Julie's Journal

Merry Christmas to everyone!  In the last post, we were talking about the concept that where light is, there simply can be no darkness.  In other words .  .  .  light dispels darkness.    As we have talked about in group many times, this universal  truth states that darkness and light cannot exist in the same space, at the same time.  Another universal biblical truth that does not change and we know that we CAN count on is  .   .   .  truth dispels lies.   Recently someone asked me about emotions, and why I think our lives should be ruled by feelings.  I quickly responded that I absolutely do not believe that we should live being ruled by feelings, but that we also cannot live as if we have no emotions at all!  There is a serious flaw to living a life ruled by feelings.  What if I felt shameful most of the time.  Could you imagine what my behavior would look like if I were fueled by shame?? Yikes!  What if I were afraid most of the time?  Can you picture decisions motivated by fear?  What if I were fueled by pure pride.  Those behaviors might be the scariest of all!  Ha!! 

But as most of us know, and most of us have experienced personally, there is just as serious a flaw to living one's life without emotions, by trying to numb them or stuff them completely.  As most of us know by now, it simply does not work!  It does not give us the life we desire.  More importantly, it does not relieve the pain we are running from.   There is a way to walk in both truth and light!  As we begin to "feel" again, we must be willing to make sure our backdrop is truth.  It would be very difficult for me to walk in shame if I believe the truth that "there is NO condemnation in Christ Jesus".  It would be very  hard for me to behave as a  woman frozen by fear if I truly believe that "God is always with me".  It would be difficult for me to completely ignore my physical needs of nutrition and fitness if I believe that I am "worthy" and "indwelled by the Holy Spirit just because He created me.  Do you see how the backdrop of Truth can begin to dispel the lies we may operate under?  There are so many examples I could use.  Can you think of some examples in your own life?  The other thing that is important to remember is that you must decide or choose what  "Truth" is for your own life.  Once you begin to clarify YOUR truth in your own life, you can begin to root out the lies that are motivating unhealthy behaviors! Clarifying one's own truth is a lifelong process that can be constantly evolving. 

Lasting lifestyle change, is a journey worth investing the time and effort it takes to walk in health and wellness, of spirit, mind, body and emotions!!  As we look to the New Year, and all of the possibilities that it holds, let's be willing to look for Truth and Light, wherever it may be found, knowing that there will be some difficult encounters with Darkness and Lies.  You will have support as you traverse this terrain.  God bless each and every one of you, and may some Truth be revealed to you as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, Who embodies Truth to the fullest!

H.O.P.E. Highlight

As I have been driving around the city, I have noticed that their are still some folks left who put up Christmas lights all over their front doors, shutters, trees and bushes.  I began to think about how the homes with lights were illuminated and stood out brightly above the other homes on the block without the lights, especially at night.  The same way the star over the manger in Bethlehem shone brighter than all the others because it was meant to illuminate the site of the Lord's birth.  During this season, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, Who is the light of the world.  Those of us who are belivers in Christ are also called to carry out that mission and be a light on a hill, salt and light in a dark world.  I was thinking about how this really does relate to our journey of lifestyle change.  When we truly began to walk out our journey with consistency and perseverence, others begin to notice.  We become hope to others who have not quite begun the journey yet.  We inspire others to take a chance and begin their journey of lifestyle change.  We are the light to those who still feel like they are in a dark place and need hope on this journey.  It's amazing how it works that way. 

During this season, if you need some light to illuminate your path on lifestyle change, then look to those who have had some success at it.  If you have had some sucess at it, then shine brightly and lock arms with another who may just be beginning their journey.  Happy Holidays ladies! 

A little reminder

For anyone interested in coming to the H.O.P.E. Christmas Open House, please contact me directly for more information.  It is going to be a wonderful evening of fun, fellowship and food, drop-in style.  So for anyone who has conflicts, maybe you can come to this gathering before you are off to another one.  That leads me to something I think about often.  That wonderful "all or nothing" mentality that invades our thinking so often.  During the Holiday season, it seems to really fight for front and center head time.  I went to gathering this past weekend, and all I could think of was I'm going to eat some of everything they had available and a bunch of it..  And when I wasn't thinking that, I was thinking I won't have anything, not a taste of anything.  Good grief!  Why can't I default to the middle ground or the leaning into balance place?  What is it that sends me to the edges of all or nothing?  I truly forgot sometimes that I have control of my thoughts, and I can choose to focus on unhealthy things, or I can choose to think about the middle ground, and then walk in it!  It still amazes me how often I just assume that I have no choice or that I am just a poor little victim of my thoughts.  So the good news is that I am not a victim of my thoughts, nor am I left with no choice in the matter.  That is scriptural, that is truth!  I can choose not to think about the all or nothing choices, but to intentionally walk to the middle ground and then ponder the choices available in that area.  I can even take one step furthur and let my behavior reflect it! 


As you go through this Holiday season, remember that when you hear yourself say "I can't wait to eat everything they have at that party and a lot of it because it's a holiday" or "I can't eat anything because I'm on a diet" that the language indicates that you are treading out on the edge of all or nothing thinking. Stop, and walk away from the edge! There ARE other choices.  "Leaning into balance" is the total antithesis of the dreaded  "all or nothing" thinking!  Polar opposites!   What are the messages you hear that are sure indications that you are in the "all or nothing" place?  What are the red flags that you need to listen to over the coming Holiday weeks. . . and after? 


There will be no individual interview this week.  Enjoy your week!