Twenty Five Minute Freewrite

I think I will give an update in all the areas today.

WELL-WATER SOUL

Who knew that I just needed permission to cut back on my "goals" for the year to get others goals finished. I was meeting on campus with Kathleen every week, but I was also wanting to just finish the Bible Book Club. She said, "Take off coming to campus on Wednesdays and Jesus Community and just write for two weeks." That is what I did! I loved the remainder of Acts and see why God had me wait until "such a time as this" as the Perspectives course was on "Acts of Obedience" in the reader (I posted a section of it in a previous post) by my old leader Steven Hawthorne. So, it fit right in to what God had been doing in my life. YAY GOD! Loved the richness of the extended time in the Word without interruption. I am a "mid-trovert" at heart. I need that balance of time alone with God and time with people, and after Jeff Johnson's visit, I was tipped over on the people side a bit too much! :)

So, now I am in 1 Corinthians and church discipline is on my mind. I have had to work through some lack of forgiveness toward my old church leadership, not for what they did against me, but what they did against my old pastor who is suffering health-wise now, and the trigger was their NON-BIBLICAL release of him in the early 2000's. It sent him into a big downward spiral. I have learned to "forgive them with Jesus' forgiveness from my gut" as Experiencing the Presence of God 24/7 would say!

I have LOVED praying through "Seek God for the City" and walking the streets of Corvallis! That has so enriched my prayer life! 

Prayer and word are balanced, and I love that!

WELL-EDUCATED MIND

I write a lot of book reviews. So I don't need to say much about this other than I feel like I have a very GOOD BALANCE in that area too. I have discontinued doing the early book reviews for people. They are very time-consuming, and most of the books are not very exciting, but every once in a while you come across ones that are lovely like Les Miserables, Getting Out of Bed in the Morning, and Of Virgins and Martyrs. So, I am glad I did that more this year, but it is time to REALLY focus on JUST the Invitation to the Classics list (along with all the other books that already get thrown at me because people think I should read them OR I see them on an NPR book review, etc).

WELL-ADJUSTED HEART

I truly feel like God's destiny name for me: BOLDLY Beloved (had to bold that word!) is coming true. I had this peaceful boldness lately that is truly OF HIM and not of my own doing. Cannot describe it, but I am very healed, and I am learning to just forgive with Jesus' forgiveness with the slightest thing like being aced out of helping Michelle with meals by Lisa. I had to just forgive and realize that God has another assignment for me and that is to focus on finishing the Bible Book Club, my family, my ministry women (Leslie, Abi, Kathleen, Eunice, Sandy, Jennifer, and Rachel - Lord, I didn't realize it was so many!), and standing alongside friends in turmoil (Teala). Teala and Michelle are on an equal footing of need right now, but others want to step in and help, and that is very appropriate for me to just focus where God has planted me. ALL GOOD! I am glad I didn't send that letter to Lisa and Michelle and just let it go!!!!

WELL-TUNED STRENGTH OF BODY 

I am at fifteen minutes but on a roll!  I cannot ignore that God has done a supernatural work in me since December 20, but it really started when I decided to take that medical leave from the Club and concentrate on physical therapy for my back. That was the turn around, and I don't even know why I did it other than I was SO TIRED of having my back be better only to have me push a little bit more in the workout area to have a set back AGAIN when I was working out so diligently!

That and the sickness in October that sent me to the doctor and having a little higher blood pressure (when normally WAY low), blood sugar (which turned out to be totally normal on the second test), and LDL's. That just is not me. So,  I have lost 11% of my body weight even though the weight chart said I only need to lose 3% (I know what my "fighting" weight is, and it was lower than that) , but I have also got a whole new mindset when eating. I am "eating to live" now and not "living to eat." I have this mind shift that I have always wanted, and I know that it is supernatural. I know that I will not go back again. I know that maintaining this weight is my goal rather than losing the same few pounds and gaining them back again. I think what helped is knowing that I was gaining them back less quickly this time, and I was encouraged that I was going in the right direction (see an earlier post about that) of just burning 80-100 calories a day  more or consuming less on the eating side. That was doable for me to prevent gaining it back. I had improved, and this encouraged me to do so. 

I also know though, that I need to record what I eat because I still don't know when I am overeating that 80-100, and my issue was not gluttony because I dealt with emotional eating a long time ago. The issue was just lack of knowledge and food recording (and the gloriously effective Body Bugg) give me that knowledge that I need to make a choice to eat that caramel and dance around the living room for 10 minutes versus not eating that caramel. It is as easy as that. Knowledge is power.

I want to harness all this knowledge in a class for overweight women. I want to use my nutrition degree and college athletics background (I am only three pounds away from what I weighed when I was playing basketball my freshman year in college - how is that for battling the middle-aged bulge. Thank You and glory to YOU, God for that) AND communion with the LORD (prayerwalks being a key in this journey) to help women FLY and be all that God wants them to be without the nagging weight in the back of their mind as a failure issue. 

Anyway, my back is GREAT too. I only had had it go out when I do dumb things (like before - I just had not done dumb things for three years before I severed my tendon and LOST all what I had achieved previously). I also do preventative chiro appointments now and massages (although I will cut back on them to every other month since my insurance does not cover them).

The regular exercises and getting up from writing have revolutionized my life. I am so grateful for a new lease on everything.

Now I am done. No proofreading. Just sending. Sorry for the mistakes.

Biblical Bibliophile

I think I just coined a new phrase.

A believer who reads and analyzes everything she reads with a biblical mindset. :)

I am so clever. LOL!

17. Institutes of the Christian Religion: Book 3 by John Calvin

The title of Book Three is The Mode of Obtaining the Grace of Christ. The Benefits It Confers, and the Effects Resulting from It. 

Quotes:

This Book, which contains a full exposition of the Third Part of the Apostles’ Creed, treats of the mode of procuring the grace of Christ, the benefits which we derive and the effects which follow from it, or of the operations of the Holy Spirit in regard to our salvation.

I like what he says about repentance and there being no need for confession to a priest. I loved what he said about our righteousness being by faith in Christ. Good meaty stuff!

