Chapter 13 Overindulgence

If we fail to understand how to fill our souls with spiritual nourishment, we will be triggered to numb our longings with temporary physical pleasures. – Lysa TerKeurst

There is some great wisdom in these words. When we find ourselves overindulging, the best thing to do is stop, take stock of what we’re doing, and figure out what our need is. Do we really need this second bowl of ice cream? What’s really going on? What longing are we seeking to fill with a temporary feel-good?

Do we really long for God? I’m discovering that I have a long way to go in this area, but the more I pursue Him the more I want of him. I love the verse that Lysa quoted from Psalm 42:1-2. As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

There’s an urgency in those words. Did you notice the question at the end? The Psalmist couldn’t wait to meet with God. My prayer for all of us today is this, “God, give us this kind of thirst for you. Give us a desire for you that consumes us. Overpower us with a longing for you that’s so passionate, we can’t wait to get on our knees before you. Fill our desires with you and be our portion.”

May the words of the song above, fill you today as you think of God as your portion. Seek him.

Chapter 12 - The Curse of the Skinny Jeans

"Tying my happy to food, skinny jeans or anything else sets me up for failure"
Lysa

Did this speak to you like it did to me?  Over and over again I must ask myself, what do I "tie" my happiness too?  I so want to learn to be content with what He has given me, allowed me to have, allotted me in this life.  As I see what is going on in the world around us I find myself ever so thankful for our humble house on the hill, the dated car left to me by my dad and a job that meets our budget each month.

A few years ago we were forced to "size down".  We sold our large, custom home on acreage with a quality horse facility.  We sized down our horses, moved here with six.  The last thing I surrendered was my garage door opener.  I now park outside and scrape the snow and ice off, start the car at least 15 minutes before I have to leave.

We have slowly said goodbye to more horses and now waiting for the last mare to be sold.  I owned her dam and so have raised her from birth.  I will sort through my remaining tack soon to prepare for a "tack sale".  I wll caress my new saddle and smell in the leather, probably shed a few tears. But truly, I want my "joy" to be tied to Him.

I will find peace in contentment in that which He allows me.  Not that having the horses was bad, neither is the food I consume.  I placed my whole being in those horses.  I spent every possible moment I could, training, riding, hauling and showing horses.
God has been gracious as He has slowly, lovingly allowed me to open my hands and let go of the reins.  I have replaced the leather of the bridle for the leather of my Bible and oh what peace that floods my soul.

I want to learn to "remain" in Him that my joy may be complete.

Stinkin' Rotten, Horrible, No Good Day

Chapter 11 made me think of the children's book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst. The story starts out, "I went to bed with gum in my mouth and now there's gum in my hair and when I got out of bed this morning, I tripped on my skateboard..." Much of Alexander's troubles were due to his own choices and responses to events in his day. I think that's true of us as well. We make choices that push us further and further on a downward spiral until we eventually look around ourselves and wonder, "How did I get here? And how do I get out?"

I'm sure many of us can relate to Lysa's thoughts on those hard times when we just don't have it in us to fight this battle. Those high-stress times such as the loss of a loved one, past-due bills with no income, a serious illness of our own or of someone we love, or times when depression attempts to suffocate us with ever-increasing darkness. During these times, we must lean on God and his strength to make healthy choices.

What are our prayer lives like? I think this idea of sitting quietly before the Lord is full of power. Sometimes we spend so much time talking, listing need after need, that Holy Spirit can't get a word in edge-wise. Sitting silently before him allows God to work in our hearts. We calm our minds and spirits down long enough that we can finally hear his still small voice. Once we have ears to hear, then He can teach us new truths to combat those lies that have had a death-grip on our thinking.

I want to issue a challenge to all of us. Let's find some time today to just sit quietly before the Lord. No laundry lists. No I need, or I want, or please do. Just sit and allow the Holy Spirit to touch our inner most beings.

