Day 70.....Cool Blogs

I was surfing the blog world for some encouragement and found two blogs that are thriving. Why, because they lost their weight and are maintaining it well.  I am definately going to follow these blogs to get some good ideas, http://ronisweigh.com/ and http://www.eatliverun.com/.  I did notice on both sites that the girls take health to a soy, raw veggie level that I am not sure I am ready for, but maybe I could take it slowly.   I know I could do it, if I just allowed myself to want to.  A friend of mine just converted from whole milk to skim, which was a huge thing for her. I reviewed my food journal and noticed that my idea of healthy was pure foods, like pure butter, pure maple syrup.  I was headed for pure sugar to replace my splenda, but I think I may need to reevaluate this approach!  Long sigh....... I may need to change my blog title to skip the cookie eat the flax....Oh dear! 

Day 69..... Still Goin'

I got up early, got on the treadmill for 30 min., did pilates.  I am still goin', doin' my thang.  I read over my helpful scriptures, to remind myself how far I have come mentally and spiritually.  I feel so much better now than I did 2 months ago, so I am movin' on.  I am definately not going to let the devil rob me of how far I have come, he may have gotten me frustrated for the night, but this morning I woke up victoriously. 

Day 68.....Weigh In

"Successful people are nothing more than failures who kept getting up! If u've failed, get up and keep going! If u haven’t failed, u will."  This was todays facebook status from my ole youth group pastor, who now has a big church of his own in Alabama, The Rock.  I needed this quote today, because I feel like a failure.  I gained .8 lbs. !  I will still press on, even though I may need some outside intervention to get me on a successful path?!

Day 67......Deceived

It is a horrible feeling to be decieved.  When Eve ate the apple in the Garden of Eden, I am sure it was not worth it, and she must have felt so foolish to have believed a snake.  I am realizing that Satan uses deception all the time and he probably gets a big kick watching us fall for his lies.  I am determined to turn my ears off to him.  Last night I ate a great meal, we went out for chinese I ordered healthy dishes, egg drop soup, vegtables.  When I got home, I actually believed that I was still hungry and that I needed to eat the leftovers.  Why?  Why does my flesh want me to do something that is not good for me.  Why do I want to and fall for it?  I did eat the leftovers.  This morning I feel like I ate too much salt, I am puffy.  Feeling decieved.
I wish food deception was my only issue however; that is only a tidbit of what Satan does.  I am sick of it.    I am in the final book in the Left Behind series, Glorious Appearing. The book illistrates how many people are getting decieved, even through wanting noble things, and unfortunely will lose their eternal life and all the great things that Jesus died for us to have.  I get excited when someone goes to Panara Bread ahead of me and finds a table and highchair. That to me is going before and preparing a way.  I can't even fathom, what Jesus is up to,"Preparing a place for me"! How Awesome is that.  Do people want to know they are being robbed of that, or do they REALLY want to have this lifes unsatifactory goods?   Our only defense is to know who we are in Christ, what we NEED and get our satisfaction in knowing we listen only to truth, biblical truth. Is this human body/mind capable? Is my human body/mind capable?

John 14:2-3 (New International Version)

2  In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

Day 66.....Priorities Straight

"Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name…."

Jeremiah 15:16, NKJV

I have not worked out on the treadmill since last week.  Last night I did pilates, but I skipped all the hard stuff.  I am getting away from my routine and feeling the effects.  My body wants to exercise, I feel better when I do.  Instead of getting down on myself, I am glad that even if I let my body down, my priority is still toward God.  I can not go a day or week without Him, His words, His comfort and ultimately its His strength that I count on to get me back on my routine.  There is a old Hymn "It is well with my soul", I know if my routine goes, or whatever caos may come if it is well with my soul, then my priorities are straight. 

