When a Song Speaks to You!

This song speaks volumes to me. It's really amazing really, how this speaks a bit about my testimony. 

For years and years, I followed my own way - and flipped from here to there and not finding success or victory. When I finally followed God's way - that is when things fell into place, and I am SO very grateful. God's way is better! It always has been, and it always will be!! 

“Precursors” | Sabbath School Panel by 3ABN - Lesson 12 Q2 2025

My Least Favorite Diet Advice

 I've heard some diet advice lately that sounds so good. And in a perfect world where we were able to totally control everything, this advice would be helpful. But to those of us who don't have total control these words can be discouraging. 

"If the food is in your house, it will be in your mouth." 

Logically it makes a lot of sense. The message is to get the tempting junk food out of your house. But what if you have a husband or other family members who also have a right to have the foods they like in the house? 

I have chosen to live a healthier lifestyle, but my husband has still wants his chips, cheese, and sweets and meat of course. According to the advice above I would be eating these things because they are in my house. But there is a better piece of advice I can give you because it is the solution for those of us that can't get rid of all the junk food. 

**Ask God to help you when temptations arise. ** 

When you see the tempting foods in your house- ask God to help you say No. It is totally in His will for you to have control over the flesh so you can count on Him to answer this prayer! 

So, if junk food is in our home, it is NOT a lost cause. You do NOT have to eat it. 

You can ask God to take its appeal away. And for Hime to help you enjoy and appreciate the foods that fuel our bodies the best. 

So please don't use the phrase "If it's in your house it will be in your mouth." Unless the person is the only one in their home. You may be discouraging them from the growth that God intends to provide. 

Common Thread?

 Someone mentioned that they worked out with their husband but he had had surgery so she was waiting on him to recover so they could get back to working out. 

Someone else stayed home from church because their spouse was sick. Changing this one up a bit since someone made a great point in comments. One spouse decides they don't want to go to church some the other one stops going as well just because their spouse doesn't go. 

A friend mentioned she would like to lose weight, but her husband wasn't on board with making the changes. 

What is the common thread in each of these stories? 

It is basing what we do on what those around us are doing. 

"If your friends all jumped off of a cliff, would you?" 

It's a response many of us heard while growing up. When we asked permission to do something and told our parents, so and so is doing it. 

It shouldn't matter what so and so is doing - if we see that working out is important for our continued health, then let's keep doing it. 

If our spouse is sick and unless they really need us there or are contagious- let's go on and go to church. It helps encourage those who have to go to church by themselves all the time. 

If we want to get healthy then it shouldn't matter what other people in our household or families do. Let's put our health as a priority in our lives and move forward in that direction. 

Just because other people are doing this or that does not mean we have to follow along and especially if it's something that will hurt us- physically, mentally or spiritually.

So don't base what you do on what people around you are doing. DO the things that you know you need to be doing. 

“Ruth and Esther” | Sabbath School Panel by 3ABN - Lesson 11 Q2 2025

What Do They Have In Common?

 What if something you said to someone were to be what they remembered every time they thought of you? What if every time they thought of you, they not only thought of the words you had spoken but also the way you made them feel? Would this change how you interacted with others? Would you think more carefully before saying careless words? 

Last week I was exposed to chiggers and ended up with a cluster of bites on one foot. The one here and there have bothered me some but NOTHING like the cluster of bits on that foot. And even though I got the bites 6 days ago they have really bothered me. 

 So, what does this have to do with how I started out this post? Alot actually. Chigger bites and cruel, ugly words can cause pain and suffering long after spoken. But thankfully there is a balm for each. 

I tried several different remedies for the chigger bites, but this seemed to actually work the best. 

So how about those cruel, ugly words that tend to pop up and try to inflict when we think of the person who said them, what is the best balm for that? God's word and praising God. See people may not value us very much but God places a huge value on each and every one of us. That is why He died on the cross so that we could be saved and live with Him for eternity. So when the hurtful thoughts start to come into you mind - choose to praise God instead of dwelling on that negativity. 

The hurtful words that were spoken to me were of something that someone else had supposedly said about me. And when I thought of that person - I would remember the cruel words. But God helped me realize that I can choose to praise Him instead of dwelling of things that have no virtue. 

Our words are powerful. I don't know about you but when someone thinks of me - I don't want it to be some ugly words that I have said to them. I want my works to be encouraging and uplifting. Ugly words and chigger bites can stay with us for a while but since we have a balm - let's use it and soothe those injuries. And when we keep choosing to praise God instead, we will find that they sting less and less. 

Meditate on These Things

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Philippians 4:8 

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Aesop's Fables "The Tortoise and the Hare" Short Film 

Remember how I mentioned a few posts back that another diet craze has started up again? Well, several of my friends on Facebook have started taking it and one man is down 53 pounds, his wife is down 30 pounds and another man down 60 pounds, maybe, and it seems that they all started this diet plan that involves packaged foods after I changed my lifestyle. And truth be told when the photos and information hit Facebook - my first reaction what that I felt frustrated and agitated. Then I talked to a good friend of mine why is a nutrionist and she said - well they have achieved what they were looking for - quick weight lose but you are looking for so much more than that. Your goal is to be healthier and to lose weight. She said it will be interesting to watch and see what happens long term. They may have lost a lot of weight quickly but how is their health, really... And what will things be like when they return to eating regular food. I'm guessing that after feeling deprived for a while they will make up for lost time and could possibly gain weight back. 

So I maybe losing weight at a slower rate than they did but what I am doing is sustainable. I get plenty of food. I eat a good amount of really food. I get to eat fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts and seeds and those grains processed freshly for breads and oatmeal. And I am getting the fuel for my body that God intended me to get. Will I win the race? I don't know... but the cute little video did say: 

"Slow and Steady 

Wins the Race!" 

“Upon Whom the Ends Have Come” | Sabbath School Panel by 3ABN - Lesson 1...

More Battles Than I Even Imagined

"The LORD will fight for you, 

and you shall hold your peace." 

NKJV

"The LORD himself will fight for you. 

Just stay calm."

