bless the Lord

Bless the Lord oh my soul

So, very important to wake up and immediately

PUT A SMILE ON THE FACE

say words of appreciation and praise for a new day

knowing that GOD is in Control

Rest in Him

Seek Him

Praise Him

Bless the Lord.... then you will have PEACE in any Storm

Power

Psalm 18:3

³I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

Back in the Garden?

Trying to be my own God?

Calling upon the LORD, or trying myself to win the battle?

However, I have found that in this Journey.....

I am happy to say I'm making better "healthy food choices"

I am happy to say I'm acutely aware of the need to find opportunities to be active

I am happy to say I'm seeking reading God's word, praying and ....

Well, HE is worthy of my Praise and HE will save me.

Salute!

Satified

Be so filled and satisfied with the Lord that you will not reach for food to satisfy

When you face disappointment reach for the Psalms, God's word NOT FOOD.

That's where I want to be.

But, not entirely there yet....

Still disconnected!

This I have to figure out... pray.... call a cop! Ya, have myself arrested (lol)

Ridiculous!

Thoughts about King David

The life of King David- a fascinating story and encouraging story

David:

A shepard Chosen by God

Defeated a Giant and saved his people when he was a young boy!

Hated by King Saul who then tried to murder him, yet David obeyed God

David was Crowned King (wouldn't have happened if he didn't obey God)

Sinned against God while a King (committed adultery & murder)

Suffered loss's (his infant son died despite his fasting and prayers, son murdered by his other son)

Suffered heartache from his children (son abandoned him)

In his brokenness and heartache he sought God (read the Psalms)

He had to live with the consequences of his sin's.

His psalms speaks to everyone of us.

Although God had a Plan for Davids life, David sinned against God. Yet, He was reconciled to God but still had to live with the consequences of his sins.

I choose to serve God and walk with Him.

I can face any thing (Goliath type of problems) with the Lord besides me.

I must count the cost of my actions since I will surely face the consequences

1 Samuel 17

Fruit

Luke 6:44-45

44For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.

45A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.

The expression “today is the first day of the rest of my life” is an attitude for success. We can’t live today on yesterdays successes or failures. We need to embrace the morning with a renewed spirit.

Today I choose to renew my Spirit in the Lord. Taking his Word and making it come alive in my Spirit, Mind and BODY!

My Prayer today is I will be more thoughtful of what comes out of my mouth and reserve my mouth for speaking words of encouragement to those around me.

I use to tell my children that words have fragrances to those listening . Are you speaking words like Onion's or Flowers?

Is what's coming out of your mouth

Stinky or Sweet?

As the Scriptures say

"A tree is identified by the kind of fruit it produces"

Your words are a product of your heart.

Your heart is a product of your thoughts.

Keeping my mouth Shut until I put my thoughts

in check about what I’m saying and thinking.

I CHOOSE to have my words and thoughts

Acceptable and congruent to the Word of God.

Psalm 19:14

¹⁴Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Keeping my thoughts in check today – Speaking TO MYSELF words of encouragement and healing. My thoughts be FAITH Based!

Replacing THOUGHTS of fear with THOUGHTS of faith.

Replacing WORDS of fear with WORDS of faith

"I feel good, I feel Great, I feel Wonderful" (movie line)

Singing:

He is my Rock my Sword my Shield, He's the wheel in the middle of the wheel. He's the Lily of the Valley the Bright and morning star. Make's no difference what you say, I'm gonna get on my knees and pray. I'm going to serve the Lord each day till Jesus comes.

I TRUST IN THE LORD and my words and thoughts reflect that belief

Then

Only putting into my mouth that which brings live, encouragement, health and wellness to my BODY!

May my words be fruit (Life giving)

to those around me

and may I

eat fruit (foods, fruit of His Word)

that brings me LIFE!

Right now, I'm going to SPEAK words of encouragement to myself then start SINGING OUT LOUD (creates marvelous energy) and go EXERCISE!

