(Sandra’s response to an inquiry about eating/weight)

I would say that I struggled with eating/weight ever since I was in high school some 25+ years. I think we have had conversations about it before. If you don't mind I thought I would share some of the insight I've gleaned through the years.

You know that there is more involved in this than losing weight to look good. The non-Christian world is obsessed with losing weight to look good, so that definitely cannot be it. Look at every secular magazine that is read by women. There will guarantee be an article about some crash diet. Basically we want to eat to glorify the Lord (I Cor. 10:31 -"Therefore, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God") So, what glorifies the Lord? I thought of a few points. If you can think of more, email them back to me!!!

1. Exhibit self-control (Galatians 5:22,23)

2. Be a good steward of His temple. Our bodies belong to Him. The emphasis is never the temple itself but what abides in the temple. (I Cor. 6:19,20)

3. Beware of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life. (I John 2:16) Hey, what's worse, to eat too much or take pride in the way you look? Probably the latter. Sometimes when I wonder why I can't lose weight, I am reminded that I would probably take too much pride in it if I did!!! Maybe I am better off being overweight.

4. Eat according to need not want (Matt. 6:11); God always guarantees to meet our needs but not our wants.

5. Rely on God's grace. (II Cor. 12:9) The pleasure of eating is a temptation to ALL of us.

6. It's a lifetime thing. We will never eat with the perfect eating habits, avoiding all the foods that are not healthy for us. It's the direction that counts, not perfection. (Phil. 3:12-14)

7. Every bite counts. A person gets fat/thin ONE bite at a time. Just as God cares about our every thought, word or action, He also cares about our every bite. It takes a lot of extra bites to gain a pound - 3500 calories worth!!! We need to be aware of our every bite just as we are of our every word that comes out of our mouth. Sometimes we can relax a little if the situation is not too tempting and sometimes we really have to be on our guard (like at a buffet in Las Vegas!) (Psalm 139)

A few other notes to myself:

8. I would like to eat less sugar and more fiber.

9. When you go out to eat, remember most food is prepared NOT with your health in mind but your taste buds!!

10. Try not to eat for emotional comfort. In the long run it'll make you feel more depressed.

11. Don't keep junk food around. I try not to buy chips, ice cream, chocolate, cookies etc. etc. etc. because in my moments of weakness (which are many) I will turn to them.

12. Each day is a new day and a fresh start.

It's getting late but I wanted to past these few comments on to you.

Love you!!!!

Sandra