Happy Tuesday Kingdom Kindreds!
Today is our blog hop and you can find all of the information you need to participate later in this email.
But first…
Let me share my response to topic #1 – Fearing God.
Honoring God by going to church is not a problem. Fearing Him by keeping a reign on my tongue is not as easy but definitely doable most of the time. Holding the Lord in high esteem by taking every thought captive is a work in progress but I see progress.
Reverence God by what I put in my mouth? Now that’s another story.
I will work out all day long. I will sign up to run a 5K, join a boot camp, and even get certified to teach a spin class. But taming my tastebuds. I think I will be fighting that battle every last day of my life.
And I believe that choosing the high road by eating food for me that is God honoring. So why is this area is so hard? I know. Because there is a #fatdemon on assignment and has me as his target.
Don’t laugh.
I’m so serious right now.
It’s not that I don’t like good food. I actually appreciate a good salad, a pot ‘o beans, or broiled fish. I especially enjoy green smoothies.
The problem is I love fries, and pizza, and Haagen Dazs coffee ice cream as well.
That #fatdemon is after me ya’ll.
But this is the battle that I’m fighting. Have been fighting it my whole life and accept the fact that I will be fighting it for a while to come. Why do I keep fighting and not throwing up the white flag and choose instead to be “fluffy-and-happy”?
Because I only have one body and I believe that God wants me to honor him with it. I believe that somewhere in the struggle to say no to Wing Stop (Lord Jesus help me), when I choose to exercise self-discipline and self-control, God is pleased with me.
I see that He can use me more and possibly even use me longer if I feel good and if I’m not sick. I do want to know that God was able to use me. I don’t want my poor food choices to get in the way. So I press on.
So in this are of my life, I struggle. Sometimes I succeed. Sometimes I fail miserably (last week for instance). But I keep fighting to fear Him because I believe the fight is worth it. I believe that I am worth it. Yes. And I believe fearing God, the God who loved me enough to break his own body for my good… Yes, that God… He is worth it too.
OK ladies… now it’s your turn!
Last week the blog hop was so much fun. It was great to visit you girls at your online homes and see what you are learning, experiencing, or what God is teaching you.
If you have a blog, you can link up below. Don’t forget that your blog should cover one of the specified topics or it will be removed. Also remember that attaching your personal blog to this Kingdom Woman Blog Hop is optional but lots of fun! If you need to review the detailed instructions from last week. You can find those by clicking below
Blog Hop Instructions!
Let’s get started!!!!
Here are this week’s topics: {The names in BOLD are suggested titles.}
NOTE: Please specify which topic you chose by either using the suggested title OR adding the Topic # somewhere in your post.
- Fearing God – At the bottom of page 28 and continuing on 29, Dad states, “Fear God in all you do. Honor Him with your heart, thoughts, words, and actions… Reverence for God serves as the foundation upon which your significance as a kingdom woman will flourish.” In what areas of your life do you sense God calling you to fear Him? Where do you either struggle or succeed in honoring Him through your thoughts, words, and actions?
- Accepting Help – Does “exhaustion is close to godliness” (page 21) describe your tired life? Would you like to have more time for kingdom priorities? Do you see kingdom value in hiring a house cleaning service or “servant girl” as the Proverbs 31 woman did? Why or why not? (If you aren’t exhausted, what encouragement or advice do you have for others? Please… tell us!)
- Hope – On page 32, Dad says, “A lot of us have given up on God. We have counted the years when it seems our prayers have not been answered, and we have determined it’s too late. Too many times we miss out on the destiny God has for us because we have stopped looking. We have stopped hoping.” Describe a time in your life when you’ve been low on hope. What happened?
- Excellence – On page 46, Tony Evans says God will ask us on judgment day: “Did you merely give God your leftovers, or was quality attached to your life even in the mundane tasks that pile up in a woman’s life?” How would you honestly answer that question today. How would you like to answer it?
- Sacrifice – On page 52, I talk about how I sometimes rise early or go to bed late in order to achieve a semblance of excellence in my day-to-day mother routine. What sacrifices do you make in order to achieve excellence? Are the sacrifices worth it? Why or why not?
