4 things God wants you to remember when life gets hard.

Here are a few things I’ve learned to remember in those challenging seasons of life that have helped me and I pray they help you as well!
1. Remember that your Character should always be stronger than your Circumstances.
We can’t always control what happens to us, but we can always control how we choose to respond. In those moments when I choose to stop complaining and instead give thanks to God for the good in my life, the parts that seem bad start to seem much less significant. Choose to keep a positive attitude and thankful heart regardless of what you’re going through.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
2. Remember that your Struggles always lead to Strength.
Every difficulty in your life, whether big or small, is something God will use to produce more strength, faith and perseverance in you if you let Him! All your pain has a purpose.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
3. Remember that God’s timing is always perfect.
God’s plans are almost always different from our plans, but His plans are always perfect! Have the patience to wait on His timing instead of forcing your own.
“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
4. Remember that God will never leave your side.
You may feel like you’re going through this struggle all alone, but from the moment you ask Jesus to bring you into God’s family, He will be by your side to the end so never lose hope!
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Courtesy of: http://davewillis.org/4-things-god-wants-you-to-remember-when-life-gets-hard/ 

On the Road Again...

I received a call the other day from my new health care network asking to make an appointment with an endocrinologist. I guess they didn't receive the memo that I had visited one already. At any rate, I took this as an opportunity to get ready to visit someone new and to really (hopefully!) reach out and take hold of my health and my diabetes. I'm hoping to get some new answers and to really get going in a positive path. So here we are, on the road again...

Cut the Guilt out of Your Diet

Today, November 14th, is recognized as World Diabetes Day.

I have made a pledge today in relation to my Diabetes. I pledge to walk 15 minutes after each meal. That's it. I am not setting a goal about pace, length, or process- only duration. 15 minutes. I want to get into this habit to help break into other, better, habits.

I read something online today, and I immediately stopped to reflect:

"When you have diabetes, food is hard. Food is math. Food is guilt."

 

As a Type 2, this is so very accurate. Food is hard. What will set off my sugar levels? What has hidden sugars? What carbs will kill me later on? Am I eating too much fat? Too little protein? Too much starch? And with those questions comes the next reality: Food is MATH. Hello, world, there's a reason why I teach ENGLISH!! I've been using the phone app "My Fitness Pal" and I do have to admit that it's been eye opening. Certain foods are so much worse than I realized. One of my biggest realizations is that I often would drink my calories in my Starbucks yummy drinks. Since I'm working at home this year, it's been easy to cut out, but boy did that cause some raised eyebrows!

 

But the biggest of these is that "food is guilt."

 

When I was first diagnosed as a T2, my first thought was, "Great. I am a statistic. I'm a fat-American statistic. I did this to myself."  I covered myself in guilt for what I could have changed and what I should have done differently. Living in the past doesn't help and doesn't change anything. Instead, it's important to keep moving forward. I can't change the fact that I'm here. But I can make better and healthier choices in the future to change where I'll BE.

 

So, if you're anything like me, Cut The Guilt out of your Diet. Stop beating yourself up.

 

And today, World Diabetes Day, make one small change to your lifestyle to better yourself. You can get some ideas for what to cut out here: http://www.diabeticconnect.com/diabetes-awareness-month