NLT 

 "This verse is interpreted to mean that Christians should remain calm and trust in God's faithfulness, even when they don't understand what's happening. It's also about replacing fear and outrage with joy and awe at God's majesty." ~Google search of this verse, explanation 

 This has been a favorite verse of mine for quite some time. I'd say at least 15 years or longer. I always had thought that God fighting for me in a me against them situation, but over the last several months I have come to understand that God is more than capable to help me fight against myself. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy. When our sinful nature tries to dictate what we do, what we say and even what we eat. If we will surrender ourselves to God - He sends the Holy Spirit to fight for us. There have been many times when situations have come about that I have had to lean heavy on the Holy Spirit and allow Him to bring to my mind that I don't eat that anymore. And it has even surprised me at how quickly it pops into my mind - that is why I know it is not me that is fighting the battle anymore. And I am thrilled to have this awesome support! 

So yes - The LORD will fight for us - we can stay calm - whether it is a situation where someone is being ugly to us or when temptations come our way - the LORD is more than capable to fight the battles for us!! 

It's been 6 Months

 Today marks the 6 month anniversary of my healthy journey. Little did I know that when I named my blog that it would have so much truth to it. It has been a journey to the real me. It has taken a lot of ups and downs throughout the years, but I can see how God has guided me so I could arrive here today. 

So first I am sure you are wondering - how much weight did I lose over the last month- 6 pounds!! And that brings the total up to 44 pounds!! I could not have done this without God giving me the victory. I know I have mentioned that it seems like every time I turn around there is something else that happens, and I know it is the adversaries attempts to kill, steal and destroy. 

In about 1992 I read this book: 

I learned one of the most important things about dieting from this book. Fat is what makes you fat! It's true. This author does a really good job explaining all of it. And a very cool thing is that you don't have to worry about calories any more. Just understand the fat content of foods and make wise choices according. Since then I have learned that there are healthy fats that we do need. So don't cut your fat out too low. 

When I asked Bing how many fat grams that this book recommended for men and women - this is what I got as an answer: 

25-35 grams per day

The T-Factor Diet recommends a low-fat intake of 25-35 grams per day for both men and women1. It emphasizes consuming 7 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day, along with whole grain products, to partially replace fatty foods and promote satiety2. The diet shifts focus from counting calories to tracking fat grams3. In comparison, dietary guidelines from the World Health Organization recommend a daily fat intake between 20% and 35% of total daily calories4.

 

If I remember correctly, it was like 20- 30 grams for women and 30-40 for men. There is a copy of the book at a local thrift store- the next time I go I will check and I will share if numbers are different. 

All I know is that your body does need healthy fats. There are some important vitamins that they body is able to use easier if there is good fats. 

Just in case someone may not know what healthy fats would be, here is a list: 

• Nuts 
• Seeds - chia seeds, flax seeds  
• Avocados
• Olives 

A bit of a warning on the seeds- Flax seeds need to be ground up or they will just go right through you with no benefits from the flax seeds. I would also buy the seed and grind the yourself with a coffee bean ginder- because once they are ground they tend to go rancid pretty quickly. And Chia seeds- it is best to mix them with water and let sit for a bit so they absorb the water and makes it safer to use them. I put them in with my overnight oats, along with water and a bit of soy milk, and raisins or date pieces. Yummy! These seeds give your body the Omega 3 that it needs so it's recommended to get at least 1 tablespoon of them a day. This is a fat the body needs. 

With fruits and veggies and beans - I don't worry about their fat contents at all because it is such a small amount. 

It is so much easier to just watch the amount of fat than it is to count calories. And when you cut out dairy and sugar and meat - it makes it all even that much easier. 

So 6 months in and I am still thrilled that i finally listened to the convictions of the Holy Spirit and made the changes that I have made. When you let God control the journey - you end up where God meant for you to be - the real you! :O) 

“In the Psalms: Part 2” | Sabbath School Panel by 3ABN - Lesson 9 Q2 2025

Multiple Trial Runs Through the Years

 I have attempted to lose weight a half dozen times or more over my adult life. And it would end up where I would lose some weight - maybe 50 pounds at the most before I fell off the wagon and then slowly gain the weight back. 

Back in 2017 I attempted to lose 50 pounds before I turned 50 years old, only to lost about 36 pounds or so before some major stress hit and knocked me off the wagon. Over the last 7 or 8 years I have tried several times but got knocked off. And in 2024 I came to a place I did not think I would ever be able to lose very much weight. I even went through my clothes and got rid of everything that was more than 1 size down. 

As I was thinking about all these failures, I realized that the biggest issue was that I had not fully committed to the lifestyle approach. I had made several trial runs, but I wasn't all in.  But even though I wasn't all in God had used each and every time to teach me different lessons that I needed to learn. Those lessons helped equip me for what I needed to make the choices I made this time. To fully commit to taking care of me. Of putting my main focus on health and losing weight as a happy bonus. 

Have you attempted to reach some goals and just keep failing at it? Don't give up. Use the knowledge that you glean each time to help propel you to success.  Sometimes trial runs are all we need to finally have success. :O) 

***The next blog post should be a 6 months Update. See you soon. 

You Won't Regret It

In the early part of 2017 I set a goal to lose 50 pounds by the time I turned 50 years old. I felt this was a reasonable goal since it gave me a couple of years. 

It seemed like everything was going along smoothly till the "Keto" movement hit. Several of my facebook friend got into selling "Pruvit" products which meant they had to make a huge production about the weight they were losing. Now keep in mind neither of these ladies really had that much weight that they needed to lose. Even some ladies at my church were complementing them about "ALL" the weight they had lost. Meanwhile the 30 something pounds I had lost didn't seem to be noticed. :0( 

God tried to help me by giving me a special message one morning while in my quiet time I shared with Him my frustrations. 

"I know you are frustrated but keep working towards your goals - you won't regret it." 

August 24, 2017

Boy, do I wish I could have been at the place where I hadn't placed so much emphasis on weight loss so I could have worked passed all the distractions. Had health been my #1 goal with weight loss as a happy bonus, then I could have ignored all the hoopla and focused on me and my health. 

