Thursday, February 10, 2011

Healthy Habit

One of the bad habits I've developed few years back is eating midnight meal...yes a meal not a snack. It started when I'm working night shift in an electronic company. As soon as I got home around midnight I hit our kitchen and looked for a bowl of rice, if can't find some, I look on something to munch or nibble, worse, I usually eat ice cream, anything sweets preferably chocolates or cookies or sandwiches. It was just too good to sit, relax and enjoy my midnight meal uninterrupted. Doesn't matter if I slapped those fats and carbs right straight into my thighs as long as I have my midnight meal. 
That habit goes on and on even when I'm not working anymore. Until one day, I looked in the mirror and I could clearly see how healthy I become....ewww those hideous belly fats and chubby cheeks! It's a message telling me that I have to do something to myself. Developing a habit are hard to break! It is very true about this saying that habit is like a bed of roses, it's easy to get in but it's hard to get out and that's what happen to me :(

You know the rest of the story. I tried many fad and yoyo diets but it's just get worse, my appetite in food is too high to suppress. When we were in Australia, I gained another 10 lbs. in two weeks time. Every time we travel, I gained pounds. Till I come to my senses and realized again that the key factor is self control and discipline. I have to control myself of what I put on my body and to discipline myself in eating healthy food with moderation.  
So far, I started eating moderately, healthy foods with low carb diet and NO MORE midnight snack. I gave myself a pat on the shoulder with that one :) the hardest struggle I've overcome for the past weeks.  Since our foster kids are all in daycare and school during the day I have a chance to walk in the mall as my daily exercise lol at least an hour before I go home and do my chores. This morning, I weigh myself and I lost 15 lbs. already :)

Now I can see why many people are striving to get in shape. It makes them feel good about themselves, accomplishing something that is worth an effort. I try to discipline myself not only in food but something that are worth and beneficial. If I developed a bad habit why can't I develop a good one. Few years back, I established my prayer life. I oftentimes convinced myself that I do have a consistent prayer life but I admit and honestly tell you that I forgot to pray often than eating my meals three times a day. That's just sad.



 So I decided to establish and develop a lifestyle of prayer. I made it simple but special time with God. I am a morning person and I usually woke up around 5:30 am. My mind are more active than the rest of the day. During weekdays, I prepared everything at night for kids in the morning so that I will not rush myself in my time  with God. I have list of my devotional materials that I use everyday or a scripture that I can meditate for the day. It don't have to be a long prayer, or need to be a super spiritual talk to God but just pouring out my hearts to Him so that He can heal, soothe, encourage and deal with my inner needs. Helps me get through the day. No matter my mood is, I pray anyway. If I am in my computer, I try to utilize some of my time to read online bible in youversion.com. I also developed the habit of reading at least one or two good books a week and I encouraged my kids to do the same.

I know developing this habit is a constant battle, like abstaining from food I love to eat, there are struggles but I always keep in mind that my battle is the Lord's. "...do not be afraid, don't be discourage by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's 2 Chron. 20:15. 

God has graciously chosen to give us the privilege of being His partners in both the physical and spiritual areas of life. Through prayer we work with Him in defeating the powers of evil and in bringing about the fulfillment of His loving purposes in our life. The more I pray, the more I wonder why I do not pray more. The benefits are more rewarding than any other way I spend my time. I want to know Him more each day. God's work is done by those who pray. I want to keep this habit forever.