Unique Approach to Chewing Food!

Eating 0-5 can be a real challenge. I can be particularily difficult to always follow each of the keys to conscious eating, aiming to make it essentially the "first meal of the rest of your life" each and every time!

Here's a quick recap of the keys to conscious eating:

• 1. Eat when my body is hungry ("0").
• 2. Eat in a calm environment by reducing distractions.
• 3. Eat when sitting.
• 4. Eat when my body and mind are relaxed.
• 5. Eat and drink the things my body enjoys.
• 6. Pay attention to my food while eating.
• 7. Eat slowly, savoring each bite.
• 8. Stop before my body is full ("5").

The other day at the Thin Within forums an old thread re-surfaced: Any tips on eating slowly?

There was some really useful and interesting stuff posted there. But the post that really grabbed my attention was posted by Lizzy Joy here. She talked about how she finds it helpful to chew to memory verses or to music! I thought that was very unique!

So, I have given it a try this week a few times. The first time I tried chewing in time to memory verses (saying them in my head). That was tough since I say it kind of fast in my head, so I'd end up chewing too fast I found. Of course if I said the verses in my head very meditatively and slowly, reflecting on each word, the pace for chewing may be a little more manageable!

Then I tried chewing to my prayers, basically constant gratitude to the Lord for every bite and for His provisions, chewing in time to each word. That was very beneficial I found.

I also tried chewing to music... I don't think I found the right song yet for that to really work!

In each of the attempts I have found my attention drawn more fully to the Lord and gratitude for His provisions. This is a wonderful thing! I have found eating a much more meditative process.

So, I just thought I'd share these little tidbits with you as I thought they were quite a unique way of approaching chewing food:-) Therefore, even while (or especially while!) eating I cry to the Lord...

Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. Psalm 119:97-98

Waiting in Expectation

Yesterday morning the Lord spoke to me through the following scripture...

Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice. In the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. Psalm 5:1-2

Isn't that beautiful? I love the attitude of waiting in expectation! That's real faith, isn't it?! Just like the verse in Hebrews 11:1 "faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." I think the word "expectation" reflects being sure of what we hope for.

When Christmas is around the corner, there is LOTS of expectation around our house! The kids know there are lots of special activities, travels to grandparents, yummy food & treats and gifts around the corner! It's always such an exciting time if year, marked with putting up the christmas tree and then often counting down to the special day with an advent calendar. THAT'S expectation! Waiting and KNOWING there are many good things in store!

So when I apply that analogy to my prayers, I get excited! I get excited about answers to prayer. I get excited about God moving and being glorified! Along those lines, here is another verse that spoke to me recently and tucked into my memory:

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15

Changing gears I little... Today is Ash Wednesday, a very new term for me. I am exploring how I am going to embrace the lent season this year in preparation for Easter...and have an attitude of waiting in expectation. I found a few resources that I think will be helpful along the way, as I stumble along:-) Thanks to Mona for emailing me this link for a lenten reflection guide. I am looking forward to using this on my journey. And then I noticed that BibleGateway has a lent reading plan available here.

I'm looking forward to the journey ahead. I wait in expectation of all the Lord has in store, the ways He will teach me and convict me and grow me!

Divine Agape Love

The official "love" month is pretty much over. God has been convicting me of many things throughout the past couple weeks as I have meditated on His divine agape love.

This week's "Living Beyond Yourself" study is focussed on the LOVE fruit of the Spirit. One statement Beth Moore made which has stuck with me is: "Love is always demonstrative."

Our church ladies ministry has created a new outreach called "Love is a Verb" which is focussed on outreach to teen moms. The title of the ministry sounds the same as Beth Moore's statement, doesn't it?!

And then if we compare those words to 1 John 3:18 "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." we can see the scriptural backing!

Of course the ultimate "love" description in scripture can be found in 1 Corinthians 13. And the words tucked into the following four verses are powerful challenges, at least for me!

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love is patient.

