In Times of Need

I found out recently that a good friend is going through some really tough times. Immediately, I had thoughts of hymns and choruses that I knew. That's the way is has been my whole life. Whenever I need to find strength to go through a tough time, I am reminded of a hymn or chorus. When our kids were in their teens and going through some rough things, I remember constantly singing as I walked to work - "I cast all my cares upon You. I lay all of burdens down at Your feet. And anytime I don't know what to do, I will cast all my care upon you." That little chorus saw me through some rough days. When my dad was killed in a car accident, we got tons of cards from family and friends. Bless them, for a lot of them had put words to hymns in them to make us feel better. They made us cry, of course, but they did help with the pain of loss. I truly believe the Lord gave all these wonderful Christian men and women the words to the songs they wrote because He knew they would touch the heart of someone who needed just those words. I still think the old hymns have the best words and tend to remember them before any of the newer choruses. But, if that's what draws me closer to the Lord and gets me through tough times, so be it. I think our children and their children are really missing out on some good words because of the prevalence of only choruses in our churches today, but my voice is small and very seldom heard. So, I just sing my hymns and cry and love the Lord for giving me these songs to remember where I've been and how far I've come.

"It Is Well"

"When peace like a river attendeth my way.

When sorrows like sea billows roll.

Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

It is well, with my soul

It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan my buffet, though trials my come,

Let this blest assurance control.

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate

and has shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, o the bliss of this glorious thought,

My sin, not in part, but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more.

Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord

Oh my soul!"

-Horatio G. Spafford

CONFESSIONS OF ...

An addict! Yep, that's me. I'm a food addict. To have an addiction to anything means that you crave that thing; your body screams for that thing; you think about that thing constantly and you will probably do anything to get it! Really? Yes and I can tell you it is not easy being a food addict. My food "thing" is anything sweet and/or savory. Dale's is anything chocolate - not that he's an addict, although I think if he didn't have his Fudgeo cookies, he might go into withdrawal! Ha! I constantly think about something salty, crunchy and oh so tasty. No matter how hard I try. I'm not sure if being a sweet food addict would be any easier, but let me tell you, it is very hard being a "salty/savory" gal. I have a friend in Weight Watchers who is the same as me, so we feel each other's pain. My biggest downfall is potato chips. I just love them. There was a time I could sit and eat a whole bag in one sitting and not be satisfied. I just wanted more. Now, I eat one little 100 calorie bag and I want more and more and more. So, for my own well-being I try not to eat them at all. But, oh, the pain!!! Being in WW has helped me a lot to control the portions of the food I eat. We can have whatever we want, as long as we count it, but for me, this isn't true of potato chips. It is even hard just writing about them, because I can taste the salty goodness and hear and feel the crunch! My addiction is not just for potato chips, but they are the hardest for me to control. We talked about how WW should be like AA "Hi, I'm Robin and I'm a food addict". Well, it isn't like that, but there have been times I've wanted to go to a meeting every night to keep from eating. For those of you skinny minis who can put anything in their mouths and never gain an ounce (Oh, you know who you are!), be thankful for your metabolism. Trust me, it slows down as you get older and it is harder to lose weight and keep it off. It does help to write and talk about my addiction to food. At least while I'm doing that I'm not eating! Hard to eat and type at the same time. I'm thankful I've been able to lose 63 lbs, but I really do want to lose more. So, I do my hobby (card making), go on the computer, read, write, watch a movie (sometimes that is disasterous, as I like to munch while watching) and sometimes take a walk (when my hip and knee cooperate). It also feels good to admit your problem. Well, I really did that a year and a half ago when I joined WW, but sometimes it is good to say it over and over. That way, I won't forget and maybe friends and family will remember, too, and help me. Well, that's my confession. Thanks for listening.