Yesterday I returned from a trip that until the very last minute I didn’t know I would be able to take. I had the honor and privilege to cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Cozumel and back with Premier Christian Cruiseline and the Girl’s Getaway Cruise. (I will have lots more about this at a later time.) It was a time I won’t soon forget.
I have a new fire in my heart. I feel unstoppable. Empowered. Full of love and compassion. I have the urge to bless others as much as I can. Renewed. Refreshed. Ready. Strong. This is not from me, it’s from God.
It was such a blessing for me to find out upon returning from my trip, that the Bible study began without a hitch! (Rare indeed!) It was even a bigger blessing for me to read your comments and see how you have already begun sharing with me and each other. I love our community here so much.
If you are sticking to our “suggested” assignments for Week 1, then you have read the intro and Chapter 1 and are beginning to dig into your reflection questions for Chapter 1. What do you think so far? Are you feeling as EMPOWERED as I am?
Empowered is our word of the week. Don’t let it intimidate you. Remember our power is not from us. It’s not willpower, it’s God Power.
I’m praying for each of us:
~that we will dare to believe this time is different (no matter what your craving is)
~that we will give up, surrender, get closer to God by distancing ourselves from other things that might be permissable but aren’t beneficial.
~that we will not focus on a number, but we will focus on healthy choices…one choice at a time.
~that God will give us the desire to be healthy.
~that even though it won’t be easy, we will be EMPOWERED.
Can I hear an “amen” from my sisters in the group?
Remember how Jesus drove Satan away. He quoted Scripture. Ladies, in the midst of attack, do not give in by retaliating, taking out your fear and frustrations on yourself or others, but by going to God’s Word.
Our memory verse for this week (which I forgot to post yesterday) is:
1 Corinthians 10:23, “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissable”—but not everything is constructive. (NIV)
Allow this to EMPOWER you.
And if you need a little more empowering, watch this…a blast from the past…last year’s theme song in MTC and me making a fool of myself, yet again lol! Enjoy at my expense! (if you can’t see the video below, click here to view on my actual blog)
I hardly know what to say after that….but I bet it’s stuck in your head for the rest of today! “I Got Da Powahhhh!”
The point of today’s message is to remind you that you are empowered by God, His Word can get your through, and you need to add a little song and dance to your day!
Big Blessings Y’all! I love ya way big! <3
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Thanks for the encouragement Melissa… Loved the “power” dance
I began my Made to Crave journey last year and was so inspired and challenged, but I held back a small (or not so small) area of control and did not let the Lord “enpower” me to fully surrender and change. I am beginning again and this time the goal is surrender… I am sure this community will be such an encouragement to me as I give up control and surrender to the Lord who is worthy. Blessings, Kim
Kim,
I, too, have always kept back a not-so-small area of control. You voiced the desire I haven’t really acknowledged or accepted. The goal is not pounds, it’s surrender, total, complete and final surrender.
WOW! Can you say transparent! I’m loving it! living in the south (Lancaster, SC) you dont see true honesty very much. Thsnk you so much, Melissa, you are a breath of fresh air in a world that can be very stuffy at times! Luv in Christ, A
God gave me (2) words at the beginning of 2012; surrender & restoration. I just know they are going to be important in my Made to Crave journey….He knows all, doesn’t He? Today I am reflecting about how to talk to my cravings, understand where they come from and use scripture to work through them!!!
Wow- those two words- surrender and restoration- are just what I need and just what I needed to read. Thank you.
Surrender and restoration… I believe that is
Gods word to us. Thank you. I will be praying
the Lord helps us totally surrender so He can
restore us.
Loved your post and how fun that you got to get away before you dive into the study with all of us…there’s a lot of us!! I love the word for this week..I may have been a little obnoxious saying to myself and my family. I have read the book before, but praise the sweet Lord, it feels different this time! I have had my 25 grams of fiber everyday since the webcast (that was a very helpful jumpstart!) except Sunday. I am excited about being in a deeper place with the Lord and less focused on myself as well as making new friends through this place as well. God is on the move!
Here are today’s lightbulb moments:
1. My taste buds and my tummy really don’t care for Starbuck’s.
2. If I had to choose, do I want _____ or do I want Jesus? Jesus, please!
3. Ode to (my soon to be sent packing) Craving Monster:
There is a craving monster. He lives in a box.
He lives in a bag. He lives in my thoughts.
