Finally in my BMI range!
I'm just so ecstatic to finally be in my bmi weight range! I want all praise and glory to be directed straight to the Lord for this milestone! He is doing a new thing, He is doing a good work in me and will bring it to completion!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Camping thoughts cont'd...
Just wanting to clarify that I plan on following my God-given hunger signals....not a menu plan. I am going to go with the flow and aim to function as a naturally thin eater. I think I'll keep my eye on my "naturally thin eater" friend while camping... She knows that she is my role model in this department:-) I just love how thin eating just flows naturally with her!
I was re-reading my post and thought my plan may have sounded a bit rigid to some people. The reason I am pre-planning these options is because I am of course pre-packing all the food to take with us on our trip. I just want to make sure I choose healthier options this time round with camping.
I know I am going to be challenged with 0-5 eating. I was reading 1 Corinthians 10:13 again this morning and am reminded that God WILL provide a way out of temptation. I will be resting in this truth...
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
I will also do as Jesus says...
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Matthew 26:41
The following verse keeps on resonating with me as well...
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..." Hebrews 12:2
He is the author and perfector of our faith. Those words have been popping out to me the past couple days. What an awesome truth and promise.
Well, enough of my ramblings! I guess I won't be back on for about a week.
I was re-reading my post and thought my plan may have sounded a bit rigid to some people. The reason I am pre-planning these options is because I am of course pre-packing all the food to take with us on our trip. I just want to make sure I choose healthier options this time round with camping.
I know I am going to be challenged with 0-5 eating. I was reading 1 Corinthians 10:13 again this morning and am reminded that God WILL provide a way out of temptation. I will be resting in this truth...
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
I will also do as Jesus says...
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Matthew 26:41
The following verse keeps on resonating with me as well...
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..." Hebrews 12:2
He is the author and perfector of our faith. Those words have been popping out to me the past couple days. What an awesome truth and promise.
Well, enough of my ramblings! I guess I won't be back on for about a week.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Camping
One of our family's favorite traditions is camping. Here's a glimpse of some of the fun we have each year...
fun at the beach,
going for hikes, 
enjoying s’mores 
and bannock, 
playing games together,
and watching the sun set each night...
The list could go on and on!
However, with this special tradition come some unique temptations that I don’t normally face other times of the year… Snacking seems to go hand-in-hand with long drives, lazing around the beach and around the campfire. This is the one time of the year that I buy the chips, pop, special double chocolate chocolate chunk cookies, Reese’s Pieces cereal, licorice and more. It’s also the one time of the year that we have night snacks (around the campfire) every night—s’mores, hot chocolate and bannock.
The first camping trip we have lined up (heading out this Saturday) is starting out as a group trip. So there will also be added complications and temptations that come with eating in social settings…
So I’ve got to do some planning for trials…
First of all, in preparation for trials, when I went shopping I skipped out on buying the pop, extra salty munchies, licorice and extra cookies. We’ll skip the pop or sweetened drinks this year, keeping our cooler jug filled with ice so we’ll have ice water anytime we want (which is always a treat when camping during hot summer days!). We’ll also try to really minimize our munchy and dessert consumption this year (note I’m saying “we” as this will be a family plan of action).
Second, we’re going to be having a family “rumble challenge”, with my eldest daughter in mind, as we really want to encourage her to find out what real true hunger feels like this summer, with the hope that come fall she will have found a way of eating 0-5 more naturally. I’m sure it will benefit us all to try to find “0” as often as possible prior to eating. I’m not recognizing a rumble as the only way of knowing hunger…but simply presenting it as one very tangible and audible sign of hunger, with the hope that she will eventually often experience real physiological hunger. I’m also going to introduce my kids to observations and corrections and turning to God with 0-5 eating.
Now down to the nitty gritty plans….
