One of my reading goals this year is to plow through some great courses on Christianity and Catholicism. I already know a lot about religion, going to a religious university and having to have a comprehensive overview of all major faiths, but I think I’m going to listen to a bunch of the courses on particular parts of the history. As far as the Bible goes Genesis and the book of John are my faves. From a historical point of view i think I’m going to read about the switch from the old to New Testament. And maybe the reformation. Any recommendations? I’d love the perspective of someone who practices
Stacias Journal
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The Grip of Grace by Max Lucado was a game changer for me. I grew up in a strict Fundamentalist/Legalistic Christian house (if you have any questions about that philosophy, I’m happy to answer). My Grandfather was a Pastor so we were strict churchgoers all through my youth. Literally 4-5 days a week we were at church. Nothing “secular” was allowed in our home. I read The Grip of Grace in my mid twenties and it changed my total perspective on what Christianity and who Christ was. Probably as Martin Luther (another author I would recommend) understood for starting the protestant reformation.
Charles Spurgeon and CS Lewis (I particularly love “A Grief Observed”) are also Excellent authors to read regarding Christianity.
After Reading The Grip of Grace, I got into the Bible on my own and literally read it from beginning to end. There was SO much I did not know (that I thought I did). Anyway, I currently continue to read my Bible daily as I find things STILL that escaped me before. I attribute this to the timing in my life not being relevant to the passages I was reading. I see it more as a Divine message when I discover something that resonates “new” with me now.
Other Christian authors I have enjoyed are Phillip Yancy and I think Max Lucado has SEVERAL great books (like, “He Chose the Nails”). Anyway… don’t want to ramble. Thats my own personal faith that I’m happy to share.
Edit to Add: If you liked the Gospel of John, He also wrote 1,2,3 John as well as Revelation in the New Testament, although Revelation can be the most difficult book to grasp. On Youtube, BibleProject offers a lot of historical references, If you enjoy videos, they are VERY well made and concise.
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Loved your post Kyle! So often if I’m going through something or have a lot on my mind I’ll just close my eyes and open the Bible anywhere it takes me and it blows my mind how it always is relevant and comforting !! Example: two days ago I was thinking about how some of the best people have horrible things happen and some of the meanest selfish (appearing) people seem to often flourish and I opened my bible right at those exact words almost!! I was shocked … it happens so often … without my faith I’d be petrified most days (worry about so much including covid and politics, etc.) but I feel so much peace that God is in control …
Thank you for the book recommendations and the story of how you grew up ! My parents were both forced to go to church (4 x’s a week too, strict houses) and so they never made us go, I found God/Jesus on my own in my early 20’s … game changer for me then!!!
Funny, I too check yours, Miramar and Kristys first thing when I log in …
Have a great day all !! 
I’ll post again soon …
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I love the Bible and although I get in it daily, I realize I can devote more time than I already do. Working on it.
How are you? How are the kids? how’s life in Portland? Really miss your updates, you are such and encouragement and inspiration here. I hope you know… And if you ever need encouragement, don’t be shy!! We are here for each other (even if I’m only on once a week). love ya.
Hello all, 
. I havnt posted in awhile as I’ve just been getting mentally prepared for a fast that I believe is doable for me. Since last August (when I joined this awesone forum - thank you Yasmin!!) I’ve completed a 9 day water fast and a 5 day and a few 2/3 days but mostly have mastered OMAD and quitting glutten and sugar (woohoo!). For those of us on this forum that have binge eating disorder like me, these are almost unbelievable accomplishments ! At least for me. So for these reasons I’m super proud but still so embarrassed over my size that’s still too big for my comfort. I’ve always binged but kept my weight down until the last few years and I’ve balooned over 200. In August when I joined I was 242… . ugh … my highest ever before a few years ago was 144 and that only lasted a few weeks (except when preganant) I’m now in my 40’s… … I haven’t weighed in a few months as I get so caught up in the number it makes me want to binge over it but I’m sure I’m still over 200 by the way I look and my clothes fit. I look and feel better but still wayyyyyyyy too heavy to be healthy and feel good in my own skin.
I’m “so over” hiding from everyone over the shame … I think I’ve needed these past 5 months to get over some of the physical addiction to food and process the emotions I feel that make me turn to food. I’ve been journaling sooo much and it’s really helped ! And prayer of course . I really don’t think we came to earth to feel shame and hide from our friends and family over it right?! Well I got my food pretty good now … yes I can still pack in my one meal pretty big - the highlight of some days … but OMAD and quitting sugar and glutten has been a God send … the cravings are about 75% of what they used to be. Sugar is the devil if you ask me.
So I’m going for a 90 day fast (my own self made up fast -lol). I realize some would say that’s not a fast but water was soooo hard for me; heartburn to the max all day, total insomnia, nausea, weak, etc. So here’s my plan … one small coffee with cream in the morning (I work early and this gets me out of bed … lol)… 1oz of nuts and one vegan organic meal replacement shake. That’s it. I am going to be open to adding a 2nd shake or a second 1oz of nuts if need be to get through the day but I’ve been contemplating this for a few months and I feel ready !!! So today is day 1 (1/24/21). I will try and post everyday an update to keep me accountable. I’ll weigh at some point when I’m feeling confident I’m under 199 (my first goal!!).
