Something is Better Than Nothing!

Today's post is inspired by my own personal dilemma that I faced just this morning!

When I went to bed last night, I was sure that all of my Christmas shopping was done.  However, when I woke up this morning, at least 5 different things ran through my head of which I still needed to get!  So even though I woke up in plenty of time to do my regular 2 mile walk on the treadmill before I head off to Jazzercise, as I surfed through the internet to find "that special gift", I quickly ran out of time!  I looked at the clock and thought to myself, "I don't have the 30 minutes I need so I will just not do my walk today."

Then something happened!  It was as if lightening had struck my mind!  "I could walk 15 minutes!!"  Wow!  Now that takes a genius to come up with something like that.

Why would I want to do that?  Because something is better than nothing!

I figured that if I was faced with this dilemma today, there are probably many others who are facing it too.  If you are one, please take my advice and DO SOMETHING!  Remember, when it comes to your weight loss journey...something is better than nothing!

Until next time,

Debbi

It's That Time Again

Here they are again!  What?  The holidays.  What a wonderful time of year...cool weather, the smell of smoke from neighboring chimneys, cozy times, colorful lights on houses, warm clothes and FOOD!

There is something about this time of year that many feel they can let go of what they have worked hard to control all year.  Then what happens is guilt, condemnation and putting on the larger sizes that hang in the closet.  Is it worth it?  NO!

So this year, let me encourage you to do one thing...THINK BEFORE YOU BITE.  

Remember the ole saying, "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels!"  Speak those words over and over again in your mind and you just may find that you make better decisions.  Am I saying you must deprive yourself of the 'goodies' that you desire at this time of year?  Absolutely not.  All I'm saying is make sure that you do not become a statistic...the average weight gain: 7 lbs for this time of year.

It's that time again!  What are you gonna do?

Don't Give Up!!

So, perhaps you have been on this weight loss journey for a while and you have or have not made the progress you expected. My question to you is this, have you made any progress? If so, then you have made achievements towards better health and a better life.

If there has been no progress then you need to get very honest with yourself. Have you completely and totally committed to the process? Most likely not and so therefore it is time to get real and make a real commitment! Each day that goes by adds up and before you know it weeks, months and even years can slip by.

Maybe you have made some progress but not the amount that you had hoped for. Again, get honest and ask yourself if you have been sold out to doing what you know you should in order to make the progress you desire.

Now, that you have been completely honest with yourself, one more question...what are you going to do now? Are you ready to make a total commitment to yourself? Only you can make the decision to do what is necessary to reach your goals. Where will you be in a year if you continue doing what you have been lately? Will you be happy with those results?

It's time now to step it up! Go back and read some of the previous posts on this site and then take the action to implement those things. You CAN do it but WILL you?

The only way you fail is to quit and that is not an option. So, make the decision, take action and DON'T GIVE UP!!!

Two Important Things to Consider!

This week I have some very interesting information to share with you. There are two things in particular that I feel are important and that you need to take into consideration when on this weight-loss journey! I realize this is very long but please take time to read it or print it so that you can read it at your convenience.

1) The IMPORTANCE of water intake! I've been reading a book that my pastor gave me and it has literally changed my life! Now, it's primary focus is on health issues such as diabetes, arthritis, allergies, migraines, hypertension, etc. none of which I have (Praise God) but it also talks about overall health and weight loss. It is called "You're Not Sick, You're Thirsty" by Dr Batmanghelidj, MD. His website is www.watercure.com. The bottom line of it all is what he terms chronic dehydration. The problem is, by the time you feel thirsty, it is too late and you have been dehydrated for a very long time. Also 'fluids' are not to be confused with water. He has an entire chapter on the problems of caffeine and artificial sweeteners, sugars with dehydration.

Here is some of what I wanted to share from his book regarding obesity:

• "There are two general sensations associated with eating habits...hunger pains and sensation for thirst. Both are felt in the same area and are brought about by histamine. It is easy to confuse the two signals and to think we are hungry when we are really thirsty."

• There is much more about this that he describes in detail but here is the solution to the problem...drink two glasses of water a half hour before and two and a half hours after each meal of the day. You will feel full and therefore only eat when food is needed plus the volume of food will decrease. The type of craving for food will also change. With sufficient water intake, we tend to crave proteins more than fattening carbs. (I've experienced this myself and for me, that is a miracle!!) Plus the water afterwards assists with the breakdown of the foods during digestion.

• The next step is shedding of already gained fat. Increased water intake by itself will begin to reduce some of the gained weight. An immediate weight loss from the collection of edema fluid that is stored in the tissues can cause a person to drop 8-14 lbs in less than three weeks. If, in addition to increased water intake, you activate hormone-sensitive, fat-burning enzymes, the weight loss will be more pronounced. This comes from exercise. He says, "I have seen some people lose twenty-five to forty-five pounds in a comparatively short period of time through increased water intake and increased regular exercise."

