own, but I now realize that I can't do it! Only You can! Please help me, Dear Lord, to stop this compulsive and out of control problem. Please clean me out and make me into what You want me to be! I love you, Dear Lord! I have read that all things are possible with You and Your son Jesus. God, please help me to have faith. Help me to hold on and do what's right! In Jesus' name
amen
Ask and it shall be given!
Keep up the good fight everyone! And God bless!
If you have just joined me on this road to recovery, please go back to the last post and read that first. Then join me here!
We need to talk about exercise. We need it. We need it for stamina, to work our hearts, lungs, muscles, to release stress, and for peace! WHAT? PEACE! That's right, for peace! There is something about exercise that can really open our spirit to the good things that God has done and will do for us. Come on now, you have felt it! That feeling of - Wow, I did it - or I can do it! It is true that our excitement to exercise will fade now and then, but if we press on we will get to a new level which will cause that feeling of excitement again! And when I feel excited about something, usually every thing seems better!
Now let's talk about food. We need it. But we don't need it that much! I thought about my love affair with food and also thought about all the other things in life that I really like and came to this conclusion. Food is the only thing that seems to control me. I love beautiful flowers. But if I happen to see a beautiful flower bed, I don't pick 'em and take them home. I leave them. I love fashion. But when I go to Rapid and see all sorts of really cute things, I make a decision to buy what I will actually use - what will benefit me and my closet! See, I make decisions everyday, all day long as to what I need and what I don't need. I can make these decisions about food!
So how am I going to do this? By holding myself accountable. Yikes! But yes, I have to be responsible in this area in my life, just like all the other areas. When we get our credit card statement and our spouse hits the roof, it's a good indication that we need to be more responsible. Or if one should get arrested for picking other people's flowers, that's a good indication also! But when our jeans are getting tight or beyond tight, why does it take us so long to get "responsible?" Because we tell ourselves "It's just a little ol' 2 lb, double cheese burger and fries!" "They can eat it, why can't I?" "I deserve to eat this cake after the day I've had!" And on, and on, we go! It's funny isn't it! No more lies people! We must live in reality!
We are going to pray! "I can do all things through Christ!" Phillipians 4:15
I have to be honest with God and myself. I have to realize that I can't do this on my own. I can't, I've tried! But, with God I can and so can you! He wants the very best for us! He wants us to love ourselves and be good to ourselves! You all know the serenity prayer: God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. If we have a food addiction, it's really like being an alcoholic or a drug user. A food addict will use food for the same reasons as would an alcoholic or drug user. And when you use things to make yourself happy, for coping, after awhile your brain chemistry starts to change. Your body gets used to having this "stuff" when things are a certain way, bad or good. And starts to want them NOW! And more often.
Changing is hard. We've all heard that we can't change anyone but ourselves. Which is true. But when it comes to any addictive behavior, we need God. We can make the decision to let go and let God!
Let's pray:
Dear heavenly Father,
Thank you so much for this day! Thank you for all the blessings you have brought into my life! Dear, Lord, I need your help. I have tried to do this on my own, but I now realize that I can't do it! Only You can! Please help me, Dear Lord, to stop this compulsive and out of control problem. Please clean me out and make me into what You want me to be! I love you, Dear Lord! I have read that all things are possible with You and Your son Jesus. God, please help me to have faith. Help me to hold on and do what's right! In Jesus' name
amen
Ask and it shall be given!
Keep up the good fight everyone! And God bless!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Let's be healthy inside and out!
Alright! The time is now! We need to lose weight, become healthy, put God first in our lives! And I'm inviting you to join me!
Every day I am going to put facts, uplifting messages, prayers and healthy eating ideas on my blog. And you are welcome to share your advice also!
Let's get started!
First rule - New mind sets!
(say these out load to yourself, I mean it!)
God loves me!
God loves me just the way I am!
God wants the very, very best for me!
Jesus loves me!
Jesus loves me and values me!
Jesus loved me so much that he died to save me!
