Sugarcreek, Ohio
Martha Yoder sat in the front seat of her driver’s van, staring out the window at the passing scenery as they headed to her home. Her mood was less happy than when she’d left home. Martha had been to see her doctor today, to get the results of the blood test she’d had done a week ago. The news wasn’t good—she was pre-diabetic, and the doctor warned if she didn’t change her eating habits and exercise regularly, she would end up with full-blown diabetes. “Give up refined sugar and lower your carbs,” the doctor had told Martha. “Twenty to thirty minutes of exercise at least five days a week will also be helpful.”
Martha grimaced. She’d hoped the findings would be better than they’d turned out to be. She dreaded the thought of revamping her diet. She loved eating sweets, and giving them up would be hard to do. An exercise program, with the exception of basic household chores and some gardening, had never been on her priority list either. Her life as she knew it was now turned over on its ear. Things would have to change, and Martha wasn’t sure how well she would fare through it.
I don’t understand any of this. Can I manage a brand-new way of living? I wish there was someone like myself who has been through the same thing and I could talk to them about it. Martha’s long sigh was noisy, and she covered her mouth. Even a friend to talk to about this would help so much. Martha needed some support, that was for sure.
“You’ve been quiet since you got in the van.” Martha’s driver, Dottie, broke into her thoughts. “Did everything go okay at your doctor’s appointment?”
“It went fine.” Despite her troubled soul, Martha didn’t want to talk to Dottie about it. The first person to know what the doctor said should be her husband, Daniel. He’d probably be upset too when he heard the news.
She turned toward the window again. If I have to give up sugar, then I may as well quit baking sweet snacks and desserts. I bet that won’t go over well with Daniel either. He likes sweets almost as much as I do.
That evening when Daniel came home from his job at Keim Lumber in Charm, Martha greeted him at the door. Even though she dreaded sharing her unsettling news, Martha tried to remain composed as she wiped her clammy hands on her apron. Sure wish things would’ve been normal with my blood work.
“How was your doctor’s appointment?” Daniel asked after giving her a hug. “Did you get the results of your blood test?”
“Jah, and they weren’t good.”
His eyes widened. “What’s wrong?”
“Come inside and I’ll tell you about it.”
Daniel stepped in, and Martha shut the door. After he hung up his straw hat and jacket, he followed her into the living room and took a seat in his favorite overstuffed chair.
Martha seated herself on the couch. “My blood work shows that I’m pre-diabetic. The doctor said if I don’t eat right and exercise, I could end up with diabetes.” Her chin quivered. “I’ll have to give up sugar and go on a low-carb diet.”
“That shouldn’t be so hard. It’s not like he said you’d have to stop eating.”
Martha’s face tightened and she crossed her arms. “But I can’t have refined siesses anymore, and you know how much I like sugar.”
He nodded. “As do I. However, your health comes first, and if it means giving up sweets, then so be it.”
She sat quietly staring at the floor.
“Did ya hear what I said, Martha?”
“Jah, I did.”
“Then why the long face?”
“Besides changing my diet, the doctor wants me to get more exercise.” She grimaced. “You know I’m not good about sticking to an exercise plan.” Martha thumped her plump stomach. “Guess that’s why I never seem to lose any weight.”
“Well, if you eat right and exercise, then I’ll bet you will lose some weight and you’ll no doubt feel better.”
“You’re right, but I don’t know if I’ll have the willpower to do it.” She sighed deeply. “I’ve never had much self-control when it comes to desserts. Even if I don’t bake any sweets here, whenever we go out to supper or eat at one of our friends’ houses, or at some of the local functions, I’ll be tempted. I may not be able to resist the temptation.”
“If you want your blood sugar to go down, then you’ll have no choice but to practice self-control.” Daniel’s forehead wrinkled as he stared hard at her. “I’m sure our grown children would agree with me on this.”