Thank you for the confirmation, Beth Jones "Eat well and live " E-Devo

http://community.icontact.com/p/valleyfamilychurch/newsletters/bethjones/posts/eat-well-and-live

Day 65........God is in Control

Today I am refreshing myself with all the scriptures that have helped me get this far.

Father, I gave this ____ to You; I've maintained it to the best of my ability, but I don't own it. It belongs to You, so do with it whatever You would like. (Crown Financial Ministries http://www.crown.org/)

Proverbs 18:21

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]

Jeremiah 29: 11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

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.

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].

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?"

Psalm 94:19 (Amplified Bible)

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

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.

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).

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.

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

Psalm 16:11

11 You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

Nehemiah 8:10

Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Hebrews 12:1-2

The Race of Faith

1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrew 12:4-11 (Message Bible)

4-11 In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through—all that bloodshed! So don't feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children?

My dear child, don't shrug off God's discipline,

but don't be crushed by it either.

It's the child he loves that he disciplines;

the child he embraces, he also corrects.

God is educating you; that's why you must never drop out. He's treating you as dear children. This trouble you're in isn't punishment; it's training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God's training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God's holy best. At the time, discipline isn't much fun. It always feels like it's going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it's the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.

Isaiah 26:3 (Amplified Bible)

3You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.

Revelations 21:1-5 (Amplified Bible)

3Then I heard a mighty voice from the throne and I perceived its distinct words, saying, See! The abode of God is with men, and He will live (encamp, tent) among them; and they shall be His people, and God shall personally be with them and be their God. 4God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away.

5And He Who is seated on the throne said, See! I make all things new. Also He said, Record this, for these sayings are faithful (accurate, incorruptible, and trustworthy) and true (genuine

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)

12 Though one may be overpowered,

two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Awesome Journey thus far.

Day 64.......Oh Oh Olive Garden!

What a test of will power, Olive Garden breadsticks, alfredo, and pasta.  I did so good, I only had one serving of salad, 1/2 portion of shrimp asparagus risotto, and sipped on a cafe Latte while I conquered my battle of the will.  I felt great when I left and was satified.  Yes, I wanted to eat a ton of breadsticks lathered in alfredo sauce, and have a double portion of salad and finish my other half of risotto and lick the bowl, however; I maintained my sanity and said "no" to my naughty flesh! 

Day 63......It's Potty time

Well, I drank all the water!  I also had coffee and tea.  I need to get used to "potty time", because that seems to be the theme of the day.  I hope a see a noticable difference on the scale.  I did notice that I felt full all day, I did not think about eating.  That is huge, if water does that then it is worth it.

Day 62........Water

This week I am going to make sure I drink the Weight Watchers recommended 6/ 8oz glasses of water.  I have a water bottle with me that I need to fill twice a day.  I am curious to see if it makes a difference. 

Week 9 Overview and Weigh-In

Weigh-in was a success.  Another baby step, but a loss none the less.  I lost 1.6 lbs. just 2.2 more pounds and I will be at my first goal.  God is good!!!  People are starting to notice, which feels amazing.  This week went pretty smooth, staying on my points.  I have to say, I know it is because I have kept my focus and my attention on God.  Books, music and videos have all been positive and encouraging to keep me on track.  Little prayers of help, when I go the refridgerator or when my girls left over chicken strips start looking good, or when my hubby brings home ice cream, have helped me incredibly! Yahoo, on to week ten, and only 42 more weeks to go.

Day 61........Friends in Faith

Going at things alone is not God's best.  He gave us fellow brother/sister christains that we need to hook arms with to tackle the journey together.  Aligning our spirits with like minded people who believe in our same Hope is the key to success.  The bible talks about this

Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)

12 Though one may be overpowered,

two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

My strength is easily overpowered, but if I know I have a friend praying and believing in me then my faith is intensified. Where there is Faith there is Strength.   Together we can claim what God says is ours, victory over our enemy.  Tap into a strong cord, that is not easily broken, a friend in faith.

