Refusing the Binkie

Kenni, I blame you....

Selective Reduction (aka: murder)

It is horrible to read. But it *is* happening and we can't simply cover our eyes and hope it goes away.

The Revenge of Conscience

And, as a Christian, you have to think this through even further. Some Christians "freeze" their embryos, so as not to have too many inserted at one time. Then what? What happens to those frozen embryos? Is it a life? Do you believe life begins at conception? Eventually, if no one uses them, what happens? You feel okay with the fact that as long as they are frozen, it's okay?

And are we really to take things this far? Is it okay to do this type of medical procedure if only one, two, or three embryos are used - since you would be willing to carry this many babies at once? But what of the cost? Most couples would try to get as many embryos as possible - I mean, come on, this stuff is EXPENSIVE! At what point do we say, "ok, God, for His own reasons, doesn't want us to have our own biological children. Now what? Do we adopt? Do we foster? Or do we remain childless?"

I don't have the answers for all of these questions. I can only work out what MY answers would be. I can read the Bible and find TRUTH answers based on God's Word. There IS a right and wrong here. If you read the above article, even the lesbian who is vehemently pro-choice KNEW what she was doing was wrong. One woman hid under the sheets, trying NOT to see the baby on the screen she was about to kill.

As we try to HELP people, is it really worth KILLING others? At what point are we helping and at what point do we cross over into playing god??

What do YOU think? Where do we draw the line? Where have we already crossed over the line? What do you believe God's Word says on this issue? We can't simply ignore this issue any longer....it's out there, it's happening and babies are dying.

~overwhelmed with grief, anger, frustration & sadness~
*Michigan Momma*

Two things....

Okay, #1:

See the cute little Momma down on my sidebar? The WeeWorld Michigan Momma? How cute is she?? I got the idea and link from Jen (she's in my favorite blogs). I'm having fun updating her here and there. Take a peak.

#2:

Just got in from mowing about 3/4 of our lawn. I'm sitting here, drinking my lunch (part of my diet which is going great!) and I get an "itchy". I itch it (upper part of my shoulder, right by the bra strap). Hmmm...what is *that*? SMACK!! Hmmm.....what was *that*? Do a little shake.....

out comes the big ol' BUG!!

Ewwwwwwww.......

I really hate bugs.

I need to fix the kids a late lunch, but now I *really* need a shower.

Ewwwwwwww........
*completely grossed out Michigan Momma*

p.s. STOMP! STOMP!!
He was still moving....gross.

Kitchen Tip Tuesdays

Hey everyone,

I like participating in these fun little diddies. Today is actually Wednesday, so I'm a day late, but here's my little kitchen tip nonetheless...

To make my life easier, and my kitchen just a little bit cleaner, I put everything in the dishwasher that I can. Especially the knobs from my oven/stove. The ones you twist to turn on the burners or turn on the oven. They tend to get greasy pretty quickly, so this is a life saver. With four little ones, my time is precious and scrubbing these little knobs just isn't worth it to me. Not when I can toss them in the dishwasher!

So there ya go. My simple kitchen tip. Head on over to Tammy's Kitchen (she's also linked on my sidebar) and check out all the other tips. I'm lovin' all the new ideas!

Have a great day ~ I'm headed back outside to continue mowing (Holly, I consider this "functional fitness" and even ASKED my dh if I could mow this week - yeah! for me!!)

Hot & lovin' it~
*Michigan Momma*

private

We have been gently explaining to our children recently about certain "private" areas of their body, how certain areas are to be covered by clothing, why the girls wear bloomers under their dresses, what to say/do if anyone tried anything, etc.


While this is a necessary part of parenting, it sometimes comes back to bite 'ya....


I was sewing up a skirt. It was coming together so quickly, and looked so cute, I decided to wear it out with my friends to dinner that evening. So there I am, looking in the mirror, making sure the length is good, the elastic is the correct size, etc. I slip the skirt off and run to my sewing machine, just to sew the elastic together - one last step.


While I'm sitting there at my machine, I suddenly hear my little Selah let out a big ol' sigh. I look over at her. She has her hands on her hips, with a (cute) frustrated tilt to her head, looking at me.


