{ Wednesday's Word - Walk }

walk

an act of traveling or an excursion on foot

I chose this definition of the word walk because it is applicable to what I'm gonna share with Y'all today. 

 I've talked about the struggles before that I've had with my weight for as long as I can remember, no matter my size. My growing up years were difficult and as a teenager I became anorexic. It actually had nothing to do with food or my weight, it was just the only thing in my life that I felt I had any control over at the time and it affected my health.  I've tried almost every single "diet" you can think of, some of them very unhealthy and some quite expensive, just in an attempt to look better, feel better, be accepted, fit in, and probably a hundred more crazy reasons. I used to walk for exercise, but the last few years have found me out of the habit with one excuse after another for not just getting out of the house and doing it.  One day last week, out of the blue, our oldest grandson asked if I still walked like I used to and I sadly had to tell him no. Then, a friend, understanding some of the stress I've been under told me that I needed to get out and walk. That reminded me of how Pappy used to tell me I needed to go for a walk when I'd get.....

let's just use the word "cranky"!

Neither our grandson or my friend knew that I'd been having that nagging feeling to get out and walk, knowing the physical and emotional benefits.....

and the spiritual because I take that time to pray and meditate on the Lord.  Add to this that I had bloodwork done on Monday and my overall cholesterol is high, although my "good" is 84, I want to get that number lowered through diet (healthy) and walking.

   Life can be a struggle sometimes but the burden can be lessened when we share it with friends!   I've come across this quote twice lately and it seems applicable to use today.

"Tell the story of the mountain you climbed. 

Your words could become a page in someone else’s survival guide."

~ ~ Morgan Nichols ~ ~

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     a heavy object, especially one being lifted or carried.

43 pounds less than my highest weight;

my goal is to lose 20-25 more

{ Motivational Monday }

Serious..... 

And, on a lighter note.....

HOPE everybody has a Marvelous rainy,  cloudy Monday!  

Let's not let our moods match the weather!

(self-talk....;-)

{ Motivational Monday }

'Food for Thought'

(it's actually August 7th, but you get the idea)

HOPE your Monday is Marvelous!

{ Motivated Monday }

I love Food.

I enjoy the taste and the texture.

I can practically taste the food just looking at a picture.

Yes, I know.....

I have a PROBLEM!

The verse in the funny sign above jumped off the page at me Saturday as I sat writing out scripture at the Ladies Retreat I attended with our daughter this weekend.  "A craving for everything we see".   I can usually pass up the perfect pair of shoes or item of clothing but when it comes to sweet, savory, carb-loaded, calorie-packed FOOD.....

well, very often I have trouble saying, "NO"!

About 2 years ago I started on what I called a journey to healthy and I did well and was able to keep off the weight I lost until the last few months. October found me in a state of depression and when I'm depressed I get tired and when I'm tired......

I eat!

We were given free time at the retreat to go off and be alone with God.  I'm not the best at just sitting unless I have a view which I did part of the weekend, but after I sat and prayed and read my Bible and did some writing, I decided to walk and talk with God.  I had no idea the lay of the land, but I knew all the roads and trails would lead back to the main retreat house so I started out on my journey.  The first part was steep.....then leveled out.....then very much down hill.....but then I embarked upon a hill which in my mind looked more like a mountain.  I had no choice but to climb it or turn back and climb back up the hill I had just descended, which was a much longer climb. "Lord, I can do this with your help."  I made it.....but had to stop take a break in the landing at the top and that's when I realized just how out of breath I was.....

and knew I had a problem.

My weight gain isn't enormous.

But, I know myself and know that if I don't get it under control NOW, it will get out of hand.

Yes, I want to look good in my clothes.

Yes, I want to be able to breathe.

Yes, I want to increase my stamina by getting more exercise.

But, the biggest thing is that I've not been honoring God with how I'm eating.

So, reading that verse of scripture and realizing how I haven't been allowing God to guide me like I did two years ago brought conviction to my heart and I knew I had to make a change.

I keep going back in my mind's eye to Saturday and that awesome place God planted me in to breathe in His grace and breathe out His praise.  If I want everything I do to honor Him in the best way I can (which that in itself has to come with His help).....

well, my health and how I eat and take care of this "temple" He gave me is part of that, too!

