Where Has All Our Kindness Gone?

A study conducted by the University of North Carolina indicated that stress levels were lowered when participants hugged each other. It’s a kind thing to do. During Covid, no one could touch each other. Is this why we became unkind?

Hugging releases chemical feel-good endorphins such as oxytocin, described as a hormone of love, and the neurotransmitter, serotonin. (Cuddling with our beloved animals does the same.) This allows us emotionally to feel safe, secure, and in trusted hands. No amount of x’s, o’s, or happy face icons attached as an internet hug can replace a physical one!

What has happened to relationships, friendships, marriage, and simple kindness in this modern age? 

“How delightfully good when brothers live together in harmony!”  (Psalm 133:1) CSV

I surmise like me you are disgusted with the outcry in our political arena today. No one listens to another – rather hatred spews forth like sewage waste. It makes me grateful we have a God who always listens to us and is Absolutely Truthful and Kind.

In all things, GOD should be our Anchor. He instills a moral compass as well as the Golden Rule.

A spouse should always be your best friend. God brought you together for a reason. There was no coincidence. Do you care enough? For what you treasure, you take care of. (Matthew 6:21)  Protect each other’s feelings through a lifetime commitment of respect, courtesy, and love.

LAUGHTER keeps a relationship young at heart. What seems like a crisis in a relationship can often be a learning experience which is usually laughed about years later. Don’t sweat the small stuff, as the saying goes. In perspective, it’s all small stuff. It’s only what we do for our Lord that truly matters.

TIME. In a strong, loving, balanced relationship, people  continually allocate more time together than apart. Never stop supporting, learning, and growing together! God created us as complex creatures. It’s exciting to discover new friendships and interests that add to any couple’s extensive memory portfolio.

God, time, communication, and laughter, in my opinion, is the glue that holds faith, family, and friendship together.

COMMUNICATE! Don’t let your friendships or marriage become complacent! Complacency leads to boredom. Sadly, many marriages are disposable in today’s throw-away society. How many times while counseling, did I hear the phrase: “We used to talk for hours, but he doesn’t communicate anymore.” Food filled their loneliness void. Wouldn’t most women prefer good communication from the heart than a gift from the store?

I can’t believe someone fails to find something to talk about:  vacation plans, friendships, sports, travel, world events, work, music, television shows, a joke you heard, a Bible study point of view . . . there’s literally a world of items to discuss!

We surround ourselves with such busyness and noise and yet more and more, as humans, we are lonely. Then we reach for anything that temporarily satisfies: food, drugs, alcohol, shopping. We find other items filling a void, falling further and further away from God’s Friendship. Get back to the Word! Communicate with our Lord.

Surround yourself with godly friends who build you up, encourage, and believe you are worth speaking to. It takes commitment, patience, and the Lord as the center of any relationship to ensure longevity. Reach out: Communicate!

 “Whether it is pleasant or unpleasant, we will listen to the voice of the LORD our God to whom we are sending you, so that it may go well with us when we listen to the voice of the LORD our God.”  (Jeremiah 42:6)

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No Time to Exercise? Think Again!

Two different patients – two different attitudes.

My patient “Marni” looked across the desk at me and whined, “Yeah, I know I should do all that, BUT . . . ”

Aaargh!  Have you ever worked with someone who says, “I know you’re right, I should exercise, BUT . . .” and then goes into a long dissertation as to why it wouldn’t work?  That person just negated all you proposed. They might even know in their head that whatever was stated was 100% correct but were already figuring out ways to get out of completing the task. They want my expertise but on their own terms!  That doesn’t work.

Just as in health, Christians sometimes attempt to justify behaviors. In our hearts, we know what to do and yet we try to legitimize reasons why it’s okay. We know Truth but fail to accept it. Back and forth we go until we’re convinced, we’re doing the right thing in our minds. Snared!

Ephesians 4:27, “And give no opportunity to the devil.”

As the old Nike commercial used to infer, stop procrastinating and “Just Do It.”

If I asked someone, “If I can prove to you that Jesus lived, would you accept it?” and they say, “NO.”  Then I know whatever’s proposed, they’ll find an excuse not to believe. Christ must be accepted by faith alone.

