On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' " "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live." Luke 10: 25-28
Monday, March 28, 2011
Spring break is officially over and it's going to be a tough, exhausting week. I'm back at work, and this is the week of the play. So it's a good thing I've figured out some reliable and simply prepared meals.
That chicken-vegetable soup I made over the weekend will definitely make lunchtime easier, and my super salad is a great take-with-me dinner. In a large sealable bowl, I mix up chopped green onion, diced cucumber, crumbled bacon, chunks of cooked chicken an avocado, a handful of snow peas, some diced peaches and a few cherries, along with the dressing to act as a marinade. The lettuce and greens go in a separate bag so they won't get soggy before it's time to eat. And who knows when that'll be!
I'm needing to find a balance in my life. Right now that balance would be to keep an even keel with the many things going on, so that I'm not overwhelmed, not overstressed, not taken sick. I need to keep my work flowing, my energy up, and my mind intact.
Daily prayer and Bible study is a big help. I try to devote an hour or so each morning to reading God's Word, and relaxing in God's presence through prayer and meditation. If it's an especially busy day, and I have many things that need to be done, I ask God to guide my steps and remove all distractions so that what needs to be done will be done.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32: 8
And God does honor this request. I have to laugh, sometimes, though, as I sit down at the computer to write a story that's nearing its deadline, and think, "I'll just check my email first." HA! The internet server is down, and -- ta-da -- distraction removed. I immediately get to work.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11: 28-30
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Day 19 - Day of Rest? I Don't Think So!
For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. Exodus 20: 11
Sunday, March 27
What a day!
For a Sunday, it was no "day of rest" for me and several others, as we devoted the afternoon and evening to play rehearsal. We usually don't rehearse on Sunday, but there was no way around it this time, with half the cast having been gone last week for spring break, and opening night just four days away. It's going to be a busy, busy week.
So I had a quick breakfast of three slices of crisp bacon and a fresh nectarine, and a bowl of chicken and vegetable soup for lunch. I set a pork chop out to thaw for dinner, and quickly grilled it with red onion when I finally got home. A simple tossed salad finished the meal.
Have I mentioned yet that part of this health journey is to learn how to handle stress? I'm supposed to be keeping my stress level down as low as possible, and still earn a living, take care of my house, PLUS shop for and prepare all this food. On a regular schedule. Three meals a day, with between-meal snacks. No convenience foods allowed.
Add in the upcoming play, and you have to know that STRESS is a definite part of this picture. Especially this week. But amazingly, I don't feel overwhelmed. Instead, I feel energized, and excited. Yes, I wake up at night with song lyrics and dialogue running through my mind, as my subconscious works overtime to try to ensure I won't make a fool of myself on stage. Yet I get enough sleep, and feel relatively rested.
I don't know if I'd be so energetic, though, if I hadn't been following this diet. I'm sure all the fresh fruits and vegetables, and the absence of starches and sugars, are making a difference in not only how I feel, but also how I cope.
Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone." Genesis 35: 3
Sunday, March 27
What a day!
For a Sunday, it was no "day of rest" for me and several others, as we devoted the afternoon and evening to play rehearsal. We usually don't rehearse on Sunday, but there was no way around it this time, with half the cast having been gone last week for spring break, and opening night just four days away. It's going to be a busy, busy week.
So I had a quick breakfast of three slices of crisp bacon and a fresh nectarine, and a bowl of chicken and vegetable soup for lunch. I set a pork chop out to thaw for dinner, and quickly grilled it with red onion when I finally got home. A simple tossed salad finished the meal.
Have I mentioned yet that part of this health journey is to learn how to handle stress? I'm supposed to be keeping my stress level down as low as possible, and still earn a living, take care of my house, PLUS shop for and prepare all this food. On a regular schedule. Three meals a day, with between-meal snacks. No convenience foods allowed.
Add in the upcoming play, and you have to know that STRESS is a definite part of this picture. Especially this week. But amazingly, I don't feel overwhelmed. Instead, I feel energized, and excited. Yes, I wake up at night with song lyrics and dialogue running through my mind, as my subconscious works overtime to try to ensure I won't make a fool of myself on stage. Yet I get enough sleep, and feel relatively rested.
I don't know if I'd be so energetic, though, if I hadn't been following this diet. I'm sure all the fresh fruits and vegetables, and the absence of starches and sugars, are making a difference in not only how I feel, but also how I cope.
Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone." Genesis 35: 3
Day 18 - So Far, So Good...Mostly Good, That Is
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Breakfast this morning was steak strips, left over from Friday's dinner, and peach slices. For lunch I tossed together a big salad, with greens, red onion, diced peaches, avocado, bacon pieces and chicken. My standard red wine vinegar and olive oil dressing topped it off.
I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their fruit. Leviticus 26: 4
It's been a drizzly springtime day -- a good day for making chicken soup. Remember that chicken I cooked down a few days ago? Well, the broth made a fantastic base for a rich and hearty chicken-vegetable soup. Loaded with red onions, cabbage, and, of course, CHICKEN, it was simple but flavorful. And the huge potful will help me through the week ahead with warm-and-eat lunches or snacks.
So far I've lost seven pounds. Not too bad for being on this diet for just 10 days. 10 DAYS? Wow! That means I'm a third of the way through the 30-day cleansing and healing diet!
Let's see what changes -- good and bad -- I've noticed so far...
First, the good:
1. I've lost seven pounds. Woohoo!
2. I'm feeling more energetic, less lethargic.
3. I am satisfied with what I'm eating, and never hungry.
4. There are no cravings. Sure, certain foods sound good, but I'm really not tempted by them.
5. I'm sleeping well at night.
Now, the bad:
1. Leg cramps in the morning. The magnesium is helping, but there are still some cramping.
2. A few digestive issues.
3. I'm always needing to run to the store for more vegetables, fruits, and meat.
4. My grocery bill is higher than it's ever been.
All in all, the positive points outweigh the negative. That's good to know, and helpful to serve as motivation to continue. Another 20 days. That's less than three weeks. Then we'll move on to the next stage. Whatever that is. But it's sure to be something great, and great for me. I'm getting excited!
At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. Daniel 1: 15
Breakfast this morning was steak strips, left over from Friday's dinner, and peach slices. For lunch I tossed together a big salad, with greens, red onion, diced peaches, avocado, bacon pieces and chicken. My standard red wine vinegar and olive oil dressing topped it off.
I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their fruit. Leviticus 26: 4
It's been a drizzly springtime day -- a good day for making chicken soup. Remember that chicken I cooked down a few days ago? Well, the broth made a fantastic base for a rich and hearty chicken-vegetable soup. Loaded with red onions, cabbage, and, of course, CHICKEN, it was simple but flavorful. And the huge potful will help me through the week ahead with warm-and-eat lunches or snacks.
So far I've lost seven pounds. Not too bad for being on this diet for just 10 days. 10 DAYS? Wow! That means I'm a third of the way through the 30-day cleansing and healing diet!
Let's see what changes -- good and bad -- I've noticed so far...
First, the good:
1. I've lost seven pounds. Woohoo!
2. I'm feeling more energetic, less lethargic.
3. I am satisfied with what I'm eating, and never hungry.
4. There are no cravings. Sure, certain foods sound good, but I'm really not tempted by them.
5. I'm sleeping well at night.
Now, the bad:
1. Leg cramps in the morning. The magnesium is helping, but there are still some cramping.
2. A few digestive issues.
3. I'm always needing to run to the store for more vegetables, fruits, and meat.
4. My grocery bill is higher than it's ever been.
All in all, the positive points outweigh the negative. That's good to know, and helpful to serve as motivation to continue. Another 20 days. That's less than three weeks. Then we'll move on to the next stage. Whatever that is. But it's sure to be something great, and great for me. I'm getting excited!
At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. Daniel 1: 15
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Day 17 - Brussels Sprouts Epiphany
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7: 7-12
Friday, March 25, 2011
It's Friday and my house smells like fish! But my kitty cat sure appreciates it.
For breakfast, the day opened with tuna salad -- a drained can of tuna, chopped peaches, celery, red onion, half an avocado, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper. The cat got the juice from the tuna.
Lunch was hot salmon salad. Canned salmon, red onion, celery, vinegar, salt and pepper were heated in a skillet with a touch of olive oil. At the last minute I tossed in a handful of snow peas for a sweet crunch. The cat got the juice from the salmon.
