Reflections

 

James 1:23,24

 ^"For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was."

 

 

Before and after pictures?  Considering that I am still at the before stage, I cringe at the thought of actually taking that picture. I did, however, take a long hard look at myself in the mirror, which is a feat for me.  Mirror gazing is not my favorite sport.  When I was in my 20s I wouldn't even look in a magnification mirror because I didn't want to see my flaws.  Its pretty easy to pretend that you are ok when you refuse to look.  I know that God is not interested in perfect skin or tight abs, but in my health. 

I didn't take much ground back this week, my back has ached every day.  I know that sounds an awful lot like an excuse, but I haven't been able to exercise, other than walking.  I have been more conscious about what I am eating.  At this point I am trying to focus on eating healthy food and avoiding sweets.  I need to take a blood test for thyroid activity, hopefully that will not be an issue.

Lord, in Jesus' name, I pray that You continue to help me to lift all things up to You in prayer.  Please don't allow me to be complacent and refuse to look at myself in Your light.  Please help me to make healthy choices and be able to exercise.  Thank You, love You. Amen.

Getting Aclimated

 

 

 

Psalm 141:2

"Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice."



 



Minor setback.  Beside the fact that I was incredibly hungry yesterday for some reason, I decided to catch a few rays and sun sensitivity from my blood pressure meds made me sick.  I ended up with a thumping headache and my bottom blood pressure number was extremely high and the top one was low, not good.  I Googled my meds and low and behold sun sensitivity is a side effect.  It seems like every time I get a good start something sets me back.  Just need to keep going.  The really not great part of the sun sensitivity issue is that with my vitamin D deficiency I need to get some sun.

I confess, I ate several cookies yesterday.  I feel somewhat guilty, although to think that I will never eat sweets again is not realistic.  Carbs definitely are comfort food for me.  I really don't want to build that need into Logan's psyche, you're sad. . . eat a cookie-- life is hard. . . here's some ice cream.  The battle truly is in the mind to an extent.  My aches and pains certainly contribute to the war, but thinking in healthy terms and putting the important things first is key.  Prayer. . . when all you can see is a huge pile of what needs to be done and the most simple things seem impossible.  Stop, drop and pray.

Lord, In Jesus' name, please help me to commit myself to prayer in every situation.  You know me, and You know how hard-headed I am, please direct my paths.  Please cover me and help me to overcome these health issues.  Lord, my goal is to not need the blood pressure meds, please help me to have a positive attitude and do the things that I need to become healthier.  Thank You and I love You.  Amen.

Not Feeling Deprived. . .

Proverbs 16:3

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

 

 

 

Life happens, and while we may set our minds on a course, there is certainly more than one stray wind that will present the opportunity for us to veer.  In order to succeed I know that I must turn everything over to God and listen to Him when my flesh protests.  We live in physical bodies that become tired, hungry and sometimes overwhelmed.  Our enemy knows this and will use our flesh against us if we are not vigilant.  Our flesh says, "I'm tired, I'm unhappy, sometimes it is too much to care."  God understands this dilemma of the flesh and is offering us His strength and His stamina.  So maybe I avoided the temptation to eat that ice cream, I know that I need to exercise, but I am exhausted, Lord I am weak but in You I can find strength.

Lord, today I turn my entire life back over to You.  I repent for taking it back in increments.  I am helpless and hopeless without You.  Please cover me and enable me to continue to become healthier and shed these pounds, please lower my blood pressure and cause me to rise out of the muddle I am in.  I know You are faithful.  Please fix the things that I have broken and show me Your will for my life.  Amen.  

A Matter of Perspective

1 Timothy 4:8

"For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."

 

 

 

 

 

Every moment is an opportunity for temptation and an opportunity to overcome old habits and mindsets.  This has become very obvious to me as I am attempting to not eat empty calories.  I completely avoided the chip/soda aisle at the store yesterday and bought healthy fresh food.   This morning I spied a random snack cake on the kitchen counter and had an overwhelming need to devour it, I didn't. . . that time.  I suppose removing temptation is key to overcoming it in some degree; although, you never know when a random snack cake is going to turn up.  I find it disconcerting that such a huge portion of the world is deprived of basic necessary food and my problem is that I consume too much of it.  Rather disgusting.  I can't do this alone, that is sure. 

 

Lord, in Jesus name, I pray that you turn my heart toward You completely and the things that are important to You.  I pray for forgiveness and health.  Please teach me to not live in excess in all things.  I pray that you feed the hungry and restore health to the nations.  Please use me in the way that You have deemed.  Help. . .

 

Amen 

Mornings Are Difficult



I seriously need to not have sweets lurking around my kitchen.  It is so easy for me to drink coffee and eat too many calories before I am even completely awake.  I have lost and regained the same 20 pounds several times and I am ready to shake that cycle.  I did eat oatmeal this morning and haven't eaten anything that I regret yet. . .  Logan and I are going to go outside and get some fresh air and some vitamin D from the sun. . . Going to start the exercise DVD that I ordered.  Hip Hop Abs, ok stop laughing.  I actually was part of a Christian dance studio and their troupe.  Praying for strength to overcome being under the weight of the last year. 

 

Getting Started

 

Ok, world, or whomsoever may be reading this. . .this is me today, overweight but definitely beginning to feel better.  Last month I discovered, by a blood test, that I have a vitamin D deficiency.  I know most people would say, "Drink some milk and get out in the sun."  I have been trying to do both, but this deficiency is much more detrimental to your health than you would imagine.  It can cause diseases as diverse as heart problems, diabetes and joint pain off the top of my head.  I will post some real research and information in an upcoming blog.  I have been taking 50,000 International Units of vitamin D and calcium once weekly for the last month and my joint pain is certainly improved.  I am taking meds for high blood pressure which is being monitored.  It is time to start seriously exercising and getting my mindset in the place where I am able to overcome the temptation to binge and give in to malaise.  I intend for this blog to encourage myself and hopefully help others who may read it as I intend to chronicle my struggles as well as my triumphs.  I don't intend this blog to diagnose or treat any health issues, please consult a doctor before you begin any diet or exercise program.  Please pray for me as I begin. . .