Tuesday, December 30, 2008

ONE WEEK TO GO---

WILL----Used to express desire, choice, willingness, consent.

WAY----The course traveled from one place to another, a series of actions, or sequence of events leading in a direction or toward an objective.

MY OBJECTIVE IS TO MAKE GOD'S WILL, MY WAY.




HELLO! DEAR FRIENDS. I WISH FOR YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR. MAY ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE IF THEY ARE WHAT GOD THINKS IS BEST FOR YOUR LIFE.


I have one more week to go and so far, my weight is staying the same through the holidays. This is the first time that I can ever remember this happening in all my years of dieting. Thanks to any of you that have been praying for me. I know that If I do my part, my prayers have been answered. I have learned a lot these last few weeks and I hope to put it all into practice the first day of this new year as the days come and go. Thanks again and I do hope that each one of you are doing well and are being blest. HAVE A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR. connie

Monday, December 22, 2008

WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT CARING FRIENDS?

WILL----Used to express desire, choice, willingness, consent.

WAY----The course traveled from one place to another, a series of actions, or sequence of events leading in a direction or toward an objective.

MY OBJECTIVE IS TO MAKE GOD'S WILL, MY WAY.


I AM SO THANKFUL FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE PRAYED FOR ME AND ENCOURAGED ME IN SO MANY WAYS. I AM MOST THANKFUL TO THE LORD FOR HIS HELP DOWN THROUGH THESE YEARS AND FOR NOT JUST TOTALLY GIVING UP ON ME. I KNOW THAT HE KNOWS MY HEART AND THE DESIRE THAT I HAVE TO HAVE A BODY THAT IS PLEASING TO HIM AND LOOKS LIKE THE WAY HE MADE ME TO BE.

I HOPE AND PRAY THAT ALL OF YOU HAVE THE MOST MERRY CHRISTMAS AND YOU HAVE PEACE AND JOY THAT COMES ONLY FROM THE LORD.

I WOULD LIKE TO ESPECIALLY THANK ONE FRIEND WHO LIVES IN MY TOWN, WHO PROBABLY WITHOUT KNOWING IT HAS HELPED AND ENCOURAGED ME TO KEEP ON TRYING IN THIS VERY STRESSFUL WEEK.( GOOD STRESS, I MIGHT ADD), BUT YOU WHO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH FOOD KNOW WHAT I AM SPEAKING ABOUT. SHE WAS THERE AT JUST THE RIGHT TIME AND I KNOW THAT GOD PUT HER THERE. SO A.S. A BIG "THANK YOU." YOU WERE THERE JUST WHEN I NEEDED YOU MOST AND PROBABLY DID NOT EVEN KNOW IT.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! connie

Saturday, December 13, 2008

THINGS GOING GOOD, COULDN'T BE BETTER.

WILL----Used to express desire, choice, willingness, consent.

WAY----The course traveled from one place to another, a series of actions, or sequence of events leading in a direction or toward an objective.

MY OBJECTIVE IS TO MAKE GOD'S WILL, MY WAY.



Thank you so much for your prayers. I know that is what is making things so much easier for me. I am having much success. I have not gained at all so far. Only a few more weeks to go and the temptations of this month will be past and I AM going forward knowing that God gives the victory. I see it now, it is as completed!!!


EPHESIANS 2:10

FOR WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS UNTO GOOD WORKS, WHICH GOD HATH BEFORE ORDAINED THAT WE SHOULD WALK IN THEM.

I have not had a lot of time for posting. My sister had been very ill and in the hospital but she is doing better now. So much going on and I am slower than I used to be.lol But I just want you to know that I am praying for all of you as well. I am so excited about this new year, just in sight. All the great things that the Lord is going to do through you and me. We are so blessed. Have a very good day. connie

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

I HAVE KEPT MY COMMITMENT FOR THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY.

WILL----Used to express desire, choice, willingness, consent.

WAY----The course traveled from one place to another, a series of actions, or sequence of events leading in a direction or toward an objective.

MY OBJECTIVE IS TO MAKE GOD'S WILL, MY WAY.



I was able with a lot of help from the Lord able to keep my commitment of not gaining any weight through the holidays. In fact I lost 2 pounds. If I can just keep going through Christmas and New Year's Day then I will be off to the right start for this next year. Thank all of you who have been praying for me, The prayers are really appreciated. See you again next week. connie

Saturday, November 29, 2008

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR. connie

Friday, November 21, 2008

HAPPY, HAPPY

WILL----Used to express desire, choice, willingness, consent.

WAY----The course traveled from one place to another, a series of actions, or sequence of events leading in a direction or toward an objective.

MY OBJECTIVE IS TO MAKE GOD'S WILL, MY WAY.


HAPPY, HAPPY!! EPHESIANS 5:20

"Giving thanks always for ALL THINGS unto God and the father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

HAPPY--- FORTUNATE, ENJOYING WELL BEING AND CONTENTMENT; JOYOUS.

THANKFUL----CONSCIOUS OF BENEFIT RECEIVED, WELL PLEASED; GLAD.

I am feeling so happy that I just wanted to share some of it with you. I have been so blest in my life and I am so thankful for all that God has given to me. Undeserving, though I am, God is so very good to me. I look forward to these next weeks with so much excitement and anticipation.

There are many problems in the world today and many who are so unhappy but with the Lord as my Saviour, who am I to even think about being unhappy. I have everything because I have the Lord. I have a wonderful family, loving friends, a roof over my head and food on our table, clothes on my back with many to spare. Yes, Lord, you have given me everything.

I am so thankful that you, Lord, gave me the opportunity to be saved and to live for you. I can think of no greater blessings. I could have been born in a place where your name is not even known, I could have been born handicapped in some way where I would never have known you existed. Thank you Lord for making my life what it is and for all your blessings on me and please forgive me, Lord, when I get so unfocused that I do not see these important things in my life and so fail to thank you as I should. connie

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

TO FEEL ASHAMED

ASHAMED MEANS; Feeling shame, guilt, or disgrace; restrained by anticipation of shame ; inferior, or unworthy.

At church tonight, God used a good friend asking me a simple question that made me realize where I am at with my weight and causing me to question whether I am doing my best. The question was one that we all get asked from time to time but it has been some time since I had been asked the question. It took me back at first and I didn't want to answer. She was trying to give me some very good tips on how to get through the holidays. I heard her advise and will certainly follow up on it. She simply asked, "How much do you weigh?" To say it out loud would have been shameful to me because I felt guilt over weighing that much.

I know that my weight in on this blog for the whole world to see, if they are interested in knowing. There was something about that question being asked face to face, My mind swirled, I could only answer truthfully for the weight is there for all to see. But I had to look myself in the face and that wasn't pleasant even though it was needed.

I am sure that the Lord used her to help me. I have thougt of little else since that moment. If I am ashamed and feel guilt and unworthy then it is up to me to do something about it. I am so glad that it happened because now I have more motivation to get through the holidays without gaining not even one pound.

When the holidays are over and I have kept my resolve to meet the goals that I have set for myself, I will be sure to let this sweet lady know the part that God let her play in my victory.

My goal for now is just to get through Thanksgiving and then I will set one for the Christmas holidays and then for the new years holiday. When New Years is over, I will look back and see how far God has brought me to. Until then please continue to keep me in your prayers as I will you also. May the new year bring a new and more healthy you and me. connie

Monday, November 17, 2008

A DECISION MADE

At Weight Watchers last week a lady said that she had made a goal for herself during the holidays. It was a goal that would be carrying her through the holiday season. She was going to try to stay the same weight, These weeks ahead had always proved to be very hard for her. She felt that if she remained the same and did not gain then she would have succeeded. The Leader thought that was a good idea.

I have thought about this and prayed about it for the days since the meeting. I have come to the conclusion that, that is what I am going to try and do. Rather than worry about losing, I am making it my goal to just stay the same. I am hoping and praying if I get myself some liberty then I will not gain. I know my weakness. When our family gets together there is always lots of fun. We are a family who enjoy eating. So, I am thinking that what I have done in past years has not worked, I will try a new way. I will not put any pressure on myself to lose but just not overeat and then my weight will remain the same or who knows,God willing, I might even lose a pound.

I am praying that I have made the right decision. I feel at peace with it. I am just putting a rest on counting points and thinking about food all the time. I will just pay attention to my hunger and when I feel myself getting comfortable then I will stop eating. I will watch the amount of sweets that I eat but will not keep them out of my diet. A rest in music is a rhythmic silence. I will have a silence of making food my thought of the day during this time and will enjoy the peace and joy of the season with my family and friends. I still would like for you to pray for me as I will for you.

I will be back each week with news of that week. I will still be attending WW meetings and looking to God for strength to do what is right. I hope you all have a good week. connie

Thursday, November 13, 2008

SUCCESS WILL COME AT A TRYING TIME FOR US

WILL----Used to express desire, choice, willingness, consent.

WAY----The course traveled from one place to another, a series of actions, or sequence of events leading in a direction or toward an objective.

MY OBJECTIVE IS TO MAKE GOD'S WILL, MY WAY.

TWO FROGS

Two frogs fell into a bucket of cream
And struggled to keep afloat,
But one soon tired and sank to rest
With a gurgling sigh in his throat.

The other paddled away all night,
And not a croak did he utter,
And with the coming of morning light,
He rode on an island of butter.

The flies came thick to his island home
and made him a breakfast snappy.
The milkmaid shrieked and upset the pail,
And froggy hopped away happy.

