A Christmas Prayer

By Julie Morris –

O Lord, thank You for Christmas. Help me to prepare so that this year I can celebrate Your son’s birth in a more meaningful way. Help me to examine mistakes I’ve made in past Christmases so that I won’t be caught up in an unhealthy tidal wave of Christmas confusion this year.

So often, I have gotten my priorities backwards during Christmas: I’ve been so busy buying presents for everyone else that I have ignored the One whose birthday I was celebrating. I have spent money I didn’t have to buy gifts that no one needs. I have continued meaningless traditions that include over-spending and over-eating, while cutting down on Bible study and prayer.

When I think about the reason for the season, these things just don’t make sense. But that’s one of the problems. As Christmas confusion snowballs into Christmas chaos, I don’t think clearly! I celebrate Christmas as I always have, even if the results are the same: exhaustion, debt, extra pounds and a sense of emptiness after it’s over.

Father, help me to put You first and give You what You want this Christmas. When I think about what parents want from their children, I know the three things You want most: You want my love—not empty words of love; You want me to prove my love by spending time  with You, allowing You to guide me and encourage me. You want my appreciation for all of the things You have done for me—especially the sacrifice You made when You sent Your son as my redeemer 2,000 years ago. And You want me to share Your love with others.

Lord, there’s no way I can change the way I celebrate Christmas without Your help and a determined effort on my part. So right now I ask You to help me and I commit to do these things every day between now and Christmas:

• I will spend 15 minutes every morning celebrating the real reason for the season. During that time, I’ll journal my prayers and sing praises to You while basking in the light of my Christmas tree.
• I will pray daily to find people who need my help. Whether it’s money, encouraging words or extra time, I will share with them cheerfully–out of love for You.
• I will spend my time, money and calories well during the holidays. I will not do everything that I’ve always done—and expect different results. I will turn down some party invitations, shopping trips and Christmas traditions so I won’t become exhausted, bust my budget or add extra pounds.
• I will prepare for each Christmas party I decide to attend. I won’t go famished; I’ll focus on fellowship more than food; and when I eat, I’ll make the healthiest choices I can. And I won’t go back for seconds or load my plate down to overflowing.
• I’ll make exercise a priority. I’ll go for a brisk walk or run by the gym almost every day.
• I won’t tempt myself or those around me by baking a lot of “goodies.” I will think about how miserable I always feel when I’ve overeaten, and put a stop to it before it starts.
• I will meet with a prayer partner each week. I’ll tell her how I’m doing with these goals and pray with her, asking for the desire and ability to make these positive changes. If I get off track, I will confess it, recommit to my goal, and praise You for Your unconditional love for me.

Thank You for the priceless gift You gave at Christmas! Help me, Lord, to enjoy You this Christmas and to please You in all I do as I celebrate.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Julie Morris (julie@guidedbyhim.com) is the author of 12 books, a dynamic motivational speaker and founder of two Christian weight-loss programs: Step Forward (www.stepforwarddiet.com) and a lighter and easier version of Step Forward–Guided By Him (www.guidedbyhim.com).

Are You a Wet Blanket on the Spirit?

By Julie Morris –

As Thanksgiving approaches this year, let’s look at what the Bible says about giving thanks. God commands us to give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and in the next verse He warns us what will happen if we don’t—He says, “Don’t put out the Spirit’s fire”  (1 Thessalonians 5:19 NIV).

What He’s saying is that we will be a wet blanket on the Holy Spirit’s work within us if we don’t give thanks—and our spiritual, physical and emotional health will suffer. But this isn’t the once-a-year type of thanks. It’s daily thanksgiving.

Let’s look at the awesome things that the Holy Spirit does in us and what may happen if we’re a wet-blanket on the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit produces the delicious fruit of the Spirit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and (last but not least!) self-control (Ephesians 5:21-23 NIV). If we put a wet blanket on the Spirit by not giving thanks, we might find ourselves producing rotten fruit. As you read the list below, place a check next to any rotten fruit that you’re producing:

• Hatefulness instead of love
• Depression instead of joy
• Fear instead of peace
• Impatience instead of patience
• Rudeness instead of kindness
• Meanness instead of goodness
• Inconsistency instead of faithfulness
• Gruffness instead of gentleness
• Undisciplined lifestyles instead of self-control

As if rotten fruit weren’t enough, if we don’t give thanks, we’ll also be a wet blanket on our spiritual gifts. That means that we either won’t have these gifts or we’ll use them wrong. Here are some examples:

• Teachers will be impatient.
• Leaders will dictate.
• Givers will throw money away indiscriminately.
• Mercy-givers will try to “fix” people.
• Evangelists will cram truth down the throats of unbelievers.
• Helpers will get mad if people don’t appreciate them.

If we don’t give thanks, we’ll be a wet blanket on other things that the Holy Spirit does in us. Here are here are just a few examples:

• · The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth. “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26 NIV).
• · The Holy Spirit gives us power. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8 NIV).
• The Holy Spirit fills us with hope. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13 NIV).

This Thanksgiving, make a life-changing decision to give thanks every day… in everything—no matter how challenging your circumstances— so that you won’t be a wet blanket on the Spirit at work in you.

Julie Morris (Julie@guidedbyhim.com) is the author of 12 books, a dynamic speaker and founder of two Christian weight-loss programs—Step Forward (www.stepforwarddiet.com) and a lighter and easier version of Step Forward—Guided By Him to a Thinner, Not So Stressed-Out You! (www.guidedbyhim.com).

10 Common Mistakes in Relationships

By Julie Morris –

Are you having problems in a relationship but can’t put your finger on what’s wrong? See which of these mistakes you’re making:

1. It’s His Fault—Joe is so busy playing the blame game with his boss that he doesn’t pay attention to things he’s doing to contribute to the problem. Do you ever play the blame game?

