Work mornings are always rushed. I feel pressure all day until I get home at night. There is something about time-pressure; it is like a labor pain that doesn't quit.

That is still my nemesis at work, the clock. I feel I'm an efficient worker, but you would never know it. I am always a project behind. My boss is a great encourager; I praise her for that.

Today is my big day; I make salads for the whole weekend. It is a fair exchange for never having to work them, though. Have a great Labor Day weekend.

My weight is still tenaciously holding its own. Though inches have dropped off, my weight is too high for journeying so long. I need to stick to a couple commitments---no eating after 6 p.m. and no sugar (for now).

I like to keep my life manageable; I don't respond well to drasticness, (not for the long haul anyway). Isn't life about balance, about good judgment? We each are required to find it.

I am thankful for good health and want to be a good steward. It's a process, a daily renewal.

We all have them----that occasional "where's the crying towel" day. That was my day today.

I had no idea God would have two e-mails waiting for me----one funny and one spiritual----to get me back on track. Both were a great source of refreshment. I laughed and I cried; what a release!

Of course, I grew today. But isn't that what we do in the valleys? Thank you, Lord.

The weekend is here, and I'm off and running. I have so much to accomplish today, plus I promised my neglected husband I would make pizza for him tonight!

I am finding out what many women have done for years----how to diligently fit a week's worth of work into a Saturday. Along with my work, I have a funeral lunch to plan. I don't want to give my ministry up, so the preparation will be fitted into the day----of course, with the help of my dear husband.

Isn't life wonderful. We are all busy accomplishing, each in an assigned area. I appreciate our uniqueness.

Work was interesting today. I had a glimpse of my former life, my life thirty-seven years ago. Two of my co-workers were talking trash about everyone and everything.

I had to stop working for a moment to whisper a prayer of thanks to my Heavenly Father for saving me from that world. I rarely think of my former life, but God wanted me to remember today.

My co-workers are precious to the Lord Jesus Christ, and they are to be precious to me.

I had one of those dreaded nights-----couldn't get to sleep. The harder I tried, the more wound up I became. I saw 2:30, then it was 5:17. I got a little sleep.

I am ready to start a three-day work run; I don't think I will have trouble falling asleep tonight. I pray for awhile when I have a sleepless night----then my mind goes to other things. I think that is why I stay awake; my mind gets activated.

It would be a good thing to work at focusing on prayer until falling alseep. "All things are possible....." I journey on.

Well, it finally happened-----I fell at work. I have been slipping and sliding almost everyday, and yesterday I went down. The floors get so slick from drops of this and that, and I knew one of these times my "luck" would run out.

It was so beautiful the way it happened, though. God was with me. It was like I had an angel at each elbow allowing me to simply slide with one knee on the floor. I didn't hit with any impact at all. I felt like a professional ice skater finishing her performance with a slide on one knee!

I am always at awe the many ways God shows His love for me.

It seems we are already into September. I have to stop and think what day it is anymore. Plans have to be made so far ahead, the current month is already in the past. I think that's part of hurry, hurry, hurry of today.

I resist it but find myself doing it, too. We have lost something precious-----today. I find myself saying, too often, I don't have time; time to be a good neighbor, time to be a good friend, time to be a good daughter.

Reflecting on a simpler time always makes me smile.

My husband is adjusting to our new lifestyle.

Since I started working and am cooking less, he announced how pleased he is with his new cooking skills---as he carried a package of hotdogs to the grill. It made me smile as he proudly proclaimed his culinary beginnings.

Isn't it great we can still become.

I continue to run behind at work; I don't know if I will ever find the flow. It is surprising how much I enjoy my job, though, despite my feelings of inadequacies.

Home has become a greater haven since I started working; I find myself isolating. I hope it is only because it is taking so much energy at work. I need to stay focused on my program for all-around good health.

I'm thankful for our twenty-four day; it is just the right amount of time to fill a page in one's life.

I'm a people-watcher. It fascinates me how diverse we are, all wound a little differently. (I see that at work with my fellow cooks.) We all have funny little quirks.

Strangely enough, though, we are also very similar. I love that about God; He knows the perfect balance. We are unique enough to be who we are, yet alike enough to have understanding.