I also wish I had listened to God's message back then because I would have been so much closer to my goal at this point had I listened. But I had a lot to learn in the years that followed. All the lessons that had helped me get to where I am today. 

But wouldn't you know it just months into my new way of eating and taking care of myself and another diet craze hits. And at first, I felt those negative feelings rising up in me. But I took a couple of deep breaths, and I refocused on why I am doing what I am doing. It isn't about fast weight loss. Yes - weight loss is a happy bonus for me, and I am thrilled about it but I am looking out for my overall health. Not some lose weight fast object which for the long term does NOT work. I will not allow other peoples supposed quick weight lose discourage me. I am losing weight in a very healthy way. I get to eat real food. No paying big bucks for packaged food - highly processed package food at that. I am eating the awesome foods that God created for us to eat. The foods that naturally provide the nutrients that we need.  

So sadly, I have to say I did not reach my 50 by 50 goal. But that is a past failure, and I am moving forward. I am setting doable goals for myself along with journey and I have meant each goal ahead of time so far. So, my overall goal from when I started a little over 5 months ago was to lose a total of 93 pounds. Well really, I did not shoot that high at first but when I realized that it is God who gives the victory, and I can depend on Him to help me through each trial and temptation -that is when I set my sights on this goal. When I reach this goal of losing 93 pounds I will be like my high school weight, I believe. :O) As of today, I have lost 42 pounds- which means I have 51 more pounds to go. I realize it may take me till next June to reach this goal - and that is alright. A shorter-term goal is to lose 56 pounds by the time I turn 56 years old - later this year- as you can see, I am 14 pounds away from that goal. I will certainly post when I reach this goal- I believe it will be before I turn 56, maybe by a couple of months. But that is alright because also have a goal that I have set for the end of 2025. 

Remember if you are working towards goals and struggling - you may be frustrated but keep working towards those goals. You will NOT regret it!! :O) 

“In the Psalms: Part 1” | Sabbath School Panel by 3ABN - Lesson 8 Q2 2025

God's Timing

 

I had received the movie "The Forge" for Christmas and had kept wanting to watch it but it just didn't work out. Then on January 29th my husband suggested we watch it. Halfway through the movie I had my husband pause the move. With tears in my eyes, I said that God had delayed me watching this movie on purpose! You see 1 month earlier I would not have realized that a main lesson in the movie was for me. 

I hate to have a bit of a spoiler of the movie here but it's important for this post. I month earlier I would not realize that I needed to forgive anyone. But as I stated in my last post that my dad and stepmom had both done things that had really upset me. Forgiveness was a very important lesson that I needed at the exact time. It had been God's timing as to when we watched this movie. Sometimes there are delays and we don't understand but we need to trust that God is in control. 

Long before Zacchaeus couldn't see 

the tree was planted to meet his need. 

tend what you can reach | DEVOTIONAL

An important question to ponder: 

Are you wiping or smudging? 

All Thy Journey Through

Five and a half months ago I made a major lifestyle change. And to be honest sometimes I am still so surprised at where God has led me and the peace he has given me about these choices. The last 5 months have been full of things that had I not had God helping me, I would have been knocked off the path. I know this because so much less has knocked me off the path in the past. 

What triggered these changes in my life was the fact that my Dad's Alzheimer's was getting worse. And within 1 month - on January 23rd he passed away. There were a few things that happened before he passed away, involving my stepmom. And then a couple days after he passed, I got a message from my stepmom that cut me to the core. Something that my dad had done that spoke volumes to my heart that he did not love me. It was a very ugly thing for my stepmom to do- unnecessary and very hurtful. This caused me to struggle with this ugliness for a couple of weeks. 

Trust me all that transpired over that month was enough to drive me back to seeking solace in comfort foods, but God was faithful. He had led me to where I was, and he helped me through. And in the months since many more challenges have been faced and instead of allowing them to be stumbling blocks, I have held onto my trust in God to get me through. He had led me onto this path, and He continues to give me the strength and courage to stay the course. 

"He who hath helped thee hitherto will help thee all thy journey through." 

 

5 reasons EVERYONE should be eating REAL whole grains

Good afternoon my friends! It is great to finally have some time to get some things posted here on my blog. This is a great video that I have wanted to share for a while and just hadn't gotten on here to get it posted. But here it finally is!! Also I am happy to report that I will have some health journey posts on Mondays and Thursdays. Yay!! Enjoy! 

“Foundations for Prophecy” | Sabbath School Panel by 3ABN - Lesson 7 Q2 ...

“Understanding Sacrifice” | Sabbath School Panel by 3ABN - Lesson 6 Q2 2025

“The Nations: Part 2” | Sabbath School Panel by 3ABN - Lesson 5 Q2 2025

A little correction was needed

 Ok - I will go and edit my 5th month check in later - but I have to post this to get correct information out. So last week for at least 3 days I had weighed in at a number that I could say I had lost 6 pounds for the last month, but for some reason the last couple of days it has been up. I was hoping it would be back down today - but it was not so - the correct information for weight loss in the last month is 5 pounds with a total being 38 pounds lost. I am a bit disappointed since it had shown another pound lost and I had hoped that this week I would be down more, maybe. But a loss is a loss and I am happy with any progress at all. Because like I keep saying - what I am doing is for my health and overall wellbeing and weight loss is a happy bonus. I can't just be focused on the weight loss because when things like this happen it would possibly knock me off the path I am on. 

5th Month Check-In

By the time that this post goes up it will be the 5-month anniversary of the changes I have made so I thought I would share about how things are going. I also want to share a few things I have learned recently, and I hope that they will be helpful to you as well. 

