I confess – I just downloaded a copy of Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire With God, Not Food onto my iPad, curled up in my comfy chair and read the first words of this book while I simultaneously dug into my bowl of Frosted Flakes. Yes, Frosted Flakes.
Before you snicker, may I just add that I had such great coupons for these Frosted Flakes that Kellogg’s actually paid me to buy them. All six boxes. Now if they would just pay me to not eat them, we might really have a good thing going.
But back to the book…
Healthy Eating
I’ve eaten healthy for many years. Those years were not necessarily all in a row, but if you added all my healthy eating spurts together I’m sure they would add up to years. Healthy eating is good for me, and I feel good when I do it. I also wish that I yearned to eat healthy all the time, but somehow my ‘want to’ never lasts quite as long as my craving for chocolate. So, in the end the chocolate wins.
That’s why I’ve decided to go through this book, Made to Crave. I know what it’s like to crave. I crave chocolate and chips, donuts and Ding-Dongs and every sugar coated thing in-between. I am living proof that women were made to crave.
Less Sugar ~ More God
Sugar tastes good, but it doesn’t wear well. It doesn’t look good on my hips, it doesn’t do wonders for my heart, and worst of all, it can serve as a substitute for deeper intimacy with God. That’s the part I really care about.
I may not naturally yearn for healthy food but I do want to be close to my God. I want Him more than anything. In Chapter 1 of Made to Crave, Lysa (I hope she doesn’t mind if I call her by her first name but since we are going to be spending the next 10 weeks together, I feel like we’re already friends), anyway, Lysa says that “we were made to crave – long for, want greatly, desire eagerly, and beg for – God. Only God. But Satan wants to do everything possible to replace our craving for God with something else.” That will never do.
The First Step
Thus, I have committed to working through 10 weeks of Made to Crave so that God alone will be the One who satisfies my deepest desires.
This is Day 1, and so far, so good. Lysa hasn’t asked me to do anything, change anything or give up anything. While I have a feeling that won’t last, it feels good to know that even with my bowl of Frosted Flakes I’m not behind.
Food for Thought
Today’s meditation on my 3×5 card is Psalm 139:14,
“I will give thanks for Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Thy works, and my souls knows it very well.”
May the Lord work this truth deep into my hungry soul.
Check In
To increase accountability and encourage others PLEASE take a minute to comment below: introduce yourself, share your successes or struggles, add your food list or simply say ‘hi.’
The journey to change will be more successful if you walk it with others.
What are your thoughts as you begin this journey closer to God?
Please join our discussion and
leave a comment here.
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Tags: Made to Crave
Hi Kim,
Thanks so much for offering this study. I’m really looking forward to going through the book with a group. I’m reading it for the second time now (well, I guess with this study it will kind of be my third time!) and really think it has a lot to offer.
I love the tie-in between God and self-discipline. I’m NOT a self-disciplined person naturally, but I have been working on this topic in the last several months and really do believe it’s a way to grow closer to God.
Thanks again!
I too have struggled for years with realizing is food fuel or a subsitute for something deeper within. I want to move past always doing the same thing but looking like i am spinning my wheels. So, today is Day one and I will be the 10 weeks as committed with the rest of the group!
Hello my new friends.. checking in and introducing myself…. I have struggled with my weight since childhood and also struggle with finding intimacy with God. When I read about this study and looked at the book.. it just fits! I got serious about change and started a specific program Dec 29, 2010.. have lost about 50 lbs and have another 25 or so to go. I resonated with p.13 “In my case, the number itself is not the issue. The issue was how I felt mentally, spiritually, and physically. It was time to be honest with myself.” I recognize that just loosing weight and reaching my goal or even maintaining it will not change my heart. Only God can change my heart to crave Him more than food, or other created things.
Looking forward to this journey with you and getting to know you.
Good morning everyone. Kim, I wanted to thank you for offering this online book study. I am very excited to have the chance to participate. Oh, and Honey Nut Cheerios for me
Let the journey begin!
Good morning, everyone! So glad you started this, Kim. So nice to have company on the path!
Here’s what I’ve put on my 3X5 card for today:
I crave what I eat. I consume what I think about.
“Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial.” (1 Corinthians 10:23)
I’ve too been reading Made to Crave and using Lysa’s other resources with my daughter. More accountability and learning from you ladies will be good. I’ve caught my self several times reading it while eating food that wasn’t really the best for me too Kim.