In health, I’ve asked, ” If I can prove to you that Splenda is harmful, would you give it up?” If they say, “Nope” then the same thing applies – they wouldn’t give it up.

Getting back to Marni, we were discussing setting up an exercise schedule. I noted that she worked a 35-hour week. She had a little girl at home so she nixed a gym membership. I suggested incorporating exercise into her daily routine by including her daughter in her exercise program.

“Yeah, I could, BUT she has homework after school which has to get done.”

“Well, fresh air inspires brain cells. Why don’t you take a quick walk to the park together before studying?”

“Yeah, we could BUT . . .  sometimes her friends come over to play together.”

“Great” I exclaimed, “You can put on a quick 15-minute exercise program and work out as a happy group before they study – or let them create a new dance!”

“Well, maybe, BUT  it might embarrass my daughter, seeing her Mom working out in front of her friends.”

. . .  and so it went.  You get the idea.  No matter what I proposed, she had an excuse not to do it.

“You were taught, concerning your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;” (Ephesians 4:22)

Now here’s a tale of another patient, Alicia, to whom I proposed the same idea.  Immediately there was a different reaction.  She incorporated exercise into her daily routine with her young 9-year-old daughter. But she came in two weeks later and glared at me! I was worried.

“Ellie, do you know what you’ve done?” she asked. “You’ve turned my daughter into a Drill Sergeant!  Now when we exercise together, she’s in front of my face yelling, Come on Mom, you can do better than that . . .  faster, pump those arms, pull in that tummy, lift those legs!!! Oh my gosh, I bet I lost ten lbs in two weeks!” Then she laughed. Whew, true story.

What a great legacy to leave her daughter! Not only did she incorporate exercise into their routine, but I guarantee her daughter will turn to exercise first instead of food, when stressed as she remembers the great example her mother set down.

I repeat, “Just Do It!” Conquer your “yes, but” attitude and practice positive actions.

“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”  (1 Corinthians 9:27)

The Quest for True Beauty

True beauty touches on all aspects of mental, physical, and spiritual health. Everyone longs to look and feel their best. Some do so for questionable motives, (Oh, aren’t I beautiful?) while others to overcome illness, or simply for a healthier lifestyle, respecting our Lord who designed us.

How do we become a totally healthier Creation?

Mentally: Forgive

Find Peace. One of my patients, a young woman, looked so much older due a spiteful attitude. She refused to forgive someone from twenty years ago. The one she disliked went on with life, oblivious to the rancorous attitude against her.  Who did it hurt more, my patient or the recipient?  Of course my patient!

Our energy level reflects on our faces.  Retaining an unforgiving spirit only manages to destroy the one holding it. That’s exhausting!

Spiritually: Reduce stress   

Occasionally I’ve been told, “Wow, you look tired today.”Immediately any energy I had left escaped because I thought, “Gosh, maybe I am.” Relax, stress adds years to your face! Find ways to de-stress through Bible meditation, aromatherapy, soft music, fresh air activities, bubble baths, sit on the beach, or massages.

A peaceful, contented demeanor makes one look and feel younger. (They also attract happy friends.)

The most perfect way to become stress-less is to cast your cares on the Lord. “Be anxious for nothing,”  (Philippians 4:6. )  Learn to rest in the fact that God controls our destiny and He only desires what’s best for you, so do His Will.

Physically: Honor your body

God loves the “beauty-challenged” as much as he loves Miss Universe for God looks at the heart.

“The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

To honor Him, become your best physicological self.

Increase water: 

Many believe we drink water only to fill us up and reduce hunger pains. Well partially, but there are so many practical reasons to drink water daily. I won’t go into detail here but please use my search engine above to discover all the important reasons why water is essential for healthy living.

Water not only bathes your skin in moisture, it removes toxins from your body which could appear on the surface of the skin as blemishes. If you can’t stand water, then drink green tea.

Increase collagen production by eating nutritionally balanced!

Collagen is a protein that firms the skin and reduces sagging. As we age we lose collagen in our skin. But some foods will actually increase collagen production and fruits and vegetables contain protein too: spinach, broccoli, cabbage, red peppers, strawberries, beets, tomatoes, oranges, cherries, apples, walnuts, beans and guavas among others.

