Life Lessons

Slowing Down

By Lois Hewitt

What a day yesterday was!  Four days post surgery and I felt good.  Good enough to fold some laundry and do some work from home.  A few other things while Mike was out running errands.

Pain pills….did not need them, until I did.  I overdid it a bit.  Not bad, no damage done but a reminder of my stubborn streak.

Why are we so hesitant to relax?  Does it mean we are lazy?  Or not motivated?  How many times have we all run around doing, doing and doing when we should have just stopped?

Self-care is the buzzword of this era.  Take care of yourself.  Make time for yourself. But do it in between other things.  Don’t do it too much!  Don’t be lazy! 

We feel guilty for slowing down.  I know sloth is one of the seven deadlies, but that’s not the same as taking care of yourself.

When did it become the norm to just run ourselves ragged?  Then when you do go to relax, your brain starts calculating all the things you should be doing.  So you are “resting” but your brain is on full throttle, and you get up even less refreshed.

Even God took a day off and He calls us to do the same.  We aren’t meant to run on caffeine and no sleep.  It is bad for the body, brain and soul.

If I were completely honest, in the months before my surgery I grew more ill daily. Simple tasks that I did everyday took three times as long. Rest never helped and I would beg God for some “time off.”

Well I got it after the surgery and I still could not enjoy or utilize it. I still felt I had to do something as my worth is sometimes reflected in my completed to do list.

Today I realize I am wrong. My value is not in the number of tasks I complete. Although one wants to be productive but it’s not the sum of you as a person.  My value is not reflected in the jobs I completed.

I am a child of God.  That’s my worth.  He has called me for a purpose.  He shows me the path.

My planner keeps me organized but it became like a bible to me.  The more I got done the better I thought I felt about myself.  But it turned out to be empty.  I wasnt taking care of myself and the reality of that is I grew ill.

The fine line is the hardest walk you can ever try to navigate. Following God’s calling while doing those things humans need to do to survive.  It’s like a tightrope walk over the Grand Canyon.

This illness is teaching me that I’m not Wonder Woman.  I’m not going to “have it all.” I’m not bringing home the bacon….(those who know, know lol).

I’m going to fall short no matter my level of motivation.  I’m not getting it all done, and that’s okay.  I need to rest.  Rest is God’s way of Healing.

Self-care doesn’t have to look like a Tik Tok video with layers and layers of pampering. That seems stressful to me.  But we all need to find those things that allow us to really relax and make time for them.

Forget deadlines. Forget to do lists. Forget expectations. Just relax.  So many people look like they are on the edge. That’s what happens when you do not allow your body and mind to recharge.

I’m the first one to say this all sounds good in theory but reality plays a different tune.  I realize now that many of my stubborn choices have led me to this bed in which I am now recovering.

One thing I have learned about life, is that it will calmly and quietly call you to slow down and when you don’t life gets creative.  Like a theoretical baseball bat to the knees and bam you have no choice but to slow down.

You will be made to slow down one way or another. I choose to slow down on my terms from now on. 

Today please look for a window of time where you can really rest.  And use that time to recharge. Oh I know it will be difficult but for your own good you must try.

Redefine self-care, not by videos you see but by the things that bring you joy.  It won’t feel right at first, just do it and you will start to rewire your brain. 

You are worth the time you take for yourself.  You are worth taking care of yourself. You are worth peace and joy.  Allow it into your life, you are worth it!

A Day of Healing

By Lois Hewitt

Homemade muffins from a couple I met twice.

Several places to recuperate offered by people who don’t know me that well.

Prayers from churches and people I have never met and from many I have.

Offers of help from so many people in so many different places.

Doctors and nurses who took the best care of me.

Texts and cards full of get well wishes.

I am overwhelmed at the absolute outpouring of love I have felt.  Deserving, I am NOT!  Appreciative, I certainly AM!

This world is a funny place.  It’s scary and unpredictable as it continues to spiral out of control.  But then humanity takes center stage and the chaos starts to melt away.  Replaced by love and kindness.

I swore my writings would not become cancer-centric but unfortunately, that has become the context from which I now write.

A month since the diagnosis and three weeks since the hurricane and I have been covered in love.

From people I do not know, people I met once or twice, friends, family, co-workers past and present, school friends and so many more.

How did I get so blessed?  I was going to say lucky but luck has nothing to do with it.

I easily lose faith in mankind.  My heart breaks easily when I see injustice. It can cover me if I let it.  And, in truth, sometimes I let it. 