All of my bad habits, addictions, my self hatred, my hateful thoughts of others, the grudges that I'm holding on to ~ I am putting on the cross!
I am made new every day!
God has given me a new dose of mercy, love, patience, forgiveness, and grace today!
God fill me with your Holy Spirit to lead me, because I know that I can't do this on my own!
Say this each day! Say it all day long! We have to change the way we think about our selves! We need to focus on God's love for us!
This is late in the morning, so many of us are out the door and starting our days, but our second rule is:
EAT BREAKFAST
oatmeal
eggs
whole grain toast
cereal w/ milk
Third rule: Milk
Drink 3 glasses of milk each day! With meals or as snacks, milk will fill you up with good stuff!
Fourth rule:
Sit down, pray, and eat lunch. After each bit, put down your fork. Chew your food very well, which will help with digestion.
Fifth rule:
Have a good snack! Almonds, peanutbutter, whole grain cereal, fruit, raisins, milk, veggies, whole grain breads - crackers, bagel, etc. are all good snacks that will keep you going until supper!
Sixth rule:
Don't worry about the laundry, the dishes, the homework, the bills, the grouchy husband, the dog, the neighbor, etc., when you walk in the door!
STOP!
You're home! God has been with you through out the day whether it was good or bad. Take three deep breathes and try to let yourself have that moment of ending one thing and starting another. I'm serious! Take those deep breathes, loosen up your neck and shoulders by stretching. Thank God for his love. Then start the evening run down!
Seventh rule:
Sit down, pray, and eat supper! Slowly chew your food, put your fork down in between bits, look at your husband and kids as the gifts that they are, and breath! And drink milk!
Eighth rule:
Do every task today like Jesus is right there with you in physical form! He's your rock, your peace, He is there with you! You are not doing these things, work, cleaning, reading, teaching, cooking, for anyone else. You are doing it because you love God! When you do it for God, there will be somethings that don't seem that important any more. The value you have put on some things is not something that God values! You understand that now. FREEDOM! Yes, freedom to let those things go and to do the things that are important!
Ninth rule:
Bedtime prayers! Have your kids pray, show them how important praying is to you! Then you pray, with your spouse if possible.
Tenth rule:
Let go of the day! It's in the past! Focus on the blessings! Let tomorrow come tomorrow!
There it is! My plan for life!
Now, I need to remind you that it is important, I'll say it again, it's important to get 30 minutes of exercise each and every day! It helps your body remove stress. Helps your heart. While exercising if you pray and focus on God, it will change your spirit and soul!
And one more food for thought! Praying actually changes the connections in your brain that have allowed bad habits and thoughts to solidify in your head! It's true! Praying thankful prayers, praying for all the good things that God has in store for us, praying the we would be filled with the Holy Spirit helps redirect the pathways and connections, and allows for new, helpful, and healthy habits to take over!! It's been proven by scientists!
So pray!
God be with you all today! Do your best and God will do the rest!
I love you all ~ Becca
Every day I am going to put facts, uplifting messages, prayers and healthy eating ideas on my blog. And you are welcome to share your advice also!
Let's get started!
First rule - New mind sets!
(say these out load to yourself, I mean it!)
God loves me!
God loves me just the way I am!
God wants the very, very best for me!
Jesus loves me!
Jesus loves me and values me!
Jesus loved me so much that he died to save me!
All of my bad habits, addictions, my self hatred, my hateful thoughts of others, the grudges that I'm holding on to ~ I am putting on the cross!
I am made new every day!
God has given me a new dose of mercy, love, patience, forgiveness, and grace today!
God fill me with your Holy Spirit to lead me, because I know that I can't do this on my own!
Say this each day! Say it all day long! We have to change the way we think about our selves! We need to focus on God's love for us!
This is late in the morning, so many of us are out the door and starting our days, but our second rule is:
EAT BREAKFAST
oatmeal
eggs
whole grain toast
cereal w/ milk
Third rule: Milk
Drink 3 glasses of milk each day! With meals or as snacks, milk will fill you up with good stuff!
