Food 4 Thot Friday

Hey there!  Hope this post finds you doing well and your New Year off to a great start!

Many of us begin the New Year with a refreshed desire to make some changes to our lives...some call these changes Resolutions...others My Gift to Jesus...and some of us will just call our plans a Do-Over.

Most of us girls, as we flip open a new calendar, desire to shed some unwanted weight.  I am one of those girls.  I have come to realize that reducing the poundage on my body is a three part process. It's more than restricting my diet and buffeting my body with exercise.  To feel good...to be at my best weight...to have optimal health I need to engage my Spirit, Soul and Body for success.  Which, when you think about it, makes total sense.  We are comprised of all three parts and all three parts need to work together in harmony to not only achieve this desired goal but also to maintain it.

Food 4 Thot will help with this.  If you are not in need of a more fit body and have chosen something else to focus on in this new year this regular Friday post will help you too!  Almost every slice of Bible served here can be applied to whatever you might be working on.

First off, here are a few tidbits about this weekly post...

Food 4 Thot ~ as a Title...1) I had a group of friends meeting in my home a while back for this purpose and when I would text them info about the group I was too lazy type all the words out correctly on my 'dumb' phone so I would abbreviate this way...it stuck. 2) It comes from Romans 12:1-2a, "Therefore I urge you...sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship. Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."  This post will give us a portion of God's Word every week to help us renew our minds...and thus transform our bodies.

Food 4 Thot ~ as a Post...1) This will be just 1 tool that you can use to help you on your journey.  As stated above I will be giving us a verse to help us renew our thinking...and to focus our selves on Jesus during the process.  2) In addition I will try to include something helpful and encouraging, from a practical application stand point most weeks. 3) This post is purposefully designed to appear on Fridays. Don't know about you, but for me the weekend with it's lack of routine that the rest of the week usually provides can challenge my discipline.  So, having this post to get my 'head in the game' as I head into the weekend is helpful.

That about sums up what to expect here! 

To get us started this week our 1st bite of Scripture happens to be one of my fav's and is foundational to ApronStrings Ministries.

Oh, Taste and See that the LORD is Good!

Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

Oh, fear the LORD all you saints, for those who fear Him have no lack!

The young lions suffer want and hunger;

but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

Psalm 34:8-10

Those of you who read this week's Verse To Chew On may see a few similarities here. (Scroll down to read it if you didn't).

Here are a couple of things to think on as you look at this piece of the Bible...thoughts I had as I meditated on this and looked in my Commentaries.

*Taste & See = Try & Experience the beauty of God's Being (His Glory) and the bounty of His Grace
*Fear = An awe inspired worship of God which includes being conscience of my duty to Him in everything.
*As I taste & see, take refuge in and worship God my Father will feed me His comfort food and I will lack 'no good thing'.  If there is anything that I desire that God, in His infinite wisdom, denies me I can trust that He will give me the grace to be content without it!  This applies to life in general...and can surely fill in the lack on my plate if I am counting points or eliminating certain food groups as I work on being healthier!

Just for fun...and because I think it helps with getting Scripture into our lives, here's our passage in a couple of different translations...

 

Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—
how good God is.
Blessed are you who run to him.

Worship God if you want the best;
worship opens doors to all his goodness. Young lions on the prowl get hungry,
but God-seekers are full of God.

The Message

 

O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him.

O fear the Lord, you His saints [revere and worship Him]! For there is no want to those who truly revere and worship Him with godly fear.

 The young lions lack food and suffer hunger, but they who seek (inquire of and require) the Lord [by right of their need and on the authority of His Word], none of them shall lack any beneficial thing.

Amplified

 

 

 

 

So that's that for this week.  I hope that this helps you in your plan.  Here's to a Healthy New Year for us all!

Serving Him and you,
~Michelle...ApronGirl

Food 4 Thot

Sheesh, where has time gone this week!?!  I was going to be so much more deliberate in blogging this week but ended up just 'thinking' posts while waiting in the pick-up line at my daughter's school or trying to navigate through grocery isles.

I do have a couple of little things for us all to think about, in the area of better body management (which is what Food 4 Thot is all about), as we head into this weekend.

The 1st is a Chinese Proverb...not sure where I picked it up as it was written on a random piece of paper which I recently discovered in a pile on my desk (remember I am a hoarder of random quotes, scriptures and other thought provokers).  Here it is...

A Stomach 8/10ths Full Needs No Doctor

Brilliant - don't you think!?!  Really, if I would eat only when I am truly, physically hungry and then only until I am politely satisfied my health and body size would be greatly improved!!

