Fitness Friday - Excuses Excuses

A few years ago I learned in a "cold hard truth" in a First Place Bible study: An excuse is a lie dressed up as a reason. OH THAT HURTS!

But I've been pretty good at dressing them up so that they true. After years of practice I can always win the arguments my subconscious presents.

• This one morsel won't add any weight.


• Tomorrow!


• It's the weekend!


• Deprivation leads to binges, so we should enjoy what we want in moderation.


• It's the holiday!


• Too many bugs to walk


• It's a party


• Too many stray dogs to walk


• It's a movie!


• Gym's cost too much.


• It's that time of the month!


• What the heck!


• I'll start on Monday (so this week is already a lost cause)


• I'll start on the 1st of next month (its the 2nd)


• I'll start after the holidays (but they keep coming)

It's like I've been at the bottom of the escalator waiting to step on the next step. . .no the next one . . . OK, here I go. . . never mind. . . oh yeah the next one. . . definitely the next one. . . . but they keep rolling by . . . finally I just picked one and stepped on. Then it stopped and made me climb. - an uphill climb.

Thankfully I'm taking it one day, no, one moment at a time. No more tomorrows, or next weeks, or next months. Every time I fall, I get up that moment and go up one step at a time. It's not easy but it feels so much better being on the steps going up than to still be standing at the bottom waiting.

No more excuses for me. I am worth the money it takes to get the support I need. My friend, cousin-in-law and sister in Christ told me (paraphrased) "Everyone needs something different to loose weight. When someone says 'all you need to do is. . . ' just remember that what works for them may not work for you." Go on and get the support you need." I'll let you know what that is in a future post. Stay tuned. . .

Looking Ahead

Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. Proverbs 16:3

It's been weeks or has it been a month or more since my last post? I have been away doing what seems to be second nature lately - growing! Once again soul searching, and growing out of my comfort skin and into something new.

More than ever before, my future is calling me. I'm looking out there into it to see what it holds then looking back where I am to see what I can do to get there. I'm in my early 40's - perhaps this is a midlife crisis? No! I like to think of it as a midlife attitude adjustment. For years I've been crippled by what seemed like impossibility. I have to care for kids and quite a few years left to homeschool, student loans still looming, weight to loose that yo-yo's up and down but never away, books to read and not enough time to read them, books in my head to write and no focus to pen them, endless housework, chores and projects started that never get finished . . . you get the idea. I could go on and on listing things I need and want to do but can't seem to accomplish because of time or because of fear, and doubt.

My latest endeavor is erase the fear and doubt, establish goals and follow through with the necessary steps to get them done with the 24 hours I have been blessed with just like everyone else. My future is bright, and I will no longer be crippled by what seems impossible but I will trust the Lord enough to make the plans, and then to position myself on the path to fulfilling the plans with His help and direction.

For a while I've had some things on my heart to do in my life to change its course. My mom, is the prudent one, able to make plans, and see them through thoroughly to completion. With her encouragement, I have taken what was once an obstacle and turned it into a goal, and now I am one step toward fulfilling that goal and therefore it no longer stands in my way. I can clearly see the path to the end, because its planned out and plain before me. Why didn't I do that before? Since early October, God has gradually been bringing people and information to me to teach me this principle. Today in my reading of Proverbs 16, I stumbled on the two verses in this post. Confirmation that it is up to me to plan in my heart, and trust Him to order the steps.

A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.
Proverbs 16:9

A Definition of a Real Hero

As we prepare to vote to put a new president in office, I was reflecting on all that’s been said of each candidate. I have my own ideas about who could best lead us but I won’t express those here. My husband told me once: “Look at what I do and not so much to what I say.” As person who loves words, remembers them and hangs on them, I’m not quick to ignore words but in all of my years of marriage, I admit - he’s right! Sure, some words should be forgotten and forgiven, but his track record of faithful service and devotion stands.