Reduce inflammation:

Cut down on sugar and junk foods which cause inflammation. Choose foods that are filled with antioxidants, vitamin A, E, and C.

Consume omega-3 fatty acids.  Those dieters who restrict fat run the risk of depleting not only the brown fat that protects vital organs and your heart muscle, but risk having sallow complexions. By consuming too much fat, one risks high cholesterol and triglyceride levels which can produce a greyish hue to the skin tone.

Great selections are salmon, shrimp and other fatty fish, milled flaxseed, walnuts, tuna, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kidney beans.

Forget about starvation and “dieting.” That robs nutrients from the skin! Learn how nutrients metabolize within the body’s physiology to create youthful health.

Real beauty truly begins from the inside out.  Forget the over-promising, nearly $150 billion “miracle” cream industry, eat right and start looking younger. Become a New Creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 and feel beautiful inside and out.

 

Common “Secrets” to Increasing Vibrancy

  “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.  We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;” (2 Corinthians 4: 7-9)

No one wants to lose vibrancy as we age.  Unfortunately, natural aging is the second law of thermodynamics. This scientific law states: ‘everything is winding down.

That alone would convince me that evolution is bunk. How can evolutionists believe we are evolving to a higher being if they also believe in this fundamental law of physics?

Thanks to Adam, we are resigned to live within this fragile clay jar until God calls us Home.

Some accept aging gracefully but I’m not one of them. I want to live as energetically and actively as possible while honoring my temple of the Holy Spirit! Consuming healthier food, which improves our mood and vitality level, is one way to do that.

Here’s how we all can live life more vibrantly:

1. Consume higher quality foods.  If you never changed the oil in your automobile but then drove it 55,000 miles, how would it respond? Not very well. Consider how your heart feels as it pumps blood through miles of blocked arteries to run your engine after it’s been clogged by chemically-processed, fattening food. Visualize all that sludge creeping through your veins. Yuck.
2. How energetic do you feel when you’re ill or are fighting the pain of arthritis? Not very! Omega 3’s3 also boosts the immune system and is anti-inflammatory. (You’ll be able to hold onto that exercise equipment without cringing.) By consuming Omega 3’s instead of saturated fats, you’ll be lubricating your metabolic engine. Where can you find these vital nutrients? In olive and canola oil, halibut, wild-caught salmon, tuna, oysters, trout, eggs, yogurt, peanut butter, oatmeal, walnuts, milled flaxseed, pasta, Brussels sprouts, spinach, kale and cod liver oil.
3. Snack on berries and other colorful fruit!  Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cherries, red grapes (resveratrol), plums, oranges, or other fruit.
4. Consume more fish, especially salmon, because it restores brain cells and fights dementia. You’ll remember those funny stories you want to tell your grandchildren.
5. Eat breakfast! Consume a good high (5+ grams) fiber cereal: Shredded Wheat, Great Grains, Grape Nuts, and Raisin Bran. Fiber naturally rids your body of toxins and restores natural energy balance. Increase your fiber naturally through whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits!
6. Drink more water. Water plumps up your arteries and removes dangerous toxins out of your system, restoring one’s energy and mental clarity.
7. Coffee, green tea, a glass of red wine, and dark chocolate all contain powerful antioxidants. Recently conducted studies have shown these can ward off dementia.
8. Spice up your life with herbs and seasonings: curry, cinnamon, mint, parsley, turmeric, tabasco, paprika, garlic, and virtually any seasoning except salt. (Blood pressure tends to rise over your lifetime.)  Seniors sometimes lose their sense of taste and tend to eat blander foods but spices stimulate brain cells, releasing serotonin; another feel-good neurotransmitter!
9. Add low-fat dairy and dark leafy vegetables for calcium.  Did you realize that skim milk actually has a higher protein percentage than other milk?  Calcium is extremely important for shrinking and thinning bones.  Add a walk, weight-bearing exercises, and consume 1200 mg. of calcium and one 1000 IU vitamin D supplement daily. But please take them with food to absorb nutrients.
10. Put on a Smile! True beauty comes from within. A positive attitude makes others want to know you! Surround yourself with friends. Praise God for the precious life He gave you!

