Two days ago I was cleaning off the kitchen table when all of a sudden, my wedding band flew off my left hand. Actually, it wasn’t my wedding band; it was Alex’s original one. He now wears one with three tiny diamonds that I bought him after our first daughter was born. And I have been wearing his ring because mine just didn’t fit. After gaining so much weight during two unhealthy pregnancies and not making much effort to lose it, I didn’t have the heart to size my engagement/wedding ring another time. I had sized it so many times during our marriage that the bottom of the band wore so thin, it broke in half (strangely enough) on the day of our seventh wedding anniversary. I think I unconsciously made a vow once it was repaired that I wouldn’t size it again unless it was being sized down.
So yesterday I was getting ready for church and pulled out *my* ring—and that’s right, it fit! Just two weeks into my “70 in 7” project, I’ve lost about eight pounds, this will be my sixth blog post, and the Lord has made some amazing changes in my heart. I diligently stayed up so late last night working on my last post that Alex actually beat me to bed (I can’t remember that happening in years!). Before he went upstairs, he nestled his nose into my neck and said, “I like the changes I’ve seen in you these last two weeks. You’ve been much more positive about things.” And that, I think, is just putting it mildly.
As I wrote earlier, I do believe the Father has set me up to win this “70 in 7” challenge, and I believe He has given me the right tools and the right encouragers alongside me to help me do just that. My Writing Boot Camp is keeping my accountable in establishing a new writing routine, one that I hope will remain after this six-week course concludes. And Alex and I have also started using nutritional supplements known as AdvoCare. Since 1993, AdvoCare® has been a world-class nutrition company specializing in health and wellness, weight management, vibrant energy and sports performance. Alex and I are participating in what they call their “24-Day Challenge” which consists of a 10-day “Cleanse” phase to give the body a fresh start for proper nutrient absorption, and then a 14-day “Max” phase to fuel the body for maximum results. So far we are both seeing phenomenal results and are feeling just incredible!
When I first heard about AdvoCare, it was important for me to be sure this wasn’t some “lose weight fast” gimmick. That would not support my overall goal of addressing discipline in my eating habits or the heart issues related to food addictions. AdvoCare is all about putting the proper nutrition into your body, and it was founded by a Christian whose main goal of the company was to “Honor God.” Trust me, I’m not one to jump on a bandwagon of beguiling boosters just to accomplish a goal. I have never put my faith in any magic weight loss pills and never will. So I do not endorse anything lightly; I am hesitant even now, and yet my gut is saying that this system can help me achieve a lifelong ambition of physical health and wellness. …So we will let the results speak for themselves come May 5th when the challenge ends!
In the meantime, I do want to share my deep sorrow over the events of today at the Boston Marathon. I can only imagine the sadness of those who were hurt or lost loved ones because of domestic terrorists who find some revolting pleasure in injuring others. I do imagine those running the marathon would hope to breathe a victorious breath at the Finish Line, which for someone like me, would be the conclusion of a lifetime pursuit. I grieve for those who lost their moment of triumph to a torrent of fear and distress. Please join me in praying for Father’s peace to reign down, settle their hearts and heal their ache.
This past Saturday, I, myself, was able to run for the first time in nearly two years. While only for two minutes, it was positively euphoric to feel the long-lost sensation of natural adrenalin gushing up like a wellspring of life! I was reminded of the verse I chose for Eden’s baptismal cake theme:
The Lord will guide you always;
He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
Isaiah 58:11
Tonight at physical therapy, I worked with my therapist—who now surely believes in me—doing intervals of walking and running, to bring my total running time to five minutes. The best part is that I did it mostly pain free! I hope over the next few months, I will be able to adequately share in words the infinite awe that I have as I watch my Father faithfully fulfill His words of promise and hope—that as He guides me, and as I am faithful to follow, He will strengthen my entire frame and cause me to overflow His inspiring beauty into the lives of all I know. He is able. And so am I!
The Art of Choosing True Life 