In the multitude of words and rhetoric, I am reminded of the character of the men I love and trust. The world has its definition of a hero, or a leader - one who has seen military action, served their country, laid down their life for their fellow man and or their country etc. . . But “the husband of one wife” is worthy of commendation. Ask anyone willing to be honest how much grit and determination that requires. In the trenches of marriage beyond the honeymoon when kids, bills, weight gain, hair loss, sickness, media sabotage, and the daily grind is tearing away at your resolve – that’s when a man or woman is tested and their true nature is revealed.

I personally know that a hero is more than a person who returns from war. My husband did that already, and yes, I’m proud of his sacrifice and service. But I’m more proud and awed by his service at home. From one battlefield to a different one; the years that followed the gulf war we were on a battlefield of our own. But he did not break!!! We are still here and that is something to be commended.

No one ever called my dad or granddaddy heroes. No one really commends extraordinary men who stay and provide for their families when leaving would be so much easier. While women in the media and workplace are torturing them with a continual onslaught of images and propositions that make it almost impossible to do what’s right. There is a time in a marriage when love is NOT enough. There is a time when character and commitment outshines the warm fuzzies of love and that’s when a man is tested. My husband, father and grandfather are my true Heroes.

Smile, it Could be Habit Forming. . .

A habit is an unconscious inclination to perform an act, acquired through frequent repetition. In other words, a habit is anything we do continuously or permanently because we have practice doing frequently. Oh, this hurts!

A discontented grouchy grimace, if rehearsed and fueled can become a habit. Joy and its accompanying smile, if rehearsed and fueled can also become a habit. It is a choice and sometimes I find I’m just in a rut making the wrong choice.

In a previous post, I mentioned how women have the awesome power and responsibility to establish the climate of their home by their conversation and disposition.

I’ve been challenged this week to smile, and make my husband smile. What amazing timing these things have for finding their way to my reading, when I’m the farthest from them. It goes on to say that when we dated our husbands we smiled and we made them smile. In their eyes we were such pretty young things and they are falling all over their own feet to make us happy. Sadly, the years roll by and we (maybe I should speak for myself and say I) began to take each other for granted. I wonder how often I smile at my husband?

My father used to tease my mom about a scowl she would wear when she was thinking or concentrating. It was a light teasing just something to make us laugh. But, I’ve noticed that I do the same thing when I’m reading, thinking or concentrating. I’ve pulled the visor down in the car and noticed it when I’m driving – it’s a squint/frown. YUK! I hope I don’t do that too often. Maybe a need a brow lift!!!! Or I should practice wearing a brighter expression.

Anyway, the challenge is not only to smile, which changes how you look on the outside, but also to make a plan to practice joy every day and watch the people around you respond, especially your husband.

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. Proverbs 15:13

Fitness Friday already?

Didn't get to post anything this week, where has the time gone?
This week has been, OK. I did lighten up a bit! But I didn't exercise. Shame on me!

I didn't fry anything. I was tempted, but I oven fried our fish instead and it was a nice alternative to frying.

Still cutting back on cheese - This week I didn't buy any cheddar, or mozzarella. While it is a good source of protein, its a hidden source of a lot of fat, and if I'm not careful it sneaks its way into meals and snacks too often.

I'm looking forward to continuing next week lighter than this week. Taking small steps to improve our family eating, but mostly to cut back on my own portion sizes and in between meal snacks.

Speaking of snacks: With children its hard not to snack. As a rule we don't buy packaged snacks unless we have company. I bought some chips a few weeks ago because they were buy one get one free. I shouldn't have! My family likes ice cream, and my middle daughter aka "Muffin" often makes deserts, from scratch, to go with it, so saying no is hard. She makes a mean carrot cake!!! I've asked her to refrain for my sake. My oldest daughter aka "Cupcake" loves sweets too, and since she works she often brings home snacks and candy. I'm asking her to stop too!

So what will we snack on?
Trail mix
Popcorn
Nuts
Fruit
Smoothies/sorbet
cream cheese/crackers
peanut butter/ apples

When we do need a chocolate or ice cream fix, I'll have to purchase single servings boxed ice cream bars. Slim fast makes a good chocolate bar, and there are some good low cal ice cream bars by Blue Bunny, and Weight Watchers. This way there can be portion control and none to spare.

