which one first

[Tracy L]

When you are trying to get rid of a multitude of bad habits and addictions, which one should you try to rid yourself of first?
From my past experiences and failures, it was too hard to do too many removals at one time.
I have a few areas that need worked on. I am prone to addiction to sweets (not necessarily food...just sweets), coffee and unfortuately I went back to smoking some yrs ago.
Nowwww, I know all these things are bad for me and my body and disgraceful to God. Butttt I don't know where to begin and which to tackle first.
Any suggestions are more than welcome. Thanks guys and gals.

Love ya,
Tracy

[xxJILLxx]

Tracey,
hey there sis! Glad to see u are working on those bad habits. 1 month ago i was a smoker. The first 2 weeks were realy hard. Especially after i ate and when i was bored. To tell u the truth i chewed straws (stirs) and chewed lots of bubble gum, sugar free of course ( no pun intended). Well first i made my quit date and prepared my mind for it. Then I made up ideas of things to do instead of smoking, ie the straws, bubble gum, also like after id eat instead of smoking i would call somebody. ANd i wld always remind myself that after 20 minutes of stopping to smoke yr lungs are already starting to heal. So if i started to smoke again that 20 minutes has to start all over again. Plus i had to stop smoking because i have ulcers so u can think of motivating yr mind by saying if i dnt stop smoking i might get ulcers like Jill etc. etc. But most importantly ask God for the strength and to remove the urges and temptations that surround the Habit. He will help ya. Release yourself from any influences and let people know what yr trying to so and u would appreciate it if they help and encouraged u.
Hope this helps. GBU
JILL

[Tracy L]

Thanks Jill.

Way to go girllll!!! You quit! Praise God.

I have the same problem with it being cuz of boredom, etc. I know I can quit cuz I've done it several times. I just have to get the mind set going. It doesn't help that my 2 roomies smoke.

Butttt I know I CAN do anything through Christ which strengthens me.

Love,
Tracy

[xxJILLxx]

yw welcome tracy. Anytime. god bless
JILL

[flutemusic67]

Hi, Tracy! I have never been addicted to anything other than chocolate, but would like to offer a lil encouragement anyway. Recognizing you have an addiction is important. Have you seen a doctor? She/he would probably know what is best for you to start with.

Here is a verse to hang onto.

Jeremiah 30:17 "But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds," declares the Lord....

I'll be praying for ya sis. Pray to Him to help you with your addictions. God is the best medicine. Love ya lots.

flute

[susidivah]

Hey Tracy!

First I must say that is a very good question that I'm sure many have wondered... I know I have MANY times as I have struggled too with multiple addictions in my life.

One of the things I learned from someone in Celebrate Recovery (Christian 12 step program) was that any addiction is usually used to fill a void in our lives, to try to make us feel complete. I believe addictions come with a variety of emotions, and that when you truly strip it all away you still have that void.

Flute is right that God is the best medicine. He is also the only thing that will satisfy that void, sis. I also suggest talking to your doctor about the smoking cessation, but also continue your walk with our Father. Continuing focus and fellowship with Him and your brothers and sisters in Christ will increase that new craving for true love and comfort.

Will be praying for you and you know you can pm me sis if you ever need anything!

Love ya,
Susi

[Tracy L]

Thank you my sisters!

Ya'll had some good advice. I am gonna make a start date and try my best with the Lord's help!

God Bless Ya'll.

Loves ya,
Tracy

[realtmg]

Tracy,
Let us know the start date and we will pray for you. It also helps to be accountable.

GBU sis

Real

[Tracy L]

Will do Real. It's gonna be soon cuz I got it bad in the sinus'.

Funny thing is I almost quit back in June when I went to visit my mom in Oklahoma. I had brought a pack with me and it lasted the whole time (a week and I still had some when I left. I would not smoke in front of my mom (it's a respect thing).

Just need to get in that same mind set. God's making it soon, I know cuz my sinus' are tearing me up.

Loves ya,
Tracy

P.S. Maybeeee I should go visit mom again....hehe