Blessed

I am so blessed. I feel so wonderful. Even after a cycle. WOW. Usually I'm down for a couple of days but not this month. My weight loss sits at 15lbs but that is fine. My tops that were too tight are fighting comfortably again. My pants are beginning to bag. I feel the loss even when the scale doesn't show it.

I'm also walking. I'm doing 2 miles several nights a week. I'm pushing through.

I'm eating healthier-not all healthy-I still have some junk and not so good for you foods here and there but I'm changing as much as I can by making small changes.

I love the shakes. I was really concerned that after a month or so I'd begin to tire of them but I don't. I get creative with the shakes. I make so many different flavors. I'm excited to reach the end of my 90 days so that I can have my blood work redone to see how much my levels come up.

Try them! You won't regret it!

Real results when you follow the challenge. I can't wait to post my before and after photos! Join me today!

Ethiopia Still

Savannah is doing well. She has experienced some attacks physically. She had an allergic reaction to something, she passed out one day from dehydration, she's been sick some. BUT spiritually Savannah is on fire! Cover her with your prayers. God is working so many miracles. This momma is missing her baby girl too. I know how selfish that is but I want to hear her voice, hug her neck, and kiss her cheeks. I am not use to her being gone for so long. 2 months is a long time. 2 weeks fly. One month seems like a long time but when that one month comes to an end, you are only half way in. The Lord has led Tony and I into deep prayer once so far-not that we aren't praying daily-but this was warfare. Serious intercession. It's exhausting emotionally but its so intimate with the Lord. I know my Savannah belongs to HIM and I trust Him with her. I appreciate everyone's prayers!

Energy!

At the end of 28 days I've lost a total of 15lbs. Originally I had set a goal of 30 lbs for my 90 day goal. I simply cannot believe I've manged to lose 15lbs in the first month of my challenge.

I'm feeling amazing! The energy feels like a new me given a new life. My friends are feeling the same way. Tonight I walked 2 miles with a close friend and she has lost 5lbs in her first 7 days of her 90 day Challenge. I am feeling so good that I honestly think I could pull another 2 right now, but I'm easing in and playing it safe. I certainly don't want to over do it and jeopardize my ability to exercise.

God is so good to me.  Here is a small encouraging devotional for those fighting the battle of weight.

What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 1st Corinthians 6:19

As Christians, we believe that God dwells within us. Our bodies become His home, and it makes sense that we should try to make His surroundings as nice as possible. The temple of God in Israel was kept immaculately clean and pure. Only the clean and holy of men were allowed to enter it. It was revered by all. The temple was the most holy and special place of all.  When we are told that our bodies are the temple of God, it is not an option whether or not to take care of it; it is a duty. When we care for our physical being, we are making God's temple a holy and special place. 

Today's Thought: We diet not only for ourselves, but for God! 

I have a devotional book for dieters that this came from. This is very encouraging scripture. What I remind myself of as I am getting healthy is not to focus on how I look. It's not about outward appearance but to focus on keeping my temple pure and holy. Part of being pure and holy is being physically fit. The body that God created to house our spirits is a marvelous thing. In our day and time so many forget this because of gluttony. I really feel that in America over eating is our biggest problem with unhealthy eating coming in a close second. We have forgotten to listen to the signals our bodies send to tell us when we are full. We stuff ourselves until we've taught our bodies that nothing less will satisfy. This is what I am working on. Portion control and making healthier choices, exercises and getting my vitamins in everyday twice daily with my shakes. It's been a month and not once have I said, "Oh no, not another shake." Everyday I continue to look forward to my simple, quick, great tasting meal replacements. They are so satisfying and delicious and I feel like a new person. 

If you decide you are up for the Body by Vi 90 Challenge below is the link to get you there. Remember, this isn't a sales pitch. I'm real and this is my journey! I can't wait to put up my after pics at the end of my 90 days! God Bless You! 

Take the 90 Day Challenge with Jenileigh!  

Ethiopia

Savannah Sky is in Ethiopia. We've had great contact with her up until now. We are all in for the long haul now. She was on fire the last time we spoke. No tears. Only excitement to shine her light for God to the people of Addis and Korah! Keep her and the people the Lord is going to use her to reach in your prayers. I'm so excited for her! Nothing in this world feels better than being used by God to further His Kingdom. What greater purpose could there be?!

End of 3 weeks: Update

I'm down 13lbs in 3 weeks. That is only 21 of my my 90 day challenge and I feel great. No sacrificing here just a new way of life. It feels great to be moving as well. My body was missing so many vital vitamins and minerals. My only regret is not discovering Body By Vi sooner! Body By Vi tastes great, no forcing it down. I so look forward to my next shake! And if you sign 3 of your friends on the 90 days challenge with you, your following month is free! Is free too expensive for you? You never get bored or tired of the same ole flavor. There are literally hundreds of recipes out there!

 More Information on Body By Vi with Jenileigh

Vannah is Off

My middle girl left on Monday to head to Texas for training. They will be leaving for Ethiopia Friday. I'll update when she is on her way. She is doing well. Keep her in your prayers! We've done well. Been so busy the last week.

Body By Vi

If you are interested in joining me on a life changing challenge look at Body By Vi with Jenileigh! I have started this 90 day challenge and I am in my third week. I am down 11lbs and a whole pant size. I'm loving it! These shakes are delicious and there are literally hundreds of different recipes! I am doing well so far just too busy to blog. I'll be back in the swing soon! Check out Body By Vi!

