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For so many years, I struggled alone with my overeating. I thought it was up to me to eat in moderation. Maybe you’ve felt that too — the loneliness, the shame, the feeling that if people really knew you, they might pull away. But Step Five changes that. Step Five invites us to stop hiding and let God — and one trusted person — into the places we’d rather keep covered. It’s the moment we admit “the exact nature of our wrongs” to God, to ourselves, and to another human being.

When I first worked Step Four, I was dreading all the extra work it would take to look at my resentments and fears. Plus, I didn’t think I had that many or that they really affected me much. As I worked through them though, with the help of a Fourth Step class and support group, I saw how much they affected my behavior and attitude.   But this step isn’t about shame — it’s about healing. It’s about bringing things into the light so God can transform them.   In my book  12 Ste

If you’re carrying shame or guilt today, I want you to hear this clearly: you don’t have to.   One of the most beautiful truths of the gospel is that we are completely forgiven — of all  things. Not partly forgiven. Not forgiven “as long as we never mess up again.” Not forgiven only if we earn it.   Forgiven fully , because of God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice.   For so many years, I lived with guilt that said, “You should be doing better. You should know better. You keep faili

Ever have one of those days when you skip time with God… and everything feels harder? The stress hits fast. The cravings flare up. And suddenly you’re running on your own strength again. In this week’s Reshape and Recover Podcast , Tony and I talk about why Step 11 — prayer and meditation — isn’t just a “nice idea.” It’s the fuel for recovery from overeating. For years, I thought I was too busy for a morning quiet time. Work, kids, responsibilities… you’ve been there too. But

Have you ever sat at someone else’s table, surrounded by delicious food… yet felt that quiet tug in your heart — knowing some of it isn’t part of your plan? You’re not alone. Staying committed to your recovery and health goals can feel especially challenging when food is part of the celebration. But just like Daniel at the king’s table, we can choose faith over pressure. In this week’s episode of the Reshape and Recover Podcast, Tony and I talk about how to: 💛 Stand firm in

What does a daily 10th Step actually look like? In this video, I walk through a simple, Christian approach to the 10th Step that helps you stay grounded, honest, and connected to God each day. I’ll share: • The evening questions I ask myself • How I use the Fruits of the Spirit • Why a morning routine reduces anxiety and overeating • How the SOAP method helps with devotional time If you’re in recovery and want a simple daily structure, this will help. 👉 Watch the video to se

A simple, satisfying way to enjoy comfort food — without the guilt! These zucchini “boats” are filled with spinach, mushrooms, and melty mozzarella cheese — a light, low-carb dish that’s full of flavor and nutrients. They make a great main dish or pair perfectly with grilled chicken for a complete, protein-packed meal. 🍽️ It’s easy to fall into old patterns with food, especially when we’re tired or stressed. But meals like this remind us that healthy choices can still feel c

Sometimes our hearts feel stubborn — like no matter how much we want to change, we keep going back to old eating habits. We promise ourselves it’ll be different, but somehow end up in the same cycle again. But God doesn’t just ask us to try harder — He offers us something better. In Ezekiel 36:26, He says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.” This isn’t about more willpower — it’s about surrender. Real change begins when we let God do what only He can: t

When we open up about our struggles — whether with food, emotions, or faith — we need a space that feels safe. 💛 It took me a while to open up to people in my group. I was afraid of being judged. But as I heard others share their own struggles, I realized I wasn’t alone. They understood what I was going through — and many were dealing with the same things I was. That’s what we offer inside Reshape and Recover: a Christ-centered community where you can share honestly, be unde

When I first came to Overeaters Anonymous, I thought Step One was just about admitting I had a problem with food. But it’s more than that. True recovery begins when we recognize that this isn’t just a lack of willpower — it’s an addiction. For me, that addiction was to sugar and junk food. Until I believed that, I kept thinking I could manage it or “just eat a little.” I floundered for over two years before hearing Bill W’s story from Alcoholics Anonymous. As I listened, I re

As the weekend begins, take a moment to pause and thank God for His goodness. Gratitude lifts our perspective — helping us see His hand in both the big moments and the little ones. We are so blessed! When we take time to notice even the little blessings in life, joy begins to grow. Writing out five things we’re grateful for can shift our focus away from the hard things that often drive us toward food for comfort. Every blessing is a reminder that God is near and faithful. Whe

Yes — some food is very addictive! Have you ever promised yourself you’d stop eating certain foods… only to find yourself right back at them? You’re not alone. Studies show that sugar lights up the brain’s reward center much like addictive substances do — leaving us craving more and more. But it’s not just a physical addiction — it’s also psychological and spiritual. The food seems to fill a deeper need for comfort and love. That’s an emotional or spiritual hunger — but food

When life feels overwhelming, food can feel like the easiest comfort. But God offers us something far better — His Word and His promises. In our latest Reshape and Recover podcast episode, Tony and I share Bible verses that speak directly to real struggles — fear, anxiety, depression, shame, anger, loneliness, and more. Each verse reminds us that God sees us, loves us, and is present in every situation we face. Through Scripture and our own recovery stories, we show how turni

We live in a world that constantly tells us we need more — more food, more comfort, more of everything. That message can make us feel like what we have isn’t enough, and we end up turning to food to fill the emptiness. I understand that feeling. I used to eat past fullness, partially because the food is addictive, but also because something inside of me still felt empty. But what I really needed wasn’t more food — it was more of God. Psalm 16:5 says, “Lord, You alone are my p

Step 12 is how you hold on to the freedom you’ve found by walking through the first eleven steps. It’s what keeps the fire of recovery burning. But many people hesitate to share their stories because they don’t feel “finished” yet. Maybe you’ve still got some weight to lose, or you’re still struggling from time to time — and you wonder if you really have anything worth saying. Here’s the truth: you don’t have to be a perfect model of recovery to tell your story. Our stories a

For many, Halloween is all about candy and costumes — but for those of us in recovery, it can also bring temptation and reminders of darker things. The candy bowls call our name, and the talk of ghosts and things not of God is all around us. But as believers, we know where our focus belongs. God’s Word reminds us in 1 John 4:4, “The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” We don’t need to fear sugar cravings or spiritual darkness — because the Holy Spi

When I first began working on building stronger habits, it didn’t happen overnight. I used to get frustrated when I’d do well for a few days and then slip back into old patterns. But over time, I learned that growth takes patience . Just like hiking up a mountain — you can’t reach the top in one giant leap. You take one step at a time, catch your breath, and keep moving forward. That’s how new habits are formed — through faith, consistency, and grace for yourself along the wa

1 Corinthians 13:4–6 reminds us that “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”   We live in a world filled with anger — angry politics, angry debates, angry posts on social media. People lash out at those who believe differently, and hate crimes are on the rise. It’s

Step 11 helps us stay in recovery from overeating by deepening our relationship with God.   I used to start my day with breakfast, get ready for work, and begin my day with good intentions of following God’s will for me. There’s nothing wrong with that, except I didn’t start my day in God’s Word, prayer, or meditation. When I am intentional in my walk with God, I find it easier to remember Him throughout the day and my day is more peaceful.   This peace helps me to stay absti

Empty frame of unsubmitted family pictures.  Once filled with pain — now filled with purpose. I remember the day we took a family photo for our church directory when my kids were younger. Everyone smiled, but I couldn’t bring myself to turn the picture in. I told the photographer it wasn’t her fault — I just couldn’t stand how heavy I looked. I see now how much my overeating and weight had stolen from me — even simple moments with my family. When I finally accepted that this