The Fruit 'n Focus Weight Loss Plan

Darlene Schacht, August 2008

Every time I struggle with weight loss—and I do—I’m reminded of my sister, Bonnie. I’ve often talked about her over at Live Well Wednesdays, as the sister who went from a size 14 to an itty-bitty 4 this past year. What facilitated the change? Was it her portion control? Was it the fact that she went to the gym every day? Was it the water she started drinking? Those are the questions the world around her is asking. The answer is that, yes, in part those things took place, but most importantly her success was a direct result of the change that took place from within. When the Spirit of the Lord became an active ingredient in her daily walk, Bonnie was able to battle the flesh.

Let me be specific. She was already an active member at both church and the gym. She had already cut down on her portions. She was already drinking water like her lips were on fire. What she wasn’t doing was keeping her eyes fixed on the author and finisher of her faith—Jesus. She was sinking and swimming—swimming and sinking, until she put God first in her daily routine. She is just one of many women I know who have lost weight by changing their focus.

Matthew 14:22-33 illustrates this power in what I like to refer to as “eye contact.” This is the story of Peter, a man—one of the twelve disciples—who stepped onto the water with the best intentions. Peter, despite the storm that surrounded him, was willing to take a walk of faith.

An interesting thing about this story is that Peter initiated this walk of faith—not the other way around.

"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
– Matthew 14:28, NIV.

Do you want a permanent change in your life? Are you willing to see what the power of God can do? Then take that step of faith. Like Peter, get your feet wet, and move forward. Trust.

Right about now insecurity is probably telling you that you can’t. Oh, I’ve had the same voice nagging me all day—all week in fact. Each time I look down at the muffin top. Every time I’ve had a little too much. Any time I try to do it on my strength alone.

But there’s another voice that powers me to press on. The voice that speaks softly but surely through each storm I face. “Come,” He says. And I know it’s the voice of my Savior hoping that once again I’ll lift my eyes until they’re locked in place with His. Hoping that I’ll trust Him every step of the way.

Why is it that when our eyes are fixed on Him we become an unsinkable force? It’s because the fullness of power by the Holy Spirit moves through Him. We find it simply stated in Galatians:

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
- Galatians 5:16, NIV.

I’ve read Galatians 5 many times throughout my Christian life. In fact I’ve memorized several of the scriptures in that chapter itself, but one day it spoke to me in a way it never had before. It was the answer to my struggle with food. If I repeat this passage throughout the Live Well journey, bear with me, it’s simply because I believe that it’s key to success. Let me also pull the other verse out for us:

For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.
– Galatians 5:17, NIV

You see it’s impossible to live by the flesh if we are truly walking in the Spirit. Here's an exercise to prove it: look up from this page for a minute and choose one object across the room. Once you have chosen one object, I want you to look at it for a count of 30 seconds, and while you’re looking at it, give it your full attention. Ready? One thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three…

Done? Good. Now did you notice that when your eyes were fixed on that one object, the rest of the room was out of focus? Sure, you could still see the room, but whether the pillows were tossed about or the walnut table was hosting a coffee ring had no bearing on your thoughts for those 30 seconds. In fact I’ll venture to guess that you never thought about over eating for that brief moment in time. Now, let’s stretch our time out to 24/7, and replace that object with Jesus Christ. That’s how we walk in the Spirit!

It’s impossible to visually focus on two things at once. I’ve tried it, and yes I’ve looked ridiculous with my eyes trying to divide and conquer, and I failed. What happens when we try to focus on two things at once is that both objects get blurred. It’s the same way with trying to walk in the Spirit and flesh at the same time. Because they are contrary to one another, the result is that we don’t know what we want.

The Spirit supplies all that we need to live well. Do we eat because we feel unloved? Do we binge because a bout of depression landed heavily on our day? Did a tiff with our spouse knock us off our game? Are we losing patience faster than weight? Are we getting a little grouchy accepting the changes we’ve made? Do we need reminding that God’s faithfulness never ceases to amaze? Living a Spirit-filled life can conquer each and every one of these obstacles. Living well doesn’t mean that we reach out in search of self-control, but rather that we reach out to God. It calls for us to live a Spirit-filled life that produces fruit in every aspect of our life.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
- Galatians 5:22-23, NIV.

Do you see the importance of each fruit? Can you line them up one by one with the struggles you face? Do you see how the fullness of the Spirit brings completeness to ones life rather than the quick fix the world is accustomed to taking? If not, I challenge you to pull out a pen, scratch down the specific difficulty that you face, and match it up to a fruit of the Spirit that conquers.

Fix your eyes on Jesus by getting to know Him. Learn everything you can about His life. Who were His brothers? What disciple was known as the one whom He loved? What was His last prayer in the garden? These are just some of the things we can learn. But the story of Christ didn’t start at Matthew, nor did it end at John. The Old Testament is rich in prophecy, and the New Testament reveals the gift of His Spirit to the church. There are so many ways to fix our eyes on Christ.

Listen, and you may hear His voice calling, “Come…”

©2008, Darlene Schacht

*We advise that you always consult your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program.

Eight Keys to Unlocking Your Freedom

Darlene Schacht, July 2008

If you’ve been reading—and living—Live Well! for a while, you have already done some soul searching to discover the changes that you’d like to make. You may have sat down to develop a plan, invited God along for the journey, and taken steps to live out that plan in your life. Good. Hopefully you’ve discovered success along the way and are determined to keep on running. That’s a great place to be. Now we’re ready to take a look at the future. Living well is not merely a lifestyle; it’s the means of getting to the destination we so desire—freedom. Imagine being able to enjoy three bites of a brownie without the desire for more. Picture yourself choosing a salad over pizza for lunch, because it’s just what you are hungering for. Envision yourself being the comfortable size you’ve always dreamed you could be. God has designed a life for each of us, which includes the hope of our freedom, it’s waiting for you, and it’s not that far from your grasp.

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn. Isaiah 61:1-2 NIV

Freedom. Did you read that?! What a glorious hope for those who are living in bondage to food, or women who are trapped in a body that they feel is not theirs.

Free·dom: The power to exercise choice and make decisions without constraint from within or without. (www.dictionary.com)

That is His hope for you—freedom to choose. Isn’t that what His plan was for us all along? His hope for you is not that you remain in bondage to the desires of this world, but that you move out from the darkness of your bondage and into the light of His freedom—that includes your freedom from the bondage of food.

How do we know that once we reach that place of freedom we won’t wake up and find ourselves in the exact same chip-craving, food-stuffing, guilt-ridden place that we started in? Because this time we’re doing it God’s way—relying on His strength to set us free:

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36, NIV

But that’s talking about sin, how can that relate to our struggle with food? Isn’t it different? Well, let’s answer it this way--what is sin? The technical definition is in the translation of the Greek word: hamartia, which is “missing the mark.” And why do we miss it? We transgress the commandments of God in lieu of our pleasure—the Spirit at war with the flesh.

But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time. Romans 7:17-20, The Message

Sound familiar? Reminds me of the guilt sessions I’ve often hosted in my brain just before nodding off to sleep with a full gut. Let’s face it--we’re not alone in our struggle with food. Countless women struggle with the same pull to the fridge as we do, desperately hoping to find a way out.

The sad fact is that many women live their entire lives in bondage, never discovering the keys to unlocking the door. We can. The Word of God contains every key that we need to unlock our freedom and live a victorious life. A few months back we talked about freedom and the importance of getting there, but this month we’re going to uncover eight of the keys that will carry us through:

1. Stop idolizing food:
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21, NIV)

That’s put simply enough. If we’re thinking of food from sun up to sun down, we need a little renovation of the brain. We need to shift our focus to healthier thoughts, or as my kids would say, “Get a life.” Realize food for what it is: fuel. It’s really little more than that.

2. Start idolizing God:
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:1-3)

There you go! Start that renovation off by setting your focus on heavenly things. Open the Bible, grab a pen, discover God, and once you do--I guarantee that you’ll idolize Him.

3. Resist the devil:
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7, NIV)

Realize that the longing for the things of this world are not Spirit-led thoughts. If they were, they wouldn’t be met with guilt time and again. The Spirit does not fuel an unhealthy desire for food; sin does. Resist the unhealthy thoughts by discerning and rejecting those that are bad.

4. Find an accountability partner or group: "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (James 5:16, NIV)

Accountability partners offer support, wisdom, and a nudge when we slip off the path. Find a group or an individual that will spur you on.

