2010 has been an exciting year for many reasons. One of them is that I have had the privilege of getting to know Lysa Terkeurst. She is an amazing woman of God. She is the President of Proverbs 31 Ministries. But more importantly, in a woman’s world…she is REAL.

She has written more books than I have fingers! With each book that she has written, as well as with each time I have heard her talk, God has amazingly deepened her walk with Christ to reach an abundance of women in today’s world. She strengthened me to the core this summer when I heard her speak at She Speak’s conference in Charlotte.

Today, I want to share with you her newest book “Made to Crave” that won’t be released till January but you can grab an early copy at Proverbs 31 Ministries. But what I am so giddy about is that she will be doing something that is pretty new to the internet world – or at least for me – that is host an online bible study that will be done LIVE on Monday evenings from 8:00-8:45pm EST beginning January 10th 2011. You can check out her website at Made To Crave. But come back to see what all else I want to brag about with the book.

I was able to witness this live feed phenomenon earlier this fall when I saw Steven Furtick release his book “Sun Stand Still”. (i will share more about this incredible resource with you later!) But to realize how so many don’t have the privilege to travel to see certain speakers or even be apart of a bible study. I can see why Lysa thought this new type of way of doing bible study will minister to so many people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to hear the message of God’s word put into the reality of today’s struggles. I mean now come on, what about those people who are all snowed in?!

She has put in some pretty heavy man hours preparing this website to include EVERYTHING at your fingertips. I am so proud of her and her crew that did this – I truly now know how much techno-savy abilities it takes to pull something like this off!!

“Made To Crave” is a phenomenal book about how we all are filled with a space within us to fill with something. The world can tell us to fill it with money, possessions, FOOD, status, FOOD, clothing, FOOD…Do you see where I am going here?

Here is the most amazing thing. We were designed with a CRAVE space. God put it in every one of us to give us the desire to CRAVE JESUS. We have just gotten very sidetracked and started filling it with everything under the sun except what God designed us to fill it with.

“If we understand how to fill our souls with spiritual nourishment, we will be triggered to numb our longings with temporary physical pleasures. God created us with a longing to be filled. When we satisfy those desires with food it is what is sometimes referred to as emotional eating. The issue is much bigger than emotions, it really is the reality of spiritual deprivation.”

Now friends, that makes sense! I sometimes have no idea when I go to grab that handful of M&M’s that I am low in the spiritual department…but I can certainly relate.

Check out her website – order the book – and follow her on Facebook/twitter. You will be amazed at how much of this book makes sense in what God is calling out for us to do with our cravings! She even includes a scripture list for a “cheat sheet” in the back. This has been a HUGE resource for me in keeping me focused on Jesus when I want to fill it with something else.

By the way, this book and subject is definitely is NOT just for women! This is something that everyone battles with. We just try to fill the craving in different ways.

This is the time of year when I have to refocus my attention on my eating because I have usually just blown it all during the holidays. What is it that you are craving? What are some of your ideas that you use to refocus? State them in the comments! I really like to hear if you like what I am posting about. It encourages me more than you know! 🙂 Also feel free to pass on this day’s post to your friends – I know Lysa would appreciate it too!

Blessings,
Amy