Its FRIDAY and we have a long weekend ahead of us. Me and my hubby are sneaking away for the weekend and I am really looking forward to it. Did I mention this is the first time we have ever done something together on New Years Eve?? :) Crazy I know.
I worked out last night again and felt pretty good about it when I was finished. I plan on making sure I make it to the fitness center in the hotel this weekend and stay on track even though we are out and about. I know most of the places around town will have their low cal meals marked so I will look for these types of meals. I may indulge in a treat and if I do then so be it. I will just have to work it off at the gym. This is not me giving myself an open pass to eat crap all weekend!
Anyways, I hope everyone is having a great week and continues to stay on track and move forward to a better you!
"For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." Hebrews 2:18
Jamie
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Burn Baby Burn
Last night was my first workout in the gym since July when a friend literally made me go with her. I have to admit it was awesome and I cant believe that I forgot how much I enjoyed working out. It makes you feel great and motivates you to push your self a little further. I hope that I continue to have the desire to be healthy and work hard at achieving it. I will continue to pray daily for the desire and a good attitude.
This was when I hit 60 minutes and my cool down began. I did a varying incline between 2.5-4.0 and speed between 2.5-4.5.
I am feeling pretty good today except for a little discomfort in my hip, but I think that will work its self out.
The kids are gone for the next 5 days so Jon I are going to get away for the weekend and enjoy each other for a change. I made sure to get a hotel that has a fitness center though so I can still get a workout in.
On another note real quick, WATER has become my new addiction. I am even finding my self skipping my 2nd cup of coffee in the morning and filling up my water bottle instead and I LOVE coffee!
Today is a new day and it will be an amazing day!
Jamie
This was when I hit 60 minutes and my cool down began. I did a varying incline between 2.5-4.0 and speed between 2.5-4.5.
I am feeling pretty good today except for a little discomfort in my hip, but I think that will work its self out.
The kids are gone for the next 5 days so Jon I are going to get away for the weekend and enjoy each other for a change. I made sure to get a hotel that has a fitness center though so I can still get a workout in.
On another note real quick, WATER has become my new addiction. I am even finding my self skipping my 2nd cup of coffee in the morning and filling up my water bottle instead and I LOVE coffee!
Today is a new day and it will be an amazing day!
Jamie
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
This & That
Not to get myself to worked up but I am seriously pumped! Last night me and the kids played Wii Just Dance 2 and we had so much fun. I am pretty sure they are now convinced to buy it with gift cards they received for Christmas. Plus for this momma for sure! My hubby and I agreed that we would turn our gym memberships back on so I plan to hit the gym tonight after I get back from taking the kids to their grandma's house.
I want to set small goals for myself with rewards for when I accomplish them. So here are a few goals and rewards to get me started.
10lbs--Manicure & Pedicure
20lbs--Digital Scale
30lbs--Heart Rate Monitor
40lbs--Running Shoes
50lbs--Spa Day **The Works**
60lbs--New Outfit **Head to Toe**
70lbs--Vacation with my Hubby!!
I haven't ran these by the hubby, but I think it will be ok. :) At least this is what my plans look like.
A yummy snack that I had today and wanted to share was a red gala apple sprinkled with cinnamon. It was so yummy, it tasted like an apple pie!
Jamie
I want to set small goals for myself with rewards for when I accomplish them. So here are a few goals and rewards to get me started.
10lbs--Manicure & Pedicure
20lbs--Digital Scale
30lbs--Heart Rate Monitor
40lbs--Running Shoes
50lbs--Spa Day **The Works**
60lbs--New Outfit **Head to Toe**
70lbs--Vacation with my Hubby!!
I haven't ran these by the hubby, but I think it will be ok. :) At least this is what my plans look like.
A yummy snack that I had today and wanted to share was a red gala apple sprinkled with cinnamon. It was so yummy, it tasted like an apple pie!
Jamie
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Another day
My family and I had a great Christmas this year and I am so thankful for that. We were able to enjoy one another with out any major drama and only a little bit of competitiveness around the game tables. My kids were able to help pick out gifts for less fortunate kids in our church and see the excitement on their face when we delivered them. We were able to give a thoughtful gift to an elderly neighbor and see the tears of joy and thanks she had for such a small thing. My girls were able to help make gifts this year for family and friends and really enjoyed seeing how much the gifts were liked. My youngest daughter was able to share thoughtful spiritual moments with my oldest who is really starting to question salvation. My prayer for this next year would be that we are all able to share moments with her and she would be able to accept the ultimate gift by next Christmas.
This is some of the good that happened over the last few days, the bad is I was weak. I was like an uncontrollable toddler. Ok, so it wasn't that bad but I didn't have the self control that I wanted. I started out good by just watching my portions at each meal. Then I went out shopping yesterday and completely fell off the wagon. I had fast food for breakfast and lunch then a Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte, that was amazing by the way. The down side to all of this is that I feel horrible today. My stomach is hurting and I have a migraine. My body had already made the transition from bad, greasy, starchy foods to good, healthy meals and now it is freaking out.
Today is another day and I will ask God to give me the strength and desires to be healthy once again. Feeling yucky is one of the hardest times for me to be my best. I alone am not a strong person but I know that God can give me the strength to be strong.
Jamie
This is some of the good that happened over the last few days, the bad is I was weak. I was like an uncontrollable toddler. Ok, so it wasn't that bad but I didn't have the self control that I wanted. I started out good by just watching my portions at each meal. Then I went out shopping yesterday and completely fell off the wagon. I had fast food for breakfast and lunch then a Starbucks Caramel Brulee Latte, that was amazing by the way. The down side to all of this is that I feel horrible today. My stomach is hurting and I have a migraine. My body had already made the transition from bad, greasy, starchy foods to good, healthy meals and now it is freaking out.
