Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. Psalm 68:19
God is so good! He keeps blessing me.
Mentally, he has given me the will and the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to know what it is that I need to do and to trust him to help me through.
Physically, in spite of my circumstances with pain in my foot, surgery, and recovery...he has given me the ability to do what is necessary to move forward in the journey. God has preserved my health even though everything about my size says I should be unhealthy.
Spiritually, he has given me his Holy Spirit and Word which leads, guides, teaches, corrects and keeps me moving forward as I trust in Him.
I could go on and on. But for today, where ever you are in your situation...I encourage you to just begin to look at what God has done in your past and what He is doing now that you may fully trust Him with your future.
We must be diligent in being faithful to doing our part as the Lord leads and be confident in knowing that we can make it through by counting our blessings and leaning and depending on God.
God Bless You!
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Brand New Mercies-Day 18
The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
Hello again to all those that are hanging with me. I have not written in a week but I have not given up. I had my foot surgery and am feeling much better now. I have been sleeping the days and nights away this past week recovering. My abilities with my foot are growing more and more daily. I am now exercising/stretching it, which is painful, but benefiting greatly. I will soon be able to exercise my whole body.
God has been so good and merciful throughout the process and throughout my life. It is this mercy that is never ending that will take us all through whatever challenge(s) we face. This is not a mercy to be taken for granted but to help us in realizing that God loves us and is there waiting with open arms whenever we are ready to turn from our wrong ways, repent and draw near to Him.
Let me make this plain to you. There is no big sin and little sin. Sin is sin in God's eyes though we of the world try and make the obvious sins into such a big deal. The numerous occasions of overeating that I have done in my lifetime, is it sin? It is when we allow it to become our god. When we do it and do not use moderation as we should which causes us to neglect our bodies, which are in fact our temples. I read a great article that is beneficial for anyone questioning excess in their lives. It is filled with scripture and I encourage you to please go read it. (http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=165 )
As I have given this other reading to you, I will end what I have to say for today. Be encouraged and don't give up my friends for you have brand new mercies every day and great is the LORD's faithfulness! God's Blessings.
Hello again to all those that are hanging with me. I have not written in a week but I have not given up. I had my foot surgery and am feeling much better now. I have been sleeping the days and nights away this past week recovering. My abilities with my foot are growing more and more daily. I am now exercising/stretching it, which is painful, but benefiting greatly. I will soon be able to exercise my whole body.
God has been so good and merciful throughout the process and throughout my life. It is this mercy that is never ending that will take us all through whatever challenge(s) we face. This is not a mercy to be taken for granted but to help us in realizing that God loves us and is there waiting with open arms whenever we are ready to turn from our wrong ways, repent and draw near to Him.
Let me make this plain to you. There is no big sin and little sin. Sin is sin in God's eyes though we of the world try and make the obvious sins into such a big deal. The numerous occasions of overeating that I have done in my lifetime, is it sin? It is when we allow it to become our god. When we do it and do not use moderation as we should which causes us to neglect our bodies, which are in fact our temples. I read a great article that is beneficial for anyone questioning excess in their lives. It is filled with scripture and I encourage you to please go read it. (http://www.bible.com/bibleanswers_result.php?id=165 )
As I have given this other reading to you, I will end what I have to say for today. Be encouraged and don't give up my friends for you have brand new mercies every day and great is the LORD's faithfulness! God's Blessings.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Day 9- make sure you have your oil
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." Matthew 25:13
My day today made me go read the story of the 10 virgins with the lamps and oil. It immediately came to my mind as I sat to count calories, really thinking that though I had eaten out...I didn't make that worst of choices. Well, in Mathew 25:1-13, 5 of the 10 virgins had enough oil as they were prepared for what was to come and 5 were unprepared with not enough oil and were left behind when the bridegroom came. This may seem like a strange comparison but please, read on.
How does this relate to what I am doing? My heart crys out that I need to be prepared for even the occassions that are unexpected and I have to eat away from home. I need to take time to find out the cost (calories in this instance) before making a decission if I want to be successful in what I am doing. While I find that easy in other areas of my life, this is a wise principle to apply to every area of my life. I must be watchful of all circumstances.
So let me tell on myself. I had to get my kids to the Doctor today and I had a rare opportunity to take my kids to early lunch at Mc D's (you know the place). We don't eat out very much so this was a real treat and awesome to do as I have been in the house for so long! So, I ordered smart(so I thought)...I know it is breaded but I can treat myself a little and it is chicken so it won't be that bad. It is loaded with lettuce and tomatoe (and bacon-he,hee,hee...another treat). I tell myself. This will be more calories than I have been eating but it won't be that bad! After early lunch with my kids I kid sat for my sister in law and had Mc D's again around 2:30. But it was just a snack size meal. I wanted to try the new chickn bites and let me splurge again, "I'll have a sweet tea with that! Well, look at the damage below:
Add this up! (Hold on to your wig...)