• "Brain function prefers to receive clean energy from hydroelectricity (from water). When it is forced to use dirty energy from food, only 20 percent of this energy reaches the brain. Unless used in movement, exercise, or energy-consuming occupations, the rest of the energy from food is stored in the form of fat."

There is so much more but I'll leave it at that for now. The important thing is to drink water! For the last three weeks, I have had nothing to drink but water except for small amounts of milk and pomegranate-blueberry juice (which both are considered foods). I can tell many things different in my body, energy level and food intake!

2) The second thing I want to share is regarding exercising within your target heart rate zone. I have heard about this for years and had a very simple understanding of it. At our last weigh-in, I was sharing how I am 'stuck'. My scales haven't changed in months but I feel my body has gotten bigger. One of my clients suggested that I practice what I preach (she did not put it that way :0) - change up my exercise and/or add something different to it. In tracking my food intake, I've noticed that I have not been getting enough protein and too much in the form of carbs. Along with missing my strength training exercise class many, many times this summer due to time for projects and events, that would explain the reason my body has become more 'fatty'.

There has been a lot of talk at Jazzercise about Heart Rate Monitors for a long time but they are usually expensive and honestly, I didn't see any benefit in having one since I know I'm working out at a good intensity and not having any problem. After our conversation last week, I decided to purchase one to see - knowing I could return it if I didn't see any benefit. Boy, was I mistaken! I've only worn it twice and here is what I discovered. There are different 'zones' for different purposes! Just because you work 'hard' for an hour doesn't mean you will lose fat! If you work beyond your zone, yes you are burning calories but you burn them from carbohydrates instead of stored fat. What??? That is what I've been doing for the last 2 years, especially. I work hard and bring up my intensity so that I burn more calories and all along I've been burning carbs that I've consumed instead of fat on my body!!!!

These little machines are GREAT no matter what your exercise is...aerobics, swimming, walking, running, whatever (yes, most are waterproof). It will track and show you if you are in your zone or not so that you get the most out of your workout. Some will show you the number of calories you burn and the percentage of fat during your exercise workout. I highly recommend one if you are serious about getting the most out of your workout. You can get them at all different prices and just about anywhere in the sporting goods department. Polar is the top of the line and they are a little pricey, but very good. Check them out at www.polarusa.com. Most sporting good stores carry Polar.

SO, HERE'S MY CHALLENGE TO YOU:

Drink your water. You should have 1/2 of your body weight in ounces each day. Do this consistently and see how your aches, pains and even serious ailments begin to disappear. I DO encourage you to get the book!!! Especially if you are dealing with any kind of health issue. You will be amazed. Here's the link for Books a Million - http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9780446690744?id=4210710313372

Exercise and figure your heart rate zone. You can find out how to do it manually or check into a heart rate monitor. Stay within your zone for weight loss (usually the light zone) and watch the fat melt away. I am going to be bringing down my intensity for the next month and I expect to have great results to share. (Now, if you have not been exercising...START! Walking by itself is one of the best you can do. Start slow and build up!) Here is a link for a target heart rate calculator - http://exercise.about.com/cs/fitnesstools/l/bl_THR.htm

Remember, you still need to eat right! Keep in mind that losing weight is about 70% what you eat and 30% exercise. Make sure that you are receiving your calories from foods that contain nutrients otherwise if there are no nutrients in your calories received, your body will kick into starvation mode. Just because you are putting 'something in' doesn't mean that your body is being fed. The really cool thing is when drinking your water and maintaining hydration, sticking to the correct food plan is much, much easier! I crave proteins now instead of sugar!!! (I can hardly believe I just said that as I've always been a carb-addict!)

Have a great week and let me know your results by posting a comment!

Let Your Light Shine,
Debbi

Now and Later

This week, I want to encourage you to keep looking forward while at the same time keep your eyes open at what goes on around you now. What do I mean by that? I will tell you!

You have to keep a vision in front of you always - know what you want to achieve, when you want to achieve it, why you want to achieve it and have a plan for how you are going to do it. It is vital that you look ahead as that is where you are going.

But at the same time, look at where you are now. You must be constantly aware of what you do, what you don't do, what you eat and what you don't eat right now. Because what goes on NOW will have an affect on what you have (or don't have) down the road. Don't think for a moment that the NOW doesn't matter and that tomorrow you will do things differently. Tomorrow never comes - it is always NOW.

In the process, I also want to encourage you to...THINK! We have all heard the phrase "think before you speak". Well, I want to add another one on to that..."THINK before you ACT!"

That phrase can apply to anything in life but I want you to pay especially attentive to it in regards to your eating and exercising this week. If you will THINK before you ACT out on choosing the wrong item or eating when you aren't hungry or sitting in front of the TV instead of going for a walk or swim, then you just may make a different choice. That is part of the NOW!