Doctrine is not an affair of the tongue, but of the life; is not apprehended by the intellect and memory merely, like other branches of learning; but is received only when it possesses the whole soul, and finds its seat and habitation in the inmost recesses of the heart. (III, vi, 4)

To doctrine in which our religion is contained we have given the first place, since by it our salvation commences; but it must be transfused into the breast, and pass into the conduct, and so transform us into itself, as not to prove unfruitful.(III, vi, 4)

Doctrine is not my favorite thing. His Institutes are 1775 pages (And you ask why am I reading all 1775? Call me crazy!), and that is longer than the Bible! Why not just read the Bible? That is what I keep thinking as I listen, but he was counteracting years of misinformation on what was Scriptural and what was not. So, I see why he had to do it.

He gets into the whole election thing. I believe in the elect, but I believe that Jesus died for all too. So that is where we part ways, but I still think he loved God and was brilliant (even after 1207 pages!)

I wonder if there is an index for all the verses he quotes. I love hearing Scripture as I read it and listen to it while I work. I think this is the one he quotes most of all:

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, 

so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 

2 Corinthians 5:21

Amen! I will never get tired of hearing that!!!

By the way . . . 


You might notice that I no longer have the Librivox.org audiobook cover. I broke down and bought a recently released (Dec 2012) 99 cent Kindle version because it is easier to keep track of where I am, and I can switch back and forth between listening to it and reading it. I was reading it on my Logos version, and then trying to find where I should go on the audio. Too much of a hassle.

Also, the monotone girl read many of the sections on the Librivox.org version, and I just cannot handle her anymore! 

(Plus, I like my digital voice pal. We have been friends for 4 years now. I think he has even become a believer after reading me so many Christian books like Institutes!)

January/February Movie Reviews

I review every book that I read, why not review the movies I watch too? 

Here is the whole list for January and February. The short reviews follow and are in "bundles" for series:

JANUARY

1. Gilmore Girls Season 3

2. Miracle on 34th Street (so sweet)

3. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2

4. Gilmore Girls Season 4

5. Little Women

6. Doctor Who Series 1

7. Gilmore Girls Season 5

FEBRUARY

8. Gilmore Girls Season 6

9. Gilmore Girls Season 7

10. W (clearplayed)

11. The Conspirator

12. The Real Jane Austen

13. Doctor Who Series 2

14. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (warning: racy part and unexpected for an old movie!)

15. California Suite

GILMORE GIRLS SEASON 3-7

This all started because I had no idea who Rory Gilmore was. My friend just sent me her book list. I like that she reads lots of books. It is funny, and I don't necessarily like the morals that Loralai displays, but there are other parts that are clever and funny. The creator/writer of the show must be brilliant. It clips at such a fast pace, and I love all the references to cultural and classical things in the dialogue. Sometimes, you have to rewind though!

Season 4 had some things that I was really sad about, but we had to have closure so we finished the series. I do not like how it is a given that college girls (and their mothers!) are going to sleep around! YUKE. YAY to Lane who stuck to her morals.

The acting was very good though. I wish Lauren Graham would go back to doing comedy. She is perfect for it. I saw about five minutes of her on Parenthood. She is such a talent, but I like her as funny with a bit of somber rather than all somber. 

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET

I put this on hold during Christmas because the boys and George had never seen it, but it didn't arrive until after Christmas so the boys weren't interested in it anymore. So, I watched it with George. I had not seen it in year, and I had forgotten how absolutely adorable and sweet it is!  I had also forgotten that it features a very young Natalie Wood!  I watched the colorized version, and I loved it. I want to reserve sooner this year so the whole family will be in the mood to watch it!

SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS 2

I saw both movies in the movie theatre because it was something Teala and I did together a few years ago. At the time, I had no idea who Alexis Bledel was, but now that I have watched her as Rory Gilmore, I wanted to watch her again in another role. All four of these girls are very talented actresses. It is funny that at the time of this movie, Blake Lively was probably the least famous of the four, and now she is the most famous, and the other women have not really done anything since they big roles in Joan of Arcadia, Ugly Betty, and Gilmore Girls.

All that to say, I think these are sweet movies. I love the views of Greece and makes me REALLY want to go to Santorini, Greece someday! Look at that blue!

LITTLE WOMEN

As per my tradition, if I read a book, I usually watch one or all of the movie adaptations. I had seen this one years ago, and I have to say that I still love it and may even buy it. Winona Ryder may have had her problems over the years, but she is a superb actress. She was even nominated for an Oscar for her portrayal of Jo March. You also cannot beat the acting of Claire Danes, whom Winona recommended for the part, and she plays Beth exactly how I envisioned her!  Lovely movie in every way. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. 

DOCTOR WHO SEASON 1-2

We went to a special screening of Dr. Faustus from the "Globe on Screen" series. There were two women who had come down from Portland just to see one of the actors in this play because he was in the Doctor Who series from the BBC Wales. I had heard about this series before, and then I saw my oldest son watching it because, apparently, many of the people in his college group love Doctor Who. 

It is so quirky and funny and has so many of the British actors we have come to know and love. We love it! The writers must have a total blast writing these, and they are very clean (so far).

W 

Josh Brolin did a brilliant job as George W. Bush as did all the actors. They made him look really bad, but one name: Oliver Stone. You understand.

We got it because a speaker born in Iran played a clip from the movie about Iran and oil. It made us curious. I would not have watched it without ClearPlay though because of the bad language. 

The Conspirator

Beautiful Robert Redford film that involves the trial of the mother (played by Robin Wright of Forrest Gump fame) of one of the conspirators to the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Was she part of the conspiracy or not? I do not think we will ever know. Regardless, she did NOT get a fair trial because it was done in a military court (something the Supreme Court would later rule unconstitutional). The acting was absolutely riveting! Perfect in every way.

The whole reason I check it out was my Alexis Bledel kick. She has a pretty minor role though. 

The Real Jane Austen

This was so interesting, but everything about Jane Austen is interesting. They used actors to portray the story of her life even though it is a documentary.

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (warning: racy part and unexpected for an old movie!)

I saw Maggie Smith on 60 Minutes and wanted to see her academy award winning performances. It is a very weird movie, but she does a good job.

California Suite

Maggie Smith is an academy award nominated actress from England who flies to California with her husband, played by Michael Caine, to attend the Academy Awards. It is pretty funny that she actually won an award for this performance too! 

Bill Cosby and Richard Prior are hilarious in it. I liked this one much better (especially since I grew up where it was filmed!). It is also little cleaner than the previous film!

Acts of Obedience

I have been doing correcting for the local "Perspectives on the World Christian Movement" class and writing about Acts 26 at the Bible Book Club. I love how the reading for Perspectives and my writing have collided this week. God's perfect timing! No wonder it took me so long to write through the book of Acts! 

