Blog #3

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!!!  

Can I just tell you how glad... RELIEVED I am that I've started Weight Watchers right before the major holidays???  I'm serious!  Many people may think, "Oh, but the feasting is SO GOOD!"  Of course, they're right, but let's talk about feasting for a second.

Thanksgiving:  This is a holiday where the Puritans, after suffering almost unbearable hardship and famine, gave thanks to God for their plentiful harvest and His goodness.  It can be deduced that the fare that day included wild foul, venison, nuts, berries, grains, and squash.  I've read that sugar was in short supply and so if there was anything sweet, it was most likely sweetened with honey or berries.  Whatever they ate, I hope it amazingly delicious... and that they ate until they were full...  because it had been a long time since they could say that they actually had, had enough to eat.

Today, all we have to do is open our pantries or drive to the nearest corner and we too can have just about all of the above (save the venison in most parts) in the blink of an eye.  Almost every day is a feast for most American families (although this could be changing since our economy is in its present state, but that's a chat for a different day).  We have meat, vegetables, starches, sweets, fruits... and really we try to eat some of each every day.  If we think about it, by the Puritan's standards and those of many other people currently around the world, AMERICANS FEAST EVERY DAY.

Of course, there are benefits to having healthy food at our fingertips.  Scurvy is scarce.  Rickets isn't rampant.  We're tall, strong, and well nourished.  Now the pendulum has swung in the opposite direction and our lives have become centered on food.  Let me be more personal here, MY life has become centered around food.  I love its aroma, the process it takes to put together something delicious. the satisfaction of swallowing something scrumptious, be it savory or sweet.  Every day has become a bit of a feast... and that's what has gotten me to be the 328 lbs that I am.

So, back to Thanksgiving.  Yes, Henry and I are having turkey, potatoes, cranberries, corn bread stuffing, and pumpkin pie and I will be counting my Weight Watchers points the entire time.  This year we opted to purchase most of our feast precooked from our favorite grocery store.  They do a great job and we just wanted some time to relax and reflect on how good God is and be thankful for all the blessings He's showered on us.  Here are just a few that I'd like to share:

1.) Henry - I have the most patient and loving husband and I am so thankful for him.  He was worth the wait.
2.) Selah  - She is healthy, smart, funny, and just the most incredible joy.  She was worth the wait.
3.) Our friends and family - I love you all dearly
4.) Our church - the teaching, fellowship, and oversight are a blessing and a rare treasure
5.) Our employment - work is hard, but are employed.  Can I get an AMEN!?!?!?
6.) Our freedom and provision - Praise God that we haven't been starving and freezing and facing horrible living conditions as the Pilgrims did as they made their way to the new world and started a new life.  And praise God that I still have the freedom to do just that...  PRAISE GOD.

Again, Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!