THE PLAINEST MORTAL IS IN THIS RHYME
WHICH WE SHOULD AT ONCE APPLY:
SUCCESS WILL COME AT A TRYING TIME,
IF WE PADDLE AND NEVER SAY DIE!
unknown author

Sometimes, we fail because we just get tired of trying. If we want to succeed then we must keep trying. We can't have thoughts like, "well, when I go this week and eat right then I am going to have that thing that I have not been allowing myself to have." Or "when I lose this weight, I am going to eat all the cake that I want." That is just Satan trying to distract us and keep us from doing what is right. Eating all the cake we want has never gotten us anywhere except some more pounds and closer to poor health. When we get tired of trying we just have to remember all the reasons we have for trying and doing our best. Some of my reasons are: My family and the example that I want to leave them. My health to be better so that I can enjoy a good quality of life. Most of all I want my body to be that Temple that my Saviour is happy to have as a place for His Spirit to abide.

When the going gets tough, we just have to find within our selves the determination to keep "paddling." If we find that on occasion we have failed, we must not hate our selves and give ourselves reason to quit trying, we must ask God to forgive us of our lack of trust in Him to show us the way and then follow the way of escape He has provided. Next time, we can plan ahead more carefully, never get too hungry, don't allow our self the right to feel sorry for ourselves. We must always pray and believe God.

If we look around there are always those who are less fortunate than our selves. They have conditions that are much more complicated that, they can not correct within themselves. If we GO FORWARD with a heart of Thanksgiving, we will find our self pity non existent. Then God can use us to finish the job He is giving us to do. That being to take care of the "TEMPLES" HE has given to us during our time here on earth. I leave you with this verses and I pray that we each have a good week.

ROMANS 8:37

NAY, IN ALL THESE THINGS WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM THAT LOVED US.

PHILIPPIANS 1:6

BEING CONFIDENT OF THIS VERY THING, THAT HE WHICH HATH BEGUN A GOOD WORK IN YOU WILL PERFORM IT UNTIL THE DAY OF JESUS CHRIST.

"KEEP PADDLING, DEAR FRIENDS, WE WILL MAKE IT." connie

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

This morning at weight watchers, I had lost four pounds. It was really too much but I haven't learned yet all about the points and food. I had a very easy week as far as the amount of food that I could eat and I did not get hungry. Being at the meeting, holds me much more accountable. This is exactly what I need this time. I will continue faithfully to go to the meetings and do my best eating the right foods. I am still having a problem drinking enough water but I will try to do better with that this week. I was never hungry. I am not able to sleep as much but I never can when I am losing weight. I guess I have used food as a drug for so long that my body is on withdrawal.lol That really is not funny, since I am sure that to some degree that is exactly what is wrong.

The meeting this morning was very encouraging. I even said a few things.lol The leader liken losing weight to playing football. We have coaches, a plan, fumbles,goals, etc. Not in that order and I don' think that was all that she used. She quoted several great coaches such as Paul W. "Bear" Bryant who said, "IF YOU BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND HAVE DEDICATION AND PRIDE-AND NEVER QUIT--YOU'LL BE A WINNER." This is very shallow thinking as far as I am concerned. I know that without the help of the Lord in this area of my life, I am sure to fail. I have tried it the other way and here I am again.

She did say something that I think will be a help and that was that we should remember a time in our life that we have succeeded at something. Go back and rethink all the reasons why we were able to accomplish our goal at that time. Then use some of those same things or others to help us once again to get to our goal.

"The goal is not the important thing, it is the day to day accomplishing of that goal that is the important thing," she says. We are to set small goals that can be accomplished, then move forward as we meet those goals. It is very difficult to think of losing 250 pounds or more or less but to lose one pound at a time is not so hard.The pounds then add up and make that goal we are trying to reach.

This brings to my mind the verse in Hebrews 12:1b that says, "LET US LAY ASIDE EVEY WEIGHT, AND THE SIN WHICH DOTH SO EASILY BESET US AND LET US RUN WITH PATIENCE THE RACE THAT IS SET BEFORE US." This is not about losing weight but I am using it to help me in this area. We are to lay aside every weight(burden or pressure)and sin (an offence against God,misdeed, fault, transgression of the law of God. We can get rid of our weights and sin in only one way and that is to ask forgiveness of God and do them no more. Go forward with a clean heart. These are things in our life's that sometimes get us way off tract,overeating, eating things that aren't good for us, laziness, gluttony etc.The verse says that these things so easily beset (trouble or harass) us. Is is then that we are to have PATIENCE. There is that word again. It seems to me that God is telling me to be patient. Have patience. A clean heart and patience will help us to run the race to our goal. In this instance it is our weight loss goal. It is there, before us, we have to reach out to obtain it.

I hope that this has been of some use to you, I did learn somethings today but I know that when I have victory it will come from God and he just uses these other things in my life to help me to accomplish what we wants me to do. Have a good and blessed week. connie

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

PATIENT, SIMPLE PATIENCE.

PATIENT------Bearing pain or trials calmly or without complaint: Manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain: Not hasty or impetuous: Steadfast despite opposition , difficulty or adversity: Able or willing to bear.

ECCLESIASTES 7:8

"BETTER IS THE END OF A THING THAN THE BEGINNING THEREOF: AND THE PATIENT IN SPIRIT IS BETTER THAN THE PROUD IN SPIRIT."

As I begin this additional way on my journey, I have to remember that the end of a thing is better than the beginning. Oh, yes, I have been very excited to have found a new hope of help in my human weakness. I am very excited today as I have lost a couple of pounds. I have to keep uppermost in my mind that it was God who enabled me and gave me the patience needed to go slow. But I know that this is just the beginning of this way, I have to keep my heart from being proud and realize that I could have done nothing except that the Lord gave the victory. I know many times I went to Him this week and asked for help. Asking for strength to do what was right. For help to just get me throught this day. He answered all those prayers and more.

The group that I meet with are very nice. I only know surface things about them now but I feel comfortable and not out of place. So that is certainly an answered prayer. I am learning some new things and ways along with renewing some good things that I already knew but had put out of my mind. Such as eat only when you begin to feel hunger and then eat until you begin to feel comfortable. Do not wait until you feel like you are starving nor until you feel stuffed.

I did lose two pounds this week. But I have lost pounds before. I have to be patient and stay committed to going to the meeting, eating the right food, and practice saying,"NO" to that extra bite, piece or plate of food.

So, here we go for another week. Hope all of you are following your plans what ever they are. Just remember that God is there and He wants to help and direct us all. We just have to take one moment at a time, one foot in front of the other, only one bite instead of the whole piece and the passing of time. We will make our goals and with God's help we will do it with patience. connie

Monday, October 27, 2008

BUT IN THE MULTITUDE OF COUNSELLORS THERE IS SAFETY.

WILL----Used to express desire, choice, willingness, consent.

WAY----The course traveled from one place to another, a series of actions, or sequence of events leading in a direction or toward an objective.

MY OBJECTIVE IS TO MAKE GOD'S WILL, MY WAY.

PROVERBS 11:14B

BUT IN THE MULTITUDE OF COUNSELLORS THERE IS SAFETY.




My doctor told me at my last visit, that he thought it would be good for me to join weight watchers. I have thought about it and prayed about it so with my husband's advice that is what I intend to do on this Wednesday Morning. I will only join for one month to see if it is a help or a hindrance to me.

I am a very private person even though, it may not seem that way on these blogs but I am. So it is very hard for me to go where others are, to discuss my weight problem. But I know that I have all the spiritual help that I need . I have the Lord to lean on and His Word to guide me and my husband to advise me, and all of you dear ones to encourage me. So, I know that I need the multitude of counsellors to help me. I need the practical help all can give me, the accountability that I can find at the meeting, and hopefully find a fiend that I can share the gospel with. So, I am coming once again for your prayers. I will let you know how it goes and if I find out anything that I think might be a help to you then I will share that.

I have looked at many blogs these past months. I have found one thing to be true that the ones who went to weight watchers did lose weight consistently. It might be just a little at a time (which is what I need) or it could be more one week and less the next but more times than not they were losing.

I am going to try and with the help of the Lord and knowing His will for my life in this area and knowing that His way is best, I am going to do my best. connie

ECCLESIASTES 7:8

BETTER IS THE END OF A THING THAN THE BEGINNING THEREOF: AND THE PATIENT IN SPIRIT IS BETTER THAN THE PROUD IN SPIRIT.

Monday, October 20, 2008

WILL----Used to express desire, choice, willingness, consent.

WAY----The course traveled from one place to another, a series of actions, or sequence of events leading in a direction or toward an objective.




TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE TRIED THIS WEEK AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH THE THINGS THAT YOU WANTED, TO ALL OF YOU WHO DID AS YOU WERE SUPPOSE TO AND MADE YOUR GOAL FOR THIS WEEK OR THIS DAY. MY LOVE AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. CONNIE

Monday, October 13, 2008

THERE ARE GIANTS ALONG OUR JOURNEY ALSO

WILL----Used to express desire, choice, willingness, consent.

WAY----The course traveled from one place to another, a series of actions, or sequence of events leading in a direction or toward an objective.

MY OBJECTIVE IS TO MAKE GOD'S WILL, MY WAY.



At our church, we have been in Revival this week. Bro. Taylor our visiting Pastor who is bringing us God's Word this week has been bringing very thought provoking messages each time he has spoken. He used as one of his references tonight the story of Moses sending out the 12 spies to spy out the land of Canaan. This story is found in Numbers 13. My husband and I were discussing what a very good message it was tonight. It got me to thinking about the words found in Numbers 13:33. "AND THERE WE SAW GIANTS, THE SONS OF A-NAK, WHICH COME OF THE GIANTS: AND WE WERE IN OUR OWN SIGHT AS GRASSHOPPERS, AND SO WE WERE IN THEIR SIGHT."

