Where is your treasure?

Today, there were several instances when I was reminded that I cannot make these changes and I cannot receive my healing on my own and through my own efforts. The first time was as I listened to Dr. Charles Stanley's teaching (on TV this morning) where he said that anything that we try or obtain on or through our own efforts (without God) will fail. The next time was during Pastor's sermon where he stated that we have to stop doing things on our own. I cannot remember who else said it but it was during a casual conversation that took place today.

This evening, I sat down to have quiet time. God reminded me of a previous blog post where I referenced Matthew 19:26 which says, "With men, [this] is impossible, but all things are possible with God." Then God also showed me a familiar scripture reference but pointed out something new. He guided me to Matthew 6:31-33. As I read through the verses (that I have read many times), He specifically pointed to the beginning of verses 31 and 33. Then He put it together as: "Do not worry about what you eat or drink...but seek Me first and everything else will be added to you."

where is your treasure?

He had me turn back to the beginning of the chapter and showed me verse 21 (another very familiar verse): "For where your treasure is, there will your heart also be."

At this point, I asked God to slow down. You see, He was giving all of this to me so quickly and I was noticing that I was having a hard time keeping up. I also noticed that my legs were quivering. I knew what that meant. I grabbed my test kit and discovered that my glucose had dropped very low. I took care of that situation and went back to my time with God. He was so great in that He brought me right back to where we had stopped. He slowed down so that I could process all that He was saying. Then He spoke directly to me:

"My daughter, You are trying over and over again to find the solution on your own. Without Me, this is impossible. I do not want you to worry and fret about this, though I want you to make wise choices in eating. I want to guide you. But I also want you to examine your heart and see where your treasure is. Is it with Me? Or is it with the food that you constantly think about eating and that has its control on you? Seek Me, my love...my daughter."

I must confess: although I started this blog out of obedience to what God asked me to do, I had secret ambitions that this blog was going to be a big success and/or that it would be the "next big thing." As I sit here typing, I am thinking: Is this where my treasure is? Honestly, it doesn't matter if no one else ever reads this blog (including my family and friends). It doesn't matter if it ever gets high web traffic hits. All that matters is that I seek God as I do it and that I remain obedient to Him.

Blessings!

Judi

The Price of Freedom

Today is a very special day as we celebrate the freedom and independence of our country. Our independence came at a very high price with many lives that have been sacrificed over these last 200+ years. I can't help but also think of the ultimate sacrifice that was paid when our Lord and Savior willing gave His life for each and every one of us. (Yes...you!)

John 3:16 KJV says that, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." I know this verse by heart. It has been grounded into my very being. It was not until about 15 years ago that I read it in the Amplified translation of the Bible:

"For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life." John 3:16 AMP

I love it! As you celebrate our Independence Day and the freedom in our country, take a few moments to also ponder on the freedom that you receive in Christ.

Blessings!

Judi

Time to Get Moving!

On Thursday night, I got the sudden urge to take a walk. I asked Z if he wanted to join me. He was very enthusiastic. So, we took a walk...in 90° F weather. Despite the weather, it was actually fun. We had good conversation and I got to see the new neighborhood next to ours that has been there for years but is just now being developed.

time to get moving!

When we got back to the house, we decided to hop in the car and drive the same path that we just walked. It was just over 1 mile. :-) I know that that may not seem much to some people but, to this lady, it was a great accomplishment!

Yesterday, we decided to take another walk. The temperature was quite a bit hotter so we cut it a little short (but not by much).

It is amazing how envigorated you can feel when you move your body!

Now...to keep up with the movement!

Blessings!

Judi

P.S. Please excuse the poor quality picture. I forgot my iPhone and only had a standard cell phone available. At least I got a picture! :-)

Buried in Work

I know, I know. I can hear what you are asking. "Where have you been these past 4 months?" Well, let me just say that no one should ever under-estimate the impact that stress can have on their lives.

Remember, the project that I posted about here, here, and here? Well, it is still going on and I am totally stressed out about it. Just when I think that everything has settled down and I have issues figured out, another problem occurs. I am beginning to wonder if the project is really worth it. It was supposed to help me, not hinder me.

