Great Progress!

I'm so glad I was able to walk two miles today, with few pauses and without even getting very tired. All that exercise is making me feel good. I know sometimes my positive improvements in exercising can be fickle but I think I'm on a good health regime now and am hoping that I'll keep doing well and can regain my previous level of fitness. There's a lot of great things about being fit enough to walk two or more miles several times a week. It's really enjoyable for one thing. If I can keep up my two mile walks it'll be a real accomplishment, something that I've been striving for for about a year. All the exercise will help me to lose weight more easily. My diet is going well and I'd love to do some major slimming. That would really be great!

God is continuing to help me with dieting. I like being able to accomplish decreasing my calories enough to lose weight while being able to enjoy healthy tasty food that I love. Losing weight is definitely a science, but it's an art too and something you can become skillful at. I like meeting the challenge to maintain an attitude that helps me win at the dieting game instead of being overwhelmed at the challenge.

Most of the last night I was awake meditating on my latest Scripture acrostic. I think I might write a Bible study on it. Meditating on God's Word is so awesome. I want it written on my heart so well that I walk according to it all the time filled with the Spirit. I want to be deeply affected by God's Word much in the same way the wind fills a sail and causes a boat to sail in the direction determined by how the sail is set.

Sunny Cold Day

We didn't get any snow last night and it's been a cold, kind of windy day with nice sunshine. I slept really late this morning but I got plenty of sunshine today so this should help me to wake up earlier in the morning. I've tried setting alarm clocks to get up earlier but they really don't do any good unless there's somewhere I have to be. I walked about a mile and was pleased with how well I did. There's still a lot of improvement I'd like to make. My perspective is that I'm happy I'm doing as well as I am now; progress is welcome and will make me even happier.

I had a nice nap after my walk. Then I got up showered, cooked supper, cleaned the kitchen and began working on memorizing more Scriptures. While I'm memorizing the Scriptures I surf the internet too.

I like quinoa and just tried it for the first time yesterday. It's classified as a grain but it's really a seed of a spinach like plant. I like it cooked in the microwave with just a little salt, Splenda and cinnamon. I was eating it last night without drinking water along with it and it got stuck in my esophagus. This was really scarey and painful but thankfully didn't last very long.

I'm about to turn in for the night. Sweet dreams everyone.

Better Now!

I'm feeling so much better today and eating pretty normally too. I'm so thankful for this. It's a marvel of creation how food is digested and nourishes our bodies, instead of just sitting in our stomachs and spoiling, unless we're sick. There are so many things about our bodies' function that are wonderful-- which we take for granted.

The weather has been chilly again today with 1-3 inches of snow predicted for tonight. It's doubtful that the snow will stick since the overnight low is 35 degrees and tomorrow's high is in the fifties.

Mom visited for a little while this morning, which is kind of rare since I usually visit her. We both want warm weather again. I said that it's nice Spring isn't too far away, atleast for people like us living in the deep South.

About all I've accomplished today is grocery shopping. I enjoyed this. I ate at Subway at Walmart. I got a oven roasted chicken sandwich with lots of veggies and no cheese. I love these!

Not Feeling Well

I'm on liquids because I was miserable after eating breakfast this morning. It began yesterday and just got worse. I'm going to give my stomach a little time to get better after being sick this weekend. I went to bed at about 11:30am and slept till 4pm. I love the quilt my Aunt Henri made for me. It's so warm and cozy and comfy. I still dont feel so well. I had hoped to work on memorizing some more of the Scriptures in my latest acrostic. I love it when I can recite the whole acrostic and this is so powerful spiritually for me. I think I'm probably going to go to sleep early even though I slept a lot today. I had hoped to make it to the grocery store for jello and popsicles. I've been drinking Crystal Light Lemonade. Hopefully my stomach will be all better in a few days if I give it time for this. I need it to get better because I'm not one for a bland diet.

