(New posting inspired by Kathy Beard and a recent book called, “Perfecting Kate”)
Dear Father,
You know me. You know my hearts intentions. You know when I say what I mean and when I say a lie. Yes, I dared to say the word most Christians hate to admit—I lie. Not the kind of lies like the kind people tell nowadays like fraud, stealing, cheating, etc. The lies I talk about are under the guise of a better word—politeness. When someone I do not like approaches me with a big smile on their face. I smile in greeting, insert some warmth, and set a guard over my tongue. I should love this person. My warmth should radiate authenticity.
Authenticity.
The dictionary says it is the quality of being authentic, trustworthy, or genuine. I am generous in giving encouragement, but You said it best in Matthew 5:43-48. What reward is there to love my friends? It is all good, but it is also easy. My enemies need love. It does not matter if their lifestyle goes against the Bible. It doesn’t matter if they do not show fruit in their lives (even if they are a professing Christian). They will eventually face judgment in the afterlife. That is, unless, we as Christians preach the truth in our words and in our actions. Preach in love. Establish a true friendship with them. Accept them, not tolerate their choices, but accept them and listen to them.
Lord, help me in my walk with You. I need to know the better words to say to love my enemies. I want them to see You shining through me. As Your child, I know You will always provide for me, but I ache for those whose hearts dwell in darkness. Thank you, Lord, for the life and love you have given to me (though undeserved as it is), and forgive me for not spending time in your Word this morning. I asked for your help in losing weight, but I put losing weight as first priority over You. How can I ask for your help and not spend the time with You? It is like getting money from loving relatives and not spending any time with them.
In Jesus Name,
Love,
Your daughter
NIKKI HAHN
Indy Examiner Columnist Debra Sartelle posted an excellent essay posted in the December 12, 2009 edition of the Indianapolis Examiner called "BABY BOOMERS AND RELIGION". 
With apologies to the late great poet Robert Frost:
Whose foods these are I think I know.
My kitchen is overflowing so;
I cannot see me stopping soon
Until I see next month's full moon!
My stomach once in shape and flat
Is now the home of unsaturated fat
Snicker-doodles and caramel creams;
And every cookie my name it screams
For 11 long months no Steak and Shake
But somehow in December, a goof I make.
As snow winds blow and cold winds sweep
To Target, to Kohl's, to Walmart I creep
Now the stores are dark and empty - not a beep.
But now I have begun to weep,
And hours on the elliptical before I sleep,
And hours on the elliptical before I sleep.
You know the funny thing about all of this "mangia" every Christmas season is - we "resolve" to cut back "next year"!ha ha...Yeah right! What I did notice this past holiday season is almost all of us did cut back in 2009. Still the scale does not lie!
The Bible, the Word of God, does not specifically ban or say anything about over-eating....otherwise what we see in these Buffet family restaurants would be a bigger outrage than it is (you know where some people pile food 4 layers high on their plate, the second or third time and then order a Diet drink)!! There are verses in Proverbs about Gluttony (Proverbs 23: 21 and 30:22) as well as Philippians 3:19. What the Bible does talk about is health and healthy living.
The Apostle Paul spoke in athletic terms all the time. Considering the rugged and physically demanding life he had to live as God's Primary Ambassador to all the Gentile world, the Apostle had to be in great shape. Therefore, as we plunge headlong into and look forward to 2010, let's cut the feasting on fattened calves and spiral hams down a bit, throw a little fasting in there as well as forty five minutes walking, stretching and exercising, so we can get through the coming frosty winter with a healthy body...into WHICH we can feed the REAL FOOD - the Word of God!