I’ll make sure to wait for hunger at breakfast so I can start the day off on the right foot…
I’m packing up a bunch of healthy options for each meal with following 0-5 as the aim of course:
Breakfast options: oatmeal or cold cereal (something healthier)
Exception: one brunch of pancakes/bacon
Snacks (only if hungry): aim for fruit, almonds, cheese strings, granola bar, pretzels, yogurt, juice box
Lunch options:
However, with this special tradition come some unique temptations that I don’t normally face other times of the year… Snacking seems to go hand-in-hand with long drives, lazing around the beach and around the campfire. This is the one time of the year that I buy the chips, pop, special double chocolate chocolate chunk cookies, Reese’s Pieces cereal, licorice and more. It’s also the one time of the year that we have night snacks (around the campfire) every night—s’mores, hot chocolate and bannock.
The first camping trip we have lined up (heading out this Saturday) is starting out as a group trip. So there will also be added complications and temptations that come with eating in social settings…
So I’ve got to do some planning for trials…
First of all, in preparation for trials, when I went shopping I skipped out on buying the pop, extra salty munchies, licorice and extra cookies. We’ll skip the pop or sweetened drinks this year, keeping our cooler jug filled with ice so we’ll have ice water anytime we want (which is always a treat when camping during hot summer days!). We’ll also try to really minimize our munchy and dessert consumption this year (note I’m saying “we” as this will be a family plan of action).
Second, we’re going to be having a family “rumble challenge”, with my eldest daughter in mind, as we really want to encourage her to find out what real true hunger feels like this summer, with the hope that come fall she will have found a way of eating 0-5 more naturally. I’m sure it will benefit us all to try to find “0” as often as possible prior to eating. I’m not recognizing a rumble as the only way of knowing hunger…but simply presenting it as one very tangible and audible sign of hunger, with the hope that she will eventually often experience real physiological hunger. I’m also going to introduce my kids to observations and corrections and turning to God with 0-5 eating.
Now down to the nitty gritty plans….
I’ll make sure to wait for hunger at breakfast so I can start the day off on the right foot…
I’m packing up a bunch of healthy options for each meal with following 0-5 as the aim of course:
Breakfast options: oatmeal or cold cereal (something healthier)
Exception: one brunch of pancakes/bacon
Snacks (only if hungry): aim for fruit, almonds, cheese strings, granola bar, pretzels, yogurt, juice box
Lunch options:
mini bagel & cream cheese & fruit/veggie
tortilla with pbutter/honey and fruit/veggie
tortilla w/ meat/cheese & fruit/veggie
Snacks (only if hungry): aim for fruit, almonds, cheese strings, granola bar, pretzels, yogurt, juice box
tortilla with pbutter/honey and fruit/veggie
tortilla w/ meat/cheese & fruit/veggie
Snacks (only if hungry): aim for fruit, almonds, cheese strings, granola bar, pretzels, yogurt, juice box
Supper plan of action: Eat to a #4, no pop/juice, skip dessert if having campfire snacks
Campfire snack options:
1 s’more & hot chocolate
1 bannock & hot chocolate
no snacks: enjoy herbal tea by the fire…
If I choose to have a sweet…keep it within hunger. If I choose to have a sweet at supper skip out on campfire snacks…
Well, that is the eating plan in a nutshell… Now to actually implement the plan is another matter! I know I’ll need some extra prayer through this time!
I also plan on spending more time with the Lord in His word and in prayer this summer. I bought myself a nice handy-dandy compact NIV bible (with a concordance even!). And I’m really excited to dig into the “Breaking Free” study workbook by Beth Moore! I think I’ll save that for our Mexico trip though (more details coming soon regarding that). I'm still doing the Beth Moore "David" study and reading the TW book daily of course.
Last weekend when we went to the beach the kids were playing so nicely and I didn’t have any reading material with me and was feeling a bit bored… Then I started to converse with God. It was a nice time, although I felt a little at a loss how to even converse with Him for that length of time I confess! I look forward to much more of that this summer! I look forward to growing in my prayer life…being still before God, not primarily praying these arrow prayers or emergency prayers etc… Just spending time really communing with Him and practising His presence!
