WEDNESDAY WEIGH-IN: Support System

Last year, I launched Wednesday Weigh-In on this blog.

Every Wednesday, (or most Wednesdays anyway) I wrote about my struggle to lose well over 100 pounds.

Well  here it is a year later, and to be honest, I thought about not blogging on Wednesdays anymore because I only lost 20 pounds last year.

But then I remembered all of you.

Your willingness to encourage me.

To leave a comment.

To say a prayer.

To share your stories of struggle.

And I remembered the other wonderful support systems Jesus gave me.

Like my dad.

He shows me off to his friends just the same as if I was a  size 5. (I love him for that.)

But he does worry about the effects the extra weight has on my health.

"I'm just worried about your ticker." my dad will say.

Or my precious husband Buddy.

When we got married, I was a size 14, now I'm almost double that. Yet he's loved me through all my sizes and always treats me like a princess.

Having a support system in place when trying to lose weight is crucial. Any weight loss expert will confirm this.

That's why most national weight loss programs offer some sort of group meetings or one-on-one counseling.

Jesus knew this.

He designed us as communal beings.

We function better when we have others around us who love us and believe in us. The Holy Bible confirms this in Psalm 68:6:

"God setteth the solitary in families: ..."
And Jesus even made provision for us if our families were not capable of being there for us:

"When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up." (Psalm 27:9)


"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you..." (John 14:18)


Having an infallible support system is just one of the many benefits of living every day with Jesus. Because even if friends and family fail you, Jesus is always there. He said so in  Hebrews 13:5:

"“I will never leave you nor forsake you..."

So tell me, who is your support system?

What is it about them that makes them someone you can lean on?

Let's talk about the wonderful benefits of community this week and learn  from one another.

Because, as I said, drawing strength from community is just another wonderful benefit of living every day with Jesus!

Wednesday Weigh-In: Surrender and Support

Good Morning Precious Reader!

I only have a minute and promise to post  more later but wanted to share with you that I lost 6.5 pounds since my last post!

It was God's grace and strengthening that helped me to stay on track with the Weight Watcher's food plan.

I've tried many different diets and non-diet approaches to weight loss but kept feeling drawn back to the tracking and group support that Weight Watcher's provides.

If you think about it, surrender and support and two very Biblical concepts.

The Apostle Paul had alot to say  on the topic of surrender:

"I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily." (I Corinthians 15:30)

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)


And there is alot in the Bible about the importance of the body of Christ, how we need each other:

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." (Galatians 6:1)

I need to say good-bye for now because the clock is ticking and I must leave for work so I ask you to help me finish this post by adding your own scriptures or thoughts on surrender and support. It doesn't have to be about weight loss. Let's share and grow together!

I can't wait to read your insights on my lunch break today!!

Gotta go!

Debbie



 

Wednesday Weigh-In: Rejoicing In the Effort

I actually cried when the upsetting event happened. Tears rolled down my face as I sent a text explaining why our friendship needed to cool off a little.

Unemotional eaters may not identify with this, but for those of us who use food to comfort, soothe and bury our real feelings, crying in the midst of a problem instead of wallowing in ice cream is worth celebrating.

All too often people like me use food as a diversion to what's really going on inside ourselves.

My old mantra went something like this:


Angry at your spouse?

Let off some steam by sucking down at least a quart of ice cream and watch those uncomfortable feelings melt away.

Had a bad day at work?

Give yourself the break you deserve by scarfing down a Big Mac and super-size fries before heading home.

And the lies go on.

But somewhere in the last year or two I realized how this type of behavior must offend the Lord.

How could it not?

Afterall Christ wants to be our all-in-all. He is the one who wants to comfort and soothe us and help us to cope with life's challenges.

So I tried it.

In January of this year, I made a determination not to turn to food when I was upset.

It hasn’t been a perfect endeavor but I’ve definitely progressed.

Reacting as I did this past weekend is proof of that.

My weekend snafu was due to letting months of frustration build up and ended up losing  my temper and causing quite a breach in a relationship that I valued.