I pray you Catch the energy!

Cause I'm thrown 7 kinds of .... today! (movie line!)

Salute! TO your Health and Wellness

Thoughts on Habits

Psalm 1:2


But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.

Habits

Repetitive Behaviors

This has been one of my themes during my pursuit to Health and Wellness journey.

This morning I thought about one of the step's in changing habits. Getting rid of bad and starting new.

Energy is never lost only transformed. (scientific fact). This is true of many things in life. Whether tangible energy or the energy of love and as I'm discussing the energy of habits.

So in order to lose a bad habit you need to transform that energy into a good habit.

If asked today, what are your habits, some may answer "I have no real habits". Since the word congers up idea's of bad habits like smoking, drinking or swearing.

But, in thinking about it WE all have habits. Some good Some bad. We just don't acknowledge and think about our habits because habits are a repetitive action we do unconsciously. We only acknowledge (for the most part)habits when they cause a problem or are pointed out by someone.

For instant, When I get out of the shower I have a pattern of how I dry off. Weird but true.

When I get out of bed I pretty much follow the same steps of routine.

Now some habits are a product of comfort -

Actually habits feed something in us or they would stop.

Some habits are learned as a child taught and reinforced our parent(s) or environment.

Whatever...

The point in this is take some time to THINK about what habits you may have -

Categorize them in Healthy and Unhealthy.

Or work backwards – Think about area’s you need improvement in… then look at behaviors/habits that contribute to the problem.

i.e. Clutter in the house. A behavior that seem to be a Habit of not putting something away when I’m finished with it.

Like putting down a cup of coffee when I’m done with it… instead of putting it in the dishwasher to be washed. Dumb example but Something I want to work on. I hate waiting until the place is a real mess then cleaning.

I want to Clean as I go! I want the "habit" of keeping my things in order.

Whatever!

Until you recognize and acknowledge your Repetitive behaviors YOUR "habits"

YOU CAN'T change something until you FACE IT.

Today I choose to acknowledge that my morning Habits need to include:

1. Praying, reading God's word and Spending time Listening to God - 15 minutes

2. Eating a "life giving" Breakfast to fuel my body

3. Filling up my Water Pitcher for the DAY's allowance of Water (lemon too)

4. Exercising/Stretching 15 minutes EVERY MORNING to pump up my body full of

oxygen (bringing life to my muscles and mind)

5. Fix my Bed..... oh ya I do that already as a habit my mommy taught me

She said as soon as you get out of bed FIX it! It's a sign your ready for the DAY.

I just threw in number 5 for fun, but Seriously.

5. Journalize every morning. This activity I've done since 1/1/10 has inspired me, motivated me and keep me on track for my Goal of Health and Wellness.

Now, I'm going to post this list every where:

bathroom mirror, Refrigerator, Computer Screen. Places that I look at routinely in the

morning.

Catch the Attitude

Salute! To your Health and Wellness

Nothing is impossible

The rest of this thought is ... "when you put your trust in God"

Thank God for another day.

I pray that I'm storing up jewels in Heaven!

Ciao

Thoughts

If I knew there was a treasure box full of jewels and money at the top of a mountain... at what point would I give up and not pursue getting to the top?

In my present state of pursuing Health and Wellness, it would seem ....it would take me my entire life to get to the top of the mountain. By the time I would reach it (if ever) I'd be too old to enjoy and use the money and jewels.

I think I'll keep this thought in my head today .........

I think (my thoughts) that I want something. That "Want" becomes my "Will"

(as in "our God given free Will to choose")

Now my actions are a product of my "Will"

But if the product of my actions do not match my thoughts than my "Will" is not true to my "Thoughts"

Therefore..... I'm not true to myself when I say I "Will" do something when I don't do it.

My thoughts then are not true ....

"what the Heck am I saying"...... I'm saying that

My conscious thoughts are really not based in my unconscious thoughts.

