Spring!

Now that we live in the southernmost part of our state, spring comes early. And it has arrived in full swing!

But I know many of you throughout the country are still digging out from under yet another snowfall. Ugh. I feel for you because I've been there!--for most of my life, actually. And that's why I have appreciated our milder winter and early spring this year. It seems like a miracle! But I guess, for me, spring anywhere feels that way.

With impending spring come thoughts of the summer's garden and all the accompanying planning and anticipation of growing my own food and getting my hands back in the soil. What a blessing to be able to grow things, nurture them, and harvest them for my family's nourishment and health. There's just something about the whole process that is good for the soul.

Spring is my favorite season of the year, hands down. I love the fresh smells, the beautiful shades of new life blooming, and the hope that comes from realizing that once again the world's renewal won't fail us. To me, it speaks volumes about God's love and the hope He wants us to have in Him and in the power of change and renewal.

Moderation

"In societies where excesses are the norm, we need to apply wise judgment and moderation. Moderation means restraint within reasonable limits and refraining from excess. We can exercise moderation when deciding how much and how often we need to eat and by resisting media messages that encourage unwise eating habits that can bring unwanted health risks.

"Another way to show moderation is to avoid trying to fill emotional emptiness with food... A better approach is to fill our emotional hunger through service to others.

"Moderation doesn't mean never enjoying dessert; nor does it mean we must eliminate even occasional treats. It simply means we should use good judgment."

-Beverly Hyatt Neville
Dietitian and Health Educator
(link to article)