Never Give Up

 Just give up.  

Those are the words whispered to my sub-conscious weekly and sometimes daily.

The narrative sounds a little like this:

Give up on exercising, you've already missed so many days.

Give up on the healthy choices, that chocolate bar already ruined the streak.

Just give up on trying to change what you have always been - the overweight girl turned woman.  

On and on it goes, giving me every excuse to lean into what is easier on the surface to do - just give up.  I could admit defeat and eat my burger in peace.  Well, the illusion of peace.

Is it just me?  I don't think so.  

Maybe the challenge for you is not your weight or dress size.  Perhaps you are being told to just give up on life.  It's not going great for most people right now and hope seems like a thing of the past - way past many yesterdays ago.

However, I want to tell you what I am clinging to right this very minute - truth.  

Truth says Let us not become weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Gal 6:9).

It means that we keep going, we keep doing, we keep believing and trusting in God and His ability to sustain us in our journey.  It means that we throw away all thoughts that tells us to just give up.   There is a harvest.  There is good at the end if we just hold our position and do not quit.

So, what will it be?  Do you continue to do good?  You should as I sure will keep on going until the day I die.  I will never give up.  I will reap my good harvest in due season.  God's truth will never be denied.

Father, thank you.  I know this is more than about a diet.  In this day and age I am very much aware of so many that are struggling and so many that have already given up.  Please open our eyes to see your Truth.  Father please strengthen us in our resolve to not quit on this gift of life.  We may not see the beauty in the days we face but there is fruit to be had at the end of this season.   Thank you God for never giving up on us and may we never give up on you.  In Jesus name,

Amen. 

Self Care

The Lord has been really working on me about self care.  I know it is Him.  

He is changing my views on how I look at myself and apart of that is just establishing some routines that are simple and needed and add value to me.  

I know that the words Self care already had some of you counting out the change you have in your purse and saying I cant buy anything else right now.  After all it is January and we know we are already anticipating December's generosity bill.  Girl, don't I know it!  However, like I said God has re-worked my distorted viewpoint and given me clarity.

My self care routine don't cost me nothing but time.  

I am talking about things like taking a shower with intention to pay attention to me. Now don't go saying you have to do that anyway.  I am allowing even that everyday activity to count for something good.   You know, using that soap, (DOVE is the scent of the month), that just makes me feel good every time I smell it.  Or, using that homemade exfoliant my girlfriend gave me and even that lavender night time lotion for an even better experience at the end. My shower time sometimes becomes praise and worship time that enriches the experience and takes it to a whole new level.  

Selfcare includes walking along my favorite path, not with an "I must lose weight to feel great" mindset, but just to enjoy it all; to take it all in and give God praise for His handiwork. 

Selfcare for me is about getting that water in and allowing it to flush this body through and through. Lately, I know He is talking to me about resting, physically unplugging and getting enough sleep to allow my body to heal and reset.  God is good.

I don't know what He may tell you to do but whatever it is I know that it is just for you.  God is not a one size fits all kind of God, and a plus size girl like myself know that this isn't even true in reality.  However, God has measured us up and He wont miss in His plans for us.  You better believe that He has got a regiment all worked out for you - personalized and guaranteed to give you results that exceed your expectations. So, lets get to it woman, lets sign up for the plan He has already drawn out - Just for YOU.

Heavenly Father,

thanks again for being so personal with each of us.  We are not the same in our body shape or our DNA and you know this very well.  Lord, we are asking you to show us how to intentionally take care of us selves according to your plan.  Father please make it so clear that we cant dispute that we are hearing for you.  Lord, help us to stick the plan and see the results that we have wanted to see for a long time now.  We need you on this journey towards better health and a better me.  Lord, thank you for helping us in advance, in Jesus' name,  Amen.