Mc D's Bacon Ranch Crispy Chicken Sandwich 540 calories
Medium Fry 380 calories
12oz.(small)Shamrock Shake 540 calories(Only took a couple of sips litterally-NASTY: over guessing 150 calories)
Total for 10:30 brunch = 1070 (Almost all my calories for the day in one meal!)
McChickn Snk bites 310 calories
Small Fry 100 calories
Sweet Tea Large 280 calories
Total for 2:30 late evening snack = 690
Grand total = 1760 calories (Is there any room for dinner?)
What does this speak to me? Know what you are eating before you eat it. Don't realy on instinct or what you think, KNOW what you are putting into your body. It is my job to be prepared at all times, even when I am not home to eat. It is my job to take care of and nourish this temple that I have! I have to take the necessary steps to assure that I am making good choices and in this case it was as simple as asking for calorie totals befor ordering!
So, that is the downside to my day but on the upside...I have lost 3.4lbs since I began this blog 9 days ago! Praise be to God! So on today, my (mc)nugget to you:). In order to be a success you must set yourself up for it by being aware. Don't ever guess! Make it your business to know! As I would tell the 10 virgins and I tell you all today, "Make sure you have your oil!" NO MORE EXCUSES!
My day today made me go read the story of the 10 virgins with the lamps and oil. It immediately came to my mind as I sat to count calories, really thinking that though I had eaten out...I didn't make that worst of choices. Well, in Mathew 25:1-13, 5 of the 10 virgins had enough oil as they were prepared for what was to come and 5 were unprepared with not enough oil and were left behind when the bridegroom came. This may seem like a strange comparison but please, read on.
How does this relate to what I am doing? My heart crys out that I need to be prepared for even the occassions that are unexpected and I have to eat away from home. I need to take time to find out the cost (calories in this instance) before making a decission if I want to be successful in what I am doing. While I find that easy in other areas of my life, this is a wise principle to apply to every area of my life. I must be watchful of all circumstances.
So let me tell on myself. I had to get my kids to the Doctor today and I had a rare opportunity to take my kids to early lunch at Mc D's (you know the place). We don't eat out very much so this was a real treat and awesome to do as I have been in the house for so long! So, I ordered smart(so I thought)...I know it is breaded but I can treat myself a little and it is chicken so it won't be that bad. It is loaded with lettuce and tomatoe (and bacon-he,hee,hee...another treat). I tell myself. This will be more calories than I have been eating but it won't be that bad! After early lunch with my kids I kid sat for my sister in law and had Mc D's again around 2:30. But it was just a snack size meal. I wanted to try the new chickn bites and let me splurge again, "I'll have a sweet tea with that! Well, look at the damage below:
Add this up! (Hold on to your wig...)
Mc D's Bacon Ranch Crispy Chicken Sandwich 540 calories
Medium Fry 380 calories
12oz.(small)Shamrock Shake 540 calories(Only took a couple of sips litterally-NASTY: over guessing 150 calories)
Total for 10:30 brunch = 1070 (Almost all my calories for the day in one meal!)
McChickn Snk bites 310 calories
Small Fry 100 calories
Sweet Tea Large 280 calories
Total for 2:30 late evening snack = 690
Grand total = 1760 calories (Is there any room for dinner?)
What does this speak to me? Know what you are eating before you eat it. Don't realy on instinct or what you think, KNOW what you are putting into your body. It is my job to be prepared at all times, even when I am not home to eat. It is my job to take care of and nourish this temple that I have! I have to take the necessary steps to assure that I am making good choices and in this case it was as simple as asking for calorie totals befor ordering!
So, that is the downside to my day but on the upside...I have lost 3.4lbs since I began this blog 9 days ago! Praise be to God! So on today, my (mc)nugget to you:). In order to be a success you must set yourself up for it by being aware. Don't ever guess! Make it your business to know! As I would tell the 10 virgins and I tell you all today, "Make sure you have your oil!" NO MORE EXCUSES!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
A hard day! Day 8...
Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. Psalms 25:28
Self-control is a key element in this journey. Merriam Webster defines self-control as restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires. While God is our source and who we look to for help along this journey we must do our part. We must make use self-control.
While self-control is important, it is also important that you set yourself up to succeed! Preplan as much as possible. Doing things like planning and preparing meals ahead of time helps keep you on target and not fishing for something to eat. Also, eating on a schedule helps to train you in eating to live and not living to eat. When you begin to make it routine it is much easier to be disciplined.
I found this website today that I want to share with those that are on this journey for weight loss. I have not explored it all but what I have seen is great. A little added encouragement for you all. The site is takebackyourtemple.com .