It's been another good month. Not that everything went smoothly, but that I lost 5 pounds since my last check in. Things did not go smoothly, actually. But I did not let the stress throw me off the path to better health. Here are just a few things that could have possibly (in the past) throw me off course: 

• We took care of our oldest granddaughter for 2 weeks - which means a lot more cooking and my schedule being thrown off a bit. 
• We had to have the ducting in our attic replaced - we had no idea that we would have to have the attic vacuumed out. We hired someone to do the job- he ended up taking 2 days to do his job - this was because part of the time that we rented the machine to vacuum out the attic - he was pulling the ducts out of the attic - not our job- but a job he was being paid by someone else to do it but on OUR time. Then he decided to take a nap in our attic and wasted at least 2 hours. 
• We had to go without heating and AC for 6 days while all this work was being done. 
• Putting the ducting in that we were told would go quick took almost 2 full days.
• The guy we had vacuum our attic out- was going to blow the insulation into the attic - but after showing up his poor work ethic - we decided to do it ourselves - we had to go several days without any insulation in the attic till the weekend when our sons could come and help with that job. Thankfully our sons do have good work ethics. And thankfully that job is done and we are grateful. 
• I am sure there are more things that I could add to this list, but you get the idea. 

Life is going to happen, and we have to learn not to let the stress control what we do. 

So, one thing I have noticed recently is that there are sometimes when I have put the work in and have made great choices on what I eat, and I don't always see the numbers on the scales reflect all my hard work. In the past this would have discouraged me, and I would have let it result in a bad day or week, or even months.... But what we have to do is realize what we are doing is for our health and our wellbeing. We may not see instant results, but if we stay consistent, we will be rewarded. I know that God said I HAVE given you the victory and I have to hold onto faith that what God says, He WILL do! So, I will keep showing up and doing what I know I need to do and I have faith that I will see the benefits. 

It seems funny that the last 2 -3 months I have felt like I was standing still on weight loss but when I look at my book and figure up how much I have lost month to month I consistently lose a good amount of weight. So, I just have to sit back and trust the journey. I can't wait to come back next month and share how things are doing. I have written up a few more posts I just have to find time to get them typed up to share, hopefully soon. 

“The Nations: Part 1” | Sabbath School Panel by 3ABN - Lesson 4 Q2 2025

1 Samuel 2:15 - Through the Eyes of a Foodie | 07

1 Peter 5:2 - Through the Eyes of a Foodie | 06

“Images from Marriage” | Sabbath School Panel by 3ABN - Lesson 3 Q2 2025

1 Peter 2:2 - Through the Eyes of a Foodie | 05

1 Kings 19:4-8 - Through the Eyes of a Foodie | 04

1 John 1:5 - Through the Eyes of a Foodie | 03

“The Genesis Foundation” | Sabbath School Panel by 3ABN - Lesson 2 Q2 2025

Good morning sweet friends! I hope you all are doing well. I am feeling a lot better after a bout with Bronchitis. Stress is a huge contributor to bringing the immune system down. I tried all the natural things I know to do to help build my immune system back up but just couldn't kick the bronchitis- so I did have to go to the Dr. and get on antibiotics. I hadn't been to the Dr in over a year. I would have loved to have put it off longer, but it just did not work out that way. Anyway, like I said I do hope you all are doing well. :O) 

1 Corinthians 12:20-25 - Through the Eyes of a Foodie | 02

1 Corinthians 10:3 - Through the Eyes of a Foodie | 01

This is just a little series I found that I wanted to share here with you all. Be blessed! :O) 

“Some Principles of Prophecy” | Sabbath School Panel by 3ABN - Lesson 1 ...

This week - we start a new Sabbath School lesson. 

I hope you all are doing well. I have been dealing with allergies/cold issues and hoping to get over this junk soon. Have a blessed day!! 

Well Worth Checking This Out!!!

I have been watching a very good health series. I was hoping to be able to share each video here but it looks like I have to share it here by you clicking on the button below and you can go sign up for free to get a message with a link to the series. I have watched the first 5 or so. Be sure and scroll down to start at the first video in season one - about Mitochondria. It is a very good series and I have learned so much already. I hope you will check it out be blessed! :O)  

 Click Here! 

4th Month Check-In

 Sorry I am late with this post. The 22nd of April marked the 4th anniversary of me adopting my new lifestyle. I am still very thankful that God me to this way of eating. I feel as though I am feeding my body the best fuel for it to run more smoothly. 

So, the biggest question at this point in the journey is: How much have you lost? Well, the answer is 33 pounds! That means 6 pounds since last check in. I have to be very honest here - this month has been a challenge and for half of the month I did not know if I would have hardly anything lost for the month. But thankfully I did not give up- I just kept doing what I know is the best thing for me health. That is the way to long term success - you just keep going. You keep making all the little choices that you know that lead to better health and all those tiny decisions will lead to success. Just don't give up!! 

I have a few other posts that I will want to share that go along with lessons I have learned on this journey, I just don't have the time to share now. Hopefully soon. :O) 

“Love is the Fulfillment of the Law” | Sabbath School Panel by 3ABN - Le...

 Be watching for a new post on the 22nd - this will mark 4 months of being on a  WFPB - whole foods plant based diet. And I will let you know how it has been going. I hope all is well with you. See you soon! :O) 

“Love and Justice: The Two Greatest Commandments” | Sabbath School Panel...

“What More Could I Have Done?” | Sabbath School Panel by 3ABN - Lesson 1...

“Rules of Engagement” | Sabbath School Panel by 3ABN - Lesson 10 Q1 2025

Happy Sabbath! I hope you all are blessed. :o) 

“The Cosmic Conflict” | Sabbath School Panel by 3ABN - Lesson 9 Q1 2025

The Almost 3 Month Check In, Plus a Bonus Tip!

 Good morning sweet friends~ I do hope you all are doing well. Things around here have been very busy with trying to get the garden taking care of along with all the normal happenings. 

I don't have a lot of time but wanted to write a quick update with you about how things are going with me. on the 22nd it will be 3 months into my new lifestyle and things are going great. I have lost 27 pounds as of today. And I am very pleased with that. Especially since I am not having to starve myself in order to lose the weight. Plus I am feeling better and having more energy. 

