A new beginning on a lifelong journey

Well, it has been awhile since i journalled here. I have been struggling with my journey because i allowed life, health, stress, time management and much more to get in the way. I have always said that the journey is the reward and the journey continues just along different paths at times.

I am learning to recognize and take ownership of the paths i end up on. God has a plan for my life and i am striving to be closer to Him so i can be on the right path.

In the past few months i have regained about 30 lbs. this has been depressing and frustrating. I have been off and on plan SOOOOOO many times. My health issues have flared. Ininjured myself exercising. My asthma got flared up. Benny became senior pastor and i took over womens ministry and music ministry at church... I could come up with many more excuses but they dont matter as much as how im going to allow God to conteol the situations and get back ontrack.

I am working with the doctor to get my asthma under control and keep my kidneys from building new stones. I am working to find a balance of exercise that is healthy for me and fits around the rest of my responsibilities. I am working to set priorities. I am working on a visual oard to help me with goals, priorities and life responsibilities.

Today is a new day. I started my day with a healthy medifast protein shake. Dinner is in the crockpot so i can stay on plan I am using the Take Shape For Life app on my iphone to keep ontrack eating every 3 hours. I am measuring my foods and water so i know where i am! Ignorance is NOT bliss.

I appologize for letting my friends down when i made a committment to help you each on your journey.

It is important to set goals, have a plan and write it down.

Looking forward to a healthy happy future

What's on the menu for today???

Well,  one of my biggest ways of being successful is planning ahead.  Today is a new day.  Starting my day reading from Scripture and talking to my Saviour.  I have my water with my by my desk so that I can be sure to down at least one gallon.  I drank my protein shake within an hour of getting out of bed (30 min would have been better),  I will have a protein bar for mid morning snack, oatmeal for lunch, tomato soup for afternoon snack, steak and green beans for dinner, and a mango drink for bedtime snack. 

Church tonight so I won't be going to the gym today but I am going to do some core stuff every time I take a bathroom break today and attempt a one mile walk at lunch. 

Journal at the end of the day!

What helps you remain successful???

Life struggles are part of God's plan

There is a lot going on in my life right now making weight loss a challenge. I am working at maintaining and so far so good.

New position as pastor's wife. This is definitely part of God's plan, but adds new responsibilities and challenges to daily living.  I am proud to be married to a man who has chosen to follow God's leading.  It is my goal to be his helpmate as Scripture instructs me to be.

Tomorrow the nursing board meets to determine the disciplinary action aginst my licence renewal error in 2008. I am praying that God will touch the hearts of the board members and that they will waive the fee and not proceed with any further charges against me for this innocent mistake. I am also asking God to allow me to accept the decision no matter what it is as His will

Jordan. My baby. Leaves for Marine boot camp on Monday to MCRD San Diago. I am kinda (haha) a control freak so not knowing details of his actual leaving and suffering from some separation anxiety that I know I will experience over the next 13 weeks has been tough on me. Ok,  I have never been a helicopter mom and my kids have been very self sufficient over their lives which I have felt guilty for in the past but am thankful for at this time. I am thankful that my children are self sufficient and able to make good choices based on Biblical principles they have been taught but it is easy to doubt that you did enough. It is hard for me to put my full trust in the Lord and leave it there sooooo  I am just putting it there as many times as I need to every minute!  I have only always wanted my kids to live with a desire in their hearts for God and to follow His leading.

Work is adding anxiety and stress to me as we transition to a new electronic medical record system and I am nervous and feeling overwhelmed as we learn and attempt to implement this while keeping up with  regular job duties.  I always want things done right the first time and the added information is overwhelming my brain.  I am asking God to not allow this to put extra strain between the team I work with and love.

Exercise is a HUGE part of my successful weight loss and with tendinitis in my knees I have been advised by the doctors to back off on high impact exercise which has ment stopping my "boot camp" class which I have been part of for nearly a year. My knees hurt too bad to go but my brain missed the exercise and I am missing being with my friends, but seeking optional opportunities.

I am now attempting to lap swim with a board (I am a bit afraid of putting my face in the water and only have the strength to do two laps without the board) two days per week and doing core exercises on a ball, upper body weights, and some treadmill at the gym several days per week. I have been cleared to do low impact exercising but it is hard to figure out exactly what that means and to commit and go regularly when its by myself.  I am learning to lean more on God and less on myself.  Treadmill time is a great time to spend praying.  A great friend and I have been walking 2 miles a day but she's gone for two weeks so I've not been going walking (MY  BAD!)

I am drinking at least one gallon of water per day which I'm sure is helping and I seem to be sleeping well. I am struggling with some issues related to my auto immune disease which adds to my anxiety because people can't see most of it and some important people in my life have expressed that they feel it is best to pretend that the disease isn't there which makes me feel like they believe I'm making up what I am experiencing while I am attempting to live with it unnoticed and uneffecting my functionability.

