Reminders

There is no greater reminder of all we have been blessed with than being told to write about yourself to a child who is in need!

 When it comes to material things in life, I have never been one to take what I have for granted. Sure, I have many friends, family and people I know in general that have much more than us, but rarely have I considered thinking "poor me". And, on the occasion that I do, it doesn't take much to remind myself. I don't dismiss the fact that I also know there are those who have much less than us. But, when you are put in a position of telling a child in poverty about your life, it makes you second guess why you have collected your goods no matter how many or how expensive they are, and I can't help but wonder how will this make her feel? My heart says "yay, Lori…you are helping someone not only with things, but also with loving words and prayer" while also saying "wow, Lori…what took you so long and how many more are you going to help?" As uncomfortable as it may seem to start this letter, I am thankful for that uncomfortable-ness. I am thankful for that reminder.

 

Maria….she is the same exact age as Sydney. I compare their lives. Not to try and feel bad or guilty, but to open my eyes to another world. There are so many people out there who need help. They need food, education, guidance, love. It is so easy to get lost in the everyday life, isn't it? It's like when someone dies too soon and you tell yourself to live life to its fullest because you don't know when your time will be up. So, you live that way for a few days, maybe even a few weeks, but then get back into your routine. I don't want to do that anymore. I want to be reminded of those who need. Those who truly need, young and old. I want to have them on my mind and heart 24/7. Those who need money or food, but also those who need a shoulder to cry on, those who need an ear to hear, those who need to know there is Someone so much greater than us that they can turn to who loves them. I don't want to think of them 24/7 to be discouraged, but to be prayerful and hopeful for them when they can't on their own.

 

Reminders….I love them. I need them.

Weighing in....

A few people have asked how my challenge was. Some people wondered what I was doing, but could tell it was some sort of "diet". I have been wanting to add to my pathetically short blog collection, so what better way than this? Here it is!

 This past week, Jeff and I wrapped up an Advocare 24 day Challenge. This included a 10 day cleanse at the beginning, and then healthy eating…or what I refer to as a diet even tho they don't, HA!....during the last half. I lost 7 lbs. and 3.5 inches total. Not bad for 24 days, but I had wished to do a little better. However, as unfortunate as it is…I am aging. EEK! Losing weight isn't as easy as before, especially that problem tummy area. Am I right girls? Anyway, I digress. No, I didn't lose what I had dreamed of so I could look spectacular in that swimsuit next week. BUT….it is awesome to know that we actually LIKE to eat healthier!

So many of my friends are really into studying food, and the chemicals etc. that are in them. Me, not so much. Yeah, I know there is a lot of garbage out there, but I am all about the quick meal and I am pretty sure those are "loaded" with the bad stuff. My motto is moderation. Will I ever completely stop eating the junk? Nope. But, I will definitely note the portions and how often I eat it. I have learned that I like a baked sweet potato here and there. I don't have to have all the butter and coating on my piece of chicken. I LOVE ground turkey! I LOVE brown rice (once I figured out how to make it with some taste). These are things I probably would have never attempted to make if I hadn't been "forced" to do it! Who knew I would like to eat apples every day. I even had a few other fruits, which is very unusual. What is the best is that Sydney liked it all too (well, not the sweet potato). She has always been a fruit and veggie girl if we have it here, but we added everything else and ALL enjoyed it. 

So, my summary. SO GLAD we did this. I would definitely recommend it, or some sort of cleanse. Even if you may not lose a lot in measurements, you will feel so much better. Will we eat cheesy, fattening pizza again? Of course…we already have. *Note, I enjoyed every bit of it, but my portion was less than 1/2 of what I would have eaten 30 days ago! MODERATION! I will for sure be making some yummy healthy meals too. Food that is good for you CAN taste good!
 
And, if you are one of those people who say you would never make it….I give you the statement I never believe when I hear it but it is SO TRUE! If I can do it….YOU CAN do it!