St. Augustine's Diet Plan

Then God said, "Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food. Genesis 1:29

I came across this bit of wisdom from St. Augustine in the little devotional book, Early Will I Seek You, a 40 day journey in the company of Augustine. He has this to say about food:

"You have taught me that I should approach the taking of food as I approach medicine. For hunger and thirst are pains of a sort. They break down the body and burn, unless the "medicine" of nourishment relieves us. And it's by eating and drinking that we repair the daily losses of the body, until such time as you destroy both the stomach and food. (1 Corinthians 6:13) At that time you will kill all fleshly hungers by filling us with your wonderful plenty. Then you will clothe this corruptible body with an everlasting body that cannot be corrupted. (1 Corinthians 15:54)

But until that day, I fast and wage war because I need to bring my body into subjection."

I have lost and gained the same 10-15 pounds for many, many years. I love sweets and pizza and burgers, and every bit of weight is noticeable on a 5' 1" frame. I get lazy and would much rather sit and read than workout. Others have a much bigger struggle than mine, but I do identify with the struggle. Let's face it, we can't just stop eating. I tried that once, believe me, it doesn't work. I got down to 83 pounds, anorexia had me in it's grip, and I was in a battle for my life......

I can truly say that God healed me in a miraculous way, of that I have no doubt whatsoever. It was due to the prayers of my family that I was snatched out the power of that particular death grip. It was God and Jazzercise that saved me. After making my self sick, I then had to make myself well. Though God healed my mind, I had to love my body back into health.

Augustine goes on further to state:

"Now, let us be honest, eating and drinking are pleasurable, and good food is healthful for the body. But I may sit down to eat and drink for the sake of health, and then for pleasure go on to eat and drink far more than I need or over what is healthful. Often it is so difficult to tell the difference, whether my body has a healthy appetite or whether I am being deceived by my own overwhelming greed......"

He ends with this prayer that I join him in praying today:

"I call upon you, O Lord, and offer up all my confusion to you. Help me to clearly discern my own motives. Because food and drink are needs and pleasures, this is not the kind of thing I can renounce once and for all, as I was able to do with fornication. And who, Lord, is not sometimes carried beyond the bounds of "necessity?" I ask you, O Lord, to help me keep a right grip, neither too loose or too tight, on the reins of my palate. Confessions 10

I think this prayer fits just about any issue we are struggling with........

I present my humble offering of Gratitude today, continuing the count with the community of believers.........

A brand new tomato, which Elaine presented to the neighbor lady next door, little sprouts that reach toward the sun, another Sunday to worship and yes, enjoy eating outside before it gets too hot.....laughter and conversation with our neighbors......phone calls across the miles that bring us close......healthy discussions about what we heard yesterday in church......a healthy body and an abundance of food.....projects that provide a sense of accomplishment......two mornings of not having to get up early.....the Holy Spirit that gives us the strength to do what we cannot......#878-888