Anger consumed me. 

I called my dad and spouted off and then called my husband and did the same. And then I realized as much as they both love me and wanted to help me they didn’t have the power to fix anything.

The thought crossed my mind to head to the nearest Oberwiess but instead I knelt down in prayer.

I wish I could tell you that God’s sweet presence enveloped me as I prayed, but it didn’t.

 But it's important to note that I was still in the pouting stage with God. My prayer was very whiney and when He didn’t indulge me I gave up.

And that's when I  sent that fateful text.

So did I fail?

I don’t’ think so.

It was more like a toddler learning to walk.

In all honesty, it was my first genuine attempt at pouring out my frustration to God and asking him to soothe those raging emotions BEFORE  turning to food. Normally, I would have called my dad and husband, ate a big bowl of ice cream, and then and only then tried to pray.

So my progress was in my improved priorities and effort.

And I am convinced that effort is what the Lord is most interested in.

Think about it. What parent in their right mind would expect a one year old to go from just barely learning to walk to riding a bicycle?

Is not our heavenly Father even more compassionate than the kindest parent?

"If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matthew 7:11)

So I ask you, what are you struggling with today? What efforts have you made ? Don't despair in your shortcomings, rejoice in your effort.

Together we can move forward.

One step at a time.

NOTE: John Maxwell has a great book on this topic called Failing Forward.

WEDNESDAY WEIGH-IN: Strength From Others

It amazes me how quickly Wednesdays roll around.


I started this year proclaiming that I would post each Wednesday my determination to lose 100 pounds. Well to date, I've only lost about 20 pounds, which is not much for being 8 months into it. But one of the best things that has come out my commitment to blog about it is how others have reached out to me and offered encouragement, affirmation and support.


Readers like you, and my family and friends have really gone out of their way to encourage me - not only in losing the weight, but in telling me what I mean to them or how my writing has helped them. In short, they let me know one way or another that if I never lose another pound, that's okay with them because I'm a beautiful person just the way I am.


Take for example an email I got from my mom just this morning. Now I know she's my mom and  you're probably thinking that mom's are supposed to be all mushy-gushy etc. And to a point that is true, but what you may not know is that my mom is ver attractive and always has been. She is not quite 5' tall and weighs probably 110 pounds soaking wet. While I am 5'4" and weigh more than twice that. So as you can see, for her to acknowledge my inner beauty means alot to me because I've always admired her outer beauty. Here's just a part of what she wrote:


"... Maybe, just maybe your genetic makeup isn’t to be a thin person.  As long as you are healthy etc. that is what is important. ... We open magazines, turn on the telly and fashion is about thin.  I look at the latest fashion and all the clothes are designed for people who are size 0, that is slowly changing ...real women have curves...."


A mother's wisdom is always good isn't it? And she's right about the fashion magazines etc  portraying very thin women. Even the majority of the plus size stores use thin models.


And then there is my precious friend Vlatka who gave me a delightful little book this weekend called "How to Eat Like a Tree" by Dara Boland. In the flyleaf Vlatka wrote: " I can't wait to see the fruits that this book, Jesus and our friendship is going to bring forth."  What words of strength and refreshing! Vlatka is also very thin and beautiful. She sincerly prays for me and my weight issues and often offers encouraging words to me.


So today, on this particular Wednesday Weigh In, I give honor to you my reader for caring enough to stop by my blog and see how I'm doing. And I give honor to my mother, my friend Vlatka and all my other friends and family who see something in me that I'm not completely convinced of yet. And interestingly enough, this drawing strength from one another is part of living everyday with Jesus. You see God created us for community. We need one another. At least I know for sure that I need you.


Blessings and strength to you today my friend.


Until next time...


Debbie

WEDNESDAY WEIGH-IN: Exercise

(Sorry for the delay in getting this post up... things with my dad got a little hairy for awhile, but thank God he's much better now)

Did you excercise today?

I didn't, but it's because I've been in a hospital waiting room since 5am this morning. ( My dad is having surgery)  But, there have been many mornings in my life when I didn't have such a good excuse for not exercising. And it's those everyday mornings that I'd like to talk about today.