Think NOW and keep your vision on LATER and you will become the person you desire to be!

"And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." Romans 13: 11-14

How to Stay Excited - Variety is the Spice of Life!

Are you excited about exercising? In most cases, probably not. Why is that?

First, many times it is just too easy to get bored. It is something you feel that you "have to do" as opposed to "want to do".

Another factor that can play into it is hitting a plateau. You work and work only to find yourself spinning your wheels. You don't seem to making the progress you once did.

Here is what I suggest:

• First, "spice it up" What I mean is alternate what you are doing. With the summer months upon us, this holds many options.

• In some cases it may be too hot to exercise outdoors, so go for a walk inside of a shopping mall, indoor track at the gym, etc.
• For others, this is the perfect time to workout in the natural elements. Get up a little earlier and go for a walk in the early morning. If you are a night owl, then take a walk late at night (be sure to wear or carry something reflective).
• Swim laps in a pool or join a water aerobics class.
• Go to a local park and take a set of handheld weights with you. Walk around and do a few bicepstriceps curls while the kiddos are playing on the playground equipment.
• There are many other options available -just look around and use your imagination.
• Change it up! By changing up what you are doing, you will also stir up your metabolism and break-through the plateaus that you may have it!

and

• Second, find a buddy!

• Exercising with a friend makes time go by much faster, gets your mind off of what you are doing and is quite simply...FUN!
• Mix up your friends! Have one friend that you go for a walk with in your
• neighborhood or at work, another you go to the gym with and yet another that goes with you to the park.
• Another wonderful perk to having a friend (or friends) to exercise with is
• this great and mighty word...accountability!

Give it a try - spice up your life and see if there isn't a new excitement towards your weight loss!

Until next time...

Let Your Light Shine,

Debbi

Where's the Beef? (or chicken, or fish or...protein?)

Okay, I'm giving away my age with this but...do you remember several years ago (alright, maybe a few more than that) when a fast food chain had a commercial with an elderly lady who went around asking, "where's the beef"? The message was that the competition didn't have enough meat on their hamburgers and therefore promoted that there was a thick, juicy burger at their restaurant.

Today, I ask you...where's the beef (or chicken, fish or nuts)? In other words, where's the protein? So many diets are full of carbohydrates and fat (which are both needed in moderation) but lacking in another very important nutrient...protein.

It is important to make sure that you consume a balanced diet that contain all six classes of nutrients: vitamins, minerals, water, protein, carbohydrates and fats. Protein is a nutrient that our bodies need. Let me give you a couple of examples.

I heard a study that someone did using their own body as a test subject. This particular woman who is a fitness instructor and at the proper weight and physique decided to do a test for several weeks. She consumed the same number of calories per day and continued with her same exercise routine however instead of consuming her calories from a balance of carbs and proteins, she decided to receive them from more carbohydrates and to cut her protein intake. After a few weeks, she weighed the same amount - did not gain or lose because her calorie amount was the same however there was huge difference in her body composition. Although she had not changed her exercise routine, she noticed that she had lost muscle mass and in place, her body was 'flabby'. All from a lack of protein.

For me personally, I have been tracking my food intake on a free website that I highly recommend (www.sparkpeople.com). Tracking on this site will automatically break down your food into calorie, fat, fiber, carbohydrates, sodium, etc. The advantage is knowing exactly where your calories are coming from. Since doing so, I have noticed little changes in my body. Once change is that my fingernails which normally do not grow, have been growing and are strong - something I've been challenged with for several years. Just by increasing and maintaining a proper amount of protein, a problem that I've had has been resolved! I encourage you to do your own test and see the results you get.

So, the next time you sit down to eat a meal or to grab a quick snack, ask yourself....where's the beef?

Just One Week!

I want to share a couple of things with you on a personal level. First, the Lord is having me do some extra things at this time and so therefore my posts may not be every week. You can "subscribe" to this blog and you will be notified (somehow) when I have posted a new one. This way you do not have to check back every day to see if it has been posted.

The second is what I'm sharing with you today...a personal observation. Actually, all of my writings are based on personal observations so this is nothing new.

You see, I go through the exact same struggles that you do. As I have mentioned before, just to say "I've lost weight" does not mean "I've arrived!". You are never cured from weight issues - it is something you have to make decisions on each and every day. Since I began this weight loss journey four years ago, I never have reached my goal size and have fluctuated with an added 10-15 lbs on occasion. So you see, I am going through this with you and always will! The difference for me is that in times past I would have put all 80 pounds back on plus some and I can honestly say, that will never happen because I have changed my lifestyle! Thank God!

Now for this week's observation...just one week can make a big difference!!! In this day and age with the hustle and bustle of life, a week can go by with the blink of an eye and therefore seem so insignificant. However big changes can take place in a week's time - good or bad!

