Sunday, August 5, 2012
My chicken sandwich theology
I have been feeling nudges from within to comment on the whole Chik-Fil-A debacle for the past week or so. I was afraid I wouldn’t be eloquent enough, and I have been praying about this a lot. I am truly disturbed by the Chik-Fil-A president’s statement that he is afraid of what God is going to think of our country when it permits same-sex marriages. Well, I am concerned about what God is thinking of people who claim to be Christians behaving in such a hateful and hurtful way. People seem to feel empowered to express their intolerance about the issue of same-sex marriage. It seems to me that in this age of political correctness, people somehow think it’s still OK to belittle and hate gay people.
Our ancestors have disappointed God time and again with racial prejudice, and I believe today we are disappointing God with our bigotry toward our fellow Americans whose sexual orientation is different from the majority.
Do I think that the legalization of same-sex marriages is going to bring down the wrath of God? No, I do not. I think He is far more unhappy about the hate that is being expressed in churches, in conversations, in lines at Chik-Fil-A.
The topic in my Sunday School class today was “What Would Jesus Say to Our Nation Today?” The lesson focused on three points: justice, righteousness (meaning doing the right thing at the right time), and love. That lesson more than anything prompted me to stop thinking about it and to actually write this blog. I want to stand up for people who are under-represented and do the right thing NOW out of love.
I have many gay and lesbian friends, and I believe with all my heart that God created them just the way he wanted them. I do not believe that our sexuality is a choice. We are who we are because God made us as we are. Yes, we can strive to be better people within, but some things are simply part of our DNA.
If you have alienated yourself from gay people, then you are missing out on being with some of the most incredible people on this planet. Being gay is part of who my friends are, but it isn’t their sole identity. I love my gay friends because they are beautiful human beings with loving and giving souls. I wouldn’t change one thing about any of them, just like I don’t want to change my straight friends. God made each of us, and God doesn’t make mistakes.
People like to point to a couple of scriptures and base all their hate and anger on a few words. If you ask me, the overarching message of the Bible is love. We are asked to love one another and to be kind. I look at all the crazy things going on in this world, and I don’t understand how people can point to same-sex marriage and say it is the one thing that is going to lead to the downfall of us as a people.
All gay people want is the same thing the rest of us want: to make a lifetime commitment to the one person they love more than any other and to have all the legal rights and privileges that everyone else enjoys. It’s the antithesis of the “gay lifestyle” stereotype that too many people envision, of people flitting from one person to another with no real feelings. Plenty of straight people live that kind of life and yet there doesn’t seem to be a big uproar about that. Nor is there a big uproar about couples living together outside of wedlock, or people having affairs, or a whole lot of other choices people make. And in those cases, people are making choices; again, being gay is not a choice. I’m not saying we should judge the choices people make in their lives—that’s something between them and God. We all fall short of the perfection we have in Jesus Christ, and we are so blessed that our slate is wiped clean when we accept Jesus as our Savior.
What I’m saying is, why are people focused on this one segment of the population? This isn’t even something they’re trying to force upon churches that do not want to allow gay weddings. No one is saying that has to happen.
That whole argument about the definition of marriage doesn’t hold water, either. Straight people have been defiling what a marriage is supposed to be for decades. Many have gotten married for all the wrong reasons—reasons that have nothing to do with love and lifetime commitments, but here, we have a situation where two people of the same sex want to get married for all the right reasons.
I strongly believe in the founding principle of separation of church and state. We are not supposed to force our religious beliefs on others. Isn’t this what all the clamor is about? People say same-sex marriage goes against their religious beliefs, so it just better not be legal. How ludicrous! We are not forced to attend a particular church, or any church at all, and yet a far-too-large segment of our population thinks that they have some right to force their beliefs on the entire country.
The Bible is all about love: the love God has for us, the love we should have for Him and Jesus, and the love we have for one another. What I’m seeing is a spewing of hate that is reprehensible. It’s that hate that upsets God, I believe. Not only is it the hate itself, but it’s the fact that many gay and lesbian people are led to believe there is not a place for them with God. We as Christians are supposed to be disciples, bringing people to the Lord, but instead, far too many are embracing a message that says homosexuals are not worthy of God.
None of us are worthy. It is only through God’s grace that any of us will find a home in heaven. But I will tell you this, when I am in heaven, I want my very dear gay and lesbian friends there with me. I don’t want them to feel that God has turned His back on them, because He hasn’t. People have turned their backs, or worse, gotten ugly about all of this. I’m here to tell you, though, that not all Christians feel that way. I hope and pray that my brothers and sisters of all sexual orientations can see through all the clamor and refuse to stereotype all Christians as close-minded, hate-mongers who abhor gay people. And don’t give me that “love the man, hate the sin” stuff. There is no way that the actions we have seen over the past couple of weeks is loving in any way. Besides, that saying carries so much judgment. Let’s just leave it at “love the man or woman.”
We need to stand together and embrace one another as people of God. We are all human. We all have struggles, we all need God, we all need each other. My gay friends have been there for me during the lowest points of my life, showing me love and lifting me up as much as my straight friends, and I want them all to know that I am beside them now and always.
My prayer is that we as a nation will begin the healing process and create an environment not of just tolerance or acceptance, but of love and understanding. That healing process begins one person at a time, and I want my gay friends to know that there is a place for you with God. I would be proud to sit with you in church. I want you to feel the unconditional love that God showers on me each and every day. I hope that God’s love shines through me and that you know that I see you as a very important part of the family of God—a wonderful creation of God—and that the world is a better place because you are in it.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
My giant
OK, well , I am away overdue in posting a blog. I have kind of lost my mojo in the last month or two and it is time to get back on track. Today's sermon was just what I needed to hear, and after the service, I sought out the pastor and told him the sermon was so inspiring that I took notes. Today's scripture looked at the story of David and Goliath. Gary, our pastor, said the other soldiers compared themselves to the giant and were unsuccessful, but David compared the power of Goliath to the power of God and was unafraid. Instead of being weighed down with armor, David's only protection was a slingshot, five stones...and God.
Gary went on to say we have giants in our lives. It can be a bad marriage, financial difficulties, a bad job situation. I realized as I sat there that my giant is my weight problem. As much as I want to lose weight, and as successful as I can be, I eventually get discouraged because I have a lot to lose. Today's sermon reminded me that all I have to do is call on God and turn this over to Him. Of course, I need to do the workouts and eating right, but I also need to hand it over to God and trust that He is there for me.
As Gary said, we all have the same resources that David did. We just need to do as he did and first, put our confidence in God. Second, we need to remember the resources we need to succeed are already present in God. Third, go forth with God. David did not have a lucky shot. God guided the stone.
He concluded by saying God is bigger than any giant problem you may face today. For me, it is conquering my weight problem. No matter what your giant is, He is here for you, too.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
A good week
This has been a really good week. I've really stuck with my eating and exercise routine, and I've even started to feel the weight loss in my clothes. I was going to weigh myself every other week because I get discouraged if I haven't lost enough, but this week, I could tell I'd lost. I got on the scales, and yes, I'm down another 2 pounds. That's 10 pounds in the last 3 weeks and 25 pounds lighter than a year ago!
I had a great conversation with a co-worker at work. She had done this health assessment that we do at work if we want to have the discounted rate for the gym on campus. I didn't do it this year, as I'm committed to the early morning workouts at Parkside. My friend is in great shape--she lost a lot of weight a couple of years ago but gained back five pounds in the past year. She told me she couldn't believe how much those five pounds impacted her numbers like cholesterol and such. She told me as further motivation to stay on track, and I really appreciate it.
She also told me about this plan she read about where you make one change each week. As she said, she has this tendency to make all sorts of changes all at once, but by making one change each week, you slowly add good habits. I haven't been drinking enough water, so my change for this week is to drink at least five glasses a week and add to it until eventually, it's eight glasses.
I also wanted to mention a great find. My niece is on a no sugar diet and has talked about Lara bars. When I was at Kroger the other day, they were (and still are) on sale for $1 each. I tried them, and they are amazing. I had one for breakfast on Friday and didn't get hungry all morning. Usually when I have any kind of bar like that for breakfast, I start getting hungry mid-morning, but not with these. And they have amazing flavors. I highly recommend checking them out!
Also, we have euchre tournaments for fundraisers for our Relay for Life team. The team provides a meal, and I decided to make a recipe I found on Pinterest for Apple Pineapple Crisp. It fit my diet, my niece's no-sugar diet, a friend's gluten-free diet, plus anyone with diabetes or on Weight Watchers. My niece included the recipe on her blog with the adaptations I made. So I'll just refer you to her blog:
http://spicingupmylife.blogspot.com/
(I think her recipe for Mexican Stuffed Shells sounds amazing, too!)
Well, here's to another week of healthy eating and exercise!
I had a great conversation with a co-worker at work. She had done this health assessment that we do at work if we want to have the discounted rate for the gym on campus. I didn't do it this year, as I'm committed to the early morning workouts at Parkside. My friend is in great shape--she lost a lot of weight a couple of years ago but gained back five pounds in the past year. She told me she couldn't believe how much those five pounds impacted her numbers like cholesterol and such. She told me as further motivation to stay on track, and I really appreciate it.