Fourth rule:
Sit down, pray, and eat lunch. After each bit, put down your fork. Chew your food very well, which will help with digestion.
Fifth rule:
Have a good snack! Almonds, peanutbutter, whole grain cereal, fruit, raisins, milk, veggies, whole grain breads - crackers, bagel, etc. are all good snacks that will keep you going until supper!
Sixth rule:
Don't worry about the laundry, the dishes, the homework, the bills, the grouchy husband, the dog, the neighbor, etc., when you walk in the door!
STOP!
You're home! God has been with you through out the day whether it was good or bad. Take three deep breathes and try to let yourself have that moment of ending one thing and starting another. I'm serious! Take those deep breathes, loosen up your neck and shoulders by stretching. Thank God for his love. Then start the evening run down!
Seventh rule:
Sit down, pray, and eat supper! Slowly chew your food, put your fork down in between bits, look at your husband and kids as the gifts that they are, and breath! And drink milk!
Eighth rule:
Do every task today like Jesus is right there with you in physical form! He's your rock, your peace, He is there with you! You are not doing these things, work, cleaning, reading, teaching, cooking, for anyone else. You are doing it because you love God! When you do it for God, there will be somethings that don't seem that important any more. The value you have put on some things is not something that God values! You understand that now. FREEDOM! Yes, freedom to let those things go and to do the things that are important!
Ninth rule:
Bedtime prayers! Have your kids pray, show them how important praying is to you! Then you pray, with your spouse if possible.
Tenth rule:
Let go of the day! It's in the past! Focus on the blessings! Let tomorrow come tomorrow!
There it is! My plan for life!
Now, I need to remind you that it is important, I'll say it again, it's important to get 30 minutes of exercise each and every day! It helps your body remove stress. Helps your heart. While exercising if you pray and focus on God, it will change your spirit and soul!
And one more food for thought! Praying actually changes the connections in your brain that have allowed bad habits and thoughts to solidify in your head! It's true! Praying thankful prayers, praying for all the good things that God has in store for us, praying the we would be filled with the Holy Spirit helps redirect the pathways and connections, and allows for new, helpful, and healthy habits to take over!! It's been proven by scientists!
So pray!
God be with you all today! Do your best and God will do the rest!
I love you all ~ Becca
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Time will tell
To all those out there: you are loved by God and that will never change!
Most of my life I felt like a failure! I had no talent! Nothing that I was really, really good at. I once loved to draw and paint. But as I entered jr high, my work was just okay. There were lots of kids who could do much better than I. And to tell you the truth I got this attitude from my mom. She was always downing her self. So to parents out there, watch what you say even when it's about yourself. So I didn't strive like I once had! I didn't do all that I could, or be all that I could be. And part of the problem was that my time and energy were so focused on eating and purging, that when I did think about doing better, whatever it may have been, I was tired and or drawn away from things by my thoughts of food.
Year after year of living this way stole my fire.
It had to be all or nothing.
I was either great or a failure. I either ate that day and throw up or I must not eat a single morsel all day. Every thing had to be perfect. When I got up in the morning, my routine to get ready for school, how things came together after school, every thing had it's place. If something good or bad disrupted my world, I would fall apart.
Thank goodness God is not like that! Two years ago I rededicated my life to Christ and that's when I began to learn that in the middle was okay. By in the middle in mean NORMAL! Nothing is perfect. No one is perfect. No plans are perfect. But God still loves us! He is perfect.
What we need to focus on is God! Then our mind set changes and we start to think about how Jesus would do things. And then our actions start to follow our thoughts. And then what seemed to be "just okay", is beautiful! And then we start doing our very best and not measuring our best with someone else. And then a miracle happens! What we do is perfect to God!
My life has not been perfect by any means. But it has been perfect for me! Through the mountains that I climbed, through the desert that I was lost in, I found God.
