One of the joys with writing for this blog is hearing from readers.  After I wrote this *post* a few of you wrote in to either encourage or let me know you’re also on your way to healthier living.

I have tried hard to make losing weight practical for everyday living.  I may understand the science of weight loss but that doesn’t matter when a small fried cake of sweetened dough (doughnut) is being offered to me.

It’s about balance. One of the things I spoke to God about specifically was not going so far in the other direction of healthy living that it became an obsession.

There are set-backs of course and days that I wouldn’t be the model of how to lose weight effectively  but I have to tell you the important thing is to keep moving forward.

Don’t give up tomorrow because you slipped up today.

We have enjoyed a lot of new dishes and both my husband and son have been brave and wonderful in trying everything!  Some meals were horrible and others incredible.  I just never know but it’s fun to whip up new dinners.

This afternoon I put on my shoes and went for a run. I was trying hard to look cool of course but then this uncoordinated gal rolled her ankle in a pot-hole and gracefully tripped all over the place! I had an audience of one man who pretended not to see bless his heart!  I dread working out in the public for this very reason!

It’s been an adventure already!

* * * * * * * * * *

I have written before about loneliness and as a military spouse it is something I’m familiar with.  As the boxes are long gone and we start to adjust to our new home and area something hit me like a ton of bricks this last week.

I was lonely.  I felt so much shame because of it and didn’t understand why I was dealing with this all over again.  God has blessed us greatly with this move and it seems by admitting where I’m at then i’m failing..again.

Then I read this incredible truth from Tim Hansel’s book Through the Wilderness of Loneliness:

“Loneliness is not a time of abandonment… it just feels that way. It’s actually a time of encounter at new levels with the only One who can fill that empty place in our hearts.  Loneliness need not be an enemy .. it can be a friend.  Loneliness need not be an interruption in our lives … it can be a gift. Loneliness need not be an obstacle .. it can be an invitation.  Loneliness need not be a problem … it can be an opportunity.  Loneliness need not be a dead-end.. it can be an adventure! “

Amazing, right!?

Oh friend, if I could only tell you how many times I’ve hidden from God because of loneliness. I thought if only I could find the right friend, or have this kind of marriage, if I was this kind of mother, or if I was a part of this ministry then i’d never feel lonely again.  If only I had run straight to the throne of God FIRST.

I gained weight because of my loneliness.  I ran directly to food to find comfort.  As I work to take off the pounds gained I asked God to help me.  He really has in showing me the truth about loneliness and how to deal with it.

When a heart aches of loneliness there is nothing on earth that will comfort it like the love of Christ.  I know this now.

In Christ we are loved, (Jer. 31:3) and we are known (Isa. 43:1).   Whether I lose a pound or gain one nothing can change the love of God.  That is real hope I carry with me!

Until next time,

Laura