Let's face it. If daily exercise had been as important to me as my daily shower, I probably wouldn't have a weight problem. My metabolism would be in high gear, my BMI would probably be normal, and I'd have energy to burn. So with all these incredible benefits, why do I avoid doing it?

My answers to this question vary depending on my mood, but here are a few of them:

• Because I don't have time
• Because it takes alot of work
• Because I get bored

Yet, the health guru's shout... "YES, BUT THE BENEFITS ARE SO WORTH IT."

And although I know they are right, most of the time I still avoid the commitment of exercise.

But all this thinking and self-examination into why I don't enjoy exercise made me realize the many similarities between my avoidance of exercise, and some people's avoidance of the gospel of Christ. Funnily enough, people often give the same reasons for not making a commitment to follow Jesus Christ:

• Because they don't have time
• Because the Christian walk can require me to 'work' at my inner shortcomings
• Because I get bored in a church service

I like the Apostle Paul's response to this topic. He said in 1 Timothy 4:7-9:

"...Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we've thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We're banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers."

So my dear friend, what will you do today regarding exercise? My hope and prayer for you, (and myself) is that you will not only learn to exercise your body, but also workout daily in the spiritual disciplines of prayer and Bible reading.

May you be be empowered today as you strive to live every day with Jesus. And may you not only develop a beautiful physical body, but an incredibly attractive, healthy spirit.

Until next time...

Debbie

Nutrition tip link.... http://health.yahoo.net/experts/eatthis/25-best-nutrition-secrets

WEDNESDAY WEIGH-IN: Lying to Ourselves

I lost two pounds last week and did really good until the weekend. Ugh, the weekends are always a challenge for me. During the week, my days and evenings are pretty structured. But on the weekends, it's anything goes. And it is the 'anything goes' part that makes me feel like rewarding myself with junk food.

Why do we feel that junk food is a reward? The truth is in almost every case it weakens our body, clouds our thinking, and enlarges our waistline. Yet for many of us it represents comfort and solace. Think about it. How often do we tell ourselves after a hard day we are gonna sit down with big bowl of broccoli? Instead, we reach for the ice cream, or potato chips or... whatever is going to make us feel better.

Intellectually we know that sugar, soda and other foods like them, weaken our immune systems and make us feel sluggish. We know they harm our bodies, yet we continually indulge. WHY?  Because we are decieved. Somewhere in our self-talk we think we deserve it, or that it won't really harm us, or __________(you fill in the blank). And it is the deception, the false belief that keeps us in the clutches of a food bondage. (I guess I shouldn't assume you are in a food bondage, but for me, it is or I wouldn't be as large as I am)

But thankfully, if you are living everyday with Jesus, even food bondages can be broken! Beth Moore, in her powerful book Praying God's Word devotes a whole chapter to food related strongholds.  I have used my copy so much the binding broke and I had to buy another one. But somehow the worn out one with it's pages falling out means more to me. It's like a sword that's been used and reused in battle. Beth Moore uses so many scripture prayers in each of the chapters in this book it feels like my second Bible. Here are just a few of the prayers from the Food Related Strongholds chapter:

" Lord, when you bring the captive completely back to You, I will be like those who dream! My mouth will be filled with laughter and my tongue with songs of joy! The Lord has done great things for me, and I am filled with joy! "(Psalm 126:1-3)

"God, I am so thankful there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. If you do not condemn me, I have no right or place to condemn myself. Help me not to get caught up in a defeating cycle of self-condemnation."

These are just a few of the powerful scripture prayers that Moore uses. You might think about checking it out if you have food issues, or other areas that you want to overcome. Moore's Praying God's Word book covers many, many different areas and has such chapters as Overcoming Sexual Strongholds, Overcoming Pride, Overcoming Idolatry etc.

I hope my post today helped you my friend. This weight loss journey has not been an easy one for me. I began the year thinking I was going to lick this thing once and for all and it has proven to be full of ups and downs. But thankfully, in Jesus there is always hope and always a chance for change. And that is one of the most wonderful things about living every day withe Jesus!