I was treated to a special dinner, made by a friend, in my own kitchen. She sprinkled salmon filets with lemon juice and topped them with red onion, salt and pepper, then baked them in aluminum foil pockets. I tossed together a lettuce and cabbage slaw with red onions, chopped peaches, chopped plum, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper. We fashioned a quick peach salsa with avocado, red onion, cucumber, peaches, and a splash of lemon juice.
And I bravely opened myself to a new experience -- steamed brussels sprouts.
Brussels sprouts and many other green foods were not part of my diet growing up, and never became part of my diet when I moved out on my own. I had come to appreciate a good salad, as long as it was with iceburg lettuce and lots of dressing. Broccoli was fine if it was cooked, with butter or cheese on top. Peas and green beans came from a can. And a mayonaisse-laden slaw with apples and carrots was the only way I'd been known to eat cabbage.
But now I faced this long-time fear. I found myself eating brussels sprouts, with nothing on them except a little salt and pepper. And to my surprise, they were amazingly quite tasty. Not enough to indulge for every meal, but pretty good as an occasional side.
The lesson learned today? Childhood fears can be overcome. Even a fear of the dreaded Brussels sprout. Maybe one day I'll have a face-off with olives, mushrooms, squash, and bleu cheese. But in the meantime, I say YUCK to them all!
Su
For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations. Isaiah 61:11
Friday, March 25, 2011
It's Friday and my house smells like fish! But my kitty cat sure appreciates it.
For breakfast, the day opened with tuna salad -- a drained can of tuna, chopped peaches, celery, red onion, half an avocado, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper. The cat got the juice from the tuna.
Lunch was hot salmon salad. Canned salmon, red onion, celery, vinegar, salt and pepper were heated in a skillet with a touch of olive oil. At the last minute I tossed in a handful of snow peas for a sweet crunch. The cat got the juice from the salmon.
I was treated to a special dinner, made by a friend, in my own kitchen. She sprinkled salmon filets with lemon juice and topped them with red onion, salt and pepper, then baked them in aluminum foil pockets. I tossed together a lettuce and cabbage slaw with red onions, chopped peaches, chopped plum, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper. We fashioned a quick peach salsa with avocado, red onion, cucumber, peaches, and a splash of lemon juice.
And I bravely opened myself to a new experience -- steamed brussels sprouts.
Brussels sprouts and many other green foods were not part of my diet growing up, and never became part of my diet when I moved out on my own. I had come to appreciate a good salad, as long as it was with iceburg lettuce and lots of dressing. Broccoli was fine if it was cooked, with butter or cheese on top. Peas and green beans came from a can. And a mayonaisse-laden slaw with apples and carrots was the only way I'd been known to eat cabbage.
But now I faced this long-time fear. I found myself eating brussels sprouts, with nothing on them except a little salt and pepper. And to my surprise, they were amazingly quite tasty. Not enough to indulge for every meal, but pretty good as an occasional side.
The lesson learned today? Childhood fears can be overcome. Even a fear of the dreaded Brussels sprout. Maybe one day I'll have a face-off with olives, mushrooms, squash, and bleu cheese. But in the meantime, I say YUCK to them all!
Su
For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations. Isaiah 61:11
Day 16 - What's in a Name?
And the LORD said to Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name." Exodus 33: 17
Thursday, March 24, 2011
I am a writer, a wordsmith, and am intrigued by the meanings and origins of words. And especially of names, which are very special words.
A name can say a lot about a person, and traditionally, a person's name, especially the last name, designated his or her trade. For example, and in all simplicity, the surname of Shepherd would tell me that this person worked as a sheep-tender. John Baker would be just that -- a baker. And Erica Cooper? Well, she (or more likely her husband) was in the barrel-making trade.
Lately, I've been thinking about Dr. Ford's names -- first and last.
Beginning with his first name, Ryan has a two-fold meaning. Sometimes it means "little king," and sometimes "water." The water meaning is especially interesting, tying in with his last name -- Ford -- a shallow place in a body of water, such as a river, where one can cross by walking or riding on an animal or in a vehicle.
I'm encouraged by these names, and their meanings. This whole 100-Day Journey was devised to carry me from one lifestyle into another. And Dr. Ford is helping me across that dividing line between illness and wellness -- a true ford, a definite crossing. Not over a bridge, but guiding me by getting my feet wet and helping me through the challenges.
Sounds a little far-fetched, I know, but that's the way my mind thinks, when I allow it to.
