We pick up the story with my agreeing to read Lysa TerKeurst’s new book Made to Crave before it goes out to the public. I’m to read it, do the questions, and send my comments to Holly (Lysa’s incredible assistant & friend). It sounded simple and harmless. It was neither.
The book made me dig into my life in a way that I didn’t want to – it made me take a look at how I viewed food. It wasn’t about a diet or nutrition, it was about me and how I viewed myself and where I put my focus. And the questions….whew! I remember one section that asked about prayer. I wrote in the margin ‘to pray would imply I think I have a problem and I don’t want to admit I have a problem.’
Made to Crave made to take a LONG hard look at what I crave.
And I was looking….. but not really hard. I didn’t make any changes, I just looked at what I was doing and turned away. If I pretend I don’t have a problem, then I don’t have one, right?
And then I found myself face to face with Lysa, Holly, and Renee Swope. They were all on the Girl’s Get A Way cruise and since I work for the cruise company and blog for the cruise, we were all together – on a ship for days. I found myself in a conversation with these three and the talk turned to food issues….How did I get here? I’m talking about food with three women –tall & slim and two tiny girls – what is happening? How would they know about what it’s like for me
They challenged me to make the change – and funny thing I didn’t feel judged but cared for. I knew in that moment that Lysa cared, Holly cared and Renee cared.
I made a commitment to give it a try – to make a change. The commitment wasn’t to these women, it was to God. I asked Him to change my heart. I asked Him to give me a craving for Him.
I’m making the change.. slowly, step by step, I’m changing. I’m learning to view food as food and not as my comforter or my deliverer. The pounds are coming off, but it’s about where my heart is – where my focus is.
I’m moving forward…. and then this happens
Made to Crave Webcast and a message from Holly….would you like to be on the webcast? And crazy took over my brain and I answered I would LOVE to!
So I’m scheduled to appear on the webcast on January 31st and y’all have to watch…. please! I need some support. To say I’m nervous is an understatement. Immediately I thought….I HAVE to lose more weight. HAVE to. But sweet Holly talked me off that ledge and reminded, again, that this isn’t about pounds it’s about my heart and my cravings.
So please pray with me that I’ll crave God even more as I prepare.
And since this is New Year’s Eve, this is my desire for 2011 – crave God more than ever.
So what is your on new thing for 2011?
That’s so awesome, Mary. I struggle with my weight, also. I look forward to hearing about your experience and I hope to gain insight for myself, as well.
oooh whoop whoop!!!! this is what we need- women being honest, encouraging, and willing to change- and be beside each other in that! love youuuu!
I love you Mary Snyder! Can’t wait until January 31!!!
Congratulations, Mary!! Just be Mary and you will do just fine!
Leah
Mary Honey, you are so brave! You inspire me. When is this book available to the public? I’m with you!
Darling Mary, you are going to light up Web World!!
I was already looking forward to being part of the Made to Crave Webcast, just cause I love Lysa, but NOW…WhooHooo!
I feel like us girls are about to get some God Dessert 🙂
I have a feeling that 2011 is going to be a YEAR that will go down in the special books for you sweetheart,
I love you girl, God is doing a new thing!!
Oh, Mary! I’m so excited for your webcast! Made to Crave is a real winner, isn’t it?!?! God has really used Lysa and this message to do a work in me the past few months…praying for you as you continue on the journey!
Your posts about Craving God have been so encouraging. I had been feeling led to use this as my women’s study starting in February. I know God will use it in a big way in the lives of many women. I finally “pulled the trigger” and announced it as the study this week. Anytime I lead or participate in a study, of course I really want to be changed by it, but this one is more intimidating because the results of change will be so visible to everyone. My fears all point to the fact that I really need to “crave God” more and stop focusing on what people think. I am really excited to start this journey and will be so glad to have your aweseome words to encourage me along! Looking forward to hearing what you have to say on the webcast!
Terry!!! You grabbed my heart with this comment. I am absolutely terrified to do lead this study, too, but lead it I am. We are beginning in two weeks! Yes, two weeks. So, we are in tis leading thing together. Trusting God will lead us and I know He will.
I’m excited and terrified, but I know that I will be changed!
I’m excited for you…I can RELATE! I will be praying for you. GOD has you right where you need to be…craving more of HIM. Awesome! I will HAVE to get that book!
Love you!