Stinkin'. Rotten, Horrible, No Good Day - Chapter 11

I kinda had a "stinkin', rotten," moment yesterday....oh, yes, I caught myself thinking "How would I apply Bible Study to this?"  It wasn't about food.  It was about life, real life and the situation at hand had me really frustrated.  It took me "off-guard" and made me really look at my attitude as I knew God was speaking to me at that moment. 
"So, Patti....where am I in this moment?"  I had some soul searching to do and found I really wanted to turn to Him with that irritation and He renewed my mind and spirit.
Not long after that I sat down to read today's lesson.......God is so good.  He knows what we need even before we ask.



Turn North!!! Oh I need this tattooed across my mind.   It's time to move on!
"an important part of turning north is taking off our masks and asking for help"
that's where this bible study can help you, here you have the opportunity to begin to unmask, step out and share.  It's so much easier to share in "comments" here than maybe in a group.  There's a button here to select if you need prayer, go ahead, check it, we  may not know who checked that button, but He does and we will pray for you.

Be still and know that I am God - Psalm 46:10

Do you struggle with this like I do?  This is probably my greatest challenge, "Be still".

It's when we finally sit down, shut up and be quiet that He can speak volumes to us.

As I was thinking on this I came across a few scriptures to share that may encourage you today.

Isaiah 30:7b "Their strength is to sit still"

Psalm 131:2 I quieted my soul like a weaned child. (weaned child)

Job 37:14 Listen to this, O Job; stand still and consider the wondrous works of God

Your  "heart shaped" cup....what have you been trying to fill your cup with?

There's just so much in today's lesson.  I hope this "Stinkin', Rotten, Horrible, No Good chapter really speaks to you in "Luscious, Glorious and Wonderful"  ways today.





This Isn't Fair - Chapter 10

Saying "it's not fair" has caused many a girl to toss aside what she knows is right for the temporary thrill of whatever it is that does seem fair. - Lysa TerKeurst I was caught up in this very life's-not-fair pity party just the other day. My body seems to have a death grip on a certain jean size and takes forever, or so it seems, to show a difference in the mirror. The scale will show decreasing numbers rather slowly, but even after 20 pounds, I don't look any lighter and I can still be in that same sized jeans. I was complaining to God just the other day, "Why can't I lose weight like so and so? It just falls right off of her." Lysa's words in chapter 10 are timely for me.

"...once we taste the forbidden fruit, we will crave it worse than we craved it before." -Lysa TerKeurst

Lysa just keeps hitting the nail on the head. Last week was a good week for me. I resisted the table laden with sugary desserts in Sunday school and the various treats left in the staff lounge all week. I even threw out the muffin that a student gave me Friday morning. (I did this after school so as not to hurt the child's feelings). But around 4:00 or so, I got that afternoon lag. I was tired, stressed, had a to-do list a mile long and wondered if I'd make it home without a huge stack of papers in tow. I passed through the staff lounge and there were those soft, frosted sugar cookies just staring me down. They were the melt-in-your mouth sugar cookies, not some hard, crunchy things. I stood there and thought, "I've been good all week. One cookie isn't going to hurt things. I'll just have one and that's it." Well I really did just have one, but it sent me on a downward spiral and my dinner choices were anything but healthy. And my portion control flew right out the door. I woke up around 1:00 am with a stomach ache and heartburn and felt physically listless all day Saturday. I paid a big price for caving into the temptation. Instead of turning to Christ, I turned to a cookie and even though it was the melt-in-your-mouth kind of cookie, it led to a bitter taste. All it brought was a guilt-laden conscience and a loss of all self-control for the next several hours. The price was not worth the few moments of taste-so-good. So what's your go-to script going to be? I really liked Lysa's prayer on page 102. It sets a good example for us and can be a springboard for our own go-to script. Mine might go something like this: "God, that _______ looks really good right now. I feel powerless against it. Please strengthen me and make your power perfect in my weakness. I resolve to take care of your holy temple and make the right choice here. Show me the way of escape so that I may honor you." I think if I had prayed that prayer on Friday, I would have kept walking and left the cookie there, or better yet, thrown the whole thing away because there's no way I would eat it once it hit the trash can. I encourage you to come up with your own go-to script so that you are prepared the next time that unhealthy choice rears its ugly head.

