I love a clean house. I handle my fine china with care. I carefully archive family photos filled with shared memories. When I value something, I take good care of it.
Taking care of precious things takes work, effort and sacrifice. I’m not crazy about cleaning my house. It takes effort to keep my china safe from the mishaps of life. And carving out time to create scrapbooks is incredibly hard. But I do all of these because they are important to me. Very important.
I Am Precious to God
That’s why the verse that God laid on my heart yesterday from Chapter 1 caught me up short.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.
Psalm 139:14
The infinite, holy God of the universe created ME. He did it thoughtfully, planfully, and beautifully. When He got done, He sat back and said, “Wonderful! She’s wonderful!”
But my soul does NOT know it very well.
I Am NOT Precious to Me
I take care of things that are valuable, but I don’t take very good care of myself.
I’ve read the research and heard the news. Fatty foods are linked to heart attacks. Sugar causes weight gain, leads to mood swings, muddles mental acuity, hastens diabetes, hurries heart disease and increases hypertension.
Not only do I know these things. I believe them. When my children were young, I guarded their arteries ruthlessly. My house was a completely sugar-free zone. They never met a piece of candy until they began school. Why? My children are precious to me, and I will do everything in my power to help them thrive.
So, why don’t I do the same for myself? I am precious to God. He values me. He loves me. He wants what is best for me. He says that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. And today He has shown me that He wants my soul and my body to know that very well. This is “food for thought” for the day ahead.
The Change Begins
In the meantime, on Day 2 of my Made to Crave study, you will be glad to know that I passed up the free Frosted Flakes for breakfast and substituted a bowl of Cheerios with fresh blueberries on top. Hey, it’s a start.
Jump Right 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.
How does the fact that you are fearfully and wonderfully made strike you?
Please join our discussion and
leave a comment here.
Made to Crave ~ Index to Previous Posts
Hi, I’m Susan, and I’m a Carb Addict in recovery. I’ve been a weight watcher for a long time — I keep watching it go up, it seems! But when I heard about this online book study around “Made to Crave,” I joined Weight Watchers Online (again), and am actually watching my weight go down for a change. Very cool!
I was cleaning up my bicycle this weekend in preparation for the inevitable exercise portion of the plan, and was marveling at the intricacies of the gear system. It made me think of of the intricacies of my body, and what a masterpiece I am (not to be confused with “piece of work”).
The term “well oiled machine” comes to mind — I’ve let my gears get rusty, and I need to WD-40 them and get them moving again!.
Too funny… Enjoy the bike ride.
Susan, I, too, got out my very neglected bike, and despite fear of what others would think seeing a 40+ woman wobbling around, huffing and puffing….I rode on that bike and had the time of my life. I felt like a 12 year old girl again with the wind in my hair and nature all around. Of course, my kids would accidentally careen in front of me and get the scare of their lives when they would hear me squeal (stopping the bike at high speeds with me on it is a little challenging! ha!) So, instead of feeling like a “piece of work” as you call it, I am trying to see what God sees in me today……
I’m having a great time picturing this in my mind. What fun.
Well, so far I’m not doing so good. After I received your post by email yesterday, I had the intention of going home & reading the first chapter. However, after I got home I ended up with a bad headache and fell asleep. But before that, I ended up having 2 cookies (from co-workers birthday celebration at work) & a new jamocha oreo shake from Arby’s on the way home.
So, today I am reminding myself of the reasons why I want to do this study in the first place & I am purposing in my heart to eat better today, read the book when I get home & to stay away from Arby’s. LOL!!
Praying for a better day for you…
I did a lot better yesterday. Even though I know I know it’s not required for this study, I had bought the DVD & participant’s guide several months ago. I decided to go home & watch the first session. I’ve been looking for an excuse to watch it & use the workbook. So I really think this will help me personally.
Also, I haven’t decided to use any particular eating plan with this study. I’m going as the Lord leads. Right now the biggest thing for me is eating fast food a lot. I’m single & live alone, so I eat whatever is most convenient for me. So, I’m hoping this study will motivate me to make healthier choices & hopefully, save some money as well.
Hi, I’m not sure if I heard Lysa say this in her video or book, she said we talk to ourselves in ways we would never talk to a friend. This is true for me.
LORD thank you for encouraging us; by our speaking your WORD to our own minds & hearts. Talking like we would if sharing them with a good friend.
Amen!
Tiffany, me too. I was grumbling about my husband eating food I should avoid, but it was not my husband shoveling waffles in my face last night! Ah that sugar craving. Erin, so true on how we talk to ourselves-I must have thought “Im so grouchy” or “Im so hungry” more times than I can count yesterday. Makes such a difference how I think/talk to myself. Susan, I am right there with you and the carb issue. But we know better, and we want to feel and do better, so we can do this!
