Yuck. Its not for me

I do not like Halloween. To me its not a holiday that provides a healthy, encouraging entertainment nor an inspiring heart for living tomorrow.

Its full of witches and goblins, monsters and blood. Ghosts and vampires. The underworld of witchcraft and paganism.

It adds humor and silliness to a demonic, wicked spiritual world to neutralize its emphasis on evil and death.

I find it incongruent to my life as a christian, a follower of Christ.

But yes, we open the door to little ones with masks and costumes and pass out candy and "trick or treats" which share the gospel of Jesus along with a few puzzles for fun.

Its the attempt to light a candle in a dark and windy world on Halloween.

For a number of years I would dress up like an elf, put christmas lights on my door, have christmas music playing in the doorway and I would hand out Candy Canes. "Merry Christmas!" I would say to those sweet little faces when they held out their hollow plastic pumpkins full of candy. It confused them, I'm sure. But it was my way of providing entertainment and treats with a reminder of a different holiday that makes total sense and embraces life and the worship of the Giver of Life instead of the entertainment of death and fear.

Emmanuel. God with us. Jesus.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Food Food Food

Although I've lost only about 13 pounds, I'm frequently asked by friends about my weight loss method.

I explain that I've been walking and working out.

And then they ask about diets and food consumption.

Numbers don't make sense to me when it comes to food. Oh, I know that food is assessed based on calories, fat grams, sodium, etc. But while I know I should eat 1200-1500 calories a day, keeping track is a hassle.

Weight watchers points is another good system but again, more numbers to track. A hassle for my brain.

I like to do what I call portion control. For me its anti-gluttonist. Self-control.

I like eating 5 times a day. And I like eating smaller portions.

I saw a plate portion picture once that made sense to me. It was a visual for eating portions that connected with my visual brain instead of the numbers of calories. It was called 3 Hour Diet. A smaller plate was used instead of a dinner plate. On the plate was a rubrik's cube, a deck of cards, 3 DVD cases and a water cap.

Deck of cards= protein. Usually for me, a meat portion. A chicken breast. A lean hamburger patty. A steak.
DVD cases = veggies or fruit. Salad. Broccolli. Green beans.
Rubrik's cube = carbs. Pasta. Bread. A hamburger bun. Rice.
A water cap = fat. Salad dressing. Butter.

A plate of food. Three hours later a snack which for me is usually a fruit portion or a handful of almonds. Another plate and another snack. According to this article 3 plates and 3 snacks a day would fill you up for the day of calories without overdoing it.

Of course the hard part is eating out. Last night we met friends for dinner at a Mexican food restaurant. I ate too many chips and thought of my pudge dogs at home. (Read previous blog post). When I'm on the run and away from my house my favorite choice is Arby's. I choose a combo #1 which is a Roast beef sandwich (no sauces) with fruit cup instead of fries and a diet coke.

Nopers, I'm not a nutritionist. But for me, it works because I can wrap my brain around this kind of sensible eating. I can also indulge in my favorite foods in smaller portions and tastes without guilt. I can save my "calories" for an ice cream treat on occassion. Diet coke with lite vanilla ice cream (100 calories in a half cup) makes for a coke float that is an awesome treat for my taste buds.

That's it. Nothing secretive about it. Just my own system that works for me in a long run, lifestyle of eating. Less food.

"When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony." Proverbs 23:1-2

I'm not so sure putting a knife to your neck is needed. Just get up and walk away.

Random Thoughts

Random thoughts today.
About Time: Every year I grumble twice because of the time change. I figure whatever it was that drove us to alter the clocks, messing up our sleeping schedule must be antique by now. I simply do not like it.

But I do understand it in part. My body is sleeping later and later in the morning as the sun is taking long and longer to get up and shine.

But on the other end of the day, the night is arriving much too early. And with the "fall back" it will be darker even earlier. This, I don't like.

But if I had to pick one time adjustment over the other, I'd pick "fall back".

Its easier to get more sleep. I just hate having to give it back in the spring.

About Deceit: Yesterday I got home about 10 minutes beyond the dog's normal eating time. I arrived to find my husband had beat me home but wasn't in the living room or kitchen when I walked in the door.

Both dogs jumped and barked with their hunger dance. I recognize this dance since they begin it about 15 minutes before their scheduled meal time and keep bugging me until I relent and head to the kitchen.

I asked them if they were hungry. Bark bark. Jump jump. Generally, if they aren't hungry, there is no excitement.

So I fed them.

They gobbled up their food like they were starving prisoners.