She also told me about this plan she read about where you make one change each week. As she said, she has this tendency to make all sorts of changes all at once, but by making one change each week, you slowly add good habits. I haven't been drinking enough water, so my change for this week is to drink at least five glasses a week and add to it until eventually, it's eight glasses.
I also wanted to mention a great find. My niece is on a no sugar diet and has talked about Lara bars. When I was at Kroger the other day, they were (and still are) on sale for $1 each. I tried them, and they are amazing. I had one for breakfast on Friday and didn't get hungry all morning. Usually when I have any kind of bar like that for breakfast, I start getting hungry mid-morning, but not with these. And they have amazing flavors. I highly recommend checking them out!
Also, we have euchre tournaments for fundraisers for our Relay for Life team. The team provides a meal, and I decided to make a recipe I found on Pinterest for Apple Pineapple Crisp. It fit my diet, my niece's no-sugar diet, a friend's gluten-free diet, plus anyone with diabetes or on Weight Watchers. My niece included the recipe on her blog with the adaptations I made. So I'll just refer you to her blog:
http://spicingupmylife.blogspot.com/
(I think her recipe for Mexican Stuffed Shells sounds amazing, too!)
Well, here's to another week of healthy eating and exercise!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Here we go!
Well, my ramped up efforts have paid off. I lost eight pounds in the past two weeks! Other than a 700-calorie splurge involving some buffalo wings,I've really been watching it. (And even then, I stayed under my daily calorie allotment.) With the beautiful weather we've been having, I've spent a little more time walking outside rather than going to the gym, but either way, I'm really trying to move more, too. I hope this soon pays off with lower blood sugar, but I know that's a process and will involve a lot more weight loss and exercise. I'm excited!
It seems like I keep losing and finding these same pounds that I've taken off. I'll be super-happy to lose another five pounds. That will put me under one of those numbers I've set my sights on for quite awhile that I've struggled to slip below. Overall, I can't complain. I'm about 20 pounds lighter than I was a year ago at this time. I'm definitely headed in the right direction, and once I break that number I'm trying to dip below, I'm never going back. It's going to be down, down, down from here on out!
OK, I'll admit it. Yes, the cake looked good this weekend, but really, it wasn't TOO much of a temptation. I didn't eat out much at all this weekend--in fact, come to think of it, I don't think I ate out at all. Every meal was at home or at my sister's, so I'm sure that helps a lot, too. And today, I made some good choices at Qdoba for lunch, so it's all good.
I'm out to win this battle, once and for all!!!
It seems like I keep losing and finding these same pounds that I've taken off. I'll be super-happy to lose another five pounds. That will put me under one of those numbers I've set my sights on for quite awhile that I've struggled to slip below. Overall, I can't complain. I'm about 20 pounds lighter than I was a year ago at this time. I'm definitely headed in the right direction, and once I break that number I'm trying to dip below, I'm never going back. It's going to be down, down, down from here on out!
OK, I'll admit it. Yes, the cake looked good this weekend, but really, it wasn't TOO much of a temptation. I didn't eat out much at all this weekend--in fact, come to think of it, I don't think I ate out at all. Every meal was at home or at my sister's, so I'm sure that helps a lot, too. And today, I made some good choices at Qdoba for lunch, so it's all good.
I'm out to win this battle, once and for all!!!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
A fundraiser, fajitas and a Skinny Piggy
I've had such a good weekend! I'm super-excited because my Relay for Life team held a Pampered Chef fundraiser on Saturday and made $566 for the American Cancer Society. Along with raising money for a great cause (both of my sisters are cancer survivors, so this is a cause near and dear to my heart), but I got to enjoy some time with some many people who also are very near and dear to my heart. A fun way to raise funds!!!
The party even kept me in tune with my diet. The consultant made some awesome fajitas that were made in a baker--all healthy ingredients, nothing fried or sauteed or anything like that. It all went into the microwave and was FABULOUS!!!
I love Mexican food and my family has discovered a restaurant that is inexpensive both financially and in terms of calories. The Villas (for local people, it's right across from Taco Bell) has the most wonderful tacos for just 99 cents each. These are amazing --you can get chicken, pork, or ground beef ones. They come with lettuce, tomato, and onion. There's no cheese, but they are so extraordinarily good that I don't even miss it! Who knew??? Two pork or chicken tacos with no cheese are 340 calories. I've been doing some reading and learned that soft corn tortillas are better for you than the flour ones, and you can choose either one at this place. We went to The Villas for lunch today, and I'm happy to say it was busy. It's the fourth time I've gone there and the first time it's been busy, so I think the word is getting out. They also have wonderful tamales--the kind in the corn husk--that are also 99 cents each and about the same number of calories. So check this place out. Don't worry if you don't see this fabulous deal on the menu...just ask them about it. If you dine in, they bring chips and salsa to the table--chips are 120 calories for 10 chips and the salsa is basically "free" when it comes to calories. I count the chips so I'm sure to not overeat them--if you count them out ahead of time, it's really quite an impressive amount. Enjoy!
This afternoon, I went to the Hallmark store. I had received a coupon for 30 percent off anything in the store so thought I'd take a look around. i am sooo excited with what I found. It's a skinny piggy bank. Yeah, no kidding! The pig is thin instead of rounded and it acutally says Skinny Piggy on the side. I decided what I'm going to do is put in $1 for every pound I lose and add another $1 every time I work out. When I reach my goal, I'll have some made money to put toward a vacation or something special that I want. I am sooo excited about my skinny pig!
This morning, I read my Made to Crave devotion and really appreciated the message. It was about a temptation that the author Lysa TerKeurst had when she was in high school. She wans't a Christian at the time, but she distinctly remembers God speaking to her, telling her she was made for more than this. She compared that to those of us struggling with our weight...and food. We are made for more this! How true! And we weren't made to fail. We were made to succeed with God by our side. We were made not to worry about food or to let food be our temptation. We are made to enjoy food, yes, but in moderation. We are made to be healthy and happy and to fulfill God's plan.
I am so pumped right now! I just finished a completely healthy dinner, I've gone grocery shopping and have a fridge full of healthy foods, and I feel filled with inspiration from my book, motivation from my Skinny Piggy, and an incredible feeling that I am so very loved by God.
It just struck me, the Footsteps story. God may have to carry me from time to time, but at the same time, it's time for me to make sure I get all my steps in! Here's to a new week!
The party even kept me in tune with my diet. The consultant made some awesome fajitas that were made in a baker--all healthy ingredients, nothing fried or sauteed or anything like that. It all went into the microwave and was FABULOUS!!!
I love Mexican food and my family has discovered a restaurant that is inexpensive both financially and in terms of calories. The Villas (for local people, it's right across from Taco Bell) has the most wonderful tacos for just 99 cents each. These are amazing --you can get chicken, pork, or ground beef ones. They come with lettuce, tomato, and onion. There's no cheese, but they are so extraordinarily good that I don't even miss it! Who knew??? Two pork or chicken tacos with no cheese are 340 calories. I've been doing some reading and learned that soft corn tortillas are better for you than the flour ones, and you can choose either one at this place. We went to The Villas for lunch today, and I'm happy to say it was busy. It's the fourth time I've gone there and the first time it's been busy, so I think the word is getting out. They also have wonderful tamales--the kind in the corn husk--that are also 99 cents each and about the same number of calories. So check this place out. Don't worry if you don't see this fabulous deal on the menu...just ask them about it. If you dine in, they bring chips and salsa to the table--chips are 120 calories for 10 chips and the salsa is basically "free" when it comes to calories. I count the chips so I'm sure to not overeat them--if you count them out ahead of time, it's really quite an impressive amount. Enjoy!
This afternoon, I went to the Hallmark store. I had received a coupon for 30 percent off anything in the store so thought I'd take a look around. i am sooo excited with what I found. It's a skinny piggy bank. Yeah, no kidding! The pig is thin instead of rounded and it acutally says Skinny Piggy on the side. I decided what I'm going to do is put in $1 for every pound I lose and add another $1 every time I work out. When I reach my goal, I'll have some made money to put toward a vacation or something special that I want. I am sooo excited about my skinny pig!
This morning, I read my Made to Crave devotion and really appreciated the message. It was about a temptation that the author Lysa TerKeurst had when she was in high school. She wans't a Christian at the time, but she distinctly remembers God speaking to her, telling her she was made for more than this. She compared that to those of us struggling with our weight...and food. We are made for more this! How true! And we weren't made to fail. We were made to succeed with God by our side. We were made not to worry about food or to let food be our temptation. We are made to enjoy food, yes, but in moderation. We are made to be healthy and happy and to fulfill God's plan.
I am so pumped right now! I just finished a completely healthy dinner, I've gone grocery shopping and have a fridge full of healthy foods, and I feel filled with inspiration from my book, motivation from my Skinny Piggy, and an incredible feeling that I am so very loved by God.
