365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 205

As you know, I have been on this weight loss roller coaster. Not that I am super overweight. I am just over the border on weight for my height and frankly with acid reflux and not fitting into half my clothes, 5-8lbs is a big issue. I came upon this book called Spiritual Secrets to Weight Loss by Kara Davis, MD. It is a Christian solution for weight loss. Ironically, her chapters are broken down by the fruits of the spirit. The first chapter on the fruit of love has really gotten me. She discusses the definition of agape love which is a godly love that is unconditional. She goes on to explain how agape love is also sacrificing. This makes complete sense in that God’s only son was crucified for us. Jesus could have stopped his execution at any time but because of his love for his Father and for us he was obedient and sacrificed himself. Our bodies are the temples that hold our soul and spirit and should be revered and taken care of. The Israelites took great care of their temple because God’s presence was there. God’s presence is within us as well as the Holy Spirit. So, to truly be loving God with the agape love means sacrificing those things that do not care for our bodies or do not glorify God. Being a coach potato night after night does not glorify God. Eating dessert everyday does not take care of your body. Maybe you can come up with your own things that you need to put under the magnifying glass of agape love?

Romans 12:1 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.

365 Days of Praise Challeng-Day 237

My cousin and her family came into town unexpectedly for a quick visit over dinner. She kept saying 'why did I move to Texas?' She has always been very extroverted. She can strike up a conversation with anyone and will. She makes me want to be brave in just reaching out to people. Turns out her unexpected visit is more than just a blessing to see her and visit with her and her family but she has inspired me to get that 10lbs I have put on back off. She is a Health Coach for Take Shape for Life and because of her excitement and encouragement I bit the bullet and ordered the food to get started. It's going to be here any day now and I will probably start officially on Monday. Needless to say, I have been eating whatever I want and put on another pound or two just anticipating starting this diet. I love the fact that I have my own personal coach to help me through the hurdles and celebrate with me the accomplishments. Praises to my Abba for bringing my cousin to me and getting me started on getting my body, God's temple, back in shape to do his work.

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 206

We watched the movie Acts of Valor yesterday as our Father's Day afternoon movie. It's a movie based on true events of Navy Seals and even has the Navy Seals doing the acting. I won't give away the whole story but it makes you think of all the sacrifices our military have given. The Navy Seals are the best of the best. What they do for our country is amazing. There is evil out there and it is working hard to get to us and get to our country. I am thankful for the men and women who take up arms and work even harder to keep that evil away from us. Praise God for the soldiers of our land who are out there doing everything they can, even dying to keep us safe. We, too, are soldiers in this war for souls. Here's a thought to ponder: How can we be the best of the best in the war for souls?

Romans 12: 1 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.