On this weight loss journey as I have travelled along and things will be going fine and suddenly up jumps a "giant." There are many "giants" on this journey I am on. Some times they come in the form of a piece of cake, a family reunion, a class reunion, a death in the family, a family misunderstanding, willful attitudes, and the "giants go on and on and on. You see what I mean. We have giants in our lives also in this particular area of our Christian walk. We are grasshoppers in their sight. How can we stand up against them? We are weak, they are strong. We are small of stature and they are tall. They are full of temptation and desire. How can we overcome?

As it is in every other area of our Christian walk, it is the same with this, weight issue. It is our attitude and what and who we turn to for help. I have turned to my husband before and he loves me with all his heart, I know he does. But sometimes he will say, "oh, go ahead hun, it want hurt this one time." I have turned to my friends before and sometimes they offer me the best piece of dessert. They love me but they don't understand my weakness at times. No, it is my choice. I have to go to the one who made me for the help that I need. He knows what needs strengthened. He gave me His word to know exactly what to do.

He tells me, "Fear thou not: for I am with thee: be not dismayed; FOR I AM THY GOD: I WILL STRENGTHEN THEE; YEA, I WILL HELP THEE; YEA, I WILL UPHOLD THEE WITH THE RIGHT HAND OF MY RIGHTEOUSNESS."

In this moment of weakness if I look to Him, it will pass and I will remember His words where He has said, "I SHALL NOT DIE, BUT LIVE, AND DECLARE THE WORKS OF THE
LORD." No, I will not die and because He helped me get through this particular trial then my inner being is made stronger and I can give glory to Him.

He wants me to remember that as He has said, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." So, alone, I would fail for sure but if I look to Christ for the help that I need, HE WILL STRENGTHEN ME. You know sometimes I don't look, nor ask because in my secret self, I know I have not always wanted to be strengthen. I want to partake of that little piece of what I should not have and pretend that I had no strength. What a lie. It was done in willfulness and not in lack of strength. We have all we need in Christ.

I learned a lot tonight after coming home from Revival meeting and it all stemmed from a message brought from an entirely different perspective but God used in it is own way to show me what I am, I am a sinner saved by grace. But by God's help I will keep trying to do what is right.

I hope each of you are finding out things about yourselves along your own personal journeys. Just know that if you are saved God is there and He is wanting to be your strength. If you don't know Him and would like to, please e-mail me at jimandconniemc@yahoo.com and I will be glad to answer any questions you might have. It would be a blessing for me to introduce you to my Lord and Saviour. connie

Monday, October 6, 2008

THAT IS ONE MOUNTAIN THAT I WANT!!!!






Live your life as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance toward the summit, keep the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point.
harold b. melchart



Last night as I lay in bed, I found myself laughing out loud. Really quiet literally laughing out loud. I just was thinking back over my life about my weight loss journey and it made me laugh.

My whole life I have had one thing in mind, eat as little as possible,and, lose as much as is possible. Now I find myself in a very unfamiliar place. The doctor says don't lose more than 2 pounds a week but two pounds a month are enough. Somehow that just doesn't fit well into my brain. It goes against everything that I have tried to do in losing weight.

So this morning I found my self laughing out loud again. It was time for me to weigh on the dreaded scale. Oh, no, I said to myself, "I was only supposed to lose no more that two pounds." The scale showed me losing 5 pounds since last Wednesday. Now, how can that be, I am fixing to have to eat more. Me eat more, that is really laughing material to me. I feel like laughing right now even as I write this post.

I know I have to try and do what the Doctor told me to do or I will be having GOUT again. I SURE DON'T WANT THAT. But me having to eat more so I want lose too much! Wow, who would have ever believed such a thing was possible as it concerns me.

The Doctor made some changes in the medications he is giving me for the blood glucose and I am having some side effects from that but they are suppose to get better. I am feeling really quiet well this week.


I have gone to the Lord, so much complaining of not being able to eat enough and would He please help me to lose the weight. He answered in a way that I would not have even thought about. I was doing it wrong and it took a few bouts of GOUT and high blood sugar level for me to finally get it!! I don't need to lose every pound tomorrow. I should just enjoy each day that the Lord gives me to live, taking an occasional look at the goal that lays ahead of me, keeping the goal in mind but enjoying the days that come for me, to eat right as I get my body healthy because I DO WANT THAT MOUNTAIN. It may come slower and now I have to change my mindset,(laughing out loud) but I have not changed in knowing that with God's help I CAN, in fact WE ALL CAN. I am praying for you.

J0SHUA 14:6-15

Joshua wanted a mountain and He asked the Lord for it. Read the story and you will see what great things God can do when we ask. He will give us our mountains also. connie

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

I WILL NOT LEAVE THEE NOR FORSAKE THEE

WILL----Used to express desire, choice, willingness, consent.

WAY----The course traveled from one place to another, a series of actions, or sequence of events leading in a direction or toward an objective.

MY OBJECTIVE IS TO MAKE GOD'S WILL, MY WAY.


I am so thankful that when things get hard in our lives, God has promised never to leave us nor forsake us.


I have been having some health problems for a few months now. I have not tried hard enough to get my blood sugar under control and then there are the things that have been out of my control that has kept it high. When it does get high, I just can not seem to get enough to eat. A few weeks ago, I had a large loss and because I lost so much so soon, I had an attack of gout. I had my Dr.s appointment today. He told me once again that I need to go to Weight Watchers. He thinks with my problems that will help me the most. I can not lose more than one or two pounds a week. That just seems like it doesn't go fast enough when it is that slow but if I have to do it that way then I have to.

Those of you who are young, please use me as an example, it will not always just be a matter of losing weight there will be other things that have to be taken into consideration to be able to lose weight. The older you get and the more you let your weight go it brings on many complications. So, if you possibly can, lose the weight now while you are still healthy except for being over weight. We just can't do as we please when it comes to eating we have to eat healthy.

I am thankful that through all of this even at times when I have not deserved it, the Lord has been with me and helped me when I ask in sincerity.

I have been reading in Exodus chapter 33 for my Bible Reading today and I want to ask the Lord to tell me what He told Moses in verse 14. He told Moses,"And He said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." I want the Lord's presence to always go with me and I know He will give me the rest that only He can give.

I hope you are all doing good and if you are having problems like mine or different one just don't give up and look to the Lord and I know that He will see us through. I wish that I could always be a good example to you ladies but I have a need also and I have to look to the Lord minute by minute or I would be sick all the time and getting bigger and bigger which would lead to more sickness. So, I want to do what is right and please pray for me as I will be praying for you. connie

Monday, September 22, 2008

JUST TO LET YOU KNOW

WILL----Used to express desire, choice, willingness, consent.

WAY----The course traveled from one place to another, a series of actions, or sequence of events leading in a direction or toward an objective.

MY OBJECTIVE IS TO MAKE GOD'S WILL, MY WAY.


I wanted to let all know who come here to read that I am doing good. There has been so much going on that I have no had the proper time to come here and blog but I have not forgotten any of you. You all remain in my prayers and thoughts.

I have run into a problem with my weight losing situation. I am trying to rethink how I will be able to handle this roadblock but I know that I can with God's help.

It seems that I have been losing too much at a time, can you believe that one? No more than I have been losing and its too much, that is hard for my mind to get hold of. My body fights back, it seems when I lose what it considers too much at a time and I get GOUT. What an ugly word. It sure is not a fun thing either. The Dr. is suppose to get with me again, in a couple of weeks and give me some help on what I can do to prevent this from happening again. I am not able to take the steroids, when I get gout,anymore for other health reasons. Even if like the turtle, I have to creep along, I will continue to do my best. It may not be inspiring for you to come here but I will be trying. As soon as I reach that 200 pound mark, you will see a new picture and oh, what joy that will be for me!!

I hope you are all doing good, I have had so much to do recently that I have not had time to sit at the computer for any length of time, and I have missed you. connie

Monday, August 25, 2008

THIS TOO, SHALL PASS

WILL----Used to express desire, choice, willingness, consent.

WAY----The course traveled from one place to another, a series of actions, or sequence of events leading in a direction or toward an objective.

MY OBJECTIVE IS TO MAKE GOD'S WILL, MY WAY.


Thank you Pam and Tori for your prayers and words of wisdom. I learned somethings over this last week. I was a little disappointed that the week off didn't go as well as the weeks on the Rotation Diet but I learned and will not repeat the same mistakes. I am doing very good once again and look forward to the next days and weeks. I guess if things would have gone just as smooth as could be then I might forget my need for the LORD. I sure hope not, even and especially on this journey in my life. I know that I need Him always. So, I am trying to surrender my will to His and go in the WAY, He has set for me. Thank you, Pam and Tori again. You were there when I needed you and I appreciate you letting God use you on my behalf. connie

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

HARD WEEK

WILL----Used to express desire, choice, willingness, consent.

WAY----The course traveled from one place to another, a series of actions, or sequence of events leading in a direction or toward an objective.

MY OBJECTIVE IS TO MAKE GOD'S WILL, MY WAY.


I am finding this week to be harder than I expected. I am not sure how good the going off the diet is going to work for me. I was doing very good on the diet and now that I have gone off it for a week, I am finding it very hard to stay back on it. Please pray for me to know what to do next. Maybe I should just avoid going off the diet and just keep the rotation going. I hope that it gets easier as the days go by. connie

Sunday, August 17, 2008

IT WILL BE LIKE A NEW BEGINNING

WILL----Used to express desire, choice, willingness, consent.

WAY----The course traveled from one place to another, a series of actions, or sequence of events leading in a direction or toward an objective.

MY OBJECTIVE IS TO MAKE GOD'S WILL, MY WAY.


