So, I know that most people don't like to be told what to do.  I'm certainly no exception!  We hear much about being a good steward of our time, talent, & treasure.  However, we don't as often think about being a good steward of another "t" that God has given to us. . .Our temple!  I know, I know this may not be a very popular topic, but it is an area that God has dealt with me in.  I thought that, perhaps something I say might be a help to someone else!  

I've struggled with my weight my entire life!  I can remember being overweight at the age of nine.  I was teased at school for my weight and my lack of coordination.  Throughout my teenage years and as an adult, I eased into a sedentary lifestyle.  Combined with my love of food, my lack of physical activity caused my weight to balloon to just over 300 pounds at the age of thirty!  My mother passed away at the age of 42 because of her lack of self care and not being a good steward of her temple.  However, it still took me almost eleven years after her death to "see the light!"  

As I was at my youngest child's first birthday party, I realized that I wanted to do my best to be present for as many of my children's birthdays as I could!  For the first time, I actually became convicted by the Holy Spirit about abusing the temple God had blessed me with.  "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvellous are they works: and that my soul knoweth right well." (Psalm 139:14) I began to see my health in a spiritual light.  I began to pray for the willpower to eat right and for the motivation to exercise regularly.  As the Bible says in Proverbs 25:28, "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." I started cutting sweets from my pantry and freezer.  I also began to exercise several days a week!  I lost weight fairly quickly at first.  I did hit two plateaus that were quite frustrating.  However, I kept doing what I knew worked: Eat better, move more!  It's so simple! Everyone wants to take a magic pill, potion, or go on a miracle diet to lose weight.  However, it really just boils down to being a good steward of the perfect body that God has fearfully and wonderfully made for you!  You can certainly claim the verse from Philippians 4:13 (I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.) to help you when you lose motivation!  It took me a year and half to accomplish, but I lost 155 pounds!  I have maintained a healthy lifestyle for almost seven years now.  Believe me, I still love food (I'm certainly not that friend that "forgets to eat lunch!") Oh, come on! Really? I've been looking forward to lunch since I finished breakfast!  I'm still quite uncoordinated (My family regularly makes a point to draw my attention to "mommy trippers" on hikes), but I have a good time trying new things and being active with my family!  

I may get hit by a truck tomorrow, but I have peace knowing that I've done my part to take care of the temple that God has given me!  I have plenty of days where I have "blown it" in my quest to be a good steward, but I have to remember one of my favorite verses found in Philippians 4:8 that reads, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."  Never "beat yourself up" over a bad choice or a sluggish day!  Each day provides a new opportunity to start over!  I'm thankful that His mercies are new every morning!  

I'm thankful for my amazing and supportive family & friends that have encouraged me through this journey!  You may never know how much of an encouragement you can be to someone by giving them a genuine compliment!  "Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones." (Proverbs 16:24). Let's lift one another up and be cheerleaders for each other in this sometimes overwhelming task of stewardship!