Here is the 2nd...

What a great reminder of the importance of getting in those 8 - 10 glasses of water every day!

So, as we head into a weekend that I know will be busy and I hope will be sunny I am going to do my best to remember this Water Chart and the Chinese Proverb...I hope they give you something to think about as well!

Serving Him and you,

~Michelle

Food 4 Thot

I just have to share something with you...I'm nice like that ;)...that I read in the book I Dare You to Change! by Bil Cornelius (Pastor of Bay Area Fellowship).

Here it is...

This reminds me of a story about a forty-year-old woman who gets hit by a bus, is rushed to the hospital, and dies on the operating table.  She meets God and He tells her, "Don't worry, your not going to die right now.  I still have a purpose for you, and I'm going to give you forty more years".  The next thing you know, she wakes up in the recovery room, thrilled to be alive.  Later she thinks, "If I have forty more years, I want to make sure I look GREAT."  So after she's healed from the bus accident, she immediately talks to a plastic surgeon and signs up for all kinds of work - a nip her, a tuck there.  Soon, she's reworked from head to toe.  After the surgery, she continues her makeover with a dark tan, a new hairstyle, and a whole new wardrobe.  Her makeover complete, she's walking across the street and-bam!-she gets hit by a bus again, but this time she really dies.  Now she's standing before God, angry, and she says, "God, what happened?  You told me I had forty more years!"  And God looks at her and says, "I'm sorry...I didn't recognize you."

This story cracks me up...and sobers me at the same time!

Isn't it human nature to want to look our best...and at times take drastic measures to meet the 'standards'? 

In relation to body image and weight issues sometimes it's so much easier...as hard as it can be...to exercise and restrict our diets than it is to do difficult, and yet lasting, internal work!

Bil Cornelius goes on to say in his book, "Real change is an inside job.  It starts with our attitude, our efforts, and our energy.  It takes intention and action on a daily basis"

So here is today's Food 4 Thot - In order to be a better steward of this body that God has given you what change needs to take place on the inside?

*Do you need to see your value beyond your external appearance?...God sees it!
*Do you need to develop self-control?...it is a fruit of the Spirit!
*Do you need to get past a fear of failure (or success)?...God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind!

Ask the Lord to reveal to you if there is internal work to be done in order to reap the benefits of physical health and well being.  Then ask Him to empower you with His Spirit to do the work and gain the tools necessary for real change to take place.

Serving Him and you,
~Michelle...ApronGirl

Food 4 Thot

It's been quite a while since there has been an entry for our Food 4 Thot Friday's!  Sheesh, what is up with that!?!   Could have something to do with the busyness of life lately, lack of routine in some areas and trying to adapt to new routines in other areas...or maybe it's just that I haven't given much Thot to it. :)

I have had a couple of things bumping around in my heart and mind lately though.  Like how much Jesus and food go together...

Like the fact that His very first miracle was turning water into wine!(John 2:1-11)...I know that wine isn't exactly 'food' but they are close cousins...wine comes from grapes, ya know! ;)

Or how about when Jesus cared enough about the hunger of the crowds following Him that He multiplied the few fish and loaves at His disposal (Mark 6:30-42)...

Or how He is called the Bread of Life (John 6:35)...

And Jesus even cooked breakfast for His disciples after His resurrection (John 21:1-14)...of course it was fish over an open fire - but isn't that how most men cook?...either grilling or phoning for pizza - sorry, I digress...

But when you really think about it, or flip through the pages of the New Testament, you will see that Jesus and food really did go together in a plethora of ways!

One of those ways...which has bumped around in my heart and mind the most lately...and even made it on to the chalkboard in my kitchen is Jesus' statement in John 4:32...

My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work.

Think about that for a minute or two...Who sent Jesus?...What was 'His work' that Jesus was to finish?...and how in the world could that be food for Him?

Jesus' work was to serve the Father...bringing others into relationship with God.  Shouldn't that be my food, and yours, too?  Of course our methods of bringing others into relationship with the Father are dramatically different from that of Jesus...whatever we do is because of Jesus!

But here is a thought...if I busied myself with the work of Jesus would I find fulfillment in it that would be better than anything food has to offer.  You know the old saying "Nothing tastes better than skinny feels"...how about "Nothing tastes better than serving God feels"...maybe that's what Jesus was talking about?

