Tuesday, December 29, 2009

A CLEAN NEW PAGE TO BEGIN OUR NEW YEAR

THIS NEW YEAR, I HOLD IN MY HANDS


Take twelve whole months,
Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness, hate, and jealousy,
Make them just as fresh and clean as possible.

Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty, or
thirty-one different parts,
but don't make up the whole batch at once.
Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients.

Mix well into each day one part of faith,
one part of patience, one part of courage,
and one part of work.

Add to each day one part of hope,
faithfulness, generosity, and kindness.
Blend with one part prayer,
one part meditation, and one good deed.
Season the whole with a dash of good spirits,
a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play,
and a cupful of good humor.

Pour all of this into a vessel of love.
Cook thoroughly over radiant joy,
garnish with a smile,
and serve with quietness, unselfishness,
and cheerfulness.

You're bound to have a happy new year.

--- Author Unknown


Life is a book in volumes three---
The Past, The Present, And The Yet-To-Be.
The Past is written and laid away
The present we're writing every day,
And the last and best of volumes three
Is locked from sight----GOD KEEPS THE KEY.
author unknown


The old year is almost past, with all of its joys and sorrows, victories and losses. All of the "might have beens",and the "I wish I hads", are never to be seen again. The "I should haves",and all of the, "Oh, I did it all wrong", are in the past. We can not undo what we might like to change but we can go on and do better in this bright new year!

On January 1,2010, we are given a bright new Year. A totally clean page to begin to write the story of our lives upon. 'How will we use those pages,' is in large degree up to each of us. We can keep our pages clean by using love, kindness, thoughtfulness, consideration in large quantities each day. We can be quick to forgive others as we pray that they forgive us. We can be more patient and realize that others have troubles and problems in their lives as well. We can do to others as we would like for them to do unto us.

This past year has held some losses that I was not expecting. It has held some hurts that I didn't think were deserved. It has also held many victories that God gave so freely. He has sent love from many unexpected sources. God fills all the empty places with His ways and His love and then they are full.The victories, He gives are complete and real. We never lose any good things or people in our lives that God does not give us more and more abundantly.

Even at my age, I am still learning. Yes, this past year, I have made mistakes, and my heart has been broken over each one. God gives forgiveness and then lifts us up to carry on and be right and do right. I have no doubt that in this future, for as long as I continue to breath, I will do the wrong thing at times, say the wrong thing at times not be all that I can be at times. But thanks be to God, He knows that is why, I needed a Saviour. His blood has covered each sin, and made my heart as white as snow.

So, as I begin this new year, please Lord, let me not spoil this clean new page with selfishness, pride, and wrong attitudes. Let me represent you in a way that is pleasing and will point others to your dear Son, Jesus Christ. Let me tell others about you more than ever, let me spread your Precious Name to all that will hear. Lord, please each day, make me more like you.

This year has also held much wonder and great victories in my life. I have grown in Christ and learned to trust more, love more than ever before. I have seen many good things happen, protection given, health restored, ways made straight, battles fought, and won, It is to this end, that I thank the Lord, with my whole heart for His answered prayers, His Grace in my life and in the lives of those that I love and that includes even some of you, have been very evident in our lives this year.

So, I close with this poem to sum up all my thoughts:

I do not know what still awaits,
Or what the morrow brings,
But with the glad salute of faith,
I hail it with open wings!

For this I know------THAT IN MY LORD,
Shall all my needs be met,
And I can trust the heart of Him
Who has not failed me yet....
author unknown

THANK YOU LORD FOR THIS NEW YEAR, MAY I USE IT WISELY AND WITH MUCH LOVE AND COMPASSION. Connie

Thursday, September 24, 2009

HAVING A HEART TO FEEL, A HEAD TO KNOW, A HAND TO DO.




We can have a heart to feel and a head to know and these are needful qualities but we also need a hand to do. We have to have all three to be able to lose weight effectively. This is what I am learning. With my heart, I have lost hundreds of pounds.

We can have the heart that wants and desires to be in better shape, to have the correct body weight, to be able to walk a block or two without huffing and puffing. Our heart longs to be smaller like others who seems to have no problem with weight control.

We can also have the head for losing weight. We know the right amount of calories to eat to lose a pound. We know we need to exercise. We know we have to stay away from large amounts of certain foods. We know we have to have the right portion control. With my head, I have lost hundreds of pounds.

The heart and the head is NOT ENOUGH. We must have a hand that is willing to DO SOMETHING. We must decide to make the choice that we are GOING to lose weight. So, we put our heart and head together and with the help of our hands we WILL MAKE IT.

