Christmas Cookies

I think it is clear if you have read my blog before, that I am a habitual snacker, especially of the cookie/candy/anything sweet variety. And at Christmas time at my in-laws, there is an abundance of the afore-mentioned snacks available! My mother-in-law reminded me multiple times about today being Tuesday, asking if I was still going to fast, and despite the many reminders, I still dipped my hand into the caramel popcorn (Johnson's, if you're wondering!), and almost ate one of my home-made buckeyes, without thinking. This was a reminder that a lot of my snacking, as well as a lot of other things I do are done without thinking. This verse came to mind, encouraging me to go through life with thoughtfulness, intention, and purpose.

The Word: (About the commands of God) "Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 11:19

I will be the first to admit that the mental aspects of parenthood have been more tiring than the physical. So it is daunting to hear this verse and challenge myself to meditate on God's word all the time, in addition to monitoring and planning for the kid's needs. But I remember what I 'preached' to my clients in rehab who told me they were too tired to take part in recreational activities- that when you do something you love, the effort you put out is returned to you doubly in satisfaction and joy. I will trust that the same is true for this command of God, that putting forth the mental effort will produce the fruits of the Spirit in me instead of draining me.

Prayer: For the children of God to take seriously the Lord's call to meditate on His Word, and that it would bring refreshment and renewal in our hearts.

Food Story: It seems weird to family why I do this and I have heard some of the following things, so I will think aloud and you can share in my heart's responses as I seek to have right motives and purposes.

                It's a holiday, can't you make an exception: God's wants me to draw nearer to Him every 
                opportunity I can, not take 'holidays' off- He is greater than my worldly schedule/plans

                I just love food, I couldn't see giving it up: God is my strength and provider. Everything I have is a
                gift, I am more thankful for it when I remember those who go without. A fruit of the Spirit is self-
                control, and if I can develop self control with food, maybe it will carry over to other areas of life

                Do you eat a bigger breakfast, can you have a little snack? I'm not worrying as much about
                logistics now, it's more about remembering my connection to the Creator, Savior, and my Father,
                to remember my call from Him to love and serve.