So much.

Saturday was quite incredible!  I was introduced to Shakeology at least a year ago when Angela started selling it.  I bought some and LOVED it!  One of the trainers, Rebecca, at work started working for this company.  She asked me to go with her to a conference about this company.  I was blown away with all the incredible testimonies that were shared of how these products have really worked. (But you gotta put forth the effort and work hard.)  There is no "quick fix" in changing your life!

A few things that I picked up from Saturday and not necessarily from the meeting.
Rebecca said, we are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves... we have to love ourselves before we can take care of others and truly love others. <--Loving myself is something I'm trying to learn to do.

You are the sum of those you hang with.
Hang around people with the characteristics that you want to have.
I'm not in any way trying to say anything bad about my friends, but most of them don't care to change their eating habits and that is really hard for me to have no support when I NEED it the MOST!

You are above the criticism because what you are doing is honorable. -Carl

It's not about what you lose, it's about what you gain

Question of the day:
What am I going to do to end the trend of obesity?

Decide & make the commitment.  Effect someone else's life, for the better.

Have the COURAGE to come up with another option... skipping out on the pizza party and/or finding something else for lunch besides McDonald's.  Don't make McDonald's a food group. Plan ahead. Lead by example.  Be immovable.  Deal with the criticism!  You WILL be criticized for your healthy choices.  Team up... don't do this alone!  Find a success partner.

On the way home from Dallas, Rebecca and Miranda were talking about people had deleted them from facebook for whatever reason.  Tonight, I realized that someone I thought was a very close friend has deleted me from facebook.  And it made me really sad!  I think it's time for a facebook detox!  Facebook has taken over my life!  There is SO much I could be doing besides WASTING time on facebook... to name a few...

1. I could be actually studying for school.

2 I could read all those books I have bought and have yet to read.

3 I could get into God's word and read it and grow in my relationship.

4 I could work out.

5 I could spend time with my baby girl and take her for walks (my dog).

6 I could help out more... at home, work, and church.

....and I'm sure there are many more...

It was a great day!  I met a lot of amazing people and was really encouraged with the 3 ladies that I had lunch with.  They are such Godly women and they take care of their bodies.  Those are the people I want to be like.  

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There is a LOT going through my head right now & nothing at all at the same time... if that makes any sense!

God showed me a door and now I am just waiting for Him to either open it or close it.  I've discovered it's too exhausting to worry about this decision!  When the time is right I will hopefully know which to choose.  Please pray that I will have a peace about this decision!  I think it will bring me out of my comfort and some good things will come of it.

________________________________________________________________

I'm just exhausted.  I'm tired of fighting all these battles that I'm continuing to lose.  Tired of being tired and not being content with my life.  Things have been a roller coaster for a long time and I'm ready for it to just slow down so that I can get on a different ride!  

Overwhelmed.

Battle

I am not equipped to fight this battle, Lord.  I don't know how.  Lord, I turn this request over to you.  Please touch the lives of those who need it.  Give them understanding of who you are and what you've done.  

 

Prayer for a Friend -Casting Crowns

Lord I lift my friend to You.
I've done all that I know to do.
I lift my friend, to You.
Complicated circumstances
have clouded his view.
Lord I lift my friend up to You.

I fear that I won't have the words
that he needs to hear.
I pray for Your wisdom , oh God.
And a heart that's sincere.
And Lord I lift my friend up
to You.

Lord I lift my friend to You.
My best friend in the
world, I know he means much
more to You.
I want so much to help him, but
this is something he has to do.
Lord I lift my friend up to You.

There's a way that seems so right to him.
But You know where that leads.
He's becoming a puppet of the world.
Too blind to see the strings.
And Lord I lift my friend up to You.

Lord I lift my friend to You.
I've done all that I know to do.
I lift my friend, to You.

