FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"You who may be momentarily disheartened, remember, life is not meant to be easy. Trials must be borne and grief endured along the way. As you remember that 'with God all things are possible,' know that He is your Father. You are a son or daughter created in His image, entitled through your worthiness to receive revelation to help with your righteous endeavors. You may take upon you the holy name of the Lord. . . It matters not that giants of tribulation torment you. Your prayerful access to help is just as real as when David battled his Goliath." (Russell M. Nelson, Perfection Pending, Deseret Book, 1998, p. 112).

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Summer Macaroni Salad (from Weight Watchers 20 Mintues Cookbook)

Points Value: 3
Serving Size: 1/2 cup

1 1/2 c. uncooked medium elbow macaroni
1/2 c. reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 c. light mayonnaise
1/2 c. frozen petite green peas, thawed
1/2 c. diced reduced fat ham
1/4 c. sliced green onions
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and oil. Drain. Rinse with cold water until cool. Drain.

Combine pasta, cheese, and remaining ingredients in a large bowl, tossing to coat. Serve immediately, or cover and chill until ready to serve. Makes 9 servings.

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

Alma 7:20, 23-24

"I perceive that it has been made know unto you, by the testimony of his word, that he cannot walk in crooked paths; neither doth he vary from that which he hath said; neither hath he a shadow of turning from the right to the left, or from that which is right to that which is wrong; therefore his course is one eternal round."

If we wish to have the Savior walk with us, by our sides, we must be sure that we ourselves are walking a straight path. If we are traveling a crooked path, he will not be by our sides. So, what can we do, specifically, to ensure that our path is fit for Christ? The answer is in verses 23-24:

"And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto Go for whatsoever things you receive."

"And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works."

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"I don't know how to get anything done except by getting on my knees and pleading for help and then getting on my feet and going to work." --Gordon B. Hinckley

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Strawberry Compote (from http://www.recipezaar.com/)

Points value: 0-1

4 cups strawberries, diced
4 tsp. cinnamon
8 T. water
Splenda or sugar, to taste

In a pot, mash strawberries. Pour in water. Turn on medium heat. Mix in Splenda or sugar and cinnamon. Keep heated for 3-5 minutes. Serve over whole grain pancakes, waffles, or light or sugar-free ice cream. Points value depends on whether using Splenda or sugar. Serves 4.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"President and Sister Hinckley did not waste time pondering the past or fretting about the future. And they always persevered in spite of adversity."

"While they were traveling from a chapel to an airport in Central America, their vehicle was involved in an accident. Sister Nelson and I were traveling behind them and saw it occur. A truck loaded on top with unsecured metal rods approached them at an intersection. To avoid a collision, its driver suddenly stopped the truck--inadvertantly launching those iron rods like javelins and piercing the Hinckley's car. Windows were smashed; fenders and doors were dented. The accident could have been very serious. While shattered glass was being removed from their clothing and skin, President Hinckley said: "Thank the Lord for His blessing; now let's continue on in a new car." (Russell M. Nelson, Perfection Pending, Deseret Book, 1998, p. 15)

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

As I mentioned in yesterday's quote, I did have a difficult week. One thing I am learning on this journey to better health, is how important it is to learn from mistakes, then maintain an attitude of optimism, always moving forward quickly. At the end of the posts when I describe a struggle I've had, you may notice that I always write the words, "Lesson learned, and on we go. . . "

Here's why: I know that Satan's number one tool for women in the church is discouragement. Think about it. As wives and mothers, we are absolutely the key to the church's future. Our influence surpasses even our own understanding. We cannot have even an inkling of the power we possess as nurturers, teachers, and examples to those around us. So Satan bombards us with feelings of doubt, inadequacy, and self-contempt. And here's the thing: all too often, it works. How many times have you looked at yourself in the mirror, absolutely disgusted with the way your body looks? How many times have you spoken unkind things to yourself? These are things we would never dream of saying to another person, yet they tend to become so natural we don't even realize we are doing it. These negative thoughts truly poison our minds, and can create a new and unfortunate reality in our lives.

I want to urge each of you to try to be a little kinder, a little gentler with yourselves this week. Make a list of all your strengths. Read your patriarchal blessing. Make a conscious effort to speak kindly to yourself, and to forgive yourself for mistakes you make. Learning to be kinder will allow your motivation to lose weight last longer, and will also allow you to maintain a positive attitude. Let's not just travel this road to weight-loss because it's something we SHOULD do or HAVE to do, let's do it because it CAN and WILL bring us true joy in our lives.

And above all, remember that we do NOT have to do this alone. Our Savior is there for us, and longs to help us reach our goals, both spiritual and temporal. Are we fully inviting Him into our hearts? Are we doing the things each day that will bring us closer to Him? I know we can do this! I know that each time I become discouraged, I can look up! Lesson learned, and on we go!

WEIGH-IN RESULTS

I weighed exactly the same tonight. Whew! I'm actually pretty relieved because I was almost positive that I'd gained. I did a lot of, um. . . repenting this week. I did have sort of a bumpy Memorial Day weekend despite all my good intentions. Why, oh why, does my husband have to make the BEST sourdough pancakes ever?! Then there were the chocolate chip cookies that were part of my object lesson for YW. Oh, and the Drumstick ice cream. But mostly those incredible pancakes. But come Tuesday, I realized I had gained, so I GOT MOVING! I went for a long walk to the cemetary on Monday, played catch with my hubby that night, walked all over the world yesterday, and then walked about an hour and a half today. Imagine my relief when I managed to squeak out an even steven. I am making a goal to never have to lose the same pound twice. This week, I'm going to make my exercise COUNT for something. Lesson learned, and on we go. . .