"Momma!" *another large sigh* "Panties are PRIVATE!"


What could I say? Panties *are* private. Come on, Momma.....
*Michigan Momma*

Camera case

I keep forgetting to grab my camera as I head out the door.

Duh.

I get all our stuff together, diaper bag, snacks & drinks, blanket, sunscreen, towels, sand toys, etc.etc.etc. and I just keep forgetting the camera. Argh!

So we've been to the beach three days in a row and I have no pictures to share with y'all. Not only that, but I have no pictures for my own enjoyment. The kiddos are lovin' the beach, lovin' the many boats and barges that head by - and I need some photo memories!

Anyways, this Sat. we are headed to Feast of the St. Clair - lots of historic costumes, with those people doing historically accurate demonstrations, things to buy, lots of food & drink, etc. I'm looking forward to it. I love that kind of stuff.

Then we are getting together with some friends for grilling. It is the youth pastor and his family and for some reason it's just been hard to get times when *both* of our dh's are available. They live in a small duplex (belongs to the church) and we are thinking we might be moving close to them in Jan. Our current house is great, but a bit expensive. Now that we know the area a bit more, hopefully we will be able to find something a bit less expensive in town - that is still nice and big enough for our family. I'm looking forward to learning how she manages her family in that small house (they have 3 daughters). Also, they live within walking distance of the church, which helps if you only have 1 car.

Then on Monday, we will go to the Memorial day parade here in town. Just the regular ol' family fun stuff.

If nothing else, we'll hit the beach again. I can't say it enough, the lake here is gorgeous! Today we saw an older gentleman just chillin' on the beach, enjoying the sun, the breeze, all the boats going by - just relaxing. It just brought my father to mind. I think he would really enjoy that. I hope he is able to move here soon! We have to wait for him to retire first, but then I hope he gets his time relaxing on the beach too!! I'm actually kinda hoping we can do some type of inter-generational living arrangement at that time. Maybe a duplex or something. To help each other share the cost of living (with each of us still having our own space) with the bonus of being there for one another, having the kids really know their grandparents, etc. Who knows, we still have a few years before that would happen...

Ok, now I'm just rambling. I probably won't be able to blog until next week - but hopefully I'll have lots of stuff to blog about then!

I'm off to enjoy our newly fixed air contitioning, sew for a bit, then perhaps enjoy the evening outside until dusk. Everyone have a great Memorial Day weekend!!

~lovin' this Michigan weather~
*Michigan Momma*

speaking of "crunchy"

**click on any picture to get the full-screen view**

Ok, living in Boulder county, CO tends to have a *green* effect on even the most die-hard midwesterner. We really enjoyed all the land dedicated to trails and open space in CO. I was wondering what kind of trails we would find here in MI ~ and boy was I pleasantly surprised!

Perhaps I am wrong (feel free to correct me) but I believe this is *just* beginning to be an issue here in MI - in that they are just starting to design these types of trails/open spaces. The kids and I went on our first "official" Michigan trail today. It was the Fort Gratiot GREEN trail. We did one mile out and one mile back - quite the hike for my crew! The older two (5yob & 4yog) rode their training wheeled bikes, while this Momma pushed the other two (2yog & 3mob) in our new double stroller (well, new to us - from my mom - very COOL!!).

We stopped for a quick dinner at a little picnic table area along the way.

We heard lots of birds (did not really see all that much) - but we did see *something* in the water - maybe an opposum?? Not sure. It was brown, came down through the tall grass to get a drink, then just dove right in and swam down the way a bit. Hmmm...do opposum do that??

We went over a few nice wooden bridges - it was a bike trail so it was nice and smooth for the stroller. Not the mountain bike trails we were used to in CO (which were NOT so good for strollers, obviously).

