What pops into your mind when I say the word, “crave”?
- Donuts
- Ice cream
- Tortilla chips
- Pickles
- Binges late into the night?
For me, “crave,” represents all of these things and more. But the one word that didn’t automatically pop into my mind to is, “God.”
Yet, above all else this is who and what we deeply desire. St. Augustine put it this way, “Lord, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you.”
More, More, More
We are embodied vessels of raw need who are constantly looking to be filled. We try entertainment, popularity, flat-screen TVs and food. Lots and lots of food. Food is not bad, TV is not wrong and laughter is good for the soul. But when we try to satisfy our yearning for God with a chocolate bar, something has gone wrong.
That is why I am so excited about the new book, “Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire With God, Not Food” by Lysa TerKeurst. In this book, Lysa is quick to point out that cravings aren’t bad, and we don’t have to pretend that they are not there. In fact, our cravings are there to call our hearts again and again back to the unquenchable love of God.
When our soul hunger leads us to Him we discover a deep satisfaction that only He can give. And that’s how I want to live.
Free Summer Online Book Study
This summer beginning June 6th, I am hosting a 10 week blog book study on “Made to Crave,” and I would love for you to participate.
All you have to do is to purchase the book, Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire With God, Not Food” (available at Amazon.com and local bookstores), and join our weekday journey on the Living in Love with Jesus Blog.
About Made to Crave
Here is what the publisher says about Made to Crave.
Has food become more about frustration than fulfillment? Made to Crave is the missing link between a woman’s desire to be healthy and the spiritual empowerment necessary to make that happen. Author Lysa TerKeurst personally understands the battle that women face. In Made to Crave she will help you:
- Break the cycle of “I’ll start again on Monday,” and feel good about yourself today.
- Stop agonizing over numbers on the scale and make peace with your body.
- Replace rationalization that leads to diet failure with wisdom that leads to victory.
- Reach your healthy goals and grow closer to God through the process.
This book is not a how-to manual or the latest, greatest dieting plan. Made to Crave is a helpful companion to use alongside whatever healthy eating approach you choose — a book and Bible study to help you find the “want to” in how to make healthy lifestyle changes.
You’re Invited
Will you join me?
For more information, follow this link
Sign Up to receive study update in your email box, click here
Thanks for joining me in the journey closer to Jesus.
“Go ahead and dare to believe that this time around
things will be different.”
Lysa TerKeurst
This is very timely for me Kim. There are so many sweet temptations at work and they are so hard to resist. Now I need to lose some weight. I will sign up.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Hi Debbie,
Isn’t that the truth
. I’m so glad that you are joining us. Thanks for jumping right in.
Kim
I had signed up to do an online study of this book at the beginning of this year with Melissa Taylor of Proverbs 31 ministries through her blog. However, I became sick for 2 weeks & was unable to finish. Now that it’s warming up & I feel much better, I thought about doing this study again, however I was going to try it on my own. But since I found out you are starting this study, it’s great timing for me. It may give me the extra push I need.
Yay, Tiffany. It sounds like this may be God’s perfect timing! I’m so glad you are going to join us.
I am thinking about this and found out that the book is on sale at Family Christian right now for 7.49 – this is a sale that ends today according to their website.. thought I would pass this on for others. Thanks!
Debbie told me about the online study and I can’t wait to get started. I located the book at Borders this morning and am off to pick it up this afternoon! I look forward to hearing what God has in store for me in this area ♥
Thanks for the invite – I am looking forward to the journey. I was just thinking to myself this morning that I needed to find a way to get involved in a deeper study of the word for the summer and your email popped up.
Go God!
Cheers for Ruth Ann, Carrie and Kathryn. I am so glad that you are joining us on our journey. You will remain in my prayers.
Thanks for doing this Kim…I am so excited. I just told my husband yesterday that i feel spiritually dry….I also struggle with the obsession with unhealthy eating….and need to crave GOD…..more and more….thanks again…Dianne
Kim, for clarification are we posting on the blog, on facebook or somewhere else… this is my first experience with an “online study group”
Hi Ruth Ann – Great question. To keep things centralized let’s go ahead and try to post here on the blog. Thanks for asking!
I am excited about the study thank you!!
This is wonderful and I thank Dianne Schultz for letting me know about this 10 week study. I have lots of struggles and God is working in my life through this and have already found so much blessing through the book and other areas of my life. Knowing God loves me enough to meet my every need is so encouraging and yet humbling at the same time!
Hi Kim
I’m excited to begin this Made to Crave course. I can stand to take off weight but I’m more interested in becoming closer to God. It is 10:55pm and I just found time to open the book.
I’m so glad you are on this journey with us. Welcome.
I am so glad for this study. I know anything apart from Jesus leaves you empty, and am looking forward to focus on this area in my life where I need help! Thanks for the invite!
Hi Faith – thanks for coming along for the ride
One thing that is helping me is to keep a journal as I go through this journey. If I write in my journal at the moment of a “food crisis” it seems to give me a moment long enough to pause and seek God first. Thought it might help someone else who ” eats before they think”.
I have been teaching a two week Culinary Camp for first through fourth graders. I’ve included some healthy recipes for them. However, I have to admit that it’s been hard to stick to my planned agenda with the “Made to Crave” book. I have been doing my reading but will join in with my comments early next week when I am finished with the camp.
Hi Debbi,
I am so glad that you have been able to keep up with your reading.
I’ll be praying that this week will be better as you seek to honor God by sticking to your plan.
You are a blessing.
Kim