Today is another day and I will ask God to give me the strength and desires to be healthy once again. Feeling yucky is one of the hardest times for me to be my best. I alone am not a strong person but I know that God can give me the strength to be strong.
Jamie
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Christmas Parties!!
It is that time of year and as we all know temptations are every where! How am I supposed to resist the urge to enjoy those yummy cookies, cake, pie, fudge and the list goes on? We are having our company Christmas lunch today and I am praying that I will be able to enjoy it without over eating and then feeling horrible about it. I am going to remember that the food on the table is only to give my body the nutrients it needs to continue on with my day.
I will practice self control today and all days!
Lord, please change my desires for food into a need and not just a want that will damage me. Amen
Jamie
P.S. I bought a pair of pants last night at Beall's and I have to return them for a smaller size. Yea!!
I will practice self control today and all days!
Lord, please change my desires for food into a need and not just a want that will damage me. Amen
Jamie
P.S. I bought a pair of pants last night at Beall's and I have to return them for a smaller size. Yea!!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Filling In the Holes
Today makes 6 days since I started down this trail again. I feel good, I have more energy already and I have lost 5 pounds. I haven’t started working out yet but I plan on it. I am keeping up with all of my calories on www.myfitnesspal.com and it has been so much easier than a food journal.
I have been able to look at food for what it is nutrient for my body to continue to function properly. Not as a substance that I am going to abuse and be a slave to. That’s what we do when we can’t control ourselves around it, when it consumes our lives daily. I don’t want to be an addict to food just like I don’t want to be an addict to drugs or anything else that will harm my body.
I have known several people through the years that were addicts to other things and I have watched it destroy their lives. As I am sitting here writing this out it is being made even clearer to me. I think to myself what makes my food addiction any different than a drug, alcohol or tobacco addiction to the unsaved person seeing me. If an unsaved person was looking at my life and saw that I was over weight due to my own choice's what kind of testimony is that showing? Do they see that I am filling myself with unneeded and unhealthy food when I am trying to teach them about a God that can and will fill all the holes in there heart and needs in there life. Isn’t that what I am doing when I decide I need that late night ice cream or extra serving? I have been trying to fill the holes in my heart with comfort, except I was searching in the fridge instead of in God.
I don’t want to be the kind of person that makes someone else turn away from God because of my actions. We are all accountable to God for our own actions and I want mine to be glorious to Him.
Jamie
I have been able to look at food for what it is nutrient for my body to continue to function properly. Not as a substance that I am going to abuse and be a slave to. That’s what we do when we can’t control ourselves around it, when it consumes our lives daily. I don’t want to be an addict to food just like I don’t want to be an addict to drugs or anything else that will harm my body.
I have known several people through the years that were addicts to other things and I have watched it destroy their lives. As I am sitting here writing this out it is being made even clearer to me. I think to myself what makes my food addiction any different than a drug, alcohol or tobacco addiction to the unsaved person seeing me. If an unsaved person was looking at my life and saw that I was over weight due to my own choice's what kind of testimony is that showing? Do they see that I am filling myself with unneeded and unhealthy food when I am trying to teach them about a God that can and will fill all the holes in there heart and needs in there life. Isn’t that what I am doing when I decide I need that late night ice cream or extra serving? I have been trying to fill the holes in my heart with comfort, except I was searching in the fridge instead of in God.
I don’t want to be the kind of person that makes someone else turn away from God because of my actions. We are all accountable to God for our own actions and I want mine to be glorious to Him.
Jamie
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
M.I.A for 200 days
I'm not sure where the time has gone but I looked in the mirror recently and realized it has gone and my previous goals had been taken with it.
I am not going to set a number to lose but I want to be healthy and feel good inside and out. I have been starting every day with a prayer for God to change my desires and my attitude daily. I am flesh, he is God, I can not do anything without him leading me.
I can honestly say that part of my M.I.A time was spent in the valley and I was content in the monotony of that daily. I was given some counsel by a friend not long ago that told me the changes I want for my family must first start with me. This was not exactly what I wanted to hear from her but I have accepted the responsibility that if I want my girls and life to be different than what I have been taught I must change it. I have not broken free of all the bondage life has placed on me but I will give myself to God daily and ask him to remove the bondage from me.
If you are reading this post I ask that you please pray for me to have the strength, desire, attitude and obedience to be steadfast in what God ask of me.
Jamie
I am not going to set a number to lose but I want to be healthy and feel good inside and out. I have been starting every day with a prayer for God to change my desires and my attitude daily. I am flesh, he is God, I can not do anything without him leading me.
I can honestly say that part of my M.I.A time was spent in the valley and I was content in the monotony of that daily. I was given some counsel by a friend not long ago that told me the changes I want for my family must first start with me. This was not exactly what I wanted to hear from her but I have accepted the responsibility that if I want my girls and life to be different than what I have been taught I must change it. I have not broken free of all the bondage life has placed on me but I will give myself to God daily and ask him to remove the bondage from me.
If you are reading this post I ask that you please pray for me to have the strength, desire, attitude and obedience to be steadfast in what God ask of me.
Jamie
Friday, May 13, 2011
Peace within me
Finding peace within yourself is sometimes a hard thing to do when you have life going all directions all around you. Finding peace from God is where you really get the peace you are looking for.
Several things have happened in the last two weeks that I have wanted to blog about or just simply journal but as usual this is the last thing on my list to do so it hasn't been getting done.
These things are the stones on the path way that God has created for my family and I. If I sat down and thought it threw I could probably do an entire map of how every TRIAL In the past has lead me to the BLESSINGS that He continues to give us today.
