Sugar

I just read an article about the damage caused to Americans who eat major amounts of sugar. The article referenced how our government initiated taxes on alcohol and tobacco, as well as informed citizens about the dangers of these non-essential-to-life products.  These efforts impacted alcohol and tobacco consumption. Now, there is a movement to fight the overconsumption of sugar, because candy and soft drinks are wreaking havoc on our nation's  waistlines.  Obesity has become a major problem. Some propose a stronger fat tax.  From my side of the fence, that's not a problem.  I've mostly avoided sugar and totally avoided soft drinks since I learned what too much of either can do to my body. We Americans generally don't like to be told what to do.  However, given the health facts, many of us have adjusted to a healthier lifestyle. Now, it's up to us to guide the children.
Take care,
Sylvia

Soul Sing

Last weekend, I joined a few members of the church as we visited a local residential residence for seniors. We sang  hymns a cappella, read scripture, and prayed with the residents. It reminded me of when I was a teen and I tagged along with my mom and the other church sisters to sing at nursing homes and hospitals.  This Saturday past,  the residents enjoyed the gathering, and several of them took part in the singing. One woman, who appeared to speak  only Vietnamese, got so excited when we sang, Jesus Loves Me.  She sang this song with gusto, in her native language, while the rest of us sang in English. It's amazing what  a spiritual song can do for the soul, no matter what the language. I gained as much from this visit as did the seniors in residence.
Take care,
Sylvia

Embrace It

I heard a beautiful model say on television, "I have really large hands!" in a way that sounded like she was apologizing for them. It made me think that many of us have a feature or features that may not be our favorites because they aren't "perfect."  Maybe it's a crooked smile, bushy eyebrows, a generous backside, knock knees, a dental overbite, a pigeon-toed walk, bowed legs, a big nose, a high waist, skinny legs, etc.
Whatever you think your imperfection is, why not embrace it?  You were made that way, so why let others' rules for cosmetic perfection impact how you feel about how you were made?  Besides, as far as looks go, what appeals to one may not appeal to another.  It's really what's inside that counts.
And now, I'm patting my knock knees, and thanking them for working so well for me all these years!
Smiles,
Sylvia

May I Take Your Order?

I was at a takeout restaurant one day this week because my schedule was cramped, so I didn't have time to cook dinner. I noticed something with a couple of the other customers. Not only were they extremely particular about their orders, they also wanted to get extras regardless of what the posted menu offered. One man got a drink out of the freezer case and began drinking it while his food was cooking, but not yet paid for. One man refused to accept his prepared food because the cook put the gravy on the turkey leg and the rice, instead of only the rice. He angrily told the cook to prepare it again, "I told you to put the gravy on the side; I don't like gravy on top of my turkey. I like to dip my turkey in the gravy!"
One man tried to convince the cook that the rice and gravy should come with the meat instead of being charged extra as a side order, "The other restaurants give you the rice and gravy with the meat!"
The cook spoke a limited amount of English and humbly explained during all of this. I thought, "What patience this man has."
It's good when we remember to treat others the way we want to be treated.
Take care,
Sylvia