Day 38........God is SOOOO Good

How can God do mysterious and unexpected things when we freak out when the mysterious and unexpected happen.  Last week I was completely caught off guard by a crazy situation that came up, it left me in a "what just happened" state of mind.  I chalked it up to the enemy trying to disrupt me, and prayed that God would bring understanding in His time.  Well, last night the strange and unusual turned into a major answer to prayer concerning my house, and my weathered old fence that I wanted to invest money into, but the extra funds were not available.  Would you believe a neighbor has volunteered to replace our old fence with a brand new vinyl fence, including the gate at no expense to us.  What is that, Who does that?  All I can say is God knew, and God provided!

Romans 8:28 (Amplified Bible)

28  We are assured and know that [[a]God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

Wow, do I ever need to chill out and let God be God, working it out for me.  All I need to do is stay focused on His will and obey, obey, obey!  Oh and how do I know that I am listening to and obeying God?!  1) I recognize His voice...He is in the stillness.  2) His words are ALWAYS confirmed and ALWAYS line up with at least 3 scriptures.  That is my test, if I ever doubt His voice.

Day 37.......Health Food for Dummies

Learning how to eat healthy is a slow process of getting rid of and changing the foods that I am used to eating/cooking.  One thing that I love is sweet and salty, I get cravings for salty foods pretty regularly.  I have a new healthy snack that I hope will take the place of potato chips.  It's sliced carrots steamed, drained, add sugar and salt to taste.  Easy, quick and I love 'em, so does my 18 month old.  We went through 3 cups of carrots today.  Go Veggies!

Day 36.....Wading in the Shallow End

I can imagine anyone that has read this blog could easily think, "How shallow is she, using scriptures for the shallow purpose of losing weight".  It is shallow, however I know God has a deeper purpose for me, but He has me wading in the shallow end until I am ready to go deep.  I believe God takes us in the critical state we are in and invests in us for His glory and for His purpose and I fully trust Him for that.  I was in a critical state, not even in the shallow end, I was on the beach watching life pass me by.  Now I am up in the water and wading it out.  I want to be the best me that God can use.  No more halfsies.  All of me.

Luke 5:3-4 (New International Version)

3  He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

4  When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down[a] the nets for a catch.

I am waiting for the day God says to me, "Put out into deep water....for a catch"

Day 35......First Reported Cancer Case

On day 27 I added this scripture,

 Exodus 15:26 (Amplified Bible)

6 Saying, If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord your God and will do what is right in His sight, and will listen to and obey His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases upon you which I brought upon the Egyptians, for I am the Lord Who heals you.

The "I brought upon the Egyptians" part stuck in my mind.  I googled first reported cancer case and was amazed that cancer was first reported in Egypt.  I am not trying to say anything more than, I want to take this verse seriously and do what is right in His sight. Not just with keeping the body that He gave me healthy but in all things my actions, my words,ect.

  Lord, help me to diligently harken to Your voice and do what is right in Your sight, and listen to and obey Your commandments and keep all Your statutes, so that none of the diseases that were brought upon the Egyptians will come upon me, for You are the Lord Who heals.

Day 34........AAAHHHH Anxiety

It is so easy for me to get overwhelmed by the smallest thing.  Packing for a trip, AAAHHH.  Cleaning my house, AAHHHHH.  Pre-planning for grocery shopping, AAHHHH.  It sounds so funny even to admit it.  I get anxious about it all. Anxiety leads to nail biting, nail biting leads to snacking, snacking leads to overeating and then I will be anxious about that. 

Philippians 4:6 (Amplified Bible)

6  Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([a]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

I am going to tell God all my anxious thoughts and see if He guides me.  I know it works because the other day I was about to bite my fingernails and I said a quick prayer, "God, I don't want to do this, help me" and I heard a whisper to paint my nails a dark color.  I did it, I bought the darkest color I would dare wear, dark cherry, and I've been wearing it for a week.  I am more aware of the unconcious times my nails go to my mouth, and I stop myself, knowing it will mess up the nail color if I bite my nail.  Funny, how silly it is to think God cares about my nails....but the verse says if it makes you anxious then God wants to know about it. 