We can't waste time feeling sorry for ourselves, wishing upon the stars, making all kinds of excuses about why we did or did not lose weight this week. We have to face the fact that it takes our whole being to physically lose weight. That is not even taking into account our Spiritual Being. We must ask God to help us, to encourage us, to lead us in our choices. Then when we ask, we MUST DO! God will always do His part but it is up to us to do ours.

Hope this next week, you will be blessed by letting your heart, head, hands all work together while getting our strength from the Lord. See you, love you, wish you well. connie

Thursday, September 17, 2009

THOUGHTS, A MAGIC WEAPON




PROVERBS 23:7a

FOR AS HE THINKETH IN HIS HEART, SO IS HE:


You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you. ~ James Lane Allen


Thought is the seed of action. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson


Thoughts are things; they have tremendous power. Thoughts of doubt and fear are pathways to failure. When you conquer negative attitudes of doubt and fear you conquer failure. Thoughts crystallize into habit and habit solidifies into circumstances. Adams, Bryan


This has been a very good week for me. I have had a lot of emotional feelings about a host of things this week. Things that ordinarily would have sent me to get "something to eat." For the most part, God has given me the strength to overcome those feelings of helplessness. The times I failed it was not because of lack of strength that was available to me but the lack of wisdom in choices that I made.

Thoughts are powerful things! We can use them for good or for bad. The thoughts we allow into our mind about food will determine our outcome for the loss of gain of a pound. This week, I have tried to keep positive thoughts in my mind, choose the right foods to eat, have the right portions, and to keep as busy as possible.

I have always known this to be true, concerning thoughts. Most of my life though, where food is concerned, I have allowed my desires to dictate to me. This week, I have made a decision each day, each moment to make right choices concerning food in my life and the place I was going to allow it to have.

I pray that each of you have had positive, helpful thoughts all the week long. If not, it is not too late, just start doing it. It is a choice we each have to make about many things in our lives. We would NEVER let our children be hurt, if possible. So, likewise we have to use wisdom and make good choices for the food that we take into our bodies. Things like the right kind, the right amount, how many times a day we will eat, etc. Lets all work this week to seek God early and ask for the strength we need in this area of our lives.Then with that strength, go on to do the right things in the area of eating. I will pray for you, please pray for me. connie

P.S. I forgot to tell you, I lost 2 1/4 pounds this week. For me that is just about right. Not one pain in my toe. I know I have done it right when that doesn't happen.lol Have a good week!!!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

THIS COULD BE YOUR LAST EFFORT-----VICTORY IN SIGHT!!




" The last effort is always the one that matters. So in whatever you do, never give in until it's over as you'll never know - you may just turn the whole thing around." unknown



It has been a very good week for me. I pray that it has for you also. I lost more than I intended to lose but so far no gout or low blood sugar. My weight loss for this week was five pounds. I wanted to keep it at 2 or 3 but it is so hard to just lose a certain amount. I find that when I start losing I want to go all out and for me that can be a bad thing.

I did have some unusual things come up in my routine this week but God helped me to get past them all without over eating. I only had a hard time once and that was last night. I knew that I had eaten all I could for the day and when my mind heard, "You have had all you get for the day," then my stomach said, "BUT I WANT MORE." Thankfully, my heart heard that small still voice that told me, "You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength. So, today I feel energized and really to go another day.

I do pray that you all are doing well and don't forget, if you give up today, you might just have made it had you waited. DON'T GIVE UP!!!! If things don't go as well as you like today, then try again tomorrow. I am praying for you. connie

Friday, September 4, 2009

SUCCESS COMES IN CANS; FAILURE COMES IN CANT'S



I AM ALL FOR CANS!!!!! Aren't you?????


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.


PHILIPPIANS 4:13

I CAN DO ALL THINGS through CHRIST which strengtheneth me.


AND we can if we keep looking to the Lord for our strength. The way may not be easy. In fact it may get very hard. There may seem like there is just no way to get to our goal but God says that there is. I WILL BELIEVE HIM! We may fail when we want so bad to succeed. But we can only fail if we QUIT. The last few months have been very trying to me. I will not go into all the whys and wherefores but God gives the VICTORY!!! We will go on and look toward that day when all things will be made right and if what we call success is not what God calls success then we will be content to have done our best.

