Author Alexis A. Goring |
Alexis,
welcome to Overcoming With God. We
appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our
readers! It's an especially timely topic during summer. Thanks for sharing!
Would
you tell us about the one of the most difficult things in your life you have
had to overcome, with God’s help?
One of the most difficult things in my life that I had to
overcome was my addiction to refined sugar. I used to crave it morning, noon
and night. The cravings would not subside until I feed it with something sweet.
Some people can simply sleep off the cravings but I’m a natural night owl so I
couldn’t resolve it with a good night’s sleep and that’s when the cravings
would hit me the hardest.
Sugar --image from Pixabay |
Thankfully, through prayer and fasting, God helped me to
overcome my cravings for refined sugar. It wasn’t easy but it was worth it. When
the sugar cravings hit, I coped by eating oatmeal and fresh fruit. I did this
fast a few summers ago when nectarines were in season and that was my
substitute for refined sugar. As the days and weeks continued without me giving
into my cravings, the nectarines started to taste sweeter and my appetite grew
to be satisfied without consuming sugar. By the 41st day, I felt free.
No longer do I experience midnight cravings for sugar that won’t let up until I
give in. Years later, I still don’t crave it like crazy and I am so grateful
that God honored my fast and set me free from the stronghold of sugar.
I know that my prayers coupled with the prayers of my prayer
warrior friend really helped me to reach the point where I no longer craved
sugar. I am forever grateful to that friend and to God for working together to
set me free.
What
passages in the Bible have been most helpful to you in those times?
Philippians 4:13 was a very helpful Bible verse to me during
that time because it taught me that I can do ALL things through Jesus Christ
who, in this case, can strengthen me to overcome my sugar addiction.
What
helped you get through or helped you cope with this difficulty?
Prayer support from a prayer warrior friend and a few
pastors who I talked to about my sugar addiction. My own prayers to God coupled
with fasting helped me to cope with this difficulty.
Disability
friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have
any other works available on audio? Do
your e-books have audio capability?
Do you have any in large print?
No, neither of my books are available in audio format or in
large print. Sorry.
In this
latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic
influence through reading about a disorder or situation?
No, I don’t. Sorry.
BIO: Alexis A. Goring is a passionate writer with
a degree in Print Journalism and an MFA in Creative Writing. She loves the art
of storytelling and hopes that her stories will connect readers with the
enduring, forever love of Jesus Christ.
Alexis A.
Goring’s Links:
Book Links for A Second Chance:
Giveaway: Leave an answer to Alexis's question to enter for the giveaway of Alexis's romance! Question:Have you ever needed a second chance? If so, share your story.
We're so grateful to have you visiting with us this week, Alexis! Thanks for sharing your struggle -- something we can all relate to! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting me on your blog, Carrie! It was a delight to visit with you and your readers! :)
DeleteThanks for sharing how you overcame your sugar addiction. I am that way about my sweet tea.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
CherylB1987 AT hotmail DOT com
Hi, Cheryl! Sweets can be tough to live without. I'm not a fan of tea but I can understand why you love sweet tea so much. I see it advertised all the time on TV commercials and know people who love it. But you can overcome anything with God's help! :)
DeleteThank you for sharing your story. I did a sugar fast in June. I couldn't believe how much better I felt!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Vicky! :)
DeleteCongratulations on completing your sugar fast! How many days did you fast from it? Are done with it forever? Or maybe only treating yourself with it now in moderation? I know that the holidays can be the toughest times to go sugar-free.
You're welcome, Vicky!
DeleteCongratulations on completing your sugar fast! :)
Thanks for sharing your struggles. Wonderful testimony to what can be accomplished with God's help and perseverance. lacy1942(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Ann!
DeleteGod is Good, All the time! :)
Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletequickchangeus (at) yahoo (dot) com
You're welcome!
DeleteThank you for sharing your journey!
ReplyDeleteEmber 99 @ hotmail dot Com
You're welcome, Marsha! :)
DeleteThanks for sharing. I was thinking about your question. I don't know that I have needed a second chance, but there have been times I wished I knew what I know now when I was younger because I might have done things a lot differently in the ministry. But we need to learn from our mistakes and lack of knowledge inorder to grow and be stronger in our faith.
ReplyDeleteI have always had a sweet tooth but have tried to eat in moderation. I am pre diabetic and it had been under control until the beginning of June. I immediately cut sugar out and my blood sugar is in normal range again. The doctor has now added hypoglycemia to my diagnosis so have an appointment with a dietitian to see what I can eat. I find I am very hungry. The appointment is August 3rd.
I will look for your book.
You're welcome, Wilani! :)
DeleteYes, I think that most of us would want to know now what we didn't know then but God's Grace covers us. He's willing to help us move forward and do better when we know better.
