My compulsive/obsessive personality can tend to do, do, do, without thought of how the consequences of my actions might effect me or the people in my life who are depending on me.
Thank You, Lord, the Tenth Step is my daily reprieve. It's my "check-up from the neck up," so to speak. Through constant analysis of my moment-to-moment decisions, God helps me to stay in His will.
Step Ten: Continue to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.
For me, it comes down to "Pray without ceasing." As you might expect, my head goes around and around, and I do have lots of energy to do 12-step work. I am responsible, though, to do first things first.
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Monday, September 24, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Abstinence is the most important thing
"Abstinence is the most important thing in my life, because without it I have no life."
I remember hearing that in the beginning and not being able to get my head around it. I said to myself, "God and my family are the most important things in my life." BUT it has been my experience, through the school of hard knocks, that without abstinence, I cannot experience God's presence and I am not "there" for my family or my friends.
God never leaves me, but I feel separated and left-behind, so to speak, when I am overeating--then obsessing on where I am going to get my next hit (along with feeling physically, emotionally and spiritually exhausted in a matter of minutes). I was not a grazer, but a binger. It was either abstinence or a binge. I had no in-between.
THEREFORE, I am here to say that "abstinence is the most important thing in my life, because without it I have no life." I go to any length to support my abstinence. Today it's not that difficult because it is my way of life.
Each day, I write to the loop, foodaddictsfulloffaith@yahoogroups.com and tell the folks there what my day looks like and what I am going to eat. It was hard at first trusting that people were not going to judge my food plan or my life-style, but I swallowed my pride and took a leap of faith and did it afraid.
Today is it easier because I know that what people think of me is none of my business. I try really hard to remember that I am a God-pleaser, not a people-pleaser.
So my goal is to continue to do what I am doing. I know that it works for me. Abstinence is the zero step. After that, I "work" the steps as a way of life by posting on AWOLforchristians@yahoogroups.com (mon-fri), and I go to committed phone meetings throughout the week. Actually, I work all the tools on a daily basis. Go to my web site and open the file "recovery tools" if you want to see the list.
I am enjoying the good life...because I do the footwork to stay happy, joyous and free one day at a time.
I remember hearing that in the beginning and not being able to get my head around it. I said to myself, "God and my family are the most important things in my life." BUT it has been my experience, through the school of hard knocks, that without abstinence, I cannot experience God's presence and I am not "there" for my family or my friends.
God never leaves me, but I feel separated and left-behind, so to speak, when I am overeating--then obsessing on where I am going to get my next hit (along with feeling physically, emotionally and spiritually exhausted in a matter of minutes). I was not a grazer, but a binger. It was either abstinence or a binge. I had no in-between.
THEREFORE, I am here to say that "abstinence is the most important thing in my life, because without it I have no life." I go to any length to support my abstinence. Today it's not that difficult because it is my way of life.
Each day, I write to the loop, foodaddictsfulloffaith@yahoogroups.com and tell the folks there what my day looks like and what I am going to eat. It was hard at first trusting that people were not going to judge my food plan or my life-style, but I swallowed my pride and took a leap of faith and did it afraid.
Today is it easier because I know that what people think of me is none of my business. I try really hard to remember that I am a God-pleaser, not a people-pleaser.
So my goal is to continue to do what I am doing. I know that it works for me. Abstinence is the zero step. After that, I "work" the steps as a way of life by posting on AWOLforchristians@yahoogroups.com (mon-fri), and I go to committed phone meetings throughout the week. Actually, I work all the tools on a daily basis. Go to my web site and open the file "recovery tools" if you want to see the list.
I am enjoying the good life...because I do the footwork to stay happy, joyous and free one day at a time.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
My mission and hope
Speaking of hopes and dreams (more goals), I wanted to tell you my mission statement in the ministry of Food Addicts Full of Faith, which goes along with the 12th step--Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
"Food Addicts Full of Faith exists to touch the hearts, minds and souls of compulsive overeaters and food addicts everywhere with confident expectation of ongoing recovery through faith and hope in Jesus."
When I walked into the 12-step rooms for compulsive overeaters and food addicts, I was awestruck when I heard that it was possible to be free from overeating and obsession for more than a season. There were women who had been free and clean (without sugar and flour on a weighed and measured food plan) for years. I could not fathom that idea for me, but I became willing to do what they did for one day. Just one day...
One day turned into two days, a week, a month, a year and then years. In a flash of an eye, I lost my weight as I focused on the 12-steps. That still seems amazing even to me...and I was there! I heard people say "If you focus on recovery, you'll lose the weight, but if you focus on the weight, you'll lose recovery." That became a true statement for me, too.
Recovery became my goal...and it wasn't long before I got on my soap box and started sharing it with others. I am still on a soap box today although I am bringing another aspect to the table--God is the answer; what's the question?
I am responsible to be a testimony of God's love and grace, to be "salt and light" to the world, striving to walk the walk and talk the talk. I started practicing the principle, "Preach always and if necessary use words."
My morning devotions started with the Third-Step Prayer in the Big Book: "...take away my difficulties, so that victory over them may bear witness to others..." as I walked through many trials and tribulations. In time and through experience, I added The Prayer of Jabez. "God bless me indeed, increase my boundaries and keep me from harm."
Today, I love who I am becoming as a result of following the example that Jesus laid out in His Word. I hope and pray that people might see His love and grace in my eyes and hear His love through my words. My mission and purpose is to glorify God and help and encourage others.