Day 33.......Expect the Unexpected

I am going to freeze some PBJ sandwiches and make some trail mix.  I need to be ready with healthy alternatives when I am away from home.  If I keep some food ready to grab quick, I may be less tempted to go with the unhealthy alternative, fast food drive thrus....Yuk!  I am more aware of my food journal today.  I need to re-evaluate my food choices.  I am doing good with my weight loss, but healthy food choices need to be my first priority.  I need to pre-plan for the the unexpected.

Day 32 & Week 5 Overview......Good Wins

Wow!  A week of trusting and prayer.  I am still mystified by some craziness that has been happening.  I have resolved to laugh, and pray.  God says He has my best in mind, and He tells us that Satan will try to steal, kill and destroy what God intended for good. I know that Satan does not want me healthy or happy, so at his attempt to mess with my head, I laugh!  Good wins!
At weigh-in today, I lost another 2 lbs.  Yeah!  I am so excited!  That brings my total to 6.1 lbs in 5 weeks!

Jeremiah 29:11 (Amplified Bible)

11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.

John 10:10 (Amplified Bible)

10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it [a]overflows).

Day 31.........I feel great!

My body is changing.  My clothes fit better!  My husband noticed, which is the best feeling!

Day 31........Woopsi Daisy!

Oops I did it.....I let my guard down and gave in to hunger last night.  I did not feel good going to bed, and this morning woke up hungrier than normal!  I need to get back on track today.....I love fresh starts!

Never let your guard down.....focus on the hope!

Galatians 5:5 (Amplified Bible)

5 For we, [not relying on the Law but] through the [Holy] Spirit's [help], by faith anticipate and wait for the blessing and good for which our righteousness and right standing with God [our [a]conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action, causes us] to hope.

Day 31.......New Comforts

I am learning new ways to find comfort. Getting reconnected with my husband has been a surprising comfort.  I listened to Focus on the Family this morning on the radio.  After the radio broadcast, I called my husband while he was driving to work, he said he was listening to the same thing!  It had to be a Holy Spirit thing. I highly recommend listening to the broadcast, which is the best marriage/intimacy insight that I have ever heard....very relatable.

Dr Julie Slatterly
http://listen.family.org/daily/A000002201.cfm

Day 30........Anxious

What does it mean when things weigh heavy on your mind?  When your gut senses somethings not quite right.  It's a overwhelming feeling, I am struggling with this.  I recognize that when I don't have the answers to things that I feel I need to....a sense of things being out of place. I want to bite my nails or eat for no reason. I know this sounds crazy!  I am working it out myself, but I've identified that this feeling makes me want to resort to my old comfort, eating.  I won't let it get me.....I am praying.

Psalm 94:19 (Amplified Bible)

19 In the multitude of my [anxious] thoughts within me, Your comforts cheer and delight my soul!

Daily Food Journal

Day 29......Comfort in the Schedule

One day of getting frustrated about not being on schedule, gave me a whole new appreciation for the days that run smoothly.  I have found comfort in having a plan, with little ones it is so much easier on everyone to anticipate when nap time, bath time, dinner time, and bed time is. If those happen smoothly then I can get my things done. My husband and I have made 8pm our time to de-stress, he plays the drums and I get on the treadmill.  We both look forward to it, and it's become a routine. 

Day 28.......Strange Things Happen to our Good Intentions

I had a very strange day, full of strange things that happened.  I needed to attend to situations that I was not prepared for.  I felt very sidetracked.  My plans for the evening changed which effected what was for dinner and my workout.  I have learned that God is in the flow.  I have to be able to readjust my schedule and get realigned when possible.  God cares about all the details and He is in the details.  He wants to see if I can leave things in His hands and not get shaken when things don't happen as planned or expected.  It is a hard thing to do, I get focused on what I need to do, and forget that I desire to live a Holy Spirit adventurous life, which means I have to be ready for anything not shaken, but steadfast in whatever comes my way. 
In my quiet time, my time to reallign myself, I discovered a scripture. I love getting confirmations. 

