Category Archives: weight loss

Backslidden & Inconsistent -With the Holy 30 Devotional – Day 25 & 26

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Lord, I’ve backslidden and gained some weight.  I may as well be honest with You and everyone else.. . . . I’ve fell off the wagon. . . .Could You have mercy on me? (At this time I’ve gained approx. 30 lbs. throughout 2017, but lost 4 lbs. this week. Thank you Jesus.)

How did this happen? When did it happen? I remember last February on our trip to Israel, I wore size 10 jeans with tights under them due to the cold. Now I can’t get into those size 10 pants. And all my skirts are way too tight. Lord, . . . what happened? When did this happen? How could I do this? I’m so ashamed.

Let’s see. . .  as I look back over last years’s datebook I see I had gained 10 pounds by last April, then another 10 by July, and then another 10 by October. In my datebook I kept documentation of my weight as it slowly went up and down, but mostly up. How could I go backwards? I’ve lost my testimony of Your delivering power.

I can just hear Satan snickering now as he asks You, “Have You noticed Your servant, Deborah? Getting a little plump around the middle, don’t You think?” Then he laughs in Your face. . . Lord, . . . (hanging my head in shame) please forgive me for embarrassing You.

Help me find my way back to victory again. Is it possible? Or have I gone too far backwards? Lord, I don’t want to weigh over 240 again. And for another thing, I want my beautiful size 10 clothes back. Is there any hope for me?

Child, you didn’t fall off a wagon. No, you fell out of My will. You chose your will for instant gratification, not Mine. Yes, I will forgive you I will help you. But you will choose how long this process takes. It depends on your willingness to trust Me and follow My directions. My child, all things are possible.

Between last Saturday and today, Monday, I’ve gained  5 pounds. How did this happen? I had made such good progress. It took all week to lose that 5 pounds and now I’ve gained it back in two days.  Two days?

My father-in-law (97 yrs.) passed away last week and his funeral was last Saturday. Here in the South, we feed the grieving.  Lord, even though I ate a little dessert, I thought I ate in submission to Your instructions at the funeral meal. I know I said I was going to give up desserts until I got back into my size 10 pants, but it was just a bite of cake and a half cookie.

Then on the same day, Saturday evening, my sister’s grandchild got married. A wedding and a funeral on the same day. I’m so tired. Can I do this? It was a beautiful wedding. But while there, I ate the appetizers, including the chocolate covered strawberries. By then I had lost control and went back for more. Thank you Lord, there were none left.  Why didn’t I just drink coffee or lemonade without eating? Those appetizers were my third meal of the day.

Then after we returned home, one of the church members brought by some homemade taco soup. More “feed the grieving”. Thank you Lord, I’m so tired and  there is no way I could cook supper. It was so good, I wanted more, but ate chocolate sugar free popsicles instead. But then before bed, I was eating the cold taco soup with a spoon right out of the refrigerator followed by chunks of sweet rolls too. Backslidden into gluttony.

Lord, will I ever be free of this compulsion to overeat?

Yes child, you will. You broke free once before and you will again. With My power you can achieve anything. You can defeat your enemies. You can overcome. Your victory is assured, for I have won the victory over all. 

Lord, why do I do this? How can I destroy this compulsive pattern of compulsive overeating?

Child, I have already destroyed it. 

Then why am I so easily defeated? Lord, I’ve backslidden into gluttony. Why?

Because you haven’t accepted My victory. You expect to fail. You have given the food power by your expectation of defeat. Now expect victory. Praise Me for your victory, for I am your victory. Sing “Victory in Jesus”. 

Child, you will succeed again. It will not be through your work, but it will be through My already won victory. 

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Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith. I Peter 5: 8-9

With God, everything is possible. Matthew 19:26

You are truly My disciples if you live as I tell you to, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:31-32

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Remember, I did not write these devotionals, but this sounds like me.

**The short devotional, “Holy 30” (See picture of Day 25 & Day 26) is based on I Peter 1:16. First Baptist of Tillman’s Corner published this devotional. I didn’t write any of it, but I do have permission to share it with you.

If you would like some additional information about our church check out this website:    http://www.fbtc.org/ . You can also listen to some sermons from our pastors. Enjoy them, I do.

