Day 18

72 hours left of the 21 day..... thing-a-ma-bob that I do!

Yesterday I heard confirmation of what I'd heard in the past.  50-60% increase in weight loss when keeping a journal.  

Although this isn't about weight loss (only a benefit) The message is the benefit of Journalizing.... a point of accountability.  Thinking, writing.... activities that provide a vehicle for staying focused on a goal.

These are all side notes to today's blog.

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 Last night I did what I had blogged to do... Read the Word of God... and county my blessings before bed.

 "The Living Bible" is the version I have... and the verse read...

Matthew 6:22

"If your eye is pure, there will be sunshine in your soul"

Verse 23 is: But if your eye is clouded with evil thoughts and desires, you are in deep spiritual darkness.  And oh, how deep that darkness can be!"

The thought of SUNSHINE in MY SOUL  sent me off to sleep in such joy to think this was possible.   I LOVE sunshine! It means blue skies.... warmth touching my face.... all good thoughts.

But I was intrigued as to the words "if your eye is pure".... So here are two other versions of the Scripture.


                        Matthew 6:22-23 (King James Version)

 ²²The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single,

 thy whole body shall be full of light.

 ²³But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. 

If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

Matthew 6:22-23 (The Message)

 ^22-23"Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have!

Balance!  Balancing Spirit, Mind and Body

Being a healthy weight, physical strength and energy, sound quick mind...

and  having "sunshine" in my soul.... being successful at reaching my goals. 

This is what my quest is.... This is MY journey in the "21 day to Health and Wellness".

It occurred to me yesterday, after several day's of blogging about "we are God's Creation and we need to respect ourselves".... 

asking  the question "DO I LIKE MYSELF?"

Truly something we all need to ask ourselves.   

Stop and think about it  - 

   Look at yourself in a full length mirror.... what do you see?  What do you say?

   Then think of how someone may describe you to someone else.... 

Depriving ourselves of things / activities that benefit our body, mind and spirit is a symptom of "a unhealthy relationship with ourselves".  I think it's about Not liking ourselves.... be unhappy with our self.  Feeling like a failure..... Not forgiving ourselves for (you can fill in the blank)


God created you..... but unless your following the Instruction Manual (Bible) that your Creator wrote.... Unless you see yourself through GOD's EYE's and love yourself.... unhappiness  can be your cholesterol level or the size of your waist line.


Take what God gave you.... even a big nose, large frame... whatever.... keeps you from "culturally looking perfect"
    and.....  When you  don't love what he created ... how can anyone else love it!  


How many times have you said when thinking about eating some high calorie sugary food... "ah, forgetaboutit,  I want it so I'm going to eat it".  While the internal message your hearing is screaming "don't do it..... it'll make you more fat"....


And again (as said in previous blogs) eating unhealthy is sometimes trying to fill the void in your soul..... Your just not happy!  That Chocolate Chip cookie from Mrs. Fields won't fill the void!  You know that... but you'll eat it for the quick fix
just like an addict who needs a fix!  Harsh but True (same behavior). 


Yes, this is my opinion.... I'll back it up with scientific research later!


What else could it be.... NO, it can't be a lack of knowledge because we are saturated with information on what is an unhealthy lifestyle choices (smoking, drinking, eating fat filled sugary desserts, sedentary, couch potato... etc.....)
Sorry, but I put smoking cigerette in the same catagorie as eating heavily fat/sugary foods...
They both contribute to causing life style disease!   HARSH!  but True




What do you "SEE" ?  Are you looking through a heart that appreciates and respects what God has given to you? What are you "Looking" for in Life?




I don't know about you, but I want my SOUL TO BE FULL OF SUNSHINE!!!!




SMILE!  it'll open up your heart.


Salute!   

for the record during the 21 days

Just for the record - my previous 21 blogs have this info:

15/15/15

This is the formula I use.   15 minutes each day dedicated to each discipline: Activity/Exercise, Pray and Reading Gods Word, and Learning something New

I also believe in KNOWING what you are putting in your body; Spiritually, Mentally, Physically

I want to make sure what I'm eating is rich in nutrients and low in Calories.
Aim for 200-300  calorie meals while seeking Weight Loss -  I SAID AIM!    that's FIVE meals a day
Otherwise google up what is the Caloric intake for your height/weight and age.

Drink 8+ glasses of water.  FILL up a pitcher in the morning and finish THAT pitcher by evening.
   Your pee should be VERY LIGHT in color

Pick activities and exercises that YOU WILL DO!   Look for opportunities during the day to just stretch or walk.  Do this outside of the 15-30 minutes of exercise a day.