Day 60.......Getting Into It

 I really enjoyed the treadmill last night.  I did a 45 minute workout (3.5 mph).  I felt great.  It is a great feeling when your mind, and body start getting into it.  The workout is a part of my routine that my body and mind look forward to. 

Day 59.........When stuff gets Tough Pray for Peace

Sometimes just getting through a day of your stuff is tough.  I need to take breathers every few minutes and say, " this too will pass", then I have to pray,"God, give me the grace to get through this moment".  Now, the old me would've grabbed something from the refrigerator and decompressed with something, usually unhealthy, to eat.  The new me, says," Thank you Jesus for peace that you say is mine for the taking." With His peace I can decompress without food, or anxiety."   For instance, I just had a hectic morning of get up, everyone dressed, no milk for cereal no time for cooking, brush teeth, brush hair,"where's shoe", find shoe, socks on, shoes on, coats on, grab bags, in the car, McD's, drop off preschooler, Library parking a block away, out of car, in stroller, walk, pick up books, check out books, walk to car, find keys, stroller in car, toddler in car, look for phone, forgot phone, go home, pick up phone, call GG, pick up GG, get to flu clinic,wait in line at flu clinic, GG shot, my shot, toddler straddle me, GG distact toddler while gettting shot, toddler scream, get balloon, pick up preschooler, drop off GG, "Thank you GG", lunch in town, park at grocery store, get daughter 1 out, go to get daughter 2 out and she has spilled her drink in her carseat, I have no change of clothes and she is too wet to hide it. I take a deep breath, pray for peace, breathe out, thank him for His peace and I felt the Holy Spirit say, "shopping can wait, go home and rest", that gave me the peace and patience I needed to load my girls back into the car and head home.  Now I am sipping a cup of tea, I have a daugher napping and I am in perfect peace.  The rest of my day is redefined and actually will work out a lot smoother.  AHHHHH!!!! Peace is Awesome.

Day 58........Hosanna to the Highest

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7SMUf6QcyQ
Revelations 21:1-5 (Amplified Bible)

3Then I heard a mighty voice from the throne and I perceived its distinct words, saying, See! The abode of God is with men, and He will live (encamp, tent) among them; and they shall be His people, and God shall personally be with them and be their God. 4God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more, neither shall there be anguish (sorrow and mourning) nor grief nor pain any more, for the old conditions and the former order of things have passed away.

5And He Who is seated on the throne said, See! I make all things new. Also He said, Record this, for these sayings are faithful (accurate, incorruptible, and trustworthy) and true (genuine).

I believe in His son Jesus and I know where I am going when all things pass away and become new.  I will reside with God and He will reside with me.  Awesome!  As great as my life is now on earth, the greatest parts are only a taste of what God has planned for my eternity. Until then I will obey and be disciplined with my focus on the God that is faithful and true and that has my eternity prepared and waiting.

Day 57.........Fit Feels Good

Today, My clothes fit great, not snug at all.  I am excited about the little steps of progess.  Thank you Jesus for Your help.

Isaiah 26:3 (Amplified Bible)

3You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.

Day 56.....A Little Goes a Long Way

Little goals, are the best!  When you take baby steps it doesn't seem like your going very far, very fast but when you look back you are making progress, which is a whole lot better than standing still.  I am encouraged today. 

Day 55......Don't Eat Nuts

Upon review of my food journal, I have been miscalculating the pistachios that I have been consuming.  I measured more accurately the amount I was eating and it was more like 2 to 3 oz. which doubles/ triples the points.  I am surprised I didn't gain weight.  Oh well.  I know better now.  I sent all the nuts to work with my fit and trim hubby.

Weigh-In Week 8

I lost Weight....Yahoo!  The only thing is it wasn't a lot of weight in fact it is a portion of a pound that is hardly even mentionable.  I am so glad I have a decimal scale! I lost .2 lbs!  I will be happy with it!

Day 54 & Week 8 Overview......Do this, Do that, but Don't do that, UGH!