I have begun again this week to keep up better with what the scales say. Please pray for me, I can not lose very much at a time or I will have serious other problems. I have to learn patience in this area, I now know. I have always thought of patience in other areas but I know now, I just have to take it SLOW and STEADY! You know like the turtle (laughing out loud) I have never seen myself as a turtle, I like to go and get it done. When I was young, I was able to go at weight loss this way but it is not the way the Lord has for me now. So, I WILL submit to His will and do it His way. I have come to realize that is why the Lord led me to start this blog anyway. He knew the trials that I would have to go through. So, my objective has not changed: To make God's WILL, my way.

I will be writing on this blog at least once a week, maybe more as God leads. I have learned so much coming here and letting you see my heart. In my letting you see, I have seen more clearly. I must say thank you for being so patient with me and for the encouragement you are to me.

I will see you soon especially as I am able. Have a good weekend, remember your goals as I will mine. I have some things that can make me forget them in the next few days if I let my flesh take control. I will remember that "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." I will remember that "Success comes in CANS: Failure come in can'ts.
Keeping my eyes on the goal, connie

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

I AM A BUTTERFLY~~~~~~~~~~;)


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 guess you thought I had given up or worse yet died. Not neither. I have just had some problems with my hip and could not sit at the computer for long at a time. I tried to keep up with my other blog http://connies-thoughts.blogspot.com but didn't do a very good job of that either.
I wanted to let you know that Curves did not work out for me. Certainly not because I did not love going and I loved doing the exercises but each time that I went, sadly to say my joints hurt me more and more. The doctor told me that I had to quit, it was making my joints inflamed. So, I may have had to quit that part but I have not forgotten what my real goal is. I am not losing but thanks be to God, I am not gaining. I have had to sit more than usual because when my hip gets bad, I can not lay or stand very well.
I hope that each of you are having good success whether you are in a holding pattern or losing with with zeal. If you find you have gained some pounds all is not lost. You just have to make a decision to go again. With each new day renew that decision and continue on.
One day we will celebrate when I finally make it down to that magic number of 200. I will appreciate it more than ever because it has been so much harder to get there this time.
I loved this little picture. We are really butterflies in this weight loss journey. We may just be cocoons in the flesh but God is making us into beautiful butterflies. One day we will spread our wings and fly!! Keep trying. connie

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

THIS IS NO TIME TO QUIT!!!



QUIT-----To depart from or out of; to leave the company of; to relinquish, abandon, or give over ( as a way of thought, acting, or living): Forsake; to give up; To cease normal, expected, or necessary action; to admit defeat; STOP.

To me this is a very sad definition. I do not want to be found among those who quit, forsake, give up, admit defeat, STOP.

I know it really get hard sometimes, but just think where we would be if we did quit!! What a sad thought. We would never stand a chance at being what God would have us to be. We would never meet that goal that we have. DEFEAT would be our cry!!!

NO, NO, I am out for victory!!! No matter how hard nor how longs it takes me to get there, I know that if I do not faint then the victory is mine.

I am holding my own, not gaining and not losing but I have faith that as I continue on one day those scales will go down just a little bit more bringing me closer to my goal. I want to see it!!

I hope if you are having a hard time that his poem will be an encouragement for you. YOU CAN DO IT. Take a look and see how we may be able to do it a little better and those pounds will come off just like the ones we have already lost. Remember we have not gained them back because we have not quit trying. Have a good week and I will see you again soon. connie

Thursday, April 9, 2009

I HAVE FOUND SOME HELP

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


Hello there!! I am just checking in to let you know how things are going with me. I am doing great. Have just gotten over a bout with gout. It slowed me down but I have not gained and for that I am very thankful. Now on to better things.

Right before I came down with gout I made a discovery! Well, I have known about it for a long time but my husband just finally convinced me to give it a try. I hated to spend the money but as usual my dear husband was right. He wanted me to start going to CURVES FOR WOMEN. I was afraid to go because I am so large. I can't get up from the floor. I move very slowly sometimes to make sure I will not fall. Oh, I had a lot of excuses to keep from going to check it out. Jim got this idea from our family doctor. He suggested it for me. "Oh, well,"I said, to myself,I will go and check it out. Thinking there would surely be a reason for me not to go. After all, I don't wear pants so I am sure that I will feel out of place, and how can I exercise in a skirt?

Well, I went with a lot of pushing on the part of my dear husband, Thank you dear Jim.

I was so surprised! It was run by Christian people. They didn't even mind saying, words like, "Thank you, Lord!" They didn't even look at me funny with my skirt on. Neither those that run the place nor those lady in attendance. But the thing that thrilled me the most was that I did not have to get down on the floor! I had to use machines. Machines that worked out every part of my body. I was in full sweat when I finished the 30 minute work out. I felt great when I finished! I was eagerly looking forward to going back the second time the next day. I went and felt even better. I just loved it, the place, the workout, the feeling of doing something good for my body and health. It was wonderful, really ladies, I mean it.

