Hello Weight Loss Fairy...It's me again....

Since my annual doctor's appointment on Friday, I've become a little apprehensive about turning....
(WAIT... FOR... IT...) ... 40.  Yep.... I KNOW!  I jump on the scale and that number is too high.  I get my blood pressure checked and that number is too high....no doubt because of the first high number (GEESE!)  I've been thinking about a way to celebrate the milestone that will be my 4th decade of life, soooooo I'm starting now.  No, I'm not just thinking about the ultimate party or the extravagant trip (YES I AM :o).  I'm taking a friend's idea and starting my "Drop 40 by 40" initiative. Yes, it's just another fancy way to say it....I NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT!   It's over the top and wild and crazy, and the execution, if done well, will be fabulous and undoubtedly noticeable and extreme and worthy of being called a celebration!  (SIGH...)  Maybe I should just plan the party and/or the trip and call it a milestone.   I'm sure the "initiative" will be more beneficial to me making it another 40 years so....who will join me?  I need support and I've done some research....the experts say that if we eat less and work out more, the weight will come off.  (SCOFF) Now, I asked my doctor about some alternatives to the old school method.  She said no to HCG and B-12 shots.  Not because they don't work, but because she didn't see the long term benefits.  (DEEP BREATH) If you're like me, you work out like you're training for the Olympics.  Now, to the eating!  Calorie counting, writing down what I consume and simply consuming less should do it!  GOT IT!  (EYES ROLL TO THE BACK OF MY HEAD)

*I know some of my many FB friends are soon hitting the same milestone or a milestone of another sort.  LET'S DO IT.  Join my "Drop 40 by 40" initiative and let the celebrating begin. If you don't need a whole 40 pound weight loss or simply want to tone and strengthen your body.....LET'S DO IT. 
Weigh yourself today.  Start exercising 4-5 times a week. (we can talk about that some more if you really are just starting with that).  Write down what you eat.  The experts say it really does make a difference. No, they aren't paying me, but Sparkpeople.com is free and it helps you track your calories and your workouts so this may be a good aid for you.  Journal, tell a friend or video chat and post it, but put your goals and intentions out there so there is some accountability.  Weigh yourselves weekly, stay prayed up and EXPECT MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER THINK OR IMAGINE!

**My 40th is in March

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csXF9is3QYM&feature=colike

sparkpeople.com

"I'm Okay...."

A little disappointment in life is to be expected.  It's how you decide to respond to it that may sometimes surprise you.  When faced with adversity (pain, fear, hurt), we often have the chance to surprise ourselves and others by deciding to be okay.  When Grace (my 2 year old) falls, she gets up and shouts "I'm okay."  I taught her to say AND BELIEVE that when she was smaller because I didn't want her to lament over a small boo boo or hurt that really wasn't that bad.  So, she now speaks it over herself :o)  Granted, some "boo boo's" need to be tended to and looked at and taken care of and given a chance to heal.  Others only require a simple brush off and exclamation of  "I'm okay".  I was expecting something for me and my family and it didn't happen.  Yesterday, I received the "no".  I was disappointed and acknowledged that.  In trusting God with my life and his plan for my family, today I shout "I'm okay".  My prayer is that you would be okay today.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."  Romans 8:28

Dear God....Someone is facing a disappoint today and needs to be reminded that you are still in control.  I pray that you would lift the burden of whatever is weighing us down.  Help us to seek you and remain faithful as we deal with the let down.  Where there is room for growth, help us to achieve that.  Heal the brokenhearted and comfort those who are filled with hurt, pain, fear, anger and any other emotion that fills our lives.  Lord, continue to show yourself to be real to us that our faith in you might increase.  Help us to be not just okay... but conquerors!   In the name of Jesus.  Amen.

EXPECT MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER THINK OR IMAGINE!

Smiling while leaving the grocery store and other oddities of a nearly 40 year old wife and mother!