Praise God for providing common sense. Your Choice.

Overcoming Sabatage Situations

Have you encountered these situations?

Food saboteurs might be lurking all around you. Virtually all social situations present challenges regarding remaining faithful to a weight loss plan. Arm yourself for any upcoming grand social occasion with some practical ways to resist saboteurs.

“But I Baked This Just for You!”     

Do you believe that sometimes you are lost in a universe of saboteurs just as the Robinson family was in the 1960s television series, Lost in Space? Is “Danger, Danger, Will Robinson!!!” running through your head right now?

Think about this possible family scenario:  Aunt Esmeralda remarks during dinner, “Andrea, save room for dessert because I made your favorite chocolate cherry pie!”

So now the guilt feelings start emerging.  How do I get out of this? I’d love to have a slice but my weight loss is going so well. I’m remaing so self-disciplined, I can’t give in!

If you are a “people-pleaser,” you would rather hurt yourself than someone’s feelings, so you will probably eat it.  Let me ask you if you were a recovering drug addict and someone came to you and cajoled, “But I bought this cocaine just for you!” would you take it? Hopefully not. Why? Because it would destroy your healthy-living goal and wreck your godly temple, thus grieving the Holy Spirit, that’s why! Common sense!

The pie itself isn’t wrong to eat. It’s how we react to food that’s the key. Who is in control: your brain or your emotions? Your weight goal motivation or the pie?

Here are some strategies to overcome this temptation:

First, acknowledge your aunt’s kindness because I doubt her intention was to sabotage you. Recognizing what she did was very considerate because, in her mind, it was. You can privately declare to Aunt Esmeralda, “What a thoughtful gesture! Would you mind if . . .” while already resolving to eat less stuffing, gravy, potatoes, candied yams, and rolls during dinner so you can eat a small sliver afterward. You’re exchanging carbohydrate and fat selections for another choice.

What you do not want to do is a state that you’re trying to get healthy because that might insult her, insinuating that her foods are unhealthy. It could even create a tirade of family protests, “You look great!” “You can’t lose anymore”  “You look gaunt!” inhibiting your restraint. Don’t believe your own publicity! (Are you feeling healthier and energetic? That means the most.)

If you decide to take a piece home, break the larger piece into smaller bites, freeze those and consume over several days. (Call your aunt and let her know how much you enjoyed it even more, the following day!) You probably will because you can savor the taste without feeling uncomfortable. Walk three miles the next day for an entire piece or two miles for a sliver. Remember, it’s your choice – you’re in control. Exercise it off, don’t wear it!

“It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,” (Titus 2:12)

Where there’s a will there’s a way.  You can incorporate these actions into any social scenario. Use the above strategies whether it’s a July 4th BBQ rib dinner or your favorite cake at a birthday party.

You can have your cheesecake and eat it too if you strategize beforehand. Life is a chess game. Be prepared, have a plan, and to be five steps ahead.  You’re conquering “self” and becoming a New Creation.

New Year, A New Attitude, New You!

It’s the New Year again! A time of renewal and positive actions.  And yet are you feeling just a bit frazzled?

Have you had a little too much sugar this holiday season??? Does the house look like a disaster area after unwrapping all those presents and having toys underfoot? Need to release some pent-up energy after the in-laws departed?

Fear not, you tell yourself, this too shall pass, and life as I know it will return . . .   Oh, but wait! It’s a New Year – I’m supposed to strive toward a new and healthier attitude. Guilt sets in when you procrastinate.

Hmm, perhaps that’s part of the problem. You’re plain tired!!! All you want to do is get back to “normal” again. That means routine – which means it’s couch potato time once again.

As tempting as it is to curl up under a pile of covers on a cold day! Resolve to make this coming year a truly positive and healthy one instead. (Drink green tea which energizes and assists in weight loss.)

Find family and friends who will involve you in healthier living. (Even if it’s being accountable to someone over the phone.)

