saving the world

Saving the World

Today may my prayers help me realize
I cannot control everything.
To put the world in order,
We must first put the nation in order;
To put the nation in order,
We must first put the family in order;
To put the family in order,
We must first set our hearts right.

-- Confucius

the M.I.A girl "Beverly"...is BACK!!

Hi ladies!!
Sorry to have slacked in my 7 communication.  I seem to have been MIA with the sweet community I call the "7ers".  I have loved reading your updates from the past few months.  I have seen God move more in my life in these past few months than I am willing to admit.  Along with 7 I have read a few other books that seemed to drive the point right home:

1. A Million Miles in a Thousand Years (by Donald Miller) - I learned that I have the opportunity to create a "story" in my life and use the things I do everyday to make a better "story line".  I see things through the "movie lense" now and pray how this one event might fit into a bigger picture.  I am obessed with Donald Miller.

2.  Love Does - by Bob Geoff - Let me say that this book is amazing it will definitely get you in the "Let's Go" mind set.   Bob's spoke at PPC last year and I was absolutely taken by his story and how his passion for Christ drives him to "DO"...hence the book...Love Does.  READ IT.  I am obssessed with Bob Geoff....who also knows Donald Miller.

3. Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis  - really...just read it.  A unbelievable story of trust and willingness to serve the Lord.

A few stories of my own as a direct result of the 7 project:
1.  The "clothes" month of 7 was sadly not a huge deal over at my house.  I have streamlined my clothes for a while now.  I guess that's what 4 kids does to you.  I also was traveling and limited to only a carry-on size bag for three weeks of travel and I usually wore a bathing suit....so, I had to tackle it another way.  I gave away so many clothes!  My sister was headed to Zambia, Africa to work at a camp called "CampLife" and she said she needed 50 pounds of kids clothes/toys/books.  My kids and I cleaned out our current toys/clothes/books and we had 50 pounds in 5 seconds flat.  When my sister got home we were looking at her pictures and my little Jilly noticed a dress of hers in a photo.  We were all taken by surprise. It was a sweet and tender moment that I think forever changed my kids.  We all decided at the moment to go on mission trip as a family to see about giving more to these kids.  It was a beautiful moment.

2.  I was still trying to purge and started giving furniture away.  I asked my sweet young cleaning lady (girl!) if she would like any furniture.  I ended up giving her two twin beds, frames, matresses, box springs, headboards and side table. I gave her a sweet bassinett and an amoir for a baby's room and a few TVs and some clothes for her son.  She said, "My mother in law is coming to live with us in two weeks and I had no idea where we were going to have her sleep.  I am so grateful"...(all in broken English/Spanish)...and she cried.  I told her God wanted to bless her.  She was so amazed.  It was a beautiful moment of "perfect timing" from God.  LOVE THIS!

3.  The last bit of excitment about the "Possessions" month....I am OBSESSED with "repurposing" things.  My kids have had the jump on me about this for years as they take every paper towel tube and water bottle and make all sorts of stuff with them.   But, I am less likely to take the time to do this.  However, I just took a piece of furniture that I have been trying to give away for years and had a God moment.  I saw the piece for what it could be and not for what it is....a beautiful picture of how God sees me.  So....I will soon post some photos of the new "old" piece.  Love how God speaks through all things.

So...I am excited to hear how it's all going with all of you!!!!!  Write some update soon!!!

I enjoy reading a website called Unclutterer. Recently they gave tips for cleaning out your closets and I thought of 7.

I have finally accepted the fact that I need to give away a lot of clothes that I will never fit into again. They are from my pre-baby days and I just don't think my body will ever be in that size again. It has been sad to sort through them and accept that I have traded my (slightly) sexy black skirts for non-iron shirts that can hide spit-up stains and wear well after many washes. I would like to give them away to a specific group that could use them (like Jen did). However, I think my clothes have a very distinctive "private school, white girl" look to them that most recipients would not really want. I don't see many homeless people wearing Lily Pulitzer knock off skorts. It is a reminder to me of just how out of touch I am with people that are truly needy.

stuff...

So I went a little nuts after reading the book the first time and did a quick purge (resulting in three giant bags to Goodwill), sad that a quick purge resulted in so much un-needed stuff!  I now have begun the process of cleaning one cabinet, one drawer at a time.  I took two more bags to goodwill today.  I know we are supposed to be finding a connection to the people that are receiving this stuff, but I have yet to find a way- I have random junk- ice cube trays anyone?  


I wondered today as I pulled up to the goodwill donation center- what on earth must this man think as he goes through my bags, anyone's bags that they drop off- I am sure he, more than anyone can tell you about consumerism and how we all buy way too much crap that we don't need- crap that no one actually needs.  


I wonder, will anyone actually need these random things I am "giving" away...grateful that they are no longer in my house and praying that I will not be back here next year with more stuff...praying to be strong and not fill the voids in my life with junk, but with the One who has given me blessings beyond measure.


Speaking of the random things, does anyone need coffee filters- we don't even own a coffee pot yet we have filters!  I also have Lansinoh breast milk storage bags if anyone is interested...


On a side note, I gave & to my sisters this summer.  One hasn't read it yet, and the other is going nuts over it :)  She and I have given ourselves the goal of Thanksgiving for total overhaul of our homes- no closet or drawer left unpurged! 


Good luck to everyone in the "stuff" department :)


PS- I am absolutely LOVING the verse that MOPS is using this year...yay Robin!  It is so on target with our 7 quest....


 1 Peter 4:8-11 NLT
 "Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen." 

Over and out

So....I am about to enjoy a stiff martini to close out this 7 experiment. It was interesting. Will share more thoughts when we meet June 10. Looking forward to enjoying lots of different food and wine as we fellowship :)

Last few days...

So after a hard couple of weeks with my birthday and kitchen renovation I've jumped back on for my final 3 days. It is interesting to me that when my choices are so limited for food it really does make room for more of God. Perhaps it is only because I am constantly aware of things I am not able to eat, which then turns my thoughts to why i am doing this, but I like it. Not the food thing. But definitely like having God in the front of my thinking all day.

spoke to me today

I read this today and thought it was really great.  Hope y'all are having a great day :)

God hasn't called me to be successful. He's called me to be faithful.
--Mother Teresa

A reporter asked Mother Teresa how she could bear to go on working at such a hopeless task day after day and year after year. The people she cared for were so wretchedly poor. Many of them, very sick. How could she continue with such dedication, knowing that all the poverty and sickness would still be there long after she had died? Didn't she realize she couldn't win?

