Reshaping It All: Chapter 10

Hi Ladies! Ashleigh again.

Today we start our discussion of chapter 10 from Reshaping It All: Motivation for Physical and Spiritual Fitness. We’re also still talking about the previous chapters — so keep those comments coming. If you’ve fallen behind in commenting and don’t have time to catch up on past chapters, that’s OK. Jump back in here. We’d love to have you.

You may have noticed the vlogs for the book club have been missing. I’ve been in Colorado visiting family for the last week. Now that I’m home again, I hope to continue them. Look for one with chapter 11’s discussion.

OK, on to chapter 10. This chapter is my favorite so far. Why? Because it confirms the steps I’m putting into practice at my house and further encourages me to make wise choices:

• I’ve asked Ted not to buy chips anymore — not even the seemingly more healthy alternatives.
• I place fruit in baskets on the counter — options such as apples, oranges, bananas, and tomatoes greet me each time I walk into the kitchen.
• The little bit of chocolate we have is placed on a high shelf.
• We have a water cooler where I can get cold water on a regular basis.

I love how Candace writes:

Putting your healthy choices out front is a great way to design your life for success. It is the power of suggestion. We’re faced with suggestions every day in one way or another — through commericals, billboards, aromas, magazine covers, the behavior of friends, and the like. If those stimulants are negative and we face them often enough, we’re setting ourselves up for a fall. We can improve our chances by presenting our senses with good choices, and we are bound to succeed.”

As I read this chapter, I was reminded of Joe Thorn’s words in his book, Note to Self.

Paul tells you to live carefully. This means thoughtfully, intentionally, and according to the will of God revealed in Scripture. In the broadest sense it means that you make the most of the time you have by living according to your God-given purpose. This is important, not only because it is right, but also because the days are evil. The world, the flesh, and the Devil are working against that purpose for your life and seeking your ruin. Careful living is the intentional use of your time for God’s glory, the good of others, and your own progress in the faith. It is living for a purpose that takes both the end and the journey seriously.”

In this chapter — and Reshaping It All in its entirety — Candace and Darlene encourage us to do just that: live intentionally.

Now let’s hear from Darlene. She has more practical advice for us.

In chapter 10, we talk about sabotaging thoughts and how to avoid them. It’s a tough thing when we run into temptations day after day, but with a little creativity, we can find avenues to escape them.

Here are five ways practical ways to control your thoughts and avoid the pitfalls:

1. Consider the thought and make a firm decision. Is this something I want to meditate on or discard? If you decide to discard the thought, you have already accomplished step one.
2. Turn your attention away from it. If you are tempted by certain food, avoid it by not bringing it into the house, not passing it in the grocery store, or not driving by it when you’re out in the car. Take a different route if you can. If you are tempted to waste time on the computer, set a timer, and walk away from it when the bell rings.
3. Use distraction to your advantage. Reading a book, watching a video, playing with your kids, singing along with worship music or talking to a friend are a few ways you can do this.
4. Pray. Ask God to take the thoughts away from you.
5. Post positive reminders in places you’ll see them. If you are discouraged, then jot down words of encouragement and place them around the house.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” (1 Peter 5:7-9, NIV)

Enjoy the journey, and until next time, live well!!

Blessings,
Darlene Schacht
www.timewarpwife.com

OK, your turn. Here are a few conversation starters:

1. How are you living intentionally in the area of food and exercise?
2. What’s tempting you? How can you remove the temptation?
3. What stood out to you the most in this chapter?