Iron Man

Acts 17:28 For in him we live and move and have our being.

Well this past weekend I certainly saw a lot of movement as our grand niece, Melissa, competed in the Iron Man competition. What an amazing girl she is. I have posted a picture of her after she just completed 2.5 miles of swimming, 112 miles of biking (much of it uphill), and finally running 26 miles. How exciting and fun it was to be with other family members and cheer on this accomplished athlete. While we stood at the finish line we cheered on other competitors as well. Some were shouting, others ringing cow bells and still others clapping. It was a such an emotional and thrilling experience. My niece, Annie, turned to me and said "can you imagine what heaven will be like with our loved ones cheering us on as we approach the finish line." I thought that was a very good analogy. Isn't that what we are all here for, to cheer each other across that finish line into the arms of our loving Savior and friend, Jesus?

Embrace your family and friends, encourage them to keep going when they are too tired to go on. Cheer them on to finish the race. I Corinthians 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. The prize Paul is speaking of is heaven. It is my prayer that you win the prize.

Notice the smile on Melissa's face. How did she manage to be doing so well after that grueling experience? Well first of all Melissa didn't just decide the day before to compete in the Iron Man she decided a year ago. She was committed to endure the pain of practice, practice, practice. She was self disciplined. No one would have thought she was weak if she would have said forget it I don't want to work this hard anymore. This was something she wanted to do and nothing was going to stop her. Certainly not pain or fatigue. What drive!

Well Melissa, your endurance is certainly an inspiration to me and my goal of honoring God by getting this body, God's Temple into shape. So what is your idea of an Iron Man? Maybe it is like mine, walking 3 miles, taking a shower and going for an evening bike ride. Not as grueling for sure but what can one expect from an older, out of shape gal. Whatever your idea of an Iron Man is lets get moving and complete the race!!!

By the way did I mention that she came in 14th in her age division? Go Melissa!!!!

My great accomplishment is that I moved another half pound closer to my goal making my total loss 24 1/2 and working towards my next goal of 25. It pales in comparison but races are won one step at a time.

TIP :To make yourself accountable, start keeping a food journal. My cousin Mary does this and she is proof that it works. Give it a try.

Restoring Honor

Hello,

Well, it has been awhile since I have posted anything on my blog and I thought I better get to it. The primary reason for my silence is that my weight has stayed the same since I last wrote. We did a little traveling and had some fun visiting with family. Believe me, being with my family it is a real challenge staying the same weight.

What we did this past week end brings me to posting something today. Bob, Nancy (my sister in-law) and myself went to Washington DC to the Glenn Beck rally "Restoring Honor" it was an amazing event. We went by bus Friday morning with 57 other people it took 12 hours and some pretty sore bottoms to get there but we made it!!! Saturday morning we left the hotel at 6:15 to walk 8 blocks to the Lincoln Memorial for the rally that was scheduled to start at 10:00 am. The picture above shows what we saw when we arrived . There was a sea of people from the Lincoln Memorial all the way down to the Washington Monument. People waving flags and some carrying crosses. My heart was filled with such hope knowing that there are so many like minded people from across our country. People who desire to return this nation back to its founding principals. People who have grown weary of the direction this country is going. People who have faith, honor and integrity. People who desire to make a difference not only in their personal lives but in the lives of others. Everyone was so kind and nice, they were willing to squeeze over so others would have a place to sit or stand. In the crowd that size and in that heat it is hard to imagine no one starting a riot but we did not see or hear any anger. We saw some who helped carry wheelchairs up steps and some who gave their seats so others could rest for awhile. Right near us there was a man who just returned from Iraq and his little girl. What a beautiful little sweetheart she was. So many friendly people in our immediate surroundings.

I am thanking God for Glenn Beck, Elvita King (MLK's neice) and others like them whose lives have been threated but still decide to speak their message of hope. I am reminded of a verse found in Esther 4:14 when Queen Esther was asked by Mordecai to speak with the king so that the Jews could be delivered. Queen Esther being a Jew herself, was fearful for her life and this is what Mordecai said to her "who knows but you have come to royal position for such a time as this?" It is an amazing story too lengthy to tell at this time but not too long for you to read on your own. Please do so, it is truly worth your while.

My point is that if Glenn Beck and Elvita King whose lives have been threatened for speaking the truth do that for us, what is stopping us from standing with them and speaking the truth to those in our circle of relatives and friends? At the rally we were asked to spread Faith, Hope and Charity starting with our families and friends. Another thing that Glenn said that truly had an impact on me was "that what our children gaze upon they become" he asked us to pray with the door open so that our children could see us. My friends what does your children and grand children gaze upon? I pray they see Faith, Hope and Charity in your life and mine. Remember you may be called for such a time as this!

I am going to get off my soap box now but before I do I beg you to watch Glenn Beck nightly on Fox Cable News at 5:00 pm he is an amazing man and truly worth your time. If you can't watch him at five record him and watch him when you can. Please do not let the opinions of others determine what you feel about what he says. Watch and then make up your own mind.

God Bless You,

Caroline

Good News

Hello Everyone,

Check out two new recipes in the entries below this one.

