:hug:Tracy, Tracy, Tracy my dear sweet sister in Christ! It is almost 3am and I work up and started thinking about you! I worried:idea: you would take my post wrong and be hurt.:( OH how relieved was to read your post in response to Danas and Mine.:flow1: I was so happy and I rejoice and Praise GOD! Thats my girl!:angel:
Know that you will always have a friend in me and with all us girls here on this thread! God has begun a good work in us all and we will stay the course and we shall not be moved, like trees planted by the streams of water! AMEN!
We are daughters of the most High God. I love thinking about that! The King of Kings loves us!
I will never know why God loves me??? But OH I am so glad He does!:broc::carrot::cb::cp::dance::cloud9:!!!!

I agree with Wonderfully Created, try the eat only when hungry. If the scales are not moving ever. I am sure that will work. For truly that is How the Master created our body to work anyway! That was a very good piece of wisdom. As Dana says... what have you got to lose?
Nothing but Heavy chains of bondage, and lots of pounds of adipose tissue!:dizzy:
I love you so much Tracy and I am so glad you are here and that you are my sister and friend!:hug: In Christ Gwyn

:hug:gonnabehealthy you are sooooooooooo right!:yes: As long as we keep it then it is ours:snooty: but if we do it for Him and turn it all over to Him and let go and let God:dance: He takes over the whole kitten kaboddle! You go girl! keep up the good work! Love in Christ, your sis and friend, Gwyn:hug:

:hug:MyGirlFriday you are welcome! Thanks for saying thanks. :thanks:I apprecaited your thoughtful comments.

:hug:Javamommy first of all let me say this
:balloons::welcome::welcome::welcome::celebrate:
So glad you are here with us! No matter how rough or tough it may get at times, you just hang on and stay the course! Never quit, Never give up! or :kickbutt:
Just kidding! But we will all do our best with the guidence of the Holy Spirit support you and LOVE YOU!
Keep posting and God Be With You as you take your place at the Lord's Table. In Christ, Your Sis and new friend, Gwyn:yay:

:hug:DanaK. You are wonderful and I am so glad you are here. I love your wisdom that the Lord God has blessed you with. We need you here!:bike: Thank you for coming and being our friend! You are so sweet and loving!
Thank you for all your kind words and encouragment!
Love in Christ, Your friend and Sister Gwyn:hug:

Well my son Adam finally calmed down!:mad::tantrum::censored:
I get so emotionally drained when that happens which has been quite a lot lately!:(:faint:
My husband and I put dug a huge flower garden and I mean huge! He took the sod off and then turned over the soil and I sat in my wheel chair and hoed, hoed and hoed some more. :lifter:I hoed for 8 solid hours only to take a few breaks no longer then 5 minutes. Boy did I get my exercise! It is lovely full of day lilies, different kinds of coleus, multi colored petunias and coarl impatients. I was positive I would have big blisters on my hands, since I have not done any hard labor like that in more then 7 years! But Praise Be To God He spared me and my hands are just fine! Not one blister! I am not even sore. Indiana clay is very, very hard to break up and I was sure that I would suffer, SORELY!!! but NO, JESUS Blessed me!:carrot: TO GOD BE THE GLORY GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!:rofl::trampo::belly::woo::yes:
I love you all and thank you for your love and prayers.
Love in Christ, your friend and Sister Gwyn

So glad I found you all!
 

Ah, I'm thrilled to have found others who are doing TLT. I'm actaully on my second time throught the 60 day course, finished day 23 this morning. It's been such a struggle and I need more accountability. I hope that this forum will help with the accountability! The entire time on TLT I've only lost a couple of pounds. Started at 171.5 and was so excited to get to 166.5 last week, just to bump back up to 168 this week!!! It can be frustrating, I'm eating the least amount of food I've ever eaten in my life and expect decent losses and then the scale gives me nothing! Can't seem to get 3 weeks of consecutive losses under my belt. TLT asks for weekly weigh-in, and I keep my own little chart. Looking over it, I've never gotten below 168 and never get any more than two consecutive losses! Am I in bondage or what?!?!

Had to a tracker. . . .
 

All of your posts looked so fancy -- I just had to go and get a tracker and add it. . .so now I have something pretty too! Spent too much time on the tracker and my 1 1/2 year old is up -- need to get her and feed her breakfast -- have a good day all! Today is my fast day and could some prayers -- I'll do the same for you!

Hi everybody, and welcome to the new folks! It's great to see so many of us learning the same things at TLT. I just finished day 6. It's been interesting to read those old familiar Scripture passages, only to see them in a new light. At our next Communion Sunday, sharing in the body and blood of Christ will take on a whole new meaning.

My husband came home yesterday from a week long trip. I've been on vacation from work during that time, enjoying an at-home silent retreat. It's been such a blessing, and I'm a bit anxious about returning to the "real" world. But I feel God's really spoken to me during this quiet, alone time. I realize I need to slow the busyness of my daily life and make time for him.