Conquer one challenge at a time. Keep it simple. Anything can become too complicated when one tries to do too much in a short allowance of time. Health takes time! Relax and get your support base together and that means a fun family exercise.

Without proper exercise, we’re only spinning our wheels and we’ll never lose that holiday season weight. Muscle is the furnace that burns fat. That’s why exercise should be a daily personal routine. Find something you enjoy as exercise: dancing, walking, pickleball, snowshoeing, or building a snow fort with the kids.

Now I can hear you sigh, “You mean I have to exercise every day?”

“Oh dear,” I reply. “You mean I have to brush my teeth every day?”

Yes. That is unless you enjoy rotting teeth and bad breath.  You choose to brush your teeth each day because the payoff is better than the alternative. Same as health.

And who said exercise needs to be dull? Make exercise fun first of all, and then incorporate different types of exercise into your daily routine so you don’t get bored.  Just like a well-rounded, varied daily diet! I couldn’t eat one type of food forever, could you? Each food contains different vital nutrients. Same as various exercises that assist with firming up different body parts.

Variety really is the spice of life. Did you get an exercise video for Christmas? Use it as a family! Did you get snowed in and couldn’t get to work or school?  Sledding, walking, swimming, skiing, – it’s all exercise. Each exercise works for different muscle groups just as nutrients provide different metabolic benefits as well. Therefore, we need variety.

To enjoy life; relationships, exercise, food, as well as your occupation should be satisfying.  Look forward to family exercise as much as you do sitting down and watching the game on television. Think of the happy memories you’ll create.  There’s always an upside!

Children will remember the times they exercised as a family and enjoyed the fellowship. That’s a wonderful heritage to pass along.

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” Psalm 127: 3-5 (ESV)

 

This Should Be Your Favorite Gift!

What Will It Take to Make You Happy This Christmas?

How many times have we overheard someone say, “If only I could win that lottery, my troubles would be over!” “If only we lived in a larger home, we wouldn’t fight all the time.” or “If only I were thinner, I would be happy!”

Christmas is coming soon. What would it take to make us happy?  Would incredible wealth, a great home, Lamborghini, a perfect body, or perhaps gourmet meals with servants to wait on you every night make us happy?

What happens when you reach that goal and there is still emptiness within your soul? What fills the void then?

Adam was created by God Himself, with the perfect physique, and placed in a perfect world but he still wanted something more. Walking with God wasn’t enough for him, and he reached for something he shouldn’t have. Even living in a perfect environment didn’t bring happiness!

Don’t judge him too harshly however for we are still like that today. It’s called “Keeping up with the Joneses.” Many desire what someone else has: a 60-inch TV, a nifty sports car, luxury vacations, an Oscar . . .  a 22-inch waist.

Do you believe having a perfect body will make you happy?

“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”  (1 Samuel 16:7)

A pure and grateful heart is more pleasing to the Lord than a small waistline or celebrity status.

Perhaps relationships will make us happy? Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob thought that but quickly discovered that spouses, siblings, friends, and children can break a heart. Humans have character flaws and will eventually let you down. Let our plumb line be centered not on others, but on Christ who is truly perfect.

Will money instill happiness? It is futile to believe that if we won the lottery, our worries would be over.  Does great wealth provide security?

No, not even King Solomon found happiness in wealth. Solomon possessed greater monetary possessions than anyone and yet declared, “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”  (Ecclesiastes 1:1b).  He had it all: wine, women, and song but it didn’t buy happiness. Power and other materialistic provisions require a heavier responsibility.

Searching to fill a void in your life without God, leads to various addictions and pain. All Solomon’s wealth, power, and countless idol-worshiping wives drew him further away from his Center of Influence, his LORD God.

Who is your center of influence? Do other people’s opinions mean more to you than the Lord’s? Who controls your temple of the Holy Spirit?  Do you love some component of your life more than God? Have you made a graven image out of your work, a hobby, a relationship, an addiction to food?

If you are not happy within yourself, no amount of materialism or gifts received will change that. You will never be content. You will ultimately search for additional fulfillment. The more wealth Solomon accrued, the more meaningless his life became.