Just a little glimpse into the AWESOMENESS of my GOD..........
*God made it clear to us two weeks ago that he had a better plan for us and it was time to leave my current job, with no directions or a GPS mind you (except for His word).
*6 days later I was offered a job without me even actually looking with a local company. If you don't already know, I have a 160 mile round trip drive to my current job. So this is definitely an answer to some serious prayers!!
*I am continually humbled by others that God has made a part of my life in the way that they live their lives!
*There are an amazing few ladies that I love being able to call friends. I prayed for so long for true, real,
meaningful friendships and He has given me the friendships I need at the right time.
Tonight at Mom's @ Central we each shared a few Blessings in our life and it is just amazing to see how GREAT our God is.
He carried the weight of almost 29 years worth of sin on the cross that day for me. I am just so thankful for the Love that he gives me every day!
Jamie
Several things have happened in the last two weeks that I have wanted to blog about or just simply journal but as usual this is the last thing on my list to do so it hasn't been getting done.
These things are the stones on the path way that God has created for my family and I. If I sat down and thought it threw I could probably do an entire map of how every TRIAL In the past has lead me to the BLESSINGS that He continues to give us today.
Just a little glimpse into the AWESOMENESS of my GOD..........
*God made it clear to us two weeks ago that he had a better plan for us and it was time to leave my current job, with no directions or a GPS mind you (except for His word).
*6 days later I was offered a job without me even actually looking with a local company. If you don't already know, I have a 160 mile round trip drive to my current job. So this is definitely an answer to some serious prayers!!
*I am continually humbled by others that God has made a part of my life in the way that they live their lives!
*There are an amazing few ladies that I love being able to call friends. I prayed for so long for true, real,
meaningful friendships and He has given me the friendships I need at the right time.
Tonight at Mom's @ Central we each shared a few Blessings in our life and it is just amazing to see how GREAT our God is.
He carried the weight of almost 29 years worth of sin on the cross that day for me. I am just so thankful for the Love that he gives me every day!
Jamie
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Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Burning Love
I keep listening to the Hillsong United "Like an Avalanche" and it just keeps speaking to me. The love that I feel for God is more now than it has ever been. How do you explain the burning love in your heart for a wonderful God to someone that doesnt feel it but knows that it does exist? I have to keep reminding myself that my explanantion may not be the lamp unto the path of those questioning the burning love I have. I know whats in my heart, I know why I feel that extra glow inside my spirit. Its not because of something or someones actions in my life. Its because I have an amazing Father that loves me and will always keep His promises to me.
I think of how much I love my husband. my children, parents, grandparents, extended family, friends and the list goes on but I still cant even imagine having the burning inside of me that I have for God. That is what this life is about, the purpose of my life is to serve a God big enough to handle it all. Do you trust Him to handle it for you?
Beautiful God
Laying Your majesty aside
You reached out in love to show me life
Lifted from darkness into light
Oh
King for a slave
Trading Your righteousness for shame
Despite all my pride and foolish ways
Caught in Your infinite embrace
Oh
And I find myself here on my knees again
Caught up in grace like an avalanche
Nothing compares to this love love love
Burning in my heart
Saviour and Friend
Breathing Your life into my heart
Your word is the lamp unto my path
Forever I'm humbled by Your love
Oh
Take my life
Take all that I am
With all that I am I will love You
Take my heart
Take all that I have
Jesus how I adore You
And I find myself here on my knees again
Caught up in grace like an avalanche
Nothing compare to this love love love
Jamie
I think of how much I love my husband. my children, parents, grandparents, extended family, friends and the list goes on but I still cant even imagine having the burning inside of me that I have for God. That is what this life is about, the purpose of my life is to serve a God big enough to handle it all. Do you trust Him to handle it for you?
Beautiful God
Laying Your majesty aside
You reached out in love to show me life
Lifted from darkness into light
Oh
King for a slave
Trading Your righteousness for shame
Despite all my pride and foolish ways
Caught in Your infinite embrace
Oh
And I find myself here on my knees again
Caught up in grace like an avalanche
Nothing compares to this love love love
Burning in my heart
Saviour and Friend
Breathing Your life into my heart
Your word is the lamp unto my path
Forever I'm humbled by Your love
Oh
Take my life
Take all that I am
With all that I am I will love You
Take my heart
Take all that I have
Jesus how I adore You
And I find myself here on my knees again
Caught up in grace like an avalanche
Nothing compare to this love love love
Jamie
Did I hear Him right?
I have spent the last several months having headaches daily with migraines added into the mix every 7-10 days. I have had medical testing done that has come up short of a diagnosis and taken different preventive medications as well with no outcomes.
Guess what it took to diagnosis them? God! Did you see that one coming? You should have, I should have, but I wasn't looking to God for answers only for healing from my suffering. This was completely stupid of me considering I know how BIG my God is. Well after all was said and done and my ways didn't work I did what most of us do and I turned to God to answer the basic question of why?
Of course the answer that he gave me scared the living day lights out of me at first and I thought to my self surely I am hearing Him wrong. "He wants me to quit my job?" Me, who is the primary source of income since my husband is a full time student. Really....that's when panic 101 set in.
But you know what, after several days in prayer, scripture and discussion with other spiritual individuals I decided that's exactly what He wants from me and my family. He wants me to have Faith in Him with everything in my life. This is my free falling step out of the airplane without a parachute and I know that my God is gonna be there to catch me. I don't know what he has in store for my family but I know its going to be great, I am his child and he only wants great things for His children.
