Are you doing the “Give-Back Diet” program?  Join us!  This is the 16th day, but you may start anywhere.  Losing weight and keeping it off is a process, not an “on again/off again” deprivation diet. This program is about “giving back” extra weight: losing weight, with a very healthy diet, and making lasting lifelong changes.  It’s about giving back the God-given grace we’ve been given, by taking great care of ourselves, and helping others.  It’s especially about “Giving Back” to God.

In the first day, and the days in the first week of the program, I encouraged you to make a list of your problems and then give them to God, in the form of surrender and prayer.  Many of us have done just that.  I encourage you to keep speaking with God and asking for help, today, and every day.

Have a talk with God.  Appreciate and praise Him for the many blessings you have, and for the gift of life.  Tell Him your problems and worries.  Admit your mistakes, errors and sins.  Ask Him for help and forgiveness.

Then, take time to listen to God.  Answers may come in infinite ways.  You may feel the Presence of God; a kind of connection to Creation, a certain knowledge or transcendent feeling that you are not alone.  God may speak to you in your desires to be healthy, and to “give back” foods that may taste good but really hurt you.  You may see God’s great handiwork in the beauty of someone’s face, the tender touch of a spouse or loved-one, or the care that someone shows for another.  Perhaps God speaks to you in words, in Scripture, poetry, art, music or great stories of His miracles.

For me, God appears strongest when I need Him the most.  In my challenges and struggles I become desperate, and reach out for divine guidance.  In the darkest hours when I think I am a failure, or disconnected, or making giant blunders – God is very much there to pick me up and get me back to sanity again.  I’ve experienced many miracles from God, especially the miracle of obesity relief, and help with compulsive overeating and food addictions.  You can too.

ACTION PLAN:

—  Have a talk with God, Spirit or Higher Power today.  Right now.  Close your eyes for a moment and feel the Presence.  You are never alone.  Say a prayer of thanks, and ask God for help.

— I encourage YOU to reach out to others, and to God, and post a comment.  Tell us your problems – give them back to the world – and give them to God.  Posting comments helps you, and everyone in this community.  We’re ALL in this TOGETHER.

— Keep avoiding sugars, eating a meal of vegetables or salad every day, drinking plenty of water, and writing a journal of what you’re eating, doing and feeling.