Her explanation was simple: Of course she knew the task was immense, but "finishing" wasn't her purpose. Mother Teresa had turned her life and will over to God, and her work was what she believed to be God's will for her. Because of this, she was devoted to the task itself, not to the completion of it.

We too can learn to be receptive to a higher purpose. We can direct our energies into causes we believe in, even if we know the job will never be finished. We can visit with friends and family and not try to win a verbal exchange. We can accept the will of God and thereby find serenity.

Today, I will let go of the driving need to succeed or to impress others. Instead, I will be receptive to God's will.

14

I made it 14 days and then, well.....so now I am trying to eat whole foods and not junk.  Basically I lost my appetite and was eating 800 calories a day and realized that this was not doing me any good and not how God would want me to go- otherwise healthy mom collapses during social experiment trying to become closer to God- story at 11 on WSB.  I am trying to eat all the goodness of God's bounty and not the junk we humans have so gloriously created.  As Michael Pollan says- just because it is edible, doesn't mean you should eat it ( PS- I have a huge food crush on Michael Pollan).  I even made my own salsa the other night- a lot of chopping!  Makes you appreciate that little jar at publix:)

Just to throw it out there, what if we spent 2 weeks on each chapter?  After finishing the book I am so excited to do all of the rest of the 6 at once!  I already took 2 bags to goodwill Monday and have another bag ready to go.  Cleaned out my pantry (ready for the food bins at PPC on June 1st).  Anyone else anxious to get going?  Is this totally the wrong attitude?  I know we are supposed to be thoughtful and deliberate...thoughts?

Emily V day 14

So...I'm faltering. I had a strong week, then my birthday hi so I cheated for dinner, then cheated for brunch. I jumped back on the 7 train only to remember that our kitchen floor was being replaced this week so we've been living with a half kitchen for the first part of the week and no kitchen for the second half. Needless to say it makes it challenging. I am hopeful we'll be back in the kitchen by the weekend so I can finish strong. Will keep you posted. Also, drinking coffee from to time because ingot a Keurig for my birthday ;). There, I've confessed it all :). Still love the thoughts and feelings that have come up this month. Looking forward to sharing!

Once a Month Cooking

Ok, now I am not even blogging about anything related to 7, I just wanted to share something I have found. It does relate to eating real food though.

I've just come across this website that gives you a menu for a cooking a whole month of only "real" food in one 6-12 hour day. It seems a little overwhelming to me right now, but then again, the thought having healthy food for a month sounds appealing. It sounds like a few of us are working towards eating healthier, real foods so I thought I'd pass it on.

http://onceamonthmom.com/

100 Days of Real Food

A friend just told me about this website and it seems interesting.  I am taking baby steps with this healthy eating thing and I am not about ready to make a 100 day pledge. However, I would definitely like to learn more about eating "real food."

http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/

Made to Crave or Women, Food and God

This month of 7 (or at least the past 12 days) have been incredible for me in eating healthier and making better food choices.  I really want to keep up with this style of eating. I went to Publix the other day and the only things I need from one of the interior aisles were canned beans, raisins and bread. I was amazed (and very proud) that every other thing I purchased was from the dairy or fruit and vegetable area. 

Along those lines, I thought that I should read Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst or Women, Food and God by Geneen Roth.  I own Women, Food and God so I just need to start reading it (in all those spare hours I have). Does anyone have any thoughts on either of these books?

Van-tastic from Momastery

Hey girls,
This is only tangenitally related to 7 but here it is:

This woman wrote the popular Carpe Diem post that floated around a few months ago. Since then I have followed her blog and she is great about trying to help people out. Today she is focusing on some touching stories.  She asks people to donate anywhere from $1-$25 but no more than $25.  I figured that since most of us either weren't going out to eat this month or were probably not spending very much if we were at a restaurant ("A water, a sweet potato and some spinach please.") that you might want to donate what you have saved. Just a thought, no pressure.

http://momastery.com/blog/2012/05/09/van-tastic-mothers-day-love-flash-mob/

I've enjoyed catching up on everyone's journey through this blog.  Today is day 13 for me (almost halfway there), but I'm questioning whether I need to add a couple of days on at the end, because I think I probably cheated about five times while we were in Louisiana visiting Hugh's folks.  I mean, come on, if a good friend of your husband's family brought over a whole casserole dish of crawfish fettuccine, you'd have a little of it, too, right?  Luckily, my mother-in-law was very supportive in my efforts, and had plenty of spinach, chicken, cheese, oranges, tomatoes and beans waiting for me.  My mom would have been crushed if we had been visiting her and she couldn't feed her son-in-law lots of really delicious (but really bad-for-you) foods.  We did have wonderful visit.  Eleanor loved seeing her grandparents, and they loved seeing her. 

So last Wednesday was my last day of work, but since we were on the road, today is my first day of feeling unemployed.  Luckily I had a meeting this morning, so I did get up, get dressed, and took Eleanor to school.  But I'm home now, and I think 7 is going to be much harder here in my house where non-7 foods are constantly talking to me from behind the door of the pantry.  The microwave popcorn may be the biggest offender right now.  It just sounds so good. 

Almost had a meltdown at a Chick-Fil-A in Meridian, Mississippi yesterday.  I was playing with Eleanor on the playground and sent Hugh to get our food.  He must not have heard my requests, because Eleanor ended up with fried chicken nuggets, waffle fries and apple juice (I had told him grilled nuggets, apple sauce, and milk).  He ordered waffle fries for himself, as well (and he's supposed to be doing 7, too).  But the straw that broke the camel's back was that he didn't add cheese to my grilled chicken sandwich.  I mean, a girl only gets so many pleasures on this 7 fast, and cheese is one of them.  I thought I might cry.  I'd like to say I had some sort of revelation, prayed, and made more room for God, but instead I ate the two chicken nuggets that Eleanor didn't finish off.  I think that = fail. 

I admit I'm struggling.  I've got the "less of me and my junk" part of Jen Hatmaker's book going (most of the time), but I'm not necessarily feeling the "more of God and His Kingdom" part.  I do think the Lord continues to reinforce the importance of this message with me.  Besides running across the book "The Power of Half," I feel like every devotional I read or sermon I hear is telling me over and over again how consumerism is keeping us from doing God's will in our lives.  I have so much, and others have so little.  How can I serve others instead of serving myself?  I just wish my attitude was more focused on changing my spirit instead of just my diet.  I guess I should pray about that, right?

I'd love to meet up with some or all of you girls for a mid-month check-in.  Emily V., thanks for the suggestion.  My schedule is pretty flexible! 