WEDNESDAY WEIGH-IN: Virtual Models

(Well, even though today is Thursday, I did weigh in yesterday and lost 2 pounds. I've got my groove back and am walking again on my lunch hour, tracking my food, and not eating after dinner. I give God all the glory for His empowering help.)

I discovered a neat little website called My Virtual Model. After you put in your height, weight and body shape, it creates a virtual replica of yourself. Then you can shop for real clothes, and try it on your model to see what you might look like in it. Sometimes, I enter 30 pounds less than I weigh to see what I'll look like when I lose 30 pounds. For me, it's a motivator.

But all of this got me thinking about what my heavenly model might look like to Jesus. Imagine if instead of entering pounds, body shape or height, there was a website where we could enter in our secret struggles and hidden sins. This imaginary site would be for our eyes and Jesus' only, but it would create for us a spiritual image of our true selves. Yikes! I fear it might too frightening to behold because the Bible says all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. But it's an interesting thought isn't it?

So for today, my question to you is... what does your Virtual Model look like, and more importantly, what does your Spiritual Model look like?

Self-examination is a very real part of living every day with Jesus. But the really cool thing is that once we realize that are just helpless balls of dirt, God in His mercy doesn't just leave us in that state feeling hopeless. No, He sends His spirit to us to give us a spiritual makeover.

But until then, remember Jesus loves you and there is always hope in Him.

WEDNESDAY WEIGH-IN: The Race

Last Wednesday, many of you responded either publicly through posting or privately in an email to my request for help and encouragement with my struggle to lose over 100 pounds.

Well, I wanted to say a big thank-you and let you know it really, REALLY helped! Praise the Lord, I am back on track with my food plan and exercise routine. Being a part of a body of believers is one of the most wonderful things about living every day with Jesus. Every one of you who reached out to me put into action a key Biblical principal:

"Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived." (Galatians 6:1-3, from The Message)

So thanks again from the bottom of my heart! Your encouragement really worked - I lost 3.5 pounds since my last Wednesday post because I  implemented some of your suggestions and went back to a few things my doctor told me to do like:

• Stopping eating after dinner
• Walking on my lunch hour
• Tracking my food
• Stayed accountable to you my readers and others

It is my conviction, that all of the above is necessary for permanent weight loss. Following it is not always easy, but the pay-off will be worth it one day!

By the way, I wanted to tell you about this really cool FREE online food tracking tool I'm using. It's called My Daily Plate, by Livestrong , one of Lance Armstrong's initiatives and it is really, really cool! Try it, see what you think and let me know.

Actually, Lance Armstrong isn't a bad role model for the whole weight loss journey thing. He's all about running the race and overcoming great odds. And isn't that also what the Apostle Paul told us to do as Christians?


"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. ...And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible." (I Corinthians 9:24-25)

So tell me, what is THE RACE you are running today? Is it weight related? Your Christian walk? Your raising of small children or your dealing with a reoccurant illness? Tell me. Tell others. Because connecting and drawing strength from the body of believers is a very real part of living every day with Jesus.

Remember, in Jesus there is always hope.

"For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God." (Psalm 38:15)

WEDNESDAY WEIGH-IN: Facing the Scale

Good Morning My Faithful Readers! Thank-you for taking time out of your busy schedule to stop by today. It makes a huge difference to me. :-)

Well, it's Wednesday and the day I promised to post about my struggle to lose over 100 pounds.

Admittedly, it's been a harder commitment than I bargained for, but it is a neccessity if I truly want to live every day submitted to Jesus. Because you see, in Jesus there is always hope, no matter what our present circumstances. And in Jesus there is always comfort, joy and a light at the end of every tunnel. 

Think about that last statement for a minute. Let's say it outloud very slowly together so as to engrave it on our hearts and mind. Ready?