Now for me, today was a hard day. I was very tired all day and when I am tire and trying to stay awake, I munch. So I was trying to munch on things that were not too bad. So, mental note for me, practice what you preach....I have to get me some healthy quick snacks to munch on. I at a PB and J which was not bad for my calories and then I drank a cup of coffee, which always curbs my cravings. All in all, my calories for today were still good but I know that I don't want to go through another day like this one so I better prepare and plan ahead for when I get the munchies. My meals are planned, my snacks are planned, but munchie yummy never crossed my mind until today. I went to the cabinet a thousand times and must put something in place so that this does not cause me to fail. I encourage you all to do the same. Plan, plan, plan!
I plan to succeed and the things that I am sharing with you coupled with total dependence of God is how I plan to do it! Well, I have to check out for now. Until next time, God's blessings.
Self-control is a key element in this journey. Merriam Webster defines self-control as restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires. While God is our source and who we look to for help along this journey we must do our part. We must make use self-control.
While self-control is important, it is also important that you set yourself up to succeed! Preplan as much as possible. Doing things like planning and preparing meals ahead of time helps keep you on target and not fishing for something to eat. Also, eating on a schedule helps to train you in eating to live and not living to eat. When you begin to make it routine it is much easier to be disciplined.
I found this website today that I want to share with those that are on this journey for weight loss. I have not explored it all but what I have seen is great. A little added encouragement for you all. The site is takebackyourtemple.com .
Now for me, today was a hard day. I was very tired all day and when I am tire and trying to stay awake, I munch. So I was trying to munch on things that were not too bad. So, mental note for me, practice what you preach....I have to get me some healthy quick snacks to munch on. I at a PB and J which was not bad for my calories and then I drank a cup of coffee, which always curbs my cravings. All in all, my calories for today were still good but I know that I don't want to go through another day like this one so I better prepare and plan ahead for when I get the munchies. My meals are planned, my snacks are planned, but munchie yummy never crossed my mind until today. I went to the cabinet a thousand times and must put something in place so that this does not cause me to fail. I encourage you all to do the same. Plan, plan, plan!
I plan to succeed and the things that I am sharing with you coupled with total dependence of God is how I plan to do it! Well, I have to check out for now. Until next time, God's blessings.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Day 7 of the rest of my life
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1Corinthians 6:19
The Word of God is true and our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost and we are not our own. This is one of the many motivations for my healthy life change. This should be a motivation for each of us as we see this verse for what it is. We have the privelage of the comforting Holy Spirit taking up residency in us. How amazing is that.
I want to express how important this journey and sharing it is to me. I did not get to blog on last night due to an unforseen hospital trip with my son (who is fine now). I like to wait until right before bed to blog because I can give you may reflection of the entire day and last night that did not work out so well. I won't make it to blog everyday, but I will sure try. I will be taking a break for a few days coming up the end of this week due to my having foot surgery (Please keep me in prayer) but I will be back at it as soon as I feel up to it.
Anywho.....Today was a wonderful day. I ate unplanned food because I did not take out the time to plan in advance (Not a good habit). I did not eat until almost noon which is not good. I know that it is important to have breakfast and bring your body out of fasting mode and I just did not eat. I got in my calories for the day and felt yucky after dinner. I figured out that this was not because I have been eating so differently but that I had drank very little water today.
Today, while being a great day mentally and physically was not quite a win for me in this journey. I know that I must take everything that I know and be dilligent with it in order to have the best results and I did not accomplish that today. I am not sad as I know that tommorrow will be better. This is what I want each of you to do. Be encouraged and don't give up. If you have a day that is not your best as long as there is blood running warm in your veins there is still another chance to get it right. Be encouraged all and let God lead you to His best.
Good night all.
The Word of God is true and our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost and we are not our own. This is one of the many motivations for my healthy life change. This should be a motivation for each of us as we see this verse for what it is. We have the privelage of the comforting Holy Spirit taking up residency in us. How amazing is that.
I want to express how important this journey and sharing it is to me. I did not get to blog on last night due to an unforseen hospital trip with my son (who is fine now). I like to wait until right before bed to blog because I can give you may reflection of the entire day and last night that did not work out so well. I won't make it to blog everyday, but I will sure try. I will be taking a break for a few days coming up the end of this week due to my having foot surgery (Please keep me in prayer) but I will be back at it as soon as I feel up to it.
Anywho.....Today was a wonderful day. I ate unplanned food because I did not take out the time to plan in advance (Not a good habit). I did not eat until almost noon which is not good. I know that it is important to have breakfast and bring your body out of fasting mode and I just did not eat. I got in my calories for the day and felt yucky after dinner. I figured out that this was not because I have been eating so differently but that I had drank very little water today.
Today, while being a great day mentally and physically was not quite a win for me in this journey. I know that I must take everything that I know and be dilligent with it in order to have the best results and I did not accomplish that today. I am not sad as I know that tommorrow will be better. This is what I want each of you to do. Be encouraged and don't give up. If you have a day that is not your best as long as there is blood running warm in your veins there is still another chance to get it right. Be encouraged all and let God lead you to His best.
