Power, Love, and Self-Control: April 2010

Who Knew?

Medium Chocolate Xtreme Blizzard

980 calories

I looked it up for myself. No wonder they didn't put THIS information on the same sign as the special price! And I ordered mine with chocolate ice cream - which probably added to the calories.

I had NO idea. (And I'm not blaming Dairy Queen.)

Dairy Queen Made Me Do It!

From Motivation to Live Well today...."Live not in what has happened, or fear of what may come tomorrow. Live Well! in the here and now, and treat this as your defining moment."

Back from a seminar today where I learned to say, "THAT was my old self; THIS is my NEW self!" (See Ephesians 4:22-24).

I SHOULD have remembered this when traveling to and from Grandparents' Day at our grandson's school in Illinois this week! We passed (and stopped at) Dairy Queens coming and going - lured by the sign advertising "Blizzards! Buy one; get the second for 25 cents!"

Transitioning into Spring

Almost every day of our vacation included trail hikes or nature walks. Yesterday I rode in the car all day. And this morning, exercise was gardening. I need to be intentional about getting daily exercise now that the weather has changed. I didn't gain any weight while on vacation--but I didn't lose any either. I need to get at least 5 pounds off as soon as possible!

Strolling in Charleston

My "sauntering" yesterday was good practice for the Extreme Strolling we did in Charleston all day today! Cobblestone and brick were two of the street surfaces that paved the roads in front of some of the most beautiful homes I've ever seen! (For more pictures of our day, see my main blog.)

Most of the streets were marked this way in the sidewalks. There were also newer street signs on posts. This one marked the street containing a lively enclosed market area. We found this coffee place here. I had a cappuccino muffin with chocolate chips (I can only HOPE they were dark chocolate!)

We also spent relaxing time overlooking Cooper Bay. This is a must-see city. I'm so glad we made the decision to come here. I feel stimulated physically and mentally because of our time in this city of friendly people and historical roots.

Sauntering in South Carolina

After walking 30 minutes indoors early this morning, I spent many more minutes walking in Columbia, South Carolina, the state capitol. The wonderful chocolate truffle I ate after a lunch of grilled cheese sandwich and fresh fruit was not the healthiest choice--but it WAS dark chocolate. The weather was beautiful today! Sunshine and fresh air are SO refreshing.

Tennessee Walkz

I walked at noon in Tennessee! The temperature was warm; the sights were beautiful. Our friends live on a golf course, so there were many pleasurable things to see. I also enjoyed hearing the bird songs.

Outdoor walks are the best!

Climb Interrupted

If you're wondering about my "climb", take a look at my other blog. I've been temporarily sidelined. But I shall complete the climb shortly.

That Woman is a Success . . .
Found at itsnotaboutfood.blogspot.com

who loves life
and lives it to the fullest;

who has discovered and shared
the strengths and talents
that are uniquely her own;

who puts her best into each task
and leaves each situation
better than she found it;

who seeks and finds
that which is beautiful
in all people and all things;

whose heart is full of love
and warm with compassion;

who has found joy in living
and peace within herself.

~ Barbara J. Burrow ~

To which I add, "who makes God's kingdom and His righteousness her #1 priority"....(rlg)

"A day must come in our lives, as definite as the day of our conversion, when we give up all right to ourselves and submit to the absolute Lordship of Jesus Christ. . . . there must be a day when, without reservation, we surrender everything to Him--ourselves, our families, our possessions, our business and our time. All we are and have becomes His, to be held henceforth entirely at His disposal. From that day we are no longer our own masters, but only stewards. Not until the Lordship of Jesus Christ is a settled thing in our hearts can the Holy Spirit really operate effectively in us. He cannot direct our lives effectively until all control of them is committed to Him. If we do not give Him absolute authority in our lives, He can be present, but He cannot be powerful. The power of the Spirit is stayed." (Watchman Nee)

"Each day you take a few small steps, then build on them day after day. There may be set backs, everyone has them, but those victories will add up, and then pretty soon you'll be amazed at how different your life has become. And what could be more alluring than the prospect of waking up to your best life? So roll up your sleeves and get to work!"

"Remember, every step you take toward reaching your weight loss goal is really a gift that you give to yourself. When you eat right and exercise, you are taking care of yourself, treating yourself with respect, and acknowledging that you deserve* to be healthy and happy.” (Bob Green, The Best Life)

Rebecca's note: I have trouble with "deserve". I want to care for my body because God Himself cares for it! Do I "deserve" health? No, in light of my sinful inclinations and the fall of mankind, health is a gift. A GRACE-gift directly from the hand of God--a gift to be handled thankfully and thoughtfully.

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