Discussion Board

Welcome to the October thread! Here is my last message from the September thread:

It is a new month here in China! This is the Peoples' Republic of China's 61st birthday but please do not bother to buy gifts for us! Ha ha!

Seriously, I send emails a few times/year to those who are interested in China and what we are doing here. I will probably send one soon because of this special day. If you would like to be added to the list of recipients, please send me a private message with your email address.

In regard to the October thread, if nobody else starts one in the next few hours--for what you may consider my lack of imagination--I will start a thread entitled "October, 2010 Strength in Christ." If you have a better idea, please start the new thread!

In regard to the trials of life, I find comfort in these words:

"3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1, NIV)

Greetings Christian McDougallers,

I expect that some of you, like me, are wincing at the public discussions of our recent struggles. I've been wanting to post for 3-4 days, but not sure what to say, or if I should say anything. This'll probably be pretty awkward, but I really do want to see us get back to the business of praying and encouraging one another, so here's my first post.

I honestly believe that there was a 2-way misunderstanding. One side didn't understand that others were sincerely trying to help them, and the other side didn't understand how seriously feelings were being hurt, for whatever reason. It wasn't clear to me, as an observer, how strong the feeling were on either side, until it was probably too late. I wish I could have been more of an instrument of peace. It probably doesn't help to discuss it any further, now. Certainly, that's been done to great extent elsewhere. I dont' plan to say any more about what's past.

SOOOOOOO...... Here we are in the Body of Christ. How do we move forward from this difficult situation now? Here are some possibilities---
Rom. 12:18 f it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Heb. 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Jn. 13:35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

May the Lord use this lesson to continue to conform us to the image of His Son, and may it NOT be a weapon fashioned against us, that prospers. We all know that God can use all of this for our good, and His own glory. Let us seek that good purpose together. I remember what I was thinking after my pitiful 5k, 2 weeks ago, whether we're first or last, if we're in Christ, we all win. Let's now move forward again, in victory.

I also expect that some of you, like me, may be struggling with your own healthy eating journey. I was doing great for about 6 weeks, but the past week has been a roller-coaster emotionally, and thus, in my eating as well. Personal family issues seem to be the biggest trigger point for me, and I'm going to have to learn to deal with those properly, because it's not like they are going to go away.

I've come to realize that I really NEED the encouragement that this thread offers, and that there is one who desires nothing more than to see our uplifting of one another, and the name of Christ, end. We must not let that happen, most importantly, for our witness to others.

Let us continue on in the bond of peace, encouraging one another in love and good deeds. After all, we're all on the same side.

Blessings,
Jubilee

Hi there!
I live in the Bay Area in California. I just discovered this forum on the discussion board. Thanks for your post and biblical quotation. Love, Jennifer

Greetings All,

Hi figpiglet - I'm glad you found us! I hope that you'll come here often and post, and let us get to know you. I like your name and am wondering if you love figs and make a "pig" out of yourself eating them?? Just a guess. I have a fig tree in my backyard and I love those little things - God's candy is what they are.

Jubilee - thank you so much for expressing what we all might be feeling. It's very unfortunate what has happened and I care very much about the two people involved - they are special people and I hope that they will both be back in time.

Thank you for encouraging us with the scriptures you quoted and you are right. We can go forward in victory, helping each other and praying for each other.

I was doing pretty good food wise until today and boy did I blow it big time. Had a little thing that caused some emotional unrest, and I went straight for the nuts and cereal. Yep, I got out the step stool, climbed up on it, reached up into the high cabinet above my fridge, and got out the forbidden booty. I didn't pray, didn't meditate on verses, didn't distract myself with something else, but did exactly what I shouldn't have. I feel REALLY DUMB. And my stomach doesn't feel very good now either. Yuck. Well, tomorrow is another day and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I won't let this defeat me because I really do want to lose 10 lbs. by the end of the year. Why is it though, that I know what to do but just don't do it CONSISTENTLY. So frustrating and very humbling.

Well, I wanted to share a verse with y'all from Psalm 34, verse 17,

"The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles."

I am so glad.

Blessings to you ALL.

"I care very much about the two people involved - they are special people and I hope that they will both be back in time."

My thoughts exactly! Thanks, Luv.

Praying for us all,
Jubilee

Amen.

Welcome aboard, figpiglet! Glad you found us!!!

I am grateful to all of you who encourage us and pray for us here.

