You know how so many of us pray for God to give us a focus word each year? Often it's a word that keeps showing up and we pretty much know that's the one. God sent the word "boundaries" into my life several years ago, through an unexpected source. I had asked for some advice from my son-in-love, who is one of the finest Christian men I know (not to mention he's the Daddy to my grands 😍). He told me that I needed to set boundaries and that word has shown up in my life so many times. Another word God spoke to me at the beginning of this year was "discipline". As I pondered on this word I realized just how hand-in-hand it goes with setting boundaries, so both words have been "my words for 2023".
The advice my son-in-law gave me had absolutely nothing to do with food, but that's where my discipline and boundaries seem to require the most work (well, along with too much time looking at my phone, but I digress). I lost a signifigant amount of weight beginning in April of 2022 and it continued during my stay with Mom. I actually felt like I'd maybe lost too much because I was feeling so tired and run down. When I went to the doctor in March of this year for sciatica, I had gained from my last appointment and my doctor told me that I needed to gain. I've NEVER in my 68 years of life had a doctor tell me that I needed to gain weight. My daughter told me recenly that she felt I looked better now. But, here's my reason for this post.....
ACCOUNTABILITY
Not even my doctor nor my precious daughter saying those things to me can justify my addiction to food, especially sugar. I've known this about myself for a very long time. If I take that first bite of anything sweet (actually, any carb, which as we know turns to sugar)....then I'm out of control. Have you read the book Sweet Freedom by Teresa Shields Parker? It talks exactly about the effects sugar has on me, and so many others, including the author of the book. I've gotten back into some of those same old habits that got me into such a terrible shape in the first place....turning to food when I'm stressed and especially when I'm tired (which seems to be most of the time these days....old age?).
Another area I've allowed to slack is my walking. Walking is supposed to be good for sciatica, but sometimes my sciatica kept me from walking so it was a vicious cycle.
But....I decided that because of something that's going on for the next 3 weeks, it's the perfect time to regroup....
through DISCIPLINE and setting BOUNDARIES....
and sharing for the accountability!
Can anybody relate?
(And can we blame it on Eve since she seemed to have started this vicious cycle with food with that bite of the 'forbidden fruit'? Just kidding....kinda! 😊)
Happy Monday, Y'all!
Well, Eve did set things in motion when she allowed that Serpent to beguile her into eating that forbidden fruit...and we've all been dealing with forbidden fruit of one kind or another ever since. Definitely, setting appropriate boundaries in our lives and practicing self-discipline is key to overcoming our tendency to yield to temptation. But I know sometimes we just wanna have fun! LOL. Again, knowing our boundaries and limits helps so much. If we don't feel like we are strong enough to maintain that balance, then we need someone to hold us accountable...a trusted friend or confidante. But all to often that "friend" begins to seem like the enemy when we want to do what we want to do. So for me it is a matter of keeping in close relation with Jesus...daily walking in His Word and spending time alone with Him. When I get out of that rhythm of daily communion with Him, I find myself slipping into the temptation to feel sorry for myself or get negative feelings about others, or just not having any energy to do things like I know I ought to. I appreciate you and your words of wisdom, as well as many of our other blogging friends, who just seem to have the right things to say at the right time to inspire us and help us get back on track. God uses us to hold each other accountable, even when we don't even know each other "personally". Sometimes that's better in the long run anyway. Again, thank you for this post. I appreciate YOU and all that you've shared here. Praying for you my friend.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post Deb, I think it will touch a lot of us. I've lost 28lbs since February, just by getting away from carbs and sugar, which I love dearly. I love pasta, potatoes, candy and pastries and now I don't eat any of them. I may sneak a bite of potatoes or ice cream every once in a while. {{sigh}}. I was raised in a home where there were three meals on the table every day, and my Mother was a fantastic cook, and I learned to eat, and eat, and eat. As a small child and young woman it didn't affect my weight, as I aged it did. Oh No. I still love a good meal, but am learning to eat more healthy.
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed, I can relate!! I started low carbs the first week of April. Yes, I've lost 17 pounds but I have been "cheating" twice a week and could have lost more by now. It is not easy, especially when I seek comfort through carbs. I know it and I still do it. Sigh. Prayer and the fruits of the Holy Spirit... self control. We can do it!! Love & hugs!
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