Psalm 37:23 tells us the Lord delights in every detail of our lives. Every. detail. He desires to direct us in our point of struggle, delighting in our first small steps toward change.
Have you chosen your “ONE thing” yet (see Baby Steps Part One http://wp.me/p4RztF-v3)? Did you ask yourself the questions?
As mentioned, my ONE thing is my diet goal: 80% of my eating will consist of unprocessed, organic “real” food. Pondering the questions, I sensed God’s leading in choosing this goal at this time. Firstly because I have a sweet tooth or a chocolate tooth. I also grapple with eating on the go and mindless eating when life gets crazy or when I’m emotionally and physically bankrupt. I cycle between healthy and intentional to careless and unhealthy eating.
Because of chronic health issues, I believe cleaning up my diet will impact my vitality. When I am strong, it positively affects those I love and gives me energy for relationships, work and ministry.
Discouragement often holds me back and steals my success. YET I know that I know, I need to do what I can to live the best I can every day the Lord grants me.
Once we answer our questions and determine our ONE thing, we take steps toward change.
Baby Step Number 1: Prayer
“The LORD will guide you always…” Isaiah 58:11a.
Start by seeking God first. Ask His guidance in your ONE area.
Lord, where are you calling for growth and change in me? What ONE area are you inviting me to surrender to You? What shall I give up or take on to bring glory to You?
As I prayed, I sensed the Lord leading me to start with my eating, as my health overflows to every area of my life. It’s an area I hold back from Him. I want to allow Him access here. I want Him to change my heart and my health.
Are you frustrated by the Ghost of New Year’s Resolution’s Past? Goal after goal unmet? Tell him! Ask Him for direction and motivation.
Baby Step Number 2: List the steps needed to meet your goal
You may have seen this before. I’m a big fan of making SMART goals.
When looking at my goal of getting to the 80% real-food mark, I opened up my journal and brain-dumped by using the SMART goal principle. I figured out my specific goal, determined how to measure it, how to make it attainable, relevant (and practical) and how long(ish) it should take to get there.
Keeping our lifestyle realities in mind is key. We must set ourselves up for success and give grace. That is why I chose 80% instead of 100%. It’s just not do-able or realistic. Besides, the joy of junk food, chocolate, celebrations and dining out are all part of our delicious life in America. I just need to find a balance.
Baby Step Number 3: List the hindrances
“I knew I was going to take the wrong train, so I left early.”
– Yogi Berra
No excuses soldier!
What is holding you back? List your hindrances and yes, excuses. Are our excuses our hindrances?
I realized this as true for me once I listed mine.
That’s all for now.
Do your homework and meet me next time as we wrap up with Baby Steps Four and Five.
I am working on the same thing. Your blog is very helpful. Thank you.
Thanks Rose!
Each of your blogs hits me in the places in my heart where I need it the most. Thank you for sending your Christ filled messages directly from your heart to mine.