Tag Archives: OK

To Accept the Things I Can Not Change

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“Acceptance is a vital key to spiritual grown and recovery from compulsive eating.  We must come to accept that for whatever reason-heredity, slow metabolism, body type, height-we cannot eat everything we want because of the weight consequences for us.  It isn’t easy, but in order to move forward, we must give up the excuses and face reality.  No more saying, ‘It’s not fair,’ or ‘Why me?’

There is freedom in accepting the reality of our condition today.  Once we do, we can begin to attack the problem.  We free ourselves to move on and say, ‘OK, now what am I going to do about it?’  And in that acceptance, we can also begin seeking God’s power rather than relying on our own. In this humble position, we can turn to Him for every answer.

Lord, may I accept the reality of my food and weight problems.  May I live in reality and now seek for answers.” Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom-2 Corinthians 3:17B Quote is taken from Lose it For Life Day by Day by Stephen Arterburn.

Question:  What are you willing to accept today with God’s help?

God Grant Me The Serenity…

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Quote is from Lose It For Life Day by Day by Stephen Arterburn

“Serenity is a sign of recovery.  It is the spiritual position of surrender and peace, marking our acceptance of reality.  It represents our deep conviction of God’s sovereignty and His boundless love for us.  When we are serene, there is no more struggling to change our lives, limit our foods, lose weight, or be close to God.  Rather, our hearts are at peace in the knowledge of God’s presence in our lives.

When we do experience times of unease, however, we know we can always ask God to grant us peace.  It is a gift that is given from Him who has all power. It is truly something that must be granted, something we could never achieve on our own.  On our own, we could try to convince ourselves that we feel OK, but that sort of serenity is false and fleeting.  In asking God for this gift instead of trying to create it ourselves, we acknowledge our surrender to His lordship, and thus to His will for our lives.

Today, Lord, wrap me in Your love and peace.  Grant me nearness to You.  Grant me serenity.”

I am leaving you with a gift- peace of mind and heart.- John14:27A

Question:  What do you relate to in this devotional?

6 Steps to Playtime

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Play is experienced in the body and feels pleasurable, fun, relaxing, Play tends to triggers body movements like smiles and laughter. Play wakes up the senses of sight, sound, touch, taste and smell.

Play is to the brain like sleep is to the body: a time to take a break, rebalance chemicals, repair, recharge, and ready for life’s requirements. Without play, the brain gets overloaded, confused, unable to discern rational from irrational. truth from lies, safe from unsafe. Like sleep deprivation, lack of play results in dysfunction and disease of mind, body and soul.

Unfortunately, most of us don’t know how to play. We go through the motions – hiking golfing, or playing a game with the kids – but we are anxious, impatient, and irritable because play is not possible when the brain is involved in worry, jealousy, embarrassment, anger, competition, survival, grief, or dislike.

When the mind is stressed, vacations are exhausting, free time is used for chores, meal times are rushed, hobbies are disappointing, and “fun” with family and friends becomes frustrating.

Depleted, depressed, disconnected, we crawl to professionals seeking solutions to our problems. We are given prescriptions for drugs and guidelines on how to rest, eat better, and exercise more. But we try and fail because we don’t know how to play.

This week, I invite you to rediscover how to play: with your food, with your dog, with your family, with God; at work, on your walks, while doing chores, at church, at the store.

1. SLOW DOWN.

2. Be curious instead of critical, flexible instead of controlling. Be a student instead of a know-it-all; towards your children, spouse, friends, strangers, self, hobbies, prayer.

3. Breathe deeply. Chances are your body is programmed for fight/flight, so take some time to relax into what you are thinking and doing.

4. Open your senses: look, smell, touch, taste, and hear each experience.

5. Soothe your stressed out brain with calming affirmations:

It’s OK to take your time.

It’s OK to enjoy yourself.

It’s OK to not do it perfectly.

It’s OK to relax.

6. Keep a “Play Journal” for the week and make notes on your progress. Your body, mind and soul (and your kids, spouse, friends, God, dog) will thank you.