Weekend Tidbits

I thought I might share some ideas on "my plan" and how it works for us.  My husband and I started this together last year. He lost 30 lbs and I lost 26.  It has been the only "diet" or eating plan he has ever been successful with for any extended time.

As I have said and I'm sure each of you would agree, Diets Work.....but only as long as you stay "on" them....So we knew we needed a life change not another "diet".  We happened to see Roger Troy Wilson on a tv program, became interested in what he had to say.  Pat wanted to order the book and I thought "just another diet" but if Pat was willing to try it I would too.  It went against some of the ideas I had from other diet plans but I was willing to help my husband try this thing.  Success! And ladies it changed the "cooking" thing at my house.  I do not have to prepare supper every night!!!

Now I know for you who have children at home still you will have to modify this to fit their needs as well.  You would still prepare meals for them, but you would learn to eat only the part of that meal that qualified on the program, saving the bulk of the  supper for your lunch the following day. 

The basic principle of our plan:
Breakfast: High fiber cooked cereal (steel cut oats)
sweetened with honey and a few raisins/ craisins and cinnamon
Fruit smoothie ( I sometimes save my for mid-morning snack)
Lunch: All the lean protein you can eat!! Veggies and salad too.
(no potatoes, white rice or pasta or breads)
Dinner: Veggies, fruits, salads.......no protein at this meal
If you will "load up" on your good proteins at lunch you will
soon find you won't be very hungry at dinner as you are still
processing your lunch meal.
There's much more options, these are just our general schedule

When I do prepare our foods I cook extra, for instance I cook the whole 3 lbs of chicken at one time.  You already have the oven on, or the large pan warm, cook it all to use maybe in two or three recipes.  I have baked Chicken Parmesan and Honey Mustard Chicken at the same time for our lunches for the week. Bake two meatloafs, one for now and freeze one in personal size portions to use next week or later.
We have a recipe for lean yummy burger patties, we grill three pounds of these at one time. We package them individually and freeze them.  After a while you have a large assortment of yummy, healthy foods in your freezer to chose from.

For snacking we are allowed all the fruit ( or veggies ) you want, whenever you want them.  I have found that frozen red grapes are delicious and on those hot summer days can (can!) replace ice cream ( did I really say that?? I am the Ice Cream Queen!)

I plan ahead for that mid-morning snack attack.  I have fruit snack planned or my favorite is my Waldorf Salad: chopped celery, chopped apples, some raisins and walnuts and a couple tablespoons of cottage cheese (you could use lowfat yogurt here too)  I mix that together and voila!!! A low calorie, good fiber snack.
And that  "all so mean" afternoon craving we get......don't that just kill you, about 3:00 p.m. you know you just "got to" have something.....I usually have a small serving of cottage cheese and fruit.  If you don't like cottage cheese find a yogurt that does not have fructose corn syrup in it.  Or just eat you a big bowl of fruit.  One of the keys to this eating program, you eat fruit, lots of fruit, until you realize.......you quit craving sweets!!! Yes....the fruit will balance out your raging desire for all those sweets and when that desire rears it's head......you've got Made to Crave!!!! principles to rely on.

We all need a plan!
 With a plan and what you are learning in our bible study you can do this thing... 



Our next WOW Bible Study

http://kellyminter.com/store/

Ladies........I have been blessed to have participated in two of Kelly's Bible studies, and I mean BLESSED.  She is the author of No Other Gods and Ruth, also others. I can say without a doubt this will be an adventure and blessing.

Our target date to start this study will be April 18th.  That gives you plenty of time to get yours ordered. (If you local ladies want me to order in bulk to save us shipping, let me know)

I see Lisha has posted her great Chicken Wrap recipe, it is sooooo good. I had a similar version for my lunch today before I saw the blog, truly our minds must run together.   You really need to try this one.

I'm finding it hard not to just read ahead in my book.  I'm loving the challenge that Lysa posses for us and find  myself going back and re-reading daily. 

Have you been challenged?  Have you seen some success and "change" of mind in your struggles and goals?   We are encouraged to hear from you, I've also added a new feature where you can just check a box if you are hesitant to comment and there's also one there for those who need prayer....let us know.  We may not know who checked that box, but He knows as we pray for you.

