They (whoever “they” are) say that no news is good news and, for me and this journey, that is basically true. It’s been four weeks since I have posted updates about my weight loss. The month of June was CRAZY! There was Licensing School and its follow up at the beginning of the month. Then there was a week at Annual Conference. And last week I was on a mission trip in Indianapolis with 52 youth and adults from the Firelands District. To say that June was busy is an understatement! All of that “busy”ness and time away can cause challenges with eating and exercise. I missed my time in the pool, but all things considered, I fared pretty well. I continued to shed weight throughout the month bringing my new favorite number to 115 as of this morning’s weigh-in!

The biggest challenge in June, though, was trying to fulfill my commitment to memorize a Psalm each week. It started out well, but I didn’t make it the last three weeks. I take consolation in the fact that even though I didn’t memorize Psalms 107, 109, 111 and 113, I did spend time reading and reflecting on them, knowing that “the Lord is gracious and merciful” (Psalm 111:4a).

So this week I will “get back on the wagon” with this discipline and memorize Psalm 115: 1 – 9 (not all 18 verses).

¹ Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory,
    for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness.
² Why should the nations say,
    “Where is their God?”

³ Our God is in the heavens;
    he does whatever he pleases.
⁴ Their idols are silver and gold,
    the work of human hands.
⁵ They have mouths, but do not speak;
    eyes, but do not see.
⁶ They have ears, but do not hear;
    noses, but do not smell.
⁷ They have hands, but do not feel;
    feet, but do not walk;
    they make no sound in their throats.
⁸ Those who make them are like them;
    so are all who trust in them.

⁹ O Israel, trust in the Lord!
    He is their help and their shield.

The pictures below, taken a few days ago, show my five-month post-op progress.

Until next time, peace …