5. Exercise choice:
"In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness." (Romans 6:11-13, NIV)

If we want great looking legs, we need to exercise them, right? The same goes for choice. The more we give up our ability to choose, the more it loses strength. Giving in to every whim weakens us over time. Start saying “No” to your desires more often, and you’ll build up stamina. As my friend May says, "If you want to wear different sized pair of pants, you have to live differently."

6. Walk in the Spirit:
"So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature." (Galatians 5:16, NIV)

Because the Spirit has no desire for the things of the earth, it naturally makes sense that a Spirit-led person would lean the same way. Grow in the Spirit by living in communion with God.

7. Rule your thought life:
"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:4-5, NIV)

Feed good thoughts and let the other ones starve. It may take deliberate steps at first, but in time it gets easier. Much like training a child, with repetition and persistence we can train our thoughts too.

8. Draw from His strength:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.." (Hebrews 12:1-2, NIV)

Remember that this journey is different from all the others that you may have run before. You’re not running alone this time--you are running with Jesus. He is the one who will pick you up when you fall, cheer you on as you run, and comfort you if the going gets tough. He will lead you through weight-loss to freedom, and you shall be free indeed!

©2008, Darlene Schacht

3 Ways to Change Bad Eating Habits

Darlene Schacht, June 2008

Eliminating bad habits is definitely not the easiest thing to do. Nail chewers have probably heard of—maybe even tried—the nasty tasting polish that reminds us to keep our fingers off the lips. And those of you who are lip lickers, have likely felt the sting of cracked lips in the winter. Habits range anywhere from picking skin, to blinking our eyes, to grinding our teeth. Most of us have them, yet most of us wish we didn’t.

This month we’re focusing on eating habits--exchanging the bad for the good. Overeating, eating the wrong foods, and eating for comfort are few among many habits we’d like to see changed.

Let’s look at three ways to start doing that:
Listen

Looking at the thin eaters in my life, I’ve noticed that those who’ve successfully lost weight and kept it off, or those who have never been concerned about weight are the ones who exercise their ability to distinguish hunger from emotion, necessity from luxury, and appetite from passion. Essentially they eat to survive, while others survive to eat.

Have you ever stuffed yourself with so much junk food, and then vowed never to touch it again? Why? What reward did you get? Payoffs will differ depending on personality: a buzz, entertainment, attention, stress relief, comfort, etc.

Food can be a comforting entertainment that one seeks to fill a void when that void is calling for something else. The best solution one can find is this: “listen.”

Find out what that something else is. Maybe you’re just bored, you might be depressed, or possibly you’re looking for something to ease your discomfort. Food is easy to grab on the go. It’s an uncomplicated, effortless, and simple solution to our needs, but it isn’t necessarily the best fuel to keep you moving ahead. Listen to the signs of your body to determine what and how much you require. Decipher it from what you desire. The two are completely different--master this concept and you’ll be a thin eater.
Quench Appropriately

Many dieters who have successfully lost weight have discovered what are known as “transfer addictions,” meaning that while they’ve mastered their addiction to food, they’ve transferred their focus from one addiction to another. Carnie Wilson, famed for bother her voice and her weightloss through gastric by-pass surgery is one such example who underwent treatment for alcoholism within two years of losing the weight.

Let's look at it this way: if you’re getting the desired attention you need from eating like swine on a Saturday morning, as soon as you remove the trough you’ll likely find something else that draws just as much attention to you. The alternative solution may not be a better one.

Remember the story of the Samaritan woman who came to draw water? It’s found in John chapter 4. While the disciples were out grocery shopping (yeah, they were grocery shopping—check it out), Jesus met a woman at the well, and asker her for a drink. He knew that this particular woman had a void inside her that led her to thirst for something more in her life. It moved her to return to the same proverbial well time and again hoping to fill her pain with something that would last—something that would quench her thirst, until finally He came offering an everlasting well of hope. Maybe this void resulted in failed marriages time and again, since we know she had five. One can only guess, but we do know that the same Spirit of life in Christ Jesus is there for us too.

Earthly things can fill the void for a moment, maybe even a week, but when we are quenched by the Spirit of comfort we a satisfied from within, no longer having a need return to the well time and again.
Flee and Pursue

Losing weight is a life-changing experience that for many women has resulted in a spiritual vacuum of sorts. Any time we eliminate things from our life, we create a need to be filled. That’s a great thing when you’re filling up with Christ. Not such a good thing when we give up cola, but crave sugar so much that we pop chocolates all day. We’re complicated beings, aren’t we? The simple solution is to replace our wants with His (more of you, Lord—less of me), and bad habits with good.

It’s one thing to flee bad habits that hinder our walk, but it’s equally as important to pursue habits that are better. Consider this verse, 2 Timothy 2:22, "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."

Truly changing from within is a two-part process (while maybe it’s a trillion part process, but we’re narrowing it down to two here) that must be followed in order to achieve real success. The first is turning away, and the other is moving forward with a thirst to be filled.

Consider Matthew chapter twelve where Jesus said, “When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out: and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.” – Matthew 12:43-45

This prophecy was in relation to those of that generation who rejected Christ, but it also serves well to describe the danger of an empty home, and importance of filling our heart with good.

Let’s look at that concept in relation to living well. You can clean a house—eliminate bad habits, until your temple is swept to empty—but if you don’t fill that house with something better, you’ll eventually fill it with something worse. The goal is to concentrate on good habits in addition to eliminating the bad.

Let’s look at a few ways we can fill an empty house:

* Replace 1/3 of your diet with fruit and vegetables
* Start each day of with prayer and Bible study
* Find like minded friends
* Join a support group
* Seek out healthier places to eat
* Spend more time planning and preparing good meals
* Walk
* Exercise
* Drink water
* Clean your house
* Pray for the comfort of the Holy Spirit!

If you are planning on making life changes, giving up some of the foods that you like, and ultimately taking off weight ensure that you replace every one of those bad habits with good. Flee and pursue!

Living in Freedom

Darlene Schacht, May 2008

Living in freedom from the bondage of food is not as far off as it seems. Picture the Israelites for a moment. They finally fled Egypt, leaving a life of slavery behind them—and before they could say, “see ya’ later subjugator,” Pharaoh was hot on their tail!

Why was he so eager to catch them? The answer is found in Exodus 14:8 where it says, “The LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, so that he pursued the Israelites, who were marching out boldly.”

Imagine it this way: Say you make a decision to live well today. You decide that you’re going to start eating well, and with it, you plan to walk 30 minutes/day, starting first thing tomorrow! You’ve decided that you’ve lived in bondage to food far too long, and you want to leave it behind in search of the Promised Land. A land flowing with milk and honey, where you are free from the pull of the fridge door, where you treat yourself well, and where you have peace with yourself.

So you wake up in the morning, energized, and ready to take on the world, but before you do, your nose leads you straight down the hall. That’s where you discover that junior threw up last night’s lasagna on the living room floor, and his serving of upside-down cake, is right-side-up, along with it. You put your sneakers aside, start to clean up the mess, usher the little one toward the tub, and throw his jammies in the wash—then the phone rings. “Hi, it’s me,” your husband says, but his voice doesn’t have the same jingle it usually does, in fact there’s discouragement in his tone… And the problems begin to accumulate, throwing your day into a spin, and your plans along with it.

That’s when you just might decide in your heart, “I didn’t expect to deal with all of this right now—it’s too much. I’m tired, I’m stressed, and all I can think of is sinking my teeth into the nearest loaf of French bread, while zoning out on the couch. I’m better off returning to the bondage of food, leaving the thought of exercise behind, and returning to the life that I had. After all—it was never really that bad.”

This thought has been echoed throughout the ages, starting way back as far as Exodus 14, when in verses 11&12 the Israelites asked “What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians?’ It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!"

If you are in that desert of testing ladies, stay strong. Before turning around and heading straight back to the bondage you’ve lived in for years, pause to listen to the promise of God found in verse 13&14:

“Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.’"

Be still. When you are standing in the desert of testing with your back to the sea and all you can see in front of you is the enemy closing in—be still. Stand firm, and you will find deliverance. Have you ever stood still long enough to witness God performing His work? Have you ever stood still in His presence and let Him fight your enemy? Be still. Because when you do, God will triumph over your enemy, release you from your stronghold, and you will know that He is God.