In Jesus there is ALWAYS comfort, joy and a light at the end of every tunnel

What is your present struggle today dear reader? What obstacles are you trying to overcome? Is there an area of self-improvement that you have been grappling with? Tell me. Let's bear this together. If you don't want to post openly, then email me at dsimlergoff@sbcglobal.net . There is power and strength in the community of believers.

Now, as to my own weight loss issues:

It's been really hard to face the number on the scale because I have not been excercising or following my food plan. But last Wednesday, I finally weighed myself after 2 weeks of avoiding the scale and discovered I'd gained a 1/2 pound. In and of itself that is not bad, but I've been gaining a little each week for the last few months which means I'm headed in the wrong direction.

Galatians 6:1-3 says:

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.



Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.


For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself."

My fault today is my overeating and lack of excercise. You who are strong in this area, please tell me what you do to get back on track.

Helping one another to overcome, is yet another facet of living every day with Jesus. We need each other!

Yes, there is always hope in Jesus, but often we need the expression of another human being reaching out in compassion to help us embrace that hope. I want to be there for you in the areas I've grown in. Would you like to be there for me with my weight struggles?

It really is part of living every day with Jesus.

WEDNESDAY WEIGH-IN: Loving Jesus

Wow, it’s been 5 weeks since I posted about my Wednesday Weigh-In. That’s because quite honestly, I quit weighing myself for awhile because I was off track. I was off track and couldn’t bring myself to face the scale. But I kept praying and trying and reaching for tools that have helped me in the past like Beth Moore’s book called Praying God’s Word.

Each Praying God’s Word chapter is filled with scripture prayers that address specific areas of human weakness such as pride, unforgiveness, sexual sins, and food related strongholds. Whenever I feel weak, or like I can’t pray, I pull out my well worn copy of Praying God’s Word and immerse myself in the Biblical truths. And when I am done, I always feel better (cleaner). And more ready to face my struggles.

The Bible verifies the liberating power of meditating on the word of God: “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.” (Psalm 119: 9)

And Jesus himself testified of the cleansing power of spoken word: “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.”(John 15:3)

The word is meant to cleanse. It’s intended to scrub our minds and spirits of the filth of the flesh. So why do I still fall short so many times? Because I am flesh, because I am as the word says, ‘but dust’(Psalm 103:14).

And yet, Jesus Christ still reaches for me – and you. Even in our failings, mine with my weight and yours with whatever trips you up. Jesus keeps reaching because He loves us, and wants what is best for us. And because He loves us so much, we ought to keep trying. At least that is what I’ve determined to do – not because I necessarily believe I can really lose all 200 pounds that I need to lose, but because I love Jesus, and it pleases Him that I make the effort.

So for today, my way of living every day with Jesus is to share these thoughts with you, and post a few current pictures so you can see what I’m dealing with.  But mostly it's so I can stay accountable to you my faithful reader, to myself and to my Lord.

WEDNESDAY WEIGH-IN: Truth

If you've been following my blog you know that on Wednesdays I post about my weight issues. I started in January of 2010 by posting my wedding picture and proclaiming this was going to be the year that I lost over 100 pounds. Well, here it is 6 months later and I've shed only 20 (pounds). But, I have to admit I have grown more in the last 6 months with regards to my self-image and self-awareness than I ever did during my countless other attempts to lose weight - even when I lost 165 pounds 10 years ago.

So what is the difference?

TRUTH.

Yep, that's it, simple unadulterated TRUTH. For the first time in my recollection I am approaching this baggage called excess weight with the rose colored glasses off. I am facing the TRUTH in the following ways:

• By acknowledging the reality of my girth. 
•  Making conscious note of my dress size.
• Coming to terms with the difficulty of fitting into an airline seat or a booth at a restaurant. 

• By examing what is driving my overeating.  
• Is it anxiety?
• Fear?
• Childhood Trauma?
• Or am I just undiscliplined and enjoy indulging?

• By weighing myself and coming to terms with the number on the scale. (Geneen Roth and others do not recommend this, but for me it is keeping me from deception)

• by sharing my struggle with others.
• With YOU my reader.
• With a few close friends.
• With my family.

I believe that by consistently facing the above truths the stranglehold of obesity will one day lose it's hold on me.