The biggest lesson that I have learned through this is that none of the things that you work so hard for daily are going to be yours in 75 or 100 years, they may not even be your childrens, these things are vanity. What will stick are the values and lessons that we teach and instill in our children now and until the time we meet our Father. Working away my days and being sorrowful at the end of the day is not what my family deserves from me. I want more for them and they deserve more from me. God is now giving them more and I am ever thankful for that.
We have prayed about my job situation for over a year and his answer has completely changed my heart and humbled and amazed me on so many different levels.
There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be among those who come after. Eccles 1:11
Jamie
Guess what it took to diagnosis them? God! Did you see that one coming? You should have, I should have, but I wasn't looking to God for answers only for healing from my suffering. This was completely stupid of me considering I know how BIG my God is. Well after all was said and done and my ways didn't work I did what most of us do and I turned to God to answer the basic question of why?
Of course the answer that he gave me scared the living day lights out of me at first and I thought to my self surely I am hearing Him wrong. "He wants me to quit my job?" Me, who is the primary source of income since my husband is a full time student. Really....that's when panic 101 set in.
But you know what, after several days in prayer, scripture and discussion with other spiritual individuals I decided that's exactly what He wants from me and my family. He wants me to have Faith in Him with everything in my life. This is my free falling step out of the airplane without a parachute and I know that my God is gonna be there to catch me. I don't know what he has in store for my family but I know its going to be great, I am his child and he only wants great things for His children.
The biggest lesson that I have learned through this is that none of the things that you work so hard for daily are going to be yours in 75 or 100 years, they may not even be your childrens, these things are vanity. What will stick are the values and lessons that we teach and instill in our children now and until the time we meet our Father. Working away my days and being sorrowful at the end of the day is not what my family deserves from me. I want more for them and they deserve more from me. God is now giving them more and I am ever thankful for that.
We have prayed about my job situation for over a year and his answer has completely changed my heart and humbled and amazed me on so many different levels.
There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be among those who come after. Eccles 1:11
Jamie
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Thursday, April 21, 2011
Coming up for air
Jamie
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Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Making Progress
I made it a priority to take the time last night to prepare spinach salad for my lunches as well as grilled several bags of mix vegetables for me to have for a snack at my office. This is the hardest place to stay focused lately. It is tax season and my office is CRAZY (as well as those of us in it) right now and we have 18 days until it's even remotely back to normal. I was starting to daydream about grabbing a Little Debbie out of the kitchen, sit back in my chair, relax and lock myself in an office alone for 5 minutes to escape the reality of it all and enjoy the greatness of Little Debbie.
This is what I chose instead :0
This is what I chose instead :0
This was me making progress today!
"It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." Psalm 18:32
Jamie
Monday, March 28, 2011
Always Learning More
I was reading a friends blog this morning and was very encouraged. When I started this blog and down my life changing path I was fired up about the changes in me spiritually, physically, and mentally. The first 2 months went great. Then it happened, Spring Break and the inevitable road blocks that Satan will always use against us. I have now learned a few things about myself that I probably already new but have never said out loud because that would mean that they were real.
I thought about listing all the things that I feel like I have failed at since I started on this journey but then decided that it doesn’t matter. God is using this as yet another way to teach me that it’s ALL about Him. I overextended myself on several different things which caused me to loose time with Him as well as my focus. The whole point of this life change for me was to center my life around him. But when you try to do too many things that all seem to pertain to getting closer to Him you actually get pushed further from him somehow. Does that make sense?
My existence is solely to serve God, in order to do that I have to be able to focus on Him and his teachings. Everything else is just another page or lesson from his book for my life. If I can learn to take those lessons and apply them to my life then I will be a better servant for that.
So here is what my plan is, it may not be great but at least I have a plan and I can do my best every day to let God be in control of it for me.
I will do my best daily to spend more time in God's word and with him.
I will do my best daily to be more prepared and organized.
I will do my best daily to avoid temptation.
I will do my best daily to write down everything that goes in my mouth (this worked great the first 2 months)
I will do my best daily to look to others for encouragement that is on the same path with me.
Do you notice the pattern here; I will do my best daily! I don’t want to put the label of "I will" on my goals anymore because that gives Satan an opportunity to kick me when I am down and I don’t want him having that control over me.
"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
Jamie
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Count your blessings
Have you stopped today or this week to see what you have to be thankful for? If I was being honest and of course I am, some days I would say no but today I am saying yes.
I am thankful for:
A husband that loves me even when I am a little on the crazy side.
Kids that make me a little crazy sometimes.
New friendships that I have asked God to provide me with for so very long.
The continued support that I get from other Christian women.
That I am able to be a blessing to a dear friend that is going through a hard time right now.
Missions that are willing to come and share their burden for God with me and help me grow.
A book club that I am now officially a member of and the winner of the monthly drawing!
Count your blessings and give thanks every day. You never know when tomorrow will never come.
Jamie
I am thankful for:
A husband that loves me even when I am a little on the crazy side.
Kids that make me a little crazy sometimes.
New friendships that I have asked God to provide me with for so very long.
The continued support that I get from other Christian women.
That I am able to be a blessing to a dear friend that is going through a hard time right now.
Missions that are willing to come and share their burden for God with me and help me grow.
A book club that I am now officially a member of and the winner of the monthly drawing!
Count your blessings and give thanks every day. You never know when tomorrow will never come.
Jamie
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Check In!
I knew it had been a while since my lost blog but I had no idea until today that it had been over a month. Where did the last 30 days go? I have been so busy with work and the little time I have in the evenings with the kids that I haven’t had the time to focus on me. Story of a mother’s life though half of the time, Right?
Let me rewind and give a rundown of the last month if you don’t mind.
1- I haven’t gotten to work out very much at all. Partially because I have been so busy and then just because at the end of the day I didn’t have the motivation when I looked at the clock and realized it was already approaching 10 or 10:30.