Caesar Wraps

Here's another healthy recipe to try. It comes from the recipe book Pier 1 Wraps by Mary Corpening Barber, Sara Corpening, and Lori Lyn Narlock.

1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon orange juice concentrate
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 1/2 cups firmly packed chopped romaine
1/4 cup croutons
two 10 or 11 inch flour tortillas
1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled & deveined
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt or 1/8 tsp regular salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil plus 1 teaspoon for brushing shrimp

Preheat grill or broiler.
Combine the mustard, citrus juices, orange juice concentrate, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt in a medium bowl. Gradually add 3 tablespoons olive oil while mixing with a whisk or a fork. Stir in the cheese. Set aside.

Brush the shrimp with the remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil and season with Kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Place on grill or under broiler and cook until firm and bright orange, about 2 minutes, turning once. Remove from heat and cut into quarters.

Toss together shrimp, romaine lettuce, and croutons in large bowl. Add the mustard mixture and toss to evenly coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide the mixture evenly among the tortillas and wrap.

Variation: I don't like shrimp so I make this recipe with boneless, skinless, chicken breast that I cook either in the broiler or on the stove top and season with a bit of seasoning salt. I also use spinach wraps instead of regular flour tortillas. If you want to reduce the carbs, then skip the croutons and/or the tortilla and eat it as a salad. When I make this recipe, I triple it so that we have leftovers to enjoy the next day or two. If you're going to make more than your family can enjoy in one meal, leave the dressing on the side so that you can refrigerate the left-overs without the lettuce getting wilted. Hope you enjoy!

But Exercise Makes Me Want to Cry - Chapter 9

"Teach me Your way, O Lord, and I will walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.  I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, I will glorify Your name forever"

Psalm 86:11

This verse really spoke to me in our study today.  I want to emphasize "Your" here.

I see that we need to look to Him for our strength.  We must have an undivided heart to serve Him.  James 1:8 tells us that a double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

A divided heart/double mind.....they make us unstable.  I need to know His truth so that I will walk in it.

The big orange thing reared itself to me today!  On several occasions I was challenged to put this study to the "test".  I was made even more aware of how often I look first to food before considering prayer or scripture to apply to the situation.   I have to tell you, the victory was sweet!

Making Peace - Chapter 8

Define your week by obedience, not by a number on the scale.

The only true satisfaction we can seek is the satisfaction of being

obedient to the Lord.

Both very good statements and will be my theme for today and tomorrow and
maybe again and again.  Obedience in all areas of my life?  I have some work to
do, but through this study I feel I am gaining insight into that and see that we can
apply these principles to all areas of our lives.

Personal Flaws...Not to make trite of the point Lysa is making here, I did get a
chuckle on question 6.  My "beautiful?".........could use a little lift here .....

Ok, I just couldn't resist that today.

I do pray that each of you are encouraged and challenged by our study.

I got done early at work yesterday and all of a sudden I reverted to the old
habit thinking, " oh its a nice day, think I'll go get a treat before going home"
HA!!! I laughed back at the "tempter"......

 Living in victory tastes sweeter to me today!!!

I'm Not Defined by Numbers or __? - Chapter 7

My sense of identity and worth were dependent on the wrong things.

I'm not sure the "numbers" have been a source of my "definition" but this statement made me think hard about what defines me.   I am a social being, an extrovert, type A personality......I need people!! I long for relationship. I have cried out to God to find me a "place" to belong.  I remind Him of His word, do not forsake the assembling of yourselves.....and yet here we are tucked away on this mountain side, seemingly alone and I hear His voice "Seek Me. Find Refuge in Me. Look to Me to fill those voids in your life.  Seek ye first the Kingdom of God .......when you get that right, those other things will come.  God wants to be in communication with me.

I recently listened to the most interesting study on being "hidden with Christ".  The speaker spoke about those in the Bible who were "hidden" until God called them forth for His use.  I am encouraged to know that He knows exactly where I am and this is the time to refresh myself in the Word, grow closer to Him and more fit for service in this season of hiding.