Good night all.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Day 5 of the rest of my life
"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16
I like to begin each days blog with a scripture. A portion of God's Word to help us as we go through. This one I will write and put where I can see it as it reminds me what to do to not overindulge my flesh. So, What does it mean to walk in the Spirit? I won't get all deep and definitive but simply put it in my words. This means to go day by day, moment by moment studying and praying continually to God for direction and guidance. In this instance it means really praying before I have a meal or a piece of food. Not the prayer for ritual that we do most of the time, but a prayer for His help and guidance as I nourish my body that I would eat to live and not live to eat. It means that when I have eaten and feel that I want more, stopping to pray and ask the LORD's guidance on what to do that I may honor Him and this temple that He has so graciously blessed me with. I could go on and on with what this scripture says to me. See it is the flesh that desires more than is needed. It is because I have trained that flesh in the wrong way that I now have to stop, repent, and turn from my former ways to retrain myself with good habits. Taking responsibility is a major part of this process and I take responsibility for where I am today.
So, on to my day. Today is Saturday. This is the day that I have chosen to be my cheat day. This is the day that I won't count calories. This is not the cue to go overboard but an opportunity to have a sweet treat if I want one while still eating in moderation to honor God by taking care of this body he gave me. I ate Spaghetti, green beans, french bread (haven't had bread in a while), and then a Little Debbie banana cream cake for desert. The idea with the sweat treat was that I have an individually portioned treat as not to over do it. I also had some gummy snacks earlier today(my favorite and low calorie...if you get the right ones). Aside from that I had Salsa and chips and then cereal for breakfast. As I am getting comfortable at calorie counting, I do know that my caloric intake was still not too bad today. Watching my portions really makes a difference in how many calories I take in.
Today was probably the most difficult for me and probably not for the reason that most would think. Today was difficult because though I realize the importance and long term benefit of a cheat day, I have a nagging on the inside that says I don't deserve to cheat because I have been negligent with my eating long enough. But then I focused on the reality of the cheat day being a reset day out of fasting mode (so my body does not store fat because it is not getting enough) and it also helps satisfy my cravings. I also keep focus on the fact that I was still using moderation. In order to make this journey a life long one I know that there are things that I have to put into place for proper balance and the cheat day is one of them. What is most important is that I remain prayerful and allow the Holy Spirit to lead me on this journey. This is the only what that I can make this 100lb journey.
I appreciate those of you who are journeying with me and hope that each day you are able to grab hold of something said in my blog to encourage you and help you move forward in the journey that God has given you.
Blessings.
I like to begin each days blog with a scripture. A portion of God's Word to help us as we go through. This one I will write and put where I can see it as it reminds me what to do to not overindulge my flesh. So, What does it mean to walk in the Spirit? I won't get all deep and definitive but simply put it in my words. This means to go day by day, moment by moment studying and praying continually to God for direction and guidance. In this instance it means really praying before I have a meal or a piece of food. Not the prayer for ritual that we do most of the time, but a prayer for His help and guidance as I nourish my body that I would eat to live and not live to eat. It means that when I have eaten and feel that I want more, stopping to pray and ask the LORD's guidance on what to do that I may honor Him and this temple that He has so graciously blessed me with. I could go on and on with what this scripture says to me. See it is the flesh that desires more than is needed. It is because I have trained that flesh in the wrong way that I now have to stop, repent, and turn from my former ways to retrain myself with good habits. Taking responsibility is a major part of this process and I take responsibility for where I am today.
So, on to my day. Today is Saturday. This is the day that I have chosen to be my cheat day. This is the day that I won't count calories. This is not the cue to go overboard but an opportunity to have a sweet treat if I want one while still eating in moderation to honor God by taking care of this body he gave me. I ate Spaghetti, green beans, french bread (haven't had bread in a while), and then a Little Debbie banana cream cake for desert. The idea with the sweat treat was that I have an individually portioned treat as not to over do it. I also had some gummy snacks earlier today(my favorite and low calorie...if you get the right ones). Aside from that I had Salsa and chips and then cereal for breakfast. As I am getting comfortable at calorie counting, I do know that my caloric intake was still not too bad today. Watching my portions really makes a difference in how many calories I take in.
Today was probably the most difficult for me and probably not for the reason that most would think. Today was difficult because though I realize the importance and long term benefit of a cheat day, I have a nagging on the inside that says I don't deserve to cheat because I have been negligent with my eating long enough. But then I focused on the reality of the cheat day being a reset day out of fasting mode (so my body does not store fat because it is not getting enough) and it also helps satisfy my cravings. I also keep focus on the fact that I was still using moderation. In order to make this journey a life long one I know that there are things that I have to put into place for proper balance and the cheat day is one of them. What is most important is that I remain prayerful and allow the Holy Spirit to lead me on this journey. This is the only what that I can make this 100lb journey.
