It is so difficult to be tested. We desire to please God and to
succeed in our endeavors, but sometimes our test seem to hard. It is easy to lose courage and enthusiasm. God understands how hard it is for us to do the things we know we ought to. He also understands that tough experiences are necessary in order for us to mature and develop in our faith. With God's help we can make it through anything. He gives us the strength to persevere. He encourages us when everything seems dark and hopeless. He promises that we will find great reward when we fight to hang on and not give up. Perseverance is truly a gift from God. It is given to us in order that we might exist in this world and one day overcome it. We please the Lord when we fight the good fight and strive to be the best people we can be. That includes taking care of the body we have been given, and nothing requires perseverance like dieting does.
July 1
Proverbs 2:10-11, 20 -- NIV
For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.
Thus you will walk in the ways of good men
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
Knowing what is right and doing what is right are completely different matters. Jessica knew she should lose weight, and she knew the way to do that was to cut back on what she was eating. The problem was that she didn't want to give up any of the foods she loved. She just wasn't committed enough. A friend of hers told her that she had all the knowledge she needed in her head, but none of it was in her heart. The reason she couldn't stick to her diet was that she didn't want to lose weight badly enough. When we find ourselves lacking the proper desire, we need to turn to the Lord, to ask His strength for doing what we know to be right.
Today's thought: Dieting is more than a matter of the mind. It's a matter of the heart!
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Today's Tip: If you eat pasta made of refined flours, be sure to balance your pasta meals with fiber. This means eating plenty of whole grains, vegetables, and legumes.
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Cinnamon-Sugar Knots
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
11 oz refrigerated bread stick dough
Enough cooking spray to coat dough
1. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Coat a large baking sheet with
cooking spray.
2. In a small bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon.
3. Unroll breadsticks and cut each in half lengthwise (to
make a total of 24 pieces). Arrange pieces on prepared baking sheet and coat with cooking spray. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon-sugar mixture over each piece. Tie each piece into a knot (pulling dough gently if necessary). Sprinkle remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture over knots.
4. Bake until puffed up and golden brown, about 15 min.
Serves | 12
POINTS per serving | 2
