{ In the kitchen }

Yesterday Pappy and I had a disagreement.

Just being honest with y'all.

Can you say you ALWAYS see eye to eye with your spouse?

Anyway.....

as soon as it happened, I found myself in the kitchen.

Why?

To find comfort and solace in the place I seem to always turn.....

food.

Wouldn't you think that at my age and experience with overeating and being overweight I'd know different by now?

Yeah, me, too!

One day last week, Pappy found a devotional at a thrift store for me for 99 cents.  Not sure if I should have been offended since it was once again about food issues but believe it or not I wasn't (seems getting offended is yet another of my issues....mercy, people, God has a BIG job with this old gal) .  As I started to read through the "opening credits" and then got into the "meat" of each day's reading, it spoke to me deeply once again.  I'm going to share something I read in it this morning, just in case I'm not in this boat alone.....

"Father, thank You for caring more about who I really am than who I pretend to be.  Thank You that my facade never fools You, for You know Your own creation from the inside out - and You love me anyway! Lord, I give You permission to do an interior makeover on my life.  I place myself, my whole personality - motives, emotions, hidden needs, and inner drives - in Your hands.  Do with me as You will, Lord.  I want to be exactly who You designed me to be.

In Jesus' name, Amen."

Faithfully Fit,

Claire Cloninger and Laura Barr

Today, it's my HOPE to spend less time 'in the kitchen' and MORE time depending on Him to fill my needs.  When that urge to head to the pantry or fridge or snack basket hits, that I'll stop and pray and apply my "rule of 3" .....

wait 3 minutes and if it's REAL hunger, I'll eat something.  Otherwise, I'll just gulp down my water and pray, pray, pray!

HOPE everybody has an awesomely blessed day!!!

{ Weight Loss Humor }

Kinda in keeping with yesterday's theme about how to "NOT" have a bad day, let's talk about weight loss.

Are you thinking, yeah right?

  How do the two compare and can I even suggest that dieting or talking about weight issues won't cause us to have a bad day?  

We're going to do it through laughter!

But, be forewarned......

I went a bit "sign" crazy when I looked these up.

They were all so good and I found them funny (especially, with my warped sense of humor) that I finally had to just STOP!!

HOPE y'all enjoy.....

and LAUGH!

(If I can't find something else to laugh about, sometimes I just have to laugh at myself)

😄

Happy, happy Tuesday, Y'all!!

{ 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.

{ 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,

January 24, 2012

I saw this picture on Facebook.

I'm think I'm gonna use it as my "motivation".

My Temple!

image credit

Have you ever thought much about the fact that the very first sin committed in the Bible was by a woman....and it involved food?

Is it any wonder that so many of us girls still....

to this day....have such a love/hate relationship with food....and our bodies?!?!

I've been under conviction lately....'cause since my Mom's heart attack....I've just not been taking care of my "temple" as I know I should be.  I chalk it up to being stressed....which spelled backwards is desserts....and that's what I've been partaking of way too much!!!   I've gained back 10 lbs of the 65 I lost last year and know if I don't get it under control, I'll gain even more.  Mom's heart attack had yet another impact on me....it made me come to the realization that heart disease runs in my family....both maternally and paternally....so I think it's high time I took that into serious consideration and start taking better care of the body God gave me!!

Anybody else having these same thoughts....same feelings of guilt....same convictions?

PLEASE tell me I'm not in this boat alone?!?!

Romans 12:1

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

 

I Corinthians 6:19-20

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,  for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

 

I Corinthians 10:31

So whether you eat or drink, 

or whatever you do, 

do it all for the glory of God. 

 

Psalm 100:3

Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
      He made us, and we are His.
      We are His people, the sheep of His pasture.

 

Philippians 1:20

For I fully expect and HOPE that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.

 

Yes....HE is most definitely speaking to me....about my temple....which HE made....and it belongs to HIM....not me.  So....that means I MUST take care of it!!!

 

What are your thoughts?

Do you have any helpful hints, or suggestions?

 

HOPE you have a healthy Thursday, Sweet Reader!!!

 

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

 

Weight Loss Journey.....Update

I told y'all that I wouldn't be doing a monthly update on weight loss....and I'm keeping that promise.  But....I've had lots of questions about loosing weight ....so I'm gonna try to answer a few of them here.

Before I get to that, though....I want to say....that I'm very ashamed that I allowed myself to get to the weight that I did.   When someone compliments me....I feel like I need to turn around and see who they're talking to, 'cause I'm sure it can't be me!!!   It's going to take a very long time....if ever....for me to get rid of the "fat" mentality that I still carry around with me!!!  I'm not yet ready to share what I weigh now....or what I weighed at my highest....but I was HUGE.  The sad thing about that is....I knew I was overweight....but I kept hearing things like "well you carry your weight well"...."you're not big just in one area, you carry it all over your body"....and the all time phrase that people use to try to help you feel better about being so big...."you have a pretty face"!!!   I even had a doctor tell me that once....that I needed to loose weight because I had such a pretty face.  I remember distinctly having to go to the bathroom after that to give a urine sample (sorry, TMI)....and looking in the mirror....and how bad that statement had made me feel!!!

