An F to the third power - Food-Filled Friday. But what a great day it was. Once a year my employer celebrates staff appreciation week. Each day of the week has some special event or gift. Friday was lunch out, and it was a feast! Salmon, Beef, Rice, pear-walnut-salad, lemonade, and a build-it-yourself ice cream sundae for dessert. I didn't say "no" to anything, I tried to eat in moderation.

Last evening, I did something new and unusual. Usual Friday I am too tired to move, and I just couch-potato at home. But I wanted to do something different and fun with my hubby, but not requiring too much energy. We went to a ceramic shop, picked a few pieces and painted away! It was lots of fun and two hours just flew by. Afterwards, we had dinner out together. Again, I tried for moderation. Cut my dinner in half, ordered the heart-healthy, low-fat options.

Still, yesterday's calorie total (even with exercise) was about 600 over. And, you know, I don't feel guilty. I just enjoyed the day so very much.

Of course, this morning the scale shows me 1.25 pounds above what I was on my last weigh-in day. Bleh. Yet I'm going to give my body today to recover and not take an official reading until tomorrow morning.

How will I feel if I'm still up this week? A little disappointed at the number, yet glad for the experiences of the week. And determined to start fresh. As I have already.

Began this morning with a weight workout. Finally, it looks like it will be a nice weather day, so hubby and I are planning a bike ride later! I think the occasional spike in weight based on life's activities is a normal part of the learning and weight-loss process. At least based on all the blogs I'm reading, and the forums I visit.

Entertainment

Watched a good DVD borrowed from my library this week Conversations With God. Based on the autobiographical experiences of Neale Donald Walsch, it perfectly parallels my own experience of finding a higher power in my life. Something that I often feel silly talking about, but it is undeniable for me, is the presence of God in my life. I do often feel as though I am in constant conversation with God. Even before I was willing to see or acknowledge the presence of God, looking back I believe I was often protected and guided by a loving God.

Before starting this typing again, I paused for a long while thinking about the shape of my faith journey. Remembering my angry days through years of my life. The neglect and abuse of early childhood. My struggles to find love, to feel wanted, by people who were not capable of such emotions. Slowly learning and changing. Ever trying to turn my face toward God, to trust in God, and not to expect humans to provide only what God provides.

I know this sounds absurd to those who are unbelievers. Because I was an unbeliever for so long, I know personally this sounds absurd. The experiences of my life show me that there is a loving presence in God. And that love can be expressed in a faith community, a community that helps its members grow and become their best. This is what the Body of Christ has done for my own life.

Waxing

Paused again. The words in my head make me afraid I may be waxing maudlin, so I will close for this week.

It's been a FUN week! Rest, relaxation, entertainment, good food, movement. I am grateful for all I have received.

If you've read this far – thanks for checking in. And here is a blessing I found this week in Earth Prayers a collection edited by Elizabeth Roberts and Elias Amidon. May you be blessed by these words:

From all that dwells below the skies,
Let faith and hope with joy arise,
Let beauty, truth, and good be sung,
Through every land, by every tongue.
-Unitarian Prayer.