Birthday

Yep, it’s my birthday. Feeling the attack of nostalgia coming on, that is, when I’m not feeling garden variety goofy. But God has been- and is- amazing!!! I think about the things He’s brought me through, the miracles He’s done, the blessings He’s given me, even when I was FARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR from deserving it!

“This [is] the day [which] the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Psalm 118:24

So, I'm going to be goofy today, downright silly. I may scare some strangers with my behavior today; hey I get to. I'm the Birthday Girl, after all!

Exaggerated Caricature?

While going through some old mementos, I came across this caricature drawing of my friend, Trina and myself, drawn years ago. The purpose of a caricature drawing is to emphasize and exaggerate certain features, usually, in a humorous way.

But, looking at the drawing, years later, I see how I came to view exaggeration as the absolute truth, choosing to believe my own imposed definition of “fat” as the absolute feature of who I was as a person. It didn’t matter if I weighed 80, 100 or 200 pounds; like a funhouse mirror, all I saw were the exaggerated, extreme and usually negative perceptions of myself.

God tells us, through His Word, how powerful perceptions of ourselves, as human beings, can be in our lives:

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…”

Proverbs 23:7

Indeed, if we examine this “mind over matter” perspective further, we see how, in life, there are two perspectives that we can choose: either a positive or a negative, often exaggerated perspective. Check out the passage here in Numbers 13:

13: 30 “And Caleb…said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. 13:31 But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.

13:32 And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature.

13:33 And there we saw the giants…and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.”

When we look at ourselves, do we see the “promised land” of a “future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11) or do we see giants (literally)in ourselves, talking us out of life, love, happiness and significance, all because we see that our features and our bodies are simply “too big,” “too this” or “too that?”

Are we viewing ourselves accurately or as a negative caricature? If we answer the first, God’s truly drawing us as His Image (Genesis 1:27).

If, however, we answer with our caricature self-perception, then who’s doing the drawing?

Let’s, therefore, agree with the Great Artist, Who always views us in the following thoughts:

“…I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”

Psalm 139:14

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 3:18

“Since you were precious in my sight… I have loved you…”

Isaiah 43:4

“All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.”

John 1:3

Pollyanna: The Glad Game

Pollyanna Definition:

Pol·ly·an·nas

Plural

NOUN 

1. 

eternal optimist: an unrealistically optimistic person

Ever been called “Pollyanna” before? I know I have, which, when you come to think of it, can be absurd, given my cynicism and moodiness. But I will admit to making an effort to be optimistic. I may crash and burn at the attempt, but I do try, leaning more on Isaiah 55:11:

“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

Still, being called “Pollyanna” before, I did some snooping about the name and the character. While I have yet to see the 1960 Disney film, starring Haley Mills, or read the original 1913 novel by Eleanor H. Porter, I was fascinated to discover more of the story itself, as while as the descriptive adjective in the name.

According to Wikipedia…

Pollyanna Plot Summary:

“The title character is Pollyanna Whittier, a young orphan who goes to live in Beldingsville, Vermont, with her wealthy but stern Aunt Polly. Pollyanna's philosophy of life centers on what she calls "The Glad Game", an optimistic attitude she learned from her father. The game consists of finding something to be glad about in every situation. It originated in an incident one Christmas when Pollyanna, who was hoping for a doll in the missionary barrel, found only a pair of crutches inside. Making the game up on the spot, Pollyanna's father taught her to look at the good side of things—in this case, to be glad about the crutches because "we don't need 'em!"
With this philosophy, and her own sunny personality and sincere, sympathetic soul, Pollyanna brings so much gladness to her aunt's dispirited New England town that she transforms it into a pleasant place to live. 'The Glad Game' shields her from her aunt's stern attitude: when Aunt Polly puts her in a stuffy attic room without carpets or pictures, she exults at the beautiful view from the high window; when she tries to "punish" her niece for being late to dinner by sentencing her to a meal of bread and milk in the kitchen with the servant, Nancy, Pollyanna thanks her rapturously because she likes bread and milk, and she likes Nancy.
Soon, Pollyanna teaches some of Beldingsville's most troubled inhabitants to 'play the game' as well, from a querulous invalid named Mrs. Snow to a miserly bachelor, Mr. Pendleton, who lives all alone in a cluttered mansion. Aunt Polly, too— finding herself helpless before Pollyanna's buoyant refusal to be downcast—gradually begins to thaw, although she resists the glad game longer than anyone else.
Eventually, however, even Pollyanna's robust optimism is put to the test when she is struck down by a motorcar while crossing a street and loses the use of her legs. At first she doesn't realize the seriousness of her situation, but her spirits plummet when she accidentally overhears an eminent specialist say that she'll never walk again. After that, she lies in bed, unable to find anything to be glad about. Then the townspeople begin calling at Aunt Polly's house, eager to let Pollyanna know how much her encouragement has improved their lives; and Pollyanna decides she can still be glad that she had legs. The novel ends with Aunt Polly marrying her former lover Dr. Chilton and Pollyanna being sent to a hospital where she learns to walk again and is able to appreciate the use of her legs far more as a result of being temporarily disabled.”

You and I may be cynics; you and I will never be Hayley Mills in a Disney film. But you and I can decide to play “the glad game” a little more in our lives.

We just celebrated Thanksgiving. It’s a good, fresh time to stop and think, “what am I thankful for?” What can we be glad about, right now? Life isn’t all doom and gloom. There is SOMETHING to be glad about! God loves us and has tremendous plans for us; that’s a start, right?

So, check your Pollyanna status from time to time. When was the last time you played the “glad game?”

Balancing Yolks

Look at this figurine.  

She was originally supposed to be carrying water buckets. However, with time passing, they’ve been lost. Nevertheless, she still has a yoke attached to her. Do you feel the same way? Do you feel that you’re carrying some invisible weights in your life, be they issues, memories, disorders? Do you feel weighed down, trying to balance the world?

Most of us would say “yes;” most of us don’t feel very much like the fine china of this blue lady here. Most of us, honestly, feel that our trudging of life’s “water buckets” is far from graceful, right? Most of us are tired and feel that we resemble none of this figurine’s serenity.

See yourself like this? As you are carrying your heavy yoke of life issues, including those surrounding food and eating disorder behaviors, do you every stop and rest?

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

Matthew 11:29

Ever think you could trade yokes with Jesus?

“For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:30

God has so much more for each of us than doing the hard bucket work of life and recovery; He has rest and abundance. Can you rest in where you are, in your efforts, in your imperfections, realizing that God is, indeed, holding you?

He sees you as more valuable, more precious and more beautiful than the most graceful of figurines. Set your bucket, your yoke down - be it visible or invisible- and bask in how precious you are to God; rest in Him!

UGGGGGGGGGGGGGH!

UGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHH!!! It’s the day after Thanksgiving. Anyone out there recovering from their holiday comas yet?

Ain’t the aftermath fun?

Yeah, there are a lot of us out there who may be feeling horrible right now. How many of us “overdid it” on a “feast- focused” holiday? With eating disorders, especially, every issue, fear and regret gets amplified, doesn’t it? It’s not just the “day after,” for a lot of us out there, right now, it feels like “the end of the world.”

But it’s not. Whatever you’re feeling or dealing with now, please remember, it’s not hopeless. I love- and refer often- to this Scripture:

“Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.”

2 Corinthians 4:16

Okay, so maybe you “blew it” yesterday. Now you have today, a new day. And you always have God!!!

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Romans 8:31

It’s not hopeless; you’re never hopeless. We will get through these holidays- and be blessed on top of it! God bless us and please remember: renewal is happening in our lives. It’s not hopeless!

 Here's some strategies to get through the holidays; hope they help eveyone out there! Be healthy, happy and safe this season and Beyond! God has so much for each of us!