Husband walks in the door chuckling. "They fooled ya. I fed them minutes ago."

If you come for a visit, please don't say anything about my pudgy dogs. It will remind me that I was duped by a couple of wieners.

About Friends: I love my friends. I love scheduling time to spend with them. Tonight my husband and I are going to abandon the pudgy dogs for dinner with friends. Mexican food. Yum!

Spending time with people I enjoy is the highlight of my week. Its encouraging. Its healthy. Its inspiring. Its as it should be.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:15-17

Autumn is in the Air

I first noticed it in the mornings. Normally I wake up without an alarm clock because the sun is shining in my room and the birds are singing.

But now, if I wait for the sun to wake me up, the morning is about gone! Its staying darker and darker in the morning which is an important clue that the season is changing in Texas.

The garden is doing an encore. The azaleas are blooming one more time and the mums are blooming brillant yellows.

The leaves are sorta changing. A few choice trees have leaves that are turning yellow, some a reddish color. This photo was sent to me by my friend in Rhode Island who pulled off to the side of the road to take this picture to send to me. I can only imagine the gorgeous site of the northeast in the autumn! Here in Texas we will wake up one day in November and find all the leaves on the ground. This is another sign that autumn has arrived.

I actually put on a long sleeved shirt today even though the temps got into the 80's.

Thanksgiving is around the corner and I'm thinking of sweet tater casserole, turkey and dressing, pecan pies, mashed taters and homemade rolls.

I love the change of seasons. While we don't have a huge swing of seasons in Texas, I love the changes in temperatures, apples and pumpkins and the promise of spring flowers when God renews the earth.

"Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.

He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning." Daniel 2:20-21

Busy Running

This was a busy day.

Early this morning I had a physical therapy session. I have turned a corner in my pain and can tell I'm making progress. Hooray! My back is less achey. My bottom isn't hurting. This is progress.

Later this morning I packaged up my two dogs, Dora Mae the dachshund and Thelma Lou the wannabe, for their annual checkup and vaccinations. They received a pedicure and manicure, various shots, blood check for heartworm, new Rx for heartworm meds, ears checked, and a handful of treats for being "good girls". Their vet is aptly named: Dr. Barker. (Don't you love that? Its like having a dentist called Dr. Molar or a dermatologist named Dr. Fleishli (pronounced: Fleshly. I collect professionals in my life with appropriate names.)

After a quick lunch I took my car over to the dealership for its oil change. I thought it was for a regularly scheduled oil change but discovered it was a major checkup at 30,000. They provided me a complimentary car and told me to return tomorrow to pick it up. Of cour$e they provided a loaner car. It wa$ in their be$t intere$t for thi$ $cheduled maintenance. A 10% off di$count coupon will be a help to me.

Back home again, the dogs had their afternoon meal and I sat down to check email and catch up with projects.

Tomorrow is another busy one with a workout for the morning, picking up the car, back to a meeting at 11:00 and a lunch date with a friend. I'm glad I can work at odd hours to catch up. I am so blessed to have the type of job that is flexible with a laptop propped next to me while my feet are propped on the ottoman and a wienerdog laying next to me.

God is good. His love endures forever. Even when I am busy.

Fools or Wise Guys?

I've been reading through the book of Proverbs (One chapter a day to match today's date. Works out perfectly as most months have 31 days and there are 31 chapters of Proverbs).

I love the contrast of the fool with the wise person.

I love the practical, no-holds-barred advice: Do this. Don't do that.

Its made me all the more heart-broken when I read the choices of the fool. The fool believes their choices affect no one but themselves.

The choice is obvious: Be wise. Do not be a fool.

"Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces."

"The wisdom of the wise keeps life on track; the foolishness of fools lands them in the ditch."

"Moral dropouts won't listen to their elders; welcoming correction is a mark of good sense."

"The road to right living bypasses evil; watch your step and save your life."

Owie!

So while I was celebrating the big milestone (see previous blog) and celebrating the weight loss and enjoying overall better health from decisions earlier in the year to walk and workout regularly (see previous, previous blog), I had a slow sinking realization.

My flesh suit was aching in my lower back and bottom.

Yes, my body is injured. Concurred by my doctor. Concurred by a physical therapist who put my poor little body through a wringer. Well, not actually. But after two sessions with physical therapy on my back and bottom, I'm in more pain. More sessions to go.

I thought physical therapy would help me feel better. I guess its a long term fix while the short term hurts.

