I realize this is the second post today…but I felt like the Lord wanted me to share thoughts about Chapter one…more tomorrow on that…
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Chapter One…Ho Hum…here we go…again. Or so my very tired thoughts were this morning.
So, aware of my flesh wanting to minimize everything…I asked again for God to let my read-through of this material be NEW. I know that he can do anything, so I asked and then sat on the edge of my seat, looking forward with anticipation to just how He was going to do this. 🙂
And …well, he delivered. Immediately. Wow. Today, the title of this chapter struck me. I didn’t even get to the reading before he said, “How about this???”
Think about it.
FREE to enjoy God’s Lavish Love.
I want freedom to experience all God has. What keeps me from this freedom? What will this freedom look like? Wow…it has struck me that God’s Lavish Love is there to experience, but something often hinders me from it…I want to throw that stuff off. The chapter title really challenged me. All of the things I tend to TURN to when I feel weak…those are the very things that get in the way of me experiencing in REAL time…of enjoying…that which God has offered to me.
That is deep. I could sit and ponder/pray over that for a while.
Free to ENJOY God’s Lavish Love.
One thing I have learned is that God loves it when I am joyful…when I ENjoy something that He offers. When I don’t ENjoy his blessings, I miss it…and I think, to some degree, He must feel a sense of disappointment. He longs for me to ENjoy his Lavish Love…so…I think I will! 🙂
Free to enjoy God’s LAVISH love.
1 John 3:1 says: How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
Used as an adjective, Dictionary.com says “lavish” means:
expended, bestowed, or occurring in profusion
God pours out his LOVE on me in this way. How great the Father’s LOVE is for me!
I want to ENJOY it freely! 🙂
If you have not yet read chapter 1 in the book, I want to encourage you to underline, highlight or take note in your journal of everything that the authors say God is or does. They make a lot of assertions about God’s character and intentions about you, His child. Jot those down whether they are quotes from the book or implied only. Ask God to show you if you believe these things!
I challenge you to begin to wait for physical hunger before you eat. (Yes, I know some may take issue with this phraseology, but I think it fits for people just starting out or others of us who “pre-empt” hunger by eating for a variety of *other* reasons!). Note when you are drawn to eat and *aren’t* hungry and ask God to show you if you are not hungry, what it is that is making you think about food–why are you drawn? Food only satisfies physical hunger. All other “needs” or wants require something else to be satisfied.
What do you learn about yourself and about God as you wait for physical hunger before eating?
I received my copy of the book in the mail and read through chapter. I was tempted to keep reading but stopped and feel I need to ponder on this. I think all of this will take some time for me to really feel it, understand it and apply it to my life. In the past I have wanted to see immediate results or I question it or usually myself that I'm not doing it "right". Now I think I need to slow it way down and approach prayerfully.Because of my blood sugar problems I am very scared to get really hungry. It's going to be tricky to find the right balance and that line between eating for true hunger without my blood sugar crashing which makes me eat anything and everything. God will show me the way.Heidi, thanks for all the extras you are giving us. So helpful.
I received my copy of the book in the mail and read through chapter. I was tempted to keep reading but stopped and feel I need to ponder on this. I think all of this will take some time for me to really feel it, understand it and apply it to my life. In the past I have wanted to see immediate results or I question it or usually myself that I'm not doing it "right". Now I think I need to slow it way down and approach prayerfully.Because of my blood sugar problems I am very scared to get really hungry. It's going to be tricky to find the right balance and that line between eating for true hunger without my blood sugar crashing which makes me eat anything and everything. God will show me the way.Heidi, thanks for all the extras you are giving us. So helpful.
For those who have diabetes, it is always best to talk with a doctor, but the Hallidays know many people with diabetes who have done really well with this approach. Typically, you don't want to wait long after the first signal of hunger. Don't wait for a growl. That is NOT a sign of hunger for most people and can cause you to really crash if you wait for that…or to eat too soon! Either way, a growl isn't reliable. Then, what you eat is vital. If you know that there are foods that make you feel good physically, then ask God to help you to have those on hand for when you are hungry. It doesn't take much to fend off a true blood sugar crash…it is just the right something that the Lord will lead you for your body.You are right…this is a radical approach for many of us. Take the time YOU need to go through the book. The posts will be here for when you are there…you don't need to feel like you fall behind. it is better to hang in there at the pace the Lord leads YOU.Praying for you!
