Okay, so usually I use my blog to talk about my healthy-eating journey (please don't say the "D" word... diet... that is a BAD four-letter word!!!). I thought I would do something different today. It is out of the ordinary and may seem strange, but it's what has been on my mind here lately.
You know there's something about a song. Music in itself is therapy and food for the soul, but there's just something magical, if you will, about music and it's power. I'm not talking about some kind of weirdo power either, I mean, the way music can make you feel and bring back memories that transport you back in time. I have been experiencing this musical power all of my life, but here lately, it seems just a regularly occuring thing.
For all of you who know about Caroline's sleeping habits and how she doesn't really sleep well STILL after being a year old, it probably would come as no surprise to you to know that I spend a lot of time with her rocking her in the glider in her room. I can't just sit there. I have to sing. I don't have the best voice in the world, but to Caroline, this mama's voice is good enough. It's music to her ears! :)
I find myself singing to her songs I grew up listening to, but not just any songs. I think back to all of the songs I used to hear my Paw Paw sing in church and even ones that my daddy sings. And you know what, those are THE BEST lullaby songs. Those old hymns full of praises to God really do work the best. Their melodies are soothing, their words are comforting, and I'm telling you that they just work.
Although I really can't stand sitting in that rocking chair sometimes (especially when my arms ache or my body parts are starting to fall asleep), I find that when I am singing that chorus of "How Great Thou Art" quietly and sweetly to that precious baby that more often than not I have a mini-God worshipping session. I find myself truly listening and understanding the words to those songs that I have heard all of my life and never really taken the time to really and truly LISTEN. I end up getting the biggest blessing out of singing those songs from my heart in that quiet, darkened room. Some nights, my cup just runs over while I am sitting in that chair.
Seems that maybe God hasn't given Caroline the ability to sleep too well yet because sitting there in that chair and singing to her and thinking about Him are actually some of the sweetest moments in my day. And what's funny, is that when I started typing this post, I totally did not have that revelation until just now... seriously. Truly God has His ways of getting our worship and praise!
As I sit there singing those old songs, I am transported back in time to when I used to hear them sung when I was younger by my Paw Paw and sometimes my daddy still will sing those songs. Those are such precious memories. I am so proud of my family, and the Christian heritage that I have. It's an honor to know that my grandparents (my Maw Maw and Poppy included) and great-grandparents have been known as people who lived Godly lives. I am so richly blessed with a great family - mama, daddy, sister, brother-in-law, a loving husband, and two beautiful children. Not to mention everyone else including my adorable nieces and nephews!
So, I guess I will leave you with this thought. Listen to those old songs you have heard all of your life. Have you really read the words of "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" or "Victory in Jesus" and really thought about what those words are saying/meaning? Sad to say, that even though I've been around music my whole life and I started piano lessons at age 7, that now at almost 30 years old, I have just realized some of the awesome meanings behind the inspired words of these songs.
LISTEN. Think. Praise God! Music is one of his most precious gifts! I'm so thankful for it!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Eating Healthy is Not Popular or Cheap!
It's a good thing I only have 1 follower, because if there were more people who followed this blog, I would definitely have to update more than I do! Ha!
Anyway, I have had this revelation...did you know that eating healthy is not popular?
No, it's not. Recently, we went on a short weekend trip. We stopped at gas stations numerous times for pit stops and had to eat on the run just to get where we were going in a reasonable amount of time in several instances.
Every time we stopped and went into one of those gas stations, I was bombarded with donuts, candy, chips, cokes, the all-time favorite of chocolate, and every other bit of sugary goodness you can envision entering your mouth. It was hard in some ways to walk to the nuts or trail mix section and try to find something that didn't contain an astronomical amount of calories and/or sugar. There isn't a wide selection of fruit and whole-grain healthy snack option as gas stations... sigh!