Praying for God to restore your health and help your doctor help you with the most effective plan of action this August 3, 2017.
You can buy my book on Amazon or B&N online.
God bless you! :)
May I first say that this cover is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing with us. I've always found that prayer is my strongest and most effective tool. God bless.
ReplyDeleteHey Debbie!
DeleteThanks for your compliment about my book's cover! :)
I agree that prayer is the strongest and most effective tool that a Christ-follower can use.
God bless you too! :)
Alexia
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your own life of Overcoming Sugar! I
too have a problem with this Satan drug. Lol the reason I say that the struggle is real. Been trying and have cut back so much of it. Not sure if I can Overcome not having it in My Tea. Will keep trying though. Much Thanks.
Be Blessed
Justina Baisley Wilson
Hi, Justina!
DeleteYes, the struggle to overcome addiction to sugar is REAL! And we're surrounded by it daily. It's definitely a fight!
I will pray that God helps you to overcome your desire to have sugar in your tea. But honestly, if tea time is the ONLY time that you use sugar, you're closer to overcoming it more than you think! :)
Thank you for your testimony. When I think of my own life I can think of several things that I should give up. Starting first thing in the morning - coffee, creamer and sugar. :) I should follow your plan and give up some of my addictions.
ReplyDeleteAs I think of your question regarding second chances I can think of several times that I wish I had a second chance. But they're just a bit too personal for me to feel comfortable sharing on the internet. One thing I do know though is that no matter how many times I mess up in life as long as I ask God for forgiveness, God forgives me. He gives me a second chance unlike many of those here on earth that I would like to have a second chance with. Hopefully all that rambling on makes sense. :)
You're welcome, Sherry.
DeleteI am praying that God helps you to overcome your addictions. Remember, you can do ALL things through Christ! :) *Philippians 4:13* He will give you strength.
We serve a faithful and forgiving God. He can give you all of the second chances that you need! :)
Thanks for sharing insight into your testimony. I totally understand not wanting to get too personal online.
God bless you! :)
Congrats, SHERRY Moe! You've won the copy of Alexis Goring' new novel on OWG blog!
Deletecertainly have... thanks for sharing, sweet things are a trial for me at times..
ReplyDelete:) hello pals!
You're welcome, Deanna! :)
DeleteI hear you about sweet treats being a trial! :) Note: I don't think it's a sin to eat sugar. I just know that I needed to overcome my addiction to it.
God bless you! :)
Thank you for sharing your inspiring testimony Alexis.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Tina
You're welcome, Tina. God bless you! :)
DeleteGreat interview! No I haven't need a second chance! Shelia Hall sheliarha64@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI'm happy that you enjoyed my interview, Shelia! God bless you.
DeleteThank you for sharing! I love sweets myself. I love chocolate.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Crissy!
DeleteYes, chocolate is SO good! I think sweet treats are okay every now and then. I just had to overcome my addiction to it. To be free from those cravings feels SO good!
God bless you! :)
Thanks for sharing your story. I'm an Avid Christian Reader member. The cover is very pretty!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Paula! :)
DeleteThanks for your compliment about my book. I hope that you're able to read it! :)
Thanks for sharing! I love sweets so I need to be doing this. As far as second chances we all need them. I have lived for God ever since I was a little girl and never did the things I saw other young people do that messed their lives up. But we all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God so we all have to repent and ask forgiveness of even the little things, or what we call "little sins". So I know God has given me second chances a lot of times.
ReplyDeletegrandmama_brenda(at)yahoo(dot)com
You're welcome, Brenda! :)
DeleteThe sugar fast definitely did set me free. I will pray for you as you try to do the same.
I totally agree with you that we ALL need a second chance sometimes. It's so wonderful that you lived for God ever since you were a little girl! :)
Yes, you are right that we are ALL sinners in need of God's Grace! I am so glad that He is a Patient and Forgiving God.
God bless you, Brenda! :)
There has been at least one major second chance happening in my life which I won't share here 😊. But as I interact with several of my grandchildren on pretty much a daily basis, I often see the need to have a second chance to do something a better way with them. I am very much a second (maybe even a first mom some days) with them and work at showing grace and tenderness to them. I am grateful for God's grace and help as I live my life for Him. Thank you for sharing about your sugar addiction. I often say, "My name is Anne. I am a chocoholic." I'm sure sugar plays a big part in my love for chocolate. It might just be time to give the Lord permission to work on this area of my life. Isn't it great that we have His strength to overcome? Continued blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteHi, Anne!
DeleteI am so delighted to hear that there is a MAJOR second chance happening in your life right now! :) God is Good!