Everday push push push, don't eat too much of anything, moderation is key.  It all sounds like a guidebook to success that I am following.  I still wake up and see the old me.  I am looking forward to seeing a new me, without all the do this, do that rolling in my head.  Discipline is hard!

Day 53.......Sore Core

I did Pilates yesterday!  The small, graceful movements are proving their impactful, I am sore in my core muscles.  Which is exactly what I need to strengthen, my core.  A pregnant belly easily losses its muscle structure. My structure is gone, but its a great feeling to know the muscles still work.  A interesting parallel is, the fruits of the spirit show how strong our spirit core is.  A healthy spiritual core will show the evidence of love, joy, peace, patients, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Just like looking at my week tummy is evidence of a week core.  Some people can have Jesus in their heart, but choose not to excercise their fruits of the spirit.  It's sad. Our circumstances seem to test our spiritual cores strength and sometimes we go through things that rob us of all our fruits.  The good news is we can excercise our spiritual muscles, for example, apologizing when we don't want to. Not apologizing is week, but excercising peace,by saying we are sorry yeilds peace in your home or relationship, which is an awesome feeling.  I have a sore core, but look forward to that awesome tight, slim, trim tummy that this sore muscle will yeild.

Day 52.......Battle is Raging

The battle vs flesh and spirit is raging.  Joyce Meyer recently preached, "if you want to kill your flesh don't feed it what it wants anymore and it will die".  I am in that battle.  I refuse to feed my flesh what it wants and I feel like a recovering addict, talking to myself, growling at myself, even getting mad at myself (self being my flesh).  In those crazy times, I go to God for strength in prayer and read my help scriptures.  I got on the treadmill last night and pushed myself for 45 minutes.  I felt great afterwards.  I need to get motivated again, I realize that forming a habit may take 21 days, but keeping it habit means no breaks.   I want to get that feeling of necessity back, I lost it for awhile. This morning I am going to start a Pilates program on DVD with Denise Austin.  I lost weight thanks to Denises'  TV programs back in high school. She is always a refreshing, familiar face to see.

Day 51......Strength of Trust

http://www.leftbehind.com/01_products/details.asp?isbn=978-0-8423-3236-1.

I have been so exhausted lately, laying down whenever possible.  God knew and was in the book that I've been reading  Armageddon, from the Left Behind Series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins.   Chloe, a main character in the storyline, is facing the enemies death sentence. While in her cell, the night before she is to die, thinking about her husband, her son, her father, and friends she became very anxious and longed to be with her people again.  In this time of saddness an angel appeared to her to comfort her.  He told her tomorrow she would be with Jesus.  As soon as Chloe focused on Jesus, her fears, her anxiety, and the longing for her family switched to a trust and hope on Jesus.  She knew heaven was the ultimate and she trusted Jesus to be with her family, even while they grieved her loss.  That strength of trust is what I desire, the unfailing trust that reassures me that Christ knows best for me and mine.

Day 50...& When Your Only 1/2 Way Done Your Neither Done or Done.

It's pretty bad when you don't know if your coming or going somedays.  I have been exhausted, wanting to sneak in a nap whenever possible. I missed the treadmill workout yesterday, but I did stay within my food points for the day.  I definately feel a war going on emotionally.  My negative side is telling me this is too much work and I am not making good progress. While my positive side reminds me that I am cooking at home almost completely and I don't buy processed food except for cereal.  The centered and focused me is giving it all to God and praying, "Help me stay focused on Your opinion of me".

Hebrew 12:4-11 (Message Bible)

4-11  In this all-out match against sin, others have suffered far worse than you, to say nothing of what Jesus went through—all that bloodshed! So don't feel sorry for yourselves. Or have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children?

My dear child, don't shrug off God's discipline,

but don't be crushed by it either.

It's the child he loves that he disciplines;

the child he embraces, he also corrects.

