Weight Loss Bible Study - Check In

Welcome and Good Morning!

How is everyone doing?
Are you staying on track or have you been derailed by anything?
Are you renewing your minds? (I'm finding this very helpful.)
How about those boundaries? Are they giving you any trouble?

Today was my second weigh in day with Weight Watchers and I have lost 5 pounds with them so far.
Add to that the 2 pounds I had lost before I started with them on the 15th and I have a total loss of 7 pounds for this month!
I am very proud of myself.
I owe a large portion of my success to Barb's Weight Loss Bible Study.
It has really given me a whole new mind set that has stayed with me.
I have also been exercising daily on my exercise bike, logging in four 10 minute sessions each day.
Both the diet and exercise are helping my blood sugar levels to come down and that is a BIG plus for me along with the weight loss.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse that has helped you?
Mine has been:
Hebrews 13:5
I will in no way leave you,
neither will I in any way
forsake you.

I now have two accountability partners, my sister-in-law and my niece, who I couldn't do this without. Having someone to talk to when you hit a bump in the road is invaluable. If you don't have one, I suggest strongly to get one.
I offer to be yours if you can't find anyone.

Here are a couple of links to Barb's blog.
Earlier in the month she talked about keeping a journal.
Here is the link on how to get started with one.
https://barbraveling.com/2014/03/09/how-to-truth-journal/

Here is one on how to set boundaries if you are having trouble in this area.
https://barbraveling.com/2012/04/18/boundaries/

I'm always here for you and only a comment away if you need help.

Gratitude
1. Accountability partners
2. Losing weight
3. Bible verses

Blessings,
Deborah

Prayers Needed

Welcome and thanks for stopping by.

I am asking for prayers for my mother who was hospitalized last night with pneumonia. She is 85 years old, a dialysis patient and suffers from other health issues as well.

This is mama a year ago on her birthday. Her name is Hazel and she just celebrated her birthday on Tuesday. She is a trooper and has beat illness many times. We pray she has the strength to do it again. She has a strong faith that has seen her through many battles. She has been on dialysis for 9 years! I will say it again...she is a trooper and a walking miracle. 

All prayers are much appreciated.

Gratitude

1. My mother, Hazel

2. Family

3. God's mercy

Hebrews 13:5

I will in no way leave you,

neither will I in anyway

forsake you.

Blessings,

Deborah

Every Day is Women's Day!

Welcome and blessings.

In my little corner of the world, every day is Women's Day.
Celebrate yourself today and go read Ann Voscamp's article.
http://annvoskamp.com/2017/03/how-god-really-feels-about-women-on-international-women-day/

Ann is one of my favorite Christian's writers of our time. If you don't know Ann yet, treat yourself and go to the above link and be amazed.
I believe she is a prophet in our time to light the way.
She also has a Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/AnnVoskamp/?hc_ref=ARQkpIOtjCbZiw7ypuUsdgWYGOMDNtoymHx2HiM--UT3vaFjis-rdTXC-gCx7BEcSTg&fref=nf

She has an article today on her FB page that touched my heart on this same subject.
So beautifully said.

Picture from Ann's blog.

Gratitude
1. Ann Voscamp
2. A new day for new hope
3. Women everywhere

Blessings,
Deborah

Book Review - A Walk With Heavenly Spirits

Here is a link to my sister's latest book,
"A Walk With Heavenly Spirits."

It is Christian fiction. 

I have started reading it and I'm hooked. *smiles*

https://www.amazon.com/Walk-Heavenly-Spirits-J-Grace-ebook/dp/B078WQVHR3/ref=cm_sw_em_r_dp_dz_v_U_7ipyAbW38JE2N_lm

Blessings,

Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 22

Welcome to my last day of posting the Weight Loss Bible Study.

I want to thank all of you for coming on this journey with me. I will continue to check in once a week or so and report how I'm doing. So far, I'm doing really well on Weight Watchers and with my exercise. Yesterday, I rode my exercise bike 5 times during the day!! YAY, me! This WLBS has helped me achieve a whole new mindset.
Remember to:
Renew your minds daily.
Stay in your boundaries.
State your truth.
Don't give up!!!!
If you need anything in between when I report again, just leave a comment and I will try to help you the best way I can.
Good luck and may God Bless your journey to a successful weight loss.

Here are the link's, once again, to Barb's two books and blogs.

Weight Loss Bible Study - blog
https://barbraveling.com/weight-loss-bible-study/

I Deserve a Donut - blog
http://www.ideserveadonut.com/

Her book, "Taste for Truth"
https://www.amazon.com/Taste-Truth-Weight-Bible-Study/dp/0980224314/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467823884&sr=8-1&keywords=taste+for+truth

Her book, "I Deserve a Donut"
https://www.amazon.com/Deserve-Donut-Other-Lies-That/dp/0980224306/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=2RT4J4BTGC73HFR39TMP

Gratitude
1. Barb's Weight Loss Bible Study
2. Support of family and friends
4. God's Word to inspire

Jeremiah 29:11-13
"For I know the plans I have for you,"
declares the Lord,
"plans to prosper you and not harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future..."
"You will seek Me and find Me
when you seek Me
with all you heart."

Blessings,
Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 21

Welcome to Day 21- I. NEED. CHOCOLATE.

Barb's Blog - "6 Things I Learned About Pursing Goals"
https://barbraveling.com/2016/01/08/6-things-learned-pursuing-goals/

I Deserve a Donut - "New Year's Resolutions"
http://www.ideserveadonut.com/2008/12/new-years-resolutions.html

"Taste for Truth," - I. NEED. CHOCOLATE.

Chocolate is usually the thing I crave the most, but I am past that two week mark for not eating sugar and I don't really crave it anymore. Sometimes, it goes through my mind in the grocery store as I pass by it at the check out stand, but I haven't reached for one yet. Don't really want to.

Barb talks about emotional eating, something I have big trouble with. We learn at a young age that food is comforting. But we now know we have tools in this study and on her blogs to unlearn that childhood lies. We are learning to exchange the lies for truth and we are relying on God to be our comfort and strength.

Bible Study
She has a great study on when we have trials and how to go to the Bible for help.
Hebrews 12:1-15
James 1:2-4
Romans 5:3-5
"What do you think God wants to teach you through this trial that you're going through?"