Lord, make my mission statement come alive! Make it sing and dance in the hearts of sick and suffering food addicts from coast to coast. There is so much hope in trusting and knowing You. You are worthy to be praised! To God be the glory. I love You, Lord Jesus.
"Food Addicts Full of Faith exists to touch the hearts, minds and souls of compulsive overeaters and food addicts everywhere with confident expectation of ongoing recovery through faith and hope in Jesus."
When I walked into the 12-step rooms for compulsive overeaters and food addicts, I was awestruck when I heard that it was possible to be free from overeating and obsession for more than a season. There were women who had been free and clean (without sugar and flour on a weighed and measured food plan) for years. I could not fathom that idea for me, but I became willing to do what they did for one day. Just one day...
One day turned into two days, a week, a month, a year and then years. In a flash of an eye, I lost my weight as I focused on the 12-steps. That still seems amazing even to me...and I was there! I heard people say "If you focus on recovery, you'll lose the weight, but if you focus on the weight, you'll lose recovery." That became a true statement for me, too.
Recovery became my goal...and it wasn't long before I got on my soap box and started sharing it with others. I am still on a soap box today although I am bringing another aspect to the table--God is the answer; what's the question?
I am responsible to be a testimony of God's love and grace, to be "salt and light" to the world, striving to walk the walk and talk the talk. I started practicing the principle, "Preach always and if necessary use words."
My morning devotions started with the Third-Step Prayer in the Big Book: "...take away my difficulties, so that victory over them may bear witness to others..." as I walked through many trials and tribulations. In time and through experience, I added The Prayer of Jabez. "God bless me indeed, increase my boundaries and keep me from harm."
Today, I love who I am becoming as a result of following the example that Jesus laid out in His Word. I hope and pray that people might see His love and grace in my eyes and hear His love through my words. My mission and purpose is to glorify God and help and encourage others.
Lord, make my mission statement come alive! Make it sing and dance in the hearts of sick and suffering food addicts from coast to coast. There is so much hope in trusting and knowing You. You are worthy to be praised! To God be the glory. I love You, Lord Jesus.
Enjoying Everyday Life!
In the natural (without acknowledging God's love and grace), I try to control everybody and everything. I live in worry, sometimes dread, expecting that something bad is going to happen to me.
My husband and I used to say, "Expect nothing and you won't be disappointed; trust no one and you won't be hurt." How sad is that?
Today, when I am tempted to dread, God quickens my mind to Philippians 2:14, "Do all things without arguing or complaining..." (in order to be a light by example in this dark and dismal world). and I remember 1 Peter 5:7 NLT, "Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you. Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for victim to devour."
I love God and live to please Him. When I let Him run the show, I am happy. I don't NEED to worry or even be concerned with the future, because my life is in His hands. It's that simple... BUT it's not easy breaking down the barriers that kept me bound for so long.
Just for today, I am enjoying the good life. I am abstinent and free from food obsession...that's not hard anymore, but I am forever working on breaking free from the emotional baggage that comes from my fear-based personality.
The l2-step process is a true gift and a witness that God saves and transforms lives. If He is doing this for me (and millions of others, than He can do it for anyone willing to trust Him. That's the hope that I offer to you today.
You with me, friends?
I would really appreciate your comments...helps me to know that I am not talking to God alone, although that's okay, too. He is a very good listener.
My husband and I used to say, "Expect nothing and you won't be disappointed; trust no one and you won't be hurt." How sad is that?
Today, when I am tempted to dread, God quickens my mind to Philippians 2:14, "Do all things without arguing or complaining..." (in order to be a light by example in this dark and dismal world). and I remember 1 Peter 5:7 NLT, "Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you. Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for victim to devour."
I love God and live to please Him. When I let Him run the show, I am happy. I don't NEED to worry or even be concerned with the future, because my life is in His hands. It's that simple... BUT it's not easy breaking down the barriers that kept me bound for so long.
Just for today, I am enjoying the good life. I am abstinent and free from food obsession...that's not hard anymore, but I am forever working on breaking free from the emotional baggage that comes from my fear-based personality.
The l2-step process is a true gift and a witness that God saves and transforms lives. If He is doing this for me (and millions of others, than He can do it for anyone willing to trust Him. That's the hope that I offer to you today.
You with me, friends?
I would really appreciate your comments...helps me to know that I am not talking to God alone, although that's okay, too. He is a very good listener.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Goals of Recovery
I wanted to talk a little about my hopes and dreams, which were later identified as "my goals" in recovery.
When I first walked into the 12-step halls for compulsive overeaters, I thought that thin was the goal. I seemed to believe that if I were thin, my life would be perfect. Little did I know that I not only had a food problem, but a life problem.
When I got abstinent, I joined a serious step study (called an AWOL--A way of life), and I went to a counseller, too. One of the first assignments (from my counseller) was to write a list of all the things that I would hope and wish people might say about me if I had died...and they were gathering around me at my memorial service.
I immediately blurted out, "SHE WAS THIN!"... My counseller was not amused!
But going into my heart of hearts, I found my true goals... I wanted to be considered a kind and loving woman...a good wife and mother...an excellent daycare provider. I wanted to feel loved and respected.
At the time, I wasn't any of those things!
That was over twenty years ago.......... Today, through staying abstinent from sugar, flour and wheat on a weighed and measured food plan one day at a time, and working the 12-steps as a way of life, I have been blessed with all these things and then some!!!
Ephesians 3:20 comes to mind.... I have amazingly more than I could have ever dared to dream, wish or imagine! To God be the glory! He has changed what I could not change for myself.
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