Let God make a difference in your life. Find real Joy by trusting in Christ’s generous sacrifice which brings Salvation and peace. It is a gift from the Lord!

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”  (Philippians 4:12)

Building Mental Muscle for Successful Weight Loss

Thanksgiving is coming. How can you remain healthier with all those food choices facing you in the world?

Losing weight isn’t meant to be easy. But that’s what makes it great when you do. No one else lives inside your body, so no one else can do it for you. Mentally, when it comes to a healthier lifestyle, you alone are in charge of your decisions.

But you’re not actually alone. One person does not constitute a team. Great Quarterbacks can’t win alone. They are surrounded by a good team.

Are your best friends, coworkers, children and spouse assisting you as cheerleaders? Real friends will support you because they want you to be healthy. Satan doesn’t and will throw everything in your path to trip you up. God never tempts – Satan always does.

Surround yourself with those who have your best interests at heart. Who would that be? “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

To resist temptation, clear your mind and listen to your LORD. Temptation begins in the mind. “As a man thinks, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7)  Trust that you can overcome temptation because you are strong and courageous thru Christ.

Have the mindset that you and Jesus are a team and he wants you to be triumphant. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 2:5)

Who is your culinary Lord? Has a potato chip, chocolate, bratwurst, or Cheese Whiz begun ruling your life? I doubt very much if it’s broccoli or Gee, I can’t get enough spinach!

No, it’s always something tempting or decadent. Satan knows this and will throw favorites in your face when you’re most vulnerable. Therefore, consume nutritious snacks throughout the day to stabilize your blood sugar and temptations at bay. (Bananas, yogurt, grapes, dark chocolate, peanut butter on whole grain crackers, etc.)

To combat temptation, memorize scripture. Write these Bible verses down and place them on your fridge, bathroom, and bedroom mirror, or in your change purse to inspire you. It will reinforce your determination to not be taken down by something as frivolous as the second piece of pumpkin pie.

What has He written down in His Word?

Self-Control: “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Tell yourself that you can do this! Resist temptation. (James 4:7) Turn away – get your mind on something other than food. Resist that second helping on Thanksgiving dinners at grandma’s house. Get outside and walk, play cards, and start washing dishes. If you’re home: read a book, turn on music, and paint your nails. You can’t get into a bag of chips with painted nails!

Gluttony: “Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.” (Philippians 3:19)

God gave us a bounty of goodies to eat, so that’s not the problem. The challenge is to love the Lord more than that choice. Please remember that Christ died for ALL sins, and gluttony is a sin.

Discipline: “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I should be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:27)

Have a joyful Thanksgiving. Remember it’s about the company and fellowship more than food. Slow down and savor not only the food but time with loved ones.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26)

Temptation Season Begins

I’m sure you’ve heard the expression, “You are about to enter the Twilight Zone?” Well, hold on to your hats, for we are about to enter the “Temptation Zone.” It lasts four months, at which time, you’ll wonder mysteriously why your clothes shrunk.  

It begins on Halloween – my least favorite holiday, coming up soon. Candy, costumes, and witchcraft. Then comes Thanksgiving, a holiday totally dedicated to family tradition and food.

During December, we have Christmas parties, (both office and personal.) Then Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner. Within another week, we celebrate New Year’s Eve with more parties. The following day, we attend a New Year’s dinner.

January begins with football playoffs every weekend until the Superbowl with an abundance of drinks and appetizers.  A week later, Temptation Season finally ends with a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner.

It’s a long season in which we hibernate from the cold, dreary days of winter. Who wants to walk in the cold, snowy weather? Okay, walk around the mall, or take Zumba classes. Play with your kids, build snow forts, and snow angels, or learn to cross-country ski. No excuses.

Have you ever noticed that no one is tempted by something they didn’t like? No one is tempted to go to the dentist, right? If we served liver instead of turkey at Thanksgiving, I doubt if the holiday would have ever taken off. But no, that day, all our favorite foods are laid out on the table family style. We are encouraged to dig in and even take seconds. Who could resist?

Those who are easily tempted need a plan this season. Recognize there will be speed bumps and roadblocks coming over the next months. There’s always something that might trip you up. Have a plan.

