Lesson Learned

Today was our Ward Conference. Bishop Metheny shared a message with us about how important it is to be a friend and reiterated President Monson's message in the May 2001 Ensign "To the Rescue". I liked the story Bishop used to illustrate how we have to work at being a good friend. It reminded me of the natural man that we struggle to conquer each day.

An old grandfather said to his grandson, who came to him with anger at a friend who had done him an injustice, "Let me tell you a story.

I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do.

But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times." He continued, "It is as if there are two wolves inside me. One is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him, and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way.

But the other wolf, ah! he is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger, for his anger will change nothing.

Sometimes it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit."

The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eyes and asked, "Which one wins Grandfather?"

The grandfather smiled and quietly said, "The one I feed."

Our Relief Society president, Brittany Carroll shared some words from Elder Holland regarding enduring adversity and coming unto Christ. I thought this message went right along with the above story: "Certainly not everything we struggle with is a result of our actions. Often, we suffer because of the actions of others or just the mortal events of life." Elder Holland said that we should change anything that we can and we must forgive the rest. In this way, our access to the Savior's atonement becomes as unimpeded as we can make it. Then our Savior will take it from there.

Addicted

I am decidedly addicted to my bedroom. I first realized this when we drove away from our home last Friday as we headed to Memphis for my nephew Ethan's baptism. I didn't want to leave, although I also wanted to go and be with my brother's family for this momentous occasion. I was surprised to find that I was thinking about my bedroom and its' cozy fireplace, comfy bed and clean floor. Rance cleaned it several weeks ago and it has been part of my Game On! goals to keep it clean. I've been successful. And so almost every night for the last couple of weeks, I've lugged a load of firewood up the stairs and used the trusty lighter that Santa left in Rance's stocking and built a blazing fire. Then, I'll get into my Jammie's, grab either my latest novel or "Jesus the Christ" and cuddle up in my bed or tug the couch around in front of the fire. I am, in fact, sitting in front of the fire as I write this. I love the campfire smell. I love to watch the fire flicker on the ceiling when it's time to turn out the lights. I love the crackling sound. It almost makes me like winter.

The Game On! Diet

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-ZFAQoohYU

Life Change!

Rance and I have started The Game On! Diet with 13 other friends!

I participated in the game back in December with a group of friends and absolutely loved it!

The reason: the principles taught rang true because of my upbringing. Most of you know that my father was diagnosed with Glomerulonephritis when I was in kindergarten (don't ask how long ago that was!) He almost died at that time but was approached by two "angels" who taught him about nutrition and healthy living. Back then they would have been referred to as "health nuts"! Dad went on to fully embrace many of the things this book talks about...giving up refined sugar and enriched flour, eating raw veggies when possible (in fact, Dad went on a raw veggie diet in the beginning...I remember him chomping on potatoes!), eating whole grains and much, much more. He dragged his family along with him, kicking & screaming, I might add! Giving up cold cereal was not very fun. And his wheat pancakes were enough to fill you up for days.

After following this plan during my first game, I realized how much better I feel when I make these healthy choices. And when I give in to cravings, I literally feel like CRAP! Bonus...I've lost those extra pounds that I've put on over the past few years!! I am a believer!

In a nutshell, every day is worth 100 points. You eat 5 meals a day that are worth 6 points each. If you flub up a meal, it's not the end of the world...you just don't get those 6 points. You earn 20 points by exercising at least 20 minutes. 15 points are available if you sleep 7+ hours. Drink 3 liters of water each day and earn 10 points. At the beginning of the game, each player chooses an unhealthy habit to break during the 4 weeks of play and if you eliminate that habit each day, you get 10 points. Also, each player chooses a healthy habit to incorporate into their lives. Do that healthy habit and earn 10 points. Lastly, we communitcate with our team mates and the opposing team each day for 5 points. It might sound complicated, but it really isn't or I wouldn't do it!! It's just fun to play! And the best part for me, it doesn't cost anything! Especially if the team I'm on wins! Because at the beginning of each game, the teams agree on a prize to play for!! It's just good, clean fun!