Monday, January 01, 2007

Thoughts on the New Year

Like Carol, I don't really make New Year's Resolutions. I usually don't keep them and can't remember at the end of the year what I said I would do. My resolutions are usually over-zealous and I set myself up for failure.

That being said, when I look back at 2007, here's what I want to be able to say: I know God better today than I did at the beginning of the year.

Knowing God better. That's pretty much my only goal. Through His Word. Through prayer. Through relationships with other people. I just want to know Him more.

So, while reading in Ephesians this morning, I came across a verse that will be my prayer for this year, for myself and all of you. "...that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better." ~Ephesians 1:17

Another verse from Ephesians that I'm concentrating on is 2:14, "He himself is our peace..."

I've been struggling with a health issue for several years. It started in high school, and in college it was diagnosed as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). It didn't affect my day-to-day life much and I only had problems occasionally. Well, when I became pregnant with Caleb all that changed. Ever since then, I have been plagued with severe problems. The last month has been the worst my IBS has been EVER. It may also be causing some female problems, which is why my OB/GYN is sending me to a specialist. I go on Thursday. I am quite certain that they will put me on medication. I already take two medications on a daily basis (one for severe allergies and another for hypothyroidism), so I'm not eager to add another one to my routine. It will also mostly likely be a medication I cannot take while pregnant, and since I hope that is in my near future, I'd have to go off the meds anyway. So. I'm drastically changing my diet to see if it controls the problem. I'm pretty sure that sugar is a big cause of the problem (that and I can't eat anything fried). With the advice of a friend, I'm trying The Maker's Diet by Jordan Rubin. I need to take control of my health, and as the primary grocery shopper and cook in this house, I'm also responsible for the health of my husband and child. I'm not following the full plan strictly, but we are cutting out processed foods totally and sugar in most forms. And can I just say, "IT'S HARD!!!" After coming off the holidays, it's especially difficult to rid my body of sugar.

I just want to be healthier. I know there are still going to be times where I can't follow this plan, but my overall goal is to live a healthier life (and lose a few pounds in the process). My sweet husband said he'll do whatever it takes to get me well. I'm not sure when he said that he'd be giving up anything that even resembles a carb for the next two weeks (and most of the foods we've enjoyed for a very long time, if not forever).

So, if you think to occasionally ask me how I'm doing with this, I'd appreciate the encouragement and motivation. It's a complete lifestyle change, but one I know has lots of benefits.

Happy New Year! (can you believe it's 2007 already??)

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am sorry it is becoming more of a problem. I hope the diet really helps out so you don't have to go on medication.

I hope you have a wonderful new year and are blessed with a new baby in the future =)

Anonymous said...

I have heard great things about that diet. I hope it helps you.

I hope to know Him more this year as well, that is definitely the best thing to pursue.

Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

Have you been tested for Celiac disease? My mother has it and apparently tons of people who have it are misdiagnosed as having IBS. It's a gluten intolerance, meaning no wheat.
I'll be checking back to see how it goes for you, and I'd love to hear how the maker's diet works. Are you going to do the clenzology part of it too?

Anonymous said...

Kelli just said what I was going to say: make sure you and your doctor consider testing for celiac disease. I love your resolution for the year!

Donnetta said...

I'm so sorry to hear you haven't been feeling well. Be sure to keep us updated so we'll know how to pray!!

Anonymous said...

The best goal you can have for a year is to draw closer to the Lord!

Sorry you're health has not been well. Praying that a diet change does the trick without any other medications for you! I've heard good things about that Maker's Diet.

Anonymous said...

I was very intrigued by the Maker's Diet myself. I have implemented some of it, but not all (I like pork too much).

Here is to both of us growing closer to God than ever before. It is worth the effort, if we can only do it and reap the benefits and blessings!

Miriam Pauline said...

Great goals: to know God better and to be healthier. I think most of us can set our sights on that. I hope the change of diet helps without further meds. Blessings!

Anonymous said...

I am looking forward to hearing about how the diet is affecting your symptoms, because I have IBS as well. I enjoyed reading your blog, especially this sentence:

"That being said, when I look back at 2007, here's what I want to be able to say: I know God better today than I did at the beginning of the year."

I think that if we can truly say that, then everything else in our lives will have just fell into place. Best wishes for a joyous New Year!

Anonymous said...

Good for you for at least trying the more difficult path to health. I think a lot of people just want to be able to take a pill and have it fix everything for them. Making life style changes is usually not on the radar.

If it helps, I've been doing the LA Weightloss plan for almost a year now and you're allowed very little sugar on this plan. I think the more sugar you have, the more you want, so when I cut down, it was easier for me to stay away from it. This is just a theory. You'll have to let me know if it works that way for you!

Blessings to you in your quest for a deeper relationship with the Lord this year!

Anonymous said...

First of all, I really like your new profile photo, Jen. Please tell me that's not the ocean behind you or I'll die of jealousy.

Second, it's not easy to totally change your eating habits so you're to be admired for doing that. I'm betting it will help with the problems you're having.

I don't make actualy resolutions either. I stopped ages ago. But like you, I have an overall sense of changes I need to make.

You'll have lots of support and encouragement from your friends out here.

Anonymous said...

i haven't had time to make any resolutions yet this year, but i am so proud of yours and hope that this new diet will help you feel better very soon!!

Anonymous said...

I agree with Barb - your new profile pic is great. And I bet its from Hawaii - how awesome is that?

I'm sorry to hear about your IBS. Something similar runs in John's family & though it doesn't bother him often, I hate it for you both. I hope & pray your diet, or rather dietary lifestyle changes are sucessful.
Sending you love and prayers.



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