Gratitude

1. God's grace

2. God's mercy

3. God's patience

Jeremiah 29:11-13

"For I know the plans I have for you,"

declares the Lord,

"plans to prosper you and not harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future..."

"You will seek Me and find Me

when you seek Me

with all your heart."

Blessings, 

Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 20

Welcome to Day 20 - How Are You Doing?

Barb's Blog=Renewing of the Mind Tools
https://barbraveling.com/renewing-of-the-mind-tools/

I Deserve a Donut - "Three Steps to the Disciplined Life...NOT!!!
http://www.ideserveadonut.com/2011/12/three-steps-to-disciplined-life.html

"Taste for Truth," How Are You Doing?

How are you doing?
Is it time to:
Regroup?
Evaluate?
Renew your mind?
Anything need to change?

Barb asks us some questions today. Let's look at a couple of them.
2. What time of day are you most likely to break your boundaries?
     Late afternoon.
3. Why do you think you often break your boundaries at that time?
    I eat lunch between 11-11:30am (I'm an early riser) and dinner at 6pm. That's a long time in between meals.  I always snack in the late afternoon, but I haven't broken my boundaries yet!!

She gives great suggestions on how to stay in your boundaries in this chapter.
Assignment
   Try not to eat even one bite outside of your boundaries today.

Gratitude

1. Boundaries

2. Bible verses

4. You, my friend for being on this journey with me!

Blessings,

Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 19

Welcome to Day 19 - Is Overeating a Sin? Part 2

Barb's blog - How to Break a Habit
https://barbraveling.com/breaking-free-from-sins-and-bad-habits/

I Deserve a Donut - "Romans 12:2 and Emotional Eating"
http://www.ideserveadonut.com/2009/01/romans-122-and-emotional-eating.html

I Deserve a Donut - Working on Your Emotions
http://www.ideserveadonut.com/search?q=greed

"Taste for Truth," Is Overeating a Sin? Part 2

The second and third questions:
1. Are you lusting after food?
Lust = intense desire.
"It's not a, "Yes this great, but I can take it or leave it" feeling. It's an all out "I have to have it!" sensation."
"Lust distracts us. It shouts "God is not enough!"
(oh, that's not good)
"When we answer its voice, we never get enough to fill us up (Jeremiah 2:14). Our souls are in a constant state of turmoil (1Peter 2:11). Because we were created to worship God, He is the only One who can satisfy us."
For those hard days:
Read your Bible Verses
Renew your mind.
State your truth.

2. Are you willing to set boundaries, if necessary?
"..an unwillingness to set boundaries could be a sign that we're not willing to give everything up [for God]."

Gratitude

1. A willing heart

2. Boundaries

3. More rain!

2Corinthians 3:5

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves,

but our competence comes from God.

Blessings,

Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 18

Welcome to Day 18 - Is Overeating a Sin? Part 1

Barb's Blog "Taste for Truth," Christian Weight Loss Podcasts
https://barbraveling.com/christian-weight-loss-podcast/

I Deserve a Donut - Ever Feel Like Rebelling?"
http://www.ideserveadonut.com/2011/11/wouldnt-you-be-happier-if-you-had.html

"Taste for Truth," Is Overeating a Sin? Part 1
Barb asks us the question of whether we think overeating is a sin?
She has come up with three questions. The first one she gives us today.
"Are you turning to food to cope with life?"
If we are turning to food instead of God we might need to look at that. "Turning to food can become dangerous if we are drowning our sorrows in ice cream."
"Why?" she asks.
"Because we're developing the a habit of going to food for help with life's problems. Not only is that unwise - since food can't solve our problems - but it also puts us at risk for making an idol of food."

That never occurred to me.
"Making an idol of food."
Something here to think about.

Bible Study
3. ...According to the following verses, what will God do for us if we go to Him for help with our problems?
Psalm 46:1-2
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into
the heart of the sea.

Hebrews 12:7-11
Galatians 5:16,22-23

Assignment
Go to God for help instead of food.

Gratitude
1. A true God who helps when we ask
2. Calming music
3. Calming friends

Hebrews 13:5
I will in no way leave you,
neither will I in any way
forsake you.

Blessings,
Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 17

Welcome to Day 17 - I Will Never Change

Just a reminder that I will be linking posts from both of Barb's blogs to help us along the way for the next 5 days, instead of doing a review of WLBS and Taste for Truth. I gave a little review of Taste for Truth's chapter today of what really spoke to me.
So far I'm loving Weight Watchers. *smiles*
Keep up the good work!

Barb's blog link for "Start a Habit"
https://barbraveling.com/breaking-free-from-sins-and-bad-habits/starting-good-habits/

I Deserve a Donut... "Not Even One Bite"
www.ideserveadonut.com/2009/01/not-even-one-bite.html

"Taste for Truth" I Will Never Change"
Read the Chapter
Bible Study
2. What is your goal with this study?
    For me, it is to break old habits, exchange the lies for truth and finally lose weight.

Bible verses
2Kings 5:1-15
Romans 12:2
John 15:4-5

Assignment
Have a little visit with God about your food issues and your experiences with renewing of the mind. As you're visiting with Him, remember that He loves you and wants to help you.

Gratitude
1. Weight Watchers and other diets that help us
2. My SIL
3. My support team

Hebrews 13:5
I will in no way leave you,
neither will I in any way
forsake you.

Blessings,
Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 16

Welcome to Day 16- How to Choose Weight Loss Boundaries (and lies that make us change them so often)

I joined Weight Watchers yesterday and my first day begins today. I did Weight Watchers for a short time, Jan. - Mar. 2017 and lost some weight that I put back on over the course of last year. I didn't stick with it, so I'm trying again. I like the tools they offer and I'm doing it on-line since there are no meetings close to me. I have a different mind set with Barb's study and feel stronger this year. My SIL and I are doing this together, so I also have an accountability partner. With this study I think I can make this time.
No.
I WILL make it this time!