Let me just tell you, that I was so proud of myself. I did NOT give into the donuts! Girlfriend, let me tell you, that was hard! You see donuts are a food group on my food pyramid, or should I say, former food pyramid. I won't lie, I did give in a eat several items that should be banned from my healthy eating while I was on this trip, but overall, I was reasonably disciplined. Thanks be to God for His strength in this matter!
Eating healthy is not popular!
Here is my other revelation....Eating healthy is not cheap either. Man, those candy barsin the gas stations cost like less than a dollar. That trail mix or those nuts cost more than that. Seems like we have it backwards in society. Oh how I wish that that bag of donuts costs $10 and that a bag of apples cost $1. Wouldn't THAT make healthy eating and living easier and cheaper!? Sheesh!
Well, the bottom line is that no, healthy food will never cost less than the junk food in the grocery store, and it is hard to turn away from some of these foods I have considered to be my friends and have consumed for my whole life. And yes, I still really crave something sweet almost every time I have a meal. And you know, it's really hard to change your mentality about food after you have been eating one way for 30 years. REALLY hard. But, I figure I owe it to myself to try to do that. I'm trying not to consider myself as deprived from certain foods, but that I am trying to make a healthy choice in the foods I do choose to eat.
One thing I really have been pondering on recently from Lysa's book is when she talks about how food is made for our benefit, but not our detriment. Those aren't her exact words, but that's how I like to think of it. Food is meant to help sustain my life and keep me going. It's not meant to control my life, or even worse, have control over me. Ouch! Sugar sure has a way of doing that, doesn't it!?
So, I have a renewed commitment to myself and my healthy eating journey. I am still trying to eat more healthy and exercise more. I cannot stop! Maybe if you are reading this you can relate to my struggles, and let me encourage you that if I can even attempt to make a change, I know that anyone else can do it hands down! God as our helper we can and will become healthier women!!!
Anyway, I have had this revelation...did you know that eating healthy is not popular?
No, it's not. Recently, we went on a short weekend trip. We stopped at gas stations numerous times for pit stops and had to eat on the run just to get where we were going in a reasonable amount of time in several instances.
Every time we stopped and went into one of those gas stations, I was bombarded with donuts, candy, chips, cokes, the all-time favorite of chocolate, and every other bit of sugary goodness you can envision entering your mouth. It was hard in some ways to walk to the nuts or trail mix section and try to find something that didn't contain an astronomical amount of calories and/or sugar. There isn't a wide selection of fruit and whole-grain healthy snack option as gas stations... sigh!
Let me just tell you, that I was so proud of myself. I did NOT give into the donuts! Girlfriend, let me tell you, that was hard! You see donuts are a food group on my food pyramid, or should I say, former food pyramid. I won't lie, I did give in a eat several items that should be banned from my healthy eating while I was on this trip, but overall, I was reasonably disciplined. Thanks be to God for His strength in this matter!
Eating healthy is not popular!
Here is my other revelation....Eating healthy is not cheap either. Man, those candy barsin the gas stations cost like less than a dollar. That trail mix or those nuts cost more than that. Seems like we have it backwards in society. Oh how I wish that that bag of donuts costs $10 and that a bag of apples cost $1. Wouldn't THAT make healthy eating and living easier and cheaper!? Sheesh!
Well, the bottom line is that no, healthy food will never cost less than the junk food in the grocery store, and it is hard to turn away from some of these foods I have considered to be my friends and have consumed for my whole life. And yes, I still really crave something sweet almost every time I have a meal. And you know, it's really hard to change your mentality about food after you have been eating one way for 30 years. REALLY hard. But, I figure I owe it to myself to try to do that. I'm trying not to consider myself as deprived from certain foods, but that I am trying to make a healthy choice in the foods I do choose to eat.
One thing I really have been pondering on recently from Lysa's book is when she talks about how food is made for our benefit, but not our detriment. Those aren't her exact words, but that's how I like to think of it. Food is meant to help sustain my life and keep me going. It's not meant to control my life, or even worse, have control over me. Ouch! Sugar sure has a way of doing that, doesn't it!?
