In my last blog I said "I am taking ownership". I was speaking of my faith as well as how I use my time to honor God. That is exactly what I planned on doing, starting with two specific convictions God laid on my heart to work on with Him during the month of July.
Conviction one: my time.
I am extremely good at keeping myself busy with tasks (errands, laundry, gardening, baking, etc), forgetting that God deserves my time too and that my time with Him is way more important than a fresh batch of cookies. However, the fellowship I feel with others when I cook is refreshing, the sense of awe and wonder I experience in the garden is inspiring and the accomplishment that follows organizing a book shelf or an entire room is outstanding. So, I looked at other areas of my life where time is wasted. T.V. immediately was top of the list. I haven't had time to watch television on a daily basis, but when I did sit down for a "break" from by busy schedule I realized that most of the shows I watched on television are mind-numbing or very inappropriate. They don't satisfy me or fill me with love and encouragement. So for the month of July I committed to removing television out of my life except for watching the weather report and an occasional episode of Jeopardy because it is one of the ways I can spend time with my mom.
Confession: I secretly watched a few minutes of a Hallmark movie from the other room while passing into the kitchen because they are just so uplifting. No t.v. since, but I still have not given enough time to God.
Conviction two: my temple.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says: Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (NIV) I am not an emotional eater, I sleep relatively well and I exercise two to three times a week, but for some reason I continue to feel tired and achy. I think that sugar and empty carbs are having a huge impact on this. I love fresh vegetables, ripe fruit, fish and nuts more than anything salty, greasy, sugary or fattening but sweets have crept into my diet enough that I am beginning to crave sweet treats….fresh berry pies, ice cream, cookies, York mints…and eat them often. I immediately knew I had to cut free of these delicious temptations after I turned to Breyers instead of God for comfort last week. I am also struggling to remove alcohol completely from my diet. I don't think it is bad, but it is an unnecessary and expensive beverage that a lot of my family becomes dependent on. I don't want to take that chance. Just keeping a glass of wine a week or one beer on special occasions as an option has left the door cracked enough for other influences to get in.
Confession: Fourth of July alone I ate at least five sweet treats and last night I had three scoops of ice cream. I have also consumed four adult beverages this week. (See what I mean about influences getting in).
This is why I'm asking for accountability. I am horrible about say no to temptation. I feel I am not strong enough to win over temptation and therefore I usually lose. I need a change of perspective and to build up my confidence in my convictions. I know that getting deeper into scripture with help me tremendously. Which is why I got out of bed before anyone else to have quiet time with God and time to read my Bible. I'm off to a great start!
Thanks for reading.
God bless.