As I have explained, I am on the Rotation Diet. So this past week, I have been eating as I usually would except only smaller amounts. I have done very good and I am excited to getting back on the Rotation of smaller calorie amounts. I will let you know how it is going in a week. I just feel better and better.

I hope all of you are doing very good and know that you are in my prayers. I will be over sometime this week to see you. Have a great week. connie

Thursday, August 14, 2008

10 STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO GUARANTEE FAILURE

THE GOAL





The main points of 10 Steps You Can Take To Guarantee Failure are quotes taken from a post by Goals And Goal Setting.

01) "MAKE YOUR GOALS VAGUE"------I have certainly had vague goals down through the years. Things like, " I sure hope that I am down to 150 pounds by Christmas, or my anniversary etc. I sure would like to keep my calories down to 1000 for this week.

02) "MAKE YOUR GOALS DIFFICULT TO VISUALIZE"----- Finally in the last few months, I have posted a picture of what I look like right now. I have just realized that I also need to have a picture up by the side of that one to show what I looked like 100pounds lighter. I must do that today. Yea! I am beginning to visualise. I have almost forgotten what I did look like.

03) "THINK AND SPEAK NEGATIVELY ABOUT YOUR GOALS."-----I know how to do this by heart. I have done it so often down through the years. Things like, "I know, I will never make it but I will trrry." Knowing all the time, I was not going to try very hard.This one is a good one that I have used a lot also, "I will start tomorrow, since we are having company over tomorrow, well, our anniversary is coming up in a month, I think I will wait until then, I just under too much stress right now, It is too cloudy, too much sun, too humid, I will walk tomorrow, next week, oh maybe, I better not do it right now, it might make me too sore." I am so good at this, it is a wonder that I have ever accomplished even a pound loss.

04) "AVOID PLANNING INCREMENTAL STEPS"------ "Oh, yes, I wouldn't want to do this, I don't want to place myself under too much stress, or accountability." "I just hate to keep food journals, if fact I have NEVER TRIED TO KEEP ONE." "Planning today or for a week what I will be eating at any given time." "Planning for situations that may come up and make provisions for them."

05)"DON'T DO---JUST TALK"------- This has been my mode of operation many times in my life. I will prepare to start a diet. I even figure out how many pounds I want to lose in a specific amount of time and brag to all my friends, "Hey, I am starting on a diet tomorrow. You just wait til you see me six months from now!" But when the actual doing time came, I could always find a perfectly acceptable excuse.

06) "WAIT UNTIL YOU ARE MOTIVATED"----- It has always been against my "religion" to go on a diet unmotivated. I wouldn't even know how.

07) "DON'T SET A DATE"----I don't really want to be a date setter, something might come up then I would feel like I had failed. That is toooo much pressure for me right now.

08) "LIST WHY ITS IMPOSSIBLE"-----I see that I am an expert on more than one of these things. I can make a list a mile long of all the reasons why it will be impossible for me to succeed on my diet. "The kids are coming today,I feel to down today, I don't want anymore stress right now, we don't have the money to buy the foods that I need to succeed, I can't exercise, I am too old." You know all the things why we tell ourselves that it is impossible for us to lose weight.

09) "DON'T RESEARCH YOUR GOAL"---- To be honest in the last few months is the first time I have ever researched my goals and the reasons why I wanted to lose the weight. I have never thought much about dieting except that it prevented me from eating all that I wanted when I wanted it.

10) "THINK ABOUT ANYTHING EXCEPT YOUR GOAL"----Boy, can I think of all kinds of things to think about when it comes time for me to use some disciple in my life in the area of eating. It is usually along these lines, "now, how much can I eat and still make myself believe that I am still on a diet and trying." I have only learned these last few months the difference between hunger and appetite. That has been one of the greatest things that I have learned.

I hope these things will help you to THINK. It sure did me. connie

Monday, August 11, 2008

ITS NOT IN ATTITUDE ONLY BUT IN STRENGTH FROM GOD

Jeff was the kind of guy you love to hate. He was always in a good mood and always had something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"

He was a unique manager because he had several waiters who had followed him around from restaurant to restaurant. The reason the waiters followed Jeff was because of his attitude. He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day, Jeff was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation. Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up to Jeff and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?"

Jeff replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, Jeff, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or you can choose to be in a bad mood.' I choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life."

"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested.

"Yes, it is," Jeff, said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people will affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live life."

I reflected on what Jeff said.

Soon thereafter, I left the restaurant industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.

Several years later, I heard that Jeff did something you are never supposed to do in a restaurant business: he left the back door open one morning and was held up at gunpoint by three armed robbers.

While trying to open the safe, his hand, shaking from nervousness, slipped off the combination. The robbers panicked and shot him. Luckily, Jeff was found relatively quickly and rushed to the local trauma center.

After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, Jeff was released from the hospital with fragments of the bullets still in his body.

I saw Jeff about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he said, "If I were any better, I'd be twins. Want to see my scars?"

I declined to see his wounds, but did ask him what had gone through his mind as the robbery took place. "The first thing that went through my mind was that I should have locked the back door," Jeff replied. "Then, as I lay on the floor, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live, or I could choose to die. I chose to live."

"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked.

Jeff continued, "The paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the emergency room and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read, 'He's a dead man.' I knew I needed to take action."

"What did you do?" I asked.

"Well, there was a big, burly nurse shouting questions at me," said

Jeff. "She asked if I was allergic to anything. 'Yes,' I replied. The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Bullets!' Over their laughter, I told them, 'I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead.'"

Jeff lived thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude. I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude, after all, is everything.

*Author Unknown


I don't totally agree with this post but I understand what it is saying. I do believe that most of us with a weight problem, it takes more than just a good attitude to make things right. It takes all the strength God has for us. It takes seeing things through the eyes of God and how he looks on being a glutton or being lazy. Most of us who are over weight may have one of these problems. Some have things in their bodies that don't work exactly right and other may have other reasons. But I do know that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. It is not easy but most of life is not easy if it is worth having. When we accomplished something or get something through hard word and effort they always mean so much more to us.

So having a good attitude is very important!!! but looking to God for our help and strength is a MUST. Putting these things together we will not fail but we will lose. Have a great week. This is my rotation where I eat as normally I would but I just watch the amount that I eat. It purpose is to not go into starvation mode but to keep the body burning those calories that we are taking in. Have a good week in which ever way you are chosing for a help in loseing the weight and I'll be praying for you. connie
.

Friday, August 8, 2008

UNHAPPINESS IS IN NOT KNOWING WHAT WE WANT AND KILLING OURSELVES TO GET IT.~~DON HEROLD

PICTURE BY OLIVIA MCENTIRE


I wanted to let you all know that I am in my second week of the Rotation Diet and I am really very content with it. My blood pressure has gotten so low that I have had to get off some of my medication. My blood glucose level has stabilized. I have lost 9 pounds. I feel wonderful. My clothes are feeling looser. I do realize that a couple of weeks do not a life make nor a loss of sixty more pounds but, I feel so hopeful and look forward to each new day.

I thought that I would share one day of the diet that I am on. Remember that it is a rotation diet. So you eat a certain amount of calories for a few days then the calorie amounts raise. Then in a few days more you go to a higher amount of calories. It is a three week rotation. Then you are allowed to eat as normal for a week or two and then go back to week one. You can go directly back to week one if you want. The thing that I like most about this diet is that you are allowed bread, fruit and whole wheat crackers in certain amounts. I really like bread and fruit and feel very deprived not to be able to eat them.

The following is from The Rotation Diet. It is the first week, day one.

Breakfast----1/2 banana, 1 oz. high fiber cereal, 8ozs skim or low fat milk, no-cal beverage.

Lunch---Large chef salad, 1oz each of cheese and turkey, plus any free salad vegetables, lo-cal dressing, 5 whole wheat crackers, no-cal beverage.

Dinner--41/2 ounces of baked chicken, 1 small, 31/2 oz. baked potato, 1 cup green beans, 1 apple, 1 oz. cheese, no-cal beverage.

As you can see, I did not go hungry, nor did I get hungry.

Well, this has shown you some of what I have been up to but not all, I have filled my life with prayer, Bible study,cooking, house cleaning, laundry, mending, listening to soothing, uplifting music, grocery shopping, letter writing, showing my husband my love and appreciation for him, going to the church that I love, loving my family and friends and the strangers that I meet, riding my stationary bike some, keeping in contact with those of you on this same journey, writing two poems, making phone calls to family far away, and 1000 other things that make up my life. You get the picture.

I hope this might be an encouragement to one of you. I hope your week has gone well and that you are a better person for having lived it. connie

I'M GRATEFUL

Within my heart is one small room,
Its doors are open wide
To gather joys and sorrows,
And to let love come inside.
There's also room for friendship,
And may I simply state,
I'm grateful for that lovely day
You walked into my gate!
~doris m. lagasse

Saturday, August 2, 2008

OUR EYES ON THE GOAL

UPDATES BELOW POST:




The other night Jack and I watched a television drama called "See
How She Runs." The story concerned a 40-year-old divorced teacher
from Boston who decided to become a jogger and eventually entered
the 26 Mile Boston Marathon. To finish the race became her goal,
and in spite of being harassed, jeered at and assaulted, she did
not lose sight of it. The day of the race came and she faced her
ultimate test.

As she ran, huge blisters developed on her feet. She was also hit
and injured by bicycle. And several miles short of the finish line
found her utterly exhausted. Yet she kept going. Then, within a
few hundred yards of the finish line, late at night when most other
runners had either finished or dropped out, she fell and lay flat
on her face, too tired to raise her head. But her friends had put
up the crude tape across the finish line and began to cheer her on.
She lifted her head with great effort, saw the tape, and realized
her goal was within sight. With a supreme effort she got up on her
bruised and bleeding feet, and in a burst of energy dredged up from
deep inside her courageous heart, she ran the last few yards.