I am back...mostly

After a several day hiatus, I am mostly back.  I won't be doing exactly 7 foods as before, but I will be very focused and conscientious about my food selections.  I will choose to view food as fuel as Emily indicated.  I don't intend to eat bland and boring just to do it, but I do intend to eat as healthy as I can because God has blessed me with the means and ability to do just that.  I live in a world of plenty, but much of that plenty serves no purpose other than destruction.  Since I have access to wonderful, healthy food choices- I should be a steward of that and feed myself in that way.  Honestly, this past weekend since really dropping the 7 principles, I have felt terrible.  Not just my bum issues causing problems here.  I have had stomach aches all weekend and it has to be related to quickly adding all this junk back in my diet.  My body really preferred the 7 foods and the healthy snacks as opposed to who knows what is in that package. 

I am feeling His blessing in so many other ways.  I have been really upset and down since my fall Thursday night.  I felt doom and gloom.  No idea when I was going to even start to feel better and for that matter whether I would possibly have mild pain forever- the internet is not a friendly place when researching tailbone fractures.  Fortunately, I woke up Sunday feeling ever so slightly better.  This was so powerful and just what I needed.  Monday was even better- thankfully my mom was here to help me and allow for extra rest time.  I think I over did it yesterday in response to being able to move for the first time in days so I am suffering a little today but nothing like I was Friday or Saturday. 

I am so thankful for all your thoughts and prayers.  I am also thankful for my health and healing. 

God winked at me

I got a little chuckle from God this morning.  All morning I had been wanting coffee but I didn't want to give in to temptation.  I kept going around and around in my mind, "Other people have taken a break from 7, it is ok if I do too. No, I made a committment. One coffee won't hurt. Think of the people that are suffering and offer up your sacrifice for them. I am home with the kids all day, I need a treat."

Finally, after two hours of back and forth I found the strength to put my foot down and make the decision that I was not going to have the coffee.  One minute later, the doorbell rings.  I open the door to see my sister waving as she pulls out of the driveway and a cup of Starbucks coffee sitting on my doorstep.

I had a good laugh and felt like God was sending me a message, "Stop debating and just drink the coffee!"

Some links

A few quick links that I have come across in the past few days...

A little boy to think about when we are hungry:
http://kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/

Time Photos Essay: What the World Eats

Part I  http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1626519,00.html

Part II  http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1645016,00.html

Emily V. End of Day 5 thoughts

So....I have come to the place where many people in our world live. Food is fuel. In my world of 7 food exists to keep my body running. There is no excitement, no joy, no anticipation revolving around a meal. It has a purpose and it is doing that job quite well. As tired as I am of them already, I have surrendered to the mundane process that goes along with this fast. I am EVER aware of this project and the good news is that I feel like it is becoming less about the "woe is me" and more about the space this is creating. I can't say that I've have any great thoughts or revelations thus far, but I can tell you I am looking harder than I have in a long time and that can't be bad. :)

Beverly - Day 14 - 24 hours of Reprieve....

24 hours of Reprieve....or more like 30 hours.  :)   Friends, in the name of community I threw my 7 out the window on Saturday evening during a Cinco de Mayo party with our bible study friends.  I stretched out my reprieve all the way through Sunday and most of today too!  I knew it was going bad when on Friday night I ended up in the Urgent Care with Jack and at the same time found out that Janie was sick while being a field trip with her teacher.   Fun friday...NOT!

All that to say that I am back!  This project has made me so aware of the need in this world.  Even in my 30 hour absence from the 7 I still couldn't bring myself to eat the things I love...like chocolate.  My heart is forever changed by this project and I LOVE reading your posts.

I really liked Robin's post about her 7 plan.  I have found myself doing something different each day...like eat 7 things already in my freezer instead of going to the store when I ran out of my 7 approved foods.  I have limited my day to eating 7 foods all day...not the same, but only 2 items for breakfast, 2 for lunch, and 3 for dinner.

Let me say that I way over estimated myself on this project.  This is way harder than I thought it would be!!! I have wanted to give up on this project almost daily in the past 4 days.  But take heart!  The Lord is good and He sustains me. I could not do this by my own strength!  I am not sure how Jen Hatmaker did this project...my only complaint is that she didn't warn us about the green poop.  

Emily V....for real

Ok, Emily V signing in again after my false start.  Today is Day 3 for me.  I switched up my 7 after a week of retrospect: whole wheat tortillas, (fresh from Texas, thank you very much), eggs, cheese, sweet potatoes, broccoli and turkey.  No coffee or wine.  Just to be up front, I'm being quite liberal with "turkey".  I am allowing deli turkey, ground turkey, turkey sausage, etc.  Also, I have found sweet potato chips (holla) that only have spices on them so even though they were made in a factory as long as the only ingredients are sweet potato, oil to fry them and spice to spice them I count it as fair.

Now..on to caffeine.  Man.  I had all the withdrawl symptoms.  Serious headache...not sure I'm over the hill on that one.  Slight depression...wish I were kidding.  AND EVEN MUSCLE PAIN AND ACHES.  I mean, what in in the world.  I am now remembering that whenever my parents come visit they can barely drink our coffee because we make it so strong.  Starbuks is a wam hug around me...never too strong.  So I am realizing that even though I only had 1 or 2 cups in the morining it was more like 2 or 4 cups a day.  That may make a little more sense.  So....enough of that...good to know I'm coming out of it.  What I really love about freeing myself from this is that my morning disposition has changed.  I used to wake up and run for the coffee machine.  If I didn't get a full cup of coffee before the girls started asking, wanting, needing it would really make me mad.  I felt like I was about to be their servant all day.  The least they could do is not need me until I'd had one cup of coffee.  That sounds like a reasonable request, however, the reality of it is that I have three kids under 5.  As much as I wish they had that kind of reasoning, they don't.  It is like I was looking at an apple tree, wondering why in the world oranges kept on growing.  In this season of my life, I own apple trees.  These apple trees are going to produce apples.  Perhaps in their teen years they will become the more appreciative, self sufficent orange trees I desire.  So....all that to say, I am able to get up and take care of their natural and appropriate needs without a chip on my shoulder.  Amen to that.  We are all happier.