2- It will be April 15th before we know it and I work for a CPA. (Nuff said)
3-I have maintained my calories daily and continued to watch what I eat. I did a few times that I ate what I wanted and then on a few occasions wished I would have just said no.
4-For my 1 month weigh in on 2-18-11, I had lost 14lbs. This is what AWESOME!
5-My husband has actually on several occasions offered to cook me one of my healthy meals and ate them with me. Granted he ate 3 servings of bread but he is making an effort to join my bandwagon.
6-I was able to make a full menu for us on the 3 different weeks. Unfortunately, I haven’t been so good at this the last 2 weeks. But, it’s time to buy groceries again and I am going to work on it again.
7-I got a new pair of shoes, a workout mat and a new JM video for Valentine’s Day. And yes, I actually wanted these things.
Take the time for YOU; I know that giving up just the little amount of time that I was allowing myself daily has made the last month a lot harder on me.
"Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always." 1 Chronicles 16:11
Jamie
Let me rewind and give a rundown of the last month if you don’t mind.
1- I haven’t gotten to work out very much at all. Partially because I have been so busy and then just because at the end of the day I didn’t have the motivation when I looked at the clock and realized it was already approaching 10 or 10:30.
2- It will be April 15th before we know it and I work for a CPA. (Nuff said)
3-I have maintained my calories daily and continued to watch what I eat. I did a few times that I ate what I wanted and then on a few occasions wished I would have just said no.
4-For my 1 month weigh in on 2-18-11, I had lost 14lbs. This is what AWESOME!
5-My husband has actually on several occasions offered to cook me one of my healthy meals and ate them with me. Granted he ate 3 servings of bread but he is making an effort to join my bandwagon.
6-I was able to make a full menu for us on the 3 different weeks. Unfortunately, I haven’t been so good at this the last 2 weeks. But, it’s time to buy groceries again and I am going to work on it again.
7-I got a new pair of shoes, a workout mat and a new JM video for Valentine’s Day. And yes, I actually wanted these things.
Take the time for YOU; I know that giving up just the little amount of time that I was allowing myself daily has made the last month a lot harder on me.
"Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always." 1 Chronicles 16:11
Jamie
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Looking Back
Apparently, it’s February 1st! How did that happen already? Any who, here we are, on to another beautiful month in Texas. Were all at home together today thanks to some lovely northern weather that came in. I love getting to stay home on these unexpected days with my family. Right now it is chill time; the girls are watching Veggie Tales and Jon went to guitar lessons. So this is me time...deep breath and exhale. I had planned on just sitting in front of the fire place and reading a book but couldn’t seem to get into my current read so here I am.
2011 started off just like the last 2 years have and then my light came on. So to sum up the last month let’s do my favorite thing and make a list.
1. God was working on me in several different areas from the get go of this year. I just wasn’t sure what he was saying. I swear he was speaking Spanish, which I am not fluent in.
2. I started a daily devotional with my girls for the first time and have really seen the difference that this has made in all of us.
3. In the past I often found myself looking at other Godly moms (wives) and thinking to myself "She has it together. Why can’t I ever get there?" I was holding on to something that I kept saying I wanted to let go of but I never did and I always felt like this was holding me back from my full potential. So, after years I finally gave it to God. I am sure he felt like he was banging his head against the wall when talking to me but he never gave up on me. Thank you Lord!
4. I made the decision after a lot of arguing and bickering to let God have my life completely. I was saved when I was 12 but I never actually let Him have my life. I wanted to be in control, I wanted to do things my way, I wanted the rewards of eternity with little or no work. WOW! What a difference this has made.
5. In connection to #4, I am no longer a prisoner to food. I eat to supplement what my body needs to function. How many times have you heard an over weight person say "God made me this way"? He certainly did NOT, I made me this way. He made me perfect and I went and screwed it all up. So now he is taking a bad situation and using it for something good, by using me as an example to others.
6. In 14 days I have lost 9 pounds and have been able to maintain 1500 calories a day or less (never before done). A little downer though is that I planned on working out for at least 10 of those 14 days but only worked out 6 times. I am not going to make an excuse for this even though I was just thinking what the best one would be. But, I will keep going on this path that God has put me on.
7. For the first time ever we have an efficient Menu planned and hanging on the fridge for a whole week and the groceries have all been purchased for these meals. I have also already broken up all the snacks for our lunches and for after school. This is a major plus on the time schedule that I have since I have such a long commute every day to and from work.
For February I am going to challenge myself to work out for 800 minutes for the whole month as well as sticking to 1200 calories a day. I will keep a log of it and see how I do. I am tired just thinking about it. But this blog is partly about pushing myself to new limits and because I know that others are going to read it and see how I am doing.
What new goals are you setting this month?
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men (women) of courage; be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13
Jamie
2011 started off just like the last 2 years have and then my light came on. So to sum up the last month let’s do my favorite thing and make a list.
1. God was working on me in several different areas from the get go of this year. I just wasn’t sure what he was saying. I swear he was speaking Spanish, which I am not fluent in.
2. I started a daily devotional with my girls for the first time and have really seen the difference that this has made in all of us.
3. In the past I often found myself looking at other Godly moms (wives) and thinking to myself "She has it together. Why can’t I ever get there?" I was holding on to something that I kept saying I wanted to let go of but I never did and I always felt like this was holding me back from my full potential. So, after years I finally gave it to God. I am sure he felt like he was banging his head against the wall when talking to me but he never gave up on me. Thank you Lord!
4. I made the decision after a lot of arguing and bickering to let God have my life completely. I was saved when I was 12 but I never actually let Him have my life. I wanted to be in control, I wanted to do things my way, I wanted the rewards of eternity with little or no work. WOW! What a difference this has made.