Therefore I'm back to what I've been saying all along during the 21 days thing -

This is a Spiritual battle! I need to pray and ask God to Heal me on the inside so that I am in conformity with the Word of God. Walking in the Spirit! Right.....

Then is the real struggle on my climb up the mountain me against me?

I am keeping me from reaching the top!

Yes, it is a battle of Flesh against Spirit in pursuing my dream, wants and desires. The only one hindering me is ME!

... Just a thought!

Mark 7:20

"It is the thought life that pollutes."

Isaiah 55:8-9

⁸ "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways,"

declares the LORD.

⁹ "As the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts

Also

I've also learned to exercise in the Morning.

I've also learned to Flush myself with WATER! It gives me energy

I've also learned MUSIC makes my world go around - I come alive, it's moves my emotions and creates energy!

I've learned that my Menopausal wt gain is about - needing NON toxic foods( as Organic as possible and lots of Water, minerals and vitamins from FOOD! White flour and Refined sugars make me moody, tired and ridiculous. AND exercise reduces mood swings and hot flashes.

... la la la la

It's all in the books - Knowledge is wasted when not applied.

DO IT

Catch the Attitude that Your worthy of taking care of YOU!

Finding Me

Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.

— Psalm 86:6-7

Well, it's day 19 and there is 72 hours left of the 21 day to Health and Wellness.

I was reflecting this morning on this experience. This is the Second time to take this journey.

I have found that It has become more natural and not a battle to look for healthier choices when I'm choosing foods. I have no disappointment or regrets when I pass up fried foods or Non nutritional foods i.e. cake, pie, ice cream. I'm actually seeking fresh foods, steamed vegetables... leaner meats. Umm, Still a little hesitancy on the bread thing when in a restaurant. But, I see that I ask for Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil instead of butter. (well, if it's available).

I have found that I have read and prayed more and it's again more natural. I have my bible open and available where I find myself sitting. I seek to read before bed, I'm waking up talking with the Lord.

I have found that my BLog/Journal is almost a habit that I look forward to each day. It centers me for the day and set's me on the right path.

I have found that I speaking the word of God is powerful. When I look at a food or think about eating (when I'm not hungry) Speaking out WORKS. I need God's strength to overcome the habit of feeding my face out of board-um, unhappiness, trying to fill a void. It's crazy but I repeat like I have "tourettes syndrome".. saying It won't satisfy me "only God can satisfy me" over and over or "greater is he in me than he that is in that food" speaking out the day's scripture verse.

I have found that exercise is what strengthens me when it comes to making healthy food choices. I have no desire after a work out to eat unhealthy foods. In fact it repulses me.

But, I have found that I have to MAKE time, Make exercise a priority. Find opportunities to MOVE. Even if it's doing squats while waiting for my coffee to drip into my cup!

I have found that changing my behaviors and patterns that I've had for 30++ years will take more than 21 days. It'll take several 21 days.

I have found that I feel so much healthier and FREE from the bondage of bad habits. (eating unhealthy foods and not exercising and not spending Time with my Savior)

I have found me.

I pray that you have learned and discovered new truths in this journey and will make a I’m cross and follow HIM, Body, Mind and Spirit.

Salute! To your Health and Wellness.

I’m off and riding. Soon I’ll be on the Big Girl Bike!

That's all folks

ahhh freak,

I woke this am and saw I'm up a couple pounds! ah freak

my initial reaction besides "ah freak" is "and I didn't eat that unhealthy" but net thought was to put me in check....

"but I didn't get in any exercise and or journalize"

then I think

ah, ya!... ummm, well maybe the two beers (light 110 calories) didn't help.

and eating the WHOLE prime rib dip sandwich- bread and all at the Restaurant.