Last thought...sorry for this long one.  I promise to make shorter posts in the future it is just that I have been depressed with muscle aches and no energy until this moring :)  When I was home in Texas my dad gave me a book a former colleague of his.  She has an amazing story.  Grew up in an abusive home.  Turned to drinking and drugs.  Joined the military.  Still felt empty.  Checked out church.  Gave herself to God to use wherever he needed.  Six years later she is speaking the good word to the people of SUDAN.  Holy moly.  I mean, I feel like Christian Light.  That is some serious stuff.  She lives in Africa, among the people, preaching to them about Jesus Christ.  I can't even imagine the comforts she has given up, least of all saftey.  I pray for her.  There is nothing like reading a story about someone else who is doing something WAY more extreme than eating 7 foods to zip my lips.  Coincidence that this book came into my possession right now?  I think not.

I'm thinking we should meet up at some point and hash out some thoughts......anyone interested?

The Dog Ate My Homework

So as ridiculous as this is going to sound I am going to need a temporary vacation from 7. Last night while taking the dog out I slipped on the wet grass and landed smack on my tailbone. Not sure whether it is broken or just bruised but I know I have never felt pain like this in my life. It is truly unbearable to the point of feeling nauseous with pain. No worries - I will be doing my best to stay as on plan as possible but I am going to be eating whatever is easy for a few days because cooking won't be happening. Excuses, excuses...I know. I am sitting in the urgent care right now waiting to see the doctor. I know they can't fix it but I need to be told I will be okay. If you have time to throw an extra prayer in for my pain I would appreciate it.

Cheating and blown away

So in the spirit of Christian Fellowship (right Katie?) I totally cheated last night and it was wonderful.  Our dear friends and next door neighbors of four years are moving to Charlotte and we had a farewell dinner for them.  I cannot even talk about losing them, it is just too sad.  They have been such a daily part of our lives and we have been through so much together.  Babies, losing babies, jobs, losing jobs, losing parents, the terrible twos, acid reflux, everything.  It was a fun night but really sad when we left knowing that chapter of our friendship is ending.  I know we will still be friends but it will be hard not being able to walk next door.

So this morning I decided to get back on the horse and read some more of Jen Hatmaker's wisdom.  I just finished reading Day 25 of Chapter 6 and I am blown away!  For those of you who might not have gotten there yet or who have already read it and have no idea what exactly was said on Day 25 of Chapter 6 (photographic memory anyone?- me neither), here is a little excerpt:

"What would the early church think if they walked into some of our buildings today, ...would they be so confused?...I think they would barely recognize us as brothers and sisters....If they found out one-sixth of the earth's population claimed to be Christians, I'm not sure they could reconcile the suffering happening on our watch while we're living in excess.  They'd wonder if we had read the Bible or worry it had been tampered with since their time....I think the early church would cover their heads with ashes and grieve over the dilution of Jesus' beautiful church vision...If the modern church held to its biblical definition, we would become the answer to all that ails society."

Wow.

This is a lot to think about.  Part of me wants to run out and give away everything I have.  Another part wants to pretend like I didn't just read that and keep on living the status quo.  And the biggest part just wants to cry because everything she said is so true.  I am the hypocrite living the "American dream" who has been so blessed and yet I roll up my window and look away when I see the homeless man on the corner.  I am not following God's request, his request that is taught to all children in sunday school because it is so simple, but why is it so hard to do?  Love your neighbor as you love yourself.

I pray that through this process I will grow and change and find a way to honor this request.  Is there a way to do that while living in today's world?  I think 7 is a good start and I am thrilled to be doing this with y'all.  This is the invigoration I needed.

CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

For those of you that missed it I have to share a wonderful moment 3 of us had together this morning.  Hillary, Beverly and I were all scheduled to work at the VBS work day this morning starting at 9:30.  I was running late- Target's fault!  As I walked in the room they were standing chatting (I mean working clearly) and as I walked up we had this spontaneous jump up and down moment of joy and started basically yelling "Christian fellowship!!" over and over.  To say there were a few looks headed our way is an understatement.  Though there was no coffee in the room to share immediately I think we all agreed that we could get coffee, wine, tea, something to celebrate in spirit later in the day. 

It was down right hilarious as I think back what others around us had to be thinking. 

We were thinking of you all in that moment and if you would like to also celebrate our Christian fellowship in spirit sometime today with your celebration of choice, we would welcome and support you in said decision.  You don't even have to come confess on the blog of shame later!

Katie, I think you did the right thing in adjusting your foods. I am on a similar plan as you and I agree that although "fruits, veggies, white meat, fish, eggs and yogurt" seems like a lot compared to the girls only eating 7 things, I have never eaten this healthy in my life.  I am hoping that I can make this a new lifestyle for myself as well and keep buying these types of food once 7 is over.

What constantly amazes me is how dumb we are as humans. (I guess I should just speak for myself but I have a feeling we are all like this).  As much as these foods are making me feel cleaner, healthier and more fit, I think it will be very hard for me to not dip back into my Oreo habit once this is over.  I am amazed that when I do something for a higher purpose (giving up something for Lent or because I am pregnant) I can do it fairly well.  But to just stop drinking or eating junk food for the heck of it? -- not possible.  So basically I am worried that once I don't have 7 to be held accountable for, I will just slip back into my old habits. This is why an accountability group or good group of friends is so important because we aren't strong enough to do things on our own (at least I am not).

I also agree with Katie about using up the foods in my freezer.  I was embarrassed the other day when my 3 year old said, "Mommy, we don't have any room in our refrigerator to put any more food because it is so full!"  How lucky am I to just be able to go to open the fridge and eat so many great foods. 

PS -- I was thinking that we could have a half way point get together around May 20 if anyone is up for it.  I think the menu will be pretty easy -- sweet potatoes, spinach, whole wheat bread and water!

Hey ladies...

I gotta tell you...I don't know what I'm doing here.  I'm really about to make the whole 7 thing official by writing this blog (which, ps, is my first blog ever and I haven't had an easy time figuring out how to do it...wonder if this is an omen?  Hmmm...).  Let me say from the beginning that I'm 20 weeks pregnant.  I don't want my baby-mama status to be a cop-out, but obviously I can't be as radical as some of you (whew!).  And y'all are being RADICAL (!) which is amazing and challenging and just totally wow-ish.  I respect all of you for tackling this challenge head-on.  I pray that God would be honored in our sacrifices and that we would really use this as an experience to grow in Him and together. 

To be perfectly honest, I've struggled with whether this whole 7 thing is for me.  Certainly, I should feel more of a calling if I'm going to fast in some capacity for 7 months, right?  Well....I haven't heard "Robin, I'd like for you to do 7" in my ear...nor have I felt a strong nudge to do this in my heart either.  However, I know that my human, girlish inclinations are screaming "NO!!!"...so why not go against my grain a little?  I find that often somewhere inside of my No is God's Yes. 