Martha realized her husband wouldn’t back down. He expected her to do as the doctor said, and most likely would remind her of it. Daniel might even enlist the help of their three daughters. Martha didn’t like the thought of being lectured or reminded about her health condition. What she desired most right now was empathy from Daniel. If only he could say to me, “You poor thing. I’m so sorry that you’re going through all of this. If I could, Fraa, I’d take the whole situation away from you.” But that wasn’t her husband’s way of expressing himself. Martha would need to find another source to soothe her unease. Although Daniel loved her and did many good deeds on her behalf, he didn’t always react to things the way she would like.
Martha smoothed her apron down over her plain blue dress and stood. “I’d best check on supper.” With her head down, she shuffled out of the room.
That evening after supper, Martha took out the chocolate cake she’d made yesterday. The mocha icing looked so good it was almost impossible to resist eating a piece. She cut one for Daniel and placed it on a plate, along with a fork. This is so unfair. My husband can continue eating the way he likes, but not me. Her jaw clenched. I don’t like giving up my old lifestyle and not getting to eat and live the way I’m used to doing.
Martha drew a deep breath, savoring the mingled aromas of the cholate cake with its flavorful frosting. Her mouth watered as she eyed the dessert sitting there looking so inviting. What would it hurt if I had a small slice?
She got out another plate as quietly as possible. I’ll eat it here in the kitchen so Daniel doesn’t see, and then I’ll take his piece of cake out to him. With haste, Martha cut a thin slice and plated it. She had to admit, her plan was working so far. In seconds, she’d be enjoying this yummy delight.
Martha forked a piece of cake and was on the verge of putting it in her mouth when Daniel came into the kitchen. “What are you doing?” He pointed at her.
Martha’s face warmed. “I–I was only going to have a small piece. Surely that won’t hurt.”
“It’s made with sugar, right?”
She gave a slow nod.
“Didn’t the doctor say sugar has no place in your diet?”
“Well, yes, but I’m only pre-diabetic. If I had actually been diagnosed as diabetic, then I’d be more careful.”
Daniel tapped his foot. “You’re not off to a very good start, Fraa. If you keep eating things you’re not supposed to, eventually your blood sugar will soar out of control.”
“Karen Miller’s a diabetic, and she eats sweets. I’ve seen her do it at some of our community functions.”
“So if your neighbor gets up on the roof and jumps off, does that mean you should do it too?”
She touched the base of her throat. “What does that have to do with anything?”
“You know perfectly well what I meant.”
“Jah.” Martha dropped her gaze to the floor. “I guess giving up sweets is going to be harder than I thought.”
Daniel slipped his arm around her. “I will pray for you and ask God to help you use self-control.”
“It won’t be easy, that’s for sure.” Martha handed Daniel his piece of cake and hers too. “While you’re eating both pieces of kuche with a cup of coffee, I’ll fix myself some herbal tea.” She poked her stomach. “Truth is, I’m still really full from supper.”
He smiled and gestured to the remainder of the cake sitting on the counter. “How about if I take the rest of the kuche to work with me tomorrow and share it with my coworkers? That way it won’t be here to tempt you.”
She gave a silent nod. Daniel might be saving her from eating more of the cake, but there were still some peanut butter cookies in the cookie jar he didn’t know about.
The following day, while Martha was washing the breakfast dishes, she looked out the kitchen window and saw a horse and buggy coming up the lane. After it stopped at the hitching rail, she saw her friend Regina get out of the buggy. I’m not in good spirits this morning, but I sure could use a friend to talk to right now.
Martha waited until Regina’s horse had been secured, and then she went out the back door and waited on the porch until her friend joined her there.
“Guder mariye.” Regina smiled. “I came by to see how your doctor’s appointment went yesterday.”
Martha sank into one of the chairs on the porch. “Not well. The doctor informed me that I’m pre-diabetic, and I guess it’s the reason I’ve been feeling so poorly lately.” She went on to explain what he thought she should do in order to bring her blood sugar down.
“I’m sorry to hear this, but it’s a good thing you’re catching it now and will have a chance to do something about the problem before it gets any worse.”
Martha’s shoulders moved up and down as she sucked in air and blew it out in a rush. “I don’t enjoy riding my bike that much, and walking alone holds no appeal.”
