People

I know this is a blog about weight loss... but induldge me for a minute. Or two. Or ten. It will all come back to that by the end.

Who are the people in your life? Who influences you the most? Spouse? Parents? Friends? Enemies? I ask this question because I can't emphasize enough the role that others play in our lives. How do they influence you? By truth? Love? Manipulation? Lies?

I am sold out for Jesus Christ. I don't mean I like Him when things are good, "I'm so blessed, look at my big house, cute husband, clean & obedient children. God is good." and question Him when things are not, "WHY? Why is this happening to me? What did I do to deserve this?" I mean like I believe that He is sovereign over all creation, that His purposes are for His glory and my eternal good, that He has authority over my life. Colossians 1:15-22 "he is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities -all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,

WOW! That is powerful truth. I have been reconciled in his body, by his death, in order that I may be presented holy and blameless and above reproach before him. I can't imagine sweeter words. So even though I have won and lost, loved and hated, been joyful and sorrowful, even though I have suffered greatly, I count it all gain for who I am in Him. Where my road has led. Straight to his cross and his love.

I am so grateful that the word of God is my greatest influence. That I don't have to totally depend on people to bring about the joy that comes from knowing that I am holy and blameless before a holy and blameless God because of HIM and not me. Because they can never offer that to me. Ever.

In spite of knowing this truth, I am still influenced by people pretty regularly. Aren't we all? My friend called today and we were talking about how some people don't have anyone that will speak truth in their life. Most people fall into two categories, those that will agree with EVERYTHING you say, and those that will agree with NOTHING you say. I avoid both at all cost. Rarely do we find the gem that will agree with only TRUTH. And will remind you of truth and will hold you to truth. The friend that will love you but who will not allow you to believe lies or live your life based on lies. I'm really amazed because I don't just have one friend like that, I have many. And a husband, and parents, and even sometimes...my kids.

The great thing about having many people is that I know I have a place to filter through life. Obviously, I depend on God's word first. Then prayer, circumstances, authority, and you guessed it... people.

That's where this blog comes in. It's a place to work through all the junk that comes with conquering this overwhelming obstacle of weight. But I was thinking, "why would that matter if people just told me what I wanted to hear?" It wouldn't. I could blog all day long and talk about how I messed up and ate this or that and didn't work out and you could all tell me "it's okay, you're doing so great, it doesn't matter, etc." BUT I DON'T WANT THAT! I want truth. And the truth is "JUST DO IT! Say what you mean, and do what you say." Okay?

I'm so grateful for all of you that have written and told me how this blog is encouraging you in your own journey, and for those of you that have told me that I can do it. And especially those that are doing or have done it with success. That's not what I mean at all. I NEED to hear those encouraging words. I just mean don't give me any excuses. Cause I'll use em to justify any behavior.

You do it for me, and I'll do it for you. Truth, nothing but the truth, so help us God!