Go ahead and the read the blog post for today.
Oh, the lies we tell ourselves....
https://barbraveling.com/2017/11/08/how-to-choose-weight-loss-boundaries/

"Taste for Truth" - I Might As Well Eat

Barb talks about failure eating and breaking our boundaries. Even one bite is failure eating and breaking our boundaries.
She tells us to reach for those Bible verses we've learned instead of that one bite.
Renew your mind
Read those Bible verses
Keep your boundaries
State your truth
BEFORE you take that one bite!!

Bible Study
1. Read Luke 4:1-13
It is wonderful that we have the Bible to see how Jesus was tempted and how he handled it. It wasn't easy for Him Barb tells us. Angels came to minister to Him when it was over!
She also tells us that we can and should pull out those Bible verses we've learned and use them today and everyday when we are tempted. Memorize one that really speaks to you and use it daily as your weapon against temptation. State that truth!

Gratitude

1. All of you for joining me in this journey

2. Bible verses to help us battle the temptations

3. A God who truly loves us and wants us to succeed 

Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything,

but in every situation,

by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.

Blessings,

Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 15

Welcome to Day 15 - Social Eating

Just a heads up. Tomorrow will be my last day to post here daily on WLBS. Barb's blog goes through day 16, but the book covers through day 30. For day 17-21, I will be posting links to both her blogs to help us keep going. I committed to 21 days here on this topic. I have begun an Inductive Bible Study Class that is taking way more of my time than I expected in study time. It is something I have wanted to learn for quite some time and don't want to fail. I'm sure I will probably share my experiences with you at some point. After the 21 days I will check in once or twice a week to see how we are all doing. If you need something specific addressed in the tips links, just leave me a comment and I will do my best to research and find some helpful ideas for you. Don't be shy in asking. We are in this together and I want to help all I can. We can continue to hold each other up in prayer, too.

Speaking of those pesky headlines that lie and make promises of quick weight loss and how fun and easy it is...we need to stop believing them. There is no quick, fun and easy way to lose weight. Believe me, if there was I would have done it years ago. It is hard work, but we can do this! I believe in you. More importantly...God believes you.

"Taste for Truth," A Renewing of the Mind Challenge

"The sooner we get this lie out of our heads (she is talking about the headlines) the better. We are transformed by the renewing of the mind. Not by boundaries. And it's not easy to develop a renewing-of-the-mind habit."
(me: Don't I know this!)
"Nothing is better than sweet fellowship with God."
The six tips to help develop a renewing-of-the-mind habit:
1. "Make a plan."
2. "Renew your mind at the same time every day."
3. "Get your ducks in a row."
4. "Remember that you have an enemy."
5. "Get an accountability partner."
6. "Renew your mind about the renewing of the mind.
Barb gives details on how to do all of these in the book.

Bible Study
3. According to the following Bible verses, why does God want you to spend time with Him each day?
Isaiah 62:4-5 No loner will they call you Deserted, or name your land Desolate. But you will be called Hephzibah and your land Beulah, for the Lord will take delight in you, and your land will be married. As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.
   (By reading His word daily we can rejoice and remember we are not alone and  He loves us.)
Jeremiah 29:13
Jeremiah 31:3-4
John 15:4
Romans 12:2
Galatians 5:16
Hebrews 12:11
She asks us to take on one of several Renewing of the Mind Challenges. Choose which one you would like to do.

Social Eating Blog Post
Let's go to Barb's blog and she what she has to say today.
https://barbraveling.com/2012/07/13/weight-loss-bible-study-day-15-social-eating/

I love her explanation of "The Fairness Line."
Really helps to put things in perspective, doesn't it?
"We believe the lies that make us eat, because the culture spoon feeds us those lies from birth.
(me: Not only culture, but families, too.)
Renew our minds.
Break free from the lies.
Make new habits.