They crossed at the ford to take the king's household over and do whatever he wished. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king. 2 Samuel 19: 18
But this is the best part! Smile along with me if you must, but I couldn't resist. We share the same name! Ryan is Dr. Ford's first name, and it's my last name. Hold steady, don't roll your eyes too far. I'm sure you know where I'm going with this one...
Back to reality, today's meals were pretty basic. Hey, I'm a good cook, but I don't necessary want to cook EVERY meal EVERY single day! So breakfast was leftovers from last night. Yep, stir-fry in the morning. Try it -- it's not too bad, especially when you can't have eggs or cereal and are getting a little tired of bacon and fruit.
I ventured out for my first "dining in public" experience at a lunch meeting, with a salad of spinach and other greens, chopped bacon, sliced cucumbers, chicken breast strips, all dressed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
And dinner? I still kept it simple. I braised strips of beef steak in the juices from last night's stir fry, then tossed some steamed broccoli in to soak up the broth. And I made some extra steak for Saturday.
Su
Thursday, March 24, 2011
I am a writer, a wordsmith, and am intrigued by the meanings and origins of words. And especially of names, which are very special words.
A name can say a lot about a person, and traditionally, a person's name, especially the last name, designated his or her trade. For example, and in all simplicity, the surname of Shepherd would tell me that this person worked as a sheep-tender. John Baker would be just that -- a baker. And Erica Cooper? Well, she (or more likely her husband) was in the barrel-making trade.
Lately, I've been thinking about Dr. Ford's names -- first and last.
Beginning with his first name, Ryan has a two-fold meaning. Sometimes it means "little king," and sometimes "water." The water meaning is especially interesting, tying in with his last name -- Ford -- a shallow place in a body of water, such as a river, where one can cross by walking or riding on an animal or in a vehicle.
I'm encouraged by these names, and their meanings. This whole 100-Day Journey was devised to carry me from one lifestyle into another. And Dr. Ford is helping me across that dividing line between illness and wellness -- a true ford, a definite crossing. Not over a bridge, but guiding me by getting my feet wet and helping me through the challenges.
Sounds a little far-fetched, I know, but that's the way my mind thinks, when I allow it to.
They crossed at the ford to take the king's household over and do whatever he wished. When Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, he fell prostrate before the king. 2 Samuel 19: 18
But this is the best part! Smile along with me if you must, but I couldn't resist. We share the same name! Ryan is Dr. Ford's first name, and it's my last name. Hold steady, don't roll your eyes too far. I'm sure you know where I'm going with this one...
I ventured out for my first "dining in public" experience at a lunch meeting, with a salad of spinach and other greens, chopped bacon, sliced cucumbers, chicken breast strips, all dressed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
And dinner? I still kept it simple. I braised strips of beef steak in the juices from last night's stir fry, then tossed some steamed broccoli in to soak up the broth. And I made some extra steak for Saturday.
Su
Day 15 - How Green is My Diet!
"And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground -- everything that has the breath of life in it -- I give every green plant for food." And it was so. Genesis 1: 30
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
I had my weekly appointment with Dr. Ford this morning. Although he hadn't yet received the results of my bloodwork, we visited about the diet so far. And some of the symptoms that have been relieved, or new ones which have cropped up, such as waking up in the morning with severe leg cramps. Standing upright helps, but this morning I had to sleep in the chair, the cramps worsened when I was lying down.
Thus he prescribed a regimen of magnesium capsules to be taken daily.
This is not any surprise. To give Dr. Ford as clean a slate as possible to work with, I had weaned myself from all supplements before starting the program. I have not been on any medications, so it was merely a matter of stopping the multi-vitamins and other "health enhancers" which friends had suggested for my various symptoms. Fish oil. Garlic. Biotin. Iron. A handful of tabs and caps each morning, all done away with for now.
So when the last of them had left my system, and my body was allowed to react naturally, it responded with a magnesium deficiency made evident by the leg cramps.
I had been on the cleansing diet for a week by this time, and there were a few things I wanted to clarify. And was rewarded with GOOD NEWS! I could add AVOCADOES, SNOW PEAS and CUCUMBERS to the green veggies list. Just those three additions would add a world of flavor and texture to my meals. Avocadoes are creamy, snow peas are sweet, and cucumbers crunchy.
I immediately made my way to the produce department at the nearest grocery store.