My embarrassment over being bulimic has turned to understanding of what others are going through with addiction. My actions that have plagued me for so long, are lessons that I can share with others. I'm not a teacher, counselor, doctor, pastor. I am however a child of God. And so are you. That makes us siblings! And as my family, I love you all. And when you love someone, you do all that you can to help.
So in parting today I leave you with this:
Turn right or get left, Sinner!! I love you all and have a great day!
Most of my life I felt like a failure! I had no talent! Nothing that I was really, really good at. I once loved to draw and paint. But as I entered jr high, my work was just okay. There were lots of kids who could do much better than I. And to tell you the truth I got this attitude from my mom. She was always downing her self. So to parents out there, watch what you say even when it's about yourself. So I didn't strive like I once had! I didn't do all that I could, or be all that I could be. And part of the problem was that my time and energy were so focused on eating and purging, that when I did think about doing better, whatever it may have been, I was tired and or drawn away from things by my thoughts of food.
Year after year of living this way stole my fire.
It had to be all or nothing.
I was either great or a failure. I either ate that day and throw up or I must not eat a single morsel all day. Every thing had to be perfect. When I got up in the morning, my routine to get ready for school, how things came together after school, every thing had it's place. If something good or bad disrupted my world, I would fall apart.
Thank goodness God is not like that! Two years ago I rededicated my life to Christ and that's when I began to learn that in the middle was okay. By in the middle in mean NORMAL! Nothing is perfect. No one is perfect. No plans are perfect. But God still loves us! He is perfect.
What we need to focus on is God! Then our mind set changes and we start to think about how Jesus would do things. And then our actions start to follow our thoughts. And then what seemed to be "just okay", is beautiful! And then we start doing our very best and not measuring our best with someone else. And then a miracle happens! What we do is perfect to God!
My life has not been perfect by any means. But it has been perfect for me! Through the mountains that I climbed, through the desert that I was lost in, I found God.
My embarrassment over being bulimic has turned to understanding of what others are going through with addiction. My actions that have plagued me for so long, are lessons that I can share with others. I'm not a teacher, counselor, doctor, pastor. I am however a child of God. And so are you. That makes us siblings! And as my family, I love you all. And when you love someone, you do all that you can to help.
So in parting today I leave you with this:
Turn right or get left, Sinner!! I love you all and have a great day!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Grace Mercy Love continued
When I think back to those days, I think of my oldest son who just turned twelve. I was about that age when I realized that I needed to lose weight. So I decided I would not eat breakfast. That was easy enough. My parents were already busy with their days and so it was easy to pull that off. But lunch was a different story. I loved these tiny personal pan cheese pizzas that you could buy from the Swans man. So every day I would eat half of a cheese pizza and just half of what my mom would make for dinner. After a few days though my parents would not leave me alone with my "special" diet and wanted me to eat more. This coming from my mother who would eat cheese and chips, and would drink regular Coke or Pepsi all day long. She also smoked. Which was a very unfair advantage! After a few months of trying to cut back and not being able to enjoy family get togethers - where everyone ate enormous amounts of food and still looked great, I started eating! Then one magical (sarcastic) afternoon I was introduced to bulimia through an after school special. Yes, a show designed to help keep teens from these eating disorders actually helped me see the potential of binging and purging.
I was on top of the world - kind of. I was losing weight! My parents no longer were on my back about "eating more." And, people liked me. Now, as I have grown older and wiser, I realize that they liked me because my new slender self had more confidence. I no longer was a wall flower. Not extremely out going, but I wasn't hiding like I had before. I thought I had hit the jack pot! I could eat with my friends and be skinny! Thanksgiving dinner with the whole family, no problem. But as days turned in to weeks, and weeks into months, I began to feel desperate. By desperate I mean I needed to know where and when my next meal would be. When can I eat?! And. . . where and when can I throw up.
My life changed from not knowing what real love was and wanting it, to feeling nothing at all.