So, yesterday I finally crickety-cracked the book and read the introduction and the first chapter (ok...just 1/2 of the first chapter).  What I found interesting was the portion that Jen highlighted re: the reasons for fasting: mourning, inquiry, repentance, preparation, crisis, and worship.  I must admit that the words "inquiry, repentance,..and worship" hit a chord.  I am curious (or inquiring) as to how much excess I have in my life and I have a desire for this to be revealed to me...I do think I need to repent from the blindness of excess itself as well as the desire to have excess...and I've been praying about leading my life in a more worshipful way.   So...I'm in!  I can't promise always to be enthusiastic about this experience, but I'm in regardless.   

Today is Day One for me. For at least this week (I may change it up like Beverly did), I'm going to have these items for breakfast and lunch:

• cereal/oatmeal (I'm counting milk along with this)
• whole wheat PBJ

For dinner, I'm going "lean and green."  I'll limit my dishes to 7 ingredients or less.  Also, I'm going on a "grocery" fast this week.  I've been convicted by all of the excess food I have in my freezer, pantry, and refrigerator.  I will not be buying myself anything from the grocery store for breakfast or lunch until most of this stuff is gone (i.e. Beef and Barley soup, canned corn, etc. yummy yummy), and I'll try to use these for dinner too.  I'm going to try to cut all processed foods (I'm a junkie) and unhealthy snacks.  My goal is to stick with 7 dishes/day. 

My 7 may look a little different from y'alls, but, clearly, I can't afford to lose weight with a baby on board. However, I do want to be challenged.  I have somehow managed to sleepwalk through the abundance that God has showered upon our family; I desire and need to be awakened. 

Here goes nuthin'!

R 

Day Who Knows- Hanging on By a Thread

So I think it is day 10.  One third of the way there.  Much like Beverly I have had to make some tweaks.  I did 5 full days of total on plan- and day six and seven were basically the plan plus 2 extra veggies.  I suffered through headaches for 3 days, I have been somewhat hungry for 10 days now.  Water is bland, boring and miserable - unless it is in a bath, shower or swimming pool.  You know about Saturday.  Sunday was back on plan but still finishing up the last of the vegetables that I am so thankful I over- purchased the previous week!

I was praying hard about this and just really torn about how to handle things.  I knew in my heart I couldn't make it 30 days on my same 7 foods.  They are all great foods until you only have them to choose among.  I was creative in my cooking methods, combinations and general eating plan.  I gave it my all but I knew there were 2 options.  I was either going to just give up and quit or I was going to make changes that are livable.  In all seriousness I lost 7 pounds last week which is quite a feat.  I couldn't let myself do that so I had to come up with something that worked for me and still accomplished what I wanted to get out of this month and what I felt in my heart I was supposed to do.

I actually am hoping to make this a life long livable plan in terms of totally renovating my diet to a picture of health.  I can already see myself becoming fearful of adding anything back in- not sure what that is about.  After talking to my mom (a former dietician) and my hubby (a very supportive voice of reason) I came up with my plan.  I am not giving up everything as Jen Hatmaker did.  She is my new hero- and her craziness is all the more apparent after several days on her plan.  I have decided to eat only fruits, veggies, white meat, fish, eggs and yogurt.  Clearly that sounds like an extensive list but I would be willing to fight someone for a basic packaged food of some sort.  I am dreaming of cereal bars, cookies, junk food.  And a bagel or bread- wowzer!!  Snacking on fruit is a whole new world for me.  I still haven't had any coffee- like I said before water, water, blah, blah, blehhhhh, water.  The wine was a one time lapse.

For some reason I do feel a need to confess with you all though- even though I have totally modified the plan so it is hard to cheat.  I had bread today.  Now it doesn't really count because I bought it at the Lodge at church.  It was God's food- right?!?  It even had cheese on it.  My body thought it had died and gone to heaven.  In my defense I was there from 9-2 working on VBS and didn't pack a lunch for myself.  I anticipated leaving at 11:30 and getting lunch at home.  Sure I could have gotten a salad but I was low on energy and I am pretty sure the Lord put the words in my mouth as I ordered that panini.

Now that this is really long I should tell you I am feeling much better about everything now and am saying more genuine prayers of thanksgiving for all the glorious foods we have.  I am hyper aware of flavors and grateful for fresh vegetables and fruit.  I feel better than I have in a long time.  My energy level is definitely improved.  I may go back to Beverly's plan next week with a new list of seven but for now I am eating only fresh single ingredient foods.

Remember we start with food but this is a marathon, not a sprint and we have so much to learn even once our sweet taste buds are revived.  Given the loads of laundry awaiting me- 7 articles of clothing seems pretty good right now:)

Emily W.'s first post

Hey girls, I have just wrapped up Day 3 and have come to a few conclusions:
1. Three days of not eating much has felt like two weeks.  I can not imagine how long a month will be.
2. However, I am very surprised at how much I have gotten used to feeling a little hungry.  I realized that on a normal day, the second I feel a pang of hunger (or even just think I might be hungry in the future) I eat. This has been a good lesson that I don't need to eat nearly as much as I do.
3.  Just like Beverly said, I have realized how much I reward myself with food and drinks.  I reward myself with coffee in the morning, an Oreo at lunch, a Coke Zero at 3pm, another Oreo for dealing with a crying child, a glass of wine for getting through the day and another Oreo just because. I knew I rewarded myself some but I never realized to this extent.  Unfortunately I have not made it to Beverly's admirable goal of, "I want to turn my eyes to Him who is able to do all things and find my reward in Him" Thus far, I just keep thinking, "I miss my coffee, I miss my Coke Zero. I know God can satisfy all my needs but I have a very earthly craving for Coke Zero. I would prefer to be praying while drinking coffee."
4.  All of that being said though, I am really surprised that I am not very tired.  I thought I would have a major caffeine withdrawl but I haven't.  I think the healthy foods are helping out a lot.
5. I am amazed by how much time I have now that I am eating only simple meals and not snacking at all.  The only problem is that since I am used to rewarding myself as I do things, I have the time to do more but no drive to do it.  My Things to Do List is more dreadful with a hungry stomach and no reward.  I actually found myself taking a nap today with the boys even though I wasn't very tired -- I just didn't want to address my TTD list!