What defines you today? Your "numbers", your title, your position, your "group"....?

I want to be defined as His.   I want to be a "Basket Case" ......and I want my basket to hold all those fruits......Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
 Oh ladies......persevere in Him.

Growing Closer to God - Chapter 6

We have to be intentional.  Lysa speaks of intentionally positioning ourselves to experience God.  What does that "positioning" look like to you today?

I see "intentional, self-control, deny, learning, " thruout today's lesson.

I see the Fruits of the Spirit in a way I had not thought of them before.

"Self-Control"

God does expect us to put effort in our walk.

He calls us to "humble" ourselves.

But wonderfully He first gives us the winning formula:

"So I say, live by the Spirit and you will not gratify

the desires of the sinful nature'

Galations 5:16



Amazing thoughts for today's chapter.

I have read it over and over.

I knew this was more than a "weight loss" program

But little did I know how it would really touch me.

I pray that each of you will have a comment for today.

It's really encouraging to share with others. I am encouraged to read thru the comments that are attached to the 21 Day Challenge, if you haven't done so please take a moment and read a few of those.

Made for More - Chapter 5

I have read and reread this chapter.  So much good stuff here as we really dig into Eph 1:16-20.  It was so good I read the whole chapter.

Personal Reflections today.  I do hope you each will get into those and dwell there to answer them for yourself.   There is some real "keys" to who you are in Christ in our chapter today. 

I took the time to write my name in each blank on #4 and as I did I spoke it out loud that my ears might hear the truth of God's promises.  His Word tells us "that you might know the truth and truth shall make you free.  I can be free in Him.  I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me.

I have a "theme song" going thru my mind today. 

"I've got the power, in the name of Jesus. 

I've got the power, in the name of the Lord.......

Let's Do Lunch

All Diets Will Work!!! The key is to stay on that diet....that's where we have problems.

The answer is change of eating habits, adjusting your "diet" and finding something you can stick with. 

I have tried several programs over the years and lost weight successfully only to gain it back and then some.  As we age this becomes more problematic.

Pat & I took on this program last year and successfully lost over 50 lbs between the two of us...It felt great.  Slowly over the winter we have gotten away from the program, added sweets and snacks and of course the weight began to find it's way back to us.

We are "back on" now and successfully seeing a weight loss.

Let's have lunch is more about what you can eat not what you can't eat.  It was an idea we hadn't tried. To be honest after a week to 10 days into this program you'll find your cravings do subside and you desire less to eat but you have healthy options available.

My recipe today comes from this book.  It's yummy and you can have bowlfulls of this on this program.  Try it and see for yourself....enjoy.

Pizza Soup

1 T. Olive Oil

1 med. yellow onion, chopped (1 cup)

2 small cloves garlic, crushed or chopped fine

1 small green Bell pepper ( I use red too) I love the Reds

Mix your meats together before you cook them,

the turkey takes on flavor of beef.  I use Italian Turkey

when I can get it.

1 lb lean ground turkey

1 lb leanest hamburger

Sliced fresh mushrooms ( the brown ones have best flavor)

3/4 tsp paprika

1 T dried basil

1 T dried oregano

salt to taste

1 large (1lb, 12 oz) can diced tomatoes

1 large ( 1 lb, 13 oz) can tomatoe sauce

1 can (12-14oz) black olives chopped

Heat olive oil on medium/high in a large deep saucepan with lid.

Add onion, garlic, peppers, meat and paprika.

Saute til meat is cooked.

Add mushrooms and cook a few minutes to saute them.

Add tomatoes, sauce, salt and herbs. Cover and bring to boil.

Add olives and gently stir in.  If soup is too thick for your

liking add a little water.

Let this simmer for at least 10 minutes.

Dish you up a serving and top with some shredded lowfat mozarella

or Asiago/Parmesan sprinkles.

Hope you're having a "successful" weekend.

Chicken and Artichoke Saute

This recipe comes from Better Homes and Gardens. I tried it the other night. It's fairly simple and really doesn't take much time. It's also low fat.