God says, "We are fearfully and wonderfully made." What potential He has given us.

The day started with a phone call; did I know any "Allen" relatives? What a surprise! My mother-in-law always told me she had very few relatives, a couple cousins (and her brother and sister). How she would have loved to have gotten this call.

As my husband took the phone, it was heartwarming to watch his face light up as he talked to his distant cousin. They had no common ground, neither one knew the other one's family members, but there was an obvious connection.

Life is full of these priceless moments. What wonderful gifts each day bestows!

It's nice to look back on a wonderful weekend. I am rested and ready for a new week. I work today then am off for two days, then work for two days---how easy is that!

I am already thinking of fall (and not because it has been so cool!) and am sorting through clothes. It is amazing to see the progress I've made since last fall. Alot of my clothes are so much too big, I look ridiculous in them. That's a new one; usually it is the other way around!

So, I've decided to go through my whole closet and get radical. I don't know if that's a mistake, but that's the plan for the next two days. It's time to take a stand.

I had another great day at work. Our busyness seems to energize me--- but I am glad to be home for two days.

A neighbor of ours dropped off some wonderful produce from her garden today. She wrote a nice note telling me I had all the ingredients I need to make salsa. How thoughtful of her. There couldn't be a nicer gift than one from someone's garden.

It's the little things in life that mean so much. A wave from a neighbor, a kind word, a warm smile---"live a life of love just as Christ loved us." Have a great weekend.

Yesterday was a day of encouragement----we need those once in awhile. Someone very close to me (my little brother!) asked if I was losing weight. (Hello!) For him to notice brightened my day.

It's amazing, though, how far that little comment took me. Kind words are a medicine to the soul. I sailed through yesterday----and am still sailing this morning. I need to encourage someone today, to help make their day a little brighter. How does that phrase go, "Pass it on."?

It's easy for me to wrap myself up in my own life (and family), forgetting those around me. It is good to be reminded "it's not about me" but about the Lord Jesus Christ and His love for the whole world. Give a word of encouragement today.

A renowned author has asked, "What would you attempt if you knew you would not fail?" I have been pondering that question for weeks.

We are programmed with fear so early in our lives----and it has influenced our tomorrows. Of course, there is both healthy and unhealthy fear; but I am looking at the unhealthy fear. We are given so many opportunities to better ourselves; but, for different reasons, we take a pass. Why is that?

Twenty-five years ago my doctor told me I would be diabetic if I didn't get my extra weight off. His prediction came to pass about five years ago. What kept me from losing the weight, from grabbing the opportunity that assured good health? I am thankful for second chances, for the author's thought-provoking quote.

I am enjoying smaller portions again. Since I started working, I don't feel like overeating. If that is the formula to losing weight, I should have started working twenty years ago!

It is a good feeling---physically, mentally and spiritually---to live within the boundaries of good health. I can almost feel my heart beating stronger and hear the praise of my digestive system as it has been given a needed rest.

There are so many facets to good health, but my focus has always been on weight. I want to keep an open mind to the other areas, too, that will enhance my overall goal. I journey on with that in mind.

What a great weekend! After working four straight days, it was wonderful to have a couple days at home.

Sunday was great; it is my favorite day of the week. We are blessed with a loving church family and pastoral staff. What a joy it is to spend the Lord's Day with them!

My leg/knee/ankle pain is almost gone! I don't understand it, but I'm praising God for it! I guess the hard work as salad/dessert girl is agreeing with me. I do alot of fast walking and heavy lifting at work; I've never felt better! I come home ready to fall into bed but feel great the next day. I am thankful for that.

I'm lagging behind with my "duties" and hope it will only be temporary. I do feel stronger, though. Hard work can be a good thing!

I am not focusing on food, though I work with it now eight hours a day at my new job! What I mean is, I am not thinking of eating. For one thing, I'm too tired.

I don't know how this is all going to play out, but I do know there is fulfillment in looking back at a productive day.

I started a job and missed writing yesterday and walking today. I hope taking this new job is not going to diminish my quality of life.

Usually priorities shift when major changes are made in one's daily routine. Two things I don't want to change seemed to have already---writing and walking.

How do I fit it all in? I need to make sure I'm doing the right thing (for me).