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