It just struck me, the Footsteps story. God may have to carry me from time to time, but at the same time, it's time for me to make sure I get all my steps in! Here's to a new week!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Stepping it up
In case you didn't read last night's blog, I am on the brink of having to start using insulin for diabetes. I learned this at the doctor yesterday. Even though I knew my numbers had been up last time I went there, I was in denial. I had a blood test yesterday, and hopefully the numbers will be better, but whether they are or not, this has been enough of a scare that I am approaching my eating and exercise lifestyle with renewed vigor.
So last night, as I was trying to process all of this, I hunkered down in my house and just became a couch potato. I didn't want to talk to anyone, I didn't want to think about it. I played Facebook games and read the newspaper while watching reruns of Big Bang Theory and later, American Idol. It was great to get my mind off things, but then when I went to bed, it took me awhile to get to sleep because my mind still needed to work out everything. I had a conversation with God, and I know He is there for me as long as I let Him in. I know this can be a turning point for me to a healthier life, but last night, it just felt a little bit like the end of the world as I know it.
So I let myself cry a little and feel sorry for myself for only a little while. Before I went to sleep, I had gone through the full range of emotions that comes from knowing you are at a crossroads where you have to choose whether you are going to help yourself or let yourself continue to go in a downward spiral. There is far too much of life that I want to experience. I am not going to let food and balking at doing less than an hour of exercise prevent me from leading a full life. After a good, strong pep talk, I was able tof all asleep and woke up this morning with a good outlook.
I know that going out to eat frequently has undoubtedly added to my weight issues, but at the same time, it's a very important part of my social life that is important to me. So, I really need to work on finding the right foods when I go out and be even more conscientious about it. I found this website, which lists several chain restaurants in the Peoria area with the nutritional value for the healthier choices. This will be a good start. I think I need to start a folder with menus from these restaurants and others so that when I'm out and about, I can make the right choices.
Here's the website: http://www.healthydiningfinder.com/SearchList.aspx?Code=PEORIA,%20ILLINOIS&&Miles=10
I will say this, I didn't give a second thought to getting up and working out this morning. So often, I think, "ugh!", even though I go ahead and do it. Today, I didn't think about how much I wanted to do it. I just did it.
One of the others working out at the gym finished before me and made the comment as she's leaving, "I'm so glad when that's done." That's exactly how I feel. I don't think I'll ever like working out, but I do like how it impacts my health. And that's what I need to concentrate on. I need to not look at the drudgery of working out. I need to look at the sense of accomplishment once it's done.
And the best bonus is I get to work out with my very dear friend Lynn. She is such a wonderful support and makes getting up in the morning well worth it.
So last night, as I was trying to process all of this, I hunkered down in my house and just became a couch potato. I didn't want to talk to anyone, I didn't want to think about it. I played Facebook games and read the newspaper while watching reruns of Big Bang Theory and later, American Idol. It was great to get my mind off things, but then when I went to bed, it took me awhile to get to sleep because my mind still needed to work out everything. I had a conversation with God, and I know He is there for me as long as I let Him in. I know this can be a turning point for me to a healthier life, but last night, it just felt a little bit like the end of the world as I know it.
So I let myself cry a little and feel sorry for myself for only a little while. Before I went to sleep, I had gone through the full range of emotions that comes from knowing you are at a crossroads where you have to choose whether you are going to help yourself or let yourself continue to go in a downward spiral. There is far too much of life that I want to experience. I am not going to let food and balking at doing less than an hour of exercise prevent me from leading a full life. After a good, strong pep talk, I was able tof all asleep and woke up this morning with a good outlook.
I know that going out to eat frequently has undoubtedly added to my weight issues, but at the same time, it's a very important part of my social life that is important to me. So, I really need to work on finding the right foods when I go out and be even more conscientious about it. I found this website, which lists several chain restaurants in the Peoria area with the nutritional value for the healthier choices. This will be a good start. I think I need to start a folder with menus from these restaurants and others so that when I'm out and about, I can make the right choices.
Here's the website: http://www.healthydiningfinder.com/SearchList.aspx?Code=PEORIA,%20ILLINOIS&&Miles=10
I will say this, I didn't give a second thought to getting up and working out this morning. So often, I think, "ugh!", even though I go ahead and do it. Today, I didn't think about how much I wanted to do it. I just did it.
One of the others working out at the gym finished before me and made the comment as she's leaving, "I'm so glad when that's done." That's exactly how I feel. I don't think I'll ever like working out, but I do like how it impacts my health. And that's what I need to concentrate on. I need to not look at the drudgery of working out. I need to look at the sense of accomplishment once it's done.
And the best bonus is I get to work out with my very dear friend Lynn. She is such a wonderful support and makes getting up in the morning well worth it.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Whoa!
Well, I got a wake-up call today. I went to the doctor and he used the "i" word: insulin. My numbers were up last time I had a blood test, and I had another blood test today. Hopefully those numbers will be better than last time. I have been eating better and exercising more, but I told my doctor that before we go down the "i" route, I want to put more effort into eating right and exercising more.
My Mom takes insulin for her diabetes, and I feel it is a major major step that I don't want to take...at least I want to delay it as long as I can. Good thing I made that resolution about no desserts this year. That should help my blood sugar numbers, I'd think.
I told Andy about it, and he has suggested that I read about using apple cider vinegar to reduce my blood sugar. I went online and read some about it, and it sounds like it's pretty effective. It can't hurt, right? Though Andy and a lot of other people online say it tastes nasty. Still, that's a small price to pay if it keeps me from having to go on insulin. I think I have some in my cupboard...if not, a trip to the grocery store is in order.
Lucky for me, I have a pot of vegetable soup waiting for me at home so I don't need to put a lot of thought into what I can have for dinner tonight. (And yes, I splurged at lunch with a burger and onion rings from the Spotted Cow and a few minutes ago, I broke my resolution and went to Sweet CeCe's with some co-workers for one last splurge of frozen yogurt--non-fat.) Now I need to get super-serious.
I'm sure they'll call me in a day or two with the results of my blood test, but I'm not waiting to hear back. The diet starts with dinner tonight. I'll be reading all I can get my hands on about blood sugar reducing foods...and I already know that exercise is one of the quickest ways to lower blood sugar.
I'm not feeling much "peace" right now...sort of a sickening, churning feeling. So I'm going to need to have some devotion time tonight and get in touch with my spiritual side, too. I'm so glad I don't have plans for tonight. I think it's going to be a good time to get in the right mindset, fight off anything negative I'm feeling right now, and get down to business.
Suddenly, this is more than something I want to do. The abstract "doing it for my health" thing is gone and now it's real. Now it's something I need to do.
My Mom takes insulin for her diabetes, and I feel it is a major major step that I don't want to take...at least I want to delay it as long as I can. Good thing I made that resolution about no desserts this year. That should help my blood sugar numbers, I'd think.
I told Andy about it, and he has suggested that I read about using apple cider vinegar to reduce my blood sugar. I went online and read some about it, and it sounds like it's pretty effective. It can't hurt, right? Though Andy and a lot of other people online say it tastes nasty. Still, that's a small price to pay if it keeps me from having to go on insulin. I think I have some in my cupboard...if not, a trip to the grocery store is in order.
Lucky for me, I have a pot of vegetable soup waiting for me at home so I don't need to put a lot of thought into what I can have for dinner tonight. (And yes, I splurged at lunch with a burger and onion rings from the Spotted Cow and a few minutes ago, I broke my resolution and went to Sweet CeCe's with some co-workers for one last splurge of frozen yogurt--non-fat.) Now I need to get super-serious.
I'm sure they'll call me in a day or two with the results of my blood test, but I'm not waiting to hear back. The diet starts with dinner tonight. I'll be reading all I can get my hands on about blood sugar reducing foods...and I already know that exercise is one of the quickest ways to lower blood sugar.
I'm not feeling much "peace" right now...sort of a sickening, churning feeling. So I'm going to need to have some devotion time tonight and get in touch with my spiritual side, too. I'm so glad I don't have plans for tonight. I think it's going to be a good time to get in the right mindset, fight off anything negative I'm feeling right now, and get down to business.
Suddenly, this is more than something I want to do. The abstract "doing it for my health" thing is gone and now it's real. Now it's something I need to do.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Gaining peace
Sorry I haven't been too good about posting lately. I stayed in over my lunch hour and just finished a nice salad. Between that and a pop-in visit from Jordan, one of my favorite students here at Bradley, I am motivated to check in here in again. Jordan tells me he has lost 30 lbs. since August. How cool is that?
I am so proud of him. He's one of those rare college students who weighs less now than when he came in as a freshman. He still wants to lose a few more pounds, but he looks wonderful. Of course, he always has!
I haven't gotten on the scale lately. It scares me to get on there because if I don't lose as much weight as I think I should, I get discouraged. So I'm better off staying away from the scales. Besides, I wasn't feeling the best for a few days last week and didn't get to work out like I normally do. I was back at it this morning, though. So between working out and staying in and eating a salad, I'm feeling really good about my efforts!
