"Normal"

Define "normal"...

What defines a "normal" weight?

What defines a "normal" size?

What defines "normal" eating habits?

What defines a "normal" life?

What defines a "normal" you???

I just read a post on Becoming A Woman of Moderation's blog talking about a "normal" eating day that I thought was very well put and fitting for my page, being a weight-loss blog and all. If you have time, click on the link and totally go check out her post because it's a relative story that I think makes a good point for anyone trying to lose weight. If you don't have the time I'd just like to highlight the point I liked most:

"I had a pretend conversation with someone as I walked ~ someone who, a few months down the road, of course, was commenting on how great I looked and asking whatever had been my secret. As I conversed and explained how I got to looking so fabulous, I realized that I was sharing a testimony. My testimony. My path out of slavery, of taking up my cross, of dying to sin, of kicking the devil and his lies to the curb, and giving my angels an excuse to party every day. To the point where the party ran non-stop. I noticed, as I spoke, that my idea of "normal" eating in the future looks VERY different from the day I actually had yesterday. And I realized, that continuing to have days like I had yesterday will only delay ~ and most likely cancel ~ that future."

There are multiple things I loved about her post, but the two I like most are:

1. She glorifies GOD and claims it as her testimony to be able to overcome her weight loss struggle. God really is worthy of praise in this battle, because just like any other "fleshly" battle or bondage, we need God's strength to deliver us from our weaknesses. 2 Cor 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

2. She recognized that her "future" should look different than her past. If she continues on the path of her "past," the results will not be beneficial for her future. 2 Cor 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

As Christians we are not supposed to live by the desires of the flesh but rather we are called to live by the spirit. (Romans 8:5) Overeating and indulging in things which aren't beneficial to our bodies (which God calls a temple of the Holy Spirit), I absolutely believe is an act of the flesh. Our stomachs shouldn't rule our lives if we are walking in the spirit because one of the fruits of the spirit is self-control. We have to learn how to live a self-controlled life in EVERY AREA, including our diet. It's not wrong to enjoy a dessert or favorite dish, however we've got to embrace the concept of moderation and kick this "American indulgence" mentality to the curve. I strongly believe the reason our economy is in the state it's in right now is due to indulgence. We as American's have been raised in a society that teaches that we need and deserve everything our little hearts desire and in turn we've become poor stewards over what God's blessed us with. <--That's a WHOLE different post for a different time though, don't even get me started. *smile*

Before jumping into the powerful word of God with the verse of the day that was impressed upon my heart, I'd like to leave you with a quote that was featured within one of Jillian Michaels Tip of the Day emails:

"Nothing changes if nothing changes."

Verse(s) of the Day:

Galatians 5:22-26 (NKJV)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.