I'm trying to make small changes and see how they work. My first change was to use smaller dishes when I eat. I don't normally go back for seconds, so this was worth trying. I bought some little bowls, and now eat dinner from a smaller luncheon plate. Yes, it does look like I'm eating off doll dishes!
The other change was to start drinking "green" smoothies for lunch at work. What's a green smoothie? It's a regular smoothie, except most of the liquid comes from blended spinach....hence the word "green"! Sounds terrible, I know, but if you put in fruit, you can't taste the spinach. If you have 5 servings of leafy green vegetables a day, you prevent diabetes. One smoothie has 6 servings!
This was a challenge. I bought a small blender to take to work, but there's still the challenge of keeping the berries frozen and cleaning everything up afterwords. So, I make it the night before, put it in a larger plastic container with a screw-on lid, and freeze it overnight. It naturally defrosts in time for lunch.
My recipe is 3 cups fresh spinach (washed), 1 cup almond milk, and 1 cup frozen fruit or berries. Be warned, if you don't use dark berries, your smoothie will be bright green! If you use blueberries, it just looks like blended blueberries.
15 pounds and one size later, looks like it's working. Even my friends are starting to notice!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Weight Loss
By Randy McNeely
The past few weeks have been interesting. I've had ups and downs, but I continue to progress - though not as quickly as I'd like. I'm down to 236. That's 30 pounds down since October. I feel pretty good about that. Still I have 61 pounds to go to reach my goal of 175. I know with the Lord's help I can do it. I also have 30 pounds to go for my weight loss fundraiser and 11 weeks to do it - an average of 3 pounds per week. I may not get there, but I'm going to give it my best shot!
The past few weeks have been interesting. I've had ups and downs, but I continue to progress - though not as quickly as I'd like. I'm down to 236. That's 30 pounds down since October. I feel pretty good about that. Still I have 61 pounds to go to reach my goal of 175. I know with the Lord's help I can do it. I also have 30 pounds to go for my weight loss fundraiser and 11 weeks to do it - an average of 3 pounds per week. I may not get there, but I'm going to give it my best shot!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Small and Simple Things
I remember years ago when I was a part-time janitor at BYU while I was going to school. It wasn't the greatest pay, but I worked with great people and I had the opportunity to greet people as they came into the Wilkinson Center early in the morning.
When I did greet people, I always tried to be cheerful. I would say "Good morning," and ask them how they were doing or tell them they looked nice, etc. I wasn't trying to "brown nose" or suck up, but I really meant what I said. After the brief greeting I'd go on my way, not really thinking about how my greeting affected people.
I found out one day, by surprise, that my greeting had affected someone. On of the staff members at the BYU bookstore would always come in early and if I was out cleaning or sweeping, I always greeted her in my usual manner. What I didn't know was that one of those days she was really feeling down and discouraged and my greeting lifted her, cheered her, and changed her whole outlook for the day. I had no idea until I came in to my bosses office a couple of days later and she handed me an small envelope with my name on it and told me someone had dropped it off for me. I opened it up and found a note from the bookstore staff member and some BYU bucks to use at the bookstore. In the note she thanked me for always greeting her and telling her she looked nice. She explained how she'd been feeling and how my simple greeting made her day.
I don't share this story to boast about myself. I share it merely as an example of how a small and simple act of kindness can make someones day. More than once I've been in a situation where I needed that simple act of kindness and been blessed to receive it. I'm sure you have too.
I hope you my readers have a great day. Thank you for being the wonderful people you are.
When I did greet people, I always tried to be cheerful. I would say "Good morning," and ask them how they were doing or tell them they looked nice, etc. I wasn't trying to "brown nose" or suck up, but I really meant what I said. After the brief greeting I'd go on my way, not really thinking about how my greeting affected people.
I found out one day, by surprise, that my greeting had affected someone. On of the staff members at the BYU bookstore would always come in early and if I was out cleaning or sweeping, I always greeted her in my usual manner. What I didn't know was that one of those days she was really feeling down and discouraged and my greeting lifted her, cheered her, and changed her whole outlook for the day. I had no idea until I came in to my bosses office a couple of days later and she handed me an small envelope with my name on it and told me someone had dropped it off for me. I opened it up and found a note from the bookstore staff member and some BYU bucks to use at the bookstore. In the note she thanked me for always greeting her and telling her she looked nice. She explained how she'd been feeling and how my simple greeting made her day.
