You are Loved

I've been trying to figure out what to post for such a joyous occasion.  I don't think I've ever concealed the fact that I am a follower of Jesus and it's through His strength I've been able to walk this weightloss journey.  But that is just a minuscule fact in comparison to the true celebration of who He is.

Last night, as I was sitting in a quiet house only lit by the lights on our Christmas tree, I was thinking about how much God loves us.  How He longs for us to know Him intimately and to spend eternity with Him.  But our God is a holy God and cannot be with unholy people.  So what did He do to solve this issue?  He sent Jesus!  Jesus was perfect.  He never sinned and He was sent to be the holy bridge between man and God.  What kind of love is that?!  That is the most beautiful love ever possible.  Jesus came to sanctify us and to reunite us with God for all eternity!  He loves us that much!!!  That is the biggest reason to celebrate...especially this season! 

The prophet Isaiah foretold of this event.  In Isaiah 9:6, he said, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."  Seven hundred years before Jesus was born, God was planning for us...for you and for me...to be part of his family.  Yes, this is the true celebration.  The celebration of the Lord, Jesus Christ!  

I'm thankful today that God loves us so much; thankful that He sent His Son to this world; that we may be made pure through His unselfish sacrifice.  

May you enjoy the celebration of the King of kings, and Lord of lords during this CHRISTmas season!

PS - You're invited to the celebration too!  Click here for your invitation:  You're Invited

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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Survival Mode

Survival is a really strong word, but when you're on this journey, it truly feels like were in survival mode some days.

Thanksgiving...CHRISTmas...all the office carry-ins.  It really can be a struggle if you're not prepared.  Take for instance our office carry-in on Tuesday.  There are nine of us in our area.  When the sign-up sheet got posted, I watched as people were signing up for what they were bringing.  Our boss was going to treat us all to pizza for lunch.  I knew without a doubt...that if I didn't plan, I would fall prey to trying little bits of this or that.  So what did I bring?  A veggie tray.  Seems like a no-brainer, right?  But really I had to plan, and that's okay.  Everything else was so unhealthy!  Our "banquet" choices:  Veggies with a ranch dip; donuts, bagels and cream cheese, potato chips with dips, cheeseball and crackers, a "dessert platter" that was filled with: cannoli, cheesecake, petite cakes, chocolate covered strawberries, coconut macaroons, raspberry filled cake, flans, three different types of fudge... yeah, sugar coma waiting to happen! (Or dumping syndrome for someone like me!)

So what did I eat on Tuesday?  Breakfast - part of an English muffin there at home.  Snack (at my scheduled snack time so not to "graze" all day) - veggies with a spoonful of the ranch dip that came with it.  Lunch - 4 squares of sausage/pepperoni pizza (well, the toppings off of it.  I still don't eat the crust) with carrots and grape tomatoes.  I did have one coconut macaroon from the "sweets" tray.  And honestly, I planned it when I saw the selection.  I didn't just walk by and grab it.  That's something different for me.  My afternoon snack - grape tomatoes and carrots.  I did eye another macaroon, but chose not to have it. (does that count as an NSV??)

The thing is this:  Gastric Bypass Surgery has been a GREAT tool for me and a blessing for my life.  Every single day I must make good choices.  I must plan in advance.  I must modify recipes to make them healthier.  And yes, I must walk away at times.  All of that is key to long-term success.  That's part of the survival - choices to enhance LONG TERM success.


(Here's another Sesame Street reference for you all!)

One of these things is not like the others,

One of these things just doesn't belong,

Can you tell which thing is not like the others

By the time I finish my song?

This is the "evil" one for sure!!!!!

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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

Battleground

Every day is a battle.  