God is educating you; that's why you must never drop out. He's treating you as dear children. This trouble you're in isn't punishment; it's training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God's training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God's holy best. At the time, discipline isn't much fun. It always feels like it's going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it's the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.

Thank you God for your words of encouragement, when I am feeling the pain of the discipline, You remind me it is for my good because I am Your child that You care for enough to discipline. 

Day 49......When your Done, Your Done

I am focusing on my eating this week, making sure that I don't overeat.  I want to follow my Weight Watcher points system and be done when the points are gone for the day.  I need to add lots of salads and vegtables to my daily menu. Carrots and simple salads like a spinach, romaine lettuce mix with tomato and italian dressing seem to be the easiest and most enjoyable with little points consumed. I am meditating on my helpful scriptures for encouragment and strength and praying that I will lose weight in week 8.

Day 48.......New Perspective

I am reading a book by Elizabeth George, A Woman's Walk with God, Growing in the fruit of the Spirit. The first two chapters offer me a new perspective on living in the Spirit, in that it will automatically yield abiding in and fulfilling Gods laws and statues. Sometimes I mistakenly try to live by the law and think," ok, follow those rules", however if I don't read my bible daily and pray, the Holy Spirit won't be able to direct me in how to follow His laws.
For instance, this new perspective affects the discipline of getting healthy. If I, in obedience to God's law of taking care of my body, lock my thinking on ME, my body, my health, my weight, my this, or my that, I could easily fall into making my discipline a higher priority than God, which is idolatry. By trying to follow a law without the Holy Spirit I could easily break another law, which creates confusion and frustration, which is not Gods plan.  In contrast if I recognize that God is disciplining me to get healthy, then my trust, my hope, my desire go only to Him for His help and His voice in the process. Whats great is that the Holy Spirit is gentle, encouraging and won't frustrate or confuse me, it's even okay to fail, He forgives and gives me the strength to start fresh.
I know this may seem like a silly concept when it's applied to weight loss, but it is a biblical principle that applies to anything we are called to do. If God is saying,

Ephesians 5:22

22  Wives, be subject (be submissive and adapt yourselves) to your own husbands as [a service] to the Lord.

which is a very hard commandment, and if you try it without the Holy Spirit it will not work out the way God intended, but if you yield to the Holy Spirit (who, by the way, knows your perticular situation with your husband), He will walk you through the perfect way to fulfill this commandment. It will be difficult, you may fail, but God is merciful and gracious to us. He wants us to continually walk through the process with Him.


What is important is that if you hear the Holy Spirit, test His voice it will NEVER point you in a direction that is not a commandment in the bible. The Holy Spirits job is to help us fulfill the commandments, laws, statutes, not to do the opposite, if you hear something that goes against Gods word, it is not the Holy Spirit. Pray and get confirmation in the Bible always. I say this because it breaks my heart to hear prisoners that murdered, kidnapped, molested, stole, ect. say that God told them to do it. What? The voice in their head obviously was not God, the Holy Spirit or Jesus. Who else is there, the Devil. He is the great deceiver. Please, don't get deceived.

Week 7 Weigh In

Not as bad as I thought.  I was preparing for the worst and hoping for the best.  I did gain, but only .8 lbs  that is exactly what I gained last week.  I am hoping for a better weigh in on week 8.

Day 47 & Week 7 Overview.....Bumps in the Road

I had a wonderful week of vacation with my family and extended family.  We traveled up north saw the fall colors and thoughly enjoyed eachothers company, the sites, the food, the wine, meeting relatives for the first time and hearing the past relived through the memories of a 82 and 89 year old, and was entertained by my 4 year and 18 month old daughters as they saw and did new things.  Wow!  A week full of relational bonding.  I broke my dicipline this past week and I was feeling bad, I did not want to blog. I did not journal. I could've easily given up my 365 day challange.  I needed encouragement, because I knew God wanted "me" to get healthy and break a bondage I have over-endulging in food.   God encouraged me in two ways.  1) Celebrate!  God is my Joy!

