Project 365,  Uncategorized

Project 365 – A Challenge to Change the Things You Can

December 30, 2014 /

Project 365 - a challenge to change the things you can

On October 17th, 2013, I closed a post with the following words…

I’ve let things slip. I know that if I get back to exercising every day that I’ll have more energy, and I know that eating better and drinking less caffeine will make a difference too. Like Paul says in Romans 7:15, “For what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.”

This is an area of my life that I need to give up to God. I need to trust His wisdom that says, everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. I need to exercise this area of my life until my Spirit is ruling the flesh. Maybe I can’t do everything I used to do, but I definitely can make some changes.

This isn’t easy to talk about. It’s embarrassing in fact. But the truth is that appetite is a struggle so many of us are wrestling with.

We know what is good, what is right, and what is true, but day after day we follow the lust of the flesh that leads to more junk in the trunk.

The bottom line is that you’re not struggling with food. You’re struggling with self-control. Your flesh is at war with your Spirit. 

Which one will win? 

The one that you feed. 

As for you skinny girls, you’re not off the hook. The same principle applies to each and every one of us, as we struggle with self-control in different areas. If we’re not ruled by the Spirit we’re being ruled by the flesh.

And so we see that the fruit of self-control is the result of a person who is walking in virtue by making daily decisions to put down the flesh. She’s equipped with wisdom, and she’s down on her knees in prayer.

A virtuous woman isn’t ruled by her passions, she passionately pursues an incomparable God. She is strong because she knows that she can do what she wants, but she chooses to do that which is good.

As I’m writing this, I feel the hand of God gently tug on my heart. He’s speaking to me as He’s speaking to you. These words aren’t solely for the purpose of writing, but rather that the reader as well as the author will take them to heart, draw closer to Him, exercise virtue, and start changing today.

Perhaps you don’t remember these words, but let me assure you–I do. I took them to heart. I felt the tug and I followed His lead. There’s so much I want to share with you about where I was, how far I’ve come, and how I’m still just a work in progress. I want to tell you about Project 365, and how I failed but got back up in the race.

And so I will. Starting this coming Monday, January 5th I invite you to join me as we embark on a new journey to change the things we can. For some of you it might be your eating habits, for others it could be keeping your house clean, and for some it’s establishing good Bible study habits. We all have old habits we want to break and new habits we want to make… if we don’t start this minute when will we?

Get yourself a journal, a pen, and Bible ready–we’ll meet here again on Monday.

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene Schacht
The Time-Warp Wife

Pick up a copy of my new book, Messy Beautiful Love: Hope and Redemption for Real-Life Marriages

 

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69 Comments

  • Tammy Churchill

    December 30, 2014 at 2:14 pm

    Wonderful!! I also know that I need to make some changes if my body is to be honored as it should. I KNOW that, and I want to change on the spiritual level, but I don’t want to change on the carnal level. I love, love, love the taste and sensation of my Diet Mountain Dew, which is one of the issues, and I cringe at the thought of giving it up. But, my spirit longs to make the sacrifice for the better good and have that Fruit of the Spirit evidenced in my life. Looking forward to the coming year!

  • Laura

    December 30, 2014 at 2:20 pm

    Hi Darlene,

    I’m looking forward to Monday and to jump in and start working on me with your guidance and suggestions with the Lord leading both if us. Have a safe and blessed New Year and see you on Monday.

  • DD

    December 30, 2014 at 2:22 pm

    This is so good! Not just because the New Year is approaching, although for some that energy is helpful to get motivated. I believe this is the Lord and I am so thankful for your obedience! Love you, Beautiful Lady!

  • Denise :)

    December 30, 2014 at 2:28 pm

    This really pierced my heart . . . in a tear-flowing, total conviction kind of way. I know very well the sin that doth so easily entangles me and you’ve nailed it on the head. Very much looking forward to Monday evening. Have Bible, pen and journal . . . and a heart that desires to change the things that are changeable. Thank you! 🙂

  • Kris

    December 30, 2014 at 2:33 pm

    This is just what I need to jump start the new year. Count me in! We all need a little accountability to help us along.:)

  • Mrs KRC

    December 30, 2014 at 3:04 pm

    Which one will win? The one you feed.
    This is so very true. I’ve always known God but 2015 will be the year I experience God for who He is to me….MY EVERYTHING! Blessings to you all in the new year.

  • Ruby

    December 30, 2014 at 3:06 pm

    I have been feeling the tug on my heart as well, in fact god gave me my word for the year.. Blessings, I need to look for the blessings in all things to help see his glory and stop the negativity.. I look forward to the journey ahead..

  • Shannon Kotila

    December 30, 2014 at 3:12 pm

    Oh Darlene….This very thing has been on my heart and mind for the past year. Self control…the least used of my gifts given to me by the Holy Spirit. I have been a Christian for almost 38 years and I still lack in the area of self control. And it is not only in my eating habits but in all areas where I need self DISCIPLINE.

    Thank you for this 365 day challenge. I will be here!

  • Tamara

    December 30, 2014 at 3:19 pm

    I’m ready! After reading this this am it was just confirmation of what God spoke to me in prayer of getting things back in order !

  • Sabra Penley

    December 30, 2014 at 4:05 pm

    So perfect, Darlene. I’m getting ready to embark on a year without sweets. The Lord has made it clear I need to surrender the hold it has on me. I need to topple this idol and destroy it. And it has been a lifelong journey of bowing down to my cravings of taste. So I’ve felt God’s lead to spend the whole of 2015 without one sweet food crossing my lips. But not just abstaining from the activity–the indulgence. Also eradicating it from my mind. Taking my thoughts captive to the Lord and focusing on all the sweetness He brings. Oh, I’m so ready. Glad to have this community to share it with.