The days of my high school years flew by. I really don't have very many memories. I had turned away from most people. And those who I trusted in my world walked a very fine line. If their attention was directed to any one else, I felt like that kid who was fine on the weekends when no one was around but easily thrown away when someone better came along. My friends were great friends, although we never talked about what was going with my weight and mood swings. They knew. They were young and did not know how to help, but they could love me. Even when I shut them out.
My junior and senior years were when things got to be at their worst. I would steal candy bars at lunch and save them for the last couple classes of the day. Me, eat lunch. No way. As I had found through trial and error, you have to throw up no more than one and a half hours after you have eaten. So I was a thief. And after school instead of socializing, I rushed home usually to eat more and then purge. I would do my homework and eat dinner with the family like a good girl. Then I would sneak candy and cookies into my room and devour them. I was doing my homework, don't ya know. What a joke. Then off to take a shower I would go. So on top of things, I was. And then. . . . I would purge. After my throw up started to turn yellow, I knew that I had gotten rid of all the evil I had consumed. And then I would make my way to the shower, weak and light headed, and I would stand under the water and hope for a miracle. There were nights when I was so week I would pull myself along the furniture to the kitchen and drink a cup of orange juice. But only one cup! And then pull my body back to my room and lay there in the dark, praying that I would not die that night. And then, because movement burned calories, I would move my feet back and forth on my bed as I drifted off to sleep. There were even nights when I would imagine a long table filled with all my favorite foods and I could eat them all and not gain weight. Pleasant dreams!
My teeth had started to erode. First my top front teeth and then the bottom. I'm amazed that I was not pulled aside by a teacher or somebody and asked if I was okay. They probably did not want to embarrass me.
Fifteen years of my life, down the toilet. I was even bulimic through my first pregnancy.
Fifteen years of hiding, loathing myself, wanting to die. Fifteen years.
But, you know, through all that I saw glimpses of God. Like when you're in a dark room and the door is open a crack so a little stream of light comes in. That's what it was like. He was there. . . waiting for me.
I was on top of the world - kind of. I was losing weight! My parents no longer were on my back about "eating more." And, people liked me. Now, as I have grown older and wiser, I realize that they liked me because my new slender self had more confidence. I no longer was a wall flower. Not extremely out going, but I wasn't hiding like I had before. I thought I had hit the jack pot! I could eat with my friends and be skinny! Thanksgiving dinner with the whole family, no problem. But as days turned in to weeks, and weeks into months, I began to feel desperate. By desperate I mean I needed to know where and when my next meal would be. When can I eat?! And. . . where and when can I throw up.
My life changed from not knowing what real love was and wanting it, to feeling nothing at all.
The days of my high school years flew by. I really don't have very many memories. I had turned away from most people. And those who I trusted in my world walked a very fine line. If their attention was directed to any one else, I felt like that kid who was fine on the weekends when no one was around but easily thrown away when someone better came along. My friends were great friends, although we never talked about what was going with my weight and mood swings. They knew. They were young and did not know how to help, but they could love me. Even when I shut them out.
My junior and senior years were when things got to be at their worst. I would steal candy bars at lunch and save them for the last couple classes of the day. Me, eat lunch. No way. As I had found through trial and error, you have to throw up no more than one and a half hours after you have eaten. So I was a thief. And after school instead of socializing, I rushed home usually to eat more and then purge. I would do my homework and eat dinner with the family like a good girl. Then I would sneak candy and cookies into my room and devour them. I was doing my homework, don't ya know. What a joke. Then off to take a shower I would go. So on top of things, I was. And then. . . . I would purge. After my throw up started to turn yellow, I knew that I had gotten rid of all the evil I had consumed. And then I would make my way to the shower, weak and light headed, and I would stand under the water and hope for a miracle. There were nights when I was so week I would pull myself along the furniture to the kitchen and drink a cup of orange juice. But only one cup! And then pull my body back to my room and lay there in the dark, praying that I would not die that night. And then, because movement burned calories, I would move my feet back and forth on my bed as I drifted off to sleep. There were even nights when I would imagine a long table filled with all my favorite foods and I could eat them all and not gain weight. Pleasant dreams!