So, I have a renewed commitment to myself and my healthy eating journey. I am still trying to eat more healthy and exercise more. I cannot stop! Maybe if you are reading this you can relate to my struggles, and let me encourage you that if I can even attempt to make a change, I know that anyone else can do it hands down! God as our helper we can and will become healthier women!!!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Sweet Tooth Woes
I won't lie to you. Today I have opened up that cabinet in my kitchen (and multiple times yesterday) and there it was -- C-H-O-C-O-L-A-T-E. Yes, every woman's best friend and coping mechanism has been staring back at me and mocking me too I might add. I want it so bad my mouth waters for it - no joke. Sad, I know! One time I even picked it up and ALMOST opened it up to eat just a "bite," BUT I resisted and put it back. Talk about tempation!
Who ever knew that food could be so tempting? Maybe that was why Eve fell for it in the Garden of Eden? Who knows!?
I keep finding out things about myself as I have been on this Made to Crave journey.
So, going back to my mouth watering for that chocolate. It makes me wonder, do I crave God's Word and God's presence in my life as much as I want that chocolate? Do I try to find my peace in what I put in my mouth or what I read in His Word and He imparts in my heart? Wow... that hurts too! To be honest, I KNOW for a fact that the chocolate has won WAY too many times.
This journey can't be just about food and it's not. I want to crave God more than I do the food. I guess the chocolate will stay in the cabinet after all, or maybe I should just take it out of the cabinet and put my Bible there so the next time I have a stressful moment and run to that kitchen cabinet, there waiting for me will be the answer to all of my problems, the words I need to live my life for Him, and the only thing that can truly satisfy ALL of my cravings!
#MadetoCrave
Who ever knew that food could be so tempting? Maybe that was why Eve fell for it in the Garden of Eden? Who knows!?
I keep finding out things about myself as I have been on this Made to Crave journey.
- The first thing I discovered was that I think I have an addiction to sugar and really crave it like ALL the time.
- The second thing I have discovered is that I thought I didn't really have an issue with food, but maybe I wasn't looking deep enough within me to determine that maybe I struggle with it more than I want to admit. I have found myself in the middle of a stressful moment going to that cabinet in my kitchen, opening it up, and just looking in there for something to satisfy me or take my mind off the situation. I actually surprised myself when I realized I was doing it. Yes, I believe the food issue IS truly there. Ouch! So, now to deal with it!
- The third thing I have discovered is that I am a good starter, but not a good finisher. Don't get me wrong, I am the queen of conquering projects. I don't like to start a craft project without finishing it. I don't want to start washing dishes without washing all of the dirty ones, but for some reason, and in some areas of my life, this quality doesn't transfer over. That really bothers me. Why am I like that? I guess if it's hard enough, I just cave in?! My resolve is really not as strong as I thought it was - when it comes to food anyway.
So, going back to my mouth watering for that chocolate. It makes me wonder, do I crave God's Word and God's presence in my life as much as I want that chocolate? Do I try to find my peace in what I put in my mouth or what I read in His Word and He imparts in my heart? Wow... that hurts too! To be honest, I KNOW for a fact that the chocolate has won WAY too many times.
This journey can't be just about food and it's not. I want to crave God more than I do the food. I guess the chocolate will stay in the cabinet after all, or maybe I should just take it out of the cabinet and put my Bible there so the next time I have a stressful moment and run to that kitchen cabinet, there waiting for me will be the answer to all of my problems, the words I need to live my life for Him, and the only thing that can truly satisfy ALL of my cravings!
#MadetoCrave
Monday, January 30, 2012
Monday, Monday.....
I read a statement this morning in my Made to Crave devotional that was so profound. This is what it said, "Don't let people's compliments go to your head, and don't let their criticisms go to your heart. The degree to which you do either of these things is the degree to which you'll be ruled by what other people think of you."
I would encourage you to read it again. I read that sentence probably three times to wrap my brain around it so it could sink in. Even though this quote is really not particularly related to weight and healthy eating, I though it was so true.