I wanted to share a little tid bit on losing weight that I remembered this week. Way back in about 2000 a friend of mine was doing the Jenny Craig diet program. She told me that they were told to eat an orange every day. And 25 years later it just pops into my head. now I love cutie oranges (Bella's at HEB) they are so yummy so I usually eat those or grapefruit about every day. Love them both! Anyway so as I was trying to remember what weight loss program it was - I found some interesting information on oranges and their link to weight loss: 

New Study Suggests Oranges Are The Ultimate Weight-loss Food

The study found oranges reversed the symptoms of obesity 

by Yo Zushi published: 11 September 2020 

"In a recent study, researchers at the University of Western Ontario introduced nobiletin- extracted from oranges- to the diet of morbidly overweight mice. Not only did the flavonoid reverse symptoms of obesity in test mice, but it also reduced the harmful build up of plaque in their arteries, known as atherosclerosis." 

This was not the whole article- just a quote I found very interesting and helpful for us all. 

I just love how throughout my life God has brought me all sorts of great information to help with better health. And let me tell you there is SO much false information out there about what is good for our health. When I hear new health information - I always filter it through the Bible. God gave us our Bibles as a love letter from Himself -written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. And in the Bible He gives us some great instructions. I also keep in mind that God created so much great food for us to eat and when diets try to tell you not to eat the things that God created for us to eat - I know it is NOT a diet for me. God created our bodies and He knows what is best for our bodies. And when we eat what He created for us to eat our bodies are able to run so much smoother. 

I hope that if you don't already eat nourishing foods for your body that you will make a decision to incorporate more healthy foods into your diet. And maybe drink some more water. 

So almost 3 months in and I am SO very thankful that God led me to make the choices I have made. They are the best choices for my health and well being and I am enjoying seeing the benefits of the choices I have made. And look forward to where these choices will take me. 

May you be richly blessed! :O) 

“Free Will, Love, and Divine Providence” | Sabbath School Panel by 3ABN ...

Benefits of....Connection With God

I will be re-sharing a post for each of the health laws so we can all review the benefits of following these health principles in our lives.

Our final installment in this series - certainly not the least important of the list.

 

Connection With God

Prescribed dose:

"Evening,  and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud; and he shall hear my voice."

 Psalms 55:17. God desires to have a moment by moment connection with us.

 

Additional recommendations:

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. IN all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6. God is the author of all life, the Creator of every living thing. He understands all the intricate details and functions of his creation. (Revelation 4:11) We are creatures created by God with limitations and inabilities. There are times in life when we find ourselves perplexed, troubled or distressed and we are unable to solve our own difficulties. We need God's help. and He willingly pours His grace out upon us.

 

We also need God for personal growth, for healing, both physical and emotion, and for wisdom and direction. We connect to God through prayer, meditation, the study of His word, and through fellowship with His people. Connecting with God is more than a mere act or performance, and goes beyond "doing" all the spiritual disciplines or trying to be "good." Connecting with God is about a relationship that develops through multiple experiences with God over time. Being good is a result of this relationship, not a requirement for it. God becomes "real" to us as we experience Him in daily practical life. He is no longer a distant impersonal God, but a close friend who knows every detail about us and yet still loves us unconditionally. We become transformed by His love and we radiate with His presence.

 

Benefits:

• Reduced stress and anxiety.
• Physical wellbeing.
• Mental stamina and endurance.
• Direction and guidance for difficult situations.
• Spiritual growth.
  Comfort in loss, sorrow and bereavement.
  Unconditional love and acceptance.
• Truth in God's word which provides structure for daily living.
• Grace which is God's unmerited favor towards us.
• Forgiveness.

Possible side effects:

In an attempt to connect with God, one may miss the mark all together and develop a "form of godliness," that denies or hinders the true power of God working in the life. (2 Timothy 3:5). True godliness is reduced or exchanged for a lifeless performance that excludes real character growth. Symptoms include: spiritual pride, self- righteousness, judge mentalism, critical of others, backbiting, gossip, intolerance for human mistakes or frailty, the disease of perfectionism, adhering to principles without real growth in the life, double living; saying one thing and doing another, hiding deep secret sins in order to appear righteousness in the eyes of people and the list goes on.

 

Benefits of ...Nutrition

I will be re-sharing a post for each of the health laws so we can all review the benefits of following these health principles in our lives.

Nutrition

 

Prescribed dose:

Adequate nutrition needs to be taken in through food daily.

 

Additional recommendations:

 

Nutrients are chemical substances found in food that have a specific function in the body like, protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins minerals, fiber, and water. Malnutrition can occur if the body doesn't get an adequate daily intake of these necessary nutrients. Nutrition should be obtained from fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Animal products are not required for good nutrition to be obtainable. Fruit and vegetables alone may not contain enough nutrition due to depleted soil, and nutritional supplementation may be necessary, but supplements must never take the place of food.

 

When asleep the body is in a fasting state and breakfast is the first meat of the day that breaks this fast, as the work "breakfast" itself implies. The breakfast meal should be hearty and well balanced to provide the body with sufficient fuel to function efficiently during the day. Breakfast should never be skipped.

 

Eating two meals a day is better than eating three, but if a third meal is needed, make it a light small meal of fruit and grain eaten several hours before bedtime, so that the food will be completely digested before you go to bed. Avoid overeating, eat at regular times, eat balanced meals, and always eat slowly and in a relaxed unhurried state. Chew your food thoroughly and mix it with saliva, this is the first phase of digestion. "drink your solids and chew your liquids," is a good rule to remember for good digestion, this simply means that a solid food should be chewed to a liquid state before swallowing and a liquid food should be mixed with saliva before swallowing. 5-6 hours should elapse between meals for complete digestion of food. Ray foods eaten along digest within 2-3 hours. Don't eat in between meals, no snacking on crackers, nuts, chips, or cookies; this also includes gum, candy and juice. Water is excluded and can be taken in between meals throughout the day. Always remember, "You are what you eat."

 

Benefits:

• Sufficient energy production.
• Cells properly nourished.
• Mental stamina.
• All body systems able to function properly.
• Body heals and fights infection better.
• Healthy hair, skin, and nails.

Possible side effects:

 

Over indulgence of that which is good. Too much of even good food can be harmful to the body.

 



The Video I Promised

Here is the video I meant to share last week. There is a very important key to losing fat in this video- 

and just so you don't miss it I will share it with you now. In order to lose fat easier - it is important to exercise before you eat. Be sure and watch the youtube video so you can understand the reason, so you understand why this works. 