Apparently I have a sports injury caused by those squats (and other assorted exercises involving the use of my bottom and back muscles). It hurts to sit. It hurts to reach over or down.

Standing is okay. Ha. Its hard to stand all day when your job requires a desk.

Okie, no more whining. Please pray for my back and bottom. (An odd prayer request, indeed.)

I will praise God's name in song
and glorify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30

A BIG, HUGE Milestone!

I am celebrating today!

Its not a big, huge thing to many people. But to me, it is the celebration of over eight years of consistent care, love and support. Its the celebration of over 100,000 members registering at HysterSisters Hysterectomy Support Website.

It happened because our members are awesome. They understand the "women to women" support theme HysterSisters offers as they reply to support and encourage each member. They understand if they need help and support, they can receive as well.

It happened because we have an awesome staff of moderators who lovingly log-in to read, reply and organize our website to keep things on track with a tone of kindness. They understand the long-term committment of pouring love into the lives of complete strangers.

It happened because my God is a big God. Every step along the way has been with His hand in mine guiding me because I am not the ultimate planner. I just tried to follow Him and keep the members and their needs as the most important measure of daily success.

And so, from member 1 to member 100,000....its time to celebrate! Woohoo!

God's closet

Daily I make choices from my closet. I stand in front of my shirts and slacks, shoes and sweaters, dresses and skirts and make decisions on what to put on.

In Texas, the weather changes from day to day so checking the weather first helps me plan between a sleeveless shirt and a sweater. My plans for the day determine if I wear my new jeans and a t-shirt or slacks and a jacket. The choices are endless as I stand in front of the hanging items.

Decisions, decisions! What do I wear?

Seems that these same kind of choices are mine to make in God's closet for my personal attitudes.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Col 3:12-14

Because I belong to Him, my closet is fully stocked with all the resources I need for my day ahead. My task? To put them on.

Mike, your toolbox inspired me. Of course I'd rather have the closet than a toolbox....

Shoes and Socks

I purchased a pair of jeans and then went in search of an updated pair of shoes to wear with my jeans. My "jean shoes" were about 8 years old and in need or replacement.

I ended up buying two pairs. Actually the same pair in brown and black. Seems silly but the price was good and the fit was great and they are the perfect "hip" shoes for jeans.

That lead to the realization that my brown and black socks were older than my new shoes and in terrible shape. Literally.

I purchased a pile of black and brown trouser socks and headed home for a toss out, spending the afternoon cleaning out the sock drawer.

After I filled up a trash sack with holey socks (Set apart for a new reason. They are not wearable!) and then I headed to the closet to weed through my shoes.

I'm not a shoe gal. I buy a pair of shoes maybe once or twice a year. I still have a pair of brown boots I bought in the 80's that I love and only 3 years ago purchased a pair of black. But I had to admit, some of the shoes in my closet had been there long enough to grow roots and turn "non-hip" in the process. Old, fumpy shoes that did not convey "hip" any longer.

I added those to my pile of old socks.

The shoe section of my closet looks awesome. The sock drawer is ready.

Now we need a bit cooler weather to pull out the socks for a test drive.

Blue Jean Crisis

I'm a blue jean gal in a world full of pantyhose.

Yes, I have the nice black slacks for those dress up events. I have some in chocolate brown for my blazers. Assorted slacks and capris in various colors hang in my closet.

But give me my jeans and I'm happy.

The crisis?

I've been cinching up my jeans with belts as I've spent the last six months walking and working out. Losing some weight, a pound here and there. Nothing extraordinary. Just a steady progress of weight loss and toning body that causes my clothes to no longer fit the same.

Its an odd thing really. The weight loss appears on my scale but my clothes do not seem to fit much different. And then one morning I wake up and the pants seem huge. I add a belt and run on my way. Eventually I have to buy a new size.

Now I'm down two full sizes since I started my "get-back-in-shape-so-I-don't-ache-when-I-stand-up-from-my-chair" program.

Its not even 15 pounds so don't get too excited. I wasn't a big gal to start with (just an achey one!). I feel so much better. Most of the aches are gone and my body moves much more nimbly once again. I'm stronger which will help me fight in the middle-age-50-year-old-war.

I just need new jeans again.

Tomorrow - Some ice cream

I've been wanting some chocolate ice cream. If not ice cream then at the very least a chocolate frozen yogurt mix from Braums.

It will be my reward for a week of eating well, not over-indulging and maintaining my goal of fitness, health and weight management

But geeeeeeee it is hard!

Its especially hard when the caffeine in that chocolate would make me feel energized.

Its especially hard when I just want what I want.