You sound like you're a very good Grandma to your grandchildren.
Yes, it is so great that God gives us the strength to overcome. Praise Him! :)
God bless you and your family, Anne.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete*Lean more on the Lord.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI am a diabetic and I struggle daily with sugar cravings. I sometimes feel despair until I am reminded that I am a child of God! I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13.
ReplyDeleteI am an Avid Reader! 😊
Hi, Mandy!
DeleteI am praying that God will help you be free from your sugar cravings. Did you try fasting and praying?
Yes, you can do ALL things with God's help. I am praying that He strengthens you.
I am an avid reader too! :) Do you plan on reading my book?
I've given second chances and third and on....doesn't work if they aren't truly repentant. Enjoyed reading the interview.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Lucy. We must be truly repentant.
DeleteI am happy that you enjoyed reading the interview! :)
I think we all need a second chance in any number of areas in our lives. And I'm so thankful Jesus does give us that second chance always!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway. :)
Hi, Raechel!
DeleteI too am thankful that Jesus Christ gives us second chances! :)
Yes, more than once. But the main time feels like when I was a single mom and finally found my husband. Thanks for sharing this topic, it feels like sugar and coffee addictions are glorified these days, so this was refreshing to see. I am an "Avid Reader" too. :) katie07edgar(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHi, Katie!
DeleteGirl, yes! Bakeries, coffee shops, candy stores...SUGAR is EVERYWHERE! It's definitely a battle to let go of it or only eat it in moderation.
I am happy that you thought my guest post on Carrie's blog was refreshing.
I am an avid reader too! :)
God bless you.
Alexis
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story of Overcoming. God bless you
Chris Granville
Thanks, Chris. I'm happy that you enjoyed my story.
DeleteGod bless you too! :)
Congratulations on overcoming sugar. It can be controlling! Thanks for sharing your story!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nancy. You're welcome and God bless you! :)
DeleteThanks for sharing. I think we all need second chances at times in our lives, and I'm thankful we serve a God of second chances...and more. You are a new author to me, and I would love to read this book. The cover is beautiful and the story sounds great.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, VanG!
DeleteI am thankful too that we serve a God of second chances. He is Good! :)
I'd love for you to read my book too! :)
Thanks for your kind words about my story.
Thanks so much for sharing your testimony of overcoming, Alexis. I am so thankful that with the help of the Lord, perseverance and prayer we can all be overcomers!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Betti! :)
DeleteI am thankful that we are MORE than CONQUERORS with GOD on our side! :)
God bless you.
Avid reader! My brother told me I needed to lose 50 pounds and it's true. I crave sweets. My mother let me have all the sweets I wanted when I lived at home. I weighed 92 pounds when I married,at 19, but, after 3 kids, my weight started showing.
ReplyDeleteDear Linda,
DeleteI am an avid reader too! :)
Don't be too hard on yourself. You've had three kids! But you can totally lose the extra weight with God's help, your willpower, prayer, fasting, and perseverance.
God bless you.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your experience. Praise God for the success he gave you in overcoming. I can't give an example of a second chance in my life, but I imagine everyone has been thankful for a second chance she was given at some point in time. God is gracious.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Kay M!
DeleteThanks for your kind words.
God bless you! :)
Lately I have to eat rice pudding every afternoon! Reading your story is working on me! I know I can do it as long as I don't keep buying more of that delicious pudding.As for a second chance I certainly have had them but my story is way too long to share. sallydav45(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHi, Sally!
DeleteI am happy that the Lord is using my story to help you with yours! :)
Note: I think that sugar in moderation is okay. But I also know that we mortals do better without it. Praying that God helps you find the perfect balance to your diet.
I'd love to hear your second chance story! :) Feel free to e-mail me. You can find my e-mail on my website, https://alexisagoring.jimdo.com.
Thanks so much for sharing this story. I know all too well how addicting sugar can be! :( With God's help, I've come a long way the past 6 months, through setting new eating habits.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to read this book, and I'm also an Avid Reader.
thanks! ervro2000 at gmail dot com
You're welcome, Rosalyn!
DeleteCongrats on your progress and journey toward a healthy eating habit! I am happy for you! :) Keep up the good work!
I'm an avid reader too. Note: My book is available for purchase on Amazon.com and B&N.
Alexis, thank you so much for sharing your testimony! I also struggle with sugar. I am relying on the Lord to bring me through!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
psalm103and138 at gmail dot com
Thanks for sharing. I am an Avid Reader!
ReplyDeleteHi Alexis! What a great interview.
ReplyDeleteGiving up sugar (and flour) is such a difficult thing. I am in awe of people who accomplish it. I've cut back on sugar but haven't given it up completely. Thank you for the encouragement!