And another secret I want to share with you- sadly I forgot where i got this information -but eating dark green leafy greens will help pull fat out. I will look and see if I can find where I read that and share it in another post. Dark green leafy vegetables are so good for us - so it is very worth making the effort to add it into your diet! 

These are 2 helpful things to help you lose fat. Too many diets out there might have you losing weight quickly - but trust me - many times you are losing muscle instead of losing fat. The sad thing about that is that muscle helps you burn more calories which helps you in the long run. Plus, we need our muscles, especially as we age. 

I hope you learn a lot about things you can do to help yourself achieve better health. Be blessed! :O) 

Benefits of...Self Control

I will be re-sharing a post for each of the health laws so we can all review the benefits of following these health principles in our lives.

 

Self-Control

Prescribed Dose:

Be temperate in all things at all times.

 

Additional recommendations:

Learn to say "no" to the bad and set limits on unrealistic ideals and desires. Balance out your life between work and play, etc. Excess in eating, drinking, working, study, play etc. is never healthy. Say "no" to the bad and be temperate in the "good."

 

Benefits:

• Develops self-control.
• Balanced life.
• More time and focus for what is important.
• Ability to avoid harmful foods, drink and life style habits that do not promote health.
• Ability to say "no" to anything harmful.

Possible side effects:

Stress or tension in the attempt to become disciplined, regimented, and organized. You can become obsessive- compulsive about "doing the right thing," or tend to become addicted to rigidness and structure, which can lesson your quality of life. Always avoid extremes, too far to the right or left is never healthy. Balance is the key.



“The Problem of Evil” | Sabbath School Panel by 3ABN - Lesson 7 Q1 2025

Benefits of....Rest

I will be re-sharing a post for each of the health laws so we can all review the benefits of following these health principles in our lives.

 

Rest

Prescribed dose:

A healthy adult requires at least 8 hours of sleep. Children, the elderly, and those who are ill need more sleep.

 

Additional recommendations:

Sleep is necessary for growth, healing and repair. The body is like a clock and requires regular sleep hours. Sleep with a window cracked in your bedroom to provide fresh circulation of air throughout the room as you sleep. Don't sleep with food on your stomach. Get to bed early because deep sleep happens from 9pm - midnight. The hours of sleep gained before midnight are worth double of the hours after midnight. Wear comfortable clothing when sleeping. Relax your mind and put away disturbing thoughts before attempting to fall asleep. Operating a car when tired is just as dangerous as drinking and driving.

 

Benefits:

• Refreshes and restores exhausted energy.
• Body repairs itself when you are asleep.
• Mental clarity and alertness.
• Better daytime performance.
• Stronger immune system. The body makes antibodies when you are asleep.
• Better able to resist colds and flu
• Sleep helps the body fight infection.
• Makes your skin healthy and look fresh.
• Sleep helps us conserve energy.
• Cheerful disposition.

Possible side effects:

The body needs a balance of rest and activity. Too much sleep would not be productive.

 

 

 



Benefits of...Water

I will be re-sharing a post for each of the health laws so we can all review the benefits of following these health principles in our lives.

 

Water

Prescribed Dose:

A healthy adult should drink 8-10 glasses of pure soft water daily. Bathe daily to remove impurities from the skin.

Additional recommendations:

The body is 70% water, and all organs and bodily functions require water to properly function. Water should be taken throughout the day and not all at one time. Drink plenty of water during hot seasons to avoid dehydration. Avoid alcohol drinks, soft drinks, coffee, tea (with caffeine), sugar based drinks, etc. Herbal teas and 100% fruit or vegetable juices are fine in moderation, but are never to replace water. Drinking cold beverages with meals temporarily hinders digestion of food.

 

Benefits:

• Water is a cleansing agent that cleanses internally and externally.
• Regulates body temperature.
• Aids in weight loss.
• Increasing water consumption lessens the work load of the kidneys.
• Relieves bowel constipation.
• Assist in digestion.
• A warm bath sooths the nerves and relaxes the muscles.
• All moving body parts are lubricated with water.
• Purifies the blood. 



Possible Side Effects:

Drinking too much water at one time can make the stomach too full causing discomfort.

Shock and Awe

 The 22nd of February was the completion of month number two since that day I decided I had to change my life and praise the Lord I am still very happy and shocked at where God has led. I had felt like I needed to make changes and very slowly God led in me learning different health nuggets needed along the way so I could make good choices of how best to take care of me. Sadly, there is a whole LOT of error when it comes to what is best when it comes to our health.  And I am happy that God has helped me navigate through all the lies and misconceptions to truth. Two months in and I am so happy that God led me here. 

I have lost 22 pounds as of my 2-month mark. Remember at the very beginning there is water weight to lose. I don't expect to have lost 22 pounds in 2 more months. I am losing about a pound or so - give or take per week and I am very happy with this added bonus on way to better health. 

I am honestly still so shocked at the direction God has led me and that He gave me the peace to follow without arguing or whining. One of the biggest things that has surprised me is giving up chocolate. Yesterday I was looking in a little book that I had written some helpful quotes and such about health and found 2 things I had learned about chocolate last year. I may have shared it with you guy then, but it is worth sharing again. 

What chocolate does to the body: 

* Slows down digestion 

*Chocolate and sugar contribute to osteoporosis 

I am sure there are more things, but these are things I learned and had written down. 

Anyway, I just wanted to hop on here while I had a chance and give a bit of an update. 
Be watching for a YouTube video I plan to share on Thursday. It is a Tedtalk given by a Dr that had a health seminar that I attended years ago - probably about 2011 area. There is some great information in the little bit less than 20-minute video. Well worth your time. Hopefully I can get some more blog posts set up to share by then about things I am learning on this journey I am on. 

I can't wait to see where I am in another 2 months! 

Benefits of....Exercise

I will be re-sharing a post for each of the health laws so we can all review the benefits of following these health principles in our lives.

