Challenge #4 ~ Sit!

Well, three weeks have whizzed by! I am finding myself certainly very aware of #0. Being willing to stop at #5 can still be an issue for me. I still have some greedy weeds in the soil of my heart. Reducing distractions was a challenge for me this past week. I'm not sure I entirely succeeded in reducing distractions...but I think that this week's conscious eating key will help me reduce distractions...at least if I sit at the dining room table (or couch as I often do)! Sitting at the computer or TV doesn't quite seem quite as helpful and effective!

So, here is a quick recap of this conscious eating key, as described in the Thin Within Book (on pg 9).

Eating When Sitting Down

Americans are famous for eating on the run, and much of our unconscious or mindless eating is done while driving. If you eat on the run or while standing at the kitchen counter, you aren't fully focused on the food or enjoying present-time eating. When this happens, you may hear yourself saying, "I haven't had a thing to eat all day."

We will encourage you throughout these thirty days to remain in the present moment and to relish it for hte pleasure it brings. If you sit down and take time to focus on giving your body the fuel it needs, your mind will record the fact that you have eaten. Often, in our hurry-on-the-go lifestyles, we charge ahead and our hearts and minds feel as if they haven't been refreshed. [And then he said,] "Refresh yourself with something to eat; then you can go." So the two of them sat down to eat and drink together (Judges 19:5-6).

I tend to do a lot of snacking at the counter during dinner preparations, grabbing a little bite of this or that. I'm going to try to stop this habit. I am going to make it my goal to ensure each and every bite that goes into my mouth is done while sitting (preferably at the dining room table). Anyone else joining me? Anyone else have any thoughts or feedback?

Reflect

In Living Beyond Yourself, Beth Moore writes,

Gold is not "finished" until it reaches a point of perfect luster. The chief objective of the refiner is to bring the gold to a point of greatest reflection. The gold is not as costly for its own sake as it is for the sake of that which it reflects. It is the light which exposes its qualities. LBD pg 116

She unpacked a few scriptures which God really spoke to my heart through, a few of which I will pinpoint below.

"But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread. " Job 23:8-12

"He has tested me and I will come forth as GOLD." Those are Job's words after losing his children, his servants, his livestock, his wealth, his physical health.

"I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread." Wow! That's powerful! Job certainly glorified God in the trials of life. (On a side note this verse has REALLY spoken to me in regards to weight surrender issues... Treasuring God's word is KEY!)

"And we, who with unveiled faces all REFLECT the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:18

We are called to REFLECT God's glory. And the neat thing is we have "unveiled" faces. Through Jesus' death on the cross the veil has been removed. We can approach the throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). That's an amazing truth!

Exodus 34:29-35 describes how Moses had such a radiant face after being in the Lord's presence that he would actually have to put a veil over his face! We are being granted the same privilege! We get to be in God's very presence, with unveiled faces it says in 2 Cor. 3:18. As we spend time fixing our eyes on Him, keeping our mind stayed on Him, simply sitting at His feet and feasting at His table, presenting our prayers and petitions with thanksgiving to Him...we are in the very PRESENCE of God! And we can't help but be TRANSFORMED when we remain in His presence! And we will certainly REFLECT His glory!

As I type this up, I'm being reminded of my favorite childhood verse (I still don't know why this one resonated with me throughout those early years)...

"Those who look to him are RADIANT; their faces are never covered with shame." Psalm 34:5

When I come into His presence I can't help but be purified of sin. I don't think I could come into His presence with a truly rebellious heart. As I come humbly, in prayer, seeking His face and turning from my wicked ways, He hears my prayer, he forgives my sin and heals (2 Chron. 7:14) ...and my face is no longer covered with shame because He has forgiven me!

My main struggles in life are the "mundane" aspects. I simply need sinful impurities to be removed from my heart - my impatience with my kids, my lack of selflessness with my husband, my laziness, my lack of time in prayer, my lack of self-discipline with eating/exercise which happens time and again, my lack of focussing on things from above, my forgetting to be thankful and prayerful, having a loose tongue at times.... I want to STAY in His presence and have these impurities melted away. I want to come forth like gold, REFLECTING His glory!