    • MaryIsabelle

      January 2, 2015 at 8:07 am

      I’ve been thinking of a year without sweets, too. I’m scared! It’s a way of life for me. I’m excited for what Darlene and the HS have in store for me in the new year!

  • Cesia K

    December 30, 2014 at 4:18 pm

    Thank you, Darlene. Reading through I felt touched and related because that is also the area I need to work on. I recently joined to your newsletter, and the encouragement I’m receiving has come just in time, there’s no coincidence.

  • Yola Nikijuluw

    December 30, 2014 at 4:42 pm

    I’m in! Thank you for the motivation to start the new year right. I’ve been struggling with my eating habit…i find it hard to control my cravings… i realize that i cannot do it on my own…i need God to help me conquer it… i am looking forward for monday…

  • Jill

    December 30, 2014 at 4:57 pm

    Oh, my!!! This spoke directly to me — I have been struggling with this for sooooo long. I wish it was Monday already!! Will be ready!!
    Thank you, thank you!

  • Rma

    December 30, 2014 at 5:13 pm

    Exactly what I need. 2015 is My last year in my 30’s, I want LIVE my life from here on out and don’t want my weight to hold me back. Can’t wait!

  • DebiVegas

    December 30, 2014 at 5:36 pm

    Darlene.. I’m only a hit and miss reader but for some reason this article really caught my eye, I’m looking forward to joining in on Monday…thank you.

  • Nicole C

    December 30, 2014 at 8:12 pm

    I pray 2015 will be a better year for me and my family! I am ready for God to take control and I will submit to his will!! Thank you!

  • Kendra

    December 30, 2014 at 10:46 pm

    Oh, my… Needing to handle all three of these topics – almost unbelievable that I have been hearing God speaking to me about all of this & here it is!! I say ‘almost unbelievable’ because I know what an Awesome & Mighty God I believe in – Still He never ceases to amaze me with His outpouring of love & the extremes He will go to!!! I can’t wait to see His Works in THIS!! Thank you!

  • Sue

    December 31, 2014 at 12:36 am

    This came at the perfect time. Thank you, I know this will be easier to work on when there are sisters working along side me. Can’t wait to dig into Bible study It will be a blessed New Year.

  • Debbie Burns

    January 1, 2015 at 1:37 am

    I have been wanting to lose weight for some time now and just cant seem to stick with anything I do. I know I will feel better and have more energy if I can just get 30 pounds of extra weight off of me. I also do not feel as tho I am growing spiritually. I go to church, I try to do devos and some studies but just cant seem to retain anything. I want to feel that joy of having that wonderful relationship with God. I want to be able to share that relationship with others and show them what a awesome God I serve. I plan on doing the challenge. Thanks for all you do. Love getting your emails.

  • Susan

    January 1, 2015 at 9:21 am

    You have no idea how badly I need this! I can’t wait to start, and thank you Darlene for being such a truly wonderful Godly inspiration to us all.

  • Dawn

    January 1, 2015 at 3:40 pm

    I am up for the challenge, for I have made a commitment to “Reset” for the new year and Project 365 is another way to incorporate my reset. I am thankful for your faithfulness and commitment that you share with all of us.

  • Adrie

    January 2, 2015 at 5:29 pm

    I am so Looking forward to this challenge. There are so many things that I would like to improve and change in this new year. Thank you for being so transparent with your own life and experiences.

  • Gail

    January 3, 2015 at 2:09 pm

    Many are asking how to “join” this-can you mention a blurb about the process of joining this for those of us who would like to? Do we come here to your website, check it out on Facebook every Monday or what? Thanks for clearing this up – I am excited for this study! Thank you for the encouragement you offer to women of all backgrounds and ages! I am almost finished raising my 7 children, have 7 grandchildren and just became a teacher!

  • Amanda

    January 4, 2015 at 1:12 am

    Looking forward to the 365 challenge. I am in need of losing weight and changing eating habits. I started awhile back but it went by the way side. I want to do this challenge for 2015. Look forward to joining the rest of you in this challenge.

  • Chris Ang

    January 5, 2015 at 1:38 am

    I am definitely IN! I wanna change my bad habits. But its not easy doing it alone. Thank you for starting this. It will help me get through the 365 days of overcoming the bad things in my life.

  • Angie

    January 5, 2015 at 3:48 am

    Very well said and with tender loving words. I am at the same place in life. Flesh winning out on food and not making time for exercise. I need to get back in to a daily devotional which I am beginning tomorrow with GMG. Thank you for the truth and willing to work through the journey together.

  • Tonya

    January 5, 2015 at 1:01 pm

    I am ready! I have my pen, my journal, and my Bible.

    Lol- I also have a three yr old on my lap that has been up since 4am!

  • Jenny

    January 5, 2015 at 1:27 pm

    Yessss!!!!! So excited I saw this in time! Woot!! Thanks for being sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading. There are several areas in my life that need control and guidance.

  • Amanda

    January 11, 2015 at 3:19 pm

    Hello, So just an update from me. I been working at my challenge for 5 days now and I will say some days are easier than others but you have to push yourself a bit. Also, its been working good to keep a journal of the progress. 5 points for 5 days:) Yeah!

  • Mari

    January 26, 2015 at 2:48 am

    I want to say that I stumbled here by accident, but it wasn’t an accident. I too have an issue of the flesh that I have struggled with for too long….drug addiction. I guess you can say I have been a functioning addict, very successful at work, and home. I’ve hidden this secret for far too long and my heart is longing for change and life without this. I’m glad I found myself here!!!!