FOOD FOR THOUGHT (submitted by Nicole)

Here's a link that you might find interesting: http://www.ksl.com/?nid=649&sid=6618443
Apparently, others are turning to God in their weight-loss attempts too! Thanks Nicole for the tip!

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Sweet and Spicy Roasted Corn (from allrecipes.com)

Points value: 3
Serving size: 1 ear of corn

6 large ears sweet corn in husks
2 tablespoons canola oil spread or butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Carefully peel back corn husks to within 1 inch of bottom; remove silk. Rewrap corn in husks and secure with kitchen string. Soak corn in cold water for 1 hour.

Coat grill rack with nonstick cooking spray before starting the grill. Grill corn, covered, over medium heat for 25-30 minutes or until tender, turning occasionally. Remove string before serving.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter. Add garlic, brown sugar, red pepper flakes and chili powder. Serve with grilled corn.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

" Life has no pause button! Dreams have no expiration date! Time has no holiday!" --author unknown

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Kevin's Teriyaki Chicken (from allrecipes.com)

Points value: 5

1/2 cups pineapple juice
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

In a large bowl, mix together pineapple juice, soy sauce, ginger, garlic powder, and white pepper. Reserve a small amount of the sauce for dipping later. Place chicken in marinade and add enough water to cover. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours.

Heat an outdoor grill on medium-high heat. Brush grate lightly with oil. Grill chicken 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Chicken is done when no longer pink inside and juices run clear. Serves 4.

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

As most of my blog followers already have figured out, I am currently a member of Weight Watchers. One of the things we learn in WW is that there are "filling foods," foods which naturally have a way of giving you long-term satisfaction and a sense of being full. These foods include things like fruit, vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy, lean protein, etc. When I eat these foods, my cravings are tempered and I truly do feel more satisfied, and much healthier. My energy levels go up, and my weight goes down. In contrast, when I eat junkie foods, I keep wanting more and more, my energy drops, and I find myself constantly eating in an attempt to fill myself.

Then today I read the following passage in 3 Nephi 12:6: "And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost. So, there are "filling foods" doctrinally speaking too! These might include: scripture study, daily prayer, fasting, serving others, attending the temple, attending our church meetings, listening to Conference, keeping the commandments, etc. When we participate in these wholesome activities, we are keeping our spirits full, minimizing our "cravings" for the world's solutions, which inevitably will leave us hungering for more.

As James E. Faust taught, we need to have daily, "conscious contact" with God. He said: "Some time ago in South America, a seasoned group of outstanding missionaries was asked, 'What is the greatest need in the world?' One wisely responded, 'Is not the greatest need in all the world for every person to have a personal, ongoing, daily, continuing relationship with Deity?" Having such a relationship can unchain the divinity within us, and nothing can make a greater difference in our lives as we come to know and understand our divine relationship with God and His Beloved Son, our Master. As Jesus said in the great Intercessory Prayer, 'This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.' (John 17:3)

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Slow Cooker Mixed-Bean Italian Soup (from Better Homes and Garden's Biggest Book of Slow Cooker Recipes)

Points Value: 5

1 c. dry Great Northern beans
1 c. dry red beans or pinto beans
4 c. water
1 medium onion, chopped
2 T. instant beef bouillon granules
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning, crushed
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 (28-oz.) can tomatoes, cut up
1 (9-oz.) package frozen Italian green beans or cut-up green beans

Rinse dry beans. in a Dutch oven combine rinsed beans and 5 cups cold water. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse beans.

In a 3 1/2- to 6-qt. slow cooker combine beans, 4 cups water, onion, bouillon, garlic, Italian seasoning, and pepper.

Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 11-12 hours or on high-heat setting for 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 hours or until beans are almost tender. If using low, turn to high. Stir undrained tomatoes and thawedd green beans into soup. Cover and cook about 30 minutes more or until beans are tender. Serve with whole wheat rolls and salad. Makes 6 servings. Points value is 5.

(Calories 290, Fat 2 grams, Fiber 12)

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

Exploring the Good Stuff in 2 Nephi 4

vs. 18 "I am ENCOMPASSED about because of the TEMPTATIONS which do so EASILY BESET me."

vs. 19 "And when I do DESIRE to REJOICE, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have TRUSTED."

vs. 20 "My GOD hath been my SUPPORT; he hath LED me through mine afflictions in the WILDERNESS; and he hath PRESERVED me upon the waters of the great deep."

vs. 21 "He hath FILLED ME with his LOVE, even unto the consuming of my flesh."

vs. 23 "Behold he hath HEARD my CRY by day, and he hath given me KNOWLEDGE by visions in the nighttime."

vs. 24 "And by day, have I waxed bold in mighty PRAYER before him. . . and ANGELS came down and MINISTERED unto me."

vs. 28 "AWAKE my soul! No longer DROOP in sin. REJOICE, oh my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.

vs. 34 "O Lord, I have TRUSTED in thee and I will TRUST in thee FOREVER."

vs. 35 "Yea, I KNOW that God will give LIBERALLY to him that ASKETH. . . Behold, my voice shall FOREVER ASCEND up unto thee. . . "

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Slow-Cooker Eggplant and Tomato Sauce with Pasta (from AllYou magazine)

1 (28-oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 (6-oz.) can tomato paste
1/2 c. water
1 medium eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp. dried oregano
salt
1 lb. fusilli or other curly pasta

Combine tomatoes, tomato paste, water, eggplant, onion, garlic, oregano and 1/2 tsp. salt in slow cooker and cook on low until eggplant is soft and sauce is thick, 5 to 7 hours.