Category: weight loss | Tags: , , , , ,

Inconsistent – Holy 30 Devotional** – Day 23 & 24

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Inconsistent, hmmm . . . . My middle name should be “Inconsistent”. Let me explain. First, I’m inconsistent  with my writing. second, I’m inconsistent in keeping my house clean, and finally, I inconsistent with handling my money. You know, keeping the checkbook up to date and paying bills when due. Yes, I’m certainly inconsistent there.

I dream of projects to create a side business, so I spend money collecting all the supplies necessary. Then said projects just sit there for weeks, or months because my interest became focused on other things. This explains why I have a huge collection of lace, material, and crochet dollies. I had dreamed of making vintage aprons and selling them for profit. But one day I’d sew some on an apron, then for several days I’d lay it aside. Inconsistent, I’d say. Yep.

There’s is one thing I do consistently. That’s crying out to the Lord. It seems that I cry out to Him about everything. It’s wonderful how He is always there ready to listen.

But sometimes I don’t listen to His instructions. Uh-oh. Free will, anyone?  I need to listen more, trust more, and obey more. Listen, trust, and obey. Yea, that’s it.

For instance, see those plastic containers. I’d made a Facebook post to give these away for free. Stated that if no one wanted them, in the garbage they would go.

Just yesterday, garbage day, I gathered them up to throw away. But on the way to the garbage can, it came to me, “Just hold them a little longer. Friday is the next garbage day. Wait until then.”

My logic side (Yes, it shows up sometimes, though rarely.) said, “No, I said if no one claimed them, they were going to the garbage.” So I put them in the garbage can and walked back in  the house.

Later in the evening, a lady contacted me saying that her church could use these containers. Oh no . . . , they were already gone. Garbageman already took them. Oh no! How I wished I had listened to God’s Holy Spirit guiding me.

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Lord, I’m so sorry I didn’t follow Your leading. I was so busy completing my plans that I didn’t pay attention to Your guidance. I’m just sick about this. A church could have used these. Please forgive me and help me to listen. Open my ears to her Your voice and pay attention. Then help me to obey Your leading.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 

      Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 

 

Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah Psalm 62:8
And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” And again: “Here am I and the children whom God has given Me. Hebrews 2:13

Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah Psalm 62:8

For the word of the Lord is right, And all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.               Psalm 33:4-5 NKJV

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**The short devotional, “Holy 30” (See picture of Day 19 & Day 20) is based on I Peter 1:16. First Baptist of Tillman’s Corner published this devotional. I didn’t write any of it, but I do have permission to share it with you.

If you would like some additional information about our church check out this website:    http://www.fbtc.org/ . You can also listen to some sermons from our pastors. Enjoy them, I do.

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Below are two books I love. They emphasize listening to God’s voice. They help me during those times when I’m crying out.

You can find both books on amazon.com. No, I’m not an affiliate for Amazon.com. I keep telling myself I’m going to, just never do. Guess that’s something else I’m inconsistent with or could that just be an old fashioned case of procrastination? Sigh

Category: Christian weight loss support, Desiring God, Seeking God, Spirituality, weight loss | Tags: , , , , ,

Day 21 & 22

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Since I’m so far behind and I know at least one if you want this, I just posting for you.

Enjoy-

May God richly bless you, Deb

Category: weight loss

Prodigals & Mountains – Holy 30 Devotional** – Day 19 & 20

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Lord, I have many mountains in my life. One is to lose weight, but the biggest mountain I have is the prodigals I love and the heartache of their choices. Lord, how can I climb that mountain? How can I let them know of my disapproval of their choices, but yet, still reassure them of my love for them?

Better than that, how can I reassure them of Your love for them without making them feel condemned and judged? Lord, I  love my prodigals more than my own life. And I know You love them more than I do, but how can I help them see that?

What is your overwhelming mountain? You know, the one that seems so impossible. Is it weight struggles? Or is it a child or grandchild you love who is making horrible choices and you know these choices will result in heartache and pain both for them and you? Is there any hope at all? Yes, with God on your side all things are possible.

Oh, and it helps to have some friends pulling for you too. Last Sunday night, I went to choir fighting to hold back tears. It was just too much to talk about. It hurt. Thank you Lord for the choir member who looked at me and said, “I feel like I should pray with you.” How wonderful it was to have her pray for me. Let me be that aware to pray for others when they are hurting.