A little behind

DAY 18 -SPIRITUAL HEALTH, SPIRITUAL GROWTH

If we study God's word, if we obey His commandments, and if we live in the center of His will, we will not be "stagnant" believers; we will, instead, be growing Christians... and that's exactly what God wants for our lives.

Spiritual growth is not instantaneous... and neither is the attainment of physically fit bodies.  So be patient.  You should expect a few ups and downs along the way, but you should also expect to see progress over time.

Ask the God who made you to keep remaking you.
-Norman Vincent Peale

When you and I hurt deeply, what we really need is not an explanation from God but a revelation of God.  We need to see how great God is; we need to recover our lost perspective on life.  Things get out of proportion when we are suffering, and it takes a vision of something bigger than ourselves to get life's dimensions adjustted again. -Warren Wiersbe
^Dang! This is where I've been, where I'm at now.

We set our eyes on the finish line, forgetting the past,
and straining toward the mark of spiritual maturity and fruitfulness.
-Vonette Bright

You are either becoming more like Christ every day or you're becoming less like Him. 
There is no neutral position in the Lord. -Stormie Omartian

A Christian is never in a state of
completion but always in the process of becoming.
-Martin Luther

As you begin to work toward improved physical and emotional health, don't expect perfection.  But, when you've given it your best effort, you should be accepting of yourself, imperfect though you may be.  Let us accept these lives that God has given us --and these bodies which are ours for a brief time here on earth --with open, loving arms. <--I need to work on this!!!!!

As a Christian, you should continue to grow in the love and the knowledge of your Savior as long as you live.
How?  But studying God's word every day, by obeying His commandments, and by allowing His Son to reign over your heart.

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DAY 19 -RECHARGING YOUR SPIRITUAL BATTERIES

Those you 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 faint.
Isaiah 40:31

Where there is much prayer, there will be much of the Spirit;
where there is much of the Spirit, there will be every-increasing power.
-Andrew Murray

Are you feeling exhausted?  Are you emotions on edge?

If so, it's time to turn things over to God in prayers.

Are you wear or worried?
Take the time- to delve deeply into God's Holy Word.

Are you spiritually depleted?
Call upon fellow believers to support you, and call upon Christ to renew your spirit and your life.

When you do, you'll discover that they Creator of the universe has the power to make all things new... including you.

*Ask Him for the wisdom to prioritize your life and the strength to fulfill your responsibilities.  God will give you the energy to do the most important things on today's to-do list if you ask Him. SO ASK HIM... TODAY.*

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DAY 20 -FITNESS IS A FORM OF WORSHIP


I love quotes!  =)

It's the definition of worship: 

A hungry heart finding the Father's fear.  

A searing soul finding the Father's face.

A wandering pilgrim spotting the Father's house.

Finding God. Finding God seeking us.

This is worship. This is a worshiper.

-Max Lucado

Spiritual worship is focusing all we are on all He is.

-Beth Moore

One way to strengthen your faith is by giving God at least one day each week. --DANG!

When Sunday rolls around, don't try to fill every spare moment.  Take time to rest...Father's orders!

It is impossible to worship God

and remain unchanged.

-Henry Blackaby

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DAY 21 -YOUR PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL FITNESS: WHO'S IN CHARGE?

 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;

and all these things shall be added unto you.
-Matthew 6:33

When you put God first, your outlook will change, your priorities will change, you behaviors will change, and your health will change.  When you put Him first, you'll experience the genuine peace and last comfort that only He can give.

Make God's will the focus of your life day by day. 

 If you seek to please Him and Him alone, 

you'll find yourself satisfied with life.

-Kay Arthur 

PERFECTION IS IMPOSSIBLE

You don't have to be perfect to be wonderful.  The difference between perfectionism and realistic expectations is the difference between a life of frustration and a life of contentment.  Only one earthly being ever lived life to perfection, and He was the Son of God.  The rest of us have fallen short of God's standard and need to be accepting of our own limitations as well as the limitations of others.  If you find yourself frustrated by the unrealistic demands of others (or by unrealistic pressures of the self-imposed variety) it's time to ask yourself who you're trying to impress and why.