5. In connection to #4, I am no longer a prisoner to food. I eat to supplement what my body needs to function. How many times have you heard an over weight person say "God made me this way"? He certainly did NOT, I made me this way. He made me perfect and I went and screwed it all up. So now he is taking a bad situation and using it for something good, by using me as an example to others.
6. In 14 days I have lost 9 pounds and have been able to maintain 1500 calories a day or less (never before done). A little downer though is that I planned on working out for at least 10 of those 14 days but only worked out 6 times. I am not going to make an excuse for this even though I was just thinking what the best one would be. But, I will keep going on this path that God has put me on.
7. For the first time ever we have an efficient Menu planned and hanging on the fridge for a whole week and the groceries have all been purchased for these meals. I have also already broken up all the snacks for our lunches and for after school. This is a major plus on the time schedule that I have since I have such a long commute every day to and from work.
For February I am going to challenge myself to work out for 800 minutes for the whole month as well as sticking to 1200 calories a day. I will keep a log of it and see how I do. I am tired just thinking about it. But this blog is partly about pushing myself to new limits and because I know that others are going to read it and see how I am doing.
What new goals are you setting this month?
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men (women) of courage; be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13
Jamie
Monday, January 31, 2011
Monday Meal Plan
Breakfast-Whole oats & wheat toast or 2 pieces of wheat toast with SF jelly & a piece of fruit
Lunch-Chicken salad (homemade..yummy) sandwich on thin wheat bun w/pretzels
Snack- 100 cal snack of choice or fruit
Dinners
Mon-Whole grain spaghetti w/ ground turkey, salad
Tues-Grilled Pork Chops, mixed veggies & baked potato
Wed-Salad w/grilled chicken (hot dogs for kids)
Thur-Grilled Chicken w/stir fry veggies
Fri-Meal replacement shake (kids will be gone until Sunday pm)
Sat-Leftovers
Sun-Grilled Chicken w/green beans & carrots
What does your menu look like this week? Do you sit down with your family and eat together? We have found that this is one of the best times for us to talk as a family. It has also given our girls a chance to see the changes in my diet and encouraged them to ask questions and make changes of their own.
Jamie
Lunch-Chicken salad (homemade..yummy) sandwich on thin wheat bun w/pretzels
Snack- 100 cal snack of choice or fruit
Dinners
Mon-Whole grain spaghetti w/ ground turkey, salad
Tues-Grilled Pork Chops, mixed veggies & baked potato
Wed-Salad w/grilled chicken (hot dogs for kids)
Thur-Grilled Chicken w/stir fry veggies
Fri-Meal replacement shake (kids will be gone until Sunday pm)
Sat-Leftovers
Sun-Grilled Chicken w/green beans & carrots
What does your menu look like this week? Do you sit down with your family and eat together? We have found that this is one of the best times for us to talk as a family. It has also given our girls a chance to see the changes in my diet and encouraged them to ask questions and make changes of their own.
Jamie
Friday, January 28, 2011
Prayer Pal's
Did you ever have a "pen pal" when you were in school? It was always exciting knowing that someone across the sea or just across town was thinking of me and sending me a letter. The same principle can and should be applied to those closest to us. I have found it very encouraging to have a prayer pal in the last few weeks. We don’t talk every day or get together frequently (too many kids in the mix) but I know that she is praying for me daily and I am praying for her and her family.
I encourage all of you to pick at least one person that you can make your Prayer Pal and that you trust with personal information. I have found that I can go to my husband with most of my personal struggles but it is so much different to be able to have another woman, mom and wife to be able to share with. It is easier for some to find that person that they trust but when you do, it is very rewarding.
You can’t send enough prayers my way so feel free to pray for me as often as you would like.
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thes. 5:11
Jamie
I encourage all of you to pick at least one person that you can make your Prayer Pal and that you trust with personal information. I have found that I can go to my husband with most of my personal struggles but it is so much different to be able to have another woman, mom and wife to be able to share with. It is easier for some to find that person that they trust but when you do, it is very rewarding.
You can’t send enough prayers my way so feel free to pray for me as often as you would like.
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thes. 5:11
Jamie
Thursday, January 27, 2011
It's Progress.....
So after having my little pitty party this week I came home tonight after stopping off to get some fruit and a few other low cal necessities for this weekend and had a crash everything. Well, ok not really but I did have a delicious low cal dinner, which my whole family wanted some of and then I did my Shred. Maddy did it with me and since she doesn't have her own weights yet she used 2 cans of beans. The whole time saying "I feel like a dork with these beans". I love that little dork even more for that. I told my husband, Jon, that if he looked close he would be able to see that I was starting to get "abs"...well its more like a half a bowl of Jello instead of a full bowl but its progress.
It just reminds me that I have so much to be thankful for and I need to count my blessings every day. Thanks to all my friends that have encouraged me this week and nudged me out of the funk I was in.
"I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow" MB
Jamie
It just reminds me that I have so much to be thankful for and I need to count my blessings every day. Thanks to all my friends that have encouraged me this week and nudged me out of the funk I was in.
"I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow" MB
Jamie
Teach by Example
This blog is somewhat my thought process of a blog that I read this week.
Do you ever find yourself thinking about doing something that you know you shouldn’t or that you wouldn’t do if you were with a group of friends? Well I surely don’t. Yeah right.
This week has been a bit of a downer for me. I am certain that it is just hormonal but man it is a kick in the butt. I find myself thinking about having an extra serving of something or maybe just a little bit more than what I accounted for in my calorie count for that meal. Then I start thinking, well I didn’t eat that much today so why can’t I have another small snack? The answer is because I don’t need it. This is a life style change. I am not doing this because I have to fit into some dress or really awesome outfit that I had to buy even though it didn’t fit me.
