Direction

I know I've been quiet for, like, EVER. I've been a little lost in my life as far as diet and exercise go. My hA1c continued to hold strong in the 5 range (thank the powers that be!), but otherwise I was floundering. I feel a little friendless. I miss having a friend who randomly showed up at my door at 8 or 9 in the evening proclaiming "Kids are in bed, let's go!"
I thrived on that.
I wish I had more friends like that.

I'm still struggling to adjust to "civilian life" (ie: church life after being in primary presidency for 3 years), and randomly blurt out whatever I'm thinking at the moment in Relief Society. At least I make the sisters laugh, and often get little pats on the back "I enjoy your thoughts. Thanks for making it interesting." although I'm not sure if it's more of a "ohmigosh, what's wrong with her? bless her heart..." type thing or if they're genuine. It's not my fault my creative brain has panic attacks when asked "What's the first thing that will happen in the resurrection?"
I mean, naturally, it's going to scream "ZOMBIES!"

Anyway... I've been trying to make an effort, but it's still pretty painful to sit there.

I'm also tired of arguing about the Word of Widsom to my friends who tell me that my choice to lead a gluten-free lifestyle goes against the teachings of the Church.
I'll have you know that I recently got my temple recommend renewed. The stake president and I discussed my issue with the WoW. I told him why I avoid grains. I feel like I am better able to control my blood sugar when I lead a lifestyle rich in natural foods (including meat), and avoid grain. I told him I try to eat in a way that would be pleasing to the Lord, while meeting my own physical nutritional needs.
You know what?
He commended me on exercising my wisdom.

So shut up, okay?

Also today in Relief Society, the stake presidency came in and gave a presentation. The scripture D&C 29:35 came up
"Behold, I gave unto him that he should be an agent unto himself; and I gave unto him commandment, but no temporal commandment gave I unto him, for my commandments are spiritual; they are not natural nor temporal, neither carnal nor sensual"
This says to me (while thinking of the WoW) that we need to eat in a way that is not only pleasing to the Lord (ie: foods as close to their natural state/avoiding poisonous substances), but also sustaining and nourishing to our bodies.

I also went back to the WoW to remind myself what exactly it all entails. I came away with this:
D&C 89:
14: All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man, but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creap on the earth;
15: And these hath God made for the use of man ONLY IN TIMES OF FAMINE AND EXCESS OF HUNGER.

Hmm... God says only eat grain in times of famine. Interesting.

He also says that all manner of fruit, vegetable, and herbs are good for you. Hmm... I foresee more herbal tea in my diet (rooibos is particularly good for your immune system)
I know he says to avoid hot drink, but I think it is to the extent of those containing addictive substances such as caffeine.

Additionally, if you really dig, verse 5 says that man is to avoid strong drink (alcohol), but things that are brewed at home (fermented goodies-- kombucha, pure wine, cider, etc) are okay.
HOLY HANNAH, STOP RIGHT THERE, TRISH, THAT'S BLASPHEMY!

6: And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make

*Gasp*

Not that I'm gonna be drinking wine any time soon (I tried it when I was 10, it was nasty), but I'm definitely going to feel a whole lot less guilty about Kombucha.

Also the first thing He (the Lord) says in regards to the Word of Wisdom is in verse 2:
To be sent greeting; NOT BY COMMANDMENT or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days.

Right there if that doesn't say it all. The Lord encourages us to exercise our wisdom in the matter, that we should nourish ourselves in the order that would be pleasing to the Lords.
If we are aiming to please the Lord, our bodies will rejoice and reflect those choices.
A promise is given on the matter:

18: And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow in their bones;
19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
20: And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint

The last verse is my favorite.

And while I'm on the subject of being all churchy & junk, I also wanted to share this verse... cuz it makes me giggle every time
Zechariah 5:1-2
Then I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a flying roll. And he said unto me, What seest thou? And I answered, I see a flying roll; the length thereof is twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits

FOOD FIGHT!!

By the way, I got a Kindle for Christmas (thanks, Ma!). I'm actually reading scriptures again.

P.S. To anyone who wants to call me out on my dietary choices in the future: I'll be over here enjoying my WoW approved Kombucha, while you apostatize with that diet coke you're holding.