Here is what I am talking about...for one week, discipline yourself by writing everything you eat, exercise regularly, stay within your allotted calories, etc and see how you feel. You will feel a sense of accomplishment and in addition will notice changes taking place in your body. Yes, in just one week. You are not as 'puffy' because you most likely have not consumed as much sodium and you can tell that you are on your way to losing. Give it two weeks and you will really begin to see and feel the difference.

Just three weeks ago, I was sooooo disciplined!! I tracked every bite and was staying within my calorie, fat, sodium and protein range and I could tell my body was shrinking. Then what happens? I go on vacation! In just one week of eating out, not tracking and little exercise, my body is bloated and my clothes are fitting tighter. IN JUST ONE WEEK!!

So, guess what I'm doing again? You got it! I'm back on track and have MADE THE DECISION to do what I know to do and I'll be back to share....in just one week!

Have a great week and see what changes you can make by making the same decision I am. I would love to hear your results!

(Just to be clear, do not expect to drop an exceeding amount of pounds in one week but if you are observing your body, you will notice differences that will encourage you to keep moving forward. One week becomes two which becomes a month which becomes a lifestyle!)

F A T

The Lord calls those things that be not as though they were!

This is what faith is..."The substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen (with the physical, natural eye)".

Why do I share that along with the title of this blog?  You are probably saying, "I don't want to see myself FAT!"

Or do you?

Two years ago, the Lord told me "My church is FAT and I want you to let them know."  

I said, "Lord, I can't say that.  That would be rude coming from me."

Ya know what He told me?

He said, "I Am a God of Faith - I see those things that be not as those they were and FAT doesn't mean what you think.  In My eyes FAT is Fit And Trim. "

Hmmm - can you see things with a different perspective now?  We have a choice in how we see everything around us - even ourselves. The way you "see" yourself is having faith in what will be manifested in your life!  

So the questions is, how DO you see yourself?  

I GET IT...No Pain, No Gain!

I finally realized something. Yes, I know it may seem I'm a little slow by the title of this post - I mean after all I've been around for a few years.

I've heard the phrase "no pain, no gain" regarding exercise for years. However it wasn't until just recently that I completely understood what it means.

Let me first share what it DOESN'T mean:

It does not mean that you have to beat yourself silly in exercise until you can't take any more. Yes, when working out doing strength training you should always work your muscles to fatigue but you should never push them to the point of injury. That is not the type of pain that I'm talking about!


Now for what I believe it DOES mean:

There are times in your exercise routine that if you are doing the same things over and over, your body becomes conditioned to what you are doing to it. When that happens, the exercises that once made you walk like you had jello legs or that kept you from lifting a pen off your desk, now does not seem to affect you. This is a sign of progress but it is also a sign that you need to move on. Either focus on different muscles, increase your intensity or the amount of weights you are using. Try something new!

To tell that you are working muscles that haven't been used in a while, you should feel some sort of 'soreness' a day and/or two afterwards. If there is no 'pain' then it could be that there is no 'gain' due to a need of revising what you are doing in order to get maximum results.

So, the next time you work out I encourage you to step it up and make the most of your workouts! Remember...no pain, no gain!

I Shall Not Be Moved!

I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved! Psalm 16:8

Have you ever worked really hard to stay on track...making the right food choices, tracking and logging your food intake, exercising, EVERYTHING however you aren't seeing the results you hoped for?

Keep in mind that even though you are doing everything right - making right choices and right changes - that you may not always see with your physical eyes the results of those actions immediately. It is at those times that you must remember to not be moved! You must see the results through the eyes of your spirit, the one that has been renewed because of what Jesus has done for you!

If you are only looking through with your physical eyes, it can be disappointing or discouraging and cause you to get off track. By KNOWING that the results will follow with patience, then...nothing can stop you!

Now, if you are not making right choices and changes...well, that is a different topic. However, you KNOW what to do! Go to the Word, build up your confidence and go for it!

Have confidence in the efforts that you are making. And if the results are not immediate, remember...to not be moved!!

God is on Your Side! Part Four

This week will conclude the fourth and final part of the series, God is on Your Side! I want to encourage you if you are reading this blog for the first time, to please go back and read the previous three weeks' worth of blogs to catch up to where we are today.

Isn't it a good thing to know that we have the Lord's promises to live in? In Psalm 118:6a He tells us, "The Lord is on my side, I will not fear..."

It is reassuring to know that He is on our side and will always be with us - in everything! Even our weight loss journey! Praise the Lord!

Now, the past three weeks we have been looking at Psalm 37. This week we will conclude by starting with verse 34a:

Wait on the Lord, And keep His way, And He shall exalt you to inherit the land...

Wait on the Lord - The Message version says, "Wait passionately for God" When we have passion for something, it is with great desire and longing. God wants us to passionately wait for Him or to wait for Him with great desire and longing!

