Shipwrecked…

This week has been a struggle, with cravings and deep desires to eat non-stop.  That is pre-Weight Watcher’s behavior, and I have been pondering why I wrestled with this.  I finally realized last night that it was purely STRESS EATING DESIRES.

This week, a dear friend was given a very serious diagnosis.  Yesterday, the young grandson of a quilting friend passed into eternity after a brave battle with cancer.  My heart has been heavy, and my mind has been preoccupied with those things rather than concentrating on my eating habits. 

I don’t often ask the question, “Why, God?” but this week I have.  I even wondered if my prayers were heard, and if they made a difference.  There are so many difficult questions in times like these.  I have felt my faith has been “shipwrecked”, cast upon the rocks, battered by the storm. 

That was last night, but today is a new day.  If anyone understood SHIPWRECK it was the Apostle Paul.  He reminds us in 2 Corinthians 11:25 (KJV) 
    “…thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;”

I find it interesting that he used the term SHIPWRECKED when he wrote to Timothy (1 Timothy 1: 5, 18, 19, Holman Christian Standard Bible)

  “Now the goal of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith… Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you, so that by them you may strongly engage in battle, having faith and a good conscience.  Some have rejected these and have suffered the shipwreck of their faith.”

What causes shipwreck?  For ships on the waters it might be caused by rocks, hidden from view, a danger lurking beneath the surface that catches the sailor unaware.  It might also be storms, that perhaps the captain sees coming but they are unable to reach a safe harbor before it overtakes them.  The causes of a spiritual shipwreck can be compared to those, also.

ROCKS, things lurking beneath the surface, things that come up suddenly that catch us unaware.  Plans for good things that don’t go as expected.  Traps the enemy set for us that we step into. 

STORMS, we might can see looming on the horizon.  Perhaps they are due to family issues, things that you personally can’t control, but you see the approaching storm and your loved ones sailing straight into it unaware.  Even if you try to warn them of the storm they don’t see it so they just keep moving toward it.  And because we love them so we feel the effects of the storm along with them.

So what do we do?  Paul told Timothy to STRONGLY ENGAGE IN THE BATTLE.  When we feel the effects of the storm we can NOT stop engaging in the battle!  Perhaps we want to give up, but if we stop fighting the good fight of faith our ship will be dashed on the rocks!  We must man our post!  The thoughts (rocks) that flow through our minds that cause us to doubt God, to ask questions, to ponder if we really make any difference, those must be taken captive.

2 Cor. 10:5 (KJV)      Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

I have great promises to lean on.  Promises that tell me to pray in faith and things will be changed.  Promises that God loves me, cares for me, hears me, and answers when I call.  Promises that he is guiding my steps and watching over me.  He will never leave nor forsake me.  God IS faithful!  I may not always understand, but yet I will stay ENGAGED IN THE BATTLE. 

Isaiah 61:3 (KJV) 
    To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

Today I will rise up from the ashes and walk forth in beauty. I will praise the One that so faithfully keeps me.  Today I am “locked and loaded” with the Word of God.  Ready, aim, FIRE!  Take THAT, enemy of my soul!

KAT

A New Perspective

Today gives me new hope… a hope of getting better with age.  A hope of feeling better and looking better.  A hope of strengthening my relationship with my Savior.  A hope of aging with grace, and continuing to enjoy outdoor activities for many years.  A hope of a renewed outlook on relationships with others and my life.

Today I turn 56.  A lot has changed in the last year.  I have totally rewritten my life’s plan.  Perhaps I should say I have SURRENDERED   MYYYYYY plan and given in to the leading of the Holy Spirit.  It was a long battle with my will, but I am so thankful that God does not give up on us.  He has been convicting me for the last several years about my unhealthy lifestyle, but I would not listen. He has called me closer, but I would not commit the time.

Because I finally got to the place of obedience I am now much healthier and happier than I was last year at this time.  Because I have chosen to listen rather than remain in rebellion to His will, I am now almost 40 pounds lighter, feeling better than I have in years, and walking in power rather than defeat.  THANK YOU LORD!

Because I finally surrendered the time to “visit” with Him each day, I am encouraged and filled with His power, rather than struggling to change by myself.

The journey is not done, because I still have a long way to go, but the victories I have won in the last 6 months have taught me that it IS a war that is winnable… through His power, not mine.

There are rough roads in places (recurring foot and knee issues have really thrown my exercise plan for a loop), but He leads me on.  Temptation comes, but He is faithful.

Thank You, Lord, that 56 (and beyond) looks better than the last several years have been!  “I surrender all, Lord. Be glorified… I surrender all!”  (From the Terry MacAlmon song, “I Surrender All”)

Have a blessed week!

KAT

Welcome to ONEderland!

 

Proverbs 10:22 (NKJV) 
    The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.