1 bannock & hot chocolate
no snacks: enjoy herbal tea by the fire…
If I choose to have a sweet…keep it within hunger. If I choose to have a sweet at supper skip out on campfire snacks…
Well, that is the eating plan in a nutshell… Now to actually implement the plan is another matter! I know I’ll need some extra prayer through this time!
I also plan on spending more time with the Lord in His word and in prayer this summer. I bought myself a nice handy-dandy compact NIV bible (with a concordance even!). And I’m really excited to dig into the “Breaking Free” study workbook by Beth Moore! I think I’ll save that for our Mexico trip though (more details coming soon regarding that). I'm still doing the Beth Moore "David" study and reading the TW book daily of course.
Last weekend when we went to the beach the kids were playing so nicely and I didn’t have any reading material with me and was feeling a bit bored… Then I started to converse with God. It was a nice time, although I felt a little at a loss how to even converse with Him for that length of time I confess! I look forward to much more of that this summer! I look forward to growing in my prayer life…being still before God, not primarily praying these arrow prayers or emergency prayers etc… Just spending time really communing with Him and practising His presence!
I think I’ve rambled on long enough here! I will give account for my choices when I return. I hope to have a glowing report of the new thing the Lord has done in my heart.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Counting My Blessings...
Wonderful weather, warm breezes, blue skies...I could go on and on! It is just so wonderful to have summer here finally! I love it all! Thank you, Lord!
Weight Released!
I was so nervous about stepping on the scale this morning. Lately I have felt a bit like a child on a bike with the training wheels removed! Putting my food/exercise log on hold and keeping it private proved a lot harder then I thought it would be. As I began to struggle a bit more with consistency I began to doubt that my weight would be maintained (and certainly doubted a loss).
Anyways, this morning I stepped on the scale and I'm down another pound! Yeah! I felt God reassuring me that I just have to keep pressing on, that I don't need to fret so much about the ups and downs. I just need to fix my eyes on Him and keep pressing on.
So I'm officially down 18 pounds, from 173 lbs to 155 lbs. Thank you Lord! One more pound to release and I'll be in the official bmi zone:-) Also once I get to 153lbs I will feel like another marker is reached as this was the lowest I ever got after my second pregnancy (and that was only for a couple weeks!).
Thank you Lord for your faithfulness, even as I stumble and fall. Thank you for your help and strength. I pray that you would continue to change me from the inside out. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Anyways, this morning I stepped on the scale and I'm down another pound! Yeah! I felt God reassuring me that I just have to keep pressing on, that I don't need to fret so much about the ups and downs. I just need to fix my eyes on Him and keep pressing on.
So I'm officially down 18 pounds, from 173 lbs to 155 lbs. Thank you Lord! One more pound to release and I'll be in the official bmi zone:-) Also once I get to 153lbs I will feel like another marker is reached as this was the lowest I ever got after my second pregnancy (and that was only for a couple weeks!).
Thank you Lord for your faithfulness, even as I stumble and fall. Thank you for your help and strength. I pray that you would continue to change me from the inside out. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Heidi's blog got me thinking...
I have been reading through Heidi's blog starting at the beginning of her journey and have been really convicted and challenged through much of what she wrote.
I was thinking at supper tonight about the "giving up the last bite" plan being unnecessary as long as I stop at #5. Well, I think it is a really good practice for me to continue... Why am I even fighting it??? I know it is because I want to eat ALL my food!!! So, I will continue sacrificing some of the food on my plate to the Lord.
The other thing that I know I need to do, that I have read in various places (the latest being Heidi's blog), is to pray and ask the Lord for direction when to stop eating. I really need to start implementing this more. I need to trust Him. I have found it quite bizarre how I actually have a little burp (would air bubble being a nicer description?? :-) when I'm satisfied... Yet so often I push past that and want to continue eating as much as I can within the parameters of 0-5. I feel quite convicted that I'm being disobedient in this. Sometimes I don't get this "air bubble" but still know I've had enough to satisfy. I'm kind of toying with the idea of actually exercising (jumping rope or running) immediately following dinner... Wouldn't that be a good challenge!!!