She had kept her eyes on the goal and for the joy of finishing,
she endured.

We are to do what our example, Jesus Christ, did on earth. He kept
looking at the goal, not the going. He was seeing the prize, not
the process; the treasure, not to trial; the joy, not the journey.
And we must do the same!

By Carole Mayhall

I loved this quote from the above story, "We are to do what our example, Jesus Christ, did on earth. He kept LOOKING AT THE GOAL, NOT THE GOING. HE WAS SEEING THE PRIZE, NOT THE PROCESS: THE TREASURE, NOT THE TRIAL: THE JOY, NOT THE JOURNEY. AND WE MUST DO THE SAME!"

I have been looking at the goal of losing down to 150 bringing me a more healthy life. The going this week has seemed most unimportant as I kept my eyes on the goal. I have not looked at the process just did what had to be done knowing that in the end God would give me the victory! The treasure of being in God's will has made the trial a joy and the journey one of great expatiation! So, I hope this story encourages you as much as it has me this week.

The week has been full and I have enjoyed the Rotation very much. I loved being able to have bread and fruit, cheese, protein, milk, vegetables, the whole variety of things that God has given to us to eat to make our bodies healthy. I did not feel deprived even once. The weight loss has been very good and as I start my second week, I am so excited about what God chooses to show me this week. I have loved reading and listening to more music and even being on the stationary bike. I never once felt that I was being punished.

My prayers have been for each of you this week also. I pray that God has sustained you as you keep your eyes on your own goals. I pray that you have learned a little more about your selves so that in the days ahead you will know how to handle the many situations that come up in life. I pray that God has given you what you need to finish this journey and end up with the prize and victory. You all have it in your grasp, you just have to want it bad enough. Keep trying and with each step, I pray that it becomes easier for each of us. God bless you. connie


UPDATE:

SUNDAY--- I must say that I was tempted today. Our church had it monthly Birthday Party for those who had birthday's in the month of August. It is always a joyous time. We all bring refreshments and drinks and we sing "Happy Birthday" to those having birthday. NO, No, Our singing may not be the best in the world but I know for one the singing of Happy Birthday in my month always touches my heart and I love the fact that those that I care so much about are singing Happy Birthday , no only to me but the others who have my same birthday month. It is lots of fun!!

But it is always such a temptation to me. I love to eat and fellowship. My husband let me buy Fried chicken for this special Month of August.Fried Chicken is also a big temptation to me. I prayed to myself the whole day for the Lord to show me what to do. I wanted to go to show how much I loved those who were having birthdays but I knew that I could not keep my eyes on the goal and follow my diet plan if I partook of the refreshments. As the time drew nearer and nearer that night, I felt very calm. I went upstairs and prepared my food to be eaten, sang Happy Birthday with my whole heart and then I thanked God that I didn't need the food to make me happy. So, I waited til the end of the line which is always very long and everyone had their food then I put what was left of what I had brought on other's plates and by that time my husband had finished eating. We got our things, telling those around good bye until we would meet again and went home. I felt very good and not deprived at all. I thanked God for the strength He had given to me and for the Victory that I had won through Him.

MONDAY----A STORM was expected in our area for the following morning. Now, I usually eat when I am worried, bored, hurt or lonely. I decided that I would not worry. I prayed the storm would not come here nor would it go anywhere that people would be hurt. I relaxed and went about my day. Stayed in God's Will.

TUESDAY--- The storm did not come our way. I thanked the Lord nor did it do anything but good. It gave rain that was much needed. I tend to eat when something big is over and has ended well also.I am learning that I eat for just about everything! Today, Occasionally I felt the temptation to eat something for comfort. lol. Comfort, no, no, not in that way anymore!!! I got my Bible out and began to memorize some verses we are to be learning in Proverbs and put a CD on that played classical Opera. I almost learned four verses and this was my first time to listen to opera and I found I liked it. So I will consider today a blessing and Thank God!!

WEDNESDAY----I have had a very good day. Tonight is our Wednesday night Church, so I have been looking forward to that all the day. Things have been quiet and simple, no problems for which I am thankful. Am still doing really good, had a chance to write two poems today. connie

THURSDAY----Very slow day, so far, but it is a day that I rejoice in for God did make it. I have followed my rotation exactly and on sunday, I change back to the first one. I am glad, I don't have to eat as much. I am having a hard time doing my stationary bike ride but still trying there also. It started out fine but then my hip messed up on me so, no bike riding for a few days. It want stop me though, I will just find another way. see you tomorrow.

EVERYDAY BECOMES YOUR CHOICE, EACH SITUATION YOU CHOOSE HOW YOU WILL REACT TO IT

Jeff was the kind of guy you love to hate. He was always in a good mood and always had something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"

He was a unique manager because he had several waiters who had followed him around from restaurant to restaurant. The reason the waiters followed Jeff was because of his attitude. He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day, Jeff was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation. Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up to Jeff and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?"

Jeff replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, Jeff, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or you can choose to be in a bad mood.' I choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life."

"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested.

"Yes, it is," Jeff, said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people will affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live life."

I reflected on what Jeff said.

Soon thereafter, I left the restaurant industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.

Several years later, I heard that Jeff did something you are never supposed to do in a restaurant business: he left the back door open one morning and was held up at gunpoint by three armed robbers.

While trying to open the safe, his hand, shaking from nervousness, slipped off the combination. The robbers panicked and shot him. Luckily, Jeff was found relatively quickly and rushed to the local trauma center.

After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, Jeff was released from the hospital with fragments of the bullets still in his body.

I saw Jeff about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he said, "If I were any better, I'd be twins. Want to see my scars?"

I declined to see his wounds, but did ask him what had gone through his mind as the robbery took place. "The first thing that went through my mind was that I should have locked the back door," Jeff replied. "Then, as I lay on the floor, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live, or I could choose to die. I chose to live."

"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked.

Jeff continued, "The paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the emergency room and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read, 'He's a dead man.' I knew I needed to take action."

"What did you do?" I asked.

"Well, there was a big, burly nurse shouting questions at me," said

Jeff. "She asked if I was allergic to anything. 'Yes,' I replied. The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Bullets!' Over their laughter, I told them, 'I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead.'"

Jeff lived thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude. I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude, after all, is everything.

*Author Unknown


I don't totally agree with this post but I understand what it is saying. I do believe that most of us with a weight problem, it takes more than just a good attitude to make things right. It takes all the strength God has for us. It takes seeing things through the eyes of God and how he looks on being a glutton or being lazy. Most of us who are over weight may have one of these problems. Some have things in their bodies that don't work exactly right and other may have other reasons. But I do know that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. It is not easy but most of life is not easy if it is worth having. When we accomplished something or get something through hard word and effort they always mean so much more to us.

So having a good attitude is very important!!! but looking to God for our help and strength is a MUST. Putting these things together we will not fail but we will lose. Have a great week. This is my rotation where I eat as normally I would but I just watch the amount that I eat. It purpose is to not go into starvation mode but to keep the body burning those calories that we are taking in. Have a good week in which ever way you are chosing for a help in loseing the weight and I'll be praying for you. connie
.

Thursday, July 31, 2008

SHEW ME THY WAYS, O LORD; TEACH ME THY PATHS

I couldn't wait for a whole week to share with you what I have been learning AND have learned so far on this journey.

1) God will give me the victory if I will just learn His ways and follow in His paths.

2) He above all wants me to succeed in this journey.

3) I have to have, known boundaries in my life where my eating is concerned.

4) I have to realize that my limitations may be different and probably are, than those of others.

5) I have to depend on the Lord for my strength.

6) God has given me all that I need to succeed.

7) He has given me a great support system in my husband and all of you. Thank you!!

8) I need to learn more discipline in this area of my life.

9) I need to learn to be patient and to know that failing at times, does not make me a failure but " QUITTING." does.

10)I need to learn to be content with what ever happens when I have done my very
best. I can't see what is going on inside my body and what it may be doing to help me along the journey.

11)I need to be more thankful for the pounds that I do lose, and not waste time regretting those that I did not lose.

12)I need to be content with my efforts if they have been pleasing to God, whatever the results .

13)I need to remain consistant in my efforts, and not on one week and off another. If I want a break then take a break just don't eat like a pig when I do.

14)I need to not place undue pressure on myself over weighing, losses, gains, food preparation, etc.

15)I need to not be ashamed or afraid to ask for help when I do need it, which is
often.

16) I should not weigh EVERY week or every few days. I need to weigh when I feel like it. One day can make a lot of
difference. I need to know that that 2 pounds may be the pickle or some other salty food that I ate the night before. It does not mean the world has come to an end and I am the biggest failure of all. It simply means that for some reason my body has chosen to retain more water than usual.

17) My first goal is to feel well and happy not frustrated and anxious over what I am
having on my diet. What ever God has given to me, then I will be content.

18) I refuse to think about food, meal preparation, diet, weight, etc. all the time. I will listen to good music, read an uplifting book, the Bible first of all, go for a walk in the sunshine, make a plan to show my husband that I love him in a special way.

19) I will relax and enjoy life and not make Food my god. I have the One and True God.

20) I will thank God each day for the victory He is giving to me, has given me in the past and wants to give me in the future, if I will have faith and trust Him. This too shall pass and even though for me, food will always be a problem or at least the way that I use food, it need not control me and my life.

I have started on the Rotation Diet. I have studied the book and I feel it may be just what I need. It is not so strict in the foods that you can eat and yet their is system to doing it. It gives you the food you need to eat and a big variety. Foods that I am familiar with along with guidelines and recipes to go along with the plan. I can see how it will work and it is a healthy diet for someone also with my health problems. I have come to understand that all of us are different and we need to find something that works for us.

