Asheritah Ciuciu

I was surprised how much of this book spoke directly to me and where I could say "Me too!"
Asheritah has done a great job of approaching the topic of food fixation from a Biblical and practical perspective, with lots of examples from her own personal experience. Food in itself is not a bad thing, but when you spend too much time focussing on food, then it can become a problem in your life.
It was the sort of book that provided so much food for thought that I will be revisiting it regularly during the upcoming year.
I was challenged in my justifications for my unwise eating choices. One of my favourite sections is the 'Ten Lies about Food' section, where I am pretty sure I've told myself most of them at one time or another. I think my most common one would be "If a little is good, a lot is better!".. and which from experience is not true and leads to post-binging regret.

I was constantly encouraged that it is possible to change and no longer be fixated with food. Asheritah brings a spiritual aspect into the discussion about food by emphasising that an unhealthy fixation on anything (food, sport, work, drugs, alcohol, etc) is merely a physical replacement for the spiritual fulfillment found in a personal relationship with God. And the only way to overcome this is to prioritise that spiritual relationship over your physical choices / addiction. Giving up your food fixation is not the solution if you just turn to another physiclal solution, which cannot satisfy spiritually.

The last couple of chapters challenged me about the influence my food choices have on others, in particular when I provide others with food at church events or work. For example, in chapter 10, she quotes a study which found that church-going young adults were 50% more likely than their non-church-going peers to be obese by middle-age. Does the food I make others encourage them in healthy eating habits or undermine their self-discipline?
I highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles in their relationship with food, whether a temptation to overindulge in sweets or a fixation on making healthy choices.
… (mais)

I have always been intensely interested in the names of Jesus and God. They aren’t just names they have much deeper means. I couldn’t wait to read this book! Right away the cover drew me in. It is so pretty and festive! I love the title too! Christmas is associated of course with the giving and opening of material gifts. While is nothing wrong with giving and receiving gifts, unfortunately it has become the focus of the holiday instead of Christ’s birth. We forget to “unwrap” the greatest gift we will ever receive, Jesus!
There are 4 weeks devotionals divided into five days each and one for Christmas day. Everyday centers around a name of Jesus. The 4 sections begin with an introduction and lighting the advent candle. Verses to read, discussion questions and a suggested Christmas carol to sing. These are a great start for the ones that follow. The daily devotions are short but well written and include scriptures. At the end of all of them is a prayer, a challenge and more scriptures to study. (I like that!) When you finish the 5 days, there is more!! Listed are service focused activities to choose from that your family can together that focus on Christ.
This book is beautiful inside and out! It adds so much meaning to celebrating Christmas!
It would be great for a family, group, or personal study to be used year after year! I wish I could give Ms. Ciuciu’s book 6 stars! I found it inspiring and a great blessing!
I received a free copy of this devotional in exchange for my review. I was not required to give a positive review. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.… (mais)