I appreciate those of you who are journeying with me and hope that each day you are able to grab hold of something said in my blog to encourage you and help you move forward in the journey that God has given you.
Blessings.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Day 4 of the rest of my life
"Let us not grow weary in doing good for at the proper time we shall reap a harvest if we don't give up" Galatians 6:9
I know that this will not be a quick journey but indeed a lifelong one. I am excited for each day and as I lay my head down to sleep I thank God for bringing me through another day. It is not easy but I know the benefit of eating healthy and taking care of myself and I want to do this.
Today was a bit different than the other days this week. I had more of an opportunity to indulge with the kids having pizza for dinner. I did eat one small piece. I knew that it would not throw me way off track since my calorie intake has been too low since I began. I also knew that I could not dwell over the pizza and had to have a plan to help me succeed. My plan, to make me something different and delicious that would have my kiddos saying, "Ooh can we have some." I made a X-Large salad with cut up skillet cooked chicken breast, cheese, and dried cranberry's in it. HERE IS A TRICK TO WATCH OUT FOR: with those ingredients and Ranch dressing.... this salad was a whopping 550 calories. Now, since my total calories for the day so far were only a little over 500 calories I could eat it but know, salad is not always the best thing to eat! Once you are done adding to it it adds up and it is not all in the dressing. Chicken, cheese, and the dried fruit had more calories each than the Ranch dressing. So, this is one to watch for.
All in all, this was a great day. I noticed this morning that I began to have a wanting spirit and I realized that I had not taken in any water yet. Once I did, the craving of wanting something went away. Hydration is important. For me, i am choosing not to drink my calories and sticking with water. Hot, cold, room temperature... I mix it up to make it feel like I am having something different.
Something important to think about is the fact that though some changes come instantly, weight loss and many other changes don't. It is a long slow process which requires that we set our eyes on the mark and end result. We can not allow ourselves to focus on how long it is taking or how hard it is because these are the things that cause us to give up. For me, this time around, my eye is not even focused on the mark or the end result but on God and His will for my life. Amazing how your perspective can change. God is the key to making it through any and every obstacle that we face so I encourage you to put whatever your task is that is set before you before God and know that in due season you shall reap if you faint not.
Be Blessed.
I know that this will not be a quick journey but indeed a lifelong one. I am excited for each day and as I lay my head down to sleep I thank God for bringing me through another day. It is not easy but I know the benefit of eating healthy and taking care of myself and I want to do this.
Today was a bit different than the other days this week. I had more of an opportunity to indulge with the kids having pizza for dinner. I did eat one small piece. I knew that it would not throw me way off track since my calorie intake has been too low since I began. I also knew that I could not dwell over the pizza and had to have a plan to help me succeed. My plan, to make me something different and delicious that would have my kiddos saying, "Ooh can we have some." I made a X-Large salad with cut up skillet cooked chicken breast, cheese, and dried cranberry's in it. HERE IS A TRICK TO WATCH OUT FOR: with those ingredients and Ranch dressing.... this salad was a whopping 550 calories. Now, since my total calories for the day so far were only a little over 500 calories I could eat it but know, salad is not always the best thing to eat! Once you are done adding to it it adds up and it is not all in the dressing. Chicken, cheese, and the dried fruit had more calories each than the Ranch dressing. So, this is one to watch for.
All in all, this was a great day. I noticed this morning that I began to have a wanting spirit and I realized that I had not taken in any water yet. Once I did, the craving of wanting something went away. Hydration is important. For me, i am choosing not to drink my calories and sticking with water. Hot, cold, room temperature... I mix it up to make it feel like I am having something different.
Something important to think about is the fact that though some changes come instantly, weight loss and many other changes don't. It is a long slow process which requires that we set our eyes on the mark and end result. We can not allow ourselves to focus on how long it is taking or how hard it is because these are the things that cause us to give up. For me, this time around, my eye is not even focused on the mark or the end result but on God and His will for my life. Amazing how your perspective can change. God is the key to making it through any and every obstacle that we face so I encourage you to put whatever your task is that is set before you before God and know that in due season you shall reap if you faint not.
Be Blessed.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Day 3 of the rest of my life
"...I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. Philippians 4:11
This has always been a goal of mine. I encourage you to be content in the journey ahead of you where ever yours path may lead. When God calls you to make a change, don't act as if it is punishment. We must realize that God does have a plan for our life and we must trust Him.