Wow, I've been tested in this department lately. My daughters in particular challenge me in this area. And then today, in a VERY slow check-out line, once again I was reminded that divine agape love is patient! I was actually feeling embarrassed by the thoughts that were going through my mind as it was one of my least favorite cashiers at this check out (it's hard to believe there could be a "least favorite" cashier isn't it!!! I've just had some bad experiences with her!). The Holy Spirit immediately chided me and reminded me that this lady needed agape love and prayer. So I set to praying for this lady and took captive those impatient unkind thoughts and made them obedient to Christ.

Love is kind.

My husband is probably the most common recipient of cutting hurtful UNKIND words. I feel challenged to be more kind to him in particular. Just because I want to be honest with him doesn't mean I have to be insensitive!

Love does not envy, does not boast, is not proud.

This is not my typical area of struggle, but occassionally it rears its head.

Love is not rude.

Beth Moore zoned in on "rude" referring to crude or inappropriate talk etc. Of course this is occasionally a challenge, particular with non christian friends. And it does make me second guess TV shows I watch etc. as I do want to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord.

Love is not easily angered and keeps no record of wrongs.

Ooohh, that's a tough one!

Love does not delight with evil but rejoices in the truth.

That's just beautiful!

Love always protects.

THIS is the one that God has REALLY convicted me on. How often do I fail to protect others, in particular their reputation? I know this is a challenge with my kids and husband. I received conviction in this area a couple years ago when studying Woman after God's Own Heart. I was convicted of my need to protect my children and husband, by watching what I say about them to others.

But if I take this one step further, how about the rest of the people in the world? We're meant to love EVERYONE right, even our enemies?! Last week the "crazy lady" who drops her kid off at school each day while we're on lunch duty, was coming up to the school. One of my co-workers immediately started to talk bad about her (which I confess I've done too). I said a few careful words, and knew in my heart I was being challenged to extend divine agape love by protecting the "crazy lady" and being careful not to gossip and malign this lady.

Love always hopes and perseveres and never fails.

Isn't that beautiful! As I sit here pondering these characteristics I can't help but think of those courageous individuals who "step out of time" and extend love to the poor and needy and oppressed (in line with Isaiah 58) whether it is through an orphanage ministry or a homeless/street person ministry or with immigrants and refugees and many many more.

That is the kind of love that HOPES in the face of odds stacked against them. That is the kind of love that PERSEVERES despite the uphill battles. And that is the kind of love that God uses to change people forever which NEVER FAILS.

These characteristics just keep playing through my head over and over and over again. What an AWESOME beautiful picture of love!

Thank you Lord for your Holy Spirit convicting me and speaking to me through this Scripture! I pray that I would live by the Spirit and be led by the Spirit and produce the fruits of the Spirit through Your empowerment. Thank you for your divine agape love! Thank you for demonstrating your love for us while we were still sinners, providing the sacrifice for our sins, so that we could be made right with you! Thank you, thank you, thank you. Amen.

So many questions...

I just finished watching 100 Huntley Street and a young man was on, speaking about adopting children from China and about his family starting up summer camps in China for orphans. Here is a link to the ministry that God has birthed.

Oh, how my heart aches and my eyes spill over with tears.

I am left with such big gaping questions... Where is God leading me? our family? What am I called to do? What am I being prepared for?

I want to be obedient to the Lord's leading. I want to step out of time.

These verses continue to resonate with me....

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Isaiah 58:6-7

Oh Lord, please reveal Your will to me. Please guide my steps, be a lamp to my feet. Amen.

Just a quick note to say...

The new "Transformed" group blog is up and running, as described here. I'm really excited about the ladies who have come on board! We're going to go with a private blog format. So, if you're interested in joining, please let me know! Email me at mythinwithinjourney@gmail.com.

Transformed blogspot

I've been thinking a bit more about how I want to pursue accountability... I was ready to put my last food & exercise log to rest and start with a clean fresh slate.

As a result I created a new blog called "Transformed." You can read about the purpose of the blog here. I'm thinking it would be pretty neat to have a "group" or "team" blog, with multiple contributors, if anyone is interested.

In the meantime I'm going to jump right in and start posting there:-) Boy I'm going to have everyone confused with all my blogspots!

Here is the rundown of my blogs and their various focuses:

Rainbow Promises (that's here of course!) - I aim to have a pretty general focus on all aspects of my spiritual walk, though often my tendency is to dwell on surrendering food/eating to the Lord. I'll continue posting here as the Lord leads.