So, if you're a woman who has become discouraged with your inability to be perfectly fit, remember that when you accepted Christ as your Savior, God accepted you for all eternity.  Now, it's your turn to accept yourself.  When you do, you'll feel a tremendous weight being lifted from your shoulders.  After all, pleasing God is simply a matte r of obeying His commandments and accepting His son.  But as for pleasing everybody else?   That's impossible... so why even try?

"This is the day which the Lord hath made" Psalm 118:24 

Today, celebrate the life that God has given you.

Put a smile on your face, kind words on your lips,

and a song in your heart.

Be generous with your praise
and free with your encouragement.

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SO much has been going on in the past week... which is why I'm updating so much all at once.

*Sunday night, some friends and I went out to CiCi's to hang out... and well my binge eating got the best of me.  I have never felt SO SICK and SO ASHAMED of myself in my life!  I HATE it!! So, I'm not going back there again.  And when I make pizza at home... I'm going to make individual pizzas, so that I cannot over eat and get more slices!

*Pray for an unspoken prayer request!  Crazy stressful!

*Two things I hate most... waiting & letting people down....  If my waiting turns out like I'm kind of hoping it does... then the latter part of that statement will come true...

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drama, drama, drama... :-/ ... I hate it!

 

If you really want to do something, you'll find a way.
If you don't, you'll find an excuse." ~ Jim Rohn

 

Next up for the blog... I think I'm going to read Proverbs... I need some wisdom!!

Frustrated!

If I knew then what I know now I would re-do college all over again!!!  UGH!  I'm so frustrated!  I've made so many mistakes and wish I could change them for the better!!

1.  I wouldn't have wasted time a TJC taking those 4 classes that don't count for anything towards my bachelors.
2.  I would be a better student.
3.  I wouldn't take a class that I WANT to learn about in the summer, because I'm not learning anything, it's just flying by.
4.  I wouldn't have wasted so much money on stuff that I didn't need, so that I could have money to pay towards school.


But everything happens for a reason... 

Day 17

DAY 17 -PROTECTING YOUR EMOTIONAL HEALTH
Part 1

And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought.
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
-Philippians 4:7

When negative emotions threaten to hijack you day, life your thoughts and your prayers to God.

Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will
drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Isn't life more
than food and the body more than clothing?
-Matthew 6:25

Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer
and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
-Philippians 4:6

Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will
worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.
-Matthew 6:34

I will be with you when you pass through the waters...
when  you walk through the fire...
the flame will not burn your.
For I the Lord your God, he Holy One of Israel, and your Savior.
-Isaiah 43:2-3

Worry and stress has taken over my life in the past two days!  I don't know how things are going to work out with a certain situation, but God is the God of all the universe and He will make all things work out like they are supposed to.  I just really hate the waiting game!

Pray that the Lord will provide to money to pay for my summer classes!!  I pay the maximum I possibly can out of every check but it still won't be enough.  Hopefully with increased hours at work and working for Julie that I will be able to pay most of it, so that I don't have to barrow any more from my grandma.  I've decided that I have to sell my camera, just so I can use it to pay for school.

The past two days have not been good at all.  Things are hard right now... and the light at the end of the tunnel is VERY dim! :-/

The busier we are, the easier it is to worry,
the great the temptation to worry,
the greater the need to be alone with God.
-Charles Stanley

We sometimes fear to bring our troubles to God because
we think they must seem small to Him.  But, if they are
large enough to vex and endanger our welfare, they are
large enough to touch His heart of love.
-R.A. Torrey

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow;
it empties today of its strength.
-Corrie ten Boom

The spiritual life is a life beyond moods.  It is a life in
which we choose joy and do not allow ourselves to become
victims of passing feelings of happiness or depression.
-Henri Nouwen

Perspective & Balance

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you
and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
-Matthew 11:28-30

When you call upon the Lord and prayerfully seek His will, He will give you wisdom and perspective.  When you make God's priorities your priorities, He will direct your steps and calm your fears. 