I don't share this story to boast about myself. I share it merely as an example of how a small and simple act of kindness can make someones day. More than once I've been in a situation where I needed that simple act of kindness and been blessed to receive it. I'm sure you have too.
I hope you my readers have a great day. Thank you for being the wonderful people you are.
Working Out
By Randy McNeely
Life sometimes throws us curve balls but we have to keep moving. For some reason I've plateaued right now. I've lost 26 pounds since last October, and I seem to be stuck. I'm hovering right at 239-240.
That said, I am by no means discouraged. I can't be if I am to succeed. Those thoughts got me out of bed this morning and I worked out hard doing push-ups, rows, flies, curls, and standing stretch exercises, as well as jogging for 30 seconds in between each exercise. I went through two full sets of each today, except for push-ups of which I did three sets.
I will meet my goals. I won't be easy, but nothing worth having ever is.
Life sometimes throws us curve balls but we have to keep moving. For some reason I've plateaued right now. I've lost 26 pounds since last October, and I seem to be stuck. I'm hovering right at 239-240.
That said, I am by no means discouraged. I can't be if I am to succeed. Those thoughts got me out of bed this morning and I worked out hard doing push-ups, rows, flies, curls, and standing stretch exercises, as well as jogging for 30 seconds in between each exercise. I went through two full sets of each today, except for push-ups of which I did three sets.
I will meet my goals. I won't be easy, but nothing worth having ever is.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Going Down
By Randy McNeely
Another 12 days gone. I'm down to 240. I'm down by 5.5 pounds since I started my Weight Loss For Charity fundraiser. I've got a long way to go.
I know I can do it. It's hard staying motivated sometimes, but I have a lot of support.
Another 12 days gone. I'm down to 240. I'm down by 5.5 pounds since I started my Weight Loss For Charity fundraiser. I've got a long way to go.
I know I can do it. It's hard staying motivated sometimes, but I have a lot of support.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Still moving too!
Like Lynn, I'm moving on. Thus far this week I've lost 3 pounds! I have the extra motivation now as my Weight Loss For Charity Fundraiser is in full swing. I have added pressure too as I was just interviewed on WBOY TV. I weighed in at 249 with my clothes on. I now weigh just under 246. With the Lords help I'll make it.
Anyone out there who is interested can find out more about the fundraiser and how you can help at http:/wl4charity.blogspot.com
Anyone out there who is interested can find out more about the fundraiser and how you can help at http:/wl4charity.blogspot.com
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Still moving!
Well, although I've been noticeably absent from this blog, I've still been trying to eat right and exercise!
I was recently called to the Relief Society presidency in my ward, and between meetings, working overtime, and school, well, you know....
The good news is that I'm praying for a reduction in my workload and continuing to exercise, even if it's 10 PM when I get home. My motivation? One of my friends recently ran a half marathon at Disneyworld. I want a Donald Duck medal!
My husband promised to take me to Disneyworld if I could do a half marathon in a "reasonable" amount of time. I'm shooting for three hours. So far, I've increased my treadmill work from 2.5 MPH for 10 minutes to 3.2 MPH for 33 minutes. I have a long way to go, but I have a year.
My efforts have been paying off. Four pounds so far. Not thrilling, but a start. All you need is a start....
I was recently called to the Relief Society presidency in my ward, and between meetings, working overtime, and school, well, you know....
The good news is that I'm praying for a reduction in my workload and continuing to exercise, even if it's 10 PM when I get home. My motivation? One of my friends recently ran a half marathon at Disneyworld. I want a Donald Duck medal!
My husband promised to take me to Disneyworld if I could do a half marathon in a "reasonable" amount of time. I'm shooting for three hours. So far, I've increased my treadmill work from 2.5 MPH for 10 minutes to 3.2 MPH for 33 minutes. I have a long way to go, but I have a year.
My efforts have been paying off. Four pounds so far. Not thrilling, but a start. All you need is a start....
Monday, February 7, 2011
Hold On!
By Randy McNeely
In these uncertain times, both politically, temporally, economically, and especially spiritually it is easy to get down and discouraged. What a blessing it is to know that when we feel down or depressed we can turn to the Lord Jesus Christ for help. He it is who to whom we can lay down our burden and bear a song away. He knows our needs. He knows our fear, uncertainty, and doubt. He knows that Satan's evil grows stronger in the world and that mists of darkness swirl all about us. Yet through that darkness, even through all darkness, the light of His countenance breaks forth, even as the rays of the sun pierce the fiercest thunderstorm, and through the halls of time we can still hear his meek, yet powerful, voice say "Be not afraid, only believe."