Oh, and yesterday, we were celebrating a birthday in the family and my sister made one of the recipes my niece Laura has tried as part of her anti-inflammatory diet. She is trying this new eating lifestyle in an attempt to beat migraines. You can find her blog at spicingupmylife.blogspot.com. Her blog includes recipes...we had the Southwest Chicken Tostadas, only we had flour tortillas (she had a whole wheat tortilla) and made them into tacos. Delicious, and guilt-free! Look it up and try it. I especially like the lime in the recipe...and my sister added corn to the recipe, too.
With Lent approaching, I am committed to being more faithful in my quest for inspiration by thinking and studying and writing about peace. Yesterday in Sunday School, we began a Lenten study. We watched a 10-minute video, then had a discussion. In the video, Adam Hamilton, the leader, talked about Luke 23:34 where Jesus is on the cross and says, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."
Adam makes the observation that "them" refers not only to the people there that day who wanted him crucified, but he was referring to all of us. He said that God's forgiveness, His love, was there waiting for us before we were even born. He drew an analogy saying it's like Christmas, when you have gifts under the tree. The gifts have been bought and are ready to be opened, but it's not until you open them on Christmas that you use them.
I especially am encouraged at the thought that people I know who do not believe in God also have their unwrapped gifts of love and forgiveness waiting for them. Talk about a giving tree! God keeps giving us more and more gifts every day. I found such peace in all of this. Knowing that God loves me this much, that he has even more unwrapped gifts waiting for me--some of them waiting for me as I follow Him more diligently and lose weight and get to do more of what He has planned for me--gives me such a thrill and a feeling of true peace.
As I've said before, this is the first time I've brought prayer and meditation into my weight loss journey. Wow, what a difference it makes. Today, I think about Jesus on the cross and know that essentially He was saying, "Father, forgive Nancy for she knows not what she is doing." This gives such an overwhelming peace. I mean, I've been foolish to not watch what I ate more closely all of these previous years. Yes, I've gone on diets and I've lost weight, but then, I've gained it all back and more. I didn't know how foolish I was being. I didn't think about consequences...I was thinking in the moment.
One dessert won't hurt me. A second helping won't hurt me. Now here I am, definitely slowed down by my weight and concerned that it could affect my health more than it already has. I was foolish, but I am at peace knowing that God is ready to help me, ready to hand me one more gift and then another if I will only follow Him...and if I do slip, He'll be there with a helping hand to lift me back up.
Now knowing that is true peace of mind!
I am so proud of him. He's one of those rare college students who weighs less now than when he came in as a freshman. He still wants to lose a few more pounds, but he looks wonderful. Of course, he always has!
I haven't gotten on the scale lately. It scares me to get on there because if I don't lose as much weight as I think I should, I get discouraged. So I'm better off staying away from the scales. Besides, I wasn't feeling the best for a few days last week and didn't get to work out like I normally do. I was back at it this morning, though. So between working out and staying in and eating a salad, I'm feeling really good about my efforts!
Oh, and yesterday, we were celebrating a birthday in the family and my sister made one of the recipes my niece Laura has tried as part of her anti-inflammatory diet. She is trying this new eating lifestyle in an attempt to beat migraines. You can find her blog at spicingupmylife.blogspot.com. Her blog includes recipes...we had the Southwest Chicken Tostadas, only we had flour tortillas (she had a whole wheat tortilla) and made them into tacos. Delicious, and guilt-free! Look it up and try it. I especially like the lime in the recipe...and my sister added corn to the recipe, too.
With Lent approaching, I am committed to being more faithful in my quest for inspiration by thinking and studying and writing about peace. Yesterday in Sunday School, we began a Lenten study. We watched a 10-minute video, then had a discussion. In the video, Adam Hamilton, the leader, talked about Luke 23:34 where Jesus is on the cross and says, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."
Adam makes the observation that "them" refers not only to the people there that day who wanted him crucified, but he was referring to all of us. He said that God's forgiveness, His love, was there waiting for us before we were even born. He drew an analogy saying it's like Christmas, when you have gifts under the tree. The gifts have been bought and are ready to be opened, but it's not until you open them on Christmas that you use them.
I especially am encouraged at the thought that people I know who do not believe in God also have their unwrapped gifts of love and forgiveness waiting for them. Talk about a giving tree! God keeps giving us more and more gifts every day. I found such peace in all of this. Knowing that God loves me this much, that he has even more unwrapped gifts waiting for me--some of them waiting for me as I follow Him more diligently and lose weight and get to do more of what He has planned for me--gives me such a thrill and a feeling of true peace.
As I've said before, this is the first time I've brought prayer and meditation into my weight loss journey. Wow, what a difference it makes. Today, I think about Jesus on the cross and know that essentially He was saying, "Father, forgive Nancy for she knows not what she is doing." This gives such an overwhelming peace. I mean, I've been foolish to not watch what I ate more closely all of these previous years. Yes, I've gone on diets and I've lost weight, but then, I've gained it all back and more. I didn't know how foolish I was being. I didn't think about consequences...I was thinking in the moment.
One dessert won't hurt me. A second helping won't hurt me. Now here I am, definitely slowed down by my weight and concerned that it could affect my health more than it already has. I was foolish, but I am at peace knowing that God is ready to help me, ready to hand me one more gift and then another if I will only follow Him...and if I do slip, He'll be there with a helping hand to lift me back up.
Now knowing that is true peace of mind!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Commitment
Source: sparkpeople.com via SparkPeople on Pinterest
I joined Spark People (a very cool website) a couple weeks ago, and while I don't fully utilize it, I really like some of the emails I receive. I follow them on Pinterest, too, and when I saw this motivational quote, I knew I needed to blog about it.
The words are so true about so many things, including dieting/choosing a healthy lifestyle. That "no excuses" kind of commitment can be tough when it comes to dieting--it's easy to just say, "Oh, the cookie's broken...no calories, right?" or "I'm tired (or busy, or don't feel like it, or fill in the blank); I don't think I'll work out today."
Believe me, I know. I've made those excuses, those rationalizations. But you know what? Without that full-on commitment, you also don't have full-on results. Sure, sometimes you can slip by and maybe still lose a little weight one week, but it eventually catches up with you.
Commitment is what led me to change my time for working out. If you had told me a year ago that I'd be getting up at 5:45 to work out, I would have said you were crazy. I HATE exercise and thinking about getting up early to do it was out of the question. I love to sleep.
But the thing is, my desire to lose weight and get healthy is more than a wish. It's a commitment, and I know exercise is an important part of the "healthy" equation. I also know that if I'm really going to commit to exercise on a regular basis, I either need to drop my social life and work out in the evenings or get up early and work out. (An added benefit is that I now work out with my friend, Lynn, so I have the added bonus of some socializing during those early morning workouts.)
It's not unusual for me to have plans two, three, or four weeknights in a week, and I'm a person who MUST have her social life. I'm the extrovert in those Meyers-Briggs tests who is energized from being around people. I think I would shrivel up into a heap of sadness if I gave up my time with friends and family to exercise. So what I've done in the past was exercise when I had no other plans. I was "interested."
Another thing I've noticed is that when I'm committed and working out every day, it just becomes part of my schedule and I don't really think about whether or not I want to exercise. I just do it. It becomes part of my morning schedule, like brushing my teeth or taking a shower. I've also noticed that if for some reason, I don't work out one morning, it's so easy to lose the commitment and not work out the next morning. I can't do that; it's what has led to roller coaster diets in the past.
I'm not falling into that rut this time. I can see how being overweight is affecting me. In the past year, climbing a set of stairs has become more of a challenge, my left knee will start to hurt if I walk too much--things like that, which, even though I've had weight issues my entire life, never bothered me before. I feel like I'm at a crossroads. It's time for me to get serious about this before things get serious in a different way. Right now, I can still commit to being healthy and do everything in my power to eat healthy and work out. If I start having trouble getting around, I know I will find myself at a whole other domino-effect level where I have trouble working out, which leads to gaining weight, which leads to more trouble working out, etc. I don't want to go down that path, and right now, I can still choose the healthy pat. Otherwise, I'm going to be aging before I should, with health problems galore, unable to get out and about like I'm accustomed to doing. I don't want to be that person. I want to be a vital, healthy woman who can go do all the things I want to do without hesitation.
So back to early morning workouts. The way I look at it, I am committed to putting my health first. So if exercise is an important part of that equation, why not make it the first thing I do each day? It's the one way I make it a no excuses commitment, and it has the added benefit of setting the tone for the day. It's so easy for me to slip in my eating habits if my exercise habits are slipping, too. And then, pretty soon, there I am, letting all sensibility about my health get tossed aside and indulging every time the opportunity comes up.
Speaking of indulging, I really believe that by keeping my resolution of no desserts in 2012, I will learn to be sensible about those indulgences. I will reserve those splurges for the really special treats that I truly will enjoy. I can't tell you how much I appreciate something my co-worker, Erin, said the other day. We were having an office celebration and there was this awesome looking chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting and chopped Snickers on top. I told Erin after the party that the cake had been a big temptation for me. She told me it really wasn't as good as it looked, and what a difference that made. The leftovers sitting there right outside my office door lost their appeal. I know what she means. How often have you had some sweet treat that looks oh so good, but in reality, just doesn't taste THAT great. I mean, I would still eat it, and yes, it was fine, but it wasn't awesome. I'm holding out for the awesome stuff from now on, I mean--once 2012 is over, and if it doesn't taste as good as it looks, I'm not going to eat the whole thing.
