Week 2

If first you don't succeed, analyze what went wrong and try a new approach!
Last week didn't go so great :( Actually it wasn't a total loss because I ate acceptable foods, but I overate and didn't fill out my food journal consistently.
The day after Christmas my father ended up in ICU with congestive heart failure and I just fell apart. I've been struggling with depression for some time now and this incident was the straw that broke the camels back so to speak. Through all of this and the holiday season I've seen the Lord's hand at work in my life. He's so good to me and His love continues to amaze me!
It's a new week, new day and I'm not going to let the enemy discourage me!
Already this morning the Spirit has been speaking to me and for that I'm truly grateful! One very important verse jumped off the page at me which I want to share with you.
"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11. I've read this verse many times before, but today it reminded me that discipline is necessary. Many people I talk to and share with about what I'm doing say that it is too rigid or strict, another form of bondage! I use to feel that way too, but I'm reminded that my way hasn't achieved for me the results I want (or what I believe the Lord wants for me) therefore, it's time to follow someone with the fruit on the tree! Of course the people with the negative opinions don't have the fruit I'm looking for. There's a shocker!
For some time now, I've been led to live a different life from the the way the world lives and have gotten much grief because of it, but the Word promises that if we obey the Lord and follow His ways we will be blessed. It also promises that we will have tribulation and persecution just as the Lord himself had and that we should rejoice and be glad to share in His sufferings. I'm not quite there yet I must confess, but my desire is to please Him and that is what I am focusing on, not what the world thinks! I've followed the way of the world most of my life and we all know where that has gotten me! Again, If at first you don't succeed, analyze what went wrong and try a new approach. Hmmm....follow God or the world?