My verse right now, Phil 3:10 “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection & the fellowship of His suffering, being conformed to His death”
LORD thank you for your Holy Spirit powered determination to eat healthy:}
Hello everyone just wanted to check in and introduce myself. I was a skinny kid growing up. I didn’t eat healthy, but I got a ton of exercise playing soccer and doing all kinds of other activies. It wasn’t until about 9 years ago that I was pregnant with my first child (I know have 3 girls), that I started putting on the weight. In April 2010, I decided to make some changes and lots 45 lbs in 5 months, and was at a healthy weight. Then over Christmas I gained about 10 of those back, then lost them, and gained them back…you know the cycle. I am tired of the rollercoaster and I need a new healthy lifestyle that I can live with. And I know that I can’t do it alone. I need God more than I need the unhealthy food. This is my second time going throught the book (I used it when I lost my 45lbs), and look forward to reading it “with” all of you.
thank you for posting this study. i am looking forward to getting closer with God through your encouragement and sharing with others. i want to crave God greater than ever before in my life. i am single and i find that my focus is on finding a lifetime relationship with someone i love…but don’t think the timing is right for us…..so I am seeking the Lord in this and fighting the temptation to push things on my own vs. waiting on God…..help me be accountable ladies….thanks
Hi Kim! I am so glad to be a part of this group….even though my book has not arrived yet, I, too, want to crave more of God and less of the behaviors I use to “numb” vulnerable feelings of fear (of good things I think I cannot do and fear of the scary things I think may happen) and unworthiness. When we “numb” the scary, we also “numb” our joy! Right!? I am ready to embrace the uncertainty and have faith that God can and will help me let go of these obstacles that stand in my way!Thank you, Kim, for leading the way!
Oh, and by the way……I am a LUCKY CHARMS girl!!!! Well, that and Moose Tracks ice cream!!! ha! I am so glad that neither of those foods are in the house because today I am home all day with my little guys hanging out on the patio in the sunshine and those treats sound so good right about now!
Just downloaded the book to my Kindle and will begin reading today. I’m with Montana Kim on the Moose Tracks…and several days last week I had mini Reese’s Cups for breakfast (dark chocolate, the healthy ones).
I KNOW I comfort myself with food and have been telling myself I’ll deal with it later. So I’m on-board for this journey. I guess that sooner or later it has to become later.
Hi! I am super excited to go on this journey with you ladies. I love God, but I find that I put him on the bottom of my list of priorities not realizing that He is the WHOLE LIST and goes with me thru each and every step of my day. May God bless us thru this study!
Hi Ladies, this is such a great study. I too have dealt with food issues for many years. I can encourage you that working through what it takes to get on the “other side” of food issues is a gift that you will never regret. I was on that yo yo of gaining and losing for so many years and now have kept it off for 4 years. It is so much fun. I even had a video made of my testimony today that will be shared all weekend and put on line. I am not saying this to bring glory to me, rather, the God we serve..all things are possible with Him. He loves you just as you are.
Too funny!! I had just finished reading your blog entry and then walked into our staff room, saw some chocolate covered donettes on the table and popped one in my mouth. Sigh. Will I ever learn??
I’m totally looking forward to this walk with y’all. I need to get a grip and realize that I need to be filling that God-shaped hole in my heart with God, and not chocolate covered donettes.
I’m in also and really looking forward to this journey. I am about 10 pounds over but do know that I need to put God first. I have been pondering the ways satan tries to lure us. The cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has or does…….I am guilty and thankful to be made mindful of that. Thanks…looking forward to the next chapter…and filling the pantry with healthy foods….God Bless.
I’m so glad to see so many others doing this. It is encouraging. I’m 3 weeks from moving out of state and at my age it’s a big venture. God has done so much to heal and transform me, especially in the last 3 1/2 years, bringing me so much closer to Him. However, the food is still a problem and the stress of the move is revving it up, if you know what I mean. My hope is that this study will be something to commit to and to anchor me as I am in such a time of change. I pray for success and growth for us all.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for joining me in this journey and for jumping right in. You all are a blessing.
We have over 100 ladies committed to making God the Satisfier of their deepest desires, and I’m excited.
I can’t wait to get to know each and every one of you more. Please know that you have all been prayed for and will continue to be lifted up in prayer as we seek His face.
You are a treasure.