Here is an excerpt from the reading in Perspectives: 

Boldness in Costly Public Witness

Were they faithful to the mandate Christ had given them? As Luke records it, they were to take a public stand as witnesses (Luke 24:48; Acts 1:8). To act as a "witness" in Luke's way of speaking had very little to do with personal one-on-one communication of the goespel to friends and family. Only in recent times has the term "witness" been equated with general gospel communication. Reading Luke's use of the term "witness" revearls that almost eveyr time someone acts as a witness, they did so in a public setting.

Why was a public declaration in courts or in the streets so important? God wanted something more significant than a widespeared awareness of Christ's resurrection. God was establishing an unshakabel church. A witness not only asserted the facts of Jesus, they also established the profound value of following Jesus by their readiness to suffer.

The ordeal of public trial served to distinguish the movement of Christ followers, placing the entire church in public view. Ordinary men and women went on public display, along with their Christ-like character. Even their enemies recognized them "as having been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13). Their lives became an expression of the highest ideals of their people (5:13). The function of witnessing could not be reduced to a brief commuicative action -- it was a process. Their obedience as witnesses transpired over weeks ormonths or longer. 

Witnessing has to do with the paradox of shame and glory. After one courtroom appearance, Peter and his fellow witnesses rejoiced that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name (5:41). Jesus relays word to Paul by Ananias that Paul was a chosen instrument "to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel." It sounds like a regal duty, but the cost is severe -- a tetimony comprsied of suffering. The very next phrase the Lord gives Paul ist his: "for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name's sake" (9:15-16). Their shame brought Chrsit's glory. 

The Lessons for Obedience Today

Witnessing is not so much personal sharing of the gospel as it is the public estalblishing of the Chruch. It will take more than slick communication to plant churches where there are none. The drama of Acts may be a portrait of the way any new church is planted. There maybe be exceptions but for the most part, the record shows that thriving movements for Jesus must emerge into the public view. Secret movements grow weak and often disappear entirely. Movements that endure bear Christ's name boldly and at the same time display much that is recognized as the finest ideals of their people. How does this happen. it is by men and women (usually ordinary local people rather than missionaries), who are falsely accused and are brought into a setting of open testimony. At that moment, the value of following Christ is established. 

(Excerpt from "Acts of Obedience" by Steven C. Hawthorne from Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, Fourth Edition, edited by Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, p. 139)

16. Warrior: How to Fight for Your Faith, Family, Finances, and Future

This book was sent to me in exchange for an unbiased review.

We are in a battle, and Ed Rush makes that abundantly clear as he walks the reader through the life of Christ, the Warrior King and a man on a mission. I like that the author is fairly self-effacing about himself. He is transparent about his weaknesses and foibles. I also appreciate what he did for our country as a fighter pilot in Iraq. All those are things in this author's favor. 

Rush talks of the power available to us through the Holy Spirit and that prayer, fasting, and obedience are part of the "power pattern," and this is awesome. He talks of Jesus telling His disciples to wait until they are clothed with "power from on high" (Luke 24:48-49). He talks of the authority we have been given by Jesus' Great Commission to "go and "make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:18-20). 

This results in Rush concluding that you should make disciples by choosing fellow warriors who "love to spend time with Jesus, who understand his word, who cast out demons, and who make disciples" (Location 1433-41). Amen! Loved that. 

Rush clarifies the mission:

 "So what is our new mission on earth? Here you go: exercise our authority and crush Satan."  

But then he doesn't go on with that. He doesn't flesh out what it means to make disciples of all the nations. I would have liked to hear more about the Great CoMISSION to go out making disciples of all peoples of the world. This was disappointing because part of "crushing Satan" is seeing his dominion diminish throughout the darkest parts of the earth (Matthew 24:14)! That is what the disciples did after they were clothed with power on high (Acts 1:8). Where is the call to go to the ends of the earth to start disciplemaking movements throughout the most unreached people of the world? Where is the call to a lifelong commitment to disciplemaking? It builds up to that crescendo about halfway through the book, and then it falls short for me.

Warrior did not "wow" me like it did all the other reviewers on Amazon.com. But most of those reviewers were written by men. Rush gives solid biblical advice. I wish he would have given a William Wallace war cry to go into enemy territory and fulfill the Great Commission, but that doesn't always sell books and fill stadiums. 

Rush is a man's man. So I think he is probably speaking to the men out there who need a good military kick in their personal lives and families, there is nothing wrong with that, but Rush built up my expectation to believe that his charge would be bigger and beyond that, and I have to admit I was disappointed! So close, yet so far. 

For more on what you can do to take up the battle cry, go to Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: http://www.perspectives.org/site/pp.aspx?c=eqLLI0OFKrF&b=2806295

15. Of Virgins and Martyrs: Women and Sexuality in Global Conflict by David Jacobson

First of all, let me say that this is the coolest cover EVER for any book I have ever read. The woman's eyes are amazing against the purple head covering. Perfect.

I finished this book two weeks ago, and I cannot tell you how many times I have referred back to it whenever I hear a news report or have a discussion with others about what is happening around the Muslim world. This book will inform your perspective in very profound ways. I cannot recommend it highly enough. 

In his introduction, the author states, "I have endeavored to make the text as accessible as possible to the interested general reader, while (I trust) not sacrificing the rigor of argument and supporting evidence" (p. 18)

I believe he strikes the perfect balance between good scholarship and readability for the common man! I could not put this book down. 

Jacobson explains global terrorism in its cultural context rather than generalizing and blaming it all on the religion of Islam. He does this by using the Tribalism Index:

The Tribalism Index is able, on its own, to explain a remarkable 68 percent of rates of religiously motivated violence (based on data drawn from tabulations of the National Counterterrorism Center [NCTC] for 2005 to 2010.) This influence is dramatic— the likelihood of a national from a country with a tribalism score of 1.0 causing a terrorist incident is 6.5 million times higher than a national from a hypothetical state scoring 0. If we add additional variables of social globalization, Muslim percent of population, and per capita GDP, we can account for 93 percent of the religiously motivated violence. . . we are able to isolate tribal patriarchy as a major factor in driving religiously motivated violence when we seek to predict the patterns shown in NCTC data. We are able to state, with assurance, that a state’s movement from one end of the tribal patriarchy spectrum to the other predicts an extraordinary increase in the production of religious violence on the part of nationals. (p. 118)

Simply put, Muslim societies are somewhat less violent than their non-Muslim counterparts if we factor out the presence of tribalism. However, when increasing Muslim population is combined with high levels of tribal patriarchy, religiously motivated violence is more likely to be exported across national borders. (p. 118) 

On top of this, he is able to predict how tribal patriarchy affects groups of people who migrate to other countries, specifically Britain and France. He comes to the fascinating conclusion "the French republican model, with its stress on assimilation, works better than British multiculturalism, with respect to Muslim women’s progress and to national integration in the respective countries" (p.18). So fascinating!