I am with you. It’s been helping me to write out the Bible verses at the back of the book on 3×5 cards so that I can fill my mind with God’s Words instead of mine
I’m with Tiffany. I fell off the bandwagon with donettes after reading the blog yesterday, and then ate another before I left for home. Got home with a nasty headached (probably donette induced) and retired early without finishing the chapter.
Today’s post is very convicting. We are precious to God, and we are wonderfully made. In addition to being loved by Jesus, I am deeply loved by my sweet husband. I strive to put him first, but the reality is, if I don’t take care of myself, then I won’t have the energy to take care of him.
Being on the potter’s wheel is challenging, and often painful, but this is certainly a book study that I need to make a priority in my life! Today is a new day, and today I will complete the reading…and avoid the lingering donettes in the staff room.
I appreciate your resolve. Let us know how it goes today when you skip the donuts and feast on Jesus.
i must say today is better than yesterday. i read about praying when i am craving in chapter 2 and it was encouraging. i can leave it all with Jesus….and let Him fill my soul with the good stuff….why do we settle for less?
I was thrilled when I read that you were going to be doing this study. I have thought about leading something at our local church, but life got in the way (we were in the path of the tornadoes on April 27th). I have quit making personal excuses and am focusing on eating better, fresher and lesser
Woohoo! Good for you. I am so glad you are joining us.
Enjoying re-reading the Made to Crave book, and this read am taking the time to answer the questions at the end of the chapters.
I have a question for you fellow group members-how did you decide on your healthy eating plan? Maybe I’m jumping the gun here; I can’t remember what part of the book discusses this. Just wondering if, like the author, you’ve also sworn off sweets and white carbs or a different method? I’m doing something a bit more in moderation (for me!) after meeting with a nutritionist. Curious to know what your healthy food plan looks like.
Hi Joyous,
Good question. Like you, I don’t feel particularly led to go off all sweets and white carbs - although it would certainly increase my dependence on God :). After much prayer and searching, I’ve decided to go with Weight Watchers Online. Being able to keep track of my food online by computer, phone, iPad etc. will really help me be consistent.
What kinds of plans are you looking at?
Is there a cost for weight watchers online Kim?
Yes. I don’t remember what is was but they had some sort of 3 month special and since I’ve committed to this Made to Crave study for at least 10 weeks I went for it.
So far, so good.
I believe the cost is 17.00 a month, which comes off my credit card so I am not sure it might be a little more than that. I find WW to be very well rounded and livable. I don’t have to give up life with others to stay on the program. I also very much enjoy Kim Bensen who knows what it is to loose weight (212 lbs) and keep it off. Thursday night on line meetings and I don’t have to leave home.
I’m scared to hope again.
Hi Betsy,
Thanks for your transparency. I am joining in prayer for you. With God ALL things are possible. Please hang in here with us through all the ups and downs. It will be fun to see how God provides.
Betsy, I have been there so many times, I get so high with excitement and then go so low with disappointment. I don’t want to try again because I don’t want to go through those emotions. I have found with the truth expressed in Made to Crave, it isn’t about me any more, it is about bring Glory to God and drawing closer to him. That focus takes it off self and gives it so much more meaning. Remember it first it is motivation that gets us going, From there we are forming habits that keep us going. A thought from a Kim Bensen Blog “we never drift closer to the Lord. We have to fight to get there. We only drift away from Him.” Okay, we weren’t talking about weight loss, but the principle is the same. We never drift closer to our goals, we only drift away from them.”
I am exited to have people to walk this path with me. I am encouraged by a study that looks at the spiritual battle involved in trying to diet.
I have tried to ‘clean up my act’ many times but when the going gets tough my motivation is never strong enough.
Doing this for Jesus, with Jesus, and through His power is definitely what’s going to make the difference this time around.
Betsy, I can totally relate. I spent months going back and forth on whether to try this method. I’ve tried and failed SO many times before. I’ll pray for you, and all of us on this journey.
Thank you, Joyous. I needed to say that and get it out. I also need to say that God has given me deep healing emotionally and mentally and I know He wants my physical recovery as well. I am very buoyed by everyone’s comments - no matter what the topic. It’s great just knowing we’re all working on this together.
Today - Wednesday - is a good day for us all to catch up on the Introduction and Chapter One so I didn’t write a separate blog.
I love how you are jumping right in to encourage each other. You all are such a blessing!
If we weren’t in this together, I’m not sure that I would persevere. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Keep commenting. It helps me know how to pray.
