{ Motivated Monday }

I love Food.

I enjoy the taste and the texture.

I can practically taste the food just looking at a picture.

Yes, I know.....

I have a PROBLEM!

The verse in the funny sign above jumped off the page at me Saturday as I sat writing out scripture at the Ladies Retreat I attended with our daughter this weekend.  "A craving for everything we see".   I can usually pass up the perfect pair of shoes or item of clothing but when it comes to sweet, savory, carb-loaded, calorie-packed FOOD.....

well, very often I have trouble saying, "NO"!

About 2 years ago I started on what I called a journey to healthy and I did well and was able to keep off the weight I lost until the last few months. October found me in a state of depression and when I'm depressed I get tired and when I'm tired......

I eat!

We were given free time at the retreat to go off and be alone with God.  I'm not the best at just sitting unless I have a view which I did part of the weekend, but after I sat and prayed and read my Bible and did some writing, I decided to walk and talk with God.  I had no idea the lay of the land, but I knew all the roads and trails would lead back to the main retreat house so I started out on my journey.  The first part was steep.....then leveled out.....then very much down hill.....but then I embarked upon a hill which in my mind looked more like a mountain.  I had no choice but to climb it or turn back and climb back up the hill I had just descended, which was a much longer climb. "Lord, I can do this with your help."  I made it.....but had to stop take a break in the landing at the top and that's when I realized just how out of breath I was.....

and knew I had a problem.

My weight gain isn't enormous.

But, I know myself and know that if I don't get it under control NOW, it will get out of hand.

Yes, I want to look good in my clothes.

Yes, I want to be able to breathe.

Yes, I want to increase my stamina by getting more exercise.

But, the biggest thing is that I've not been honoring God with how I'm eating.

So, reading that verse of scripture and realizing how I haven't been allowing God to guide me like I did two years ago brought conviction to my heart and I knew I had to make a change.

I keep going back in my mind's eye to Saturday and that awesome place God planted me in to breathe in His grace and breathe out His praise.  If I want everything I do to honor Him in the best way I can (which that in itself has to come with His help).....

well, my health and how I eat and take care of this "temple" He gave me is part of that, too!

Today, I'm sharing how I was motivated to begin again with y'all and asking for your encouragement and to ask how I can pray for you in this area of your own life.  We're in this walk of life together and there's nothing wrong with being transparent about our struggles.  Depression and overeating are two of mine and they affect all areas of my health......

physical, emotional, spiritual.

HOPE this has opened your heart to share what your struggles are, too.