I am thankful for... - This blog is all about counting my blessings and praising God with a grateful heart!

Transformed - I'm envisioning the aim of this being focussed primarily on eating/exercise (though that may change depending on who is interested in joining me). I have listed a series of questions to reflect on each day.

Okay, enough from me for today!

Soaring with Praise!

My heart is soaring with praise for so many answers to prayer this past weekend. I would have posted them here...but they really do fit more appropriately on my counting my blessings blog! So you can view what I'm thankful for over the past weekend HERE.

I have to add one more thing that I just thought of... I'm thankful for much needed encouragement that I received from two individuals who emailed me regarding my blog ON THE SAME DAY! It was like God knew my heart needed that pick-me-up from these two sisters in Christ :-) So, thank you Susanna and Monique for your kind words of encouragement. God used your words to minister to me...and also sharpen me. Thank you.

Counting My Blessings...

My special husband.

I'm very thankful for my husband. He is a great man, passionate in his pursuit of the Lord, showing me great care and love this weekend as I was not feeling well this weekend (as desribed next). He showered me with love in action this weekend, brushing my hair, giving me LOTS of backrubs, carrying things for me, taking care of the kids, driving me to the grocery store and pushing the shopping cart... All these actions were sweet and tender outpourings of love to me this weekend. I'm thankful for him.

My neck is feeling a lot better.

On Saturday, Feb. 14th, my neck started feeling incredibly painful. I couldn't move my neck at all without pain shooting out. And getting up and down from sitting to lying was killer! Such pain along my spine. I took it fairly easy for the weekend but I was quite concerned about how it would be on Tuesday, Feb. 17th, since I was volunteering for my eldest daughter's field trip. I gave it to the Lord...and so did my daughter a few times (how precious)...and I'd say quite miraculously on Tuesday morning I woke up, able to move my neck with minimal pain and able to pretty much function as normal! I still have a bit of an ache and pain in my neck, but NOTHING like the weekend. So my heart just soars with praise to God for the beginning of healing!

A bit more sleep...
I woke up on Tuesday morning, with my neck feeling miraculously much better...but it was 5:30am because my youngest woke me up saying she had a sore throat. I was thoroughly awake as I rummaged through the medicine basket looking for throat lozengers...groaning that I was starting a crazy long day (since I was volunteering from 8:30-3pm and then teaching piano 3:45-7pm) at such an early hour! I got my daughter settled in, tucked in bed with me, and prayed that I would get a bit more sleep... And PRAISE GOD, I certainly did get another hour, sleeping in until 7pm when my husband's alarm went off! That was HUGE for me! I don't usually fall back to sleep at that time of the morning. I woke up rejuvenated, my neck feeling pretty good, and well rested for a big day! God knew I needed that extra hour!

A pleasant field trip.

Two years ago I went on a field trip to the museum with my daughter's grade 2 class. It was an absolute nightmare as I got some pretty tough-to-handle kids and I was very unfamiliar with the museum. I remember kids wanting to go in every direction from each other and I had such trouble keeping them together as they just didn't listen. I came away from that field trip feeling utterly exhausted and discouraged... I didn't want to EVER volunteer for a trip to the museum again!

Well, I was once again asked to volunteer for another trip to the museum, with the same class two years later! I agreed, with a bit of trepidation, but figured I'd just jump right in! What a different experience it was this time! Praise God!!!! The teacher kept the whole class together for the most part so I was more an extra set of eyes and ears for the teacher, helping as I saw the need.

We split up briefly into two groups while a guide led us through the museum... This was the one "glitch" in the day...but it all turned out as well. The teacher had dismissed our group so quickly, rambling off names and the kids running after the guide immediately heading off through the labrynth of "secret" doors that cut in and out across the museum floor... I didn't have time to ensure everyone had actually joined our group until we finally sat down (in a tucked away location in the museum) with the guide going full throttle ahead with teaching. I counted the kids and noticed I was short one kid. I noted which kid was missing, prayed, asked the kids (once the guide finally stopped talking) if this child had joined them when they headed off...and it didn't seem he had been with the group when we headed off...so I decided the best solution (since I didn't have any way of contacting the teacher or finding her group) was just to pray, wait and hope that the child was with the other teacher. Needless to say I had a bit of anxiety! But praise God the kid WAS with the other group! (and by the way, the entire museum is on the security cameras, a very secure location, so the kid wouldn't have been without help had he been lost) He had not even heard his name called and so had not joined our group when we all raced off.