Even though, when it came the though occurred to do like I had read. Ask for a to go container as soon as I got the sandwich so I'd only eat half. Should have could have since I was SO full after the 1st half and ate the 2nd half only because it "tasted good". I was uncomfortably full after eating "bummer"

I was at war with me (what's new) since I said to myself... "ah, it's a healthy choice.. protein that I need"

yet not admitting I was eating the roll since it was all about the "comfort of eating it" "the lust of the moment"

Yap, and the excuse for the beers was that I was taking a power boat ride in the Bay that had 1-2 foot swells from other boats, choppy ride and I NEEDED TO RELAX. It was NOT an enjoyable thing and ... too bad I had to suck it up since we were with other people. Another Excuse.

In consolation for myself, I did had a good low carb egg dish for breakfast. (an attempt to regain my sense of not feeling like a total failure)

I did drink more than 3 - 18 oz glasses of water.

But, the truth is

I didn't do a few of the right things to make a difference.

WHY... is always the question to myself.

Well, I was ok at breakfast.... just lalala ing to myself about the day.

by the time I hit the resturant for lunch I was wawawa ing about the stupid boat ride that was NOT fun. So, I consoled myself (unconsciously) at lunch. oh, the beer was what I took on the boat knowing I was going to wawawa...

Then, in the evening I think I was still a little whinning about not getting my way with what I wanted to do.... (personal unhappiness about not having control on things that I have going on around me).

Ah, the spiritual battle fell into my physical battle with ME!

And look who suffers.... ME.

I desperately want to have HEALTHY HABITS that take over ME and rule ME.

What I have learned from my 21 days journey is that - NO guilt... just slap my self in the head and say "

I could of had a V 8" and move on and TRY AGAIN TODAY..

"that's all folks"

The Human Spirit

What is it that takes a person to a new level of achievement?

What is the trigger that switches on our passion?

What is it that overcomes "what" has held us back?

No regrets

Be the best

Make each moment count

Balance

Achievement

Passion

Thirst

Knowledge

Wisdom

Energy

Seeking that which is pure, honest, lovely, true

Thank you Lord for being the Light

I choose to move toward the LIGHT! Blind me with your love

Overcome

I cried that I had no shoes until I saw

someone without feet.

Well, I do love my shoes! But Having no feet is still no excuse for feeling sorry for yourself. There are many examples of people who overcame their physical limitations. So why then do we make excuses?

No excuses please!

When there is a Will there IS a Way.

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

Story:

I had a patient seeking an appointment. She said to me as we spoke on the phone.

I'm so weak and tired, I'm sleeping 10-12 hours a day

I've gained 30 pounds.....

I just can't exercise because I have problem with my right foot.

I'm just so tired, It's not right... something is wrong.

Then I looked at her history and saw she was 5'7" and weight was 325lbs and has hypertension.

I asked if she had been taking her blood pressure medication

Her quick answer was No

*********

My heart broke for this women. I heard her cry for help, I heard her very sad voice,

and I knew what was happening.

She is on a self destruct mission! All signs / symptoms point to a person who

has no love for themselves. (possible emotional trauma in their life, a life of unforgiveness, a life of No hope)

Signs of depression and self destruction is prevalent today in our world.

Matthew 22:39

... 'Love your neighbor as yourself

We are to love ourselves.

Christ loves us - We are worthy of his love

We are valuable children of the Living God

Forgive other's - Forgive ourself

Yes, we need to forgive ourself! Not loving ourself is sometimes a result of not forgiving ourselves. Not seeing ourself as worthy of love and forgiveness

My heart ached that I couldn't reach out and tell her about my Lord and Savior.

The one who LOVES her - The one who really knows her and Loves her.

Christ is the only hope for her. Not a diet plan, Medication for depression...

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

Lord, I pray for the opportunity for me to use my knowledge of nursing and my knowledge of YOU to reach out and touch people.

To be their link to a life of hope, joy and peace. The life you intended for all of us.

AMEN

Walking in Any Weather

Just as the weather can change in an hour.... so can my thoughts, energy and actions.