At the beginning of 2010.....I totally felt something inside of me change.  The change really had nothing to do with weight loss, though.....or did it?  Somewhere deep down inside of me....I heard a little voice say "this is gonna be your year".   I've done about every type of weight loss "cure" that you can think of....but nothing worked.  And, I came to realize that they didn't work....because I kept the focus on me, me, me.  When....even in trying to loose weight....the focus needs to be on HIM, HIM, HIM....and doing everything for HIS GLORY!!!

Okay....to answer a few of your questions.....as  best as I can.

Have you been sick?
This one strikes me as kinda funny.
The answer is "yes" and "no".
"Yes"....I was sick and tired of being miserable....physically, emotionally....and even spiritually!!!
And, 'no'....I didn't loose weight because of any illness!!!

How much weight have you lost?

Around 65 lbs since my highest weight

How did you do it?

I think that because each of us are different....that it takes a different "program" for all of us.  We just have to figure out what works for us.  I have a friend who can loose weight like crazy when she follows a low fat diet....not me!!!
I'm a food-a-holic....especially a sweet-a-holic.  
I LOVE my carbs!!!  
So....with that in mind....I did a moderated low-carb diet.  

So....what do you eat?

Lots of chicken breast....tilapia (I love that stuff)....ground turkey....veggies....and lots of fruit.

What don't you eat?

If I crave something....I go ahead and have a small portion.  I truly don't deprive myself of anything. But....for the most part....I cut out sweets (ice cream, cake, cookies, etc.)....and starches (potatoes, rice, bread). 
Now....this is not to say....that I haven't overindulged a time, or two...or more!!!

Do you exercise?

Well....sometimes!!!  
My favorite thing to do for exercise is walk outside....I love it!!!  But, it's not just the physical benefits that I gain....it's the emotional and even spiritual.  I find myself doing a lot of thinking and praying as I walk.  Since it's winter-time....and I'm somewhat cold natured....I make a feeble attempt to walk on the treadmill.  I'm also fixing to start adding some toning exercises.....because being so big, plus weight loss....equals saggy/baggy/wrinkly!!
Not pretty at all!!!

;)

What do you snack on?
I buy the 100 calorie packages of microwave popcorn....and I LOVE almonds!!!

Do you want to loose any more weight?
Are we ever truly happy with our weight....or with our bodies?!?   But, to answer the question....yes....I would really like to loose around 10-15 more pounds.  My Momma tells me "no"....but when she says that I think she's looking at my saggy neck....which ain't pretty!!!  But....like I told my friend....I had 3 chins and they had to go somewhere!!
;)

Did you gain weight over the holidays?
Would you believe....that last year....was the first time that I can remember in many, many years....that I didn't gain my usual 7-10 lbs from Halloween thru New Year's!!!  I would start pigging out on Halloween candy....and went down hill from there until the end of the year.  But, not in 2010....I was able to maintain my weight within a couple of pounds....
....praise HIS Name!!!


That's about all the questions I can think of right now.  If there's something you want to know, don't hesitate to ask....you can leave me a comment, or e-mail me!!!  
Also....you can click on the "Weight Loss Journey" page for pics and more info!!!


In His Most Precious Name....and with mine!!!

You can't eat a can of cake frosting.....

.....and expect to loose weight!!!

As a lot of you know, I've been in an ongoing battle with my weight....for....oh....ALL OF MY LIFE!!

  I've managed to loose some since I quit work in '06....and I've lost close to 20 lbs since the first of this year....but this past week, I actually gained a pound!!!

So....I thought back on my week and wondered why?!?  
How could I have gained this week?!?!?

Where did I go wrong?!?!?

I've walked every single morning for an hour, or more.....I've ate my usual breakfast of oatmeal and applesauce....light lunch....still cutting back on my breads.

Do you think it could have anything to do with any of the following?!?!

 *****Hubby encouraged me last Saturday (yes, I'm blaming hubby)....to go ahead and have a Java Chiller from Sonic since "you've been doing so good and you haven't had one in a long time"....and then....since the BIGGIE size only cost 40 cents more....well, it was a much better deal!!!
(isn't that how they getcha?!?)

 *****We went out to eat at one of our favorite seafood places......and even though I got my fish broiled and divided up my food and put it in a to-go box to bring home.....I couldn't resist 4, 0r 5....or more....of those delicious little hush puppies that they bring out before the meal!!!

*****Getting stressed out because I was so tired (which is one of my greatest weaknesses...to eat when I'm tired).....that I ate peanut butter directly from the jar 
(in my defense....it was reduced fat!!)

