Wow! A lot has gone on in my life since my last blog. May is a special month for me because for one, it's my birthday month (just turned 53 last week) but this year I also became a first year graduate of Bible College. That probably sounds like a simple task to complete, but for me it's been a 5 year ordeal. Because I work, I am not able to go to school full time. Therefore, it's taken me much longer to obtain the necessary requirements for graduation. At one point, I was so discouraged that I totally dropped out for a year. Why bother? Who gives a rip? Very negative time in my life. I had to reevaluate why I was going to school in the first place. Did God call me to do this or was it just something I decided to do? What a crazy question. Do you think that the devil would actually convince me to go to Bible College? Sure, he wants me to learn more about the Word so I can defeat him in a greater measure. I DON'T THINK SO!! Truly, this desire for knowledge came from God. In my experience He doesn't change His mind, so in order for me to get to the next level in my life I must complete the last assignment He gave me. So, this time next year I will have achieved my Associates Degree in Practical Biblical Theology.
Now, here's the question for you. Have you ever started something and didn't finish it? If you're honest, the answer for most would be "yes". I do believe that some of the things we start should be abandoned because we realize that we've missed God. However, there are other times when you know that God has called you to do something and you start out strong, but maybe it got too hard and you gave up. I truly believe that until you go back and finish the last thing God asked you to do that you will not be able to move forward to the next step He's prepared for you.
Of course this brings me back to my own journey. How many times have I started out to lose weight and fell off the wagon. Over, and over and over again! Of course it's hard. You're having to bring your flesh (which has been the boss for years) under control. I truly believe you cannot do this on your own. It takes the support of your family, friends, and most importantly, the wisdom of God. How bad do you want it? Are you willing to sacrifice moments of pleasure for a life of health and vitality? I am.
Recently we went on a camping trip with our kids and grand kids. We had a great time together and my daughter-in-law made a comment afterwards that was revelation to me. She said she could tell that I had totally changed my relationship with food. She's right! I have broken the relationship between me and food. It use to be my life! I couldn't live without certain foods. I was head-over-hills in love with food. It was comfort, pleasure, my best friend, my passion, and on and on. I ate when I was happy, sad, disappointed, excited, and even when I was sick. I never stopped eating. YIKES! Talk about a love/hate relationship that was out of control and abusive. It was killing me and I couldn't stop.
So how did this change come about? What event happened in my life that stopped this cycle of self abuse? Answers to these questions and more will appear in my June blog. This one is already why too long. Sorry.
BTW, I haven't reached my 100 lb goal yet, but I will. I've fallen off the wagon a couple of times but I always get back up. Food is not going to be my God and control me any longer!! You haven't failed until you fail to get back up.
It's never too late to start, and it's always too early to quit. :)