My Mom's Terriers

It's been an overcast day today but really nice and 70 degrees. I took a walk in the park and my breathing is doing better. I'm really thankful for this. I haven't had much energy today but it seems like my energy is on the increase now. I was sick yesterday and my mom really helped me a lot. My mom's two dogs, a Scottish Terrier and a Welsh Terrier, used to bark at me like everybody else. Now they recognize me from afar and don't bark. I always walk to the gate and talk to them. They didn't even walk to the gate today. They like me though. When they see me in the house they are very friendly.

Great Warm Weather

I've enjoyed my day inspite of problems I'm having. Taking a walk in the bright warm sunshine was nice. The warmth lifted my spirits and has me happily anticipating spring. I would have liked it even better if I didn't have to pause fairly often due to getting winded. I still enjoyed being outside and the sunshine was beautiful. I'm not out of the woods with my back yet. I enjoyed spending about an hour neatening up my home. It looks so much better. I can tell my attitude towards housework is majorly improving. I'm quite happy about this. The time I spend doing housework adds up and I see the beginnings of the progress I want so much. My latest Scripture acrostic is really changing my outlook for the better. I love the effect God's word has on me.

This evening I went out to eat catfish with my mom, stepfather, aunt, uncle and his sister and brother-in-law. The catfish was really good. The golden glow of the sun setting through the woodsey country side was so pretty. They were talking about eating cake after returning to my mom's home. I thought about it but came home and had a no sugar added popsicle. I've found that if I want my diet to continue, I can't resume my dieting fast enough. Most of the time when I eat something out of the ordinary I'm careful to make sure I count calories to make it fit into my daily calorie allowance.

A Beautiful Day

My aunt and uncle, with my uncle's sister and brother in law, arrived this afternoon. It was good to get to see them and visit with them. They drove up just when I was heading out for a walk in the park. They are staying with my mom.

I had a nice short walk. I think my endurance is increasing. I'm glad of this because I can't wait until I can take two mile walks without getting super duper tired.

I enjoyed getting out and doing some shopping today. I mostly got groceries. I did get a new pair of slippers that are really comfy. I also picked up some red hair shampoo, which brings out the red highlights in my dark brown hair. I went to Sally's, Krogers, Sam's Club and Walmart. Today has been a beautiful day.

Today I read something (see anti-inflammatory benefits) about flax seeds and walnuts, which are rich in Omega 3. These would be a lot better for me than the peanut butter sandwich I eat everyday. So I decided to replace my nightly peanut butter and banana sandwich with a smoothie made with yogurt, blueberries, flaxseed, and walnuts. I just made my smoothie and liked it. I got a coffee grinder and ground my own flax seeds.

I'm about to do my Bible reading for the day. I like doing this in the morning. I didn't feel well at all this morning but I now I feel good. I'm glad I was still able to make the most of my day.

I Got Motivated

Lately I've been getting sleepy at about 6pm every evening. I'm glad I'm not even sleepy yet at almost 8pm so maybe I'll sleep through the night. In the middle of the night last night I was wide awake and wrote the Scripture acrostic in the previous post. God brought to my mind several of these Scriptures right before I wrote the acrostic. I got more Scriptures from previous acrostics that I had written. I made this acrostic to inspire me to be better at taking care of my home. Years ago I used to be pretty good at this. I want to do my best and be consistent in it. I memorized the Scriptures that make up the first word in the acrostic tonight. I got so motivated after reciting these scriptures that I did some cleaning I'd been procrastinating over a long time. This builds my hope.

I'm really glad my diet is going well. I'm doing great at getting this diet tailored perfectly to fit my needs. This is really nice because I get to eat things I really like, even dark chocolate. On another post I might describe my diet to you. I really want to burn calories exercising, plus exercise makes you feel great. I didn't get to walk this afternoon due to wheezing. This is from a drug side effect. It seems like anything that really helps my joints causes wheezing.

I'm looking forward to my Aunt and Uncle's visit. They'll get here tomorrow afternoon. My youngest sister and I didn't get together yet this week like we'd planned, but we might tomorrow.