In addition to this ongoing technology project, we also had this project:

their first dance

Yes, I am now a mother-in-law! C and Mi got married last month. The wedding turned out beautifully! We are so happy that they are beginning this life together.

So, how has all of this stress impacted me? Well, I had a DR's visit last week and my blood work is not good. Levels are elevated all around. My glucose levels are high, my cholesterol levels are high, and, now, my triglyceride levels are high. It has been an emotional week for me. There have been changes in my medication, additions to my medication, and, most definitely, changes in my lifestyle. Despite all of my emotions, I have the support of My Love, the rest of my family, and dear friends...which definitely helps. Even with their support, I still want to hide. I want to put my head in the sand and avoid it all. I want to live my life the way that I want to live it. But my obedience to God and staying alive for my family are more important than my own desires. I must deny myself.

I am not going to deceive myself. I know that these changes are going to be hard. I also know that I can do all of these things because Jesus helps me and He wants me to be healthy and whole! He paid the ultimate sacrifice for my healing, for my forgiveness.

So, I need to focus on what needs to be done...and use this blog to stay accountable.

Blessings!

Judi

Finally, My Head is Above the Water!

head above the water

I feel that my head is finally above the water and that I can "breath!"

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have been struggling with a project at work. (It even had my consultant baffled.) This project has been no minor undertaking. I have been working long hours (even from home in the evenings and on weekends) trying to figure out the problems with the technology in this project. It has been frustrating and it has had a tremendous affect on me. My attitude has not been good (I even got in a tif with management). My eating has been all wrong to boot. I have (literally) had no time to work on my eating and health issues. I have not had time to plan.


running, running, running

To sum it up, I have felt like a hamster on an exercise wheel: running, running, running but not going anywhere. I have felt like I have had just enough energy to push through each day...only to start all over again the next morning.

BUT...Praise God! He is bigger than every problem and He has given me a break-through! I have been praying and asking Him to give me wisdom with the project. Little by little, He has revealed various issues to me and has shown me the solutions. Last Wednesday, He showed me the final solution. Everything is now working beautifully and I can move on to the next step in the project. Hallelujah!

Me, Mi, and her mom

I still had a busy weekend which included Mi's bridal shower. The last couple of days have also been busy. I have a meeting tonight but I am hoping to get a little bit of time to plan some breakfast options. I love eggs but I don't want to grow tired of them!

Blessings!!

Judi

Restart!

Have you ever attempted to make a change or do something in your life only to fall short of the goal? Well, I have. I have not had success at the "no carb" dietary change. There...I said it. I told you that I would be honest on this blog and my new adventure. I have wanted to blog about my frustrations but I would think about it when there just wasn't time. So, there are a number of factors involved in my lack of success:

• I am STILL totally stressed out by the virtualization project at work.We are having so many issues and I wonder if it was a good idea to implement a virtual environment.
• I have been having debilitating headaches and mild fevers. Some of my research indicated that going "no carb" is basically a detoxification of your system and that you can experience flu-like symptoms.
• We have had other activities that were not conducive for "no carb" eating such as our church's leadership retreat this past weekend.
• Life is busy and I have not totally prepared. Z has activities on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings. I have possible activities every other Thursday and every Friday. I feel like all I do is run, run, run!

Despite all of these factors, I know why I have not had success. It is because I am trying to do make these changes on my own. I am missing the most important component to my success: GOD! I have totally left Him out of the entire equation. I have really been trying on my own ability to decide how to eat, to find decent recipes, and to deal with cravings.

In Matthew 19, Jesus tells the disciples that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter Heaven. I believe that Jesus meant this statement as a condition of the heart. I do not believe that there is anything wrong with being rich. Anyway, the disciples were surprised and asked Jesus, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus replied by saying, "With men this is impossible but with God all things are possible." I love this verse because it gives me such hope! I believe that, if I put Jesus first in all things, He will help me to accomplish them when they line up with His Word (Philippians 4:13).

Now, I do believe that I am supposed to be a good steward and take care of this body of mine (see 1 Corinthians 6:19). So I am declaring a RESTART for this dietary change.

Blessings!

Judi

Happy New Year 2012!

Welcome to 2012!! It is going to be a GREAT year!

