"D'OH" I'm More Like Homer Than I Care to Admit

Sorry, Mom. I watch the Simpsons every now and then. I know you tried to stop us kids from watching them. I mean, what mom wants her kid to watch a disrespectful Bart tell authority figures to "eat my shorts?" But the truth is that I married a man who enjoys the cartoon. So, for the sake of marital harmony I gave in and started watching the show now and then. To my utter shock and amazement I've actually

1. enjoyed watching them to the point I laugh
2. learned a thing or two from them

It embarrasses me to admit that Homer and I share some common traits. I'd rather be compared to Lisa, the smart level-headed one (most of the time.) But Homer does stupid stuff and pays "stupid tax" (Dave Ramsey). And sometimes that's me (and probably you, if you care to admit it...don't worry, I won't stop being your friend.) Read on...

"Why did I do that?! Why do I keep doing the same thing over and over again even though I know it's wrong and it'll end up badly?" Have you ever asked yourself these questions? If we're talking straight to each other I'm sure we'd all confess to that secret something that's got us hooked.

For me it was (and still occasionally is) middle of the night eating splurges. Not sure exactly why I get up at 1 or 2 am and plow through cookies, chocolate, cereal, birthday cake frosting or whatever else happens to be tasty and readily available. What I am sure of is that I do it, often in a zombie-like stupor. And when I'm done I cover my tracks. You know, putting the candy wrappers in 3 different trash cans, hiding the used carton behind the brand new one (MJ!) eating a little bit of everything so nothing will be missed. Oh, I am sneaky, erasing my tracks like a pro.

My dear, if you find yourself in the same boat it's time for a Dr. Phil moment: How's that working for you? For me Homer says it best: D'oh! (Wanna hear it? Click here!) D'oh


For many years, probably 15 of them, I resolved daily that "tomorrow will be the first day of the diet that would change my life." In my dreams I'd be 25 lbs lighter in a few months, a few dress sizes smaller, that much more popular with the cutest boys chasing me. Life would be perfect.

You know the ending. None of that happened. I kept eating and that kept all of my fantasies at bay.

Back to the original question- "why did I do that?" It's taken a lot of soul searching and even more of God's wisdom, but I'm getting closer to an answer.

Every action, no matter how destructive, unreasonable, sinful, or seemingly insane is done because it gives us something we think we need. This might be a something you don't even realize is lacking in your life. Call it subconscious sabotage.

So what could eating chocolate chip cookie dough at 2 am give me?

• Release from the demands of a baby and preschooler
• Companionship without rejection
  
• Satisfaction for my rebellious streak...I was good all day, but now no one is looking...

I've had the worst time breaking free from this middle of the night eating. But God has been more faithful to me than I've been to him. He's put people in life that have prayed me through this. He's prompted me to memorize his word so that when I'm tempted I can fight back with his strength, not my own (that's where Homer and I part ways :).

Matthew 4:4 Says that, "Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Maybe you've heard that before, but let it be new today. God's feeding us with his words. His morsels are tastier than Mrs. Fields cookie dough, cooked or raw. Let him give you an infusion of his stuff regularly and you'll start using his food to fight your food problems. Can you picture it? A divine food fight! God flings spaghetti on Satan's head everytime you toss out a verse. Oh...there went a glob of gooey mashed potatoes when you quoted Psalm 40:1-3! And we all know who the winner is when God fights. Let's make sure we're on the right team.