That's part of my commitment. When I eat something that isn't healthy, I want to stop and assess, not just go ahead and eat it. If it isn't absolutely marvelous and also isn't absolutely healthy, I am going to stop eating it. Thin people do it all the time. It's time for me to do the same thing!
I just read this rambling stream of consciousness. I kind of went all over the place here, but these are the things I'm thinking today and after all, that's what blogging is all about, right? I know fellow dieters will understand, and hopefully, others will find motivation in what I've written.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
A spiritual workout
I did a Bible search online for the word "peace" and randomly chose a passage for inspiration. This comes from Daniel 10:19: "Peace be with you. Take courage and be courageous!"
I had to smile when I realized how much this answers the dilemma I told you about in my last blog entry. In that entry, I revealed how scary it is to think about being thin. There's a certain amount of comfort in being heavier...and I guess, since I've had a weight problem pretty much my entire life, there's comfort in the "known" of being overweight.
I love how God speaks whenever you open a Bible and how, depending on where you are in your life, the same passage can hold so many different meanings. I'm sure many people have seen those words and taken comfort, just as I am know.
"Peace be with you." PEACE--it's such an awesome gift. I feel like God is telling me, "Stop worrying, Nancy. The future is always uncertain. But you need to do what you can to make it the best it can be. You need to do it for your health and for your happiness."
The two go hand in hand, and I know that. If you don't have your health, it impairs every aspect of your life. Up to now, my weight hasn't slowed me down all that much, but even in the last year, I've noticed a big difference. I know I need to do this, and I need to do it now before my body really starts to fall apart.
"Take courage and be courageous." I feel like God is acknowledging these fears I have, but He also knows I can do it. I just have to shed those fears along with the pounds and be all that I can be. Being courageous is so very attainable through God.
I need to deeply breathe in the love of the Lord and allow Him to fill me with courage. I know that with God, I am all-powerful in overcoming any temptations, any moments of lazinsss when I don't want to work out...all of that. With peace comes courage and vice versa, with courage comes peace.
I know with every ounce of my being that with God as my coach, I can overcome this overweight state and look and feel the way God intends for me. I also know that God will be my protector when I'm thinner, just as much as He is now. I just need to "work out" in the form of devotions and prayer along with my physical workouts. Peace and courage are there for us.
We just need to step...or jog, or swim, or run...in faith.
Praise God. And peace be with you.
I had to smile when I realized how much this answers the dilemma I told you about in my last blog entry. In that entry, I revealed how scary it is to think about being thin. There's a certain amount of comfort in being heavier...and I guess, since I've had a weight problem pretty much my entire life, there's comfort in the "known" of being overweight.
I love how God speaks whenever you open a Bible and how, depending on where you are in your life, the same passage can hold so many different meanings. I'm sure many people have seen those words and taken comfort, just as I am know.
"Peace be with you." PEACE--it's such an awesome gift. I feel like God is telling me, "Stop worrying, Nancy. The future is always uncertain. But you need to do what you can to make it the best it can be. You need to do it for your health and for your happiness."
The two go hand in hand, and I know that. If you don't have your health, it impairs every aspect of your life. Up to now, my weight hasn't slowed me down all that much, but even in the last year, I've noticed a big difference. I know I need to do this, and I need to do it now before my body really starts to fall apart.
"Take courage and be courageous." I feel like God is acknowledging these fears I have, but He also knows I can do it. I just have to shed those fears along with the pounds and be all that I can be. Being courageous is so very attainable through God.
I need to deeply breathe in the love of the Lord and allow Him to fill me with courage. I know that with God, I am all-powerful in overcoming any temptations, any moments of lazinsss when I don't want to work out...all of that. With peace comes courage and vice versa, with courage comes peace.
I know with every ounce of my being that with God as my coach, I can overcome this overweight state and look and feel the way God intends for me. I also know that God will be my protector when I'm thinner, just as much as He is now. I just need to "work out" in the form of devotions and prayer along with my physical workouts. Peace and courage are there for us.
We just need to step...or jog, or swim, or run...in faith.
Praise God. And peace be with you.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Keeping fear at bay
So, I have gotten on Pinterest. Dangerous thing...this could be quite addictive. I ran across an inspirational quote on there that really applies to my weight loss.
It goes something like, "Don't let your fear be bigger than your faith."
I confided in a very good friend of mine that losing weight to a normal size is a bit scary. I have been overweight my entire life, and the thing about that is I have a cocoon around me, and it really is scary shedding that cocoon.
Will people treat me differently? More specifically, will men treat me differently? I haven't been looking to meet someone, figuring if it is meant to be, it will be. And if not, that's OK, too. But if I an thinner, will more guys find me attractive? Will I be able to tell if it's the inner me they like?
I wouldn't be honest with myself if I didn't admit I am feeling some fear.
So this saying really hit home. I need to trust God that Iwill be able to handle whatever comes my way. I need to realize that dealing with that kind of stuff will be far less frightening than dealing with potential health problems.
This is an area where I need to be seeking peace. I need to buff up my faith I this area and not be afraid to reinvent my appearance for the sake of my health and for the sake of whatever God has in store for me.
It goes something like, "Don't let your fear be bigger than your faith."
I confided in a very good friend of mine that losing weight to a normal size is a bit scary. I have been overweight my entire life, and the thing about that is I have a cocoon around me, and it really is scary shedding that cocoon.
Will people treat me differently? More specifically, will men treat me differently? I haven't been looking to meet someone, figuring if it is meant to be, it will be. And if not, that's OK, too. But if I an thinner, will more guys find me attractive? Will I be able to tell if it's the inner me they like?
I wouldn't be honest with myself if I didn't admit I am feeling some fear.
So this saying really hit home. I need to trust God that Iwill be able to handle whatever comes my way. I need to realize that dealing with that kind of stuff will be far less frightening than dealing with potential health problems.
This is an area where I need to be seeking peace. I need to buff up my faith I this area and not be afraid to reinvent my appearance for the sake of my health and for the sake of whatever God has in store for me.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Impossible?
I have been overweight since I was six years old. For those of you who have not had a lifelong weight problem, it may seem odd to have this thought, but I really can't imagine what it would be like to be a "normal" weight. I lost a good amount of weight in high school and probably appeared "normal" to everyone else, but even then, I didn't feel that way inside. As an adult, I've started diet after diet, but it's never been that I have 5 or 10 pounds to lose. As a young adult, I probably needed to lose 20 or 30...a baby, and I probably needed to lose 50...a divorce, and you can push that number to 100.
So, I've needed to lose massive amounts of weight for a very long time. I start diets with all the best intentions, and who knows how many pounds I've lost (and found) over the years. Then I get to a point where I start believing that I'm supposed to be fat. It's my destiny. It's all I've ever known. It's impossible to be thin/"normal".
But now, here I am, praying about this thing that I never thought was important enough to pray about. Praying for myself? To lose weight? Shouldn't I reserve my prayers for others, for more important issues like illnesses and difficult situations and things like that?
I've gotten past that. This IS important; this IS my health; this IS me putting God first in my life. And with God, all things are possible. I know that, I know that with all my heart.
But, have you ever had something so massive that you just get overwhelmed? I'm doing well so far with my new diet, but part of me fears that this ugly "you're meant to be fat" mantra will reappear.
Yesterday, I was reading Lysa TerKeurst's blog and again was inspired. She wrote that in every impossibility, there is a weakness. What a great attitude. I know what the impossibility is in my weight loss. Actually, I can think of several. It's the amount of weight, it's getting discouraged, it's being tempted, it's skipping exercise.
This time, though, I've found the weakness, or rather the strength. This time, every time I am tempted to eat something I shouldn't or when I want to stay in bed instead of getting up and working out, I am turning to God.
"Help me out, God," and you know what, He always does. I can't say it happens instantly. I know that He is making me rally my strength from within. He is making me ask over and over for His help. He is making me realize that the only way I can do this is with Him as my coach.
Writing this just made me picture God in a gray sweatshirt and black sweatpants with a ball cap on, a whistle in his mouth, and a smile on his face.
He is my weakness? Only in the impossibility. He is my strength, and losing the weight I need to shed is possible.
This impossible mountain ahead of me isn't impossible because I've found its weakness...AND IT'S GOING DOWN!!!
So, I've needed to lose massive amounts of weight for a very long time. I start diets with all the best intentions, and who knows how many pounds I've lost (and found) over the years. Then I get to a point where I start believing that I'm supposed to be fat. It's my destiny. It's all I've ever known. It's impossible to be thin/"normal".
But now, here I am, praying about this thing that I never thought was important enough to pray about. Praying for myself? To lose weight? Shouldn't I reserve my prayers for others, for more important issues like illnesses and difficult situations and things like that?
I've gotten past that. This IS important; this IS my health; this IS me putting God first in my life. And with God, all things are possible. I know that, I know that with all my heart.
But, have you ever had something so massive that you just get overwhelmed? I'm doing well so far with my new diet, but part of me fears that this ugly "you're meant to be fat" mantra will reappear.