How blessed I am feeling today…

There’s a new digit in town!  It is so exciting to look at the scales and not see that TWO in front.  How many years has it been?  At least six years since I weighed in under the 200 mark.  The number is nice but there are other things that make this so exciting.

I “shopped” my closet this week, looking for things that had been sent to the “too-small-to-wear” corner.  I was amazed to find 7 pairs of jeans I could now wear.  This week I will dig deeper and try to find more blouses because I really need some tops that aren’t billowing.  The too-big clothes are going out soon.  I will keep one pair of pants and a t-shirt just to look back and have some perspective of where I came from.

This may be TMI, but I have “under-grown” my underwear!  That’s not a problem, because I just happen to have 2 smaller sizes tucked away in a drawer.  No shopping in that section of the store will be necessary for a long time.  I got to remove the bra extenders I have been using for several years… not needed any more!

I saw a friend that I had not seen in a couple of months, and she commented on my new shape.  Now THAT is a wonderful feeling!  Those I see often, who know the journey I am on, offer lots of encouraging words… but for someone else to notice that I have changed… that is great!

Even more exciting is, this journey does get easier as I go along.  God’s grace IS new every morning to guide me along!  I think that is because I am getting more established in my routines.  I don’t have to wonder what I will have for breakfast because most days I eat the same thing.  I was feeling bad about this, but after reading Weight Loss Boss, I discovered that he did the same thing.  Not having to decide what’s for breakfast helps me get up and get going without a hassle.  I put lots of variety into the other meals and snacks, but breakfast is my easy meal.

On the slightly down-side, my BP has started creeping back up after getting off the diuretics.  It is not extremely high, but I can tell something needs to be done about this.  I guess my body has adjusted to my exercise routine.  I don’t consider this a major thing because my doctor told me this might happen. I started back on the diuretics to see if this brings it back to the level I want.  If not, then I’ll schedule another visit with my family doctor. 

So, I have lots of be thankful for today (and every day)!  I am truly rich in all sorts of blessings from the Lord.  I am reminded of the praise song, “Blessed Be The Name Of the Lord”.

Every blessing You pour out I’ll give back in praise!

Blessings…. wonderful things!  Let’s count them and praise Him for sending them our way!

KAT

Milestone Reached

Today is a special day for me in my WLJ.  Today I reached my 10% weight loss goal.  When I started this journey on March 15th 10% looked WAAAYYYYYYYY out there, but today I looked it in the face.

So what exactly have I achieved?  It is MUCH more than a number on the scales, as nice as it is to see that number.  The WW web site informs me that by losing 10% of my body weight and keeping it off I have lowered my cholesterol, reduced my blood pressure (I had to get off my blood pressure meds a few months ago because my BP was going too low.), and I have lowered my risk of diabetes… that is a “biggie” for me because diabetes runs in my family, and so does obesity. 

I have not wanted to really ponder on the connection between those two things before but now I will shout out that according to David Kirchoff’s book, Weight Loss Boss, by losing 7-8% and keeping it off we lower our risk of diabetes by a whopping 58%!! YAHHH for my health and future!  You see, it really is about MUCH more than a number on the scale.  It is all about my quality of life for the rest of my life.

If you have not read this book you MUST get it!  This book offers lots of advice and strategies for your weight loss journey and is applicable to ANY weight loss program.  You do NOT have to be doing Weight Watchers to benefit from this read.  I guess many WW members will get this advice from going to their weekly WW meetings but since I am doing this on-line only, I found the book to be very inspirational and helpful.  Check it out…  Weight Loss Boss,  by David Kirchoff.  It is available in lots of places.

My next weight goal will be reached soon; a new “digit” will appear in the hundred’s place and I’ll weigh less than I have in about 7 years.  I will really celebrate that “changing of the digits” moment!  Then I will probably set 10-pound goals until my lower-than-I-want-to-think-about final goal weight is reached.

And now, I am off to celebrate by quilting like crazy.  I have a quilt in the machine that must be finished by noon today so I can deliver it. 

Well, just let me celebrate a little more…

YAH me!  Way to go!  Keep it up, gal!  WOO-HOO!  But the most important celebration..

Thank YOU, Lord, for leading me down this path, for sustaining me when things were hard, for giving me strength for the journey and blessing my efforts!

Have a blessed week.

KAT

Too Much of a Good Thing!

Genesis 3:6 (KJV) 
    And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes,… she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat…

Just as in the above Bible account of woman and food, I have fallen to the lure of fresh fruit.   I seem to have over-indulged this week and have a 1 pound gain to prove it.  Watermelon, fresh cherries, bananas, strawberries… oh, and the FRESH FIGS off the trees in the yard.  We certainly can’t forget them since they are absolutely LOADED with sugar.  I can justify my behavior by lamenting, “But fruit is a FREE FOOD on WW!”  Yes, it is, but it is still loaded with calories.  Even though it does not cost me “points”, it does still increase my caloric intake.  “But summer fruits are so yummy and plentiful right now, and they won’t be around in a few months!”  Yes, but the facts are still the facts.  “But they are so good for you!”  Yes, but so also are tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, etc. which we also have plenty of right now.