*****The couple of bowls of chocolate almond ice cream that I secretly ate when hubby wasn't looking....or wasn't even home.

*****They served popcorn at VBS last week (that's kinda low to blame VBS on my failure...sorry)....but I could not resist that popcorn after smelling it popping.  

(again...in my defense....I did not have a snow cone, or cotton candy....but, only because I don't like either one of them.... ;)

But....I'm convinced that the real culprit....had to be....that can of cake frosting that I've sneaked and ate over the course of the past week and a half.  
Have any of you ever opened up a can of that stuff and put it in the fridge and let it get cold?  
Can you say....Y-U-M-M-Y?!?
And....of course....it was MILK CHOCOLATE!!!

Yep....I've learned....that you can't eat a can of cake frosting and expect the scales to go down!!!

Hope my new found wisdom will help some of you, too!!!  

(ha! ha!)

James 4:17 (KJV)

 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

 Seems kinda harsh to call overeating a sin....but....I certainly did....do.....know better....:(
 

 Monday Blessings to each of 'ya!!

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

May I have your attention, please?!?!?

Just in case y'all haven't noticed.....I've added a few pages to my blog, after f-i-n-a-l-l-y figuring out how to do it!!!  Look right under my Play List and you'll see "About Me", "Contact Me", etc.

One of the pages is my weekly recap of the scriptures that we cover that week, as we "read the Bible thru in 2010".  I know that a few of you are printing those off to keep (for which I'm very appreciative)....so this way, they'll all be in one convenient place.

I also added one that I called "Weight Loss".  I was hesitant to add that one and actually did it hoping it will help me be more accountable.  As some of us are trying to "get thin together"....and we weigh in each week....I'll be changing the ticker to reflect my loss/gain.  I hope to add some pictures there, also, of how I looked prior to loosing and maybe along the journey to "being thin in twenty-ten"!!!  

Hey...I just made that up!!!

(well....maybe not thin....but at least healthy....or, healthier than now!)

Blessings to you!!!

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

My new.....

....go-to verse!!!!

You know that post I did last week about weight?  Well....a blogging buddy, Ms. Donna of Comin' Home left me a comment on that post (and check out her own post on the same topic)....and then I read in my Bible study one of the very concepts that she was trying to get across to me. 

Here is the statement that was in Me, Myself and Lies, by Jennifer Rothschild:

"Recognize that who you are and what you struggle with are not the same thing.  Just because you have failed at something doesn't mean that you are a failure."  "Keep telling yourself the truth about who you are.  You affirm who you are in God's Word and His Word only."

And....here is part of what Ms. Donna said:

"But we should never feel condemned because we have to struggle with food. Everyone has a struggle with something. It just doesn't 'show' on everyone."

She also said....

"Being overweight is no sin....but not obeying the Lord in everything is."

I know in my heart of hearts....that God is speaking to me about this....thru my Bible study....and thru Ms. Donna!!!   

Here's another comment from the Bible study.....

***What you really love, you focus on. 
What you really exalt, your thoughts always turn to."

 When I read this....I had to go back and re-read it.....then, read it again!!!

Here's what....and why....it spoke to me!!!

I've never had a great lot of self-esteem.....well, not until the past few years.  It  took me quite a while to realize just how much God loves me.

You know the Bible verse John 3:16?
Well, I FINALLY took it personal.....and realized that He was speaking to me.....

"For God so loved Deb that He gave His only begotten Son".

Yep....He did that for EVEN ME!!!

So...back to the statement above.

"What you really love, you focus on"
I must love myself much more than I think, or realize....because I spend an enormous amount of time trying to please myself....thru food!!!
I suddenly realized Sunday afternoon.....how selfish....how self-centered that is!!!

"What you really exalt, your thoughts always turn to."

If my mind is on food so much of the time.....in pleasing myself....then I must be "exalting" me.....because my thoughts turn to food A LOT....and I mean....
A LOT!!!

This was a very humbling realization for me!!!

I never realized just how much of my focus is on myself....and I definitely didn't realize that I was exalting....well, me!!
If this doesn't really make any sense to you....then, let me give you an example.  Sometimes I feel I "deserve" an ice cream.....cake.....candy....cookies.
Now....tell me.....is that not a selfish thought?!?!?
And....have you ever stopped to think how every single occasion that we celebrate....revolves around FOOD?!?! 

Exodus 15:2 (NLT)
The Lord is my strength and my song;
He has given me victory.
This is my God, and I will praise Him—
My Father’s God, and I will exalt Him!


Notice in this verse.....it doesn't say....
"He will give me victory".....
it says....
"He has given me the victory".

In other words.....the victory is already mine!!!
WOW!!!

This is going to be my "go to" verse during this weight loss journey!!! 

Blessings to you!!! 

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