He whispers in my ear. He calls out my name.
He tell me it’s “just for today” but each today’s the same.
He entices me with sweets. He entices me with salt.
He tells me to listen to him and therein lies MY fault.
He promises to deliver. He promises me my dream.
But the ONLY One who CAN deliver is the ONE who Reigns Supreme!
Love this poem, does that ever say how most of us feel!
Love the poem for your Craving Monster!
Trish, that is such a fabulous poem. So true! What a gift you have! May we ALL subdue, conquer the craving monster! Be blessed my sister!
Awesome poem! Thanks!
That sums it up! What I have heard in my head too.
I love the poem. Nice job! May I share it with my friends? We are doing the study in my home as well.
How did you know about the craving monster in my house? lol
I am definitely committed to the last line.
thanks
The poem is accurate and really hit home. Now thank goodness that Crave Monster is on it’s way out of here.
I began this study with my friend Sharon, who I have done several other studies with. I am thankful for her and for this form to get me through this time in my life. It is so wonderful to have so many people in your corner believing that you can and will Crave God More than Food. Thank all of you and I can’t wait to see the new surrendered and restored me in 2012!
I GOT THE POWER!!!!!
A big AMEN!!!! I feel empowered and I haven’t even started the study yet; my book will be here tomorrow, so I will have a LOT of catching up to do tomorrow night!!!!
I was so uplifted that you’re praying for each of us…that we will give up, surrender, get closer to God by distancing ourselves from other things that might be permissible but aren’t beneficial. Praying this for all of us, too!!
Today I realized something.The Personnel Reflections dug a little deeper.I felt I always had an inappropriate relationship in my cravings for food. And my battle have been just that battles. But today I realized something about a deeper desire for intimacy with the Lord and in my marriage relationship.Which I never knew.Right now I fear as I write this.
You know everyone knows when you’re obese. But relationships are different.I don’t share.I fear someone will know the deepest parts of all my life My Marriage ,and it’s a really good marriage.But I desire more.I long for more.I crave more.And this is not a physical intimacy I speak of.Marriage is a picture I believe of our relationship with Christ.And it feels as though in my relationship I move a step back from my Lord it affects ever part of me.My weight is a picture of this , and(going to sound weird) an emptiness . I know now MTC Bible Study is going to be more than what you expected when you said “Yes Lord, I will do this” Melissa. And more than I could of Hoped for. Thank You My Sisters and Brothers in Christ ,Pray
I understand this totally and have felt much the same way. I just have never been able to put words to what I was feeling. Thank you!
I can’t wait to go to my first boot camp session!
This is my second day on our journey. I have said that word today at least 50 times. WOW ENPOWER. Thank you so much everyone for a wonderful course. I have to go to my homework now. Capter 1 – Reflection Questions. I love the video. I hope I can dance soon just like that.
I can see that I will be challenged most at lunchtime (per lunchtime today
). I have a job that keeps me on the road, which makes packing a lunch difficult, no way to keep things cold…. I’ve tried several different ways, but being in the south, near Charleston, SC heat is an issue. I think maybe this time I will go for a little more at breakfast then a few healthy (not cold) snacks through the day; nuts, dried fruit. Before I even knew the memory verse was our verse, I had it posted in my work truck 
Looking forward to a wonderful walk with God.
Sonya,
I understand your dilemna. Would it be possible for you to get a good lunch bag and use an ice or cold pack to carry boiled eggs, fruit, and other items that can be eaten cold? If there is no place to wash your hands, you can use a ziploc bag as a glove to hold the items.
Melissa, I am so already enjoying this online study with you! I have tried before to study with you, & had problems with my computer & couln’t finish. So thrilled to be starting on time with you. I ‘ve already got the first chapter so marked up! So much truth in it!
Hi Melsa!!!
You got da POWER!!! I LOVED watching your silly video song and dance. You make me SMILE……just like our days in college!!