So, that was our field trip in a nutshell. It went smoothly, despite the "glitch" and I had a great time with the kids. The teacher thanked me saying how much she appreciated having a volunteer who worked in the school system and able to "discipline" the kids when the need arose. I really appreciated that positive feedback. I guess I've learned more then I knew through my time working the lunch program. I'm not afraid to step in and make sure kids are following expectations...

Okay, enough rambling about the field trip. It was great to get to know my daughter's classmates and build a positive rapport with these kids. Praise God!

Veggie Visual Reminders

Fact or Fiction?
I had seen this information before (and came across it once again in various searches on the internet, the primary ones being here and here)...and have no clue whether each is scientifically sound. If they are "fact" it sure reflects the ingenious design of our Creator! And also is a neat visual reminder of the different nutrients and variety of vegetables that my body needs!

So here goes....

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye and YES science now shows that carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

A tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart is red and has four chambers. All of the research shows tomatoes are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows that grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds are on the nut just like the neo-cortex. We now know that walnuts help develop over 3 dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, rhubarb and more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don’t have enough sodium in your diet the body pulls it from the bones, making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.






Eggplant, avocadoes and pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female—they look just like these organs. Today’s research shows that when a woman eats 1 avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly 9 months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods; modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them.

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the motility of male sperm and increase the numbers of sperm as well to overcome male sterility.







Sweet potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the Glycemic index of diabetics.

Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries.

Grapefruits, oranges, and other citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions look like body cells. Today’s research shows that onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes.

New Perspective on Fasting

This morning my husband highlighted a passage in Isaiah that I had read before and even highlighted previously on my blog because of the message contained in it about being a well-watered garden...

However my husband brought to light a new perspective on Isaiah 58 that I hadn't really considered all that much...that God wants our times of fasting to benefit the needy and oppressed. (I guess this was unpacked a little bit in The Lord's Table study when it unpacked fasting on day 4, emphasizing it was to be other-centered...but it didn't quite hit me the way it did today!)

"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen:
to loose the chains of injustice
and untie the cords of the yoke,
to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?

Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.

Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
"If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.

The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.

Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. Isaiah 58:6-12

I began to think about the heartbeat of God, how He truly desires us to care for the hungry, naked, poor, needy and oppressed. He is really driving that home to both Jon and I lately...and we are having a hard time knowing what to do with this message He keeps impressing on us! Anyways, God will make all things clear in time. We'll just keep on listening and being open to His will for our lives.


In the meantime, the above passage brought up an interesting idea. We've been thinking about lent lately. I have to confess I've only once participated in any kind of fasting during lent...and at the time I had no clue it was related to lent! I had taken a 40 day fast from TV about 10 years ago, as our pastor challenged the congregation to fast from something of value to each of us individually. I remember it being a very special and powerful time and definitely drew me closer to the Lord.

I am feeling called to embrace this season this year, though still know very little about it I must once again confess. I'm trying to figure out what God is calling me to fast from this upcoming lent season. I have some ideas but will keep them private at this time.

But one thing in regards to fasting from food struck me as I read this passage today...

When I fast from food and give up a meal, wouldn't it be great if it would DIRECTLY benefit the poor and needy?!

So Jon and I took a look at our regular grocery spending budget and figured $1/person/meal per day was a fair guess-timate of our spending. The idea I have is to fast (as the Lord directs me) and directly place $1/person/meal (or some kind of paper substitute for ease of use) every time my husband or I fast from a meal. The next step will be to deduct the amount of $$'s in that jar from my grocery spending budget and DIRECTLY put it towards those who are poor, needy or oppressed. We'll figure out that part later, as the Lord leads!

This idea really resonated with me because it lines up so beautifully with the above scripture passage.

Another idea we had was to broaden our kid's (and our) perspective of poverty/needs for a solid week in the upcoming lent season. We thought maybe our breakfast/suppers could reflect a typical meal for a person in a 3rd world country. We'll try to carve out what that could look like for our family...

