My guest writer today is Janet K. Brown and she has a great surprise–a free devotional book!

Janet says, “I lost ninety-five pounds and have maintained the loss for seventeen years.” Brown wrote Divine Dining: 365 Devotions to Guide You to Healthier Weight and Abundant Wellness from her journals and memories. This is one woman’s road for success by allowing God to take over the compulsion. “It’s all about God.” If you struggle with food and weight loss issues, this could be what you need to help you finally win the battle. Each page offers a Scripture, a short devotion, and a prayer for the day.  Here’s an example of one of the devotions:

July 10

 Oleanders and Weight Loss

 Psalm 42:4 Life Recovery Bible

“…..Why be discouraged and sad? Hope in God! I shall yet praise him again. Yes, I shall again praise him for his help.”

God amazes and encourages us. In the midst of trials and turmoil, God sends small reminders that He knows our plight and feels our pain.

The brutal summer of 2011 in Texas, we vacationed for eleven days. The sprinkler system failed. Our lawn received no water during that time. My gardener husband grieved. He poured water, but the brown grass, withering flowers, and trees prematurely losing their leaves mocked his every effort.

We prayed. Remember, God cares about the little things that trouble us. We prayed for our yard.

Two days later, an oleander bush planted on the west (hottest) side of the house broke into profuse blooms. It was like a rainbow after the storm for my husband. God encouraged him. We knew God cared.

In the beginning, we may lose weight every week. Over time, the loss slows. Sometimes, we gain. Many times, we fall from the boat, and then God sends a raft.

Once, despondency nagged my mind more than usual. If you’ve struggled with dieting and losing weight, you know how it is. I ate well for six weeks with no loss. Then, I prayed,

“I can’t change anything about my body. I’m a weak vessel tossed by frustration. Search my mind for evidence of resentment or envy. Examine my body for lack of sleep or proper nourishment. Heal the anger welling in my mind.”

God’s silence was deafening. I set out a fleece.

“I need to see a dip in the scale tomorrow to let me know You’re there.”

The next day I dropped four pounds.

A lady in our church is known for one particular song. Many times, we request “He’ll do it again.”

Prayer: We need Your encouragement today and again tomorrow.