And keep His way - I just love the The Message version as it makes it plain. Its translation of this part of scripture says, "don't leave the path". What path? The one we learned about last week - the one that the good man takes action to move forward on. Remember, "the steps of a good man are ordered or established by the Lord." We are to not leave that path or in other words, He wants us to stay on the path that leads to fulfilling the desires of our hearts (from God is on Your Side! Part One).

Now let's go to verses 39 and 40:

But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;
He is their strength in the time of trouble.
And the Lord shall help them and deliver them;
He shall deliver them from the wicked and save them,
Because they trust in Him.

But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord - the word "salvation" means deliverance, help, victory, wholeness, completeness, all-in-all! And if you have accepted Jesus as Lord, then YOU are the righteous! So, the Lord (freely) gives you: deliverance, help, victory, completeness, wholeness. Everything you need to be successful in your weight loss journey! Actually He has ALREADY given you those things through Christ because that is where your righteousness comes from!


He is their strength in the time of trouble - The Lord is who's strength? Yours because you are the righteous! And when does He give it? Always! Even in time of trouble. When you are tempted with weakness and lack of desire to stay on track. When you feel like you can't go on in this journey, that is when you can rest assured that His strength is there for you to carry on. He will "help them and deliver them". Who? Those who are in trouble. And not only that, but He will save them! Do you ever feel like you need someone to save you from making wrong choices? Well, He has already provided that for you - it says so right here in His Word! But again, you must be the one to take action to receive from Him! He gives us that right! Hallelujah!

Because they trust in Him - Why does God say He will give you all of these things? Why is it that He will give you the desires of your heart and see to it that you have everything you need to reach your weight loss goals? Because He has already provided these things to you through Jesus and all you have to do to receive them is TRUST IN HIM!

I hope you have gained some knowledge in His Word for your weight loss journey these last four weeks and have assurance in knowing once and for all that...God is on YOUR side!

God is on Your Side! Part Three

If you have been following this blog for the last few weeks, then you are ready for what I have for you today. If this is your first time to check out the Thought for the Week blog, I encourage you to go back and read the last two weeks' before continuing on.

In the last couple of weeks, we have been reminded that, "The Lord is on my side, I shall not fear..." Psalm 118:6a

We have also been digging into Psalm 37. This week, we will continue on with verses 23 and 24:

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,
And He delights in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;
For the Lord upholds him with His hand.

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord - First, pay attention that it is 'the steps' that are ordered. As we found out the last two weeks, this again makes reference to the fact that we must put action to what we are doing. It does not say that the 'standing still' is ordered but rather 'the steps'. If you are taking steps then you are moving forward.

It is important to remember that we are responsible to take the steps, or in other words, to take action in our weight loss journey! It also references that those steps are ordered or established by the Lord. He establishes our way, praise God!

And He delights in his way - Notice that He (the Lord) delights in his (the good man's) way. When we take action and make the steps forward in our journey, God is delighted. That should excite you to know that because of your action, you have delighted the heart of God!

Though he fall... - We may stumble and mess up but look what it says next...

For the Lord upholds him with His hand - Even though we may stumble and fall, the Lord is there to pick us up! All we have to do is look to Him and trust Him and know that we can continue on. Brush off the dust and keep on taking the steps that He has established!

Next week, we will finish up this series but for now go back and meditate on the Words we have looked at the last three weeks. Let them settle in your mind and know that you are a delight to the Father and He has made the way to satisfy your every desire - you just have to take the steps to continue on to reaching your goals!

God REALLY IS on your side!!

God is on Your Side! Part Two

This week, we are going to continue in what we started last week.  If you haven't read last week's Thought for the Week, you may want to read it before continuing on.

We discovered that you are not alone in your journey to weight loss!  Psalm 118:6 tells us..."The Lord is on my side, I shall not fear..."  In order for someone to be 'on your side' that means that you are not alone.  That person is there with you!

Continuing in Psalm 37, let's look at verses 5-7a

Commit your way to the Lord,

Trust also in Him,

And He shall bring it to pass.

He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,

And your justice as the noonday.

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;

Commit your way to the Lord - The word 'commit' here literally means to "roll off onto".  We are told to roll our way off onto the Lord and to also trust in Him.  When we do, He will bring our way to pass!

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him - This does not mean 'rest in the Lord and do nothing' or 'to sit back with your arms folded and your feet up and wait for Him to move'!  No, remember our God is a God of action - we wants us to "do" and to "take steps". 

I love The Message translation of this.  It says, "Quiet down before God, be prayerful before Him."  This translation shows us that there is still something we must do.  We must decide to quiet down and we must decide to be prayerful before Him.  It is important that we be quiet long enough to hear what He wants us to do next.  There is always another step to take!

Let me ask you something...

• What do you need to commit or 'roll off onto' the Lord this week?  
• Are you carrying guilt, anxiety or cares for things you have or have not done in regards to your weight loss journey (or "your ways")? 
• Are you putting your trust in Him?  
  