I don't expect miracles, but I do expect progress as I do my part. I know that I still have much to learn and I will share with you if you are interested.

I have never heard much about this program before so it is very new to me. I have been on it for three days and I am very satisfied with the results.

When I get down to 200 pounds, I will post a new picture. connie

TODAY----I WISH YOU

I wish you a day of ordinary miracles--
A fresh pot of coffee you didn't have to make yourself.
An unexpected phone call from an old friend.
Green stoplights on your way to work or shop.
I wish you a day of little things to rejoice in....
The fastest line in the grocery store.
A good sing along song on the radio.
Your keys right where you look.
I wish you a day of happiness and perfection---
little bite-size pieces of perfection
that the Lord is smiling on you, holding you so gentle,
because you are someone special and rare.
I wish you a day of peace, Happiness and joy.
They say it takes a minute to find a special person,
an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them,
but then an entire life to forget them.
I'm sending this to you because you are
SPECIAL to me....
It's a short message to let you know
That I'm thinking of you today...
and that I appreciate OUR friendship
Today.... I wish you enough!!
author unknown

Monday, July 21, 2008

THE PROVISION OF OUR GREAT SHEPHERD

We have a Shepherd today. He has provided all that we need to succeed in this weight loss journey. We can overcome in any trial if we are in His will. He wants to be our guide even in this hard journey. He makes a way of escape in the temptations that come to us daily. He make the way, we just have to want to find it.
1 CORINTHIANS 10:13

There hath NO TEMPTATION taken you but such as in common to man: but GOD IS FAITHFUL, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able: but will with the temptation also MAKE A WAY TO ESCAPE, THAT YE MAY BE ABLE TO BEAR IT.

YEA, THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH------. If we die to SELF in this matter of appetite, He is with us. God Almighty, not just a friend across the way but the One who made us. What do we really have to fear? In my heart, I know this. In my head when I see the "cake, fried chicken" I may question. The answer is NOTHING OR NO ONE. Yet, in our on human weakness, we do. Each day in our lives there come the dark places that we must pass through. They are called, living, disappointments, loneliness, fear, etc. Yet, you and I need to remember, We have the Great Shepherd going with us on this journey. WE CAN MAKE IT! We have to trust Him, do our part and HE WILL GIVE US THE VICTORY!! It is during the time that we spend in this valley, He has given us a great tool but much better than a fork. He has given us the ability to PRAY. He hears and answers us. JEREMIAH 33:3---CALL UNTO ME, AND I WILL ANSWER THEE, AND SHEW THEE GREAT AND MIGHT THINGS, WHICH THOU KNOWEST NOT.

THY ROD AND THY STAFF THEY COMFORT ME. The earthly shepherd always carried a rod, which he used in protection of his sheep. If the wild animals came, he would use it to run them off or whatever needed to be done for his sheep's protection. He also carried a staff. The staff is very long with the end turned into a crook. When the
sheep would lose their footing and slip down the mountain side, he would take the staff and reach down and place the crook around their bodies and lift them back up to safety and his protection. He is "able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think."

THOU PREPAREST A TABLE BEFORE ME---------.The earthly shepherd would always check over the ground that he was about to take his sheep on to see if there were any poisonous plants or sharp thorns that could hurt one of his sheep. If he found any he would remove them. He was preparing their table. My daughter-in-law, Michelle, is always pulling up the weeds that grow in her gardens. She does this not because she likes to pull weeds, No, she does it to protect her growing plants. We have this promise, "FOR WHOSOEVER IS BORN OF GOD OVERCOMETH THE WORLD. 1John 5:4a

HE ANOINTEST MY HEAD WITH OIL-----.Sometimes despite the earthly shepherd's careful preparations, the sheep would get scratched by a sharp stone or thorn. As the sheep would come to the sheepfold, the shepherd would carefully check them over one by one and apply the soothing oil where it was needed.

Sometimes we get hurt, disappointed, feel lonely and unloved even forsaken by our earthly loved ones and friends but our Great Shepherd knows us. See in the previous verse it is very personal......"MY HEAD." He knows the needs that each of us have that are ours alone. He know the needs that we have that others also may have. He takes care of us on a one on one basis.

Tomorrow, when you come to a hard place in your day, remember our Great Shepherd. He wants to help us. He wants to take care of our wounds, our failures, our disappointment. He loves us.

The verses where a place is not listed which I am sure you already know came from the 23rd Psalm.

I have been praying over a new way to try to have some help with my weight loss. When I make my decision and see that it is going to work safely. I will tell you about it. It is just healthy eating but in a certain way. Please pray for me that it will help me to do what I need to do and to do safely. Thanks so much.connie

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

WE HAVE THE CHOICE, WHICH WILL IT BE?

In this life, we are always having to make choices. Though some are not easy. If we do nothing, we have made a choice. So, we have to prayerfully consider, think what God has said and then act according.

Here are Just two such choices--Which one will you take???

THE DIETER'S PSALM

My appetite is my shepherd, I always want.
It maketh me sit down and stuff myself.
It leadeth me to my refrigerator repeatedly, sometimes during the night.
It leadeth me in the path of Burger King for a Whopper
It destroyeth my shape.
Yea, though I knoweth I gaineth, I will not stop eating.
for the food tasteth so good.
The ice cream and the cookies, they comfort me.
When the table is spread before me, it exciteth me.
For I knoweth that I sooneth shall dig in.
As I filleth my plate continuously. My clothes runneth smaller.
Surely bulges and pudgies shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I shall be "pleasingly pump" forever.

I don't know who wrote this poem.

Now here is your choice, the way before or this way!

PSALM 23---A PSALM OF DAVID

THE LORD IS my SHEPHERD; I SHALL NOT WANT.
HE MAKETH ME TO LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES: hE LEADETH ME BESIDE THE STILL WATERS.
HE RESTORETH MY SOUL: HE LEADETH ME IN THE PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR HIS NAME SAKE.
YEA, THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH, I WILL FEAR NO EVIL: FOR THOU ART WITH ME; THY ROD AND THY STAFF THEY COMFORT ME. THOU PREPAREST A TALBLE
BEFORE ME IN THE PRESENCE OF MINE ENEMIES: THOU ANNOINTEST MY HEAD WITH OIL: MY CUP RUNNETH OVER. SURELY GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL FOLLOW ME ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE: AND I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER.

I will post again about this subject when I next post but please consider your two choices today. It doesn't have to be one of undisciplined behaviour even though that has often been my way over the years in this area of my life but it can be with the outlook that "THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HATH MADE; WE WILL REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT. PSALM 118:24. If God made this day and He is our Great Shepherd, He will give us all that we need to get through it with victory!!! We can make the right choice. connie

P.S. I feel the need to tell you that I write these kind of post because this is what I need and it is the failures that I have had. If in the process there is something here that is a benefit to one of you then I am happy. But I know what I need. I am probably older, much older than any of you, I have made many mistakes and have purposely over eaten at times in my life for which I am very sorry, now. I hope that my failures can keep you from going there and doing that. You are all young for the most part, you need to take care of your bodies, they will not take care of themselves. It is just like a child it will do what feel good, what looks good, what is good, without giving a thought to the effects of what they might eat over time. So God gave them parents. We have the Lord, if we would just listen to Him and do what He has told us to do, and use the power that He has given to us, if we are saved by His blood, then we will be alright. If we choose not to follow His ways on this journey then we will have high blood pressure, cancer, heart disease, diabetes,etc. I know, I have been there.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

WE ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS BATTLE

HE KNOWS

He knows it all--the winding path,
The sky o'er cast and grey,
The steepness of the mountainside,
The roughness of the way.

He knows it all--the haunting fear,
The doubtings that distress
And all the strain and stress.

He knows it all--each troubled thought,
Each anxious wave of care,
And every burden, every grief,
Or cross that thou dost bear.

He knows it all--thy weight of woe,
Thine often tear--dimmed eye,
The stabbing pain, the slow, dull ache,
And sorrow's broken cry.

He knows it all--but His to choose,
And thine to take His choice!
He knows it all! He planned it so!
Then trust Him, and rejoice!

HE KNOWS
E. Margaret Clarkson


This is one of those battles in life that I don't ever think that I will be able to come here and report that I had an easy time. I sometimes wish that I could but I have been at this a very long time and I have not been able to say it even once. I have had some very good losses before but they did not come without a lot of prayer and discipline. It did not come easy. Sometimes I wonder why it can't be easy for me. I see others eat all they seemly want and never seem to gain a pound. I see those who gain a few pounds and then get it off quickly. I see the way some eat and people who are always going and doing. I ask myself why wasn't I born like this?

Foolish questions, I might add. God made me this way. He know my every strength and weakness. I have it harder, or at least it seems harder to me, because I must have needed the harder way to keep my eyes on the Lord. I might have forgotten where my strength comes from if I had, had it easy in this area of my life. I might have gotten puffed up and believed that I had stayed at a healthy weight out of my own will and strength. I don't have the answers but I know He knows it all. He know the winding path that I have taken my whole life through. He know the hard climbs that I have had. How that sometimes, I succeed and sometimes I fail when I don't lean on Him, and find myself going off my own way and doing it my way. I know that He knows how hard it is for me in this area of my life. He knows the fear that I have in failing. He knows the stresses and strains my over eating has put on my life. He know my every sorrow with each failure and yet He raises me up again to try once more. He knows the weight on my heart that my bad example is to me. He knows the tears that I have shed over this, knowing that I have influenced my children and Grandchildren and friends with my example. He hears my cries of sorrow and gives me all that I need to try once again. He lays my life in front of me for me to chose. Sometimes, I make very good choices in this area and rejoice and sometimes when I fail, I cry and ask God to forgive my sin and He always does. He gives me friends like you to encourage me to keep on going and for all these things I am thankful. connie

Saturday, July 5, 2008

LET'S HAVE A FUNERAL??

