Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

Yes, I have just a couple more tips to keep in mind as you approach family meals this week. We covered a few things yesterday, but what should you do if you are simply NOT physically hungry when the holiday meal is served? Just fix your plate, cover it, and set it aside for later. If you spend your time catching up with the company and enjoying visiting, most people won’t even realize you aren’t eating. You will enjoy the food much more when you are truly hungry later on.

Are you tempted to eat when you aren’t hungry – or overeat once you begin – simply because you feel like you won’t get this “holiday food” again for a whole year? Here’s a tip — ask for your favorite recipes! Most of the time, the person who prepared the dish is honored and will be very happy to share the recipe. Then you can prepare those family favorites like stuffing or casseroles yourself and enjoy them any time of the year, not just at the holidays! Delis and restaurants often have turkey and ham on the menu year-round. Bakeries can prepare a pumpkin pie at any time of year. Do not let yourself listen to the lie that “this is the only time I can enjoy this food.”

The biggest tip for getting through the temptation to overdo it at holiday meals? Don’t ever forget to invite God and Christ to the meal along with you! PRAY throughout your time at the meal, look for Ways of Escape, seek out what God wants you to do. Don’t hang out in the kitchen or around the food the whole time – get busy visiting or cleaning or serving others! Use this time to serve God first, then His people. What a blessing!

(Excerpt from Rise Above, by Gwen Lara)