You have until Friday at midnight to add your blog to our hop!
Next week’s blog topics will be in Monday’s post.
Can’t wait to read your blogs, but remember, you must blog about one of the Blog Hop topics. If your blog does cover the specified topics, it will be removed. Blog Hops are fun! And they are especially fun and beneficial if they cover topics that are common to our study! And if you post a blog here, make sure to grab the “I’m a Kingdom Woman” button (right column) for your own blog!
I don’t have a blog, so I will share here that I am fighting the fat demon as well. I don’t know why food is the one area of my life that I am struggling with giving up control. Even though I know that I know that I know that I am not honoring God with my body, it’s still a struggle. Shouldn’t it be easy to get it right if I truly know I am not honoring God?? Ggrrr…
Discipline is not my friend right now. STRUGGLE!
Hi Cheryl,
I know how you feel because I have the same struggle too. One thing I have learned though, the reason it is so hard to control the over eating is because, no matter what, we all have to eat, therefore, it is easier to just let our guards down. Specialists say it all the time, it is like an addition, like alcohol and drugs, but believe it or not, it is harder to overcome the eating habit than those two. Think about it, you don’t need to drink or take drugs to live, but you do need to eat or you will die. See where I am coming from? So don’t be too hard on yourself, you are not the only one with this problem, I struggle with it everyday too. We need to push forward, try to change our eating habits, eat better food, healthier and most of all, pray for God’s strength, he can when we can’t!!
Have a blessed day!!
Good Morning Cheryl & Chrystal & Everybody, I posted my blog. It is heartbreaking to see the struggle that you all are going through. A lot of us who don’t have that struggle with food or who have overcome are rooting for you. I lump myself with an unknown crowd of women, because I know I’m not alone in this. We are all in this together. One of my biggest weaknesses at one point was croissants. O my goodness!! I could not get enough of them to the point of being out of control. With the power of the Holy Spirit, I won the victory. And that was a lot of power He used. I’m being serious too. When out and about and fighting the good fight against the fatdemon, know that you have sisters rooting for you.
Hi Katheryne ,
thank you for your encouraging words!
Hi Mercedes, You warm my heart (smiles)…I left a reply note a for you about your blogging question last week, in case you didn’t see it. So glad to see you today.
Hi Katheryne,
Yes I did see it and I replied to you, didn’t you see it?
You are very special yourself, always encouraging others! Isn’t great when we can do that for each other? It means a lot to me to hear words of encouragement from other women, knowing that we are not alone!
God Bless!!
No, I don’t see it Mercedes. I just checked again too. Looks like a tech glitch. You’re right. It is great to be able to encourage each other. I love it! We have a big family in God. Many blessings to you and yours 🙂
I struggle with food and exercise, but I am trying. Thanks for the blog, Chrystal. It’s always good to see….we are not alone!
Hi Trina, don’t give up, keep on trying. I am going through the same struggle. I have knee problems so there is not much I can do as far as exercises, so it can get frustrating when I want to try something new and the pain starts and I have to quit. All I can basically do is walk and sometimes I get discouraged but we have to press on, not give up!
Everything is possible with God!
Have a blessed day!
I never post anything on blogs…but when I saw this post I just had to respond! I knew that Lord was using you in response to my heart’s desire. I was sharing with someone this morning how I am going to stop all of the yo-yo dieting and penalizing myself with the roller coaster of guilt that inevitably follows, when I have “fallen off the wagon” and failed to reach my goal yet again. Well from this moment forward…NO MORE STRESS! I am determined to take this journey 1 day at a time (Lord Jesus 🙂 It’s nothing like a fresh start!
You and me both Marika. We can’t give up! We have to do it, together we can do it!
God Bess!!
Thank you for sharing struggles to the above ladies – When you fail, just get back up and keep moving forward. One thing mighty about God’s grace is that we can get backup – He will see you through. Take it day by day and moment by moment when necessary.
