My Body, My Temple

Corinthians 6:19-20 (New International Version)

¹⁹ Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; ²⁰ you were bought at a price.

Therefore honor God with your bodies.

What does it mean to treat our body like a temple of God?  How does one honor God with our body?  In today's society, this almost seems like an oxymoron.  Our society is one that wants to worship our bodies and ourselves not honor God. I have decided to make an intentional effort to honor God through my body, His temple, and not worship myself, nor material things, through my body.  I'll be honest... this is an ongoing effort. 

As much as we are created BY God, we are created FOR God, and we are also called to be the hands and feet OF God -- to go and do what he calls us to do. 

In Corinthians 6:19-20,  our bodies are labeled temples of the Holy Spirit.  And throughout the Bible we are called to go and do what God commands, then that makes us each a tabernacle (a portable temple) of God. 

The Tabernacle was first esblished in Exodus.  Once God had led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, He instructed Moses to construct a tabernacle--a temple that could be transported along with the Israelites in the course of their journeys.  These were the first temples.

Exodus 25:8
 ⁸ “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them."

God then goes on to describe what the Tabernacle should look like.  I'll do my own little paraphrasing because it's a rather long passage.  He commands an ark made of wood, overlayed with pure gold, inside and out.  He then commands poles to be inserted into the ark to carry the tables of the covenant law.  These poles, carrying the tables, were not to be removed.

 A temple is a structure reserved for spiritual activities, such as prayer and sacrifice. When I think of a temple, I think of a beautiful dwelling; one that people admire and want to look inside and spend time in.    It is NOT to be a place of idol worship or the selling of goods.  In Mathew 21; 12-13, Jesus became furious of what was happening inside the temple.  He raged and overthrew tables, one of the only examples (that I can recall) in the Bible where Jesus was clearly angry.

Mathew 21; 12-13

And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,
And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer;

but ye have made it a den of thieves.

So here we are;   we are walking temples.  Human Tabernacles.

What does this look like in my life (again, this is an ongoing process...)

1.  My body will be a house of prayer.  His laws will not be removed from this tabernacle, but will go wherever I go.

2.  I will present my body in an attractive manner, however excessive time attending to it cannot be had.  I will be clean, smell fresh, and be groomed.  My clothes will not be shabby.  For me, this means 45 minutes in the morning to get dressed - from start to finish.  My dress will not be gaudy or call attention to itself, but it will be subtle and sophisticated.

3.  I will NOT sell or advertise goods that are not of God.  This means that I will not advertise material items or brands.  I will not dress promiscuously or any way that call attention to my figure and draw attention away from God, the one who created me.

4.  I will ingest things that make me healthy and strong, and I will not be a worshipper of food.  Yes, this even means healthy food and healthy recipes that can take my attention.

5.  My sacrafice will be within my actions of being the hands and feet of God.  I will continue to strive for a meek and humble spirit (not a natural presence for me).  I will strive to be last, not first, and put my own intersts aside to be able to serve others and worship God.

If my body is a dwelling place of God where the Holy Spirit resides (Corinthians 6:19-20 ) this means that, in a sense, I drag God into everything I do with my body. It's not my body to do what I please with, to wear what I want, to drink what I want, eat what I want, watch what I want, listen to what I want.....   I shouldn't eat what I want, do what feels good with it, put poison into it, and use it for things God hates. This house was bought at a very expensive price; in fact, the highest price ever paid - the life of the sinless Son of God.

My new lease on life includes me treating my body like what it really is. It's the property of God!

Stress Makes the World Go 'Round - Not To Mention My Back End

I just spent 5 glorious weeks in Michigan with my parents.  I went to help my mom, who has been a little sick, as well as to give my kids some bonding time with this set of Grandparents.   My work, however, is still rather busy, so fortunately I was able to arrange to work from my laptop part time while I was there.  While in Michigan, my plan was to prepare meals, clean, run errands, take my mom to appointments, and work.  I enrolled my children (both toddlers) in preschool to provide them with a routine and allow me to focus on the aforementioned things.  However, I did not realize that to drop them off at daycare each day would take 1 hour, round trip, twice a day, leaving limited time for the rest of my plans, let alone time to work.