You have to go three times for the trainer to train you work on the machines . So, before the third morning arrived, I had gout in my ankle. I was so disappointed but was determined to go back as soon as my ankle was well.

Today was my third time back! I feel wonderful again. I can't wait for tomorrow. After the third training you can go at any time, at any of their places. I am so excited. I just know that now that I pretty much have my appetite, with God's help , under control, if I can just do this exercise. I know that I am going to be much better off.

I am looking forward to my blood pressure coming down and hopefully get off the diabetes meds that I am on. Would that not be just the greatest blessing, ever? It sure would!

This was not real cheap but my husband insisted that I give it a try. I am so thankful to him that he really pushed me into doing this. I do believe that it will be a great help to me. Just so you know it will cost me $36.00 a month for the year. That is a lot of money and I do not take it lightly. So, I will have to really be faithful to go and make it work for me.

I told you all this to say, Ladies, girls, if you have the money or can fit the money into your budget, I believe that it will be of great help to you also. There were smaller ladies there but the most of them were very overweight. As I said, all the ladies were very nice. I am looking forward to tomorrow. I can just feel my body getting in better shape.lol

I hope all of you are having a good day. If you can and will, please say a prayer for me the next days and months that what I need to accomplish with my health issues will be accomplished as I do my best at this. Thank you so much. connie

Friday, March 20, 2009

ALMOST THERE

This picture was taken by my husband Wednesday, March 18, 2009, our wedding anniversary.


I just wanted to let you all know that I am watching all that goes into my mouth and waiting for the day in the not too distant future now when I will be able to post a 200 pound picture on my side bar. I hope to be able to do this by my birthday on May 27. It is slow but God is helping in every way. I can not asked for more. I have had a bout with the flu and food poisoning this last month. Guess what the food poisoning was from a salad in a Seafood place. It all looked so good, smelled so good but then as Christians haven't we learned how deceiving looks can be.

In less than 24 hours, I had all the effects of food poisoning. I am feeling fine now and have prayed that no one else other than myself and my daughter in law Michele had it.

So, I will continue on with watching the foods that I am eating, asking my self "are you really hungry?" I am beginning to exercise some and hope to continue that and as
Sis. Julie would say, "Drink my Water."lol. It really does help.

I hope all of you in which ever way, works best for you, are doing a good job and are finding your goals just a bit closer each day. In everything it is sticking to it that counts. If you go a day or two or two months, don't give up just take heart, pray and get back with it. I think we all know by now, if we know not much else of anything about losing weight, with us it is going to be a lifetime battle. So, it is a battle that I intend to win or be winning when I take my last breath. The Lord will not find me slacking off, I pray. connie

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

I HAVE NOT GONE ANYWHERE, JUST BEING SOMEWHAT SILENT

I have lost 2 more pounds. I am very thankful that they seem to be coming easier for me now for a while.



I have learned somethings. It does not take nearly as much food as we think to live and be healthy. My sister had weight loss surgery about one year ago. She eat so very little. It was only about 4 ounces a day for months. Of course she took vitamins and such. But thank the Lord, I can eat much more than that and still lose and get all that I need to be healthy. So, I took note of that.



With the last dog we had, now mind you, I know that I am not a dog, and big dogs can eat a lot. But they don't eat as much as I use to, they just got more exercise. I did notice that they only ate once or twice a day.



So, I have been putting some of the things into practice. I eat less and not as often. I move as often as possible. Maybe not doing much but what I am doing if I can , I stand and do it. The results are that soon, I will be able to post an updated picture. I know you probably thought that I would never make it. At times, so did I but I just kept trusting the Lord and asking for His help. So keep watching if you are interested. It will be soon now~~~~A new picture coming. connie

Saturday, February 14, 2009

HOPE YOU HAVE HAD HAPPINESS OF THIS VALENTINE'S DAY!!

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.



It is so nice to be able to post here once again. I am almost as good as new. The Lord has delivered me once again. I have missed being here and visiting with those whom I consider dear friends.

I have had to eat as the doctor's have told me too. It was not always easy and sometimes, I failed. I have lost only two pounds since my last posting here. I am very thankful for those pounds, they have come with pain and suffering at times but this was a time when it was more important to eat as told than to watch what I was eating trying to lose weight.