I love this study so far and am excited for the future days. On New Year’s Eve/Day this year, 2 words came to my mind as a goal for 2012 and they were SHED and SHRED. I am hoping to shed some much needed weight, some frivilous expenses, and shred some clutter. Everything just seems to be weighing me down and I believe that this Bible Study is going to help me on my way to do all of that and some more! I really think that I am going to SHED some activities in my life that are permissable but just not beneficial and I am also going to SHRED some beliefs and thoughts and self talk that Satan wants me to hold onto. I just wanted to say hi, glad you had an awesome trip and let you know I am excited to be a part of this with you. ~hugs and love xoxo
After a lifetime struggle with obesity in 2001 I had bariatric surgery and went from weighing 345# to 150#, which helped some of my health issues. I have come to realize, however, that my attitude and relationship with food has not changed. I currently struggle between 185-190# which exacerbates the wear and tear on my joints, arthritis and osteoporosis. I am excited to embark on this journey of realigning my relationships with both God and food. I could not run away from the statement in the book about loving food MORE THAN GOD. That was the beginning for me……………..
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I LOVE the “power dance”! That put such a great smile/feeling in my heart! Thanks so very much! As much of a struggle some days can be, at least I can still enjoy a smile.
Todays assignment was very eye opening for me in many ways. My craving is more like a devil on my shoulder like someone commented on in an earlier post. But mine is more like a sweet talking salesman, or a seductive suitor- telling me all the false promises giving into this craving will fulfill. When truly instead it robs me of my joy and my peace and throws me into a never ending cycle of depression, shame and guilt which keeps me from reaching out towards God for the true gift of love and peace that only He can give me. Cravings is definitely my worst temptation and the most difficult to resist. I am so glad to be here with you all to be EMPOWERED to walk the path to a closer relationship with God so I can crave Him instead of the false promises of other physical cravings.
Michelle,
I really relate to what you have written here! I was thinking of someone or something all dressed up and trying to entice me – then dumping me into depression and guilt after a quick “high”…Hopefully we can redirect our cravings toward the Lord and His Word to fill that emptiness and help with those weak moments. Here’s to the journey!
In the book, Lysa talks about picking a plan describes her plan and then specifically states this is her plan. She gave up sugar and seems many are joining in on that. I’m on a plan which doesnt exclude anything but does require you to limit amounts and emphasizes making healthy food choices. So for me, I’m really cutting back on portion sizes and making better choices which inevitably means cutting back quite a bit on sugar, fatty foods, etc etc. Just curious what others are planning to do for their plan?
I am a part of a Christian weight management group called prism. The first six weeks means no refined sweetners or flours. It does eliminate certain foods like all bread products and starchy vegetables and desserts in order to break many physical bonds your body has to these foods? There’s a lot more to the program but I really like it because of the no guessing guidelines that are in place. All natural foods basically added in by the end.
I never thought of thanking God for my passionate seeking craving nature. I’ve always thought of cravings as a negitive, like a drug addict with tremors…. I forget that the pursuit of dreams that align with Gods Will always cause growth and happiness in life, it’s not always an easy path but always rewarding. I pray that this journey change my thinking to align with Gods truth for life, so this time WILL be different. Thanks for the opportunity to take this journey with such a great group!!
l was always a normal weight growing up but now l am 270 pounds and 54years old. l love myself and when l look in the mirror l think l am beautiful and l dont see my weight as it really is. Its not until l see a photo that l am shocked how l look. I love food and the taste of food and l am struggling with the homework of the little orange monster. l just think, how good the food tastes especially milk chocolate. However l am having blood pressure and other health issues such as cholesterol and joint pain. The scripture about everything being permissable but not beneficial is what l need to focus on. l dont understand #3, when l crave some chocolate how do you mean listen to that and then benefit by listening?
l have never done an on-line bible study but l am hoping to learn from everyones heartfelt stories and this time be able to get the weight off and keep it off forever, that is the struggle for me. any suggestions to keeping it off?
“Listen to the craving” to me means take a quick inventory of what you are thinking and feeling at the moment of the craving. When the idea of a donut pops into your head, what are in the middle of right then? Are working on something boring, complicated, emotionally taxing? How are you feeling right then? Becoming aware of your thoughts and emotions in the moment of a crave attack is your chance to become familiar with how food works in your life. As you become more aware of what triggers a craving, you can surrender that trigger to God and let Him fulfill whatever need is yelling at the moment. I pray we will all see Jesus become more and more of the “go to” instead of cravings! Yeah for surrender!
Elizabeth, thank you for explaining that!
thanks elizabeth. l guess at times when l am alone at home l will think, oh l can have some chocolate, l am not sad or anything, l just know l can get up and have whatever l want. At that moment l will try to ask God to take that craving away. l am not sure why l do that, it just all of a sudden comes into my head. l am not thinking sad things or stressful things l just like the taste of what l am craving. Obviously that has to change so l need to be more aware and stop and say to myself all things are permissable but not beneficial. l love your line to make Jesus the Go To.