Just before sauce is done, bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain pasta, toss with sauce and serve. Serves 6. Points value per serving is 7.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

President Benson said that we must be "convinced that Jesus is the Christ, choose to follow Him, be changed for Him, captained by Him, consumed in Him and born again." (First Presidency Message, Ensign, July 19889, pg. 5; emphasis added)

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." --Marianne Williamson

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"Possessing this ultimate trust for God allows us not only to bow stoically beneath 'the lash' of this life's trials and mistakes, but to actually feel grateful for the lessons learned. By learning the lessons that our trials and mistakes have to teach us, these sad experiences are actually converted to our good." --Colleen Harrison (He Did Deliver Me from Bondage, Windhaven Publishing, 2002, p. 50)

see D&C 122:7

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Lemony Green Beans Amandine (from Weight Watchers 20 Minute Cookbook)

1 (12 oz.) package green beans (fresh, not frozen)
1 T. butter
2 T. sliced almonds
2 T. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper

Pierce green bean bag with a fork; microwave at HIGH 4 to 5 minutes or until tender. Let stand 1 minute. While green beans cook, melt butter in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat; add almonds. Cook 1 to 2 minutes or until almonds are lightly browned. Add beans and lemon juice to butter mixture in pan; toss gently. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Makes four servings. Each serving is 1 point.

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

Mosiah 24:14-15

"And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that, I the Lord, do visit my people in their afflictions."

". . . and the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."

I love, love, LOVE these verses! They are jam-packed with hope, don't you think? Yes, we have burdens. Yes, we are weak. But Heavenly Father has a plan for us. He gives us weaknesses to make us humble. He gives us weaknesses, then succors us so we can turn around and stand as a witness of His love and power to heal. It is entirely possible to be in bondage and have Him strengthen us, even to the point that we are able to move forward with power and direction. We can truly learn to submit to our lives' hardships and trials with a cheerful attitude and with patience. I am still learning how to make these promises possible in my life, and I must admit that at times, it seems that my faith is insufficient, but I do know this: if God promises something, it is POSSIBLE! I know He can bless me with more patience. I know that I CAN learn to have a better attitude. And I know that through these changes of heart, I truly can be healed.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

" Fear is a habit; so is self-pity, defeat, anxiety, despair, hopelessness and resignation. You can eliminate all of these negative habits with two simple resolves: I can!! and I will!!" --author unknown

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Cucumber-Yogurt Dip (from Weight Watchers 20 Minutes Cookbook)

1 cup grated, seeded, peeled cucmber (about 1 medium)
1 c. fat-free plain yogurt
1 (8-oz.) carton reduced-fat sour cream
2 T. chopped fresh dill
1 garlic clove, minced
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper

Press cucumber between paper towels until barely moist. Combine all ingredients in small bowl. Serve immediately, or cover and stoe in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Points value per 2 T. serving is 1.)

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Berry Breakfast Shake

2 c. frozen blackberry, blueberry, and raspberry mix
2 (6 oz.) cartons vanilla low-fat yogurt
1 small banana
1/2 c. fat-free milk
2 T. toasted wheat germ
1 T. honey

Place all ingredients in a blender; process until smooth. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings. Points per serving is 4.

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

2 Nephi 9:50-51

"Come, my brethren, every one that thirsteth, come to the waters; and he that hath no money, come buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price."

"Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel; and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness."

I know, your're probably laughing to yourself right now, thinking "Aha! The Lord delights in fatness!" I admit this has always been one of my favorites for silly reasons, but today I wanted to bring out the true meaning of the scripture. First of all the scripture discusses the need of all of us to come and drink of living water, and to come and eat without need of money. This is meant as an invitation to come unto Christ, and gain spiritual nourishment from His good word. Then we are cautioned to put our priorities here on Earth in the correct order, and our energy towards only those things that will bring us eternal satisfaction.

Next, we're instructed to feast upon those things that do not perish. His word is everlasting and unchangeable. In other words, unlike any food that we could ever take into our physical body, it will never go bad. As we feast upon cookies, cake, potato chips, hamburgers, etc., it is no secret that our body will become fat, which we probably would view as unfavorable. But here, we learn that as we feast upon the Word of God, our spirits become fat with wisdom, knowledge, respect for deity, and gratitude. Thus the Lord's statement, ". . . let your soul delight in fatness."

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Here it comes. . . Memorial Day! The start of all our summertime dieting woes, right? Wrong! There are ways to take Memorial Day back and change the way we think of our holiday traditions. Here are some suggestions to help keep you on track this weekend:

1. Volunteer to be in charge of the meal this year. Or, if you can't, volunteer to be the one who brings the potato salad, chips or whatever so you're in control with how it is prepared. Or, even if you're not asked to, you could bring a veggie tray or extra salad, just to make sure there will be something good to eat. This year I am asking to do our family BBQ "bring-your-own-meat" style, so I can bring my chicken and the kids' fat-free hot dogs. Everyone else can do what they want. I am also in charge of the salad (see the broccoli salad recipe below) and the brownies which will be prepared from a low-fat Betty Crocker mix, cutting the points value in half.

2. Think about what you're probably going to have for dinner and plan ahead. For example, if I know that I'm really going to want some of Aunt Edna's famous potato salad, I need to weigh my options accordingly. Do I want to spend all my points on a heaping helping, or should I just have a quarter cup, then fill up on healthier options? Do I want to use all of my weekly points at one meal, or would I rather spend some later on in the week? Remember that there's no right or wrong way to do it, as long as you stay within your points. (To learn more about points, go to www.weightwatchers.com).

3. Make a new activity tradition so the holiday isn't just about the food anymore. We will be doing a family badminton tournament this year. You could go on a family hike, fly kites, have a water fight, have a relay race, play basketball, go for a bike ride, plant a garden, WHATEVER! These traditions will make memories that last a lifetime. Here is a list of family activities and the calories you can burn doing them:

(based on 30 minutes of activity)

Football - playing catch 74
Frisbee playing- 90
Bowling-90
Bicycling - leisure 117
Walking 3 mph 129
Washing car 133
Basketball - shooting baskets 133
Garden- 160
Hiking- 176
Golf - carry clubs 179
Soccer or basketball casual 207*

Based on a 130 lb. woman from Health Status. (Good news! The more you weigh, the more calories you burn!)

