Food for not only the body, but also the soul

Ok, so I have been struggling with an eating disorder for a while now, and have been trying to go to God with my struggle, and daily having to pray for strength to get me through the day. God intended us to use food to nourish us, not to struggle with it. I have been noticing that satan is trying to get a strong hold of me and this is one of his many ways so I went to the bible to see what God says about foodfor our bodies, and beauty. ( I have also been focusing alot on my apperance and trying to change the things I dont like) Here is what I found during my quiet time with God. 

1 corinthians 6:12-13

12 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. 13 You say, “Food was made for the stomach, and the stomach for food.” (This is true, though someday God will do away with both of them.) But you can’t say that our bodies were made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies.

Proverbs 19:22

 22 Loyalty makes a person attractive.
      It is better to be poor than dishonest.

Matthew 6:25,31,33-34

 25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 

 31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying,'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?'33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

1 Timothy 2:9-10

9 And I want women to be modest in their appearance.^[a] They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. 10 For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.

1 Peter 3:3-4

 3 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. 4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

Lord I come to you right now on my knees. I know I cant fight this struggle on my own. pretect me from satan's lies about who I am and how I should be, dress,look and eat. Help me to come to you with my worries. God I know that food was given to us to be used for good, and I know that I am sinning agenst you. Please forgive me.  Help me to overcome this, and to turn away from things that will tempt me to slip. Thank you for your steadfast love, for never giving up on me. Amen

moving out soon..been quite busy

Hey all, I just want to appolgize for not updating this blog much lately. I have been kinda stressed out, and also I am hopefully moving out in a week weeks. I wont be writing in here as often as I was before because I wont have internet access when i move out, so I will have to go to coffee shops and libraries to get internet. I hope to keep this blog updated as much as I can ( I might have to blog a feww of my entries from some days all in one day if I can;t ger to the intenet. so you will be somewhat up to date.
so yea.. thats basicly whats going on in my life
wish me luck, Prayers that I would be able to get into where I want to move into would be appreiated.
much love
~perfectlove~

Obsession

I just finished reading a book called Obsession, by Ted Dekker. ( If you have the time to read it, I would highly recommend it.) God had created us to be passionate, to obsess, and to love, but what happens when you are doing all that for the wrong reason? In the book you will see a character who obsesses over something that later on in the end leaves him defeated, and useless.

How does this fit into what God says?

Matthew 6:19-20

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."

 Basicly, dont chace after your obsessions like money and wealth, or all the newest fashion, but chase after God and store up the treasures that will not destroy, like love for your spouce or family, love for god.

Moving in the right direction... "taking the plank out of your own eye" your own e

Today's sermon at church was based on Matthew 7:1-6, on how we should not judge others before looking over ourselves on the inside and fixing what is wrong. What does it mean to Judge not? Basically, so not discriminate or judge anyone without fixing your faults first. You should not have a judgmental attitude or you are going to be judged in that same way on the final 

day.(Matt 7:1-2) I am a humble servant  of God, or am I just judgmental? hmm....this really got me thinking because I tend to do alot of judging on others, but hate it when people judge me. I guess this is a part in my life i need to improve. 

God's will

What is Gods will for us? What are we suppose to do in life and how are we suppose to act? well, I have been asking these questions, along with lots of other questions and have gone to God's word to find the answers. These are only some of what I found, the others might be posted later on in time.

Matthew 22:37-39  Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.  A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.

1 peter 1:8-9  Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

 1 Peter 1:13-17 So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 14 So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. 15 But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge you or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear during these times as "foreigners in the and"

Matthew 6:19-21 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Who I am in Christ.

Lately I have been struggling with who I am, having a hard time when people who care and love me want to reach out. My thoughts were " who am I? Why do people care about me and not want to give up? even God?" I didnt think I was worth it, well I still dont fully think I'm worth all the fuss but I am learning slowly who I am in Christ.  Have you ever felt down in the pits? wondered why people cared so much about you when all you wanted to do is be alone? well, If so, these verses might help you. They have sure helped me, and Im still learning each day who I am, and the love that God shows to us.

I am Accepted In christ 

John 1:12 I am God's Child

John 15:15 I am Christ's friend

1 corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord and one with Him in spirit

1 corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ's body

Ephesians 1:1 I am a saint

Ephesians 1:5 I have been adopted as God's child

Ephesians 2:18 I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit. 

Colossians 1:14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins

Colossians 2:10 I am complete in christ

I am secure in Christ

Romans 8:1,2 I am free forever from condemnation

Romans 8:28 I am assured that all things work together for good

Romans 8:33-34 I am free from any condemning charges against me

Romans 8:35 I cannot be separated from the love of God

2 corinthians 1:21 I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.