This choice to lose weight is one day at a time and one change at a time. Today took another step in my process. I have moved from not eating junk, to eating very healthy, to counting calories, and today to evaluating and adjusting my caloric intake. Oh did I get a surprise! I realized today that while I am eating heartily and working hard to keep my meals low in calories that my total caloric intake is too low. For anyone who doesn't know about weight loss and calories, when you don't get enough your body goes into starvation mode and stores fat (NOT GOOD). My caloric intake was barely 1000 calories each day this week. I had to adjust with some healthy additions to get my count up and still am having a difficult time reaching an acceptable count for a woman (which is listed as 1800 per day via USDA Dietary Guidelines for a woman my age). So, I am working on healthy add-ins/snacks to fix this. This is my challenge for today.
There is much to think about and consider on this journey. When will I see a difference? How long will this really take? Am I doing enough? But when these questions arise I laugh like never before because this time my focus is different. While those are excellent questions I am choosing to seek God to lead me and I am trusting that He will do just that.
The Bible tells us that God will keep us in perfect peace if we keep our mind on Him, because we trusts in Him (Isaiah 26:3 in my words). There is nothing like the peace of God. Put your mind on the LORD and keep it there.
Though change is not always easy we can make the best of it and it can be enjoyed. I am truly enjoying this journey and sharing it makes it that much more pleasant. Learn contentment and keep your mind on the LORD that you may have peace, as only God can give.
God's Blessings.
This has always been a goal of mine. I encourage you to be content in the journey ahead of you where ever yours path may lead. When God calls you to make a change, don't act as if it is punishment. We must realize that God does have a plan for our life and we must trust Him.
This choice to lose weight is one day at a time and one change at a time. Today took another step in my process. I have moved from not eating junk, to eating very healthy, to counting calories, and today to evaluating and adjusting my caloric intake. Oh did I get a surprise! I realized today that while I am eating heartily and working hard to keep my meals low in calories that my total caloric intake is too low. For anyone who doesn't know about weight loss and calories, when you don't get enough your body goes into starvation mode and stores fat (NOT GOOD). My caloric intake was barely 1000 calories each day this week. I had to adjust with some healthy additions to get my count up and still am having a difficult time reaching an acceptable count for a woman (which is listed as 1800 per day via USDA Dietary Guidelines for a woman my age). So, I am working on healthy add-ins/snacks to fix this. This is my challenge for today.
There is much to think about and consider on this journey. When will I see a difference? How long will this really take? Am I doing enough? But when these questions arise I laugh like never before because this time my focus is different. While those are excellent questions I am choosing to seek God to lead me and I am trusting that He will do just that.
The Bible tells us that God will keep us in perfect peace if we keep our mind on Him, because we trusts in Him (Isaiah 26:3 in my words). There is nothing like the peace of God. Put your mind on the LORD and keep it there.
Though change is not always easy we can make the best of it and it can be enjoyed. I am truly enjoying this journey and sharing it makes it that much more pleasant. Learn contentment and keep your mind on the LORD that you may have peace, as only God can give.
God's Blessings.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Day 2 of the rest of my life
...be an example for the believers in your speech, conduct, your love, faith and purity. Timothy 4:12 NKJ
The above scripture portion confirms what I feel on the inside. We are to be examples. This decission to lose weight is being an example in conduct and in faith. There is nothing to hard for God. I can't tell you exactly why it took me so long to put my eating habits and health before Him. Call it laziness, not wanting to put forth the effort, wanting the instant miracle of waking up in good health cure- this list could go on and on. The fact is, yes God is able to all things but He grants us wisdom and we must use it. In our life we have been given free will and we choose what we do. We must choose to make the efforts needed to loose weight. While I know that God will help me through this, I have to do what it takes to be healthy.
Something that is very different about this time around. I am not doing this to look good or because I feel bad about myself. I am making this life change to honor God and this temple He has blessed me with that I may accomplish all that He has set me here to accomplish. I told my weight on day one....it did not bother me to do so this time because I know on the inside that "THIS IS IT". I am not ashamed as I love the LORD and know that His love for me is not dependent on my size or weight. I want to take this journey with my friends and family watching so that they can be encouraged. You have to know that there is nothing too hard to do when you truly allow God to be your focal point and that He needs to be the focal point in every area of your life. "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2
Thought...We plan for going out with the family, for an evening with friends, we plan what we are going to wear and many other things throughout the day. Why do we look at it as so difficult to plan what we are going to eat when this is necessary for life? So... today I took time to sit down and write out a calorie count for the things that I plan to eat for the next few days. Doing this in advance allows me to see it on paper and make the necessary adjustments so that my caloric intake is at a reasonable level. I am not starving myself by any means but using the benefit of things that have very little calories so that I can eat healthy, be full, and have plenty to eat.
Here is a peak at a meal that I was blessed to make that tastes really good...