Exercise

Prescribed dose:

A healthy adult should have 20-30 minutes of aerobic activity 3 or more times per week. Plus muscle strengthening and stretching at least twice a week.

 

Additional recommendations:

The human body was made to move. Exercise increases physical endurance, and mental well-being. Exercise also stimulates the production of endorphins, and enkephalins, hormones that give you a "feel good' high.

 

Vigorous exercise on a regular basis prevents the body from deteriorating. Outdoor exercise in the sun and fresh air is best. Walking is a wonderful form of exercise that involves the whole body; it increases blood circulation, thus increasing oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscles, organs and cells. Walking promotes healthy heart and lung function, controls blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and can burn up to 100 calories per mile. Choose an exercise that is safe, fun and within your ability to achieve.

 

If you have any previous health conditions, please consult your physician before starting any exercise regimen.

 

Benefits:

• Better digestion.
• Strengthens muscles.
• Increases bone density.
• Reduces stress and anxiety.
• Burns excess fat.
• Maintain ideal body weight.
• Increases blood circulation.
• Expels impurities via sweating through the skin.
• Mental clarity and cognitive function.
• Internal organs perform their work more efficiently.
• Balance and agility.
• Improves bowel eliminations.
• Reduces risk of developing diabetes.
• Lowers high blood pressure. 

 

Possible side effects:

Physical exhaustion from over- exercising loss of electrolytes due to excessive sweating, possible injury if you are not careful.

“God’s Love of Justice” | Sabbath School Panel by 3ABN - Lesson 6 Q1 2025

It sure has been beautiful weather here in Texas lately. I hope you are having lovely weather as well. God bless. :O) 

Benefits....of Sunlight

I will be re-sharing a post for each of the health laws so we can all review the benefits of following these health principles in our lives.

Sunlight

Prescribed dose:

Get out into the sunshine everyday for at least 20-30 minutes. Open curtains and blinds to let sunlight into your home.

 

Additional recommendations:

You need the sun's ultraviolet light for health, but be sensible when exposing yourself to the sun. The sun is hottest at noon, avoid going out into the sun when it's too hot. Lower your dietary fat intake.

 

Benefits:

• Source of energy.
• Ultraviolet rays convert cholesterol in the skin to vitamin D, a vitamin necessary for strong bones and teeth.
• Ultraviolet rays are antiseptic and destroy bacteria and viruses, yeast, molds, and dust mites.
• Lowers blood pressure, cholesterol, and fat levels in the blood.
• Stimulates red and white blood cell production.
• Calming and relaxing to the nervous system.
• Wounds and many skin diseases are benefited by exposure to sunlight.
• Relieves depression.

Possible side effects:

Overexposure to sunlight can cause sunburn, peeling skin, dry patches, redness, scaliness, and stroke. Also a diet high in fat puts one at risk for developing skin cancer when exposed to excess sunlight.

******************************

Next we will be going over benefits of exercise. See you then. :O)  

Benefits.... of Fresh Air

I will be re-sharing a post for each of the health laws so we can all review the benefits of following these health principles in our lives. 

(the following list of benefits from fresh air come from this informative cookbook)

Fresh Air

Prescribed dose:

Breath deeply of fresh outdoor air several times daily. Keep window opened in your home to keep a fresh current of air circulating through the house, wide open in summer, cracked in winter.  (We try to open the house when we can but its certainly not all the time - not here in Texas)

 

 Additional recommendations:

Avoid breathing in car exhaust fumes, cigarette smoke, chemical cleaning sprays, rotting trash, city smog, or any polluted air. I you live in the city, get air in the morning hours when the smog has settled and the air quality is a little better. Maintain good posture for good breathing and don't wear tight restrictive clothing for the same reason.

 

Benefits:

• Purifies the blood.
• Soothes the nerves.
• Electrifies the entire system.
• Stimulates the appetite and aids in digestion.
• Induces sound sleep.
• Causes the blood to circulate.
• Provides negatively charges oxygen molecules.
• Energizes the body and relaxes the mind.
• Helps wounds and cuts to heal.

Possible side effects:
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or hyperventilation may occur if air is forced in and out of the lungs too quickly.

****************************************

 Come back - next time the benefits for Sunlight~ there are many and you might be surprised about some of them.

Perfect Information for part 8

Today I will be sharing something I have shared before. I think it will benefit us all to review the 8 health laws. :O) 

 I really feel better when I follow the Eight Health Laws:

1. Eat a healthy diet of nutritious food. Try to get plenty of fruits and veggies and eat at least some raw fruits and veggies each day. (I like to say that I eat a plant based diet)

2. Exercise adequately - at least 30 minutes - 1 hour everyday -if you can not exercise this much at one time split it up into 3 sections of time of 10 minutes at a time. Something IS better than nothing.

3. Rest properly. (7-8 hours of sleep is ideal) (Trying to get to bed by 10:00pm)

4. Try to get at least a little sunshine each day - when the sun is out.

5. Drink at least 8 glasses - or more of water each day.. sodas and coffee are actually a diuretic - which means they can not be included in the 8 glasses.

6. Get plenty of fresh air every day.

7. Live a balanced life

8. Trust in God. Good Spiritual health really does contribute to good physical health.

When I follow these guidelines, I feel better, I am happier and I have a better outlook on life. So even though my carnal self - keeps fighting against doing the things that keep me healthier - I am choosing to claim these verses below:

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in you, whom you have of God? And you are not your own,
20 for you are bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." 1 Corinthians 6:19 - 20

My body is the temple of God and my desire is to glorify God. And the way that I can do so -is to follow the 8 principles above.

So now my part is to continue to ask God lead me and to give me the strength to make the right choices. And when I fail - not to give up but to get up and try again.

“The Wrath of Divine Love” | Sabbath School Panel by 3ABN - Lesson 5 Q1 ...

I've got a secret to share... part 7

 Have you ever been on a diet and fell off the wagon? I have, more times than I like. Well today I am going to share a little secret that just might help you be successful in the future. 

Lifestyle, it's about a lifestyle. Now I know I've shared before about the fact that when we make changes that it is more successful in the long term when it's not just a diet but a lifestyle. But I missed an important fact that I finally figured out. And it, I believe, is the secret!  