Colossians 3:3 I am hidden with Christ in God

Philipians 1:6 I am confident that the good work God has begun in me will be perfected

Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven

2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind

Hebrews 4:16 I can find grace and mercy in time of need

1 John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil on cannot touch me

I am Significant in Christ

Matthew 5:13-14  I am the salt and the light of the earth

John 15:1,5 I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of His life

John 15:16 I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit

Acts 1:8 I am a personal witness of Christ's

1 Corinthians 3:16 I am God's temple

2 Corinthians 5:17-20 I am a minister of reconciliation

2 Corinthians 6:1 I am God's co-worker

Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm

Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

advice and prayer in theses dark times

ok, I need some advice, and prayer. I'm not quite sure what to do at this point in time. I am on medication for depression and anxiety, as well as to help me sleep ( haha, lots of meds eh?) but I feel like It might not really be helping. Its hard to tell. I hate the side effects of the meds, and how it makes me feel... I dont really feel like myself (whatever that it) I am trying to stick to the medication to see if it helps my mood but I feel like I might be wasting money, and Im  also scared to get off of them and relapse like last time. I have been praying that God would show me what to do in this time, and that I might be able to be at peace with the situations going on right now. Its hard, but Im trying to get through this, we all have rough times in life, but I believe that over time we can get through them.

I would appreciate it if you could pray for me, and if you have some advice, dont be shy, I would love to hear from you

~perfectlove~

Hey everyone. Sorry that I havnt been posting in a few days. I have been kinda stressed out ( I know thats no excuse) but I have written some stuff in my personal Journal that I might post up here when Im on next. 

~Perfectlove~

Music, a way of worship

I love to listen to music, anything from classical music all the way to death metal. But lately God has been showing me that what you listen to comes out in your attitude and that some of the secular music I was listening to was bring out a side of me that I didn't want. So over the past few days I have been downloading alot of new music for my I-pod and taking some of the more heavier depressing music off. I realized when I was looking through my ipod i had mostly secular music and not much when it comes to music that glorifies god. Now, Im not saying we should stay away from secular music, but its good to get some positive and uplifting music into your mind... And most of the secular music I was listening to was NOT that. ok, I know what you are thinking... "oh great! now we get all the praise god music and not the fun music with the cool beat.: haha, I have been there, but have found some music sounds really cool, awesome beats, and also isnt all depressing. Feel free to take alook at some of the names below.

Jump 5

TobyMac

Barlowgirls

Zoegirl

Out of Eden

MXPX

Rebecca St.James

Why does God allow suffering?

This has been a questing I have been struggling with for quite some time now. Why does He allow things like depression? Its been over 4 years now that I have been struggling with depression. Over the past two years It seemed to get worse and am now on some meds to try and help me. It seems like there is more suffering right now then Joy.

Last week at bible study we were told as homework to write down a question you want to ask God then go to the bible to find the answer... I chose to ask why he allows suffering, since this is something I have been struggling with daily. This is what I found out.

Romans 5:3-4 " We can rejoice too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance, And endurance develops strength of character and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation"

1 peter 4:1-2 " So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God."

2 corinthians 1:4-5  "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ."

Job 36:8-10  If they are bound in chains and caught up in a web of trouble, he shows them the reason. He shows them their sins of pride. He gets their attention and commands that they turn from evil.

I dont think that all suffering is from God, some of it is from our choices we make, the consequences of our actions. God gave us free will and lets us learn from our mistakes and hopes we will come to him. When I was looking up the verses I noticed that alot of the times it speaks of people suffering and why we suffer is because we suffer for christ, and it builds us up and makes us stronger. It may not be pleasant, but In the end we will rejoice from our suffering. hmm.... One of the verses says that Christ comforts and helps us in times of troubles so that when someone else is going though the same thing we can be the same comfort that christ was. The more we suffer in Him, the more God will comfort us. This is a hard thing for me to grasp because I am tired of suffering, I hate this depression, I want my life to be "normal" again, but we have to hold on to the promise God has for us  "For I know the plans I have for you; Declares the LORD, plans not to harm you, plans for good and not for evil, plans to give you a hope and a future."(Jeremiah 29:11)

Make your own personal spot, a quiet place to think, a time to get comfy with God.

sooo, are you bored with sitting in the same old place? Find it boring to do devotions, senery too dull? Why not make a place in your house "you place", that you can get away to and feel comfortable and enjoy your quiet time with God? For example,  Me, I love fuzzy pillows and blankets so, I have made my own little "corner" in my room that has a nightstand table, tons of pillows, blankets, and a funky light to make it comfy. Also, in that corner I have some of my favorite bible verses and pictures posted on my wall, but not just on any ordinary paper. I chose to use black paper and colored Jelpens to spice it up a bit. I find it makes my quiet time alot better, more personal. Why not get cozy in a nice nest of pillows, grab your bible and notebook, and have a hot cup of coco and chill with God. When you feel stressed out, need some alone time, a quiet comfy corner is an awesome place to go to.

One Creative way you can have your quiet time with God.