If I am going to give up on myself that easily then I am not the person I thought I was. So I do the logical thing and turn to God and ask for guidance and strength to overcome the issue at hand that I am not handling very well. My God can handle anything I bring to him.
This is my life for better or worse, which completely affects my children and my husband. I have been an awful example for my girls. I mean, I say to myself, I don’t want them to go through the struggles with weight and self-esteem that I did, yet I haven’t taught them to have a healthy relationship with food. I am setting them up for failure and they don’t even know it.
Most of my family is now or has at some point in life had weight issues. Growing up I wasn’t taught how to have a healthy relationship with food. I am not laying blame for this but I will make this change for the next generation of women in my family.
Little girls look up to their mommy’s and want to be just like her. Well to be honest, I would not want my little girls to be just like the person I have been for the last 28 years. I am only now learning how much of me was not where it needed to be but I am taking the steps daily to make the changes that God wants for me.
Have you challenged yourself to teach your kids to live better or have you been a weight tied to them that will drag them down with you?
"Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning." Proverbs 9:9
Jamie
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Loosing the Luggage with the Pounds
In the last few days I have thought a lot about how much luggage we all travel with daily. I am not talking actual luggage but I am talking about the emotional and spiritual luggage we all have. Do you eat when you are stressed, bored, lonely or have anxiety? Most people do, which is why so many of us are overweight. We are always trying to take care of things our self, when we could have given it directly God and let him worry about it and fix it. Just think, if you never experienced any of the "luggage" that made you eat on impulse how many "pounds" lighter would your body and your heart be?
There are days that seem almost impossible to get through and all I can think about is making it to bed when it’s all over. This isn’t how God wants me to spend my days, is it? Well of course not! God wants me to have a joyful heart and be with him. Well I guess it’s safe to say that on these impossible days I wasn’t with Him. I’m sure that the day started out somewhat lumpy and just got rockier as it went. Being the selfish person I am didn’t bother to really just stop, breathe, focus and realize that I just needed to turn to God. I would bet that a lot of it was Satan trying to get to me. I am reminded of Job as I write this. I am not even close to what Job was but it reminds me that no matter what Satan or this world takes or gives me I have to always be faithful to God. He wants me to come to him with the "big" things and the "little" things. Because if it’s important to me, then it is just as important to my Father.
I challenge you to take the time to make a list of the "luggage" that you carry around with you daily and give it over to God. It is not always fun to look at our self and make an assessment of things but sometimes it is the best way to free yourself.
"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:22
Jamie
There are days that seem almost impossible to get through and all I can think about is making it to bed when it’s all over. This isn’t how God wants me to spend my days, is it? Well of course not! God wants me to have a joyful heart and be with him. Well I guess it’s safe to say that on these impossible days I wasn’t with Him. I’m sure that the day started out somewhat lumpy and just got rockier as it went. Being the selfish person I am didn’t bother to really just stop, breathe, focus and realize that I just needed to turn to God. I would bet that a lot of it was Satan trying to get to me. I am reminded of Job as I write this. I am not even close to what Job was but it reminds me that no matter what Satan or this world takes or gives me I have to always be faithful to God. He wants me to come to him with the "big" things and the "little" things. Because if it’s important to me, then it is just as important to my Father.
I challenge you to take the time to make a list of the "luggage" that you carry around with you daily and give it over to God. It is not always fun to look at our self and make an assessment of things but sometimes it is the best way to free yourself.
"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:22
Jamie
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Eat, Pray & Live
It's great to see others get excited about changing the way they eat, pray & live and knowing that your lifestyle change has influenced that in some way. I am not perfect and I so do not have this whole new life thing down but I am doing my best and being faithful to myself and God. It kind of reminds me of a yawn or a good laugh, once it starts it becomes contagious.
I don’t know if God wants me to lead others or if he wants me to be a support system for others or what else he has in store for me on this new road so many of us are journeying down but I do know that I am 100% committed to being his faithful servant.
My husband asked me this morning if I noticed a physical difference from the changes that God has been making in my life. At first I wasn’t sure how to answer because it’s more than that. So my answer was "Yeah, I feel like a new person but it’s more spiritual than physical." I can’t explain how I feel on the inside but I am hoping that in time the outside will match what I have found on the inside.
"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me." Psalm 51:12
Jamie
I don’t know if God wants me to lead others or if he wants me to be a support system for others or what else he has in store for me on this new road so many of us are journeying down but I do know that I am 100% committed to being his faithful servant.
My husband asked me this morning if I noticed a physical difference from the changes that God has been making in my life. At first I wasn’t sure how to answer because it’s more than that. So my answer was "Yeah, I feel like a new person but it’s more spiritual than physical." I can’t explain how I feel on the inside but I am hoping that in time the outside will match what I have found on the inside.
"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me." Psalm 51:12
Jamie
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Patience is a virtue from God
Ok, so I had my physical scheduled for 9:00 am this morning. My boss, Jerry, was completely aware of this, yet he still calls me at 10:00 am while I am sitting on an exam table waiting on my doctor to come in. If you know my work situation at all then you know this was not out of character for him. I had to fast after midnight last night to do my blood work, so when I got out of there at 11:30 and headed straight for the office I was starving. By the time I got there I wasn’t all that hungry after all. Ok, well actually I was still starving but I was thrown to the wolves so to speak with Jerry.
The point of that little ray of sunshine knowledge is that on my way to work I prayed that God would give me patience and deliver me from being super hungry until I could eat. Any person with the 5 meal a day motto knows its just cruel to have to go 12 hours. Well I went 13 hours and guess what, I was fine and then when I did eat, I actually ate and not inhaled my food. Oh yeah and I still have a job and Jerry didn’t yell today.
"Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully" Colossians 1:11
Jamie
The point of that little ray of sunshine knowledge is that on my way to work I prayed that God would give me patience and deliver me from being super hungry until I could eat. Any person with the 5 meal a day motto knows its just cruel to have to go 12 hours. Well I went 13 hours and guess what, I was fine and then when I did eat, I actually ate and not inhaled my food. Oh yeah and I still have a job and Jerry didn’t yell today.
"Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully" Colossians 1:11
Jamie
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Mission Accomplished
Its 2:03 am and I am just now getting my chili cooking (which has to simmer for 3 hours) for our annual family get together tomorrow at noon. I know, "Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail". BUT I did have a plan, it just got changed without me noticing. We were invited to have dinner tonight with two other couples from church and just kind of lost track of time. With this being said, let me also just say that my goal for today was no soda and portion control...mission accomplished. However, since I just came to realize this plan through God's Grace for me on Thursday at like 9:00 pm, I havent been to the grocery store yet. So, today I was kind of winging it.
I had oatmeal and coffee for breakfast, a grilled chicken sandwich from Sonic for lunch, a banana for snack and good old water all day. Now, Sonya which is who we had dinner with has recently started attending culinary school (big uh oh for dieters) and she was not aware of this madness going on with Mom's @ Central so she had a yummy meal planned of creamy tacos for us. Im sure that you all no what those are. I will say that I still stuck to my goals for today even though I did have creamy tacos.
I visited pyramid.gov today and got the nasty little message they display once you enter your stats.I then found all the information I needed for my daily intake levels and how to go about it. Tomorrow we have our family chili cookoff and I will not be eating any chili but I will find suitable replacements. Even if that means I have to take my own salad in a gladware bowl. After that you can find me at the local Wal-Mart buying my meals for the next 10 days along with The Shred video.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30
Jamie
I had oatmeal and coffee for breakfast, a grilled chicken sandwich from Sonic for lunch, a banana for snack and good old water all day. Now, Sonya which is who we had dinner with has recently started attending culinary school (big uh oh for dieters) and she was not aware of this madness going on with Mom's @ Central so she had a yummy meal planned of creamy tacos for us. Im sure that you all no what those are. I will say that I still stuck to my goals for today even though I did have creamy tacos.
I visited pyramid.gov today and got the nasty little message they display once you enter your stats.I then found all the information I needed for my daily intake levels and how to go about it. Tomorrow we have our family chili cookoff and I will not be eating any chili but I will find suitable replacements. Even if that means I have to take my own salad in a gladware bowl. After that you can find me at the local Wal-Mart buying my meals for the next 10 days along with The Shred video.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30
Jamie
Friday, January 14, 2011
***News Flash***
I am not sure where to start but I will give it my best. God has been working on me for several weeks on a few different aspects of my life. I am in the middle of conquering the first battle and gearing up for two others. I am on fire to serve God and it is because of God's Grace. It is amazing to have the feeling that you are making awesome changes that you never thought were possible and all along knowing it is God who is making it possible. So that is an overview of where I am now.
If you are wondering where all this started from let me tell you.....An awesome group of women that I associate myself with share one of the same struggles in life. WEIGHT LOSS! So, for our monthly Mom's @ Central this month we had a guest speaker to address this particular evil. Let me just say in the words of a fellow mom from last night she was a "Rockstar". Keelie Ferguson(http://www.wearelosingitblog.blogspot.com/) shared her testimony with us and it literally lit a fire under lots of our big rear ends. She gave the illustration that when we see a picture of ourselves from the holidays or a birthday party, our first reaction is always to snag it up and immediately insist that that picture be destroyed. HA!! ***NEWS FLASH*** That picture is what you really look like.
So here is where I come in. I will not tell you that I am going to throw out all of my "good" food or have those times when I want it so I have it, but I will tell you that I believe that God has also lit a fire under me and this time it is to serve him and better myself for Him. My Pastor made the statement on Sunday that you cannot share your Faith if your life is not reflecting that Faith. Seems to really fit the bill on this one. Over the next year I will work daily to better myself and my life so that when I share my Faith others will see it in my life and have the desire to seek after God. My goal is to lose 65 pounds on the outside and have a complete makeover on the inside. I have already got an accountability partner and together we will push each other physically, mentally and spiritually.
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32
Jamie
If you are wondering where all this started from let me tell you.....An awesome group of women that I associate myself with share one of the same struggles in life. WEIGHT LOSS! So, for our monthly Mom's @ Central this month we had a guest speaker to address this particular evil. Let me just say in the words of a fellow mom from last night she was a "Rockstar". Keelie Ferguson(http://www.wearelosingitblog.blogspot.com/) shared her testimony with us and it literally lit a fire under lots of our big rear ends. She gave the illustration that when we see a picture of ourselves from the holidays or a birthday party, our first reaction is always to snag it up and immediately insist that that picture be destroyed. HA!! ***NEWS FLASH*** That picture is what you really look like.
So here is where I come in. I will not tell you that I am going to throw out all of my "good" food or have those times when I want it so I have it, but I will tell you that I believe that God has also lit a fire under me and this time it is to serve him and better myself for Him. My Pastor made the statement on Sunday that you cannot share your Faith if your life is not reflecting that Faith. Seems to really fit the bill on this one. Over the next year I will work daily to better myself and my life so that when I share my Faith others will see it in my life and have the desire to seek after God. My goal is to lose 65 pounds on the outside and have a complete makeover on the inside. I have already got an accountability partner and together we will push each other physically, mentally and spiritually.
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32
Jamie
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