Eat, Drink & Be Merry....

........without gaining pounds.

It's that time of the year again. So, enjoy your family and friends. Don't lose what you have gained (lost weight). Continue to make healthy choices (Fitts and Kevin) while celebrating this holiday season.

Here are some tips from dietitian Versie Larkin of Monroe, La.

• Eat smaller portions
• Avoid second helpings (good luck)
• Limit alcohol (good luck to me)
• Eat appetizers made with fresh vegetables
• Eat something before the party or family gathering
• Don't fast before the party; it could cause you to overeat
• Select baked, grilled or broiled foods rather than fried
• Remove the skin from chicken and all visible fat from meat
• Take small bites and eat slowly
• Drink extra water - it's an effective appetite suppressant
• Be selective. If you don't really want it, don't eat it. Don't waste calories
• Look at every bite of food before you eat it; that provides a mental connection to how much you are actually eating.

With a little bit of discipline and some planning, you can get through the holidays. Remember, moderation is the key.

HOLIDAY CALORIE COUNTER

Favorite Food Item - Calories

Cranberry Sauce ( 1/2 - inch slice) - 86

Deviled Egg - 141

Greens (with Hamhocks) - 200

Spinach Dip (2 oz.) - 246

Pound Cake (1/16 of cake) - 250

Mashed Potatoes (with gravy) - 254

Eggnog (cup) - 304

Baked Ham (4 0z.) - 307

Roast Turkey (dark and light with skin) - 344

Macoroni and Cheese - 350

Chitterlings (Cup) - 398 - 614 (depending upon preparation)

Buffalo Wings (8 oz.) - 513

Cornbread Dressing - 541

Sweet Potato Pie - 548

I have just added the calories of each item I KNOW will be on the menu that I plan to eat. One plate adds up to... 2,539 calories. Wow! I will have to compromise something.

This is the most dangerous time for gaining more weight. I hate to rain on your parade and time of festivities. As African Americans, being overweight is a major concern because it is a contributor of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some forms of cancer. So, take some simple steps towards eating right this season. Be careful with that Sweet Potato Pie!! Also those Chitterlings (Doc. Spoon & Me).

Have a Happy, Merry, Safe, and THANKFUL good Time.

Umm, I'm hungry now, think I'll get something to eat.

Enjoy!!

An "Obamatopia" Hopeful

First there was "Obamamania," punctured in places by naysayers crying "Nobama!" Now as President-elect Barack Obama prepares for the White House, his message of change, resounding both at home and abroad, seems to have unleashed a barrage of Barackisms. Or, maybe they should be called Obamanyms. Below is an Obama glossary culled from many sources.

OBAMAPHORIA: The post-election rapture that swept over Obama's supporter worldwide.

OBAMANATION: A twist on "abomination," expressed by evangelicals and other conservatives who oppose Obama's stance on abortion, gay marriage and other social issues.

OBAMARAMA: The celebration around the January 20, 2009, inauguration.

OBAMANOS: A play on "Vamonos," or "Let's go," among Obama fans in Mexico.

OBAMATOPIA: The political paradise that Obama's staunchest supporters hope he'll usher in.

OBAMALUJAH: Exultation shouted by his fans.

OBAMATRONS: The policy wonks who will occupy the West Wing of his White House.

OBAMASCOPE: Media scrutiny of the new leader. Everything he does will be under this scope.

OBAMANATOR: Hollywood-inspired nickname for the new president, even if he's got what California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger contends are "skinny legs" and "scrawny little arms."

OBAMALICIOUS: Complimentary term used by those who like Obama's looks.

OBAMALOHA: Goodbye, Obama-style, with a nod to Hawaii, his birthplace.

OH-BAMA: Joyful exclamation, via headlines in the Kennebec, Maine, Journal, The Register Guard in Eugene, Ore., and The Namibian, from the southern African country of Namibia.

BAMALOT: Description of his presidency, from a New York Post headline that played on the youth and freshness of John F. Kennedy's administration that came to be known as "Camelot."

OBAMERIKA: Headline from the Croatian newspaper Slobodna Dalmacija.

BARACKSTAR: Description from those who believe Obama is "the Mick Jagger of politics."

__Associated Press


Certainly, this is only the begining of things to come. We have already seen videos, special lyrics put to melody and even poems. I have never before watched or have even been interested in knowing the most intimate details of the life of the President and his family. So, bring it on. I'm ready to see more history unfold. I'm ready to study the trends that will result and become fashionable because of our President Elect Barack Obama.

May God Continue to Protect he and his family.

"November Thirteenth"

As a child, anticipating November 13th drew a lot of excitment. Thoughts of who would remember that date, how many gifts would I get, if I would have a great big birthday cake with colorful candles would thrill my very soul. This was a day that was a celebration of ME. My own special observance. Well.... until my baby sister came along. She was born on November 13th eleven years later. I vividly remember only two birthdays of my youth and this is one of them. Being the only girl, the eldest of three brothers, my sister's birth was a great joy. A child under 14 years of age was not allowed to visit patients in the hospital. I could not wait until they brought her home. She was so beautiful, and she is still beautiful today (even though she was a bit of a brat growing up :-) I love her dearly.

