What's for dinner?

I reached my goal weight sometime in the last month.  

Happy dance for sure.  Since then I have been trying to transition from weight-loss mode to maintenance mode.  For some reason, the transition always seems harder than it should be. 

For most of my life, dieting was the farthest thing from my mind as I was blessed with a fast metabolism.  In fact, it wasn't until after my kids were in high school, which put me in my late 40's, that I had my first, first-hand experience with a "diet."  Here was my plan--join Weight Watchers, lose the necessary weight and continue as before.  After a certain number of months/years, I would regain the lost weight and one of two things would happen:  1) Become my calorie-conscious self again or 2) Resign myself to the addition of 5 pounds and continue as before.

Anyway, the idea of maintaining a healthy weight was difficult.  I was good at dieting, but not good at what came after. So, fast forward to today and the thing is--I don't need to lose any more weight.  First, I can't afford to buy more new clothes in smaller sizes and I don't need to be at my pre-children fighting weight at this point in my life.  So, I've realized I need a strategy to have a successful transition.  There seem to be a couple of options:  1) Eat slightly larger portions of the same, healthy foods, 2) Reduce my activity level (walk fewer steps), 3) Ease up on the legalistic approach to the diet and occasionally enjoy something that is on the "not as good for you" list (can anybody say dessert), remembering that the Daniel Plan book encourages 90% compliance or 4) Do a combination of the above.  

One thing I know for sure, I want to stay on the healthy side of eating . . . now that I've cut most of the "white" from my diet (white rice, white bread, white pasta, white sugar), there's no reason to go back.  I also intend to stick with the organic choices, where possible, and to keep water as my beverage of choice.  That being said, I plan to monitor my weight and increase the protein portion sizes, if necessary, and, enjoy a protein-rich fruit smoothie for breakfast or snack each day.  As to reducing my exercise, I'd rather not back away from the 10,000 steps my body has become accustomed to walking; well, I probably could stop obsessing about reaching the daily goal to the point of walking around our neighborhood at 10:30 p.m.  So, I'm trying to think of my daily steps in terms of a weekly goal rather than a hard and fast daily goal.  

Anyway, this blog was supposed to be about dinner . . . . so my new approach to lunch/dinner has been taking advantage of the recipes in Cooking Light magazine.  (I'm so grateful for the technology that lets me subscribe to the magazine on my Kindle.)  Not every recipe makes the cut--some I don't like, some call for things that are impossible to get here in El Salvador and some, in my opinion, don't meet the Daniel Plan recommendations.  So, without further adieu, here are three of our recent meals:

Jamaican chicken with pineapple salsa, bean medley and sliced tomatoes.

Tilapia Veracruz, quinoa and roasted asparagus

Chicken thighs with peach salsa, Parmesan polenta and fresh green beans.

I'm not planning to become a food blogger (which is a good thing because my photo-taking skills are sadly lacking,) but I am trying to take the time to record the successes.  The proof in the transition plan is not what I'm doing/eating today, but what I'm doing/eating over the next six months.  For that, you'll just have to stay tuned.  

Two Days in Managua

Ena and I left on the Platinum King Quality bus at 1:45 p.m. on Friday.  

About 12 hours later, we were settling in to our room at the Canizalez home in Managua, Nicaragua, and they were wonderful hosts.  

Saturday was a full and "very special" day.  Both Ena and I got manicures and pedicures at Bea's Salon.  Beatriz is a member of the church and our special day was her treat!  We also had lunch at the Hotel Intercontinental, courtesy of another family.  In the evening we set up the tables, chairs and decorated for the event.

Sunday was another whirlwind day.  Church first thing and then lunch at Rosti Pollos, leaving us with about an hour and half before we had to be at the event. 

 There were more than 40 women in attendance and it was amazing to hear their sweet voices singing praises to our great God.  Ena did an amazing job with her teaching about Mary and Martha from Luke 10.  

It was a great lesson for all us . . . . we need to keep our priorities in order and not be so busy that we, like Martha, could hear Jesus telling us that we need to choose the "best" thing like Mary did.