I am sorry to be MIA for a couple of weeks. I have been swamped with projects at work and projects at home. Also, Z and I went to G's after Christmas (as is tradition). My Love joined us all yesterday and we spent celebrated New Year's Eve with them. Wonderful week! We came home today. So, life will get back to routine again when we return to work on Tuesday.

I started my new eating habits this morning (which I will explain in the next post). I hope that you will continue to follow my progress on this new adventure!

Blessings!

Judi

Oh Snickerdoodle!

Last Friday, I woke up with a head cold...just in time to head to G's for the cookie bake. My head hurts, my eyes hurt, my body hurts, and I have not had much of an appetite. I am starting to feel better but some of it still lingers. I honestly don't get sick often. Yet, I have now been sick twice in the matter of a month (except that the last time was the flu...nasty fever, chills/sweats, and the like).

oh snickerdoodle!

Anyway, I just haven't had the desire to eat the cookies that I baked on Sunday. That's a good thing! I love my Chocolate Chip and M&M cookies but I just can't get "in to" eating them. Tuesday night, Z and I finished baking the cookies from the dough that I had prepared at G's. Well, I can tell that I am starting to feel better because those Snickerdoodles have been such a temptation to me. I will admit it: I came home from Z's karate tonight and ate 4 cookies with a small glass of milk. You know what happened afterward...that's right: Now, why did I eat them?! One cookie (without milk) would have sufficed. But I chose to eat 4 cookies instead. Urgh! However, I cannot live under the guilt and condemnation. I made a poor choice but it's over. Today is a new day!

On the eating note, I am still working on ideas for breakfast. I want to kick this thing (carb-free eating) off after the new year. I am not doing it as a New Year's Resolution. I have simply chosen that time frame because of the holidays and Z and I will be at G's after Christmas (annual tradition).

Are you ready for Christmas? Do you have all your shopping done? We are almost done. The boys and I will be going shopping for My Love on Saturday and then we are finished. Have I told you that I am notorious for taking small presents and wrapping them in big boxes? Well, you should see the presents under the tree this year!! Lots of disguising going on!! :-)

Blessings!

Judi

I Can Bring Home The Bacon

I absolutely love bacon...love it, love it, love it (especially Smithfield Thick-Cut Bacon). But, while I love bacon, I don't like making it. It is a mess to clean up. I have discovered that the best way (for me) to make bacon is to line a rectangular baking pan with foil and make the bacon in the oven. Yes, it takes longer but there are no splatters and, after letting the fat solidify, I just pull off and throw away the foil...UNTIL NOW, that is.

yummy bacon

Yesterday, I found a timer saver while at Sam's Club. They carry Hormel Black Label Fully Cooked Bacon. This is a resealable 72 count package of pre-cooked bacon. Open it up, take out the number of slices desired, zip it shut, and put it back in the refrigerator! Now, pop it in the microwave or do as I did this morning and place the slices in the skillet for 30-60 seconds after scrambling eggs. Voila! Already, I can see how this will help me in preparing breakfast meals on the fly during the week. Yippee!

What good protein-filled breakfasts meals do you have during the week? I'd love for you to share some of your ideas.

Blessings!

Judi

2011 Annual Cookie Bake

There was a lot of hustle and bustle in the kitchen today (well, technically, yesterday). I was the first to get all of my cookies assembled; HOWEVER, I never baked any of my cookies. I realized that I had forgotten my mixing bowls and I had to borrow G's mixing bowls. So, I went ahead and threw my cookies together and put the dough in containers. It was so cold up here that I was able to store the dough in the garage since the refrigerator was so full. Well, guess what? I never baked my cookies. It was just so busy in the kitchen that I decided to wait to bake my cookies when I get home.

I know what you are thinking:  did I eat any cookies? Well, yes I did. I tasted several kinds. They were good but I can definitely tell that I don't have as much of a craving for those kinds of sweets. That's a good thing! PTL!!

my cookies

Tomorrow (aka today) starts a new day. His mercies are new every morning. I just love that scripture. I will blog more once I am back home.

Blessings!

