Well, it is a cool, breezy day in Ocean City New Jersey, (in other words, not a great beach day) and I am currently waiting on my Dad to finish napping so we can go on a walk on the boardwalk together. So, I thought it would be fun to update my blog since I haven't done it in, well, who knows how long. So, here I am, feeling rather out of practice, seeing as, well, I AM out of practice. But I'll never get back INTO practice if I don't practice, so I'm practicing. I pity you, though!
A lot has happened since I last posted! I, for one, decided to go to CYIA after all that jazz about skipping out and having a "relaxing" summer at home. Hah! Since when have I opted for doing nothing when I could be doing something? I should have known I couldn't NOT go to CYIA!
So, here I am, ready to compare and contrast the ins and outs (and in-betweens) of camp and my beach vacation: Prepare for a long blog post!
Camp was, overall, an very worthwhile experience.I was greeted by "HANNAH!!!" and practically mobbed by Becca and several of my other camp friends. Right from the git-go I met several new people, and classes commenced with Gabe forcing us to look .each other straight in the eyes and say, "I am NAWT INterESted in YOU!" Complete with Southern Drawl, of course. This was one of the many ways he tried to ingrain in us a "non-dating" perspective from the very beginning. He wanted to be sure we knew the purpose of the camp was to spread the gospel, not to find a boyfriend/girlfriend. Made sense to me!
Classes started in a hurry, and I came to love my desk partner, Katy, dearly. She was so sweet, and very quiet at first meeting. But as the week went on, she got more and more talkative. It is always so exciting for me when a seemingly quiet person opens up to you. I love to hear the stories of those who are quieter, especially since I tend to dominate conversations with those who talk less. :) I am learning that when someone is quiet, it doesn't mean they don't have something to say. Give them "air space" to talk, and they will most likely say something much more insightful than anything I would have come up with, simply because they've thought about it BEFORE they said it! Something to think about!
One of the greatest challenges for me was finding time to fit "it all" in. I wanted to do honors, devotions, my hair, run, excel in schoolwork, and develop close relationships, all of which took time! And there was only so much time to be had. Originally, my goal was to do honors, but, after skipping almost all of recreation, free time, and fellowship as well as rushing from meals to fit in school, I realized I was sacrificing time with people. Also, I didn't have the greatest motives for doing honors. Relationships have always been something I really value, and I was spending so much time studying that, though I'd been there for a week and a half, Becca and I had barely talked, despite the fact that our beds were next to each other! I decided honors wasn't the best decision for me, and spent the last few days enjoying really refreshing chat-times with several dear friends. I felt guilty for not doing the extra practicums required for honors, but I don't think God was calling me to it, at least not this year.
Our clubs went really well! Though I was a bit leery of the team I had (two guys, one newby and one who didn't take things too seriously) our club actually went really well! Out of the 17 kids who accepted Christ overall during the week of clubs, SIX came from our club! That was SO exciting! Car-rides to and from our clubs were quite eventful... water-bottles were squirted, candy was consumed, Tangled songs were belted, and lively conversations were... conversed? In other words, there was never a quiet moment in our van. The first day to club the bumper started dragging and we had to rip it off. That was exciting. Cherish, our leader, is quite opinionated about doing what is right, and Austin, my co-leader, was quite opinionated about "getting away" with certain things, which made for some noisy but exciting debates.
Leaving was the most challenging part! There were a ridiculous amount of hugs to pass out, and I did see some tears. :( I can't wait to keep in contact with all the new people I met!
Then, we were off on an airplane to Ocean City! I was going to write about that, but I'm out of space. And all we're basically doing is swimming and walking, and walking some more. Right up my alley. Speaking of alleys... just kidding. That is all.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Friday, April 26, 2013
Why I ENJOY Exercise
If you know me well at all, you know I'm fairly active on a day to day basis. While (earlier this year, especially) I used to do it more out of compulsion than an enjoyment of it, it's starting to become more of a bright spot in my routine than a chore! Now before you write me off as an exercise nerd/addict, let me explain. It hurts me, too! When I'm doing sprints for volleyball conditioning and gasping for air like a fish out of water, it doesn't feel like heaven! It feels more like my lungs are collapsing, and usually I'm totally convinced I'm about to flop over dramatically on the sidewalk dead from over-exertion. :)
However, I'm learning to focus a bit more on the good parts of exercising, and not the pain. :)
First of all, being outside in the sunshine just makes you happier! I think the weather affects my mood, so when it's shiny and bright, it just feels so good to be alive!!! (although the opposite is true when it's totally grey and dreary outside, too.)