Last Sunday morning, the preacher told a story of a daughter’s love for her Dad. She had tried to witness to him many times, but he always rejected Christ. Then she got kicked in the face by a horse. This resulted in many surgeries, but today to look at her you’d never know of her injury.  After she had healed from her injury, she again shared with her Dad the story of God’s love for him. This time because of her injury, he listened and accepted Christ. Later she said, “If it took going through all that for my Dad to accept Christ, then it was worth it.”

The preacher then asked, “What are you were willing to go through for those you love to accept Christ?” He then told us to come to the altar and talk to God about it. I went to altar and told the Lord that I was willing to die for my prodigals, whatever it took.

(This may be a cop-out, because I’m looking forward to heaven. Can’t wait. So don’t get upset with me. It seems that living’s the hard part. But God is not calling me to die, instead He is calling me to live for Him.)

After I left the altar, He spoke to my heart and asked, “Are you willing to let them go? Do you trust Me?” Oh Lord, dying is easier.  Sigh. Yes Lord, I meant it when I said I would give up anything to see them come to know You. Sigh. I trust You.

Then right before evening choir, due to many words said by others and words said by me confirming to them my disapproval of their life choices, I now had the pleasure of picking up grandchildren from school taken away from me. This was my punishment for expressing my disapproval. That’s why I went to choir fighting tears. Picking up grandbabies from school is both a pleasure and a delight. Yes, it’s better than dessert.

Isn’t it  wonderful that the Lord cared enough to pre-warn me of this? Knowing that He knew before I did gave me peace. Knowing that He cared enough to forewarn me, gave me peace. Yes, God is in control. He does know all things. Yes, I will give them all up in order that they all, both grandbabies and the prodigals, may come to know Christ, the Lord.. Thank you Lord for the assurance of knowing You knew and You are there watching over these I love so much. Thank you Lord for Your love.

Prayer: Lord, do whatever it take to bring our prodigals home to You. Thank you for loving them more than we do.Therefore, we know we can thrust You to take care of them for You have plans for them, plans not to harm them, but to prosper them. You have plans for them a hope and a future. We know You are in control and we trust You. Amen.

Our church is forming a Saturday morning prayer meeting for the lost. I’m going to pray for my prodigals. We’re going to pray for all our prodigals. There is not one family that hasn’t experienced a touch of heartache in one form or another. Therefore we are joining together to bombard heaven in behalf of our prodigals and all the prodigals of our city.

If you have a prodigal you love, form a group with others who are concerned and heartbroken over their prodigals and bombard heaven. God hears our prayers and He is in control. We can trust Him. You will fight strength in praying with others. Pray until your mountains move.

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“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”  Matthew 18:20 

So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done.”  Matthew 21:21
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**The short devotional, “Holy 30” (See picture of Day 19 & Day 20) is based on I Peter 1:16. First Baptist of Tillman’s Corner published this devotional. I didn’t write any of it, but I do have permission to share it with you.

If you would like some additional information about our church check out this website:    http://www.fbtc.org/ . You can also listen to some sermons from our pastors. Enjoy them, I do.

_____________________________

I am NOT an affiliate of Amazon. com, but I plan on it. Just haven’t taken the time to figure it out.

That’s not whats important, our prodigals are what’s important. I highly recommend these two books. Check them out on Amazon.com.  My friend gave me the first one and I cried as I read it. It’s full of stories and prayers. The second one I’m still in the process of reading. Awesome.

Category: Christian weight loss support, Desiring God, Seeking God, Spirituality, weight loss | Tags: , , , , , , ,

Am I An Introvert? – Holy 30 Devotional – Day 17 & Day 18

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Lord, am I an introvert? You know how much I enjoy being alone. Studying and writing are alone type activities and they’re so satisfying.

Lord, I read that introverts focus more on internal feelings rather than outside stimulation. Yep, I think that’s me. The article stated that introverts were more quiet, reserved, and introspective. It stated that introverts feel the need to “recharge” by spending time alone after being with a large group of people. That explains why, although I love Sundays at church, I look forward to Mondays, a day of rest after the busy weekend.

What about being a people pleaser? Yep, I could be one of those too. People pleasing is hard work because as someone said, “You can’t please all the people all the time. And it causes stress and frustration when you don’t please those you’re trying to please. I overeat when others are not pleased with me. No wonder, I lean toward being an introvert. Lord, could You help me Stop overeating due to my interactions. Could You help me interact with people better and have unity with others?