Kim
Down loaded the book to my kindle yesterday and started reading a little. Had to work 7-5 today and just sat down to see what our 1st day is like, I am so excited to be on this journey with all of you. I have always struggle with weight but know that it is more about other things than just food. Thanks Kim for getting us together to grow deeper in the Lord.
Hi Ladies
So excited to begin this study. While I typically eat healthy foods and exercise; I feel like my thought life is too focused on what I do eat or don’t eat. Chocolate is always my best friend, and I love munching on teddy grahams while I’m working away at my computer. But I really want to discipline my mind to not think about what I can or can’t have. Rather I want to crave Him and allow God to be at the center of my thought life. Hard to do when you’re juggling many things – but definitely worth the reward. Looking forward to hearing how God is going to work in each of our lives through this study.
I found this book a few weeks ago and have read the whole book, but because there is so much in the book, doing a second time will only implant it in my mind more deeply. I pray that God will continue to work in my mind and heart because this has affected me in away that can only come from a loving God who is not finished with me yet! I look forward to the deeper relationship that I have already enjoyed and know will continue to grow. Recent exposure to the truth of the temple as an example from the Bible makes me understand more than ever, that I am made to bring glory to God and that can only come by getting to know him more and desiring him to be totally a part of my life. A temple is a place of sacrifice – giving up what is not profitable and it is a place of worship, when I grow to understand the goodness of God, that leads to the abundant life. Can we call it sacrifice when in the end we receive such rich blessing. God never ask anything of us that doesn’t lead to our benefit, even if we don’t understand it at first.
I can so relate to you, Janet…although weight is not really an issue and I feel as though I eat well most of the time…my thoughts become too focused on the whole process! I too am thinking about what I can or cannot have…how much…and if I should eat very little one day after feeling as if I have eaten too much the day before. I need God to calm my mind and bring my focus to Him….I know He can do this for me if I am willing to follow His plan! I am thankful for this study and the support here! ♥
I admit the whole thing of the number on the scale is a big deal for me. My focus can get so messed up…looking forward to this!
This past weekend, my hubby, kids and some dear friends all went camping 20 minutes from our home at the lake. I found myself at the campsite alone for about 2 hours…what a glorious place to pray and meditate on what God was sharing with me. (It was worth the sunburn and gnats! ha!) My hubby and I decided that most every weekend this summer, we are going to AT LEAST go camping there….which is such a drastic move for us when so many things are distracting us….but, that rejuvenation and time with God that we crave gives us so much more peace….and I am the first to usually have an “excuse” of important stuff to be done, but not necessarily the essentials. (I can be such a Martha!) I am thankful today for the peace that God provides and not “self-numbing” behaviors (overeating, over-caretaking, overspending, mindless tv/computer time, etc.) that have at times in my life been paralyzing. I crave God to show me HIM today!
How I need to let the truth of being fearfully and wonderfully made sink into my soul! I know it in my head but my heart seems to only understand it in a small measure. I get distracted with the business of life and need to take the time to let God’s love be felt more deeply. To think I have such a bond and close connection with the creator of All. He delights in me, wow! Lord help to to cherish this truth!
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this series. I’m looking forward to following along and see what God teaches me through it. As a married mom of two grown kids, I’ve spent far too much time in front of the fridge the last several months looking for fulfillment, searching the cupboard for new purpose and direction.
Figures – My wonderful grandaughter was born yesterday. – Will comment more in a couple of days – at least I am up to date reading and journaling – Eating hasn’t been so stressful either right now.
Wow, looking at my last post – I seemed annoyed at the interruption!!! Heavens no – God is SOOO good – I have a new grandaughter and greatly enjoyed spending time with my grandson, while little sister came into this world.
God blesses us so many times during the day – I am writing down as many times as I see this to help put me in a frame of mind of concentrating on Him and not what my next bite of food will be. Meanwhile I am really trying to bring fruits and veg. to work to snack on instead of chips, pretzels – etc.
Can really relate to statement in Intro “Excuses always got me nowhere fast.” In our fast paced lives its just too easy to make excuses and leave discipline behind. Problem is God isn’t interested in excuses; He’s interested in obedience. Part of that obedience is making sure I put nothing above Him. Anytime I seek to satisfy or crave something else, I’m basically saying – “God, You are not enough.” Psalm 23:1 comes to mind – The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” Well known verse, easily read and memorized but totally different to internalize.
thank you for making this available online. I am just starting—-Lord, help me crave only you!!!