It's easy to bounce from one commitment and responsibility to another, all day long, just reacting like I'm caught in a pinball machine. No wonder I've felt empty and searching. I've felt more peace since beginning this study, and I pray it continues now that my "retreat" is coming to an end. Hubby is home now (Friday), and next Monday I'll return to the good ol' hectic workplace with all its stress and negative attitudes. I need to carry this peace within me, and I see that I need a healthy, daily "meal" of Jesus to do that.

Thanks for taking the time to be here, everyone. The support and encouragement are wonderful!

Love in Christ -

Thanks Gwen for the welcome!

I really need the acountability. I just finished day 2 on TLT, plus I feel really great physically KNOWING I am following God's will. The guilt I felt from overindulging made me feel heavier. I was excited to see I had lost 2 pounds this morning on the scale. I'm hoping they were'nt just water and pick them back up tomorrow. LOL! I think it's been a week that I have been obeying to God and following my body's hunger pains.

God Bless You!

Angela

I have another dilemma. Today when I got my reply back from my support person from TLT her advice was to start over again at day one! Now I really am frustrated because it feels like I have wasted a month. Should I just carry on or go back and see if I get motivated from the beginning?

Tracy

PS-Gwyn and Dana-Thank you so much for the support you have no idea how much I appreciate it.

Also welcome to all the new people-this is a great forum-I'd be lost without it.

Blessings to you all.

Tracy

Happy Saturday, everybody. It's day 7 for me on TLT; my first weigh-in. I lost 4 pounds this week and since beginning the course; 10 pounds overall. Yay! Truly, I don't feel I've been "controlling" anything at all, so give God the glory he deserves for this miracle. I can't remember the last time I lost 10 pounds.

Tracy, it sounds like you've really been struggling with The Lord's Table. What do you think is going on? Sometimes we're simply not ready to willingly give up our addiction (and I say this from personal experience). We want to be free from its consequences, but we really love it in our lives. How did you feel when you started? Hopeful? Motivated? Did that change, and when? How do you feel about your mentor? Do you think she has anything to do with your feelings? Do you feel the course is helpful, and do you want to keep going with it - or even restarting, as your mentor suggested? By the way, what was her reason for doing so? It sounds like you need to evaluate whether you really feel committed to the course and believe it has value for you. Whether or not you restart the course, your 31 days have deepened your faith, and that's not a waste - no way! :cool: The course isn't going anywhere, whether you choose to restart, continue as is, or pause for now. And this group isn't going anywhere, either.

I know, I know... "thank you, Dr. Dana"! Sorry, I can get carried away. I just love to help folks work things through.

Have a wonderful evening and continued blessings on the journey.

Love in Christ -

:( i'm so frustrated right now. I've done pretty good so far today. I wasn't hungry for breakfast so I skipped it. For lunch I had leftover taco salad, which I actually ate a bit more than I needed. When dinner came around the family wanted pizza, so when it came, I was still NOT HUNGRY from lunch. YIPPEE! :D So anyways now it's 9:00 and I"M STILL NOT PHYSICALLY hungry, but I'm thinking "you should eat" I did day 3 of TLT, I enjoyed it. My hubby and kids and I went for a drive after dinner, I've been PRAYING like crazy for God to take these thoughts out of my head. Lord PLEASE! It's almost bed time, If I WAS hungry I'd eat, but I"M NOT. But these thoughts of food is KILLING ME! I know ITS JUST THE FLESH, I am one with the spirit. God is with me and will carry me through!

Thanks for letting me vent...

God Bless,

Angela

Good morning, Angela. By now you've made it through the night. How'd it go? It can be tough to turn off our old thought processes. I really think a lot of our compulsive eating (and all the thoughts & behaviors around it) becomes habit, and we all know that habits are hard to break.

On the other hand, it's natural for your physical body to want nourishment, even if your spirit is satisfied. It' simply reminding you that it's missing all those calories! These are early days for us to change so dramatically. Be patient with yourself, and know that this will get easier as time goes on.

Hopefully today will be better for you! My personal struggle is an all-or-nothing approach to food (binge or starvation), so I can totally relate to your disinterest in food. Remember, if you can, that under-eating can produce a backdraft of binge eating - at least for some of us. Hopefully that's not your history, but that's what I'm trying to be alert to. I'm forcing myself to eat regularly enough to avoid a binge, even if just a small amount.

Isn't this a wonderful passage:
God is "doing a new thing" in all of us. Blessings to everyone as we learn to live in this new way of eating!