The night was a short one--we headed to the bus station at 2:00 a.m.!  Glad to be back home and sleep in my own bed!  

Out with the old, in with the new

We drag the inflatable all over the country in the back of our truck.  When there is a mission trip in San Salvador, the inflatable stays in our truck from start to finish.  The inflatable is wrapped up in and protected by a large tarp.  Unfortunately, over time the tarp was absolutely beaten up, had holes in it and had separated at one of the seams.  

Our first idea was to buy a new one when we were in the states in May or July.  We discovered that not only are they quite expensive (depending upon the quality), but they weigh a ton and, when you're flying, weight is not your friend.  So, we decided to see what we could find when we got back to El Salvador.

Of course, there's not a Tractor Supply here, but there are a couple of all purpose hardware stores.  In fact, a brand new, super huge EPA opened here in the spring. 

Francisco joined us for the search, and we drove over to the south side of town to check it out.  It reminded me of a Home Depot, and we walked every aisle just to see what all they had.  We eventually found the tarps, but they were all too small.  Next stop was Freund, more like a Westlakes, which is much closer to our house; but it was the same story--too small.  Last option was to leave the truck parked at Freund and walk down the street one block to the competition--Vidri. They had the largest tarp we had seen so far, 20 feet by 30 feet.  We were actually looking for one a bit longer, but decided we would try to make it work.

We switched out the old one for the new one yesterday afternoon.  Don't know how durable the new one will be, but at least the inflatable is protected again.  As you can see, it's rolled up like a giant blue burrito and stored in the MetroAmerica shed at the church in Lourdes, where it will safely stay until the next campaign.

 

We do it

As you may know, my heart has been captured by Romans 8 this week.  On Monday it was about how we are "more than conquerors" and that we are deeply loved by the Father.  

Today on my walk (prayer time) God turned my thoughts back to the final verses of Romans 8:

All of us who have called upon the name of the Lord and have been saved (Romans 10:13) can rest in the security offered in these final verses of Romans 8.  When the Father looks at us, he sees that we are covered by the blood of his precious Son, which is always and forever enough!

Nevertheless, my reflections on Romans 8 didn't stop at this promise.  Instead, as I pondered the verses, I came to realize that there is something that can separate us from the love of God and it has and always will be US.  We do it . . . . we pull away, run away, ignore, disobey, outright rebel, become prideful, love the world, become bitter, become discouraged, get too busy and so much more.  We do it--God doesn't move, but we do. There are a million reasons (excuses) why, but, when we get down to the core of the matter, none of them are valid. 

Sometimes the "separation" we create happens in a moment--when we can't understand how God would allow a parent/child/friend to die.  More often, I imagine, it happens subtly, over time--a series of small steps in the wrong direction until the close relationship we had with our Father feels like a distant memory.  

I think God was reminding me to faithfully seek Him each day:  to "listen" to what he has to say to me through his written Word and to "talk" to him through daily prayer time.  By whatever means I close the lines of communication, whether out of laziness or apathy, out of pride or bitterness, out of a sense of independence or because of some disappointment or failure, I am separating myself from Him.  However, none of my actions result in my being/looking different to the Father. 

I'll let David DePra explain it with three verses from Ephesians.  

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, (Eph 1:20)

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (Eph 2:6)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (Eph 1:3)

Paul says that Christ is seated at the right hand of God in the eternal spiritual realm, i.e., heavenly places. He then says that WE are seated together in those heavenly places IN Christ. Then he says that because of this, we have been blessed with all spiritual blessings that belong to Christ.

Paul doesn’t say maybe. He doesn’t hope for someday. He is saying that these things are FACT – right now. They are as final as is the finished redemption that made them possible. If you are IN CHRIST, then everything Paul says in these verses are the Truth for YOU personally. (Want to read more, click here.)

