Second Time Around is Always Better

Let's just go around that tree one more time...maybe things will change.  They did!

Off to the doctor, again, for verification of my clean bill of health.  I took all my notes...all my journaling of my blood pressure, what I ate, my exercise and sleep.  Even with all the proof, my blood pressure still skyrocketed, but I didn't waver and bounced into the room for my final exam.

She started down the check list...good, good, good!!!  Then with excitement in her voice, "you lost four pounds in two weeks!"  "Okay, lets see what is going on here...something isn't quite right", she mumbled to herself.  I felt she was questioning my recording.  She gently started to discuss my diet.   I thought I had been good. I was so cautious of what I ate because I had to record it and turn it in...you know like school!!! I hadn't cheated on the test, and it had been a very stressful week, which was apparent in my food selection.

The enemy of my weight and possible blood pressure is an All Time TEXAS favorite.

I had been honest and told her these are my weakness. Now if you need to de-stress, isn't this the answer...chips and salsa?   Why couldn't  I just said, "get behind me Satan" and move on.  Each bite is increasing my waist line and the salt is not good for blood pressure.

My diet showed too much of this also...more comfort food.

Yes the dreaded carbs.  She smiled, "now you can have one, but not two at a meal!  Did you hear me say you don't have to give up tostadas?"  I nodded.  Just don't eat too many and don't eat them at night.

"Janette, do you see that you are skipping meals?"  I nodded like a student in elementary school.  "Okay, if you skip meals you get fat", she grinned. Well the scales has testified to that fact.  "Please eat three meals.  You have also left out a very important food group. I don't see it at all in five days.", she encouraged.  She was showing me the way to better health and a skinner body.  My week had been chaotic and I hadn't put salads on the table, not like me, but I still am not eating enough of this wonderful anti-cancerous, blood pressure lowering food group.

"Add these to your diet...and I would prefer for them to be at night.  You need your greens.  Now don't eat too much spinach raw...it is better for you cooked."  Oh I didn't know that one, I was only eating it raw. She explained why and that most vegetable are better raw.

I kept thanking her for making me keep the journal, therefore, opening my eyes to something I just didn't want to see.  She continued my check-up and then we talked.  Yes we talked.

She said, "thanks for telling me thank-you and that I am being helpful.  I want to see you healthy.  Remember I am the one that has to give so much bad news to people, and it is so nice to not have to.  I am grateful you appreciate it.  Let's keep you healthy, let's keep the blood pressure down, and let's get you to losing weight."

As we discussed my mood swings each month she suggested chaste tree...an herb, not a drug.  She then giggled, "now there is one side affect" as she placed her hand on my knee, "it will make you fertile."  I laughed out loud reminding her of my age and even my husband's age, as if she didn't know.  Since I know the story of Abraham and Sarah, and so does she, she is a Jew, I don't plan on seeing it happen again this side of the Bible.  So she reminded me to be careful...which just made my husband laugh.  Cautious we will be....our grown kids would die!!! Funny, I really think it is funny, that in reality that would truly be a miracle. I am not for calling God's blessings (children) a curse, but we will also use wisdom.

So my husband has a new adventure ahead.  His wife is going to loose her moodiness and weight.  Sounds like a time for a planned "second" honeymoon, don't you think???  Are you eating enough greens?  Since some are picking colors for the year, maybe mine should be green!

Heart Lifting Day!

Our creator is never late on encouraging us.  His timing is impeccable and the love through His Body  (his people) is beyond words.

So was the case yesterday.

Waiting news on our daughter-in-law's surgery...three and half hour surgery...while also finishing up touches for a dessert auction, I felt God look down with sunshine on me.  What form did this sunshine warm up my tired, anxious and weary spirit?  The sunshine came in a box.

Yes, I had won the give-away at Debbie's of The Way We Are but had no idea when it would come or what it would contain.  I love Debbie... there isn't anything not to love and be encouraged by.  I visit her with each post she puts up...and her saying that I love, "it is the way it is."  As I lifted my head from prayer for my daughter-in-law and son, the doorbell rang.  Anxious, excited feet went skipping down the stairs... two pairs... Benjamin and mine.  Eagerly we picked up a package addressed to me...no return address.

In the kitchen, we went to pull out this wonderfully wrapped box!  Who is it from?  What is it?  Wrapped packages bring out the kid in all us.

As we opened it, both Benjamin and I squealed...yes, that is what we did and we ooooohed and aaaaahed.  Looking at my goodies!!  I could feel my spirit lift. I could feel a hug from states away, giving me courage to continue my day...a program was still ahead...a call from the finished surgery still hadn't arrived.

The call came later in the afternoon.  Our daughter-in-law's surgery brought great hope.  Our son had also walked through waiting on his wife all that time...surrendering her to the Lord. I think we forget that men have feelings, too.  I am so proud of them both.  She awaits a pregnancy... he stands in support and hope (thanks for all the thoughtful prayers).

I took the apron with me to the school dessert auction.  The auction went off without a hitch...God was faithful, even though the enemy had tried to steal my joy during the event...he was defeated.

So I stand amazed, once again, at how God is in the little things, as well as the Big details of our life.  This time it came in a box.  May I remember that as I look to encourage others. I should allow God to direct the timing.

I Made It - Just Five Years Late

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Okay, okay....I got there!  Why aren't there any cheers...I mean come on?!?!?!  It may have been five years since my visit, but can't you congratulate me for my arrival?

Can't you say, "Janette it is so good to see your healthy smiling face.  We see you haven't graced us with your presence in over five years, and even your last visit was to inform you that you were healthy.  We are so glad your visit today is to further confirm that there hasn't been any body snatchers in the last 1/2 decade.  First, we want to congratulate you on living a healthy lifestyle which allowed you to avoid our office.  We see you haven't been on any prescriptions...that is good!  You aren't on any over-the-counter drugs either...that is good.  You haven't had a drastic weight change...just up 8 ounces, although I know you were wanting to lose some, you still have stayed steady.  You are able to walk, talk, eat and see (even if you now need readers)...you are doing well.  Over all, Janette, we are encouraged by  your empty folder and lack of need for our services.  So today we thank-you for allowing us to validate your bill of health."

Now wouldn't that have been more pleasant?  Instead the nurse looks up at me like I am from a foreign planet to inform me that it hadn't been only three years it had been five!!  Now what can I say, "oh I was living life!"

So with her very calm, but irritating remark, she placed the blood pressure cup around my arm.  Now can you guess the results?

YES, I have white-coat-blood-pressure...which means my blood pressure normally runs around 117/75 until I am escorted into a doctor's office...at which time my blood pressure has a mind of its own.  My own mind is saying, "calm down, calm down it won't happen this time, you aren't even anxious!"  So much for self talk...the machine spits out my need for a return visit....154/80!!!

Yes, after my doctor, who doesn't wear a white coat, step back with concerned eyes over my blood pressure she informed me I was to keep a five day journal to prove my "white-coat" blood pressure....well I felt the blood pressure rise again.  Who has time to journal all this....my blood pressure, how much I sleep, what I eat and my exercising?

I have been obedient and will return this Friday for documented verification that I am still living!  Substantiate my days has been good for me...it has motivated me to stay on target of my goals for the year. I have even lost a four pounds.

So I can check off one of my task for the month of January...done!! Now to get going on painting that laundry room that I was side-tracked from while keeping a health journal and making sure I get in my girlfriend weekend on the calendar.