April 7, 2012

Hey guys, here's my new favorite song. It's .99 on I Tunes. It's worth it! I encourage you to let this bring excitement to your soul today. The bridge talks about an army rising up that will break every chain due to the power in Jesus' name. Our HCG family is rising up to break chains of obesity and early death. YES??? Thanks for making the choice to stand again when it's easier sometimes to quit. Our flesh is so strong, but our spirit is STRONGER because of Jesus. "Greater is HE that is within ME and YOU than he within the world." Right?

"Break Every Chain" Will Reagan & the United Pursuit Band In the Night Season

As I said in an earlier blog, this Easter I am focusing on LIFE beyond the cross. Don't get me wrong - words can never express my gratitude for the sacrifice, but that sacrifice brings ABUNDANT life to each one of us. Are we living in that place? Each of us can - I am convinced - but it comes at the mortification of our flesh which wants it's own way and that way OFTEN leads to death. Yesterday I continued to quote the 23rd Psalm, and really focus on a certain part, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death - I won't be afraid - because you are with me. Your rod and staff they comfort me." I must have said that five times and each time I felt stronger.

God desires to walk with each of us daily and be as much a part of our lives as we will allow. (that's an upcoming blog) But especially in the toughest times of our lives HE IS THERE and for some, making decisions to STOP EATING AS WE PLEASE, is a tough valley. But, God's love and his help are here. Let's consider this: what if he is using the scales and/or our family blog, even though we sometimes DON'T WANT TO WEIGHT OR BE CONFRONTED, as the hook of his staff when we would easily give up and walk off the cliff???? Maybe he's placed us in this family for a definite reason! If I'm about to eat something crazy or make a bad choice - speak up! That may just "grab my neck" at the right moment when I am not strong enough to say NO! Encourage one another to weigh, make correct choices, live beyond FOOD and let's hold each other's hands as we walk through this tough journey to health. BUT ON THE OTHER SIDE - The VICTORY DANCE!!!

Sometimes I dance and shake my head and wonder if that's really the victory dance???? Maybe that looks differently for each of us????? Can you get a visual? :)

Love you dearly - listen to the song - enjoy the sunshine today - your Easter services tomorrow - your Easter lunch with your fam - and most of all the COMFORT that GOD brings to you each day, but especially in that valley. Look beyond the cross to LIFE that was promised to you.....John 10:10......and declare that abundant life includes your HEALTH!

PK

PS - making sugar free carrot cake with cream cheese icing and black walnuts, brownies with sugar free dark chocolate chunks, roasted pork tenderloin and deviled eggs as my portion for tomorrow's meal. THEN - someone is bringing a salad, someone fruit (I am making my coconut creme for the top) and someone green beans with fat free beef stock. OMGoodness - my family lunches have so changed. :)

