I am icing my knees; my walk was harder on them today for some reason. My meniscus is torn and will hopefully heal on its own. I think having extra pounds for so long has caused damage to my overall body.

I see these dear elderly souls, who are practically confined to a sitting position, when I deliver Ensure, Boost, etc., to them. I know that is what my body will be like if I don't take my weight off and get healthy. Little by little my body is starting to break down from the years of abuse; but the wonderful thing is, it is not too late! For that I sing a constant praise to God.

My next venture is yoga. My girls love their class and have been encouraging me to join them. I know my body needs the stretching and utilization it typically does not get on an everyday basis. Life is a precious gift; I want to do my part.

Today has been so enjoyable, alot of hustle and bustle in the kitchen. It smells like Thanksgiving! I haven't done much cooking since starting my healthful eating program, for fear I would eat too much, so getting back into the swing of things has been "a good thing."

I am often adding something new to my routine to broaden my interests. (I think it will keep me out of the rut of overeating.) It's amazing how much extra time I seem to have; it's like my day has been extended, along with my energy. My husband and kids are in awe at the new things I am trying. (I am too!)

"From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from His dwelling place He watches all who live on earth---He who forms the hearts of all, Who considers everything they do."

My "triple threat" has been reduced to a "double threat", so that's progress. The doctor was pleased with my blood work and weight, but wants to see continual progress every three months. I need the pressure.

I looked into a job today---I don't know if that would help or hinder my weight-loss journey. It seems to take me all day to get all my "i's" dotted and "t's" crossed. My interview is Friday; I'm a little nervous that I'm getting in over my head. I have decided on a number for an hourly wage; if it is under that number, I'm not taking the job. I won't work Sundays, either, so that might be the deal-breaker. I'm at peace either way.

My portion sizes are my biggest struggle right now, but I love everything else about my new eating program. I can see why the success rate is so high in keeping the weight off. There is something to be said about simplicity.

This is another day I chose not to weigh myself.

What is it about scales that has so much power over us? I've even broken doctor's appointments because of the dreaded words, "Step on the scale." I know I'm doing many things right but still think the scale is the final authority. It has become too powerful, so I am going to give some space between it and me.

I want to stay positive, though knowing this is not a quick-fix program. Of course, I would love it if I could lose ten pounds a week and have the scale become my new best friend; but reality says......

Thanks goodness it's Monday. (That's a new one!) I'm glad to be at the beginning of the week and back on solid ground. "Joy cometh in the morning....."

The reunion went well in some ways and was disappointing in others. I didn't want to address the backyard food table, so I stayed inside most of the time only putting two items on my plate, (although I had several appetizers earlier). Because of this, I missed many opportunites to visit with my relatives who sat outside. I was so afraid I would start overeating and hitting the dessert table that I isolated myself. (I had heard there was fresh Lemon Meringue Pie, for one thing!)

So, I feel I did the best I could with such a big event thrown at me so early in my new weight-loss program. I did eat more than I would have if I had been home, so I'm thankful to be back in my safe routine. There will always be some kind of celebration to deal with; and, hopefully, I will do even better the next time. This journey through life is a process. "As for God, His way is perfect....."

I have my first doctor's appointment (on Wednesday) since I started My Journey To Good Health. I had blood work done last week for this appointment and am excited to see the results. I was eating wrong, not exercising, and heavier when I had earlier blood work done and was put on the "triple-threat list"-----blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar were all too high, (not to mention my weight!). I hope getting up at 5:30 every morning and walking two miles is paying off. How can it not?

Well, this is where the rubber meets the road---a family reunion. This is where I will have to put my money where my mouth is, where the proof is in the pudding, where the wheat is separated from the chaff.

It will be a three-day eating frenzy where everyone is bringing their best dish, (or dishes!). I was always in there refilling my plate with the best of them. But now, a new day has dawned in my life----or has it? This is the test of all tests.

Thank goodness for my cousin who introduced me to this new lifesyle; she will be there as well. She told me we could be a support for each other, so we are going into this scary situation with a plan; a plan on passing the test!

The weekend was a little hard, but I feel good about my choices. I haven't lost any weight since Friday's weigh-in but know rapid weight-loss isn't the answer. I need time to adjust to this new way of eating, and so does my body.

There is a euphoric peace that is propelling me through the day, even in my hunger, as I stay within the eating program's boundaries. My body, both mentally and physically, is responding to the rest I'm giving it from randomly dining on too much food. I have caused damage by overeating, but I can now cause a healing to begin as I reverse the old direction of my life.

I look forward to my continued journey to good health. Each new day my body will thank me for my good stewardship.