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 pound total)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground sage
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons cooking oil (I used olive oil)
1/2 dry white wine
1 14 oz can artichoke hearts, drained, and halved
1 4 oz can sliced mushrooms drained
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley

1. Rinse chicken; pat dry. In a shallow bowl stir together flour, salt, sage, and pepper; reserve 1 tablespoon of the flour mixture. Dip chicken in remaining flour mixture to coat.

2. In a large skillet cook chicken in hot oil over medium-high heat about 6 minutes or till chicken is tender and no longer pink, turning once. Remove chicken from skillet; cover and keep wamr. Drain off any excess oil in skillet.

3. For sauce, stir together reserved flour mixture and wine. Add wine mixture, artichoke hearts, and mushrooms to skillet, scarping up crusty bits from pan. Cook and stir till thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Pour sauce over chicken. Sprinkle with cheese and parsley. Serve immedidately. Makes 4 servings.

Variations:
To make this recipe a bit healthier, use a nonstick skillet, and skip coating the chicken in the flour mixture. This will reduce the carbohydrates. You'll still need a tablespoon of flour and a dash of sage for thickening the sauce though. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and a dash of sage. Use only 1 tablespoon of oil and cook chicken over medium heat until done. With my pan, I can actually use even less oil or skip it all together. You may even be able to bake the chicken, but it would take longer to prepare the meal. You can skip the Parmesan and reduce the fat intake as well.

Accountability - Chapter 4

When I think of others on this journey with me I feel accountable.  When I have a moment of "giving in" I think of each of you and pray that you will be strengthed too.
So I can use those times as a double whammy in the face of the enemy.

My accountabilty comes with my husband.  We will weigh in on Saturday and record our weights on the calendar, it encourages us both when we see losses.  I want to see him successful in his weight loss so I try to have things ready for him for healthy lunches.  I am fortunate that he also likes to cook up some things ahead and he does cook some pretty good things.  His favorite is Pizza Soup, that recipe will be on the blog tomorrow.

 "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.  Be self-controlled and alert"
1 Peter 5:7-8
Be self-controlled and alert.
Know this,  we are to be self-controlled.  We have to exercise our wills here.  We can cast our cares on Him but He does hold us responsible for our part as well.
To be alert....know what's up ahead, around you and stalking you.  This is where some planning really pays off.  The adversary  is pursuing you.  But greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world ( and our refrigerators)

Check back this weekend for some healthy recipes and stay strong and purpose what you choose to partake in.

Getting a Plan - Chapter 3

Proverbs 16:9 In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.

If we are to produce a garden of beauty that brings honor to the Lord, we need a plan. But that plan must come with God's direction and guidance. We can't run willy-nilly here and there and expect that we'll be healthy and vibrant. Our cravings will only be conquered through deliberate, planned, action.

Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

So what's your plan? Start with prayer and see where God leads. What works for one, may not work for another. We all have our own unique body type, health issues, and tastes. Whatever your plan may look like, it will involve tough sacrifices. But the challenge is as Lysa puts it, "to look at this process as embracing healthy choices rather than denying myself."

Let's work on those plans ladies. What will your first step be? Mine, is to carve out some time to get on my knees before the Lord and seek his wisdom and guidance. I've gone at this in my own strength and failed too many times. If I'm going to really make changes that permanently stick, I need it to come through God's strength. Mine is too weak. I'm making it a matter of prayer, that God give me the "want to". Then, I'll seek him for step two.

Replacing My Cravings - Chapter 2

"This wasn't really about the scale or what clothing size I was; it was about the battle that raged within my heart"
Do I have a "battle" raging within my heart?  I think the "battle" or "urging" for me was to realize I really needed a "heart relationship" and not just a "head knowledge" of who He is.  And like Lysa "I'd make radical changes for the sake of my spiritual health perhaps even more than my physical health."  When the spiritual me is in tact, the physical me will follow.  What a concept to take that which the enemy can really beat me up with and turn it back to the Lord.

Personal Reflections:
How do you respond to the idea of using your cravings as a prompt to pray?

As Lisha said, "we must eat," we can't just throw away all food so this battle is
a daily process in which we can use this prompting to turn to Him.
This is a key element to this study.

