Bad weekend, help!

[crazybakr]

Hello, fellow First Placers. This has been a rough weekend so far. There is no group near me, and I missed these boards SO much. I am thankful for this way of chatting with others, knowing we are all together in this, no matter where we live.

This weekend has been very hard for me. Thursday was my birthday, and it seems I gave myself license to eat the wrong things. It didn't help that I went out shoppint today for some new spring clothes as all my current clothes are getting too big. However, the styles out there just aren't meant for my body. The other hard part is, I am a Pastors wife, and need things that are comfortable to be in for long periods of time. The styles that I am finding are way to "out there". Nothing fit right, and it sent me down. I did do my treadmill for the hour that I usually do, hoping to lift my spirits. I think the rain outside is not helping.

Satan is turning up the heat on me, and I am buckling under the pressure. Being a Pastors wife also makes the pressure even more hard to deal with because we are supposed to have it all together. Does any one have any words of wisdom or a Scripture reading that I can use to get my head in the right place. Thank you for being here at this moment.

God Bless, Cheryl

[jimbev]

Cheryl, I'm praying for you--as I was reading this it could have been me writing it. I am a pastor's wife also; however, we are still humans and we are still sinners. I always thought I should have it all together also.

What has helped me is to repeat certain Bible verses, many are in our First Place memory verses. One I love is "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things." Phil. 4:8 We tend to think negatively when Satan is bugging us and that's just what he wants. Instead of thinking you failed, think what you have done that is good, right, excellent or praiseworthy. You say you have clothes too big for you--that is excellent. You exercised an hour--do you know how many people are unable to exercise that much? When we goof up, we just take it to the Lord, ask forgiveness, and start over again. Yeah, I know what it's like to have clothes that are not my style and it is discouraging. But I find "an old lady's shop" as my daughter calls it and those are more comfortable and becoming.

Remember, that He who began a good work in you is able to complete it in the day of Christ Jesus. Phil. 1:6. We will not be complete it until we see Him face to face.

Blessings,
Bev

[crazybakr]

Bev, Thank you so much for your encouraging words. Since there are no coincidences with God, I know you had you on the boards at that time for a reason. I am redoing the Bible study book, Life Under Control, and I am doing week three right now. Guess what verse that is...Phil 4:8. Thank you for your prayers, and I will also be praying for you. I will remember the things you mentioned and I will be sure to pass along the blessing that you have given to me.

Have a great Sunday morning worshipping during this Easter week. Praise Him for doing the work on the cross for us.

Again, thank you so much. I will think on the true, the right, and all the excellent things He has done.

Blessings and prayers, Cheryl

[Cecilia/WI]

Cheryl, I am also praying for you. It does seem like Satan takes every opportunity to tempt us, even when it is not our birthday. Hebrews 4:14-16 came to mind as I read your prayer request. "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Our High Priest stands ready to give immediate and sympathetic help when we turn to Him. I find myself so very impatient when it comes to temptation but as I learn to turn to Him first, then I am able to make a better decision. I pray that this week will find you turning to Him every moment of each day for the strength only He provides.

In His Hands, cecilia

[Leisha/AL]

I just registered on this board just so I could tell you to hang in
there with First Place! I almost decided to quit my Outlook group this
weekend and I just love my group! I'm doing the Life Under Control Bible
Study and just started week 4 this week so we have something in common!
I decided this morning to start fresh and not try to catch up, just to
jump right back in and try to get back on the program!

I can't even imagine the challenges of being the pastor's wife! I will be
praying for you and your First Place commitments!

Leisha/AL

[crazybakr]

Cecilia, thank you so much for that Scripture. Sometimes in my day to day thinking, I overlook the fact that He was tempted in everyway that we are. Sometimes I feel like my little daily battles are too small to take to Him. But He wants them, and I need to remember that.

Leisha, that is so neat that we are in the same book at about the same place. I am also redoing that book. I had two copies, and felt the need to go through that one. That seems to be where my weakness is right now. I feel out of control when pressure gets to me. You can do it... getting back on track is always a great feeling when I have taken time going the wrong way. I will be praying for you as you let control be turned over to the One in control. With Easter coming up, this week is one I want to truly concentrate on the work of the Cross. I am looking forward to the services we will be having and the reflection.

Are you two having great weeks this week? I will pray that all the temptations of Easter "traditions" don't get to you. Chocolate is one of my biggest temptations, therefore, we are not getting any for the kids this year. They don't need it anyway.

Well, off to do my quiet time before the kids get up for school. Have a wonderfully blessed day. Know that others are praying for you.

Cheryl/MD

[barb/Australia]

HI all
Haveing a birthday is time for celebration and it happens only 1 per year so allow yourself the enjoyment of it. Birthdays, Anniversaries, Holidays are often hard times for members. Dont take on any GUILT about what you ate during this time. You are allowed food, and to enjoy it. Special occasions are just that, and first place dont deprive members of not having a celebration. Its all about balance. You can plan these events into your schedule. Portion size is the key. Know your sizes and stick to them. You can still have the cake and eat it too. Getting back onto the food live it with your next meal is the key. DOnt let the mindset say "well Im off track I may as well stay there" No! Stop It! and get back with the next meal. Its all about making LIFESTYLE changes, which takes a lifetime to perfect. So dont be too hard on yourself.

Celebrate the fact you were able to buy new clothes because it means you have lost weight.

See if you can exchange them for something that is your style or get a refund if you need to, if its something that isnt comfortable. Try clothes on in dressing rooms, and have fun with it. Try something that you wouldnt normally wear. It may be just the NEW you. Changing weight and attitude go hand in hand. Being fashionable isnt a crime. Its the way our minds determine it. Are your reasons for getting the new styles to keep up with someone else? then yes it maynot be the right attitude. Are you trying to be a little more adventerous and get something that is out of your comfort zone? If yes, give yourself some time to adjust to the new size you. Often peoples physical appearances may change but they internally still see themselves as the biggest they ever were.

Take a new Look at the NEW you...God created you! Your Beautiful and you have done the hard work. Enjoy the blessings! that come with the loss.

I hope this helps in some small way.

Barb/Australia