I've always wanted to own my own bookstore/coffee shop, and this is what I want to call it. I actually hate cherries, except fresh Bing cherries. But honestly, a hot fudge sundae is not complete without a cherry. It's just that extra topping that makes it perfect. And that's what I want out of life...all the extras that God gives to make it "perfect" or at least a little closer to heavenly.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Life As We Know It


Life as we know it is about to come to an abrupt halt! We've actually known for some time that Lloyd, my wonderful 29 year old husband, has high cholesterol b/c a doctor put him on medicine for it before I got pregnant with Brady. It concerned me then and I got on a kick for all of us to eat healthier. I lost a bit of weight and so did Lloyd, but he never really got motivated. I really hated that Lloyd was so young and was on medication for something like this. But I got pregnant and sort of lost my direction...The doctor kept him on the medicine and then re-checked his blood levels. A few months ago, we found out that the medicine was elevating his liver enzymes so they took Lloyd off of the medicine. A few weeks ago, Lloyd went to a new doctor for a check-up. After doing some blood work, the doctor discovered Lloyd still has high cholesterol. But rather than put him on medication, the doctor told Lloyd to go on a low-fat diet and exercise.

So, I've found a new way to encourage my husband. We've come to the decision that as of Tuesday, September 9th, we're embarking on the Sonoma Diet, which is actually not a diet but a lifestyle change. High cholesterol is something that we'll be managing forever, so it's time to make some changes. I am addicted to ice cream. Lloyd is addicted to coke. So as I said before, life as we know it is about to come to an abrupt halt! No more late night Taco Bell runs, a very bad habit we've continued even after having Brady. No more Blue Bell Cookies and Cream or Braum's Hot Fudge Sundaes. No more Sonic cokes!!!!! Yes, we're taking this very seriously and we're quitting cold turkey. We're going to change the way we eat entirely and we're both excited about it. I know this may seem silly to some of you, maybe drastic to others, but what I've realized is that our bodies are gifts from God to each other and we have not been taking care of them.

Here's my motivation scripture: Hebrews 12:1-13

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin (food) that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
4In your struggle against sin (food), you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."[
a]
7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace (and health) for those who have been trained by it.
12Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13"Make level paths for your feet,"[
b] so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

7 comments:

TexasNeals said...

randi, i think it is so wonderful that you love your husband so much that you are willing to make the sacrifices nessary to help him be healthy. i don't think it's silly or drastic, i think it's noble and godly. our bdies are to be living sacrifices. in this day and age, one of the biggest "lusts of the flesh" is junk food. it can't be pleasing to God when we pollute our bodies (an amazing creation and gift) w/ all this garbage. i'm not familiar w/ the sanoma diet. mabye you could tell us a little more about it.
know that you aren't on your own in this quest for a healthy life style. and every time you deny yourself a "lust of the flesh" ;) consider it a sacrifice not only for lloyd, but a sacrifice for your creator.
k, i got way too long on that. i appologize. i'm passionate about treating our bodies in a way that is pleasing to God. i think that this is an important area that lots of christians overlook.
randi, i'm proud of you. y'all can do it! you will be blessed for it. i will be praying for you. :)

Moms Gone Godly said...

I am so glad to hear that Lloyd does not have to be on medicine either and it is just a life style change. I understand what you mean. IT IS HARD! All the bad food is always such GOOD food. But it is so awesome that we love God so much that we choose to take care of our bodies that he has made for us. And Stacey is right, we make choices from love that care for our family too. I can't wait to hear about the journey.

robbieniccum said...

please Randi, so back to Sparkpeople and check out their food...it is easier to me because I did Sonoma but it's great!!!!

what ever happened to the interview at ABF?

3 wonderful gifts said...

just wanted to wish you luck on the new life change and we'll be sending our prayers out that God makes this an easy life change for all of you.

Oliver said...

Go Go Go! HooooRaw!! You will feel so much better! I tell you livin in the south is different it accepts bad food habits and considers it a way of life! But its not!! The sanoma (although) Ive never followed it strictley but always kind ate that way any ways is a great way to learn how to eat! All over again- cause thats what it is about Learning how to eat again!! You know me though Im huge on moderation other wise any life style is miserable. and the most important part of this journey is get your BUTTS moving!!!!! I know where you live:) no excuses walk walk walk!!!!:))
Wish i was there to walk with you!!
Loyd will be fine! I know what you mean about sacraficing for the Hubbies health and the families! But you will be a happier wife and mom too!!
Hugs Jodie

Amy Mac said...

Hi Randi!
I'll definitely be praying for you as you embark on this journey! Tell Lloyd I feel for him about the Sonic cokes because I'm trying to do without Sonic Dr. Peppers while pregnant and its hard even though it seems to be such a small treat. Your boys will benefit so much too as they will be raised eating this way and hopefully not have to make drastic changes as adults. I was always amazed at how much better my high school students ate than I did. The younger generation is good at this! Hang in there and know you are being a very good wife and mother. Love you!

Unknown said...

One thing I learned when I tried to quit smoking is when I fell off the wagon I just got back on and quit again! I've been smoke free for 6 years! My friend Kary always told me when I ate something I shouldn't just to make a "You Turn". I think that's from the You on a diet book. But it's a good reminder when you think you eat something you shouldn't, just to make a you turn and keep making good choices.
You've motivated me because my cholesterol is high also. I'm going to make some changes too!Thanks!