This is what He desires!  He wants you to give Him your ways and to trust Him with them so that He can bring your desires to past.  After all...God is on your side!

God is on Your Side! Part One

Psalm 118: 6 - The Lord is on my side; I will not fear...

For those of us who have weight issues, we are not just on a journey that leads to a destination but it is a journey to a new life. We will never arrive at a place where we can say, "I'm done! Now I have reached my weight loss goal and therefore I can go back to living (and eating) the way I did before."

No! If you do that you will end up right back where you started from. It is a constant path and we must remain mindful, always, of taking the action necessary to not only reach but to remain at our destination.

With a lifelong journey, it is easy to feel alone in our ways. But I have great news for you. Look at what the above scripture says...the Lord is on your side!

Let's also look at Psalm 37 in the New King James version...

Verses 1-4 says:
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

Trust in the Lord and DO good - "Do" is an action word. We have to put action to doing good (making right choices) and trusting in the Lord.

Feed on His faithfulness - I love just how the Lord uses food references to describe a point. If we would just feed more on His faithfulness, we would be less likely to feed on the things we do not need in our bodies!

Delight yourself also in the Lord - Do you notice it doesn't say "be lowly in countenance and mindset"? No, it says "delight yourself". It also doesn't say "the Lord will delight you" but rather "delight YOURSELF!" Again, it is something you must decide to take action for.

And He shall give you the desires of your heart - God wants to please you and give you your heart's desires! And He says if you DO these things, then He will do just that - give you those desires. Everything you need and/or desire has already been done for you through Christ! However, you must put action to it in order to get the result!

There is much more from this chapter that we will look at in the next few weeks but for now...take this word and meditate on it - let it run over and over in your mind until it becomes a part of you.

Rest in this...we are on this journey for the long haul and He is always there to take it with you. God is on your side and you are not alone.

What if...?

We've all done it. We've all thought it. We've all said it.

What if?

• What if I put all of this effort and time into losing weight, and it just doesn't happen?
  
• What if I work really hard, watch what I eat and start exercising and I don't lose anything?
  
• What if I lose weight and in six months, gain it all back?
  

Romans 3:3 says, "For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect?"

And we know the answer to that question! The answer is NO! Just because someone does not believe, doesn't mean that God isn't faithful and that His Word isn't true. What it does mean is that the person who doubts is ignorant and will miss out because of their unbelief.

"What if?" is a question than cause you to miss out on the benefits of whatever you are questioning.

So, don't be ignorant! Do not doubt! Instead do as Jesus said...

In Matthew 21:21 - Jesus answered and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' it will be done."

In other words, have faith in what it is that you desire and you will do and have even more than what you want!

In summary - do not doubt, only believe! The only "what if" you should ask is, "What if I don't make the attempt; then what will happen?" and I can tell you the answer..."ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!"

Seek and Commit!

This week I want to share with you one of the No More Weighting scriptures from The Message version. Really meditate on it!

It goes along with the one that I shared a couple of weeks ago "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33.

The scripture is Proverbs 16:3 and in NKJV it says "Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established."

In The Message Version it reads, "Put GOD in charge of your work, then what you've planned will take place." Hallelujah!!

By...
1) seeking Him and His righteousness FIRST, He says that all these things will be added to us

and by

2) putting Him in charge of the work we do, He tells us that what we plan will take place. That work (or action) that we commit to Him, will come to pass!!!


So this week, while you SEEK Him first, be sure to COMMIT your works, plans, actions to Him and your goals and visions will take place!!

May you realize that each and every moment of your life is in Him and through Him all of the work has already been done! Praise the Lord!

The Time is Now!
No More Weighting
Proverbs 15:22; 16:3

Lookin' Ahead

Okay, this week I want us to take a journey...a journey to three months from now. Think about it - the weather is warm, there is a smell of cut grass and flowers and everyone is breaking out the shorts and getting ready for the swimsuits to follow shortly.

Now, let's journey back to a year ago. How far have you come? Have you come as far as you wanted or further or just what you hoped for?

Where can you be in three months if you get/stay on track now?

No matter what - no matter what you have done or what you haven't; regardless if you have been doing well or not the past 2 months...today is a new day. You can start right NOW to make a difference in your next three months.

The only regrets will be if you don't make the necessary changes now and in three months when you should be pulling out the summer clothes, you have regrets for what you didn't do. At that point it is too late and you can't go back in time to get different results for the current moment.

However the good news is, that today is the 'now' and you can make huge strides to reaching your goals over the next three months. The question is...will you?

For help in reaching your weight loss goals, contact www.NoMoreWeighting.org today!

Out of the Boat!

I want to share with you this week something that the Lord has been teaching me and felt was beneficial to you all.

He has been teaching and showing me things (for almost two years) on this passage of scripture but last week specifically where our Weight Loss Journeys are concerned.