Yesterday, I was reading Lysa TerKeurst's blog and again was inspired. She wrote that in every impossibility, there is a weakness. What a great attitude. I know what the impossibility is in my weight loss. Actually, I can think of several. It's the amount of weight, it's getting discouraged, it's being tempted, it's skipping exercise.
This time, though, I've found the weakness, or rather the strength. This time, every time I am tempted to eat something I shouldn't or when I want to stay in bed instead of getting up and working out, I am turning to God.
"Help me out, God," and you know what, He always does. I can't say it happens instantly. I know that He is making me rally my strength from within. He is making me ask over and over for His help. He is making me realize that the only way I can do this is with Him as my coach.
Writing this just made me picture God in a gray sweatshirt and black sweatpants with a ball cap on, a whistle in his mouth, and a smile on his face.
He is my weakness? Only in the impossibility. He is my strength, and losing the weight I need to shed is possible.
This impossible mountain ahead of me isn't impossible because I've found its weakness...AND IT'S GOING DOWN!!!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Thick and thin
I was inwardly chuckling during the church service this morning. Each week between praise songs, one of the members of the band offers a brief message--tells a small story or quotes Scripture, etc. Today, the band member was talking about being asked to reflect upon her life and as she did, she made the comment, "God is with you through thick and thin." Now, I know what she meant, but I had to laugh.
I had been having a little "discussion" with God. I got on the scales yesterday...something I don't do too often because if I haven't lost enough weight, I get discouraged. And I was discouraged. It had been two weeks since I got on the scales and I had only lost one pound. Never mind that I lost nine pounds the first week. Of course, that was a lot of weight--probably mostly water--and there had to be a "correction." But that wasn't mattering to me. I was discouraged, and as I was sitting there at church, there was a part of me that was wanting to eat something extravagant and totally not on my diet to assuage my disappointment.
Then, here came that little message, "God is with you, through thick and thin." I'm sure everyone else was thinking about how God is with them through good times and bad. But that wasn't the message God had for me this morning. This was His way of telling me that He's still here with me. Yes, I'm still "thick," but I could feel Him laughing with me as I "got" the special message He had for me. Yes, I am going to be "thin" one day because God is going to be with me every step of the way. He's here with me now when I'm thick, and He'll be here with me when I'm thin.
What joy and peace that brings, to know that God is beside me, encouraging me by using my corny sense of humor to make the point. As I found myself smiling at the joke, I felt reminded that if I had known on January 1 that three weeks later, I would be 10 pounds lighter, I would have been elated. Instead, I was feeling sorry for myself because I had only lost a pound since I had last gotten on the scale. The "thick and thin" line put things back in focus.
I have lost 10 pounds! It doesn't matter how much came off at a time, what matters is that I am losing weight and I am enjoying the overwhelming peace that comes from constantly praying for His presence and strength.
What more can I want?
I had been having a little "discussion" with God. I got on the scales yesterday...something I don't do too often because if I haven't lost enough weight, I get discouraged. And I was discouraged. It had been two weeks since I got on the scales and I had only lost one pound. Never mind that I lost nine pounds the first week. Of course, that was a lot of weight--probably mostly water--and there had to be a "correction." But that wasn't mattering to me. I was discouraged, and as I was sitting there at church, there was a part of me that was wanting to eat something extravagant and totally not on my diet to assuage my disappointment.
Then, here came that little message, "God is with you, through thick and thin." I'm sure everyone else was thinking about how God is with them through good times and bad. But that wasn't the message God had for me this morning. This was His way of telling me that He's still here with me. Yes, I'm still "thick," but I could feel Him laughing with me as I "got" the special message He had for me. Yes, I am going to be "thin" one day because God is going to be with me every step of the way. He's here with me now when I'm thick, and He'll be here with me when I'm thin.
What joy and peace that brings, to know that God is beside me, encouraging me by using my corny sense of humor to make the point. As I found myself smiling at the joke, I felt reminded that if I had known on January 1 that three weeks later, I would be 10 pounds lighter, I would have been elated. Instead, I was feeling sorry for myself because I had only lost a pound since I had last gotten on the scale. The "thick and thin" line put things back in focus.
I have lost 10 pounds! It doesn't matter how much came off at a time, what matters is that I am losing weight and I am enjoying the overwhelming peace that comes from constantly praying for His presence and strength.
What more can I want?
Friday, January 20, 2012
Still going strong
I'm still very motivated about my weight loss. A friend and I are reading "Made to Crave" and meeting weekly to talk about our progress and our thoughts about the book. I haven't weighed myself lately, as I get discouraged if I haven't lost as much as I think I should. However, I have been doing well with eating choices. I worked out a few times this week, but would like to increase the number of times I go work out. I've also made it a point to climb stairs more.
All in all, I'm happy with my progress. Oh, and my no dessert resolution is still going strong. I really feel like disciplining myself like this and not allowing myself to eat desserts will help me in the future to control how much I eat.
I'll write more later this weekend!
All in all, I'm happy with my progress. Oh, and my no dessert resolution is still going strong. I really feel like disciplining myself like this and not allowing myself to eat desserts will help me in the future to control how much I eat.
I'll write more later this weekend!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
David-sized faith
This morning's sermon really struck a chord with me. The pastor talked about taking down Goliath-sized problems with David-sized faith. Maybe me losing weight isn't the same level of "problem" as what others are facing, but still, I realized that I need to have David-sized faith to be successful in my weight loss journey. This is not just a 10- or 20-pound weight lost journey; I have a large amount of weight to lose, my Goliath, and the only way I am going to succeed at this is if, like David, I know that no monster is too big with God by my side.
My family went out to lunch to a steak house, and as I looked at the menu, I saw many tempting choices. But then, there was this "Health Nut" section. I'd look at the other choices, but my eyes kept going back to the "Health Nut" section. Would that have happened if I hadn't been praying for God to be at my side this time? I don't think so. I felt empowered; an empowerment I know comes from God.
Don't you have to just sit and smile when you feel God's presence like that? He is there, around us, in us, in each other, every second of every day. However, at times, His presence, His strength, His guidance seems even more apparent. I know other believers know exactly what I mean.
It's funny how my thoughts on peace intertwine so much with this weight loss journey. I'm sure it's because prayer is so much a part of it this time. I just haven't prayed much about my weight loss in the past because I didn't think it was significant enough to pray about. Now I realize it's significant because I am significant to God. He has a plan for me, and if I am to accomplish that plan, I need to be healthier, more up for the challenge. I am no longer going to allow food to be my comfort, my go-to thing when I'm bored, my big temptation. I am focusing my cravings away from food and toward God. It's a hard habit to break; yes, sometimes I want to grab a snack even when I'm not hungry. But instead, I am training myself to pray or to read a devotion...to focus on God instead.
Tonight, I think about the peace in knowing my David-sized faith is enough to overcome the biggest challenges, the biggest problems, the biggest hurts. David was far from perfect, but yet his faith was strong. God looked past David's faults and saw the pure love and faith he had for God. Doesn't that assurance put your soul at peace?
My family went out to lunch to a steak house, and as I looked at the menu, I saw many tempting choices. But then, there was this "Health Nut" section. I'd look at the other choices, but my eyes kept going back to the "Health Nut" section. Would that have happened if I hadn't been praying for God to be at my side this time? I don't think so. I felt empowered; an empowerment I know comes from God.
Don't you have to just sit and smile when you feel God's presence like that? He is there, around us, in us, in each other, every second of every day. However, at times, His presence, His strength, His guidance seems even more apparent. I know other believers know exactly what I mean.
It's funny how my thoughts on peace intertwine so much with this weight loss journey. I'm sure it's because prayer is so much a part of it this time. I just haven't prayed much about my weight loss in the past because I didn't think it was significant enough to pray about. Now I realize it's significant because I am significant to God. He has a plan for me, and if I am to accomplish that plan, I need to be healthier, more up for the challenge. I am no longer going to allow food to be my comfort, my go-to thing when I'm bored, my big temptation. I am focusing my cravings away from food and toward God. It's a hard habit to break; yes, sometimes I want to grab a snack even when I'm not hungry. But instead, I am training myself to pray or to read a devotion...to focus on God instead.
Tonight, I think about the peace in knowing my David-sized faith is enough to overcome the biggest challenges, the biggest problems, the biggest hurts. David was far from perfect, but yet his faith was strong. God looked past David's faults and saw the pure love and faith he had for God. Doesn't that assurance put your soul at peace?
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
I'll take a peace
Lysa TerKeurst posted this today:
As I start to reflect on peace, that's the message that keeps coming through to me. It doesn't matter what's happening in our lives, how hectic our schedule is, what difficulties we've had to overcome. As long as we have Jesus in our hearts, then we are at peace.
Satan wants to cause conflict and chaos in the hope that we'll get so wrapped up in the hurt, conflict, anger, whatever that we concentrate on that instead of the peace of Jesus Christ. We all have to resolve, or sometimes remove ourselves, from ugly situations that break our focus on God in whatever way works best for us. The biggest thing is that we must focus our hearts on God and Jesus, for as Lysa says, He is peace and He is with you.