Fruit has been placed on the throne of my life this past week, and today it is being “dethroned”!  What part of “addicted to food” do I not get?  Even good foods in excess, and eaten when I am not really even hungry, are a cause for concern.  The poor behaviors I have worked so hard to change in the last several months are trying to return, sneaking in through the guise of “good for you foods”.  The thing is, when I reached for those fruits I sometimes could plainly hear the voice of the Holy Spirit reminding me of the above facts, and I just chose to ignore it because “fruit is good for you and it is a free food”.  What WAS I trying to feed?  It certainly wasn’t my body in many cases, because I realize now often I was not hungry when I reached for the fruit. 

No more of THAT, Missy!  Today I remind myself that this journey is as much a spiritual battle as it is a food battle.  I prayerfully repent and place Jesus back on the throne of my heart.  My obedience to His call to live a healthy life style is the number one indicator as to exactly Who or what sits on the throne of my life.  Before I reach for food, I must stop and see if I am really hungry or just wanting to eat.  If hunger is indeed the cause, then I must reach for the cherry tomatoes rather than a big load of fruit. It is funny that I will eat a whole handful of cherries, but only 4 or 5 tomatoes. 

I’ve recognized the problem, indentified the underlying issue, repented, and am moving on toward my goals.  I will not beat myself up over this, for condemnation is not from Jesus, but I will remember this lesson and move forth in wisdom.  Next week’s weigh-in will be better.

Cherry tomato, anyone?

Have a blessed week!

KAT

The Little Things…

I thought, “It’s just a little thing… it won’t matter.”  I was wrong!  the fact that I have 2 toenails missing from one foot due to injury is a real PAIN (literally and figuratively)!  I surely did not appreciate the function of those nails until I no longer had their protection on the ends of my toes!

This “little thing” has sidelined me from much activity at all.  Several days of not being able to take my morning walks makes me really appreciate it when things are working as they should be and I have no “little things” interfering with my plans and activities.  I am hoping I will be able to get back to my walking routine tomorrow morning… we will see.  Of course, I will have to do some major bandaging where those “little things” are supposed to be or I will be in pain and cause more injury.

How many “little things” are there in my life that I take for granted?  I’m sure there is a huge list of them!  There are lots of “little things” that are important in our spiritual development and my WLJ, too.  Sometimes we just focus in on the “biggies” and assume the little things won’t matter much.  How wrong!  It is developing good habits in the “little things” (daily devotional, prayer, attitudes, making wise food choices each moment, tracking our food and exercise) that really set us up for success.  A series of small steps can cover a lot of territory! 

So I challenge you… pay attention to the “little things” in your life.  So many times the struggle we are in could have been avoided IF we would have developed good habits and placed an importance on the “little things”.  I guess when you get right down to it, there ARE no “little things”… every decision, routine, and step is leading us somewhere.  I plan on being sure I am heading the right direction!  How about you?

Have a blessed weekend!

KAT

Watch Your Step!

Watching where we walk… it’s important!
My tendency is to focus just a few steps in front of me.  I guess this comes from years of severe knee problems and having to be so careful not to trip.  When you have feet the size of boat paddles and knee issues, tripping over tiny things is a real possibility!
Recently I was just walking down the road, listening to praise and worship music, singing along, focusing on a couple of steps ahead… what’s that?  I almost stepped on it without realizing it was there…  It was a SNAKE lying in the road.  I quickly assessed the species of the critter and realized it was a harmless yellow neck snake, and was only about 5 inches long.  I took out my cell phone and snapped a picture, getting just as close as I could to make the tiny snake fill the screen.  (I would show you the picture, but since I have a “dumb” phone and not a “smart” phone I can’t get it off my cell phone. )   DH was off fishing with a friend at the time, so I zoomed a picture off to him with a text that said, “Please come save me from this 5 in. snake!”  His text back was, “5 in. or 5 feet?”  Because I had zoomed in so close to the snake it appeared to him to be HUGE! 
You knew a spiritual/WLJ analogy was coming, so here it is…
What was tiny to me, was huge to him because he had a different perspective.  He could not see the “big picture”, if you will.  How many times does my WLJ (weight loss journey) need a new perspective? 
Sometimes I focus in too close, and the food temptation seems HUGE to me.  When unwise food choices are speaking loudly to me, I need to change my focus.  I need to back out and look at the big picture.  Where do I want to be at weigh-in on Monday?  Where do I want to be this month?  It is not just about a number on the scale, but a life of obedience to the Call God has placed before me. 
Job 23:12 (KJV) 
    Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by how far I still have to go to reach my goal.  Sometimes in the “big picture” we only notice how far or how high we have yet to go.  We don’t focus on what we have gained (and will gain) by taking the journey.  I need to change my focus.  I choose to NOT look at the ultimate weight goal, but have chosen smaller goals.  I’ve started with my 10% weight loss goal, and I am almost there!  Once that is reached I will set another intermediate goal about 20 lbs further down, with a plan to reach it in about 3 months.
Spiritually, we need to keep focused, both near and far.  PS. 119:105 reminds us:
Psalm 119:105 (KJV) 
    Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
A lamp sheds just enough light to see right in front of us, just a step or two.  It is important that we focus on the steps we need to take today to work toward our spiritual (and WLJ) goals.  A light illuminates for a longer distance so we can see exactly where we are going.   We also must take time to let the Lord show us exactly where we are heading on this journey. It is so important that we have both perspectives. Of course our ultimate destination is heaven, but the journey on this earth has many paths with twists, turns, and obstacles.  Only through the guidance of the Holy Spirit can we choose wisely when decisions have to be made.  Some decisions are “today” decisions and only affect the present.  Others are “pathway” decisions and will affect our future and the future of those around us.
So, my advice to us all, WATCH YOUR STEP! 
Be aware of what is right in front of you, and also what is just down the path.  God’s Word provides light for both.
Have a wonderfully blessed week!
KAT