1 Kings 19:11-13 (New International Version)

11 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

The Lord is in the gentle whisper, when all the crazy caos is over. The test is to wait for it.....wait for His voice....don't get caught up in the crazy caos.

Day 27 & Month 1 Overview........Spiritual and Physical Training!

This month has been hard, a struggle, grabbing on to anything as inspiration to keep me on track. Now that I have come over a couple hurdles, I don't want to lose sight of "Why" I am really doing this.
Psalm 91:1-2......dwelling in the secret place (listening to the voice of the Lord, and obeying)

1 HE WHO [a]dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!

Amplified Bible Footnotes:

Psalm 91  The rich promises of this whole chapter are dependent upon one's meeting exactly the conditions of these first two verses (see Exod. 15:26).

Exodus 15:26 (Amplified Bible)

26 Saying, If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord your God and will do what is right in His sight, and will listen to and obey His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases upon you which I brought upon the Egyptians, for I am the Lord Who heals you.

I don't know what God's will is for my future; however I have felt His whisper to lose the extra pounds and maintain a lifestyle of good health.  If that whisper is the Holy Spirit and I don't listen, then what?  I will not be dwelling in His secret place,  I may never know His stability and protection on my life.  I believe that God gives us what we can handle and if we pass the test we move forward in His will, if we are not able to obey the small things then we halt His will. 

This week I lost 3.5 lbs.  That is a total for the month of 4.1 lbs.  I am very thankful.  My jeans fit better and I feel great. 

1 Timothy 4:8 (Amplified Bible)

8 For physical training is of some value (useful for a little), but godliness (spiritual training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come.

Day 26.....Habit Forming

Working out is a habit!  My husband and I were discussing some vacation plans and I blurted out, "I hope there is a workout room in the hotel so I can exercise."  I said it as if it was a normal part of my daily routine, as if I was asking if the room had a sink so I could brush my teeth.  I am surprised.  I am not sure when it happened but I am glad that my new normal is losing it's newness.  I can celebrate that I am over the first "forming new habits" hurdle!  Yeah Hoo!  Now, Lord give me the strength to endure the rest!

Day 25.......Growlings

Last night I realized that my stomach growling doesn't have to mean I am hungry, it could mean I am making a change to my eating habits and my stomach is now fully aware and wondering if I am aware. Oh I am fully aware! What did I do...... I had a big glass of water and went to bed early!  This morning I am having a fiber bar.....letting my stomach know that waiting 8 hours to eat again is okay.  I can't be ruled by my old self, especially when the new me is making such great progress.  I think this would be called dying to the old man.....I was tempted and chose the way out....Rest!

Day 24......This Blogs for Me

Today at church the message was on 18 things to put on your bucket list.....two that stuck out 1) do something outside of your comfort zone  2) write or record something.  Funny how the littlest things God can confirm to let us know we are on the right track.  I love it!
Daily food journal

Day 23......Love and Health

I recently debated "is saying 'I Love you' enough".  My stand is no.....not if it's not backed by evidence.  This relates to my commitment to get healthy because it too requires evidence and not just blog entries (empty words) it requires dying to what was normal and start creating a new normal......this is not easy.....it is a struggle; however I am determined to succeed, this determination requires me to do what is out of my comfort zone.  I am breaking through my old comfort and focusing on where my hope lies, not on my present circumstances or emotions. 

Bottom line, I am going to add my food journal to my daily blogs.  True commitment is putting evidence to your words.  I am commited to this and if showing my food journal is going to keep me on track then that is what I am going to do. 

I know Love and Health is a stretch in comparison, but knowing what true love means and what it requires begs the question, "If we are truely passionate about someone or something, shouldn't we prove it by our actions?"

Day 22.......Its a New Day!

A new dawn, everyday is a chance to start over, a fresh start.  At Day 21, according to Joel Osteens book, Best Life Now, I should've formed a habit.  I think the habit is blogging my progress.  I need the exercise and healthy eating to be the next habit.  The exercise definately is coming easier...I enjoy and look forward to my workouts. I am looking forward to grabbing healthy food options as a habit.  It will happen.....I have faith.  

