OK, so I emailed Dawn yesterday and she promptly called and kicked my butt - nicely :). I knew she was the perfect butt-kicker! lol It was a very good conversation that reaffirmed several of my convictions and gave me some new ideas to implement. I still need to DO them consistently, but I think I'm on my way. It feels good to have taken steps to right a sin. Here's what I've done:

I prayed in earnest, called a godly friend, changed some self talk (from "I CAN'T eat that cinnamon roll" to "I don't HAVE TO eat that cinnamon roll") to remind me that I am NOT bound by my craving, drank a few cups of green tea to boost my metabolism, ate a smaller portioned meal, limited snacks and drank herbal tea to satisfy cravings late night, went grocery shopping and got healthier food (including a big canister of low fat yogurt to eat with granola and fruit in the mornings), actually ATE that meal for breakfast today, and stretched out my body for a few minutes...

Today I need to stick to smaller portions, stretch a little more, and work on my gluttony scripture cards. Scripture cards are something I learned from Beth Moore during the Breaking Free bible study. When you're battling a particular sin, realize your sinful thought WHEN YOU THINK IT, repent, and read scripture cards about the sin until you stop the sinful thought pattern. You pick convicting scriptures as well as encouraging scriptures, write or print them out on cards, and carry them with you to use whenever you need them. I have used Pride ones in the grocery store (where my mind tends to wander), and I plan to use the Gluttony ones when I'm sitting on the couch watching TV at night (where my cravings start to kick in).

SO GLORY TO GOD!!! I could not have taken these steps if it hadn't been for the Lord giving me strength and perseverance. I need much more of it, LORD! It's fitting, then, that my devotional today would be about exactly that. (Too bad I can't link to them because they change daily...)

Thank you, Father, for being ever-faithful to Your word. You not only ask us to do what is right, but what is best for us. And instead of demanding the impossible from your weak children, you walk beside us, carrying us at times, and give us full access to the riches of your character. Joy, Self-Control, Patience, Peace, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Love... You even give us the faith we need to trust in You when we ask for it. Lord, I think I still have trouble believing that it's possible for me to eat healthy, exercise, and lose weight. It's hard for me to believe that I could ever be "one of THOSE people" who take care of themselves with consistent daily discipline. That image seems totally out of my reach. Please help me with my unbelief, Jesus! I know all things are possible for you! But more importantly, Father, I ask that you continue to fan the flames of my passion for You! Make me fall in love with you more and more each day. I know You will!