My eating problems always seem to be worse during holidays or special occasions. What can I do?

Holidays and special occasions are often very stressful periods for individuals with food and weight problems. The emphasis on spending time with family and on celebrating with food can be very difficult. Based on past experience, and an understanding of yourself and of the people close to you, you may be able to avoid, or cope constructively with, uncomfortable situations. For example:

• Predict high stress times and places; decide which events you will and won't attend, and plan to have some time to yourself to restore yourself and take care of your own needs.
• Predict which people might make you most uncomfortable and plan appropriate ways of excusing yourself from their company.
• If at all possible, allow yourself to enjoy a moderate amount of "special occasion foods."
• Predict what people might say that would lead you to feel uncomfortable. Plan and practice responses. Ask people not to comment on your body, appearance, or eating habits.
• Predict negative thoughts that you might have during the holidays, and practice thinking differently.
• Carry with you a list of phone numbers of friends and crisis lines, and a list of self-soothing activities.

It may be helpful to realize that the "picture-book" holiday sense is not a reality for many people. Some cannot afford it, there are many single people who are not close to their families or do not have a family, and there are many families that do not fit into the dominant cultural model of "family". Do not blame yourself for family or friendship conflicts. People are not different during the holidays than any other time of the year. Remember that you are responsible only for your own actions and for taking care of yourself.

For more info:
NEDIC Bulletin: Vol. 7, Coping With the Holidays

National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC)

200 Elizabeth Street

7ES-421

Toronto, ON MSG2C4

Ph: (416) 340-4156 (888-633-4220)

www.nedic.ca

ADVICE FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

For individuals struggling with an eating disorder, the holidays can evoke feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. Although the media promotes holidays as a time of celebration, for someone with an eating disorder the holidays can be a reminder of an ongoing struggle to make peace with food. Providing support during the season and ensuring that the home is a place where they will not be judged is essential to the healing process. Here are some helpful tips as to how to create a positive environment.

:: When friends and/or family have not seen each other in a long time, they may be tempted to comment on changes in weight or appearance. Be a friend and help dissolve conversations or comments about food, weight, or overall appearance. You will be creating a more positive atmosphere for people to enjoy each other’s company and to remember the experience as a wonderful time.

:: Perhaps sitting down to one meal as a family would help someone struggling with an eating disorder feel more comfortable, instead of “grazing” on food throughout the day. Do not forget to discuss these options with your family and welcome all input.

:: Try to avoid emotionally charged discussions before or during mealtimes. The energy of a charged discussion can lead to feelings of anxiety. Often holidays are the only times people are able to catch up on experiences, political issues, sports, etc., but it is helpful to try and limit these types of electric conversations for after meals.

:: Indulging is a natural part of the holiday season. People eat foods they normally wouldn’t eat and often they end the day feeling very full and sometimes very regretful. For some people it is common to make comments like, “I feel so fat” or “I shouldn’t have eaten that much.” These comments can have a devastating effect on someone struggling with an eating disorder. Do not support or encourage these types of remarks.

:: Try to be a good role model for your loved one with an eating disorder. It is important for your loved one to witness your healthy eating as a way to connect with their feelings and priorities. Remember, eating disorders are about emotions and not about food.

:: It is not uncommon for eating disorder symptoms to increase during the holiday season. Try to avoid getting into power struggles over food and do not ever force someone to eat. Be positive and maintain a healthy, nonjudgmental attitude toward her behavior.

:: If your loved one is withdrawn or isolating herself from mealtime and other holiday activities, gently try to bring her into discussions or activities. If she rejects your efforts, do not take it personally and try to understand this behavior as part of her eating disorder. Always remember to take care of your own needs and to enjoy yourself, your family, and your friends.

:: Attempt to spend time connecting with your loved one struggling with an eating disorder in non-food related ways. Set time aside to take part in an activity of her choosing. Taking walks, playing games, or watching a movie together can help decrease anxiety by taking the focus off food and eating.