God has just given us so many blessings. It is hard to even comprehend all the "stuff" we have been blessed with. We take it all so for granted and expect these "luxuries" to be "necessities" often times. Often times we become so self-preoccupied and self-centered that we feel independant of God, with no need for Him, self-sufficient... We forget WHOSE hand these gifts and blessings comes from. Maybe this is why it is so difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven???

Anyways, I should stop rambling! I'm excited about the month or so ahead. I am actually looking forward to hearing what God wants me to lay aside and strip away. I pray that God will use these baby steps to glorify Him and teach me, humble me, convict me and draw me into a deeper and closer relationship with Him. I pray that He will be magnified and glorified in all I say, do, pray, think...


I pray that He will increase....and I will decrease (1 John 4:4). Amen.

Oh...and one more thing... I have already decided that I will "fast" from using the scale for the season of lent! I know that may sound weird to some! I usually step on the scale daily. I know my temptation would be to see a correlation between fasting and my weight to be intertwined... But I want whatever sacrifices are made to be made with the right motivation and intentions, to be solely focussed on Him and His glory and purposes. I don't want to be side-tracked:-)

Counting My Blessings...

Great birthday celebration with family.

It was so nice to share a birthday with my family. And then it was an extra bonus that the kids had a sleepover with grandma & grandpa for the night and Jon & I got an extended date.

My grade one classes.
The kids in my lunch supervision classes are so adorable. They can be so exhausting at times...and they certainly don't listen to me all that great a lot of the time...but they are so cute and I really do love them so much :-) I hope and pray that the relationship I have started with these kids will be remembered over the years, as this is my youngest daughter's grade. (She's not in my grade one classrooms...as I have the other two out of the three grade 1 classrooms to supervise). I expect to have continued contact with these students over the years as many of them will be her friends and I'm sure I'll volunteer in her classroom with many of these kids in future years.

Good health.
I will NOT take this for granted! I just learned that an acquaintance of mine, mid-30's with two young children age 3 & 6, was just diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. This was a shock to me. It DEFINITELY made me thankful for each breath of life I have. Please join me in praying for Odette. I really don't know where she is at spiritually. She and her family definitely need prayer though.

Kid's creativity.

My eldest daughter made a really cool game called "Hugs & Kisses." She actually made it at christmas but has been working on getting it on the computer so it would look really "nice." So we played that tonight and had a great family time, sharing lots of hugs and kisses. (I told them they aren't allowed to play this game with any boyfriend...LOL!)

Another fantastic bible study & spiritual growth of my friend.

I can't begin to say how much I am learning through this study. I'm learning lots about what is taught about the Holy Spirit in scripture. It's great preparing for the study as well. Gets me thinking a bit deeper. And the ladies are great:-) It's just incredible to see the spiritual growth of one of my best friends. I've seen her move from a newborn babe in the faith, with questions about EVERYTHING and only able to handle milk....growing into maturity, now able to actually answer questions, witness to her husband, understand scripture, dig deeper, and able to handle actual spiritual meat! What a blessing it is! I praise God for answered prayers in that regard.

God's Word.

It's amazing. I can't even begin to put into words how much His words have began to mean to me. I'm extremely thankful for His Word.

Sacrificial Love.

This past Sunday we had a lady, Marie Ens, come speak at our church. She is 74 years old and is continuing to minister in Cambodia. She started up a ministry called "Place of Rescue" in Cambodia for aids patients which extended into a home for abandoned single mothers & their babies, orphans, and also orphanned grannies. What an inspiration her story is! I bought her autobiography "Journey to Joy" and can hardly put the book down! The courage and love of people like her and her husband are inspirational.

"W," one of my piano students.

He has such a passion for music. When his younger sister asked to start lessons back two years ago he BEGGED to also take lessons. I'm so glad to have him as a piano student. He inspires ME! He tackles just about ANY music with so much gusto and determination. The latest is a Star Wars song that is far above his level but he is determined to play it and master it. Since he's my neighbour, I invited him over to learn more of the song this evening... And he came with such excitement and we unpacked the song a little further. What a joy he is to teach. As I write this, it makes me think about my relationship with God... It must make Him so joyful when He sees His children pressing on and not giving up. What a joy it must be when He sees His children passionate for Him, earnestly seeking Him, soaking up His word.