My monster isn’t orange….. It’s a teddy bear that is soft and cuddly. Always wanting to be held and loved. When I realized that when doing the reflections a light bulb went off. My teddy bear wraps his arms around me w love and keeps me from being lonely or upset. My head is telling me that Jesus wants to do that for me but my heart is anxious and not ready to let go! Thank u lord for this study and opening my eyes already.
This afternoon, rather than reach for something sugary when the stress level elevated at work, I took a walk around the floor and before I knew it, the craving was better. At Walgreen’s tonight when I was checking out, the nice man at the counter said “Snic___’s 2/$1. Don’t you want them?” I politely declined and he tried to sell me on them by saying that I deserved them…. an excuse that was an easy trap in the past. I was able to politely decline again and walked out of the store with a smile. This is really huge for me!!
The reflections exercise was very helpful. The empty place in me that I try to fill with food is a result of a very angry father who would deliver over the top punishment in my childhood and then would not hug me and tell me that he loved me. Many times I was blamed for things that were not my fault and certainly the magnitude of the anger expressed was disproportionate to the situation. For 44 years, I have lived with that fear near the surface where it was easy to experience and I would even turn the anger inward and blame myself. It was very painful. Now, I am a praying person and have prayed for forgiveness toward and God has been faithful to provide it. My relationship with my father today is 180 degrees different than it was back then because my father became saved. He is supportive and loving today. However, somehow it was difficult for the wounds of childhood to close over.
When I thought about the monster and tried to describe it, at first I could not. Then I decided that I would call it an angry bull (not sure why, am thinking the Holy Spirit prompted this). Something happened when I did this; something shifted inside of me. As I visualized the angry bull, the feelings of fear, loss, isolation, and being unlovable, seemed to lighten. I am not sure I understand this yet, and it could come back. However, something has changed and for the better. Hallelujah!
Way to go, Sara, for walking away from that temptation!! So proud of you!!
I can totally, totally relate to your post. My father was the very same way; he even called me “Fatty Patty” as a child, and I was just a very tall, big-boned child, not even overweight then. Six years ago, when I was your age, I met my sister in Atlanta and we flew to where he was because he was dying of cancer….it was the first time I would see him in over 24 years. He was still very cruel with his words, and even though I don’t drink alcohol anymore, I remember the anger I had because of him and wanting to get drunk so bad that night. My little sister would not allow me to drink, so instead we both pigged out on the Italian food we grew up with, until we were both in a food-induced coma!! When I did this study the first time, I realized that I had just replaced one addiction (alcohol) for another (food) to try to fill that empty hole left by my earthly father…I can still remember the numbness from overeating that night, just like it was alcohol!! Later, I did send my father a card and wrote him that I had forgiven him, and he died a few months later without a response to my card. As I write this, I realize it was almost 6 years ago today that he passed away…he died on MLK’s birthday, and I remember thinking how ironic, because my father was a very prejudiced person.
I am thankful that the LORD has given you a changed earthly father…truly, truly thankful for you!!! Praise the LORD for your father’s salvation!! I am also thankful for those like me, who did not have earthly fathers who were capable of showing love, that we ALL have a Heavenly Father Who loves us SO much more!!!
And, if and when those feelings come back, you just tell them, “Get behind me satan!”, because those feelings are NOT from the LORD. I will be praying for you on this journey.
So enjoying my first few days on this journey. Yesterday I was really tired and stressed and so wanted to be comforted by food. But now I get to stop and think about it – if I give in, for a little while I will feel better, but it won’t last. If I pray, I won’t immediately feel better, maybe even worse but slowly it will change and I will feel the comfort of my heavenly Father which lasts forever.
Good start to my week. I’m making healthy choices – oh yeah! This post is so encouraging. I love the I Got Da Powahhhh video. We have a theme song! I posted the memory scripture and word of the week on my dry erase board in the kitchen. And on a note card sitting on my dashboard of my vehicle. Yes! Blessings yall!
Thanks for the ongoing prayers, Melissa !
Prayers right back to you.
Really never thought about my craving for food being outside Gods will…… the reflection questions really opened my eyes. Looking forward to digging into chapter 2 tomorrow
I’m totally downloading that song and will be doing that dance every morning….for sure!!!!