June 8, 2012 - The Unwanted Visitor

Good morning to all, During water aerobics last night we were surprised by a special visitor that escaped from a diaper (I guess) from one of the babies at the other end of the pool. I almost lost my dinner. CONTAMINATION. Ugh! But the bad part is, if one of the ladies in my class had not looked down as she was walking laps and "thought" it was a pebble and reached down to try and remove it from the pool, any one of us could have stepped on it. Am I bringing a visual to you? UGH!!!! All of the sudden my eyes were focused on the murkiness of the water and the fact that I was in the "toilet bowl" while they were trying to EXAMINE the substance to verify. This really only took about 8-10 minutes, but I felt like I was trapped in a bad story. I know I could have vacated the pool immediately, but the life guards said, "it probably is nothing." BUT THEY WERE WRONG. I had to really talk to myself as we were asked to transfer to the bigger, lap pool. This started me on a "life story" journey. So, if the pool represents our body - our structure, and the water represents our internal fluid, how many times do things enter our bodies that can go unnoticed for years that can contaminate the fluid that our body requires to live? I wonder how many things we willing place in our mouths that deeply affect these life-giving fluids. As you know our bodies are more than 75% fluid and need that exact amount to remain mostly constant in order to function well. For example, when we exercise and release fluid from our skin, it is imperative to rehydrate or we can become VERY tired, have a headache, develop muscle cramps and experience foggy thinking. WOW! All of this due to improper hydration? Absolutely! But today, let's talk about those unwanted visitors that find their way into our bodies that don't bring health, but could bring long-term contamination. What about all the chemicals and preservatives added to foods to make them "taste" better and last longer? MSG is at the top of the list..... not good for us! Our liver and kidneys act as major filters, but how many of us know - as with filters in our houses, computers, electronics - if NOT PROPERLY cared for - they stop working and our equipment burns out. Same thing in our bodies. I was telling someone yesterday that when my triglycerides were so high several times in a row, I was sent for a liver scan and it was revealed that I had a "fatty" liver. My filtering system was clogged AND I HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF THAT EXCEPT FOR THE BLOOD TEST. The doctor IMMEDIATELY limited the amount of sugar and fatty foods that I ingested, as well as instructed me to eat a large salad with lots of raw vegetables daily to help "CLEAN THE FILTER." This filter affects my fluid levels and the purity of the water in and out of my blood. But until someone "spotted" the unwanted visitor - I was walking along thinking all was well. And, we need to watch those "sugar free" products which are almost always loaded with sodium as well as aspartame, which is the same chemical structure as snake venom. We need to be reminded that "SOME" scientists say that aspartame takes as long as 10 years to clear our bodies and MAKES OUR BRAINS CRAVE SUGAR! The "sugar free" products may make us feel better about not eating sugar, but it may be more of an unwanted visitor than we know. We can use almond flour, xylitol, natural substances to create yummy foods to satisfy those "sweets" cravings - but it requires our time. I'd rather sacrifice some time than be in a pool with an "unwanted visitor." I said all the above to say this - I certainly am not a "germaphobe" nor am I freak about NEVER eating preservatives. BUT.....I am really mindful of these things. At my age, I cannot walk through life acting as if I am uninformed and unconcerned. The vessel God has given me has to be maintained properly, filters cleaned, fluid levels balanced and refilled, and all systems checked on a regular basis. I have a LARGE part to play in that. If not, someone else may find the visitor in my water and if it has gone undetected long enough, a deadly response (Ecoli - for the sake of this picture) could find it's way into my fluid and claim my life. NOT good. So, try to cook as often as you can and check the labels on everything. Let's examine the fluid around us and make certain WE ARE NOT THE ONE placing the unwanted visitor in the water. wink-wink PK Talk again on Monday!

June 7, 2012 - How Sweet It Is

Now if you've been following my blog for any time, you know I advocate limiting or eliminating sugar, in all 101 forms, if at all possible. At the beginning of time, there was NO sugar as we know it. The craving for something sweet was satisfied with natural things like fruit. And yes, fruit has a natural sugar and can also contribute to diabetic reactions if consumed in HUGE quantities, but there is the counter balance of the fiber. I was doing some research on xylitol (which I use for cooking, etc) and found this article on sugar and its relationship to depression. I am posting one section as a reminder of some of the things we need to keep in front of our memory card as we plan our meals and weekly activities. Just How Bad Is Sugar? Pretty bad. Research hasn't come up with a whole lot of benefits for sugar, but it has found sugar implicated in a host of medical problems, including depression. That's one important reason to limit sugar in your diet. Also, that sugar high that kicks in shortly after you've consumed a sweet soon dissipates, leaving you feeling tired and spent. Sugar raises the levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Sugar can lower the amount of Vitamin E (alpha-ocopherol) in the blood. Sugar can interfere with the absorption of protein. Sugar can increase the body's fluid retention. Sugar can cause hormonal imbalance; some hormones become underactive, and others become overactive. The body changes sugar into two to five times more fat in the bloodstream than it does starch. The rapid absorption of sugar promotes excessive food intake in obese subjects. Sugar induces salt and water retention. What to do? Reducing your consumption of sugar and products containing refined sugars is one giant step forward in relieving the symptoms of depression. You'll feel less tired and more able to exert control over your depression. It's also better for your teeth! Now, I'm not saying that if you eat sugar - you will be depressed. But when I read things like this, it reminds me of the WONDERFUL reasons to limit sugar in our diet. I will tell you that sugar, and again all it's 101 "hidden names" are found in almost anything. I challenge you to really do your research and keep looking at what is being said about things we, AND OUR FAMILIES, ingest. And you can count on this - SUGAR is addictive. Ask anyone, including myself, who has deleted sugar from their diets and they will tell you - it's NOT easy. Some researchers say it takes 40 days for it to clear your body. YIKES! But for those who are mourning and saying, "I cannot give up sweets," there are plenty of recipes that allow you to satisfy that craving in a more natural and healthy way. My recipe and devotional book will hopefully be out by the end of the year and it will have lots to choose from. :) Until then, here are tips from the fam: 1. Jenny V has started ordering Omaha Steaks - they bring to your door, are less expensive than store bought and are WONDERFUL in quality 2. Helen uses rosemary as an herb when she makes lamb 3. Danny, who manages ABetterway Cafe in PTC, created a "honey" mustard dressing with no honey and it is FABULOUS! He uses stevia as the sweetner. WE CAN DO THIS! YEA! Keep sending your encouragement to the fam and your tips for us all. Have a fabulous Thursday and at the end of the day thank Father God for helping you today to make all the right choices. PK