It's up to you to assume the ultimate responsibility for your health.  so if you're fighting the battle of the bulge, don't waste your time blaming the fast-food industry --or anybody else, for that matter.  It's your body, and it's your responsibility to take care of it.

Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right.
Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable.
Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
-Philippians 4:8

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God
transform you into a new person by changing the way you
think.  Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you
will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.
-Romans 12:2

Prescription for a happier and healthier life:
resolve to slow down your pace; learn to say no gracefully;
resist the temptation to chase after more pleasure, more hobbies, and more social entanglements.
-James Dodson

Jesus gives us the ultimate rest, the confidence we need,
to escape the frustration and chaos of the world around us.
Billy Graham

Today, as a gift to yourself, to your family, and to your friends, make peace with the past by forgiving those who have harmed you.  Then, claim the inner peace that is your spiritual birthright: the peace of Jesus Christ.  It is offered freely; it has been paid for in full; it is yours for the asking.  So ask. Then share.

Need balance?  Have a daily planning session with God.  A regularly scheduled time of prayer, Bible reading, and meditation can help you prioritize your day and your life.  And what if you're simply too busy to spending five or ten minutes with God?  If so, it's time to reorder your priorities. 

I was listening to the radio on the way to work this morning...

Fears are like vampires... they don't like sunlight.

Drag your fears out and expose them to the Light.  Bring them to God, so they will get what they deserve.  Whether it's financial, school, career, relationships, or any other fear, God will give you the strength and help your conquer them!

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Losing weight takes
a positive attitude,
persistence,
& lots of prayer! 

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Catch Up.

I am definitely behind on my postings!  It has been a crazy busy week!  So, I'll just share the most important parts of the days.

DAY 12 -GETTING ENOUGH REST? 
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest. -Matthew 11:28-30

Is your spiritual battery running low?
Is your energy on the wane?
Are your emotions frayed?
If so, it's time to turn your thoughts and your prayers to God.
And when you're finished, it's time to rest.

For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day there
is a sabbath of complete rest, a holy convocation. You shall not
do any work; it is a sabbath to the Lord in all your dwellings.
-Leviticus 23:3

Satan does some of his worst work on exhausted Christians
when nerves are frayed and their minds are faint.
-Vance Havner

Since you can't cheat Mr. Sandman, don't even try.  When in doubt, do the smart thing: do whatever it takes to get the sleep you needs.  It's the smart way to schedule your day and your life. Oftentimes, our anger is nothing more than exhaustion in disguise.

DAY 13 -YOUR BODY, YOUR CHOICES
So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. -Romans 14:12

Physical health is a choice: it is the result of hundreds of small decisions that we make every day of our lives.  We, and we alone, are responsible for the way that we treat our bodies.  And the sooner that we accept the responsibility, the sooner we can assert control over our bodies and our lives.

If you don't take care of your body,
how can you expect your body to take care of you?
Marie T. Freeman

Although God causes all things to work together for good for His children,
He still holds us accountable for our behavior.
-Kay Arthur

Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility. -Dietrich Bonhoeffer

*Why is it easier to blame others for our unhealthy habits? 
Because blaming is much easier than fixing, and criticizing
others is so much easier than improving ourselves.

The road to poor health is paved with good intentions.  Until you make exercise a high priority in your life, you good intentions will soon give way to hold habits.  So give your exercise regimen a position of high standing on your daily to-do list.

^So true!

 So, here's your rule for the checkout lines of life:
Yield not to temptation.
Keep your eyes and your hands to yourself
And leave all those unhealthy snacks on the shelf
...or else!