Hi Joyous, I have lost 50 lbs and maintained that by doing strength training 3-5x week and lower carb….not radically off carbs, but like only one serving per meal and fewer sweets. Even after I stopped everything, having the muscle has helped me maintain better. That is what I am returning to……but, boy, I sure will miss eating lots of homemade bread! Can I stop myself at one piece a day? Aaauuugghhh!
I did so good yesterday and then there was that invitation from my husband to go to Culvers after the swim meet. Yes, I had the fish sandwich…(my favorite)…what was I thinking? guess I got lost in the moment…and something I need to be aware of and make better choices….a lesson learned
I love your perspective. Even our setbacks are opportunities to learn for the future. Good for you.
Thanks, ladies. I love reading all the comments and ideas people are putting together for healthy eating plans.
To answer your question, Kim, I’m using a food group checklist, so I don’t have to count calories. I don’t usually eat white carbs, so that’s not much of an issue. I am not having sweets, unless it’s a pre-planned for event (birthday party, ice cream out with the family etc.) and even then trying to keep it limited.
I’m really into whole foods and eating naturally, so this is a great opportunity for me to flex my nutrition muscles sort of speak and with God’s help, see how much I can change my eating. (And please believe me, this was NOT my attitude just a few short weeks ago-God has already been hard at work on me-and the first two weeks were hardest.)
I’m just so completely tired of the back and forth, healthy vs. eating whatever I want, whenever I want and then dealing with the guilt, etc.
One thing I’ve found super helpful is to focus on all that I CAN eat-it really helps me not to feel deprived. I’ll stop rambling now!
I am looking at Jorge Cruise ‘Belly Fat Cure’…cut out the sugar essestially. Counting caloroes makes me to preoccupied with food, so focusing on my main issue-the sugar/carb addiction may be better for me. His book is really nice, pictures, makes it easy.
It’s so easy to take care of others and yet neglect what’s important to me. However, I remember when I was teaching cardiac patients about healthy lifestyle habits, I reminded them that in an airplane the flight attendants tell us in case of emergency place the oxygen masks on our faces FIRST before others. If we’re out cold, we’re not going to be helpful to others, right? Same goes with taking care of our bodies and health.
I love the Scripture verse about me being fearfully and wonderfully made. It brings tears to my eyes when I truly think about that. God does love me and wants what’s best for me.
I actually lost two pounds teaching Culinary Camp. Can you believe it? But I practiced portion control which is a biggie for me. And I have to say that running after little children keeps me going. Now that I have this one week off, I’m stocking up on healthy foods and making meals from scratch. This way I know exactly what ingredients are in it.
And you asked about why it is so hard to lose weight when we get older. Two reasons: we tend to move less and our metabolism slows as we age. We actually need less calories! Can you believe it? But it’s true.
I’m continuing to read and will comment on each chapter. Thanks Kim for doing this. I think it’s so helpful to have others to ‘talk to’ and to encourage one another on this journey.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
I have a very simple eating plan - use a smaller plate. We have been married for 42 yrs. The plates we bought for “every day” were 10″. The plates are now up to 12″. Everything is “supersized”. Smaller plate, divide plate into sections (I’ve even thought about purchasing one of those kiddie plates) of the right foods, enjoy the company more than the food. When hubby is away, I read scripture while I eat. So far I have lost 6lbs and 28″ total in a month. It’s a start.
I love your idea about using the divided plates for kids :). That’s good. I’ll have to try that.
And congratulations on the weight loss over the past month. What a great start!
Keep up the good work, and thanks for joining us on the blog.
Hi,
I have to be honest, I am a huge hypocrite. I model to my family a healthy lifestyle. I workout (it was an addiction, but now I have a handle on it), I eat completely clean. I read the Word every day. I pray. Etc. Plus, in my career I was (am now a homemaker) a physical activity specialist and health educator focusing on nutrition, weight loss and fitness. But behind the scenes (though I have come a long way and it is far and few between, unlike even five years ago, where it was on a daily basis or fifteen plus years ago where it was on a multiple daily basis), or even, behind their backs, I stuff myself with food. Sometimes healthy, sometimes not. Then I go to the bathroom and let it all out. It is the fight that I have before hand. The cravings (since I eat pretty clean, it is normally emotional and spiritual cravings now) I have when I go to God, that I don’t want to. I go to food, and then to the bathroom. I ignore God.
I am excited to grow closer to God through this program and through the 12 steps that I am revisiting as well as connecting with people (you all, plus my meetings) who actually GET IT! What I need to lose is my self-will. So I can hang on to God’s Will, and shut out the enemy for good.
