Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Staying Connected

One of the things that gets put on the back burner so often for me is the need to stay connected with other parents/families. Fortunately, we had a family outing activity planned the first of November that allowed members and guests the opportunity to fellowship and connect with each other. We had a super time and spent around 4 hours enjoying the outdoors, children, and visiting with other parents. There was lots of fun and laughter and I even had some sore muscles the next day. One of the most enjoyable (but strenuous) activities was the boys versus the girls in tug of war (and if my memory serves me, the girls won the best 4 out of 7 tries- with a little help). Sometimes staying connected takes some extra effort but it sure is worth it!

Please join us anytime and keep yourself connected!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Thanksgiving Diet

My doctor put me on a diet. Something about my cholesterol level reaching stratospheric levels. So I have become a devout reader of ingredient labels. I am supposed to avoid high levels of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and taste. So far, I’ve been successful in my quest. My levels are down to a physician pleasing number, at least until they readjust the recommendations again.
In all, the process hasn’t been all that bad. There are only a few foods that I really miss. Actually, only one. French fries. So far, I’ve found nothing that comes close to the taste of a french fry that doesn’t have a month’s worth of fat in each bite. That hasn’t made me stop wanting them. I feel like one of Pavlov’s dogs every time I pass by a McDonald’s. Come to think of it, I’m salivating right now.
I have learned something, though. If I can become this enamored by a fried underground vegetable, how much more should I desire to glorify Christ? If my doctor stops hounding me, don’t stand between me and the nearest deep fryer. Why can’t I have that same longing for serving the Lord? I should. That’s my Thanksgiving prayer. As we give thanks this year for God’s blessing, with every pecan pie I pass, I’m going to remind myself of what the Savior gave up for me. Suddenly that piece of pie seems really insignificant.

2 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.