I also am feeling challenged to wait for really clear hunger signals. I find it particulary hard to discern what my #0 is when I don't get the rumble in the belly. These are the times that I often rationalize my way through the "Am I hungry yet?" question.
Also in regards to the scale.... What an up and down rollercoaster this has been! I read how Heidi would pray and ask God to reveal when she could step on the scale... Interesting thought. I am not sure I am called to wait an entire month (until mid-July) as I originally planned. I guess I have fear of gaining weight when I'm not really consistent with 0-5 eating. I'd rather just know where I stand with things and then keep pressing forward. I'm not sure if this is *wrong* or not... I have to admit I'm a little scared to step on the scale tomorrow morning (which is my current plan). I certainly feel challenged to possibly make it a once-a-week weigh in. I'll just have to bring this to the Lord and follow His leading.
Eating without being accountable to others as I was before, is a bit tough I find. I find I'm not eating quite as consistently 0-5 as before. Why is that!!! Strange I know! Anyways, I plan to keep on growing in this area as I don't think it makes much sense to keep on posting everything I eat for the rest of my life! I know I'm going in the right direction with this one.
Also, I'm having more trouble with regular exercise. I go through my spurts all the time...and really want to get back into regular exercise again. Not sure why I fall off the exercise band wagon all the time! It's not like I set myself up with lofty unrealistic goals! I know it is just laziness!
In regards to time with the Lord... I just am blown away by how He is becoming more a part of each moment. I'm also blown away by the hunger and thirst I have for His word. Thank you Lord!
Well, that's an update at my end. Reading Heidi's blog certainly got me thinking and reflecting! Thanks, Heidi! God continues to use your journey and words to encourage others! What a testimony to His power and grace! You are shining for Him and bringing Him glory! Thanks!
I was thinking at supper tonight about the "giving up the last bite" plan being unnecessary as long as I stop at #5. Well, I think it is a really good practice for me to continue... Why am I even fighting it??? I know it is because I want to eat ALL my food!!! So, I will continue sacrificing some of the food on my plate to the Lord.
The other thing that I know I need to do, that I have read in various places (the latest being Heidi's blog), is to pray and ask the Lord for direction when to stop eating. I really need to start implementing this more. I need to trust Him. I have found it quite bizarre how I actually have a little burp (would air bubble being a nicer description?? :-) when I'm satisfied... Yet so often I push past that and want to continue eating as much as I can within the parameters of 0-5. I feel quite convicted that I'm being disobedient in this. Sometimes I don't get this "air bubble" but still know I've had enough to satisfy. I'm kind of toying with the idea of actually exercising (jumping rope or running) immediately following dinner... Wouldn't that be a good challenge!!!
I also am feeling challenged to wait for really clear hunger signals. I find it particulary hard to discern what my #0 is when I don't get the rumble in the belly. These are the times that I often rationalize my way through the "Am I hungry yet?" question.
Also in regards to the scale.... What an up and down rollercoaster this has been! I read how Heidi would pray and ask God to reveal when she could step on the scale... Interesting thought. I am not sure I am called to wait an entire month (until mid-July) as I originally planned. I guess I have fear of gaining weight when I'm not really consistent with 0-5 eating. I'd rather just know where I stand with things and then keep pressing forward. I'm not sure if this is *wrong* or not... I have to admit I'm a little scared to step on the scale tomorrow morning (which is my current plan). I certainly feel challenged to possibly make it a once-a-week weigh in. I'll just have to bring this to the Lord and follow His leading.
Eating without being accountable to others as I was before, is a bit tough I find. I find I'm not eating quite as consistently 0-5 as before. Why is that!!! Strange I know! Anyways, I plan to keep on growing in this area as I don't think it makes much sense to keep on posting everything I eat for the rest of my life! I know I'm going in the right direction with this one.
