Self-Control.............

ugh!!!!! Not something that I am good at in all areas of my life.....some areas - I am very controlled - where other areas are a struggle!!!!! I've been looking up scriptures on Self-Controlled and meditating on them - also praying and thanking God that "I am self-controlled"....you know, calling those things that are not as though they were....lol.......

I came across this devotion in my Devotional bible for Women....becoming and I screamed laughing because it is SOOOO me (and for those of you who know me well - you will be laughing too because you know that I relate to this immensely).......here it goes:

Are you in "the bad place"?

There are times when I make the Wicked Witch of the West look like Glenda the good Witch's twin sister. When I get in what I call the "bad place", I quickly need to get alone with the Lord, get heart-to-heart with him, and be totally honest. When anger starts to show itself in my life, I know that my frustration level has topped out. Believe me, it is ugly - wicked witch of the west ugly! Frustration is the spark that starts the fire of anger. With life's everyday needs, demands, and even failures, it can cause you to step out into the "bad place" where you sin in your anger, hurt others' feelings (oh Lord - this is SOOO me......lol) or even worse, be a spirit killer. It is humbling to have to clean up all the emotional damage caused by your own anger.

Galatians 5:22-23 says that the Spirit produces the fruit of self-control. Yes, it is a fruit, which means it doesn't just appear like magic (unless of course you are a Chia Pet). It is a seed that is planted in your heart through the Word and a discipline that is nurtured through your circumstances. This is the secret for growing your seedlings into fruit; be still and call out to God. He can't hear you if you're not talking to him. Want more tips on growing your seedlings into mature fruit? Trust God, be honest and be heart-to-heart with your Lord. Today is the day your seed of self-control is being watered!!!

OMG - after I stopped laughing because I realized this was totally me - I knew that this was right on target for me. I have been thinking on self-control for a while now.....which is the reason I'm digging for scriptures and writings on it............so I wanted to share this one too - not only for a good laugh while reading it and comparing it to me - but also to have a check in your own spirit to make sure self control is one of your fruits that are being matured.

Also, here is a prayer from the Prayers that Avail Much book (scripture prayers) that I've started praying over myself regarding my self control with my weight.............maybe it will help someone else who is struggling.

"Father, I am your child, and Jesus is Lord over my spirit, soul and body. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful; I know that full well.

Lord, thank you for declaring your plans for me - plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future. I choose to renew my mind to your plans for a healthy lifestyle. You have abounded toward me all prudence and wisdom. Therefore, I give thought to my steps. Teach me knowledge and good judgment.

My body is for the Lord. So here is what I want to do with your help, Father god. I choose to take my everyday, ordinary life, my sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking around life - and place it before you as an offering. Embracing what you do for me is the best thing I can do for you.

Christ, the Messiah, will be magnified and receive glory and praised in this body of mine and will be boldly exalted in my person. Thank you Father, in Jesus Name. Amen".

scripture references: Psalms 139:14, Psalms 119:66; Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 12:1 (message); Proverbs 14:15 and Philippians 1:20 (Amplified)

Be blessed.