Social Eating Bible Study
1. Read Philippians 2:4.
...not looking out for your own interests,
but each of you to the interests of others.
~~~~~
What would you be concerned with if you were looking out for you own interests at a potluck?
   I wouldn't want to hurt anyone's feelings by not taking something they made. I would look for the healthy dishes, skip the desserts and explain I was on a diet. Everyone understands when someone is dieting.
Answer the rest on your own. Great questions here, as usual.

Gratitude

1. Understanding friends

2. Being strong to my new habits in any situation

3. Time spent in God's word

Ephesians 1:6

I have not stopped giving thanks for you,

remembering you in my prayers.

If you need prayer for this journey or any reason, leave me a comment and I will add you to my prayer list. 

Blessings,

Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 14

Welcome to Day 14 - Bad Scale Eating

I DID IT!! I lost that other pound. Yay, me!
Now I have promised myself not to get on the scale for another week. No more daily readings. It really doesn't give you an accurate picture of what is going on anyway. Too many variables each day.

Do you get frustrated when the scales doesn't move and you've worked so hard to stay in your boundaries and exercised? It is frustrating, but don't give up. I didn't and it paid off.
Keep going.
Don't lose faith.
Read your Bible verses.
God is here to help us.

https://barbraveling.com/2012/07/12/weight-loss-bible-study-day-14-bad-scale-eating/
Lots to learn on the blog today. I'll let you do it alone this time.

"Taste for Truth"
The Renovation of the Mind Day 14

How do we renew our mind?
"It's kind of like home improvement."
1. "You don't know what you're getting into."
2. "You uncover problems you didn't know you had."
3. "You have to make multiple calls to the Carpenter."
4. "It usually takes longer than you planned."
"In the end it looks great and you wonder why you didn't do it years ago."
She talks about old self/new self, old lies/truth, cultural perspective/Biblical perspective, what you learned growing up/what you learned in the Bible.
"One of the lies you learned growing up is that food will make you feel better."
My grandmother used to bake a chocolate cake to make you feel better. She was just being nice. She didn't realize I was learning that "Eating makes me feel better" or "Food is the answer to all life's problems." We have to unlearn this by renewing our minds by staying in our boundaries.
"Take off the lies and put on the truth."
Barb's other blog "I Deserve a Donut and Other Lies" has some great tools to help us do this.
http://www.ideserveadonut.com/

Bible Study:
1. Think of the family you grew up in. What did they believe about life, food, appearances?
List as many things as you can.
    Parents and grandparents were overweight
    Father was a chef and Greek (they like to feed people)
    Grandmother loved to cook/bake and feed people
    They all loved to entertain and food was the center of it all

6. Read Ephesians 4:22-24
That in reference to your former manner of life,
you lay aside the old self,
which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,
and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
and put on the new self,
which in the likeness of God
has been created in righteousness
and holiness of the truth.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Wow. It's all there for us, eh?)
 a. Think specifically of your goal of breaking free form the control of food. What three things does the passage tell you to do if you want to be transformed?
  1. Lay aside the old self
  2. Renew in the spirit of your mind
  3. Put on the new self

I encourage you answer b-g and complete the assignment of the day.

Gratitude

1. A chance to renew my mind

2. The ability to unlearn the old lies

3. Creating a new self

Blessings,

Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 13

Welcome to Day 13 - Good Food Eating

I'm stuck. Already. The scale won't move.
Time to re-evaluate. I CAN do this. And I know the scale will go down if I just stick with this.

From Barb's Blog"
Good food = Yummy food Go read today's post.
https://barbraveling.com/2012/07/11/weight-loss-bible-study-day-13-good-food-eating/

I like her idea of rating bites of yummy food from 1 to 10.
First bite = 10
Last bite = ?
So when do you stop eating? 5, 4, 6? How about 9. Do we really need to go beyond that?
"The trick is to find just the right amount of food for maximum enjoyment with minimum consequences."
I think this is a great tool and I'm going to try it!

The "More is Better" Bible Study
1. What do we have to be careful of when we really love or want something (like food)?
1Corinthians 6:12 "I have the right to do anything," you say - but not everything is beneficial...."
Jeremiah 2:11-13
Philippians 3:18-20

Good Food Eating Questions
6. Are boundaries easy to follow or do you usually have to give up something to follow them?
    No, they are not for me. I had to give up sugar completely or would have failed in the "sweet" department. I usually can't stop at one cookie per day.

"Taste for Truth"
I wrote my opening paragraph today before I read today's chapter, "When the Scale Doesn't Move." It happened to me yesterday, too. Do you think God is at work here? *smiles*
Barb says, "What I want is a miracle. A nice, steep, diagonal line on a weight loss graph, always heading down in a nice, orderly fashion." (Me, too!) "What is up with the flat line - or even worse- those weeks when the scale goes up?"
   1. It's probably water weight. (I have a serious problem with this myself)
   2. The body is taking a little break before a big leap the following week. (I can only hope!)
Whenever we have unrealistic expectations about weight loss it can cause feeling of frustration and rebellion. We need to put on our amour of God (read those Bible verses) and be tough on ourselves.
WE CAN DO THIS!!
Keep up a good attitude.
Renew Your Mind.
Keep Your Boundaries
State Your Truth

According to the following Bible verses, how should you handle the trial of seeing a high number on the scale?
Romans 5:3-5 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 8:28
Galatians 6:9
Philippians 4:6
Philippians 4:11-13

"If the scale is starting to frustrate you, weigh in less often."
(I think I need to do this. I weigh in every day and it does get frustrating when the scale doesn't move or goes up.)

Gratitude

1. Counselors 

2. Doctors

3. Special "me" time

Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything,

but in every situation

by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.

Blessings,

Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 12

Welcome to Day 12 - Hopeless Eating

From Barb's Blog:
"Have you ever thought, 'I'll never get over this, I'll be struggling with my weight 'til the day I die?'"
(me: raises hand.)
She tells us that it isn't hopeless if we fight the lies with truth.
Go read her blog post for today.
https://barbraveling.com/2012/07/10/weight-loss-bible-study-day-12-hopeless-eating/

Hopeless Eating Bible Study:
Read Luke 4:1-13
1. What did Jesus do every time Satan tempted him?
    He quoted scripture to him.
2. Why do you think He did that?
    For strength, to fight off the temptation and to remind Satan of God's rules.
3. What do the following verses say about Jesus and temptation?
  Hebrews 2:18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
  Hebrews 4:15  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weakness, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet he did not sin.

Hopeless Eating questions
1. How many years have you been struggling with your weight and eating issues?
    Most of my adult life.