Another thing... Lately I've had several people and situations that I'm pretty worried about. Exercising is a way to use my energy in a positive way, rather than in worrying, which doesn't do anything productive. Kinda like a worry-outlet, if that makes any sense. I come back from a run feeling a little bit freer and more content.
Also, it gives me a chance to talk to God! People rarely want to walk or run with me, so when they don't, well, I have to talk to someone. And God's a pretty good person to talk to. And to pray for the things I worry about or struggle with, rather than keeping them swirling around in my head like water in a clogged up toilet. Yuck!
So you see? I'm not crazy, extreme, or weird. I've just found something that works to get stuff off my chest. I know many of you are pretty active too, so I'm sure this is nothing new. But, to the few of you who don't enjoy it quite as much, maybe this post gave you a little window into my world. :)
However, I'm learning to focus a bit more on the good parts of exercising, and not the pain. :)
First of all, being outside in the sunshine just makes you happier! I think the weather affects my mood, so when it's shiny and bright, it just feels so good to be alive!!! (although the opposite is true when it's totally grey and dreary outside, too.)
Another thing... Lately I've had several people and situations that I'm pretty worried about. Exercising is a way to use my energy in a positive way, rather than in worrying, which doesn't do anything productive. Kinda like a worry-outlet, if that makes any sense. I come back from a run feeling a little bit freer and more content.
Also, it gives me a chance to talk to God! People rarely want to walk or run with me, so when they don't, well, I have to talk to someone. And God's a pretty good person to talk to. And to pray for the things I worry about or struggle with, rather than keeping them swirling around in my head like water in a clogged up toilet. Yuck!
So you see? I'm not crazy, extreme, or weird. I've just found something that works to get stuff off my chest. I know many of you are pretty active too, so I'm sure this is nothing new. But, to the few of you who don't enjoy it quite as much, maybe this post gave you a little window into my world. :)
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
My Week in a Nutshell :)
My week has been a strange week. Usually I can determine whether my week has been been "good" or "bad". Not so with this week! Within the past 7 days, these pictures have all been accurate portrayals of me:
Last Monday/Tuesday:
Quote of the Day(s):"This is the worst day of my LIFE!" Confessions, confessions, I have actually thought this. (Cough, cough. A LOT!)But that's what a week of procrastination will do to you, so it's my own fault!) I had a chemistry test for which I HAD to get an 'A' (due to a previous bad grade) 3 hours of piano to do, a 64- question math test, and an English assignment. And I had the self-imposed pressure of refusing to pay the consequence for procrastinating (failure.)
Tuesdays, my days always look like this: 6:30 a.m. What in the WORLD am I wearing today? 8:30-English. 10:30-Chemistry. 1:00 -piano. 3:00 math tutoring. 5:00- MY SACRED HOUR OF DOING ABSOLUTELY NOTHING PRODUCTIVE! 6:15- Alpha 9:00-
treadmill time! 10:00-study for procrastinated worldview assignments. :)
Wednesday/Thursday:
Quote of the Day(s): "This is the best day of my life!" Yup. That's what a birthday, multiple very sweet cards, new jeans, Panera bread, and loads of diet mountain dew will do to you. (Wednesday.) Despite the fact that I didn't get a whole lot of sleep the day before, I had a great day... especially when my day was made by my writing class friends. :) Thursday, Mom planned a whole day out for me with a few of my friends, shopping, jelly-bean eating, talking, parking-lot-laps, walking, and more shopping and eating... basically this girl's dream come true. ) It was a truly wonderful day. And, of course, no school!
Friday:
Quote of the day(s): "Wait... that's on the schedule?" Oh no! I had two honors society commitments, the ACT test, Sunday school to teach, a doctor's appointment, thank-you notes to write, and, oh yeah, I forgot about school! How was I going to fit it all in?