I wonder how that mindset and action might affect my waistline?  How has God called you to fulfill His will?  Do you lead a Bible study?...host a bunco night for your neighbors (to build relationship and give them a chance to see the Jesus in you)?...are you raising little ones to love Jesus?...are you taking time to listen to the heart of the gal in the cubicle - dorm room - grocery line next to you?

Each of us are different and God uses each of us differently...it's our job to make sure that we are being used... to make it our food to introduce others to the Bread of Life!  Something tells me that the benefits are savory and sweet!  There's a little Food 4 Thot. :)

Don't miss Monday's Verse To Chew On and Part 2 of Life is Beautifully Messy mid-week!

Serving Him and you,

~Michelle...ApronGirl

Food 4 Thot

Today let's talk about Burnt Offerings...I know, you are thinking that is sooo Old Testament...and it is, so let's begin there :).

Leviticus 3:14-16 speaks of Burnt Offerings made by the priest, "From what he offers he is to make this offering to the LORD by fire: all the fat that covers the inner parts...the priest shall burn them on the alter...All the fat is the Lord's" (Italics mine)

This 'inner part' fat referred to here is what is known in medical circles as Visceral Fat...fat that is central in obesity in humans.  Interesting, don't you think?

I won't go into a teaching on the purpose and significance of Burnt Offerings in Biblical times but I will give you this partial definition from my NIV Study Bible: It was a 'voluntary act of worship, expression of devotion, commitment and complete surrender to the Lord'.

The example from Leviticus certainly isn't speaking directly about the fat in our bodies...but I do think that we can draw a relative comparison from this without being heretical in any way.  We do know that the Bible says that gluttony is sin (Prov. 23:2) and that we are supposed to be good stewards of these bodies that the Lord has given us as our spiritual act of worship (Rom. 12:1).

I think that it is safe for us to say that our desire to see less fat on our bodies...if we are motivated by wanting to please God by taking care of His temple and not by pride or the praise of man...can indeed be considered a Burnt Offering...voluntary act of worship, expression of devotion, commitment and complete surrender to the Lord...a Fat Offering so to speak.

And I think that if this is our motivation then we will be much more likely to succeed when temptation sneaks up on us.  If we reprogram our thinking into living life...including how much and when we eat...within God's parameters for us then it will be much easier for us to keep with it because the benefit will go beyond a smaller pair of jeans and have spiritual significance for us.

So how do we know what God parameters are in regards to eating?  Well I believe that godly guidelines are to only eat when we are hungry and stop when we are satisfied.  Sound too simple to work?  God has equipped us with the ability to know when we are tired and need sleep, thirsty and need drink, hungry and need food.  Watch a small child...with the exception of a strong-willed toddler who may pitch a fit at nap time...they follow the God give cues, placed inside of each of us, for healthy living.  We all know that weight loss is not a mystical thing to try and be grasped...it is the simple chemistry of calories in and calories out.  So if we are putting less calories in then our burn ratio is high...our fat stores are then burned on the alter of obedience.

The next time we approach food let's decide if we are trying to feed a true stomach/body hunger or if we are attempting to feed a head/heart hunger...one related to boredom, emotions that we don't want to feel or an 'I want to eat just because I want to eat' attitude.  And once we are feeding a true body/stomach hunger lets thank God first for the food set before us and ask Him to help us to slow down and be sensitive to when our body has had enough and not eat past satisfied.  This may be a struggle if we are not used to following these cues, but waiting for a true tummy growl before eating will be worth it.  The pounds will drop off like a Fat offering to the Lord. 

Since I am a visual person here are a couple of pictures to help be see the benefits...

Every pound of fat we offer to the Lord by only eating when we are hungry and stopping when we are full is equal to a package of butter.  The next time you think "dog-gone-it, I only lost a pound" grab that pound of butter out of your fridge...see how heavy it feels in your hand and thank God that fat isn't on your body right now!

When you get up to 3 pounds grab a large can of Crisco off the shelf of your grocery store, [I certainly hope this isn't a pantry staple for you :)], feel how heavy it is, visualize this much fat being gone from your body and give it to the Lord as an offering.

Here is another little visual aid...groddy, I know.

See how much larger in mass the fat is than the muscle!?!  With every pound of fat we loose our body shrinks more than we think.  Now that is certainly encouraging!