2. How many years (or weeks) have you been diligent about applying truth to the lies that are feeding your habit?
   Not until this study began.

"Taste for Truth:"
In today's chapter, "When You're Not Good Enough," Barb tells the story of a daughter who's father is critical of her weight.
Bible Study:
1. Do you have anyone in your life right now who is critical of your weight?
   Yes.
(The rest of question 1 is too personal to answer here.)
2. If you're a child of God through faith, how does He see you and feel about you?
1Samuel 16:7
Isaiah 62:4-5
Jeremiah 31:3-4
Jeremiah 31:20
Zephaniah 3:17
Luke 12:6-7
Romans 3:23
Ephesians 2:8-9
Ephesians 2:10

(I love #5!)
5. Will God still love and accept you if don't lose weight?
Barb answers this for us. ("You better say yes to this one!")
Assignment
Insecurity Bible Verses on her blog:
Get comfy and spend 5 minutes praying the verses above and the Insecurity verses on her blog.
https://barbraveling.com/2012/09/21/insecurity-bible-verses/
As you pray, picture God doing the things He says He'll do in those verses.

Verse Mapping

Today I chose the verse from yesterday that touched my heart so deeply.
John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have troubles.
But take heart!
I have overcome the world."

Click on the picture for a larger view.

Gratitude
1. A God who loves me no matter how I look
2. A God who understands temptations
3. You, my friend

Blessings,
Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 11

Welcome to Day 11 - Losing Weight is Hard Eating

The scale is moving is the right direction again and I only have one pound to be back to my 5lb. loss.
I don't have patience for this. I'm one of those dieters that think I should wake tomorrow and be my goal weight. I want that magic Alice in Wonderland pill or drink! I want that magic Bible verse that will just melt off this fat overnight!
It didn't go on overnight, so why do I feel it should come off overnight? *sigh*
Oh, those lies!
Patience, Grasshopper.
I will NOT give up.

From "Taste for Truth," - Is skinny really necessary?
Barb talks about struggling in high school to make the dance team and as an adult, she has had to unlearn some bad habits and lies she felt through the growing up years.
1. "My worth is not determined by a number on the scale."
2. "Who I am on the inside is more important than who I am on the outside."
3. "I don't have to live up to the expectations of others."
(Amen to #3!)
"God cares more about your character than your appearance."

Bible Study
Do you feel like you have to be skinny? Why or why not?
Not skinny, but I need to lose weight to a be a healthier diabetic. My A1C numbers would be better and easier to control if I lost some weight.
Bible verses to help.
Psalm 27:15
Psalm 46:1-2,7
Romans 8:28
Phil 1:6
5. According to the following Bible verses, what would be a better option than worry?
Matthew 6:33-34
Philippians 4:6-7
Philippians 4:11-13

Let's go to Barb's blog for some "food for thought."
https://barbraveling.com/2012/07/09/following-boundaries-is-hard-eating/

How do feel when you see those headlines she talks about?
For me, they only re-enforce my wanting of the magic pills, drinks and Bible verses.
We want it to be easy!
And when it is not, we want to give up!
BUT, we will NOT give up this time!
Renew your mind.
Keep your boundaries.
State your truth.

"Life Should be Easy" Bible Study.
1. Did God ever say life would be easy?
   No. Bible stories about people were rarely easy.
2. If not, what did it say?
   John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
(Now there is a verse we can hold on to and help us through this!)
I encourage you to answer all the questions under "Life Should be Easy" and "Losing Weight is Hard."

All of the studies so far have been inspiring, but I have to say that today's study was very powerful for me and has left me hopeful and encouraged. Thank you, Barb Raveling!

Gratitude

1. This weight loss Bible study

2. Accountability partners

3. God's word to keep me focused

Re-read John 16:33 above.

I'm going to make another Bible verse card with this one!

Blessings, 

Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 10

Welcome to Day 10 - Emotional Eating

From Barb's blog:
"The telltale sign of emotional eating is that you feel driven to eat. You don't first see a brownie on the counter and want it; you go looking for the brownie, because you need it."

I can so relate to this! Those brownies call to me from the other side of the house and I need it right now! I don't feel like that about other foods. I don't crave carrots or celery, but boy I sure crave chocolate and some cookies. English Tea cookies and most anything lemon. I can hear their little voices calling, "come get me!" lol I laugh, but it really isn't funny. I said in the opening post that I am an emotional eater. Nothing has changed there.

Go read Barb's blog post for today.
Check out the Renew Your Mind tools button at the top of the page.
https://barbraveling.com/?s=weight+loss+bible+study+Day+10

Love those charts under tools! I'm a chart kind of gal.
If you are keeping a journal (and I hope you are), she suggests we write about the emotion and not the food. If we can get rid of the emotion the craving should go away.

Emotional Eating Questions:
3, Will eating make you feel better? If so, for how long?
    Yes, but only for a minute or two.
4. Will eating solve your problems?
    No.
5. Will eating create any new problems? Explain.
    Yes. Then the guilt and condemnation set in.

In "Taste of Truth," the title for Day 10 is "I Deserve a Donut." Barb talks about "one little out-of-the-boundary treat."
Do we deserve them?
Are we entitled to them?
No and No.

Bible Study
Revisit Mark 10:35-45
9. Do you think Jesus understands how hard it is to give up the "good life" of what you want when you want?
  I'm sure He does. He took on human form and experienced many temptations while He was on this earth.
10. How does this make you feel to know He would understand?
   It makes me feel comforted and understood.

Bible Verses for today:
Matthew 4:3-4
Matthew 4:8-9
Matthew 22:36-39
Hebrew 4:15
1John 3:16-18

I'm sharing my Bible Verse cards today. I used washi tape and stickers to embellish them. They are helping me when I read them throughout the day.

Click on picture for a larger view.

Gratitude

1. Creative art

2. A Lord who understands

3. Rain 

Psalm 130:2

Save me, Lord,

from lying lips and

from deceitful tongues.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Save me, Lord especially from telling lies to myself regarding food. Amen)

Blessings, 

Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 9

Welcome to Day 9 - Evaluation

Always a good idea to evaluate during the process to see what is working and what is not. I need to be better about stating my "Renewing of the Mind" on a daily basis, as I've said before. Still struggling with that one.

Let's start out by going right to Barb's blog today.
https://barbraveling.com/2012/07/05/weight-loss-bible-study-day-9-evaluation/

Under her personal evaluation questions I'd like to look at #5 and #8.
5. Do you eat for any of the following emotions?
   I circled boredom, excitement, discontentment, insecurity and added loneliness.
8. On a scale of 1 to 10, how diligent have you been with renewing of your mind.
    I have to say 4. I really need to work harder on this. I'm sure it would really help me.

Other ideas I liked are to write scripture on cards to read throughout the day, (I made 5 of them) and I took challenge #2.

Bible verses from "Taste for Truth," to help today:
Psalm 120:2
2Corinthians 10:3-5
1Thessalonians 5:6
1Thessalonians 5:21

And the homework assignment from "Taste of Truth:"
