This Rice Must Suffice

In January of this year I started on a lifestyle change. A new way of eating was introduced to my body. I went into it willingly, joyfully, with great hope and an outlook for a bright, healthier future for me and my family. I was confident that I could achieve my goal and was enthusiastic about the success I knew would be ahead. I was determined to happily make every sacrifice necessary, exercise every moment necessary, and count every calorie necessary without deviating from the plan to become the person God meant me to be. I was content to follow this plan for the rest of my life.

And if you believe all of that, I've got some prime bottom land in the Mojave I'd like to talk with you about....

In reality, I had to be dragged into this kicking and screaming. I acted like I was two instead of almost fifty. I only signed up for six weeks to begin with because I was promised I could back out after that.

So much for joy and willingness, eh?

God had been speaking to me for several years about the extra weight I'd been carrying around. I kept ignoring Him, trying to ignore the fact that I was - let's call it like it is - FAT.

God is not someone you want to ignore.

If I went through with this, it would be admitting not only to Him but to myself that I actually HAD a problem. That there actually WAS sin in my life. Something I'd have to deal with. Something I'd have to confess, and something I'd have to work to overcome. I could either ignore God and face the consequences, or put on my big girl panties and face facts.

So I did it.

It hasn't all been easy, but it has been worth it. I haven't reached my goal, but I am a good ways along the way. I no longer eat sugar, white flour, or fried foods. I do eat a lot more fresh vegetables and fruit, whole grains, and breakfast. I've learned more about myself and why I stuffed my face full of food instead of dealing with my emotions and boredom, and I've learned more about the grace and character of God. I've learned about His forgiveness, His love, His patience, and His everlasting presence in my life.

For that and so much more I'm ever thankful.

I still have a long way to go, but this is sure. I WILL NOT return to that petulant two-year-old I once was. I lost her along with the first forty pounds. I can't wait to see what happens with the next forty!

The one thing I have NOT learned, however, is how to cook brown rice. Lunch today was, well...interesting. There's nothing like rice and beans, especially when you have to crunch your way through the rice. Rachael Ray I ain't.

But the big girl panties fit just fine.


Romans 6:16-17
Don't you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. (NLT)