We just returned from a quick holiday weekend with CME's family in Michigan.  It was a wonderful time with lots of family that we don't see enough and plenty of food.  Not only were we celebrating July 4th, but also CME and his Grampa's birthdays.  There were trays of veggies and dips, fruits, pies, brats and burgers. Though I chose wisely on what I was eating, my eating "pattern" was totally messed up.  CME asked me once if I realized I'd been eating continuously for nearly an hour.  He was right - and yes, I was aware.  I was justifying it in my mind that I was eating veggies...which I was....with a little of the various dips.  But he was right, so I left the kitchen.

My first reaction to CME was that of hurt feelings.  Why did he even notice?  Was he "watching" me?  I'll admit it, I was frustrated.  I knew I was eating...and I knew it had been over a period of time. (aka grazing) The more I thought about it though, the more I realized I needed that reminder.  Remember a while back when I said that even healthy grazing is still grazing?  I cannot fall back into that pattern long term.  I'm not overly concerned about a one-day event like the 4th, but for food addicts (yes, I'm still a food addict) grazing is a slippery slope.  Though first annoyed, I'm glad I had CME there to help me keep things in perspective...sort of like my own personal cheerleader.  I did fine the rest of the weekend and overall am pleased with my efforts, but really need to improve in my self-monitoring and stop justifying unhealthy habits.

I ran into some old thinking while grocery shopping today.  Seriously.  Usually CME and I go together, but he's at work and our refrigerator and cupboards were bare.  I picked up a lot of fruits and vegetables, but I also had things in my cart that I "thought" would be nice for the boys while home this week: key lime cupcake mix (it was on sale!); chips; ice cream.  Then when I picked up the candy bars at the check out line I had an aha! moment.  What on earth was I doing?  The boys don't NEED any of that.  And I certainly don't.  So I got out of line, put the unhealthy junk away and realized that I was falling back into some old patterns...ones that would lead to unhealthy choices for not only me, but for my family.  Another reminder that I need to regain better self-monitoring abilities.  I have gotten a little lax in my food discipline now that I'm 14 months post-op and don't need to lose more weight.  That lackadaisical attitude is exactly how Satan will creep back in and tempt me to go back to an unhealthy life.  That is not an option.  God is in control and He reminds me - through CME and random thoughts - that my life is to bring Him glory; therefore I need to keep fighting the battle. Every. single. day.  

I'm in no way beating myself up about the issue, but just trying to keep it real here and keep myself accountable for all actions; good or bad.  I'm thankful for CME.  I'm thankful that God is so faithful!!  I am blessed.

Family goodies - looks like it's right off Pinterest, yes??

Birthday boys!

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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14

A Birthday Celebration

I'm still here, but have been busy with all the hustle and bustle of this season.  I'll blog later about where things are now and how things have progressed, but for now, I want to share this with you.

You're Are Cordially Invited 

to a Birthday Celebration!

Guest of Honor:  Jesus Christ

Date:  Every day.  Traditionally, December 25, but He's always around, so the date is flexible...

Time: Whenever you're ready.  (Please don't be late, though, or you'll miss out on all the fun!)

Place:  In your heart...He'll meet you there.  (You'll hear Him knock.)

Tickets:  Admission is free.  He's already paid for everyone...(He says you wouldn't have been able to afford it anyway...it cost Him everything He had.  But you do need to accept the ticket!!)

Refreshments:  New wine, bread, and a far-out drink He calls "Living Water," followed by a supper that promises to be out of this world!

Gift suggestions:  Your life.  He's one of those people who has everything else.  (He's very generous in return though.  Just wait until you see what He has for you!)

Entertainment:  Joy, Peace, Truth, Light, Life, Love, Real Happiness, Communion with God, Forgiveness, Miracles, Healing Power, Eternity in Paradise, Contentment, and much more!  (All "G" rated, so bring your family and friends!)

R.S.V.P.  Very important!  He must know ahead so He can reserve a spot for you at the table.  Also, He's keeping a list of His friends for future reference.  He calls it the "Lamb's Book of Life."

Party being given by His Children (that's us!!)! Hope to see you there!  For those of you whom I willl see at the party, share this with someone today!

May you have a very blessed and

Merry CHRISTmas!!!

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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14