Saturday:
Quote of the Day: "Uh, oh, I need to use the bathroom. NOW!" Yup, I had just sat down for what would be about two hours of testing, they had just gone through the rules about how if you leave during the test you're automatically disqualified. That's when my bladder decided to rebel. Well, not really... I just really, really, really, had to go. That's when I started praying that I'd make it. And God, having forces over all nature, helped me focus despite my temporary discomfort. :)
The test was pretty hard... actually, my favorite part was the essay! It was nice to see something that looked familiar... not like Greek. I have no clue how they'll grade it, but I got words down, and I remembered to have a thesis statement! I guess that's a good thing?
Sunday/ Monday:
Quote of the day(s): "Wait, I have school?" Yup, THAT'S when I remembered that I had a short story to write, piano to practice, math to do, and chemistry homework. Sound familiar?
Last Monday/Tuesday:
Tuesdays, my days always look like this: 6:30 a.m. What in the WORLD am I wearing today? 8:30-English. 10:30-Chemistry. 1:00 -piano. 3:00 math tutoring. 5:00- MY SACRED HOUR OF DOING ABSOLUTELY NOTHING PRODUCTIVE! 6:15- Alpha 9:00-
treadmill time! 10:00-study for procrastinated worldview assignments. :)
Wednesday/Thursday:
Quote of the Day(s): "This is the best day of my life!" Yup. That's what a birthday, multiple very sweet cards, new jeans, Panera bread, and loads of diet mountain dew will do to you. (Wednesday.) Despite the fact that I didn't get a whole lot of sleep the day before, I had a great day... especially when my day was made by my writing class friends. :) Thursday, Mom planned a whole day out for me with a few of my friends, shopping, jelly-bean eating, talking, parking-lot-laps, walking, and more shopping and eating... basically this girl's dream come true. ) It was a truly wonderful day. And, of course, no school!
Friday:
Saturday:
Quote of the Day: "Uh, oh, I need to use the bathroom. NOW!" Yup, I had just sat down for what would be about two hours of testing, they had just gone through the rules about how if you leave during the test you're automatically disqualified. That's when my bladder decided to rebel. Well, not really... I just really, really, really, had to go. That's when I started praying that I'd make it. And God, having forces over all nature, helped me focus despite my temporary discomfort. :)
The test was pretty hard... actually, my favorite part was the essay! It was nice to see something that looked familiar... not like Greek. I have no clue how they'll grade it, but I got words down, and I remembered to have a thesis statement! I guess that's a good thing?
Sunday/ Monday:
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Sleepy Thoughts...
Good morning! As I write this, it's 4:52 a.m. and I've actually been up since 3:00 a.m. (Well, that's when I got up. I actually have been awake since two, but I was still in bed so it doesn't count.) Seeing as I went to bed at eleven... hmmm, I'll avoid finishing that thought, the math is scary.
Actually, so far, I'm not sleepy at all, and it's been a good thing, since I've studied for a test, started my story, and am not writing my blog. Before you write me off as an over-achiever, NO, I didn't set my alarm for 2:00 a.m. I'm not THAT much of a morning person! I simply couldn't sleep, and beings as I couldn't make any noise, and there wasn't anyone else to talk to, I decided to just try to be productive.
Still, in between productive moments and early morning munching on almonds and granola (does anyone else wake up ravenous?) I've been thinking about sleep... or, lack thereof, really!
First, a few facts about sleep to make you smile:
The longest period recorded for being without sleep is 18 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes during a rocking chair marathon. By the end, the record holder had slurred speech, paranoia, blurred vision, and concentration and memory lapses. I'm beginning to think my missing a couple hours of sleep isn't quite so bad!
A new baby usually results in 450 to 700 hours of lost sleep for the parents in the first year.
If it takes you less than five minutes to fall asleep, you are sleep-deprived. Ten to fifteen minutes is the ideal length because it means you're tired enough to sleep well, but aren't tired in the middle of the day.
Cool, huh? Guess what? There are major benefits to sleeping longer!
Things like better memory, a longer life-span, improved athletic performance, better grades ( might this be related to the better memory part?) and reducing our stress levels.
Whoo hoo! Guess who's going to try to get more shut-eye?
Actually, so far, I'm not sleepy at all, and it's been a good thing, since I've studied for a test, started my story, and am not writing my blog. Before you write me off as an over-achiever, NO, I didn't set my alarm for 2:00 a.m. I'm not THAT much of a morning person! I simply couldn't sleep, and beings as I couldn't make any noise, and there wasn't anyone else to talk to, I decided to just try to be productive.
