In all of my planning and preparation for the season that is upon us, I would be remiss if I did not give adequate consideration to the underdog. This is the seemingly non-threatening element that could easily be my downfall. I can make up strategies to get through a meal or party...and I can come up with cute little acronyms and checklists for special events. But if I don't keep my "tomorrows" in check, I will surely fail.
The "tomorrows" are the days after and before and in between the big events. While the special occasions will be many, the tomorrows will be more and they are HARD too, as I was reminded today. Cravings. Fatigue. Just the normal stuff--but it really got to me. I spent all day battling the chips in the pantry and the rear that wanted to be on the couch. As the day went on and I didn't exactly make the best decisions, it hit me just how much I will need to focus on the day-to-day throughout the holidays.
I will need to make double sure that I am tracking everything I eat, every day. I will need to make triple sure I have a well stocked pantry and fridge at all times. I will most certainly need to make sure I keep me head buried in the best book I ever read for helping me to persevere and succeed. You guessed it--The Holy Bible. This is a plan I know like the back of my hand. I've been doing it for nearly a year! Just gotta keep it up.
I was thinking today about how long I've been at this and even after all this time, the fact that I still have days like today baffles me. It was a BAD day. I can't even remember all the different foods I ate to be able to make a list here. I feel yucky physically, mentally and emotionally right now. I started my day only having a problem in one of those areas--emotionally. Dealing with my emotions in an improper and ineffective way--with mindless eating--only led to more difficulties. Duh! I knew that would happen, but I was on cruise control for binge eating. :(
The good news? As Scarlett so optimistically put it...
Tomorrow is another day! The Lord's mercy is new for us every morning. If I had to pinpoint the one thing that I personally have done differently this time, than all the other times before, it's that I have really learned how to accept the new mercy in the morning. I still need just as much mercy as I ever have. But I have learned, through faith, how to let that mercy pick me up and carry me on along. That's the only way to "not stop" and to "not stop" is the only way to get there.
Lamentations 3:22-24
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion, therefor I will wait for him."
He has been SO faithful to me. Everything I don't deserve, he has lavished upon me in His unmatched grace. As my buddy posted earlier today, "Why me? Why did you bestow Grace upon me? Well...who am I to argue with the one true God? To God be the Glory! It's for you too-ya know!"
Love it.
This is a pic from another day...
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9 comments:
I just recently stumbled upon your blog - and LOVE it! Congratulations to you on your success! Keep up the good work! I'm also a Christian - and it's refreshing to read such a positive blog! :)
Blessings!
i think you hit the nail on the head, Keelie, when you said you will need to keep your head in the The Bible! in your weakness you prove Christ's strength. thank you for doing it here!
xoxo
Josie
Thanks for the reminder of where I need to be too. This is not the easiest of journey's, but the Bible is our compass that points us in the right direction.
Be blessed!!!
Not only do we need to focus day to day but we also need to look at the "Bad" days. What did we learn? If we didn't have bad days we wouldn't have the knowledge to overcome.
So encouraging. Sometime I feel that voice in my head saying, "okay, you didn't eat that pie last night, so today you can eat whatever." It makes no sense! haha. Thanks for the reminder to live for each day, as it is such a blessing.
When I got sober and had that first rush of accomplishment and grace, I figured, I'd NEVER want to drink again.
Nope. From the mouth of a man who had been sober for 35 years when he died, "You will always have those thoughts. They are never far from you. Your job is to acknowledge them, not entertain them. Move your thoughts to the person that needs your help. God will remove that craving from you. Immediately." And darned if he wasn't right.
When I stop thinking about me, me, me and start thinking about the person who is still suffering and what I can do to assist them on their journey, I am doing God's will. And well? That keeps it all in perspective.
Keep on, my friend.
His mercies ARE new every morning, and for that I'll be forever grateful. Sounds like you're focused right where you need to be: on your Strength and your Hope :)
Hey Keelie, me again. Just checking in on you! I hope things are going well for you and that you've been busy having fun with your family. Just wanted you to know that I'm praying for you!
Got to know...where did you get your gray sweater in this picture??? It looks lite weight and I have been looking for a black one like this!
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