Today, I'm sharing how I was motivated to begin again with y'all and asking for your encouragement and to ask how I can pray for you in this area of your own life.  We're in this walk of life together and there's nothing wrong with being transparent about our struggles.  Depression and overeating are two of mine and they affect all areas of my health......

physical, emotional, spiritual.

HOPE this has opened your heart to share what your struggles are, too.

{ Wednesday's Word - Accountability }

"The first fall of man was between a woman and food - could that be why women have been struggling with this food issue and our body image ever since?"
~~~Sheri Rose Shepherd~~~

I told y'all about this book......



in this post, Fit For My King.

I highly recommend that you get the book if you struggle with how you've taken care of your body over the years. From speaking to other ladies, I know I'm not in this boat alone.  If you have no problems in that area, just the devotions are well worth the 30 days it will take for you to finish this very well-written and in my opinion, God-ordained journey written by Ms. Sheri Rose Shepherd (who, is now going through cancer treatments).  She is open and honest about her past and how she overcame the guilt and shame she carried around but only through her salvation and faith in Jesus Christ.

One of the sweetest and most thoughtful ladies I've ever met, Ms. Barbara, asked me if I would pray about doing this devotional and eating plan with her.  We both had already gone through the 30 days of devotions, but hadn't stuck with the recommended eating plan.  As we talked on the phone, I shared with her that I did my best at sticking to a plan if I was being held accountable.   I did pray about it and was a bit torn as to what to tell her, but then I realized it was simply Satan holding me back and telling me "you can't stick to such a rigid plan."  He really likes to get into our heads and convince us we cannot accomplish something when God tells us in His word that we can do ALL things through His strength.  SONday morning, before our SS class, I told Ms. Barbara, "YES"......
and during our class one of the best SS teachers I've ever had (besides Ms. Thelma, of course) shared during our lesson how we need to be accountable to one another.  After class, we told said that we knew his statement was a confirmation we'd made the right decision!  Ain't God so good at showing up at just the right time with exactly the right words?

So, our journey has begun.
She has a goal......
I have a goal!
Not sure mine can be met in only 30 days, but we're hoping this will be the start of a brand new journey in taking care of our "temple" and giving God ALL the Glory!

Who knows.....
in the future, this might turn into something a group of us girls can do together.

(if you're interested in what this plan consists of, 

please contact me @wiseoldowldesigns@comcast.net.  When I say "rigid", it's actually a low-carb diet and for a sugarholic like myself, that's tough!)

HOPE everybody has a Wonderful Wednesday!

{ Sugar, Sugar }

When I thought about sharing my limited knowledge of sugar, I couldn't help but think of the song Sugar, Sugar by the Archies:

Sugar, sugar, honey, honey

You are my candy girl.....

And my mind trailed off at the mention of candy.

Because you see.....

I'm a sweet-o-holic.

 I find that sugar for me must be like cocaine to a drug addict because the more I have of anything sugary and sweet, well the more I crave.  It's truly an addiction for me.

When I realized I was going to have to get some weight off my bum knee before surgery was required, I knew one of the things I would have the most difficulty doing was not eat what I simply refer to as "sweets".  In my defense, I'm pretty sure I inherited this addiction from my precious Daddy because every single false tooth in his mouth was a sweet one.

Here are a few things I've learned when I don't give in to the sugar cravings.....

which I've yet to completely overcome.

*****clearer thinking*****

I've not done any research on this, but when I eat more "clean" foods, meaning less processed and less sugar, I really do think more clearly.  At my age this is so important because some days I need all the help I can get in remembering.  

*****less joint pain*****

I think I read or heard something about this being a proven fact.  Too much sugar can cause joint pain.  If I eat too many sugary snacks one day, I know I'll pay for it the next.  My poor knee will really act up.  Somehow the sugar and arthritis don't get along very well.  I have no idea why and didn't take the time to look it up.

*****less cravings for other foods*****

The healthier I eat, meaning no so very many carbs (which turn to sugar) the less cravings I have and the less likely I am to overeat.