Also, I'm having more trouble with regular exercise. I go through my spurts all the time...and really want to get back into regular exercise again. Not sure why I fall off the exercise band wagon all the time! It's not like I set myself up with lofty unrealistic goals! I know it is just laziness!
In regards to time with the Lord... I just am blown away by how He is becoming more a part of each moment. I'm also blown away by the hunger and thirst I have for His word. Thank you Lord!
Well, that's an update at my end. Reading Heidi's blog certainly got me thinking and reflecting! Thanks, Heidi! God continues to use your journey and words to encourage others! What a testimony to His power and grace! You are shining for Him and bringing Him glory! Thanks!
Hinderances
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. " Hebrews 12:1This verse resonated with me this morning. I'm wondering what exactly hinders me? What sins do I so easily get tangled and trapped in?
I know that I often want to make exceptions to eat when not hungry. This certainly hinders me as I push God away, tuning out what I know He is saying to me.
I know another thing that hinders me is when I choose to eat more then I should, pushing me past #5. I have come to an awareness of some of the cues my body gives me when I have reached the end of #5. And yet I so often choose to ignore those cues and God's voice which speaks to me through this time trying to direct me towards the way out of the temptation.
Past failures also hinder my progress.
These are the first things that come to mind as I reflect. There are probably more that will come to mind as I meditate on this verse more over the next while.
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such oppostition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:2-3
The solution? I need to fix my eyes on Jesus! I need to dwell in His presence every single moment of every single day. What a difference that would make! I need to live under the canopy of His grace and provision. I need to rely on Him for strength and power...not on my own effort. Jesus sacrificed so incredibly much to make a way for us to be right with God. I need to fix my eyes on His sacrifice... What I have to sacrifice will seem oh so insignificant with that focus!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Counting My Blessings...
A beautiful beach day!
It felt like the first day of summer today! Blue skies, sun shining, lying on a sandy beach, the kids having so much fun playing in the sand, catching minnows, and splashing around... Thank you Lord for these precious moments!
My brothers and sisters in Christ.
Over the past two years God has drawn Jon and I along on a journey seeing the Church through different eyes. We have been challenged on issues of church unity and the many judgements/misunderstandings that are so often cast back and forth. What a rollercoaster ride this has been! I went through a stage where I was devouring up theology books, active on both catholic and protestant forums, speaking to trusted friends/family/pastors seeking to understand the differences and also the things we hold in common.
Both Jon and I grew up in very inter-denominational church settings. I grew up overseas on the mission field, going to boarding school and church and raised/taught by dorm parents/teachers of many different denominational backgrounds working for many different mission organizations. Upon our return home to Canada we switched churches many times--mennonite, baptist, missionary church, alliance etc. Jon's dad was a minister in small towns. He was basically pastoring the only church in small (VERY small!) towns across Canada. Of course this drew people of many different denominations together for one common purpose--to worship God and fellowship together. Both Jon and I feel God has been weaving the tapestry of our lives with a common goal to pursue church unity. Here are some verses that have inspired us...
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." John 17:20-23
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35
I find it is always a bit scary and daunting to visit a new church! I don't like the feelings of uncertainty--what to expect for the service, will people be friendly, will we stand out, will the kids adjust/behave etc... A year ago we decided we wanted to try to visit different churches in our area about every two months to expose our children (and ourselves) to various christian church traditions outside of our home church...plus we have come to realize what a great lesson we learn everytime we have to be in the newcomer's shoes! It shows us how to welcome visitor's more effectively in our home church :-)
So, this morning we visitted a catholic church in our area. We once again felt we were among sisters and brothers in Christ. I have come to understand many of the theological differences and common ground between catholics/protestants... However, I have to say what has stood out for both Jon and I in our visits to various churches over the past year is that there are many true followers of Christ in each of these churches no matter the shape of the theological box! I pray for continued unity of all true followers of Christ.
