I've been having one of this weeks where I'm not feeling 100% (getting over a head cold), and when I'm like this ... just one little piece of chocolate is most definitely not enough ;0) It's cold, I'm at home and all I can think of is the cookie jar and sweetie tin which is safely housed in my sweetie cupboard. Yes you heard me right ... in this house we most definitely have a sweetie cupboard. It was the first cupboard that was created and filled on my first grocery shop 18 years ago when I got married. I wish I could have captured Brett's face on camera that first shop. The man was shell shocked as he stood by and watched me put chocolate after chocolate into the cart. (I had not informed him about the sweetie cupboard quite yet). Here he was panicking that his petite little bride had big time plans on doubling in size. (hee hee) I calmly assured him that of course I planned on sharing :0) I have continued to explain to him over the years that the sweetie cupboard is simply my love language of blessing the precious guests and family who happen to stroll through the house (and if that happens to be me too on stressful, tiring days, well hey ... calories shared surely must be calories halved?!). I'm sure none of you can relate ... but for the odd one who can, this post is for you and me :0)
On Tuesday's I facilitate a wonderful course called Woman of Peace, and as it happened, as I opened to the session that we had to work through, it was all about where, what or who we turn to when we are stressed, tired or down, especially when it comes to our eating. As I was planning on working through a special slab of hazelnut chocolate later that afternoon, I had to become accountable to what God had prepared for me to share (I just can't shake the feeling that my hubby must have been praying and God was already giggling). So here is what stood out to me and is helping me today when I feel like running to that beloved cupboard ...
"Where is the man who fears the Lord? God will teach him how to choose the best. He shall live within the circle of blessing."
Psalm 25:12-13 (Living Bible)
It touches my heart so deeply that God cares SO much about EVERY DETAIL concerning our lives. Even in our eating, He wants to lead us into BLESSING. This promise encompasses every area of our lives, including our eating. When we battle with self discipline or we have a rough day that makes us want to binge ... here is a promises that God will teach us to "choose the best". Don't miss this ... we don't have to struggle alone through our issues. It clearly says "God will teach us". He will show us how to choose the best. It's a precious partnership. He doesn't force us, criticise or bully us. No ... in love & with infinite grace He teaches us. In every area of our lives, God so desires to teach us how to choose best (make wise decisions) that will allow us to live in the circle of blessing. Maybe chocolate isn't your struggle ... maybe it's anger, a relationship you are struggling with, feelings of self doubt, shame through bad decisions, a cycle of pain ... whatever it may be, God is so desiring to teach and show you how to choose best and begin to truly live in blessing and freedom. That is His heart for every single one of us.
Today ... just because you ate 2 biscuits and a row or two of that hazelnut chocolate (yip, you guessed right ... I'm talking to myself over here) ... it doesn't mean that the rest of the day has to be a write off of bad choices until we wait for a more-perfect-tomorrow. Nope ... I for one am marching off to stare that sweetie cupboard down to remind it and myself that I am the boss of it! I get to choose the best for me! I get to dance off those calories in the circle of blessing today and every day! And when I do choose to open that cupboard for the odd treat ... there is peace and freedom in knowing that 1 chocolate doesn't have to turn into a binge. Now am I going to allow my husband to read this post quite yet, you may be wondering??? ... Are you crazy!!!!! Accountability between me and Jesus suits me just fine for today (hee hee) .... And so the sweetie cupboard lives another day :0)
Lots of love xxx
Janine
Comments
How are things with you?
After a long time, I got here on your blog and gave me longing for you, your family, and your faith postings!
Well, how wonderful to think that God teaches us every detail of our daily lives and how we relate to each other, so that all this perfect our relationship with Himself!
It was great seeing her read it!
I want you to know that we remain standing and steadfast in prayer with the Global Prayer Women (REMMO). Whenever you need us to join you in prayer for some cause, count on us, okay?
On Facebook, we have the network through a group and there, we have continued to see miracles of all shapes, memo when the miracle is not that we wanted, but as God wants.
Do not forget that we are one in Christ.
Grace and peace to you and your entire family!
Kisses!