Day Eleven - Sunday Reflections

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As I think back over this past week, I see how important it is to have others on this journey with me. I have those who give me tips and suggestions, those who help me stay strong when I'm feeling weak, and those who encourage me along the way.

Our devotion for today is about community. The Bible tells us "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another." (Hebrews 10:25).

In Rodney's Devotion Challenge he writes, "You need other people, whether you admit it or not. Meeting with others is important for spiritual health, but the key is finding a community that knows how to encourage and build one another up. Sarcasm, cynicism, pessimism are not healthy for spiritual communities. If you find yourself feeling at home with these communities, you need to change habits."

As we continue this challenge the last thing we need is sarcasm, cynicism, or pessimism. Take a look around you and see what kind of "community" you are in. It may be the difference in you finishing this challenge and feeling defeated and quit. We can ALWAYS make adjustments!

To start our week off, here are some comments and the challenge from the Thursday night meeting with Phil. Thanks to those who helped get this information to me since I was unable to attend.

• Drink, drink, drink water. Your metabolism can slow by 3% if you are dehydrated. Lack of water can cause your mind to be fuzzy and you can have a difficult time concentrating.
• Cayenne pepper supplement is great for cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Salt increases your fat cells and makes the ones you have bigger.
• Keep a journal. I'll help you from week to week to look back and see what you ate on the good weeks so you can do it again.
• Take responsibility for your weight and eating habits. You make the choices - no one else can do it for you.

Challenge:

• Make sure you are eating balanced meals and snacks - 45% carbs, 30% protein, and 35% good fats.
• Pay attention to the things you say about yourself and others. Be positive. Don't tell yourself that it's too hard or you can't do it. Encourage yourself and others.
• Write down your thoughts and feelings. Keep track this week of whether or not you are being positive.

Looking forward to a great week with my "community" as we do this together!