It's to focus! Every time in the past I started eating better and exercising and I was really focused on losing weight. Sure, I was enjoying all the benefits of doing those things - feeling so much better, sleeping better, thinking better, etc. But my main focus was on losing weight. By this point you may be asking why would that be a problem. Well, I am glad you asked. The reason why having weight lose be the main focus is that when you hit a plateau you get discouraged and fall off the wagon. You feel discouraged because you have worked so hard to lose weight and since you aren't, why should you even bother. 

Here is the secret, when your focus is on your health- there is no diet wagon to fall off of! You are feeling better, thinking better, sleeping better, your blood work is improving and so many more benefits and weight lose is just a happy bonus. So, when you get on the scales and there isn't the expected weight loss you remind yourself- I've made these important changes for my health and for all the benefits. I am not going to let 1 little thing throw me off course. Yes, you may feel discouraged for a bit but believe me when you are able to reason with yourself it really helps. 

Another important thing at this moment would be to pray for help- help in refocusing on your health and wisdom. Sometimes there could be elements of a healthy lifestyle we have left out. Maybe we are staying up too late and our bodies are struggling to repair itself. Maybe we have neglected exercising. God will give us insight into what we need to do if we will ask. He will also give us strength to keep focusing on our health and not fall off the wagon just because we are not losing weight. We don't fall off the wagon because we are not on the diet wagon. 

We are making healthy choices to properly take care of the bodies we have been given. 

 Don’t you know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit? The Spirit is in you, and you have received the Spirit from God. You do not belong to yourselves. 20 Christ has paid the price for you. So use your bodies in a way that honors God.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 

Stand Firm part 6

 Many of the verses and quotes that I have shared over the last several weeks have been things that I have really felt were worth pondering. And as God was leading me along, I was able to see how they fit in the journey that I am on. This verse was no difference. 

Towards the middle of January, I read through this verse again and I realized that for me it was talking about food. But before I delve in deeper about that I want to share another little testimony that goes along with this freedom theme. 

In 2011, I believe it was, I figured out that caffeine was not something for me. Many times, on Sabbath especially, I would end up with a bad headache. I would figure out that it was because I hadn't had a Coke- so I would drink one thinking that the headache would go away but it wouldn't. I was tired of dealing with that headache and decided to give up caffeine. This ended up a true blessing because just a couple of years later I would be forced into menopause with surgery and found out that caffeine is known to make hot flashes worse. I was thankful that I had listened to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to give it up years before.  

Fast forward to now and this food issue, when I eat a whole food plant based diet, I feel SO much more at peace about food in general. This is not the case when I ate a standard American diet (SAD). I seemed to be driven to eat more and more. Many times, just a couple of hours or so after eating I would experience hunger and knew I shouldn't be hungry yet. It's called toxic hunger- it what happens when the highly processed food moves out of your system, your body begins to get withdrawal symptoms. You can read more about "toxic hunger" in Dr Joel Fuhrman's book the "End of Diabetes" chapter 4. It's a powerful chapter that can change your life, it changed mine. 

Up until the past couple of weeks, I would not have said I was addicted to food, but now I will admit it. When I ate the SAD diet, I was addicted, and it was so hard to be healthy and lose weight on that diet. But God can and will set us free!! This verse tells me that the wrong kind of diet can be and is a yoke of slavery. God has set me free, and I am to "Stand firm" in His power and strength. Praise the Lord!! 

 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 

John 8:34-36

“God is Passionate and Compassionate” | Sabbath School Panel by 3ABN - L...

You have circled this mountain long enough....part 5

 When I first saw this Bible verse several years ago, it really spoke to me. I wrote it on an index card and placed it on my mirror.  I felt there was a deeper meaning for me. I continued to ponder this verse. 

There have been several times when I have decided to eat better and take care of myself better but then something knocks me off the path. But one day in January after all the changes I've made in my life, I was looking at the index cards on my mirror and read through this one and all of a sudden it hit me. THIS IS what God was trying to tell me with this Bible verse. I had tried here and there to change my lifestyle to live healthier, but I hadn't let Him lead. I had circled the mountain but now He wanted me to go North- North being- Follow Him- and following Him for me meant to make all the changes in my life needed for better health, giving up the meat, dairy, sodas, processed sugars and processed foods. And by the way I have not given up bread. I make our own bread using freshly milled flour. I am using only minimal oil. And eating heathy fats like nuts, seeds, olives and avocados.

I am SO thankful that I finally allowed God to guide me to make the best choices for my health. For several years I read this verse and pondered what it meant for me, and now I know. I had circled the mountain long enough. It was time to turn to God!   

God Can Rebuilt and Restore part 4

 Many times, we run to things other than God to try to soothe the hurting places in our souls. You know the things I'm talking about, those things that are addictive. We think these things are helping but really, they are just numbing our senses and distraction us from the pain for a bit but sadly the results of these additions only make things worse, because then we have the consequences of our addictions plus the guilt. 

The quicker we come to realize that only God can rebuild and restore the better off we will be. 

God loves us and wants what is best for us and if we will just surrender our lives to Him and allow Him to guide us, we might just be shocked at where He will take us. I know I am!

December 22, I made the decision to make my health a priority. Little did I know what this would mean. 

On December 25 I began to read "Plant Powered" by Kim Murphy 

As I read a section on meat and dairy, I learned that they contain a lot of estrogen and contribute to many cancers including endometrial (which is what I had removed in 2013). And I made the decision to give meat and dairy up. Now this is BIG! I was a vegetarian till I was 11 so giving up meant for me is really not a big deal but never in my life would I have guessed that I'd give up dairy. And a bigger miracle and blessing is I am totally ok with giving them up. I feel SO much better when I eat healthier. I sleep better too. 

God doesn't as us to give up anything that would be a benefit. It is best to put in our bodies that which He created in order to give our bodies what they need. Our bodies will work best with the proper fuel. 

God will do amazing things when we allow Him to rebuild and restore you. It still totally shocks me where He has taken me over the last month. Praise be to God!