What did you say? Did you really just say that?

Think on the path you choose to take!

Have you ever stopped and considered what you are telling yourself? Have you heard the digs, the negativity that you feed on daily. “I can’t…” “I am not good enough…” “It will never…”

When will you start taking captive the cruel words you speak over your life? When will you claim the power to transform your life? When will you start telling yourself the way it really is?

This morning I was listening to a John Piper sermon (part of the current course I am studying) it was on the subject of spiritual depression but I feel it has much farther reach then just our soul.

This quote from Lloyd-Jones resounded with my heart. Note(I quoted the entirety of the section of the sermon to show the context but believe in the application to all areas of life. Health, finance, jobs, relationships, etc)

‘ “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” Oh how crucial this is in the fight of faith. We must learn to preach the truth to ourselves. Listen to Lloyd-Jones take hold of this verse:

Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself? Take those thoughts that come to you the moment you wake up in the morning. You have not originated them but they are talking to you, they bring back the problems of yesterday, etc. Somebody is talking. Who is talking to you? Your self is talking to you. Now this man’s treatment [in Psalm 42] was this: instead of allowing this self to talk to him, he starts talking to himself. “Why art thou cast down, O my soul?” he asks. His soul had been depressing him, crushing him. So he stands up and says: “Self, listen for moment, I will speak to you.” (Spiritual Depression, 20–21)

On this side of the cross, we know the greatest ground for our hope: Jesus Christ crucified for our sins and triumphant over death. So the main thing we must learn is to preach the gospel to ourselves:

Listen, self: If God is for you, who can be against you? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for you, how will he not also with him graciously give you all things? Who shall bring any charge against you as God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died — more than that, who was raised — who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for you. Who shall separate you from the love of Christ? (Romans 8:31–35 paraphrased)

Learn to preach the gospel to yourself. If this psalmist were living after Christ, that is what he would have done.’

https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/spiritual-depression-in-the-psalms

Try it today. STOP LISTENING to the random negative banter of your mind, SET YOURSELF STRAIGHT. “Self you can do whatever you set your mind to GET UP & TRY” ” Self you only think you are tired but if you FINISH you will feel so much better you will BE GLAD you did.” “Self things are sad, and bad, and hard, but you are surrounded by a great spirit of LOVE and although you do not understand you will TRUST.” “Self THAT CHOICE is not healthy and good only temporary and will leave you disappointed in your self.” “Self a treat is ok, ENJOY it, but make sure it is only a treat not a LIFE CHOICE.”

“Be quite self, today is going to be good, and productive, and full of life!

Health matters

I have a food enemy! I know I have said it before.

Three days, back in to carefully choosing my food choices.

I have been drinking Nettle/Dandelion tea every morning for three days to aid in detoxing.

Pain is easing, and “easy” food is looking less and less tempting.

I missed jumping in the lake with my kids this past weekend, because I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to climb back out.

I missed spending time working in my garden fully on Monday because the pain was too great.

That is NOT living!

Playing with my kids is much more important than any donair, or burger, or cookie.

I confess self control with food, even though I don’t overeat, is not easy when there is breads, cookies, things like that around.

Learning to cook, so my family enjoys and I don’t have to make many separate meals is my new challenge.

Training their pallets to enjoy and delight in healthy, non-gluten food is my mission.

Now or Later

How many times have you wanted to start some type of self improvement plan, but the timing wasn’t right? For myself, over and over again!

What type of things should we consider when deciding when to start? Should we really consider holidays, schedules, commitments, weather, kids….? Or should we just start?

I know I have discussed it before and I certainly don’t want to sound like a broken record, but one pressing area in my life is my near constant aches and pains. I believe that my diet and exercise habits, probably contribute to this current condition.

You would think that actual physical pain would be an exceptional motivator for immediate change. For myself though, the “it’s Christmas” excuse, with all the treats and goodies, is the current run to, to avoid actually taking responsibility for myself and my choices.

Do I really have that little self control? Can I not control myself from stuffing that cookie, and chocolate into my mouth? It’s inanimate for crying out loud, it’s not going to jump up and force me, it can’t threaten my family, it’s just a yummy delicious cookie!!!!

Food in the past has always been a comfort area for me. A soother! I have so many happy memories of family and friends gathering around the kitchen at my grandparents home eating, and laughing together. My other gran would love to go shopping and then dine at the local Chinese restaurant.

Then there is the flavour sensation. I am very stimulated by taste and smell.

But why in the world can’t a delectable sweet and juicy piece of fruit, or a savoury bite of herb seasoned steak substitute for that cookie?

The cost of that cookie might be much higher than, a prime rib steak if these aches and pains develop into something much more serious. What about the cost to my children when I get too sore and grouchy to play or engage with them? What about my favourite outfit that went into the give away bag because I couldn’t get it past my thighs? What about the physical ability to take that hike through the hills of northern Ontario next summer with my family? What about the fact that not one, but three of my aunts have kidney disease? The cost of that treat could be very very high!

My physician once told me that it can take up to two weeks for our body to rid itself of what we ingest. Therefore to know or feel for sure the changes will take some time. I am thinking a 30 day trial is on the menu.

I am not sure what or if I am sensitive to food, but in a couple of preliminary trials I have noticed significant changes if I reduce or eliminate added sugar and breads from my diet. My brother and my uncle both have full blown celiac disease Logically this is what I should target first again.

Well here I am again DAY 1 of “Candy’s Factory Reset”, reduce sugar intake, eliminate gluten, watch out for additives and colours.

Simplify it girl! Meat/Vegetables/Fruit/Water sounds simple enough. Oh yes and coffee, that is an important food group to keep right? LOL

Today IS day 1, no more putting off, I’M WORTH IT!