Still, in between productive moments and early morning munching on almonds and granola (does anyone else wake up ravenous?) I've been thinking about sleep... or, lack thereof, really!
First, a few facts about sleep to make you smile:
The longest period recorded for being without sleep is 18 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes during a rocking chair marathon. By the end, the record holder had slurred speech, paranoia, blurred vision, and concentration and memory lapses. I'm beginning to think my missing a couple hours of sleep isn't quite so bad!
A new baby usually results in 450 to 700 hours of lost sleep for the parents in the first year.
If it takes you less than five minutes to fall asleep, you are sleep-deprived. Ten to fifteen minutes is the ideal length because it means you're tired enough to sleep well, but aren't tired in the middle of the day.
Cool, huh? Guess what? There are major benefits to sleeping longer!
Things like better memory, a longer life-span, improved athletic performance, better grades ( might this be related to the better memory part?) and reducing our stress levels.
Whoo hoo! Guess who's going to try to get more shut-eye?
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Random Excerpts from my Thoughts This Week :)
I'm not kidding when I say this post will be random. Trust me, it will be. I've been having one of those weeks where thoughts will not collect into coherent sentences. (I have a lot of those weeks!)
So one of the main things I've been thinking about is how THANKFUL I am for other people. I love those people who I can trust with pieces of my life, and I feel so priveledged when I get to share in someone else's life story. (And just laugh with them.)
Another something I've been thinking about is what I want my life to be about. I guess "purpose" is the word I'm looking for. It's pretty easy to get so focused in the day to day challenges and obstacles that we miss the greater purpose. The obstacles can either be something to complain about, or something we learn from. We can dwell on our failures and let them define us, or we can learn from them and apply what we learned from them. I tend to do the former.
Another thing I've been thinking about is edamame! (I know, random, right? I'm sure ya'll are shocked) I really want to find a recipe for edamame hummus! Doesn't that sound good? I could combine whole grain pitas with edamame hummus, and have a meal of veggies, complete protein, and whole grains. (Loaded with fiber) How cool would that be?
One last thing that's been on my mind is the song "In Christ Alone." It's my very favorite song. The lyrics are so powerful! Here are my favorite verses:
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me.
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power in hell, no scheme of man,
Could ever pluck me from His hand.
Till He returns or calls me home,
This is the power of Christ in me.
These last weeks, I've been anything but fearless and guiltless. Fear and guilt over various things have weighed pretty heavy on me. I love the thought that even when I can't feel Jesus's presence in my life, even when I am terrified and my heart is heavy, He holds me in His hand. His power is in me. Right now, I feel very weak. But I'm trying to keep up the hope. If Christ controls my destiny, whom shall I fear?
Now if only I can live it out!
So one of the main things I've been thinking about is how THANKFUL I am for other people. I love those people who I can trust with pieces of my life, and I feel so priveledged when I get to share in someone else's life story. (And just laugh with them.)
Another something I've been thinking about is what I want my life to be about. I guess "purpose" is the word I'm looking for. It's pretty easy to get so focused in the day to day challenges and obstacles that we miss the greater purpose. The obstacles can either be something to complain about, or something we learn from. We can dwell on our failures and let them define us, or we can learn from them and apply what we learned from them. I tend to do the former.
Another thing I've been thinking about is edamame! (I know, random, right? I'm sure ya'll are shocked) I really want to find a recipe for edamame hummus! Doesn't that sound good? I could combine whole grain pitas with edamame hummus, and have a meal of veggies, complete protein, and whole grains. (Loaded with fiber) How cool would that be?
One last thing that's been on my mind is the song "In Christ Alone." It's my very favorite song. The lyrics are so powerful! Here are my favorite verses:
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me.
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power in hell, no scheme of man,
Could ever pluck me from His hand.
Till He returns or calls me home,
This is the power of Christ in me.
These last weeks, I've been anything but fearless and guiltless. Fear and guilt over various things have weighed pretty heavy on me. I love the thought that even when I can't feel Jesus's presence in my life, even when I am terrified and my heart is heavy, He holds me in His hand. His power is in me. Right now, I feel very weak. But I'm trying to keep up the hope. If Christ controls my destiny, whom shall I fear?
Now if only I can live it out!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Edamame, A GARDEN???, and weeds, oh my!