What do we do then when we really want to eat when we are not needing to feed a physiological hunger?  This is when the Offering part truly comes into play.  When we offer our selfish desires to the Lord and seek Him instead of the temporary fix of food God will satisfy us with His presence...we won't have the guilt or health conditions, or bad self image left by eating outside of His parameters.  If we are eating out of boredom instead we should look for a way to serve God and others...if we are eating out of a desire to stuff emotions we can talk or cry out to Him and He will meet us there and give us true comfort.  If we want to eat just because we want it or think we deserve it and choose instead to bow the knee of our will to the Lordship of Jesus in this area then we will start seeing less of us [no pun intended] and more of HIM in our lives.

Choosing to eat within godly guidelines will not only result in a smaller and healthier body, it will also yield a closer and more personal relationship with our Father as we run to Him and His Word and seek the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.  Let's feast together on His Word...it's zero calories and high in nutrients! :)  Let us make running to God instead of food a Fat Offering, an expression of devotion, commitment and complete surrender to God!

Serving Him and you,

~Michelle...ApronGirl

Food 4 Thot

Help...I've been Super-Sized!...and so has a huge percentage [no pun intended] of the American population!

So, if you've been reading my Food 4 Thot posts, you know that I am struggling with some added poundage that I collected like souvenirs while traveling the 'health crisis' road with my husband.  I could blame it on the erratic lifestyle that I led for well over year [home---Seattle---home---Seattle], or sleep deprivation or the stress hormone.  I'm sure that these all played a factor...but way down deep I think the nasty little word lazy had something to do with it.

My suspicions were confirmed when reading through the book of Titus recently.  My home church is doing a series on this book and I was doing my homework for it when the possible reality of this hit home!  It was 2 pesky little words in the 12th verse of the 1st chapter that hit me like a punch in my flabby gut...lazy gluttons.  Really, really!?!  Could I possibly have something in common with Cretans...apparently so...at least it wasn't the reference to liars or evil brutes that bore witness with my spirit though...sheesh!

People that know me may think I'm being overly dramatic...not because I'm known for drama...but rather because I'm known for being too hard on myself.  I easily extend grace to others but have a bit of an issue with being as kind to myself...probably because I know me so well...but I am getting better at this...you should have known me in my 20's...well some of you did so can I get an Amen to the fact that I am way better about being self-critical than I was back in the olden days? ;)

In this case I'm not being dramatic or overly self-critical...just exploring with honesty how this lazy glutton moniker could fit me...and maybe other Americans too.  I'm not calling names here...just trying to look into some of the pitfalls of our culture that may have something to do with our my super-sized situation. 

Since I'm a self professed Word Nerd let's start with a definition of the two words that make up this tag:

          Lazy = disliking activity or exertion (Websters)
          Glutton = one who eats to excess (Websters)

Well, I have to admit I do see a slight resemblance...dog-gone-it!

As busy as I have been over the past 2+ years in caring for my husband, trying to maintain my home and yard and attempting to keep up with 2 teenage girls I have been a bit lazy about caring for myself [I do dislike sweating] and I have obviously eaten more than this body can burn in a day.

My aversion to getting up at 5 am  and heading to my now cold garage to bust my behind until I sweat like a pig [do pigs sweat?] and gag like a cat trying to hack up a fir-ball...and my tendency toward unconscious eating [you know the kind where you know you ate but not sure what or how much because your brain was consumed with other activity...by 'you' and 'your' I mean 'me' and 'my' :)]..are not the only ways that lazy glutton may apply to me.

Before I discuss my hunches here, I have a  couple of disclaimers...1 - none of the facts I'm going to share are  facts based on research by case study groups...they are just hunches - some Food 4 Thot - based on my observations and some information I've come across.  2 - I am not blaming culture or industry for my current condition...I am solely responsible for what I do, or don't do with my own body...I am simply  looking to draw attention [my attention...and yours if applicable] to some pitfalls that we may not be conscious of.

First...I have a hunch that the accessibility of Fast Food in our nation has something to do with the super-sized me and American culture.  As much as I know about the importance of good nutrition, not only in general but specifically in relation to my husband's health issues, I have been known to hit a drive-thru or call for pizza on occasion when my body or brain are too tired or overloaded to figure out and pull off dinner.  This may not qualify as lazy in the true sense of the word...and some might even say that choices like that are understandable from time to time given all that's been on our plate lately...but that easy choice [the one that requires less activity and exertion] does indeed lead to gluttony as even the 'healthier' fast food options lead us to eat to excess in the areas of calorie, fat and sodium intake.  In the little research that I did do, I found that obesity in America increased dramatically between 1977 and 1995 as [get this] did the consumption of fast food!  During this same time span fast food intake quadrupled....hmm, interesting don't ya think.