*****lowered triglycerides*****

Again, no research or knowledge on this topic, but a lady I know who is a diabetic told me that was probably why my triglyceride count was so much lower at my last check-up, simply because I wasn't consuming as much sugar.

*****easier on the pocketbook*****

Sugary snacks are expensive!!!

I know that fruit can also be costly but the things that God has provided for our "sweet tooth" are so much better for us than the processed junk we spend our hard-earned money on.

*****clearer skin*****

Even at my age, I can tell a difference in my skin when I eat "right" than when I load up on too many carb rich foods.

So, there, I've shared what I know about consuming too much sugar.  No scientific facts just the things that I've noticed in my own journey to healthy healthier.  

HOPE everybody has a SWEET day!

Breathing in Grace,

{ Friday Fotos }

I Corinthians 10:13

 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. 

And God is faithful. 

He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. 

When you are tempted, 

he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

Not a very good picture that was taken right before I began an on-line weight loss challenge a year ago.....

Recently.....

Forty-three pounds since this time last year and over sixty since my highest weight.  

To GOD be the glory because I truly give Him ALL the credit.  

This is the longest period of time that I can remember that I've been able to lose and keep the weight off......

and again, that's totally a GOD-thing!

I Corinthians 10:31

So whether you eat or drink, 

or whatever you do, 

do it all for the glory of God.

Benefits:

feeling better physically 

increased stamina 

pressure taken off my knees

getting more exercise

better self esteem

(still working on this one)

lowered BP and triglycerides 

eating healthier

drinking LOTS of water

Downfall:

losing weight ages an already old(er) woman!

I've just gotta realize that the good outweighs the bad.

Psalm 103:5

He fills my life with good things.
    My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

HOPE everybody has an awesome weekend!

Have fun.....

stay safe.....

enjoy life!!!!

Breathing in Grace,

I knew He could.....

This is a pic of what I call my "miracle knee".

Oh, I know it's nothing to brag about......

and it's still a bit swollen.....

but if only you could have seen it this time last year.

You see, I'm pretty sure that knee was headed for surgery.  I can't even explain the pain I went through for several years and just wouldn't break down and go to an ortho doctor.  I did get a cortisone shot in it at one point, but I've decided no more of those for me.  It's not the pain of the shot, but the after effects.  That had to be the most horrendous headache I ever had.  Anyway,  the pain from this knee affected so much of my life.  I had a very difficult time getting up and down stairs/steps, which kept me from going to the play room at our daughter's house.  I would NEVER carry one of the kiddos down steps because I was terrified I would fall.  I remember one day going to Wal-Mart and when I got back to the car, I had to physically pick up my leg and lift it into the car.  I couldn't get out and walk for exercise for a very long time.  I tried, but oh, the pain.  I got to the end of our road one day and didn't think I'd make it back home.  I prayed MANY times and asked God to heal my knee.  I knew that He could.....

but, I'm going to be honest and just say that I didn't think He would.  Then, last September, I was invited to join an on-line weight loss challenge.  You can click here for more info, if you're interested.  I was hesitant to join because I figured it would just be another total waste of my time, all for naught, but I knew that if I could lose some weight, it would help my knee.  For some reason this time it's been different.   I think that "reason" is because I gave this struggle to God, and I truly give Him all the credit.  I've started trying to remember to even say "for Your Glory, Lord" before I weigh.  When I went to the doctor in March for my yearly physical, my MD was very pleased, especially with my blood work numbers.  And, I'm able to get out and walk again

I've said many times that I wish I could have lost this weight years ago and had back all the $$$$ I spent trying.  I don't think it happened for several reasons.....

one, because it wasn't in HIS timing.....

and secondly, I didn't give it to HIM!

I realize there are many who struggle with bad knees and they do require surgery.  PLEASE know that I'm in no way trying to say that God heals ALL injuries and health problems.  What I'm trying to say is that I knew that God could heal my knee.....