My little Selah (4yog) is such a timid gal. Let's face it, a downright sissy girl she is. She discovered an ant on her shirt during our peaceful dinner - oh. my. goodness. can that girl YELL!! She screamed and cried until I could get Elijah unlatched (he was also having dinner), get out of my camping chair (I brought it along for that specific purpose), and get over to her to swipe it off her shirt. Isaac thought it was a RED ant (which we had talked about last week) and RAN his little hiney over to the trail, trying very hard not to look scared. Tali didn't give a whit about any of it and just wandered around the tall grass while I tried not to think of ticks (which I *did* check for, btw).

The worst part was having to cross a semi-busy road to get to the trail. A very nice gentlemen helped me by grabbing Selah half-way across and helping her along. He also mentioned that there were two other spots to join up with the trail, where you could park and not have to cross a road - BONUS!! On the way *back* across the semi-busy street, I half-dragged Selah who was just plain tuckered out by then and just couldn't get going.

The best part was just getting outside - and NOT having to worry about bears or mountain lions attacking my family while out on our hike (something I could never *quite* get used to in CO ~ someday I'll share about the bear in our backyard 2 weeks after we moved to CO...true story!).

And it was just so GREEN!! I really did enjoy a lot of the nature in CO - but it wasn't very green. Here, in spring, it's just all so GREEN ~ I love it. I'm convinced it must be one of God's favorite colors!! I *know* it's one of mine.

Ok, well, time to go do some dishes, move the laundry around and see about cutting out some fabric. We *are* headed to the beach tomorrow, so I'll try to grab some pics while we're there as well. Fun, fun, stuff.....and some of it is very educational too - BONUS!!

Loving God's green earth~

*Michigan Momma*

Quick CRUNCHY Quiz

CRUNCHY QUIZ

Here's a quick quiz to test your "crunchiness".

Just so you know, I scored a 52 at this season in life. That's "sprinkled with granola" I think. I know I've been crunchier in the past and also LESS crunchier in the past. I guess it just ebbs and flows, just like Janel talks about on this blog (where I got the quiz link).

Just a fun little quiz! Enjoy!
*Michigan Momma*

Lake Huron

So beautiful!!

And so clean. I can't believe how absolutely clean and sparkling this lake is. I grew up around Lake Michigan on the west side of MI - I remember it being pretty clean too. But then my folks moved to northwest IN - and the lake we went to was in view of the steel mills. Gross. There were always these warnings telling us when we could and couldn't go into the water due to bacteria (I think) and icky stuff in the water. Just not nice.

But here, right by MI and Cananda, the water is gorgeous. So the kids and I went to the beach today. I wasn't thinking we would go to the beach, just a park. But one of the great parks around here in right next to the beach. So we ended up at the beach.

Ahhh...just beautiful!!

But I do need a beach umbrella.

I did manage to grab a large blanket and some basic picnic food items so we had an impromptu (sp?) beach picnic while the kids splashed at the water's edge. I think tomorrow I will have them wear their suits so then will feel more comfortable getting wet. And I think I'll hit the local Wal-Mart for a cheap-o umbrella. The weather was just perfect and I think we're having a repeat day tomorrow. We an umbrella and some high spf sunscreen (I forgot today, so we couldn't stay that long), we will have a great day at the beach again tomorrow.

I also grabbed a vacation guide magazine from a local store the other day and found a bike/walking trail not far from here. The kids and I will be heading that way today after quiet time today. With the double stroller, I should get a good workout, plus the older two will get all worn-out on their bikes (bonus!).

I am also *in love* with the newest shorter skirt I sewed recently. I pulled out three more fabrics from my stash. They aren't the most stylish of materials, but I think they might work. The skirts are definitely comfy and with a simple white shirt, I just feel great!! My weight loss is officially 18 lbs this last 2 weeks. GREAT!! I'm sure that has lots to do with my fabulous attitude!!

Now I just need to focus some of this extra energy on cleaning my house. Nothing is all that bad, but ya know, things need some deep cleaning (bathrooms, dusting, etc.) I am doing fine on keeping up with laundry, dishes, vacuuming, decluttering, but the rest.....well, it's not all that important when you can visit GORGEOUS Lake Huron every single day!!

Lots of love to you, readers!! My great mood is spilling over today!!

