Intro Do you ever feel like the devil literally throws something in front of you and challenges you to eat it? I mean, it isn’t going to kill you. You deserve it. You’ve had a hard day. And, it isn’t a sin to have that brownie, eat that massive bowl of chicken alfredo, or dive into the doughnuts. Well, my love, let me congratulate you on being human and assure you that the temptations won’t stop coming, but you can get exceptionally good at taking steps that move you away from what you know doesn’t serve your body or your goals. ***42DFC Promotion*** Breaking unhealthy habits can take a lot of work. I know. Back in 2020 I had to do something about my addiction to simple carbs. It took six weeks to clear my brain and body of cravings. Because of the experience, I created the 42-Day Fallout Challenge. For 42 days you’ll get a daily email and podcast episode to encourage your epic break from whatever habit doesn’t serve you anymore. It’s entirely free and I know it will bless your journey. Go to loraarmendariz.com/freeresources to sign up. *** Personal So, this week might be a little harder than normal for our family. I teach and my daughters attend school in a district that only goes for four days a week. I know, it is fabulous. Of course, the school days are pretty long, but the three-day weekend is incredible. However, this week I have professional development on Friday, so, horrors of horrors, I only have a two-day weekend which means Saturday must be full of a lot of work to make sure I get everything done in time so that there can be some rest on Sunday. Of course, this is what the rest of the working world pretty much does, but for me it is just the thing that would push me over the edge making some less-than-healthy foods way more appealing than normal. Thankfully, this isn’t my first ball game and I have a plan. Concept There are going to be times that you are especially susceptible to temptation more than others. It is just life. And, it is definitely something that the devil will enjoy taking advantage of. I actually believe two things are at play whenever we experience intense cravings for something we know doesn’t help us. First, our brain is looking for a way to comfort us and ease any pain or discomfort physically or emotionally. So many habits develop from us using things in this way and when they are something unhealthy, then we’ll find that these habits feel fully entrenched and even necessary to make it through the day. The second thing at play here is truly the Devil, taking advantage of our exhaustion, discomfort, and pain, to offer us things that might later make us feel shame, discouragement, or corrode our health. I have found that I can’t just expect myself to magically make the right choice, instead I need to have healthy solutions to shove in the Devil face as I also take steps to handle exhaustion, discomfort, and pain in ways that bring me life and restore me. Spiritual Application Most Christian women have heard about Jesus being tempted in the desert. For forty days He went into the wilderness and did not eat. The devil then tempts Jesus, simply saying that if really was the Son of God then he could turn the stones into bread, which was something Jesus could definitely do. He could cure, bring to life, cast out demons, and turn water into wine. But, in Matthew 4:4, NIV, Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” I’ve never been forty-days-hungry. In fact, I have to laugh when I think about my 4pm hunger at school. It is probably because that is the end of my work day and also because it is a few hours after my lunch break, but it is often a point in the day that I feel like I’m going to die from starvation and I am most likely to eat whatever has been lovingly placed in the teacher’s workroom. When I do that, I compromise on my goals and give in to actions that aren’t loving toward my body. Practical Application Want to know what helps me? Having a plan. You have to know what you can do for yourself in place of unhealthy food. I am not sure what that might be for you, but I am going to share with you what works for me. For actual physical hunger I have healthy oatmeal packets I can place in a cup and add water. At home I make fresh fruits and vegetables or steamed vegetables, which is always an acceptable solution. Also, I keep a large jug of water around in case physical hunger is more about dehydration than the need for fuel. For emotional hunger, a 15 minute nap, listening to music with my eyes closed or while dancing, journaling, art, or reading the next section in my Bible reading are successful go-to’s. I would encourage you to think up a few options for emotional hunger and physical hunger that you experience at home and outside your home. Bread alone is not the solution. The moment the piece is swallowed you will need the next one and the next bite to keep all the discomfort at bay. Journal Prompt Here is your challenge for the week. During a quiet moment, I want you to take out your device or some writing materials and list 5 things you could do for physical hunger at home and outside of the home. Then I want you to write 5 things you could do for emotional hunger at home and outside of the home. Sign Off You’re doing great things, sweet sister. All my love to you! See you next week
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
by Lora ArmendarizYou Can Do It!Do you want to fall out of love with a destructive habit? The first 42 episodes of this podcast are a resource for anyone who wants encouragement and information as they take a six week break from a habit in order to fall out of love with it. Archives
April 2024
|