Regina placed her hand on Martha’s arm. “I’d be happy to walk with you if that would help.”
“Oh, I couldn’t ask you to take time out of your busy days.”
“It’s not a problem. I can come over three days a week for walks, and then maybe you can either walk by yourself on the other two days or take out your bike.”
Martha smiled. “That’s very kind of you. It will be more fun to walk with someone than all by myself.”
“Sounds good. We can start tomorrow. I’ll be over soon after breakfast.” Regina looked over at Martha. “In the meantime, I hope you will do as the doctor said and watch what you eat.”
“I’ll try, but it won’t be easy.”
“‘Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.’” Regina bobbed her head. “That’s found in 1 Corinthians 10:31.”
“I’ll try to remember that.” Martha squeezed her friend’s hand. “Danki for coming over today.”
“You’re welcome. I want to be here for you.”
“I appreciate that, because I’m sure I can’t do this alone.”
The following morning, Regina showed up a few minutes after Martha had finished cleaning the kitchen.
Martha went to the back door and opened it when her friend stepped onto the porch.
“Ready for our walk?” Wearing a bright-eyed smile, Regina rubbed her hands together and spoke in a bubbly tone.
Martha’s hands and arms went limp as she gave a slow nod of her head. “Not really, but I guess I have no choice.”
Regina tipped her head. “Well, you could ignore what your doctor said and sit here on your porch all day.”
“No, I can’t do that.” Martha reached for her black outer bonnet and slipped it on over her white covering. “Okay, let’s go.”
The walk down the lane was no problem at all; Martha did it every day when she went to get the mail. It wasn’t until they’d walked along the shoulder of the road a ways that she became winded, and it didn’t help that Regina was walking so fast she could barely keep up.
Martha paused and took a few deep breaths. “Whew! I’m not used to this type of exercise. Could you please slow down?”
“Oh, sorry. I do a lot of walking, and I usually do it at full speed.” Regina slowed her stride.
Martha couldn’t believe what good shape her friend was in. Regina had turned sixty-two last month. Martha was a year behind her, but there was no way she could keep up with her enthusiastic friend. It was no wonder Regina was so thin—the woman was full of energy.
“I didn’t tell Daniel this, but the doctor told me that I need to lose twenty-five pounds,” Martha said as they continued walking.
“Why didn’t you tell your husband?”
“I didn’t want him to remind me about it every day.” Martha frowned. “I don’t like being pressured.”
“Of course not, but if Daniel knew about your need to lose that weight, I’m certain he would offer his support.”
Martha shrugged and forced herself to keep walking. Regina doesn’t know Daniel as well as I do. If she did, she might understand why I don’t want him to know. Daniel might think he’s offering support, but it would most likely turn into nagging.
When the women returned from their walk, Martha invited Regina to stay for lunch.
“I’d like to, but I have several errands to run, so maybe some other time.”
“Okay. When did you want to go out walking again?”
“How about next Monday? We can go in the morning like we did today, if that will work for you.”
“That should be fine.” Martha placed her hand on Regina’s shoulder and gave it a tender squeeze. “Danki for taking time to walk with me. I doubt I would have had the incentive to do it on my own.”
“You’re welcome. It was good exercise for both of us, and a nice chance to visit while we walked.”
They hugged each other, and then after Regina untied her horse, Martha held it until her friend was in the buggy and ready to go.
As the horse and buggy headed down the lane, Martha turned toward the house. Hopefully the walking did me some good. I didn’t realize how out of shape I’ve allowed myself to get. Wish I’d taken the time to exercise more. Now I’m paying the price for neglecting good eating habits and not getting proper exercise.
It was hard not to feel sorry for herself, but Martha knew people would likely be watching her. They’d notice how she handled this new challenge that had crept unexpectedly into her life. She needed to choose the right way of dealing with the problem, but first Martha had to address something else. Her stomach had begun to growl, reminding her that it was time to fix lunch. Thankfully, Daniel had taken that chocolate cake when he’d left for work this morning; otherwise Martha might have been tempted to sneak a piece. Eating right and getting enough exercise were most certainly going to be a challenge.