*Michigan Momma*

My new skirts

I think women should dress like women - for me that means mostly skirts and dresses, although I do own a pair of capris or two. I really enjoy looking pretty! In discussions on this topic, I often hear plus-size ladies complain that they look frumpy or shapeless in dresses or skirts and can't find fashionable clothing in their size. True, most plus-size clothing looks like it belongs on a 50 year old feminist - but do not fear!! There *is* hope. It just takes some creativity, patience to wait for good deals, and a determination to not give in to what the stores are trying to dress you with!



In my own quest for attractive, plus-size skirts, I decided it was about time to sew. I had heard how easy (really easy) it was to sew up some simple skirts. I was determined I could do it! I was also super lucky to get a bunch of material for less than $8.00 - what a find!! The pattern was actually more expensive than all the fabric combined (and my mom ended up paying for that!). I just needed a wardrobe "boost" and this was perfect! I am (slowly *sigh*) loosing weight and these simple elastic waist skirts are wonderful. Comfy, pretty, inexpensive. What more could a gal ask for??

Here's some pics:

Skirt #1 ~ no pattern, just two matching panels sewed together at the side. Simple, easy, basic.

Skirt #2 ~ first skirt with new pattern. This is actually some left over material from my small stash. Very comfy and gets compliments on cuteness! It was actually just going to be my "practice" skirt, but it turned out cute enough to wear, although not perfect. Here you can see the elastic waist - it really doesn't add all that much bulk to the waist.

Skirt #3 ~ Some fashion fabric with the same pattern. It's a heavier material and more stretchy/clingy/drape-y. Looks nice on though!

Skirt #4 ~ another "practice" skirt, with the stiffer material. Again, turned out just fine and I wear it out and about without qualms. This fabric was from an on-line friend who sent it in the mail - Bethgem, what a sweetheart!!

Skirt #5 ~ Same pattern as skirt #4, just the actual fashion fabric I got at the store clearance. I made this up last night and wore it to church this morning! Fun!! (don't ask me why I look pregnant in this photo - I have no idea?! I guess just four babies later..... let's just call it a clingy shirt and a bad camera angle, okay? OKAY!?!?!!!)

I went to Wal-Mart yesterday as well, just to pick up two basic shirts to go with these tops. A white and a red. I also managed to pick up a denim shirt dress on sale for $6 bucks!! Even if it doesn't last all that long, heck, it was 6 bucks!! And it was one size SMALLER than what I usually buy - yeah!! I am slowly, but surely, getting rid of this extra weight - FINALLY!!

These skirts just help me to feel more feminine, and I think they're more flattering than some of my longer skirts (which lean towards "frumpy"). Just because I feel God wants woman to dress like women, does NOT mean we all have to be frumpy and boring with our wardrobes! Find out what YOUR dh likes and dress to please him!!

*Michigan Momma*

who is not the most experienced seamstress in the world, but who enjoys it nonetheless!

Talitha Elizabeth

My baby girl is TWO!!!

When did *that* happen???

She is a sweet little girl - loves to suck her thumb and twirl her hair - she truly believes she is as old as her brother and sister (5 & 4 respectively) - she wants to do everything herself, even when she is not capable of it yet! Tali can be a lovey child who will snuggle right up on the couch with you and her favorite blankie - she also loves to mother her own "baby" and tends to carry little "Lizzie" around by her one tuft of hair. She is an independent little girl, a stubborn girl, a determined girl and a patient girl. She is also able to focus on one task to completion which totally floors me at her age!!

It is so amazing to watch her grow - both physically and mentally and emotionally. I look forward to watching her grow spiritually as well. I pray every day she grows up strong in her faith, learning about God and living for Him from an early age, becoming His disciple and a strong light in this dark world. I do pray she marries, enjoys keeping her home and has many babies - it has been the most wonderful joy in my life! If she does not, I just pray she is in God's will for her life, glorifying Him in the way HE would have her live her life.

My baby Tali - 2 - amazing!!