God hardened the heart of Pharaoh so that He would pursue the Israelites, but when he did, God not only rescued His people—He also sabotaged the pursuit of the Egyptians by removing their chariot wheels, and finally covering them with the sea. Can you hear the sound of the Israelites rejoicing at the sight? Can you hear the sound of your own voice rejoicing when you press on in faith and let God destroy the enemy that you leave behind?

“That day the LORD saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. And when the Israelites saw the great power the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.” - Exodus 14:30-31

I love reading the stories from the Old Testament, because there is so much to glean from them. The events that they lived through typify our walk with Christ in so many ways. SO MANY. Whether they are about the slavery in Egypt, the time spent in the wilderness, crossing the Red Sea, or entering The Promised Land. Those stories teach us lessons that we can apply to our lives today. Paul writes, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” - Romans 15:4.

“Hope,” ladies. Did you read that? That we might have hope! There is a desert of testing--yes. It will be hard, before it gets easy. If it wasn’t we’d all be model thin and run two miles a day. Life isn’t that easy, but that’s ok.

Let that thought sink in for a minute: “Life isn’t easy, but that’s ok.” In fact it’s better than ok, when we consider the maturity that it brings to our soul:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” ~ James 1:2-4

God desires to triumph over our enemies. He desires to rescue you from your stronghold. He desires to lead you to The Promised Land; will you let Him?

Let’s start by getting back to patience—a characteristic most of us lack. Two weeks at a gym, and women are discouraged that the weight isn’t coming off. Even a slow computer can get some of us in a tailspin. Life takes time—remember that—it takes time.

If you give up and return to Egypt at the first sign of trouble you’re missing out on the blessings that God has to offer. You’re missing out on the promise He gives to trample our enemies under His feet. “With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.” ~ Psalm 108:13

What happens at the second sign of trouble—if you plateau for a week, two weeks, or a month? If it rains just as you plan to go out for a walk—every time? Will you—like the Israelites—grumble once again, longing for the day when you ate all of the bread that you wanted? That’s what they did. Even after experiencing the crossing of the Red Sea, a miracle we can barely imagine let alone feel beneath our feet, they wanted to return to slavery, because they were hungry, and too impatient to wait on God for their food. Sound familiar?

If I've learned anything from past mistakes it's this: we need to take that step of patience now—not tonight, not tomorrow—right now. Push the food to the side, today. Why? Because as I've mentioned before, living a life of sacrifice is an “act of spiritual worship.”

Some might say, "It's just food—get real!" But no—it's not just food, any more than gold is just gold. When your life molds or shapes it into something that you idolize, or use to tranquilize, it becomes your golden calf.

Consider the Israelites in Exodus chapter 32. They were free from slavery, as God pointed out in verse 7, "Go down, because your people, whom you brought up out of Egypt, have become corrupt.."

He goes on to say, "They have been quick to turn away from what I commanded them and have made themselves an idol cast in the shape of a calf. They have bowed down to it and sacrificed to it and have said, 'These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.'" (verse 8)

How it must pain God when He frees us from addiction, whether it be to food, alcohol, smoking, porn, binging, purging... whatever our stronghold is, only to find us returning to it once again, hoping to find tranquility; excusing the struggle we have with our weakness so we can worship and cling to the golden calf once again.

God doesn't always provide the easy way out. He doesn't promise that life will be easy or free of temptation; in fact temptation is something we can always expect. But what He does provide, and promise to us is this: He'll always provide a way to escape. There's always a way out—a better way to escape from our pain—and with a little soul searching and determination, a way to leave the golden calf behind.

1 Corinthians 10:11-13, “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

(Scripture from the NIV)

©2008, Darlene Schacht

*We advise that you always consult your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program.

The Rewards of Self-discipline

Darlene Schacht, April 2008

Do you hope to lose weight but fail time and again? Do you lust after food, and lack self control? If so, you're not alone. Results from the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), indicate that an estimated 66 percent of U.S. adults are either overweight or obese.i Startling statistics like that cause us to wonder where the heart of our modern society lies.

This month, we’re talking about self-discipline: the nitty-gritty business of controlling our actions, that most of us would rather ignore than put a microscope to. In scripture after scripture, the Bible stresses the importance of controlling our bodies, our tongues and our thoughts, by exercising just that: self-discipline.

To get a biblical example of discipline in action, let’s take a closer look at the self-disciplined side of the woman personified in Proverbs chapter 31:

* Works with eager hands (verse 13)
* Brings food from afar (verse 14)
* Gets up while it’s still dark (verse 15)
* Plants a vineyard (verse 16)
* Works vigorously (verse 17)
* Is clothed with strength and dignity (verse 25)
* Speaks with wisdom (verse 26)
* Doesn’t sit idle (verse 27)

Do some of those characteristics speak to you? Have you refused to work out because it would mean getting up a little earlier? Do you grab something quick to eat because you don’t want to take the time to get your food from afar? Do you waste too much idle time on the computer or television when you could be enriching your mind? Are you clothed with strength and dignity, or do you throw on a ball cap, slip on a ratty old t-shirt, and head out of the door praying that no one will see?

Self-disciplines when applied to our life not only bring self-respect, they also bring respect from others around us:

* Her husband has full confidence in her (verse 11)
* Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land (verse 23)
* Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her (verse 28)
* Let her works bring her praise at the city gate (verse 31)

When self-discipline is called for, many of us step back immediately, and although we may not outright admit what we’re thinking, what we’d like to say is, “Uh—no. I’m not going to sign on to anything that requires sacrifice on my part, I’d rather wait until an easier plan comes along.” And so we wait for the next quick fix that promises weight loss at no cost—perhaps it’s an all you can eat soup diet, or licking the pounds away on an ice cream diet—but we fail time and time again, because a quick fix doesn’t set the stage for tomorrow, it satisfies and gratifies the body today.

Losing weight is simple. There’s no rock that hasn’t been turned, no magic pill that waits to be found. If you struggle with weight gain and a lust toward food, then it’s a battle that needs to be fought; the only question remains “Are you willing to fight?” If you stop for a minute to find an excuse, you’ve hesitated too long. If you put it off until tomorrow, you’re waiting too long. Romans 12:1, tells us that living a life of sacrifice is an “act of spiritual worship.” Some versions call it, “your reasonable service.” Reasonable. There’s nothing unreasonable about bringing our bodies to the point where they yield to the Spirit.

I don’t suppose that the Proverbs 31 woman particularly enjoyed getting up while it was still dark, or lighting a fire while the others remained warm in their beds. And I don’t suppose that it will be easy for you either, the first time, you pass up a bag of potato chips, turn down some chocolate, or settle for water instead of a pop. But I do believe with no uncertainty that in time you will be happy with the changes you’ve made.

Perhaps the key portion of that verse, which speaks to our heart and moves us to obedience, is the word, “worship.” Imagine that—being able to worship God by giving up a part of yourself. Being able to give up the bondage that you have with food, as an act of worship to God.

All things die that we might have life. Nearly every bit of food we put in our mouth is a sacrifice in some way or another. Beef, chicken, pork, fish, lettuce, carrots, berries, nuts, and the list goes on; all once living things that have died so that we can live. Nature itself typifies the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, bringing glory to God.

Dying to ones self is an act of worship because each time we do, we reflect the passion of our Lord. And with each part we give, we reap peace in abundance.

Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?"
~ Luke 9:23-25, NIV

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iNCHS Website, article "Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity Among Adults: United States, 2003-2004"

©2008, Darlene Schacht

*We advise that you always consult your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program.

5 Ways to Be Content

Darlene Schacht, March 2008

For the last few months, our focus has been on weight loss. That’s usually the case with Thanksgiving, Christmas and especially New Years! Once all the figgy pudding is put aside we ask ourselves, how can I take off the weight? It’s tough, but I’ve witnessed many of you putting your plans into action, and I’m excited to share in your journey—so press on!

But this month, as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, I’d like to shift us in a slightly different direction on our journey to Live Well.

In my book The Mom Complex, I encourage women to “wade through the toys in search of the joys.” I urge them to search inside themselves, so that they can discover the path that God has placed their feet on. It’s important that we see that path today—not tomorrow, because God has already begun a work in us that’s waiting to be uncovered, dusted off and embraced.