June 6, 2012 - Me Time!

I love the coolness of the morning - but the warmth of the sun on my skin also brings a smile. When we consider the real complexities of creation, how can we help but smile? I know that so many times there are formulas for everything and everything seems so complicated. But last night I was in a friend's pool in her back yard; and there were no houses around only trees; and peaceful flowers and the gentle sounds of a bird sanctuary and for that span of time - life came to a resting halt and the complexities of the day melted and we laughed. We did our water aerobics and worked all our muscles but it was fun and uncomplicated. I drove home realizing how critical to our journey are the moments of peace where our bodies really rest and enjoy life. Maybe your life is uncomplicated and you have pockets like that daily - but I do not. And in that pocket, I KNEW my body was resting. NOW I was working out - but my mind, spirit and heart were at peace. The psalmist writes that our hearts are to be SET "at peace" again. That means SET BACK to a resting state. God never intended for us to live in such complexities that our heart is racing in competition with our minds and one day ROLLS into the next. As my body hung in the water last night and the warmth of the water protected me from the chill of the wind - I was reminded that God's best plan for our life included moments like this as we stop striving to BE and HAVE and DO and PERFORM and we SIMPLY REST......even for a pocket and let our bodies regroup. Many times life demands ALL of us and then our health, our food, our water intake is the LAST THING on our mind. In fact, we give to everyone, make meals for everyone, watch everyone's lives in our "protection mode" and don't have enough energy for ourselves. I lived there forever and still have to fight against that tendency! But things are changing. I have heard statements like, "always make time for yourself - you deserve it" and I felt that people who spoke things as such were selfish. I now get it - I DO have to focus on me or I will not be healthy enough to focus on others very long. If our bodies were created to last forever - no prob - I can take care of everyone BUT me. But unfortunately that is untrue. So, at this season of life, I had to start retraining my mind and body to expect and enjoy things that were foreign - WATER, VEGGIES, ALMOND FLOUR, POCKETS OF SIMPLE REST. :) You know. But I am also having to study health and shop differently and spend more on food that is healthy. Isn't that horrible - the foods we NEED are the most expensive. But, I am worth it and I find other avenues in which to balance the "budget." I am amazed at how many confess, "I can't be healthy - it costs too much." I don't know about you but being sick and unhealthy is VERY COSTLY. Money for prescriptions is one thing - but feeling bad all the time and depressed about being sick is way more COSTLY to me. I hate being sick. So today it's really okay to focus on YOU for some part of each day and enjoy taking care of YOU. I challenge you to readjust the budget, readjust your exercise time (get in the pool and laugh), readjust your ME TIME and your heart will begin to laugh and that contagious joy will change the atmosphere where you are. Give yourself PERMISSION to take care of you. The dishes will be there tomorrow. :) PK

June 5th, 2012 - Rosemary Anyone?

