When this quarantine started I decided I needed a routine. Up at the regular time, shower, eat breakfast and go straight to work. Work? Yup, that's the psychology of my plan. I moved my computer into my art studio and that is where I work. I have to walk outside to get there and it breaks up so much inside time.
I also determined to stay on course with my new eating program. For the last six weeks, I've eaten NO sugar, NO grains, NO cheese, or dairy. Until . . .
10:30 at night, I was sound asleep in my recliner when suddenly I was awakened by the unbelievable smell of brownies wafting in from the kitchen. Oh NO! My boarders are making their famous brownies with peanut butter and Nutella on top!
I staggered into the kitchen half awake, and there on the counter - right from the oven - my nemesis - a steaming hot pan of brownies with a thick layer of melted peanut butter and Nutella on top.
"Awwww," I moaned. "I'm gonna have to raise your rent!"
"S-o-r-r-y," they said, grinning from ear to ear.
I opened the fridge, reached past the ice-cold milk (which is a must with hot brownies) and opened the leftover fresh pineapple. "I don't want any!" I declared stuffing a junk of pineapple in my mouth.
As my whole body reacted to the sour fruit, they went into hysterics. "What's the matter, a little tart?"
"My brain is rebelling. It wants that!" I grimaced, wrinkling up my face again.
They left the room with their generous helpings, and I suddenly found myself ALONE with the brownies! Did I pray? NO. Did I call on the Lord for His deliverance? Nope. Before I could think, before I could utter a single cry for help, my mouth opened wide and a warm and gooey brownie was slidding down my throat! The devil made me do it!
Determined to make a fresh start the next morning, I started the day with my usual healthy breakfast. But, I'd opened the door! My brain was fixed on more . . . more . . . MORE! By the end of the day, I'd eaten . . . well, let's just say I broke protocal totally. Sigh.
Before you say, "Marji, it's okay to have a brownie once in a while." I know, but I've been feeling better than I have in years - and I'm eating tons of vegetables, meat, and fruit. I don't want that old sugar-drenched, pain-ridden, fog-brained woman to come back.
So, I started again - up, dressed, breakfast, and work. However, to my delight, the Lord was waiting for me when I got to my studio! As I randomly opened the Bible, my eyes fell on Psalm 94:18 . . .
"When I said, my foot is slipping, your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."
There is NO condemnation when our foot slips. His grace is there to lift us up again and again, and put us back on the right path. This little experience has proven to me that the discipline I've exhibited over the last six weeks is purely the Lord's grace. Now that's real sweetness.
Whatever might be causing your "foot to slip," remember He loves you and every moment of every day He is surrounding you with His lovingkindness.
MY NEW BOOK IS AVAILABLE!!! YEAH!!!
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