Today I realize that this is going to be quite the challenge for me. If nothing else, finding the time, todo what I need to do. Tomorrow is our 2nd weigh in at work. We just started and the timing is good to go with the bible study. The bible study will encourage me. And I need that. I need to pray. Just like ch 2 says.
I’ve started the journey. I’ve finished the questions for ch 1 and I printed my Empowered sign for the fridge. Realizing that I’m tempted to eat (my private comfort) and to buy outward adornments like clothes, makeup (my public comfort). I realize these are false comforts, but I just ate a poptart with my son and I didn’t even think about it until 20 mins after the fact! I’m on autopilot with my addictions. I just mindlessly act and when I think of it later the guilt is so overwhelming that I just let it roll off and think about something else. I pray I can think first without being obsessed with myself.
Sandra,I am right there with you! I eat, then later on I realize what I did. Yesterday ate two vending machine size chips bags, and did not even think about it until this morning. Like you, my prayer is that I would be able to stop and think BEFORE I eat, not operate on auto-pilot.
Have a blessed day!
Sandra,
I love the auto pilot analogy…..it put my actions into words that would allow me some understanding. I have gluten and other allergy issues that means I have to cook everything…..that takes prior planning. Things that take prior planning dont work well on auto pilot. So when I am hungry I go for the easy “safe” choice – and unbalanced snack item rather than real food. Not only do I need to stop and think before I eat I need to stop and plan before I get hungry!
Hi all,
After reflecting on Chapter I, I have a feeling that we will be conquering other areas in our lives other than food. Wow, Lord give us the strength and power to you clearly throughout this study.
Thank you, Melissa for being obedient to the call to help us get “healthy” in everyway.
Mahalo!
Ok, Day 1 and Day 2 complete…phew! Diggin’ the reminder “we crave what we eat;” so true! I prayed tonight that I not only have the “want to” but the drive to and the action to pursue my cravings as laid out by God, for God. It is my hope that I can remember I have choices, consider the choices, seek God’s truth to combat temptation and make a decision that seeks God’s approval, but also addresses a biological need of my body, not an emotional need or craving. I thank God for the couple of friends I got to join me in this journey, and PRAY that I can persevere, because even now, I’m still afraid I won’t pan this out. I WANT TO SEE THIS THROUGH. Lord, please give me a chance to experience cravings as You desire. Please help me see myself as You see me, and to treat myself as You would. In Jesus’ name, Amen! —God bless you all!
Thanks Melissa for all your encouragement and honesty. I am loving this book and know with God’s help and powerful words I will break the destructive patterns and learn to love myself as I know God loves me. So thankful that I signed up for this study. xxx
Melissa, it took me 5 months to read the book. I did not want to really finish the book because I might have to really ask God to make a change in my heart. I was not able to find anywhere in my area that had a bible study but thanks to the web site and you I can join in. I have the head knowledge on how and why to loose weight. What I lacked before now was the want to…
Be blessed today, Molly
I need the encougment today..I really dug into my heart and saw that the things I do outside of God is all out of fear thinking it will make me feel better which in the end it doesnt. I am going to try to hold tight to when I turn to god for comfort that feels alot better then my way thank you Melissa for all that you do for God Love ya God Bless my lovely sister in God
I’m still struggling. Given up sugar which is my biggest downfall. It seems that when I give up one thing i replace it with something else. Now its seeds and nuts and not just a normal serving size, one I get started there’s no stopping. Excercising has never been a problem however, it does me no good if I exercise just so I can eat. My issue is eating for comfort, stress, sadness. It’s as though I have this insatiable need to keep putting something in my mouth like a bad habit.
(Surrender, the ” S ” word). I will continue to push through this first couple of weeks as I know this is just a phase and victory is just ahead.
Kat – I am SO with you here. I eat for comfort and stress relief. I have major binging issues. I LIKE healthy food, but sugar is always calling me… then all of the sudden I am on a binge and shoving food in my face. I can internally be saying – this isn’t good for me, I’m going to be really upset about this later, STOP NOW…. but I don’t, I just keep going. And even if I do manage to stop mid-binge, the next bad food (and it’s exact location in the kitchen!) is burrowing into my head again and again. I definitely have an addictive personality — but somehow I find that I can’t seem to be addicted to the things that are good for me. Which is why I am starting this study.