I find myself more and more prone to find the good in most situations. The power of positive thinking....feed the universe some of the energy you want in return.  With that being said, I must admit that I am recently on the tail end of a bout with anxiety and emotional upheaval.  I was feeling overwhelmed and not taking the time out to care for myself as I was for others.  It's nothing new for women the world over, but I rarely end up in that place.  I was physically and emotionally overextended and just needed a break.  I'd made several beach dates but hadn't kept them because it was going to cost money to get there and money to eat and money to....I'd cancelled a spa day here or there and had spent much of my afternoon writing time plagued with an unsettling feeling.  I don't do anxiety.  Be anxious for nothing and in all things with prayer and supplication make your request known unto God....I don't do anxiety.  Yet, I was tired, frustrated, discontent and overwhelmed.  I had a series of "come to Jesus" meetings (with myself, with my husband and with Jesus :o)  I really am more than a conqueror.  I know, I know...it's trite, but after what I'd been experiencing....BUT GOD.  So, fast forward a week or two and I'm finding myself being myself.  I was leaving the grocery store yesterday with a smile on my face as I walked to the car.  After becoming aware of it, I thought "I'm grateful for being able to buy the groceries we need and for my role in that process".  Today, after dinner, we all got up from the table and I noticed a family of deer across from the house playing.  There were three adults and a couple of fawns that were frolicking in and out of the woods.  I'm not sure how long they'd been at it, but we watched with anticipation for about five to seven minutes (that's a long time to watch deer at play:o).  I know, it sounds silly, but as I get older, it's the little things and getting back to the basics that bring joy to my life.  I'm contented to be with my family and enjoy the time without feeling like we need to be doing something.  Doing things is great, but I find myself only doing the things that seem worthy of my time.  I tried to watch Love and Hip Hop Atlanta, but....not worth it.  I've gone to mother's groups that don't mesh with my personality...not worth it.  I've expended energy over being unfriended on Facebook and I've agonized over not accepting friend requests from folk who I know aren't a good investment...not worth it.  I'm back to planning a beach day and this time I'll keep that appointment.  I need to honor what works for me.  I need to listen to that inner voice and respond with gratefulness.   One of my Facebook friends status updates read "don't belittle yourself...be bigger yourself".  I like it and I'm living it!
Lord I believe. Help my unbelief.

EXPECT MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER THINK OR IMAGINE

Does not eating Chick-Fil-A today mean I'll be eating crow tomorrow?

I didn't go to Chick-Fil-A today in support of the CFA Appreciation Day, but to be fair, I can't remember the last time I ate at Chick-Fil-A.  In theory, I agree with the fast food chain's President and COO, Mr. Dan Cathy.  I believe marriage is between a man and a woman.  I do, however, think that's where our commonalities end.  I don't know that his proclamation against gay marriage was a surprise.  As we all know, they are closed on Sunday because the people who run the company believe in Sunday as a day to be with family.  This isn't the first time CFA has talked about supporting family and values.  The people who run that company believe in traditional family values.  That's not news.  It's also not news that Cathy is using his power and position to assert his popular opinion on a popular topic during an election year.  And, who are these people lining up at Chick-Fil-A's all over the country because Mike Huckabee said so.  Yes, it was former Governor of Arkansas Mike Huckabee who came up with the idea to make this CFA appreciation day.  I wasn't a fan when he was running for president in 2008.  I'm not a fan of the show he hosts on FOX NEWS, which I don't watch or support.  He's a conservative pastor who went to a baptist theological seminary in Texas. While I'm not a conspiracy theorist, it doesn't take one to see this as an attempt to get folks riled up in an election year.   Yes, I'm a Christian and once again, I feel the need to say that, in theory, I agree with Mr. Cathy.  But, I don't go around saying hurtful things just because I can. I don't necessarily believe there was any hatred on his part, but I also didn't feel the love.  I love on folks, and I share God (Christ) through my actions.  Christ spread love.  He changed people's hearts and minds by showing them love...and a miracle or two or three didn't hurt either.  We are called to love God and one another.  I love the sinner and hate the sin, but let he who is without sin cast the first stone.  There's a kiss-in on Friday at Chick-Fil-A's nationwide sponsored by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, also known as GLAAD.  Suffice it to say, there will be supporters and protesters of that as well.  Although I personally don't think the chicken sandwiches are as good as they used to be,  I do plan to taste the new peach milk shake from Chick-Fil-A, and I do remember liking the raisin salad.  I support Godly principles and Godly living.  If eating at Chick-Fil-A today was a way to do that, then I'll be eating crow tomorrow, but I doubt it.

EXPECT MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER THINK OR IMAGINE!