Even though we share the most important part of our lives, we are a diverse group! Let us thrive on diversity and not be stifled or discouraged by it. Let us encourage one another to walk in the Spirit:

"22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." (Galatians 5, NIV)

In regard to our diversity, we seem to have different reasons for participating in this thread. Some of us want to develop nurturing relationships. Some of us want to receive or give specific guidance about McDougalling. Some of want to be edified and to edify others with the Word of God. I think we all want to receive and give prayerful support. If you can think of other reasons, please share them!

Let us try to be clear as we post here since we are a diverse group and none of us are mind readers. For example, if you are eating off of the program (and I assume you are following MWL unless you tell us otherwise), just tell us that! I think everyone here has had the experience of failing to follow good plans.

If you want to tell us what you are eating and do not tell us that you are eating off of the program, do not be surprised if one of your supporters here gives you some points about compliance or asks you some questions. If you do not really want to discuss what you are eating or compliance with the program, please do not post what you are eating. I do not think I am the only one here who needs this kind of clarity. In other words, if you are not seeking feedback, discussion or suggestions why not just post the details of your diet on the journal forum or in your own computer?

Those of you who have read many of my posts know that I am a very simple minded person. I keep my diet very simple and I am very happy with it. If you want to spend hours/day preparing elaborate meals, I do not think that will help you achieve your weight management goals but perhaps you will prove to me that I am wrong. If you do that, I will be delighted!

I pray that each of us will bask in the warmth of our Father's love today. We are enjoying lovely weather here in the midst of our national holidays--great weather for long hikes. When you hike, remember to look up and give thanks!

Is this about the thread concerning long-timers trying to help and people getting easily offended? I didn't know anyone had bowed out of the discussion boards because of that.

The only thought I had in reading through that thread, was about the one time a long-timer commented in my journal. He never posted before, and has not posted since, but he dropped in really quick to criticize the menu I had posted AND didn't read it carefully enough, so he was criticizing something that wasn't even true.

anyway, I didn't come in this month to gripe about that.

I do need prayer, though. Methinks menopause is hitting, and my flesh is wide awake. My appetites are in full swing, and nothing I rationally say to myself stops me from various indulgences. Please pray that the devil will cease to use this, and pray that I will keep my head. I KNOW what is good and healthy, but I CHOOSE things that are not.

It is hormonal, I'm certain, but still...it is miserable. I get snappy and weepy, and don't want to be that way. I want to be full of the fruit of the Spirit, ESPECIALLY self-control (which I had none of yesterday )

thank you all in advance. It would be nice to be filled with peace and contentment once again. amen.

Hello my friends,
What wonderful posts to read from you all!
Pinkrose - you may eat simply, but I would never call you simple minded. You have alot of wisdom from the Lord which you impart to us here. Thank you for keeping us all focused on Him and being an encouragement to us!

Buns - you have my understanding and sympathies. I am in surgical menopause now for 4 1/2 years and what a roller coaster ride it has been. It is not easy to go through, but Dr. McDougall says that the better you adhere to the guidelines the easier it will make it for you to go through this time in your life. Eat simply and healthfully, and exercise is really a key component for me to help keep me emotionally feeling good. I'm a crab when I don't get a walk everyday, and I feel that the fresh air, quietness, and exercise really do lift me up and make things that seem "big" alot smaller. Any way I'm not trying to give unsolicited advice but just encourage you with what I remind myself of! What you said about wanting to be full of the fruit of the Spirit, but struggling with your flesh is something the Word of God speaks about through the Apostle Paul,

"For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me, but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not but the evil which I would not, that I do." Romans 7:18-19. Then in verses 24-25 he says this:
"O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin." and in verse 1 of Ch. 8 he says.... "There is now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

He loves you Buns, and he loves me. He knows what we are going through, and that our desire is to live for Him and walk with Him. He will help us and give us the strength and the day to day encouragement we need when we feast on His word and pray. I will be praying for you!!

On another note, I drove to another county today in the pouring rain to visit my 94 year old aunt. The Lord got me safely there, and I had a wonderful visit with her. I've always sent tracts to her about the gospel, and planted seeds here and there, but never really sat down with my Bible and shared the gospel with her face to face. I have felt convicted about this for a long time, and ashamed of it. I was determined to make it right today, and the Lord truly blessed in a wonderful way. She was very open and receptive, and did bow in prayer inviting Jesus to be her Savior. I am thrilled for her and so happy that God used my feeble and nervous little self to be the messenger. All praise and glory goes to Him.