For example, let’s take Trick or Treating. You enjoy seeing those sweet children strolling around in their costumes. So, you bought some candy you enjoy, knowing it wouldn’t all be given away, right? Oh my, what can I do with the rest??? If you bought Candy Corn, no temptation there. But I bought Snickers!!! I can’t throw those away, can I? That would be a travesty. It’s amazing how easily those little bars of chocolate got wrapped around our waistlines, isn’t it?

What could we have done? First purchase candy that we don’t particularly enjoy but children do. Give away the rest or freeze, “outta sight, outta mind.” Get rid of the temptation. Why be tempted by seeing it on the counter?

“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.”  (James 1:13-16)

It’s important to realize that God states anything is fine in moderation. (1 Corinthians 10:23) The problem is creating an idol and loving it more than God. It is also important to recognize that God provides a way out of temptation. (1 Corinthians 10:13) and third, we are to flee temptation. (James 4:7.)

This practice can be incorporated into any tempting situation. You know what to do – as Nike used to say, “just do it!” The longer one debates right or wrong, it tends to lower our resolve. Turn your back and don’t debate temptation.

You have willpower – tap into it now. I guarantee – it feels powerful to overcome!

Building Character on a Biblical Foundation

I was privileged to accompany a friend on a house hunting trip once. It was like House Hunters, one of my favorite shows! As we viewed different houses, however, I saw a distinct correlation between homes and spirituality.

Several homes had absolutely wonderful curb appeal. However, the photos which looked gorgeous on the internet were nothing like the home we viewed!  It was obvious that there were many renovations to be done! 1960s carpets, old appliances, there would be walls to tear down or it smelled bad.

Mmmm, how typical to someone who looks so stunning on the outside but as soon as they open their mouth, unkind behavior or foul language comes spewing out. Just like that house, those people need a renovation! They need God’s Word which cleanses the soul and restructures lives into True Beauty.

One lovely home, which she thought via the internet, would be “the one,” had several massive cracks in the basement walls. Foundations are tricky things, it could be the prettiest home on the block, but if it falls apart, meh . . . not so great.

A Christian’s testimony is only as good as its foundation as well! Someone might look like ‘the one,’ but if she/he is not grounded in Scripture, massive cracks can appear in the lives of those Christians. It is never wise to build your marriage, personal friendship, or business relationship on a weak, crooked foundation. Rather stand solidly on the Word of God!

One home’s owner had just entered an assisted living facility. The house was on a quiet, secluded lot with lovely trees surrounding the property. Looked promising. But upon walking up the driveway, it was obvious that the home needed a new garage door and roof. It was even sadder on the inside.

The house hadn’t been updated since 1955, the year it was built.  Linoleum floors and an indoor shuffleboard court graced the premises.  An original pink built-in oven and other 1950 appliances covered the kitchen. (When I saw the horror on my friend’s face, I jokingly suggested that the stove could be sold on eBay, but . . . somehow that didn’t entice her.)

Some Christians are like that. They get stuck in the past and never grow in knowledge or grace. After the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in the late 1940s, new translations validated and reflected the Word of God as accurately as possible. Searching and reading other translations is fine as long as they are grounded in Truth.

The last home boasted nothing special about the exterior. In fact, she had no interest in seeing it at first. I suggested some colorful foliage could do wonders.

Since the realtor had to leave a card, we shrugged and reluctantly went inside. Well built, this home was exactly what she had wanted from the start. In a lovely neighborhood, it sported updated features like plush carpet and renovated bathrooms. It turned out to be the perfect home after all!

Are we biased when we view others? Do we welcome only those who are attractive or wealthy? Or do we see each visitor as a potential brother and sister in Christ?

Once, when we were searching for a church, a passing drifter attended their Sunday School. I noticed some looking down on him in disdain. Not very Christian, I thought. This isn’t the church for us. What a surprise when they discovered that he knew more about the Bible than most of us! This certainly pleased God more than his appearance.

“However, God’s solid foundation still stands. It has this inscription on it: “The Lord knows those who belong to him,” and “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from evil.” (2 Timothy 2:19)

Build your character on God’s Firm Foundation.