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Summer Broccoli Salad (from Weight Watcher's 20 Minutes Cookbook)

4 center cut bacon slices
1/3 c. light mayonnaise
2 T. plain fat free yogurt
1 tsp. sugar
2 tsp. cider vinegar
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
4 c. chopped broccoli
1/2 c. finely chopped red onion
1/2 c. Craisins
2 T. toasted, chopped pecans

Cook bacon in large nonstick skillet over medium heat, until crisp. Remove bacon from pan; crumble and set aside. Combine mayonnaise and next five ingredients in a bowl. Add broccoli, onion, and raisins; toss to coat. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Sprinkle with bacon and pecans before serving.

Serving size 3/4 c. Points value 3.

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

This morning, I have been reading in 1Nephi Chapter 17. I love this part of Nephi's story and kept thinking that it really can be applied directly to any task that we are undertaking in life. This is where after tarrying in the wilderness for many years, Nephi's family is finally led to the land Bountiful. Imagine their excitement, when they finally find a place that is flowing with milk and honey, right there on the edge of the sea. I can imagine their children, running on the beach and playing in the cool water, and their wives laughing together as they prepare the first real feast in years. Just as they were all starting to relax into this glorious new life, Nephi is told by God to go up to the mountain, (our mountain is the temple) where he receives direction from the Lord, that he should build a boat which will be used to cross the waters.

"Thou shalt construct a ship, after the manner which I shall show thee. . . "

As you can imagine, this news was not received well by his older brothers, who 1)probably really didn't want to do anymore traveling, and 2)thought that Nephi was crazy for thinking that he could build a boat at all.

But Nephi's faith was pure. He wanted to do this thing the Lord's way, not man's way. He rolled up his sleeves and asked the Lord how to build the tools first. Then after the tools were made, he commenced in building the ship, paying no attention to his brothers who mocked him all along.

How many times have we felt that losing weight was such a monumental task, and felt so easily overwhelmed when we thought of the BIG number. I have a big number. In order to get within my healthy weight range, I must lose another 75 pounds. I must admit that at times, that number really shakes my confidence, and sometimes I really feel that it will be impossible. But you'll notice that in Nephi's account, he didn't ask how to build the ship, he asked how to build the tools. He took that first, small step. And did the Lord guide Him and teach him throughout the entire process? Yes. I'm sure that the construction of the ship wasn't easy and that it took a very long time. But the Lord surely magnified Nephi's own abilities, allowing him to accomplish something truly remarkable.

So let's ask the Lord what His plan for is for our losing weight. What is that first step? What are the tools that will help us to build this new body, which is truly a vessel that will carry us to the Promised Land?

Here is the lesson for all of us. If we show faith, the Lord will help us do hard things. And another lesson from this story. . . sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zone. We need to get off the beach sometimes and into the boat. Because the boat is how we'll get to the real destination. . . the Promised Land.

WEIGH IN RESULTS

Yay! I lost 2.2 pounds this week. I did think it would be more, but two pounds is about what Weight Watchers recommends and I'm thrilled that I seem to be coming down from my four-week plateau. I know that God will continue to magnify my efforts as I continue to work hard and have faith. Thanks everyone for your support!

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Texas Caviar

2 T. chopped cilantro
3 T. red wine vinegar
2 T. vegetable oil
2 T. hot sauce
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp. salt
2 (15.8 oz.) cans black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1 1/3 c. diced red onion
1 c. diced seeded tomato
1 c. diced green bell pepper

Combine first 6 ingredients in a large bowl; stir well with a whisk. Add black-eyed peas and next 3 ingredients; toss gently to coat. Points value is 1 point per 1/4 c. This is great with baked tortilla chips, over chicken or just eaten as a salad.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Here's a really great resource for those who may be dealing with a food addiction: The book He Did Deliver Me from Bondage, by Colleen C. Harrison focuses on "using the Book of Mormon and the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ as they correlate with the Twelve-Step Program to Overcome Compulsive/Addictive Behavior."

Colleen's book is full of life-changing scriptures, quotes, personal experiences, as well as assignments that will help you understand your addiction to food and overcome it using the powerful message of the Atonement as found in the Book of Mormon.

You can also visit the accompanying website, http://www.heart-t-heart.org/ to find additional help and support, chat rooms, online meetings and other useful information about this recovery program, which is now being used by the LDS church.

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

"When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord [must] govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities." (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign May 1988, p. 4)

"Before our hearts and lives can change, we must be willing to change our level of effort--we must become willing to go to any length. If we're not willing, there's nothing God can do for us. . ." (Colleen C. Harrison, He Did Deliver Me from Bondage, Windhaven Publishing, 2002, p. 11)

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Peachy Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 T. peach or apricot preserves
1 small can peaches in light syrup
Italian seasoning

Place each chicken breast in the center of a large sheet of heavy duty aluminum foil. Spoon about 1 T. of preserves onto each breast. Top each breast with two or three peach halves or quarters. Sprinkle each breast with about 1/8 tsp Italian seasoning. (Go easy on the seasoning!) Fold each packet securely and place on a large baking sheet. Bake for about 1 hour at 350* or until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear. Serve with brown rice and tossed salad. Each packet is worth 4 or 5 points, depending on size or breast and amount of peaches.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"All of our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." --Walt Disney

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

Luke 13:11-13

"And, behold there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no ways lift up herself."

"And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art losed from thine infirmity."

"And he laid his hands on her; and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God."