Be honest about every bite that goes in your mouth today.

Are you saying "I love boundaries!'
If not, go back to Day 6 and answer "I'll start tomorrow" questions.

I made a mistake when I looked up 2Corinthians 10:3:5 and looked up 2Corinthians 3:5 instead.
Tell me if you think it was a God thing or just a typo. I'm feeling God was involved. *smiles*
2Corinthians 3:5
Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves,
but our competence comes from God.

I decided I should Verse Map that one.

I put some fish stickers on the bottom to help me remember to eat more fish. Not that I would eat Koi. lol

Gratitude

1. Reminders

2. Old friends

3. My cat

Hebrews 13:5

I will in no way leave you,

neither will I in any way

forsake you.

Blessings, 

Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 8

Welcome to Day 8 - Holiday/Vacation Eating

I must admit I felt a little discouraged yesterday when the scale went in the wrong direction, but I didn't cheat or go out of my boundaries. Instead...I went for a walk. I felt much better when I got home.

Ha! I just read Day 8 in "Taste for Truth," and Barb talks about discouragement! She talks about how important it is renew our minds daily. (I keep forgetting to do this!)
"...but God can do great things in our lives if we persevere and keep going to Him for help."
(Note to self: remember this!)

Weren't the 6 Stages of Habits great?!!
I liked "Focus on progress, not perfection."
This perfectionist has a hard time with that one.

Scripture to help with our goals:
Proverbs 3:5-6
Jeremiah 29:11-13
Philippians 4:11-13
1Thessalonians 5:16-18

I'll let you read Barb's blog on Holiday/Vacation Eating.
https://barbraveling.com/2012/07/04/weight-loss-bible-study-day-8-holidayvacation-eating/

I think this advice can also prove helpful on days you are out-of-town for the day, at a party or just gathering with a group of friends for any reason.
She tells us to "Focus on the people rather than the food," never go without boundaries and prepare with truth early in the day. She also asks some great questions to ponder.

Bible Study Questions from 'Taste for Truth #5:
Visit with God about your experience with weight loss and where you're at right now.
Write a prayer using Philippians 4:11-13 as your guide. As you write, try to focus on thanksgiving.

Instead of Verse Mapping today I'm going to share my prayer.

Click on the picture for a larger view.

Gratitude
1. Prayers of thanksgiving
2. Inspiration
3. Stamina

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything,
but in every situation,
by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.

Blessings,
Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 7

Welcome to Day 7 - Failure Eating

Food Fact - I like to eat mini bagels for breakfast. Did you know that butter is 11g of fat for ONE Tbsp. and Chive and Onion Cream Cheese is 7g of fat for TWO Tbsps? Let's hear it for cream cheese!!

I've lost weight this week (5lbs), but put back on two as of this morning. I will NOT be discouraged! This happens. Yesterday, I had to leave early to go out of town, so I did not do my exercise routine. Then I sat more that I usually do traveling and I broke my boundaries and had a soda when I had a low blood sugar moment in a store. Bad planning. Has this happened to you? Let's take a deep breath together...and get back on track. We are Princess Warriors and Daughters of the King! We can do this!!

Failure Eating

In "Taste of Truth," Barb talks about more is better. When you are talking about food that is a lie. "When we try to fill ourselves up with things that never fill us up, (food, for example), we're never  satisfied. We are far better off if we fill ourselves up with God," she tell us.

(Me) So when is more better? Exercising, drinking more water, reading more scripture to help us get where we want to be!

Scripture to help us along the way:
Proverbs 23:20-21
Matthew 6:33
1Corinthians 10:31
Colossians 3:2
1John 2:15-17

On Barb's blog, she talks about self-condemnation.
Do you do this if you mess up and go out of your boundaries? I have.
Please go read her blog for Day 7:
https://barbraveling.com/2012/07/03/weight-loss-bible-study-day-7-failure-eating/

I love the part where she realized God could help her change in the area of eating!
Did you look at the Truth Lie charts and Truth Journaling? I bookmarked those for later reading today. Looks very interesting.
I also suggest checking out her other blog "I Deserve a Donut." Good info there, too.
Under the Failure Questions let's look at #2.
2. Since you can't go back and change what you ate today, what do you think God wants you to do now? (multiple answers - I chose #3)
  3. Remember that you are in spiritual battle. Continue to fight the battle with spiritual weapons; know that you'll fail at times. Be extra diligent with your weapons in the next 24 hours so you don't break your boundaries again.

Verse Mapping
Today I chose Matthew 6:33

NIV
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

KJV
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

seek - attempt - strive - request - look for

kingdom - area - domain - realm

righteousness - virtuous - noble - ethical

Commentaries

Elliot's Commentary

"Seek" is referring to prayer in this context.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

There is scarcely any sin against which our Lord Jesus warns his disciples, than disquieting, distracting, distrustful cares about the things of this life.

Nelson's Bible Commentary

This means to desire God's righteous rule on this earth.

I added pictures of the tools we are using to help us study: exercise, scales, Bible study and Barb's book, "Truth of Taste."

Gratitude

1. Tools to help with our goals

2. A sunny winter day

3. Fruit of the Spirit

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you,"

declares the Lord,

"plans to prosper you 

and not harm you,

plans to give you hope

and a future...

You will seek Me

and find Me

when you seek Me

with all your heart."

Blessings,

Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Loss - Day 6

Welcome to Day 6 - Entitlement Eating

Raise your hand if you have ever said to yourself, "I deserve (am entitled) to eat this."
*raises hand*
Another one of the many lies we tell ourselves.
We really do need to be nicer to ourselves.

Before we get into Barb's study I want to talk to you about:
Water.
Are you drinking enough? At least 6 - 8oz per day? I'm trying very hard to do this.
It has been proven it helps with weight loss.
Sometimes people think we only need it in summer when it is hot, but that is not true. Most keep their houses pretty warm in the winter and it is just as important to keep hydrated, especially if you are exercising. My Day Planner has little bottles at the bottom that I am coloring in as I drink them, You can set up any method that will help you remember to Drink Your Water. Many health benefits are involved, too but you already know that. :)

Back to the study.
Have you made your boundaries yet? Barb asks us to do so today if you haven't already. I made mine, have you?  Without boundaries it is harder to stay on track. It's all about boundaries, commitment and sacrifice.

Quote from Taste of Truth:
"One of the reasons we don't like boundaries is we are afraid of failure."

So true. Failure is a scary word and thought. Nobody wants to fail, least of all me! So why do we sometimes set ourselves up to fail? Let's make a commitment to keep our boundaries. Day by day re-commit to them. Today, I WILL keep my boundaries. Pray about it.

These verses will help you accomplish your goals and keep your boundaries.
Romans 13:14
1Corinthians 6:12
1Timothy 4:7
James 4:6