This review cannot possibly convey the brilliance of this book. It is revolutionary and should be a part of college global studies courses and read by anyone dealing with the Muslim world.  

The only drawback of the Kindle version is that the author's charts are difficult to read and cannot be enlarged, but I was able to find similar charts online here:

http://citizenshipinitiative.org/tribalism-index/ 

The difficulty reading the charts has nothing to do with the content. Therefore, I still give this a full five star rating. 

I was sent a complimentary Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

More on "Stay Calm and Hydrate"

Drinking Water May Speed Weight Loss:

'via Blog this'

This is an expansion of that Berlin study. Fascinating that for women they burned carbohydrates and men burned fat when they drank the water. Why is that? Inquiring minds want to know! My husband and I think it is because women's body prioritize energy expenditure differently. We need biologically hold on to more fat because we need it for child bearing. :)

Finally found the actual scientific study (for the science nutritionist part of me):

http://jcem.endojournals.org/content/88/12/6015.short

Also got this fun email from someone in my weight accountability loop:

Let’s all remember to drink plenty of water today! J . . .  and to smile! J

The Bible and Classical Literature

I found this on a blog called "Classics and the Bible" by Adriana@Classical Quest, and I could not agree more:

"The centrality of the Bible for Christians means that they ought never to despise learning. By precept, by example, by its history, and by its very nature, the Bible opens up to us the whole world of truth."

~Gene Edward Veith Jr.

This reminds me so much of what I am learning as I read Booked: Literature in the Soul of Me by Karen Swallow Prior. Stay tuned for a review of this book (I am savoring the chapter on Jane Eyre and do not want it to end). It is SO where I am with classical literature and the connection with truth!!!!!

Stay Calm and Hydrate

Last week, I CRASHED energy-wise on Wednesday and Friday, but I think I was DEHYDRATED! That makes me tired and really MUNCHIE!

I hydrated really well on Saturday (drank a bunch when I first got up in the morning, had my 20 ounces bottle with me as I walked to book club, filled up with yummy lemon water while there, filled up again for my workout, filled up again for my walk home, etc.). I have not been as good with that in the last couple of weeks.

This is what I read recently:

Staying hydrated will help you lose weight. Nutritionists and trainers always notice that their clients seem to lose weight more easily if they drink enough water, and now researchers from the University Medicine Berlin in Germany may have discovered why. Their studies show that drinking two cups of water raises metabolic rate (the rate at which your body burns calories) by about 30 percent. This effect peaks in about thirty minutes and disappears completely in about an hour. Researchers estimate that if you drink about six cups of water daily, you could, theoretically, burn an extra 48 calories a day, which could translate into a 5-pound weight loss for the year. 

Other ways water may lower the number on your scale: it might help you eat a little less. We often mistake thirst for hunger; instead of filling up a glass with water, we turn to food. So stave off thirst, and you may shave off some calories. And going into your workout well-hydrated gives you more energy and endurance. You'll get the most out of your hour at the gym or your walk, burning more calories and increasing fitness. 

(http://www.sharecare.com/question/how-drinking-water-helps-weight-loss)

So, that is my goal for the week: Stay Calm and Hydrate! 

14. Getting Out of Bed in the Morning: Reflections of Comfort in Heartache by Alice Wisler

 I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. 

This book is beautifully written, hitting all the points of working through grief in a way that is not overly sentimental but focused on the God who daily bears our burdens. I love her reflections and prayer walking ideas. I would definitely recommend this for any one who needs to gain perspective when the journey of life seems hopeless. This woman has been through the Valley and has come through it with a depth of relationship with God that is mature and beautiful. She will mentor many through this book.

ISBN: 0891124195

The Final Frontier

". . . the love handles will probably be the last thing to go, because that's where most of your fat is stored." (http://health.ninemsn.com/whatsgoodforyou/theshow/694570/how-much-exercise-do-you-need-before-you-start-burning-fat)

Friday Freewrite

I am a little down right now. I think I am just exhausted from all the drama over the last couple of days. Not drama of my own making but other people's drama that I have chosen to be a part of to support those who are hurting.

I am sad, and I am sure that the drama reminds me of my brother's death. I am grieving that this afternoon. I do not have big "dips" in my mood any more, so this down feeling is pretty foreign to me. 

I think I am at the end of my intense writing phase. I took the last nine days and really cracked down hard, and I got a lot done. It is going to take a long time to finish it up, but I need to take breaks now and then, and I am ready for that break now. Need a time of refreshment.

So, I will do that tomorrow. I think I hear George coming in the truck. Maybe I am wrong. I am resting and watching the news right now.

I know that I is OK. Bye

Happy Dance for my Family

Just want to say that I am doing the happy dance. This whole weight loss journey has been going on since December 20 (10 weeks today).

First, I notice my son, Michael,  had gained weight fall term. He has always been really skinny but things changed in the fall:

1. He went from a community college that required walking to and from classes and bus stops and PE classes to animation school that required sitting in a chair 40+ hours a week.
2. He stopped growing at 6 feet 6 inches
3. His dad was making baked goods galore

I have been the healthy eater in my family. My dream was to never have my kids eat unhealthy food, but my husband introduced them to junk food, sugary cereals, and homemade baked goods on a consistent basis. I just don’t bake that much because I don’t need the extra calories.  I just have never been able to fight his need to have these kinds of things in his diet. He has never struggled with his weight. So, it hasn’t hurt him to eat those things. (Except a triglyceride scare did cause him to eat more healthy once, but the next blood test was normal, and he went back to his old diet.)

When he wanted to make the fifth sugary and fatty dessert for the week last December, I finally told him enough was enough! It used to just be me that was hurt by his baking (I know I can resist, but it is better for me to just not have it there as an option), but now I noticed it was my son too, and my mama bear came out and said STOP SABOTAGING! I so appreciate that he cooks, but he needed to support his son and his wife!

Since that confrontation, he quit baking altogether. (I also like having my kitchen back, he tended to take it over.)