Amy
I’m getting nervous. It’s 4:30pm and I know the evening is coming upon me which is when I want to eat, eat, eat. I’ve decided to eat the tortilla chips with melted cheddar cheese for dinner instead of a snack. Not the best choice, but there’s no way I’m going to throw away food we can hardly afford. The real change will come when it’s gone and I refuse to buy anymore. That’s my goal, anyway.
and…. how is it going??? I hope you found some healthy, fun foods as a stand-in.
I ate the chips & cheese as I said I would, for dinner, and was okay until about 10pm & then I gave in & had a bowl of cereal. Not the worst food choice, but for me I must give up all evening/nighttime snacking. I can’t allow myself a little or I’ll only fall back in to the old pattern of eating. I realized this morning, however, that the reason I failed is that I tried in my own strength & forgot that the whole reason for doing this is to get close to God, not just lose weight.
It’s all about Him, isn’t it? I’ll be praying that He will be your greatest treasure both day and night.
Hi I’m Monica.
I have trying to lose weight forever but my weakness is sugar and carbs. Lat night I ate one of favorites sweets, a chocolate covered pecan with caramel. Within 5 minutes I felt my throat closing and it was difficult to swallow. I take some Benadryl and felt better within minutes. That alone has scared me into wanting to give up sweets. I felt likethat was body’s way of telling enough is enough.
i am more committed than ever to do better. It wasno accident or coincidence that I found this website. I need this. Hope you will be there for as I will be there for you.
Hi Monica,
I am so glad that you are here. It sounds like God is bringing you new awareness in your journey with Him. I pray that He will fill every hunger of your heart. You are special to Him.
I am on a new Journey to discovering the calling God has on my life to serve in ministry and one thing he has tasked to me is to come to terms with my use food as a blanket, to cover emtional, physical sexual abuse and neglect from my childhood. I am learning to depend on God to sooth me and NOT food. I have to be burried in his word ALL the time! But I am eating good and exercising sometimes I feel apprehensive because I know challenges may just be right around the corner but I am determined to have the greatness God offers me!
Hi Christina- Wow. What a great journey you are on. I’m praying right now that the love of God will fill you from head to toe and give you so much that it overflows on everyone you meet. God bless you for your faithfulness to Him.
What a tender topic! and very convicting. This I struggle with more than anything. If I truly believed I am wonderfully made, I would act differently about how I cared for my body, spirit and mind. Was listening to an old Sara Groves CD, and the song “Stir My Heart” reminded me that even the ability to love God back comes from Him. So thankful its not dependent on me!
Hi Myra - I agree! I wonder why that concept is so hard for all of us to hang onto? I’m so glad God made us and loves us exactly the way we are!
I also just joined Weight Watchers on line, after years of gorging myself (after I quit a 22 year smoking habit); can’t say I know what took me so long to get start. I am so thankful to have found a church family to come along side me and make me accountable. In addition, I started hitting the treadmill seven day ago. I could not even make 2/10ths of mile; pitiful. Now, seven days later I am up to 3/4 of a mile! Thank you God for bringing me loving accountability partners. Thank you for not letting me stay where I was. Please bless everyone here who has decided to take better care of what you have designed so wonderfully.
Hi Kathy,
Woohoo! Congratulations on your commitment to this path and to your exercise. It’s wonderful that you have made so much progress, so soon. Keep up the great work.
I have just rededicated myself back to God and following His plan for my weight loss journey. About 12 years I had found my way and lost nearly 80 lbs. Shortly after my weight loss, I got married and had children. Although I never gained all the weight back completely, I never truly surrendered all to God and thus gained much of it back. Back on my journey now, I am really excited about where God is taking me and how He’s using Made to crave. I was glad to find this study as I could use having the support.
Hi, I have just downloaded the book after finding your study site. Am a life long yoyo dieter and would like to eat healthily for the rest of my life really. I get stuck in eating chocolate, then skipping a meal, then feeling hungry and eating more chocolate, so this is going to be a really new direction for me to take. So looking forward to hearing how everyone is progressing.
Hi Jenny, Congratulations on the new direction. We are so glad you are joining us.
Hi Jenny ~ I’m just finishing up the study “with” Kim, and I can tell you that I am making good eating decisions directly as a result of persevering through the book and her posts. She and Lysa make a great team, and I am praying that you will have good success, too.
I totally can relate to treating others and things I care about with great reverence, but not myself. I want to get to where I am believing that my body is a temple for the Holy Spirit and treat it so. I also deeply desire to be used by God for His kingdom purposes, and I know that I am not in a place emotionally nor spiritually for that right now. I am going to lay my requests/desires before Him and wait with expectation! Btw… I had one successful day yesterday on day 1!