O, the irksome feeling after having my suspicions confirmed! – 7lbs! The dreaded half a stone! I seldom stand on my scales, as my clothes tell the tale of excess. Buttons becoming tight, then not fastening at all!
Last time I braved the scales was the first week of October. This was after a break in Llangrannog, followed by two nights B & B in
How does this half stone creep on so quickly? For me there are two reasons for the gain. Firstly”eating out”. I give permission for someone else to be my nutrition provider. The second is obvious, I’m on holiday! Chocolates, scones, wine and the occasional
Ice cream doesn’t help either.
So decision made, I choose to put more thought in again to meals and snacks. All the above are still allowed, it is just the quantity and frequency that is slashed. I instantly feel good.
As a believer and servant of Jesus Christ, I see all this as a reflection of what the Lord would have us do more regularly than just at the beginning of a new year - self examination. The communion table is one such time. If all else fails, here we can take stock, and if necessary repent and clear out the outer courts of our temple, which is our flesh life.
My school motto, back in the 1970’s was a passage from Philippians Chapter 4: 4-8, the King James Version.
The “Whatsoever things” have stayed with me to this day.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true
Whatsoever things are honest (noble NIV)
Whatsoever things are just (right NIV)
Whatsoever things are pure
Whatsoever things are lovely
Whatsoever things are of good report (admirable NIV)
If there be any virtue (excellence NIV)
And if there be any praise, think on these things.
There are other lists, but these are of things that can make us stumble or just become sluggish. “Whatsoever” is personal and it is usually attached to a particular appetite or other. Yours could be work, music, TV, Facebook, magazines, socializing. The lists are endless.
I began with sharing one of my irks! Thankfully we have the Lord. Invite Him regularly to sweep clean your outer courts, that is why He came. His blood is available to cleanse and restore, any time of day or night.
A happy and Christ centred New Year to all.