My husband is self employed and the church he has taken the Sr pastor postition at is very small so most of our income will be from both of us continuing to work full-time.  This is a great opportunity for us to build relationships in the community and reach more people for God but right now we are adjusting to so many things that it doesn't feel real or that it is really working yet (it's only been two weeks!  I KNOW!  WAIT ON THE LORD)  Due to some IRS problems my income is paying off a past balance with them which adds to my stress at work as we are a small office so it's everyone's information and embarassing but God is in control and this seems to be His plan to get it paid off, but also puts extra burden on my husband to be able to meet our daily/monthly bills. 

I am writing this mostly as journalling therapy for me but hoping to encourage everyone reading this that there are LOTS of stresses in all of our lives and THIS IS NOT A DIET. This is my life. God is good all the time.

NEVER give up. Make adjustments to fit in your busy life the things that are important to you.

If you see me around town and I don't acknowledge you PLEASE don't take it as a personal thing. I am in survival mode at this time and working through all the above things and then some so instead of risking crying which I do more than once a day I seem to be avoiding eye contact.  I'm not intentionally avoiding anyone ~ but rather everyone haha.

Please pray for and encourage each other. You never have to look very far to see someone suffering more than you. Don't get into a pitty party but share your cares and concerns with others so they can pray more specifically for you.  You never know how far a smile or kind word can go.

I love you all!! I am working to getting to my goal weight which is 25 lbs away before Jordan graduates from boot camp in 13 weeks.  Very doable but also very challenging.  I want this to be my life not a dreaded overwhelming goal.  I am surrounded by loving people who encourage me to make good choices every day but it is easy to become complacent now that I've dropped the first 70 lbs. 

I appreciate any and all encouragement and support along the way. It is my goal to be healthy and happy. This is my life not a diet or fad

Anyone who wants to join my journey to a healthier happier life please visit my website http://www.healthyhappyme.tsfl.com/  This was the first attempt at becoming healthier and getting to a healthy weight that actually worked for me and is something I can sustain for the rest of my life because of the things I have learned along the journey.

I am grateful for my health/life coach who has taught and encouraged me over the past year. I would not be the person I am today without her friendship and mentorship.  I am happy to say that she has encouraged me to become a health coach so if you make the decision for yourself to join my healthy happy team I will coach you and help you learn things to change your life while reaching your healthy weight.

Just needed to spill my heart so my friends could know where I aa right now and to help each of you know that when you experience stress and anxiety it is not abnormal. It is part of Gods plan. He doesn't make mistakes. We need to pray for and encourage one another regularly instead of getting wrapped up in our own anxiety and stress.

Isaiah 40:28-31 "Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,  the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,   and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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."

Thank you Lord for being my strength and understanding and holding me up when I feel like I can't hold myself anymore.

Healthy Picnic Tips

Healthy Tips for Picnic Celebrations

Holidays such as Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, or any picnic holiday can cause break-downs in our otherwise healthy Take Shape for Life eating plan.  It is extremely important to be very aware that picnics can pack thousands of calories that we would not normally indulge in.  So, what should you do?

1.  Continue to practice your healthy eating habits on the picnic day.  Continue with your replacement meals; avoid skipping meals or save calories for the “big meal”.  That sets you up to overeat!!!

2. If going to a party or picnic, offer to bring an appetizer and side dish.  That way you can guarantee their will be healthy choices for you.

3. Be watchful of your portions and choose to AVOID the desert!! Instead, maybe bring a box of sugar free popsicles to share with the crowd or have a cup of coffee instead!.

4. Stick to your daily exercise routine the day of the picnic.  Try adding 10 or 15-minute brisk walks twice that day with available family members or the partygoers. Plan active activities such as crochet, bike riding, or taking a hike instead of sitting around and talking or watching TV.

5. If you are throwing the party, have lots of vegetables available, instead of chips only. Prepare lower fat dips and offer salsa. Explain to your guests in advance your determination to make this a healthier holiday celebration, and ask them to keep this in mind when preparing any dish they may be bringing.

6. Stay away from high calorie beverages such as sodas, juices, smoothies, and blended coffee drinks. There are nearly 150 calories in one 12-ounce can of soda or juice. Smoothies and coffee drinks are often 250-500 calories, excluding the whipped cream. Alcohol is packed full of calories and carbs. It can also cause you to let down your defenses and overeat or make poor food choices. All of these indulgences will kick you out of the fat burning stage and you’ll have to start over (in a sense).