:welcome3::hug:JavaMommy! You are most likely not hungry because your body has not finished burning all of its carbrohydrate store, once that is used up, you will get hungry!!! TRUST ME ON THAT, I have done tons of research on that and it is a fact. Stay the Course Dear, don't listen to the :devil:! If we eat more then we need, it fills your intestines with carbs that must be burned off before your BODY BY GOD kicks in with the regular stomach pains.:drool:
They will come! I know because this is the way God created it to work. Love in Christ, your sister and friend Gwyn:hug:

:hug:Tracy, trust Jesus, when he gave you your mentor, He knew what he was doing, TRUST HIM. NOT ONE SINGLE SECOND WAS WASTED! GOD SAYS>Isaiah 55:11
so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Tracy you spent a great deal of valuable time and effort in HIS WORD and therefor it will not return to GOD void!
My advice is to submit as unto the Lord to your mentor.
Do as a sacrifice to the Lord, just as if it were the Lord Jesus asking you to do it. I believe in my heart He will bless you for your obediance.:hug:
Plus remeber it is not so much about a "get skinny quick diet" it is all about learning to lean, trust and obey Jesus.:hug:
Tracy just TRUST Jesus! He is trying to accomplish something in your heart and He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it in you.:hug:
Love your Friend and Sister in Christ, Gwyn:hug:

:hug:Flowerwarrior:flow1: As I said to Tracy The Lords table is not a "Get skinny Quick Diet Plan" it is all about learning to lean on, trust and obey Jesus Christ. It took me a minute to get that in the beginning. I want to go from 501 pounds to 150 NOW!
He has shown me over and over that it is HE, Himself GOD ALMIGHTY who designed the human body and it will work and respond as I allow him to heal and work. In order for that to happen, I MUST SUBMIT<OBEY<HUMBLE MYSELF!
:sp:My flesh :devil:HATES ALL THAT WITH A PASSION!:mad:
It wants what it wants, here and NOW!:tantrum: It wants nothing to do with anything outside of it's comfort zone!
It certainly wants nothing to do with offering up my body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleaseing to GOD!
But I have got news for my flesh, enough is enough! I don't care anymore what it wants! It is not about me! It is about God, about His Glory, about His Honor, about His Praise, about His Kingdom.
Sorry Flowerwarrier I was preaching to myself!
Duuhhh.:^:
Hey It is soooo cool that you came here to join us!
I am so happy you are HERE and at THE LORDS TABLE!
You Keep posting anything you feel like!
Stay the course my Sister!:hug:
In Christ, Gwyn
:bubbles::flow1::bubbles::flow1::bubbles::flow1::b ubbles::flow1::bubbles::flow1::high:

:hug:DanaK. Hello to you! God Bless you! I am so happy you are here with us! You are a true blessing and inspiration!
Keep up the good work for Jesus!
I like you posts.
:):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

:grouphug:A big hug and hello to all else!
To GOD BE THE GLORY! GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!
BLESS YOU ALL IN THE MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS!
Your sister and friend, Gwyn:hug:

Thank you Dana & Gwen! Yes I made it through the night, and it was funny because when I woke up this morning, I still wasn't hungry. I started to get a twinge before I walked out the door to church this morning, and grabbed a granola bar. I ate half and was satisfied! :) I was so happy to see the numbers stay the same on the scale! If I would have eaten like my flesh wanted to last night those numbers would have been up. YIPPEE! PRAISE GOD! Without HIM I would be so empty!

I can relate to what you are saying Dana. I am very all or nothing. I dabbled with anorexia in highschool and bulimia as an adult. I have weighed as much as 170 and as low as 120. When I started the weigh down diet about 3 years ago I found freedom from being a slave to food and found comfort in the weight of 125. I stayed there till about a year ago when I believe I turned the focus BACK ON ME. Since I started TLT it reminded me that IT IS ABOUT HIM! Its all about Him, If I take his glory away, why should I prosper. So anyways long story short, I walk a very fine line where my weight goes. I could weigh more than I should, or I could have an eating disorder. The only way I can do it is with God with me. I need His guidance to show me how much to eat, when to eat, how much HE wants me to weigh. Giving that to him relieves me of so much pressure that I DON'T WANT.

God Bless!

Angela

Dana K- In answer to your questions I think I have pinpointed the problem and the start. About a month ago my husband and I went through a small rough patch and this has been a trying thing for our marriage. A friend of his had a wife who lost a lot of weight and got the new hair, wardrobe, and was going to the gym and then up and left her husband. Long story short he convinced my hubby you don't ever truly know your spouse. Ever since that happened (there were a few other small things that happened at the same time to convince him that maybe he didn't know me either) we have been treading on some very delicate waters and although there was absolutely no truth to his thinking I have had a hard time getting and staying on track since then. This was the first "discord" in our 10 year marriage so it was quite hard to go through this together.

I love the program TLT because it was a way for me to connect daily to God but I could not stop the sugar cravings and then I just kept giving in and I had no one but my online buddies for support and I think I needed sometimes something more instant. So the reason the mentor suggested starting from the beginning again is that I have not had success with letting go of the food and I also gained weight the last time I weighed (I weighed at night and after being away from the course for two weeks.

So please pray for me friends--I think I will go back to day one tomorrow and start and just follow the plan where you eat when you are hungry only and see where that gets me. I was thinking about doing two days worth a day until I get back to day 32 which is where I should be.

