Getting Back Up

Yesterday I got back up...again. I guess the best thing I can say about myself is that I never stop getting back up. That's the important thing, not how many times I fall down, but the fact that I keep getting up.

I ate just at 1200 calories yesterday, I consider that a perfect day. The problem then was I had to stop eating. Night time is especially hard. I don't sleep much, so late nights are a regular thing for me. It's then while I'm sitting up watching TV, waiting for the sandman to visit, that I get overwhelmed by snacking urges.

Last night was no different from any other night. I heard the call of the snacks. The difference last night was that I felt like I had some of my determination back. I have to give some credit to a book I'm reading along with a devotional by the same name, "Made to Crave" by Lysa TerKeurst. It's all about craving God instead of food. I highly recommend it.

If I can get my mind off of food and onto God I feel more in control and growing closer to God is an excellent bonus. I can use my cravings as a prompt to pray or to read my Bible. So the credit really goes to God.

The goal now is to keep my mind on God and off of food. I just have to remember to give my control over to Him. He's a better driver than me.

My cousin told me about this song yesterday called "Broken Ladders" by Selah. After I listened to it I had tears in my eyes. It reminded me that I don't have to have control of everything in my life. It can be scary giving up control, but it's very freeing to let go, especially when you're giving the wheel to God.

I encourage you to put your mind on God. Let him help you with your cravings. God can fill you like no food can and there's no regret or guilt.

I'm going to leave you with a few verses that I hope will help to encourage you.

• Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
• You know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work. (James 1:3-4A)
• I pray that you...grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ...that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17-19 partial)
• Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
• Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. (Psalm 34:8)
• Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:1-2)

Till next time, God bless! :)

Confession Time

I must confess, the past week and a half have been incredibly difficult for me.  At times I literally lost control, and I failed to journal most of last week.  As I've shared before, journaling is essential for me.

I have no trouble putting my finger on the problem.  I have been feeling stressed and then I came down with a nasty cold.  Those are two huge triggers for me.  My self-control went right down the drain and I ate just about everything I could put my hands on.  (I'm not kidding!!)

Confession made, I'm happy to report that I am back on track this week.  I have regained my self-control and determination.  I refuse to turn back.  This journey isn't easy; I never thought it would be.  Nothing worth doing is ever easy...right?

The reason I share this detour in my journey (I refuse to call it a failure.  Failure is falling down and not getting back up.) is to let you know that I'm human.  I make mistakes and it's okay.

I want to encourage anyone who is traveling this road with me to be real.  Don't beat yourself up when you stumble.  Get up, dust yourself off and keep moving.  We can do this!  Take it one day at a time, one foot in front of the other.


Philippians 4:13
I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.