Then something happens in life that grabs you by the shoulders and shakes you out of it.  And you realize the images on a screen or printed on a page are not the only images today.

I look around at the neighborhoods totally destroyed and I see people being fed, clothed and cared for.

I see people opening their arms with provisions as well as a much needed hug of reassurance.

I read about the bad news. I hear the division in people.  I witness hurt.  But that’s not the entire story.

We do care for each other.  We feel empathy and compassion.  We all want to help.  That is the true human condition.  We all just forget that sometimes.

I am in awe at what is happening all around me.  Many like me, still shell-shocked but others jumping into action. It lifts my soul.

Today is another day of not doing anything but healing.  I would love to say, especially in light of everything else, that I hate this forced shutdown but the reality is that it is yet another blessing.

Much needed time to not only heal the body but the soul as well.  This has been a gift from God.  Not a gift like a pretty watch or something tangible.  But a gift of people who have touched my soul. Who have taught me lessons about compassion and true kindness.

I cannot see me being the same person ever again.  I have learned so much about the human condition. Things I was blind to before. Things I would never have seen, had I not started living through it.

Adversity is a tough taskmaster.  The pain serves as the tests that allow you to fall behind or move forward.  Good times don’t allow of hard truths and lessons learned. It truly is the heat on our feet that brings out the truth of who we are.

God has opened my eyes, toned down my ego, and shown me what true, unbridled humanity looks like.  I’m so blessed to have had this time to be on the sidelines and see humanity make the touchdown.

Going forward I will see life differently. My heart has been forever changed by the love I feel.  God allowed these people into my life to teach me lessons I could never have learned in my life.

Today I am changed. Today I am loved.  Today I will love more.  Blessed I am!

The Day After Surgery

By Lois Hewitt

Surgery is done. God’s protection was over me and the doctors and nurses. Thank you for all the prayers and concern.

My room was dark and the only light was from the monitors and a crack in the door.

As I turned my head to the left I witnessed the most beautiful sunrise.  There was a reflection of light from the door on the glass plus a small little white light from the sunrise. And for about a minute the was an illuminated cross on top of the mountains.

It only last a short time before the sun’s rays moved to their next destination. I was so lucky to have seen it. It was dramatic. I knew God was with me.

The surgery went well. I have an incredible team with me. The nurses overnight and during the day, stellar. I’m truly blessed.

Now some days to recoup. Hopefully I won’t be too demanding on my home nurse (Mike).  Then the hard decisions start. About next steps.  I will put it all on God’s hands. He has a plan and I just need to see my part in it.

Thank you again.  I’m overwhelmed at the thoughts, prayers, encouragement, and texts. I’m so thankful for every one of them. 

I have to confess something.  I thought as the time of surgery drew nearer that I would start to panic and have anxiety. But it didn’t happen.  That is a HUGE triumph for me.

I knew God had this and I had all of you praying.  I realize now that when you tell someone you are praying for them, there is power and majesty behind the words.

I’m so blessed. Beyond measure. Thank you once more.

Blessings and Gratitude

By Lois Hewitt

Good morning Mr. Sun.  With you, came a new day after a dark, cold night.  Your warmth and light penetrate my soul.  Open my eyes and open my heart.

I need to apologize to you all and to the world.  The last month has thrown a few curveballs my way and in typical Lois fashion, I simply went fetal and cried. As Mike would say, like a giant baby. Lol

But the sun today reminded me of the uncountable blessings that have covered me.  So many around me have so many more troubles.  So many more losses. 

You look around and wonder how one house was completely damaged and the ones on either side were untouched.  But the reality is everyone was touched in some way.  In different ways.

Many lives were lost and that remains a somber reminder of what has happened.  Never will any of us forget those souls that did not get to see a new day.  May they be in the Lord’s loving arms.

Many lost everything they owned.  Baby pictures.  Sentimental gifts.  So many things that you just can’t replace. I’m so sorry and my heart goes out to you as you try to rebuild a new life.

As I sit here in safety I am reminded of those not as fortunate and I truly pray for them and will continue to for a very long time.

As I look ahead, my surgery has been rescheduled and hopefully that can get done and I can start to heal.

Healing. We all need that now.  Along with healing one must embrace gratitude.  The old saying that it could be worse rings clear and true today.

When you are in the middle of any crisis it becomes difficult to see the worst, as it feels the worst at the time.  But the new day comes and it is clear that you have been blessed.  Not necessarily in a way you expected. 