Gwyn- Thank you so much for your love and kind words (prayers too!) It means a lot to me that people I don't even know can help me out and I can help in return. I know I have to let go of the cravings and "addictive" relationship I have with food as I will be baptized soon and want to be the best before that day.

Take care everyone! Love and blessings to you all. Thanks for letting me vent. God Bless you all!

Tracy

I'm new and thanking God I found you!!
 

Hi Everyone!:wave:

I was searching the web for some healthy recipes and found the 3FC and then your group. :dance:

I spent a couple days reading through everyone’s comments and feel like I already know you. The Love of God shines through you all!!:flow1:

Our women's group at church just finished a Beth Moore study on "A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place". In it we studied the building of the tabernacle and the significance of its intricate design as they prepared a place for God to dwell among them. We were challenged to prepare our hearts, like the holy of holies, to become a home for His love and glory- a dwelling place for the Most High God! My main motive now is to get this “temple” back in shape so I may glorify God as He dwells in me.

I lived in Las Vegas for 7 years, to help care for my mother as she was going through a battle with breast cancer, but Praise the Lord!! she is now cancer-free!! Last October we moved back to Michigan to be closer to family. We are living in a big older home with my sister, her husband & 17 year old daughter. I am upstairs in my own apartment. Mom got the downstairs bedroom.

I have been widowed twice, have two sons and three grandchildren. My 4 year old granddaughter Anna calls me Granny Janet.

I started TLT today and just finished the first day’s lesson. I’m excited to get going!!

Blessings,
Janet

Welcome Janet-it's great to have you here. You will find lots of support here and advice as you continue through the course.

I went back and started day one today. I am fasting just until lunch to affirm my committment to TLT.

Love and prayers to you all and may God bless you this day!
Tracy

Gwyn - thank you for your words -- they hit the nail on the head!

Tracy - boy, do you sound like me! I want to lose so badly, love my daily lesson at TLT, but then still give in to temptation. I still think I "deserve" to eat! I still eat! The cravings and addiciton are soooo hard to fight. Hey -- don't feel bad about going back to day 1 -- this is my second time through--I did 60 days and now on Day 25 for the 2nd time!

ALL - I'll be praying for all of you as we learn to turn from food and turn to our mighty heavenly Father! Crucify the flesh and be vigilant!

Hi again, everyone, and Happy Monday!

Janet, welcome to the group. It's so wonderful to have you here with us. It sounds like you have lots of experience and wisdom to share. I need all I can get, so I'm thrilled to meet you. :)

Well, I left the safety of my little nest today (have been on vacation/home spiritual retreat since June 2), and already I feel so challenged. I had planned to fast today, but ended up breaking that with a snack at 10am, and will now have a Subway sandwich for lunch. Not horrible, but I can feel my dependency on food already pulling me back in. Am I really that weak? Amazing how quickly that ugly monster rears its head.

My schedule this week is fast paced and stressful. I'm back to the job I hate, the pressure that wears, and the negativity of co-workers that crushes. And I work for a church, for Pete's sake! That makes it so much worse. "Church" is supposed to be a last bastion of goodness. But I've worked in ministry for seven years, and it's quite an eye opener. People are people, whether in the church or the secular world.

It's easy for me to spout wise advice when I hide in my safe nest, not challenged by the pressures of job, traffic, responsibilities, etc. But it's here in the real world that faith is proven. I have much to learn. Thanks for being here to listen and understand.

Much love in Christ -

Happy Monday!

I have had a really great day today. I've done really well eating today. PLUS I went to the gym. 30 minutes cardio, and 30 minutes of weights. YIPPEE! It feels so good to have one day down.

Have a great night! God Bless,

Angela

Thanks to all for the welcome. I'm sooo glad I can join you on this walk to freedom!!

Tracy- I can sense a change in attitude in you and that you are back on the right track! You can do it!!! We can all do this together!!!

Dana- I can relate with you. When I went to Las Vegas to be with my mother, I ended up working as a secretary for the church she was attending (about four years) until they closed the building. One thing I've learned over the years-no matter what attitude others have, I don't have to let that affect me. And just maybeeee....some of that eternal optimism will rub off on them!! :angel:

Here is something that helped me:

Hello Everyone-JUst had to add my two cents worth for the day! I fasted til noon yesterday to prove I am committed to doing this. No hunger was felt until noon. Then after work I went to the gym and did 45 minutes cardio. I am thinking I will ride my bike to work today even!

I will stay focussed today God willing! Have a great day everyone! I'm off to do day 2!

Blessings and prayers to you all!

Tracy

Dana K -- the pull of food is like the pull of the moon on the ocean. Know what you mean there!

At times I feel driven.. . . . and then I focus on the scale soooo much - I want to be thinner now. It's just as much of a battle as worrying about food. I like the verse my mentor sent me. . . . .

Gal 5:17 The Spirit and your desires are enemies of each other. They are always fighting each other and keeping you from doing what you feel you should.