So, I choose to fix my eyes on Him. I choose to keep my mind stayed on Him. I lay my requests before Him and wait in expectation. I passionately persist...

So that I may REFLECT!

Laughter is Good Medicine!

Challenge #3 - Reduce Distractions

Okay, now I'm onto this key to conscious eating, after backing up last week! I'm continuing to focus on #0 (hunger) and #5 (satisfaction), the most foundational basic building blocks of intuitive conscious TW eating. Now I'm adding "reducing distractions" which should actually help me be more aware of my #5!

Here is what I originally posted last week and then backtracked on....

Reduce the number of distractions in order to eat in a calm environment.

There is a delightful experience that awaits you at each meal. However, if you are like most of us, your mealtimes are often chaotic instead of calm. A chaotic environment produces chaotic eating. Ponder relishing a quiet meal, where you can be still, and know that [He is] God (Psalm 46:10) when you eat. You will discover that eating really can be a more satisfying experience. Allow yourself the pleasure of being focused on your food. At Thin Within, we call this eating in "present time." If your mind is elsewhere or if you are distracted, you are less likely to enjoy your food. You will also find yourself going back for "seconds" because you were not fully present the first time around. The Lord wants us to experience both His provisions nd His peace. Mealtimes can be an opportunity to turn off the TV or disruptive music, and put aside your reading. In the process, we can then praise Him for the sight, the smell, and the taste of each bite of food. (TW pg 8)

I think this can be a particular challenge for parents of preschool children, especially if you are a SAHM and every meal is eaten together. "Chaos" is just part of the equation with young kids it seems. Well, maybe not chaos, but mealtimes are certainly not all that calm and unrushed generally speaking for most people I bet. Food battles, spilled milk, help cutting food etc. etc. are typical for the preschool years....and even into the elementary years at times, as I can attest!

I can actually enjoy my breakfast and lunch in a completely calm environment (if I prioritize this) now that my kids are in school full time. I usually relish the calm of these meals. Supper is usually a lot less calm as the whole family gathers around the table. But I wouldn't want to reduce the distraction of my dear family!!! This is part of creating a connected, happy, loving family environment. However, I can tell the difference in myself when I am NOT present and enjoying each bite due to the action around the table VERSUS when I embrace each mouthful, thanking God quickly for each bite, getting into a rhythm of enjoying the conversations and disruptions all the while fully enjoying my food. THIS rhythm is what I am aiming for....since I can't cut out the "chaos" of a family mealtime! LOL

Being truly present for each eating experience IS a daily challenge for me. I know I need to continue aiming to be in the moment, present, not forgetting to enjoying all the senses that God has given me to enjoy! Giving constant thanks to the Lord for His provisions.

Here is what I posted this afternoon to my daily accountability group:

Here is a "heads up" for myself with regards to the following distractions...

1. TV
I need to make sure I don't equate relaxing in the evening while watching a show WITH eating. I think I've began to slide into that a little bit lately. I like to watch TV and munch. I haven't struggled with that too much through the years, but have noticed this urge in myself recently.

2. Standing vs. sitting while eating
I know that "sitting" is another key that we will unpack later. "Standing" and eating is often a distraction for me. I need to remember to sit at the table (or on the couch works for me too) while eating. I just tend to not be distracted by other activities then. For example, if I'm prepping dinner, munching while standing at the counter - I'm being distracted from eating in truly present time, by the work I'm doing in the kitchen.

3. Computer
Sometimes I eat while at the computer. I need to ensure I, at the very least, get into a rhythm with focussing on the food when I take a bite, rather then on the computer screen.

4. Kids
Yes, the kids can really distract me from focus on food as noted before. But they are a blessing and I wouldn't want it any other way. I just need to make sure I balance it, once again like a rhythm between conversation and eating, not letting my mind and body go into auto pilot! I need to make EVERY SECOND "present time."

