I’m sure you’ve been wondering what happened! I know I mentioned my shoulder surgery. Then I was sick for about a week. Then life happened and I ran out of time to get this post up when it was expected. So sorry to all my readers who were following this journey to rid ourselves of the sugar habit.
I am happy to say sugar has taken a backseat to other healthy foods! Yea! It is a victory for sure. But, as promised, here is the wrap-up that was due to post back in October:
For My Body:
Well, we’ve completed our 28-day sugar detox. How did you do? I’m pleased to say I’ve created new Healthy Habits that I can follow for a lifetime.
- I’ve developed the habit of reading the labels and making informed decisions when it comes to the foods I eat.
- I’m drinking more water and eating foods high in fiber. This helps to flush toxins out of my body and slows the absorption of sugar helping me maintain steady blood sugar levels.
- I’m eating more fruits and vegetables. These are the best sources of carbohydrates, which my body needs for energy.
- I’m planning my meals with this new-found knowledge so that I’m not eating on the run, but am able to control the quality of the foods I eat.
- I’m exercising more. Yes, walking in the park with a dear friend three days a week, AND riding a stationary bike at the YMCA with another wonderful friend.
For My Mind:
I’ve realized I can’t do this alone. I need others around me who understand the struggle, are in the trenches with me. We help each other. I think that pleases God. He never intended us to battle all our enemies alone. He gave us each other. “When one falls, the other helps him up again…” Ecc. 4:9-10.
Empowered with the knowledge that our packaged foods contain many items that put us at risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, I am able decide how much or how little I consume.
I’m pleased to say, as of my last weigh-in, I’m down 5.6 pounds. Yea!! Even more importantly, I don’t feel deprived. This is something I can do for a lifetime.
For My Spirit:
We’ve been looking at the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. We left off with God calling Moses to go back to lead the people out of Egypt into the Promised Land. Today, I’m going to skip ahead to the book of Joshua.
Have you ever been called to do something that was bigger than you? Something that made you feel ill-equipped to handle. Maybe it was some ministry you were asked to serve or a new job that seemed over your head. I can image that must have been how Joshua felt stepping into the shoes of Moses and leading the people of Israel into the Promised Land. But God chose him. God would be with him.
Joshua was a mighty warrior and he listened closely to God’s instructions. God promised that if Joshua would follow God’s leading the children of Israel would have great success in the land (Josh. 1:8-9). They were to drive out the current inhabitants and establish themselves as the new owners of the land under God’s leadership.
After Joshua led the Israelites to victory over several key cities in Canaan, the inhabitants of Gibeon devised a plot to fool Joshua into making a covenant with them so they would be safe from annihilation. So we pick up our study in Joshua chapter nine.
(Read Joshua 9)
- In verses 4-5, how did the Gibeonites trick Joshua and the tribal leaders?
- Who did the Gibeonites say they were? What was their proof?
- What request did they make of Joshua? (Hint: vs. 11).
- Where did they say they had come from?
- Do you think the Gibeonites avoided direct answers?
- What/who did the tribal leaders rely on to prove the Gibeonites were telling them the truth? (Hint: vs. 12-14)
- Was their reliance well-placed?
- What/who do you think Joshua relied on?
- To have avoided the trap of deception, what should Joshua have done? Who should he have consulted?
- Why do you think Joshua kept his word after he found out he had been deceived?
Sometimes when we are battling something in our lives that God desires us to overcome, the enemy will try to deceive us. In Joshua’s case, the enemy knew they couldn’t be beaten so they wanted to make a peace-pack with Israel. This peace-pack was a trap and Joshua was hooked.
I have determined to overcome my weight problem and addiction to sugar. There may come times when the deceptive thought that indulging in sugary treats every day is ok comes to trick me. I need to plan ahead for the possibility of these thoughts and prepare a plan of action. I want to be wise and remember God has given me the ability to tell myself, “No.” When I lean on Him I can’t help but be victorious.
“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. “ ~ I John 4:4
Dear Father, Thank you for this journey of deliverance. Please let me be ever mindful of your abiding presence and ability to strengthen me. I am following your will in these Healthy Habits for Life. Watch over my steps and grant me your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Please share your answers and comments with us.