Blessings are funny that way, they are often the opposite of what we think we deserve.  It’s so easy to look a gifted blessing in the mouth, so to speak, and want to reject it.  Then the new day comes and you can see that blessing for the true gift it is.

Again I apologize to everyone for my posts that were fueled by fear and uncertainty.  I should have kept my thoughts to myself. 

Today I sit here and I am thankful for God’s unending protection and His gifts.  I live with some guilt that so many have protected me and provided for me, as undeserving as I am.

Ungrateful I was, not intentionally, but in truth.  I could not see past my own reflection.  But today I can and I’m thankful to Jesus for taking care of me and for providing angels on earth to care, not only for me, but so many in need.

Life has a way of testing each of us.  Each test is different in scope and intensity. You can spend all day comparing your pain against someone else’s but that’s not productive.

Your lesson is different than my lesson. Whether it is a hurricane, cancer, loss of a job, passing of a loved one, or any other curveball…it is yours.  My suggestion will always be to pray for peace and understanding.

The last couple of weeks I had no words to pray, overwhelmed. The beauty part is Jesus already knows the need. Just wait out the confusion part and then the words will return.  With the prayers come healing. 

I’m probably not going to post much in the next couple of weeks as I convelse or I may not be quiet at all.  One never knows.

Thank you all seriously for all your prayers and well wishes.  I am blessed without measure. I hope, no matter, where you are today, you are able to see your blessings and start to heal. Today is truly a new day. God bless you all!

A Church is More Than a Building

By Lois Hewitt

I tried to go to work today but the power was off and no water, so after making sure everything was ok, we ran some errands.  Delivered a little food to a friend and dropped off a camp stove we borrowed when the power first went off.

I saw towns I knew that looked completely different. I saw damage and roads still closed days after the original event.  My heart continues to break.

But almost every church had some sort of table out with food and water.  Some offered meals to go, some water and diapers.  One small church had one table with a few things on it. 

The number of items did not equate to the love and support being shown.  The generosity, no matter quantities, was impressive.

I know some get tired of me spouting on about God. I know some of you have been hurt by church folk.  I know the ideal can be difficult to believe for a logical mind.

When Jesus walked this earth, He spoke about loving your brothers as well as your enemies.  Because His death on the cross was for ALL humankind, so must our service be to ALL humankind.

If you were in need, and showed up at my church, there would be no questionnaire about how you vote, who you live with or any other such worldly qualifier.

The only question asked would be “what do you need?”.  That is how the church is to function, as a beacon of light cutting through the darkness.

I saw that today.  No judgements only concern.  No expectations of a return on investment only caring.  No political affiliations or party speak only camaraderie.  We are all truly in this together. 

The church is an extension of Jesus, a part of Him.  The church should be that beacon and I see it happening in this situation. And it makes me heart so happy. 

I even need to remember at times that the church is made up human beings. Beings that are flawed, scarred, hurt and full of love.  Not one of us is perfect, but when push comes to shove, most want to jump in and help.

I am thankful for all organizations offering help in this time of need.  Lots of places and businesses. But to see so many churches trying to fill needs is a blessing to me.

Living our life like Jesus taught is a Christian’s highest calling.  That is a lesson I need to remember every day, not just during a crisis.

We are truly in this life together. No one gets out alive.  I am committed to living more like Jesus. It can only make the world a better place.

Better Days Ahead

By Lois Hewitt

Last night after dinner, the dishes were done, our bellies full, the soft glow of a night light and music playing. Simple pleasures are remembered as the best.

Then played Sultans of Swing and my feet started to move and the next thing I knew I was dancing, albeit not well.

The realization is that I haven’t danced or felt like dancing in months maybe longer.

Mike laughed at me and I smiled.  A little joy, a ray of light, in a dark night is sweeter than almost anything in life.

It felt so good.  Better than medicine. My heart lifted as my spirit did the same.  Lighter than air, I felt.

In the good times, we forget the little things that make life wonderful.  A sweet treat, a warm kiss, a belly laugh and a dance.  All these things are precious as gold, even more so.

So today as the worries and stresses mount.  When everything seems to be falling down around you, take a deep breathe and do a little dance or sing a song or anything that brings joy. 

It won’t solve the problems, but it will make you feel better.

Now I’m off to my War Room to pray for all those in need, maybe I’ll do a little dance on my way.

Better days are ahead my friend, better days indeed!

The Changes Continue

By Lois Hewitt

It’s been a while since I posted anything to my blog.  So much has transpired and so much has changed.

About three weeks ago I found out I have cancer.  Something I thought was a possibility. Still a shock when you hear it.  Mortality becomes more than a concept. You immediately start to think differently.