I made a large batch of "black bean yummy" (my made up recipe). It is loaded with onion, bell peppers of all different colors, 1 can rotel, 2 can drained and rinsed black beans, and then a little salsa after it is cookedd to keep it moist. This will last me about 6-8 days (lunch and dinner) and the entire batch is 567.5 calories. I get a bowl full and put it on a whole wheat tortilla or eat it with 15 tortilla chips (both are 140 calories) and I have a hearty meal for only 284 calories and I am actually over calculating. This allows room for a hearty breakfast and two healthy snacks throughout the day. Eating this way keeps me from being hungry at all.
My goal, no matter how long it takes...100lbs! There is not a time frame but I will continue to blog until this goal is reached. Good days, bad days, I will share this journey with you all. I will give weigh-in updates as I go to my family doctor (as that is where my original weight was taken at). I will also post pictures at the end of month one and keep them coming monthly. I pray that you are all blessed by this and encouraged in your spirit to do whatever it is that you know you need to do but have not yet put forth the effort to do. Please remember to pray for me as I make this journey with God.
God's Blessings
The above scripture portion confirms what I feel on the inside. We are to be examples. This decission to lose weight is being an example in conduct and in faith. There is nothing to hard for God. I can't tell you exactly why it took me so long to put my eating habits and health before Him. Call it laziness, not wanting to put forth the effort, wanting the instant miracle of waking up in good health cure- this list could go on and on. The fact is, yes God is able to all things but He grants us wisdom and we must use it. In our life we have been given free will and we choose what we do. We must choose to make the efforts needed to loose weight. While I know that God will help me through this, I have to do what it takes to be healthy.
Something that is very different about this time around. I am not doing this to look good or because I feel bad about myself. I am making this life change to honor God and this temple He has blessed me with that I may accomplish all that He has set me here to accomplish. I told my weight on day one....it did not bother me to do so this time because I know on the inside that "THIS IS IT". I am not ashamed as I love the LORD and know that His love for me is not dependent on my size or weight. I want to take this journey with my friends and family watching so that they can be encouraged. You have to know that there is nothing too hard to do when you truly allow God to be your focal point and that He needs to be the focal point in every area of your life. "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2
Thought...We plan for going out with the family, for an evening with friends, we plan what we are going to wear and many other things throughout the day. Why do we look at it as so difficult to plan what we are going to eat when this is necessary for life? So... today I took time to sit down and write out a calorie count for the things that I plan to eat for the next few days. Doing this in advance allows me to see it on paper and make the necessary adjustments so that my caloric intake is at a reasonable level. I am not starving myself by any means but using the benefit of things that have very little calories so that I can eat healthy, be full, and have plenty to eat.
Here is a peak at a meal that I was blessed to make that tastes really good...
I made a large batch of "black bean yummy" (my made up recipe). It is loaded with onion, bell peppers of all different colors, 1 can rotel, 2 can drained and rinsed black beans, and then a little salsa after it is cookedd to keep it moist. This will last me about 6-8 days (lunch and dinner) and the entire batch is 567.5 calories. I get a bowl full and put it on a whole wheat tortilla or eat it with 15 tortilla chips (both are 140 calories) and I have a hearty meal for only 284 calories and I am actually over calculating. This allows room for a hearty breakfast and two healthy snacks throughout the day. Eating this way keeps me from being hungry at all.
My goal, no matter how long it takes...100lbs! There is not a time frame but I will continue to blog until this goal is reached. Good days, bad days, I will share this journey with you all. I will give weigh-in updates as I go to my family doctor (as that is where my original weight was taken at). I will also post pictures at the end of month one and keep them coming monthly. I pray that you are all blessed by this and encouraged in your spirit to do whatever it is that you know you need to do but have not yet put forth the effort to do. Please remember to pray for me as I make this journey with God.
God's Blessings
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Day 1 of the rest of my life
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
Hello everyone. Today I am choosing not just to live for the LORD on the inside but on the outside as well. I am choosing to take hold of my life in every aspect. While I am a passionate Christian woman who knows that God can do all things and I trust Him doing my best to live for Him, there is one part of my life that I have not entrusted Him with. "My weight". Today I choose to trust Him in all things and am making the journey public. My prayer is that others will be encouraged to do the same.
A little about me (See biography for more details). I will be 36 this year and as many others, I have tried dieting in every facet of the word. I have been heavy all of my life being victorious at loosing weight before having children and then watching it all reappear. (I actually remember weighing 165 in the 6th grade) I am 5ft 7 and now 276.4 lbs, which is my heaviest ever. I am not unhealthy. My blood pressure is good and my cholesterol is also but wisdom says, "Get a hold of this now before it is too late."
Normally, I am very active and up and going but for the last several months I have been dealing with a foot disorder of which I will be having surgery for on Friday the 23rd (less than two weeks). I could easily use this as an excuse to not begin the process but it is time out for excuses. It is time to be responsible for myself. It is time to lead by example and that is what I am choosing to do.