Donna's fourth-grade classroom looked like many others I had seen in the past. Students sat in five rows of six desks. The teacher's desk was in the front and faced the students. The bulletin board featured student work. In most respects it appeared to be a typically traditional elementary classroom. Yet, something seemed different that day I entered it for the first time. There seemed to be an undercurrent of excitement.



Donna was a veteran small-town Michigan school teacher only two years away from retirement. In addition, she was a volunteer participant in a countywide development project I had organized and facilitated. The training focused on language arts ideas that would empower students to feel good about them and take charge of their lives. Donna's job was to attend training sessions and implement the concepts presented. My job was to make classroom visitations and encourage implementation.



I took an empty seat in the back and watched. All the students were working on a task, filling a sheet of notebook paper with thoughts and ideas. The ten-year-old student closest to me was filling her page with
"I can't kick the soccer ball pass second base."
"I can't do long division with more than three numbers."
"I can't get Debbie to like me."



Her page was half full and she showed no signs of letting up. She worked on with determination and persistence.
I walked down the row glancing at students' papers. Everyone was writing sentences, describing things they couldn't do.
"I can't do ten pushups."
"I can't hit over the left-field fence."
"I can't eat only one cookie."



By this time, the activity engaged my curiosity, so I decided to check with the teacher to see what was going on. As I approached her, I noticed that she too was busy writing. I felt it best not to interrupt.
"I can't get John's mother to come in for a teacher conference."
"I can't get my daughter to put gas in the car."
"I can't get Alan to use words instead of fists."



Thwarted in my efforts to determine why students and teacher were dwelling on the negative instead of the positive statements, I returned to my seat and continued my observations. Students wrote for ten minutes. Most filled their page. Some started another.
"Finish the one you're on and don't start a new one," were the instructions Donna used to signal the end of the activity. Students were then instructed to fold their papers in half and bring them to the front. When students reached the desk, they placed their statements into an empty shoe box.



When all of the student papers were collected, Donna added hers. She put the lid on the box, tucked it under her arm and headed out the door and down the hall. Students followed the teacher. I followed the students.
Halfway down the hall the procession stopped. Donna entered the custodian's room, rummaged around and came out with a shovel. Shovel in one hand, shoebox in the other, Donna marched the students out of the school to the farthest corner of the playground. There they began to dig.



They were going to bury their .The digging took over ten minutes because most of the fourth graders wanted a turn. When the hole approached three-foot deep, the digging ended. The box of "I Cant's" was placed at the bottom of the hole and quickly covered with dirt.
Thirty-one 10- and 11- years -olds stood around the freshly dug gravesite. Each had at least one page full of "I Cant's" in the shoebox, three-feet under. So did their teacher.



At this point Donna announced, "Boys and girls, please join hands and bow your heads." The students complied. They quickly formed a circle around the grave, creating a bond with their hands. They lowered their heads and waited. Donna delivered the eulogy.
"Friends, we gather today to honor the memory of . While he was with us on earth, he touched the lives of everyone, some more than others. His name, unfortunately, has been spoken in every public building - schools, city halls, and state capitols and yes, even The White House.

We have provided with a final resting place and headstone that contains his epitaph. He is survived by his brothers and sisters, "I can," "I will" and "I'm going to Right Away." They are not as well known as their famous relative and are certainly not as strong and powerful yet. Perhaps someday, with your help, they will make and even bigger mark on the world. May rest in peace and may everyone present pick up their lives and move forward in his absence. Amen."



As I listened to the eulogy I realized that these students would never forget this day. The activity was symbolic, a metaphor for life. It was a right-brain experience that would stick in the unconscious and conscious mind forever.
Writing "I Cant's," burying them and hearing the eulogy. That was a major effort on the part of this teacher. And she wasn't done yet. At the conclusion of the eulogy she turned the students around, marched them back into the classroom and held a wake.

They celebrated the passing of with cookies, popcorn and fruit juices. Donna cut out a tombstone from butcher paper. She wrote the words at the top and put RIP in the middle the date was added at the bottom, "3/28/80."

The paper tombstone hung in Donna's classroom for the remainder of the year. On those rare occasions when a student forgot and said, , Donna simply pointed to the RIP sign. The student then remembered that was dead and chose to rephrase the statement.



I wasn't one of Donna's students. She was one of mine. Yet that day I learned an enduring lesson from her.
Now, years later, whenever I hear the phrase, , I see images of that fourth-grade funeral. Like the students, I remember that is dead.

Author unknown


Today as I sit here typing this post, I have been tempted to say, "I Can't." I believe that God led me to this story.

I sometimes get tired of trying but know that I have to continue on. Sometimes when it get hard, I am tempted to say, "But Lord, it is so hard, I can't." Then He reminds me in a gentle way that "I can." He has told me often that I can do all thing through Christ who strengthed me. I know God does not lie. So, I accept that I can. He has not promised me easy roads to travel or every day to be a sunny one, but he has promised me that He would be with me and He will never forsake me. He has promised me strength to keep from falling, a way of escape in times of temptation and He has promised to love and forgive me when I do fail, if I only ask.

This has been a hard week for me. I started out with so many plans and I wanted to rush the progress that I was making. It turned out that this was not the week to achieve a big loss on the scale. I did remain the same, I want to be content and happy about that but I was not. I wanted to say, "I can't."

I believe that I will have a funeral of my own. When that word comes back to my vocabulary, I will remember that it is a word that is dead to me. So today, I know that I can, I will and I am on my way to another week of praying, watching, trying and with God's help overcoming. connie

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND MAY WE EVER THANKFUL BE.




Have a happy 4th of July and remember those who gave that we might have freedom and liberty. connie

Thursday, June 26, 2008

LOTS OF INSPIRATION THIS WEEK= ONE HAPPY GRANNY


This has been a great week for me. I have had five of our Granddaughters visiting with us. Their enthusiasm and jest for life couldn't help but rub off on me. They were watching their weight so that was a great help to me. I wouldn't at all be surprised if they were doing it for me so that I would be able to stay on the program that I am on. They were a great encouragement to me. Where I have found it hard to get on the stationary bike and pedal away, they were on it several times a day. My youngest Granddaughter even rode it for eleven miles one day. They were constantly busy doing something and such energy. Always smiling and sitting down to listen to their Grandma talk as if she had something very important to say. It was so good for my soul. I am very thankful to God for the time that I have had to spend with them. I see them grow physically and spiritually with each visit and it thrills me from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet.

I have learned a lot from watching them this past week. I have made up my mind that I am going to put my day on a schedule for a time. I have always worked well with schedules so I am going to give this a try and see if it want give me some accountability.

I have lost two pounds this week. In many ways I am surprised but in others, I guess I am not. It has been a very busy week and has passed all too quickly. I look forward to this next week to see how I will do putting all my new thoughts into actions.

I do so hope that each one of you have had a great week. We all know by now that the kind of week that we have is much up to us. We can look at things in a negative way and our week will be one where we feel low and seem to have nothing to look forward to. It can be a week where we set goals and then go to work to make them come to pass with the help of the Lord leading and guiding our every step.

I have the last half of my teeth cleaned on this Friday so I would ask you to please pray for me. I look forward to it being done and yet I am hoping that this secession goes as well as the last one. I would appreciate your prayers and thank you for those you have prayed on my behalf in the past. I pray for each of you by name. Have a great week and have a good attitude and work toward that goal. connie

Sunday, June 22, 2008

WHAT A WEEK!!

I was told a couple of weeks ago that I needed to have my teeth cleaned. Not just cleaned by deep cleaned. Now, I have only been to the dentist twice in my life, this being the second time. How did I know what "deep cleaned" meant. I just knew I didn't want to lose my teeth. The dentist said this is what I needed. So my husband set up an appointment for me on this past Friday and began to save the money needed. Wow! Made me wish I had "flossed". I am not even sure about all that.

My son, Jeff's advice for me was, "Mom tell them to give you "laughing gas." Now I knew that I didn't want to be laughing while I had my mouth wide open. Then this past Wednesday night my son Jeremy, told me, "Mom, you KNOW it is going to hurt." Well, no I didn't until he told me.lol. I was beginning to get a little nervous by now. But still determined, I kept very busy so that I would not have time to think about what might be going to happen inside my mouth.

So Friday morning came and my husband took me to the dentist, nothing happened to keep him away. So without excuse, I got into the car to face what lay ahead.

They were very nice at the Dentist's office.Took me right back to a small room with I noticed a large chair that was practically reclining. The nurse told me to get on it. I look at my husband to see if he was going to rescue me and he smiled sweetly and said, "It will be just fine, hon." So, slowly I lay down to meet my fate.

The nurse sat down beside me and said now we can do this one of two ways, we can either have the dentist come in and give you a shot or we can use jel. She said the jel works fine for some people and others it doesn't. Hey! well I knew that I didn't want a shot if I could get out of it. So I said, I will take the jel. She put it on my gums. She got every which way in my mouth with this thing that squirted water and ever once in a while she would say close your mouth and it would suck up everything in my mouth that was lose. Very strange feeling. She worked steadily for an hour first the top half and then the bottom half of my teeth.She would pick a while and then I am not sure what it was she was doing but I didn't smell anything burning nor did I feel any PAIN. It didn't hurt and I didn't laugh all the way through it.So things seemed to be going just fine. She kept asking if I was ok. I kept nodding my head in the affirmative not knowing if I was suppose to not be ok or not.