I was scheduled for surgery last week.  And Hurricane Helene came through the area.  A hurricane in the mountains…who ever heard of such a thing?

Now nine days later, some have power, some have water, some have cell reception and some lost literally everything.

I have seen some things in my day but never devastation like what happened in the path of that horrible, wicked storm.

I’m blessed!  I am doing better than most.  It’s really weird the last few months I’ve had a bad feeling. Just really doom and gloom.  It never left me.

I figured it was going to be a health tbing, so I slightly stocked up on dry goods and personal care products.  I was a mini prepper of sorts.

Then this happened and thankful was I for the small voice inside my head.  Not a premonition as much as a feeling.

So many were not prepared and my heart goes out to them.  So many from around the country are bringing in supplies and locals are feeding locals.  The good deeds for fellow humans brings back some of the feelings we all used to have.  Good does conquer over evil.

I’ve been trying to talk to God. I have thanked Him profusely for watching over me.  He truly did and I have some tales to tell. 

But I can’t seem to really talk to Him.  Why did He watch over me and not others? Surely I’m no more important. In fact now, I’m fairly useless and weak.

In the good times, the salad days, we have one understanding of suffering.  We know it’s all part of the plan and we know that with it comes strength and courage. But you aren’t up to your neck in it at the time.

Once the suffering really starts, for us or for others, we lose that easy determination and we start to question it.  I’m questioning it right now.

I know there is a bigger plan, I know these things happen for a reason.  I know all things work for our Good.  I know all this but it feels somewhat empty.

Nor would I ever say to anyone who lost anything, that it’s all part of God’s plan.  That just would seem cruel…even if I do believe it.

I feel a little distant from God.  Before all of this I felt so close so I’m really perplexed at how I am feeling.

Again, I’m so extremely blessed.  So taken care of. But so tired.  The kind of tired sleep does not fix.

I’m longing for some solid answer. They say it will literally be years before normal returns but by then there will be a new normal.  The old normal will be but a distant memory.

And everyone will be changed. Some will refocus, some regroup and some will give up.  My heart absolutely breaks for the people who lost everything and walk away never to look back.

I do not know what to do this very minute. I’m just trying to create a little normalcy for my husband and me.  Brief little lights of comfort.  I am learning that it is okay to not know.  To not have all the answers. To be confused.

These are the times Christians prepare for, the times to hang on tight.  To wear God’s armour even if we just can’t feel it. 

God is with us and everyone’s journey is different. I can’t compare mine to the person over there.  I can’t ask why I was spared, I have my own difficult and different journey ahead of me. 

I know so many of us are feeling guilt.  Guilt about water, food, shelter, clothes and life.  I feel so guilty. But I know from experience guilt is a useless emotion.  Nothing good comes from it.  We have to let it go.

I realize now that I need to focus on my journey, wherever that takes me.  I’m too weak, at this point, to help others so I’ll stay out of the way, making room for others who have strength and conviction.

I will pray for all of those in need.  I’ve seen prayer work, never have I doubted that power.  I have been looking at this from only my small view, God’s view is all encompassing and I cannot fathom it.

But I can hold onto it with all the strength I have. I need to start talking again to God and see what my part is to play in glorifying Him through this all.

Anyway just wanted to write an update. This whole situation isn’t about me, but what He will do through me.

Stay strong! Stay safe! And stay close to God, He will provide!

Drive Thru Christianity

By Lois Hewitt

Last night we watched “War Room”, a Christian movie about the power of prayer.

My eyes leaked the entire length of the movie.  Just being able to watch something that was actually intended to glorify God was healing to my soul.

Quick premise, a family is being torn apart by busyness and bitterness. A marriage is crumbling. A child feels lost. Step in a prayer warrior and things begin to change.

There is much more to it than that but that’s the Readers Digest (if you know what that means lol) version.

Over the last few years, prayer has changed in my life. Before it was simply an occasional thank you for getting me out of a jam that I got myself into and where I could place my order for a miracle.

I was a drive thru Christian.  I couldn’t be bothered to get out of the car.  I wanted to place my order without seeing a face and then just wanted to drive up and have my answer handed to me. And off I would go, no other thought necessary.

The problem with that type of system is that you are never really fed, never satisfied.

Fast food is convenient, yes, but it’s not nourishing. Same with prayer that is either convenient and/or fast. It has no lasting nourishment.

Some call it being a lukewarm Christian but, because of my intimate knowledge of fast food, it makes more sense to me to think of it as drive thru Christianity.