I think God was telling me I need to be faithful and consistent.  I need to listen to Him, through his Word, and talk to Him, through the privilege of prayer.   When I close off the lines of communication, whether by laziness or apathy, by bitterness or pride, by seeking my own glory or because of disappointment or failure, I am increasing the distance between us.  God doesn't move . . . I do.

Let me encourage you to rest in the promise that nothing can separate you from the love of God.  You can trust that he won't be the one who moves.

Romans 8

This amazing chapter was included in today's Bible reading on my M'Cheyne One Year Reading Plan.  There is so much in this chapter; it is more than enough for multiple days of meditating, praying and reading.  In fact, it is one of several chapters from Romans that forms the basis for one of my favorite books, "The Normal Christian Life," by Watchman Nee.  If you want to be overwhelmed by the richness of Paul's letter to the Romans, I suggest you read this book.  It's not an easy read by any means; and, if you are the type of reader who highlights or underlines while reading, you'll need a dozen sharpened pencils and/or a box of highlighters in various colors.  It's that profound!  I have a copy here in El Salvador and might just have to find the time to re-read it.

As you may know from previous posts this year, along with the M'Cheyne plan, I am reading the accompanying devotionals from "For the Love of God," by D. A. Carson. 

 That today's devotional was about Romans 8 came as no surprise, but the depth of his insights never fails to move my spirit.  Here's a synopsis:

What does it mean for Christians to be "more than conquerors" (Romans 8:37)?  First, the "us" to whom the apostle refers includes all Christians. . . . Second, the actual evidence that they are "more than conquerors" is that they persevere regardless of all opposition.  That opposition may take the form of horrible persecution, . . . It may be some other hardship . . . . Neither human powers nor anything else in all creation, not even all the powers of hell unleashed can "separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (8:39).  Third, as the last sentence already makes clear, that from which Christians cannot be finally separated is the "love of Christ" (8:35) or the love of God in Christ .  At one level, of course, that is simply saying that no power can stop Christians from being Christians.  That is why we are "more than conquerors."  But  that point could have been made a lot of different ways.  To make it this way, with an emphasis on the love of Christ as that from which we cannot be separated, reminds us of the sheer glory and pleasure that is ours, both now and in eternity, to be in such a relationship.  We are not simply acquitted; we are loved.  We are loved not simply by a peer, but by God himself.  Nor is this a reference to the general love that God has for his entire creation.  What is at stake here is that special love that attaches to "all who have been called according to his purpose" (8:28).  Fourth, the guarantee that we shall prevail and persevere, and prove to be "more than conquerors" in this sense, is nothing other than the sovereign purposes of God (8:29-30), manifest in the death of his Son on our behalf (8:31-35).  "If God is for us, who can be against us?" No greater security is imaginable.

He's so right . . . . we have perfect security in our Heavenly Father . . . . thank you, Lord, for loving me more than I deserve.  Help me lay everything down at your feet and live each day to glorify you and build your kingdom.  

Hilo, Aguja y Biblia

We've been busy with campaigns and traveling this summer so I have missed several Saturdays with the ladies of Hilo, Aguja y Biblia.  But today, I was able to catch up with them and see the progress they've made on the drawstring backpacks.  

We have been working on this project for most of the summer and, as of today, have completed 45 backpacks.  We have another 45 pieces of fabric cut.  Our goal is to complete them by the end of September.

  
Today we read and discussed Proverbs 3.  Our prayer was that we live what it teaches.   

My son, do not forget my law,

But let your heart keep my commands;

For length of days and long life 

And peace they will add to you.

Let not mercy and truth forsake you;

Bind them around your neck,

Write them on the tablet of your heart,

And so find favor and high esteem

In the sight of God and man.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall direct your paths.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the Lord and depart from evil.

Day After Grocery Shopping

Yesterday, like normal, it took all morning to do our grocery shopping with stops at Super Selectos (grocery) and PriceSmart (our Costco.)   However, the day after grocery shopping is almost as big of a day as the shopping day.  Why you ask?  Because you have to wash, disinfect and dry all of the vegetables and fruit that you bought the day before.  In case you've forgotten, here in El Salvador the water is not safe to consume and, therefore, the safest way to be sure the fresh vegetables and fruit to eat are safe is to disinfect them.  