I have tweaked this month a bit to suit my personality.  The week leading up to when I started this I had basically worked myself into an anxious, angry tizzy at the thought of being hungry.  I live and breathe for food.  I can tell you almost every thing I have ever eaten because I remember food the way men remember sports statistics.  I had gotten myself into such a funk before I even started this that I decided to alter a few things.  I eat one cup of brown rice and 1/2 cup of beans for one meal a day.  The other meals I eat only healthy, real things (nothing processed) and I don't snack in between meals or drink anything besides water. Over the three days so far I have eaten eggs, toast, strawberries and chicken. Even doing those things I have still felt hungry all day and each day I have still come up 200 calories short so I need to be more well rounded in what I eat.

I have lots more thoughts but my stomach is growling so I want to get to bed!

hello out there

This is a totally selfish post, and if you don't want to read it I don't blame you.  I just miss food.  There I said it.  I miss food that isn't one of my 7.  I don't just mean I miss it, but I mean I am seriously sad about not having those foods.  Last night I was so defeated and tired of my foods- I ate a sweet potato and went to bed.  I am trying not to cave.  I mean this is only day 7 for me- I have to have more will power than that, right?  Not so sure...

Am I alone or are y'all feeling this too?  Obviously I put way too much emphasis on food.  Didn't realize that about myself until this experiment.  I also use food as rewards for myself like Beverly mentioned- also didn't recognize this in myself til now.  I am learning my weaknesses-which is not always pretty.  I pray for strength and to learn from my deficiencies.  What doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right?

Dear God, Please impart wisdom and strength.

As a side note, I pulled this out of my 16 month old son's bag from God's Little Garden on Sunday and thought y'all might appreciate it as mothers of young children.

We will be signing him up for Harvard in the fall since at 16 months he can paste these shapes in the exact location where they belong to make a house :)  I do appreciate that they made the chimney askew so that I might actually think my 16 month old had something to do with the creation of this picture.  It made me laugh, and then I put it in the recycling bin.  If you think this is good, you should have seen last week where the characters were colored in better than my four year old can color in-between the lines.  I look forward to seeing what he "creates" every week :)

PS I have really enjoyed reading everyone's posts!  They have made me feel less alone in this.  And Katie I think you should start your own blog after this.  You have made me crack up- thank you :)

Day 9 - Beverly's post

Hi friends!!
First let me say that I LOVE Katie's post!  I love the 3 glasses of wine and I love that you shared some time with your hubby Joey!  I started a draft post a few days ago that I just deleted....I needed more time to articulate my point! But Katie's post nailed it!   My draft said that I purposed that we are able to have a coffee or tea with a friend from the 7 group...thus intentionally building relationships that are Christ centered and expanding our communities AND that we could have a glass of wine with our spouse if we are intentionally spending time together talking about our faith and how we are growing in Christ...or how the 7 project is effecting us.  Sooo....Yea for Katie taking this project to the next level! :)
(Todd said a glass of wine should be a REWARD for taking your husband on a date. Way to jump on board this project Todd.)

That being said, I had a cup of tea this weekend with my husband and his best friend who was visiting from Florida.  Whew! Got that off my chest! :)  Kidding.  I was connecting with my spouse people!

Furthermore....here are my thoughts on how the project is going so far.  Raise your hand if you are feeling totally sick.  I mean, I am feeling so nauseous!  My stomach hurts from all the spinach and I won't go into the color green I have been seeing lately.  It's disgusting.  I was feeling so good about this project until I started to FEEL THE BURN baby!

My prayers today have centered around mothers around the world who feel sick because of the food they have to eat.  My heart aches for the moms who have rickets and all kinds of other diseases from being malnourished.  My heart aches that they can't take care of their kids because of how sick they feel.   Not to mention the heartache they have when their kids get sick because of the food they are eating.  

My body hurts.  Even though I am eating good foods, God intended us to eat a variety of foods for a reason.  Each food brings a nutrient to our body that God made us to need.  I am definitely feeling the lack of certain foods in my diet.  I am also feeling the lack of God in my moment to moment life.

I have prayed more during this project than I have in a long time.  I have become so aware of the needs around the world regarding hunger.  I have made my kids more aware of the suffering  children who lack food.  So, I would say that this project continues to be a success.

HOWEVER, I am going to have to make some modifications to my diet.  I can't take the green stuff and I can't take the nausea.  So, I am going to eat the same foods for 7 days, then change it up the next week and eat those same foods for 7 days, etc.   I will still fast from chocolate, sugar, wine (unless I am hanging with my spouse).  Please excuse my modifications.  I am continuing to pray for you all!!!!

Someone PLEASE invite me over so we can have a coffee together!!!!!!!!!!!  seriously.

Day 7- Confessional

Okay- I admit it.  I fell off the wagon last night.  I did eat the other veggies that I mentioned previously.  Green beans and brussel sprouts were quite thrilling additions and added nice variety to my seven foods.  Never would have seen myself writing the previous sentence before this week!  We did have chicken for dinner...again.

And here it comes...I had wine last night.  Yes this is a confessional post.  We were sitting outside enjoying the fabulous weather and grilling our chicken and then it happened.  Joey poured himself a drink and grabbed a cigar.  I was holding strong- I had my ice water and peppers with yogurt for dip.  All was going well- the kids were watching a movie before bed, the sun was setting, and my resistance failed!!  And not only did I have wine- I had 3 glasses and I enjoyed each and every sip!  I didn't actually finish the last glass but I intended to when I poured it.

There I said it- I blew it last night!  And not only did I blow it- I was happy I did.  And guess what else...I woke up this morning and drank ice water again and had another omelet with peppers and chicken and the experiment goes on just as if nothing changed.  I think that has to count for something.  I had an urge to just say once I had the wine last night, what is a little coffee this morning.  But no, I didn't do that.  I pulled up my big girl pants and admitted my failure publicly and now I am back on with my 7.

In my 7 journey, week one is wrapping up and I feel like I am right where I am supposed to be.

Day 6 - Unexpected Lessons

So I started this with the thought that God was going to teach me about over abundance and over indulgence.  I still believe I have more than enough to learn in that area but I am not sure that is His plan for me this month in particular.  I am really feeling the benefits of the healthy choices I have been making this past week.  I have been taking time to take care of me both through the food I am eating but also getting more exercise and sleep.  Though I am only 20% through with the month (yes, I am counting) I have definitely been praying more and really focused on learning the lessons intended for me.  I really feel that this month for me is far more about treating my body as the temple God intended it to be and less like the frat house or college freshman that has been more the recent norm.  I had truly become lazy in my diet and general health and I was definitely in a personal rut over it.  I am not a very disciplined person but I am a rule follower- especially when I count the group as my body of enforcers.  I think this month for me is not about 7 foods or lack of foods, etc.  I think this month is about general personal health and wellness.  I also think that is most certainly what God wants me to take away as a long term message for the rest of forever.  Will I ever snack or drink coffee or wine again- MOST CERTAINLY!!  I do however anticipate and pray that I will do all of these things in a way that continues to treat myself well.  Who knew an apple or pepper slices dipped in plain yogurt could be delicious and quite satisfying all in one.  Not gonna lie- the water still isn't doing it for me but clearly without it I would be much worse off.  Anyway- my take away is that God will use anything and everything you offer to teach you lessons, you just have to be prepared to learn the lesson and open to accepting the lesson may not be what you expected.  Clearly if you think you have a lesson to learn, He will deal with that too in due time.  Fortunately He knows this human is not a fabulous multi-tasker so He is sticking to small lessons over a long time.  I am listening Lord!