We are not alone in our struggles. @Mercedes you are right – “everything is possible with God”.
You are in my prayers – Markia, Mercedes, Trina, Cheryl. @Katheryne – I enjoyed your post this morning.
Blessings to all, Jan
Thank you Jan, you nailed it!
We need to press forward in all our struggles, trusting that the Lord is with us!
Good Evening to all!!
Good Evening Mercedes:) Seems we’ve conversed quite a bit today. Have a great night.
So glad you enjoyed my post Jan (smiles). I enjoyed your post too, very much so. The children’s song brought back good memories of childhood and children’s church. Have a great night.
Food and weight have always been an issue for me. I seem like I have to have complete control over the kitchen and the foods we eat and meals being prepared. I have been praying about it for some time now.. I have to STAY in prayer. I always pray over my food and ask God to help me not over indulge. Food is the #fatdemon for real, It brings temporary pleasure followed by misery especially if I over eat. I have went from 220+ to 150ish now and I fear gaining an ounce… I strive to be in the 130’s and want to execute it now while I am young and continue a healthy lifestyle. When I think of all the chemicals and factory made products we eat, I can literally get sick to my stomach. God has been helping me fight cravings and I’m thankful for that. This POST is on point. Thanks Chrystal for sharing!!!!
Congratulations on your weight loss Stephanie! Press on and trust in the Lord! He will give you the strength you need to succeed.
God Bless!!
Thank you Mercedes… That’s all I can do.. Depend on Him daily, it’s a struggle but it wouldn’t be worth it and wouldn’t be appreciated if we didn’t work for it!!! Have to press forward with Phil 4:13 in my spirit, I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. Thank you for the encouragement!!!!
Absolutely love the support you are all giving one another, I’m so proud to be a part of a group of women, who face their struggles, we are not alone!
I am struggling to get my weight down also. I want to honor god with my body. I want to eat to live and not live to eat. I am a stress eater and when I am stressed out at work, I reach for the snickers bar. On September 15, I made an agreement that I would not eat cake. Cake is my major weakness. I LOVE CAKE!!! I will not eat cake until Thanksgiving. Yesterday, one of my coworkers (who bakes wonderful cupcakes and cookies) brought some cupcakes. I almost caved in, but I stood strong and did not have any. I looked at them every time I got up, but I did not have one. Woo-hoo! Lord, help me to resist temptation. By the grace of God, I will succeed.
Aww! Great job! You can do it!
Good for you Lovie! I said I was going to go 7 days without something sweet.. Well I was thinking about it but haven’t done it. I have cut all portions in half.. And try to eat more fruits and veggies.. Funny how the devil uses food as temptation. We are never tempted by the enemy to ‘do the right thing’ not are we tempted by him to ‘eat the right thing’ never once have I heard anyone say they had temptation for broccoli… Darn devil.. But he is defeated!!! Stand strong. You can do it.
Go Lovie! I know we have’nt met, but I’m excited for you. I agree with Catherine and Stephanie, you can do it.
oops…I meant “haven’t”
Oh fatdemon’s been working overtime over at my place for sure. As I grow closer to Jesus I know he is calling me to be obedient in all things but caring for the temple and exercise self-control have been at the forefront. I am struggling with this but wonder if once again I am trying too hard on my own will and not surrendering complete control to him. I definitely need to get all my strength from Him because my flesh is too weak.
Hi Raquel, the times when I have surrendered to God is when He surprised me the most with more than I could have imagined to ask for. So, I encourage you to surrender…all! (smiles)
Yeah God’s just not letting me off the hook with this one. I can’t begin to recall how many times this week alone He’s nudged me about it. There is no way I can ignore this without being outright disobedient. And no good will come from that!
I finally got down before Him last night and prayed asking how to do this and He totally came through and told me what I need to do!
1. When I find myself getting anxious and trying to reach for food. He told me to stop, reach for my Bible or recite a verse from scripture. I was not to be reliant on food for comfort but his Word. WHOA!