It is based on Matthew 14:22-33. It is where Jesus sent his disciples out in the boat while He went to pray. And when they got out quite a ways, the winds and the waves picked up and Jesus walked out on the water to meet them. Peter called out "Lord if it is You, command me to come to you!" Jesus did and Peter walked on the water until he SAW that the winds and waves were strong and then he began to sink. He cried out, "Lord, save me" and Jesus picked Him up and took him to safety.

What the Lord showed me through this passage...

1. Peter asked for it! Peter said Lord, tell me to come and Jesus did. We all have asked for this Journey we are on. The word "come" there denotes motion or progress.
2. Peter didn't begin to sink until he SAW the winds and waves.
   a) What are some of your wind and waves? late night eating, lack of exercise, sweets, etc
   b) In order for Peter to SEE the wind and waves, he had to take his eyes off of Jesus! Have you taken your eyes off of Him in your endeavors to lose weight?
3. Of course, when Peter began to sink and he cried out, sure enough the Lord saved him! All we have to do is ask!

All of this to say, we need to be sure and keep our eyes on Jesus first and foremost - even when it comes to our weight loss.

John 1:1 says "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God". To me the revelation of the fact that the Bible I carry on Sundays is Jesus!!! and all I have to do to keep my eyes on Him is read His Word!! Matthew 6: 31-33 says that we don't have to worry about what to eat or drink or wear if we seek the Lord and His righteousness FIRST, then all these things will be taken care of!! Praise God!!!

So, if you haven't been reading the Word in regards to your weight loss journey, I encourage you to start today!

What Do You Have to Lose?

As we near the end of the month of new resolutions, promises of change and enthusiasm for the future I encourage you to ask yourself..."What do you have to lose by sticking with those feelings you had just a few short weeks ago?"

It is typically about this time that the excitement of 'the new' is wearing off as we settle back into the reality of life. The bright hope of things to come is starting to diminish and the desire to do what it takes to reach our weight loss goals is overcome by hunger pangs and a despise of sweat. So again I ask, "What do you have to lose?"

Now think about it - really think about it. How about the extra weight that makes you sluggish half way through the day? Think of carrying a 10 pound bag of potatoes around or 2 or 3 bags depending how much you have to lose. Now imagine NOT carrying that around. If you dropped 2 or 3 of those bags of potatoes, what would you be able to do that you can not do now?

Would you be able to lose the loose fitting clothes that you wear to cover up? How about losing the lack of desire to wear shorts and sleeveless shirts that are coming with the warm weather trends that are just around the corner? Would you lose the feelings of disappointment in yourself for allowing your weight to get to where it is?

You see, really you have everything to gain by sticking with your commitments to lose the weight! You can do it and you should. Not only for yourself but also for those you love. You will lose the weight and gain confidence, energy, desire and that bright hope for the future is yours.

So, don't stop now!!! One more time, "What do you have to lose?"

What Do You Have to Lose?

As we near the end of the month of new resolutions, promises of change and enthusiasm for the future I encourage you to ask yourself..."What do you have to lose by sticking with those feelings you had just a few short weeks ago?"

It is typically about this time that the excitement of 'the new' is wearing off as we settle back into the reality of life. The bright hope of things to come is starting to diminish and the desire to do what it takes to reach our weight loss goals is overcome by hunger pangs and a despise of sweat. So again I ask, "what do you have to lose?"

Now think about it - really think about it. How about the extra weight that makes you sluggish half way through the day? Think of carrying a 10 pound bag of potatoes around or 2 or 3 bags depending how much you have to lose. Now imagine NOT carrying that around. If you dropped 2 or 3 of those bags of potatoes, what would you be able to do that you can not do now?
Would you be able to lose the loose fitting clothes that you wear to cover up? How about losing the lack of desire to wear shorts and sleeveless shirts that are coming with the warm weather trends that are just around the corner? Would you lose the feelings of disappointment in yourself for allowing your weight to get to where it is?

You see, really you have everything to gain by sticking with your commitments to lose the weight! You can do it and you should. Not only for yourself but also for those you love. You will lose the weight and gain confidence, energy, desire and that bright hope for the future is yours.

So, don't stop now!!! One more time, "What do you have to lose?"

If you need help in sticking with your New Year's resolutions, contact No More Weighting today!

Be Aware of the Little Things

When it comes to losing weight, make sure you are aware of the little things...they add up!

There are a couple of different ways to look at this. First, the little bites here and the little bites there. Make a habit of keeping a journal where you track every bite that goes into your mouth. It doesn't have to be anything complicated - even sticky notes will do. The important thing is to Bite and Write! When you do, you develop an awareness of every thing you put into your mouth. If you do not have this awareness, you can easily consume an extra 500 or more calories without even realizing it! If you consume an extra 500 calories each day for seven days, that is the equivalent to an added one pound of fat!