Regarding my diet, I forced myself to get up early to workout yesterday. I had plans to go with friends to a Chinese buffet, different from the one I had gone to with my sisters the other day. I really watched what I was eating all day. I knew they had coconut thrimp at this buffet, one of my very favorites, and told myself I could have a little of it. The only bad thing is I went back up and had a little more. So I'm disappointed that I didn't stick with the one small serving, but other than that, I think I did well and I'm not going to kick myself over a few coconut shrimp.That's in the past, and besides, this is a lifestyle change. I have to find a way to allow myself to have treats here and there and remember moderation is the key.
I'm still going strong on the no desserts resolution. There are only two pieces left in that box of candy outside my office so surely that will be gone soon. I know they would have been gone long ago before I made this resolution. I really believe this year of no desserts is going to train me to exercise moderation, and I am very excited. I think it will make me stop and think about whether I like something enough to choose it as a rare sweet indulgence.
And you know, that gives me peace, too. It's knowing that with God, I can resist temptations here and there and focus on what He has in store for me next.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Celery or fries?
So, today my friend Abby and I went to lunch at Wing Stop. I had a buy one, get one free coupon for their combos there. While I enjoyed some boneless wings there, which aren't exactly diet food, I passed up on their AMAZING fries and opted for a side of carrot and celery sticks. So I count that as a victory. Plus, I wasn't even all that tempted by the box of candy sitting just outside my office today. I think that after resisting that incredible tray of goodies on Friday and then getting on the scales the next day to discover a 9-pound loss, I'm motivated.
Gotta say, though, that when Abby and I passed Culver's today and I saw toffee pecan was the frozen custard flavor of the day, I said, "See? Now I can't have that." But my sadness was short-lived and in reality, I wouldn't have stopped there, anyway. It just sounded good.
So, I'm thinking if I can imagine the flavor and be satisfied with that, I can do this.
Regarding my focus on peace, my friend Theresa sent me a wonderful quote the other day:
Peace is not something you wish for.
It's something you make,
Something you do,
Something you are,
And something you give away.
I really like that. I do believe that peace is something you choose. I believe that in the midst of chaos, you can have peace as long as you focus on God and His love and strength. It does become part of who you are. There are certain people in our lives who just exude peace. I'm thinking of one friend in particular. Even when she has a hectic schedule, I see peace in her. I know without a doubt, that it's the peace of God. I bet she doesn't even realize what I see in her. I think I shall tell her next time I see her! She does give peace away.
I hope I do, or will, too!
Gotta say, though, that when Abby and I passed Culver's today and I saw toffee pecan was the frozen custard flavor of the day, I said, "See? Now I can't have that." But my sadness was short-lived and in reality, I wouldn't have stopped there, anyway. It just sounded good.
So, I'm thinking if I can imagine the flavor and be satisfied with that, I can do this.
Regarding my focus on peace, my friend Theresa sent me a wonderful quote the other day:
Peace is not something you wish for.
It's something you make,
Something you do,
Something you are,
And something you give away.
I really like that. I do believe that peace is something you choose. I believe that in the midst of chaos, you can have peace as long as you focus on God and His love and strength. It does become part of who you are. There are certain people in our lives who just exude peace. I'm thinking of one friend in particular. Even when she has a hectic schedule, I see peace in her. I know without a doubt, that it's the peace of God. I bet she doesn't even realize what I see in her. I think I shall tell her next time I see her! She does give peace away.
I hope I do, or will, too!
Saturday, January 7, 2012
I couldn't believe my eyes!
I thought I was smiling yesterday. You should see the elation today!!!
I got on the scales today and couldn't believe my eyes. I have lost 9 pounds since Monday!!!! I actually weighed myself, got all excited and told the cat (because there was no one else here to tell), and got back on the scale to make sure I had it right.
Weight seems to pile on quickly for me. I had lost some weight before a trip to Rome a couple of months ago, but then for various reasons, I didn't workout much and ate holiday goodies, and I had gained much of it back in those two months.
But, getting weight off of me is like pulling fresh gum off a boot with all those ridges on the soles. It holds on for dear life and it seems like you can never get rid of all of it.
I have been very true to my New Year's resolutions: two flights of stairs a day and no desserts. Certainly, I am watching what I eat besides that. However, I have not been completely depriving myself. For instance, last night, a friend and I went to Pizza Hut where her daughter works, and I had a personal pan pizza and salad bar. I love Mexican food and went to Qdoba, but instead of ordering the naked queso burrito with my Craft 2 order, I went with the naked fajita burrito. Also, I went to their website and learned that pork is the leanest meat they serve, so I had it in the burrito and in the soft tacos I ordered for my second choice with this meal. I must say, the pork makes the tacos messier, but it's very good! And, like I said in yesterday's blog, I went with a muffin-like bread for the birthday treat and avoided the cookies and candy that was sitting there. Let me tell you, that was a true test of my willpower there!!!
But you know, today, looking at the scales and weighing 9 pounds lighter, those buckeyes that looked so good yesterday aren't nearly as tempting today. I think the more I resist things like that, the easier it will become. Plus, I will allow myself to have an occasional snack: some popcorn, etc., and I'm trying to stock up on snacky-type fruits and vegetables like cherry tomatoes and bananas and I'll be going to Kroger this weekend to pick up some packages of $1 blackberries, too!
Anyway, I had to share my news. Oh, and of course, I am thanking God. He is my strength, and I need Him--clearly, I haven't been able to do it on my own.
I got on the scales today and couldn't believe my eyes. I have lost 9 pounds since Monday!!!! I actually weighed myself, got all excited and told the cat (because there was no one else here to tell), and got back on the scale to make sure I had it right.
Weight seems to pile on quickly for me. I had lost some weight before a trip to Rome a couple of months ago, but then for various reasons, I didn't workout much and ate holiday goodies, and I had gained much of it back in those two months.
But, getting weight off of me is like pulling fresh gum off a boot with all those ridges on the soles. It holds on for dear life and it seems like you can never get rid of all of it.
I have been very true to my New Year's resolutions: two flights of stairs a day and no desserts. Certainly, I am watching what I eat besides that. However, I have not been completely depriving myself. For instance, last night, a friend and I went to Pizza Hut where her daughter works, and I had a personal pan pizza and salad bar. I love Mexican food and went to Qdoba, but instead of ordering the naked queso burrito with my Craft 2 order, I went with the naked fajita burrito. Also, I went to their website and learned that pork is the leanest meat they serve, so I had it in the burrito and in the soft tacos I ordered for my second choice with this meal. I must say, the pork makes the tacos messier, but it's very good! And, like I said in yesterday's blog, I went with a muffin-like bread for the birthday treat and avoided the cookies and candy that was sitting there. Let me tell you, that was a true test of my willpower there!!!
But you know, today, looking at the scales and weighing 9 pounds lighter, those buckeyes that looked so good yesterday aren't nearly as tempting today. I think the more I resist things like that, the easier it will become. Plus, I will allow myself to have an occasional snack: some popcorn, etc., and I'm trying to stock up on snacky-type fruits and vegetables like cherry tomatoes and bananas and I'll be going to Kroger this weekend to pick up some packages of $1 blackberries, too!
Anyway, I had to share my news. Oh, and of course, I am thanking God. He is my strength, and I need Him--clearly, I haven't been able to do it on my own.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Smiling
So, right outside my office, there is a huge tray of cookies, oreo balls, buckeyes (peanut butter and chocolate are my personal favorite), and all sorts of other goodies. I have resolved to have no desserts in 2012, and wow, is this a test of my willpower! The cookies are there as birthday treats for a co-worker, and I brought in some apple bread that maybe is a fringe dessert, but I'm focusing on the bread part and had a piece. I've decided that when I get a craving for chocolate, I can have a granola bar that has chocolate in it. I just am not going to go with the decadent, super-sugary desserts. The apple bread is about the same as a muffin, right? And a muffin is a breakfast food, not dessert, right?
Right?
I know the key is moderation, and I figure if I can resist desserts for a year, then I will approach them with more moderation in the future. I'll realize I can do without them just fine, and I certainly won't eat them spur-of-the-moment. It's only January 6, and I'm already oogling those buckeyes, but you know what, this doesn't mean I'll never have food like this. And, if I can get my body to a healthier weight, I'll be around a lot longer to enjoy little nibbles here and there.
But for now, I have indulged too much in the past, and it's time to do something about it!
So I'm sitting here over my lunch hour, writing this blog and eating a Lean Cuisine and being good...and I've gotten in my two flights of stairs that is my second New Year's resolution, too.
And now, for my reflections on peace. Today, I found a quotation from Mother Teresa:
Peace begins with a smile.
What a wonderful quote to remember. I've always been a "look on the bright side," "glass is half-full, not half-empty" kind of girl. Smiling comes very naturally and easy for me, and I've noticed what a difference it can make to smile at a stranger--the waitress at a restaurant, the cashier at the store, the person walking in the opposite direction on the street. And I just naturally smile when I'm around family, friends, co-workers, etc. I do believe in approaching problems with kindness rather than blaming people or situations, to just in general give people the benefit of the doubt. Those really are ways to smile, to keep a situation peaceful rather than to escalate a situation into something ugly.