I was excited to cook for my family and show them my new style of eating.  I was successful in this endeavor.  However, I did not anticipate how busy I would be during this time.  I also did not anticipate how little sleep I would get and how it would affect my weight and my body.

I learned something about my body during those 5 weeks.  I learned that lack of sleep adds pounds - regardless of what I'm eating.  In addition, I learned that am STILL an emotional eater.  When I am stressed, I still automatically reach for food.  Fortunately, I had a lot of chocolate delight on hand, as well as no sugar added ice cream, so I was able to "cheat" without too much guilt.

On a positive side, my whole family loved the chocolate delight and my "riced" cauliflower recipes.  They ate for 5 weeks on my eating plan and appeared to really enjoy it.  Again, I count it as a success, in spite of a few gained pounds.    Also, regardless of a "few" added pounds (6!) and a stressful time, I still found much joy in my time in Michigan.  I have also not found too much distress about the change in the scale as I have still been able to fulfill my spirit with God.  This is a huge achievement as in my "past life" the gain would have been devastating and would have taken over my thoughts and conquered my self esteem.  Quite the contrary, praise God!  I still feel beautiful and loved, from the inside out, and still feel like that joy glows from within.  However, with that said, I still want to honor my body as a Temple of God, therefor, am getting back on track eating and weight wise. 

In the meantime -- I am back to bed at a reasonable time and keeping my stress level within check. And... wouldn't you know it, the scale is responding. 

Well, look at the time!  I think I have a date with my pillow!

LET THEM SCOFF

So....  I'm visiting my family in Michigan and am doing the cooking while I'm here (5 weeks!).    Prior to coming, I invited those who I will be cooking for to eat the way I've been eating if they like, otherwise I was going to be prepared to cook carbs as side dishes for them.  That was my first mistake - asking.  They would have never noticed if I hadn't mentioned it.  Then my second mistake - ordering 2 large containers of coconut oil (for my Chocolate Delight) and having it shipped there, instead of shipped to my home and porting it to Michigan myself.  Oh the mockery that was awaiting me when I got there!  (Seriously, I should have known better.)

As soon as I got there, it began.   The scoffing.  The mockery.  The whining!  Now for anyone who might read this and know my family, there was only one scoffer.  But he's really into intensive scoffing.  It's practically a professional sport to Him.

I didn't get defensive.  I didn't get offended.  I just smiled and laughed inside.  Because I knew that he would love my cooking and only want more.  I was just mad at myself for mentioning it.  Well.....he scoffed.  And scoffed.  And looked over my shoulder and scoffed some more.  "What IS that?"  "Oh, your life must be so BORING now!"  "Of course eating like that will make you loose weight -- it's so disgusting you never want to eat!"  and on and on. 

I just smiled and nodded.  As I was making my Chocolate Delight.  As he was looking over my shoulder and scoffing some more. 

As I made my delectable delights, I didn't say a word.  Eventually they were done and I offered him one.  Well!  It WAS chocolate, right?  He couldn't say no to chocolate.  In fact, I think he was excited to be able to gain more scoffing material.  So he eagerly accepted and popped one of those little delights in his mouth.

Suddenly, his eyes lit up.  "MMMmmm.  Mmmmmmm!  MMMMmmmmmMMMMMM!!!!  What IS that?  It's WONDERFUL!  I mean, It's good.  REALLY REALLY GOOD!"

Yep.  I knew it.  I offered him more and he quickly accepted.  I stopped him there.  FYI, It was only an option for those who refrain from mockery.

He stopped and had to think about that.  What to do???  Surrender the joy of making fun of the health foodie in the house?  Or enjoy the chocolate?  What a dilemma!    He laughed and passed up another chocolate, claiming it was much more fun to mock my new lifestyle.  That was fine by me.  Less to share!

And 10 minutes later I caught him walking around with a handful of my Chocolate Delights!  Well, guess who's scoffing now!

Soon it was dinner.  Beef pot roast, roasted in red wine, beef bullion, and spices.  Then served with mushroom cauliflower "risotto."  Oh he couldn't help himself.  With every bite he exclaimed the deliciousness of it all (especially the cauliflower risotto) and expressed that he had never had anything like it in his life.  And he ate (literally), 2/3 of the dish.

