Hope Harbor

I intend to renew my healthy eating challenge tomorrow. For at least 30 days I will refrain from consuming sugar (with the exception of fruit), refined carbohydrates, legumes and dairy. I have pondered several points that will help me with this dietary challenge. These principles can also be applied to other endeavors: Purpose It will be helpful to identify my motivation for developing healthy eating habits (or whatever activity I choose to implement), and remember the rationale while on the journey. In this case my reasons include improved health and ease of mobility. Add yes, I do hope an added benefit will be to shed pounds. Planning I had set this target date and gearing up for the effort mentally and practically. Preparation  I've purchased groceries and done research regarding menus and meal preparation strategies. Practice I just need to do it - to put into practice beneficial nutrition. And there likely will be a need to continue to le...

"Cancer is a gift." These astonishing words were uttered by my dear friend Joni Eareckson Tada. One would think that such a brutal disease should be considered a murderer. Not Joni. She is a woman filled with genuine and joyful faith as she tenaciously clings to the truth that “All things work together for good.” Joni’s cancer journey was riddled with difficulty. Quadriplegia weakens her physical capacity. This complicated her ability to cope with the toxic nature of the chemotherapy necessary to save her life. Her strength of character however enabled her to endure the suffering which she has dubbed “splashes of hell”. Joni was victorious over the impetuous vicious blows to her body and soul. Her paralysis was a trickster as she mightily conquered the evil assault with weapons of hope and integrity. An honorable response to adversity is admirable. I respect Joni deeply. I know she would be quick to clarify that she makes no claim to overcoming by a self-suffici...