Wow! When I read this passage, I was touched in so many ways. First of all, this woman had been struggling for so long, not just with her physical condition (not unlike obesity), but undoubtedly on an emotional plane as well. Not only could her poor body not straighten, but I'm sure that at times, her tired spirit "could in no wise lift itself." While I may not be able to relate with her specific condition, I certainly have been to that dark place a time or two, where it was all I could do to simply get out of bed and face another day of being overweight.

Then listen to this part: the moment Christ touched her, she was healed. The very moment. Instantly. Lucky her, right? How would it be to actually have the Savior physically touch us? WRONG! I think that for us, this scripture goes much deeper than that. For us, from that moment when we will fully and faithfully turn our pain over to His capable and healing hands, and submit ourselves to His conditions, we too will be healed. The very moment. Powerful stuff!

For me though, the most important part of the story is found in the last three words: ". . . then glorified God." She recoginized the miracle and promptly glorified her God. Are we aware of the myriad of miracles that happen to us day to day? Do we search them out, then promptly thank God, glorifying His name? Do we write them down so we can remember them and share them with our posterity as a very personal testament of the Savior's love? I know that if we will, miracles will continue to freely flow into our lives, healing our hearts, and blessing us and our loved ones.

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Zucchini Lasagna

1/2 lb. extra lean ground beef
1/3 c. chopped onion
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. basil
1/8 tsp. pepper
4 medium zucchini
1 (8 oz.) carton low fat cottage cheese
1 egg
2 T. flour
1/4 lb. low fat or light mozzarella cheese, shredded

Brown ground meat and onion over medium heat in large skillet. Drain excess fat. Add tomato sauce, salt, oregano, basil and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.

Slice zucchini length-wise into 1/4-inch thick slices. In small bowl, combine cottage cheese and egg. Arrange 1/3 of zucchini in bottom of 8"X12" baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 T. flour. Top with all of cottage cheese mixture and 1/3 of meat mixture. Repeat layers with remaining zucchini and flour. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and remaining meat mixture.

Bake at 375* for 40 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. For a 5" square serving, the points value is 5. Yummy!

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

Alma 37:36-37, 41-42

Somehow, I find that these powerful verses are applicable to anyone who is battling obesity:

"Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and withersoever thou goest, let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea let all the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.

"Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if you do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day."

Then we learn that the liahona which was used by their fathers is a type of the word of Christ, which if faithful, will direct our paths. But the Lord warns us, that if we become unfaithful, marvelous works and miracles in our lives will cease, ". . . and they did not progress in their journey. Therefore, they tarried in the wilderness, or did not travel a direct course, and were afflicted with hunger and thirst, because of their transactions."

So, if we ARE living righteously, and studying the word of God with diligence, we will be lead by His word. He WILL direct our paths. We WILL travel a direct path. Our righteousness can even bless us in a specific way, by taking away the emotional and spiritual hunger that oftentimes beget physical cravings.

And say, we DO have faith in Christ that we can, through Him be guided in our weight loss (or any other trial we may face). He promises us in verse 45 that, ". . . if we follow their course, (the words of Christ) they will carry us beyond this vale of sorrow to a far better land of promise.

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Fresh Asian Chicken Salad
1 small boneless skinless chicken breast half (4 oz.)
1/8 tsp. salt
1/4 cup Kraft Asian Toasted Sesame Dressing, divided
2 cups torn salad greens
1 small navel orange, peeled, sliced
1/2 cup diagonally cut snow peas
1 Tbsp. Planters Slivered Almonds, toasted
1 small carrot, cut into matchsticks

SPRINKLE chicken with salt; brush with 2 tsp. of the dressing.

HEAT nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 2 min. on each side or until browned on both sides. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover. Cook 5 min. or until chicken is cooked through (170ºF), turning occasionally. Slice chicken.

ARRANGE lettuce, oranges, peas, chicken, almonds and carrots on two serving plates. Drizzle with remaining dressing. 4 points per serving.

Nutritional Info: 220 calories, 9 grams fat, 4 grams fiber
*from Kraft Foods

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Grilled Chicken Kabobs (from www.workit-mama.blogspot.com)

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2" pieces
1 green pepper, cut into 1/2" pieces
1 zucchini, cut into 1/2" pieces
1 red onion, cubed
1/2 c. Kraft Light Italian dressing, divided

ARRANGE chicken and veggies alternately on four 10- to 12-inch skewers.

BRUSH with 1/4 cup of the dressing; cover. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight to marinate.

PREHEAT grill to medium heat. Place kabobs on grill. Grill 12 to 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through, turning and brushing occasionally with remaining 1/4 cup dressing.

Points value per serving is 4.

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Patriotic Trifle (from www.workit-mama.blogspot.com)

1 1/2 c. cold fat free milk
1 small pkg. Jell-O Fat Free Sugar Free Instant Vanilla Pudding
1 tub (8 oz.) Cool Whip Lite Whipped Topping
1 angel food cake, cut into 1/2" cubes (about 6 1/2 cups)
2 c. fresh strawberries, sliced
1 c. blueberries

POUR milk into medium bowl. Add dry pudding mix. Beat with wire whisk 2 min. Gently stir in 1-1/2 cups of the whipped topping.

LAYER half each of the cake cubes, strawberries and blueberries in large serving bowl; cover with pudding mixture. Top with layers of the remaining cake cubes, fruit and whipped topping.

REFRIGERATE at least 1 hour before serving. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Serving size 2/3 c. Makes about 16 servings. Points value is 2 points per serving.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

So everyone knows that Subway is good for you right? Well, yes and no. It's certainly a better option than most greasy fast food joints, but keep in mind that you can pretty much go overboard anywhere. The other day I went to Subway and ordered a footlong roasted chicken breast sub on wheat bread with cheese, honey mustard and lots of yummy vegetables. Pretty virtuous, right? Throw in one oatmeal raisin cookie. No chips. No drink. No mayo. So I went home and checked out how many points were in my meal at www.dwlz.com . (I do Weight Watchers). I was astounded to find that my sandwich alone racked up a whopping 14 points. The cookie was another 4.5. Over 18 points just for lunch!