It's SO easy to let the things people say, or to let the things we only think people think of us, really get us down and defeat us. Like the saying goes, "he who angers you controls you." I believe it's also true that he who makes you feel defeated and discouraged controls you whether it's about your appearance, your weight, you personality, or whatever.
When I decided to write this blog, my decision and comittment to change my ways to be more healthy was exposed. I felt a bit vulnerable. Even though I don't have a huge following or a bazillion blog readers, I can't turn back now. I feel more accountable to uphold my decision, and I needed that.
So, I will try my best to do what Lysa said and not "let people's compliments go to [my] head, and [not] let their criticisms go to [my] heart. The degree to which [I] do either of these things is the degree to which [I'll] be ruled by what other people think of [me]." My goal should be to please my Savior, live this life for Him, and try to take care of this body He's given me as long as I am able. In doing so, I believe I will grow closer to Him and have more energy to serve Him.
Glad that when we get to Heaven we will be able to feast at His table and not have to worry about exercise!!!
I would encourage you to read it again. I read that sentence probably three times to wrap my brain around it so it could sink in. Even though this quote is really not particularly related to weight and healthy eating, I though it was so true.
It's SO easy to let the things people say, or to let the things we only think people think of us, really get us down and defeat us. Like the saying goes, "he who angers you controls you." I believe it's also true that he who makes you feel defeated and discouraged controls you whether it's about your appearance, your weight, you personality, or whatever.
When I decided to write this blog, my decision and comittment to change my ways to be more healthy was exposed. I felt a bit vulnerable. Even though I don't have a huge following or a bazillion blog readers, I can't turn back now. I feel more accountable to uphold my decision, and I needed that.
So, I will try my best to do what Lysa said and not "let people's compliments go to [my] head, and [not] let their criticisms go to [my] heart. The degree to which [I] do either of these things is the degree to which [I'll] be ruled by what other people think of [me]." My goal should be to please my Savior, live this life for Him, and try to take care of this body He's given me as long as I am able. In doing so, I believe I will grow closer to Him and have more energy to serve Him.
Glad that when we get to Heaven we will be able to feast at His table and not have to worry about exercise!!!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Made to Crave Monday
It's time for me to post again about this journey I am on with eating issues and all that jazz!
Things have been going pretty well. I have not been as active as I would like to be (the motivation to exercise is still very lacking!), but I have seen some results so that gives me motivation to keep on keepin' on. Don't get me wrong, these are VERY MINOR changes, but hey it's still a little something!
I have been reading the Made to Crave book and devotional and getting a lot out of it.
Here are some of the things I have read recently that have really stuck with me:
From the devotional, Lysa writes: "The best thing we can do in these triggered moments (she is speaking of triggers that make you feel the need to eat/divulge in something unhealthy) is to pause. Pause and ask ourselves, 'Do I want to eat this right now because I need nourishment or because I'm feeling empty emotionally or spiritually?'" p. 31 And if we are truly hungry, then I can make a healthy choice!
This is so true. I am still trying to discover WHY I want to eat unhealthy things at times or what 'triggers' me to do so, but the only thing I can come up with so far is that I do it out of habit. I just get the taste of it in my mind and it just sounds so good and my body craves it, but it may not be because I am hungry. It may just be because I like the feeling it gives me. You know that eating sweets releases dopamine in your brain and your body says "oh man, that tastes so good - I want some more!" That's why we like sweets. Then, 30 minutes later you feel like totally gross. So, I need to do what Lysa suggests and just pause. Maybe that would save me some calories and yuck-o feelings later! :) Thanks to Dr. Travis from 'The Doctors' tv show for teaching me how my brain reacts to sugar!
Here's one more thing that I found really great in the book: "And while I fully realize my temple may not be God's grandest dwelling, I want to lift up to the Lord whatever willingness I have each day and dedicate my exercise as a gift to Him and a gift to myself." p. 94. Somebody may think, "wow, giving God my exercise is a gift - that's far fetched," but hey, we need to be good stewards of this body He's given us so we can work for Him and serve Him better!