It felt like the first day of summer today! Blue skies, sun shining, lying on a sandy beach, the kids having so much fun playing in the sand, catching minnows, and splashing around... Thank you Lord for these precious moments!
My brothers and sisters in Christ.
Over the past two years God has drawn Jon and I along on a journey seeing the Church through different eyes. We have been challenged on issues of church unity and the many judgements/misunderstandings that are so often cast back and forth. What a rollercoaster ride this has been! I went through a stage where I was devouring up theology books, active on both catholic and protestant forums, speaking to trusted friends/family/pastors seeking to understand the differences and also the things we hold in common.
Both Jon and I grew up in very inter-denominational church settings. I grew up overseas on the mission field, going to boarding school and church and raised/taught by dorm parents/teachers of many different denominational backgrounds working for many different mission organizations. Upon our return home to Canada we switched churches many times--mennonite, baptist, missionary church, alliance etc. Jon's dad was a minister in small towns. He was basically pastoring the only church in small (VERY small!) towns across Canada. Of course this drew people of many different denominations together for one common purpose--to worship God and fellowship together. Both Jon and I feel God has been weaving the tapestry of our lives with a common goal to pursue church unity. Here are some verses that have inspired us...
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." John 17:20-23
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35
I find it is always a bit scary and daunting to visit a new church! I don't like the feelings of uncertainty--what to expect for the service, will people be friendly, will we stand out, will the kids adjust/behave etc... A year ago we decided we wanted to try to visit different churches in our area about every two months to expose our children (and ourselves) to various christian church traditions outside of our home church...plus we have come to realize what a great lesson we learn everytime we have to be in the newcomer's shoes! It shows us how to welcome visitor's more effectively in our home church :-)
So, this morning we visitted a catholic church in our area. We once again felt we were among sisters and brothers in Christ. I have come to understand many of the theological differences and common ground between catholics/protestants... However, I have to say what has stood out for both Jon and I in our visits to various churches over the past year is that there are many true followers of Christ in each of these churches no matter the shape of the theological box! I pray for continued unity of all true followers of Christ.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Thin Again - ch 7
Chapter 7The Present Not the Past
As I read this chapter I found it interesting how a few verses that had been standing out to me recently were highlighted in this chapter. One of the verses was Matthew 18:21-22 which I had highlighted in my counting my blessings blog.
"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'"
Another one was Mark 11:25.
"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
And lastly the one that has been on my mind and heart often is 2 Corinthians 10:5.
"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
I feel God is talking to me about forgiveness a lot lately! I have been reading another book called "The Power of a Postive Wife" by Karol Ladd and once again teaching on forgiveness was taught.....on a particular day when I was having trouble forgiving Jon! Go figure! I'm thankful that God showed me my sin because our marriage relationship was needing a good dose of forgiveness and right relationship was restored as a result:-) Thank you, Lord!
I have felt convicted of the many times my thoughts are dark and mucky and sinful. Oh how I need to take captive every thought for Christ. The problem is that once the thought enters my mind it often gets spoken out loud and another sin gets committed as I gossip/slander or simply am not shining for Christ by letting my conversation always be filled with grace (Col. 4:6). So, I'm working on this one... I have to be on guard and prayerful against that little seed of negativity that creeps into my thoughts.
TA chapter 7 was a pretty heavy duty one! For many people this must be a very tough read. As I read some of the stories of individuals who walked through such deep waters my heart just ached and tears came to my eyes. I pray for each person who has to go through this pain. Here goes a quick summary of the pretty weight things things touched on in TA chapter 7.
What are the stages of the grieving process?
1.) Denial—“denied reality of our painful past” TA pg 118
2.) Anger—“While it is legitimate and necessary to experience the anger in the present, the goal is not revenge or abuse of self or another. The goal is to sweep your house clean, to purify your heart so that new life can dwell within you.” TA pg 119
3.) Bargaining
4.) Depression—“During this stage you may experience the full measure of the loss of food as a friend… As you feel permission to grieve this loss, you may be assured that this is a sign of health, a sign that you are releasing something you have coveted or have clung to—your old eating habits and your image of yourself and your world.” TA pg 119
5.) Acceptance—“occurs when we are ready to let go. It comes when we are fully aware of and honest about the past and have made peace with it.” TA pg 120
Define forgiveness.
