These rolls from Paula Deen sound amazing!

SMOKED CHEDDAR ROLLS
Makes 18 rolls

2 (1/4-ounce) packages active dry yeast
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup warm water (105° to 115°)
2 cups whole buttermilk
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 large egg
2 teaspoons salt
6 to 7 cups bread flour, divided
2 cups shredded smoked sharp Cheddar cheese

Melted butter (optional)


In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in 1/2 cup warm water; let stand for 5 minutes. In a large bowl, beat buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and salt at medium-low speed with a mixer until combined. Add yeast mixture, beating until combined. Gradually add 4 cups bread flour and shredded cheese, beating until smooth. Beat in enough remaining bread flour to make a soft dough.


On a lightly floured surface, turn out dough. Knead dough for 6 to 8 minutes or until dough is smooth and elastic. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover, and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, for 1 hour or until dough is doubled in size.


Spray 18 muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray.


Shape dough into 54 (1 1/2-inch) balls. Place 3 balls in each muffin cup. Cover, and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, for 1 hour or until doubled in size.


Preheat oven to 350°.


Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Brush hot rolls with melted butter, if desired. Let cool in pans for 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Healthier is Happier

I just celebrated my 61st birthday on Friday.  I had such a wonderful day and the whole weekend was fabulous! My husband and I took Friday off and we hopped on the Sounder train and went into Seattle and spend the day, just walking around exploring.  Spending the day with my best friend was FABULOUS!!!  When we got off the train I looked ahead of me to not one, not two but three flights of stairs to take us up to the street........I gulped ...and then took a deep breath. I was down over 90 lbs... I could do this!  I made it up those stairs and I was NOT gasping for breath when I got to the top!  YAHOO!  We had a fabulous day walking around the town and exploring a museum.  Even the rain and wind could not damper our fun!  5 months ago, I could not have done this!!  The weight, the pain of arthritis would have been too much.  As of last Saturday and now 5 months into this weight loss journey, I am down a total of 94.4 lbs.  I am SO thankful to Take Shape For Life using the medifast foods!!    

After we got home on Friday, my oldest son and his family came to help us celebrate and stay for the weekend.  We had such a wonderful, blessed time together!  I had surprised most of my family with this journey so they had not seen me since I had lost 19 lbs.  They are so happy for me and SO encouraging to me!  That is very important in the journey of weight loss to have the encouragement and support of your family and friends.  I am truly blessed because each one has and is lovingly and faithfully encouraging me and not tempting me to do things that I know I should not do on this journey.  

I have made a very big decision.  I have decided to be a health coach for Take Shape for Life.  My website is www.healthierishappier.tsfl.com    I just feel that there are others out there with a similar story to mine.  Feeling like they are at their wits end!  That nothing works for them and perhaps even considering weight loss surgery as I was but in their heart of hearts feeling this is not the answer!  Perhaps even having the surgery and finding that it is not getting them where they want to be!!!   I want to encourage others and be a part of their fantastic journey.  I know if I can do it, YOU/THEY can do it!!!  I am very excited about this!  

I am working on creating a healthy body and mind.  We can do this together!  Check out my website and contact me!  I would love to hear from you and I would love to be a part of encouraging you in your journey!!!

Reflecting.....

I was asked yesterday by a friend, what are some of the comments that I am hearing about my weight loss.  There have been many encouraging and very nice comments, but the comment that means the most to me is this.  My girlfriend was talking to me on the phone the other day.  I check in with her every week and let her know my weight loss for the week. She always has such wonderful encouragement for me but the one that REALLY stands out was this comment last week; "I can HEAR it in your voice, Marcia!"

I knew I was unhappy with myself, but I didn't know that it showed in my voice.  I thought I hid that...... guess you can't hide somethings from your closest friends.... I pray I never get to that point again.... 

I am so thankful for this journey to creating a thin healthy mind and body....

16 Weeks

We are celebrating birthdays at our house today.  Doug's brother and sister each have a birthday this week so I have made their mom's cake and frosting, orange with creamy nut frosting on her plate and in her carrier.  It is her recipe that she always made down to the fork marks on the top!  It doesn't look special but it is special to family.  No, I do not plan on having a piece and any leftovers will be sent home with all visitors! None will be left in the house.  It was a little difficult to mix up the frosting without taste testing it... but my three year old granddaughter was here to lick the beaters.

However I am celebrating today.  I am 5.6 lbs down from last week which gives me a total of 71.6 lb!!!  A very sweet elderly lady that I have made an acquaintance with on our every other week dinner with my father in law gave me a sweet compliment last night, which was great encouragement.  

I am working on getting my webpage started with Take Shape for Life and think I am going to call mine, "Lose Weight Get Healthy!"  I will post a link when I get it started. :)  Been pretty busy! 

15 Weeks into my Journey to Optimal Health

Wow! Has it actually been 15 weeks since I started this journey? Honestly, it does not seem that long. I have had my ups and downs and my temptations, but I honestly have not broken any of my guidelines. I have DREAMED about it, lol, a couple of times but I am feeling so much better and happy with the results that I want to see this thru and have resolved and committed to keeping this weight off and eating a healthier way. I am happy to report that my 15 week total weight loss is 66 pounds. This averages to 4.4 lbs per week. YES! I am happy with that.

