Another One of Those Moments

Welcome!

I know I've talked about those serendipity moments before, but I just seem to keep having them and I feel so blessed. They make me smile and feel like God is close.

This morning I thought that today was the day to take that first step...again. Like they say, "Everyday is a new day to begin again." I wasn't liking my diet routine. This may sound funny, but it was making food feel like it was too much up in my face. It was all I thought about when it was the last thing I wanted to think about. I don't want to think about food that much. I don't want track it. I don't want to weigh it. I just want to eat healthy, lose the weight I need to lose and be done with it. I know how to lose weight. I want to do my plan, not someone else's.

So, I'm on a new journey. It's almost a new month. This one's goals are over. Time to start new ones. I love this month by month goals instead those new year's resolutions, like I talked about the first of the year. This is so much better!

February's goals:
1. Continue to lose weight
2. Continue to exercise
3. Continue to study
4. Send a card to friend

My serendipity moment this morning was getting a quote in an email by Henry Ford.

     Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently."

Although I really don't feel like a failure, since I lost 5 pounds, it was more about the starting again part that made me smile. And doing it more intelligently. :)

I loved this spot by a lake we camped near a couple of years ago. Such a great place to sit and commune with God.

Gratitude:
1. Lakes to camp near
2. New beginnings
3. Sun on a crisp winter morning

Blessings,
Deborah

Ephesians 3:16
I pray out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being.

One Step at a Time

Good morning!

I made it through yesterday and today looks a little brighter.

I began 2020 with some old left-over goals and made some new ones. I like the new idea of making goals for one month at a time instead of for the whole year. Very few of us achieve the goals we make for the whole year and this just seems a better way. I don't like feeling like a failure. None of us need those extra burdens. Life throws enough of them at us; we don't need to pile more on ourselves.

One old goal I carried through to 2020 is to take off the rest of the weight I wanted to lose last year. I managed to take off 25lbs., put 10lbs. back on and now, since the 1st, I've taken 5 of those back off. Yay, me! I want to lose a total of 20lbs. this year. When I reach that goal I will see if I need to lose more. I'm sticking with Weight Watchers, as that diet works for me. I am riding my exercise bicycle 3x a day for 30 minutes each time. I love to read a good novel while I'm pedaling and that seems to make the time fly. I got discouraged yesterday, thinking I was working so hard and the weight wasn't coming off as fast I'd like it to. That was part of the funk yesterday, too. Then this morning as I was reading Psalm 18 and then my devotional, "Jesus Calling," both gave me the same message. It says in

 Psalm 18:33 He makes my feet like hinds' feet, And sets me upon my high places.

Then in "Jesus Calling," today I read in

Habkkuk 3:19 The Lord is my strength, And He has made my feet like hinds' feet, And makes me walk on my high places. 

Don't you love those serendipitous moments when you get gobsmacked with an answer?!! In "Jesus Calling," I also read we have to walk the path with Him and not try to run to the high places alone. I'm not going to wake up tomorrow 20lbs lighter. I have to take each step each day to get there. I have to do the work, slog through the deep water, climb step by step up my mountain of weight loss with Him cheering me on! And He is.

I can do this!
I'm also doing a 45 day sugar fast. I'm sailing through this one. I've got this!

Blessing, Deborah

Psalm 18:36
You enlarge my steps under me,
And my feet have not slipped.

More Thoughts on Grief

Welcome and blessings.

I've been absent lately.
And absent minded.
I'm having trouble focusing for long.
I'm still crying at any given moment.
Hiding in my room so no one knows.
Trying to smile and be social when all I really want to be is alone.

I have a jury summons this week. I'm one of the few people who actually don't mind serving. I find it all very interesting, but I don't think I would be very good at it right now. The focusing and tracking thing could be a problem. I may ask to be excused. I feel bad about that, but hey, my mom died. And two other people I loved and my beloved cat. Can I please be excused? Give me 6 months and I'll gladly come back and serve. Of course, what would really be nice is if I call the night before and it has been cancelled. That would be the best thing to happen. I'm praying for that outcome.

We've had company this past week It has been wonderful to have a full house to cook for. People to talk to and share stories with. It has been a nice diversion. That doesn't mean I haven't gone off and cried a couple of times, but they have been so understanding. They are leaving tomorrow and I will miss them. A lot. Safe travels home, dear family.

This week I promised myself to get back on track in the losing weight department. More on that subject later.

I would like to say thank you on this Memorial Day to all who have served, are now serving and especially to those soldiers who laid down their lives for my freedom. There really are no words to express my deep gratitude to all of you. God Bless you all.

(Photo found on Google images. No credit given to photographer.)

Gratitude
1. Soldiers and Veterans
2. Family and friends
3. Holidays

Blessings,
Deborah

Weight Loss Bible Study - Me Again

Welcome and blessings!

Here I am again...the yo-yo queen.
I know how to do this so well.
Scale down. Scale up.
Down. Up.
Up. Down.
Trying so hard to stop the madness and
failing miserably.
I went down 2lbs this week and now the scale this morning says I'm back up 4lbs.
A total gain of 2lbs. for the week from last week.
What. The. Heck?!!

Cruising through Pinterest I found this article that I thought you might like to read.
http://motivateddays.com/the-spiritual-battle-to-lose-weight/

I also found this one on Barb's blog, "10 Lies, 10 Verses."
https://barbraveling.com/2013/09/29/weight-loss-bible-verses-10-lies-10-verses/#comment-1074425027

I'm going to pull out "Taste for Truth," and read some chapters again.
Get my Bible verse cards out, too.
And do a lot of praying.
Restore my mind.
State my truth.
Restate my boundaries.
Get back on the bike.
At least I'm not starting completely over.
*sigh*

How are you doing?
Have any suggestions?
Help!!

Gratitude
1. Bloggers who understand about how hard this is.
2. Knowing I'm not a failure
3. Accountability partners

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 - Check in

ATTENTION: Before I start talking about the Weight Loss Bible Study and wanted to let you know I will be revamping this blog. It has looked the same since I started and I think it is time for a facelift. :)
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Weight Loss Bible Study

I'm sorry I haven't checked in more recently, but I had to leave town for a couple of weeks and help care for my ill Mother. Thank you for your prayers for her. She is doing much better. 

How is everyone doing in the weight loss department?

Being away for so long, I kind of slipped up and put some weight back on. I am happy to share that I am back where I was and working on losing more to reach my goal. 

I have been reaching for my memory verse cards when I need them and seems to really help.

Just to refresh your memory, these are the memory cards I made that Barb Raveling had suggested.

If you are having trouble staying on track, here are some verses from Barb's blog that might help you with procrastination.
https://barbraveling.com/2013/11/04/45-bible-verses-for-procrastination-2/

And here is a great article on stress. I don't think anyone can avoid feeling that way at any given time.
https://barbraveling.com/2012/06/18/seven-questions-that-will-help-you-let-go-of-stress/

I hope your weight loss journey is going well for you.
We all are human and life gets tough sometimes.
Remember to:
Renew your mind.
State your truth.
Stay in your boundaries.

If you have forgotten what those topics are you can always go back to Barb's blog and reread the articles. Just click on one of the links above and do a search for any of those topics.

Gratitude
1. The ability to always start over. It is never too late.
2. A God who forgives our failures if we ask Him.
3. Spring is near!

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

Blessings,
Deborah

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

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