Judi

Recovering from a Hard Week with Technology

This has been quite the week. Remember my post from the other day stating that I had to work late. Well, it has taken me all week to recover from the problems that night. Plus, there were other obligations in my schedule. So, no posts.

baking

As I typing this post, I am sitting in my sister's living room while everyone else is sleeping. You see, tomorrow is our annual cookie bake and we all came up to G's place this year (about an hour and half from my home). We started this tradition years ago with my mom, my two sisters, and I. It was always meant as an adult time of fellowship and fun; although, there have been a few years when our young kids have had to be with us. Now, it has expanded to include nieces who have become adults. (This year has a special guest: my niece who lives in Germany with her husband and my first great-nephew.) We just love the time together!

So, I know what you are thinking: how does this fit into my victory over gluttony? To be quite honest, I really don't feel like baking the cookies. I just don't want them at the house. But it is tradition and My Love and sons have asked for some. This really will be a test, huh? Pray for me! :-)

Well, I better get some sleep. Tomorrow is a busy day!

Blessings!

Judi

Working Late with Technology

Please accept my apologies that I did not post yesterday.

working late

It was a busy and stressful day. I put in 16 hours at work replacing network equipment and we ran into problems. Needless to say, I was tired and not up to writing a post at 11:00 PM.

Blessings!

Judi

Let's Start at the Very Beginning

It is time to get started with the changes. Well, let me back up a bit.

oh sugar!

In my introduction, I mentioned the medical conditions that I have: two of which are diabetes and candida neither of which these are fun to deal with (but then again are any medical conditions but pregnancy fun?). The diabetes (high sugar levels) feeds the candida and the candida (overgrowth of yeast/fungi which causes cravings) feeds the diabetes. In my case, the candida seems to be causing more issues than the diabetes itself. So, I feel that I need to respond to the candida first (which will inadvertantly also reflect on the diabetes). So, I did some research on alternative ways of dealing with the candida. I have found that one method of ridding the body of candida is to starve it (the candida, not the body). If the food that candida eats is not available, then it will eventually die. What food does candida eat, you may ask? Well, sugar/carbohydrates of course! Therefore, I must rid my body of sugar for at least 6 months. After reading that information, the great debate ensued in my head: Wait a minute...I am diabetic. How can I cut out sugar and carbohydrates? Eventually, I decided to stop debating with myself and I went to see my Doctor. I told him about the research that I had done and I asked whether or not it was permittable (and safe) for me, as a diabetic, to cut out all carbohydrates. He replied, "Absolutely!" He told me that it was a very good idea and that my body should respond well.

eggs and bacon, anyone?

OK, that's great I thought. But then came my next question. What do I eat for breakfast if I cannot have carbohydrates? So, I asked. He asked if I like eggs and bacon. (Oh do I?!) Next question...aren't they high in fat? He said that something happens to the body when it is starved of carbohydrates. It actually handles the fat content much better. I left his office elated and flying high! I wished that I would have ridden that high and started right away with the changes. Unfortunately, other situations in my life prohibited me from starting right away. So, let's start back at the very beginning with a change in eating.

The first order of business is to discover breakfast ideas. I have to avoid fruits, breads, milk/yogurt products, and, of course, pasta, rice, and snack foods. I am also supposed to avoid cheeses but that's a hard one. I think most people do not realize how many carbohydrates are in various foods. I love apples (especially red delicious apples) and, while they are high in fiber, they are also high in carbohydrates. You see, I am only supposed to have 2-3 carb servings (or 30-45 grams) of carbohydrates per meal and 1 carb serving (or 15 grams) of carbohydrates per snack. The large red delicious apples being sold in the stores today have 45-60 grams of carbohydrates. A slice of bread can have between 11 and 20 grams of carbohydrates (even wheat bread). Yes, even yogurt has 20-28 grams of carbohydrates.

I already have a few breakfast ideas (see below). If you have any suggestions, please leave a comment.

BREAKFAST IDEAS

• Scrambled eggs (mixed with a little water or whipped egg whites)
• Scrambled eggs with salsa
• Egg bake with fresh veggies, ham and/or bacon
• Omelette with a side of bacon
• Cottage cheese with crumbled bacon bits
• Cottage cheese with sunflower kernels
• Grilled tomato with canadian bacon and dippy egg

These are just a few to start. Now, to find the time to make breakfast before leaving for work at 6 AM!

I would love to hear your feedback.