A week later, after walking with Regina three more times and doing some walking by herself, Martha felt discouraged. She hadn’t lost a single pound. In addition to that, she sometimes became weak and shaky.
Maybe it’s because I’ve been eating more than usual, Martha told herself when she entered the kitchen Friday evening to fix supper. Although she’d been getting the exercise she needed, Martha often felt hungry and snacked a lot. She tried to avoid anything with sugar, but sometimes, like this afternoon when she had spotted a candy bar in the pantry, she slipped up. Of course, guilt took over when it happened, making her feel even worse.
Today when Martha said goodbye to her friend, she’d come inside and fixed herself two ham and cheese sandwiches, plus she’d eaten half a bag of potato chips. Although the meal wasn’t full of sugar, it did contain a lot of carbs, which could contribute to weight gain.
Now, as she stood in front of the kitchen sink peeling carrots, tears dribbled down her cheeks. Why can’t I control my desire to eat too much and gobble down things that aren’t good for me? What is making me unable to practice self-control?
“I’m home,” Daniel called as he stepped in the door. “What’s that good smell in my fraa’s kitchen?”
Martha turned to face him. “It’s the chicken and potatoes baking in the oven. I also have peas cooking on the stove, and I’m getting ready to cut up some fresh carrots as a side dish.”
“Sounds like a tasty meal awaiting us.”
“Jah, but there won’t be any dessert. By the time I woke up from my afternoon nap, there was no time for me to bake a cake, pie, or cookies.”
“It’s okay; I don’t need dessert, and neither do you.” Daniel hung his straw hat on a wall peg. When he turned to look at her again, his lips formed a frown. “You look a bit heavier than you did a week ago. I figured since you’ve been walking three days a week with Regina, and the other two days on your own, you would have lost some weight, not gained.”
Heat flooded Martha’s face as she glared at him. “So you think I look fat, huh?”
“I didn’t say that. Just said it looked like you’ve gained some weight. Specifically around the middle,” he added. “I hope you haven’t been eating things you shouldn’t.”
Martha’s spine grew rigid, and she turned quickly to resume peeling the carrots.
Daniel moved closer to her. “Didn’t mean to accuse you. I just thought …”
“I know what you thought,” she mumbled. Her conscience pricked. “I may have eaten a few things that aren’t good for me, but with all the exercise I’ve been getting, I should be losing weight, not gaining.”
“But if you’re eating wrong …”
“I’d rather not talk about this right now. Can we please change the subject?”
“Sure, but right now I’m going to get washed up for supper.”
“Okay. Everything should be ready in about ten minutes.”
When Daniel left the room, Martha opened the oven door and checked the chicken and potatoes. Both were done, so she turned the oven off and set the table. It wasn’t right to get so upset over her husband’s words, but he had no idea what she was going through. She’d been eating sweets since she was a young girl, and it was hard to give them up and eat only healthy things now. Martha wasn’t sure she would ever lose weight or lower her blood sugar. She could only imagine what the doctor would say when she went back after more blood work had been done and it showed she had gotten worse.
The following Sunday during church, Martha’s ears perked up when the minister who was speaking brought up the topic of temperance, along with the mention of temptation.
“Not everyone’s temptation is the same,” the elderly minister said. “We all have different weaknesses. We need to figure out what our temptations are and then avoid situations where we might be tempted.”
Martha thought about the last time she’d gone to the grocery store, and she’d lingered in the candy aisle so long that she’d finally weakened and bought a candy bar.
Then there was the day she’d stopped for lunch at a restaurant not far from home and had ended up eating a small dish of ice cream.
“When we allow ourselves to be in situations that are tempting, we set ourselves up for failure. Our human nature is weak, and we too often yield to temptation. Of course, God can help us, but we need to help ourselves too.” The minister’s booming voice pulled Martha’s thoughts aside.
“In Matthew chapter 4, Jesus overcame temptation,” the man continued. “If we lean on the Lord and claim His strength, not our own, He will help us. It will get easier with each step we take away from temptation and help us resist the next time it comes our way. In order to have temperance, which we often refer to as ‘self-control,’ we must call upon God for strength.”