*Michigan Momma*

p.s. Isn't Talitha's new kitchen the coolest?? She got it from her Mema & Papa and it's HUGE! We still haven't managed to get it home yet, as it was too large for our van. That's just one more reason for Papa to come visit with his big ol' blue truck....

p.s.s. Notice the "smashed" birthday cake? Isaac somehow managed to step on it in the van while it was still in it's plastic container. Nice smash mark! Oh well, it still tasted good - Tali didn't care - she never does....that girl could eat her brother and sister under the table ANY DAY!!

Stayin' Alive!

barely...

No, that's not true - we are doing great! I was busy sewing up some skirts recently. When I sew, I get sort of "goal-oriented" and tend to focus just on that. So my blogging was going by the wayside. Then, come Saturday night, before Mother's Day, my little man came down with a HIGH fever. We're talking 103.7 under his arm. I don't think I've ever had one of my babies with that high of a fever. He seemed fine otherwise, but I was still freaked so we called the doctor.

Due to his age, not quite 3 months, he was still considered high risk for some very serious issues that involved high fevers (think bacterial menengitis, bacterial blood infections, etc) - so over to the hospital we went. We were checked into the ER right about midnight - just in time for the nurse to wish me a Happy Mother's Day. Yea, thanks.

Anyways, we (little Elijah & I) were in the hospital Sunday and most of Monday. We got released with just enough time for the family to take me out to Olive Garden that night. How nice! Dude man if fine - they were able to rule out all the scary stuff and figure it was just a viral infection. His fever went back down and a day later he got a pretty bad rash over his whole body. So we're thinking Roseola (sp?). All of my kids have had this infection but no one has ever gotten such a high fever from it before.

The worst part of it all was having to rule out some of the scarier infections. In order to do that, little Elijah had to have a catheter, he was supposed to have an IV but they never were able to get one going (even after 9 pokes and calling the Special Care nurse - still, they never did get a vein), and a spinal tap. I was really concerned about the tap but it went fairly well. They did have to poke him twice to get the fluid, but it wasn't as bad as the antibiotic shot they gave him in his little chubby thigh. Due to not being able to secure an IV, he had to get the "just-in-case" antibiotics in shot form. Not fun. The nurse said that probably hurt worse than all the rest. Poor little man....

Well, I've been to the ER twice here in MI since Jan. Overall, they are very nice, helpful and fast. I'm impressed. Also, they respected my wishes and didn't try to force things on me. I wasn't sure about the spinal at first and they were very understanding and said it was up to me. Refreshing, to say the least.

I'll post some pics of my new skirts as soon as I take some more pics. I just finished one up yesterday and I have hopes of beginning another one today. I feel SOOOOO much better having these new skirts. They are *just* what my wardrobe needed. Most of my current skirts were really long and not that flattering. I got most of those going through the "you must be modest and feminine" stage. What I forgot about was being attractive and stylish as well. Duh! I know, I know, but I'm working on it now!!

More posts to come today. I'm just working on some laundry, starting a new skirt and getting a grocery list together for tonight. We had dinner brought to us last night by a wonderful lady at church and there's enough for dinner tonight as well - so no cooking for me, yeah!

Talk to ya soon~

*Michigan Momma*

once again

Things just get crazy around here - real fast!!

My dh was gone for two weeks to seminary classes in MN. My mother came for a week, then my mil was here for a few days. My son took the train back to IN with my mother - to have a fun week with his grandparents - and I just got back from picking him up. My house is...well...a bit disordered. I have laundry piling up, dishes in the sink, babies to bathe and feed....so you understand why I just can't blog today.

I do have lots to type about though, so stay tuned. Lots of fun stuff to come...

Glad to be at home with my babies and once again, my handsome dh!
*Michigan Momma*

**one quick shout out to Bethgem from BW board. YOU ROCK!! Thanks for the fabric in addition to the other item. What an unexpected gift and it just made my day!! ~Lori

such a sweet-heart

I am making lunch. I have pb&j all over my fingers. I hear the baby start to fuss.

"Selah, will you please go check on the baby."

"Yes, Momma"

I hear her talking to the baby - then I hear her start to sing to the baby (what a doll!). She is actually reading her favorite book to the baby "Jesus Loves the Little Children". You sing the familiar tune but each page is a different "group" of children (i.e. the mountain children, the island children, the desert children, the small town children, etc.).

