Life's Challenges Sometimes Forces Our Hand...

During the past 9 days, a "wake-up call" in Garvin's life...forced our hand...to make changes than involved BOTH of us to change the way we have taken care of our "physical" bodies...

Nothing like a little drama of facing "immortality"...to wake up the senses to do a major "over-haul"...(smile)


We began..."juicing" fruits and vegetables and eating most of our foods in its "raw" state...to kick start...a cleansing process...As soon as we can get Garvin's situation under control...we will slowly add..."cooked" foods in moderation...I believe, our lives have changed forever...in this area. It will be awhile before we can return to some sort of normalcy in the "eating" of foods that we enjoyed in the past...but, it will NEVER be like it was...We will stick VERY CLOSE to do's of the "Word of Wisdom"...which...is quite strict when you truly study it in "detail"...


So far, Garvin has lost 15 pounds...and I have lost 6 pounds...All "challenges" truly are "gifts" from Father...They are given to "purify" our nature...not to "defeat" us...!!! (smile)

New Beginnings..."Finding JOY in the JOURNEY"

I have loved rereading President Monson's talk on "Finding Joy In the Journey"...This one paragraph in particular drew my attention:

"This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and non-existent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now."

Don't you just love that? Years ago...all through my teens and young 20's...I managed an "athletic" body...I could RUN for MILES and not feel it...Bend and Twist my body around...almost like I was double jointed...In my early 20's I was between 110 and 115 pounds...It was amazing how much fuller I was able to live life...with a HEALTHY body that could take anything on that came my way...My mind and physical stamina was able to cope easier....because it was healthy and strong...


Wow...If anyone told me...that my "athletic" body would change..I would have never believed it...However, I REALIZE that it was CHOICES I have made over the years...that places me in the situation I am in, today...


However, I am THRILLED for another CHANCE to "overcome" this "weakness" I have developed over the years...I believe "MODERATION" in all things...is acceptable...so in the future...I do hope to "enjoy" the gifts of life in food form...that I believe are blessings from our Father...Nothing like sitting around a table with family and friends and sharing GREAT FOOD...together! (smile)


Holly, I have CHANGED your TICKER...It is already for you to begin your new year...once Josh leaves again for Iraq...You came real close to your goal in 2009 by losing "42" pounds!!!! That is absolutely FANTASTIC!!!! Hugs and HIGH FIVE for that accomplished goal!!!!

We can find "JOY IN THE JOURNEY"!!! Even in the efforts of losing weight!!! (smile) 

Happy New Year!

It has been awhile since we have exchanged thoughts on this BLOG...I know some of you are SUCCESSFULLY losing weight with another blog program...and I am THRILLED to hear that it is WORKING for you!!!!

These past many months, especially in the past couple of days, I have come to know...what a precious "gift" our physical bodies truly are...One of our challenges in life...is to "take care" of this body... with the intent to fulfill our divine missions here on earth using this wonderful "gift" from our Heavenly Father...

We, as members of the church, were given the inspired "Word of Wisdom"...Many members have mastered the "don'ts" very well...However, the "do's" seem much more challenging, because for most of us...it takes a determined spirit...to self-master...the "natural man"...and "appetites" is one area that is at the top of the LIST...that Satan LOVES to tempt us with...on all levels...

This past year and spilling into this wonderful New Year...my life is now facing one of the greatest challenges I ever had to be confronted with...Like many of you...we are to be "tried and tested" in all things...How we DEAL with these challenges...seems to affect us all in many different ways...

Food often brings "comfort" and when we are under "stressful" conditions...we go where we can "calm" our spirits...I decided that FOOD will NOT be that path for me, anymore.  I have come to KNOW that our TRUE comfort can only come from the SPIRIT...and I will be turning to HIM...for that "calming" affect that only HE can BRING into our souls...

I ended 2009...having GAINED an additional 13 pounds...weighing MORE than I have ever weighed in my ENTIRE life! I have many excuses I could use for this...but, in my heart, I know I could have made better choices in handling my life. Food should not have been the answer...

I, once again, sat down...and pondered over my goals this coming year. With a renewed attitude and with the help of God...I am determined to succeed in a couple of areas...My physical body...being one of them. I am determined to overcome the "flesh" in order to build UP my "spiritual" side of my nature. One can not take on the challenges of life...without the power of the Holy Ghost.  None of us can afford to lose that edge...

I would still LOVE to hear about your SUCCESSES...and WHY you are succeeding this time...

Since the first of the year - 17 days - I have lost 3 solid pounds almost 4.

My love to you all...Deb