I am in love! Who (or what) has captured my latest affections, you ask? It's... let's throw in a drumroll please... This really cute guy!!! Nope! The adorable new puppy we just got!!! Not even CLOSE! (and for those animal lovers out there, NO, we did not just get a dog (thank God for that!))
And, (this really is surprising) it's not a new workout. What's left you ask?
THIS!
Edamame!!! Try saying that ten times really fast! It took me about a month to learn how to pronounce that, but it only took a single taste to fall head over heals in love with it!
Are you one of those people who thinks green foods = grossness? Well, prepare to be amazed. These beans have a very subtle, sweet flavor, and are really buttery and smooth. They can be used in dips, on salads, or (my favorite) eaten steamed and right out of the pod. Add a little salt, and you're in flavor heaven.
Guess what? They're good for you too! The thing I love about them nutritionally is that they're chock full or protein. And it's the complete protein! In fact, it's the only plant that has a protein equivalent to that of eggs or meat. Yay! I'm chucking the egg-whites (blah) and broiled chicken (double blah) out the back door and eating THIS for breakfast. It's the first protein I've actually enjoyed, and I'm sticking with it.
On another note, guess what? I'm actually going to look into GROWING edamame this year. You know what this means: a garden! I know, I know, it is a random idea, but I'm in the process of weeding and setting up a place to grow veggies and flowers this year. And I'm pretty pumped! Homegrown veggies, plenty of out-door time, and (guilty smile) the promise of a nice summer tan are a few of the reasons I'm looking into this.
But, there are a few issues I'm gonna have to resolve:
Cute as rabbits are, they are a hungry bunch, and they happen to be interested in the same foods I am. Apparently, rabbits agree with me that edamame is pretty awesome, as online gardeners have complained about how MUCH rabbits love edamame. (they have good taste!) It looks like a fence will be in order! This will mean a little extra work, but I'm selfish and don't want to share my edamame!
Speaking of work, last night I was doing plenty of that! I weeded our "garden plot" last night for the for the first time in three years. And the roots to those weeds were predictably deep! It took lots of grunting, groaning, tugging, yanking, pulling, and sweating to get those things out! And I'm still only a sixth of the way done! Occasionally, I would come across a "baby weed" which is a breeze to pluck out of that dirt, but goodness, those ones with the roots were tough. I'd spend 10-15 minutes on ONE WEED!!! Why? Not because I enjoyed it, but because it was worth it.
Earlier that week, I was having a discussion with a friend about how tough it can be to get rid of those thoughts that we all have from time to time that don't glorify God. Honestly, I was pretty much giving up. I've tried for so long to get rid of them, but just when I think I"m doing better, I realize that I'm back to where I've started. I started to wonder if it the work was worth the effort, and if what was going in my mind really mattered.
Well, while I was tugging at weeds, I needed something to think about! and I realized that, because I wasn't careful in the past, I had let weeds grow in my heart, too. These weeds are deep rooted and so hard to yank out that, being the wimp I am, I give up, throw aside the "shovel" and distract myself from any issues I have. But they're still growing, and unless they're uprooted, even the littlest things, a little "water", a little "sunshine" can make them deeper. Why is it that I"m not okay with weeds in my garden, but I'll let those weeds grow in my heart?
Those weeds are tough. But my God is tougher. And bigger. And stronger. With His strength, someday, I want my heart to look like a beautiful garden, not a weed patch.
For those of you who don't struggle with constant negative thoughts like I sometimes do, GUARD YOU HEART! Even the little things can make you give in just a little more each day, and suddenly you've got a huge weed in your heart.
As for me, I've decided that even if the weeds are tough, even if I'm a wimp, the struggle to uproot them is WORTH IT. It won't happen overnight, it won't be a one week transformation, but it will be worth the effort.
So I end this LOOONNNGGG blog post with this: Do you want your heart to be a weed patch?
Or a beautiful garden?
And, (this really is surprising) it's not a new workout. What's left you ask?
THIS!
Are you one of those people who thinks green foods = grossness? Well, prepare to be amazed. These beans have a very subtle, sweet flavor, and are really buttery and smooth. They can be used in dips, on salads, or (my favorite) eaten steamed and right out of the pod. Add a little salt, and you're in flavor heaven.
Guess what? They're good for you too! The thing I love about them nutritionally is that they're chock full or protein. And it's the complete protein! In fact, it's the only plant that has a protein equivalent to that of eggs or meat. Yay! I'm chucking the egg-whites (blah) and broiled chicken (double blah) out the back door and eating THIS for breakfast. It's the first protein I've actually enjoyed, and I'm sticking with it.