Gal 5:16 If you are guided by the Spirit, you won't obey your selfish desires.

I pray for all of us today -- that it be a new day and that we will serve God and focus on Him and not on self and flesh! Lord, break the chains of addiction and help us to focus on you and nothing else!

:carrot:Psalm 118:24:broc:
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Good Morning my Dear Sisters in Christ!:sunny:It is going to be a lovely day today!
Robert and I woke up at 3:ooam and went for our morning walk very early, we usally don't get up until 4 or 4:30am so we were truly early birds:chicken: this morning!:dizzy:
Oh how the birds are singing their little hearts out this morning! It is truly a wonder of God to behold. I think they are praising God! It is beautiful! Just like Jesus! Beautiful, Beautiful, Glorious!:cloud9:
My husband is on day 4 of the Lords table and since he cannot read or write, He has a profound learning disability so I read him the lessons and help him with his answers. He is doing quite well! So in a way Tracy I started back on Day 1 with my hubby. We are on day 15 of the 40 days for 40 years National Prayer and fasting call. We are doing great and it is all to the Glory of God! He has poured out strength and stamina upon us! We know it was His calling because of the Grace He has given us to do it. Sisters surly we Love and serve an AWESOME> GLORIOUS>WONDERFUL>GOD!:hug:
:hug:I love you all so much and I am so happy that we are all here at the LORD'S Wonderful, bountiful table, together!
I may not be car less after this thursday. My youngest son Daniel said he found a older used car he wants to buy for me, for about $500.oo He kept apologizing over and over that it was a old car and said it looked pretty bad but I told him, it didn't matter to me, I will be so happy to just have wheels to go when I want! His gift is a sacrifice and I pray God will bless him for it. $500.00 may not seem like much to most people, but it is nearly 2 paychecks for him and that is a huge sacrifice. So I am Thanking God for His goodness and for moving on my son's heart to help his Mom get on the road again.
I am so excited for thursday to get here!
1st thing I want to do is go to the hospital and get weighed!:flow2:
Love in Christ your sister and friend, Gwyn:hug:

Hey Ladies,

I thought it might be fun to share some NEW IDEA'S! I'm always looking for new healthy ways to change my lifestyle.

I'll start:

1. I keep a Bible by my favorite chair. So when I sit to watch t.v. or just want to relax it's always there.;)

2. I am trying to eat more whole foods. I have learned that you can sweeten up about any food with raisins or pieces of apple. I have been eating grape nuts in the morning with sliced apple, walnuts and cinnamin, DON'T even need the sugar. :broc:

3. I wake up before the family is awake so I can have some quiet time with the Lord.:^:

4. I don't take shortcuts, I do as much walking as I can.:tread:

5. I use a bouncy ball to do some exercises. (The exercise ball.) I can actually do sit ups using it and it's easy on my back. I also just bounce and squat it's easy on my knee's.:trampo:

6. I use straws to drink out of. I seem to drink more when I use them.:halffull:

I hope these are helpful to some of you. I would like to hear your idea's.

I praise God for all of you. I hope you are all well. Keep up the excellent work.

Amy
280/250

Amy, those are great ideas! Thanks for taking the time to list them all. All of our little changes turn into a total lifestyle change, don’t they?

Gwyn – WOW! I can’t even imagine being awake at that early hour, much less exercising! Way to go, lady! And congrats on your car (hopefully). What a blessing your son is. What a sacrifice. That must just warm your heart.

Flower, thanks for your understanding and words of encouragement. The verses you quoted are quite powerful – exactly what I needed. I love the book of Galations, don’t you? It’s like a mini Romans. :)

Tracy, yay you!!! I’m so happy that you’re feeling some success with your decision. This isn’t easy. If it was easy, everyone would do it. It takes courage, grit and humility to walk this road. Many blessings to you, friend!

Janet, that poem made me smile. My attitude is great everywhere except work. Good grief, what’s wrong with me? I pray all the way there (about 40 minutes), have peace in my heart about serving with a humble, willing & Godly attitude, and then it’s gone within 5 minutes of walking through the door. I pray throughout the day, and I sometimes even go off alone and spend some time with my bible, just to stay sane. I won’t list the many challenges associated with this sick & struggling church – financially, emotionally & even spiritually – but I know those are simply “side notes” to my attitude, not excuses. As Paul writes, we’re to be content regardless of circumstances. Until God answers my longstanding prayer for a different job (and trust me, I’ve pursued that relentlessly), I’ll assume he wants me there for some reason and continue to chase peace of mind. It ain’t easy! Please pray for me. For some reason, my workplace is 90% of my struggle. I’ve gained 25 pounds since I started working there. However, to be honest my attitude of discontent goes way back. Ugh!!

Angela, what a great day you had! Your enthusiasm is contagious. You go, girl. :)

Me? I’m doing awful. My eating is non-disciplined, I haven’t exercised in two days, and I didn’t have time for my TLT lesson yesterday. But I’ve continued to pray and spend time in the bible, and that’s been wonderful. And today is a new day.