We can start by putting aside the “ifs” and the “buts” today:

I’d be happier if this house was bigger…
I’d be happier if my stomach was tighter…
I’d be happier if only I could wear a size 7 again…
I have a great marriage, but my husband doesn’t take me out enough…
My kids are wonderful, but my two year old is going through a phase right now…
I used to spend time with the Lord, but lately I’m swamped for time…

There’s a proverb that says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” ~ Proverbs 23:7. So don’t think for a minute that the discouragement you wear in your heart won’t show on your face. Happiness is one cosmetic that’s God given and free for all. I want it—don’t you? Of course we do. I’d love to wear a smile 24/7 if I could, but even more than happiness itself, I want contentment--true joy with the peaceful knowledge that God is in control. Yes—I’ll still have dreams and hopes which will point me in one direction or the other, but ultimately when I lay my desire on the alter of worship where I trust God for my life, I’ll allow God’s grace to power each step. That’s what contentment does, and it's learned by patience and practice. The apostle Paul said, "for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." ~ Philippians 4:11b, KJV

Let’s look at five ways to find contentment in your life today:

1. Stop Looking Back
Remember Lot’s wife—otherwise known as the pillar of salt? Wow, I praise God that I’m not in her shoes, because I’ve also looked back a thousand times more than I should have. I’ve also looked to the side, and forward as well—it’s a wonder I don’t suffer neck pain!

Longing for the things of the past, or the things of the future is our way of saying, I’m not content with that which I have, or I don’t trust God with my future. Sodom was a sinful and corrupt place to be, and yet for lack of faith, Lot’s wife looked back. I’ve done the same as I’ve looked back on my sinful past wishing I could pick and choose certain things that I lost—like that 23-inch waist, or skin so tight it snapped into place.

But I’ve also been looking to the future with far too much anxiety, praying that God would open doors, clarify my path, give me direction, and make me skinny. The praying is good, but the problem is that I fail to leave the anxiety there, and I carry it with me instead. It’s like taking a trip to the cleaners then hauling your dirty laundry back home again. Doesn’t make much sense when you consider how fruitless it is.

I’ve come to learn that true contentment is when I can say, “I bring my petitions to you, Lord, lay them at Your feet, and trust that Your direction is best for my life,” with the faith to stand by those words.

Peter wisely guides us on the path to contentment when he writes, Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ~ 1 Peter 5:7

2. Count your blessings
Is it quiet in the room? I hope so, because I want you to consider the blessings that you have in your life before you move on. Discouragement of where we are at this moment in life is a roadblock that too many of us are sitting there staring at, hoping that someone will shove it out of the way, so we can move on with our journey.

Live outward, instead of living an inward focused life. We accomplish this by letting go of the “I wants” for a focus on the “I haves.” Ever see a good cop show where the hero is stuck in traffic? What does he do? He gets out of the car and runs. He can sit there all day saying “I want this car to budge,” or he can use the legs that he has to get moving.

Look back—I know, I said not to, but we’re making an exception, just this once! Why look back? Because I want you to witness the fact that God is faithful. He has brought you this far, and He isn’t about to leave you where you are today. ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ~ Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

Let’s start counting those blessings now... Do you have children? A wonderful husband? A pantry full of food? A best friend? A good income? A talent? Sunshine on your face? Great cheekbones? Kind parents? Whatever it is that you can praise God for, do it right now. Go into a room by yourself if you want to, but release your discouragement by receiving the encouragement we find when we dwell on our blessings. Name them as you give thanks to the Lord. That’s when you’ll get past the roadblock and move on in your faith.

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. ~ Psalm 34:8, NIV. Amen, Ladies? Oh yeah--Amen!!

3. Delight in the Lord
Dictionary.com defines delight this way:
A high degree of pleasure or enjoyment; joy; rapture.

Have you ever met a hard-core golfer? I mean someone who really delights in the sport? I have, in fact I’ve met a few of them, including my brother in-law, Wayne. Wayne likes golf so much that he invested in the cute little shoes for discerning men who want to give their “feet a treat” on the course. And of course he also picked up graphite clubs, of which he had the handles regripped. He watches golf on television, owns several golf videos and computer games, plans every family vacation within 5 miles of a golf course, subscribes to the sports channel, practices at the driving range in summer and the golf dome in winter, has friends that also love golf, and last but not least--he pines for “Big Bertha,” I know…figure that one out, ladies!

Can I define delight any better than that? It would be tough, unless I started in about my friend May and her passion for shoes...

Now let me ask you, do you delight in the Lord? Do you seek to include Him in all that you do? Or is He just a channel that you turn to now and then?

If you haven’t already, then I pray that you will discover the joy that flows, when you delight in the fellowship of the Lord. It may take a bit of slowing down on your part to see it, but His glory is evident in our world, and it’s there to touch and to hold and delight in. Read a Psalm, watch the rain fall, take a walk and chat with Him, watch the clouds float by, hold a newborn, play with a ladybug, give a gift in His name, feel a breeze on your face, hear the sound of laughter, taste a chocolate melting on your tongue, enjoy the smell of your husband, watch a seed sprout in soil… discover Him in all that you do. And when you’re not discovering Him, seek Him out, because when you do—you’ll find Him. Seek Him and praise Him for all that He is; for God delights in the praise of His people.

Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
~ Psalm 37:4

4. Embrace the Recipe that You Own
I’m going to go out on a limb and be stereo typical for a moment by saying that women—at least the ones I’ve met—have a tendency to compare themselves with others. Dare I also say often? You may not be the wealthiest, the thinnest, or the most attractive person you know—neither am I. But it’s also likely that there are less attractive, less successful, and less fortunate women then us too. It’s a fact of life. There will always be a prettier, sexier, thinner, and more successful woman than we are, but that’s ok. Let’s accept this fact and move on. Among the glitter, and glitz of Hollywood, there is one thing that it doesn’t posses, and that, my dear, is you. Embrace that.

There will never be another woman who owns the look, the personality and experiences that you do. Those ingredients make up the recipe that defines who you are, and it’s your gift from the Lord—own it. Originality is something to be desired, and you’ve got it girl!

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ~ Psalm 139:13-14

5. Choose your Reaction
One of my favorite quotes comes from a line of the old hymn written by Heratio Spafford in 1873, “Whatever my lot Thou has taught me to say, ‘It is well, it is well with my soul.’”

It’s easy to be happy when we set our minds to it—to wear a smile in the face of sorrow. But expecting to have a Pollyanna view of life in every situation is unlikely. Ecclesiastes 3:4 reads, “[there’s] a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” We’ve all experienced moments like these, but the key to contentment is dependant on how we handle our grief in those times of mourning. After two major tragedies in his life, I doubt that Spafford was chipper when he wrote that song, but I don’t doubt for a minute that he was at peace with his life.

It’s not the things of this world that wound us; it’s our reaction to them. What’s painful to one is encouragement to another, that’s just how our emotions are wired. I lost a baby on Christmas day. In fact I’ve lost five to miscarriage, but this one was particularly painful since I spent boxing day being poked and prodded in the emergency room instead of living with the hope that next Christmas this baby would rest in our arms. I could have worn my grief for months after that, but instead I found contentment knowing that this child had the privilege of spending Christmas day with Jesus Himself, and that next Christmas rather than resting in my arms she’d be resting in His.

He gives us, “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” Isaiah: 61:3

I’d like to encourage you to consider your reaction the next time you feel a blow. Forgot your keys? Late for a meeting? Didn’t get the job you wanted? The bills are piling up? Remember that your reaction to each situation—whether weak or strong—is the only thing that can hurt you, so choose it well. We can choose to cower in the face of life’s failures, or we can hand our pain over to God, receive from His grace, and live by those words--it is well, it is well with my soul…

©2008, Darlene Schacht

*We advise that you always consult your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program.

Develop a Game Plan

Darlene Schacht, February 2008

By now most of us have heard that those who persevere are the ones who finish the race, but the question remains, what race are you running? It’s one thing to have a goal in mind, but if you haven’t mapped out a specific plan to get you there, the odds are stacked up against you, before you even begin.

In The Ultimate Weight Solution: The 7 Keys to Weight Loss Freedom, Dr. Phil McGraw writes, “Because I have counseled so many overweight patients, I can tell you with absolute certainty why some people stay fit and others do not. If someone is successful in keeping weight off for five, ten, twenty, or more years, they have carefully planned, thoughtful goals that they hold to and live by.”

The Bible also reminds us to carefully consider our plans before we set out to build: “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’” - Luke 14:28-30.

