Book Discussion at my Blog

[Heidi Bylsma]

Thanks for the kind words, Norma. Yes, I feel the same way. I know if I would allow it, he would flood me to overflowing so very often.

Hugs,

[norma]

I enjoy your posts, Heidi. I will say I am behind on reading. I will keep up with the HEAL book postings as best I can. I am two thirds of the way through it and we are using that for live support group.

[ela]

Originally Posted by Heidi Bylsma

Hi, folks. Trying something new during the summer. If anyone is interested in joining in. I am going to use my blog to post thoughts about the TW book. I will be studying it starting June 1st and probably through the summer. Sometimes I will post a video, sometimes questions for others to ponder, sometimes verses that God has shown me...whatever it is he wants...and we will use the comments section for anyone who wants to participate to join in. I hope you will come on along and join in. I think God has something new in store for us.

And if you would rather, you could post here instead...I want to offer whatever works, whatever the Lord leads each person to do...

I just wanted to extend the invitation to anyone to come on along...here or at my blog http://godisdoinganewthing.blogspot.com

Starting Monday, June 1st. Even if you get a late start, I hope you will join in!

Hi Heidi,
I so appreciate all you do here and on your blog in the way of glorifying God by your reaching out and sharing your journey with anyone who is blessed to find these websites. I am surely blessed! I am reviewing Thin Within
and have begun to read what you posted on your blog beginning June 1 of last year. I may be posting here and/or there as I am led. Thanks for blazing the trail. I just watched the video from June 1 blog entry, and I feel your spirit right here with me now, "sisters" in Christ, looking to Him for all we need and trusting His will being done. Thanks for letting your light shine brightly. I am praising my Father in heaven as I see your good works.
Love and (((hugs)))!

[Heidi Bylsma]

Thank you, Ela! I appreciate it very much!

[ela]

It has taken me several days to re-read Day 1, but I have done it now. Last night, I read some of it with a friend over the phone. This morning I read what was posted on Heidi's blog for the first few days of June '09 up to the first post on this chapter. What wonderful support!

The most valuable part of this chapter for me is the part where the keys to conscious eating are described. I have been reviewing these keys on my journal thread for a few weeks as I am feeling instructed by God to do. All the Biblical references are up-lifting and the prayer at the end of the chapter is a prayer I joyfully pray today. I am delighted to review this chapter entitled "Free to Enjoy God's Lavish Love." God often reminds me that He wants me to enjoy, to live "in joy" of His grace. His love is so great. Today, I am blessed with knowing this and feeling it as well. My interest in God's love for me is much greater than my interest in food and eating now even as I have arrived at my second zero of the day. (I ate 0-5 about 3 hours ago... yogurt, vegie bacon, hot cereal with raisins.)

As I read this chapter, I was trying to recall how difficult it was to experience hunger when I first read it last October. There were so many questions, concerns, and doubts then. Now, I have a lot of experience with recognizing hunger and have less fear of it. I have so much more confidence that (1) hunger will find me and remind me to eat.. and (2) I will eat when it finds me, enjoy the experience, and find it satisfying ....and (3) I have God's blessing, encouragement, and empowerment in using the keys to conscious eating. I am absolutely convinced of God's love for me... for us... His children.

Thank You, God, for the lavish love shown by Your grace and for my recognition and enjoyment of it.

[ela]

Have now completed review of Day 2... All is going so well. I am thankful. What wonderful inspiration and direction from the book and Heidi's blog. It is exactly what I need right now to do what I perceive as God's will for me regarding food/eating. There is peace and humility and joy. Hunger has found me. Food is waiting to be eaten. Prayers are ready to be prayed. Life is here to be enjoyed. God's love is infinite and right here right now to be praised and shared. I am supremely blessed.

[Heidi Bylsma]

That is awesome! And I am so glad that something there at the blog can be helpful.

[ela]

Thanks for checking in, Heidi! I am especially thankful for your blog today. As I was reviewing Day 3, I just kept drawing a blank at the goal setting exercise. I had no problem with it the first time I went through the book. Today, I kept wanting to skip it and go forward. I watched the video (very good, funny, and encouraging) and read your blog posts for that day and the comments and felt so "not alone" and less internal pressure to do it "right". I took a nap and went for a walk. Afterward, I sat down and completed the exercise feeling God's presence and guidance and support.
On to Day 4!

[Heidi Bylsma]

LOL! Thanks so much for your kind words. The videos are so silly. :-) Or many of them are. I think the silliest one is the one on the phases of Thin Within. What can I say. I think the content is fine, but the horses definitely made it a bit...er... different.

Anyhow, all that to say, THANKS! I am so glad that there is something there that can help or bring a smile or encourage!

[ela]

I have been basking in the review of this chapter. The emphasis on the two paths has been something that has stuck with me and inspired me since I first read the book, so getting back to this chapter where the paths with the illustrations were introduced was like returning to a beloved retreat site. Reading what was written on the Heidi's blog added to the joyous experience of it all. Also, the review of the observation/correction chart was helpful considering I had a few observations and corrections to report. I am thankful for every part of it. And ready to move on to chapter 5 now.