Now a days people are so use to multitasking to get things done on time, life is so busy, and for some it seems too overwhelming. When life is going so fast, we need to chill a bit, and "be still" before god, taking time out of our day to spend with him. Im not talking about like hours and hours, maybe just 10-15 minutes day .For me, I find that taking time out of my day and having my "quiet time with god" helps me alot, and makes the day go alot smoother. I usually have a time set aside in the morning when I get up, that way I know Im not going to be tired. Before I write down how I choose to do spend my "quiet time", I just want to say that when you find a way to spend time with God, what ever it might be, try to make it part of your daily routine, do it in the same spot, same place, and remember, dont think that you need to spend alot of time at once.Dont stress yourself out,or make it more of a "I have to do this" rather then a "I want to do this". Have fun!

Here are two methods I use in my daily time with God.

Proverb a day

This Is pretty simple, Try reading a proverb a day, no more, no less. The book of proverbs is very practical all about life. By reading a verse each day it gives you something to chew on and think about.  When praying, try praying for understanding and insight.

Coloring method

Unfortunately lots of times we end up highlighting our favorite verses or ones that stick out to us, but when you go back to them they dont really mean anything because half your bible is highlighted the same colour. well, this method will help you make the verses you underlined have more meaning afterwards. All you need is a bible and some coloured pencils.

When you find a verse you like, try to colour code them. Often I will spend a time reading a section which might be around 6 verses and go back and read it again, this time putting in the right colour code to match it.

1) Gods will/Commands of God--->Green

2)Promises of God---> Orange

3)Qualities of God--->Purple

4)Prayer---> blue

Also, In some verses I put little symbols. For example, I have one for spiritual warfare, its a cross with lightning, or a heart for verses that shows Gods love.

Ways to describe Jesus

All though out the Bible Jesus Is mentioned, but I never realized how many ways He is described as. I desided one day to go through the bible and write down all the names that describes Jesus and who he is. It amazes me at how much I found out and how many ways we can describe Him. 

Names For Messiah

Wonderful God.- He is Exeptional, distinguished
Counselor- He gives the right advice
Might God- He is God alone
Everlasting Father- He will never die, never leave us, and is God our father
Prince of peace- He rules with justice and peace, he is high above us

Different names of Jesus

The alpha and the omega
The Beginning and the End
LORD
The almighty one
Son of Man
The First and the Last
Son of God
Witness
Creator
Lion of the Trible of Judah
Heir to Davids Throne
Lamb
Shepphard
Christ
Faithful and true
God
The Word of God
King of Kings
LORD of Lords
The bright mning star

Fear can be a good thing and a bad thing

Fear can be a good thing and a bad thing. ok, take walking in a dark alley in the middle of the night. You might get scared and start to think " what happens if someone is out here and want to mug me?" well, that is Justifyed fear. Of course you are going to worry, your out by yourself in a dark alley. It can be dangerous walking by yourself late at night. But what if you were in the alley in the middle of the day with lots of people walking there dogs and smiling and chatting to eachother and you start to worry about getting mugged, you cant take your mind off of the thoughts and the whole time you walk you are getting more and more scared. Thats unjustified fear. you know that Its light out, and lots of people are having fun, you should feel safe, but your fear is getting the best of you. For about four years I have had anxiaty attacks and I would totally feel spaced and start  to freak out.. my fear gets the best out of me, expesulay when Im around a big crowd of people, my mind goes so fast, worrying and thinking that people are judging me or if they look at me what are they thinking. When ever I have fear about something I try to think of verses to read that help me out and give me some comfort. Here are some of my favorite verses that I have eather memorised or have posted around my room.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” ( Philippians 4:6-7)

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged,
for the LORD yout God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9)

Dousing lies with truth about God

So many times I have seen people (incuding me!) believe lies or therories they have heard about who God is. It is so easy for us to get caught up with saying things like " God doesn't care about me" or " If God is supose to be a father to me, then count me out if he is anything like my dad!" Many times we go to God like he is some sort of Slot machine and pray to him and expect that he will just get us what we want. Who is God? well, God is defenetly not a slot machine! He is loving, and slow to anger, and cares about us so much. Nothing is greater then Him. If we put our trust in God nothing is impossible to overcome. Yeah, it may be hard and you will continue to make mistakes, but we are all human. The lies I beilive about God were that He doesn't care about me or see the pain I am in. That was a big one for me. But as I started looking through the bible it became more clear to me that what I though was true, was just a lie, and that he does love me. Jeremiah 29:11 says " For I know the plans I have for , Declares the LORD, plans not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. 
I was looking through the bible and found some good verses to fight the lies of who satan tries to tell us God is.
As we continue to pray and read the bible, we will learn more about who God really is.

Turn on your computer, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and come prepared to get some food for your soul.

so, I have desided to make this blog sorta like a daily reflections journal/ devotional time. I have been been doing alot of reflecting, on my walk with god, and in life in general. Why dont you grab a nice warm drink, get cuddled up in your favorite fuzzy blanket and enjoy reading...