Time to get ready for work! Blessings all of us, on our Wednesdays -

Hi Amy --

Thanks for the tips -

I'm just trying to eat more fruit and vegetables - fresh stuff -- and this time of year makes it easy. . . .

You've inspired me to try that big ball -- my Mom has one and doesn't use it. I may go get it today and try it out. My husband and I have been joking about getting that Ab-Lounge -- perhaps the ball will do the trick for me -- I hope I don't fall off of it! That worries me! Ha-ha!

Praying for us all -- as my marker board on the fridge currently says -- BE VIGILANT! Be ready for temptation and the battles of the day!

Dana K --

Oh, I will be praying for you -- I can totally understand about the job thing. Plus, being a church secretary is NEVER easy. I've never been one, but I always worry about our own chruch's secretary. Whether a church realizes it or not, we put through a lot. They here all the crap, know the crap, and live the crap -- hey, church's have it too! It's just harder for some reason coming from a church.

Try working for HIM and not for THEM. It sounds as if you are. . . . and it's easier said than done!

Good Morning!
 

Question about TLT
 

Hi Friends -

Question for those further in TLT than I am: I've just finished day 10, and I love the theme (become satisfied through the spiritual food & drink of Christ, rather than physical food). It's amazing and life-changing. Seriously. I'm pursuing that avenue and know I have much to learn.

But I feel like my lessons are basically spent answering questions that reiterate the theme over & over. I'm starting to run out of ways to phrase the theme in different words!

For those who are further ahead, is there more to learn besides repeating this theme? I'm certainly not saying I've got it mastered - I have SO far to go in my walk with the Lord. But I get it now. Truly. Would my 30 minutes be better spent in the Word than re-writing the "feast on the Lord and turn away from sinful overindulgence" sentence?

I apologize if this sounds negative, because I certainly don't mean it to be. Just having a challenge with time for my new priorities (prayer time, bible reading, food prep, exercise) and want to make sure these 30 minutes of TLT are necessary and teaching something new, even if using the same theme.

Blessings!

:hug:DanaK.
Remember this scripture: Romans 10:17
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Is not the WORD OF CHRIST all over, in and through The Lord's Table lessons? If you will get out your lexicon and look up the greek and hebrew meaning of that word "hearing" in the context of that scripture, you will see that it is in the repetitive form. Meaning over and over and over and over and over again. I believe that is what they are trying to firmly establish in our hearts and minds. If we truly "Got the message and have experianced full deliverance" then why are we here at 3 fat chicks? Is it not the same Word we have been reading out of the same bible for years and years? Why are we doing the course "The Lord's Table?" Is it to benifit the Lord? If we truly get it, then why haven't we got it? I am speaking to myself as well for I have struggled with those very same thoughts at times.
The Apostle John writes to young men - "You have overcome the evil one." and "You are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one." How do I know I am progressing in the Christian life? When I begin winning battles. The Word of God becomes my sword, with which I defeat the evil one. The "young man" in the Lord is characterized as one who walks in victory over the enemy by the indwelling Word of God. In my case, this means I am no longer living in the sins of overeating, but I am acquiring the tools from Scripture to be strong in the Lord and overcome the evil one. Not that Im sinless, just that Im now beginning to walk in victory.
I praise God that JESUS led me to THE LORDS TABLE! For truly I was born again for the past 26 years and truly I by my own willfulness, chose to stay a little child! I now see that in my own eyes I thought I was a full grown mature Christian woman, I knew the Word and knew it well. I had read the Holy Bible many times over, I stayed in His Word and even went to Bible Collage to learn more and more. But now I know, In my eating and stubbornness and WORST of ALL SPIRITUAL PRIDEFULLNESS, I was none the less a little fat babe in Christ laying on the floor kicking and screaming "I want my baba!!! I know many, of my loved ones and friends who are in that very same boat and it breaks my heart. For the 1st time in my Christian life I see how it also breaks Gods Heart, For how can a babe throwing herself on the floor in tantrums screaming "DONT TOUCH MY FOOD", "I want my food! I want to fill my stomach", "I want food to be my comfort!" I dont want to endure disipline and grow up, just let me alone to to do things my own way!" Ever,come into maturity? If I would not have received the revelation of Christ, when he showed me that I loved food more then I loved Him, I think I would have remained on that cold hard floor kicking and screaming in my chains and shakles of bondage to sin, to this very day and possiably unto the day they laid me to rest six feet under, pushing up daisys! I believe that I am now after 6 months of inspired discipline in my eating and finding true freedom and deliverance that comes only from Christ I have come into the 1st stages of the Young man. If you would have asked me this question before then I would have said, Oh I am a mature Christian! know the WORD! Here let me rattle off a whole bunch of memorized scriptures! I have been saved since I was 19 years old. Truth is I will say it again, I was a fat, a very fat little baby full of full of self willfulness, full of denial, full of pridefulness and bent on the destruction of the Temple of The HOLY SPIRIT!!!!!
May the God who led you to come and dine at The Lord's Table grant you peace, understanding and patience. May you keep your appointment and commitments to stay the course.
In the Name of Jesus I pray Amen.:hug:

Gwyn, thanks for your wonderful and inspired (as usual!) post. I agree wholeheartedly. I have much, much, much to learn and so far to go in the Word. I wouldn't dream of turning away from that for anything! Scripture is being revealed to me in a new way, now that I'm looking at my lustful eating for what it truly is.