On a side note- I ate brussel sprouts with a chicken burger and fried egg for lunch- the egg makes the chicken not so dry since I didn't use ketchup.  I plan to eat the fresh green beans for dinner with beer can chicken (Joey has offered to drink half the beer to prep and avoid waste:)) and I will be eating carrot sticks dipped in yogurt for an appetizer on the back porch while drinking ice water from a wine glass.  Yes- I went out of the boundaries of my seven foods but I feel like the bigger picture of avoiding waste and maintaining healthy choices has been preserved.   I had a lot of produce ready to go to total waste without me to save it.

Also- I really wanted coffee this morning as we headed out early to the ball field and I heard it brewing in the kitchen for my other mean half.  A little sympathy- and waiting until I left the house to start the coffee maker would have been polite.  And last night - the Braves game just wasn't the same with no food and only 2 bottles of water to drink.  Cheaper- yes, as much fun- probably, the same- NO!

My Prayer this morning

So this is what I prayed this morning while fixing breakfast for my boys. (Yesterday was rough for me in case you can't tell, so this morning I was less than enthusiastic)

Dear God,
Please give me strength and patience today.  Change my heart.  Please help me not to want to throw sweet potatoes across the room when my children refuse to eat perfectly healthy food that I would give my right arm for right now.  Please help Hosford not to say the word "yucky" at every meal.  Please help me not to have a short fuse and take my feelings out on my husband when he says, "you chose to do this, no one made you."  Give me peace and help me to remember those to whom these seven foods would be the greatest blessing, across the world and even here in the US.  I pray to be drawn closer to the Holy Spirit today in my weakness and brokenness. Amen

I know he is listening because right after I finished Hosford and I had this exchange:
H: Mama, what are you having for breakfast?
Me: Eggs and a sweet potato
H: Yummy!  I love eggs!
Me: You do?  Do you want some?
H: No, I am having pancakes.
Me: Yes you are :)

Makes it easier to eat when someone else tells you it is yummy, even if he is 4 and you know he would not touch an egg with a ten foot pole :)

Prayers welcome today...I need them :)

Day 5 - Beverly's Post

Raise your hand if you seem to have TONS of extra time on your hands without drinking coffee or eating chocolate!  (hand raised)  Where have I been spending my time??  My sense of smell has seemed to be in overdrive as well.  I am serious.  I can smell cilantro from a Mexican food place from across the street, I can smell flowers as I walk by them in the grocery store.  I think it has to do with my separation from sugar.  I was just reading an article today about sugar intake and how it takes 6 days to detox from sugar and how when you start eating it again your body will not like it as much.  The same article said that we unknowingly use sugar as a "reward"...boy do they have that right.

I didn't realize that I was bargaining with God all this time.  I have a sense of entitlement with being a stay at home mom that I deserve a reward for the struggles I endure everyday.  I hate to say that out loud, but it's true.  I feel like my sugary treats are my payment for a job well done or for a failure I encountered.

God does not want me to see my life that way.  I want to turn my eyes to Him who is able to do all things and find my reward in Him.

Five days into this and I feel little more normal.  I am slowing detoxing.  Less of me, more of Him!

Also...like Katie, I have been going to bed sooner and taking better care of myself in general.  I loved the comment of "forced health" too from the most recent post.  That describes this perfectly!  I definitely see a softening of my spirit...a forced health of spirit....and it is good!

So I officially started my 7 journey today.  For the next 30 days I will eat nothing but chicken, whole wheat bread, black beans, spinach, tomatoes, oranges and cheese.  Today went really well until I ate a piece of chocolate from the candy bowl at work.  Totally forgot about the whole thing until I was savoring the taste of chocolate and went "O crap."

I've been sharing with folks at work about this seven months of living with less - of drastically reducing what I eat, wear, and consume on a daily basis.  They probably think I'm a little crazy.  I guess they could be right.  I'm in the middle of some life changing decisions.  I'm quitting my job (my last day is Wednesday), so I can find something that gives me more time  with my daughter, Eleanor.  I also shared with a couple of colleagues that I might be interested in going back to school - divinity or seminary.  (Let's keep this between us, since I've not discussed this interest with Hugh with any seriousness.  He might divorce me if I tell him I'm going to go back to school again.)  And to top it all off, I'm only eating seven foods for the next 30 days.  Yep, probably crazy.  Am I in the midst of a mid-life crisis?  I don't think so, I actually feel more at peace right now than I have in months (maybe years). 

This 7 adventure came just at the right time for me.  I prayed this morning that I would make the most of this experience.  The goal is not to do something gimicky, the goal is to reduce in order to make room for God to work and reveal his plans and purposes for my life.  I am in simplification mode.  My hectic schedule has to slow down.  I need to learn the value of delayed gratification.  I need to find ways to receive less and give more.  This is some of what I hope to get out of the next 7 months.  Here I go!


P.S. I just heard about a book written by a guy from Atlanta.  It's called "The Power of Half: One Family's Decision to Stop Talking and Start Giving Back."  I'm going to download it this week.  Definitely sounds like it fits right in with the theme.  

P.P.S. I'm already asking for a reprieve.  My boss is coordinating a going away dinner for me on Tuesday night.  I made the call that I would call off 7 for the evening and enjoy the meal with friends and colleagues.  Hope the group supports me in that decision.  I admit, I feel a bit guilty about it.

Day 4- Counting my blessings

As I sat to say my blessing at lunch, I couldn't help but grab my phone a take a picture of the delicious food in front of me.  I am so lucky to be able to afford fresh, nutritious, mostly organic wonderful food.  These foods are making me feel amazing.  I really am waking up easier, ready to exercise and face the day.  We are out the door faster- no waiting on the coffee maker these days.  Water is really quick to fix.  Another day with endless options I would have likely grabbed a cereal bar and a diet ginger ale and called that lunch.  Doesn't even compare.  I love the forced health.  I feel like I am treating my body and food the way God intended for the first time in probably years.  It is delicious nourishment, not therapy, a cure for boredom, etc.  And it is only day 4?!?!  I expect I will get tired of these foods and have some complaints in the future- I am not as bold as Beverly to say I won't complain but for now I am in a state of peace and happiness.  Loving my 7!