From this experience, I learned that you really should do your research before going out to eat. Also, I learned the importance of portion control. I really probably didn't need a footlong sub. If I had ordered just a six-inch sandwich (even though it's not as good of a deal), the damage would have been significantly less. Lesson learned, and on we go!

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

In Luke 6:38, we read what the Lord promises those who honor their covenants. It states,
". . . and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, . . . running over. . ."

This scripture is so cool to me, because in my mind, I picture a measuring cup being filled with brown sugar. Not only does the Lord fill our cup, but then He squishes it all down, so He can fit even more blessings. Then when there is no more room, He allows the blessings to spill over.

I have seen this principle work in my life. As I look at all I have been given: the gospel, a wonderful husband, four beautiful children, the opportunity to live in a free country, and so many more blessings, I am absolutely overwhelmed. What's even more incredible to me, is the promise of blessings to come, if I continue faithful to my covenants: pure happiness, knowledge, wisdom, mercy, and ultimately, life everlasting. I thank the Lord for my brown sugar blessings!

GIVE AWAY UPDATE

Well, like any woman, I change my mind quite frequently. Instead of giving away "Remembering Wholeness," I will be giving a copy of "No Doubt About It" by Sheri Dew. Again, to be entered into the drawing, just join my blog as a follower by clicking in the right-hand corner. Again, the drawing will be held on June 15. Thanks!

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Taco Chili

1 lb. extra lean ground beef
1 pkt. taco seasoning mix
2 15-oz. cans chunky Mexican-style tomatoes
1 15-oz. can red kidney beans
1 15-oz. can whole kernal corn

In a large skillet, cook ground beef until brown. Drain fat. In a 3 1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker, combine ground beef, taco seasoning, undrained tomatoes, undrained beans, and undrained corn. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 3 hours. Serves 4 to 6. 4 points per serving.

GIVEAWAY!!!

Hey everyone! I'm so glad to seen so much interest in my blog, but I'm still looking for more followers. I will be having a giveaway random drawing on June 15 for a great book, "Remembering Wholeness," by Carol Tuttle. If you haven't heard of the book, click on the link in my sidebar. She's amazing!!! To enter, just click on "Follow Blog" at the top left corner of the screen. If you win, I'll contact you and we'll figure out the details. Thanks again for your interest, your support, and most of all your stories! You're all AWESOME!

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

Thomas S. Monson spoke of one sister who left an idyllic life in East Prussia with her five young children shortly after her husband had been killed at war. She was forced by the government to move her family to West Germany and seek a new home. The journey was over a thousand miles, all of which would be traveled by foot. She took with her only a very small bag of possessions and her faith in God. She gathered subsistence only from the fields along the way. As the temperature began dropping, each day she numbly stumbled across the frozen ground, until one morning she awoke to find her 3-year-old daughters frozen little body. She needed to bury the child but the only tool she had was a small tablespoon. She dug and dug, then gently laid her daughter into the ground. Though overwhelmed with grief, she continued. Weeks later her seven-year-old son died from starvation or freezing. Again her spoon was the only shovel. Next her five-year-old son died, and again she used the spoon.

Her despair, as you can imagine, was all-consuming. She was now left with only one child, a tiny baby girl. Finally as she reached the end of her journey this baby died too. The spoon was gone now, so hour after hour she dug a grave in the frozen earth with her bare fingers. Her grief became unbearable. She had lost her husband and all her children. She had given up earthly goods, her home, and even her homeland.

...How easy it would be for her to give up, to end her own life. As these thoughts assailed her, something within her said, "Get down on your knees and pray." She ignored the prompting until she could not any longer.

"Dear Father, I do not know how I can go on. I have nothing left--except my faith in Thee. I feel, Father...an overwhelming gratitude for the atoning sacrifice of Thy Son, Jesus Christ. I know that because He suffered and died, I shall live again with my family; I shall see my children again and have the joy of raising them."

She continued living, and throughout her life, she bore a powerful testimony to others.

I am simply in awe of this level of faith! I know that when I struggle, I am never alone. I am too so grateful for the Atonement. I am thankful for the examples of others, like this dear sister. I know that I can be long-suffering and patient in my trials, looking forward with perfect hope. I am truly thankful for this knowledge and I pray that I will remain faithful all my days, come what may.

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Honey Lime Pork Chops (submitted by Rachel)

1/2 c. lime juice
1/2 c. reduced sodium soy sauce
2 T. honey
2 garlic cloves
6 (4 oz. the skinny ones) pork loin chops

Combine the first four ingredients in a bowl or bag and add pork chops, coating them. Refrigerate for eight hours or overnight, the longer the limier they get. Grill chops over medium heat or broil 4 inches from heat for 6-7 minutes or until juices run clear. Serving size one chop. Points value, 4.

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Totally Legal Chicken Salad (from www.weightwatchers.com )

3/4 pound(s) cooked chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup(s) celery, finely diced
1/3 cup(s) dill pickle(s), finely diced
1/4 cup(s) reduced-calorie mayonnaise
2 tbsp reduced-fat sour cream
2 tbsp parsley, fresh, chopped
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

Place all ingredients in a large bowl; mix until blended. Yields about 2/3 cup per serving. Each 2/3 c. serving equals 3 points.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Eating Out? 21 Words to Watch Out For on Your Menu:

1. fried
2. breaded
3. rich
4. au gratin
5. basted
6. battered
7. bottomless
8. all-you-can-eat
9. scampii
10. cheesey
11. casserole
12. combo or combination
13. crispy
14. crunchy
15. giant
16. loaded
17. platter
18. smothered
19. value
20. creamy
21. alfredo or hollandaise

And 15 Words That May Mean Healthier Food:
1. Baked
2. Boiled
3. Broiled
4. Steamed
5. Fresh
6. Child-sized
7. Grilled
8. High Fiber
9. Marinated
10. Multi-Grain
11. Brown (gravy doesn't count!)
12. Marinara
13. Roasted
14. Seasoned
15. Vegetarian

(taken from http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=115&page=2 )

10 Tips for Out to Eat:
1. Ask for the waiter to bring a box when he brings your meal, then quickly divide it and save the rest for later before you even start eating

2. Before you go, research, research, research. Go to http://www.dwlz.com/ or http://www.calorieking.com/ to make sure you're armed with information.