In that passage, Jesus was pointing out the cost of being a disciple. Life will offer us a thousand and one reasons why we shouldn’t follow Christ, but those who have built their faith upon conviction won’t give up because they have counted the cost before hand and their eyes are fixed on the goal ahead. As the apostle Paul wrote, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:13, NIV. I often refer to Paul’s writing to the Philippians since he so vigorously writes about the pursuit of God. Can you imagine the excitement that letter brought, when by the hand of Epaphroditus it was first delivered? Rejoice in suffering! Stand fast in the Lord! Press on in faith!

The refreshing and empowering words can revitalize any life when we put them into action. And the same action can be applied to all things that we set out to do. As Solomon wrote, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might!” - Ecclesiastes 9:10, NIV

Therefore I'll ask--do you have a recipe for success? Have you carefully considered your weight loss goal, and detailed the means you’ll take in getting there? If you haven’t taken that very important step, I urge you to grab a pen and a paper—a pretty little journal if you have one—and answer the three following questions in detail:

1. What is the final goal or goals that you hope to attain? (Weight loss, better health, release from the bondage of food, more energy, etc.) Without a specific goal in mind, it’s nearly impossible for one to attain it. Be specific. If you want to lose weight, then decide on how much you are hoping to lose, and when you hope to reach this goal.


2. What do you hope to gain by reaching this goal? (I’ll feel younger, gain respect, feel accepted, look beautiful, etc.) Answer honestly; and don't worry we won't peek at your answer! :)

3. What is the cost? What is it going to take in order to make this change? Are you on a specific diet plan? Do you have an exercise routine that you plan to adhere to? If drinking more water is important, mark that down too. Carefully consider the changes or additions to lifestyle that you will need to make in order to reach this goal, and write them down. Be specific. Include things that you need to eliminate, and things that you need to incorporate.

The ability to envision our goal and the means of getting there brings us that much closer to achieving it. Once you have decided exactly what your final goal will be, we can start breaking it down into smaller attainable pieces. For example, if you want to lose 50 pounds this year (lets make it easy and round it off to 52 pounds in 52 weeks) we can do a little math and conclude that your focus for each week will be 1 pound. That’s it—1 pound per week! 100 pounds? Then you’re still only looking at 2 pounds/week--which is an easy enough goal to achieve--if you have counted the cost and are willing to adhere to the plan.

Too often dieters will say, “I want to lose weight, so I’ll start cutting back.” And that’s pretty much the end of the plan. Believe me, if our sweethearts show up with a box of chocolates this month that we mindlessly munch on as we're watching TV, “cutting back” may not hold the same definition that it held the day before. Without a set plan to adhere to, we tend to negotiate a bit too much with the stomach, and when that happens we all know who wins out! If we accept those chocolates with the foreknowledge that a small treat after dinner is in line with our plan, we don’t have to negotiate, we can rely on knowledge rather than impulse. Two chocolates come out the the box, and the rest are put into the cupboard until the next day. This doesn’t mean that we have to start counting calories, it could mean envisioning the size of our meals and the frequency of them before hand, then sticking to the plan. This is where wisdom takes over and willpower takes a back seat.

The same thing can apply to exercise. The familiar line, “I plan to exercise more often from now on!” What does that mean? “More often” can mean once, or it can mean daily. If you leave that choice up to whim, chances are you’ll opt for the minimum rather than the maximum workout experience. Be concise. Develop a plan that you will stick to. For example, if your plan is to walk for 45 minutes five times a week, map it out by deciding ahead of time when you’ll schedule your walks in, where you’ll be walking (treadmill, outside, etc.). And if you can find a partner, then jot down whom you’ll be with. By scheduling a time we move it into our life and begin to shift things around it, rather than trying to squeeze it in where it fits. Priorities have a way of squeezing out the less pleasant activities, unless we make it a point to prioritize them.

In a recent interview with Larry King, actress Ricki Lake, famous for losing over a hundred pounds and successfully keeping it off for over a decade said, “It’s all in moderation; I think it’s being consistent; I think it’s being conscious of what you put in your body. There’s no magic pill, there’s no secret—it’s hard work and being consistent.” She added, “Any diet works, I’ve done them all. If you stick to it, they all work. But you have to stick to that plan.”

The “plan” makes us conscious and aware of what we’re putting into our bodies and how we are taking care of them.

Till next time ladies, stick to the plan, and Live Well!

©2008, Darlene Schacht

Live Well!

Darlene Schacht, September 2007

When we set out to make change, the common problem we face is self-doubt. The “Why would it possibly work this time,” track that plays over and over in our brains until we finally decide to mute the volume and get back on track.

In order to successfully make change and to recapture that which God intended for us, we need to tune into a new channel—and to begin to channel His strength.

Galatians 3:3 is key: "Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?" (NIV)

With that philosophy in mind, I’ve been able to accomplish goals in my own life as well as ministering that concept to other women, who have used that same focus to find faith, lose weight, reshape their attitude, and put God first in their family and home. Through Christian Women Online magazine, I’m in contact with women daily who are seeking something more—women who find themselves lost and sometimes trapped looking for the woman that they know God designed them to be. Sometimes that woman is hard to find, but she’s in there, and together we’ll find her.

There are many books on the market that will help you successfully lose weight, in fact there are several healthy eating plans that will take off your weight if you stick to them. Is one plan better than the other? That depends on who you’re asking, and which plan is best suited to your lifestyle and health. I’ll leave that choice to you and your doctor.

Finding the right diet is rarely the problem, because it all boils down to the same thing—calories in vs. calories out. If we eat less and move more we will shed the pounds. We all seem to know that, but what we don’t know is why some women are motivated to “just do it” and some of us “just don’t.”

I remember sitting on the sofa with my oldest son one evening, and since he’s wise beyond his years, I thought I’d ask the burning question, “How can I be motivated to lose weight?”

“You just do it,” he said. And yes, I’ve heard that answer more times then I’d like to count; so that’s not the answer I’ll be giving you in this column. Relieved? Me too.

I want to tell you about Christine. She was over weight for most of her life, and she was on a path that was leading her deeper into the weight gaining cycle. In fact by 20 years old she was already tipping the scales at 265 pounds.

“I know why I’m overweight,” she told me, “I eat too much.”

Christine knew what the problem was, and how to solve it, but taking the step in the right direction was her biggest problem. In fact she was telling me this over a plate heaved with Chinese food at the time. She had tried the cabbage soup diet, diet pills, apple diet, water pills…you name it, but she still struggled with weight.

This same woman only two years later weighs 90 pounds less and is making better choices with every bite she takes. What made the difference? Motivation.

It’s said that knowledge is power, but Christine is proof that knowledge without action is useless. If we know that we need to change, what is stopping us?

I remember having a certain discussion a few times with different women. It’s the one discussion that always gets under my skin, and the one that I always nip in the bud. It’s on the topic of sin.

“We all sin,” a woman will say, while I nod. “Some people kill, some lie, others are drunkards, and I am a glutton.”

That is where I stop nodding and simply say, “Then stop.” If you know that your behavior is having a negative impact on your health or on your spiritual walk, then, sister it’s time that you got down on your knees repented of your sin, and started living God’s way.

I’m not saying that eating two brownies after dinner is sin—don’t get me wrong. I’m simply stating that if we know we have a problem, rather than gloss over it we should begin to take steps to reconcile our body with our spirit and soul.

Rather than focusing on diets in particular, this column will steer you in a slightly different direction in order to gain focus on your entire being—spirit, body, and soul. If the body is the envelope of the spirit and soul, doesn’t it only make sense to work from the inside out? If you’re at the point in your life where your body, your home, your family, or your spiritual life is slipping out of control, it’s time to get behind the wheel of the car and start gaining control. Or as singing sensation, Carrie Underwood, would say, “Jesus Take the Wheel.”

1 Corinthians 9:25 reads, “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.” All things. Just as a car won’t win a race if the gas tank is empty, a spark plug is dirty, or if a tire is flat, so we as women won’t be all that we can be if we’ve run out of steam, lost that spark of faith we once had, or let our spare tires go flat. When all of these things are tuned up on a regular basis, we can run the race—and run to win. “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” (1 Corinthians 9:24).

Reaching our ideal weight is not something that most of us will accomplish overnight or even in a month, but as I began to practice those things I discovered in the blueprint of womanhood over ten years ago, I began to see immediate change in my life and I’m confident that you will in yours.

This month, begin by creating a list anywhere from 5 – 10 items long, listing changes or habits that you would like to make in your life everyday. These changes should be ones that you feel would be a benefit to your spirit, body and soul.