Have a blessed week everyone!

Luv how AWESOME! Yahoooooey! yayayaaay God!

Yes, thanks for your good words, Luv! Let us pray that He will give us the boldness and wisdom we need to speak the right words to those who need them. Let us also pray that He will prepare hearts to receive the good words. I believe He is always doing that.

"14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. 15 For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?" (2 Corinthians 6, NIV)

In regard to my simplicity, Luv, please keep in mind that I am the worst sinner. We sinners have so many tricks. One of mine was to rationalize and justify anything I wanted to do--to figure out some way to make it seem good. Simplicity is my way of fighting this. These questions help me:

What will please God?

Am I being selfish?

Am I being faithful?

Am I being lazy?

Am I being honest?

He knows. I cannot fool Him and I must not fool myself.

One of my mottos is "NO EXCUSES!"

In regard to McDougalling, I must confess something. For me it is easy. It is not just easy because it is a great plan and because I keep it simple. It is also easy because I have a great cook. However, I understand that most of you do not have this advantage. I pray you will be strong as you undertake all of your different duties, including cooking.

I am grateful for our fellowship here!

thanks for the prayers! Today and yesterday were restful, normal, calm, energetic days, not crazy-making, loony-bin-deserving days like Tuesday was.

Two days in a row of 100% compliance!

pink, I like that list of questions, especially "am I being honest?" It says "You desire truth in the inward being" (Psalm 51:6) and there is an adage that says "the truth hurts" AND the Lord Jesus said "The truth will set you free"

I think some of what happened in the thread where people got their feelings hurt is that someone was telling them the truth about some of their own choices (maybe not "the truth in love", eh?) and "the truth hurts" so people got offended. BUT I know this for a fact: if you can walk through the "hurt" part to the "truth" part and face it...THAT will set you free for sure.

I don't know about anyone else here, but I've had a pretty unhealthy relationship with food for most of my life. My choices have not honored God, have damaged my body, and have left me ill prepared for kingdom service. When I see the TRUTH, especially that horrible word "obese", I want to kick and scream and be angry... dang, how rude.

But if we can really look at where food has gotten us, and admit that WE made every one of those unhealthy choices (and still making them mea culpa) and in fact have acted like gluttons and been self-indulgent and lacking in self-control. OUCH!...but now we have faced it, we don't have to hide it anymore, you know? We're FREE from it, because we have faced it and know it's true.

it's true. I'm a glutton...and I'm a REDEEMED glutton, so I can now move on and live for Jesus, eh?

well, anyway. That's where thinking about "truth" led me.

thanks again for praying! I've been praying for you guys, too.

Just for the record, the thread that I mentioned where people got their feelings hurt...first of all I'm not really clear even exactly what transpired, so I should not have said anything at all about it. My apologies

secondly, the "speak the truth in love" was a comment about how some of the long-timers, moderators usually, will come into a discussion or comment on a post with no preamble, no previous interactions with people, and simply take down something that is posted, especially a food choice. I have experienced it in my own journal, and have seen it in many threads...the tone is gruff or short, the comment is even sometimes amiss (which has happened to me in my own journal) and it is very easy to get defensive when that happens.

So I was commenting on a trend, more than any specific thread I've read recently. The trend being to "speak the truth" but not patiently or with kindness. Just abruptly coming along and nit picking, then moving on.

Hi friends,
Oh these are such good posts and I wish that I had more time to comment, but I've got a big list of stuff to do today before I go to my ladies conference tomorrow.

But... I will say that you both, pink and buns, are a tremendous encouragement to me and I appreciated what you both had to say.

Great list pink - very simple yet so profound. I will remember it.
buns - I love your transparency and honesty, and I'm so glad the last two days have been 100% - you are doing great!!!!!

God Bless you ALL!!

How are you feeling???

If you are not feeling well, do a little self check up. Are you taking care of yourself spiritually, mentally and physically as you know you should?

If you are feeling well, look up and thank our Father. I am also grateful to Dr. McDougall for sharing so much with us.

"19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter and give thanks to the LORD. 20 This is the gate of the LORD through which the righteous may enter. 21 I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. 22 The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; 23 the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. 25 O LORD, save us; O LORD, grant us success." (Psalm 118, NIV)