I also had the kids join SNAP fitness. My old gym was too expensive for us all to join ($140 a month!).   I had done the free trial throughout November, and then had them join when I joined in December. The amount for all three of us was the same as one person at my old club! (George gets a deal at the university because he is faculty.)

Here are the results of a healthier 2013:

1. Michael has lost 10 pounds! He goes to SNAP at least five times a week!
2. George has lost 7 pounds (that is the most he needed to lose) and is eating more like me! It is weird to have all my healthy things disappear from the cupboards and refrigerator. He also quit drinking coffee and is drinking all my tea up! I am not used to sharing my healthy foods (except fruits and veggies – he has always eaten those).
3. I have lost 22 pounds (I only “had” to lose 7 to get to a 25 BMI and the top of my range, but I am more comfortable at the middle of my range where I am now).
4. We have saved a ton of money – part of our weight loss has been that we determined to save more money in 2013 (George had a 25% pay cut on top of the 40% reduction that we already had from his HP job when he went to the university). I don’t stop by to get something at the coffee shops and meet my friends there (we take a walk instead). I don’t eat out except on special occasions (a friend or family birthday) or if we have a gift card. We don’t pick up pizza to satisfy Paul (He LOVES pizza and would eat it every night, but he has no weight problem because he gets a lot of walking in at the college. We were averaging 1x a week.). Saving money AND losing weight is great!
5. Our blood work will no doubt be stellar next time we have it! I am speculating here, but my LDL’s and blood sugar were higher than they have ever been. Might have been because I was sick that week (my friend Kim, the dietitian, still thinks I had nothing to worry about), but I still was determine to lose at least 7% of my body weight and keep it off to lower all those risk factors. I have done everything I can do now. George had some blood work cautions too, but I cannot remember what they were. We will see what our blood works says next October!

So this whole journey has been good for my entire family (even though some of my boxes are empty when I go to eat some of my favorite healthy foods!). 

Wednesday Writing

4:30 - 5:00 Fix breakfast, update Bodybugg, post to FACED, register for DA
5:00 - 5:45 Acts 28!!! 
5:45 -  6:00 tea, back exercises,  Institutes
6:00 - 6:15 Answer email, Perspectives grading
6:15 - 7:30 Finished Acts 28!! (Total Time: 2 hours)
7:30 - 8:15 Dress for workout and cleaned up kitchen and picked up dining room, answer Nessa's perspectives question.
8:15 - 10:00 Walk to and from SNAP and workout
10:00 - 11:00 Shower, dress, lunch, and update BodyBugg
11:00 - 11:30 Correcting homework and answering Perspectives questions from one of my students (oh to be 22 again!)
11:30 - 12:30 BBC Business (not a lot of writing but organizing and deciding) 
Writing 1 Corinthians 1! 
12:30 - Finish Early Reviewer book and rest (I was in bed for the rest of the day - I think I am still sick)

Tuesday Production

7:00 - 7:10 Make breakfast
7:10 - 7:30 Writing
7:30 - 7:40 Make tea and listen to book
7:40 - 7:45 Writing
7:45 - 7:50 Finish tea
7:50 - 8:00 Writing
8:00 - 8:05 Standing up break
8:05 - 8:30 Writing
8:30 - 8:40 Dress and talk with George
8:40 - 9:30 Writing
9:30 - 9:35 Break for more tea
9:35 - 10:00 Writing and talking while kids eat breakfast and get ready for school
10:00 - 11:15 Prayer Walk with "Seek God for the City" and "Joshua Project Unreached People" apps Listened to Morning Affirmations and Praying Scriptures for Spiritual Growth along with Calvin's Institutes: Book III.
11:15 - 11:35 Lunch and email to Steve thanking him for his "Seek God for the City"
11:35 - 12:10 Back Exercises while listening to/reading to Calvin's Institutes: Book III who has a "natural love for brevity". NOT!
12:10 - 1:25 Writing Reflection and Application for Acts 26 (Total Writing Time for Acts 26 = 3.5 hours)
1:25-1:30 Scone and Cream break :)
1:30 - 1:45 Check email and upload BodyBugg information and send report to FACED
1:45 - 2:15 Dinner Prep while listening to rest of Acts
2:15 - 3:15  Writing on Acts 27 (Total for Acts 27 = 55 minutes) 61 more!!! 
3:15 - 5:15 Walk
5:15 - 5:30 Dinner prep and dishes
5:30 - 5:45 Upload BodyBugg and more dinner prep
5:45 - 6:15 Heating pad and shower
6:15 - 6:50 Dinner
6:50 - 7:00 BodyBugg
7:00 - in bed for rest of evening.

Quotes from Getting Out of Bed in the Morning

"What matters is not what we feel like praying about, but what God wants us to ask him for. Not the poverty of our own heart, but the riches of the Word of God must decide how we are to pray." (Bonhoeffer, Life Together, 157)

"Keep a journal. Studies show writing reduces stress and if you write at least five times a week for twenty minutes you will notice the affects."  Getting out of Bed in the Morning, p. 60

Evaluating the Eight Things that Naturally Increase Serotonin and Dopamine

I am evaluating how I am doing on the EIGHT things that increase serotonin and dopamine:

1)      Sunlight – I have taken EVERY opportunity to walk in the sunshine for at least fifteen minutes each day for my Vit D and sanity (but I also take 2500 IU Vit D every day!). Winter is more challenging though.

2)      Sleep – I have consistently fallen asleep an hour earlier than usual and slept six hours (my requirement) and forced myself to sleep for one hour more. So, seven hours is WAY more than I usually do. I love going to bed earlier and getting up earlier. Sleep has been the BEST ever. Rare insomnia and none lately.

3)      Smile – I have thought about programming this on my phone because I forget to do it, but when I do, it SERIOUSLY elevates my pleasure center! So weird. I have also noticed I grimace a LOT (just like my mother used to do). I am trying to smile right now as I type.

4)      Sweat – I am in such good shape that it is really hard for me to work up a sweat unless I am indoors and have more clothes on. I think the issue is getting exercise, and I average 2 hours a day.

5)      Play – I need to do more of this. Even though I don’t have a “real” job, I do “work” by writing, counseling, discipling, etc. I do “play” by reading (need to make that more fun so I am discontinuing my early reviewing of books) and watching DVD’s with George. Stress is low though, and I think that is the goal of this thing. Maybe it should be PLAY or PRAY. PRAYER reduces my stress more than PLAY does!