For those who have diabetes, it is always best to talk with a doctor, but the Hallidays know many people with diabetes who have done really well with this approach. Typically, you don't want to wait long after the first signal of hunger. Don't wait for a growl. That is NOT a sign of hunger for most people and can cause you to really crash if you wait for that…or to eat too soon! Either way, a growl isn't reliable. Then, what you eat is vital. If you know that there are foods that make you feel good physically, then ask God to help you to have those on hand for when you are hungry. It doesn't take much to fend off a true blood sugar crash…it is just the right something that the Lord will lead you for your body.You are right…this is a radical approach for many of us. Take the time YOU need to go through the book. The posts will be here for when you are there…you don't need to feel like you fall behind. it is better to hang in there at the pace the Lord leads YOU.Praying for you!
Thanks Heidi for doing this, so far I have kept up, quite a miracle for meLove,Paula, from Kim's group at FPC
Thanks Heidi for doing this, so far I have kept up, quite a miracle for meLove,Paula, from Kim's group at FPC
Paula!!!! I am so thrilled to see you "here!" Praise God Praise GOD! Doing a happy dance! 🙂 WHOO HOO! You go, girl. God really IS doing a new thing! 😀
Paula!!!! I am so thrilled to see you "here!" Praise God Praise GOD! Doing a happy dance! 🙂 WHOO HOO! You go, girl. God really IS doing a new thing! 😀
Heidi and all,Thank you Heidi for all the insights. I have kept up and am enjoying this so much. I do like my ducks all in a row, and you do a great job of lining them up. I realize how little I really know. I am not good at quoting the bible, but all of you have been so good, I am encouraged by all the comments.I realize that most of you are at least 'teenagers', and well I am still just a baby. God must be loving this :-). But, I will take those step, step by step and you have all been such and inspiration, esp. you Heidi. thanks for all the work this takes.I so want to love and honor God as much as I can. I have always known about God and believed in him, but I am only now learning what it means to believe him. That has really struck me.Thanks all.
Heidi and all,Thank you Heidi for all the insights. I have kept up and am enjoying this so much. I do like my ducks all in a row, and you do a great job of lining them up. I realize how little I really know. I am not good at quoting the bible, but all of you have been so good, I am encouraged by all the comments.I realize that most of you are at least 'teenagers', and well I am still just a baby. God must be loving this :-). But, I will take those step, step by step and you have all been such and inspiration, esp. you Heidi. thanks for all the work this takes.I so want to love and honor God as much as I can. I have always known about God and believed in him, but I am only now learning what it means to believe him. That has really struck me.Thanks all.
Madaline, you are so precious~ In the real sense, I personally enjoy spending time with babies just as much, if not more than teens, and in the spiritual sense as well! So please keep contributing! There's never an "arrival" point (in faith or in learning of God's love for us through hunger design), and even if a believer has heard of something before, constant reminders are necessary! Heidi, thank you (again) for all your energy in this process, and for putting on a "new pair of glasses" to view this material from for/with us! He's reminding me over and over of the "p" word (PROCESS), and His Word is alive, hitting different parts of our hearts everytime through it, but it can be very tempting to think "Oh, I know the principles, I got it, there's nothing new for me here." Bless you for persevering again! And THANK YOU for mentioning what you did about the growl! Wow! I didn't realize it until now but I had a legalist attitude toward the growl from old Weigh Down days, and have stumbled often these past couple weeks with concerns over eating with other hunger signals. Was also tempted to judge one of the ladies in our study because she still has not had a "growl", but experiences a gnawing tightness instead before she eats. Just a timely reminder that God is doing a new thing in EACH of us, and we are His unique creatures–no cookie cutter copies here! Sincerity is key, waiting for hunger as best as we can identify it, and then we can learn over time what our bodies need and when as God unveils His design in us. Ah, sweet grace~
Madaline, you are so precious~ In the real sense, I personally enjoy spending time with babies just as much, if not more than teens, and in the spiritual sense as well! So please keep contributing! There's never an "arrival" point (in faith or in learning of God's love for us through hunger design), and even if a believer has heard of something before, constant reminders are necessary! Heidi, thank you (again) for all your energy in this process, and for putting on a "new pair of glasses" to view this material from for/with us! He's reminding me over and over of the "p" word (PROCESS), and His Word is alive, hitting different parts of our hearts everytime through it, but it can be very tempting to think "Oh, I know the principles, I got it, there's nothing new for me here." Bless you for persevering again! And THANK YOU for mentioning what you did about the growl! Wow! I didn't realize it until now but I had a legalist attitude toward the growl from old Weigh Down days, and have stumbled often these past couple weeks with concerns over eating with other hunger signals. Was also tempted to judge one of the ladies in our study because she still has not had a "growl", but experiences a gnawing tightness instead before she eats. Just a timely reminder that God is doing a new thing in EACH of us, and we are His unique creatures–no cookie cutter copies here! Sincerity is key, waiting for hunger as best as we can identify it, and then we can learn over time what our bodies need and when as God unveils His design in us. Ah, sweet grace~
