Happy to be Here

I was very blessed yesterday, and I just have to share it with any body out there who is listening. For two years now, on and off, but mostly on, I have been following a rather strict dietary plan to help my body to better health. The summer before I was married, I made an appointment with our naturopathic doctor just for a basic checkup. There was nothing glaringly wrong, but a few things not quite right. I won’t share a lot of details, but basically, my body was trying to tell me that it was bogged down with toxins. I was depleted, and my body was not receiving nor assimilating the nutrients it needed to heal itself. Robin put me on a simple -but difficult- diet. NO white flour, NO white sugar. A few other details, but that was basically it, and it made a huge difference. I lost 10 Lbs. in 2 months (resulting in my wedding dress fitting rather loosely in the end!:)), and I felt great!

I slacked off a little after the wedding, but had to start watching what I ate again when I was pregnant, because of blood sugar issues. After Jesse was born I took a ‘break’ again, enjoying not having to worry about how many grams of protein I was taking in every time I opened my mouth. But then, early this year, I started to have chest pains – severe enough to eventually send us to the emergency room. The doctors did an EKG and chest X-rays, and told me I was fine. They said I could take Advil for the pain and sent me home. That was not what I wanted to hear. I was relieved that they could tell me that there was nothing wrong with my heart, but I didn’t want a band-aid. I wanted to get to the root of the problem.

The next week I had an appointment with Robin. Jeremy went along with me; we were both hoping to get some answers. After she did some tests, and we prayed together, we talked for a while, and eventually the Lord did reveal to us what my problem was – Stress. Now, I have a wonderful life. I would not say I was stressed, and nobody else would, either. But the Lord gave us insight and helped me to realize and admit that I have put myself under stress because of my drive to please. I worried all the time what people were thinking about me – even complete strangers! Robin repeated to me the wise advice my husband had been giving me, and suddenly it all made sense. I needed to only strive to please God and my husband, and give the rest to the Lord. If I could get a handle on this, and continue to relieve the physical stress my body was under due to the toxins, Robin predicted that I would notice a world of difference. I went home with the determination to seek the Lord, knowing I needed a complete change in my thought patterns.

The regime I was on diet-wise included 12 oz. fresh carrot and apple juice daily, a big, fresh salad every day, plenty of water, no caffeine, sugar, or any processed foods. That meant nothing ground, baked, or otherwise processed too far from its original form. I couldn’t even have my own whole wheat bread. Boy, did I miss my carbs! I could only use honey for a sweetener. I got real creative with substitutes – thus the potato pancakes and yummy granola recipes. I also was taking a few supplements to assist detoxing and digestion.

Fast-forward 4 months. By God’s grace, I have undergone major heart surgery, but not with doctors and anesthesia. With Scripture, prayer, and God’s grace, my mind has been renewed, and I have learned to recognize the thought patterns that bring on stress. I have rejoiced in the peace that has come as a result on focusing on God and Jeremy for my fulfillment and approval. And that’s not all. I haven’t had a panic attack or chest pains in months! I feel great, and my appointment with Robin yesterday afternoon confirmed what my body was telling me: I’m doing great! She said I have made excellent progress and am ‘the picture of health’. 😀 Best of all, she said I could start having bread again – ever other day, and only if I make it myself, pre-soaking the grain. I am so excited – I am planning my first baking in months – my favorite Peach Almond Muffins.

I praise God for giving us the wisdom to take care of our bodies. I thank Him for my wise, supporting husband, and for Robin’s wonderful ministry, Christian Natural Health. I thank Him for giving me the strength each day to make healthy choices, and for the hope He has given me for the future. Thank You, Lord!