6)      Routine – I have it.  I have a rhythm of writing, standing up and exercising, getting out for a walk and praying once it is light (I get up between 4:30 and 6:00 am), breaking, counseling mid-morning or going to campus, working out in the afternoon, etc. Doing really well on all that.

7)      Bonding – I meet with people all the time, but I want to bond with my peers. Making an effort to call friends and set up appointments. One of my friends works .7 of a mile away (the dietitian) , and I walk by her office all the time. We are going to meet for her lunch break more regularly now. Teala is at a sorority near campus, and I go there every Wednesday. So, I made an effort of going early to pray with her two weeks ago. I also try to have at least three face-to-face dinners with the family. Michael goes out Monday and Thursday, and George has meetings two times a month, and we eat with our Jesus Community one night a week.. So, I just need to have dinner ready EARLY on the nights they go to meetings. Dates with George have been great for bonding though. And we go on at least one family walk/hike a week.

8)      Beauty – I live in Oregon. Every walk fulfills this need. I also want to look at scenery pictures or Rick Steve’s DVD’s of Europe for rainy days. Spring will afford looking at beautiful flowers. Since I am not doing Carol365 (since photo processing involves too much sitting, and I need to be more active until I am done with the Bible Book Club), I need to be more conscious of looking at the beauty of my surroundings. 

My Friday

My Friday:

5:20 - Up. Make pot of chai tea while I upload my BodyBugg and do my FACE report (accountability for Food, Academics or Attitude, Communion with God and people, Exercise, and Daily care of family) to Katrina and Rachel.

5:30 -  5:45 make a meal plan for the day, check email, respond to important stuff, register for Masterpiece sweepstakes, promote Imagine Coffee on Facebook. Finish making Chai tea.

5:45 - 6:00 - Listen to praise instrumental music and read first chapter of new devotional book

6:00 - 6:15 - Wish Elizabeth a Happy Birthday and encourage people in Skype greetings. Chat a bit with Katrina about sickness.

6:15 - 6:25 - Do this little update on the Blog

6:25 - 7:55 Writing on Acts 21 for Bible Book Club and sip chai tea. Resistance training every fifteen minutes.

7:55 - 8:10 - Skype with Kathleen, sending her two things (discipleship time) and also setting up our next meeting. Also checked email and relayed message about cereal recall.

8:10 - 9:00 Writing and resistance. LOL!

9:00 - 9:50 Called Kim, unloaded dishwasher, showered, dressed, make up, BodyBugg maintenance

9:50 - 10:25 am Snack and Talk with Kim as I got out the door

10:25-11:15 Travel to and appointment with oral surgeon

11:15-11:25 Travel to Snap Fitness, Albany

11:25-12:50 Weights, Core, Cardio

12:50-1:50 Travel home, shower, lunch, log food and upload Bodybugg

1:50 - 3:00 Finished writing Acts 21 (Total time: 3 1/2 hours) (snack)

3:00 - 3:10  Break

3:10 - 4:00  Writing for Acts 22 (50 minutes)

4:00 - 4:20 watched beginning of the Newshour on PBS and did back exercise and Pilates

4:15 - 5:10 Writing Acts 21 (50 + 55 minutes = 1 hour 45 minutes total)

5:10 - 6:50 Dinner and Dr. Who and resting

6:50 - 7:00 Early Reviewer Reading

7 - off for the rest of the evening to relax!





 (Have 2 hours 45 minutes to go)

The Journey Continues Free Write

OK, I am supposed to be writing on Acts 15. I love the turning point on that chapter, but God's presence is really real to me right now, and I have to write about it. I am not sure what happened. :) Since this is my desire 24/7, I want to pause and revel in it, remember it, and seek to continue it.

Oh there I go, looking at paper scattered about my desk and starting to think about all the things I should be doing: getting Michael's grades into our auto insurance company (for the "good student" discount), setting up that dinner date with the P's for tomorrow night, throwing out papers, making things look more presentable at this desk of mine, etc.

But I will sit here and revel. It is real, by golly. I wish scientists and scholar would take note. It is real, and I pity their blindness. No stupidity about an ancient myth here. He is as real as the nose on my face. Too bad for them they "think" Him away. 

I suppose I should do an assessment of the "State of My Well" like the president did the other night (Didn't even listen to it or listen to commentary on it since I am taking a "Nightly News Fast" for Lent. It was hard last night when I was exhausted, and I want to switch it on. I had to train myself to watch the news back in the early 80's. Now, I cannot get enough.).

WELL-WATERED SOUL

Well, of course, that is what I just finished writing about. Love, love, love my prayer walks lately. How He is directing me where to walk and pray and what to say "no" to for the day (praying near Leslie's apartment complex yesterday morning versus going to Calvary to pray on the grounds).  My footsteps have been ordained by Him. Yippee.  So good to start it off praying for Teala's block, and now she is praying through that wonderful "Seek God for the City" App (which, by the way, I found a way to enlarge the letters and make it lighter - my two complaints about the app).

So, Bible Book Club has slowed down considerably as I haven't had as much time to devote to it, but that is OK. Acts 15 is a good chapter to soak in, and Jeff's talk Monday night about that particular chapter shed more light on it!

WELL-EDUCATED MIND

Thanking God for Librivox.org. Calvin would have been so much harder to plow through if not for that. I have decided to stop reading Early Reviewer books for a while. Most are just OK. I just read the book Of Virgins and Martyrs that I think will be HUGE. That was one Early Reviewer book that I was ULTRA-IMPRESSED with!

All that to say is that I want to finish the Invitation to the Classics list, and I cannot when I keep signing up to review new books. I have 1 1/2 more books to review. Then, I am taking a break until I finish the ITC List. Last list, I promise.

WELL-ADJUSTED HEART

It always relates to the Well-Watered Soul. Experiencing God's Presence 24/7 confirmed what I always say, "When we are are experiencing Him, everything heals." I saw a breakthrough with a person I was working with last Thursday though, enough so that I want her to fly on her own and just check in for "tune ups" now and then. Yay. 

I do not deal with guilt or shame any more. Laying them all down if I do for a nano-second. This is all good (Until maybe the next trip down to see my family, LOL!).

WELL-TUNED STRENGTH

I have been talking a lot about all of this lately. My weight is down 18 pounds. It was down 19.8 last Friday, but there is something going weird in my water weight because I have stuck to the program with daily deficits, but last week was a major purge of water with loss beyond my deficits. So, I almost think that it is better to just weigh myself every two weeks because that seems to be when I get the accurate measurement beyond the fluctuations. Not worried. I have stuck to my plan like GLUE with only planned surpluses (I think I have had 1 or 2 in two months of recording everything I have eaten.). In addition, my weight loss overall shows I OVER-REPORT how many calories I am consuming. So, it is all GOOD! 

