Potato Body and New Year’s Resolutions

I attended a wedding recently, and when I saw the pictures of myself on Facebook, I was floored!

Mercy! What has happened to me?

It wasn’t my mother staring back at me, it was my GRANDMA! 
It wasn’t my face that grabbed my attention, but my body shape made me gasp in horror!

My hourglass figure has turned into a potato!

A nice big thick potato.

I have resigned myself to the fact that I am not “young” anymore and
my face has the crinkles to prove it.
But my middle section has thickened to the point
where my waist has all but disappeared!
Upon a further privately conducted inspection, I found lumps, bumps and rolls
– front and back –
where I used to be smooth.
Given my penchant for Mexican food and Pepsi, I shouldn’t be surprised.
But the girth I saw in those photos shocked me.

How did it happen?

One unexercised pound at a time!
One careless empty calorie smothered in fat grams after another.

I know what to do about my blob.
Eat less and move more.
Cut back on portions and consume more green food.
Quit scarfing kingsize chocolate bars cut up into little pieces so they don’t seem so gluttonous.
(Who did I think I was fooling with that trick?)

Now, I’m wondering what else has slipped?

If I’m slacking in one area, like my shape, I have to consider that I’m negligent in other areas, too.

Does that happen to you?

It’s time to take inventory.

Use my check list to see if you’re sleek or sloppy. 

The full length mirror in the privacy of your home will tell you about your body shape.

But, what about your mind and spirit?

Are you praying with the fervency you used to?
Do you stick your nose in the Bible regularly?
Do you make time for yourself to hear from God?
Are you alert for opportunities to demonstrate God’s love?
Do you share your God moments with others?
Do you make eye contact with people you love while conversing?
Do you read books and blogs as much as you watch television?
Are you consumed with Netflix or Candy Crush or Facebook at the expense of a good night’s rest?
Are you ignoring a call or mission or a project that you’re supposed to be pursuing?

Girlfriend, it’s time to make some new declarations.

It’s the beginning of 2016 and I’m making a plan.

In 2016, I will …

Read a chapter of the Bible a day.
Drink more water than Pepsi.
Stop eating like Ms. Pac-Man. (And no eating after 7pm).
Write 500 words a day 5 times a week.
Read at least one book a month.

I suppose 5 is an unusual number to choose, but I don’t want to bite off more than I can chew.
(Haha, get it, a little food humor)

I hope your 2016 is already shaping up to be the best year yet.
If there is room for improvement, maybe you’d like to join me to make some changes.
I’d love to hear what’s on your list of goals for the coming year.

Remember,
A little change make a big difference.

Scripture Refresher: Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts, Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.Romans 6:12-13

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be self-controlled about the things that distract and deter me from all the good things you offer.  Teach me balance and help me to make healthy choices for my body, mind and Spirit.  Amen.