Nehemiah 8:10

Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

 

2)Run the race, don't stop when you have a bump in the road.

Hebrews 12:1-2

The Race of Faith

1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Even though my disipline was put on hold, God encouraged me to pick back up and keep on in the faith that God is my joy in the running.  I am at peace today, I am up early and ready to journal my foods and take on week 8. I will weigh in and post my weight later today. 

Day 46......Not Defeated!

The best part about my walk with God is He loves me no matter what, He knows I will make mistakes, He knows I will disappoint, He knows I am not perfect. He knows and because of that He is my Joy.  I Know that if I am doing my best even in totally failure, He loves me and wants me to just trust in Him and rejoice in all things.  Today marks the end of my vacation and by all accounts it was also a vacation of my "healthy" discipline.  But I will look at the scale tomorrow with a Not Defeated attitude and pick up where I left off.  It's not the destination but the journey that counts, I had a fall, but I am back up again.  The devil can't keep me down.  I have my eyes fixed on a hope!

Psalm 16:11

11  You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

Day 45.......Warning!

I am not back on track....AHHHHH!  I am fumbling for words today.  I can only assume that this discipline of healthy moderate eating is not established in me, yet.  I also have not excercised on the treadmill in 4 days.  I have not been doing my daily bible study or quoting my "help" scriptures.  When left to my own demise with food I reach for more, droll over, and snitch.  Not good.  I need some encouragment to get back to center!  I thought it would be easy to get back on track after temporary bliss.  My dear sister is visiting and we went out for coffee at my favorite coffee house and I enjoyed my favorite coffee with 1/2 a coconut cream cupcake with thick lemon buttercream frosting. Later at the theater I, of course, had popcorn. I am so bad. On the flip side I am enjoying the remaining time of family vacationing with us and have relationally been recharged. It is such a natural thing to sit, talk and Eat!

Day 44.......Back on Track

It is easy to get off track when the surroundings are unfamiliar.  On my trip up north I preplanned my meals as much as possible and did not get enticed to eat out.  The hard to resist moments came when the rain came and comfort foods were not only comforting but warm and delicious, Chili and warm fresh bread.  Wow! Is it even possible to resist?  Grand Traverse Select, Reisling, I really enjoyed in the evening snuggled up to the fireplace.  Ghirardelli chocolate with a roasted marshmellow on a graham cracker, Yummy.  This was my daughters first marshmellow roasting experience over a open fire pit on a crisp fall evening.  Long walks and great memories with family.  This is all the stuff God wants us to enjoy and relish in.  I did not think about my weight once, but I made healthy food choices and enjoyed them to the fullest.   Joyce Meyer talks about a principle in her book, Eat the Cookie Buy the Shoes.  The principle is to disipline yourself daily, but allow yourself the "atta girl/boy" moments that the hard work of disipline requires by enjoying the moment and endulging.  I did just that fully enjoyed and endulged, but today I am back on track.

Day 41-43......LAX and Total Relax

I had the most relaxing, enjoyable time.  The only thing I am thinking now is "OH MY" I hope I did not gain weight.  Fresh baked bread and good food, like fresh salmon and Chili is almost impossible to resist seconds.  I must say the only bad thing I ate was Chocolate....Smores that is...I had to.  I don't regret it at all.  I just know that my mini spluge is over and it is back to moderation tomorrow.  Don't look for a food journal entry because I did not journal my intake at all.

Day 39 & Week 6 Overview.......AWAY,YEA!

I am going away for a long weekend with my hubby and extended family.  I am so excited for a get away, but I need to get the "lax" out of relax. I am making such good progress; however I can not stop here.  I have only skimmed the surface of my goals and I need to stay focused on the big hope and not let food boss me around.  I weighed in today.....I gained .8lbs (almost 1 pound). YIKES!