Habits may include tasks such as:

* Set aside a time for Bible reading daily
* Eat smaller portions at mealtime
* Stop snacking in front of the television
* Drink 8 glasses (8 oz. each) of water each day
* Increase intake of vegetables
* Find small ways to move more
* Have a daily exercise routine
* Take time to kneel in prayer each morning
* Cut down on soft drinks
* Smile more often
* Etc...

Post this list in a place where you’ll see it often, such as above your kitchen sink or on the fridge. This list will be your constant reminder to stay on the right track.

Let’s get started there girls! We’ll succeed and we’ll fail with each task we set out to change—at least I usually do—but the important thing is that when we do fail we get right back up on our feet and start again.

I’ll have more thoughts on this subject next month, and more motivation to keep us running the race. Till next month, sister, live well!

©2007, Darlene Schacht

Run to Win!

Darlene Schacht, October 2007

Now that we’re running this race together, let’s pick up the pace just a bit, ladies, and remember--we’re running to win!

As Paul said to the Corinthians: “run, that ye may obtain.” ~ 1 Corinthians 9:24

As with any race, the preparation involves self-discipline on the runner’s part if he hopes to come in first, or in the case of long distance—if she hopes to finish the race at all. Self-discipline is an exercise that reminds our body that the Spirit is the one who’s charge. We as believers follow the Spirit of truth, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” ~ Romans 12:1. But those who don’t follow the Spirit of truth, follow the flesh. “they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.” Philippians 3:18b & 19

Just like any exercise, we are strengthened by the continuing practice of it. And when we cease to exercise we become lethargic. So why don’t we practice self-discipline? The reason is because we’re conditioned to take the easy way out. When we condition our bodies to tend to difficult tasks, we grow into disciplined human beings. Take for example a child whose mother ensures his room be kept spotless his entire life by teaching him good habits. Chances are, that as the child grows, these habits will branch out further than just his bedroom. My point here is that if we become disciplined in the small things of life, we will also learn to discipline ourselves further.

Ever notice that the first three days of any change program are difficult? The reason is that we are flexing a muscle that’s been at rest for too long. As we begin to move that muscle on a daily basis, we strengthen it to the point where it becomes painless activity.

Dictionary.com describes discipline this way: “To bring to a state of order and obedience by training and control.” The keyword here is obedience. It’s important that our bodies are obedient to the Spirit. When God speaks, we move—without hesitation.

Excessive weight gain, yielding to addictions, and sloppy Bible reading habits are often signs that we lead undisciplined lives. Controlled eating, fasting, exercising, addiction control programs, and strong devotional habits are all signs that the body is under subjection. Paul says, “I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”
~ 1 Corinthians 9:27 NASB

Practicing self-denial is one way to add strength to self-discipline. Try to incorporate little reminders every once in a while, so your body remembers that it’s not in control. If a pool is too cold, jump in. If French fries look delicious, choose salad. And if a must-see TV show is on in five minutes, retreat to a corner with a good book in hand—perhaps that’s a good time to read the temptations of Christ. (Matthew 4:1-11)

In preparation for ministry, Jesus fasted 40 days. Moses and Elijah are also recorded as fasting for forty days in preparation for the work that God set before them. Denying a hunger within us increases a hunger for spiritual food. However, it’s important that when we do fast that we aren’t doing it for the purpose of losing weight, but rather that we’re doing it for the purpose of gaining Spiritual strength and communion with God.

Once we do train our bodies to yield to the Spirit, the fruit of self-discipline will naturally be evident in our lives. We’ll then be able to incorporate wise eating plans and because of self-discipline, we’ll stick with the plan.

I remember standing in the kitchen a few years back. It was shortly after I had started to bring my body into subjection by practicing denial and good eating habits. There was a bag of chips sitting on the counter with a slogan that caught my eye: “Betcha can’t have just one!”

Picking up the bag, I noticed that the smell was every bit as tempting as the slogan. This carb lover was all too familiar with the scent of salt and vinegar, and the way that it tantalizes the tongue. So what did I do? I remember smirking, and with a reply of my own, I said, “Betcha I can!” Sure that chip was good—but the discipline gained was far better!

You want to challenge my body? I say, “Bring it on!” Because I know that when we challenge our bodies and win, we reap the benefits that come with self-discipline.

This month I’d like to challenge your body! Make choices throughout the month that are good for you despite how they feel. Keep a running list of these disciplines to look back on. They don’t have to be many, but keep adding to the list as you go along. Looking back on the list will serve as a measure of progress to further motivate you. Choices should include disciplines that benefit our spirit, body and soul. They may be small disciplines like hopping in a pool with your kids, jumping on the bike for a spin, fasting through one meal, or eating your brussel sprouts (yuck), but they are seeds of disciplines nevertheless! Keep planting those seeds, and soon you’ll discover a rich harvest of peace in your life.

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” ~ Hebrews 12:11
Have fun running the race, ladies, and till next month, Live Well!

©2007, Darlene Schacht

Related resources:
"Running the Race" by Lori MacMath
"Addiction" by Valerie Wolff

*We advise that you always consult your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program.

Single-Minded Motivation

Darlene Schacht, November 2007

Perhaps you’re a size 16, and you’ve longed to be a few sizes smaller. You might even feel that being a little smaller would give you more energy, add to your health, and give your figure a more feminine appeal to both you and your spouse.

On the other hand you may ask yourself, is it really God’s will—or is it my own? Does God care if I lose weight?

Let me first say this, God loves you, sister—just the way you are, and there isn’t a single number on a scale that could change that. But let me also say that God designed the female body in a beautiful form—curvaceous, soft, and feminine. He understands the desire that we have for beauty; after all He created all things beautiful. He's given us the opportunity to improve our quality of life, but ultimately, you will have to make that choice. In making that choice, consider your lifestyle to determine whether it is led by the spirit or by the lust of the flesh.

Is it God’s desire that we care for our bodies? Since it is the temple of the Holy Ghost, I’d have to say, yes. Many health concerns are out of our hands, but in most cases, a healthy body reflects an inner life that is balanced, and one that has exercised self-control.

Galatians 5:22-23 tells us that self-control is a fruit of the spirit, “But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

So what exactly is it? Dictionary.com describes self-control this way (noun):

1. The act of denying yourself; controlling your impulses
2. The trait of resolutely controlling your own behavior

Without self-control our spirit, body and souls become slaves to the flesh—doing that which feels good, rather than that which we know to be good. It’s for this very reason that many marriages break up, as men and women follow the lust of their heart. In fact you've probably heard the familiar saying, "My head says one thing, but my heart says another."

It is our job as stewards of this human vessel to guide the heart and the flesh according to wisdom—according to truth.

Jeremiah 17:9 warns us, saying, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”

The daily renewing of our minds by the Spirit of truth is key to gaining this wisdom. It’s the very thing that lays out our inner road map directing the paths by which we should go. Couple that with self-control that brings our body into subjection, and we’re on the right path.

“Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.” Proverbs 23:19

Listen. Gain wisdom. Guide.

The way that we guide is by training our body and soul to yield to a spirit-focused mind, a mind that is daily renewed through scripture, meditation and prayer with our Lord. Lead your body to spiritual food, and let the desires of the world fade away.

“How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” ~ Psalm 119:103-105

The Bible also warns us against the sin of gluttony, but for many of us we aren’t sure where pleasure ends and gluttony begins. So, lets take a closer look at that here.

In several places, Proverbs speaks against a gluttonous lifestyle saying,

“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.” Proverbs 23:21

“He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.” Proverbs 28:7

In the english language our word for “gluttony” is derived from the latin word gluttire, meaning to gulp down or swallow. The old testament often uses the Hebrew word, saba’ which when used in the negative sense is defined as: to have in excess. We find the masculine form of the word (sibah’) in Ezekial 16:49:

“Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness (sibah’) of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.”

The modern definition of the word gluttony is to habitually eat to excess. So what should we do about it? Proverbs 25:16 sums it up well by saying, “Hast thou found honey? Eat so much as is sufficient for thee.”

I say, “Found an awesome cheesecake? One little piece will do you, girl!”

Has it been too hard in the past to stop at one piece, to resist the temptations that plague your life, to live a life that you know to be good? Give it to God this time, sister. Let Him lighten the load and carry you through.

“Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

When you reach for food, ask yourself who's talking; Is it your heart or is it your head? If it is your heart alone, then pray that God will still this stirring of your heart, and leave that burden at His feet. The temptation to follow your heart will get easier day by day, as James 4:7 says, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Enjoy the Lord and with single-minded moderation, all the goodness He holds for us. Until next month, ladies--Live Well!

©2007, Darlene Schacht

Related resources:
"Renewing our Mind" by Darlene Schacht
"Inertia" by Darlene Schacht

*We advise that you always consult your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program.

Touch not; Taste not; Handle not

Darlene Schacht, November 2007

It is commonly said that diets don’t work. On their own, I’d have to agree, but when coupled with conviction, I tend to believe that we’d find a serious bend in that rule. Conviction is the very thing that fuels your plan of action, and makes it a lifestyle change.

Take two different children, with two different mothers, and stand them side-by-side in a china shop. One may be able to stand still without a problem for 5 minutes or more, while the other may need restraints before 30 seconds are up. Both have been given the same rules—"stand still and don’t touch." One has been trained to yield to the voice of reason. He understands the consequences of his actions and is led by conviction. If I do A—B will happen—and I don’t like B. The other does as he pleases, because either he isn’t trained to consider the result of his actions, or he isn’t convinced that B is such a bad thing. Unfortunately, many adults, like untrained children, still behave this way as they are led by their whim.

A man sitting face to face with a doctor who tells him, “change your diet or you won’t see retirement,” is suddenly able to make life changes he never could before. What if the same man was told that if he doesn’t change his eating habits, he might gain 30 pounds? Do you think the result would be worth the change? Perhaps, but in most cases it’s not, as society is aware of this very thing, but chooses to ignore it. Conviction is the key to sticking to the plan, and without it, the plan usually has a way of falling apart.

A couple of months ago, I picked my father up from the clinic where he had just undergone an eye operation. I met him by the nurse’s desk, then ushered him out to the car. After telling me about the nurses he met and all of the jokes that he told, he mentioned something that really stuck with me. He said that he had to close his eyes for ten minutes. It sounded easy enough to do, but apparently it wasn’t. Dad said that the fact that he couldn’t open his eyes was the very thing that made him want to open his eyes so badly. Of course he didn’t, since the nurse warned that the freezing wouldn’t be affective if he did. But what if he had nothing to lose? What if I asked you to close your eyes for the next ten minutes, regardless of what happens? The phone might ring, someone might come to the door, or you may get nervous about the noises around you. Try it—see if you last ten minutes. Most won't.

This is the same affect that diets have on us. The moment we say, “Do not eat” we want nothing more than to eat all we can. I laughed with a friend one day, who wrote something like this:

I started a diet today, and this is what I ate:

1 slice of whole-wheat toast with a half a banana for breakfast
A tossed salad for lunch with a diet cola on the side
1 skinless breast of chicken sprinkled with salt and pepper along with a cup of rice for dinner
Another cup of rice, another skinless chicken breast floating in bar-b-q sauce for dinner
An ice cream bar
A bag of chips
5 pieces of cheese with crackers
A chocolate bar
2 pieces of licorice
A glass of milk
And another ice cream bar...

You get the point? Somewhere around dinner time, she fell apart.

The more rules we impose on ourselves, the more we desperately want to break free of them. The moment we leave the door open to human error, we jump at the chance for freedom, and another iced cream sandwich or two.

The way to break free from this pattern of eating is to couple the rules of the diet with conviction. We need to train our souls to listen and yield to the voice of wisdom. My all time favorite Bible verse for dieting is 1 Corinthians 6:12:

“Just because something is technically legal doesn't mean that it's spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I'd be a slave to my whims.”

I don’t usually use the Message translation when quoting, but I loved the way it spelled out the point, “I’d be a slave to my whims.” For me all food is permissible, I consider the variety of wonderful food we have as a gift from our Lord, but with that said, I also believe that glorifying it to be something more than it is, is not profitable to my hips or my spirit.

Like a child in a china shop, my heart needs to be to be trained to listen to the voice of wisdom when it says “You’ve had enough;” to understand the depth of the consequences, and to know that doing what I want on a whim is not an option.

There’s nothing wrong with rules, in fact many rules are there to save our life, but telling someone to live according to them, and giving her a reason to live that way, are two entirely different things. One is preaching, the other is teaching. I’m not referring to the rules “Touch not; taste not; handle not;” of Colossians 2:21, which are based on commandments and doctrines of men. I’m talking about boundaries that keep us in good conscience with God as we yield to wisdom. “And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.” Acts 24:16.

It’s the yielding to understanding and wisdom that protects us from following the lust of the flesh. Believing that the consequence is not an option is the mindset that keeps us on the right track.

So how do we accomplish this? It’s a three-step program that I’ve mentioned before, and I’ll probably mention several times more—listen…gain wisdom…guide.

Disciplining our bodies, like disciplining our children, is about teaching one to live in accordance with boundaries. Look up discipline in the dictionary, and you’ll see several different ways of saying, “learning to stick to the rules.”

Dictionary.com defines it this way: “Training to act in accordance with rules.”

In 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul writes, “But I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” NAS

That’s quite a contrast to those Paul mentioned earlier who are a slave to their “whim.” Discipline is key. Consider your lifestyle and ask yourself these questions:

1. Are you a slave to your desires, or do you consider what is best and live accordingly?
2. Have you set guidelines for yourself to follow?
3. If you have set guidelines, have you given yourself good reason to stick to the plan?

If you have set guidelines for health and lifestyle, at some point you will feel the sting of your choice. Discipline isn’t fun, in fact Hebrews 12:11 tells us that it’s grievous, but it also promises that you will enjoy the peace it brings to your life—later on. Are you willing to wait, or will you bail the first chance that you get?

Let’s look deeper at the word “discipline” What is a disciple? It’s one who is a learner, a follower, a student; such as the Disciples of Christ. So in our case if our bodies are disciples, then what or who is the teacher? The answer is the Spirit, which we have received in Christ.

Remember Romans chapter 7? If you haven’t read it in a while, try getting into it today. As one who struggles with a lust for overindulging, I can relate to Paul when in verse 18 he writes, “I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Does that sound familiar, ladies? Whether we struggle with addiction to porn, alcoholism, smoking, or overeating, most of us will agree that the will to quit is there, but we don’t have the gumption to grab hold of, and stick to the plan, or to put it bluntly--to refrain from our sin. The reason that our bodies are so naughty at times is because of the carnal nature we’re born with. The heart, which consists of our lust and desires, is deceitful above all things, and it leads our body into all kinds of trouble--if we let it.

How often has the desire of your heart whispered a lie in your ear? Just one peek won’t hurt. Just one drink won’t affect you. Buy one last pack of smokes--you deserve it. Just one more night of overeating, and you’ll be back on track tomorrow... This carnal mind is not subject to the law of God; it lives to please the flesh and the flesh alone.

Paul says, “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” Romans 7:24 & 25

Paul shows us the difference there, and the choice we have to make. Are you choosing to serve God by walking according to the Spirit, or are you choosing to follow your heart?

This month, set aside some quiet time to write a letter to yourself. Let God in on this too. It may take one letter—it may take a few. Prayerfully consider the changes that you’d like to see in your life, and the reason you’d like to see change. This letter is for your eyes only, so feel free to hide it or tear it up later. The important exercise here is that you decide what is good and why it’s important to you, before you continue this journey.

I’ve met countless women who have stepped into a diet for the sole purpose of “getting healthy.” However, when they discover that the needle on the scale isn’t willing to budge, they quickly step back. If we desire to lose weight, we need to be honest with ourselves, and to realize that a desire to look good isn’t an unhealthy thought. It’s normal and one that God understands. Remember that He is the one who painted the butterflies, dotted the ladybugs and put lights in the back of little night flies. He’s the author of perfection and beauty, and He’s perfecting you too.

Whatever it is that you desire to change, consider it well, and realize your need. Enjoy a little soul searching, ladies; till next month, Live Well!

©2007, Darlene Schacht

*We advise that you always consult your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program.

Consistency

SparkPeople Translation
Personal improvement, whether it’s weight loss or skill building, is about creating or losing a habit. Still, somewhere along the way, it’s become an event. People diet until they lose 20 pounds – and then stop the smart eating and exercise that got them there. Once they reach their goal, they go back to the way they lived before and wonder why the weight comes back. For permanent change, habits need to stick around for the long run. In what way would you like to be excellent? What do people who are excellent in this way do on a regular basis? Can you do just one of those small things today? Of course one act does not build a foundation, but it does get you started. With repetition and time, that one action will seem more normal. Once it becomes a habit, it becomes part of who you are, and the transformation is complete.

