christineyountjones.com

Author: Christine Yount Jones

  • Does God’s Plan Really Work?

    Does God’s Plan Really Work?

    Does God’s plan really work? I’ve asked myself that many times. And I’ve wondered if I’m some kind of poser if it doesn’t.

    Weight loss is slow going with God’s plan. But peace is present every day.

    Let me say that again: Weight loss is slo-o-o-o-o-o-w going.

    And I wonder: God am I doing the right thing?

    The answer to the question: Does God’s plan really work? is a resounding YES!

    How do I know? Because it was working while I worked it and when I stopped working it, it stopped working. (Say that three times!)

    Ya, that’s right:

    It was working while I worked it,

    and when I stopped working it,

    it stopped working!

    I’ve been unfocused and unfaithful. And I’m not talking just a weekend of a few cheats. I’m talking weeks…months…of breaking almost all 11 of the steps to freedom from dieting addiction. And the result: I’ve gained 8 pounds! That’s 8 pounds, ladies and gentlemen!

    Here I go spiraling down…

    So what happens when I backslide? Do I run back to my loving Father’s arms in repentance and pursue His plan again?

    Well…ahem…no.

    I spiral into a quick hunt for a “better” plan. The names of the diets change but the entire world system doesn’t. The enemy’s plan is to still distract me and bind me up with the “law” and with empty promises that the world can set me free…the only One who can truly set me free is Jesus!

    I know diets will never work, but I even considered paying almost $500 for a 21-day detox plan.

    Stop the insanity! And just return! I hear God whisper.

    So…here I am crawling back…uncomfortably heavier and desperate before God.

    As God intercepted my downward spiral, I saw this tweet from @ChristineCaine:

    When you digress

    it’s only a matter of time until you start to regress

    and nullify all your progress.

    Stay focused.

    Yup! I digressed, then regressed and nullified–not all, but a lot of –my progress.

    Thank God that He is a merciful God!

    “For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.’ But you were unwilling.” Isaiah 30:15 (ESV)

    I am willing! And right now it’s all I have to give to my faithful God–I am willing!

    I will not turn to the idols of this world!

    I will not fall back into old patterns!

    I will not bow down to the scale!

    I am willing God to follow you step by step, day by day, meal by meal.

    Right now…that’s all I’ve got!

    If you’re reading this, I’d appreciate your prayers. And I’d like to hear about your journey and how I can pray for you! Let’s pursue God in this battle together!

  • What’s Your Why for Your How?

    What’s Your Why for Your How?

    Why do you want to be free of diet addiction and the yo-yo of dieting ups and downs? Your “why” will drive you and sustain you–if you choose carefully.

    Is it for a smaller size? A certain weight? An upcoming event you’re trying to get in shape for?

    Sadly, these goals will never sustain us. Let’s be honest, they’re just not enough motivation when we’re facing that big bowl of creamy fetuccine alfredo or that gooey warm chocolate cake drizzled with raspberry sauce. (Yeah, I’m on vacation right now and surrounded by amazing restaurants!)

    So what’s the why that will enable us to do the how? (This is kind of like the “who’s on first base” bit, isn’t it?)

    Jesus makes it clear what his purpose was in John 4:34: “My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to accomplish His work.”

    What is the work that God has called you to? When you’re finally free, who are the people in your life who are in bondage to the same issues who desperately need freedom? Jesus came to set the captives free. When you are free, God will use you to set others free! That’s exciting, isn’t it?

    “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in this present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.” Titus 2:11-14

    We are a people who are to be “zealous for good deeds”–not weight loss, not diets, not even fitness.

    Only those who are truly free can lead others to freedom.

    Our why must be gospel-centric–not me-centric. As we pursue the good of our brothers and sisters–and those who aren’t in the family of believers yet–we will be propelled to make lasting choices.

    Let’s pursue the freedom that comes through obedience today–and every day!

  • A Shorthand Version of the 11 Principles

    A Shorthand Version of the 11 Principles

    With selling our house, changing jobs, moving to a new city…and all the stress that comes with that, I’ve been “off the wagon.”

    In fact, my husband and I ate an entire Challa (pr. halla) loaf of bread in one weekend. We were following a realtor out in the boondocks and realized we were starving with no sign of lunch in the future. That’s when I remembered the partial loaf in the back seat. Halla–lujah! Can anyone say Halla? we joked. But then we went to town on it.

    And that, as you might well expect, was the yeast intoxication I needed to crave MORE bread! Even to the point that I was sick of bread after a few days. (That rarely happens!)

    I realized that I need an S.O.S. from God! In stressful times, it can be tough to remember the principles. I asked God to help me with a shorthand version. So here it is.

    S–Spirit-filled living

    “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16

    O–only eat when genuinely hungry

    “Put a knife to your throat if you have a big appetite.” Proverbs 23:2

    S–stop when satisfied instead of stuffed

    “Feed me with the food that is needful for me.” Proverbs 30:8

    For more on “the principles,” click here.

    By the way, I sometimes wonder if what I’m sharing with you really works. One of my biggest fears in life is to be a “poser.” Well…it does. That is, it works. When I’m doing my own thing, I gain (quickly I might add).

    Following even the shorthand version leads to weightloss (albeit slowly) and a closer walk with God (constant, moment-to-moment closeness).

    I’m encouraged to stay the course. I hope you are as well!