My goal should be to share Your love with others. Could You help me share Your love with others? Could You increase my social skills so I can work with others as a team to share Your love?

But Lord, even with my hang ups, I want to serve You. So lead me where You want me to serve You. Where do You want me to serve? Help me find the place of service that I can be part of a team of those working for You.

Also, Lord could the team You put me with actually like me?

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Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. John 15:16

Category: Christian weight loss support, Desiring God, Seeking God, Spirituality, weight loss | Tags: , , , , , , ,

Fasting- Holy 30 Devotional** – Day 13 & Day 14

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*Lord, what do I do today? What do I eat? Do I fast? I’ve been fasting all day and then in the evening I go crazy and eat everything. I’m gaining weight trying to fast. Guess I’m just not a good “faster”. (*Insert from below)

Lord, I’m sorry I ate all that last night. Help me focus on You. Direct my steps, words, actions, and my thoughts so that all I am and do is according to Your will today and everyday. Your will, not mine, be done.

Thank you for loving me. We both know I don’t deserve it. Forgive my sin of gluttony. Help me to turn away from this sin. And Lord, I want back in my clothes. You know, those size 10’s hanging in the closest.

Child, you don’t think of these things when you are reaching forth for more food to eat. 

Yes Sir, You’re right. It’s as though my mind goes blank, and I don’t think at all except for “What can I eat now?’

Lord, what do I do today? What do I eat? Do I fast? I’ve been fasting all day and then in the evening I go crazy and eat everything. I’m gaining weight trying to fast. guess I’m not a good “faster”.

Do I try to fast again today? Do I just eat soup, just soup today? Once I fasted for 40 days only eating soup and I lost 15 lbs. in one month.

Lord, it seems I’m so weak spiritually now. I’m unable to fast, just can’t succeed at it. I go crazy at the end of the day being a human vacuum cleaner. What can I do? What do You want me to do?

Child, today you wait until your stomach growls before you eat anything. That is your fasting for today. 

After your stomach growls, then come to Me and ask Me what to eat. I’ll tell you then what I want you to eat. What I do want, My child, is for you to look to Me for your guidance. You are being trained to look for My guidance in everything, even to what you eat. I want you to depend on Me for everything. 

The reason you didn’t succeed at following man-made rules for weight loss is because rules don’t change the heart. 

It is your heart that loves the food. Misplaced love. I desire for you to love Me above all else, especially your food. I want you to love Me with all your heart, soul, and mind first  above all else. 

Child, I gave you success before in weight loss and I will again. Only this time you are to never go back. Determine in your heart to seek My love first and above all. You know the sense of shame and failure that gluttony brings. Why would you go back?

Lord, I don’t know. Please don’t turn me over to a reprobate mind where I just eat and eat mindlessly.  And then I grow bigger and bigger until I blow up.

As long as you seek Me that will never happen. Don’t be afraid. Know I am with you and I will guide you each step, each day. But you must seek My will throughout your day, not just in the morning quiet time. 

Child, just as you eat three meals a day, spend quality time in My Presence three times a day. You should focus on spending time with me throughout your day. So this is  your “new diet plan”, spend time with Me at least at least three times a day.  

Lord, what do I do, carry a notebook with me everywhere I go?

If that is what it takes, then I say, “Go for it.” If that is what helps you focus on Me and My Presence versus your food, yes do it. You have a victory notebook. Use it.

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16 NKJV

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom].” ‭‭2 Corinthians 3:17‬ ‭AMP

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.             Romans 8:5-6 

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**The short devotional, “Holy 30” (See picture of Day 13 and Day 14.) is based on  I Peter 1:16. It was published by First Baptist of Tillman’s Corner.  I didn’t write any of this devotional, but I do have permission to share it with you.

If you would like some additional information about our church check out this website:    http://www.fbtc.org/ . You can also listen to some sermons from our pastors. Enjoy them, I do.

Also if you click on the underlined scripture tab, you will be connected to Bible Gateway. This is a great source for locating Bible scriptures through the computer.