Geneen Roth, in her book Women, Food and God says:

 "Truth, not force, does the work of ending compulsive eating."

And of course she's right because the Bible, our ultimate book of validity says:

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)

So for today and in the days to come, I continue to press on towards truth knowing that ultimately it will make me free!

WEDNESDAY WEIGH-IN: Excuses

It's Wednesday and I started the year by promising to blog about my weight loss journey. It's getting difficult to follow through with this promise because I am waffling in general with my food and exercise. The excuses are getting easier and easier. Last week, my excuse was "it's been a bad week emotionally for me as a family member passed away." Now this week my excuse is "it was Memorial Day weekend and we did alot of entertaining."

The good thing about my blog commitment is that the weekly postings are forcing me to take a hard look at my habits and weaknesses. My hope is that the honesty and accountability will pull me through. Plus, I am doing some things to try to feed my inner self in an effort to change my thought processes which is where I believe the core of my weight issue is - in the mind.

Some of things I've been doing are:

• Continuing to seek the Lord's help with this struggle by sincerely praying about it.
• Meditating on Bible verses to try to soak my spirit in God's opinion instead of my own.
• Watching the Biggest Loser episodes online.
• Reading books that strike a chord with me such as Women, Food and God by Geneen Roth.
• Keeping myself honest by weighing in each week and sharing my weight with two or three trusted friends. (I skipped the weigh in last week but will face it today)
• Tracking my food online on the free Livestrong Daily Plate

And my heartfelt hope and prayer is that all of the above will help me not only reach my weight loss goal, but grow and be transformed in my thoughts and personal outlooks.

On my own, I cannot do this. The amount I have to lose is too overwhelming. But through Christ and the love and support of others I believe I can overcome this.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
-Philippians 4:13

Just As You Are

(It's much later than my normal posting. I spent too much time chatting with my husband over coffee this morning! Normally, I am getting ready for work by this time so this post will be short, but hopefully minister despite it's brevity.)

If you've been following my blog you know that on Wednesdays I write about my weight loss journey. It was HARD to post today because I had a very upsetting and stressful week: the death of a family member; a dear, dear friend who's little boy is having siezures and in the hospital etc. And when I'm stressed or upset I overeat. This is a habit I'm trying to break through prayer, exercise, meditation and sound eating but it's an uphill battle.

I normally weigh-in on Wednesdays, but I'm skipping today  (which I don't  recommend) but my emotional reserve is low and I don't want to completely tap myself out. So my plan to is to regroup, build up my inner strength by following all I know to do, and be 'back in the saddle' for next Wednesday.

But what I really want to share this morning is about a sweet, sweet lady I met at the Maranatha Bible Church last Saturday. (See earlier posts. I spoke at this church.) To be honest, I don't even know her name, but she glowed in the Holy Ghost. Here is her picture (to the left) in case any of my readers know her name and can tell me.

In my talk to the women that day, I mentioned my weight issues and the ongoing struggle to surrender it to the Lord. She came up to me afterwards and said:

 "I wouldn't worry so much about your weight. You look beautiful, and  God loves you just the way you are."

She went on to say several more things to me that strengthened and encouraged me. I felt like she was an angel sent from God just to minister to me, like God did to Elijah after he'd been running from Jezebel and just slept and ate and wanted to die. Her sweet spirit refreshed me and renewed me.

I thank God for precious women of God like this sister who see beyond themselves and their own lives and offer a "cup of cold water in the name of Jesus". Her words were like a cool, refreshing drink on a hot summer's day.

May we all learn to accept each other just as we are - and to accept ourselves - JUST AS WE ARE. Yes, God wants us to continue to grow in Him but  often we are so hard ourselves. (I know I am)

So today, " I will forget what is behind me and press toward my goal to the prize of the high calling." Knowing my prize isn't the weight loss - although that will be a nice benefit - but a deep acceptance of who I am in Christ Jesus - weight and all!