On the other side, be aware of the little differences in your body as you are losing. Let's face it, even when stay perfectly on track you do not go to sleep one night and wake up the next morning having lost 3 sizes! That would be nice but it just doesn't happen. On top of that, the scales are not always your friend. Especially if you are working out. As you replace muscle with fat, the scales can stay the same or appear as if you are not losing. Become aware of the little things in your body and the changes that take place.

For example, I can always tell when I am about to drop inches (even when the scales aren't budging) because the fatty areas of my body begin to feel "squishy". That is the best way I know how to describe it. When I pinch the area at my waist, it has an almost spongy feel to it - as if the fat molecules are breaking down. Sure enough, in a few days I can see the difference in the way my clothes fit. I can also tell by how I feel in my waist line by placing my hands on my waist. There is just something about how it 'feels' that I can tell that things are happening.

Now I know that may sound crazy but trust me, when you become aware of the little things in your body, it can be an big encourager to you when the scales aren't moving. It gives hope that things are happening even though I don't see them. Keep in mind that the most important growth of a tree happens long before there is a sprout above ground. It is the root system that provides the strength for that tree!

Be aware of the little things in your weight loss journey because they add up to the big things that will make the difference for you!

Be Aware of the Little Things

When it comes to losing weight, make sure you are aware of the little things...they add up!

There are a couple of different ways to look at this. First, the little bites here and the little bites there. Make a habit of keeping a journal where you track every bite that goes into your mouth. It doesn't have to be anything complicated - even sticky notes will do. The important thing is to Bite and Write! When you do, you develop an awareness of every thing you put into your mouth. If you do not have this awareness, you can easily consume an extra 500 or more calories without even realizing it! If you consume an extra 500 calories each day for seven days, that is the equivalent to an added one pound of fat!

On the other side, be aware of the little differences in your body as you are losing. Let's face it, even when stay perfectly on track you do not go to sleep one night and wake up the next morning having lost 3 sizes! That would be nice but it just doesn't happen. On top of that, the scales are not always your friend. Especially if you are working out. As you replace muscle with fat, the scales can stay the same or appear as if you are not losing. Become aware of the little things in your body and the changes that take place.

For example, I can always tell when I am about to drop inches (even when the scales aren't budging) because the fatty areas of my body begin to feel "squishy". That is the best way I know how to describe it. When I pinch the area at my waist, it has an almost spongy feel to it - as if the fat molecules are breaking down. Sure enough, in a few days I can see the difference in the way my clothes fit. I can also tell by how I feel in my waist line by placing my hands on my waist. There is just something about how it 'feels' that I can tell that things are happening.

Now I know that may sound crazy but trust me, when you become aware of the little things in your body, it can be an big encourager to you when the scales aren't moving. It gives hope that things are happening even though I don't see them. Keep in mind that the most important growth of a tree happens long before there is a sprout above ground. It is the root system that provides the strength for that tree!

Be aware of the little things in your weight loss journey because they add up to the big things that will make the difference for you!

For more, contact www.NoMoreWeighting.org today!

Nothing is Permanent When it Comes to Weight

During this past holiday season, I had a revelation as I was nearing the start of the new year. I was in my kitchen snacking on the left over goodies and knowing full-well that I had already eaten waaaay too much in the past week and a half, when I had this thought, "Nothing is permanent when it comes to weight!"

You see, I was struggling with the guilt of the fact that my clothes were fitting tighter (from just a week's worth of "giving in to temptation"), when the guilt left and peace came over me. The Word of God says that, "His mercies are new every morning"!

Just because I had struggled (well, honestly...there wasn't a struggle - I wanted to eat and I did!) with the temptation that I teach my clients to overcome, today was a new day. The weight that I could tell I had gained in that very short period of time was temporary and with my fresh start, it would be changed within a week.

Now, truthfully that wasn't something "new" to me - I know that weight isn't permanent - but it was new to me for that moment and it made an impression that I feel is important to pass on to others.

Whatever your weight is at this very moment, it IS NOT PERMANENT!!! It will change if you make the decision to make the necessary changes!! Praise God!!!

Okay, but there is another side to this that we must also realize and come to terms with. Once you do, I truly believe your life will be changed forever. That is...even when you reach your target goal, that too, will not be permanent.

Don't get discouraged but rather be encouraged! What I mean by that is, you are going to need to remain aware of what you do when it comes to eating and exercise...forever! As long as you do, then you will remain at your goal. If you relax and think "whooo - I've arrived", then you will get lazy and the weight will come back on.

Weight issues are not something that you get cured from! You will not reach your ideal weight or size and then be able to eat whatever you want and stay at that size. But there is good news!

The good news is...if you lose weight the right way - the healthy way, which is slow and steady and by changing your lifestyle, then it becomes just that...a lifestyle or your way of life! Therefore you will never struggle with weight issues again!

So, rejoice in coming to the same revelation that I did...nothing is permanent when it comes to weight and you will be far ahead many others in your weight loss journey!