2. I’m Out Of Here—Mark doesn’t like his wife’s nagging so he works late every night, and tunes her out when he’s home. Do you withdraw either physically or emotionally from people rather than address the problem directly?

3. I’m An Exploding Volcano—Judy thinks it’s not very Christian to be angry so she stuffs her feelings toward her husband until she has more than she can hold. Then she explodes like a volcano and tells him all the horrible things she’s been thinking…and then some. Do you ever stuff your feelings until you explode?

4. I’m Her Holy Spirit—Dick feels that it’s his job to judge his wife, tell her when she’s wrong, and direct her every step. Do you try to take the Holy Spirit’s place?

5. If Only He’d Change—Brenda believes that she can never be happily married to her workaholic husband. She spends hours every day watching soap operas and reading romance novels to escape her emptiness. She is so stuck in her “if onlys” that she does nothing positive to deal with her problems. Do you live in the “if onlys”?

6. I’m Good Because I’m Submissive—Joann has a terrible fear of confrontation. She’ll do anything to keep from having an argument. She rationalizes her wimpiness to confront her husband’s ungodly behavior by calling it “submission.” Do you make excuses not to confront wrong behaviors?

7. He Deserves It—Mary’s boss is making her miserable. He piles more on her than she can do, complains constantly and never gives her a compliment. She gossips about him to anyone who will listen and does sloppy work to get even. Do you do unbecoming things and excuse them because of what others do to you?

8. If You Don’t Hear Me, I’ll Talk Louder—George has a real temper. If his 10-year-old son can’t understand when George explains his homework, he screams the instructions at him. Do you scream at someone, rather than trying to explain in a clearer way what you’re trying to say?

9. Here, Let Me Fix You—William only means to help his grown daughter with his constant stream of unasked-for advice, but he is alienating her instead. Do you feel compelled to give advice?

10. I’m Busy Doing God’s Work—Maryann teaches two Bible studies and is president of the women’s ministry at her Church. Her husband and children feel like they’re not as important to her as the things she’s doing. Do you treat your loved ones like your work is #1?

Look back over these mistakes and identify the ones you’re making. What are some things you can do to change? You’ll be amazed to see the blessings that come when you invest just a few minutes a day thinking about these things and praying for God to give you the willingness and ability to relate in a better way.

Adapted from Guided By Him…to a Thinner, Not So Stressed-Out You, by Julie Morris.

Julie Morris (julie@guidedbyhim.com) is the author of 12 books, a dynamic motivational speaker and founder of two Christian weight-loss programs: Step Forward (www.stepforwarddiet.com) and a lighter and easier version of Step Forward, Guided By Him (www.guidedbyhim.com).

There’s Strength in Numbers

By Julie Morris –

If you have been in a Christian weight-loss group, you already know. If you’re just getting ready to join, you are about to find out first-hand: It will be life-changing! With the help of your group, you’ll be able to do things you would never be able to do alone. There is strength in numbers.

Do you know why?

In your group, you have friends who love you unconditionally. They won’t judge you, give unwanted advice or talk about you behind your back. They are like the family you may have never experienced. They encourage you to make healthy life-style changes even when it’s hard and you want to give up.

That’s why God exhorts us to get together with others when he says: “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25 NIV).

You have two very important things in common with others in your group: a problem with food, and a desire to get to know God better. You don’t have to pretend with each other. You have hidden your hurts, but now you can relax. You’re among friends. It’s a relief to find others who think the same way you do, have struggled with the same things and have made the same mistakes.

You come from all denominations, different backgrounds and various ages. It doesn’t matter. When you relate without masks, you understand each other. When you walk in someone’s shoes, you know them and appreciate them. When you look at life through their eyes, you are able to see your own better.

Your goal is not just to lose weight, it’s to draw closer to God and become more like the person you’ve always wanted to be.

In Christian weight-loss groups, growth is contagious! You inspire each other. You see how God has helped those in the group and what they are doing to know him better, and your faith grows. You hear yourself say, “If they can do it, so can I!” You want to change, and, because you have a mighty God and the encouragement of your group, you know you can.

The love in Christian weight-loss groups is a real example of Christian community. You listen, empathize, pray for and help each other. You don’t take responsibility to “fix” each other or carry other members’ burdens because you know you have a wonderful God who is far better able to do that. You care about each other and share what God is doing in your lives. You study His Word together and confess your weaknesses to each other. And, together, you recognize choices where you thought you had no choice. You grow and learn and face the future with a new sense of expectancy because the love and acceptance in you group free you up from things that have held you prisoner.

There’s something else special about each Christian weight-loss group: it’s a safe place. Because you don’t judge each other and are careful with confidentiality, you can be yourselves, take off your masks, be honest about your mistakes–both accidental and premeditated–and no one will criticize you or gossip about you. Even better, no one will make you feel guilty or (heaven forbid) lecture you. You are loved and accepted just as you are.

Now that fall is in the air, why don’t you consider joining a weight-loss group or even starting your own? There are many groups available to choose from. What do you have to lose… besides extra pounds!

Julie Morris (julie@guidedbyhim.com) is the author of 12 books and founder of two Christian weight-loss programs: Step Forward (www.stepforwarddiet.com) and a lighter and easier version of Step Forward, Guided By Him (www.guidedbyhim.com).

Hope for Hungry Hearts

By Julie Morris –

I bought every diet book I could find, desperately searching for something that would give me hope as I struggled to lose weight. Little did I know that the book I needed most was sitting right on my bedside table. Read more

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