My second hunch...my sedentary life style would land in the lazy column.  Again, the fact that I've spent countless hours [days, weeks] in hospital and doc office chairs may be deemed "understandably out of my control" and not lazy by dictionary definition...never-the-less I should have made more of an effort [other than taking the stairs at UWMC] to off-set the change in my activity level.  I knew that I was sitting more and doing less but you really don't know how quickly this can change your pant size!  By in large our American society has found itself stuck in a similar situation...desk jobs, TV watching, and vehicles instead or our own two feet to transport us through our busy lives.  None of these things are lazy in and of themselves...but unless we make a conscious effort to amend our less active lifestyles we will need a larger wardrobe.

Thirdly...and I'll end with this one before this post ends up way too long [too late for that I know ;)]...the term lazy glutton can be applied to ones emotional neglect.  It's not always cool or timely to deal with our emotional response to something.  American culture is getting a bit better with this in some regards but many of us were raised in the 'buck up and deal with it' era.  And Lord knows there are times when a situation requires just that...but there are times when we need to be honest about how something makes us feel and process that instead of just trying to jam it down with a Twinkie or Frito battering ram.  Depending on our emotional circumstance a heart to heart with a trusted friend or counselor may be just what we are craving.  But there are times when only and heart to heart with the Lord will fill that need...there are times when He is the only One who can understand, counsel and support us.  While walking through this medical crisis with Mercedes Man I drew strength from my trust in the Lord...and I experienced incredible peace in the midst of outrageous storms...but I didn't always connect with how I felt in the midst of it and in hindsight, probably did stuff some of my emotions, subconsciously thinking that it wasn't the time or the place to deal with how I felt.  Looking back there were times, probably out of sheer exhaustion, when my emotional state was laid bare before the Lord...and you know what - He met me there and made it all better.  The circumstance didn't change but my ability to deal with it did.  At times I was so afraid of letting down...you know, like if I start crying I may never stop...but the thing I was afraid of [letting down] became the very thing God used to reveal Himself to me in a deeper and more intimate way...it became a catalyst for boosting me back up.  I've found that being lazy about dealing with my emotions can lead to gluttony in trying to feed a soul hunger in a physical way.  But I've also found this Psalm to fill me up and satisfy like nothing else can...

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you , my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.  I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.  Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.  I will praise you as long as I live and in your name I will lift up my hands.  My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.  Psalm 63:1-5 [Italics mine]

Just some Food 4 Thot from me to you. :)

Serving Him and you,
~Michelle...ApronGirl

Food 4 Thot

The Think System...ever heard of it?  Maybe you have if you are familiar with The Music Man, (either the 1962 version with the mom from the Partridge Family...I'm dating myself here - I watched mama Partridge and her chicks faithfully, but I did come out after the 1962 version...or the more recent rendition featuring Matthew Broderick).

In this story the Think System was the brain child of Professor Harold Hill, a con-man proficient at swindling people out of money for uniforms and instruments necessary for his boys band, (think the marching kind - not N Sync).  When a librarian suspicious of Prof. Hill's sincerity and qualifications, who knows a thing or two about music, questioned him on the method he would employ to teach the young boys how to play their bright shiny new instruments he said he would be using the Think System.

His Think System went something like this; if you think about the musical piece and hum it long enough you'll be able to play it when you pick up the instrument.  Totally makes sense! Ya-right...if that were the case I would be doing more than just dusting the piano in our front room - sheesh!

Wouldn't it be nice if the Think System worked in the area of Body Management...you know, like if I think about exercise long enough my abs will look more like a six-pack than a keg and my hiney will go back up to where it used to be.  Or if I think long and hard enough, and hum at the same time, my weight will go back down to a much more pleasing number on the scale.  Sounds great - doesn't it!?!  What an info-mercial seller that would be.

As far fetched as it may sound, I am a firm believer in the Think System when it comes to Body Management.  You see I've found that you can purchase the latest and greatest exercise equipment or program and invest money in the soundest of healthy eating plans but if you don't have your head in the game you are going no where fast.

For me (and I don't think I am the exception) more than half the battle of better Body Management is fought in between my ears.  You see I have to just plain make my mind up about a few things first before I ever make an attempt to pull them off.

1 - I need to decide that I am good and ready to do something about my current condition...in others words, I need to be sick and tired of being sick and tired.

