We Are Hardest on Ourselves

Encouragement came when I needed it and I didn't even know that is what I needed. As I was reading the chapter about Prayer of Tears in Richard J Foster's book Prayer-Finding the Heart's True Home, I found  myself in tears from the words he wrote. Here is a little excerpt:
Be encouraged by the observation of Thomas a Kempis that "habit overcomes habit." You are building new habits of prayer, and patient, kind, firm persistence is what you need with yourself.
Tears came as I read these words. I had been disillusioned and down on myself for my seeming inability to stop and prayer, to go to Him, to rely completely on Him. I was being too critical of myself, not forgiving myself for my humanity but these words brought a peace to my soul. It's okay. I am a sinner, I am human, I am not perfect but I can overcome because I have Jesus on my side. But, that is a life-long pursuit that will not be fully achieved. I can only keep striving to overcome the bad habits with the good ones, to rely and trust in my Father. It is with patience and kindness towards myself that I can continue to be persistent and keep moving forward and growing into being more Christ-like.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 148

Everyday is a new opportunity to be better, to live out a Christ-filled life. Ask God for forgiveness that night before you go to bed and get up in the morning washed clean, starting fresh and new. Habits are to tough create but with some motivation and reminders this would be a very good habit to get into.

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 30

I don't know about you but I have gained a little weight since Thanksgiving. It happens every year. There are just too many good treats being made and shared. I decided to not worry about it this year and just try to have some self-control and not totally pig out. I have done okay. I have had moments like yesterday with the very larg box of chocolates some brought at work and I had three. I didn't feel so great after I ate them. You would think I would have learned this lesson after 46 years of over eating but that lesson doesn't want to stick. So, I have set the start date as Monday. It's back to reality and getting back my better eating habits and getting moving too. So, although the scale has gone up, I am thankful to God for helping me keep aware of it and not let it go up too much. I pray that the Holy Spirit will give me more self-control and help me get off to a good fresh start on Monday. So, enjoy your treats this Christmas weekend and remember that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and we have to take care of it.
1CORINTHIANS 6:19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.