Anyone else have any thoughts? What are common "distractions" that you deal with on a regular basis? Kids? TV? Reading while eating? Just letting your thoughts run away and not in the present moment? Eating on the run, in the car, in a hurry? What are you going to have a "heads up" about in the upcoming week? Are there any mindless activities you do you do while eating....which in turn distract you from tasting, seeing, smelling the food, being in communion with the Lord and sensing when your body is reaching satisfaction while eating? Any boundaries you feel called to set up this upcoming week to push you to reduce distractions? Any other plans of action?

Let's be intentional and seek the Lord on this! Let's keep our focus FIXED and STAYED on the Lord!

Fingerprints of God

Psalm 139 is so full of descriptions of the love and care God has for each of us. As I meditate on this scripture, I am blown away! Psalm 139 shows that His fingerprints (as sung about in the song I posted below) TRULY do cover us from the beginning of time, even before we were made! What awesome truths worth soaking up!

O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,"
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,'
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.
Psalm 139:1-18

"Fingerprints of God" by Steven Curtis Chapmen

Challenge #2 - Stopping at #5

Okay, I'm switching gears a little. I'll make my last post, about reducing distractions, challenge #3 for NEXT WEEK. Since eating at #0 and stopping at #5 are really the most basic building blocks of the TW approach, it seems appropriate to make TW conscious eating key#8 our second challenge. So here are some excerpts from the TW book in regards to stopping at #5.

Stop before my body is "full."

In other words, stop at a place of comfort before your body is "full" or "stuffed." Many particpants find this problematic to apply. They may develop an awareness of what physical hunger feels like, but then, once they begin to eat, they roll right on past the appropriate stopping point. Twenty minutes later, they are surprised to find themselves needing to unbutton their pants or become horizontal in order to be "comfortable." However, once they take the time to slow down and to savor their food, stopping at a place of comfort isn't quite as challenging. If you feel "full," or "stuffed" when you stop eating, your stomach is being stretched and you have actually eaten more than your body needs. If you are tempted to eat beyond a "comfortable" point, remind yourself that no temptation is beyond His reach. God is fathful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a weay out so that you can stand up under it (1 Cor. 10:13). TW pg 10-11

I definitely find it challenging to stop at #5. I think it may be time to look at bit more closely at what I consider a #5 and possibly re-adjust my hunger #'s again. Here are some of my other posts on this very topic...

http://godsrainbowpromises.blogspot.com/2008/05/eating-0-5.html
http://godsrainbowpromises.blogspot.com/2008/09/5-wake-up-call.html

So, anyone else have any thoughts on stopping at #5? Anyone else joining me?! I'd love to hear from you!

God's Perfect Peace

I was watching the news this morning and an author was interviewed who had wrote a book about decision making. The point pondered was whether we should make decisions based on emotion or logic. And the answer is it needs to be a combination.

This flowed interestingly into what God has been speaking to me about the past few days in regards to my mind, my heart and God's perfect peace.

I've been feeling a bit caught up in the busyness of life. I have been longing to get my thoughts sorted out and processed. Putting posts together on my blog is one way of processing everything. I've been itching to get here to post! So this is a big treat for me right now!

As I think about the way my anxieties plague me, how my to-do list grows, how I sweat the small stuff, I plead for God's perfect peace. Oh how my emotions (heart) and logic (mind) can get all mixed up and upside down sometimes! I wanted to just quiet my soul and rest at His feet. A verse that has been really sticking with me lately and resonating is Isaiah 26:3.

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. (NIV)

This is a powerful verse. It reminds me that I can experience God's perfect peace in my heart even in the midst of tumultuous experiences if my mind is focussed on the Lord. I asked myself what it means to have a mind that is steadfast. And the King James Version of this verse shed a little light on what that means.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is STAYED on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (KJV)

A steadfast mind is a mind that is STAYED on the Lord. Focussed on Him. Fixed on Him. Trusting the Lord. As I began to do a quick search on verses that speak of the mind, I was reminded of one of my favorite verses lately...

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2

Transformed by the renewing of my mind. How do we do that? is my next logical question.

