Psalm 139 Can Help You To Lose Weight

By Julie Morris, RN

Psalm 139 has been an awesome help in my weight-loss journey and it can help you too. Read each verse, followed by the thoughts I wrote years ago in my personal journal. Then try writing your own thoughts.

“O LORD, you have searched me and you know me….you are familiar with all my ways….You have laid your hand upon me.” (Lord, you know me. You know all about me, all of my negative thoughts and bad choices. You are always with me, reaching out to me, holding me—when I let you.)

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Stop the Cycle of Shame

By Julie Morris, RN

“Congratulations!” she said cheerfully, not realizing that her words would send me spiraling into shame.

She continued, loud enough for the other nurses and even some of the patients in the ICU to hear, “Congratulations on your pregnancy!” Suddenly seeing the horrified look on my face, she changed her tone and said quietly, “You are pregnant, aren’t you?”

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Eating for Good Grades

By Brooke Parker

School is fully upon us.  My oldest just entered kindergarten so I’m new at being a school mom, and I’m concerned about my son’s well-being while he’s at school. The dietitian in me especially worries about his nutritional health, which affects his ability to focus on schoolwork throughout the day. I believe that this concern is extremely valid. The length of time away from home and accessibility to nutritious foods both pose a problem for optimal energy and focus. The following are basic concepts to simplify the school nutrition obstacle:

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Variety Is The Key

The human body is amazing!  It adapts quickly to stresses placed upon it.  This was a very good characteristic for our ancestors, but not so great for us.

Stuck in a modern society of ease and convenience–with washing machines, fast food, and speedy cars–we also have obesity, heart problems, and many different health challenges that come with inactivity.

Because our bodies are so impressive, we have to work harder and challenge ourselves differently to maintain optimum health and vigor.  When we look at living better and longer, we would be wise to remember what Theodore Roosevelt said: “Nothing worth gaining was ever gained without effort.”  If we want to increase our fitness and health, we have to be willing to push ourselves.  But if we do the same activity over and over again, we will really have to work hard to keep seeing results.

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Present Your Body

Here’s a sobering question: Do you think we’ll be required to give an accounting to the Lord for the stewardship of our bodies and how well we’ve taken care of them?

While exercise was not a priority in Biblical times, in Romans 12:1 Paul answers that question when he says, “I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your body a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

Each of us is advised to take care of our body since it is the temple of the Holy Spirit.  That’s a frightening thought for most of us when we really stop to think about it!  “You are not your own,” Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “For you were bought at a price” (the shed blood of Jesus Christ).

Could that mean your body is not yours, but the Lord’s?  How well are we caring for the Lord’s property?

The good news is that since your body belongs to the Lord, He has a vested interest in helping you care for it.  Your body is not only the temple of His Holy Spirit, it’s what you need to be able to walk around on this earth and spread the good news that Jesus is Lord.

You CAN be a FIT witness for Christ.  The more fit and healthy you are, the greater the probability is that you will be around longer to carry out His will for your life.

The enemy wants you to fail at your task–to fail horribly and leave the earth before your time.  He doesn’t really care that you’re going to heaven; he just doesn’t want you to take anyone else with you!  If your body is out of shape and lacking energy, it’s difficult to do all the Lord is calling you to do.  But you and the Lord–working together–can change that!

“What?!” you ask.  “The Lord needs MY help?  But He’s omnipotent, all-powerful and in control!”  Well, yes–and no.  He is all-powerful, but He will not wrestle the cake fork out of your hand or pick up the strings, like a grand marionette master, and animate your body to take a brisk walk.  We are the ones who have to exercise our will to exercise our body and “choose life.”

You don’t have to wait to do that!  You can start right now by doing something small.  Would you be willing to choose to do at least one new thing for your health and fitness today?  Here are some ideas: take a brisk walk, eat a raw vegetable salad before dinner, have an apple for dessert or snack instead of a sugar-laden treat, pray for God to help you make healthy choices before you eat, write your goals for a healthier lifestyle in a prayer journal.

When you feel tempted to overeat, turn to the Lord in prayer and praise, and yield to the fruit of the Holy Spirit within you.  Galatians 5:23 says that one of those fruit is self-control!

Ask the Lord to help you become the person He has called you to be.  You are not alone.  Remember, He loves you more than you can possibly imagine, and wants you to succeed in every way.  In Philippians 4:13, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, Paul says that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.  That includes having a healthier lifestyle!

Christian Fitness Expert and author Laurette Willis is the Director of PraiseMoves® Fitness Ministry, offering fitness programs, DVDs, books and instructor training for those interested in a Christian ALTERNATIVE to yoga, plus fitness for spirit, soul, and body at http://praisemoves.com.  To follow Laurette on Twitter, please visit http://twitter.com/Fit4Christ, and Facebook at  http://facebook.com/people/Laurette-Willis/661158603 ©2009

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