Thank you for everyone’s posts, I’ve been reading all of them everyday and I learn and get inspired by you all. We all have a story and hurdles and it’s great to know I’m not alone in this struggle to just feel comfortable in our own bodies.
Hugs and good luck fellow fasters!! 
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Hey Stacia!!
how are you doing?? Stopping by to update my journal and wanted to check in on you!!
Hi Kyle and ALL, just checking in as I havnt in awhile. My last post I think (haven’t read back lol) was a long planned shake and nuts fast but the shake made me feel bad - vegan but the vitamins in it made me feel ugh. Been drinking one small coffee with cream and a HUGE bowl of soup once a day. Feeling cleaner and lighter … so beyond freaking great to be totally off sugar and glutten … omg. My mood is just calmer. I also went to a naturopath and got all my tests ran … I’m hypothyroid, very low iron, low iodine and cortisol (weird because I’d assumed it be high from stress but I think after awhile it gets taxed and slows way down). All these things cause weight gain, lethargy and low metabolism. I started Armour Thyroid and adrenal support supplements… just feels good to finally feel good enough to get to the doctor and try and help myself. Feeling better but 200 plus pounds is just a NO.
I’ll write more later but rooting for all of you !!!
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Started Monday - Friday fast (one coffee in the AM)… eat on the weekends (no gluten no sugar)… started today, 2/22. I see a few others starting this too Woo hoo ! Let’s do this . My hope is this becomes a way of life for me, I have a lot of weight to lose…
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You got this Stacia!
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I’m doing the same, but I started on the weekend. I would like to fast the same days as you and Miramar so I’ll try to extend my current fast to Friday then fast again on Monday. I feel like it would be more helpful for me to fast on the same days. Keep up the good work!
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That’s great ! It’s nice to know others are doing the same thing! Happy fasting … here’s to Saturday’s meal We can do this ! Im reminding myself to lean into the miserable moments and not try and escape them. Going to embrace the craving to eat as I know I’m not physically hungry (I have too much weight on me) but it’s something else, boredom, stress, etc. … journaling will be a tool I’ll use for sure. Good luck
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Hello my Friend! I have missed you!! how are you doing? Hows the kids and life in Oregon?
Update when you get a chance.
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Just sending some SUNDAY hugs your way!!
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Hi all, I’ve been hijacking Miramar’s journal this past few weeks so I thought I’d move back to mine. I havnt stopped reading everyone’s posts every few days but just been laying low on my no glutten/wheat/bread, no sugar and no cheese diet. Mostly eat OMAD but as I stated on Miramar’s journal I’m still binging on corn chips and Salsa so I’m going to commit to letting that go starting tonight (5/11)… honestly I’ve also heard many times over that coffee sets you up to binge…I only drink one giant cup every morning but by 10am all I’m thinking about is food. This is every single day. The few times I’ve managed to quit coffee for a week or two I’ve felt so calm and the food cravings, the crazy frenzy of “I think of food and have to eat it NOW!! Is more at a level 3 than a level 10 without coffee.
My mind says that to quit this last binge food of mine coffee has to go to calm my nerves, mellow me out, stop the blood sugar crash (they say that happens with coffee/caffeine?!)…
Can I do it?? Can I get up for work tomorrow and not have coffee or my daily binge on chips and Salsa?!! Liz says I can … I actually believe her … we all can complete our goals …at least for me I just don’t because it’s easier to stuff my face and get high on my drug (s) of choice to not have to face the uncomfort of it all… what if we accepted the uncomfort and sat through it, observed if? Journalled about it? Isn’t life for living?? Why do some of us crave to numb out to 90% of life?? I believe we chose to come to earth and experience this place so what’s the big deal? Corn chips Stacia?? What the f*ck?? You powerful strong girl, you said goodbye to sugar, wheat and cheese (my private hell), you can live your life as a strong, beautiful girl and don’t have to apologize to wemon for being fit and or date just because someone asks you out … you don’t have to hide behind an overweight body for protection … God is protecting you… you can do this. Let’s get up tomorrow, have a glass of water, stretch, pray and remind yourself that you are strong and experiencing life not high on carbs and caffeine could actually be interesting?!! Tough but sooo worth it, right?!! …
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so is there any hope for people like you and me? WTF are we supposed to eat??? you know i don’t want to cook but seems like i’m going to have to
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you SHOULD believe me! are you on telegram? if so maybe you and me can message. i’ll 100% support you. i know you are worried and i’m praying for you Ms. Stacia
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wow! this is actually profound
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aw so nice of you to not write the word.
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God is never going to ask you to do something and then not give you the power to do it. AND God is never going to ask to you give something up as a punishment. he’s not taking something away from you.
to the contrary: he’s trying to get something TO you. more!
i am sure there’s a scripture about God giving us more as a reward for listening to him. it is SOOOOOO easy for me to sit here and dole out advice and wisdom. but i know it’s got to be so hard and i’m sooooo proud of you for all of the amazing changes you have ALREADY made. it’s an inspiration and gives me hope for my own life and diet.
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Thanks Liz for your super kind and supportive words, seriously !! I appreciate you a lot!! We can do this, I know we can … look at how much we’ve accomplished so far … imagine where we’ll be when we can close our eyes and smile as we relish in success (whatever that is for us!!) … ps. I’m not on telegram? … I must be lame because I’ve never heard of it … lol!