As I have been studying prayer, my life has changed. No longer do I see it as talking to a faceless order board.  No longer do I expect quick service.  No longer do I expect to fill my belly with poison dressed as something nourishing.

I still have a lot to learn.  And even back in the day when I had no idea what I was doing, I saw prayers answered. That’s called Grace.  A gift given that is not deserved.

Today I want to take my prayer life up a notch.  I’m going to create a “war room” at my desk when I can go to Jesus with no expectations of miracles, but to go with as pure a heart as possible. 

Go to Him to pray for those I love, those who are hurting, those who are suffering, those who have needs, those who are lost and for our country and world.  My war room is where I want to go meet Jesus and pray the hard prayers.

It used to be just about me.  Why me?  How could you Lord?  What about me?

I can pray for myself, sure, but now I see there are bigger needs that should have my attention. My view has grown from just me to a whole lot more.

Everyday we lose a little more ground. Anger and bitterness are all around.  Uncertainty abounds.  Violence and hate are everywhere. So many talk in circles with no explanation or solution.  Confusion reigns.

Jesus showed us how to live. He walked this earth as an example to follow. He left His words as a reminder of what’s expected from His followers and told what happens when we turn our backs to Him.

I know fewer and fewer people believe.  I do and I no longer care what anyone else feels about it.  I believe with all that I am and will pray for those who don’t. I have seen prayer work and I have seen prayers not answered.

Both have worked to create in me a spirit that has made me ready to enter the war room of prayer.

No longer will I accept a drive thru mentality.  I want to sit down and savor the meal.  I want nourishment that brings with it health and healing. I want it to last and to satisfy. This applies to both food and prayer.

To the war room I go, to meet Jesus. What an honor it is to serve Him. 

The Words we Say

By Lois Hewitt

This morning I woke up, said a prayer and rolled out of bed.  The very first thing I told myself was that I was tired.

Then I looked in the mirror and I said to myself that I look old.

Then on the way to the kitchen I told myself how bad I feel.

At that moment, the reality hit me.  Those things I say to myself are the words that form my attitude. They become who I am.

So what if I say I’m energized instead of tired?  I’m not bad for my age instead of old looking.  How about I feel pretty good instead of feeling sick?

My brain automatically followed suit.  I felt better.  I moved better.  The face? Still old but it’s a privilege not a burden.

I’ve been not well for months and I’m done. I can’t stand hearing my inner voice tell me how tired I am all the time.

It’s like all the negativity all around us in the world today.  It’s literally everywhere. God does not want us to live under a dark cloud. That’s certainly not why He endured the horrors of the cross.  So we can be defeated…no way.

He endured the cross to give us victory over sin.  Negative self-talk is a form of sin.  We have been given a gift we could never earn and yet it’s so easy to cast it aside.

Please do not misunderstand me, I’m not saying that ridding your mind of the negative things will supernaturally fix all ills.  It won’t. But looking at Jesus rather than at ourselves can change our perspective.

Trusting that He has a plan that is much bigger than my life helps me out of “woe is me” mode. 

Trusting that He has a plan that is much bigger than my life helps me not to fear the unknowns or what’s coming.

Trusting that He has a plan that is much bigger than my life redirects my negative thoughts to thoughts more in alignment with His.

Read His Word!  Jesus is the Victor. All who believe in Him will know victory.  I know it’s hard to understand and it’s really hard to wait.  But placing your faith in Him, opens up a whole new life full of possibilities.

I have spent way too many years tired, sick, remorseful, full of anxiety and depressed.  The negativity always seemed to envelope me.  I had no victory because I did not understand His gift.

He takes me heavy burdens and gives me rest.  He takes my fears and gives me peace.  He takes my sadness and gives me purpose.  He takes all the bad and gives me goodness and light.

Some days are easier than others. Today I realized my part in all of this…not to get caught up in the darkness of life.  There is plenty to see but today I pray for the light. Today I pray for His peace. I pray for that for you also.

Jesus can save your life from sin, that’s the reason for His shed blood on the cross.  Forgiveness and salvation.  But He also wants us to have victory over darkness. What an awesome God we serve.

Talk to Him today. He will meet you were you are.  He is real, not a fairy tale.  He just wants us to seek Him and believe. He is my everything. I pray He becomes that for you too.

A Trip to the Supermarket.

By Lois Hewitt

I did something yesterday that used to be normal for me but something I have not done in a while. And it really stopped me in my tracks.

