Where is your treasure?

Today, there were several instances when I was reminded that I cannot make these changes and I cannot receive my healing on my own and through my own efforts. The first time was as I listened to Dr. Charles Stanley's teaching (on TV this morning) where he said that anything that we try or obtain on or through our own efforts (without God) will fail. The next time was during Pastor's sermon where he stated that we have to stop doing things on our own. I cannot remember who else said it but it was during a casual conversation that took place today.

This evening, I sat down to have quiet time. God reminded me of a previous blog post where I referenced Matthew 19:26 which says, "With men, [this] is impossible, but all things are possible with God." Then God also showed me a familiar scripture reference but pointed out something new. He guided me to Matthew 6:31-33. As I read through the verses (that I have read many times), He specifically pointed to the beginning of verses 31 and 33. Then He put it together as: "Do not worry about what you eat or drink...but seek Me first and everything else will be added to you."

where is your treasure?

He had me turn back to the beginning of the chapter and showed me verse 21 (another very familiar verse): "For where your treasure is, there will your heart also be."

At this point, I asked God to slow down. You see, He was giving all of this to me so quickly and I was noticing that I was having a hard time keeping up. I also noticed that my legs were quivering. I knew what that meant. I grabbed my test kit and discovered that my glucose had dropped very low. I took care of that situation and went back to my time with God. He was so great in that He brought me right back to where we had stopped. He slowed down so that I could process all that He was saying. Then He spoke directly to me:

"My daughter, You are trying over and over again to find the solution on your own. Without Me, this is impossible. I do not want you to worry and fret about this, though I want you to make wise choices in eating. I want to guide you. But I also want you to examine your heart and see where your treasure is. Is it with Me? Or is it with the food that you constantly think about eating and that has its control on you? Seek Me, my love...my daughter."

I must confess: although I started this blog out of obedience to what God asked me to do, I had secret ambitions that this blog was going to be a big success and/or that it would be the "next big thing." As I sit here typing, I am thinking: Is this where my treasure is? Honestly, it doesn't matter if no one else ever reads this blog (including my family and friends). It doesn't matter if it ever gets high web traffic hits. All that matters is that I seek God as I do it and that I remain obedient to Him.

Blessings!

Judi

Let's Get Real (and an Introduction)

hiding from the truth

Hello and welcome to my blog! I am starting this blog as a means of chronicling my battle and, more importantly, my victory over food. I would not say that I am a food addict but I do use food as a means of comfort and in times of boredom. Of course, neither of these are good reasons for eating and they are unhealthy habits; hence, the blog name reference to gluttony. Unfortunately, my unhealthy eating habits have now led to medical problems.

After the birth of my first son, I put on weight. I gained 70 pounds (only 25 of which was a result of my pregnancy). Using various weight loss methods, I was able to lose most of the weight by 1999...just in time for my second pregnancy. At 7 months of pregnancy, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. The gestational diabetes went away with the birth of my second son. I was told that I needed to lose the remaining weight (through healthy eating and exercise) as I was at a high risk for developing diabetes within 5 years. I ignored this warning and ate as I pleased because I wanted to eat what I wanted to eat when I wanted to eat it. I put back on 40 pounds.

Then in 2004, suspecting that I had diabetes, I braved the dreaded doctor visit. It was confirmed that I had in fact developed diabetes. I blamed myself for it. I had failed at my minute attempts to develop a healthy lifestyle. I had not taken my health or this impending medical condition seriously. I let it go and I was reaping the consequences of my poor choices. Now, the diabetes in and of itself has caused additional problems such as GERD, rosacea, eczema, high cholesterol, and a severe over-growth of yeast in my body (called candida) which comes with its own complications. Admitting that I have these conditions is a big move for me because I would rather hide these realities by putting my head in the sand. I would rather not share this truth with anyone. It is an embarrassment to me.

I have decided that I can't live this way any longer. It is time for change. I am taking a step of faith by admitting my medical conditions and by documenting my victory over them.

I hope that you will join me in this quest and even give your input along the way.

Blessings!

Judi