Cravings

\ˈkrā-viŋ\ - an intense, urgent or abnormal desire or longing for some particular thing

Have you ever noticed that once something is forbidden it becomes all the more desirable?

Over the past couple weeks, I have been making an honest attempt at trying to eat healthier, not only for myself, but for my family as well. My diet has consisted of lean meats, eggs, veggies and fresh fruit. Not allowed on this plan are breads, potatoes, pasta or the sweets that I've come to know and love. Oh how I've longed for just a bite or two of something fun...a cookie, some ice cream, a piece of chocolate. I've come to learn through the years that avoidance is the best policy. Once you allow that first bite in, it becomes easier to give in to the craving the next time it comes along. Before you know it, the little bite turns into eating the whole brownie and since you've already blown it, you might as well top it off with some ice cream!

After visiting with a dear friend over breakfast this morning, I had to pick a few things up at the grocery store. A new cereal was being proudly displayed on the end of an aisle. Wouldn't you know it was called "Krave"! It comes in "two irresistable flavors- chocolate and double chocolate". One looked to have a vanilla "whole grain" shell and the other chocolate. Both come with a smooth, creamy chocolate filling and both are sure to satisfy any chocolate-lovers cravings - especially one who has been carb - starved for a couple weeks!

So how does this fit into my journey from the heart? After all, that's what I said this blog would be about.

My companion on this journey to better eating habits has been a book by Lysa Terkeurst called 'Made to Crave'. It has been both challenging and encouraging and has been a perfect fit for me on my journey of longing for deeper intimacy in my walk with Christ. We were created to be in relationship with Him. God wants to satisfy our deepest longings with His perfect peace, love and presence. Giving in to food cravings - or other physical things we use to fill a void - only provides temporary fulfillment and often leaves us feeling guilty in the aftermath.

Psalm 42:1-2 is a good reflection of my heart's cry: " As the deer pants for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God." When we look to God to fill us, we will find lasting joy, lasting peace and lasting hope.

May He truly be my heart's desire.