This post isn’t about me thinking I’m superior or anything. Let me start by saying I suffered from horrible food choices and food addictions for decades and am still fighting the results of those choices.

I’m overweight with several health complications due to a long lasting poor diet.  I work everyday to be better with food.

I stopped going to the grocery store about a year ago.  I order groceries and have them delivered. I know that sounds extravagant but I actually save money.

I make a menu and buy only what I need for the week.  No impulse items.  No throwing extras in the cart.  I actually eat better and save money.

Of course there are days I want candy and I curse this plan but I get over it.

I buy from Whole Foods, just my preference.  Because I shop online, I have time to read ingredient information. Not everything at Whole Foods is healthy.  But it is a little more healthy than our regular grocery stores in the area.

Yesterday I had to run into a “regular” grocery store.  Some things you just can’t get at Whole Foods, like Cool Whip (which makes a great cake frosting).  You still gotta live a little.

I walked in the store, and it had been quite a while.  I noticed how small the produce section was compared to the bakery section.

Then I noticed two full isles of chips, pretzels and microwave popcorn.  Followed by a full aisle of candy and boxed pastries (I didn’t even tempt myself.)

Another double aisle of sweetened cereal and more pastries.

The frozen organic vegetable section was stored in one single unit and looked like it hadn’t been visited for a while.

Across the aisle were several freezers full of pizzas and the next aisle was premade food. The last full aisle was just ice creams.

As I continued through the store I saw a double aisle of just sodas and in the dairy aisle two tables of more pastries.

Even the beer and wine section was bigger than the produce section.

I was overwhelmed and saddened. That used to be my life.  Prepared foods, snacks, chips, more snacks, sugary cereal, even more snacks, Coke in glass bottles and snacks.

It’s all right there. Easy access. Anything you want, just throw it in the cart.

“They” tell you how expensive it is to eat healthy. That it is less expensive to eat processed food.  But they never mention the long range costs. Illness, depression and more.

Please believe me, I’m not preaching so much as I am concerned.

I grew up thinking breakfast was two Pop Tarts and a Coke or a bowl of Cap’t Crunch and a candy bar.  It was just my dad and me, so we ate out a lot. McDonald’s was my preference for decades.

I never really learned how to really cook until the lock down during COVID. I could make some things but knew nothing about nutrition.

As I stood in the middle of that grocery store, I was reminded of all my past bad choices.  All the illnesses I had.  The fact that my taste buds didn’t like anything that wasn’t heavily coated in sugar and/or fat.

I thought of all the money I wasted on food that did not nourish me.  Yes, it may have filled my belly but it never fully satisfied. That’s why I always needed more. Come to find out, that’s the plan and always has been.

Anthony Bourdain said that once food became convenient, it became unhealthy (I paraphrased).  Food was meant to nourish the body and satisfy the soul.

Food was meant to heal not harm.  Food was meant to be a catalyst for human connection, sharing a meal, not wolfing down a burger and fries in the car as you drive.

Many, including myself, lost touch with the real meaning of food.  And it takes a high price in wasted food costs and in health.

I must have looked like some kind of freak just staring at all the food and all the excess. Is there a reason there are a hundred different mustards?

I looked at all of the sum total of “food” and wished I had known what I know now then. It was too much. Overconsumption at its finest.

Again, not preaching. But it saddened me the lies we believed.  Vitamin enriched.  Low fat.  New and improved.  All natural.  All lies.

I grabbed my two (not good for me) items and ran out of there quickly.  Afraid that somehow the monster would attack again. 

Fear of falling off the wagon, is real for me.  I have gotten bags of garbage food and eaten it during the last four years.  But as I continue to learn more about nutrition, the less it happens.

God provides our daily bread. He wants us healthy and fully functioning. His food is simple and tasty not overprocessed and unhealthy.

It’s hard to cook every meal.  Luckily, I’m older now. I don’t work full time, in fact we consider the money I save by not eating out as equal to a part time job.

Not everyone has the inclination or ability. That saddens me because our food system in this country is broken.  And has been since I was a child. 

The long range effects of poor nutrition are now finally coming into the light.

I pray for our farmers, especially small family farms, at every meal.  Their life is hard. Going up against the Goliath’s like Con Agra and the like.  I pray that the food we eat is good for our body and soul.

I pray that more Americans see the lies the food lobbyists are telling us all in commercials and advertising.

I pray for the health and well-being of all people through the food we eat.

It’s harder and harder to eat better food.  But even small changes can help.  Eat well my friends. I pray for your health and that of our nation.