As she is singing, I hear her suddenly stop and say...

"oh, no, baby Elijah, don't make that face. Oh no, oh no, it's okay baby, Selah is here, I will sing to you"

(at the top of her lungs - I'm guessing to drown out the now screaming baby Elijah)

JESUS LOVES THE DESERT CHILDREN, ALL THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD!!!!!

*needless to say, this somehow did not comfort my screaming child. Go figure.

But what a sweatheart is my daughter. She mimicks so many of the things I do with the baby. She's just going to be the best Momma!!

*Michigan Momma*

p.s. Talitha, on the other hand, was just trying to chuck toys and books into the crib. I guess it's the thought that counts, not the bruises...*grins*

I wanna sleep too!!!

I've been falling asleep today - just sitting there, nursing the baby and BOOM - I'm asleep.

I know this is fairly common with new nursing mommas - but usually for me, it's just during nighttime feedings. I've got two other children running around the house, for goodness sakes! I woke up when my book hit the floor- hello??!!

I sleep terrible without my dh. Last week, with my mom here, I at least got a decent amount of sleep. I still had a hard time sleeping at night, but my mom would often let me sleep late in the mornings to make up for it.

With her gone, I am a wreck.

Two nights ago, I went to bed about 7:30am. I know, what's the point - but I was fairly exhausted and thought even an hour would do me some good. I slept until about 9am when my girls woke me up. Ok, fine.

Then one night ago, I fell asleep about 1:30am - up at 3:00 to nurse - back down at 4:00 - up at 5:45 (Elijah was having a bad night, I guess) - back down at....oh wait, nope - I stayed up to get us ready for our church activities that morning.

So then last night. I think I got to sleep about 4:30am. During these times at night, I am cleaning, straightening, organizing, laundry, sewing, reading, you name it. I try to avoid the vacuum past midnight, but other than that, everything is fair game.

I think part of the problem is, without Dean, I don't have enough time in the day to get things done that I want done. Without Isaac here, I have to spend more time entertaining babies - he's such a big help to me, even at just 5 years old (note to parents: next time you have to take a younger child - not my helper-dude!!). I have not one minute where someone else is changing a diaper, or getting a glass of milk, or reading a book, or just playing with them while I get other things done.

This has certainly given me empathy for single moms. Now, most single moms I know only have one or two babies - but I know there are some widows that may have many children. I pray that I will now be more open to the Lord's leading in this area - if He would have our family help in any way.

Ok, well, I gotta go vacuum - my MIL is coming today (ya, I'm going to beg a nap first thing!!) and then dh flies back Friday. Then at some point, I need to go drive the trip to IN to pick up my eldest from my folks house. I was smart enough to throw some soy chicken in the crock pot this morning, so I'll just have to boil some water for rice tonight. We've got church tonight as well, so I'm praying for a nap during the kiddos quiet time. Here's hopin' & prayin'.

Anyone else have such a hard time sleeping without their dh's?? I only have to endure this one more time during my dh's time at seminary. Praise the LORD!! What with not sleeping, plus having to do all the "manly" chores (cleaning and putting up window screens, mowing the lawn, taking out the garbage - which I missed the first week, having to put receipts in the computer, just all those wonderful things my dh does), dealing with a storm without my baby (*sniff*) and just missing him....well....I'm about DONE!!

Boring blog, I know. But my fingers are literally flopping all over the keyboard so I'd better call it a day.../

*Michigan Momma*

p.s. the eating thing - it went poorly. I already have issues with eating in the evenings, after the kids go to bed. Then add in being up all hours of the night - well, it just didn't go well, let's leave it at that. I am still trying, but it's hard.

sounds about right to me

**WARNING: I'm about to make some of you very mad. Don't say I didn't warn you**

I think over-eating is a sin.

There, hate me.

Now, I don't think being overweight is a sin - necessarily. There are legitimate reasons for being heavier than most. We all come in different shapes and sizes - but overall, I'm guessing most of us are not meant to be 300 lbs. Call me crazy.