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Col. 3:2

"I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Jeremiah 31:33

'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' Matthew 22:37

I think the root of renewal and steadfastness of mind can be summed up in this verse:

But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Cor. 2:16

As I approach the throne of grace with confidence in the the blood of Jesus poured out for my sins (Heb. 4:16), and as I set my focus on things above (Col. 3:2), seeking to love God with all that is in me (Matt. 22:37) and get to know him through his law, the bible (Jer. 31:33)...then I have the mind of Christ and I begin to be transformed and renewed.

So what difference does this make to the state of my heart or my emotions? Well, if my mind is STAYED on the Lord, trusting Him, steadfast...then He renews me and transforms me and also begins to pour out His perfect peace in my heart. It begins to spill over.

I couldn't help but think about this familiar passage:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:4-9

This is getting down the nitty gritty of experiencing God's perfect peace. I hadn't really zoned in on the word "mind" before in verse 7 where it says: And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Hmmm.... Very interesting! And the main message of the whole passage is all about keeping our focus STAYED on Him and our mind being steadfastly fixed on thankfulness and prayer and excellent and praiseworthy things from above. And even greater then that the promise that the Lord is NEAR! Oh to be in His presence!!! (and to not forget that no matter what we're feeling!) God's perfect peace flows out of all that.

I know this is a very quick and incomplete look into these verses. Yet God has been stirring a longing for His peace within me. And I began to connect some dots in the past few days! I see how it is connected to my state of mind. Beliefs, what fills my mind, keeping God's truth foremost has been a big part of my growth in the past year. I realize the importance of ensuring my mind is fixed fully on the Lord, not allowing any lies from Satan to permeate my mind, not allowing my focus to shift away from the Lord's perfect and pleasing will... I must keep my mind steadfastly stayed on Him alone and I WILL experience His perfect peace.

Thank you for your perfect peace, Lord. (Is. 26:3) My soul clings to You. Your right hand upholds me. (Psalm 63:8) I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation. (Psalm 5:3) Your name and renown is the desire of my heart. (Isaiah 26:8)

Challenge #1 - Eating at "0"

My daily accountability group is doing a week by week challenge covering the eight keys to conscious eating that are unpacked in the Thin Within book. I know that others were doing similar challenges over the past few months at the TW forums and also Heidi highlighted each of the keys on her blog.

What does "0" feel like for me?
"0" or physiological hunger feels like an ache in my belly. I can usually feel it approaching. And then after the ache my stomach usually starts to audibly rumble. Sometimes there is no rumble, but usually the ache. I can tell the difference between hunger and digestion gurgling sounds because first, I know if it is shortly after eating it is clearly digestion, and secondly, the rumbling is a different sort of sound, a lot more urgent sounding (!) and accompanied by that ache. What does hunger feel like for you?

Do I usually eat at "0"?
This is a real challenge for me. I like to make this my aim though I struggle on a daily basis with being consistent. It's amazing how easy it is to slide out of the "routine" of eating at "0." When I'm in the "eating at '0' mode" then it's almost like a rhythm that I'm part of. When I'm out of the routine...well then it's like I'm just completely out of time and out of tune with my body's needs and signals.

I embrace hunger!
I think it is one of the neatest "shadows" of Scriptural truth. We all need food to survive physically. Without food we are weak, malnourished, dying. Physical hunger reminds me that I not only need physical food...but I also need SPIRITUAL food. Without filling up on the Lord, feasting at His table in His word and prayer, abiding and remaining with Him and in step with Him, I am spiritually weak, malnourished and dying. (I just felt that the last day or two as I was seriously lacking a good meal at His table as the busyness of life caught up with me!)

As I authentically open wide my mouth (spiritually speaking) and fill up on the Lord I believe He begins to increase in my life and I begin to decrease. And as I begin to decrease my heart's desire and prayer is that my greed for food and my running to food when I'm NOT at "0" (physically hungry) will also begin to diminish and decrease as well.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Anyone else care to join us in this weekly challenge? We're moving onto Key#2 (Eat in a calm environment by reducing distractions) on Sunday.