Philippians 4:13 (Amplified Bible)
13I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who [a]infuses inner strength into me; I am [b]self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency].

Day 21 & Week 3 Overview......Food is a Factor

This week I did great with getting up early and working out.  I definately think I can make that part of my new lifestyle. However; food choices and amounts are still problem areas, that I need to work on.  So I will confess my scripture verse with fill in the blanks for the week.....



  Cheezits, sechwan mango chicken, potato chips, potato salad is permissible (allowable and lawful) for me; but Cheezits, sechwan mango chicken, potato chips, potato salad is not helpful (good for me to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things). Cheezits, sechwan mango chicken, potato chips, potato salad is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power.

This confession is taken from 1 Corinthians 6:12 (Amplified Bible) all things underlined are added by me for my benefit, these additions are not meant to add to or delete from the actual text of the bible.


At weigh-in this week I gained 2 lbs. (I am hoping that it is water weight) never the less I did go over board on some of the above mentioned foods.
Since food is a factor for me it is time to get serious beyond the last serious, that turned out to be seriousness taken lightly.  I WILL JOURNAL my foods!

Day 20........Other Bloggers

Last night I found several inspiring blogs and a great site for bloggers, CSAHM Christian Stay at Home Moms http://csahm.com/blogs-by-moms/ .  One blog that stood out contained a verse that I can relate to  1 Corinthians 6:12 (Amplified Bible)


12Everything is permissible (allowable and lawful) for me; but not all things are helpful (good for me to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things). Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power.


I am going to use this verse whenever I feel a temptation to eat more than or what I know I shouldn't.

Day 19......Say No to Tired

Last night I could barely keep my eyes open. A full day of family activities, and preparing for a new fall schedule mentally and physically drained me yesterday. Despite being tired I got on the treadmill at a snails pace........had high energy music playing in my headset......then it happened either the music or the knowledge that I wasn't going to let "tired" win took over and I got enough energy to get in my 200 calorie burn. Yeah!

This morning, I plan on walking with a friend while my daughter is in her first day of preschool. Which will be my morning workout. It's Fall and I am excited.

Day 18........Press On

It is so easy to slip back into a comfort zone. It's food that seems to effect my attitude and emotions like a false comfort that I crave. I need to redirect that comfort to the only One who can satisfy.

I cancelled my satellite TV last week, and it has been the best thing for me. I have found more time to exercise, also more quiet time for myself. I also got through a book that has taken me 2 years, and last year I got the book on audio. I have to laugh at myself that it took turning off the TV for me to finish a audio book. However; finishing it reminded me how much I love reading books and how much I enjoy the series that I am 2 books away from finishing ( The Left Behind series, Tim LaHaye/Jerry Jenkins).

The treadmill I look forward to! In the morning I can usually only manage a 20 min. walk, at night it's become a great release to get on the treadmill and get inspired through music to burn lots of calories. I appreciate the instant gratification a workout brings.

I am on a role and I refuse to lose. I posted a note in a visible location for me to see everyday that reads...."I am worth it, I love myself too much to stay this way." To encourage myself that today is another opportunity to improve and I am worth it!

Day 13 & 14+Week 2 Overview....Going with the Flow!

I think the best rules are no rules just goals. I have not gotten up early the last two mornings but I am reaching my goal. I am staying focused not getting discouraged just going with the flow! I burned 300 calories on the treadmill today which amounts to the extra piece of pan pizza I ate, but I enjoyed it and am enjoying the workout. I am now at a 4 mph speed and at a slight jog. Lovin the sore buns and thighs. More than anything this discipline has to be a lifestyle change to be and stay healthy, I am still learning the new lifestyle that will best suit me.

I lost 2.6 lbs......Yeah! I needed to see results.

Day 12.....Sore tushy

Yeah! I am up and feeling good. I am excited about my sore tushy. I must be doing something right!