Jesus and Sugar

Before I start on today's post, I wanted to address a little thing. :O) You guys know I love God, because I talk about it sometimes, and I'm a preacher's wife, so there's that. Over the last year or so, after losing my sister and, in a way, my family in general, I've really come to love my God so much more. So that's been coming out when I write, and it will continue to, hopefully, forever! I recently changed the words under "Ruffles & Stuff" to include "Jesus" and I lost about 250 followers in a day or two. Maybe that's a coincidence? But just in case, I just wanted to be up front about the fact that God will be here on my blog, whenever I feel like talking about Him. I know that the name of Jesus offends and irritates some people, so I say this with absolutely and sincerely ALL the love in my heart:
 Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. Jesus up and down, Jesus all around up in here. Because I LOVE Him!!!!

So now that's out there, my dears! :O)

Moving on.
I decided to go off sugar for a couple of months. Isn't that crazy? This is how it's going so far... :o)

I remember last month just before Christmas having a casual conversation with God about how I just cannot stop eating sugar. (Rabbit trail: Most of my conversations with God are like that, we just talk about things. Or I do. He mostly listens. Sometimes I pray formally, but most of the time it's just like: "Whoa, nice sunset tonight! Thanks for using so much pink." Is that how you guys pray? Sometimes I wonder if it's a little too casual, in light of His great power and supremacy, and, well, God-ness. But then, he is my Father...so. *end rabbit trail*) So this particular conversation went something like this: "Ugh. God. Why do I eat like this, I'm going to die! I feel really lazy for asking this, but, do You think You might be willing to just...help make it easier for me? Help me just not want to eat that stuff?" Then I kind of felt silly for even asking that, and we moved on to something else.
After Christmas, having forgotten all about our conversation, I decided I was going to not eat any sugar during January and February. I don't know why I chose two months, it just felt right. So no added sugar at all anywhere in the ingredient list, which means I pretty much can't eat out anywhere. Tears. (Why is there sugar in ALL french fries? WHY?) The only exception I allow myself is the little bit of sugar in my vanilla almond milk for my coffee, because a person has to live.

So, I started Jan. 1st, and the first two days-I'm not gonna lie-I literally ate nothing but Better Cheddars and 100% grape juice. I think I *might* have choked down a carrot out of guilt. I know juice is totally sugary, and it's not good to chug it by the gallon, but at least it wasn't soda. The next few days included a slightly more healthy and diverse palate, but were still drowned in fruit and fruit juice. But the amazing thing was, I wasn't really missing my coffee cake or cookies or strawberry pop tarts that I normally wake up thinking about. That amazed me! And then, about day 6 or so, I realized that I had gone almost all day without any juice. What?!
So today is day 9, and I hardly even think about sugar. I still drink a half glass of juice or so every day, but mostly I'm content with my normal, non-diabetes-inducing sustenance. Content. Without sugar. This is not at all how I expected this to go. I expected agony and suffering and hours on Pinterest, looking at pastries from Parisian bakeries. But then I remembered that I asked God for help a while ago! And I could have cried, because I realized how much He loves His little girl. She asks for the silliest things, and He smiles and says: "Sure."
I've lost 3-4 pounds, cool I guess, but the amazing thing is, I feel...I feel less sad? Is that a thing?

I'll have to keep you updated now and then about how it's going. Especially because I really wanted to create a little Valentine's treat tutorial soon that involves lots of sugar, so that will be a lovely little test! :O)

I hope your brand new year is going splendidly! 
I love you so much,
-Disney

Comments

  1. Thank you for being open with us about your relationship with God. Totally refreshing and I love Him too!

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  2. Go for it, girl! Three years ago (wow, I just shocked myself by typing that because sometimes it feels like yesterday) my family also went through an "implosion" and I was very much alone for a long while. God became so, so real to me during that time and my relationship with Him has never been the same. I too have been brought to tears often when I realize that He's granted my small, silly requests!

    Anyway - have you ever considered doing a Whole30? I did my first last year and not gonna lie, it was sooo hard, and I also used fruit juice to keep going at times, but it was good by the time it was over. I did a second one this fall (okay, I only made it 20 days because I was traveling with friends) and this one was like night and day - it was so, so much easier! If you ever decide to do one you should let me know and I'll do it with you! :)

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  3. Great job! Keep it up! Also, that's totally how I talk to God! Love your blog, Disney! I pray that 2016 is a great year for you!

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  4. Disney, I gave up added sugar last year. For encouragement check out I Quit Sugar and That Sugar Film websites as you will find there are great recipes and hints there. Fancy losing that many followers after mentioning Jesus. I find that quite amazing. Good on you.

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  5. Go, Disney! Good for you! I should probably ask God to help me with my little sugar (and potato chip) problem as well.

    My prayers are definitely just like yours- continuous little prayers throughout the day. Sometimes I'm guilted into thinking I'm not spiritual enough beside the people who pray monologues through their tears, but then I remind myself that when Jesus taught us to pray it definitely wasn't in tearful monologues.