Like the weather I'm constantly subject to change.

One minute Sunny disposition, full of a warm light breeze... carefree, hopeful and full of life.

Then next the grey clouds begin to drift in... (sometimes I see it coming, sometimes it's a word or phone call from someone). I feel my soul beginning to become heavy like the grey clouds that are ready to burst with tears, or sorrow.

Sometimes these storms are filled with angry thunder and lightening.

Oh, LORD..... no matter what fills the sky, you are ALWAY's shinning. Whether it's the light of the Moon or Sun.... your behind every cloud, every storm.... YOU ALWAYS there.

I need to hold tight during these changes. I need to focus on the fact your above any storm. You have a rainbow waiting for ME! A big, Vibrant Colored Rainbow with your PROMISE. Your promise that you will shelter me during those dreary, cold, windy stormy times.

Therefore when I see the clouds rolling in, I pray Lord that you awaken my Spirit to the knowledge that you are THERE! Waiting for me to Take refuge in Your arms. Waiting for you to fill me with your warmth and Sunshine. Your above every cloud!

No matter what MY BODY see's or feels - YOU are in me filling me with your PERFECT LOVE. The Love that cast out ALL FEAR.

Today, as I see those clouds forming (seeing the scale) I will look into your FACE and SEE the TRUTH.

I am full of light and Sunshine when I seek YOU with all my Heart, Soul and Spirit and BODY! I will walk by FAITH not by SIGHT!

2 Corinthians 5:7

For we walk by faith, not by sight

You're my hope and my Salvation.

Unto you I commit this day, my ways, my thoughts, my being.

ALL my choices will then reflect your power and glory in my life.

I'm now ready to put on my smile, put on my workout clothes and feed my body and soul GOOD THINGS!

I'm ready to start WALKING!!!

AMEN

2 Corinthians 9:8

And God is able to make all grace abound to you,

so that always having all sufficiency in everything,

you may have an abundance for every good deed;

me, myself and I

Me, myself and I.

So true. We battle ourselves!

Tonight as I reached for another helping of food, knowing I wasn't hungry ... just enjoyed the taste and texture of the food I battled myself and I won.

BUT, I had to say several times as I moved toward the plate...

"it won't satisfy me.... it Won't satisfy me... IT WON'T SATISFY ME".

I won, myself lost and "me" is in the middle staying neutral.

HA!

Sometimes we (me, myself and I) bump into each other. Most of the time we like each other... but oh freeek "myself" is always wanting something that "I" knows isn't good, it really is up to "me" to stand up for what is right - then "I" will Be successful.

"Hello, anyone there.... come on.... Pick up, please"

today's mantra

Not my will by Thy Will be done!

I was finding excuses to not put on Workout clothes and " do it".

So I tricked myself (funny how that really does work- self against Spirit I think)

I said to me "I'll just put on the clothes and at least walk down to the gym.

Then I said "ok I'll just do a few minutes"

well, I did and I pumped it up for 15 minutes and broke a sweat. YEA!

I won

Wait.... which of me really won? me or me L0L

The Garden

A thought came to me during my devotion this morning.

Man's defining moment was in the Garden of Eden.

Christ defining moment was in the Garden of Gethsemane.

God created mankind in his own image, but gave us a free will to serve Him or serve ourselves.

Everyday we are in the Garden making that choice, "whom will I serve today?"

Luke 4:8
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written,

Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Deuteronomy 11:13
And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul,

Genesis 2:15-16 (King James Version)

¹⁵And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.

¹⁶And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat:

Gethsemane in the Bible: Matthew 26:36-46
As the hour of his death drew nearer, Jesus went with his disciples to pray in the garden of Gethsemane.

Daniel

Fascinating Story in the BIBLE about our health. Read the whole story in Daniel Chapter 1

Vegetables

Daniel 1:12-17
"Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13) Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see." 14 ) So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. 15) At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. 16) So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. 17) To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.