I have been struggling with the fact that I LOVE food in a way that I should be loving God. I want to crave him and have the same physical response to HIM that I do to food. So much of my life is focused on food – what to eat, not to eat, what to feed the kids, what to cook, snack time… it’s exhausting and it is taking precious time, energy and mind space that should be spent focusing on God and bringing glory to HIM.
Anyway, so glad I stumbled upon this study and book today – can’t wait for the journey!
Yes, Jessica, that is also my prayer- that food doesn’t become so all consuming that yes, I’m making the right choices, but only if that’s all I think about.
This happened to me several years ago when I was on Weight Watchers. I had lost weight and then I hit a plateau for about 3 weeks and I found out I was pregnant and that’s what stopped my all consuming focus on food. I can’t afford to go there again.
I am sitting here all by myself getting set up to start this study, and I am so nervous! My heart is beating too fast, etc. That’s the emotional reaction I’m getting from this. I just don’t want to try again, but I know it’s the right thing to do, and I know it’s what God wants me to do. Maybe that strong physical reaction will help me remember to pray and to rely on God instead of just my own weak willpower. Here I go!
Praying for you . . . peace and strength come form God alone. Dwell on His word, read a Psalm to calm your heart and draw near to Him! Emily
After reading some of the posts, it’s evident that temptation comes to us in so many ways. A small voice “sitting on your shoulder”, a real voice saying, “don’t you want to buy a candy bar? You deserve it.” The Power Jesus gives us is the only real power we have. I live alone and temptation is all around me. It’s hard to hear God’s voice when I feel weak. Thank you for encouraging me and reminding me that God empowers me to resist the cravings.
Day after day I read and listen to my heart as I read. My heart wants to say no to the things I eat and drink but I still give in. I don’t like sweets. I don’t like chocolate so these things are not my downfall. I love potatoes. I like pasta. I like fried foods and I LOVE my pepsi’s. So sad… There are days when I crave something and not knowing what it is, I grab a can of pepsi to fill it. Since I don’t have a book I’ve been trying to follow as best as I can. Today I have had 1 pepsi and 2 bowls of macaroni and tomatoes. I WILL do better for supper. I will drink more water. Yes, water is good…… Now, if I can just listen to this I’ll be walking a better road. The Lord has blessed me with 7 wonderful children and most are water drinkers so they will help me.
God is my strength even when I feel so weak. God Bless you for taking time out for those of us who need to crave something more than food. Thanks.
First of all, Melissa, I adore your realness!!! You are such an inspiration to me mainly because you are so honest and so transparent! Love it! I finally blogged about my thoughts on the first couple of chapters, and I think I am focusing on the words beneficial and constructive. That’s where I have been missing the mark. I don’t ever stop myself and question my choices! And this effects me in so many areas of my life, not just my eating habits! I am working on developing that intimacy with the Lord where my first priority is honoring Him. Just realizing this is a huge step for me! Can’t wait to dig even further into this book!
After reading so many of these posts, I feel like I’m not alone in some of my cravings, addictions, situations, reactions, etc. I feel so empowered by that but I desire a much deeper and lasting source of empowerment through this study and pray that I may seek God more in my journey. The visual of breaking down the food tower brick by brick with every prayer and rebuilding a walkway of prayer to victory was such a powerful picture for me! It all seems so easy to do as I read. I really do “get it” but that’s not enough. I long for freedom in Christ in this area of my life. So..I’m enjoying a snow day today and using it to pray and plan and meditate on the first two chapters and the amazing Words of God! My prayers of encouragement are lifted up for all doing the study. Blessings!
Amen! I loved that visualization as well!
This is something that i have been sruggling with on a daily basis, i know that everything is premissable but not all things are good for me , so this empowers me to speak this over myself and i Know the Holy Spirit resides in me to help me be an overcomer…..this confirms my thoughts on this… Thank you and God bless your ministry….
Thank you for your inspiring message. I was the leader of a MTC 6 (7 with the bonus week) week study in my home last fall. Although, I know it was the Lord’s will, I had the wrong focus. I am more geared to this pace. Reading the text book and letting the wisdom and insight hit me afresh. So glad for your obedience in offering this online study.
PS…AMEN
That cracked me up last year and again this year wow, a year has gone by already and no, I did not lose my weight. I need to get back on track.
Hey, did you have your birthday already? I know it is in January.
Happy day whenever it is.