2 - I need to decide that I really can do this_____(exercise program, eating plan, self discipline thing...because "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13
*Interesting side note - Paul makes the above statement after saying, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry"...how funny for us! :)

3 - I need to decide that I have a no excuse policy and stick to it...it's so easy to give one's self 'time-off' for a plethora of good lame excuses.  I'm not talking about living a strict legalistic type of life but taking good care of our bodies needs to be just as important a part of our routine as brushing our teeth....what if we left the house every day making excuses not to take the time for good oral hygiene...grody!

4 - Decide on a plan that you can keep up with for most days over the long haul.  This isn't a crash diet or obsessive exercise to get quick results deal.  This is a lifestyle change that, when practiced consistently, will put you into the proper weight category for you and will leave you feeling stronger and more energized...ready to fulfill your God given purpose.  It's kind of like marriage...to make it work well you need to choose your mate carefully and remember that you have a 3 person covenant; you, him and the Lord.  That way on days that you're not really feelin' it with your spouse you have your commitment to the Lord to help you hold on until that season passes.  1Corintians 6:19-20 puts it this way "Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit...you are not your own; you were bought with a price.  Therefore honor God with your body".  So on those days when I don't feel like getting up at 5:15 to get my exercise in or my taste buds are crying out for something low on nutrition and high on calories my motivator is not my own weak self but the desire to honor the Lord.

OK, that Food 4 Thot is quite a mouthful...so I'll just leave you to think about it. :)

Serving Him and you,
~Michelle...ApronGirl

Food 4 Thot

Hey there!  Hope this post find you doing well.  I'm having a great day.  It's going to be a warm one in my neck of the woods, but the air is starting to get that 'fall-ish' feeling.  Boy do I love living in a place with all four seasons!

Well today I thought I would give you some Food 4 Thot...kind of like my Verse to Chew On posts...only completely different! :)  The Verse to Chew On entries are more a devotional type of piece...usually based on one Bible verse and dealing with life in general.  Food 4 Thot, (and yes I do know that there are some spelling errors in this title - but when texting my friends in relation to this it's quicker and easier to punch in...no, I'm not lazy), can be a Bible verse but it can also be some practical tips to help those of us pursuing better body management.

Food 4 Thot began as a group gathering of 3 of my friends and myself about a year ago.  We are in various body states (we are all in Idaho, but you know what I mean) but share the common goal of wanting to be a better steward of these bodies that the Lord has blessed us with. Body management took a back seat for me when the Man went through all of his medical crisis.  And now my back seat shows it...and I don't want to end up with a health issue of my own as a result!

Sitting in the plastic chairs of hospital rooms and doc's offices didn't help.  Neither did the Santa Clause diet!  When you hit the hospital cafeteria at odd hours or eat out of the gift shop, milk and cookies are sometimes what you end up with...and those end up leaving you with a Santa Clause resembling figure.  What's endearing on him is just plain old uncomfortable on me!

So the last year of Food 4 Thot meetings with my friends, although sporadic, have helped me keep my head in the game.  My progress has been kind of all over the place as complications and challenges have plagued my husband and placed my behind in plastic chair after plastic chair.  But some progress has been made.

Not only do my friends and I share the common goal of desiring better body management but we also share the same approach.  No, we are not all following the same diet...there is a Weight Watcher among us, as well as a Raw Foodist and one who continues with her Mediterranean influenced eating habits but watches portions.  The one thing we have in common is what I mentioned earlier...keeping our head in the game. 

Romans 12:1-2a is the foundational scripture for our pursuits.  In the NIV it reads, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (italics mine)

We are so thankful for all that the Father has done for us...and we do want our bodies to be holy and pleasing to Him (for us we believe that this comes by taking better care of ourselves - it's not about being a perfect size) and this comes through changing our thinking.

So, we spend our time renewing our minds with scripture...what does God say about our bodies?  Does His Word say anything about what or how much we should eat?...and renewing our minds with information about nutrition and exercise.  We encourage each other and affirm each other...and pray for each other.

Here are a few tips that were shared the last time we got together...courtesy of Dr. Oz.
   *The best time to weigh in...right after you get up in the morning, (after you potty)
   *The best time to exercise...right after you weigh in...it's like putting a stick of butter in a hot skillet, you'll burn fat right away...if you wait until you eat you'll have to burn through that fuel first.
   *The best time to eat breakfast...right after you get up (potty), weigh in and exercise...shouldn't go longer than an hour of so after waking to get your metabolism going.

Well that is just a little for you to think on today...what are your thoughts?

Serving Him and you,
~Michelle...ApronGirl