“The definition we use is to cease to feel resentment for, as to forgive an offense; to renounce anger; to grant pardon without harbouring resentment.” TA pg 122
“Forgiveness is a process rather than a one-time event, and the resentment and anger may recede only with time.” TA pg127
“Forgiveness is release.” TA pg125
What is resentment?
“Resentment turns our hopes and desires into demands, and perpetuates those expectations and demands in circumstances where it is not appropriate. Binding our present relationships to the unresolved emotions of the past holds us and the other person prisoner, keeps us the victim and obstructs the possibility of genuine love and intimacy.” TA pg124
Why do we hesitate to forgive another person?
"We may think that fogiveness implies we are condoning the behavior of the offender. Or we may fear that we’re saying what happened was really not so bad… We may hesitate to forgive because we think that forgiveness necessarily requires reconciliation…”TA pg 126
What are the four steps to forgiveness?
1.) We begin by agreeing with God.
2.) We choose to forgive.
3.) We do it.
4.) We act out forgiveness and our emotions may follow.
How can we take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ?
1.) We can write down our feelings.
2.) We can pray about our feelings.
3.) We can picture ourselves experiencing our feelings cradled in Jesus’ loving embrace. TA pg133
Heavenly Father, I lift up in prayer those who have experienced deep hurts and wounds in their lifetime. We know that the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express (Romans 8:26). I pray you would bring forgiveness, healing, and restoration to their lives. I pray they would be able to see that all things work together for the good of those who love you (Romans 8:28).
I ask that you would continue convicting me of my sin. Please give me a tender heart to your leading and to your holy spirit's nudging. Help me be quick to forgive. Please help me also be mindful of each thought that enters my head. I pray that my thinking would be surrendered to You. Thank you for your forgiveness, mercy and grace. In Jesus name, amen.
"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'"
Another one was Mark 11:25.
"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
And lastly the one that has been on my mind and heart often is 2 Corinthians 10:5.
"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
I feel God is talking to me about forgiveness a lot lately! I have been reading another book called "The Power of a Postive Wife" by Karol Ladd and once again teaching on forgiveness was taught.....on a particular day when I was having trouble forgiving Jon! Go figure! I'm thankful that God showed me my sin because our marriage relationship was needing a good dose of forgiveness and right relationship was restored as a result:-) Thank you, Lord!
I have felt convicted of the many times my thoughts are dark and mucky and sinful. Oh how I need to take captive every thought for Christ. The problem is that once the thought enters my mind it often gets spoken out loud and another sin gets committed as I gossip/slander or simply am not shining for Christ by letting my conversation always be filled with grace (Col. 4:6). So, I'm working on this one... I have to be on guard and prayerful against that little seed of negativity that creeps into my thoughts.
TA chapter 7 was a pretty heavy duty one! For many people this must be a very tough read. As I read some of the stories of individuals who walked through such deep waters my heart just ached and tears came to my eyes. I pray for each person who has to go through this pain. Here goes a quick summary of the pretty weight things things touched on in TA chapter 7.
What are the stages of the grieving process?
1.) Denial—“denied reality of our painful past” TA pg 118
2.) Anger—“While it is legitimate and necessary to experience the anger in the present, the goal is not revenge or abuse of self or another. The goal is to sweep your house clean, to purify your heart so that new life can dwell within you.” TA pg 119
3.) Bargaining
4.) Depression—“During this stage you may experience the full measure of the loss of food as a friend… As you feel permission to grieve this loss, you may be assured that this is a sign of health, a sign that you are releasing something you have coveted or have clung to—your old eating habits and your image of yourself and your world.” TA pg 119
5.) Acceptance—“occurs when we are ready to let go. It comes when we are fully aware of and honest about the past and have made peace with it.” TA pg 120
Define forgiveness.