I also wanted to catch you up on my weight loss. I am at a 22 pound loss and working towards 25. It is a wonderful feeling. Hey, I think our Thanksgiving turkey weighted that last year!! I can't believe this turkey lost a turkey!! I couldn't have done it without your support and I thank you for that. I pray you are doing good in your attempts to get in shape as well. Please keep me informed as to your progress.

What has really helped me these past two weeks is that I increased the number of times I exercise. Leslie Sansone "Walk Away the Pounds" goes in every morning. I now do her two mile walk on a regular basis and have recently added in the three mile. Guess what I can do the three mile without feeling like I am going to die. Next week my plan is to do the three mile twice a week and the two mile three times a week. I don't know you Leslie but I thank God I found you!!

TIP: Increase your exercising it does help but do it gradually so your body can adjust. Never lose site of your goal and stay focused.

Weigh yourself just once a week. Record it in a secret place and then say good bye to that number for you will never see it again.

Good for you Muffins

1 cup ground flaxseed

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup wheat bran

1 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons of cinnamon

1 1/2 cups of shredded carrots

2 medium MacIntosh Apples cored and chopped

1/2 cup walnuts chopped

1/2 cup raisins

3/4 cup low fat milk

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix flour, flaxseed, bran, sugar and rest of dry ingredients together.

Shred carrots, chop apples and add these along with milk and eggs to dry ingredients and mix well. Stir in vanilla.

Add nuts and raisins. Blending in well but do not over mix

Pour into paper lined cupcake pans and bake at 350 for 20 to 25 minutes

Makes 24 muffins

Each muffin is only 94 calories has only 2 grams of fat and 1 gram of fiber

They freeze very well.

Who says you have no time for breakfast?

Grab one of these on your way out the door with a banana and you have yourself a good healthy breakfast.

They also make a great pick me up snack in the middle of the day with a cup of coffee or tea

Asparagus Salad

1 cup cooked brown rice

1 cup cooked wild rice

1/2 of a red onion sliced

1 pound of asparagus

1 red bell pepper

1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley

2 stalks of celery

1 oz of silvered almonds

Cook brown rice and wild rice in separate pans. Allow to cool

Cut off approximately 1 to 2 inches off the bottom of each spear of asparagus and discard.

Cut the remaining section of each spear into 2 inch pieces

Place in a glass bowl with enough water to cover the bottom of the bowl. Cover with waxed paper and cook on high in microwave 4 to 5 minutes or until tender but yet still firm. Cool

Chop remaining vegetables.

Place all ingredients into a large bowl and pour on the following dressing.

Dressing

1/3 cup of red or white wine vinegar

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 teaspoon of granulated sugar

Mix together and pour on salad.

Let set 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature before serving or can be kept in refrigerator and served the next day.

I have used 1/4 cup Brianna's Blush Wine Dressing on this salad and it tastes very good

Great summer salad!

This recipe serves 8 people has just 145 calories per serving and 2 1/2 grams of fiber

Great way to get in those veggies and makes a great side dish to grilled chicken, fish or steak

TOO MANY ROOMS

Last week in the middle of the night I woke up with this thought on my heart and have decided to share it with you now. I became aware that my body (God's Temple) had too many rooms. It was as if God whispered in my ear. You need to strive harder to rid your body of all this excess space that has been created by the sin of over eating and lack of exercise. I added a wrap around porch with an overhang in the front. It really needs to go. The place is starting to look run down with age. It needs to be freshened up. I must never forget that my body is God's dwelling place

I Corinthians 6:19 & 20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. I know I have shared this verse with you before, but I needed to be reminded of it myself. God must be tired of being crowded out of His space by sin. Yes, I am trying to remodel this temple, but every once in a while I get off track. The whole problem appeasing myself with the thought that it's only once in a while, is that sometimes those every once in a whiles come too close together. Making it a habit. I figured out this morning that I am seven pounds off my goal of losing one pound a week in a year. It is because of those "its okay once in a while." The good news is that God stands ready to forgive me from my failings. As He will you too upon the asking. He will pick us up and we can start fresh. Not tomorrow but NOW!!!

What I want to hear when I reach my final goal is that God will whisper in my ear again and say "I love what you've done with the place."

More good news for me is that I am now just 1/2 pound away from losing 20 pounds.

TIP: Healthy choices need to become just as natural as brushing your teeth. Build those good habits one at a time. Don't forget to drink at least 4 to 6, 8 ounce glasses of water a day. Eat foods that rid your body of water naturally (see previous blog tips) . Exercise on a regular basis and above all don't give up!!!

Please let me know how you are doing.

Visit my daughter Susan's blog as well, www.thewhatsfordinnermom.blogspot.com she has some wonderful inspirational entries and great recipes along with some neat projects.

BERRY CRUMBLE

Fast and Easy to prepare making it a great summer dessert.

2 cups of fresh strawberries

2 cups of fresh raspberries

1 cup quick oatmeal

2 tablespoons of Smart Balance

2 tsp. vanilla

1/4 cup sugar

Spray a 9x12" pan with Pam

Cut strawberries in quarters

Mix in raspberries

Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of sugar from the 1/4 cup

Mix oats, smart balance , rest of the sugar and vanilla together

Sprinkle on berries

Bake in a 350 oven for 35 minutes

This makes 12 servings with only 96 calories a serving and 2 fibers, 8 grams of sugar and no sodium.

You can vary it by using blueberries, peaches or rhubarb