Reshaping It All
Like many of us, I’m resolved to lose weight this year. I’ve tried and failed so many times before, so when I announced to my husband on New Year’s Day that I wanted to join an online weight loss and fitness program, he looked at me with skepticism and asked me what makes this one different.
The difference? It’s not so much the program, it’s me. I’m resolved to change. I’m committed to reshaping my life and I’m passionate about it. Here in the mountains they’d say, “I’ve got fire in my belly.”
As the old “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” weight loss guru, Richard Simmons used to say, “It’s not a diet, it’s a live it!” Loosing weight is about changing life styles not about trying out every fad diet program that comes along. It is my desire (and steadfast determination) to make some life changes now, to reshape my life.
Most of my adult life I’ve played little semantics games, just like Garfield in the cartoon below.
“I need to lose weight,” and then I’d set off on some short lived program and a few successes. Other times I’d say “I SHOULD lose weight, ” and always finding an excuse to either not do it or be short lived about it.
Luke 10:38-42 tells us what Jesus says we need, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
What did Mary do? She chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to His words rather than fret and stew (literally, cooking in the kitchen) and busy herself like her sister Martha.
I need to be at Jesus feet more, for THAT is where my weight loss battle will be won.
I did join the online program and I’m working harder than I’ve ever worked. I’m following the eating plan and eating healthy, smaller portions. I’m striving to make wise choices and to keep moving. I’m journaling my progress and making myself accountable to friends and an online community. But the biggest part of this reshaping is I’m bringing myself totally under the subjection of the Lord. I want my weight loss to be life changing and to bring Him glory.
During those moments when I’m desiring something sweet or salty, I remind myself that food is not on the throne of my life, Christ is.
Psalm 34:8 says, “O taste and see that the LORD is good. How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!”
At the first twinge of stealthily sneaking a bite of something, I pull out my memory verses for the week and feast on them, or I offer up a sacrifice of praise to God for that is “the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.” (Hebrews 13:15)
Are you or someone you know in need of help with reshaping it all? Why not join me this Monday, January 17th at 11:00 Eastern time on my Christian Women Affiliate Radio show, “Grace Café.” My co-host Julie and I will be interviewing Darlene Schacht. She co-wrote a book with TV actress Candace Cameron Bure called, “Reshaping It All: Motivation for Physical and Spiritual Fitness.” This link is good for listening to the show live, or later to the archive. Live listeners will have the opportunity to ask Darlene questions regarding fitness. We’ll also be having a give away for a copy of the book, so be sure to listen in and find out how you can win.
Let’s encourage one another as we’re “Reshaping It All.”
I love when you wrote, “Food is not on the throne of my life, Christ is.” So true! Thanks for the great reminder that that is where Christ should always be! Your new plan sounds great! I’m praying that God continues to keep a “fire in your belly” as you continue in this new program!
Blessings to you, Joan
I tweeted this and linked to your post:
I need to be at Jesus feet more, for THAT is where my weight loss battle will be won.
Love that line!!
Thanks for the awesome shout out!
I like what you said “I remind myself that food is not on the throne of my life, Christ is.” I think we all can take that to heart, even if we are not looking to lose weight, but other issue we have (fear for me)…So I will say “Fear is not on the throne of my life, Christ is.”
Thank you Marsha for your encouraging words. Best wishes on your weight loss program.
Awesome post, Marsha! If I can add another great resource, Lysa TerKeurst is just about to release Made to Crave and her thoughts mirror yours. It’s that we were made to crave…but most of us, me included, decided to crave food. We’re meant to crave God.
That book is really picking up steam and I know several online studies going on that you could google and/or visit Proverbs 31 ministries to learn more. I also know Lysa is doing free webcasts for the next 5 Mondays or so at 8pmEST on her site. I really was inspired by the first one.
Praying favor for you in this!