The back has had its ups and downs lately. I stupidly (as reported earlier this week) delivered two heavy book bags to one of our dial-a-book clients. So, that is my own fault (like chasing after the bus with bags in my hands in December). I have not had a "stupid back incidence" since December 12. So, I am good. I am thinking of doing Dr. Koen once a month and maybe doing the massage as needed. Dr. Koen is more effective in getting me back in balance than the massage therapist. If I am not out, she is great, but if I am out, Dr. Koen is much more effective AND covered by my insurance plan!

All that to say is that I did the 55 minute PUMP workout and felt great. I love getting my upper body strong (lower doesn't seem to be a problem with the other things I am doing). So, YAY! Good work!  I have visited SNAP 30 times since I joined in December. So that is good!

Well, I think the bell will ring. Back to work!

All Better

I limped through the weekend, but I knew my back was not 100%. Fifteen minutes with Dr. Koen on Friday was all that he could give, but I need a full work over. I called at 8 am, and he called back and said, "Believe it or not, we have a very light day because everyone thought I was closed on President's Day! Come on in!"

A full hour work over has made me a new woman, and I will NEVER carry Fran's book bags again. I love Fran, and it was great to have a chat with her as I dropped off her new and picked up her old ones, but I will FOREVER leave that job to my strapping, Sherpa boys!

Moving on. I had such a wonderful time praying for HP yesterday as I circled the pond. It is a one hour slow walk from my house around the pond and back again. I must remember to do that more often. It is about the same length as my Glen Eden walk, only flat. It will be a nice change. I have not done it in about a year! Silly me.

Well, I am off to write on Acts 15. I do hope I can finish it. I am planning on not meeting for counseling this week so that I can concentrate on my writing for a change.

One Moment of an Act of Service . . .

Equals three days of discomfort!

I twisted my back, but it took me three days to figure out what I did! I thought maybe it was increasing the tension on the elliptical or walking in my boots across campus, but it was the big book bags I carried through the nursing home! I usually leave the big ones for the boys, but I decided to drop Paul off at the bus station and drop the books off on my way back home.

BIG MISTAKE

It also required another trip to Dr. Koen! UGH!

When will I learn I cannot lift heavy bags, and Michael could have done it on the way BACK to the library because he was going there anyway.

Lesson Learned!!!

George's DNA Results (and mine for comparison)

I thought I posted this here, but I guess I just posted it on my Facebook, and I want to have his results here for comparison with mine.

GEORGE

CAROL

13. Practicing God's Presence 24/7 by Dennis and Dr. Jen Clark

My best friend had this laying on her ottoman when I went to visit her on Wednesday. She started describing all the things she was learning, and I said, "That sounds like Theophostic Prayer Ministry!"  I am trained in Theophostic and do this kind of ministry in my home, but I have observed that lack of forgiveness is the biggest stumbling block to people experiencing His presence, and I think this little book helps bridge that gap and the weakness in Theophostic!

I read Practicing the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence very early on in my discipleship journey. I say "discipleship" journey because I became a believer at 10 years of age, but I really did not grow as a disciple until I was 20. That was around the time I read Brother Lawrence's book (Late 70's or early 80's). I distinctly remember having a negative encounter with someone at a basketball game, and while coming home I asked God to speak truth to me, allow me to forgive that person with His forgiveness, and teach me to dwell in His presence 24/7 like Brother Lawrence.

That has been my lifelong passion, and it has had its ups and downs, but I feel like God is making it more and more real to me everyday. It is my passion for others to live this kind of life. In fact, I try to have all the girls I disciple read Brother Lawrence (and Frank Laubach's Letters by a Modern Mystic). Now, I think I will add this book to the list! 

Favorite quote: "Forgiveness is a supernatural, divine exchange: Christ in exchange for our pain."

AMEN!

Freewrite Five

This will be a quick free write to get my fingers moving for the day. I have had some busy mornings lately. So my writing time has been cut into pretty severely, but that is OK because I am still trying to save my back.

Speaking of my back. HALLELUJAH! I really do think I am out of the woods after three steps forward and two steps back for three years. BEST decision was to stop going to personal trainers and go to a physical therapist. I have been on the road to recovery. I did have one little slip, but it wasn't due to anything stupid other than sitting too long in a counseling session. I am going to only one hour sessions from now on. I just cannot do the long sessions (that one was three hours, and I started feeling it after 1 1/2 hours). 

I added my Bad Back Book exercise that dovetail nicely with Logans fabulous four exercises. It is doing more to limber me up in the morning. I didn't do them the other day and sat for an hour before I got up. My S-I joint had settled into its familiar place. So, I did the limbering exercises from the BBB, and I was better in no time. Now, I have my exercises posted in the living room, desk, and two places in my bedroom (for standing up and floor exercises). All of them take me about 20 minutes in the morning and about 5 minutes at night. Well worth the sacrifice.

Combine this with a monthly massage and chiropractic check, and I am good to go. Oh, I am switching the massages to every six weeks now because I am doing so well. I have one tomorrow. YAY!

Time is up. On to Acts 15.

12. Institutes of the Christian Religion: Book 2 by John Calvin

I have already reviewed the Institutes, in general (see HERE). 

This is what Calvin says Book 2 is about: 

Under the Occasion of Redemption, the Fall is considered not only in a general way, but also specially in its effects. Hence the first four chapters treat of original sin, free will, the corruption of human nature, and the operation of God in the heart. The fifth chapter contains a refutation of the arguments usually urged in support of free will. 

The subject of redemption may be reduced to five particular heads: 

I. The character of him in whom salvation for lost man must be sought, Chap. 6. 

II. How he was manifested to the world, namely, in a twofold manner. First, under the Law. Here the Decalogue is expounded, and some other points relating to the law discussed, Chap. 7 and 8. 

Secondly, under the Gospel. Here the resemblance and difference of the two dispensations are considered, Chap. 9, 10, 11. 

III. What kind of person Christ was, and behaved to be, in order to perform the office of Mediator—viz. God and man in one person, Chap. 12, 13, 14. 

IV. For what end he was sent into the world by the Father. Here Christ’s prophetical, kingly, and priestly offices are considered, Chap. 15. 