Good morning!  Approaching my first 24 hours :)  I got this in an email from LiveStrong yesterday and thought I would pass it along for those of you who chose eggs as one of your 7.  Have a wonderful day!
http://www.livestrong.com/blog/the-healthiest-food-in-the-world/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=04252012
PS- Katie, I think you might need to teach me how to make an omelet :)

Headaches are only temporary...

I am finally starting to feel more human.  My headache is finally gone!!  Boy do I feel God's love in that little miracle.  I am still sluggish but that is probably that this is also a diet of sorts given how much I have gorged myself recently and my stomach has some shrinking to do.  I can't wait to see how creative I will be in meal combinations by the time this month is over.  We have been going to be much earlier this week- in bed by 9 both days and I see a repeat ahead of me.  With no glass of wine or tea and no dessert waiting for me after the kids are in bed, sleeping seems like a perfect alternative.  I stocked up Monday morning on all seven foods- and here we are nearly 3 days complete and I am almost out of apples and yogurt.  I am becoming an omelet master.  I actually feel pretty good today.  For those who haven't started yet- I do need to caution you to make sure that you can combine your foods in a way to provide enough calories to sustain.  I have been tracking and the most I can eat is 1,100 calories stuffing my face.  I know that is a minor side bar but make sure you have a few foods with substance.       

I am in!

After much deliberation (and procrastination) I finally chose my seven:
1. Sweet Potatoes
2. Yogurt
3. Wraps
4. Spinach
5. Strawberries
6. Hummus
7. Eggs (it was going to be avocados, but since there were no ripe ones at public, I decided to go with eggs since they are always available)
Still not feeling confident about yogurt and strawberries...we'll see if they make it:)
I started at lunch today (I'll go 31 days through b'fast to catch up) and had a wrap with spinach and hummus.  Enjoying my nice big glass of water :)  I am a control freak and am nervous about giving up whatever illusion of control that I have.  That is the funny part, I know it is an illusion, so hopefully I will know that He is in control even when I don't give it over, so I might as well surrender- just have to let go and let God.

Hillary- I have a loaf of blueberry bread with sugary glaze (yumm!!!) that needs a home next to that bottle of wine :)  It is calling to me and it has only been 3 hours!

One week out from the second launch

Just a quick comment today since I am not technically on board yet.  I had my false start on Monday and have to say I am a bit put off by my obvious addiction to caffine.  Seriously, I had a severe headache and was slightly depressed after one morning sans java.  I am using this hold week to slowly back off the liquid gold in hopes the second go will be a little less jolting.  I did want to say that I worked out this morning at 6am, (don't even get me started), but that I found the early morning activity to lessen my desire for it.  I still had some, because I still can, but the longing was less.  And that is a start.  As I was on the way home it made me think about the millions of people who struggle with a TRUE addiction.  They are in my prayers this week as I prepare.  I can not imagine being addicted to something much stronger than coffee.  I have a greater, (albiet much smaller), understanding of the internal struggle may of them must face every day and for that insight I am thankful.

Project 7 - day 3 - posted by Beverly

Day 3. - Beverly checking in. Yesterday I decided that I was not going to complain at all during this project. My friend SK and I said we were going to hit this head on and be intentionally thankful. Well, I wish I could bleep that out. Today I am at home with a crying 3 year old who is stubbornly refusing to go #2. I need some coffee people!! I mean I NEED it now. But even as I write this the Lord has brought to mind my friend Kerry who is in Haiti right now. She sent me a picture of where the orphan lives who she will bring home and call her daughter. I was shocked at how the kids were showering in the rain because they have no running water. They have no toilets. How blessed am I that I even get to potty a child who owns a toilet...more like 3.5 toilets. And so, project 7 remains a success today as I swallow my complaints and give thanks to the God who blesses me more than I have eyes to see or a heart that comprehends. Three things I am thankful for today: toilets Heat for my house (in April?) The ability to worship God in safety

Just FYI, per Wiipedia, for anyone else who is feeling it:

Caffeine Withdrawl Symptoms including headache, irritability, inability to concentrate, drowsiness, insomnia, and pain in the stomach, upper body, and joints—may appear within 12 to 24 hours after discontinuation of caffeine intake, peak at roughly 48 hours, and usually last from 2 to 9 days

Day one report for Emily: 8:30 am photo shoot with entire family at piedmont park.  46 degrees.  No coffee.  Wow.  I have so far had scrambled eggs with cheese on a tortilla, sweet potato hash and steamed broccoli, (which i switched out last minute for spinach).  So, this is kind of hard.  I am actually writing because I have changed mind about my start date.  I'm going to Texas to see my family on Thursday and was weighing the option of 7 foods while in Texas or no wine at Memorial Day.  Texas has won out.  I have had a false start.  I am on my way to the kitchen to have a big bowl of pasta salad and maybe some ice cream.  I am going to start when we get back from Texas so I will be able to partake in some of my favorite restaurants and food in the entire world, guilt free.  I feel like I am just setting myself up for failure if I try to stick to seven foods on vacation.  So there you have it.  I have already broken :)  New start date: May, 3.

So tonight we begin! Liz, Becca, Hillary, Katie, Amy and I met for dinner to hash out details and share our 7 food choices. There was much talk about coffee and wine. Sounds like the group is going to go straight water, Hil is going to pray about that one and get back to us:). Amy, being preggers and all, is going to limit her food choices to items with seven or fewer ingredients. I went pretty much with the authors choices but we had some very interesting choices. Among them: grapes, black beans, yogurt, bell peppers. All very interesting. I can't wait to hear everyone's feedback in retrospect about their foods. Personally I am going with: chicken, cheese, sweet potatoes, spinach, whole wheat tortillas, eggs and bananas. We said yes to butter, olive oil, salt, pepper and spices/herbs. No doubt this will be a challenge but a welcome time to reflect. Liz shared a verse that summed up many of the feelings driving this group so I thought I'd close by sharing it. "Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai: "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin.". Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat but never have enough. You drink but never have your fill. You put on clothes but are not warm. You earn wages only to put them in a purse with holes. This is what the Lord Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways." Haggai 1:3-7. With that, may month one begin. Girls, post your seven foods and your start dates. Away we go......