3. Decide what to order before you get to the restaurant.

4. Share your order with someone else or draw a line down the middle of the food with your fork. This is where you will stop eating and ask for a box.

5. Ask for brown rice instead of white, sauce or dressing on the side, whole grain pasta instead of enriched, etc. Don't be worried about seeming like a pain in the neck. After all, you're the customer and you're paying them!

6. Never order a drink or dessert. Grab a carton of sugar-free ice cream on your way home instead. (You'll save TONS of money too!)

7. Remember that going out to eat is usually about the PEOPLE anyway, not the food. Try and focus on relationships and conversations at the restaurant.

8. It sounds funny, but try eating with your opposite hand. It slows you down just enough. Or, you could make a goal in your mind to be the last one finished with your meal.

9. Order from the kids' menu or seniors' menu.

10. Beware the bread basket! Bread and tortilla chips and salsa are PACKED with calories. You could even ask the waiter to just bring you one roll with your actual dinner.

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

President Dieter F. Uchdorf reminds us of the importance of the gospel in our search for answers and happiness in this life:

"...the world is not bashful in offering numerous new answers to every problem we face. People run from one idea to the next (or diet =), hoping to find something that will answer the burning questions of their souls. They attend seminars and buy books, CDs and other products. They get caught up in the excitement of looking for something new. But ineveitably, the flame of each new theory fades, only to be replaced by another "new and improved solution" that promises to do what the others before could not."

Here is where I must admit that I'm guilty. I've tried to draw inspiration in my battle against obesity everywhere from reality shows, to Dr. Phil, to books, to fanatical diets which deprive my body of essential nutrients. What I'd forgotten is that the gospel of Jesus Christ holds the answers to all of my questions regarding my health, finances, parenting, ANYTHING!

President Uchdorf continues, "It's not that these worldly options don't contain elements of truth--many of them do. Nevertheless, they all fall short of the lasting change we seek in our lives. After the excitement wears off, the hollowness remains as we look for the next new idea to unlock the secret of happiness."

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Texas Two-Step Chicken (From Pace Picante Sauce Label)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 1/2 c. Pace Picante Sauce (or other salsa)
3 T. brown sugar
1 T. dijon mustard

Place chicken in sprayed shallow baking dish. Mix together salsa, brown sugar, and mustard and pour over chicken. Bake at 400* for 20 minutes or until done. Serve with brown rice and a spinach salad. Each serving is 4-5 points, not including sides.

Angel Eyes - Jim Brickman
More at MP3-Codes.com

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

BRAVO!!!

Today is Thursday, grocery shopping day! I steered clear of the goodies and bought tons of yummy apples, nectarines and bananas to snack on this week. Oh, and some fat free popcorn. Yay me! My afternoon snack today is a Granny Smith apple with 2T. peanut butter...points value 4. I'm right on target! Here are some more of my favorite afternoon snacks:

Fiber One bar: 2 points (these really are incredible tasting, but if you're not used to a lot of fiber yet, start with half a bar and work your way up)
York Peppermint Patty: 3 points
Fresca: a happy, happy 0.5 point
Fat free cottage cheese and pineapple: 3 points for a 2 c. serving
Special Dark chocolate dipped strawberries: 5 points for 3 strawberries (great for those days that you really feel like binging)
Gummy worms: 1 point each
Low fat, sugar free ice cream: 2 points for 1/2 c.
Peanut butter Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich: 3 points (only 2 for the sugar-free variety)

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

As Jesus returned from the transcendent spiritual experience on the Mount of Transfiguration, He was approached by a desperate father whose son needed help. The father pleaded, "If thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us."

Jesus replied, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth."
And straightaway the father...cried out, and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief" (Mark 9:22-24) ((Taken from Kevin W. Pearson's conference address, "Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, April 2009)

This passage reminds me of the lyrics to my favorite hymn, "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing."

"Prone to wander, Lord I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love..."

I don't know about you, but the father's words, "help thou my unbelief," really strike a chord with me. I have a deep and abiding testimony, but there are always times that I wonder if my faith is sufficient.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught: "Faith is a gift of God bestowed as a reward for personal righteousness. It is always given when righteousness is present, and the greater the measure of obedience to God's laws the greater will be the endowment of faith" (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966], 264).

So when I find my faith dimming, it is then that I must recommit myself to obedience of God's commandments. I must redouble my efforts, then wait patiently for God's blessings to come, knowing with a surety that they are on their way.

Elder Pearson then warned us of the 6 Destructive D's, forces that can erode our faith if we are not watchful:

doubt
discouragement
distraction
lack of diligence
disobedience
disbelief

I hope that I can be watchful, ever buiding my faith by adhering to God's law, thus placing myself in the path of His richest blessings.