Martha squirmed on the backless wooden bench. Does the minister know about my problem with a lack of self-control? Did he preach that message specifically for me?
That afternoon, when Martha and Daniel arrived home from church, she turned to him and said, “I’m tired. Think I’ll go to our room and take a nap.”
“If a nap is what you need, that’s fine by me. I’m going to head outside and sit on the porch for a while.” He grinned. “Maybe I’ll practice my birdcalls while I enjoy the pleasant spring weather.”
“Good idea. You’re good at bird calling, and I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the birds answer you back.”
“I hope so.” Daniel stood up from his chair. “Well, you have a good nap.”
Martha smiled and headed down the hall to their bedroom. Once inside, she closed the door and took off her shoes, as well as her head covering. When she stretched out on the bed and closed her eyes, her whole body relaxed.
Although she felt tired, sleep wouldn’t come. Martha’s thoughts were filled with the message she’d heard this morning on temperance and temptation. Sugary foods are my weakness, and I need to stop buying and baking things made with sugar and find some substitute sweeteners that won’t spike my blood sugar.
Martha thought about their bishop’s wife, Elaine, who had type 2 diabetes and was very strict about her diet, unlike Karen Miller. Perhaps I can get some recipes from her. I need to do my part in staying away from temptation. From now on, I will be more self-controlled, because I’m going to rely on God’s promise that He will provide a way of escape.
Monday morning, with new determination, Martha headed out the door for her walk with Regina.
“There’s a spring in your step this morning that I haven’t seen before,” her friend commented as they walked down the lane. “Did you have an extra cup of kaffi to give you more energy?”
“I didn’t have any coffee at breakfast, and I don’t have much energy. What I do have is a hope that I can do this with God’s help.” Martha swung her arms as she trudged on. “Yesterday’s sermon on temperance and temptation spoke to my heart.”
Regina nodded. “I think it spoke to most of us in attendance. At some time or another we all have to deal with things that involve self-control.”
“Giving up sugar and high-carb meals has been a real struggle for me,” Martha admitted. “I’ve weakened several times and had to start over. But our minister’s message made me realize I can’t do this in my own strength. So I’m going to begin each morning with prayer, asking God to give me strength to resist temptation every day.”
“Good for you.” Regina gave Martha a pat on the back. “I have a feeling that in no time at all, you’ll be feeling much better and your blood sugar will drop to where it should be.”
Martha walked an extra mile that day, and when she returned home, she stumbled into the kitchen, exhausted and hungry. It wasn’t quite lunchtime, so she cut up an apple and ate that.
Martha felt good about her choice for a snack, and also about the good walk she’d had with Regina. She enjoyed being with her friend, and the time went by quicker than when she walked alone.
After Martha finished the apple and drank some water, she went outside to see if the clothes on the line were dry enough to bring in. She was pleased to discover that the light wind had blown them all dry.
As Martha pulled towels off the line, a horse and buggy entered the yard. She was surprised when Elaine got out of the buggy.
“I left a message on your voice mail this morning,” Martha said as Elaine approached.
The older woman smiled. “I know, and that’s the reason I’m here.” She handed Martha a manila envelope. “Here are several copies of some of the recipes I use with sugar substitutes. There are pies, cakes, cookies, and even a sugar-free candy. All of them are low on the glycemic index.”
Martha smiled and took the envelope. “Thank you so much. I’m eager to give some of them a try. Maybe I’ll surprise Daniel and fix a special dessert this evening.”
Elaine chuckled. “I bet he won’t even be able to taste the difference.”
“I hope that’s the case.” Martha squinted against the sunlight. “He enjoys desserts, as do I, and it will be nice to have some once in a while.”
“Jah, but here’s a little warning.” Elaine placed her hand on Martha’s shoulder. “If you eat too many desserts—even the sugar-free kind—you could gain weight and or you might fall into the trap of eating the wrong kind of sweets when you’re away from home. The need for sweets can become an addiction.”
“I am well aware.” Martha’s forehead wrinkled. “I think I had already reached that point before I found out I was pre-diabetic.”