The Value of Observations & Corrections

I was just glancing over my food & exercise log from the past year...and I noticed I made A LOT of observations (and noted corrections)... (I clearly NEEDED to given that I went off course so often with 0-5 eating!!!) It was really interesting to quickly glance over this log. I'm glad I documented that portion of my journey. It was a good reminder to myself that I need to ensure I continue to do this on a regular basis, really zoning in on observations/corrections and being transformed by the renewing of my mind by feasting at the Lord's table.

I can see that my whole approach towards eating is so different then it used to be. I am much more intentional and really see the value in planning ahead for challenges I may face with staying in the pleasant God-given 0-5 boundaries (though I far too often fail to pre-plan...notice I said "see the value"...which means I need to apply it more often!).

I also am much more aware of God's continued extension of grace, no matter how many times I "mess up." And I'm also aware that He wants to equip me and fill me up as I turn to Him to satisfy me and supply my needs.

Does this mean I stick 100% with 0-5 eating? Absolutely not! I struggle so much with staying on course, as my accountability buddies well know! But I'm keeping on keeping on! I'm not giving up!

My friend Lundie wrote something so profound to me yesterday which I think is worth passing on to you. In regards to me noting my own attitude of "I've already messed up. So why try to stop? I may as well get what I want now.".... here is the brilliant image Lundie wrote...

I am going to try to think of it in terms as a course correction instead. When I'm driving, and I cross a little too far into the other lane, do I think, "Well! I'm in the wrong lane, I might as well go all the way and drive on the other side of the road!!!". LOL! Nope, I just turn the wheel back and let my car drift back into the right lane.

As I type this out, it gives me a lot of hope that the changes I have experienced this past year will "stick." I have had my share of fears that I will slide back to where I was prior to digging into the TW book over a year ago... But I know God has done a new thing in my heart and my life. Praise God!!!! I continue pressing on, observing and correcting, confessing and repenting to the Lord, seeking to surrender to Him fully! For He has given me hope and future and He continues renewing my strength, being my Hope, helping me run and not grow weary, helping me walk and not grow faint.

Thank you Abba Father, Daddy. I run to You. I long for my soul to always CLING to You. I pray Your right hand would uphold me even in the midst of temptation. Amen.

Life, in a Nutshell

My posting has certainly slowed down lately! I feel a lack of meaningful things to say:-) LOL! Here's a quick update from my end....

Just barely touching the tip of the iceberg with day to day life...

My youngest has been under the weather for the past two weeks. I'm hoping and praying she is on the mend now. This morning she woke up bright and early, came upstairs ALREADY DRESSED, her bed made, was helping herself to breakfast and got her hair and teeth brushed....WITHOUT A WORD FROM ME!!!! Isn't that a miracle! I thought she definitely must be on the mend when I saw that. (She really wanted to go on the computer onto "Webkinz World" before school which I guess motivated her to get ready faster! I'll take that!)

My eldest daughter has had some growing pains in regards to independance issues. She is only 9 years old, but it feels like she is going on 13 years old. But the Lord is good and we are all learning and growing together.

My lunch hour supervision job is going fine. I have my really UP days (like yesterday, when I went on and on to my husband about how much I loved my job and how much I was learning). And then I have my DOWN days when it feels like I know NOTHING at all about problem solving with kids!!!

I am very thankful for a group of ladies who I am journeying with daily. They are such a blessing from the Lord.

As a result of daily accountability and increased support, encouragement, sharpening and prayer, I have found a greater degree of balance and surrender to the Lord in each area of my life: spiritually, physically (with eating and exercise) and emotionally. Praise God.

The Lord has been filling me up each day. It seems He keeps teaching me new things each and every day. I can't help but get excited to hear from Him! Yesterday I stumbled across some familiar verses in Lamentations...

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." Lamentations 3:22-24

The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him is my prayer this morning. I wait in expectation for all that the Lord has in store for the day! All the things He will teach me. All the words He will speak to me. All the ways He will answer my prayers. All the ways He will use me for His purposes and ways for His glory alone. He alone satisfies. May I decrease and Him INCREASE greatly!