My question is, do the study questions in TLT change? Our lessons all give thoughtful scriptures that we examine through the context of overeating. And then we're told, "Give your thoughts on this passage." The answer is basically always the same, only rephrased: Only Jesus can satisfy our true hunger and thirst; we must feast on his Word; our love of food is prideful idolatry... You know what I mean? I don't feel the course has presented anything new since the "light bulb" went on after the 3rd or 4th day. The message is the same every lesson. Obviously a message that I need - don't get me wrong! :) But could my 30 minutes of lesson time be better spent reading God's word, rather than giving the same answer over & over & over again?

Maybe this is something I need to discuss with my mentor.

By the way, yesterday was a better day! Thanks, everyone, for being here!

Dana -- know what you mean about spending time perhaps doing something else -- this is my SECOND trip around the 60 days. . . .the first time through, I was amazed how the scriptures spoke to overeating. . .verses I knew and had read were suddenly popping out at me! By the second half of the 60 days I was kinda just going through the motions, but I knew I needed to keep the habit of doing the lessons - at least to keep me focused. Barely lost any weight so -- I'm working on a second time through (going on day 27) I've gleened different things then from the first time -- some days hit the nail on the head - like today -- other days, just so-so. I've learned to pray over the lesson before I start it and that has helped - I pray God open my eyes to his truths and that I truly learn to LIVE them!

Todays stuff: We may still have the desires, but we are enabled to NOT gratify them, as we live by the Spirit. Our fight is not so much with overeating, it is in maintaining our walk with the Lord.

For me -- I needed this, I'm so in the habit of trying to lose on my own, that I spend my days trying to force the flesh to do what it doesn't want to do. Forgetting to call on the Spirit and wait for it's leading. With Christ, I can do this -- I just have to live every moment for him!

Don't be discouraged with your lessons -- like I said, some days hit and some don't. What hits for me, may not hit for you!

Praying for everyone -- have a good day all!

Flower, thanks for your thoughtful response. I appreciate your insight on the TLT lessons. I can see that Christ is certainly working through you!

Answered Prayers!
 

:carrot:1. My youngest Son Daniel, spent his whole 2 week pay check on buying me a good used car! I am so blessed to have such a kind and generous Son and lovely daughter in law Rebecca!:hug: The car has many wonderful benefits that I have not had or enjoyed for years and years~
AIR CONDITIONING!:angel:
I don't think I have owned anything that had that luxury since I stepped off the semi-truck in 2001! What a blessing it is! :dance:All new tires, great maintenance records! It has working cruise control and nice electric seats and everything! It is about the color of this font. He told me, "Mom I just want to know that you can go to Church or your Doctors appointments when you want to and need to,:hug: I want to know that you are happy and can go when you want to.":hug: Oh how my Son has blessed my heart today!!!http://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/smi/0201e05e82/01 I will never forget this kindness and sacrifice he has made for us.http://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/smi/0201e05e82/01
I pray God will Bless them well for their sacrifice!:hug:
2. On the way to drive them home, I went and got weighed:goodscale and now I weigh 412 so I started at 501 and I have lost a total of 89 pounds! GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST!
Of course being on the 40 days for 40 years fast has accelerated things I am sure. But losing weight was not our motive for the fast, losing weight is a benefit from the sacrifice and discipline. Today is day 19 and we are praying for our nation! For our Children and family.
Truly I am blessed and happy in Jesus!
Just think, 13 more pounds and I will be started on working on the next 100 pounds to lose for the Glory of God! I stared out having 351 pounds to lose to reach the goal of 150, now it is only 262! I find it much, much easier of a task to do it for His Glory then for my own. He and He alone is God and He and He alone is worthy of ALL the GLORY! ALL the HONOR! and ALL the PRAISE!!!
I love Him so! I love you too!http://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/smi/0201e05e82/01
Love in Christ, Gwyn
:hug:I love you all and thank you for your prayers!
God Bless You All! In Jesus Name! AMEN

Gwyn, your weight loss is absolutely incredible! Wow! You must feel fantastic.

Yay you!

Your doctor must be so impressed. You truly are on the right path, and the beauty and glory of Christ just shines through your posts. Awesome!!!!!! God really blesses us when we honor him. You've worked hard and stayed the course, and it's really paying off.

And contratulations on your car! It's virtually impossible to do anything without transportation. I'll bet it feels like you've been given wings! What a lovely son you have.