While it has always been a chore, now that I am doing my best to eat healthy, I'm buying so much produce that the process takes the whole morning.  The vegetables/fruits have to soak in the disinfectant water for 15-20 minutes so you can see how multiple batches would eat up some time.  When they're done soaking, they need to dry before going in the refrigerator.  If they are still wet when you repack them, they spoil more quickly.  I learned that lesson the hard way with many bags of soggy, ruined lettuce, spinach and more.

Yesterday's produce purchases included:  spinach, romaine lettuce, radishes, cucumbers, English cucumbers, green peppers, avocados, onions, red onions, limes, tomatoes, jalepeños, asparagus, zucchini, carrots, broccoli, blackberries, strawberries, bananas and apples.  Just look at this spread.

You ask, "where are the strawberries and bananas?"  Good question.  I had to do the strawberries yesterday because I made strawberry shortcake to take to our small group last night.  Bananas with their thick skins can be peeled and safely eaten without disinfecting.  Some people extend that same reasoning to any vegetable/fruit which is peeled before eating. However, since Stephen and I experienced first hand the pain, suffering and weight loss which comes from having a parasite, I always err on the side of disinfecting everything.  

Yep, that was my morning.  Coming this afternoon, packing individual portions and freezing all of the fresh meat and fish I bought.  

Everything takes longer here

As I have mentioned before, everything takes longer here in El Salvador.  There's no such thing as a quick trip to anywhere.  Today was a perfect example.

The last two times we flew into the airport here and went through the immigration line, the agents have pointed out that our 3-month temporary residency cards were about to expire (8/19/14.)  Going to the immigration office to pick up our new cards was tricky this summer.  They tell you that you can start checking to see if the new cards are available within a month of their expiration.  Unfortunately, we were in the states from July 18-31 and then were only home one day (August 1 and the offices were closed for vacation) before leaving for Costa Rica.  

So, we decided that today was the day to see if they were ready.  If they weren't ready, we would still have a week for them to get them ready before our other ones expired.  We left after the morning rush hour and were sure to take our passports and other documentation; we drove directly to the location and . . . . . it had moved.  The building was repainted and the parking lot was empty--no sign on the door telling us where the new office was.  

Where it used to be: 

It took more than an hour and various phone calls to pin down the new location.  Turned out that it was within walking distance of the former location, but, of course, we didn't know that at the time.  

Where it was today:

By now, it was noon--thankfully, they stay open during lunch, albeit there are fewer employees available to help.  Even though there was only one person ahead of us, it still took over an hour.  My guess is that they printed up our cards and paperwork while we were waiting.

Good news is that we walked out of the office about 1:15 p.m. with our 9-month "permanent" cards that are good until June 26, 2015.    

Costa Rica Wrap Up

We had a great week with the teams from First Baptist Gulf Shores, Alabama, Passage Church, St. Louis, Missouri, and Faith Baptist, Youngsville, North Carolina.   All 35 team members were faithful to share in the neighborhoods, along the pedestrian walkway downtown, in the market and everywhere else went.  They presented the Respect value lesson in 27 classrooms in three different schools.  There were nearly 700 professions of faith this week and we are excited to hear how many people went to the reception at the hotel this afternoon.

What is even more exciting is that the trip to Costa Rica was just one of the three trips going on this week.  We heard a report at church this morning that there were more than 1000 decisions in Managua and almost 400 in Guatemala.  It was a great week for the kingdom!

Here are a few more pictures of the week:

 The gringos wanted the Salvadorans to experience the fancy bus so they traded.

 Praying before going into the classroom

Beautiful Day for a Campaign

After fighting the weather the last three nights, it was beautiful all day!  The morning at the school was excellent--we visited 13 classrooms.

We were able to visit the neighborhood and lots of kids/adults showed up at the family festival.  Lot's of decisions made the perfect end to a beautiful day.