Good morning all, Wanted to share some info that I found interesting yesterday. But let me back-up. My husband and I planted some rosemary over a year ago and what a hearty, sturdy plant it grew to be. So, we actually divided it and made two containers and they are SO flourishing. I have started trying to use the herb to add flavor to our foods (BE CAREFUL - a little goes a long way) and how nice to walk on the deck and grab some sprigs, chop them, and add to whatever. Last night I took about 2 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef (no added oil) and browned it to which I added 3 large cans of diced, fire roasted tomatoes. I let this heat well. Then, I chopped, in small pieces, a large head of cabbage and a large Vidalia onion and added this to the beef mixture. Then, I seasoned with sea salt and tabasco. AND......I also added two stems of rosemary chopped extra fine (about 30-40 pieces - but it was too strong). I let this cook together until the cabbage was very tender (your preference). Before serving, I add grated parm (low fat) - YUM, YUM, YUM! And.......low in calories, makes a big pot, and lasts for several meals. My husband absolutely adores this recipe. It was my first time with the rosemary, and it was a little strong, so next time I'll cut that in half. I said all that to say this - as I researched the rosemary herb to find recipes, I discovered that it actually has great health benefits. One article says that rosemary is beneficial in helping with memory issues and is used in other countries to help treat Alzheimer's disease. And, the herb is packed with antioxidants - memory enhancing and cancer fighting too - awesome! I like finding new things that are so beneficial to our bodies. I did use a stem of rosemary on Saturday as part of my marinade for the mahi mahi on the grill. (that's high in Omega 3 oils) Grilling mahi mahi is easy and is such a great tasting meat - not fishy at all. If you've never tried it - you should! My grandbabies KEPT saying, "yum, Nina!" Variety is a key component in our new world - so let's keep being creative and utilizing those herbs God gave to help keep our bodies healthy! How about you - do you have any special herbs or seasonings that you love that we could benefit from? Send it to me and I'll forward to the fam. Choose life and eat to live - PK

June 4, 2012 - The Work of Perseverance

This morning let's talk about perseverance. In a society where giving up is the norm, as believers, however, we are encouraged to continue and persevere because according to James, "perseverance must finish its work so that we may be mature and complete - lacking nothing." I am watching my watermelon seedlings (blog from about three weeks ago and if you're just joining our family, you can catch up at: kathyshcgfamily.blogspot.com) fight for maturity now and it speaks to my heart about so many things in life where it's easier to give up than continue to fight for what's right. My husband transplanted the seedlings when they were about 3 inches tall from a pot on the porch that I, personally, could watch, water, and tend to. When he transplanted them, he thought he was placing them in good soil that had been decomposing for a couple of years. I had my doubts - but he "knew." :) Not to make a point about a wrong decision, but the seedlings went from my porch - in almost perfect conditions - to a place where MOST of the conditions were favorable - but certainly not all. And they stopped growing. They simply stopped. Their leaves browned and for a moment it seemed death was imminent. But I continued with the water and the attention, beyond an imperfect soil, that I could continue. I checked them daily, prayed over them (yes I did), encouraged them with my words to "grow and prosper" but last week I had to come to the realization that THEY must fight for life. They must persevere when conditions are not always perfect and they must adapt if they are going to grow, mature, produce fruit and live a long, healthy life (in plant terms). I so see our journey in this picture. For me, I was in a "pot" where I had grown and grown and actually OUT GROWN my surroundings (jeans, clothes, amount of medications to combat overweight issues, etc) and life no longer was best lived in this TIGHT container. So I chose another place to start over on Jan 24, 2011 and there were many times when it was not easy. The convenience of stopping at fast food restaurants, eating anything (and MORE) that people prepared for me at parties, living from one meal to the next ALL STOPPED. Choosing to live a healthy life style was questionable at times. Many said, "it can't be done." But here's the truth - I am now in another world (soil structure) and I cannot go back to that same pot. It NO LONGER exists. I cannot "choose" health "with the option to return" to my former life style if "healthy eating doesn't work." NO! I live in a different place now (with it's own challenges), I have started to mature (as have my watermelon plants) RIGHT WHERE I AM, and there is NO PLACE OF RETURN. That option in our lives must be eliminated! I must fight for my health daily and realize THIS IS MY NEW NORMAL. That's what perseverance is all about. The watermelon plants cannot return to their former life (pot) so they must accept their new journey and fight for survival where they are. And good news - they are doing just that. I will say that my husband has determined to redo the soil because they are not growing as rapidly, but now that he sees they have persevered - he is responding and they will find their new journey so much more favorable after today. :) That's a picture of us - we can never return to our old way of living - healthy eating cannot just be a "choice." It cannot be "I'll eat what I WANT at this meal and do better at the next meal." If that is our mantra - we still LIVE IN THE OLD POT. Can we be honest? We must persevere and continue to persevere against all odds so that perseverance finishes its work - which is.........we have NO options other than being healthy. PK

