Week 3 Peak Challenge Wrap UP

⁶ For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 

Our Scripture for week 3 was 1 John 2:16 and it couldn't have come at a better time. October has been the time of year that I usually fall off the wagon as the CANDY CORN hits the stores. Follow that with the yummies of Fall baking, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I have made a declaration that this year will be different. I have given food way too much power in my life. The reality is that by continuing to make bad choices I am not taking care of the body that the God that I love and serve has given to me. As I watch my children, I realize that their eating habits are a reflection of mine. They are not overweight but prefer sweet things over any other foods. The youngest two are becoming picky eaters and it is a battle some nights because I refuse to be a short order cook, LOL. This challenge has been good for all of us.

I have found myself meditating on the scripture a lot this week as I have had my struggles and victories with cravings. All cravings are not bad. I like what Lysa TerKeurst says in her book Made to Crave that we are made to crave God not food. We require food to live but it needs to be food that will fuel my body and help me to operate at my full potential as I carry out the assignment that the Lord has given to me. My area of weakness has to be sweets. I think about them, I crave them, I plan sneak sessions around them. That my dear friends is idolatry!They are no longer a treat but something that I have used as a stress reliever, a reward, a tummy yummy, etc. To my shame I have also used the children as excuses to buy, make and eat treats.  I can't believe that I just wrote that. I say to myself,"why should they suffer?" The truth is they are not suffering and healthy foods and snacks can only bring healthy benefits to their growing minds and bodies. Confession is good for the soul but sometimes bad for the reputation, LOL. My hope is by talking about it openly, it will keep me aware and accountable.

This week I did really well with the physical portion of the challenge. The children even worked out a few days with me. My oldest was supposed to be my workout partner but she is officially fired after informing me that she will only be working out on Mon., Wed. and Friday, LOL. You would think that after living in my womb, rent-free for 40+ weeks, the least you could do is work out with your mama. SMH!!!

I did experience a victory today. I had to go to town to run errands and I heard the 'you deserve a treat today' voice as I was driving home. I had to stop by the store to pick up a few items and had made up my mind to purchase my beloved candy corn."I was going to share it with the kids after all so it couldn't be that bad", I thought to myself, trying to justify my flesh party. I thought about this week's verse and the verse about how God always provides us with a way of escape ( 1 Corinthians 10:13). I breathed a quick prayer before turning into the store's parking lot. I walk in and there it is that devilish candy corn staring at me. I stop and look at it but  make my way to get the items on my list. I was about to make another round just to browse the cookie aisle ( I can be hard headed sometimes) because at least it's not candy corn right?, LOL. I noticed a lady's hair that was really awesome, so in passing I complimented her and that began about a 10 minute conversation. We began talking about the Lord and healthy hair, teehee. I then told her that I am trying to work becoming healthy mind, body and soul. I know it was the Lord because she said you know, "I was just looking at these cookies and about to buy them but now I won't because of you." How cool is that? We encouraged each other, and parted ways. All I could do was praise Him for rescuing me and allowing me to be a blessing to someone else. Our God truly is an Awesome God. Thanks for stopping by if you read this far. Have an amazing week.