I think each of our bodies has a "normal & natural" weight. If we were to only eat when hungry, then only eat 'til full - trying to eat a variety of fairly good-for-you foods (notice, no extremes here), I think each of our bodies would eventually hit it's IDEAL weight. Some days you may eat more, some days less, some days you would celebrate, some days you would fast. But overall, you would be an ideal weight, a healthy weight, the weight God made your body to be.

As to the sin issue - well, it's gluttony, isn't it?!? Taking more than we need. Being obsessed with food. Constantly thinking of the next meal.

Look at it this way ~ if someone is addicted to drugs (or pornography or alcohol or whatever), most of us would say "hey, get help. Figure out a way to deal with this problem. You are hurting yourself, your family, your friends. Stop it!!". Yet with food, we are too polite to say things like that. But it still holds true.

Okay, so yes, we can agree that one can be addicted to food - but does that really make it a sin?? I still say yes. Gluttony, greed, selfishness, you name it.


Another thought (like you really want to keep hearing more about this, right?!): why do people eat? Some people (I'm guessing mostly thin people) eat when they are hungry. I am not thin - and I'll tell you why *I* eat: 'cause it's breakfast time, lunch time, dinner time. 'Cause it's quiet time and I want to relax. 'Cause there's ice cream in the freezer and I like ice cream. 'Cause the kids are finally in bed, I've changed a million diapers and broken up a dozen fights and I want to de-stress. 'Cause this is *me* time. Hmmmm.....it's amazing I'm not a size 2, eh?? (obvious sarcasm)


So my experiment is to try to eat like a thin person. I'm not sure I can do this very well, seeing as how I've never been thin and therefore am not entirely sure of what's involved. But I'm going to try my bestest!! Eating only when hungry (honest hunger, stomach growling or other signs my body sends to me because it needs food/drink) will be a new one for me. Please pray for me if you think on it.


Now, to all my chubby friends and family - I LOVE YOU!! I love me. I believe God loves you and me regardless of our weight. But I also believe God wants the best for our lives. When we sin with our eating, there are natural consequences: high weight, danger to heart, blood sugars, etc. Is food really worth all that? Are you willing to cut your life short for all that extra food - or are you willing to cut back dramatically on your food intake, yet GAIN more time with family and friends?? Personally, I don't want to die quite yet. I want *many* more years with my babies and eventually, their babies. Does God really want us to be selfish, eat ourselves fat, then die early - or does He want us to take care of the body He created for us, so we can do here on earth what He desires for us to do. Goodness, seems kind of obvious.


Lastly, what do you think?? Let me know. Do *you* believe overeating is a sin? Why? Why not? Can one have an unhealthy obsession with food, just plain ol' eating too much food, and it NOT be a sin? Why or why not. I'm honestly curious.

Now, I know there are certain, particular circumstances that may complicate this issue. The person who is overweight due to a thyroid issue. Now, come on, you know I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about the MAJORITY of overweight people in the world - who simply eat too much food. It is those instances, the people who eat simply to eat, simply to satisfy a FLESHLY desire - *that* is where I think this issue heads off into the sin catergory.

I feel convicted MY food issue is a sin issue. It is negatively impacting my life, my health, my marriage, my legacy to my children, my pregnancies, my effectiveness in the church, and even my relationship with the Lord. I can't continue to be so selfish, so greedy, and expect to feel all "hunky-dory" with the Lord.

So here goes: eat like a thin person. Wow, this otta be interesting....

*Michigan Momma*

p.s. I made up my mind to do this about 1 hour ago. Since then I have inadvertantly (sp?) headed into the kitchen four times. Just out of boredom, tiredness, stress-related, whatever. I knew this wasn't going to be easy, but...come on....four times in one hour??!! I'm in trouble...

p.p.s. I'm super tired right now. I hope I didn't really offend anyone. This is really just about me. I'm tired to hashing this issue (my weight) out a million times, yet never really doing anything about it. If you can, don't be mad - pray for me. Pray that I will deal with this issue that God has obviously laid on my heart. Thanks a million y'all...*mm*