Anyway, this blog is for me. I need it to hold myself accountable and to keep myself moving in the right direction. I am ready to start making more healthy choices and to start taking better care of myself. It is time. And after all, I am a Jesus girl who is NOT defined by the number on my scale! :)
BB
Things have been going pretty well. I have not been as active as I would like to be (the motivation to exercise is still very lacking!), but I have seen some results so that gives me motivation to keep on keepin' on. Don't get me wrong, these are VERY MINOR changes, but hey it's still a little something!
I have been reading the Made to Crave book and devotional and getting a lot out of it.
Here are some of the things I have read recently that have really stuck with me:
From the devotional, Lysa writes: "The best thing we can do in these triggered moments (she is speaking of triggers that make you feel the need to eat/divulge in something unhealthy) is to pause. Pause and ask ourselves, 'Do I want to eat this right now because I need nourishment or because I'm feeling empty emotionally or spiritually?'" p. 31 And if we are truly hungry, then I can make a healthy choice!
This is so true. I am still trying to discover WHY I want to eat unhealthy things at times or what 'triggers' me to do so, but the only thing I can come up with so far is that I do it out of habit. I just get the taste of it in my mind and it just sounds so good and my body craves it, but it may not be because I am hungry. It may just be because I like the feeling it gives me. You know that eating sweets releases dopamine in your brain and your body says "oh man, that tastes so good - I want some more!" That's why we like sweets. Then, 30 minutes later you feel like totally gross. So, I need to do what Lysa suggests and just pause. Maybe that would save me some calories and yuck-o feelings later! :) Thanks to Dr. Travis from 'The Doctors' tv show for teaching me how my brain reacts to sugar!
Here's one more thing that I found really great in the book: "And while I fully realize my temple may not be God's grandest dwelling, I want to lift up to the Lord whatever willingness I have each day and dedicate my exercise as a gift to Him and a gift to myself." p. 94. Somebody may think, "wow, giving God my exercise is a gift - that's far fetched," but hey, we need to be good stewards of this body He's given us so we can work for Him and serve Him better!
Anyway, this blog is for me. I need it to hold myself accountable and to keep myself moving in the right direction. I am ready to start making more healthy choices and to start taking better care of myself. It is time. And after all, I am a Jesus girl who is NOT defined by the number on my scale! :)
BB
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
New Purpose: Made to Crave
So this morning I had a revelation that was no doubt from the Author and Creator Himself. I have decided to use this blog as an accountability of sorts for myself.
You see, I am tired of the way I look! Others say, "Oh you look fine." "You've had 2 babies," or "I don't think you look overweight." But the fact is that I am overweight and no matter what you say (or what my sweet husband says) I won't feel good about the way I look until I like what I see in the mirror and feel the way I need to feel in my heart.
I bought a book a while back called Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst. I started reading it, but found myself not relating to the book because I felt I had no issues with food. But oh I was deceived and wrong.
Turns out I don't really have any thing that triggers me to wanting food except the fact that I feel the need to eat something sweet ALL the time. After meals, when I want a snack, when I am stressed.... so yeah, there is a food issue. To put it bluntly it sounds kind of like a sugar addiction! Yeah! I said it! LOL :)
So, last week I started on this physical and spiritual journey. I felt energized, walked/exercised WAY more than often, and felt good about myself. I even saw a little bit of victory in the weight loss department due to the fact that I was counting calories, trying to avoid junk, and exercising more. THAT was last week.
Fastforward to this week: not so easy. Turns out, last week I was totally depending on myself and the devil just let it ride and let me slip by. This week, he has been on my back with vengance. I have had little sleep (thanks to a nasty cold visiting Caroline) and my favorite visitor decides to greet me leaving me feeling tired, hormonal, and really loving the fact that I am a woman for a few days. Sigh.... yes, this week is harder. I guess I decided I need God MORE this week than I did last week. He is the only one who can help me on this journey and to be successful.