My teeth had started to erode. First my top front teeth and then the bottom. I'm amazed that I was not pulled aside by a teacher or somebody and asked if I was okay. They probably did not want to embarrass me.
Fifteen years of my life, down the toilet. I was even bulimic through my first pregnancy.
Fifteen years of hiding, loathing myself, wanting to die. Fifteen years.
But, you know, through all that I saw glimpses of God. Like when you're in a dark room and the door is open a crack so a little stream of light comes in. That's what it was like. He was there. . . waiting for me.
Grace Mercy Love
Most of us would rather forget the past, our mistakes, our sins, how we have hurt others and ourselves. But on this walk with God, He sometimes tells us that in order to help others we need to talk about our pasts!
Wow, you say! Why would I want anyone to know that stuff about me? They would hate me or reject me!
But honesty about what we've done and where we've been can be so hopeful to someone who really needs to know that they are not alone. To see that we all make mistakes. And, darn it anyways, we will again. There are four things in life that we can count on: God loves us unconditionally, we will always be sinners, we will pay taxes, and we will die! (Little humor)
So here it goes!
I was sexually abused when I was a child and it greatly affected what I thought love was and how to love. You see I felt very important to this person when we were together. But when out in public, this person was cruel. There was name calling, hurtful words, and gossiping. So I felt like I could only be good for one thing. Even the love from my parents and family was tainted. What was love?
As I got closer to junior high school I began to "fill out." I was probably a very normal and healthy girl at that time. But I was not a bean pole like most of my friends. I remember my mother telling me that my father had noticed that I was forming breasts and that I needed a training bra. Oh my goodness! My father noticed! What! (See my view of myself was that of discontent)
Then a short time later my mother again told me that my father had noticed that I had "camel toe." And that I wore my jeans to tight. What! Camel toe! Oh my goodness, I must be disgusting! I was not like the other girls! That was it! I needed to be like them and then I would be loved!
That's it! Right there! That was the moment that my eating disorder began. . . . . . .
Wow, you say! Why would I want anyone to know that stuff about me? They would hate me or reject me!
But honesty about what we've done and where we've been can be so hopeful to someone who really needs to know that they are not alone. To see that we all make mistakes. And, darn it anyways, we will again. There are four things in life that we can count on: God loves us unconditionally, we will always be sinners, we will pay taxes, and we will die! (Little humor)
So here it goes!
I was sexually abused when I was a child and it greatly affected what I thought love was and how to love. You see I felt very important to this person when we were together. But when out in public, this person was cruel. There was name calling, hurtful words, and gossiping. So I felt like I could only be good for one thing. Even the love from my parents and family was tainted. What was love?
As I got closer to junior high school I began to "fill out." I was probably a very normal and healthy girl at that time. But I was not a bean pole like most of my friends. I remember my mother telling me that my father had noticed that I was forming breasts and that I needed a training bra. Oh my goodness! My father noticed! What! (See my view of myself was that of discontent)
Then a short time later my mother again told me that my father had noticed that I had "camel toe." And that I wore my jeans to tight. What! Camel toe! Oh my goodness, I must be disgusting! I was not like the other girls! That was it! I needed to be like them and then I would be loved!
That's it! Right there! That was the moment that my eating disorder began. . . . . . .
How great thou art!
Today is for you! The good Lord made today for you! He has given you all the strength, mercy, grace, and everlasting love that you will need to be successful today! There is peace and rest in God's ways, and that's a promise that He has made! Jesus said to take His yoke and He would help you learn His ways - how wonderful! You see, we will always have bad days, bad stuff, and be around people who we don't like. The beauty of it all is that if we really have faith in Jesus, then we will have peace! That bad stuff will be bad but we can trust that we will get through it! Why? Because we know that God has a purpose for everything that happens. Good can come from bad. Lessons are hard but can be learned. Life can be hard but God is Good! Today, when everything seems to be bleak and depressing, remember that you have had great days, and that you will have them again. Thanks be to God and blessings to you all!
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