Author: tlobb

Overcoming Food Addiction Treasures

Psalm 23: The Lord is my Shepherd

tlobb

 During my search for scripture to help with my food addiction, I was led to one of my favorite Psalms in the bible, Psalm 23.   The following is how the Lord spoke to my heart as he guided me with a whole new meaning with each verse. 

The Lord is my shepherd: I’ve always thought of the Lord as my Shepherd and I was in awe with this picture as it shows Jesus providing food for the lamb.  My Shepherd is always there to turn to for my spiritual, emotional nourishment as well as my physical nourishment through the Eucharist whenever I need him each day. 

There is nothing I shall want: I have everything I need in Jesus and and I don’t need excessive food or drink that is not good for me.  

He lets me rest in fields of green grass and leads me to quiet pools of fresh water: Fresh water is the best drink for our bodies. When I drink the right amount of water each day, it will give me more energy then any coffee or any energy boosting drink. 

He gives me new strength: Strength comes from healthy eating and healthy drinking and it will give me more energy to be able to serve the Lord wherever he leads me.

He guides me in the right path as he has promised: The Lord is guiding me on my journey of becoming healthier and showing the path to take each day.  He is also guiding me to his words of wisdom in scripture and places them on my heart for future reference and encouragement.

Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid Lord, for you are with me. Your shepherd’s rod and staff protect me: On my days of weakness when I fall into temptation, the Lord will still be with me to protect me from whatever darkness leads me to gluttony.  I will not be discouraged or afraid because he will always protect me and guide me back on track in the comfort of his arms.  

You prepare a banquet for me where all my enemies can see me. You welcome me as an honored guest and fill my cup to the brim: The Holy Spirit will anoint me and keep me forever spiritually filled. I won’t allow Satan to destroy me or my healthy way of eating. 

Surely goodness and mercy will be with me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live: Goodness, mercy and love only come from God. My satisfaction with turning to God instead of food and remaining in his house through his word, will be the greatest reward I could ever receive over any pleasure from food, as long as I shall live.

~~~The Lord will always be my Shepherd~~~

Evangelization Treasures

SHARING ABOUT THE FIRST LETTER IN EVANGELIZATION: “E”

tlobb

E: “EXAMPLE” TO OTHERS BY OUR WORDS AND ACTIONS.

In 1 Cor. 11:1, St. Paul instructs us to follow his example the way he follows the example of Jesus. Every day we have many opportunities to be an example to others by our words and our actions. You may not think this is a form of Evangelization, but indirectly it is, because you are showing others how to be an example of Christ. Remember the acronym WWJD from a few years back? The WWJD slogan was born out of Charles Sheldon’s 1896 novel, In His Steps. The lead character suggested that if each person asked “What Would Jesus Do?” with each decision they made, the world would be a much better place. Each time we Do What Jesus would Do, We are indeed, Evangelizing! WWJD = EVANGELIZATION.

An inspiring example of Evangelization is portrayed in the following true story regarding my dear friend: As a grandmother, she unexpectedly received word that her 9 month old grandson was killed as a result of physical abuse by the baby’s father. As expected, the family and friends of this precious baby were all quick to condemn as they were consumed with bitterness and anger. At the funeral, there wasn’t a dry eye due to the tragic circumstance and the room was filled with unforgiveness. When the grandmother gave the eulogy, the unexpected happened. Instead of speaking about anger, she spoke about forgiveness and how the only way to move forward was to dig deep in their hearts to forgive the man who killed her precious Grandson. This story shows how following Jesus’ example leads to Evangelization. We may not all face situations as tragic as this, but we all have opportunities in our everyday lives to ask ourselves,” What Would Jesus Do?”, and then follow His example. Be that example as best as you can!

Evangelization Treasures

We are all called to evangelize and spread God’s word

tlobb

There are so many treasures to be found in the bible and one of my favorite treasures is the importance for all of us to Evangelize and Spread God’s Word. The following is an example attached to each letter of the treasures in the word,”EVANGELIZATION”. Stay tuned as I break down each example in separate blogs to elaborate with ideas for you to learn how to evangelize with love, confidence and joy!

EVANGELIZATION

E: Example to others by your words and actions

V: Voice your beliefs

A: Always make time to study Scripture and spread God’s word

N: Notice Jesus in the Lost

G: Give of your time, talents and treasures

E: Examination of conscience

L: Love the unlovable

I: Invite others to mass and church groups

Z: Zest to Seek God to Know God and to Love God

A: Always be prepared to share your story

T: Time spent in prayer

I: Instrument of peace

O: Open your heart to where God leads you

N: Never forget to smile