but I had to do something, too, I couldn't just continue overeating and abusing my body and expect Him to heal me right up. (although that's exactly what I did for over 2 years.....yep, I'm a slow learner) Even the strength to do that "something" came from Him.

(a sign that hangs on the wall behind the computer desk)

HOPE everybody has a wonderful Wednesday!

Breathing in Grace,

Here I go again!!!

As I was doing some chores outside one day last week....feeding and watering chickens and a dog and a cat and collecting eggs and shoveling dog poop and cleaning out a litter box....a thought occurred to me....thru all the huffing and puffing I'm surprised I even "heard" myself thinking!!  When I was young, I went on a "diet" for one simple reason.....to look good.  Well, I've reached the point in my life where I once again am going on a "diet"....for one simple reason....my health.  I've been experiencing some bouts of high blood pressure and headaches.  My left knee hurts so badly after I tromp thru Wally World getting groceries that I often have to lift my leg and place it into the car....have you ever thought just how much a leg must weigh?!?!?  
Did you just get a visual of me trying to lift a 50 pound thigh!!! 

 I sometimes get up in the morning with my head hurting and I call it a "sugar headache" because it happens when I eat sweets before going to bed.  


I have horrible acid reflux. 


 And, just in the last few days, my left hip joint has started with a whole new complaint of its own!!!   
Carrying so much extra weight has to be terribly hard on my knees....and heart!!!    

If you should look up "stress eater", you would probably find my picture there as a prime example....and I would more than likely be stuffing my face.....with something sweet!!!

So....like the title of this post says....
....here I go again!!!

Somebody asked how I was going to do it....did I have a plan?
Not really....but here are a few things that have worked for me in the past.
~~~~Reduce my caloric intake and move more~~~~
(I don't like that bad word that begins with an "e"!!!)
~~~~Drink more water~~~~
~~~~Eat less sweets, but don't deprive myself~~~~
~~~~No eating after 7:30 at night~~~~

I hope I can look back this time next year and realize just how much truth this little sign holds.....and see that with HIS help....I'm taking better care of the "temple" He blessed me with!!!

Philippians 4:13

For I can do everything through Christ, 

who gives me strength.

In HIS Most Precious L♥ve....and with mine, too!!!

Blessings,

Deb

Cold Turkey!!!

Do you get a bit excited when you make a life-changing decision?!?!?

I know that sometimes stepping out on faith  can be a bit nerve-wracking....

....'cause us a bit of anxiety.....but it can also be an exciting time if we know that what we're doing has been orchestrated by our precious Lord and Savior!!!

Lately, I've decided to make some changes in my life.  

I've been on a medication that my doctor put me on close to 2 years ago....and thru a day of fasting and prayer with our SONday school class....actually on my birthday, January 21st....I knew that God wanted me to quit taking it....so....I did...."cold turkey"!!!  

Prior to that decision, I also cut out ALL soft drinks.  

Yes....my beloved Diet Mountain Dew is a thing of the past.

And....again....I quit drinking it....

...."cold turkey"!!!  

(can you say....major headache for close to a week?!?!? :'(

Last year was a rough year for Pappy and me....to say the least!!!
I've gained some of my weight back that I lost in 2010.
  So....I decided I had to get it under control before I gained it all back.
I'm cutting out sweets and lots of other carbs. 
And, yes, I'm doing it....

...."cold turkey".  

I find that's the only way I can do things. 

I know we all approach things in our own way....but,  cutting back....slowing down....tapering off....that's just not in my nature....I'm pretty much an "all, or nothing" kind of girl!!!

Already....my thinking is clearer....feeling better....getting stronger!!!  

When decisions like this are made, I like to have scripture to cling to that helps get me thru.

Here's a verse that spoke to my heart several weeks ago.... 

Job 23:12

I have not departed from the commands of HIS lips;

I have treasured the words of HIS mouth more than my daily food!!!

Have I departed from the commands of HIS lips?

Yes....many times!

Have I longed for HIM more than my daily food?

I'm so sorry to have to say...."not always".

But, oh how grateful I am that HIS mercies are new each and every morning!!!

Lamentations 3:23

Great is his faithfulness; 
      his mercies begin afresh each morning.

How 'bout you, Sweet Reader?!?!

Do you just taper off....or, are you a "cold turkey" kinda gal, too?!?!?

In HIS Most Precious Love....and with mine!!!