Valentine Cookies.

Mmmm... These are a rare treat as I only make this recipe at christmas and valentines (no particular reason except that cut-out/iced cookies take more time to make). Granted I ate a few too many, but they are yummy:-) I'm thankful for this treat:-)

854. Safety.
We've had some pretty icy conditions out lately. I'm thankful that God has kept us safe through this crazy weather. In particular I'm thankful for God's hand of protection on friends who were travelling across the provinces this past week and who made it back home safe and sound.

Summer Plans.
Our tickets are booked, as of January 31st, to fly back down to Mexico for a family mission trip. Last year's trip was amazing as we experienced God in new and deeper ways. We are truly looking forward to deepening the relationships we started last year. Here's a youtube video that gives a glimpse of where we're headed once again...

Praise God, ticket prices were incredibly low, even lower then last year. All four of us can fly round trip to Cancun, Mexico (from Minneapolis) for under $1500! I think that is an incredible GOD THING since a road trip holiday across our own country (using our van and camping) would likely be similar cost! To give this some perspective, it costs about $1200 PER PERSON to fly from here (Winnipeg) down to Cancun during spring break! So we're talking basically the same price for all four of us to got down!

Now it is time to get some planning started. I'm still having a tough time getting to studying spanish, but I got past the intentions stage and withdrew some really good books from the library :-) We have some ideas for fundraisers as well which we're excited to plan further.

Daughter's affection (or my "ice penguins" in the picture above:-).

Every lunchhour lately, my 6 year old daughter has run over to me when we're outside on the playground and walked with me hand in hand as I supervise the kids outdoors. It is so special to have these moments with her. And everytime I see my 9 year old at school she comes up to me and greets me and gives me a hug or kiss. I'm very thankful for my daughter's open display of affection towards me:-) Makes a mommy happy:-) These girls are an incredible gift from God.

Thank you Lord for each and every one of these blessings from above! In Jesus name, amen.

Filling Up on God

I feel like I've almost fallen off the "blog" wagon:-) It's not like me to miss so many days without posting something of substance! I was almost at the point of shutting down my blog entirely as I felt like such a hypocrite, fool and failure as I continue to struggle with 0-5 eating.

Yet I know that this is part of the journey. And I accept that. And am moving past that one step at a time. The last few days have been going better, for which I'm thankful.

I was going to re-start one of my weight-related books (TW or TLT or Thin Again) but then I felt like God was saying.... "No, just focus on My Word and fill up on Me!" So I'm listening. I'm earnestly seeking Him (Ps. 63:1-2). I'm not going to let the enemy get to me with lies and discouragement.

I've been enjoying such quality time with God lately. I can't begin to say how much that means to me. And I've been memorizing scripture like crazy (like I mentioned in a previous post). It really feels like a MIRACLE to WANT to memorize scripture! I've never experienced the compulsion to memorize like I have lately. I truly don't want that to stop. And the neatest part of all is that these scriptures are beginning to become part of my prayers! This is also very special to me. So, I am thankful for this part of my journey right now. I'm truly finding satisfaction in God and His Word and intimacy with Him.

But oh, what ups and downs with consistent 0-5 eating! I decided the one thing I wanted to keep up was my private paper notebook food/exercise log. This way I can look back on how things are going and see what kinds of patterns are forming and how consistent I am with 0-5 eating etc. So here are my "statistics" (or patterns) for my January eating...

----------------------------------

23% of the time I ate within 0-5 the ENTIRE day, each and every eating occasion (7/30 days).

33% entire days I started at "0" (that is 10/30 days each eating occasion started at "0").

65% eating occasions were within 0-5 (62/96 eating occasions).

75% eating occasions I started at "0" (75/96).

11/30 days I exercised (that is 37%).

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Those may seem like irrelevant statistics! But they mean something to me. I can see so much room for growth!!!

I'm so afraid of returning to the defeated place I was for those 5 years (2002-2007). I long to be victorious and keep my eyes fixed on Him.

