Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Corona Tweny?


How many of you have heard of the Corona Twenty? I've heard a lot of people lamenting over the weight they've gained since hunkering down to "stay safe". The term became known as the Corona Twenty.

So, why would someone decide to go on a diet in the midst of one of the most stressful periods of history this American has experienced? Not sure. Maybe it is about control. Everything feels out of control these days, but I can control what I put in my  mouth.

Those of you who have followed me through the years have likely seen that I struggle with my weight. It's been a long-time issue, made worse after I had an accident back in 1991 that was followed by disability and a more sedentary lifestyle. 

Oh, how I miss being active. I was one of those who loved to work outdoors. And to stay busy. With all my hurting parts it's just not fun or even doable these days. The pounds kept adding up. and then one day I said, "No More! I want a life!"

I'm back to walking. I don't walk far, usually only twenty to thirty minutes, but I do it every day. And now with the warmer weather I can add swimming, which will be easier on my body.

I've tried a lot of weight loss plans through the years, some with moderate success. This is not an ad for any one program. I'm just trying something new and so far it's helping. I'm on the Noom program, where the bottom line is mostly about sensible, healthy eating while watching intake and taking a closer look at why we eat what we eat. So far I'm down twelve pounds. And that's good, but I have a long way to go.

My weight loss has been slow, but the really cool thing I've been noticing is I'm beginning to change my mind (gradually) about food. I'm feeling less addicted and more inclined to care about what food accomplishes for me. And though some days I feel discouraged, I'm not inclined to give up ... and I've been at this for nine weeks. In recent years I haven't hung on this long without feeling outdone by my stubborn metabolism. 

One of the interesting aspects of the Noom plan is the idea of overcoming a habit, fear or something that has defeated you in the past by exposing yourself to it and overcoming. For instance I HATE WEIGHING MYSELF! Ugh. Really hate it. On the Noom plan I weigh every day. I still don't like it but it doesn't have the power it once did and I see a day when I'm not bothered about it at all. A coming attraction. :-) One other hint about overcoming that has been helpful is walking the store aisles that tempts me most ... and not giving in to the temptation. It is empowering. I know that to those of you who don't struggle with weight this may sound weird, but maybe you can apply it to something you DO struggle with. I'd love to hear your feedback on that.

I will keep you updated on my progress and let you know some of the new stuff I'm learning. And I hope that one day I will have a before and after photo to share with you.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Tea & Books



I wanted to get this post up right away. WhiteFire Publishing along with Roseanna White is hosting an online tea party and book discussion on Saturday, June 7th. 

You're invited!

This is something new for me, but it sounds like a lot of fun. I'll be able to see you and you'll be able to see me while we talk about books, life and my new novel, One Hundred Valleys. 

I've posted the link below so you can get all the details. 

I hope to see you there.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie


Summer #TeaPartyBookClub reservations are open! Join me and
Author Bonnie Leon
in June, Author SE Clancy in July for a COFFEE party, or come chat Barclay with me in August! ❤ ☕️roseannamwhite.com/tea-party-book-club/

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Monday, May 11, 2020

Grazing



While chatting with a friend of mine recently I mentioned that I'd become a grazer. Actually grazing isn't something new for me. I've been grazing through my kitchen for years. 

Hah! Actually, not funny.

I never thought of grazing in the context of my time with the Lord. During this quieter, though stressful era of Covid-19, I've been grazing with God. We've been hanging out together a lot.

Many times I've heard people say they are unable to find time to spend with God. Their lives are hectic and too busy. Like them, I've told myself that even though I know it's not all together true. There is always time for what we value most.

I still relish deep study, the meat and potatoes of my spiritual walk. However, sometimes long periods of study feel like a hurdle, and I'm convinced I don't have the time or stamina so I don't try. On those kinds of days it's time to find another tactic. 

During these Covid days I'm often distracted - therefore the grazing, taking smaller bites of time with The Father. And just as sheep graze in the fields with a shepherd watching over them, I find the Lord always present, close to me and ready for a chat.

He is with me during my daily devotional time and while I watch podcasts created by those who share their spiritual insights. I even find the Lord in notes sent to me by friends. He responds to my whispered prayers. He accompanies me on my strolls through my timbered neighborhood. And He always waits for me in His Word. He is never not with me.

I am comforted by the words in Psalm 139 that say, "I can never escape from your spirit! I can never get away from your presence!"

There are so many ways to find time for God. In the very beginning of time man and woman walked with God and talked with God in the garden. What a blessed time that must have been. 

Though we live in a sin-stained world God still wants to spend time with us. He doesn't say we must cut out an hour or more from each day to study and pray, but He does say we are to seek Him and spend time with Him. We can do that. 

Like a shepherd who watches over his sheep God is always watching over us and when we reach out, there He will be. And if we wander off we can be assured He will find us.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

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