:: Do not forget to communicate with concerned members of the household. What feelings are emerging? Do they feel that they are handling the situation well? Seeking support and learning how to communicate feelings in a positive way is essential to understanding your role in the process of the recovery.

Information compiled by the Massachusetts Eating Disorder Association, Inc. 2002

Massachusetts Eating Disorder Association (MEDA)

92 Pearl Street

Newton, MA 02458

www.medainc.org

 

Thanksgiving

It’s that time of year again- Thanksgiving. It means an abundance of food. For those of us with our food, weight and body image issues, it, however, also means and abundance of fears and triggers. Most of us, most of the time, are so distracted and consumed by these fears and triggers that we cannot think about the true reason for the holiday in the first place: gratitude. God longs to bless us; there’s no arguing that Truth. But He also wants our gratitude- and our Connection regarding Him.

When we think Thanksgiving, is it God-or food/weight issues- that come to mind first?

It’s something to think about, not to condemn us, because Scripture tells us “no one seeks after God, no one (Romans 3:11).” But we can use this awareness to reframe our thinking, even if for a second, to focus on God first.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Matthew 6:33

God cares about each of us, our fears, issues, desires and thoughts. Let’s try to expand our definition, then, of Thanksgiving. Let’s thank God, connect with Him, imagine His blessings and His Love for us- AND THEN eat our Thanksgiving meal, while trusting Him to help us with the food we eat. God has, indeed, given us all things to enjoy.

“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;”

1 Timothy 6:17

Enjoy the holiday then! Happy Thanksgiving!  Trust God to bless and help you, this holiday and beyond! He will do it; He IS doing it now!!!!

Bionic: What’s Wrong With Human?

We're not bionic, are we?

It’s what none of us really wants to admit, isn’t it? We’re human: messy, bizarre, imperfect.

I recently discovered a doll I played with as a girl: the Bionic Woman.

She was spawned from the 1970’s television show, by the same name, starring Lindsey Wagner. I remember how, as a little girl, I watched that show and played with that doll. I wanted to be just like her, wanting to be “bionic.”

With the development of anorexia, years later, I did feel, indeed, “bionic,” as I felt in control and invincible, dropping pound after pound. But it was all a lie. I was in heavy denial of my humanity, my imperfections. I wanted, instead, to recreate myself as indestructible. I, in fact, only created a monster from engaging in eating disorder behaviors.

All in the name of not being human? What’s wrong with humanity? What’s wrong with being imperfect? It doesn’t take God by surprise, why should it take us by surprise?

“For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we [are] dust.”

Psalm 103:14

Wherever we are, whatever we may see ourselves as, image-wise, God’s never surprised by it! He knows every fear, desire, ambition, choice, failure and success! And He loves us- in spite of it all!!!!

Are you wanting to be “bionic?” Be honest. I suppose, the challenge is this then, for ALL of us: next time we desire “bionic,” think of God, Who is and Who does Ephesians 3:20 concerning our lives:

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”

That’s SOOOOOO much better than bionic, now isn’t it?

Words and Bees

When I was about eleven years old, I stepped on a bee, which immediately proceeded to sting my toe. Oh, how I howled and yelped, hopping on my one foot to my house. It was the first- and hopefully, the last time I was stung by a bee.

Why am I mentioning this? Years later, I’ve been following Rabbi Lapin’s teachings; I recently came across a real doozy of one, concerning bees. It turns out that the word for “bees” and “word” is the SAME word in Hebrew!!!! According to Rabbi Lapin,

“Hebrew emphasizes this dual nature of words, their ability to sweeten or sting by using one word for both ‘bees’ and ‘word’:  DeVaRiM- words and DeVoRiM- bees.  In Hebrew Scripture vowels do not appear, so though the words are pronounced slightly differently, they are exactly the same.”