1Peter 1:14-16
Choose one to memorize and call it your own.

Entitlement Eating - Barb's blog
https://barbraveling.com/2012/07/02/weight-loss-bible-study-day-6-entitlement-eating/
Go read Day 6. I'll wait. :)

Barb says, "Give up the whole idea of entitlement."
Really? That's a tough one in the culture we live in today, isn't it? Barb shows us how to do that by getting a biblical perspective. Read Mark 10:35-45 and answer the questions under Bible Study. James and John really didn't know what they were asking, did they?

Entitlement Eating Questions
Let's look at 1, 8 & 9
1. What do you want to eat? Chocolate.
8. What will your life and body look like a few months down the road if you develop the habit of consistently following your boundaries? Thinner and healthier
9. When you think of all you'll gain, will it be worth the sacrifice? Absolutely!!

I'm sorry there is no Verse Mapping and the post is late today.
I was called out of town unexpectedly.

Blessings,
Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 5

Welcome to Day 5!!

Day 5 - "I have to be skinny" eating

With this new year/beginning I have added living intentionally and mindfully to my list of goals. I think it will help me keep focused on my dieting and health as well as other areas of my life.

Intentional living - I will eat healthy and exercise
1. Menu planning
2. Exercise daily

Mindful living -
1. I will eat sitting down and concentrate on eating.
   A. This is important. So many times I eat on the fly and think about other things and I forget that/what I have eaten.

Quote from "Taste of Truth."
"We are lawless and rebellious when it comes to food."
Are you?
I know I am. That's why I need to diet. lol
What does say Paul about rules/laws in 1 Timothy 1:8-9?
"...that the law is not made for the righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious."
That would be me. Lawless and rebellious when it comes to food.
Go read Barb's blog for Day 5.
https://barbraveling.com/2012/06/29/weight-loss-bible-study-day-five-appearance-eating/

I related to "You feel like you have to lose weight. Not just for your health, but for your over all state of acceptability and enjoyment of life."
Bible Study questions
1. Why do you want to lose weight?
  For my health and to feel better about myself
2. Do you feel you have to be skinny to be acceptable?
   Not skinny, but I need to lose weight to feel better about myself.
3. I answered this one privately, but I do have someone in my life who does not like me being overweight. It makes it hard to have a good self-image.

Verse Mapping

1Peter 1:14-16
(NIV)
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.
But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written:
"Be holy, because I am holy."

(KJV)
As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lust in your ignorance:
But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
Because it is written;
"Be ye holy; for I am holy."

obedient - compliant - dutiful - law-abiding - duteous

conform - obey - observe - follow - accept

ignorance - unenlightenment - foolishness - idiocy

holy - sacred - hallowed - saintly - pious

Commentaries

~~Barnes' Notes on the Bible
As obedient children - That is, conduct yourselves as becomes the children of God, by obeying His commands; by submitting to His will; and by manifesting unwavering confidence in Him as your Father at all times.

~~Nelson's Bible Commentary
Believers should not pattern their lives after the desires that control them when they did not know God's ways.

On the left side I added some pictures of cookies and donuts with the partial verse from Psalm 73:26 - God is my portion forever. 

On the right side is a picture of fruit with the words: whole grains, veggies, lean meats. 

Always need the reminder. :) 

Gratitude

1. Supportive friends and family

2. Supportive scripture

3. A sunny day after days and days of fog!!

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you,"

declares the Lord,

"plans to prosper you

and not harm you,

plans to give you hope

and a future...

You will seek Me

and find Me

when you seek Me

with all your heart.

Blessings,

Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 4

Welcome! Glad you're still with me.

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 4 Indulgent Eating

I love to eat.
I didn't get to the point of needing to diet, because I hate food. I like it "too" much! I am an emotional eater, not a stress eater. When I am really stressed I can't eat, but emotional times, oh yeah.
The biggest problem with me is that I am a very emotional person. There lies the rub. I take on other peoples stuff, too. I am very empathic. I also suffer from depression  occasionally. Another trigger for reaching for food. I believe my life is better with boundaries in all areas, but I seem to fail most often in the area of food.

Quote from Barb's book, "Taste for Truth:"

"I'm far happier when I live by design rather than by desire - even when I'm standing at the counter of the Dairy Queen ready to place my order."

I think we all are when we apply our boundaries and commitments.
One thing nice for me living in a small town in the mountains is there are no fast food places.
Heaven only knows what I would look like if there were.
No will power with those places. lol

Please go read Day 4 on Barb's blog:
https://barbraveling.com/?s=weight+loss+bible+study+Day+4

Let's look at question #4 under Bible Study.
If you were to eat "what you want, when you want," 100% of the time, would you be happy?
My first reaction was, "Sure I would!" But then, not really, because I'd be too fat to fit through the door and I'd probably be in the hospital for diabetic complications. I do keep some boundaries. I do stop, but not soon enough. My diabetic brains does stomp on the brakes, but most times not soon enough.

How did you feel about the Indulgence questions?
Barb makes you think, doesn't she?
I don't eat a lot at one sitting, but I eat too much throughout the day. Too many high calorie snacks and not enough healthy ones. I have stocked my fridge with veggies and sliced them up so they are ready to eat. I wanted to make them a quick grab when I am hungry so I wouldn't grab something else out of laziness or low blood sugar moments.

I chose to Verse Map Hebrews 12:11 from the "Taste of Truth," book today.

Verse Mapping

Hebrews 12:11
(NIV)
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained in it.

(KJV)
Now no chastening for the present seemth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterwards it yieldth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

(AMP)
For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems sad and painful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness [right standing with God and a lifestyle and attitude that seeks conformity to God's will and purpose].

righteousness - the quality of being morally right or justifiable.
                          ethical - virtuous - noble

chastening - subdue - humble - deflate - correct

discipline - control - training - direction - order

Commentaries

People's New Testament

It is never pleasant to endure the discipline, but it afterwards benefits by the holier life it insures. In sorrow we naturally cling closer to God.

Nelson's Bible Commentary

The peaceable fruit of righteousness suggests that the result of God's chastening is peace and righteousness. Renew your strength so you can endure the race of faith.

At the bottom of my verse mapping I wrote "believe you can."

If we believe we can lose weight, we are half way there!

Gratitude

1. Menu planning

2. Exercise

3. Being intentional

Jeremiah 29:11-13

"For I know the plans I have for you,"