One of my ideas for goal setting is:
Aim for one full day of 0-5 eating (did that on Monday). Next, aim for two full days of 0-5 eating (did that on Tuesday and hopefully can say that by the end of today). Next aim for three full days of 0-5 eating. And continue building up the number of consistent days. And re-start each and every time I go off track. I just really need to build consistency into my eating. We'll see if that motivates me and helps me...

I've been seeing commercials lately and hearing people talk about how if they aren't physically hungry they aren't tempted to eat. There was a "Special K Satisfaction"cereal commercial where this lady had eaten her cereal for breakfast and when she was offered the donuts at the office she said "No thank you, I'm not hungry."

I thought to myself, "Am I the only one who is still tempted to eat stuff even when I'm not hungry?" I honestly don't know if I'm in the minority here! If something is tempting me, it really and truly matters very little to me if I'm hungry or not... I'm very weak and could easily dig right in. That is my flesh that quickly can swing into action. It takes an immense amount of self-control and God-focus for me to actually withstand the temptation. It doesn't yet feel natural to me. Once again, I have to wonder if I'm in the minority with this!

I've been challenged over the past few days to take a few of the lessons from this Fall/Winter a step further. As those who have been journeying alongside me know, one of the big themes I've been challenged by is "What lines the walls of my mind?" In other words, what kinds of thoughts/beliefs do I have? Are these thoughts lined up with God's Word, His truth? Next, I must take these thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ (2 Cor. 10:5).

Well, this past week, as I was studying "Living beyond yourself" by Beth Moore, I bumped into the verse, "But we have the mind of Christ." (1 Cor. 2:16) That's a revolutionary thought (make that TRUTH), don't you think!

What would Christ's mind look like? First of all NOTHING sinful would enter it! Secondly, He is ALL truth, perfect, righteous, holy and completely surrendered to the Father...and is in fact God! In other words, His thoughts and actions are PERFECT and HOLY.

So, if I have the mind of Christ....that means my mind should begin to look the same (though I know this will never be fully the case until I reach Heaven)! So when I start to apply taking every thought captive and making it obedient to Christ, essentially filtering out thoughts that don't line up with God's Word, then I begin to see a very specific picture painted of what my mind should look like...the mind of Christ. Imitate. Be like Jesus. Fix my eyes on Him.

Anyways, all this rambling is to say, that I'm feeling challenged IN ALL AREAS (not just eating related) to put on the mind of Christ, taking every thought captive to Him.

And my first step is to focus in on what God's Word and truth is...filling up on it every chance I get! I'm not giving up! God is doing a good work in me and will bring it to completion (Phil 1:6)! The God of all-grace is equipping me to abound in every good work (2 Cor. 9:8). I am being transformed into His likeness each and every day (2 Cor. 3:18). Praise God for that!

Dear Lord, O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. (Psalm 63:1-8) In Jesus name, Amen.

Fun Family Faces

Okay, I was just having some fun and found this collage function in our picassa photo program. So, here are the many faces of our family (taken this summer)! They are crazy pictures as we all took turns being "models" and posing in different ways:-)

Me! (Jon thought I was crazy to post that bottom left picture...saying it wasn't all that attractive. I thought it was part of the craziness of the moment:-)

So, I got him back for that:-) Just kidding! He was joining right in the fun!

Of course my eldest daughter was loving every second of the photo shoot:-)

And then there is my cutie patootie (how on earth do you spell that word!).

The Mom Song

My dad just sent me this song. I thought it was amazing and hilarious and so true! You GOTTA check this one out :-)

"The Mom Song"

Following in Daddy's Footsteps

"So I say, live by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature... Since you live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Galatians 5:16 & 25

What does "living by the Spirit" and keeping in "step with the Spirit" look like? That's the big question I've been pondering. And an image is beginning to emerge.

Me, God's little girl, following Him through each step and moment of life.

So, where do these steps lead, I wonder?

I think they lead to dying to self. "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Mark 8:34

Oohh. That sounds scary, doesn't it?! Certainly sounds painful.

What comfort can I take in this path?

