The Transformation

At this time last year, I sat down with my notebook and wrote my goals.  I also wrote my "One Word" for the year - Transform.  (My word for 2016 is Believe)  In my notebook, I wrote down my weight and all my measurements.  I kept track on the first of each month to monitor my progress or lack thereof.  Today, I am down 28 pounds and LOTS of inches in my waist, hips, thighs, etc. I still have further to go, but I am satisfied with the direction I am heading.   

However, I learned a lot in the process.  It's true that 80% of weight loss is what you eat, and 20% is moving your body.  I know this because I could have lost double what I did if I had a little more control over my diet. I saw the monthly totals going down SLOWLY.  I also know this because my husband started his journey in May and lost more than double what I did by watching what and how much he ate.  He's skinny now, y'all!  

I also learned that it takes courage to start going to the gym and try something new.  One of my goals last year was to start going to a class.  It took me 3 months to try one - Tae Bo.  After 20 minutes in that class, I thought I was dying.  I left early and went back to the treadmills.  I didn't leave, even though my pride wanted me to.  It took me another 4 months to gain the courage to try "the big one".  I wanted to try Bodypump for years, but was never brave enough to give it a try.  Finally, after trying it out, I fell in love.  I go 3-4 times a week now, in addition to regular cardio workouts.  

Another thing I learned is that most people at the gym are willing to help out.  Of the different machines and classes I tried out for the first time, there was always someone willing to answer my questions and help me out.  I also found that they aren't going to automatically help, so you have to put yourself out there and ask for it.  Also, if you let instructors know you're new, they will show you how to modify, and how to keep good form so you don't hurt yourself.    

I did make big changes, but I'm still learning in my journey.  I just want to encourage you, if you feel stuck, or feel like you fail your resolutions every year.  Don't give up.  Start where you are.  Everyone has to start somewhere.  Don't be intimidated by the skinny girls or bulky guys.  Most people are just trying to become a better version of themselves, so you do you and don't worry about where they are on their journey.  Make goals and go after them. Find someone to help you, keep you accountable and to encourage you.  

A Thankful Heart: 5 Ways to Lay Aside the Weight

As I start writing this blog, I find myself with tears welling up.  See, my story is constantly evolving and changing.  I feel so fluid, but I know God is still at work in me.  I've written about my food struggles in the past.  Truthfully, I am stopping myself now, writing this blog to have some accountability.  

This past week I've indulged in more food than one person needs to eat.  Honestly, I could have fed a whole family on what I, alone, ate yesterday.  I was miserable when I went to bed, and miserable when I woke up this morning.  My heart hurts for so many, and the way I cope (when I'm not getting enough time with the Lord) is by eating.  

So, as I was thinking about all of this today, the Lord reminded me of Hebrews 12:1-2.  I know this verse is not talking about weight as in the scale, but it is talking about those things that weigh us down and keep us from finishing our race.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Gluttony is a sin that I know well.  It is probably the sin that I grapple with the most, and have to rely on grace to bring me out of the cycle of guilt associated with it.  It's not that I want to be a skinny model, but I do want to be healthy.  I do want to make better choices so I can run with endurance the race that is set before me.

I really can't run that race carrying the 50+ extra pounds on my body.  It weighs me down in ways that I was not created or designed to be.  

So, what is my action plan?  

1.  The only thing that will keep me on track is my daily time with the Lord.  "looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith".  Before I can conquer any part of my day, I have to set my eyes on Him alone and remember that "greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world."  

2.  Make exercise a priority.  When I have been successful in healthy living, it has been because I exercised first thing in the morning.  Personally, I have to quit lying to myself that I will exercise "later."  Later doesn't exist when it comes to schedules.

3.  Overhaul of food choices.  I'm already pretty careful about snack foods that come in.  I don't buy Oreos because I WILL eat the whole pack.  The thing that is my Achilles heel is soda.  I have been addicted to it for years, and it will take more than shear will to wean off them.  I will need some serious prayer, y'all!

4.  Get organized.  This doesn't seem to fit in with laying down the weight, but it does.  The thing is, it is easier to make healthy living a priority when we are organized.  I can't tell you how many times I have forgone exercise over trying to get my office organized.  Then, I get online and forget what I was doing.  At that point, I'm discouraged because I have done neither thing that I really needed AND wanted to do.

5.  Finally, my post HERE about cleaning up is in direct correlation with all of this.  I didn't realize 2 weeks ago, when God was dealing with me about social media and other distractions, that He was preparing me for laying down the weight.  Essentially, the things that distract me most every single day need to get a time out.  From Facebook (which has been off my phone for 2 weeks) to even checking the news need to have a break from me.  Too much information, not enough action.

All of this, for the joy that is set before me.  To run the race fully, and to complete what He has called me to do.  

I am truly thankful for a God who is active in my life.  He's active in yours, too.  He cares for us, friends.  He cares deeply about our heart, about our lives.  

Father, thank you so much.  Thank you for providing a way for us to lay our burdens, our weights at your feet.  We know you care for us.  I ask that you would encourage anyone who feels burdened and weighed down whether by food or other poor choices.  I ask you to minister to them the way you did for me, reminding them of your word and your promises for them.  Father, speak to them the way they understand you most, making clear to them the hope and the future you have for them.  I thank you for your word, that it does not return to you void and empty, but goes out and accomplishes that which it was sent to fulfill.  Thank you for fulfilling those things in me, which you have spoken to my heart.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!