2. Write down everything I eat. Not to worry about counting calories, carbs or fat but to be aware of what I was eating and why…so at the end of the week we could reflect on it and see what changes I can make for the better.
And in case I forgot what we talked about last night, this morning I woke up to the whole NO JUNK FOOD thing Chrystal posted. Only to turn on a podcast by one of my favorite teachers a few hours laters and hear her share about caring for our temple. And it was all very sensible, practical advise. Stuff I know, I just don’t do. Alright God, you’ve got my attention!
So today was a great day and I had a moment where I did have to turn to scripture because my back was hurting and I was getting tired and cranky. Dinner was cooking so everything was smelling good making me think I was hungry. But I did it. I overcame. I turned on my audio bible and listened to the book of John for a few minutes. Take that fatdemon!!
Of course, it feels like it’s a long road ahead but I have to keep my eye on the finish line, right?!
You are right! And the finish line is in sight. (That rhymes) Chrystal’s post helped me keep my focus today too. I like when you wrote “I was not to be reliant on food for comfort but His Word,” because the challenge for me was seeking comfort in those closest to me. The Lord spoke very similarly to me one time and gave me a scripture about Him being the God of all comfort. Admittedly, I have to go look it up now. I think it’s in Colossians or one of the Corinthians. He really is jealous for us. He does not want anything or anyone taking His place.
I would say my biggest struggle is losing control. I have a hard time with never being “easy going” I want answers, and I want them now! I am like this at work, and in my relationship. I have high expectations (my fiancé believes they are too high at times) and when my expectations aren’t met, i make it loud and clear. My fiancé and I come from totally different upbringingsand even though we have a common Christian background, our cultural differences seem to have a huge impact on how we are with each other. I know God brought us together and will keep us together and I also know maybe my expectations are too high/ demanding. I need help finding that balance and allowing God to move the mountains instead of me constantly fighting an uphill battle.
Danielle — nothing is wrong with having high expectations as long as they are lined up with Gods expectations.. And not asking something of someone that you yourself aren’t able to fulfill. Creating and meeting expectations can take you to the next level. My husband and I also came from 2 different backgrounds. I have my “traditions” and new things I want to incorporate with the family and children and thankfully I have a kingdom man bc he goes with the flow. It will all work out and don’t be too hard on your fiancé.. The way I see it, good men, godly men & kingdom men are a rare find… We have to cherish them the way we want to be cherished.. And wether they want to admit it or not, they are constantly seeking our approval/encouragement/compliments as well as we look to them for the same things. Praise your man for all the things he does right and pray on the things he doesn’t!
Thank you Stephanie! It is nice to have that reassurance from someone on the outside. I will defiantly work on giving him praise for things he does do write, and continue praying for all other things. I appreciate your comment. Thank you
Wow!! I SO know what you mean!! I am very opinionated and am not afraid to speak my mind, and my husband (I know, I’m super young :)) is pretty laid back. I am struggling with self control, specifically on waiting for the right time to say things and HOW to say things, but it’s something I know I need work on & am allowing God to help me! lol
I am so very thankful for this post especially at this season of my life. I have to be transparent and say this is a HUGE issue for me right now. I have felt for some time now that God has wanted me to focus on my health particularly my weight. I am 47 in menopause (another issue, another day) and a SAHM mother of 3 kids (2 teenagers and 1 pre-teen). My oldest is going thru HUGE adjustment issues and I pray he continues to stay committed to what we have taught him. To be completely honest and transparent, I eat to deal with the stress and frustration and in some way to numb my desire to to be in control or me being out of control and to fill some type of void. Ok there I put it out there. Plus I know I should be more of a role model for my daughter. My mother is obese and I was hoping to break the cycle but I have continued it and now my daughter is dealing with a weight issue. It seems my struggle began after having kids and my daughter now is starting much, much earlier. I feel I am being disobedient to God by not doing better with this weight thing. Thanks for letting me get this off my chest.
Stephanie, thank you so much for being transparent. I’m sure you have encouraged other women to open up, not just to us, but to God.
Remember, that even in our weakness, God is stronger. 🙂