BE the change you wish to see as a Foodie, in your Fitness and during your Fun

Let me guess, you made new year's resolutions and they involved healthier eating, a fun albeit rigorous workout routine, and you've already failed.  Arg, why are we so weak?!  
Because it is in our weakness that we need to hunger for God more.

Paul told the Corinthians:
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses,
so that Christ's power may rest on me." 
[2 Corinthians 12:9]

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It’s never too late -- God is always right there and meets you where you are at.  
His grace (undeserved love for us) IS sufficient and fulfilling!
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Look to Him to BE the change you wish to see.  
Maybe your prayer request is to make better choices.  Why do we allow our weaknesses become stronger than our actions?  God gave us free will.   It's up to us, in our discernement, how we use this gift.  Most of us, no, ALL of us, need boundaries/discipline, otherwise
sin can easily sneak into our being and take over your heart, soul, and mind.

"Jesus replied,
'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."
[Matthew 22:37]

"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.  
This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones."
[Proverbs 3:7-8]

"The joy of the Lord is your strength."
[Nehemiah 8:10]
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New Habit 3-Week 
Challenge:  
In your journal, make two columns.  Title the left column “Bad Habits”.  Title the right column “New Habits”.   Now, with a red marker, can you cross out the listed “Bad Habit” and in the right column next to it, write how you’d like to BE.  

EXAMPLE
​Bad Habit

I eat too many sweets.

New Habits - How I want TO BE
1) Cut any sweet portion in half and only enjoy 1/2 per day (BE In Control)
2) Walk/Exercise (raising your heart rate) 20 minutes per day (BE Active)
3) Go to bed by 9pm (Be Peaceful)

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Eat just enough, to fill your palm.
That is nourishment enough,
To achieve bodily health and calm.

"Less is more,"
Or so they say.
No, it really is!
EnJOY this peace each and every day.
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“Blessed is the man [or woman] … [whose] delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. 
Whatever he does prospers.”  
[Psalm 1:1-3]

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ARTICHOKES

Yummy Option
When you think of artichokes (image shown), what dishes come to mind?  A rich, creamy artichoke dip made with jarred artichokes marinated in oil, heavy cream cheese, melted cheddar cheese, and 
served with chips and maybe a couple carrots?  
Although extremely tasty, the calorie count and unhealthy affects are very high with this option.
Yummy & Healthier Option
Artichokes are really a beautiful option and a fun finger food for even a Super Bowl party! 
Did you know that artichokes:

• have a long history in treating liver disease?
• contains the compound choleric which can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels?
• improve endothelial function - heart protective?
• are pretty good, with less ingredients!

My lifelong friend, Sue, introduced me to this healthy snack when we were young.  Her mom would boil the artichokes and then we would enjoy dipping each leaf in mayonaise and lemon juice.  It's kind of fun peeling off each hearty leaf, but eat only the meaty part and discard the tough leaf part. 
Bon Apetit!
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References
Life Applications Study Bible
You Version - Bible App
Written by:  Christie Lynch