7 Make sure to have a replacement meal before going to the picnic... ALWAYS plan ahead.

8. At the picnic choose healthy foods and stay away from the chips and bread and corn.

9. If the holiday party is at your house, send some of the left-overs home with your guests, especially the desserts!!

10. Remember to eat slowly, which will help you to eat less and feel full and satisfied.

11. During holiday weekends, make your goal to maintain your weight and instead of gaining any!

12. Be positive. Be in control instead of letting your weight and cravings take control of you.

13. Holiday traveling, remember to pack your convenient replacement meals!  Put replacement meals in zip lock bags and use them to cushion around items in your suitcase.  Also bring a cooler full of fresh vegetables and water.

14. Remember the reason for the season and focus on 'fellowship' and not on 'food'!

15. Habits are habit forming... People form habits but habits transform people! Let's Take Shape for Life! Let’s transform our thinking to become choosy about what we eat. Let’s make it a habit to select healthy foods and plan to integrate replacement meals as part of our ‘prescription for life’!

Have a Happy and Healthy 4^th of July Weekend

In a Slump? Get Motivated!!

Healthy Habits Blog

In A Slump? Get Motivated!!!!

For all of you out there listening tonight, there will be a percentage, can’t say exactly how much, but there are some of you that may reach a slump or bump in your weight loss plan.  Whether it is due to a slowing of your weight loss, a taste fatigue or rowdy friends or family members that just won’t let you be your new self and are constantly sabotaging your efforts, whatever the reason…you are there in a big slump and you want to get out and get on with this new life you’ve gotten a taste of.
So, how to move on?
1)    Be in touch with your health coach.  Chances are that he or she has experienced the same thing you are right now.  They have been trained to help you get over your obstacles and reach your goals, so depend on them!
2)    Make sure that you are following the protocol properly for your program. Look over all literature and “Do’s and Don’ts”
3)    Find a close buddy, best friend or spouse someone who is there for you to give you that needed support, maybe even join you on the program.
4)    Make some big changes in your extra activities, Add variety… If you normally go to the gym every day to work the machines, join a pilates class or bicycling class instead. Or walk the dog, walk or run with your spouse or neighbor.  Just change the routine you are doing
5)    MOST importantly… if you are past the three week rule and NOT exercising yet, make this a top priority.  It is not the intensity but the regularity that matters. Effective and consistent exercise will not only improve your overall health and fitness, but it will also improve your appearance as it helps those pounds to melt away! Exercise will also increase your energy level, social interactions, confidence, self-esteem, and relief from depression, anxiety and stress.
6)    Set Short term goals as stepping stones to your ultimate (long term) goals.  Make these goals measureable (ie “I want to be fit” vs. “I want to run for 20 minutes”)
7)    Always have a plan for EVERY day!! Before you retire or before you begin your day, have it mapped out as to activities, packets, water, snacks, etc… in other words…be prepared!!
8)    Read positive books! Talk to positive people! Look back over your journal and get excited about your accomplishment so far.

Some Scripture verses that have helped me through anxiety moments.  Focus on the positive.  God is in control

"I can do ALL things through HIM who gives me strength"  Not in my own strength as I tend to try!!!
Hope this will encourage you!!!

Isaiah 41:10 "Fear thou not; for I am with thee, Joni: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Phillipians 4:6-7 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

2 Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all you anxiety on Him because He cares for you."

Ephesians 2:14 "For he is our peace."

Ephesians 6:10-11 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Hebrews 13:5-6 God has said, "Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid."

Psalm 34:4: "I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me, freeing me from all my fears."

Incase you have encountered STRESS!!!

A young lady confidently walked around the room while leading and explaining stress management to an audience; with a raised glass of water, and everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question, 'half empty or half full?'..... she fooled them all... "How heavy is this glass of water?", she inquired with a smile.

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.

She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem.  If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes." She continued, "and that's the way it is with stress. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on."

"As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again..  When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden - holding stress longer and better each time practiced. So, as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don't carry them through the evening and into the night... pick them up tomorrow.

Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment. Relax, pick them up later after you've rested. Life is short. Enjoy it and the now 'supposed' stress that you've Conquered!"

1 * Accept the fact that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue!
2 * Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
3 * Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
4 * Drive carefully... It's not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker..
5 * If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague
6 * If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it..
7 * It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others

8 * Never buy a car you can't push.
9 * Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you   
won't have a leg to stand on.
10 * Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.
11 * Since it's the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
12 * The second mouse gets the cheese.
13 * When everything's coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
14 * Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
15 * You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the
world to one person.
16 * Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.
17 * We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and
some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors,
but they all have to live in the same box.
18 * A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
19 * Have an awesome day and know that someone has thought about you today.
20 * It was I, your friend!
*Save the earth..... It's the only planet with chocolate