On another note, guess what? I'm actually going to look into GROWING edamame this year. You know what this means: a garden! I know, I know, it is a random idea, but I'm in the process of weeding and setting up a place to grow veggies and flowers this year. And I'm pretty pumped! Homegrown veggies, plenty of out-door time, and (guilty smile) the promise of a nice summer tan are a few of the reasons I'm looking into this.
But, there are a few issues I'm gonna have to resolve:
Cute as rabbits are, they are a hungry bunch, and they happen to be interested in the same foods I am. Apparently, rabbits agree with me that edamame is pretty awesome, as online gardeners have complained about how MUCH rabbits love edamame. (they have good taste!) It looks like a fence will be in order! This will mean a little extra work, but I'm selfish and don't want to share my edamame!
Speaking of work, last night I was doing plenty of that! I weeded our "garden plot" last night for the for the first time in three years. And the roots to those weeds were predictably deep! It took lots of grunting, groaning, tugging, yanking, pulling, and sweating to get those things out! And I'm still only a sixth of the way done! Occasionally, I would come across a "baby weed" which is a breeze to pluck out of that dirt, but goodness, those ones with the roots were tough. I'd spend 10-15 minutes on ONE WEED!!! Why? Not because I enjoyed it, but because it was worth it.
Earlier that week, I was having a discussion with a friend about how tough it can be to get rid of those thoughts that we all have from time to time that don't glorify God. Honestly, I was pretty much giving up. I've tried for so long to get rid of them, but just when I think I"m doing better, I realize that I'm back to where I've started. I started to wonder if it the work was worth the effort, and if what was going in my mind really mattered.
Well, while I was tugging at weeds, I needed something to think about! and I realized that, because I wasn't careful in the past, I had let weeds grow in my heart, too. These weeds are deep rooted and so hard to yank out that, being the wimp I am, I give up, throw aside the "shovel" and distract myself from any issues I have. But they're still growing, and unless they're uprooted, even the littlest things, a little "water", a little "sunshine" can make them deeper. Why is it that I"m not okay with weeds in my garden, but I'll let those weeds grow in my heart?
Those weeds are tough. But my God is tougher. And bigger. And stronger. With His strength, someday, I want my heart to look like a beautiful garden, not a weed patch.
For those of you who don't struggle with constant negative thoughts like I sometimes do, GUARD YOU HEART! Even the little things can make you give in just a little more each day, and suddenly you've got a huge weed in your heart.
As for me, I've decided that even if the weeds are tough, even if I'm a wimp, the struggle to uproot them is WORTH IT. It won't happen overnight, it won't be a one week transformation, but it will be worth the effort.
So I end this LOOONNNGGG blog post with this: Do you want your heart to be a weed patch?
Or a beautiful garden?
Monday, March 11, 2013
Of Chocolate
Crazy? I didn't think so! Fear had me in its grips. I wasn't free. I wasn't free to enjoy an occasional dessert. I wasn't free to eat with my friends. Now this may seem totally extreme, and totally unrelatable. You probably don't shudder when you eat a bite of cake. But, I think we all have areas that we can be held in bondage if we aren't careful. And some are pretty subtle. (Satan can be pretty sneaky.)
In Galations 5:1, it says, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
So often I think we can either abuse or forget the freedom we have in Christ. We have been freed from our sins! We have been freed from our world's standards of what makes us okay. We are free! But so often, in one way or another, we let our thoughts and behaviors slip into the old. Little thoughts, little choices to just focus on the wrong thing, can ultimately lead to slavery. Slavery of our thoughts, which will ultimately lead to slavery of our behavior.
How does this all relate to chocolate? Well, for one thing, by all means eat chocolate! No guilt needs to be associated with it. BUT (and here's the nutrition note you were all waiting for) everything in moderation, ya'll! This (sniffle sniffle) means you shouldn't eat doughnuts every day for breakfast. It doesn't mean that chocolate is the new health food to replace all others. Chocolate on occassion is great. Don't abuse the freedom we have in Jesus to eat it in excess! But don't forget that it is just fine every once and a while. :) It won't hurt you, and that piece of cake isn't worth the energy of feeling guilty over.
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