The following video displays what I'm trying to say, much better than my words above.
In these uncertain times, both politically, temporally, economically, and especially spiritually it is easy to get down and discouraged. What a blessing it is to know that when we feel down or depressed we can turn to the Lord Jesus Christ for help. He it is who to whom we can lay down our burden and bear a song away. He knows our needs. He knows our fear, uncertainty, and doubt. He knows that Satan's evil grows stronger in the world and that mists of darkness swirl all about us. Yet through that darkness, even through all darkness, the light of His countenance breaks forth, even as the rays of the sun pierce the fiercest thunderstorm, and through the halls of time we can still hear his meek, yet powerful, voice say "Be not afraid, only believe."
The following video displays what I'm trying to say, much better than my words above.
Up and At It
By Randy McNeely
Another new day and another opportunity to exercise. Same struggles with mind over mattress as usual. However, I have extra incentive now. I did my official weigh in last Saturday for the Weight Loss For Charity Fundraiser I organized. I weighed in, with my clothes on, at 249 pounds. The goal is to lose 40 pounds by June 4th. Great ambitions. Great expectations. Lots of hard work. I can do it, with the Lord's help. I know I can.
I worked my legs and abs today, as well as jogging in between exercises. I exercised for 30 minutes! Yea!
Now, to all of you out there trying and feeling discouraged, I say the immortal words of Winston Churchill; "Never, never, never give up!" To those who fear and doubt, I add the eternal words of the savior, "Be not afraid, only believe."
Another new day and another opportunity to exercise. Same struggles with mind over mattress as usual. However, I have extra incentive now. I did my official weigh in last Saturday for the Weight Loss For Charity Fundraiser I organized. I weighed in, with my clothes on, at 249 pounds. The goal is to lose 40 pounds by June 4th. Great ambitions. Great expectations. Lots of hard work. I can do it, with the Lord's help. I know I can.
I worked my legs and abs today, as well as jogging in between exercises. I exercised for 30 minutes! Yea!
Now, to all of you out there trying and feeling discouraged, I say the immortal words of Winston Churchill; "Never, never, never give up!" To those who fear and doubt, I add the eternal words of the savior, "Be not afraid, only believe."
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Still Striving
By Randall McNeely
Well, my gazillion followers, these past couple of weeks have been a challenge for exercise, at least regular exercise. I've gotten a lot of exercise in ways I didn't intend to via snow shoveling - TONS OF SHOVELING! Still, I managed to maintain my weight, but not lose any.
Now I'm traveling and have a nasty cold. Still, I'm going to force myself out of bed tomorrow. I have to. I've eaten to much the last too days! Ah.
This weekend I do the official weigh-in for my Weight Loss For Charity fundraiser. I've set the goal to lose 40 pounds between February 5th, and June 4th. I need 1000 people / corporations to pledge to me to reach my goal of raising $10,000. That works out to $.25 per pound per person if I lose 40 pounds. I can do it. Will you? Will you help me in this great cause? If you would like to pledge, stop by my blog http://wl4charity.blogspot.com, click the Join Me! link and send me your name, the amount you wish to pledge, your email address, and phone number. None of your personal information will be published. It will be used for donation tracking purposes but only privately by me. The initials of those who pledge and what they pledge will be posted on the blog on the Individual Pledges page.
Well, my gazillion followers, these past couple of weeks have been a challenge for exercise, at least regular exercise. I've gotten a lot of exercise in ways I didn't intend to via snow shoveling - TONS OF SHOVELING! Still, I managed to maintain my weight, but not lose any.
Now I'm traveling and have a nasty cold. Still, I'm going to force myself out of bed tomorrow. I have to. I've eaten to much the last too days! Ah.
This weekend I do the official weigh-in for my Weight Loss For Charity fundraiser. I've set the goal to lose 40 pounds between February 5th, and June 4th. I need 1000 people / corporations to pledge to me to reach my goal of raising $10,000. That works out to $.25 per pound per person if I lose 40 pounds. I can do it. Will you? Will you help me in this great cause? If you would like to pledge, stop by my blog http://wl4charity.blogspot.com, click the Join Me! link and send me your name, the amount you wish to pledge, your email address, and phone number. None of your personal information will be published. It will be used for donation tracking purposes but only privately by me. The initials of those who pledge and what they pledge will be posted on the blog on the Individual Pledges page.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Keep Moving Forward
By Randy McNeely
This past week was a real challenge. On the one hand, I gained no wait. Yea! On the other hand, I didn't lose any either. Sometimes we have weeks like that. A differing work schedule threw me off as I wasn't able to follow my regular workout schedule. This week is more of the same.