declares the Lord,

"plans to prosper you

and not harm you, 

plans to give you hope

and a future...

You will seek Me

and find Me

when you seek Me

with all your heart."

Blessings,

Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 3

Welcome to Day 3 of our Weight Loss Bible Study!

Day 3 - Justification Eating

Boy, does this one hit home.
How are you doing?
I miss sugar.
I almost took one bite of my SIL's homemade buttermilk pie last night. BUT, I didn't. :)
When I gave up sugar a couple of years ago it took about 2 weeks and then I didn't want it anymore.
But it was hard at first and when the craving hit, I would read Psalm 73:26 - My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Later, I condensed it down to just, "God is my portion forever," when I felt the cravings hit. It really helped to say that.
I have decided that I am not going to say I will lose a certain amount of weight by a certain date. That just sets me up to fail. I'm going to lose weight. However long it takes, dealing with the set backs and never giving up.

The following are excerpts from Barb's book "Taste for Truth."

I'll start tomorrow.
It will be easier tomorrow.
I'll feel more like sticking to my boundaries tomorrow.
I will stick to my boundaries tomorrow.
TRUTH -
It won't be easier tomorrow and we will never feel like sticking to our boundaries.
Go read Day 3 on Barb's blog. I'll wait.
https://barbraveling.com/?s=weight+loss+bible+study+Day+3

So we don't really mean to break our boundaries, but we tell ourselves little lies. (She gives a list of the lies in the link above.) I've said them all to myself and I bet you may have, too.
Why do we do that to ourselves?! *sigh*

She asks some great questions, doesn't she?
Let's look at #4.
What does the Bible say about this subject?
Romans 13:14 - Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

1Corinthians 10:31 - So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

1Peter 2:11 - Dear friends, I urge you, ....to abstain from sinful desires which wage war against your soul.

Let's hang onto these scriptures and read them throughout the day whenever we feel ourselves wanting to break our boundaries or lie to ourselves.

Verse Mapping 
I chose to VM :
1Corinthians 10:31

NIV
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do,
do it for the glory of God.

KJV
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatever ye do,
do all to the glory of God.

AMP
So then, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do,
do all to the glory of [our great] God.

eat - consume - devour - ingest - food - snacks
drink - swallow - guzzle - imbibe - sip - absorb
whatever - what all - whatnot
glory - praise - honor- worship - exaltation

Commentaries
By Elliot's for English Readers
These words embrace all life. The definite acts of eating and drinking are mentioned expressly as they are the subject immediately under consideration. They are, however, to be regulated by the same principle which guides all true life.
(I love that!)

Forerunner Commentary
In all our activities, our emphasis should be honoring God, rather than ourselves.

Link in case you would like to read more commentaries on this verse.
http://biblehub.com/commentaries/1_corinthians/10-31.htm

Verse mapping in my Faith Journal. When I was working on this, it came over me strongly to add the names of God. I added as many as I could fit at the bottom of page one. I used washi tape to make the star on page two.

Good luck in this journey to weight loss. Please comment below if you are struggling or need prayer for anything.

Gratitude

1. A gracious God to glorify

2. God's mercy

3. God's redeeming Grace

Jeremiah 29:11-13

"For I know the plans I have for you,"

declares the Lord,

"plans to prosper you,

plans to give you hope and a future..

You will seek me and find me

when you seek me with all your heart."

Blessings,

Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 2

Happy New Year and welcome!

We begin our Weight Loss Bible Study today, but before we begin I would like to share some things with you.
I'm not comfortable in my own body. I haven't been for quite some time. It's time to stop the madness.
I stand at 5'2" and I am carrying about 40 extra pounds. I don't like what I see when I sit and look down. My muffin top has grown into a full on bundt cake! As I said in my last post, I am diabetic and that's not good.
Also, whenever I have dieted in the past, sometimes there are set backs. Not always, but sometimes. Maybe the scale doesn't move or it goes up a little or maybe I don't feel well. Let's make a deal that we are going to love ourselves through these set backs and not give up! We will keep our eyes focused on the goal and remember God loves us and is rooting for us, too.  Okay? Okay!
Let's get to it!

Weight Loss Bible Study - Day 2
Careless Eating

How many times have you put something in your mouth and thought, "OMG! This is not on my diet.!"
Yeah, me too.
It's called Careless Eating.
I'm going to remember "My Renewing of the Mind" goal when I get up each morning and before I eat anything.
My goal is to think before I eat anything and meal plan.
It will become my mantra.
I will say it over and over.

Go to Barb's blog and answer the "Careless Eating" questions. I'll wait. Go!
https://barbraveling.com/2012/06/26/1565/

What are the *myths about food?
1. Can we eat anything we want whenever we want? NO!
2. Does taking one bite  "out of our boundaries" hurt us? YES!

Quote from Barb's book "Taste for Truth." Day 2
"..in the back of our minds we're holding out the hope that this Bible study will be the answer to all our problems and we won't have to cut down on our eating. If only that were true."
Question #10 at the end of the chapter:
Do you think God wants you to have boundaries in the area of food? Why or why not?
My answer: I think God does. He gives us boundaries for other areas of our lives so why not food. He wants us to be healthy spiritually as well as physically and overeating does not keep us physically fit.
 Psalm 73:26

My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever.

WE can do this, with God's help and if we help each.
Comment below with any questions or suggestions on what you would like to see here that would help you meet your goals.

Verse Mapping

The scripture verse today is:
1Timothy 4:7 (KJV)
But refuse profane and old wives' fables,
and exercise thyself rather with godliness.

(NIV)
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales;
rather, train yourself to be godly.

myth* - legend - tale - story - fable
train - discipline - control - direction - order
godly - devout - pious - holy- prayerful - spiritual

Commentary by MacLaren's Expositions
"Exercise thyself unto godliness"
Make a business of living your Christianity. Be earnest about it by keeping the crown and the prize often in clear view.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our prize = a thinner us
It also reminds me of the saying that our bodies are God's temples. Do we really want to be putting unhealthy food into them on a regular basis? I also think of God trying to swim through all my fat. Not a pretty picture. *smiles*

My verse mapping in my Faith Journal. 

Okay. I'm off to go do a little exercise and weigh in.

Gratitude

1. A God who loves me

2. God's word to help me

3. Diet help

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)
"For I know the plans
I have for you,"
declares the Lord,
"plans to prosper you
and not harm you,
plans to give you hope
and a future...
You will seek me
and find me
when you seek me
with all your heart."

Blessings, 

Deborah

Intro to Weight Loss Bible Study on this blog:
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