Learning Self-Control

Out of the forty some that went camping, two of us came back with Poison Ivy. Myself included. While it is not a bad case of it, it still itches. It is still a complete and total test of self-control. It is mainly on my arm and there are intense moments when I want to scratch the daylights out of it. I can tell I have matured through the years because in past cases I have done just that. Itch, itch, itch, scratch, scratch, SCRATCH. Extending the damage and irritation to weeks. This last bout I decided to do a little research on the internet to see what others do. OH MY, the things people do. Go search it yourself, if you want to be grossed out. There was one lady that seemed practical and hopeful. So I went to the store in search of her recommendations. Aveeno bath, anti-itch gel and benadryl. I have to say this is a pleasant treatment plan. I have noticed drastic changes. It has NOT spread, Hallalluia! And I have been able to refrain from scratching. I also tried something different yesterday. After a hot shower I dried the couple of spots that were still itching and covered them with new skin; the nail polish like bandage. It seems to be working as well. I believe this case of poison ivy is nearly out the door. I am learning self-control.

For a month now I have been doing a once weekly fast. No food from midnight to dusk on the day of the fast. It is for a specific purpose and I will continue to do so until released from it. Which at this point is unknown. Weeks, months, years? I am learning how much food has a hold of me. It is not so much the waking up, it is closer to noon that I begin to feel the hunger. The kids go about their normal day, eating and snacking. I still need to prepare meals. I may still need to go to the store. So I am still surrounded by it. There are temptations. Thekids will still offer me things to eat. Although DS is beginning to understand. At the close of the last day, I was watching the clock for official sunset. As soon as it came I devoured some sweet potato chips. I did not have self control. I am learning self-control.

With this computer, I know I have spent accessive time on it. Yesterday after I finished my designated time, I turned off the computer. Throughout the day I would come back to it, and I realized how much I am in and out on the computer in the course of one day. I did turn it back on to pay the bills, while on I snuck a look at my email. Then turned it back off. I did not have time for all the wonderful blogs I like to visit. I am hoping I will here and there. But I have made a commitment and I will do what I need to do to see it through. Afterall I am learning self-control.

1 Thessalonians 5:8But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.