Blessings!

Judi

Is it worth it?

Our weekend was fabulous! My Love and I spent quality time together, got most of the Christmas shopping finished, and enjoyed some delicious food. However, even though I did not go overboard on eating (aside from maybe our dinner meals), I ended up suffering for the food that I did eat. Unfortunately, I ended up with attacks of GERD both nights and I did not sleep well.


is it worth it?


So I ask myself, "Is it really worth it to eat that delicious food? Could I have enjoyed my meals and still made better choices?" I know that the answer to that question is Yes! In fact, I did make better choices for breakfast yesterday morning. I had a low-carb breakfast and it was still delicious.

I encourage you to ask yourself, "Is it worth it?" the next time that you decide to partake in some type of food or drink that you know could cause you issues afterward.




Blessings!

Judi

No One Will Ever Know

being sneaky

Have you ever felt like you could secretively do something and no one will ever know about it? I have told myself that lie many times. Perhaps the act will be hidden for a period of time. Eventually, it will be brought to light in one way or another.

This makes me reminisce of the time when My Love questioned our oldest son C (who was about 3 years old at the time) if he had gotten into the chocolate candy that was just recently purchased. C denied that he had anything to do with the missing candy. My Love asked him several times if he knew what happened to the candy. C insisted that he was not involved at all and had no idea. Well, let's just say that we knew that he was the culprit because the chocolate was smeared all over his face. :-)

I believe that, to a certain extent, I have been "sneaky" with food. There are times when I will grab something to eat and then head to another room to eat it quickly before anyone sees me. I know that this is wrong and I know that the sickening feeling that I get afterward is because it is wrong and deceitful.

God is omnipresent (all-knowing). He is everywhere and sees everything. In addition, the Bible has references to the fact that those things that are done in secret will be revealed (Ecclesiastes 12:14 and Luke 12:2). He knows everytime I "sneak" food. He knows before I even sneak it. I do find myself asking for a lot of forgiveness. Thank God that He always gives it!

Well, I am admitting right now that I know that I will eat some things this weekend that I shouldn't. You see...I am about ready to leave on a romantic getaway with My Love. For years, we have gone away for a weekend at the beginning of December. Our anniversary is right around Christmas. So, not only do we celebrate our years together, we also get lots of Christmas shopping done.

I will be back on Monday ready to start this quest of mine. I hope that you will check in with me again.

Blessings!

Judi

Let's Get Real (and an Introduction)

hiding from the truth

Hello and welcome to my blog! I am starting this blog as a means of chronicling my battle and, more importantly, my victory over food. I would not say that I am a food addict but I do use food as a means of comfort and in times of boredom. Of course, neither of these are good reasons for eating and they are unhealthy habits; hence, the blog name reference to gluttony. Unfortunately, my unhealthy eating habits have now led to medical problems.

After the birth of my first son, I put on weight. I gained 70 pounds (only 25 of which was a result of my pregnancy). Using various weight loss methods, I was able to lose most of the weight by 1999...just in time for my second pregnancy. At 7 months of pregnancy, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes. The gestational diabetes went away with the birth of my second son. I was told that I needed to lose the remaining weight (through healthy eating and exercise) as I was at a high risk for developing diabetes within 5 years. I ignored this warning and ate as I pleased because I wanted to eat what I wanted to eat when I wanted to eat it. I put back on 40 pounds.

Then in 2004, suspecting that I had diabetes, I braved the dreaded doctor visit. It was confirmed that I had in fact developed diabetes. I blamed myself for it. I had failed at my minute attempts to develop a healthy lifestyle. I had not taken my health or this impending medical condition seriously. I let it go and I was reaping the consequences of my poor choices. Now, the diabetes in and of itself has caused additional problems such as GERD, rosacea, eczema, high cholesterol, and a severe over-growth of yeast in my body (called candida) which comes with its own complications. Admitting that I have these conditions is a big move for me because I would rather hide these realities by putting my head in the sand. I would rather not share this truth with anyone. It is an embarrassment to me.

I have decided that I can't live this way any longer. It is time for change. I am taking a step of faith by admitting my medical conditions and by documenting my victory over them.

I hope that you will join me in this quest and even give your input along the way.

Blessings!

Judi