However, I'm not discouraged. I will keep moving on. I will lose the wait. I've done it before, and I can do it again.
As I side note, I've organized a fundraiser called Weigh Loss For Charity to raise money for The Bartlett House homeless shelter here in Morgantown. I had the opportunity to appear on WAJR radio 103.3 FM (wajr.com) yesterday morning to talk about it. I haven't had as good a response as I hoped to have. However, there are more ways than one to skin a cat. Check out my wl4charity blog to get the latest.
This past week was a real challenge. On the one hand, I gained no wait. Yea! On the other hand, I didn't lose any either. Sometimes we have weeks like that. A differing work schedule threw me off as I wasn't able to follow my regular workout schedule. This week is more of the same.
However, I'm not discouraged. I will keep moving on. I will lose the wait. I've done it before, and I can do it again.
As I side note, I've organized a fundraiser called Weigh Loss For Charity to raise money for The Bartlett House homeless shelter here in Morgantown. I had the opportunity to appear on WAJR radio 103.3 FM (wajr.com) yesterday morning to talk about it. I haven't had as good a response as I hoped to have. However, there are more ways than one to skin a cat. Check out my wl4charity blog to get the latest.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Daily Journal - Spiritual - Thought for the Day
He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.
Proverbs 8:25
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Daily Journal - Physical -Staying committed
By Randy McNeely
In my "Why This Blog" section, I stated my reasons for needing to lose weight. I have several incentives--I need to bring down my cholesterol, in need more energy, I don't want to wear a C-Pap, I want to be there for my kids and be able to do things with them, etc.
Knowing those things, however, and translating that knowledge into action, are two different things. Like many of you, I don't particularly like exercising. However, I do like how I feel when I have exercised. I feel awake and alert. I feel more energized. I feel a sense of accomplishment for having done it even though I didn't necessarily want to do it. I also like the fact that because of the exercise my weight is going down and I fit into my clothes better (yes men do think of those things too -- though we're not nearly as obsessed about it as women are :-)).
So, when 4:45 am hits (that's my new wake up time--I'm working toward 4:30 am), an I'm faced with a mind over mattress battle, I force myself to think of those things. If I don't, my king size mattress is way to comfortable and try as I might, I lose the battle.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Daily Journal - Spiritual
By Randy McNeely
Read a great article today by Elder Kent D. Watson entitled Being Temperate In All Things. It seems particularly appropriate at this time when there is a great "strife of words and contest of opinions." I invite you to read it and come back and share your thoughts.
Read a great article today by Elder Kent D. Watson entitled Being Temperate In All Things. It seems particularly appropriate at this time when there is a great "strife of words and contest of opinions." I invite you to read it and come back and share your thoughts.
Daily Journal - Physical
By Randy McNeely
Made it up again. Keeping on. Did upper body workout - push ups, and several exercises with resistance bands, along with jogging for 30 seconds in between exercises.
I feel better every time I exercise.
Made it up again. Keeping on. Did upper body workout - push ups, and several exercises with resistance bands, along with jogging for 30 seconds in between exercises.
I feel better every time I exercise.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Daily Journal - Spiritual - The Humor Factor - Trimmers Gone Awry
I'm often accused of being to serious or taking myself to seriously. Those who know me well, however, know that I'm a firm believer that one of the ingredients for spiritual fatness is a good sense of humor.
To that end I share the following story.
You know you're getting old when one of your Christmas gifts is a genuine deluxe ear, nose, and eyebrow trimmer. What's worse is knowing that you need it and that others recognize that you need it. Ah, sad day!
Such was the case for me this past Christmas. There it was among my stocking stuffers, a loving trinket from my sweetheart. I was grateful for her thoughtfulness. However, my pride was thumping around inside my head. I'm not that old. Yes I may have a long nostril hair or two and my eyebrows do look rather like one long bushy caterpillar, but are they really that bad? And my ears, I don't have long hairs in my ears--do I? Nevertheless, I swallowed my pride and after all the gift opening was done, I went to the bathroom to try out my new "toy."
When I opened it, there were several little attachments, each one fashioned for its assigned purpose. There was also a little manual. Being the man I am, and it being such a little tool, I was sure I could figure out how to use it without reading "The Friendly Manual."