Psalm 5:3 NKJ
My voice you shall hear in the morning, O Lord, in the morning I will direct it to you and I will look up (expectations).
Give God the "firstfruits" of your day. Not the leftovers at the end.
This does not have to be lengthy and may be something new for you,
but give it a try. You may find it sets you up for "success".

Unhealthy cravings?  What else do we crave? What else do we seek after to fill the voids in our lives that Jesus would say to us " Let Me"?  

I pray your days are filled with thoughts of Him and He will become your greatest craving today.

Truth is powerful - Chapter One

I had a "challenge" present itself to me at lunch yesterday.  I ate a healthy lunch and then just out of habit I was headed to the fridge to get that last fudge bar. I stopped suddenly and realized how quick I could have just done that and remembered my challenge to you yesterday.  Outloud I said "NO" I'm not going to do that! Gave myself quite a chuckle.  But I seen quickly how old habits and patterns can get us before we realize it.

Eve was saturated in her desire.  Jesus was saturated in God's truth.
What a comparison!  When we turn those desires into the "craving of God's
truth" we can have the same response as Jesus, "Get away from me, Satan"!
This is not only powerful in our response for food but what about other areas of our lives that we need to be concerned with? 

Personal Reflections:
I gave way to a lot of "cravings" last week.  One day I found myself just stuffed with all the wrong foods. Yuck!  The result left me drained and miserable.  Not a good feeling.
I guess it really "set me up" for this week and knowing I just want to feel healthy, feel good and be energized, physically, mentally and spiritually.
I have found as I have purposed to be in the Word daily that I do crave that now. 

Good to see Lisha and Faith on board here.  Others have checked in to see what's going on so welcome to you too.  We hope you will join us.  And be sure and check out the sites available by clicking on the pictures on the right. 
I got my first email on the 21 Day Challenge yesterday......good stuff. Go to Lysa's site and sign up.  Take advantage of all the support you can get!

C'mon girls......let's "Crave" something good.

How do I really get close to God?

This is a good thought to ponder today. 

It's a process that begans by taking a "first step", moving in His direction, turning away from the "old" nature and looking to Him for the "new" woman.  So today, take a "first" step, doing something away from what you have been doing.

I know it gets old to hear people tell you to "be in the Word", take time out for prayer, etc.......but usually these are people who are in the Word, who do take time for Him, be it even small increments.  Those who do realize the benefits and just want you to know yourself.

Many times we try to do it all in one "swell floop", but today, try one small step.

Jesus challenged the rich young man where the rich young man needed to be challenged.  Today, let's consider "one thing" we could give up today and when
that "one thing" really presses on you, challenges you, look to Jesus.....can you let Him be more than that "one thing" today.

My prayer today is that He will give me enough "want to" for this day and for each of you too.  Let's go sisters, let's do this thing!!!

Day One Assignment - Monday March 14th

Read the Introduction to the study, pages 11-18.  Familiarize yourself with the idea and find one thing that spoke to you, encouraged you or challenged you.  Could you share that one thing (or more if you choose) and post it here in comments?

Also, the photos to the right....are websites that I think you would really enjoy.
The Made to Crave has lots of info, encouragements, etc.  Go there and sign up for the 21 Day Challenge.  I haven't done this yet but will now that we are ready to start our adventure together.  Lysa will send you a daily email for encouragement, that could be really good for all of us.

You can sign up also to be a "Follower".  Don't be intimidated, you will need a "Google" account, but be brave, do it! 

Tomorrow morning I will do my first post for the study.  You are encouraged to comment anytime that works for you tomorrow.  Can't wait to hear from each of you so we know who all is with us for this journey!  God Bless.

Bible Study by Blog

Welcome!!! Here we are, about to embark on a whole new adventure.

For some of you it's totally new and probably somewhat challenging,

for me it will be a test of diligence to keep up and keep us going.

Our first order of business, logging in to comments and maybe just

introducing yourself to us.  This can be a process, but you can work

thru the details and join our blogsite.  Be Brave!!! Shortly you will be

a "blogger" and enjoy the adventure.