So I've been enjoying the scoffing, because every time he does it, I know he's going to love whatever it is that I make.  So he'll be scoffing, but I'll be laughing --  all the way to a size 4.  Hello size 4 -- I see you out there and I'll be there soon!

***  To see my Chocolate Delight Recipe, CLICK HERE!

Livin the Life

The other day my husband offered me something to eat.  It was processed, so I was able to quickly check the label.  It was full of ingredients I couldn't pronounce and had a ridiculous amount of carbs and a high sugar content in it.  It took me two milliseconds to declare "no thank you" and hand it back without hesitation. 

My husband was completely flabbergasted.   He asked how I could decide "no" so quickly and so definitively.  At first, I was a little annoyed and upset.  I mean, after all, I've been doing this since Oct. 2009!  Then I thought about it.  Suddenly, I felt a rush of pride.  Of success.  Yay me!  My goal has been to feed myself (and my family) a healthy, yet "normal" way, without having them feel deprived or feel that they weren't allowed to live a normal life because of required food choices or lack of food variety.  Apparently, I've been doing a good job.  My kids have overheard my words of eating lean protein and limited carbs (although they still believe whole heartily in their favorite food group.  You know, the "noodle group.") and not eating carbs alone (it spikes your blood sugar) without some protein to balance it out.  They also know there are "high protein treats" (the ones that mommy makes) and "other treats" (the ones that daddy brings home) -- and that mommy prefers everyone to eat the high protein treats (like Mom's Chocolate Chip Cookies.)    Anyhow, it's rubbing off on my kids and my husband just hasn't been paying enough attention to notice.  Wonder why?  Hmmm, probably because dinner last night was homemade lasagna, garlic cheesy biscuits, salad, and chocolate cake for dessert.  Now that I think about it, that doesn't sound "no sugar no starch."  And it definitely didn't taste "no sugar no starch." Clearly the man isn't feeling deprived and doesn't know all the fresh healthy goodness that being provided for him.  So that, I think, is a success.  Score one for the No Sugar No Starch Mommy.  Now I just need to educate the Daddy on what he's eating, so he CAN know the fresh goodness in front of him and score some points of his own!

My Prayer for Weakness

Lord, for 2011.....

I pray for weakness,
That I may find my strength in you.

I pray for just enough fiances to pay my bills,
That I may appreciate the gifts you give and rely on you to provide for all my needs.

I pray for some discomfort in my life
That I may appreciate all the comforts you give and have empathy for others in need

I pray that you put me in the spotlight less
So that I may live a quite humble life

I pray for an ordinary appearance
So that your beauty and glory shine through me and make me sparkle from the inside out

I pray for less opportunity for me to be in charge
So that I may have more opportunity to serve others.

Lord, in 2011 I pray that my life may glorify you and humble me.  I pray that you continue to shape me as a servant to others.  I pray that your word continue to teach me, stretch me, and make me hurt; so that I may leave my comfort zone and be shaped into the person that you want me to be.

I pray that I feast not upon the luxuries and food that our society offers, but instead on the word of God. 

I pray that I can honor my body as your temple,
So that my time spent on my health can draw attention to you, and not to myself


True beauty only comes from you, from the inside out. 
But it is up to us to make your beauty shine through us into the world and provide the light the world is looking for.  Especially for those who are seeking true beauty in themselves and others.
Lord, help me be that light.

Amen

Nut Flour May Save My No Sugar No Starch Life

Yes, I have an overgrown sweet tooth.  In fact, I think much of my weight issues in life are a result of my love of sweets.  I think I've always (okay, mostly always) eaten quite healthy  - I LOVE veggies and have always eaten a TON of them, I generally don't eat fried foods (only on special occasions at restaurants), I don't eat red meat and I drink diet soda and diet drinks -- never sugar filled drinks -- not even juices.  Noodles and other starches have been occasional, but certainly not a lifestyle.  So it was always sort of a mystery to me why I was having weight issues.  During the last 2 years I have discovered a lot about my health and a lot about how my body responds to different foods.  Noodles and white flour directly impact my mood, water retention, my carpel tunnel syndrome, and my weight!  Also, I've learned that my total weakness is sweets.  I had some every day!  And if I didn't have them, I craved them like crazy and would eventually binge on them!   So I've worked hard to squelch my sweet tooth and get rid of it.  To some degree, I've had a lot of success.  In fact, at home, I rarely crave sweets any more.  Restaurants are no problem either.  Although, I will admit, then when I do start to indulge in sweets that I have out at home, I do struggle to stop and only have a moderate amount.  I've had some success with this minimizing this issue, but am still working on it. 

