Do you have problems with food or weight? I am part of that club.
Before I was 23, I always thought I was fat, but in reality I wasn’t really big, just big boned. But after age 23, I began using food to comfort and to reward. The weight piled on. And on.
Of course, along the way I have dieted. I’ve done most of the biggies: Jennie Craig and Weight Watchers and Atkins, some of the little ones: bananas and water, Weigh Down and Overeaters Anonymous and of course the manic middle: fasting, only veggies, only protein, only starvation.
And you know what? They’ve all worked. I’ve lost TONS of weight. Problem is I gained it all back plus a little something extra. And the weight continued to pile on. And on.
Now I am 48, almost 49 and I am exhausted. I do not want to live in this cycle of defeat. My mind has been the following whirlpool of thoughts for years:
“I’m fat. I have to lose weight. I can’t lose weight. I am pathetic. But I have to lose weight. I know! I won’t eat badly today. I can do this. Oh man, why did I eat that? Well, since I already ate it, I am now going to eat a lot of it. I’ll start over on Monday. I’m fat. I have to lose weight…”
Does this sound familiar? Many of us deal with this. MANY of us.
This past summer, I was invited to a Bible Study that I thought was going to discuss faith. I walked in and discovered it was a book study. A book about putting food before God. Yikes! NO, I said. Nothing ever works.
But it did. Putting the principles of this book, Lysa Terkerust ‘s Made to Crave, into action, I have found freedom that I have never experienced before.
The Bible Study ended. But I haven’t. I need to continue and I need a group of friends who will walk with me.
SO, I am beginning a group called SPACIOUS PLACES in my home beginning SEPTEMBER 15th, THURSDAY, in my home in Centennial, Colorado from 9 to 11 in the morning. We will go for 9 weeks. And then we’ll see. Our first study will be to go through the book Made to Crave.
If you are interested in joining me, I would love to have you. I need help to walk this road because it is DIFFICULT. But God is so good and He wants to rescue us!
I have moved into a SPACIOUS PLACE where there is freedom and joy. I call it a spacious place based on
Psalm 18:19
“He has brought me into a spacious place. He has rescued me because He delights in me.”
Join me in this spacious place! And if you can’t come, which I totally understand, then I encourage you to pick up this book. It will guide you to the freedom found in craving God, not extra food.
If you are interested in attending SPACIOUS PLACES each Thursday at my home, email me at robbieiobst at hotmail.com or call me at (720) 329-2317. If you want to join a group, if we have one at night, let me know.
12 comments:
Hi Robbie! This is something I SO want to do and I pray the Lord works it out so that I can. My sister suggested I read the book 'since I'm a Christian' - she won't pick it up though, and we both need to lose weight. I'll try to pick up the book this week and read through it by the end of the month. We can DO this! We CAN do this! I love you, Robbie!
What a great thing, Robbie, starting a group like this! I LOVE the name! Wish I lived farther south. I decided tonight JUST BEFORE I READ THIS that I am going to REALLY MAKE AN EFFORT this time to lose weight! I even wrote a "number" on my calendar in November - the weight I'd like to be!!! And
I am going to take advantage of the accountability I get in the LLS Team In Training (tonight we ran up and down the stairs and bleachers at Red Rocks Amphitheater! Hard to believe this non-athlete puffed her way through an hour of training! YIKES! And I am not going to load up with carbs like they say ("You need to replenish your carbs." NO, I DON'T!
So, we'll see how it goes! Walking 5 days a week, eating well...Will I make that number when November rolls around?
I WISH EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU IN THIS CLASS GOD'S RICHEST BLESSINGS - and STRENGTH! What a great idea, Robbie! GO GIRL! - marla benroth
Robbie, how wonderful that God led you to a study that is helping you so much! I think it's great that you're seeking support now (and ready to give it, too) and starting a group in your home. All the best!
Boy did you hit my life on the head! I have been up and down with weight and know I need to lose weight! I am 49 and exhausted all the time as well. I have been searching for a book with God's guidance for weight loss. I am going tomorrow to get the book. Wish I lived closer (I am in WI) I would be at your house in a heartbeat. Thanks for the post
Helen, I hope you can join us. It is a fantastic book! We can do this, Helen, you're right, but I need help and encouragement along the way. I can't do it alone. I've tried. :0) I love you too friend!
Thank you Marla! You are such an inspiration to me in SO many ways! You go girl! :0)
Thank you Cheryl! I really covet your prayers. Who knows what God is gonna do? :0)
Nanette, You will love this book. Lysa writes like she's talking to you over a cup of coffee. Honest and really, really true! :0) I hope and pray your journey can get you out of exhaustion city and on the road to HOPE and Freedom! :0) Let's do this girl! :0)
Robbie, I just saw this post and I think this is something I would like to do too. Since Helen is interested she and I can team up and make this happen. The problem for me is that I will be going out of town Sept. 29 and Oct.6. Will be in Ill. for a high school reunion and a family wedding.
Diane,it would be wonderful if you came whenever you could! :0) You will love this book and of course I would love seeing you!
This is such a wonderful concept. I know I could use some accountability in this area. It seems like 25 was the not so magic age for me and weight. I would love to join you, but can't on Thursdays. I am a small group leader at a women's Bible study. If you do work out another time let me know. I may start reading the book on my own.
Allison,
You will LOVE this book. I highly recommend it. It's so cool that you are a Bible Study discussion leader. We have to get together some day. :0)
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