New Scripture Acrostic

Here is my latest scripture acrostic.


A Woman of GRACE and PRODUCTIVITY

Grace
Proverbs 1:8b-9 do not forsake your mother's teaching. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck. (NIV)

Rejoiceth
Proverbs 13:9a The light of the righteous rejoiceth: (KJV)

Aglow
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (KJV)

Child
Proverbs 23:24b and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. (KJV)

Excelleth
Ecclesiastes 2:12a-13 And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and... Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness. (KJV)

a
n
d

Profit
Proverbs 14:23 & 21:5 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty... The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. (NIV)

Run
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (KJV)

Obedience
Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (KJV)

Disciples
John 15:8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (NIV)

Understanding
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (KJV)

Course
Psalms 36:4b he commits himself to a sinful course and does not reject what is wrong. (NIV)

Things that are excellent
Philippians 1:9-10 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; (NAS)

In the paths of righteousness
Psalms 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. (KJV)

Vigorous
Proverbs 31
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. (KJV)
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. (NIV)
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. (NIV)
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. (KJV)
31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. (NIV)

fervent In spirit
Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; (KJV)

Triumph
2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him. (NIV)

Your God
Deuteronomy 6:5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (NIV)

A Busy Day Planned

I'm up at a good hour this morning. Today I'm looking forward to having lunch with my youngest sister. She wants to try my chalupa soup and we're also doing a Bible study together. The Bible study is Beth Moore's "Stepping Up" on the Psalms of Ascent, a great Bible study. This afternoon I have an appointment. It's 31 degrees and very windy today so I'm going to try to walk on the indoor track at the gym. I missed taking a walk yesterday afternoon because I was so sleepy I had to take a nap. I'm hoping to thoroughly clean my kitchen this morning, including mopping the floor.

I really had an appetite yesterday and overshot my calorie allowance. My goal is to eat about 1,600 calories most days, but yesterday I had about 2,200. Atleast it was no junk food. Often it is so easy to stay within 1,600 calories that, on days when I want to eat more, I don't manage as well as I could. I think I need to eat more vegetables and drink more water. These are good for controlling hunger, as well as staying busy. I want to try to stay at eating at about 1,600 calories for a year and then I should see some good and welcome changes in my health and appearance.

I want to start painting again. I used to love painting T-shirts and sweatshirts. I like the Tulip fabric paints because they don't have fumes. I think if I stretch my own canvas, prewashing it first, I'll be able to use fabric paints to paint pictures. I hope I can find all I need in this paint line. I've got to check at another store because the store I went to this weekend didn't have a full line of Tulip paints. I love art and working with colors. I keep thinking about all the cute coloring pictures the elementary school teachers provide for their students. I was a substitute teacher in elementary schools a few years ago. I remember how much fun these were to me when I was a child. Often the coloring pictures have a holiday celebration theme. I think every day, even in the rather mundane things, offers something worth celebrating.

Psalms 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (KJV)

Chalupa Soup

I made this soup today and I really love it! It has a great zesty Mexican flavor and is mild.

Chalupa Soup

1 lb. dried pinto beans
1/2 lb. eye of round steak, cut in bite sized pieces
vegetable oil spray
1 medium onion, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 jalapeno, seeded & chopped
1/2 tsp. cumin
1 cup grated Mexican style 4 cheese
1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
corn tortillas, torn into bite sized pieces
salt & pepper to taste

Wash beans and soak for 8-12 hours. Discard soaking water. Coat skillet with vegetable oil spray. Lightly brown steak over high heat. Cover beans with water, add steak, onion, garlic, jalapeno and cumin. Simmer till beans are tender. Add cheese, stirring till melted. Add drained tomatoes and bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes. Place tortillas in serving bowl and add soup to bowl and serve. Enjoy!

calories: 310 for 1 cup of soup with 1 5 1/2-inch tortilla

NOTE: This soup wasn't as zesty tasting the next day. It might help to add the cheese whenever it is served and/or to spice up leftover servings with Tabasco.