    Keep it up, Girl. Oh, and Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!

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  6. Can I just say I love you for being you? You are the most real person on this blog and that is why I keep coming back :0) I feel like we are friends because you keep it real the good, the bad and God is all wound up here in your little corner of the internet and I love it!
    And about sugar, its so good! I have gone on several no sugar binges (can I call it that?) and it feels so good to complete it knowing I somehow managed to overcome something so HARD and I feel great when its through! Good for you :0)

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  7. Disney,

    I LOVE that you love Jesus. I love Him too. So I guess we are sisters! =)

    Julia

    P.S. I totally heart your blog. =)

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  8. I love your blog, and your honesty! I love Jesus too! Keep on, keeping on!

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  9. You are awesome!! I love this post so much! I've always loved your blog and your honesty. My heart broke for you when you lost your sister. Jesus loves you so very much! Thanks for being real & open.....I heart Jesus too!!

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  10. From one Christian to another...thank you for being bold and courageous and standing up for God. The world needs more women like you! Bless your heart.

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  11. Disney, I appreciate this blog, and the way you can just open your heart to share your life with your readers. It seems so easy for you to just open and honest. I think it's because it's a part of your personality. And one of the things I love about you. And I'm glad you occasionally share you faith as well. Keep it up. I love your blog.

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  12. What a fab post Disney, always be yourself, if folks don't like it then that's their loss. Be rooted in Christ not other stuff! Btw I gave up some sugar last year, I didn't cut it out completely, but made a conscious effort to eat less of the stuff, especially in hot drinks. Someone gave me a coffee with sugar in the other day, and I thought that's fine I'll drink it- couldn't manage more than ⅓ of the cup. ( still have the cakes and chic, just not as much as I did before)

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  15. I love Jesus too! And I talk with and pray to Good all day too. :)

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  16. I love you all the more for this post! I am a preachers wife too ;)

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  17. Well you won't lose me. Thank you Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus for Disney! I love Jesus too and thank you for the encouragement of no sugar...3-4 pounds! That's Awesome!!!! HE is so Wonder-full! I will refrain from looking at your Valentine goody though because I have done the same thing in asking Jesus to just help me/just take care of it please, my eating nonsensically. Keep up the good work and I can't wait to hear about your talks with Jesus!

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  18. Hi! So glad for your post. I follow a different spiritual path and I am glad to read about yours. It is interesting in the internet world to be connected--I thought about you and your sister over the holidays and hope that you are finding peace. You give so much to others. Thank you for all you do.

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  19. Always, always always, thank you for sharing your heart. I continue praying for you as you walk through this difficult time.

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  20. I am totally addicted to sugar, and hate hearing you are doing great without it because it makes me think "darn it, I really should stop eating sugar but totally don't want to". I just keep lying to myself and telling my self it's really not a problem!! I love the way you talk about God and Jesus. I am currently really struggling with my faith, so it's great hearing someone talk about it with such vivacity.

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  21. I thought that I was the only one who prays like that. I remember once very sincerely thanking God for conditioner. Especially nice smelling conditioner.

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  22. I love your heart for the Lord and your blog. And I'm glad to know I'm not the only person who prays like that. It just feels natural :)

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  23. So proud of you keeping Jesus in your blog, there is nothing else more important in life!! I love the Lord so much and I enjoy reading your blog. ����✝

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  24. I'm doing no added/refined sugar this month too. Have you read this? http://www.thenatos.com/2013/03/lent-brought-change.html#.VpNEcYT4-GI

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  25. Love this post! Jesus is the center of my life!!!! I believe in The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit...without them I don't even want to think about where I'd be!!!! Praises will continually be in my mouth!!!!

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  26. You go girl!!! I Love Jesus also. Don't let people discourage you. I also talk to God the way you do. I just start talking to him like he is right next to me. Sometime those are the best talks I have. God Bless you!!!!

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  27. Disney, the first time I read your blog I felt I love. It was a long time before I knew you were a preacher's wife. It was that love that keep me coming back to your blog ( and of course your awesome creativity ) I love Jesus as well and this post just filled me with such joy! Thank you! I had a very similar situation. I had been "trying" to lose weight for sometime now, but will I finally confessed to Jesus that I had very little will power and asked Him to help me , sincerely and in faith , things changed! I have list 14lbs with no real effort other than thanking Him for His strength! Oh we serve a might God!

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  28. Congrats on your desire to be rid of sugar addiction! I've been off sugar for over a year (a few cheats here and there, mostly at holidays) and it is great! I love the Trim Health Mama cookbook for super yummy and super healthy dessert recipes using stevia and other super food ingredients (okra...? trying one of those this afternoon). So helps to be able to have chocolate and still remain healthy and sugar-free!