Just popping in to say "hi"! I haven't been on the computer for a couple of days so I'm trying to catch up on reading all the posts. So encouraging, thank you! Heidi, I can really relate to asking the Lord to help you view the material afresh! I've started the book so many times that I think I skim over all the beginning stuff! So, I, too, have asked the Lord to show me what I need to learn right now in this process of healing from food issues and journey of getting to know Him more deeply.Autumnseer,I have a diabetic child in my class and she drinks a little juice box when she's low…sure does the trick. I don't say that to tell you something you already know(!) but that it sure helped me realize that I can listen and learn from my body. I struggle with my morning exercise. I like to roll out of bed right before I head out to meet a couple of girlfriends for a run. I've noticed, however, now that I'm eating less, I'm really hungry in the mornings. I never used to eat anything before a run. The Lord has helped me to figure out a small glass of juice or even a couple bites of peanut butter toast really helps with my stamina. I used to be legalistic about this (can't eat because it won't be a slow thing…) but the Lord really worked this out for me and what is best physically for my body.Paula, I think I remember your name from the TW forums?Madaline, you're funny! I feel like such a baby, but I suppose I'm more of a rebellious teen! Oh well, we're all in this together!Heather, I can relate to the old WD "wait for a growl" days. I still find myself thinking like that. Your insight helped me remember how wrong this is…and how everyone's bodies are so different.I will pray for each of you through the weekend!Diahn
Just popping in to say "hi"! I haven't been on the computer for a couple of days so I'm trying to catch up on reading all the posts. So encouraging, thank you! Heidi, I can really relate to asking the Lord to help you view the material afresh! I've started the book so many times that I think I skim over all the beginning stuff! So, I, too, have asked the Lord to show me what I need to learn right now in this process of healing from food issues and journey of getting to know Him more deeply.Autumnseer,I have a diabetic child in my class and she drinks a little juice box when she's low…sure does the trick. I don't say that to tell you something you already know(!) but that it sure helped me realize that I can listen and learn from my body. I struggle with my morning exercise. I like to roll out of bed right before I head out to meet a couple of girlfriends for a run. I've noticed, however, now that I'm eating less, I'm really hungry in the mornings. I never used to eat anything before a run. The Lord has helped me to figure out a small glass of juice or even a couple bites of peanut butter toast really helps with my stamina. I used to be legalistic about this (can't eat because it won't be a slow thing…) but the Lord really worked this out for me and what is best physically for my body.Paula, I think I remember your name from the TW forums?Madaline, you're funny! I feel like such a baby, but I suppose I'm more of a rebellious teen! Oh well, we're all in this together!Heather, I can relate to the old WD "wait for a growl" days. I still find myself thinking like that. Your insight helped me remember how wrong this is…and how everyone's bodies are so different.I will pray for each of you through the weekend!Diahn
Thank you, Heather of the Lord. I do love the Lord, have all my life. And I have always walked with him, but this TW is wonderful. Such insight. For me the growl works, only because I get that gnawing empty feeling first, light-headed/shky sometimes too. Then just as soon as I am wondering, asking God, I get the growl. (Old WD – you are right about that. I do not want that legalistic attitude even though they claim it is not.) I get a growl sometimes when I am not hungry like right after I have eaten! I have been asking God to show me if I am hungry and he has been. Thank you so much.The bottom line, I want to get right with my eating, but more important – I want to get and stay right with God, I want to walk as his child, honoring him and obeying him but remembering his mercy when I slip. Through TW my main goal is learning to walk with God.
Thank you, Heather of the Lord. I do love the Lord, have all my life. And I have always walked with him, but this TW is wonderful. Such insight. For me the growl works, only because I get that gnawing empty feeling first, light-headed/shky sometimes too. Then just as soon as I am wondering, asking God, I get the growl. (Old WD – you are right about that. I do not want that legalistic attitude even though they claim it is not.) I get a growl sometimes when I am not hungry like right after I have eaten! I have been asking God to show me if I am hungry and he has been. Thank you so much.The bottom line, I want to get right with my eating, but more important – I want to get and stay right with God, I want to walk as his child, honoring him and obeying him but remembering his mercy when I slip. Through TW my main goal is learning to walk with God.