To this day, my greatest birthday memory was my 7th birthday. My parents were a struggling young couple and my mother was attending nursing school. My father would use the family car to get to work on a swing shift at a refinary. My mother would wake at 5 a.m. to get ready and catch the bus to school each day. She would drop me off at a close friends house around 6:30 a.m. where I would stay until it was time for me to go to school.

On this particular day (11/13th) she woke me up which seemed to be in the middle of the night. I couldn't understand why she didn't turn on any lights in the darkness. We turned the corner in the small hallway and I saw a dim light coming from the kitchen. My little tiny heart begin to beat a little faster and I became very anxious. And then... WOW!! the breakfast table was filled with candlelight. I had no cake, no present, no card, no guests. But, OH!!!...I did have my Mama, her home cooked breakfast, her love, just she and I alone in the dim lite kitchen talking about what "I" wanted to talk about. Most of all I appreciated her thoughtfulness and imagination to make her little girl happy inspite of having no other means or money. After we ate, she put me back to bed for a little while longer until it was time to leave for the day. For the rest of that day my mind would relive my moments with Mama over and over. With great pride, I told all of my closest friends at school that day. This shall be my most cherished memory for as long as I live. It's remembrance ALWAYS bring tears. Thank you Mama.

As an adult I have had many wonderful gifts and celebrations. My husband never forgets and has given me priceless memories, birthday parties, trips, etc. The congregation has also been very thoughtful and generous to their First Lady. I love the happy birthday song that is sung to me by my grandchildren on the phone and hearing from my Sons and wives. Oh yes, and the birthday card my Mom sends in the mail even though we live in the same city :-) My excitement is different of that of a child. I reflect upon the blessings of God and the valley and mountaintop experiences and rejoice.

When approaching my 35th birthday I became depressed because I didn't want to be 40. In the meantime, God taught me through some hard lessons to be grateful for added life. By age 50 I had learned to rejoice. I am excited about the gifts that God has ALREADY given me. My family, my faith, salvation, contentment in mind and spirit, shelter, food, health. I could go on and on. I can truly say that I don't need a thing for my birthday as I look towards 60 but prayer.

As I close, I would like to borrow a thought from my husbands favorite scripture, Phillippians 1:21. It is my desire and pleasure to daily live for Christ. He is my greatest joy and excitement. I wait in great anticipation to "gain" my greatest gift that awaits me.....
Eternal Life.

Thank you Jesus!

Happy Birthday to my beloved Sister

on November Thirteenth

Ms. Malinda L. Francis Ward

I love you

XOXOX

Vietta

President Barack Obama!!

Thank God for this history making event. We serve an awesome God. Truly President Elect Obama is the man chosen by God for the great task that lies before him. May God continually keep His arms of protection around he and his entire family. I pray that he adheres to the direction and voice of God at all times. God Be Praised!!!

Proverbs 3:5&6

I'm Back! Did I Miss Anything?

I had a wonderful time during the weeks away from home. We had no car trouble, and each flight was relatively smooth during our vacation. We had a grand time the week of our State Convention. Each lesson, sermon, inspirational talk and presentation was outstanding. Our new Minister's Wives President did a fantastic job during her "first" annual address. I am the outgoing President that served nine years and I was in charge of our "love in action" portion of the program for our president. The ladies went beyond what was asked of them to shower her with gifts and money. Our President's recommendations during her message included electing me as President Emeritus of the Minister's Wives Auxiliary. I was surprised and honored as they carried the motion to except her request. Please be in prayer for our convention President, Dr. A.S. Johnson who at the time of the convention was in ICU suffering with the aftermath of a stroke. He is presently in a medical rehab facility. God bless 1st. vice president, Dr. K.W. Tillmon, 2nd vice president, Dr. W.L. Pullam, and 3rd vice president, Dr. R. Stewart for moving the convention forward during our session in the absence of our beloved President. We were truly blessed.

What can I say about my time in Vegas. WOW!! I had a terrific time. I didn't do anything unlawful in the state of Nevada or immoral. I did win $145 by accident (long story). There were six of us that was in fellowship there and we all agreed that it was well worth the time and money we spent. The fellowship was priceless. One tiny little issue....my arthritis in my right knee was on the rampage. The last two days I was on a walking cane and in much pain. I took advil and kept up with the group. That's all I'm saying about Vegas. What happens there, stays there. I will try to post photos soon.

Glad to know all is well here at home. Tony must have done a good job keeping you all in line. I did cheat and looked in on you all a couple of times real quick. A snitch (not Lance) told me that Fitts acted up a little bit but it all resolved itself peacefully. So glad that each sermon seemed to be dynamic as usual by each outline that I read and your comments to each other, not that I am an expert (lol).

Thank each of you for your comments on my last blog. I was pleasantly amused and drawn closer to each of you. Thank you for your prayers and can't wait to get back into your lives and giving my "two cents worth" Thank you also for being in my life. Reading the comments of my last blog, it seems as though another Brother wants to become a son of mine. It is perfectly ok with me Bro. Wilson. Although, being that you are REAL close to crossing over to age 50, we might have to settle for just being siblings instead. I will let you and my sons decide which. What do you all think? A son or a sibling?

Oh yes, the answer to the question raised in my blog subject is....Yes, YOU!

having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all

2 Corinthians 2:3b

Mother