Start your day with a BIG SMILE (as soon as you open your eye's in the morning)
Plant a smile on your face and SAY unto the LORD ... THANK YOU for my Day.... speaking words of faith and Praise that HE WILL BE WITH YOU.

END you Day with Reading GOD's word... and counting Your blessings.

Choose a Goal each week of something to learn or a book your want to read...  puzzel you can work on... something to stimulate and strengthen your mind.

OK

That is what I wanted to quickly say..... (yes, I always have more to say on this subect)

Oh..... FILL your senses with wonderful, life giving music, sights and fragrances!  Keep them NEAR you!



SALUTE!  

Day 17

Isaiah 64:8  

 ⁸ Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. 

       We are the clay, you are the potter; 

       we are all the work of your hand.  

He created us... but we have the RESPONSIBLITY to  "tend to the Body he created"....
It is our responsibility to Listen to our body, it tells us how we are doing as the Landlord of our Body.

You have been designed in such a way that your body speaks to you.  In the medical profession we call this "symptoms".

For instance,  the symptom of craving "ice" can be a symptom of anemia.
The symptom of aching neck and shoulder muscles can be a symptom of emotional stress/tension.
The symptom of headaches can be a symptom of dehydration or caffeine withdrawals.
The symptom of fatigue can be a symptom of fighting a virus or symptom of depression.

I believe our creator (here's that theme again for this week) put in place an incredible brain.
We just need to USE OUR BRAIN.

Respect the symptom!  It's a message from our body that we need to listen to.
Ok, so we may acknowledge a symptom but sometimes need to seek out help in discovering what is causing the symptom.  Yes, you can treat the symptom.... BUT don't you want to find the reason for the symptom ?

There are many times that you don't understand and even medically there is no explanation for a symptom.
That's when you pull out the instruction manual and then call the 800 number to get assistance.

     Funny way to say.... Read the Word of God and then talk to God!

It occurs to me that "we" humans are way to caught up in our symptoms.... kind of like those that like to watch reality shows - other peoples lives filled with drama.  Or the Movies with tension and conflict.

Haven't you heard those..... "oh, my I have such a headache.... " what they're saying is "look at me.. listen to me.... oh, my life is so hard... busy.... stressful...."    whatever people.

Step one of my "steps to success"  (check out the table in the back of the room for my latest CD's and books...... HA HA HA),   is to not EVER take possession of a symptom.

 Meaning,  NEVER Say I HAVE a .... headache.
Yet, it's ok to say "I'm fighting a Headache".  Words are SO very powerful.
When you speak the words "I have" you take possession of "it".
It becomes yours.

When your body is sending you a message like "ahhh my head hurts"... you need to send your body a message  like "I'm FIGHTING that headache".
Then stop and assess what could be the root of that headache.

It maybe as simple as dehydration or lack of sleep or food.
It maybe related to fighting a virus or allergies....
Hey, maybe you need to get your vision checked....
Maybe the new vitamins your taking are too much....
It maybe related to stress at work or with family.....
Ahhhhh,   .................It maybe related to unforgiveness or anger... some toxic emotion


Note: Did you know that  "some" people who suffer from migraines have a history of child abuse?
Or emotional trauma's has been linked to IBS) Our Body's hold's our hurts and come's out in illnesses.
Where do you "wear" your hurt?  In your head, stomach, joints....
Yes, about 20% of illness do NOT come from our mind.  But, 80%! wow.....


We ARE BODY, MIND and SPIRIT.  They all go hand in hand.
Mental issues can result  in  bodily symptoms - Toxic thoughts
Spiritual issues can result  in bodily symptoms - Toxic Spirit
Body issues can can result in bodily symptoms - Toxic Body

There is scientific research to back up these statements.  (read my footnotes ... Ha,Ha)
But it's true..... Medical science and even Eastern Medicine acknowledges the Mind body connection.

No matter what is causing the symptom.... Take it to the Creator!  PRAY!  Meditate and Listen!
So much better than a 800 number (like having to call for Computer Support! )

People, People, People..... "He that has ear's let him hear" (scripture verse)

You cry out (as I did) "why can't I lose weight".... "why am I always so tired" .... "why do I always feel sick".... blah ,  blah, blah,  waaa, waaaa, waaaa.

Yes, as a Nurse I hear it all the time from my patients.   Unfortunately, I am limited at work and unable to "pray with my patients" and talk about Spiritual Issues.   BUT THAT IS THE ANSWER!

                                                          Balance

TREAT the whole person.  When a symptom is acknowledged, assess the Body  but don't forget to assess the MIND and SPIRIT TOO!

Geese Louise people.   In all honesty people don't want to be accountable!
People today want a "microwave" cure.  No effort, just pop a pill and make it go away.
Stop with the ... "got to find the right diet plan" or can you believe the one about sprinkling something on your food to lose weight commercial?