Chit Chat

I think the reason that I battle weight so hard is because I gave up partying. I started smoking pot when I was 11. I was drinking at that age and having sex as well. Not proud of it at all but my past is what it is. Off and on alcohol and pot were my vices. I used them to get away from pain, to feel good and have a good time. I believe that because I used drugs for so long at such a young age and continued to as I grew up it affected my mental growth. It affected my way of thinking, my maturity, how I acted. Everything I done. Once I quit smoking cigarettes, pot and drinking I felt so proud. It took me several years to learn how to be straight. I know that sounds odd but I didn't know who I was. I had to figure out who I was without drugs and alcohol. When I figured things out I felt so free. I didn't realize at the time that I had turned to food as my vice.

I gained so much weight.

I ate when I was happy.

I ate when I was sad.

We ate as a treat to ourselves. Date nights. Family nights. Everything was planned around food.

We were very happy.

But we grew bigger and our health declined.

Honestly, I can handle the fat. But I feel so bad. I never have any energy. I am not healthy and I want to be healthy.

My personality follows suit of me wanting to get thin and healthy so bad that I start a phase. I diet. I exercise. I drop weight fast. That is one plus for me. Some people really struggle with losing weight. They do all the right things and still don't lose. Not me, I lose. When I'm in lose mode sometimes I actually think I can feel the fat melting off of me.

Then, one day I wake up. I feel tired, exhausted and starved. I want what I can't have. Rebellion hits. All of a sudden I've fallen right off of the tip top of my mountain plunging to the bottom, hard and fast. I eat everything I haven't had or wanted in months and I can't get enough. I eat all day and all night. I go on binges. One time I gained 40 lbs eating Krispy Kreme donuts. One time it was hot melted chocolate chip cookies. I had worked so hard to lose weight only to gain it by eating one food for weeks. Once it was chocolate chip pancakes.

I'm being so real here.

You can ask my husband and my children. They remember each binge. Each fall. They thought I had lost my mind. It was like my body did not stop craving that food until I had reached my previous weight.

Then the depression set in.

Why did I do this? I worked so hard for nothing. Well, who cares? I'm here, might as well enjoy myself. Then, over the next months or even years my lifestyle continues I continue to gain, so I wind up 10 or 20lbs heavier than I was before I ever began the diet.

Me, the human weight loss/gaining yo yo.

Up and down. Up and down.

Why can't I just make up my mind and DO something and stick with it?

Where is my commitment?

Well today, it's here. I've found it. What I have to work on is keeping it.

Chit Chat more later.

Sunday, Glorious Sunday

My all time high in weight was 218. I'd given up. I told myself that I no longer cared about weight. Every time my weight shifted down my vanity shifted up. It was hard for me to keep myself in check because once I began to FEEL better I wanted different things in life. That was a heart issue.

The heart is deceitful above all things.

I want Jesus more than life. I want to be His servant. In order to do this my health HAS to be in check.

My blood work is the pits. I'm low on most everything.

Iron, Vitamin D, Calcium, Magnesium, B Vitamins. I could go on but I forget.

My lipids and cholesterol are too high. Way too high.

They put me on Crestor to fix that.

My blood pressure is high, way too high.

They put me on 2 medicines to control that.

I take antidepressants.

In spite of all of my physical ailments and I am so happy. I am so blessed.

I have a wonderful marriage, an incredible husband, great parents, a loving sister, a precious brother, three beautiful girls, a fabulous son-in-law and a doting grandson that stole my heart.

I'm a student. Getting ready to begin my lifelong dream of RN school.

My daughter is going on a missions trip for two months this summer.

God is so good to me.

It is time for me to start being good to myself. I love eating healthy and working out. I can't explain why I don't do it. I will for a while and then quit. The up and down cycle that I refer to as the human yo yo cycle.

I want a change.

I need a change.

It's time for change.

It's time to move forward. I am not a quitter, I never have been. I'm a fighter. It's been in my blood since I was born. My weight does NOT define me, BUT I will reclaim my health.

Welcome to the beginning, another beginning, of my journey.

A journey to health.

A healthy body.

A healthy soul.

A healthy spirit.

(For a study on the body, soul and spirit read here:
http://www.faithandhealthconnection.org/the_connection/spirit-soul-and-body/ )

Counting Down

My sweet Savannah Sky will be leaving on Monday June 11th for a 53 day stay in East Africa. Trip is paid for and all airline tickets are paid for. Now we are packing, gathering things on the need list, and continuing to take donations for trip insurance and pocket money she will need with her while she is gone. God is so good and so faithful. I have moments I cry because I am going to miss my smiling, loving girl sooooooooo much, but then I remember, she is not mine, she is HIS and He is sending her.

In so many ways this trip is such a blessing for V and the Lord knew this when He planted that seed in her heart. She has experienced so much rejection from her friends because of her difference, but I know God has a plan for her. He created her just the way she is and those who choose to walk away from her miss out on so much fun!

She is growing up. She will be a Senior this year and turning 17. Wow, where does the time go? My middle baby girl will be flying the coop sooner than I care to see her go and yet I am so happy for her. I pray the Lord lay down a clear path and that this trip give her the confidence that she needs to walk that path alone. The path that leads to new places and new people. The path that leads her in His will. The path that teaches her to serve.

I pray that the Lord keep His ever loving arms stretched out far around her. I plead the blood of Jesus over her and I pray that the Lord give her strong discernment. Strengthen her spiritually and give her VISION! In Jesus' precious name! Amen

Beginning Again

I've struggled with weight all of my life. I have peace with my size now. I'm happier than ever. My focus here is going to be HEALTH. I need to make healthier eating choices, move some and practice portion control. I have started and stopped so many times that I have actually set my mind to never begin again.

The Lord won't hear of that though. That isn't in His word.

So here I am.

Again.