V. In what way, or by what successive steps, Christ fulfilled the office of our Redeemer, Chap. 16. Here are considered his crucifixion, death, burial, descent to hell, resurrection, ascension to heaven, and seat at the right hand of the Father, together with the practical use of the whole doctrine. Chapter 17 contains an answer to the question, Whether Christ is properly said to have merited the grace of God for us.  

(Calvin, J. (1997). Institutes of the Christian religion. Translation of: Institutio Christianae religionis.; Reprint, with new introd. Originally published: Edinburgh : Calvin Translation Society, 1845-1846. (II). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.)

I have read what Calvinists believe about free will, but it was nice to read it straight from Calvin. How is he so SURE we don't have free will though? We aren't robots. I just think that there are more important things to do than debate about it though. 

I loved what he said about desiring to obey because the Spirit of God is in us. I bookmarked it, but I lost the bookmark. It was so GOOD! Shoot! Too many pages to wade through to find it.

I loved hearing verse after verse about Christ as our Redeemer. 

Again, I read this, and I think our time would be better spent just reading the Bible over and over to understand all of this rather than reading the musings of a 27 year old. :)

Also, the Librivox recording is FREE! Most of the readers are really good. One lady is on there a lot and quite monotone, but she isn't bad! There is one Scottish guy who is my favorite!!!

11. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

This a very famous classic that I finally was able to read. It is all about one 16 year old's adventures. I don't want to spoil it, but it says a lot about teenagers and where their mind can go. It is a fascinating. Having a teenage boy in the house, I know that hormones can lead to depression. 

This is a very negative book with some unsavory language, but it is pretty profound in many ways too. I can see why it is a classic, but I don't think I would want my teenager to read it. 

10. Lady Almina and The Real Downton Abbey by the Countess of Carnarvon

I decided to forgo the typical  book cover for the actual book I read while sipping tea last Friday. Paul had a state test to take at Lebanon High School so I escaped to one of my favorite tea rooms: Mrs. B's Special Tea. 

What fun to read about Lady Almina while having a proper cup of tea! 

I really loved this book. Lady Almina was the rich, illegitimate child of Sir Alfred de Rothchild. She married the 5th Earl of Carnarvon infusing his estate with cash (much like Cora did in Downton Abbey) and giving herself legitimacy in the aristocratic world and a title: Countess of Carnarvon. Her money also helped fund the Earl of Carnarvon's exploits in Egypt that eventually led to the discovery of King Tut's tomb. 

For those of you who do not know, the Carnarvons oversee Highclere Castle where Downton Abbey is filmed. The book is written by the current Countess of Carnarvon. She is an excellent writer and good historian. 

Like in Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle became a hospital during World War I, but beyond Downton, they even performed surgeries there and Lady Almina became a competent nurse!  

I really admire this woman. If you love history (and Downton Abbey), you will love this book!

If you do not have the time to read the book, this 55 minute documentary on Highclere Castle with the author of the book will be a short way to learn the history!

Watch Beyond the Fiction on PBS. See more from Secrets of the Manor House.

Friday Fifteen Freewrite

It has been too long since I let my fingers do the walking across the keyboard without stopping (an informal definition of a "free write").

I have had a good week. I went to a Pastor's Prayer Summit. The leading men of the Valley have gathered at Cannon Beach for the past 23 years, and the women have gathered for the last eight (or so). I got invited about two years ago, and I went then and skipped last year, but I was able to go this year. I am so glad that I did.  I am still singing the songs of praise from the time. I don't sing enough these days. I definitely praise, but I loved the hours of worship in song!  It was a good time where I decided that I would be open to George teaching in India this summer. That was a great thing. I almost hope that it happens now. It sounds adventurous and fun, and I would probably get to see Elizabeth in the process. :)

Well, Acts is humming along. It has taken me a long time to get through it, but I definitely feel like it was God's timing to have me bathing in Acts as I head into this season of Lent (February 13) and my "Seek God for the City" prayer emphasis! I am so excited to do this! I am hoping to walk the streets of Corvallis and pray for the welfare of our city in all the nooks and crannies. YAY! I feel like this year is definitely an intercession year for me. I have held back from new relationships with internationals after a full year with my two "daughters" who graduated. I really love to walk and pray, and I would love for others to join me. So, I am going to tell people that they can do that with me. :)

My sweet mother-in-law fell and broke her hip yesterday so we are going up to Tualatin as she gets out of surgery. George has a class until 3 pm. This will be a good time to leave before the heavy Friday traffic in Portland. We can stay until the traffic dies down and then go back home. I have a baby shower too (book shower - what book Lord?) for Jenna Hicks ? (I don't know her new last name).

I am doing really well with my back. I have a new ligament stretching exercise (the "fire hydrant") that seems to keep my hip from slipping out of the S-I joint (I am also not sitting as long and will have to notify those I am doing counseling with that I cannot sit more than an hour at a time).  I am getting stronger and able to do the more advanced aerobic weight training video at SNAP fitness now. I am even a tad on the sore side after the one I did yesterday that shows it is a bit harder (but not so much harder that it threw my back out. YAY!). I am 14.4 pounds down. The Prayer Summit food threw me off a bit from my weekly goal, but I am WAY ahead of my overall goal of 14 pounds by Valentine's Day so YAY! :) I am pleased with how this whole strengthening and reducing program has been going for me. I have a higher number of calorie intake and less pressure to lose every week. This is SO much more realistic for me for the long run. I am committed to a food log though, even after I reach my goal. My goal is not weight loss this year but MAINTENANCE of that weight loss. I am committed to doing this until December 20, 2013: one WHOLE year of logging food and wearing the BodyBugg. I KNOW that it is going to stick this time. I have no doubt that this will happen. YAY! It is all so good.

I am loving Bible Book Club. I might have already mentioned Acts. I told myself I would only allow myself ONE post for every ONE pound, and I am able to work through 1 Corinthians 11 (post for June 3).  Once I reach my maintenance goal (2 Corinthians 9 - isn't it cool that it is about "buffeting my body"?), I will stop if I gain any pounds back!  It is fun and keeps me from too much sedentary stuff. That is also why my photography is on hold, and I will not do 365 again until I am at maintenance and I will also apply that rule: No picture of the day if I gain weight! Win-Win.

Harp is going. No proofreading so I will stay humble. I apologize for the typos and any there/their/they're mistakes (sometimes I type and don't think, but I really DO know the difference between the three. Honest!).