That Christ lives in me (Gal. 2:20). That God is greater than he that is in this world (1 Jn 4:4). That He is doing a good work in me and bringing it to completion (Phil 1:6). That these light and momentary troubles are preparing me for a glory that far outweighs them all (2 Cor. 4:17). That Daddy, Abba Father, CARES for me and LOVES me and heaps all the GRACE imaginable on me. He protects me, is my fortress, my refuge, my comfort, my sustainer, my peace, my joy, my strength... And the list could go on and on!

Down to the practicality of following in Daddy's footsteps. What does that look like in everyday life?

SURRENDER is the answer that came to mind. As I go about my daily life I choose to abide with Christ and be surrendered to Him and to the Holy Spirit's leading.

Do I eat when I'm not hungry? Do I eat past full? Or am I eating in moderation, not making an idol out of food (Col 3:5) and being content with my portion (Psalm 16:5-6)? Am I opening wide my mouth so that He can fill it, filling up on God Himself and His words(Psalm 81:10)?

REFLECTION: I have been more consistent with hunger/fullness this past week, praise God. But I still have seen the seeds of greed creep up (I must confess tonight was probably the toughest one over the past five days). And my weight has certainly NOT been reflecting a surrendered heart in this area. However I have been HUNGRY HUNGRY HUNGRY for God's word and for memorizing scripture (this is very new to me and quite shocking actually...definitely a God-thing!).

Do I say those juicy words of gossip? Do I speak those cutting words that would feel so good in the moment but be so destructive in the long run? Do I speak mindlessly and thoughtlessly? Or is my conversation full of grace and seasoned with salt? (Col. 4:6) Am I saying words that are helpful for building others up? (Eph. 4:29)

REFLECTION: I have been very conscious of the times that I have slipped up in this area this week. I have had to run to the Lord for forgiveness quite a few times unfortunately. I've been very conscious of my speech with my kids and husband, being much more vigilant and alert to the enemy's attacks and temptations. As a result I've noticed I, through God's grace and power, have been able to be more patient and loving with my kids. I know this greatly benefits them in the long run.

Do I spend the extra money on myself and turn a blind eye to the poor and needy? Or do I sacrifice just a small bit of our luxury and indulgences to help someone in much more dire need then me (Isaiah 58:7, 10)?

REFLECTION: I don't feel good about my spending lately. I'm so behind on my budgetting updates. And I don't feel good about how much I contribute to those in need. On the flip side, we booked our tickets to Mexico for summer and will once again go, as a family, to help out at the orphanage and in their community. This gets me pretty excited! My heart's desire is that we can help those in need more and more and more and more and more...and focus on our own comforts and stuff less and less and less and less!!!

Do I spend my free time in front of the TV or computer and ignore filling up on Him and His word? Or am I filling up my mind and heart with His word, feasting on God Himself (Psalm 63)?

REFLECTION: This week has gone better in that department then a lot of other weeks. I've stayed away from the computer for the most part. Just spent a few minutes each day checking email and reading a couple blog posts. And I really didn't even watch TV. It was good to spend more time with the Lord as a result. He was my Satisfaction this week.

Choices... So many choices.

And thoughts... So many thoughts.

Each moment, of each day, I have thoughts which lead me to either continue following in Daddy's footsteps OR tempt me to take the fork in the road and gratify the desires of my sinful flesh.

Each thought must be taken captive and made obedient to Christ (2 Cor. 10:5). Every thought must line up with God's truth. I need to filter each thought, asking if this is "right" in God's eyes. The Holy Spirit will empower me not to gratify those desires as I allow Him to "filter" those thoughts.

As I surrender to His leading and prompting I continue following in Daddy's footsteps. What a beautiful picture for me to dwell on. I do SO trust my Daddy Abba Father and want to please Him. But oh how hard that can be! I'll close with one of my latest favorite verses, which has greatly encouraged me...

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8

Thank you Lord for not leaving me to just wave about on my own, trying to fill your big footsteps! Thank you for equipping me! Thank you for your Holy Spirit leading the way! And thank you for lovingly walking alongside me through this entire journey of life leading to eternity spent with You! What amazing grace and love! Amen.

Taking a break

I am feeling called to strip away some of my favorite things this coming week...and blogging just happens to be one of them. So, I'll be away for a bit with the desire, hope and intention to spend more time filling up on Him.

Heart of Worship