Also, I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but my husband is trim and has a calorie inferno for a metabolism. He is, quite literally, the same size and weight he was 20 years ago, with no effort in any way to maintain that weight.  And his favorite foods are brats, potatoes, chips, and brownies.  He always needs to have some sweet option at home.  Ugh for me.

Anyhow, I have pretty much learned to shun those things in my house for the most part.  Some days I crave them at home, but for the most part, I've conquered that issue in my (home) life.  However, when it comes to holidays and parties, just the thought of all those goodies makes me panic. If I am in a different environment and sweets are out, I find that it is like being reunited with a prior lover that I never "got over."  Those sweets seduce me and call my name, luring me closer and closer until we become close enough to touch -- that chocolate, those cookies, that candy, whatever it is ---- and suddenly I am caught in a passionate "moment" with it. Just like a secret affair, often I find I am sneaking around, finding time to be alone with a treat, looking forward to that time together,eating more and more, but always out of sight of others.  Of course, in the morning, just like a forbidden love affair, I and am regretful of that secret fling and vow I'll never do it again.  But then when we meet again, I find myself in the same cycle, caught in my lover's trance. 

UNTIL NOW!!!!!

I have recently discovered NUT FLOURS; almond flour, peanut flour, hazelnut flour, etc.  These are simply nuts -- ground so fine that they have become a powder.  I have come across and number of recipes that calls for them instead of regular flour.  Mixed with whey protein, they create wonderful tasting cookies, cakes, and other treats.  HALLELUJAH!  I am saved!!!!  Last night I made chocolate chip cookies -- to die for!   And between the nut flour and they whey protein, the sugar substitute (I've discovered Ideal Sweetener, which is my new favorite) and sugar free chocolate chips- they are all protein and no sugar no starch!  Who knew??? 

You can find almond flour at any health food store.  You can also make your own nut flours, although I have heard that it is a tedious thing.   I recently ordered peanut flour from http://www.proteinplusflour.com/ for half the price of the almond flour I bought at Whole Foods.  I bought a case of it and it shipped immediately.  So I now have enough peanut flour to last me, quite literally, the whole year!

So now, instead of falling victim to the parties and treats during the holidays, I just need to bring my own goodies to share to help create my own "no fail environment" that I talked about in my last blog.  The chocolate chip cookies are definitely a keeper.  I still need to make my peanut butter balls (which also uses nut flour.) 

So.....I think I may survive this no sugar no starch life after all.  Even during the holidays.  And parties.  And my in-law's house.  And I'll still respect myself in the morning!  What more could one woman ask for?


To order peanut flour, click here!

Makin My Own No Fail Environment

So, here it is... the holidays!  Vacation Time!  Party Time!  COOKIE TIME!

In order for me to ensure I won't fall off the wagon and go knee deep in carbs, I have discovered that I CAN NOT depend on self control, but instead need to always bring things that I can offer to others, as well as have around my own house, that I can endulge in and scarf down, not feel deprived, and yet not want to commit suicide when I step on the scale in the morning.

This week I made Christmas Cut Out Cookies.  They are pretty amazing!  I used almond flour to make them and sure enough they taste like real cookies - but all they have in them are protein.   Who knew?!  I only made a small batch because, to be honost, the almond flour is a little expensive and I didn't want to waste it if they tasted horrible.  I discovered the secret to soft cookies, like soft sugar cookies, of course it to make them thick and take them out just a little early.  If you like them crunchy and more like a ginger cookie, make them very thin and turn off the oven and keep them in for a few extra minutes.  Very tastey.  I'll be making more and having them around the house during this Cookie, er I mean Christmas, Season.  Next on my list are peanut butter balls - my personal holiday favorite!