FOOD FOR THE BODY

Southwest Chicken and Black Bean Salad

1 pkg. precooked grilled chicken, Southwestern flavored (found near lunch meat)
1 bag romaine
1 can corn, well-drained
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed well
1 or 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped
1 T. taco seasoning
2-3 T. olive oil
lime juice
tortilla strips or chips

Toss salad ingredients. Mix taco seasoning, olive oil, and lime juice. Add desired amount of dressing to salad and toss well. When serving, garnish with tortilla strips. With 1/2 c. tortilla strips, this recipe is 6 points per serving, Each serving is approximately 1 1/2 c.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Wednesday Weigh In Results

I gained .2 pounds, which is totally ok with me, since I've had such a breakthrough this week. In class someone asked what to do to stay motivated on the weeks that you gain. I commented that when I gain, it's so important for me to recognize something really great I did accomplish that week. It might be tracking in my food journal every day, meeting my exercise goals, turning down a piece of birthday cake, or walking to my meeting. Whatever it is, I have to FIND it and cheer for myself! Also, I try not to think of the number on the scale as a failure or a succes, rather as feedback. If I lost, then I should probably keep doing similar things next week. If I gained, maybe next weeks begs a different strategy. Watch out, next week! Here I come!

FOOD FOR THE BODY

7 POINT CHEESY CHICKEN

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can 98% fat free cream of chicken soup
1/2 c. fat free sour cream
1 1/2 c. shredded 2% milk cheddar cheese
dried chives, to taste
paprika

Spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Trim chicken and arrange in baking dish. Mix soup and sour cream together until smooth. Pour soup over chicken. Sprinkle cheese over all. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake for 1 hour at 350*. The sauce and cheese will melt all together and get all ooey and gooey...YUM! I used to serve this over white rice or baked potatoes. but now I serve the sauce over steamed broccoli or cauliflower with a big green salad on the side. This keeps it truly a 7 point dinner and your family will never even think 'good-for-you' at all!

FOOD FOR THE SPIRIT

Joseph Smith 1:20

"It seems as if the adversary was aware, at a very early period of my life, that I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his kingdom else why should the powers of darkness combine against me? Why the opposition and persecution that arose against me, almost in my infancy?"

Let's not allow to Satan discourage us! I truly believe that his greatest tool in teaching us to be miserable is the feeling of self-doubt that comes with being over weight. Whenever we feel overwhelmed, we should remember that it is Satan, trying to make our divine potential hazy, and seem unattainable. He's WRONG!! Instead, we must KNOW that God stands ready to help us change bad habits and replace them with good ones. Our tomorrow is bright and with God, NOTHING is impossible!

Join Me on My Journey!!!

Here's the thing...I really didn't want to join Weight Watchers. It wasn't my idea. I couldn't ever afford a program like that anyway. I didn't have the time. I don't have the energy. Besides, I was comfortable in this place called hopeless. I'd become completely numb to the realities of my obesity. I knew that I was years away from developing diabetes. Yah, yeah, yeah. So my blood pressure and cholesterol levels are high. My BMI is high. These things, I'd heard. Yes, I did care, I just couldn't find it in me to try ONE MORE TIME. I'd had it. Tried Dr. Phil. Tried South Beach. Tried low carb. Tried smaller portions. Tried low-sugar. Tried Slim-Fast. Tried supplements. Tried, tried, TRIED!

So how did I get to this point, a die-hard believer in the Weight Watchers program? My good friend PAID for my first twelve weeks. Yep, you read correctly! PAID MY WAY! And she joined with me. You don't turn down those kind of offers. So I went. I weighed in. I was embarrassed. But the classes are incredibly helpful and it's so nice to not feel ALONE in all of this anymore.

Long story, short...I know that Weight Watchers CAN work, but there's still something missing. I'm not succeeding. I'm not consistent in my efforts. I need another dynamic to my weight-loss strategy. I need my faith in God.

My husband and I watched "Facing the Giants" again the other night. Have you seen it? If you haven't, GO. WATCH IT. TONIGHT! It's a great movie, put out by the Southern Baptist Church, which is interesting since I'm LDS (Mormon). Hey, good stuff is good stuff, right? So anyway, the movie is all about a high school football coach whose team cannot win a game. They're putting in the hours, practicing, working their hardest, trying their darndest (kind of like me), but it's not getting them anywhere. They're frustrated and losing hope. The coach realizes one day that he can't do this alone. So he turns it over to God. The team joins him and as their dedication to God, on the field and off, grows stronger, they begin feeling blessed. He wanted to bless them all along, but first needed the invitation to do so.

So now as I face my giant, I am inviting God. I am turning this over to Him. I pray that He will guide me, teach me, and sustain me. I pray that He will magnify my efforts. I pray that this journey will bless my loved ones. I pray that it will bless those who follow this blog. This, like any other trial I or you may face in life, begins with FAITH. I have FAITH that I can do anything with God on my side. What is impossible with God? NOTHING!

But there's more to it than that. I need to be converted. Dallin H. Oaks said, "Testimony is knowing and feeling. Conversion is doing and becoming." I know how to lose weight. I feel that I'm on the right track. But I need to move to the next level now. I need to do, to become. Today I read in Henry B. Eyring's recent conference address that there are three components needed when one is overcoming a trial, or in my case, trying to irradicate bad habits and renew my committment to good health. First we must pray. Pray for faith. Pray for desire. Pray for understanding. Pray for guidance. Pray for specific things. Second, we must work. Work like it depends on us. Remember, faith that God will help, without works is dead. Third, we must wait. This is the hard part sometimes, isn't it? We must be patient and look forward to the time that God will bless out efforts, not knowing when He will, but never doubting that HE WILL.

So here's the plan. I will record my struggles and successes here on this blog. I cannot tell you how many times I've felt alone in my battle with obesity. If you feel a little less alone because of my words, then I will rejoice in that. I will continue attending Weight Watchers until goal is reached. I will study the scriptures, seek out the Lord's will for me through prayer and fasting, and focus more on others than myself. And I know that this will work. Please join me. Let's do this thingy!!!