June 1st - Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

I know you KNOW it's not morning any longer and you KNOW I am late sending this out but you need to KNOW that I am not being a slacker. :) I have been busy, busy and unable to write. But I have a window and want to communicate before I close things down for the weekend. As I was meditating over our group this morning, I felt the Lord speak to me about how INFREQUENTLY we really feel we did something right and what bondage that is! Most of the time people are quick to see fault in almost everything. There is a TIME to see even the smallest issue - the foundation of a mighty building skewed, one malignant cell, money drawn from your account from someone unauthorized. Yes - we pray for that "eagle eye" as it is critical to survival. And when we spot those things - we move to attack mode. Don't we? But how many of you KNOW that not everything needs a critical eye. It's okay to try on a bathing suit and blame the MIRRORS for making you look a wee bit chunky - especially if you haven't been moving the boundaries daily. :) It's okay to laugh and grab another swim suit and it's OKAY to go home without one. You don't have to stand in front of the mirror and slap yourself - like that helps - or proclaim "I HATE standing in front of the mirror. I NEVER look good in clothes." I lived there - I NEVER tried anything on in the stores because it lead to moments of INTENSE criticism of myself and then a quick journey to the doughnut shop for comfort. But, I always blamed it on a lack of time. It's OKAY to believe in yourself and give yourself credit when you've failed and understand the power of TRYING AGAIN. It's okay to realize that failure is a part of life and sometimes so is constructive criticism. It's okay to remind yourself that you missed the mark - but too much of that leads to negativity and depression and SO MANY people are caught in that trap. And, that's NOT OKAY. None of us can escape our reflection forever - but we CAN change our response to that reflection! If you are doing everything to be healthy, and you KNOW that you are not moving the boundaries to allow for compromise, and the mirror is STILL lying - deal with the mirror. :) I find stores who have favorable mirrors that tell the truth and all my clothes come from there. (just sayin) But the real truth is - God is not sitting in Heaven being critical of us! Sometimes I wonder if He is saddened by the way we feel about ourselves as HE CREATED us? I wonder if He sees that we are being CRITICAL of His best creation? Have you ever poured your heart and soul into a project and then have someone criticize it??? I have - it's devastating. I wonder if God feels those emotions when I criticize ME - the work of His hands - a daughter he adores. Being critical is a CHOICE. Speaking life to yourself is a CHOICE as is choosing healthy foods. As I said in the beginning, God wants you to know today that He fashioned you, never criticizes you and loves you more than you have words to describe. So tonight as you read this and over the weekend - let's all promise to speak well of ourselves and not be SO FAST to criticize. There are plenty of GREAT things about each of us to celebrate, but often we are so busy criticizing we can't see them. And, when we look into the mirror, let's all WINK at God's best piece of art and not allow our own critical judgment to taint the reflection HE WANTS US TO SEE. PK