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  29. That is so funny you bring up sugar. I was talking to someoneeach yesterday and told them I was going to be giving up desserts bc I have stomach issues. I feel like this is something God has been talking to me about. I am totally addicted. Like sometimes 2 or 3 desserts a day. Your post encouraged me :)

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  30. I need to get off sugar too. I had a baby 4 months ago and while pregnant just ate whatever I wanted. Bad idea, knew it at time, didn't care. Caring a lot not that I have no pants that fit! Sugar addiction is serious though! It's tough stuff. I need to be chatting with God about that myself. Thanks for the reminder!

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  31. Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus forever and ever amen! ������

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  32. Preach it sister!! As the amazing (and old school) band Newsboys said - I'm not ashamed to let you know...I want this light in me to show...I'm not ashamed to speak the name of Jesus Christ! Amen!

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  33. I haven't finished reading this, but when I got to the end of your Jesus talk, I wanted to comment so I didn't forget.....

    Preach it girl!!! This makes me like your blog even more :) Jesus Jesus Jesus, shout it loud from the rooftops!

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  34. Great post dear! I'm glad you are doing so well on your No Sugar diet - I really need to do the same thing but right now I just don't have the will power for that at this time....maybe in the future. I also know how after asking God for help - your surprised when you realize that He is helping!!
    Only those of us who know you sooo well under stand your happiness with a Pink sky!!! ��

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  35. It's a crazy world we live in where Jesus name offends people. Way to go Disney! Good luck with the sugar, I'm fine till the kids go to bed. Then I eat the whole house!

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  36. I just wanted to pipe in and say that I not Christian, but think Jese was absolutely extraordinary, and am not sure why anyone would be offended by his name. Thank your blog, and your openness.

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  38. Never mind about people, everyone has the right to tell about what they care. Love your blog but haven't been here for a while. French fries are with sugar, really? Didn't know that. I know that industrial food has too much sugar everywhere. You can make your own french fries, just takes some time. French and Italians do it a lot. Just fry the cut potatoes in a frying pan for long enough and then add salt, that's how they did it in former times, too.

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  39. Disney, my friend, you are a beautiful representation of gods love.. Keep on being who you are, because we love you for it :)

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  40. Love your blog, love you, love JESUS! Thanks for your boldness to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ! I need to give up sugar too, I know it is killing me slowly but surely.

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  41. I love your informal way of praying! And your ability to swear off sugar is incredibly impressive :)

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  42. Wow - 250 followers...I'm with YOU....JESUS, JESUS,JESUS (except I call him Yeshua, His Hebrew name). About the sugar - it gets easier the longer you stay away from it, and it's like CRACK, it's so addictive, so it's best not to take the first bite. Alternatives like stevia taste just as good to me.
    Blessings to you and yours,
    GG

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  43. no coincidence it's real i too love JESUS we have to be bold about Christ love your blog and your honesty

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  44. still following! glad you're vocal about your faith! that is awesome!

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  45. Disney! I love this! And yes, I totally talk to our Father the same way. There's an illustration about how John Junior used to waltz past the secret service, into the Oval Office and climb up into JFK's lap. Yes, JFK was the President, but for John he was his daddy first. I think the same is true for the Lord. He is mighty and powerful and worthy of honor, but he's also our Dad. :)

    So excited for your praise report! I'm excited to see what happens with you over the coming year. :)

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  46. God will bless you for standing up for Him!!! What an awesome example for others to follow!

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  47. Hi Disney, I love your honesty. It's what keeps me checking in with your blog. Personally I don't mind one bit when you talk about Jesus, it reminds me to check in with my faith too.

    Also re the sugar, did you know that all the excess sugar in processed foods act like a hormone disruptor, so it's now wonder you feel great when you are not eating that stuff. If you want you should check out a book called Sweet Poison by David Gillespie (he has a website too) that explains it all.

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  48. Check out Trim Healthy Mama from your local library. Written by two Christian sisters who give God all the glory! It changed my life for the better! You'll be eating all sorts of yummy and feeling healthy, too! And I love your blog name change. XO, Amber in Oregon

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  49. Hi Disney! I've been following your blog for years and am so thankful for your boldness and courage to share your faith to your readers. You encourage me to not be ashamed of my faith and to boldly proclaim that Jesus is my one and only Savior. And I, too, have made an effort to cut out sugar from my diet. I have Stage IV breast cancer and I have to be more vigilant about not "feeding"my Cancer cells with added sugar. You are truly an inspiration to us all! God bless you and your lovely family.

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    Replies
    1. Oh, Helen. I'm so sorry to hear about your cancer. I will add you to my prayer list, and will pray that it goes away. And that your experience with it will lead you closer to God, and will bless you in ways you never imagined.

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  50. happy to hear that people aren't afraid to be Christian, or spiritual in other ways! Good luck with the sugar, I am certain God wants us all to be healthy and wants to help us get there.

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  51. Thank you, thank you! I love your authenticity. I'm sorry you lost followers. I periodically look up your blog, but because of this post decided I need to become a follower! :)

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