I Refuse to be an OSTRICH

It's Wednesday, and I promised myself - and you - (my readers) to report how I was doing with trying to lose over 100 pounds.  (See earlier posts labeled '100 pounds')

Well, let's just say it's NOT been a good day. I GAINED 2.5 pounds which means I ate too much and didn't exercise enough. That's the thing, weight loss is not rocket science. Basically, if you consume less calories than you expend you will have a loss. And so conversely if you consume more calories than you expend, you will have a gain. Let's just say we all know what I did this week.

But still I feel I am making progress. Last Wednesdays post "Progress Not Perfection" touched on this. The fact that I'm even willing to bare all and post each week brings accountability and balance to my life. It keeps me from burying my head in the sand. It forces me to look at the facts:

• 
  
  I am a very large women.
• 
  
  This didn't happen overnight.
• 
  
  The weight is not going to come off overnight.
• 
  
  I can be beautiful and have self-worth despite my size.
• 
  
  The number on the scale does not define me.
• 
  
  I must daily - and sometimes hourly - remind myself that it really is progress not perfection.
• 
  
  Most of all, I am not alone in this effort to change my behavior and body size. I have friends, family, my readers and of course the empowering help of the Lord Jesus Christ to offer support and encouragement.

And so, on this Wednesday that started with a disappointing weigh-in, I am proudly holding my head upright and looking all around me. Because that is how I will succeed. The ostrich doesn't get anywhere when his head is stuck in the sand. But when he lifts his head and starts to run - look out. It's said an ostrich can run up to 50 MPH. And one, day very soon that will be me!

"I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.

So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it." (Philippians 3:13-15)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1r-b8uY7C9E&feature=related

Progress Not Perfection

I struggled with my food this past week because of Mother's Day celebrations etc. So when I weighed in this morning, my expectations were very low. I was hoping to just not have a huge gain - and thankfully I didn't! I only gained 3 tenths of a pound.  But I was  happy with this because I knew what kind of week I'd had.

Being satisfied with a gain is a new experience for me. I really am learning to embrace that old mantra - PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION. This approach is working for me because I'm making lifestyle changes instead of dieting. For Example:

•  I'm learning  if I eat too much or don't excercise one day, then the next day I need to eat less and exercise extra hard. This strategy works for me and keeps me from giving up when I mess up. It allows me some room to just relax and live.

• And I'm learning that  celebrations and rewards are important. I've started treating myself to certain food indulgences after my weigh in for that one day only. Like today I went out for coffee with my friend  and ordered a Hot Fudge Sundae. It came in a tall sundae glass with whip cream, nuts and a cherry on top! I felt special and like I was really having a treat. But I only ate about 1/4 of it.  That was all I needed to eat to feel like I'd celebrated. And trust me, this is a huge step for me. Geneen Roth , noted author on emotional eating talks about this concept alot in her books and lectures.

 I think the PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION approach must've been what Jesus had in mind for the human race. Afterall, He talked alot about forgiveness and mercy and human fraility. Consider just a few of the following scriptures:  

"Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him... For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust." (Psalm 103:13-14)

"Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak." (Mark 14:38)


So whatever you  might be facing today or trying to change about yourself, please remember it's all about PROGRESS (how many forward steps did you take today?) and it's not at all about PERFECTION.

UNperfectly Yours,


Debbie

Dwelling In Truth

Every Wednesday, I  weigh myself on the special scale for obese people that is in the Emergency Room at the hospital where I work. Just the action of walking in there in front of the ER staff and telling them I need to use their special scale is an act of faith. By doing so, I am facing a painful truth: I am obese. And I'm not just obese, I'm morbidly obese. My body fat percentage is like 50.

But please don't feel sorry for me. My purpose in sharing this isn't for sympathy, or even for encouragement (although a pat on the back is always nice). No, I share this to put a face on an important Biblical truth:

 "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free."  (John 8:32)

Jesus spoke these words to the Jews who believed on Him. And He speaks the same words to us today. While it's true Jesus was speaking of the gospel message, I believe knowing - and more importantly facing the truth in our struggles is a key part to freedom.

It is for me anyway.

