Health Update #lifeupdate

Galatians 5:22-23 states:

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

I know we've all heard about love. Believe me, this is probably one of the most talked about fruits of the Spirit, and you'll get no argument from me on its' importance in our lives. On the other hand, the list continues, and each of the fruits from the above list are just as important as any of the others. Take self-control for example. Wait! You mean I can't eat the cookie I really want but actually don't need? Yup, in some cases it is as simple as that.

Self-control was one of the fruits I enjoyed ignoring. It was enjoyable for a time but that enjoyment finally wore off. In the archived section of this blog you can read how I finally realized I needed to control my body rather than letting my body control me. I think if you are anything like me, then you will also need to come to a point where you decide something has to change. For some this is indicated by high-blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, or other health complications. It became even clearer for me as I have a propensity towards developing Stage 2 diabetes. If I don't control my body now then this could develop later on in my life. Personally, I'd rather reign in my desires now rather than later. Call me fiercely independent or something.

Anyway, this update is to let you know where I currently stand. Forty-four pounds lighter. Yep, you read the last sentence correctly. I did say 44 lbs. Looking at me you probably can't even tell the difference, and therein lies the indicator that something needed to change. I am being somewhat facetious as my wife consistently tells me I'm losing weight, and I am also now able to tell the difference. I feel great! Working out isn't as much of a struggle. My perspective on health, food, nutrition, and discipline has been revolutionized. I no longer dread working out. In fact, I slightly look forward to it. I posted on Facebook earlier this week my change in perspective. I no longer look at it as I HAVE to work out. Instead, I look at it as I GET to exercise and better take care of my body.

The progress I've been able to make has taken a lot of hard work and sacrifice. I can't lay claim to either the blood or tears part, but I can lay hold of the sweat portion of the phrase, "Blood, sweat, and tears" have been poured into this life-style change. My goal though has not yet been reached. My end goal is to lose 73 lbs. So far, so good. As things have progressed, portions of the journey have gotten easier and with God's grace and help, I'm going to keep on keeping on. I also don't want to give the impression that I could have done this on my own. Without the Lords' help, I couldn't have gotten this far. A huge shout out of gratitude goes out to my wife, whose encouragement and support through a change in how she cooks has enabled me to keep on going. Thanks also to B and P for "kicking me in the pants." I appreciate your companionship on this journey. You two are an inspiration.

Aha! You thought you could visit this blog and not be encouraged to something higher. For once, perhaps Ronsard will shut up without encouraging you. Maybe I will. After saying, don't make the same mistake I did of wilfully choosing to forget about self-control being a fruit of the Spirit. How often we all choose to "forget" something which will hinder what we enjoy.