I hope this next week, I will be able to do well and remember to make God's will, my way. I hope to be able to visit with all of you this next week and be an encouragement to you. You have all remained in my prayers. I know this is a hard battle we fight and discouragement comes easy if we keep our eyes on the here and now and not on the future. Little steps today make a changed life in our future. Little by little we become more like our Lord and please Him with our thoughts and ways.

I have not been totally idle while I have been ill. I have been reading and learning and I hope to be able to put it into practice in the days ahead.

I wanted to also stop by and wish you all a very HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!! Just think what you can accomplish by next Valentine's Day. Yea!!!! I can't wait. connie

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE------

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.




FATHER LOSES WEIGHT
by: S.J. kennedy


MY FATHER LOST A POUND LAST NIGHT
HE LOST IT WHERE IT BOUNCES.
HE CRIED, "GOOD GRIEF! SOME GROSS SNEAK THIEF
SWIPED MY FAVORITE 16 OUNCES!"
HE TURNED THE WHOLE HOUSE UPSIDE--DOWN,
SEARCHED ATTIC, ROOF AND BASEMENT.
HE MADE US ALL LINE UP AND STRIP,
OUR CAT BLINKED IN AMAZEMENT.
HE STOMPED ON THE BATHROOM SCALE AND SCREAMED,
(HE IS NOT THE BEST OF LOSERS)
UNTIL THE COUNTY SHERIFF BEAMED
THIS CALL TO ALL POLICE CRUISERS:

"NOW HEAR THIS! LOST----ONE POUND OF WEIGHT!
ALL CARS BE ON THE LOOKOUT!
LAST SEEN ON MISTER GEORGE MCQUEEN
AT THE CUB SCOUT POP CORN--COOKOUT!

IF FOUND, THE HOUND WHO PINCHED THE POUND
MAY BE ARMED, THIS MEANS DANGER!
TAKE CARE. PREPARE TO SHOOT ON SIGHT
THE LEAST SUSPICIOUS STRANGER."

ALAS POOR DAD! HE FELT SO SAD
HE ATE TO EASE HIS TROUBLES,
SIX SIRLOIN STEAKS, EIGHT WEDDING CAKES,
AND TEN CHEESEBURGERS (DOUBLES)
BUT ALL THE WHILE HE GULPED FRENCH FRIES
ADRIP WITH SALTY SUET
HIS MISSING POUND WAS HOMEWARD BOUND
WITH MORE POUNDS STICKING TO IT.

Isn't this the way, to some extent it is with us some days. It seems we look for an excuse to eat. We always find the pound we lost plus several more. What a way to live. No fun, you feel depressed over your loss of self control, sad that you gained what you had lost, guilty over it all. We think we feel so bad that we will never let it happen again. It almost sound like the drunkard, doesn't it? Promising never to let it happen again only to get up with a piece of cake in hand and more of the like placed close, somewhere around us.

I have often asked my self, "what makes people who like to eat, eat this way?" I know that just like the drunkard, it is that thing called sin that is in our heart. We would never want to be called a drunkard, no not us. But really when it come right down to it, are we not much the same?

I have used the excuse that there is just something wrong inside of me. I just like to eat, which is true. But when a few bites will do, I have to have two pieces. An excuse is just an excuse to eat more than I need.

Well, this was going to be something to make us smile when I started but I find that this weight thing is not a smiling matter. It is very serious and has life and death consequences. Even in the long run for you also my over eating friend.

I pray with my whole heart that this will be the year that we let this desire to overeat be a thing that we place under God's control and we use His strength to overcome when we are weak or rebellious.

I hope this is a very good year for us all and that we can day by day meet the goals that we have set before us. Your path may be different than mine, but we will all get to the end if we keep trying. So, please don't give up! I say this to myself too. The urge is always there, "just quit" and face it you are never going to lose all that weight. That sounds a lot like the devil talking to me. Jesus would say, "my strength is sufficient for you. You can do all things through my strength." So, this year, dear Lord, please let us be wise enough to lean more on you day by day in this area of our lives also. God bless you, who have to fight this battle each day. It is the hardest one that I have ever had to face but I know that my God is ABLE. connie

Sunday, January 4, 2009

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.




Thank you Yolanda, for asking the simple question," What do you weigh." If that question had not been asked by you, I don't think that I would have come to today and showing a loss. I know that God used you to touch my heart and make me see. So it is with Thanks to Him first and foremost but to you, Yolanda for letting God use you.
I also want to thank Amy, for being there during these holidays with an encouraging word just when I needed one. Thank you so much, dear friends.

I look forward now to going on not worrying about holidays, but just living each day in God's will and way. Thank you Lord for your Goodness on me. connie