LOOSEN UP

"When you restrict calories too severely, the brain's reward system- which includes dopamine and receptors, the same ones involved in drug addiction- becomes more sensitized to anything that might boost reward, says Mary Boggiano, Ph.D., a psychologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. For the dieter, that is typically junk food. This supersensitization in the brain may be why dieters crave junk food and why it is hard to not overeat once they have eaten just on bite of a tasty treat."

The Forgiving God

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing, love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.  Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.  For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.  Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.  Psalms 51:1-4

Forgiving God,

I am forgiven. I am forgiven. I am forgiven.

In hundreds of ways you tell me this.

Help me to know and to accept

that unqualified forgiveness. Amen.

The Truth

Show me Your ways, O Lord teach me Your paths. Lead me in your Truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day.

Psalms 25:4-5

Teach me thy way; I will walk in thy truth.

Psalms 86:11

I have walked in thy truth.

Psalms 26:3

I have chosen the way of truth.

Psalms 119:30

~

God of All Truth,

put within me a desire for truth, honesty, and integrity.

Guard my lips from speaking guile

or doing anything that negatively reflects on you. Amen.

The Victory

Even if you think you can stand up to temptations, be careful not to fall.  You are tempted in the same way that everyone else is tempted.  But God can be trusted not to let you be tempted too much, and he will show you how to escape from your temptations.

1 Corinthians 10:12-13

~

Victor Over Temptation,

with your help I can win.

With your help

I can find answers and satisfy those hurting,

needy parts of my life.

With you help

I can win time after time against temptations.

Thanks for providing the way of escape. Amen.

Healthy Outlook

Can happiness make you healthier? In a study of nearly 2,900 healthy adults, researchers at the University College London found that those who reported more good moods had lower levels of cortisol (a stress hormone).  When this chemical is chronically elevated, it can contribute to high blood pressure, obesity, depressed immune function and other ill-health effects. Upbeat women also had reduced levels of inflammatory markers, which also bodes well for the heart and overall health.~ Stacey Colino

The Pioneer of Our Faith

Pioneer of Our Faith,

I'm grateful that you've been there before,

and you know everything that lies ahead.

Forgive me when I fret or complain,

and remind me that you're always there to lead me.  Amen.

So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won't let go.  Ane we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us.  We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads and makes our faith complete.  Hebrews12:1-2

The Divine Bread

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

Divine Bread,

cause me to hunger for you today.

Enable me to yearn for more of your life in me.

On those days when I feel stuffed and satisfied with my self,

surprise me, and stir me up with a renewed hunger.  Amen.