Metanoia

I learned a new word last night - metanoia - it is a spiritual awakening, fundamental change of character. Human behavior is NOT to delay gratification. Human nature has a problem with greed, gluttony and envy - just saying those words feels BAD - repeat them slowing to yourself - don't they feel heavy? You can feel the weight of the words in the air around you... Riches change our minds and hearts. This does not just mean money. Think about how you feel when you first get home from the grocery store. The fridge and cabinets are full. You can stand in the middle of your kitchen and rub your hands together - what to eat first - what did I bring home that I can rip into first. Does the first thought go to a food that is healthy, one that will provide the right balance of vitamins and energy or one that is dripping in oozey, gooey goodness and mentally 'hit the spot'. Riches change our minds and hearts!

Proverbs 25:28 "Like a city whose walls are broken down
is a man who lacks self-control."

How does this help me with self-control? During Biblical times the cities had walls built up around them for protection. This tall, thick, brick wall provided protection from attacks. Without the wall the people were vulnerable to enemy invasion. Think of self-control as protection. It is my first line of defense. Self-control allows me the security to make decisions based on what is best for me, not what commercials, advertisments, billboards, friends, magazine articles tell me I deserve. I make the important decision of what I deserve and need. If I lack self-control then I become a slave to the very things I am not controlling. When I envision myself a slave to food I see myself all hunched over, hair hanging in my face, no make-up (not a pretty site!), drab and tattered clothing clinging to a frumpy body, hand reaching out and following food but never being able to touch and feel the goodies - it is a huge mound of desserts, lasagna, pizza with extra cheese, bar-b-que, mashed potatoes, pasta, meats; all dripping with the most decadent chocolate and topped with a crown of whipped cream and a cherry. The food is in control and I am the slave.

When I have self-control I can stand tall, don't need make-up because I am eating healthy foods that naturally add a bit of pink to my cheeks!, my hair is shiney and managable (it comes from within), my blood is flowing and heart is beating at just the perfect rate, by blood sugar level keeps my emotions in check...you get the picture...and the only food in sight is portion controlled and full of vitamins and nutrients for a healthy body. I like all of these foods because I chose them and they are in the right portion because balance is important to me. My line of defense is the balance that keeps me healthy in my mind and body! I don't want to be the slave, but I don't want to be the king either! I can allow and trust God to be in control of life and I know that my self-control comes from following His lead.

Food can become my friend and not my enemy - sounds like another blog can come from that thought.......

Back to my smoothie this morning...it is fairly warm for this time of year in MO...and 1/2 bagel, dubliner cheese and 1 oz. chicken breast for lunch. The day is half over and I still have 12.5 points...a very good thing because it is later in the day that I start to get hungry...yes, even if I eat more points in the morning I still THINK I am hungry in the evening.