The Time Has Come...

The time has come to reactivate "Enjoying the Journey" blog.  I apologize to my 3 loyal followers (HAHA!)for going on vacation for over 2 1/2 years!

What has brought about this change of heart, you may ask.  My life is constantly changing, growing, improving.  I have undertaken a great journey lately, and would like to share thoughts and ideas about it.  This blog was originally created as a thankfulness journal, and I do intend to keep it along those lines.  I also plan on posting once or twice a week about my life journeys... into spiritual awakening and healthy living.

My eyes were opened a few months ago to the realization of where I was headed.  I had been afraid to really look carefully at the road I was on because it meant facing some very difficult truths.

1.  I was headed to a life of severe health problems.  I look at others in my family that are struggling with diabetes, kidney failure, and heart disease and realize that unless I change things I am headed for that, too.  I am very healthy right now, but it is inevitable my good health will not last if I don't take care of myself.

2.  Denial will not change the consequenses of being overweight and a not-so-healthy diet.

3.  As surely as there are drug addicts, nicotine addicts, and alcoholics, I am also an addict... to food.  It has filled empty spots in my life for many years and offered comfort to me when things were difficult.  But like all addictions, it is a big deceiver.  Food tells me it is OK because I NEED to eat to survive.  It tells me a little won't hurt.  It tells me that I can always start a diet tomorrow, or next week, or after the holidays.

4.  Diets don't work.  I have had to fully embrace the truth that diets are temporary, and as soon as you get tired of it, you go back to old eating ways.  And then the weight comes back.  I have proven this many times.

5.  It is all about a commitment.  I am committed to eating wisely for THE REST OF MY LIFE.  I am committed to getting as much activity worked into my week as I can, FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.  I am committed to following an eating plan, counting my Weight Watchers points carefully FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.  It does no good to whine about those who can eat anything they want in huge amounts, never exercise, and still don't gain.  That is not ME, so it really doesn't matter what their metabolism is like.  I have to face the facts and accept them. 

6.  My relationship with Jesus will fill the voids in my life.  This takes effort on my part, and I am committed to regularly schedule time with Him rather than just trying to somewhere squeeze Him into my busy days.  I highly recommend the book Born to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire, by Lysa Terkeurst.

March 15th was the beginning of the journey to greater health.  There have been bumps along the road... a foot injury that brought distance walking to a halt for a few weeks.  But it is working!  This morning I reached a total of 18.5 pounds lost.  In just a couple of weeks I will be at the 10% loss level.  I must admit, that feels GREAT!  I am feeling much better about myself these days, and I am just plain feeling better.  No extra serving of food or huge amounts of calorie laden treats are better than this, or worth the health consequenses.

So there you have it... the map for the journey I am now on.  I'll share with you my journey, the ups, the downs, and other things that pop up along the way.  And the amazing thing is that through God's grace and strength, I really Am "Enjoying the Journey".

Would you like to join me?  Search for a reason to commit.  I have found healthy eating and exercising so much easier this time because I have a strong commitment... I know where I WANT to go (a healthy body and active lifestyle), and I also know where I DON'T want to go (chronic illness and disease) in life.   That makes things easier for me when faced with choices to be made.

KAT

THANKFULNESS MOMENT:  I am thankful my eyes were opened before it was too late, before chronic health problems became a reality in my life.