“The definition we use is to cease to feel resentment for, as to forgive an offense; to renounce anger; to grant pardon without harbouring resentment.” TA pg 122
“Forgiveness is a process rather than a one-time event, and the resentment and anger may recede only with time.” TA pg127
“Forgiveness is release.” TA pg125
What is resentment?
“Resentment turns our hopes and desires into demands, and perpetuates those expectations and demands in circumstances where it is not appropriate. Binding our present relationships to the unresolved emotions of the past holds us and the other person prisoner, keeps us the victim and obstructs the possibility of genuine love and intimacy.” TA pg124
Why do we hesitate to forgive another person?
"We may think that fogiveness implies we are condoning the behavior of the offender. Or we may fear that we’re saying what happened was really not so bad… We may hesitate to forgive because we think that forgiveness necessarily requires reconciliation…”TA pg 126
What are the four steps to forgiveness?
1.) We begin by agreeing with God.
2.) We choose to forgive.
3.) We do it.
4.) We act out forgiveness and our emotions may follow.
How can we take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ?
1.) We can write down our feelings.
2.) We can pray about our feelings.
3.) We can picture ourselves experiencing our feelings cradled in Jesus’ loving embrace. TA pg133
Heavenly Father, I lift up in prayer those who have experienced deep hurts and wounds in their lifetime. We know that the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express (Romans 8:26). I pray you would bring forgiveness, healing, and restoration to their lives. I pray they would be able to see that all things work together for the good of those who love you (Romans 8:28).
I ask that you would continue convicting me of my sin. Please give me a tender heart to your leading and to your holy spirit's nudging. Help me be quick to forgive. Please help me also be mindful of each thought that enters my head. I pray that my thinking would be surrendered to You. Thank you for your forgiveness, mercy and grace. In Jesus name, amen.
Thursday update
On Sunday I wrote...
Pizza lunch at school. I just need to make sure I'm hungry for that meal. Anytime I have to be hungry for a pre-set time I find it a little more challenging I guess. Then in the evening I'm out for coffee with a friend. Once again I will need to be alert and intentional.
I wasn't hungry for breakfast and also wasn't quite at "0" when it was time to eat lunch at school. However, I joined my kids for the pizza lunch, eating with them. I ate a very moderate amount.
I was so pleasantly surprised to be hungry by 3:30pm! My heart said a quick "thanks" to God! And I opted to just eat my supper at that point, as we were not having a big family dinner that night, but rather just a little of this and that.
In the evening I went out with my friend for coffee and just opted to have a peppermint tea (no cream/sugar). It felt so good to finally be back on track and making good choices.
Today (Friday) has been a back on-track day, praise God! I have been depending on the Lord and really calling out to Him. I was even able to choose to make healthier whole-body pleaser choices so far today, which has felt great!
Well, that's my quick update from my "planning for trials" post a couple days ago.
Thank you Lord.
Pizza lunch at school. I just need to make sure I'm hungry for that meal. Anytime I have to be hungry for a pre-set time I find it a little more challenging I guess. Then in the evening I'm out for coffee with a friend. Once again I will need to be alert and intentional.
I wasn't hungry for breakfast and also wasn't quite at "0" when it was time to eat lunch at school. However, I joined my kids for the pizza lunch, eating with them. I ate a very moderate amount.
I was so pleasantly surprised to be hungry by 3:30pm! My heart said a quick "thanks" to God! And I opted to just eat my supper at that point, as we were not having a big family dinner that night, but rather just a little of this and that.
In the evening I went out with my friend for coffee and just opted to have a peppermint tea (no cream/sugar). It felt so good to finally be back on track and making good choices.
Today (Friday) has been a back on-track day, praise God! I have been depending on the Lord and really calling out to Him. I was even able to choose to make healthier whole-body pleaser choices so far today, which has felt great!
Well, that's my quick update from my "planning for trials" post a couple days ago.
Thank you Lord.
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