DAY 14 -GOD'S PLAN FOR YOUR HEALTH

God has instructed us to protect our physical bodies to the greatest extent we can.  To do otherwise is to disobey Him.  When you make the decision to see God's will for your life --and you should-- then you will contemplate His Word, and you will be watchful for His signs.  But be forewarned: the decision to seek God's plan and fulfill His purpose is ultimately a decision that you must make by yourself and for yourself.

The only way to keep your health
is to eat what you don't want,
drink what you don't like,
and do what you'd rather not.
-Mark Twain :)

Make your home a haven of healthy goods.  And remember, it's never too soon to teach your kids good habits... and that includes the very good habit of sensible eating.

With God, it's never "Plan B" or "second best." 
It's always "Plan A."  And, if we let Him,
He'll make something beautiful of our lives.

When we dream of our heat is one that God has planted there,
a strange happiness flows into us.  At that moment,
all of the spiritual resources of the universe are released to
help us.  Our praying is then at one with the will of God
and becomes a channel for the Creator's purposes for us and our world.
-Catherine Marshall

"He does not believe who does not live according to his beliefs."  These words are most certainly true!  We may proclaim our beliefs to our hearts' content, but our proclamation will mean nothing--to others or to ourselves--unless we accompany our words with deed that match.  The sermons  that we live are far more compelling than the ones we preach.  If this fact gives you some cause for concern, don't bother talking about the changes that you intend to make --make them. And then, when your good deeds speak for themselves --as they most certainly will --don't interrupt! <--DANG!

Sometimes, God's plans are crystal clear, but other times, He may lead you through the wilderness before He delivers you to the Promise Land.  So be patient, keep praying, and keep seeking His will for your life.  When you do, you'll be amazed at the marvelous things that an all-powerful, all-knowing God can do.

The place where God is leading you is the place where you much go.

DAY 15 -MISDIRECTED WORSHIP: THE TRAGEDY OF ADDICTION

Addiction -the compulsive need for a habit-forming substance; the condition of being habitually and compulsively occupied with something.

For Christians, addiction has an additional meaning: it means compulsively worshiping something other than God.

Cure is possible.  With God's help, no addiction is incurable.  And with God, not situation is hopeless. (Matthew 19:26)

If you're on a new health regimen, you may relapse back into your old, unhealthy habits.  If so, don't waste time or energy beating yourself up.  If you've "fallen off the wagon," simply pick yourself up, dust yourself off,and get back on it. (I fell off the wagon and rolled how the mountain :-/)  God was with you when you were riding that wagon the first time, He was with you when you fell, and He'll welcome you back on the wagon when you're wise enough to climb back on.

The chains of habit are too weak to be felt
until they are too strong to be broken.
-Samuel Johnson

Do not fight the temptation in detail.
Turn from it.
Look ONLY at your Lord.
Sing. Read. Work.
-Amy Carmichael 

If you want to form a new habit,
get to work. If you want to break
a bad habit, get on your knees.
-Marie T. Freeman

Remember that ultimately you and you alone are responsible for controlling your appetites.  Other may warn you, help you, or encourage you, but in the end, the habits that rule your life are the very same habits that you yourself have formed.  Thankfully, since you formed these habits, you can also break them --if you decide to.

If you can't seem to get a handle on your appetites, the time to address your problem is today, not tomorrow.  Gather your courage and pay a visit to your pastor, to a counselor, or to a local 12-step group.  Help is waiting, but you'll need to ask for it.  So ask.

My grace is sufficient for you,
for My strength is made perfect in weakness.
-2 Corinthians 12:9

GETTING HONEST

So, this afternoon turned bad...  Financial stuff... PLEASE PRAY!!!! 

(Also please pray that I find a way to pay for my summer classes/get enough financial aid to pay for fall and spring classes!!)
I gave in and we ordered pizza... I binged... and feel like throwing up because I ate way too much. :(

I froze my account today, which made me sad. But why is it when I have it available I don't use it, but when it's not available that's when I want to use it the most?! I need to do some deep down soul searching and find out what's wrong with me! :-/