So lunch was a tasty super-sized salad of leafy greens, avocado, turkey breast, diced peaches, cucumber slices, red onion, celery, and a few chopped cherries for extra color, tossed and dressed with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
And dinner that night? Stir-fried beef with celery, red onions and snow peas.
But I still had to wait on the test results. Still had to endure the not knowing what internal enemies we were arming me to do battle with. Still walk in faith that all would be well -- will be well -- and keep discouragement at bay.
The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Ecclesiastes 7: 8
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
I had my weekly appointment with Dr. Ford this morning. Although he hadn't yet received the results of my bloodwork, we visited about the diet so far. And some of the symptoms that have been relieved, or new ones which have cropped up, such as waking up in the morning with severe leg cramps. Standing upright helps, but this morning I had to sleep in the chair, the cramps worsened when I was lying down.
Thus he prescribed a regimen of magnesium capsules to be taken daily.
This is not any surprise. To give Dr. Ford as clean a slate as possible to work with, I had weaned myself from all supplements before starting the program. I have not been on any medications, so it was merely a matter of stopping the multi-vitamins and other "health enhancers" which friends had suggested for my various symptoms. Fish oil. Garlic. Biotin. Iron. A handful of tabs and caps each morning, all done away with for now.
So when the last of them had left my system, and my body was allowed to react naturally, it responded with a magnesium deficiency made evident by the leg cramps.
I had been on the cleansing diet for a week by this time, and there were a few things I wanted to clarify. And was rewarded with GOOD NEWS! I could add AVOCADOES, SNOW PEAS and CUCUMBERS to the green veggies list. Just those three additions would add a world of flavor and texture to my meals. Avocadoes are creamy, snow peas are sweet, and cucumbers crunchy.
I immediately made my way to the produce department at the nearest grocery store.
So lunch was a tasty super-sized salad of leafy greens, avocado, turkey breast, diced peaches, cucumber slices, red onion, celery, and a few chopped cherries for extra color, tossed and dressed with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
And dinner that night? Stir-fried beef with celery, red onions and snow peas.
But I still had to wait on the test results. Still had to endure the not knowing what internal enemies we were arming me to do battle with. Still walk in faith that all would be well -- will be well -- and keep discouragement at bay.
The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Ecclesiastes 7: 8
Day 14 - Focus, Focus, Focus!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Tomorrow is D-Day. Diagnosis day. When Dr. Ford hopefully shares his findings on my bloodwork. So I'm trying to not overthink it, to not let my imagination get the better of me.
And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like any of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or "What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 7:28-34
It's also the seventh day of the cleansing diet. So far I've lost 5 pounds. I'm trying very hard to wrap my mind around this different perspective - of healing before weightloss. So many years lost in chasing diet after diet, broken dream after missed goals. And with that focus shifting - onto health instead of pounds lost - I'm trusting that the weight will take care of itself. That's what this is all about.
Focus, focus, focus -- not on losing weight, but on reclaiming my health.
Focus, focus, focus -- not on looking good, but on feeling better.
Focus, focus, focus -- not on the foods I've given up, but on making the most of what I can partake of.
Focus, focus, focus -- not on calories, fat grams, or carbohydrates, but on what my body needs.
Focus, focus, focus -- not on what the world says I should do, how I should look, but on the way God is leading me.
My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27
Tomorrow is D-Day. Diagnosis day. When Dr. Ford hopefully shares his findings on my bloodwork. So I'm trying to not overthink it, to not let my imagination get the better of me.
And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like any of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or "What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 7:28-34
It's also the seventh day of the cleansing diet. So far I've lost 5 pounds. I'm trying very hard to wrap my mind around this different perspective - of healing before weightloss. So many years lost in chasing diet after diet, broken dream after missed goals. And with that focus shifting - onto health instead of pounds lost - I'm trusting that the weight will take care of itself. That's what this is all about.
Focus, focus, focus -- not on losing weight, but on reclaiming my health.
Focus, focus, focus -- not on looking good, but on feeling better.
Focus, focus, focus -- not on the foods I've given up, but on making the most of what I can partake of.
Focus, focus, focus -- not on calories, fat grams, or carbohydrates, but on what my body needs.
Focus, focus, focus -- not on what the world says I should do, how I should look, but on the way God is leading me.
My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27
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