So this made me think about how I can smile at God. I think the best way to do that is to always remember to praise Him. It's easy to remember to do that when He has answered our prayers--our friend is released from the hospital, a healthy baby is born, etc. But what about when we're going through difficult times? Or what about remembering to praise God for the everyday things--a warm home, the sunshine, a sleeping baby in a stroller at the mall.
It's when we smile at all of God's blessings that we find peace. When we focus on His goodness, His generosity, His incredible love, we can't help but feel peace in our souls. And when we find God's peace, suddenly those buckeyes outside my office aren't nearly as tempting. I'm doing what God wants me to do.
And I'd like to think He's smiling right now.
Right?
I know the key is moderation, and I figure if I can resist desserts for a year, then I will approach them with more moderation in the future. I'll realize I can do without them just fine, and I certainly won't eat them spur-of-the-moment. It's only January 6, and I'm already oogling those buckeyes, but you know what, this doesn't mean I'll never have food like this. And, if I can get my body to a healthier weight, I'll be around a lot longer to enjoy little nibbles here and there.
But for now, I have indulged too much in the past, and it's time to do something about it!
So I'm sitting here over my lunch hour, writing this blog and eating a Lean Cuisine and being good...and I've gotten in my two flights of stairs that is my second New Year's resolution, too.
And now, for my reflections on peace. Today, I found a quotation from Mother Teresa:
Peace begins with a smile.
What a wonderful quote to remember. I've always been a "look on the bright side," "glass is half-full, not half-empty" kind of girl. Smiling comes very naturally and easy for me, and I've noticed what a difference it can make to smile at a stranger--the waitress at a restaurant, the cashier at the store, the person walking in the opposite direction on the street. And I just naturally smile when I'm around family, friends, co-workers, etc. I do believe in approaching problems with kindness rather than blaming people or situations, to just in general give people the benefit of the doubt. Those really are ways to smile, to keep a situation peaceful rather than to escalate a situation into something ugly.
So this made me think about how I can smile at God. I think the best way to do that is to always remember to praise Him. It's easy to remember to do that when He has answered our prayers--our friend is released from the hospital, a healthy baby is born, etc. But what about when we're going through difficult times? Or what about remembering to praise God for the everyday things--a warm home, the sunshine, a sleeping baby in a stroller at the mall.
It's when we smile at all of God's blessings that we find peace. When we focus on His goodness, His generosity, His incredible love, we can't help but feel peace in our souls. And when we find God's peace, suddenly those buckeyes outside my office aren't nearly as tempting. I'm doing what God wants me to do.
And I'd like to think He's smiling right now.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Listening for the whispers
I saw something about "peace" today that I really liked: "Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of these things and still feel calm in your heart."
I think this is true in so many aspects of life. It's certainly true in our spiritual journeys. I guess that's the one thing about this past year. I really felt that God was pushing me in a direction I never thought I'd be taking, but through it all, His voice came through loud and clear. When I started doing what He wanted me to do, the sleepless nights stopped, and I had so many whispers from Him that I was doing what He wanted me to do. Yes, there was noise, but there also was this incredible sense of calm.
Now, applying this to my weight loss: OK, so I just got back on to this on Monday, but let me say, I do find that when I'm tempted to absentmindedly reach for something to nibble on, I stop and think, "Now, am I really hungry? Is this what God wants me to do?" And all of a sudden, when I ask for God to step in, He does and somehow I have the strength to resist whatever I was tempted to eat. He helps me realize it's only an hour or so until lunchtime or that my reason for reaching for something to eat has nothing to do with real hunger. I only need to listen for His whispers, His encouragement.
It's only been a few days, but in the past, I have tended not to ask for God's help. I think this isn't a big enough issue for God, that He has better things to tackle than me and my weight problem. But then, I think about being a child of God and that He can count each and every hair on my head. I realize God has a plan for me that I'm not going to be physically able to carry out if I don't let Him help me. This is a partnership, and God's in here, tackling all the big issues and problems of the world, and also having time to help me.
He's that big!
I already knew this and believed it, but I hadn't let myself really fully comprehend it. I have always felt God's presence and love but I have had a hard time allowing myself to pray for myself like this.
Wow, what calm this brings to my heart!
I think this is true in so many aspects of life. It's certainly true in our spiritual journeys. I guess that's the one thing about this past year. I really felt that God was pushing me in a direction I never thought I'd be taking, but through it all, His voice came through loud and clear. When I started doing what He wanted me to do, the sleepless nights stopped, and I had so many whispers from Him that I was doing what He wanted me to do. Yes, there was noise, but there also was this incredible sense of calm.
Now, applying this to my weight loss: OK, so I just got back on to this on Monday, but let me say, I do find that when I'm tempted to absentmindedly reach for something to nibble on, I stop and think, "Now, am I really hungry? Is this what God wants me to do?" And all of a sudden, when I ask for God to step in, He does and somehow I have the strength to resist whatever I was tempted to eat. He helps me realize it's only an hour or so until lunchtime or that my reason for reaching for something to eat has nothing to do with real hunger. I only need to listen for His whispers, His encouragement.
It's only been a few days, but in the past, I have tended not to ask for God's help. I think this isn't a big enough issue for God, that He has better things to tackle than me and my weight problem. But then, I think about being a child of God and that He can count each and every hair on my head. I realize God has a plan for me that I'm not going to be physically able to carry out if I don't let Him help me. This is a partnership, and God's in here, tackling all the big issues and problems of the world, and also having time to help me.
He's that big!
I already knew this and believed it, but I hadn't let myself really fully comprehend it. I have always felt God's presence and love but I have had a hard time allowing myself to pray for myself like this.
Wow, what calm this brings to my heart!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
What do you think of my shiny armor?
So, as I said in my last blog, one of the words I'm focusing on in 2012 is "peace." I'm going to read about it, write about it, and work at regaining peace in my life. Last year, I found myself at a crossroads I never thought would happen in my spiritual journey. My faith in God has not faltered at all in this struggle, but I have been hurt by people I thought were my friends in faith.
This past year, I've taken steps to regain that peace that comes that comes from concentrating on my relationship with God, and I have felt His presence and direction every step of the way. Now I feel He wants me to focus on "peace" and feel fully restored once more.
At some point last year, I started following Lysa TerKeurst on Facebook and subscribed to her blog. Her words today really spoke to me. On Facebook, she posted this:
This past year, I've taken steps to regain that peace that comes that comes from concentrating on my relationship with God, and I have felt His presence and direction every step of the way. Now I feel He wants me to focus on "peace" and feel fully restored once more.
At some point last year, I started following Lysa TerKeurst on Facebook and subscribed to her blog. Her words today really spoke to me. On Facebook, she posted this:
I, for one, needed that reminder. If we just remember that the only identity that matters is that we are children of God and that we are loved so dearly and fully, then we can put on the full armor of God and repel any hurt, any catty remarks, any gossip, any anything! Like Lysa, I know this and I believe it with every ounce of my being, but because I'm human, I sometimes let those everyday human things put some chinks in my armor.
Today, though, my armor is shiny and like new. (And maybe, if I get everything sorted through, I'll need my armor to be a smaller size. ;-)
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Looking ahead at 2012
It's been a few months since I've posted a blog, but I've been giving some serious thought to improving myself lately and for me, writing about it keeps me focused. So, here we go!
In the December issue of "Guideposts," author Debbie Macomber talks about how she chooses one word to focus on each year. Then, she reads Scripture, journals about it, etc. I was inspired by that and thought I wanted to do that for 2012. She talks about how one word usually chooses itself. She sees it repeatedly or it is prominent in her heart...something.
Two words have emerged for me: peace and discipline. I will talk about these words more in upcoming blogs, but when I think of things I could do to improve myself, my health, and my spiritual journey, these are areas I need to focus upon.
Weight loss continues to be a struggle for me. I lost weight earlier this year, but ended the year probably close to where I started--I haven't gotten on the scales for a couple of months. Clearly, self-discipline is an issue for me. And my spiritual journey has found me seeking renewed inner peace. Step by step, bit by bit, I'll talk about these things. For tonight, though, I wish you a very happy and blessed 2012, and may all your resolutions come true!
In the December issue of "Guideposts," author Debbie Macomber talks about how she chooses one word to focus on each year. Then, she reads Scripture, journals about it, etc. I was inspired by that and thought I wanted to do that for 2012. She talks about how one word usually chooses itself. She sees it repeatedly or it is prominent in her heart...something.
Two words have emerged for me: peace and discipline. I will talk about these words more in upcoming blogs, but when I think of things I could do to improve myself, my health, and my spiritual journey, these are areas I need to focus upon.
Weight loss continues to be a struggle for me. I lost weight earlier this year, but ended the year probably close to where I started--I haven't gotten on the scales for a couple of months. Clearly, self-discipline is an issue for me. And my spiritual journey has found me seeking renewed inner peace. Step by step, bit by bit, I'll talk about these things. For tonight, though, I wish you a very happy and blessed 2012, and may all your resolutions come true!
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