So today, like every Wednesday, I face the truth of my body size. Some weeks, I'm happy because there's a loss - like today I lost 2.4 pounds - but some weeks I'm sad because my weight stayed the same, or I gained. But always, I can rejoice because I'm facing truth head on and Jesus said that's what really matters!

Wednesday Weigh-In

If you've followed my blog or know me personally then you know that I am a very large woman. I've included a recent picture of myself (that's me with my brother) so you can see for yourself what I'm contending with.

At the beginning of the year, I decided to 'come out' and declare to the world - or at least the world of my readers -that I was going to face my morbid obesity head-on. I had done this before but not in the healthy manner that I am doing now. (10 years ago I lost 165 pounds by following a very strict, low calorie vegetarian diet* only to spiral into clinical depression. My body chemistry was so screwed up it took alot of doctors/ counselors to put me back together again. Unfortunately, the weight came back on too.)

But this time it is very different. Although I've only lost 17 pounds in the last 4 months, I feel like I'm doing things the right way.  I've learned alot about myself in these last 16 weeks and made alot of lifestyle changes. For example,  I'm going for a walk most weekdays on my lunch break and am up to 2.5 miles a day (I used to be winded just walking into work from the parking lot); I'm staying away from white flour and sugar; I'm eating lighter the next day if I ate heavier the day before, and I'm doing the Wii Fit  a couple of times a week.

All of the above feels like I'm making genuine progress instead of my usual mentality of "I'm gonna brace myself and suffer on this diet till I reach my goal and then go eat a bannana split." 

And indeed it is.

I think the progress is happening because my motivation for doing it is different. When I lost over 100 pounds before, I did it because  I was very sick and needed to get the weight off fast in order get well. So fear was a big part of the picture, ie, I didn't want to die.

 But this time I'm working at losing the weight because I want to grow in my relationship with Jesus Christ. I want to learn to lean on Him when I'm anxious or stressed instead of turning to food and self-medicating. And certainly I want to look and feel better. But what keeps me moving forward is that I realize that every time I set aside the late night binge or other over-the-top indulgences, I am choosing to trust Christ more.

And for me, that is what life is all about!


"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us," (Hebrews 12:1)



*Vegetarian diets that are followed properly and well balanced are terrific. The diet I followed at the time was neither.

New Year - New Schedule - New Determination

2010 has gotten off to a good start for me. I just completed my first week of my new work schedule - half day on Fridays - woo hoo! This should help me to have more time for writing during my peak focus time.

My plan is to come straight home after I get off work at 12:30, plant my kiester in front of my computer, and formulate brilliant articles that my editors will love. Consistency and determination is the game, and this year I plan to win. (That's me on my wedding day 25 years ago)

Sounds like I have it all together doesn't it? But after having celebrated almost 45 new beginnings, I've become all too familiar with the resolution ritual that goes something like this:

In January, I'm psyched and motivated to make a change. It doesn't matter what the change is, but it's always something dramatic and life-improving. My hopes are high and often I buy something new to help me reach my goal. This year it was a new netbook so I could write while on my lunch at work. Last year it was a membership to Weight Watchers. The year before that... well, I don't even remember what my resolution was the year before that, which reinforces my point.

By March, the goal is a distant memory and often there's been little improvement. The rest of the year then becomes a total wash.

So what makes this year's resolution any different?

I've taken a lesson from the Bible and the Biggest Loser reality show by making myself accountable. I'm coming out and telling the world where I'm lacking and what I hope to achieve. And in so doing, I stand a much better chance of succeeding because I've invited others into my struggles instead of trying to battle it alone. (That's me with two of my volunteers)

And what am I trying to achieve? Two things:

• A 100 Pound Weight Loss



• A Consistent Writing Schedule
  

And how am I going to do this?

Through prayer, hard work, discipline, self-control and a little help from my friends (accountability).

And how will you know if I'm winning my Resolution Game?

Check back often to this blog and track my success or, better yet, email me directly at dsimlergoff@sbcglobal.net and ask me how I'm doing.

-Debbie