“Please keep me posted on how you’re doing, and if you need more encouragement or have any questions, just let me know.”
“Danki, I will.” Martha was pleased that she had someone else’s support now too. It helped to know that others cared and she could talk to them about her problem.
Berlin, Ohio
For the next two weeks Martha kept walking and watching her diet. On Friday evening, Martha knew her self-control would be put to the test. She and Daniel had gone to the Farmstead restaurant for supper, along with their daughter, Irene, and her husband, Richard. Due to Richard’s work schedule and other obligations, they hadn’t seen them for almost two weeks. Martha looked forward to catching up with her daughter’s and son-in-law’s lives, but being here, with so many tempting foods on the menu and buffet, gave her cause for concern. It would have been easier if she’d invited Irene and Richard to eat supper at her and Daniel’s house, but Richard worked in Berlin, so meeting at the restaurant was convenient for him.
Martha studied the menu, looking for something that went with her new diet. Daniel, Irene, and Richard said they were going to choose from the buffet.
“Come on, Mom, you should have the buffet too. There are lots of food choices, so there’s bound to be something you can eat,” Irene said.
“Okay, I’ll see what I can find.” Martha and the others left their table and got in line for the buffet. Friday nights were always busy at the restaurant, and tonight was no exception.
When it was Martha’s turn to get a plate and begin choosing what food to put on it, doubts filled her mind again. While there were several items she could have, like those on the salad bar, along with baked chicken and two kinds of cooked vegetables, there were also some foods she would have to bypass.
If only I didn’t have to follow a strict diet. Martha clenched her plate tightly as she passed by several foods she used to eat and enjoy. It’s not fair that others can eat these good-tasting things and I’m deprived, although it’s for my own good.
She added an extra piece of chicken to her plate and moved on. At least I won’t go hungry.
When their plates were full and they’d returned to the table, everyone bowed their heads for silent prayer. Heavenly Father, Martha prayed, please help me not to be tempted to eat any of the dessert items on the buffet, and help me not to envy those who can eat whatever they want.
When their prayers ended, Daniel leaned close to Martha and whispered, “You did well on your food choices. I’m pleased to see that you’re sticking with your diet.”
Her husband’s encouragement put a smile on her face. “Danki. I’m relying on the Lord to help with my self-control.”
“How about dessert, Mom?” Irene asked. “Will it upset you if we have any?”
Martha shook her head. “Feel free to do whatever you want.” She gestured to her plate. “What I have here is plenty to eat, and I am not even going to look at the dessert bar.”
“I’m not either.” Daniel gave Martha’s arm a light tap. “Your new eating habits have set a good example for me, and I’m content to eat the tasty sugar-free treats you’ve baked for us a few times.” He gave his belly a thump. “In fact, since we’ve been eating differently, I’ve noticed that we’ve both lost a bit of weight, which is a good thing, jah?”
She nodded and offered him another meaningful smile. Daniel is more thoughtful and nurturing than I thought him to be. I am fortunate to have such a good husband.
Sugarcreek, Ohio
“You’re all smiles today,” Martha’s driver commented as they headed for Martha’s home. “Did your doctor’s appointment go well?”
“Yes, it sure did.” Martha clasped her hands to her chest. “Not only have I lost ten pounds, but my blood sugar level has dropped into a normal range.” She pointed to the new green dress she wore today. “After my weight began coming off, I had to make a few new dresses like this one I’m wearing. Now I just have to keep exercising and eating right so it stays that way, because I still need to lose another ten or fifteen pounds.”
“Good for you, Martha. I’m glad your appointment went so well.”
“Me too, but I couldn’t have done it without the Lord’s help.”
“In what way?” Dottie asked.
“I’ve been standing on the promise of God’s strength to help me with self-control, and with His help, I will continue to choose the right foods.” A sense of joy radiated in Martha’s chest. Taking care of her earthly temple would bring glory to God, and perhaps she could be an inspiration to someone else to make changes in their life that involved temperance. Martha could hardly wait to get home and share her good news with Daniel.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1 CORINTHIANS 10:13