An Early Start to the Morning

I woke up at about 1am this morning. I went to bed at 7pm because I was tired. Six hours of sleep is a decent amout of sleep for me. One thing nice about to waking up really early like this is that it helps you get a nice early start to the day. I woke up thinking about Philippians 4:8, which is one of my current memory verses.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things. (NIV)

It struck me that I should really start doing this. I did this while I lied in the bed until about 3am and it was great.

When I got up I got some pinto beans on to soaking. Beans cook so much faster when they're soaked and I'm going to try to make chalupa soup. I want the beans to cook up nice and tender. I've eaten my aunt's chalupas before and they're really good. I started thinking about this yesterday and called her to get the recipe, but I thought chalupa soup would be really good. I don't know if anyone has ever made chalupa soup before! If it turns out good I'll post the recipe.

We got lots of snow Friday and it stayed on the ground for over 24 hours, which is so rare in the deep south. Yesterday I went to look at the park and a lively snowball fight was going on. I didn't get to see much of the action because most of the commotion stopped when they saw me. I heard the action begin again when I was walking back to my apartment.

When I lived on the Gulf coast, I could count on spring to make it's glorious arrival by the end of February. All the azaleas would be beautifully in bloom. Now I live a little farther north, but it's still the deep south. I keep looking at the ten day weather forcasts hoping to see a warming trend. Instead the opposite has been occurring, so I'm quite curious as to when we'll see some spring. I love the four seasons though. Winter used to be my favorite season because I loved walking in the bracing cold air. I'm a little more careful about exposing myself to the elements now. Really wind and dampness are more what I have to be careful of to try to avoid getting sick.

I'm about to do my morning Bible reading--now in the book of Exodus and 1st Samuel. I read chapters from 10 different books of the Bible. It's great.

It's Sleeting

I'm having a pretty productive day for not having slept last night. I had caffeine last night and I tried to get a little sleep in the wee hours of this morning but my back was just too uncomfortable. My back, hip, and shoulders have been giving me some problems. I'll be glad when the weather warms up. Right now it's too cool at the indoor pool for me, since I have to take rest breaks between swimming laps, and get chilled. I've taken a couple of short walks this week which I enjoyed. I've got to get out in the elements today--cold and light rain, to pay a bill.

I'm glad about what I've gotten done so far today. I'd gotten off track on my daily Bible reading. I try to read ten chapters from different books of the Bible each day, (Dr. Horner's Bible Reading System). Reading the ten chapters is no problem once I just start reading. I like to copy a few Bible verses, that really make me think, into my journal. I think it's great to take in so much of the Bible like this everyday if I can. I always seem to be reading things that really make an impact on me. Once I'd read all of the Bible, I never found a reading plan I was happy with-- until this one!

I balanced my checkbook and cooked a nice lunch and cleaned up the kitchen already. My mom just called and said I need to go pay my bill now even though I need to shower because I've been taking garlic. She said it's sleeting and the roads are going to start freezing over. Buh bye!

New Scripture Acrostic

I was trying to think of scriptures to encourage me to only eat healthily and God brought scriptures about following to my mind. I've got these memorized now. Today I wanted to go get something fattening to eat, but when I recited these scriptures it was totally nipped in the bud. Hence I don't have to worry about any of those calories or any ill effects of the junk food. Hallelujah! God's Word is wonderful and full of power! Praise the Lord!

P L E A S I N G God

Pure
2 Timothy 2:22
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (KJV)

Love
1 Corinthians 13:13 &14:1
And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Follow after charity... (KJV)

Eternal life
1 Timothy 6:11-12
...follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (KJV)

Acceptable
Romans 14:17-19
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. (KJV)

Spirit
1Thessalonians 5:15-19
...but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. (KJV)

In Christ Jesus
Philippians 3:12 &14
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. ...I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (KJV)

Noble
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-- think about such things. (NIV)

Good
3 John 1:11
Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. (KJV)