#Holy 30

Category: Christian weight loss support, Desiring God, Fasting, Seeking God, Spirituality, weight loss | Tags: , , , , , ,

Fight The Gluttony Monster With God’s Solid Food – Holy 30 Devotional**- Day 11 & 12

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Lord, the Gluttony Monster comes to my house at night. He doesn’t bother me during the day for the most part, but he shows up most every night to harass me. How can I fight him? He’s bigger and stronger than me. I’m such a weakling against him. He beats me up most every night.

He usually shows up every evening around suppertime, sometimes before supper, sometimes after. Then he hangs around for a late night snack, only it’s a buffet. Sometimes he rides in the car with me and forces me to turn my car into the fast food drive-up windows. What can I do?

I’m not supposed to have murder in my heart. This I know,  but I REALLY WANT TO KILL this Gluttony Monster. He’s taking control of my life and I’m sick of it. He torments me all the time. I feel so helpless and defeated by this enemy.

This past Wednesday night at church, the pastor said that you don’t have to give into sin and then say you can’t help it. He said  the only reason you can’t help it is that you’re not willing to yield yourself to the Holy Spirit’s control. Lord, is that true?

Yes, My child, it is true.

Well then, Lord,. . .  I give myself to You right now. Place me under the control of Your Holy spirit. You take control of me. Anyway I’m not doing a very good job of self-control right now. As a matter of fact, it seems I’ve never done a good job of self-control. I give myself to You. Take me, use me, for I am Yours.

Help me kill this Gluttony monster? Help me! I hate being controlled by him.

Child of Mine, one way to defeat this Gluttony Monster is to quit feeding him. Feed your soul instead. 

Lord, how do I do that?

To begin with, feed your soul by reading My Word, The Bible. Reading your Bible instead of looking at that Facebook will make you stronger. You give medicine to your dog twice a day. When your Dad was recuperating at your house after his knee surgery, he took medicine twice a day. Now I’m giving you a spiritual prescription. Read My Word twice a day, morning and night. If you do this, you will grow stronger and defeat this Gluttony Monster, your enemy. 

That’s how I defeated My enemy. I had been in the Wilderness for 40 days and my enemy came with all his temptations, but I defeated him with the Word of God. I defeated him with, “It is written . . .”  

Once you become full of My Word, you can also tell your enemy, “It is written.” He can never go against My Word. I won’t even go against My Word. If it is written, then it is forever to be. 

You must feed on My solid food to defeat and destroy this Gluttony Monster. Now My child, get out your Bible and feed yourself My solid food. You aren’t a wimpy baby. ‘It is written’.  Now feed My Words to your mind and grow up.

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Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”  He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4: 1-4 

For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me. Psalm 18:39

Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. Revelation 12:10
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**This short devotional, “Holy 30” (See picture of Day 11 & Day 12.) is based on I Peter 1:16. First Baptist of Tillman’s Corner published this devotional . Just to let you know, I didn’t write any of this devotional, but I do have permission to share it with you.

In addition, if you would like more information about our church check out this website:    http://www.fbtc.org/ . You can also listen to some sermons from our pastors. Enjoy them, I do.

#Holy30

Category: Christian weight loss support, Desiring God, Fasting, Seeking God, Spirituality, weight loss | Tags: , , , , , , ,

Celebrate – Holy 30 Devotional** – Day 9 & Day 10

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Lord, we can understand to celebrate our blessings, but as compulsive over-eaters, this scripture encourages us to eat fat and drink sweet. (What about eating sweets?)  Isn’t this just waving a red flag in front of us? Are You giving us permission to overeat?

Lord, for me this is the most difficult devotional for one thing I’m struggling with compulsive overeating now, and the first thing I read is, “Go . . . eat. . .”

Child, food is not bad. It’s good to celebrate events by sharing a meal together in fellowship. I never said, “Eat until you’re bloated.” I was encouraging My people to celebrate with joy, not joy in the food, but joy in My Presence, and joy in My blessings, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. I am your strength. 

Turn your eyes from the food. Look for those who have none and share My blessings with one another. Be filled with My joy, not your abundant food. Celebrate My love. 

He that is in you is greater than he who is in the world, greater than the food in the kitchen, the drive-up, the snack machine, and the restaurant menu. he that is in you  is greater than all these. Look to Me for your strength.  Trust Me. 

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But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 1 John 3:17

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him. Psalm 28:7

Lord, sometimes I feel like there is trouble everywhere I look.