My Interpretation
Why are good habits so difficult to form? Is it the time and energy it takes to form them? Or is it because it's just so much easier to stay where we are? No matter how much we desire change, if we try to do it alone, we will fail. We were not put on this earth as a solo act. Those who have gone before know what it's like. They've been there and are willing to lend a helping hand, shoulder to cry on, and/or ear to listen. They can tell you that without God, they couldn't have done it. So you now have at least two to walk with you down this path. Why go it alone?

Achievement

SparkPeople Translation
Do you hold yourself to the standards of other people, wishing you could be better than the next guy? Maybe this is motivating you, but an even greater skill is to just want to be better than yourself. How about pushing yourself to eat better, or walk longer after dinner each day? Goal setting is a great way to "compete" against yourself. You select the end result that you want in any concentration that you choose. Then, it is up to you, and only you, to work to achieve those goals. Thus, you'll be pushing yourself towards greatness, not creating unnecessary competition against others.

My Interpretation
Holding yourself to the standards of other people is a waste of time and energy. Why not hold yourself to the standards of the God that created you? That way, you'll see that maybe you aren't a bad as you thought. In fact, you may find that your biggest competitors (negative thoughts)are not as big as you once thought. That way, the end result will be closer in sight than you thought and the greatness you seek is reachable.

Character

SparkPeople Translation
Ever get the feeling that you should be doing something other than what you are? Not just in the area of good vs. evil, but in everyday life. Do you ever feel guilty about doing a half-hearted job on a project or neglecting your duty to family? Listen to your conscience. It's telling you that you're getting off track. It knows what you're capable of and where your priorities are. If you neglect those standards, if you get your priorities mixed up, it's going to let you know about it. When you work, turn out a product that would make you proud, even if you think nobody notices. When you plan your day, make sure it agrees with the direction you want to head. That'll keep that nagging inner voice from reminding you that something is not quite right here. You may think no one is looking, but somebody is - you are.

My Interpretation
What exactly is this "it" that has been translated? It's the Holy Spirit that will tell you that you're getting off track. God's Spirit within you will let you know you're going in the wrong direction if it is away from the direction God wants you to go in. Not only are you looking, but the Spirit is, also.

Christ-Centered 12 Steps

1. We admitted that we were powerless over our dependencies - that our life had become unmanageable.

For I know that nothing good lives in me that is, in my sinful nature; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. Romans 7:18

2. We came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:1-3

3.We made a decision to turn our will and our life over to the care of God as we understood him.

Therefore, I urge you, therefore, brothers, in view of God's mercy , to offer your bodies as living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, this is your spiritual act of worship. Romans 12:1

4. We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord. Lamentations 3:40

5. We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being, the exact nature of our wrongs.

Therefore, confess your sins to each other, and pray for each other, so that you may be healed. James 5:16a

6. We were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:10

7. We humbly asked him to remove our shortcomings.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and will forgive us our sins and to purify us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9

8. We made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.

Do unto others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31

9. We made direct amends to such people whenever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, first go and be reconciled to your brother, then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24

10. We continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! I Corinthians 10:12

11. We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood him, praying only for knowledge of his will for us and the power to carry it out.

Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly. Colossians 3:16a

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Galatians 6:1

Lose Weight in 2008!

Have you resolved to lose weight this year, but find yourself skeptical, since every past attempt has only ended in failure? This year, instead of relying on your strength alone, I encourage you to get connected and draw strength in three ways.

Why three? Well first of all, the Bible tells us that a chord of three is not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12), so that’s one reason, but perhaps more importantly I draw this conclusion from a letter that Paul wrote to the Corinthians. In 2 Corinthians 13:1, he wrote, “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” (NIV). This matter of two or three witnesses is echoed throughout the Bible, both in Deuteronomy and again in Matthew. Jesus also illustrates the power of unity by saying, “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:19 & 20, NIV.

Matthew chapter four tells us that after Jesus fasted forty days and forty nights, He was tempted of the devil. What harm could it have caused if He had yielded to temptation and eaten one slice of bread? He may have asked Himself the same question when He was tempted to do so, but in wisdom, He chose not to sin. Instead He rebuked the temptation, saying, “man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” – Matthew 4:4, NIV. His ability to press on proved that He rested on the strength of God, and on Him alone.

Through the temptations that Jesus faced, He understands the struggles that you face as well--struggles with addiction, struggles with food... He understands your desire to be released from this stronghold, and like Him, you can be. His mercy and grace are there to add strength to our weakness. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Hebrews 4:15&16

David also understood the power that fellowship with God holds when he prayed, “Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." - Psalm 5:1-3, NIV.

By their examples we see men, who while tested, remained focused—waiting and expecting God to move in their lives.

Are you living your life with eyes open, focused on the goal set before you? Or are you mindlessly moving along without thought?

Keeping our lives in communion with God is the best way to stay focused, and to live out a purposed life. It keeps us not only accountable to ourselves, but also accountable to God. Through prayer and meditation we tend to do a little soul searching, while we provide an invitation for God to do the same. Listening to and following the Spirit allows us to discover and deal with negative behavior.

Keeping a journal is another way in which to discover bad habits and behaviors that may otherwise go unnoticed. In fact it's been proven that monitored behavior equals improved behavior--even if we're monitoring ourselves. We may not be so eager to grab a second handful of chips if we know that it won't be going unnoticed this time, right ladies? In fact we just might be inclined to drop that handful to half since we're marking it down.

There is also a third way to keep ourselves accountable, which is highly important. That is the accountability of a good partner. Proverbs 27:17, tells us, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (NIV)

Stop for a moment to consider some of the people that you’ve been close to over the years—the good and the bad. Now close your eyes and think of one thing that you picked up from each of them. Let your mind go back to that time, and find at least one thing that has stuck with you till now. Perhaps they had a way of bringing out your feminine side, perhaps they led you to Homeschooling your kids, maybe it was a deeper walk of faith, maybe it was a love for shopping, or maybe it was sending you here. Whatever it is, people have a way of rubbing off on us whether we realize it or not.

It’s unfortunate when a child returns home from school clucking like a chicken for two weeks because one kid convinced him that he is one, but on the other hand, it’s a blessing when he later takes his Bible to school because another child spurred him on. It’s hardly different for us. We’re still little kids inside, picking up this habit and that one, from the world around us.

Because of this exchange of habits, it’s important for us to seek out the “iron” in our lives--those who sharpen our senses and spur us on to do good. Where do they come from? When you start living the way that you purpose to live, they have a way of finding you. It’s often been found that, “like minds attract.”

You can also take the initiative to seek them out at places like the gym, a weight loss group, online, or at church. Just keep a prayerful watch, and see who God sends your way. But while you do, a word of caution—the wrong mentor can attribute to your failure, as easily as the right one can to your success. In fact it’s been said that it’s far easier to be lowered into a pit than to be pulled out from one.

How do we know a good accountability partner when we meet one? They should make us think twice about the decisions we make, by either their example, or their words. A good mentor will both challenge and encourage us through the journey.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NIV

When you do find a partner, remember that with every relationship you’re getting something from, you’re also giving something back. That responsibility makes me wonder what I’ve planted in the past, in hopes that I've been a good influence on my friends. Hebrews 10:24, reminds us, “let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”(NIV) Again, it’s not mindless activity; we should consider ways to encourage one another and to spur them on too.

This year, I encourage you to be accountable in three ways:

1. To God by keeping yourself in daily communion with Him. Read the Bible, and develop a stronger prayer life.
2. To yourself, by journalizing the activities that you’d like to see changed or improved on. Write down what you eat, and how much you exercise so that you can see where you need to make change.
3. Finally, to another person, either by finding a partner, joining a support group, or by praying that God will send someone your way. I've recently made a decision to pray with my accountability partner about the goals that we have in common. Perhaps this is a habit that you'd also like to pick up.

Till next month, ladies—be accountable, and Live Well!

©2008, Darlene Schacht

*We advise that you always consult your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program.

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The adventure begins

I emailed Core Pilates of Richmond and the owner, Karen Roodman called me yesterday evening. We talked a little bit and made an appointment for me to come to a Hatha yoga class next Monday. I want to look around at different places first and also compare prices before I decide on a yoga home.