Quick update on the pickles.... I didn't try them, but hubby tried one of the spears and said that it was good. One thing I noticed was that the jars I canned in the microwave stayed fairly full - but the jars that I put the raw cucumbers and onions in - interesting - they kind of shriveled up and floated closer to the top of the jar - leaving like a 2"-3" space at the bottom of the jar! I like my 'old' way of making pickles, but it does smell up the house with vinegar. I need to try these new ones... if the only difference is that they, for some reason with not being cooked in the microwave, float to the top of the jar.... it sure is easier and less vinegar in the air. Stay tuned on this one... don't know when I'll try it.
I started a new routine last week in which I take some drops out of two bottles twice a day, and one of the bottles a third time..... and I am amazed that I losing inches. Well, I did weigh myself yesterday and I had only lost 1.2 pounds. I don't worry about the scale because I'm working out and muscle weighs more than fat does. But out of curiosity, I measured (I measured the day before I started too) a few areas I'm 'concerned' about - like my big belly - but OVERALL, I have 'lost' 5"! And that includes an inch off my belly! Now, I probably shouldn't even share this information on here because you know me well.... how I love to eat - but I'm still eating foods I love! Well, I'm not supposed to eat sugar, dairy, nor grains (as in milk/cheese/bread/crackers - and you know I love my crackers!) and it hasn't been too bad.... I still have eaten tortilla chips cause I love my salt. I still have eaten my multi-grain crackers cause I love the taste. And I am sure I eat/drink other things as well.... but I've managed to stay away from my chocolate (although standing in line at the store makes it hard to not grab a Snickers or a Payday and chow down on them!) and grabbing something that has sugar in it. But an inch off my belly in one week? I think I feel more alert, too. I did get a good night's sleep last night, and if I recall correctly, even though I haven't slept real well over the past week (some because of hubby, some because things on my mind), when I did sleep, I believe I slept deep. Will try to be more observant how this is making me feel. In the meantime, toxins and inflammation is being cleared out of my body and I really do 'feel' better.
Cutting out some things from my diet hasn't been difficult - except I needed to get rid of some of the foods I shouldn't eat before they spoil. So yesterday I got real energetic and in between scheduling meetings and doing work, I made a batch of potato and ham soup (shouldn't have white potatoes), and broccoli cheese soup (no cheese for me!) and gave some to Ms. Vicky and Ms. Diane - and took some to my daughter in love's work for her to take home. She text'd me last night that she was eating the broccoli cheese soup. I assume she left the potato and ham soup for my son and grandson. I still have a little left of the potato soup and a full container of the broccoli soup - think I will call my youngest son and see if he wants it this afternoon. Hubby is trying to eat like me now (except for when he goes out to eat! LOL) so he isn't eating it either. He wants to start 'dropping', as it is called. It has been said that it helps with 'balance' and clearing 'brain fog' as well, so this will be interesting to watch. In myself I don't think about it - but perhaps if I observe it in others.
I used my new skillet last night and it was amazing! I went to the store and bought us some New York strip steak - and put it on one side of the skillet (we usually share one piece as I don't want as much) and I sautéed onions on the other side - it didn't take any time at all for it to cook just right - I'm serious! And the pan was so easy to clean! I will find myself using it more often now! I still haven't shipped the other pan and steamer back yet.... need to decide when to do that.... but should do it soon.
Colossians 4:5-6 (NKJV): Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
So many times we are so anxious to make our voice heard, that we don't stop to think what words are coming out of our mouth! You know that I spout off way too often - but I don't always tell the times that I have learned to keep my mouth shut and not say anything - or I pause and say the right words, the right way. Ironically, and I think I've mentioned some of it a few times over the past couple of years.... The woman that I am covering for at work, my co-worker who just had back surgery.... a few years ago she turned on me when I confronted her that she had buddas all over her house and even a large budda on her wall! She said they are just fat babies and she thinks they are cute! I was blown away when she told me, and I blurted out that they are idols! She didn't speak to me for awhile, avoided me, etc. I left her alone after that - not sure why she pulled away from me - yet hearing things she was saying about me from others. I never confronted her.
Fast-forward a few years and she reaches out to me and just starts chatting. Now mind you, I hadn't seen her for a few years, thanks to COVID. She started asking me about Jesus, and I responded. She talked about a church she started going to. She invited me to yet another church she had found and the women's conference was going to be there. So - that was my first 'runaway' to a conference. I drove to Gilbert (by myself!) and got a hotel room for the night rather than drive back home late. Loved my time alone! Anyway - went to the women's ministry conference with her. She continued to email me at work and ask me questions... then she started saying things like I was her mentor and how much I have helped her in her Christian walk, she is now teaching a women's class in her home and enjoying it. I must admit she has blown me away with calling me her mentor. We have never discussed the budda issue. I don't know if she still has them or not. Surely one of the women will say something to her if she does - I have never been to her home. They may truly NOT be buddas but just fat babies - but the impression she had given me was they were buddas. That is between her and God.
Anyway - where am I going with this.... I've learned to think before I respond to her questions; I give complete answers, and if I don't know, I tell her I don't know but will get back with her when I find the answer. She wasn't a Christian when we had the initial conversation.... but has become one since... and has credited me with helping her find Jesus. In my opinion, I did nothing. But somehow, God used that nothing to draw her to Him.
And that's His way - He takes you and me, and the words we say, the actions we do - and uses them for His glory, that others may be drawn to Him. It's like.... "Here I am, Lord, use me." My favorite boss says that I have helped her in her walk as well. I love that - that that I get credit - but that I have people I work with and care for who love Jesus just like I do.
And - I'm meeting my favorite boss this morning for one of our 'admin meetings' and a former CFO and friend from another company (now retired) is meeting with us too. I can't stay long cause I still have a lot to do on this Colorado trip for my other boss. But I am going to run away for a few hours. And, with that - I need to stop and get dressed and check messages on the computer - it will determine if I get to actually go or not. So with that - have a great day!
Blessings!