The past few days, I have already found myself wanting to be complacent and just throw it all out the window, but no, this time it has to be different. I want God to "Unsettle Me" like Lysa talks about in the Made to Crave devotional. I want to be unsettled about my weight and spiritual issues and battles until they are resolved, and it ends up that I am closer to the One who gave me life.
So, that's what I needed to say. I hope to update this blog more often so I can get all of my thoughts down to where I can see and read how I feel. You see, I am not a good journal type of person. I can type A LOT faster! Ha! I can also quickly change what I type if I don't like what it says, AND I am a math teacher so English and writing are not my fortes.
To my faithful bloggie follower (You know who you are Katie!), pray for me as I try to go through this journey that I would depend on God for strength and would in the end have a healthier lifestyle and learn to crave God more than food (sugar)!
Brittany
You see, I am tired of the way I look! Others say, "Oh you look fine." "You've had 2 babies," or "I don't think you look overweight." But the fact is that I am overweight and no matter what you say (or what my sweet husband says) I won't feel good about the way I look until I like what I see in the mirror and feel the way I need to feel in my heart.I bought a book a while back called Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst. I started reading it, but found myself not relating to the book because I felt I had no issues with food. But oh I was deceived and wrong.
Turns out I don't really have any thing that triggers me to wanting food except the fact that I feel the need to eat something sweet ALL the time. After meals, when I want a snack, when I am stressed.... so yeah, there is a food issue. To put it bluntly it sounds kind of like a sugar addiction! Yeah! I said it! LOL :)
So, last week I started on this physical and spiritual journey. I felt energized, walked/exercised WAY more than often, and felt good about myself. I even saw a little bit of victory in the weight loss department due to the fact that I was counting calories, trying to avoid junk, and exercising more. THAT was last week.
Fastforward to this week: not so easy. Turns out, last week I was totally depending on myself and the devil just let it ride and let me slip by. This week, he has been on my back with vengance. I have had little sleep (thanks to a nasty cold visiting Caroline) and my favorite visitor decides to greet me leaving me feeling tired, hormonal, and really loving the fact that I am a woman for a few days. Sigh.... yes, this week is harder. I guess I decided I need God MORE this week than I did last week. He is the only one who can help me on this journey and to be successful.
The past few days, I have already found myself wanting to be complacent and just throw it all out the window, but no, this time it has to be different. I want God to "Unsettle Me" like Lysa talks about in the Made to Crave devotional. I want to be unsettled about my weight and spiritual issues and battles until they are resolved, and it ends up that I am closer to the One who gave me life.
So, that's what I needed to say. I hope to update this blog more often so I can get all of my thoughts down to where I can see and read how I feel. You see, I am not a good journal type of person. I can type A LOT faster! Ha! I can also quickly change what I type if I don't like what it says, AND I am a math teacher so English and writing are not my fortes.
To my faithful bloggie follower (You know who you are Katie!), pray for me as I try to go through this journey that I would depend on God for strength and would in the end have a healthier lifestyle and learn to crave God more than food (sugar)!
Brittany
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Yeah, okay, I will update
I am just TERRIBLE at updating things it seems! I don't have many "followers" on here anyway, so I guess that's why! LOL!
I wish I had something incredibly interesting to blog about, but I do not. I am enjoying being a stay-at-home mama this year and really taking time to be a good mama and a better wife. I found that it is very hard to balance work, kids, and a husband!
I have been working on lots of different crafts since I've been at home and trying a lot of new recipes. I have been sewing on my sewing machine, making a ton of hairbows, and just venturing out into different craft territory! If I could find a way to make some money doing it, then I would. Unfortunately, I don't think I can do any of it quite good enough for that! :)
When and if I get motivated to start updating this blog some more, maybe I will upload some more pictures. Here are some of the bows I have worked on recently... They are called corkers. 
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