How's everyone else doing? I had a better day yesterday, but no exercise (again). This has been such a hectic week; church meetings every single night directly after work. I've been getting in my prayer time, TLT lesson and bible reading (before work) though, and I feel wonderful about that. It makes all the difference in the world.

Well, 6:03 AM and the coffee's kicked in :hyper: , so I'd better get to it. Have a fabulous Friday, everybody!

Oh! Gwyn! How awesome - hump -- makes me think of my lesson today -- about how Christ raised us and we now can be fruitful - I think losing weight is a fruit - heck, it takes patience, self-control, -love to stay on track with HIM! So thrilled for you!

Everyone else -- thanks for being here -- it's so nice to come here after my lesson and just know that your HERE! I always try and remember to say a pray for us all on this forum!

Have a great weekend - I'm going to a retreat - leaving my baby for the first time. She'll be with Daddy, but I still worry. The three of us have never been apart for this long before! I hope I can sleep while I'm there. She's 19 months and we still have use the monitor. I'm not sure I can sleep without hearing her sleep!

:hug:My Dear FlowerWarrior,
I have a script for you, I felt the Lord led me to give it to you.
Proverbs 3:23-25
23 Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble;

24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 25 Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked
I love you and Thank you for your encouragment!
TO GOD BE THE GLORY! GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!
Love in Christ Gwyn:hug:

Thank you DanaK.:hug:
Your encouragment is such a blessing!
You keep on keeping on in the Name of Jesus!
God will bless you for staying the course too.
I love you and thanks again.
Love in Christ, Gwyn:hug:

Gwyn-So glad and happy for you about your weightloss! You go girl! You are such a light to others in darkness. The light of Christ truly does shine through you. It is so wonderful your son was able to do this for you-your heart must be bursting with pride for him!

I have a had an interesting week. I did start back at the beginning of the Lord's table after some good advice from my fellow 3FC members. I finished day five today. I have felt right from the beginning something different this time and I hope this stays with me. Earlier in the week I hurt my neck putting a backpack on (so I could ride my bike to work) and then the next day had a high fever and had to leave work early and stay home yesterday when the fever finally broke. Anyway long story short I kept with TLT lessons and eventhough I have not been nauseated or anything (just the fever) I have been able to eat small amounts and not binge or start into the food I need to stay away from. In fact I just gave my daughter a dish of ice cream and I didn't even have a spoonful-I got a piece of fruit.

So thank you all for your prayers and kind words-for whatever reason things are looking up this time! Sunday will be my first weigh day for TLT and I am sure I will see results where non existed before! I'll keep you posted! Have a great weekend everyone.

Blessings on your day.
Tracy

Gwyn --

Thank you so much for the verse -- I'm here at retreat and never dreamed that I be able to access the internet -- but here I am!!! They have a little shop open tonight until 11 -- and I'm dying for the pizza hut pizza they serve!! I really want it -- but sat down here instead. Everyone tonight is snacking -- it's like a planned thing -- everyone eats on Friday night!!!

I had a horrible dream this morning about something happening to my baby and even sitting listening to the wonderful speaker this evening I was worried that something would happen to her -- so that verse is definetly what I needed!! Thank you!

Good morning friends-what a great day. Just had to put a quick post. Just finished day 7. What a week it's been. I actually lost 5 pounds this week-yay me!!!! Thanks everyone for the support and encouragement to continue. Thanks especially to Charbar who started the thread-we miss you!

Have a great Father's Day everyone! Gotta run-mydaughter and I are serving her dad breakfast in bed!
Love and prayers to all!
Tracy

Tracy, great job on the 5-lb loss! How awesome for you.

Flower, I hope your retreat was refreshing and fruitful.

Hello Gwyn, Angela, Janet, Amy, and anyone else still with us.

I've actually gained 1.5 lbs this week, but I'm okay with that. I've just finished day 14 of TLT, and the last few days have been especially helpful for me. For anyone who's been "lurking" and curious about the Lord's Table - and who's read my recent posts - it does go beyond the recurring message of "eliminate overeating and feast on the Lord". That certainly is the theme of the study, but it's now discussing godly behavior, self-centeredness, repentence, etc. - all issues that speak directly to my heart and that are getting to the nitty-gritty of things. That's the question I was posing. Sorry that I wasn't clear!

May we all have continued success on our journeys!

Thanks for the kind words Dana and don't let the fact you've gained a little get you down lots of things affect our ups and downs. I pray I can keep the frame of mind I'm in. This week I basically cut down to 1/2 cup of decaf and cut out all sugar and sugar snacks and was trying to exercise everyday-until I hurt my neck. Oh well this too will pass and maybe it's God's way of saying take it slow and it will work better. Take care everyone! It is such a beautiful day here today! I just finished giving my 10 year old daughter a pedicure outside which she loved so now I've got some housework to catch up on and that will be my exercise for today running up and down the stairs.

Blessings to you all!