My plan, to begin by eating right today making no excuses for what I don't have and can't afford. I will make adjustment and changes as God leads me. We all hear that voice say, "you don't need that" or my favorite "you know you will feel bad if you eat that". You know, the voice that we ignore. I will let Holy spirit guide me and obey. I will do exercise daily with my upper body and on my knees until such time as my feet can join the journey me. I will seek God every step of the way and I will blog about it often. I will continue this journey one day at a time for as long as it takes to reach my goal. Once I have reached my 100lb goal it is my prayer that many others will have made the commitment as well.
See the funny part is, the Lord has shown me how to eat for my body that I can be full and enjoy food but I did it for a while and stopped. While what God has shown me works for me, it may not be what works for you but I encourage you to find what does.
I will be eating more protein and vegetables and less meats, flour products, and white sugar. I will sweeten with small amounts of honey or brown sugar. I will get protein in other ways outside of eating just meat. Eggs, protein shakes, and beans are all great sources of protein and they make me feel good when I eat them. So this is where I will begin.
Today, I am working from home. I have eaten oatmeal with raisins added for breakfast with a nice fresh cup of water. I then had 3 boiled egg whites throughout the morning. I am going to later have a whole wheat tortilla with black beans, bell peppers and salsa in it (Yummy). I will eat another black bean tortilla for dinner.
Often times, people are depressed and ashamed of them self when they gain weight. God taught me to love myself a long time ago through a series of Biblical lessons (hoping to post these soon so that you can build yourselves with the word of God and be empowered). It was in realizing who and whose I am that I found victory in this area. I am so glad that I learned that lesson and pray that each individual that takes time out to read this blog comes to the same revelation.
I am not giving myself a time limit. Day by day, moment by moment, great days, bad days, everyday with the help of the the Lord. This journey will not be easy but I know that God is with me and am choosing to change. I am very excited! I will keep you posted!
Hello everyone. Today I am choosing not just to live for the LORD on the inside but on the outside as well. I am choosing to take hold of my life in every aspect. While I am a passionate Christian woman who knows that God can do all things and I trust Him doing my best to live for Him, there is one part of my life that I have not entrusted Him with. "My weight". Today I choose to trust Him in all things and am making the journey public. My prayer is that others will be encouraged to do the same.
A little about me (See biography for more details). I will be 36 this year and as many others, I have tried dieting in every facet of the word. I have been heavy all of my life being victorious at loosing weight before having children and then watching it all reappear. (I actually remember weighing 165 in the 6th grade) I am 5ft 7 and now 276.4 lbs, which is my heaviest ever. I am not unhealthy. My blood pressure is good and my cholesterol is also but wisdom says, "Get a hold of this now before it is too late."
Normally, I am very active and up and going but for the last several months I have been dealing with a foot disorder of which I will be having surgery for on Friday the 23rd (less than two weeks). I could easily use this as an excuse to not begin the process but it is time out for excuses. It is time to be responsible for myself. It is time to lead by example and that is what I am choosing to do.
My plan, to begin by eating right today making no excuses for what I don't have and can't afford. I will make adjustment and changes as God leads me. We all hear that voice say, "you don't need that" or my favorite "you know you will feel bad if you eat that". You know, the voice that we ignore. I will let Holy spirit guide me and obey. I will do exercise daily with my upper body and on my knees until such time as my feet can join the journey me. I will seek God every step of the way and I will blog about it often. I will continue this journey one day at a time for as long as it takes to reach my goal. Once I have reached my 100lb goal it is my prayer that many others will have made the commitment as well.
See the funny part is, the Lord has shown me how to eat for my body that I can be full and enjoy food but I did it for a while and stopped. While what God has shown me works for me, it may not be what works for you but I encourage you to find what does.
I will be eating more protein and vegetables and less meats, flour products, and white sugar. I will sweeten with small amounts of honey or brown sugar. I will get protein in other ways outside of eating just meat. Eggs, protein shakes, and beans are all great sources of protein and they make me feel good when I eat them. So this is where I will begin.
Today, I am working from home. I have eaten oatmeal with raisins added for breakfast with a nice fresh cup of water. I then had 3 boiled egg whites throughout the morning. I am going to later have a whole wheat tortilla with black beans, bell peppers and salsa in it (Yummy). I will eat another black bean tortilla for dinner.
Often times, people are depressed and ashamed of them self when they gain weight. God taught me to love myself a long time ago through a series of Biblical lessons (hoping to post these soon so that you can build yourselves with the word of God and be empowered). It was in realizing who and whose I am that I found victory in this area. I am so glad that I learned that lesson and pray that each individual that takes time out to read this blog comes to the same revelation.
I am not giving myself a time limit. Day by day, moment by moment, great days, bad days, everyday with the help of the the Lord. This journey will not be easy but I know that God is with me and am choosing to change. I am very excited! I will keep you posted!
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