And yes, this got me to thinking again. Words are, indeed, so powerful; they can be sweet or they can sting- ourselves or other people. What do we use are words for, in our lives? Encouragement?  Gossip? Comfort? “Fat talk?” What have we said to and about others lately? What have we said to about ourselves lately? Words are there, no matter what. We choose, make no mistake about it!

“Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”

Proverbs 18:21

Are we then, foolishly, destructively, stepping on painful bees by choosing to harm, rather than heal, others and ourselves? Each of us needs to watch our words; you never know who is listening, who is influenced BY them. Do we want words that are sweet honey or vicious weapons? Each of us must choose. Before we speak, let’s think about the tiny bee. What will we do now, concerning our words?

Ah, vengeance!

You are up to your ears in issues, boiling over with frustration, rage, even hatred, right? It’s often these emotions and issues that have caused, worsened and complicated our eating disorders and recovery, isn’t it? 

I know I have had my share of this kind of mentality. Due to such things as abuse and neglect, it’s so easy to slip into a bitter mode of living. When we’re wronged, we want those people to pay!!!!

But before we unleash our wrath, we need to stop and see what God has to say about it.

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves… for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

Romans 12:19

Honestly, do we really believe that God will bless our efforts involving revenge against another person- or even ourselves? Yes, sometimes, we take it out on ourselves, making ourselves pay, punishing ourselves until we’ve “suffered enough” to make up for our sins.

But forgiveness seems to be God’s response to the anger issue doesn’t it?

“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

Colossians 3:13

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”

Ephesians 4:32

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

Mark 11:25

No, it doesn’t feel warm and fuzzy, but it’s necessary to be healthy. It’s been a proven scientific study that bitterness is related to the development of such illnesses as cancer and heart disease.

Do we want to be healthy or do we want revenge?

 Forgiveness isn’t a feeling; it’s a choice. It is the choice to let God deal with it and get on with our lives. Forgiveness doesn’t necessarily feel like an instant event; often, it’s a day to day, learning process, enduring, growing and developing into more of who God’s called us to be in life.

So, if you feel like this furry cat, bent on wrath, stop, turn to God, choose to forgive yourself and anyone else you need to. God’s taking care of it- and you! Don’t interfere with His plan; get on with your life! God will honor that choice!

Broken Barn

This is the barn from my childhood farm.

 Looking at it now, you’d never think it was once a stately, brick red painted barn, would you? Looking at it now, all you can see is the wreckage.

Are you feeling like that right now, because of eating disorders, addictions, life issues? Do you see yourself and feel that you are like this old barn? God takes broken things into consideration:

“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart...”

Psalms 34:18

That’s what feeling broken is all about, right? A broken heart.

God is willing and able, however, to repair what’s broken, you, included.  

“Then I will make up to you for the years That the swarming locust has eaten...”

Joel 2:25

Despite your feelings and life situations, you are never a hopeless wreckage with God. God looks at you and sees His Love, His Promises and His Victory for you specifically. Whatever’s broken is fixable; God’s working on it now!

“He is the healer of the brokenhearted. He is the one who bandages their wounds.

Psalm 147:3

Love is…

Today’s our wedding anniversary.

My wonderful husband, Russell, has been an incredibly loving and supportive husband; he’s the embodiment, to me, of 1 Corinthians 13:4:

“Love is patient…”

I’m grateful that God has blessed and kept us. Indeed, we’re blessed to have the years we have had with one another thus far.

No, Russ didn’t know what he was in for, concerning my eating disorder history.

So, listen up, Ladies: if you’re “serious” about a guy, engaged, on the marriage hamster wheel and have eating disorders in your life- past or present- TELL your beloved!!!!!! Don’t think that you can keep the secret from this precious mate of yours. Don’t be afraid as I was.

To date, Russell has been with me, post eating disorder revelation. He’s supportive and a definition of love and commitment. I encourage you to tell the truth and hold 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 as your litmus test.

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.”

Trust the Lord to help you and your husband to be or your husband to love you as you deserve , by God, to be loved. You are worth it!
Now, I have an anniversary  to go and celebrate!

