Should I Spin the Block?

Spin the Block: to return to something or someone (usually a romantic relationship) that didn't work before, but that you think is going to be different this time; the same definition of insanity. -Renee's Urban Dictionary

I had a dream that gave real "spin the block" energy, but thank God that He gives me revelation when I write out my dreams so that I don't take them literally.

Yes, God was warning me about a block spin that was creeping up, but not the relationship kind, rather the behavior kind. God has been working on me about breaking old habits. He's been telling me to stop drinking for quite some time, and when you consider yourself a social drinker and you're only social every blue moon (no pun intended), you can ignore such instruction.

He was also dealing with me about eating habits. Emotional eating is a co-dependency that takes away your dependency on God. Regardless of whether or not you have a problem by the world's standards, God looks at your heart. And if your heart says I need this thing right now to feel better, that's an issue; even if it's not a regular basis occurrence.

So, since the start of the year, I've given up drinking, even socially and I've committed to a mostly vegan lifetsyle. For me, right now, that means avoiding certain environments where I know I may give into temptation. My willpower is still in question and I don't have time for regrets when God has shown me the great places He is taking me.

Lastly, I've been diving into the Word of God with more sincerity and consistency. I've started with reading a chapter of one of the gospels each day. I have a regular regimen of online sermons that I watch and take thorough notes on, I'm listening to worship music more frequently, and I'm reflecting and journaling my gratitude.

Reflecting looks like reading old journal entries to track my growth and writing what I accomplished each day in addition to what I ate. My best friend and I read The Wellness Revelation 40-Day Journey devotional on the YouVersion app (highly recommend) and it helped me identify the correlation between spirituality and our physical bodies. The well being of one is connected to the other.

In these nearly two months of making significant changes, I've experienced clarity, innovative ideas and peace like never before. Every day is not peaches and roses, but I'm more alert and less in my feelings, and for someone who feels, that's a major accomplishment.

This is where God has me right now, so don't come for me if you see me toasting with a glass of champagne, especially with these wins coming my way. But, I'm steadily being obedient to God's voice and curving the temptations that the devil aims at me.

I hope that you are encouraged to practice obedience too. God may be asking you to surrender whatever it is you find yourself gravitating towards. Know that if He asked you to do it, He will give you what you need to be able to do so. You're not dependent on it, but He wants you to be dependent on Him. Let God take the wheel. It makes life so much easier, so much sweeter, and worth living.

-Renée Nicole