She finally said she had finished. She gave me a new toothbrush and some floss and explained how to use it. Wow! That is going to be a job. She told me that she would see me again on next Friday for the other half.

It seems so odd to have one side of your teeth cleaned and knowing that the other side after 65 years must be off the charts. But it did feel must better on the good side and I can hardly wait for next Friday to get the other side cleaned so I can have a fully clean mouth.YEA!!!

I have said all of that to say this, I have not had a hard time staying on my program this week. In the beginning I was too nervous to eat and now I am not wanting to get my teeth on the good side dirty. I am sure that as the days pass, I will get over it. lol. Thank you for listening about my dental problems and how they are being solved. I will try to do better next week in this space. Thanks again.connie

Thursday, June 19, 2008

I HAVE FOUND A GOLDMIND IF YOU KEEP UP WITH WW POINTS

I am really beginning to love Google. I found the key lime pie recipe as I told you in my last post. I decided to look for the Strawberry Shortcake recipe also. "BINGO" found it but while looking I came across the wonderful sight. It is made up of Weight Watcher Recipes and most all of them show how many points they contain.

You can find it here:

htt://fakeouttakeout.blogspot.com Go check it out! It is a great find. It sure was for me. connie

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

JUST SOME DESSERT, PLEASE

My husband and I have been trying some of the Weight Watcher Dinners. I want to learn some things from the way they are cooked, the portions, etc. We have been trying to do the point system. Not going to Weight Watchers but I had attended once before so I had the books. So we have eaten the right point values for breakfast and lunch and any snacks but leaving enough for the dinner Weight Watcher Meals. So far so good. We bought one of their desserts last week. We wanted something sweet so much. I was afraid we were going to mess up if we did not not eat something that we could count into our daily meal. So we bought the Key Lime Pie dessert that Weight Watchers makes. It was delicious. The package comes with two servings in it. Just perfect, not too much but not too little either.

I looked everywhere to see if I could find the recipe, No luck. Finally I decided to Google it up on the e-net. My husband always tells me when I don't know something to Google it up. So that is what I did. This was under the title Weight Watchers Key Lime Pie. So we shall see. I will make it sometime this week. I sure hope it is the same. Here is the recipe if you are interested.

WEIGHT WATCHERS KEY LIME PIE

1 reduced fat graham cracker crust
1--1/16 package sugar- free lime gelatin
1/4 cup boiling water
1- 8 ounce container fat-free whipped topping
2- 6 ounces key lime pie yogurt

1) In a large bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water.
2) Stir in yogurt with wire whisk.
3) Fold in whipped topping with wooden spoon.
4) Spread in crust.
5) Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

This has 3 points per serving.

Other facts:
CALORIES 73
TOTAL FAT: 6.3g
SODIUM 37 mg
TOTAL CARBOHYDRATE 3.6g

This does not include the crust or the yogurt. This is not something I would advise anyone to eat every night but on those times when you just think you can't go one more meal without a taste of something sweet well this is it. That is if you like tart, sweet desserts.

I hope all of you are doing great!!! connie

Friday, June 13, 2008

"FEED YOUR FAITH AND YOUR DOUBTS WILL STARVE TO DEATH."

The following is a quote from a copied article and I do not know who the author is but it is a very good quote that I think can benefit us here.

"WITH FAITH AS HIS ONLY GUIDANCE SYSTEM, BRYD FORCED HIMSELF TO DO THE NECESSARY THINGS FOR SURVIVAL VERY SLOWLY AND WITH GREAT DELIBERATION. AT TIMES HE FELT AS IF HE WAS LIVING A THOUSAND YEARS IN ANY GIVEN MINUTE. BUT AT EACH DAY'S END, HE COULD SAY HE WAS STILL ALIVE. AND THAT WAS ENOUGH."


I know at times during a given day, I may feel as if it will be a thousand years before I can eat again or not have to fight the desire not to eat. But, we like Bryd must force ourselves to do the necessary things to keep our bodies healthy. Things like eat the right foods, exercise, drink plenty of water, watch out for the carbs., etc. We know if we are wise that we must do these things for our survival and quality of living. I know I am in that category of people. I must do the necessary things to make my body healthy. We must do them slowly and with great deliberation and focus. It must not be a half-hearted effort. We must be determined.

There will be times in our lives when we will fail but we have to realize that we are human and get up and wipe ourselves off and continue on! It is not the failing that will STOP us but the QUITTING will.

How many times does the end of the day come and you think if I can just make it until I go to sleep, then it will be over for today. When the morning comes, you are so thankful that you have succeeded one more day. Now the long day is ahead of you and your realize that the fight has to be done all over again. You know when my children were young and I would clean house from top to bottom and everything was sparkling clean, that would be when one of the kids would track mud in or leave things laying all around. I might be a little discouraged that it seemed like my work was in vain but it did not keep me from doing it over and over and over again for all these years. My objective was to have a clean home. The same way with our bodies, we have to keep on doing the right things for our health, to be pleasing to God and to look better is no small thing. You natuarally feel better if you think you look right. So, we must keep doing the right things over and over and over to reach our goal! Yes, we may despair and be discouraged at times but with great DETERMINATION, we must CONTINUE ON. connie

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, DAD

I want to say Happy Father's Day to my Dad. He has been gone to be with Jesus for some thirty-five years. I can still remember my Dad as though it was only yesterday that I saw him last. I loved and appreciated him more than I could have ever told him in words that I knew. I just wish that I would have let him know more often what he meant to me. How very happy I was that I was his daughter. So, Dad, up there in heaven, what ever you are doing, I just want you to know that I love you still and appreciate you so much more today than I did way back then. I have grown and experienced being a parent and a Grandparent and a Great Grand Parent now and I realize how very much you loved me and sacrificed for me. I know that the years grow short now and it want be so much longer before I see you once more but today, I felt a great need to say it out loud, "I love you, Dad!"connie

If you have a Dad, still living, don't take for granted that he will be here tomorrow. Sometimes tomorrows never come. Take the opportunity you have today to say, "I love you, Dad." Remember no one is perfect, no even you so appreciate the things that you can about your Dad and let him know it. Just some advice from someone who no longer has a chance to tell her Dad all the things she would like to.

Friday, June 6, 2008

A LOOK INTO WHAT YOU MIGHT BE.

I have been trying to think of a way that I could be a help to all you young ladies that come here. You are in a time of life that you can do something about what you will be in the future. If you can just take control of your eating and make your body the temple that God intended, you will look back when you are at my age and be glad. I have not been a good example in this area of my life and today I am paying for it. It is not that I have not had good advice, not that I have not had any help that I wanted. My husband has always seen that I had within reason anything that I needed to keep me healthy. No, it is totally on me and the bad choices that I have made for a lifetime. I don't like writing this but I felt if I can help one of you to keep you from coming to where I am, then it will be worth it. I will start from the beginning.

As a child, I was always overweight. I was the one that the kids were always saying, "Fatty, fatty, two by four, can't get through the kitchen door." It usually hurt my feelings but did not touch my weight problem.

In my high school years, my weight stayed at about 180 pounds. In those days, 180 pounds was considered FAT. People back then didn't weigh as much as they do today.

During my senior year in school, I lost down to 165 pounds. Sill considered over weight, I met a young man,named Jim------. He thought I was the most beautiful person he had ever met. My heart was so warmed by his love. We met September of 1961 and were married in March of 1962. We have now been married for 46 years and he still thinks that I am the most beautiful person he has ever known. So I have no excuses, I have been loved. I have been cherished. I just did not make good choices concerning food.

I had our first son when I was 19 in 1963. By the time our second son was born, I weighed 256 3/4 pounds. My husband still thought I was the most beautiful person he had ever seen and he not only said so but showed me with his actions.

After my third son was born, I started to TOPS CLUB. It is a place where you go to be encouraged to lose weight though competition and help from the ladies. It was a good time in my life. I lost 100 pounds while going there. Then I got Pregnant with our fourth son.

I gained slowly back to 180 pounds after that. It took years but for the most part that is the weight I stayed at. Then three years ago, I started having gout, I had it about every six weeks for a year, until they found a way to control it.During these episodes I had more pain than I ever thought possible. I could not walk. My husband had to help me with the most intimate of things. I have always been a person who always took care of herself and anybody else that needed it. It was a very hard year. During the episodes of gout, I had to take steroids which made me gain weight. I could not hardly move for about a year. Each episode I was barely recovered from a it, then it would hit me again. So you can imagine just laying mostly around for a year and still with my eating habits, I gained up to 238 pounds. The rest of the story since then you know.

Now, I was put on blood pressure medicine when I was 19 years old for being overweight. When I was in my 50s, I was found to have some arteries part blocked. I had high cholesterol. So now I took medicine for chest pain and high cholesterol. Two years ago, the Doctor told me that I had type 2 diabetes caused from being overweight. Now, I take medicine for that and that is what has been wrong with me for the last month or so. The diabetes got out of control.

Now all of the things came into my life because I have made wrong choices about food my whole life. It did not have to be. I probably would have still had pretty good health if I had listened to the Lord and to my doctors and learned to control my appetite according to what I needed for a healthy body.

I want all you young ladies to please listen to me, Life passes by very fast and you can always think you will do better later but then one day, it is too late. Health is gone and in some ways you can never get it back. IT WAS NOT NECESSARY. If I could tell you one thing, please do all that you can to take your eating habits seriously for they are effecting your body's health.

I am still fighting a battle and except for the Lord and all of you, I probably would have already given up trying. So, if you can , please think about my story and don't repeat what I have done. I want to do better now but it is so much harder at this stage of my life to lose weight, but I will not quit. To quit would mean my not pleasing my Lord and also premature death for me. connie