Any other snack suggestions are welcomed!

This week I know I need to add some exercise. I'd much rather read a good book but there's no way to get around it!

Gulp . . . Fitness Friday . . . ouch!

I'm already two days behind, but I'll give it a go.



Our family eats good quality food, but I eat too much of it. My husband has been vegetarian for several months. (self control isn't a problem for his iron will) He says he feels better lightening up his diet and giving his body a break from digesting meat. I . . . well. . . I like meat, no pork or beef, only chicken and fish but I like it. So I've cut back.



He said he felt better but hadn't lost weight. I say its because we cut out meat or in my case cut back but we substitute with more carbs, eggs and cheese to fill up. I really need to watch the carbs. Of course we try to eat only whole wheat and brown rice but they are still carbs and oh. . . potatoes. . . mmm.


So its time to prepare my menu for next week. I'm going to lighten up our meals by:



Oven frying and baking without the skin



Cutting back on carbs - only the essential high fiber cereal for me!



Serving more fresh and raw fruits and veggies

No crunchy munchy salty bagged snacks - just the usual nuts, seeds and dry fruit - we eat homemade popcorn with movies!

Less cheese - ouch!

This has been a struggle for me most of my adult life especially after children. I know it can be done one baby step at a time. . . I'll let you know how it goes next Friday.


Fitness Friday is the brainchild of Brenda at The Family Revised. Pop over and check her out and link your Fitness Friday post, she's controlling portions using a smaller plate. I think I'll try that too. . .

Are These Thy Brethren, Lord?

This post has nothing to do with inward peace or a happy home, its a vent. We can do that at least once a month can't we? Well, I consider myself a nature lover. I enjoy watching the wildlife that frequents our woods. I've taught my children to appreciate their contribution to the environment, and we marvel at how wondrously they are created to survive. I believe they are God's creation and deserve to be respected and treated fairly. BUT. . . How much is enough?

A couple of months ago, a representative from a wildlife rescue came to the library and spoke about nocturnal animals. She brought live rehabilitated animals who are now "ambassadors" traveling and educating children. I was glad my boys were able to see the animals up close. BUT. . . I couldn't help but think about the money and resources that it takes to provide this kind of "care."

The animals are brought by well meaning citizens from the side of the road, when they've fallen from their tree, or been dragged home by dogs; but they are all given medical treatment, and released or kept if they are unable to care for themselves as a result of their injuries.

Meanwhile, a uninsured member of my family is diagnosed with Colon Cancer after postponing her much needed colonoscopy until she could come up with about $800 cash to pay for the procedure.

Later, I took my son to the emergency because he was complaining of abdominal pain. While I stood by his bed comforting him, a girl rolled in a computer and started asking questions about payment. She was tactful, but persistent. My other children had my purse in the lobby, I didn't have any means of providing her with payment information and I wasn't leaving that bedside. I was angry because I felt it was an inappropriate time and place for pressure to pay. Wasn't his care more important than money - at that time. It was to me!

I couldn't help but think: If he was a squirrel that had been hit by a car, he would have been given care - no questions asked. If he was an owl found laying on the railroad tracks he would have been given care - no questions asked. If he was possum that a dog had dragged home -he would have been given care, no questions asked.

Today I got an email about a cute little baby deer they've named Rupert. Oh yes, he is adorable and as I prefaced this post, I enjoy and respect animals as God's creation. But am I the only one that sees how much money and and resources is spent on wild animals? I'm not talking about health care for working animals, farm animals, or family pets. I'm talking about the blank check spending for any and every wild thing that finds itself injured or endangered.

Should an animal be given unlimited access to food and care and a home when every human isn't able to afford that? Should a country as in debt as we are continue this kind of spending? I'm wondering if there will be a reward for the benevolence shown to animals while people continue to go without.

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. . . Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when . . . And the King shall answer and say unto them . . . Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 25:34-40