Hi Judy,
We are so glad you are here, and a big AMEN to “Lord, help us to crave only You.”
Thanks for taking the time to check-in.
Kim
So glad to finally get to join in! I’ve been reading Lysa’s book along with you. However, as I mentioned of all times, I was teaching Culinary Camp for two weeks. It was a challenge not to overeat as I taught first through fourth graders how to cook. As part of the class I taught them many healthy recipes too.
I have maintained a consistent weight up until the last two or three years. True confessions …I am now 58 years old and find it takes much more work to keep the weight down. I never used to crave sweets but with extra stress lately, I have to admit I run to them at times instead of God.
I’ve gained 20 pounds over the last few years and am working on ridding myself of them for good. I want to crave God more than anything or anyone. I have a week off now so I hope to get caught up in my comments and to meet each one of you.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
PS. I blog at http://www.heartchoices.com.
Hi Debbie, Good for you for being willing to jump in a bit late instead of using that as an ‘excuse’ to not join in. I’m impressed. I can also relate to pounds being much harder to lose as we get older – why is that??? I guess the good news is that we have more reminders to run to God when life’s stressors come.
By the way, I loved hearing about Culinary Camp and seeing the pictures on your blog today. What fun!
As I begin this journey, I have to admit that I’m scared. Scared of failing………again! I want to be obedient to God’s calling in my life. I recently have felt called to begin a program in my church to help other people in their struggles with weight loss and exercise. But, I need to be an example to them – and I want to live my life pleasing to God and show others what He can do for them when we give Him complete control of our lives and that includes my appetite and laziness!
Hi Diane,
Wow – I hear you! Trying things and then not succeeding is so discouraging and I know that Satan uses that to tell us the lie ‘that it will NEVER work.’
Thankfully, I am buoyed up by the words of Jesus that all things are possible with God. What I try to remind myself then is that the only way to fail is to quit. Falling down and getting back up again is really the only way to victory. Everybody falls – those who succeed are the ones who get back up and try again.
All of that to say, good for you. I am so glad that you are joining us and thrilled that you are already thinking about ways to encourage others on this same journey.
I hope you check in often!
What a journey. I have joined an fitness center and lost 6 lbs in a month. Good start. But I have sooo far to go. I did not realize how weight effected my entire life until the Dr. put me on blood pressure med, antidepressants, and anxiety med. WOW! I was not ready for that. I didn’t even realize I “craved” food; I craved “something” and food was handy. I am truly looking forward to delving deeper into craving God first.
I’m so sorry that the doctor’s report wasn’t what you expected but good for you for jumping right in and doing something about it.
I am so thankful that we have a God who really does fill every crack and crevice of our hearts and souls and am loving this opportunity to rely on Him more and more.
Thanks for coming along for the ride.
I purchased the book, dvd, and workbook about a month ago. I knew needed an accountability group, but could not find one. Today, in desparation, I prayed for help. I then did a google search for ‘made to crave Bible study’ hoping to find a group close to home. And I found this study. Although I am behind, I’m hoping its what I need to keep my focus. I want to let go of the food obsession and learn to crave God.
Welcome Diana,
We are so glad you are here and would love to pray for you and walk this journey together. It sounds like God has led you here, and I know He will faithfully walk with you every step of the way.
Blessings,
Kim
Just glad I am here and have godly women to help. I need the support!!!!!
Thank you.
Hi Kelly,
And we are glad that you are here with us. May God richly bless you in this wonderful journey closer to Him.
Kim
Looking forward to the journey with you and Lysa my hope is for God’s work and blessing through this study.
Hi Kim,
We are so glad that you are joining us. Welcome. I hope you’ll chime in often
.
Please pray that I perservere and see the study through to the end, been having a problem with that lately. It’s been a while since I’ve been involeved in a bible/book study because of availablity of one and time constraits but I have been craving one. So want to follow through with this and make it a priority.
Thanks
Dear Kim, Thanks for joining us. I’ll be praying that you not only see it through to the end but experience an incredible closeness to the Lord as a result.
We are glad you are here!
Hi everyone, I am just starting this wonderful journey. I have just started reading the book and I find it to be a joy to read. Looking forward to receiving the victory over my eating habits and unwanted weight.
I am so glad that you are enjoying the book and even more thankful that you are joining us in the journey. Welcome. We are glad you are here.