I know that chocolate ice cream is not good for me. I know it is full of calories and ingredients that fight against my health.

Don't tell my trainer. Its our little secret. Tomorrow is weigh-in. Tomorrow night is ice cream!

Slurp!

Indescribable

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

Artist: Chris Tomlin

Lazy Days and Day Dreams

I'm needing a vacation. The summer came and went again without a break in my work schedule. Its been a few years since I put my laptop aside, didn't answer emails and just relaxed. Of course, I won't get a vacation but its nice to dream about.

I've even gone to vacation websites to add to my illusion. Disneyworld, New York, Hawaii. It wouldn't matter.

Just put me on a plane and send me to someplace where I can put my feet up, read a pile of books and have some down time from the brain energy I must put out regularly.

Until then, I'll browse the websites...and day dream.

Where in the World?

Citizenship. Its in the news daily. Illegal aliens. Immigrants. People who want to change their citizenship from one country to the U.S.

If you've ever visited another country you learn really quickly the differences from your home and this other country.

If you've visited that country long enough, the new culture tends to penetrate our brains. We adopt to the ways of the country. We acquire a taste for the food and learn to understand and speak the language. Comfort over time allows us to fit in. We adapt.

Today at church I was reminded of my citizenship.

I was born in the U.S., Texas to be exact. I've lived in Europe and in various places in the U.S. My passport says I am a citizen of the U.S. (And yes, Texas to be exact!) But I'm really a citizen of heaven. God's Kingdom. I'm an alien here.

And so my life should reflect my real citizenship.

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:9-11

Good, Better or BEST

Yesterday in bible study I had one of those moments. I had prepared the lesson I was leading and had all the answers.*grin*. I had read and re-read Genesis 3. We were studying hard stuff: the origin of our sin nature, the icky truth that all sin is ugly, that all sin is equal as there is not one sin that is worst than others to God (although we tend to rate them from white lies (1) to murder (10).)

Heavy stuff to illuminate as we begin to understand the joyous good news of Jesus because unless we understand our need, we can not understand God's payment in the death and life of Jesus.

And in the middle of this study about Adam and Eve came extra encouragement that caused me to pause. (Thanks Brenda!)

We were looking at Adam and Eve, having eaten from the tree of good and evil which they had been instructed by God not to eat. They had been given freedom to enjoy everything in their garden with this one exception. The serpent entered, deceived Eve who gave the fruit to Adam who ate. Immediately they realized they were naked and ashamed. Immediately Eve got out the sewing machine, grabbed some fig leaves and made an outfit to cover themselves. (First evidence that crafts and fashion design are in the bible!) When they heard God, they hid. God, then, cursed the serpent and gave an oracle to Adam and Eve about their struggle on earth and an explanation of their death both spiritual and physical.

And with this verse came extra wonderful Aha's!

"The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them." (Gen 3:21)

1. Yes! This is the first sacrifice which was made by God to cover the sin of Adam and Eve. (A temporary fix as Jesus would be the permanent fix, the perfect, sinless sacrifice to not only cover the sin of mankind but to cleanse it)

2. Yes! Eve had already made some clothes for their closet and they did the job. But, those fig leaves would dry up, fall apart, need to be replaced and would not be adequate when the two were driven out of the garden. I can't imagine having fig leaves for underwear or to keep my body protected. But given there was no Wal-mart or a mall nearby, the fig leaves were good.

But GOD made garments out of skin for Adam and Eve. How much better is that than itchy fig leaves?

I declare it not only better...but BEST!

It made us all take a few moments to think through all the ways we do things for ourselves that we think are good and adequate. And then times when God has stepped up, in His mercy and grace, to provide something better that turned out to be the BEST for our lives.

God's character from the beginning was one of mercy and grace. Making a way for us through His Best!

Faithfulness of God

God's faithfulness endures.

Over and over.

Never tiring.

Never fudging.

Never partial.

Never vaguely.

Never half-hearted.

Never veiled in half-truths.

Never lacking.

Never on vacation.

Never dependent on me.

Richard Strauss said it like this: "When God’s promises are unconditional, neither our faithlessness nor our unbelief will affect His faithfulness. They will rob us of our peace, our joy, and our testimony, but He will just keep right on doing what He promised to do, keep right on being faithful to His Word. What a wonderfully faithful God! Believe Him. Experience the peace, the joy, and the power which faith in His Word will bring. Then you too will exclaim enthusiastically, “Great is Thy faithfulness!”."

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me.....

and unto the body in which I belong.