I did figure out how to put in the battery and how to put on the attachments. Having done so, it was time to test it. I looked in the mirror and the bushy black caterpillar on my forehead seemed to say "pick me first. Give me a good trim." I listened and proceeded to trim the middle between my eyes. It was then that I experienced that feeling that every mother, or occasionally father, feels when their little girl or boy walks into the room with a sheepish grin on their face and chunks of hair missing from their head. "I cut my hair. Doesn't it look nice?"
In less than a second, not only was the caterpillar cut in two, but fully one quarter of the left side was gone! Ahhh I screamed out of shock--and a ton of embarrassment. This wasn't supposed to happen. There I was, completely bald between the eyes and seriously lopsided on the left. What did I do? I did the only thing I could do--I trimmed the right side (much more carefully) in attempt to regain some balance. I looked better, but I still, at least in my mind, looked utterly ridiculous. I leave it to your imagination as to how my wife, mother-in-law, brother and sister-in-law and children reacted.
I'm happy to report that I learned a lesson from this experience. No matter how small the tool, always, always, read "The Friendly Manual." We'll see how long that lasts, however, given that guys seem to have a built in gene for not asking directions and not reading manuals.
I'm also happy to report that I'm very grateful for a couple of other things. Fortunately for me, no one at work noticed any change in my appearance, or if they did they were kind enough not to say anything. Additionally, the old saying that "time heals all wounds" (and silly trimmings) is proving to be true as well. Mr. Bushy isn't back to normal yet, but he's filling in quite nicely.
To that end I share the following story.
You know you're getting old when one of your Christmas gifts is a genuine deluxe ear, nose, and eyebrow trimmer. What's worse is knowing that you need it and that others recognize that you need it. Ah, sad day!
Such was the case for me this past Christmas. There it was among my stocking stuffers, a loving trinket from my sweetheart. I was grateful for her thoughtfulness. However, my pride was thumping around inside my head. I'm not that old. Yes I may have a long nostril hair or two and my eyebrows do look rather like one long bushy caterpillar, but are they really that bad? And my ears, I don't have long hairs in my ears--do I? Nevertheless, I swallowed my pride and after all the gift opening was done, I went to the bathroom to try out my new "toy."
When I opened it, there were several little attachments, each one fashioned for its assigned purpose. There was also a little manual. Being the man I am, and it being such a little tool, I was sure I could figure out how to use it without reading "The Friendly Manual."
I did figure out how to put in the battery and how to put on the attachments. Having done so, it was time to test it. I looked in the mirror and the bushy black caterpillar on my forehead seemed to say "pick me first. Give me a good trim." I listened and proceeded to trim the middle between my eyes. It was then that I experienced that feeling that every mother, or occasionally father, feels when their little girl or boy walks into the room with a sheepish grin on their face and chunks of hair missing from their head. "I cut my hair. Doesn't it look nice?"
In less than a second, not only was the caterpillar cut in two, but fully one quarter of the left side was gone! Ahhh I screamed out of shock--and a ton of embarrassment. This wasn't supposed to happen. There I was, completely bald between the eyes and seriously lopsided on the left. What did I do? I did the only thing I could do--I trimmed the right side (much more carefully) in attempt to regain some balance. I looked better, but I still, at least in my mind, looked utterly ridiculous. I leave it to your imagination as to how my wife, mother-in-law, brother and sister-in-law and children reacted.
I'm happy to report that I learned a lesson from this experience. No matter how small the tool, always, always, read "The Friendly Manual." We'll see how long that lasts, however, given that guys seem to have a built in gene for not asking directions and not reading manuals.
I'm also happy to report that I'm very grateful for a couple of other things. Fortunately for me, no one at work noticed any change in my appearance, or if they did they were kind enough not to say anything. Additionally, the old saying that "time heals all wounds" (and silly trimmings) is proving to be true as well. Mr. Bushy isn't back to normal yet, but he's filling in quite nicely.
Daily Journal - Physical
By Randy McNeely
Week 3 - Day 1
Last week was a bit of a challenge. Still, I lost two pounds even though I did a lot of shoveling and was not able to do my regular workouts.
I was up and at it early today. I got my regular leg and stomach workout in.
Question for the day - does anyone out there have a favorite healthy recipe they's like to share? I'd love to add some more to the Recipes page.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Committed!
One of the keys to success in any project is commitment. So, I've been getting committed all over the place....