Well I need prayers! I did well until last night I had to take my daughter to sell GS Cookies and needed to feed her and 3 others girls first. Of course with McDonalds inside the Wal-Mart she would be selling at made sense. My problem is once I cheat I cannot stop. I feel like I might as well do for broke since the next day I cannot have it again. So…first Ii ate the left over fries, then got home and ate several flour tortillas with cheese. Then made cookies for the kids, which I ate 4! Please pray for me to be Empowered and overcome this binging!
Will be praying Cindy – I went on a binge last night as well…. which prompted me to fast today. I hadn’t started this study or read the book but God has been screaming at me to address this issues. My fasting program was to pray every time I was hungry today and to listen to what God was telling me about food b/c it has a power over me that it not good. I’ve been praying that I just CRAVE GOD… and then while I was looking at books in the library today I came across the book and stumbled across this study on the net this afternoon. God works in AWESOME ways. I just know He has a lot to tell me on this subject right now. And that this is exactly where I should be.
Lysa’s comment on page 12 about changing Cheez-Its into carrots reminded me of something Tim Hawkins says in this video. The section where he says it starts at 1:03 if you want to skip to that part.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L30-O9xC8U&feature=plcp&context=C32d5e3eUDOEgsToPDskLJjJTRMz73jAgUNnmcgo6P
Thank you for that video. It was hilarious.
Awesome! I laughed so hard i started coughing!
Page 30 – “Each time I craved something I knew wasn’t part of my plan, I used that craving as a prompt to pray. I craved a lot, so I found myself praying a lot.”
I had to highlight this in Ch 2. This is where I need to made some conscious, on purpose decisions about what I’m thinking and doing. My reaction needs to change from going to that unhealthy thing I’m craving & straight to prayer instead. I choose to pray. I choose to pray. No matter how often or where I’m at, I choose to pray.
This afternoon I really wanted a chocolate covered carmel. I began saying ( outloud) ” Is it permissible? Is it beneficial?” I started rationalizing,,, it is dark chocolate you know the drill.So continued down the hall saying ths over and over. I realized, after about 10 times of repeating this, that one of my sixth grade students was behind me! The Lord really curbed that craving as I am sure my student thinks I am nuts lol
I am sure 6th graders think we, adults are nuts anyway. (lol) I totally know how you felt about the choclate. I was having a moment this afternoon before I went to teach a class of teenagers. I went into my purse with intention to go to the vending machine and then to get a soda, (awwwww). I started towards the machine and it is as if God himself said nope, uh huh not today young lady. So, I turned around. Then I decided to have the bright idea to try adn go back to the machine again and the same thing happened again. I said ok go get your bottle of water and teach your teens. All the while there were two young men sitting in the breakroom who I am certain probably think I have some crazy issues with going near the vending machines.
I love the phrase in chapter two readings “help me god to be satisfied with healthier choices. ” I think lysa read my mind. This is my prayer constantly. And now tacked on to that is “Lord help me crave you and not food. ” funny thing, I have been telling a friend about hitting the knees and not get up until god gives peace concerning the cravings. I have been doing that as well as singing out loud and God never fails.
I haven’t been good at seroiusly memorzing scripture but I know memorzing and praying will definitely help me rethink my choices. Lord, keep us to be strong and give us the wisdom to make and keep our healthy choice plan.
Happy MTC! It is hump day, keep going ladies. Thank you Melissa for your study.
Melissa,
Thank you so much for this Online Bible Study. I had bought the book last year when Klove was doing the MTC study, but beginning when they were half way through was a problem and I put the book on the shelf. God has really been working in my life here recently and when your study showed up in my email I knew it was time to try this again.
Knowing it would be more fun to have a friend doing the study too, I spoke with a few friends about it and forwarded the email to them so they could join me on this journey. I know this will still be a challenging personal journey, but having friends on the journey allows us to encourage each other to work through those challenging times and rejoice together in our successes.
I am loving this study. Thank you again.
I was reading in my bible the story of God asking Abraham to sacrifice his long awaited son, Isaac. The journey to the alter took Abraham 3 days to get to. I can’t imagine how heavy his heart must have been. Reading that story, the thought occurred to me that Abraham was willing to sacrifice what he loved the most, in order to be obedient to God. Surely I can do that with foods that I love that are not beneficial for me, even if its just one choice at a time, one day at a time. Abraham responded with total obedience, and God rewarded him for it. I want that spiritual reward as well.
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