During the last two months of 2020 and the first two months of 2021, I was away more than I was home. Saying goodbye to my sister-in-law was an experience I did not handle well. Having peace through the sorrow of her death (since I knew she was with Jesus in heaven) was one thing but then to go forward with peace was totally different. I would like to say I handled the grief with prayer and RESTRAINT, but it would not be truthful.

My every thought was: What can I bake? Or what can I eat? I want something sweet! And of course, where’s the nearest Starbucks?! I have felt so out of control with my cravings.

When I began a “no dairy, no sugar” fast in 2017 for the month of September, I knew it would be hard. But each year I did see some improvement, and so much so that I eat healthier throughout the whole year. I was making progress. My cravings were under control. I was weighing in at a good weight for my height. So here I am, like starting from scratch. Starting all over.

Many times, in my walk with the Lord, I landed back at the beginning. It was those times I always felt like a total failure. Surely, I had exhausted the Lord’s patience if not His love! But the cool thing is, every time He welcomed me back with open arms. Just like the hymn states, “His love has no limit, His grace has no measure” (He Giveth More Grace by Don Moen). Nothing can separate a believer from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39).

As I approach the month of September, I’m going to get a head-start through the last week of August. Today has been a day of restraint as I spend time making a list of what I can eat. I’m thinking ahead of what I will eat if I’m at a restaurant. I’m praying beforehand, and I will be praying continuously throughout. I’m mind training today.

P.S. There’s an ice cream cake in the freezer. My hubby’s birthday is August 24. I will have a slice and that will be all for me. It better be the same for him because, after all, he’s turning 62, so much older than me. 😉