Treat your body with respect - Healthy Foods, an Active Life (exercise) and READ THE WORD!

Enough sermon!
I'll get off the soap box.

Salute!  


PS 
The Two  Best way's to Detox your Body:
        Deep Breathing exercises - optimal is 20 minutes a day (google for instructions)
        Drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day ( I like it with a "kiss of lemon")
Best way to Detox your Mind & Spirit:  
        Read the Word, Speak and Listen to your Creator and Savior - then LIVE IT

Day 16

Today I'm  tending to the "Tree" (Respecting His  Creation - ME)   ... See previous Blogs

Today's Scripture

Colossians 3:17  

¹⁷And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

When you have a thought today -  

When you go to choose what to eat -  

When you made a choice of what you need to do today- 

Hold it up in the Light of Christ to see if it BRINGS HIM Glory

Start Detoxing yourself  Physically, Mentally and Spiritually 

When you are unbalanced YOU FALL!

Salute!

Day 15 - Sermon?

Psalm 139:13-14  

 ¹³ For you created my inmost being; 

       you knit me together in my mother's womb.

 ¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 

       your works are wonderful, 

       I know that full well.

HAVE YOU ever tried to KNIT?  One stitch at a time   ... AHHHH

The point of this Scripture today - DAY 15
 is to acknowledge again (seems to be the theme this week).

RESPECT the Body that God Created.... in our mother's womb!
He designed me! What a thought!    The God who created the stars that fill the heavens that illuminate the skies at night.. the delicate fragrant petals of a rose.... A sunset... rainbow, the World around us is amazing and beautiful.

We ARE wonderfully made!  
                    Respect God, Respect what he designed!

I used the analogy about how we would tend to a tree we purchased.  This concept has stuck with me.  As I'm choosing food... thinking of water....
contemplating activities/exercise!   Would I do any less for an expensive Rose bush I want to BLOOM and produce.

The "21 days" to Health and Wellness is (saying this over and over) is about bringing Balance to our lives.   Spirit, Mind and Body.  ALL CONNECTED.


NO it's not about weight loss yet it is about being a healthy weight!


It's not an exercise program yet it is about being strong and energetic


It's not a devotional guide yet it is about tapping into our Spiritual Life 
                                                         for Guidance. 

When you want something - seek the Lord first!  Then in prayer you hold up your "want" to be first examined by the Light of Christ... 


If it is True, Lovely, Honest,.... 
the scriptures state you'll receive it!

It's about why we want what we want.
It's about where  our desires are placed ("put no other God's before me")

  

I'm talking about this since it's relative to the 21 day quest for Health and Wellness.  If you're about "a diet"  or a "exercise plan" or.... "spiritual greatness"...... ask yourself W H Y?

What else can I say..... why do you want to lose weight?
I'm not going to explore  all the possible reasons.

LOOK INWARD then prayerfully look UPWARD to 

hold up your "want " to be 

examined by the Light 

of Christ.

Ok, I'll say it.  If you want to lose weight so you'll be fantastic looking this summer by the pool ... well?   Your motivation is what will make or break your efforts.

Do you really feel comfortable with a prayer like...
"Dear God, Please help me lose weight so I can look fantastic by the pool this summer, and I'll have people looking and saying ooooooooohhh  she's hot".



It's taken me some "slap's in the head" to finally say...

I want to BE HEALTHY!

I want to BE STRONG!  

I want to be full of JOY!   

I want to live in LOVE; giving and receiving.

I believe, 100% that GOD honors those that honor Him.


He created you for his pleasure!

RESPECT your body...

It's time to DETOX  and the Feed
your
Body, Mind and Spirit

FEED your body -  Exercise those muscles (your heart is a muscle) which is feeding your body "oxygen".... and
fuel your body with the foods and liquids that takes your body to a new level of health.  DETOX your body

FEED your mind - "thoughts"  that are about Love, forgiveness, tolerance.... the MIND of CHRIST!  YOUR PURPOSE!  DETOX your Mind

FEED your SPIRIT - like Daniel in the Bible whom God saved from the Den of Lions... He was on his knee's Morning, Noon and Night!  Pray without ceasing...
see and feel your moments with a Spirit that envelopes every thought and action to reflect a Purpose Driven Life!  DETOX your Spirit

Ok, enough Sermon for today!

NOW, I ask you to take on this journey!  Catch the attitude of Passion to LIVE LIFE full of Joy and Excitement!  Wake up with a smile on your face knowing that YOU WALK with GOD!

YOUR CHOICE!  (where have your choices gotten you so far?)


Ciao, 
 Salute to Your Health and Wellness