My child, you worry too much. Remember “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” Praise Me for your victory. 

But thanks be to Jesus Christ who has given us the victory. 1 Corinthians 15:57

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**This short devotional, “Holy 30” (See picture of Day 7 & Day 8.) is based on I Peter 1:16. It was published by First Baptist of Tillman’s Corner.  I didn’t write any of this devotional, but I do have permission to share it with you.

If you would like some additional information about our church check out this website:    http://www.fbtc.org/ . You can also listen to some sermons from our pastors. Enjoy them, I do.

#Holy30

Category: Christian weight loss support, Desiring God, Seeking God, Spirituality, weight loss | Tags: , , , ,

Our Hardest Day- Holy 30 Devotional -Day 7 & Day 8

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When I consider what was our hardest day, one day particularly stands out. It’s the day we signed a warrant of arrest for our son back in June of 2011.

Yes, that was the hardest day of our parenthood. There have been many days since that seemed hard at the time, but overall that was the hardest day ever. What a dark day that was, the darkest in our marriage, in my motherhood, and in my life. My husband will agree.

But then this is not so much a story of how horrible it was or even why we felt we had to do this. It’s not even a story about our hardest day. Instead, this is a story of how God loved on us in such a special way we knew we had been personally hugged by God.

The event that caused us to make this decision happened on a Saturday night, so early Sunday morning my husband and I drove to the city police department. I sat in the car, prayed and cried while my husband went inside to sign the papers.

We felt numb and overwhelmed with grief. Since we didn’t want to see anyone or make a public scene in our grief, going to church seemed out of question. Therefore we just rode and rode in the car in complete numbness and dead silence with no sense of direction.

After driving most of the day, we ended up in another county across the bay. Driving in silence we had passed several small fishing piers, so we decided just to get out and walk on one just  to look at the water. Water has a calming effect on the emotions.

We walked to the end of the pier, stood there looking at the sunset, and then hugged each other in consolation and grief. Suddenly a man took our picture. He asked permission to keep our picture because photography was his hobby. He said he was going to title the picture, “Lovers at Sunset.”

We were stunned, being lovers was the last thing on our minds. Before we could respond, his cell phone rang. Instead of a regular sounding ring, it played Christian music for the phone ring. We felt a sense of bond with this man for he was a Christian too. So we explained to him we weren’t hugging in a moment of passion, instead our hug was one of consolation and grief. We shared with him about our son and what we had done, the hardest thing any parent could do. Talk about “tough love”, this was killing us.

The man listened as we poured our hearts out, then he reached out for our hands and prayed both for us and with us for our son. We both cried, but felt reassured that God was listening. We felt assured that God would take care of our son and eventually restoration would come.

When my husband and I got back in the car, I said, “Do you know what just happened? God hugged on us, that’s what just happened.” My husband nodded his head in agreement. We left that place knowing God loved us, God loved our son, and God is in control even when we mess up.

I know of many who are going through darkness now with cancer, facing the loss of death of a loved one , or dealing with the heartache of wayward children. Our story may seem minor to others, but at the time it was the hardest day of our life.

And just to let you know,  both we and our son are in the process of restoration and healing in our relationships with one  another. We still have bumps in the road and moments of confusion. All of us have had tears since, but we can now express love one for another. My heart feels  joy each time he tells me, “I love you too, Mom.”

God is in the healing business.

Addendum: When we visited the Garden of Gethsemane last February, the Lord spoke to my heart saying, “No longer call him your wayward son, from now on call him your youngest son.”

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And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.” Malachi 4:6

 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;  does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part.  But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 1 Corinthians  13:4-10

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**This short devotional, “Holy 30” (See picture of Day 7 & Day 8.) is based on I Peter 1:16. It was published by First Baptist of Tillman’s Corner.  I didn’t write any of this devotional, but I do have permission to share it with you.

If you would like some additional information about our church check out this website:    http://www.fbtc.org/ . You can also listen to some sermons from our pastors. Enjoy them, I do.

Also if you click on the underlined scripture tab, you’ll be connected to Bible Gateway. This is a great source for locating Bible scriptures through the computer.

#Holy30

Category: Christian weight loss support, Desiring God, Seeking God, Spirituality, weight loss | Tags: , , , , , ,
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