I have struggled for over 50 years with this issue and I am finding a new freedom with the help of God, the insightful meditations of the book and the encouragement of this study. God is working in my heart and I feel so blessed. May your journey be the same! Jean
What an awesome testimony and encouraging word, Jean. Thanks for sharing what God is doing in your life. I hope you continue to keep us updated.
Keep up the good work
I need this sooooo badly. Thank you for making this study available to everyone. I look forward to grwing closer to God and losing the weight.
Hi – I am so glad you are joining us for the journey. May God richly bless you as you seek to honor Him.
Keep us posted on your progress.
I hear many people talk about losing their “baby fat” but even though I had five babies my fat does not come from “birthin’” my babies! My “mid life crisis” and my “old age sedentary life style” has me packin’ 50 extra pounds! Everything I like to do, burns hardly any calories, I like to read, study my bible and I write a blog! This might be good to widen my horizons, my horizons aren’t the only thing widening! Let’s just say my two little dogs who love to sit next to me in my oversized chair, are looking a little worried about their places! I have known for a long time that I eat for many reasons other than hunger. I eat when I am bored, when I am happy but mostly I eat to fill a hole in my soul that seems never to be filled. I am excited about this “Made to Crave” study! God bless you!
Hi Jeanie,
You have such a great sense of humor
. I love the picture of you widening your horizons with the two dogs by your side. Perhaps they can be a part of your new exercise program 
.
I am so glad that you are joining us on the journey closer to God. Thanks so much for jumping in and sharing. Please keep us posted on how we can pray for you.
Blessings,
Kim
I have read this book two times already and have lost 25 lb over the past 3 months – but I have hit a wall and need the accountability of others in the struggle to crave GOD and not food! To eat healthy and please GOD with my temple!
SO, I plan on reading it a 3rd time and working thru this online study with you guys!
I look forward to learning to live victoriously in the way I eat. My mantra for the past 3 months has been “everything is permissable but not beneficial”!
Please pray that GOD will continue to work in my life and I vow to pray for you!
Hi Lynn,
Congratulations on the perseverance you have shown over the past three months. Not to mention the 25 lb loss
.
We are sooo glad you are here seeking God with us.
Thanks for joining in!
Kim
Hi… I found about this book while visiting a friend on the way to a Retreat for women who have have weight loss surgery. I discovered that weight loss surgery is not a cure for obesity(although I have lost about 135#… and have about 15ish to go)… nor did it “cure” my food cravings! I am so grateful to have found this group… and someone to work thru the book with.
My verse today is Matt 19:26 “Jesus said looking upon them said to them, with men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” Clearly for me… I have tried “man’s” way… time to try work with the Lord!
Hi Helen,
Welcome to our group and thanks for sharing a bit about your journey. What a great insight to realize that its more than a weight problem it’s a deeper craving for God longing to be filled.
I pray that you will find yourself closer to Him than you have ever been.
Check in often,
Kim
Hi!
I am excited to join this online study with everyone. I purchased the book, workbook, and dvds last year. I love this program! I have had food addiction for 30 years, been bulimic/anorexic for 26, and a number of other addictions about 20 years ago. God has saved me in ALL ways! This book is just what I needed for this final road to victory. While I have finally come to realize that I absolutely don’t need to lose weight, it is the food addiction part that haunts me (the enemy loves to do that) and I know that God is the only one to lift me out of it. I am redoing my 12 steps that I did a decade ago and realized that Made to Crave goes hand in hand with it. My God is my Healer and only He can rescue me from the pit of self-destruction that once consumed me so greatly. Glad to have a chance to read others’ stories and share in the Made to Crave experience! God is so great!
Amy
Hi Amy,
Wow – it sounds like you have been on quite a journey with the Lord these past few years. Your story is a great testimony to His faithfulness.
I’m glad you are now joining us through the Made to Crave journey. I’m looking forward to getting to know you better as together we all get to better know Him.
I hope you will check in often.
Many Blessings,
Kim
Glad to be here. I really want to learn to crave God, not food.
Hi Diane ~ We are glad you are here, too. Welcome to the journey closer to Jesus
Well hello -Thank you for making this study available to everyone. I look forward to growing closer to God.
~> Endless Blessings!!!!<~
Welcome ~ We are looking forward to having you join us on this journey. May God bless you as you seek to draw closer to Him.