Thank you, Dr. Jantz!!!!

Fierce!!!

Once again, I find myself turning to our cats for inspiration and life lessons. This time, the education came from our cat Glory.

Last weekend, we took our two cats to see the infamous vet for a check up. No one likes doing this, especially not Glory. Can we say it’s a scramble and ambush tactic just to get her into her carrier? She, when threatened, snarls, hisses, growls- and has the strength of ten men. She was always like this, even from the time we adopted them, as kittens, from the shelter. She was notorious for spitting and charging us, safe from the top spot of her cat tower.

Yes, we affectionately refer to Glory as our “fierce-y girl.” She reminds me of Joan Jett, quite frankly.

 Over the weekend, at the dreaded vet, in the middle of thermometer attempts (the vet still hasn’t successfully taken Glory’s temp- hmmm, wonder why?), we found out from her that, for some reason, calico cats, “torties” have this innate rambunctious “fierce” nature about them. They, by their own nature, are tough, ready to rumble.

That got me to thinking. Couldn’t the same case be made about us? In the disorder/addiction/recovery process, each of us can feel like such frail, hopeless weaklings, especially, as we “surrender” to the recovery process. But could it possibly be that God has placed an innate toughness and strength, a “fierce” quality that’s more resilient than we believe it to be?

“For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.”

Psalms 18:39

Besides, the source of our “fierceness” is God!

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

Deuteronomy 31:6

"Do not be afraid… "Peace! Be strong now; be strong." When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, "Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength."

Daniel 10:19

Whatever we’re facing in life, we’re stronger than we think we are. Look at your life today; you’re still here, probably bucking all sorts of incredible odds. Maybe doctors, experts, family told you that “you should have been dead by now.” But you’re not; you’re still here. Isn’t that an incredible miracle?

You are FIERCE!!!!! So, like Glory, you are created to tackle whatever you’re facing! But it’s not just about tackling the issue; God promises each of us the VICTORY!!!

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

1 John 5:4

Settle it now; you’re created by God, on purpose, to innately be the fierce, victorious champion!

 If our cat, Glory, by her own “fierce-y girl” nature, can successfully avoid the vet’s thermometer, what then, can you and I do with our fierceness?

The Gospel According to Counting Calories?

A marker of disordered eating issues is our compulsion toward the counting of calories, carbohydrates, fat grams- anything we deem “evil.” We spend a lot of time looking at the nutritional information of food; but it really has little to do with nutrition. Right? We often look at this nutritional food content to count our varied, unique ways of controlling and “okaying” what is a “safe” food.

But there really is no such thing, is there?

“I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came.”

Job 3:26

There are healthier choices, but junk food- or any other food- is not inherently “evil.” It’s food. It won’t give us control from our lives, provide safety from inevitable change or supply unconditional love to our every hole and unmet need. There’s no real “good news” or “gospel” by counting whatever it is we’re counting regarding food. It’s just counting.

How about, then, the Gospel, according to God?

“The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.”

Proverbs 21:31

What are we counting? What are we counting on? Is God in the mix, at all? That’s the challenge, isn’t it? Do we turn to God as Comforter- or food and food rituals, counting included, instead?

Wherever we find ourselves, whatever we may be counting- or counting on- let’s stop for just a second and turn to God. We can be in an ugly, out of control state; it’s doesn’t matter to Him. He tells us to come to Him anyway.

“Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28

Wherever we are, God is there and He IS rooting for us!

“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”

Romans 8:31

Can we believe it? Can we count on that and therefore, look at a new way of counting?

God’s thoughts concerning us are too many to count!

“How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! [If] I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.”

Psalm 139:17-18

So, the next time we’re counting anything, let’s remember that God is, indeed, constantly thinking of us! Let’s count on that!

DOO DAH...

Plugging along... Michelangelo's quote keeps running through my mind:

"I am still learning."

Don't know where this rabbit trail is going quite yet. More assembly required...Tedious, ah, the attention to detail that's required.