Oooh, Baby

By Jane Thornton –

This spring my bi-annual case of nature fever struck as scheduled. Some time every March, when the sun has shone for seven days straight, and the daffodils and redbuds sing of the coming season, I get a yearning to be outdoors and plant flowers. The bug attacks again in September when the temperature stays below ninety degrees for seven days in a row. Unfortunately for my garden, the passion is always short-lived, and I tend to migrate to my habitual pastimes of reading novels or watching movies during every spare moment.

As usual, when my zeal peaked this year, I binged at Home Depot then came home to don my gardening attire. Since my lily-white skin rarely sees the light of day, I need to take advantage of these fits. On went the raggedy shorts and the T-shirt with arms and neck scooped out for tanning purposes.

After a few hours, my hair straggled over my forehead although a kinder person might have described it as tousled or windblown. Potting soil clung to my knees and had seeped through my gloves to embed itself under my nails. And, to use the southern, feminine term, I glowed.

At this point, my husband, Wes, drove up, returning from some long errand. I smeared my dirt-encrusted glove across my face, trying to see through the rattails of my hair. With a hand braced in the small of my back, I creaked to a stand, making it to an almost-erect position.

“Wow! You’re working.” He strode across the lawn, swept me into an embrace, and laid a fervent kiss upon my lips. Apparently he found the unusual aroma of perspiration an effective aphrodisiac.

I have noticed another aberration over the years. Wes finds the vision of me behind an ironing board a bigger turn on than me in a skimpy nightie, perhaps because the ironing is a rarer sight. We once went to a marriage seminar at which we were asked to share with each other actions which made us feel cherished. Ironing came up. So much for the impression gained by my novels and movies—they suggested a smoldering look was all it took. Recently, Wes threw out another shocker. He opened the cabinet and, finding I had stocked up on his favorite grape Kool-Aid, casually commented that a plentiful supply of the drink made him feel loved.

Now, I’m not knocking the usefulness of a beautiful negligee, but the desire for a successful marriage requires us to learn some of these other quirks—and to do something about them. Look at the description of a wife of noble character in Proverbs 31:10-31, NIV.  This woman “gets up while it is still dark,” “sets about her work vigorously,” “grasps the spindle with her fingers,” “makes coverings for her bed,” etc. The result? “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” (Proverbs 31:28 NIV). I have a new habit of buying a few containers of grape Kool-Aid every time I’m at the store.  And at this moment, the ironing basket is calling my name.

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).

Two Kinds of Wisdom

By Nina Medrano –

Have you ever found yourself speaking pleasantries to a fellow co-worker, a team member, an equal, who through self-elevation began to speak in tones of authority over you? Read more

Fuel-up with “Cross-Bearing” Veggies!

By Laurette Willis –

It is recommended we eat 5-9 servings of fruit and vegetables every day to nourish our bodies, prevent disease and control our weight. For most Americans, that means another helping of French fries and tomato ketchup, but not for those of us seeking godly fitness! Read more

Hand in Hand

By Jane Thornton –

One hot August Monday morning I walked hand in hand with five-year-old Matthew up the wide concrete steps to Plummer Elementary. My heart was in turmoil; his probably was too. Read more

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