No, not the psych ward, although at times this week, it was a possibility! Committed to weight loss. What did I do? A few simple things.....
I bought a much more difficult workout game for the Wii, which not only weighs you, but tracks your measurements, tracks your calories, and notes when you exercise. It asks you to commit to a program, and I chose to work out 6 days a week.
I was asked to select a product to review on my blog, and I chose a portable step machine. I plan to keep it in my office for stress relief and to get in a little exercise. I have to use it, or I can't do the review--committed again.
At work, the nurse has begun a "Biggest Loser" contest. There are 12 of us, and our entry fee is a $10 gift card. Whoever has lost the biggest percentage each week will get the gift card of his or her choice.
Thanks to Randy, I'm now committing myself in public. Finally, I've also committed to myself and my family... the most important people of all.
I'll let you know how it goes.
No, not the psych ward, although at times this week, it was a possibility! Committed to weight loss. What did I do? A few simple things.....
I bought a much more difficult workout game for the Wii, which not only weighs you, but tracks your measurements, tracks your calories, and notes when you exercise. It asks you to commit to a program, and I chose to work out 6 days a week.
I was asked to select a product to review on my blog, and I chose a portable step machine. I plan to keep it in my office for stress relief and to get in a little exercise. I have to use it, or I can't do the review--committed again.
At work, the nurse has begun a "Biggest Loser" contest. There are 12 of us, and our entry fee is a $10 gift card. Whoever has lost the biggest percentage each week will get the gift card of his or her choice.
Thanks to Randy, I'm now committing myself in public. Finally, I've also committed to myself and my family... the most important people of all.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Daily Journal - Spiritual
By Randy McNeely
My journey through the Doctrine and Covenants continues, with a stop today in D&C 11. Every time I read this section I can't help but feel amazed at the Lord's love and wisdom and the great promises made to Hyrum Smith, which, if we live for it, can be ours too. Like Hyrum, if we will follow the Lord's admonition and study the scriptures, we too can be filled with the words of life (spiritual fatness) and have our tongues loosed so that we can be instruments in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth.
I have to ask myself when I read verse seven, "what are earthly riches compared to the riches of eternity? What greater gift can we obtain than wisdom and knowledge from God?" Words cannot describe the sublime feeling that penetrates the soul when pure knowledge from God flows in. This is true joy! Those moments, too sacred to speak of, unless prompted by the Holy Ghost, make an indelible impression on our hearts and minds.
What's even more wonderful, though, is when we have those moments when writing to, speaking to or teaching others. Then it is that the words of D&C 84:85 which states, "Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man," are literally fulfilled and all are uplifted and edified.
I've had those moments. I know they are real. I hope to have many more as I continue my journey to being spiritually whole.
My journey through the Doctrine and Covenants continues, with a stop today in D&C 11. Every time I read this section I can't help but feel amazed at the Lord's love and wisdom and the great promises made to Hyrum Smith, which, if we live for it, can be ours too. Like Hyrum, if we will follow the Lord's admonition and study the scriptures, we too can be filled with the words of life (spiritual fatness) and have our tongues loosed so that we can be instruments in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth.
I have to ask myself when I read verse seven, "what are earthly riches compared to the riches of eternity? What greater gift can we obtain than wisdom and knowledge from God?" Words cannot describe the sublime feeling that penetrates the soul when pure knowledge from God flows in. This is true joy! Those moments, too sacred to speak of, unless prompted by the Holy Ghost, make an indelible impression on our hearts and minds.
What's even more wonderful, though, is when we have those moments when writing to, speaking to or teaching others. Then it is that the words of D&C 84:85 which states, "Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man," are literally fulfilled and all are uplifted and edified.
I've had those moments. I know they are real. I hope to have many more as I continue my journey to being spiritually whole.
Daily Journal - Physical
By Randy McNeely
Well, the daily journal hasn't been so daily this week. The past three days have been crazy for time. I have gotten exercise in--though not in the way I planned.
Tuesday and Wednesday saw me spending time fighting yet again with that fluffy cold white stuff that looks so beautiful--from a very long distance (I don't want to offend all you snow lovers but I wouldn't care if I never saw it again--or at least not for a very long time and even then only for a day). Woo hoo! I lost a pound in water weight doing it.
I got home late from a Daddy daughter date last night so I didn't get up this morning. However, I walked 1.5 miles at work. Not a full workout, but better than nothing.
Thanks to Sweethaven for her great post. Keep up the battle.
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