Today was a visit to my orthopedic doctor about my knees. Although I have lost a lot of weight and taken even more pressure off my knees, they continue to give me distress. Saturday I walked 4 blocks to the coffee shop with my grandaughters and back again and I was in LOTS of pain the rest of the day! This is not acceptable for this 60 year old grandma!!! As the nurse took me to the room, I realized that she was not going to weigh me this time. I told her I needed to be weighed as the doctor needed to see on paper that I had been losing weight. I was actually 80 lbs down on their scales from what I was when I was there in May. The Dr. came in the door looking at my chart and his first words were; "CONGRATULATIONS!" He was delighted for me!!!! We discussed some options and I did come away this time with a cortizone shot in my left knee. It is the worst one. I can hardly believe it but it has already helped! Now I feel some other pain but the knee is much less!! I am praying for some time to strengthen this knee and maybe even some repair may take place as I do that. We will just see. For now, I have less pain and now I can work on getting out there and walking again!

How do some of us let ourselves get to this point? I honestly do not know! I do not have an answer for that. Perhaps it is that we take care of others and do not think of ourselves as that important. Perhaps it is unhappiness in our lives that we seek food for comfort too often. Perhaps it is that so many of our family events FOCUS on food as the main event! I am sure that there are multiple reasons and excuses for all of us. But I know that I am going to make a difference. That I am going to see this thru. I cannot talk about all of this without giving my Christ credit. Phil 1:13 tells us "I can do all things thru Him who gives us strength." I believe that. Only with the strength that the Lord gives me, can I follow thru on this. For me it is not in my strength.

Secondly, Take Shape for Life is an amazing program with the benefits of a health coach and the wisdom and knowledge of Dr. Wayne Anderson. This program is teaching me to make healthy and wise choices and will continue to do that. I have made a decision to be a health coach and am here to help and talk to anyone that is interested in losing their weight for life and starting their journey to optimal health. I am being honest when I tell you I was at the end of my rope. I honestly did not know where to turn and was considering weight loss surgery as my last hope. In my heart, I knew that I needed more than that and wanted more than that. I wanted the knowledge to make change in my life with my BRAIN not just my stomach. Not that all people with weight loss surgery don't make the right choices after, but for me, in my heart, I knew it was not best. Deciding to become of the Take Shape for Life program is one of the best things I have done for myself and for my family. I am so excited to see where this journey takes me. I am meeting wonderful friends and encouragement along the way!

100 Days to Christmas Challenge

It is time to think about Christmas again!!! And what better help is there than 100 Days to Christmas!  I love her guidance each year!!!  And if you check her out this week, she is giving away a brand new KINDLE!  I love my Kindle!! It is GREAT!!!!  I hope to win this one to help my daughter with Christmas gifts this year!!!   You have the same opportunity to win!  Check it out!

100 Days to Christmas 

My first 3 months!

3 months since I started my journey.  And what a journey!  :)  

Saturday is my normal day to weigh in.  Yesterday morning at 7 AM I hopped on the scales as normal.  I anticipated as the scales made their weigh up and down and up and down ..... stopped and ...... only 1.4 lbs for the week.... my old mind set was to be a tad disappointed... but my "thin" mindset kicked in!  "It is STILL in the right direction!" "Go get dressed and put on your new jeans with attitude!" ... so I did... and my day got brighter!  My jeans look fantastic, in my new thin mind.... And they did give me the bolster that I needed!  So then I did the math. Started my journey on June 11, yesterday was the 10th of September... down 58.6 lbs.  That is 19.5 lbs per month!  My goal was 20 and that was about as close as you can get ... rounds up to 20 so yes, I was happy.  This morning because it actually IS the 11th I decided to get on the scales again.... this time they registered 1.8 lbs down from yesterday!  Go figure!  So that makes 60.4 lbs and actually IS my 20 lbs per month!  LOL  Lesson learned.... water weight can affect the scales.  They are a measure and a tool, not something to set your attitude with!  My clothes tell me the difference.   I am now 1/3 of the way thru my journey. I am so excited for the next 1/3 of the way!

What are some things I have learned in this journey so far?  Water - it is important... it actually does raise your metabolism. In fact drinking a glass of ice water will increase your metabolism for the next 90 minutes.  And important fact to keep in mind while exercising.   Healthy choices are important.  I honestly do feel better.  My lymphodemia is actually improving. This is not something that I will ever overcome, but it is improving and that is a God send!   I saw a pizza delivery car the other day.  I thought to myself, What I would give for a pizza!  My new "thin" mind kicked in and said, "No, I would GLADLY give up pizza to continue in my journey for optimal health!"    I don't feel deprived.  I have my portion controlled meal replacements that are small but many of them are packed with flavor.  They are not overly sweet but there are some chocolate options. :)  I am learning a lot from Dr. Wayne Anderson's Habits of Health and am incorporating these into my husband's healthy, low glycemic meals.  I am learning the importance of a journal to log my progress and thoughts.  I need to remember these things.  And I am learning that my success can and does influence others.  My daughter is excited to begin a healthier journey in her life.  :)    

Today, I feel better about myself and more confident than I did 3 months ago. :)  I love Take Shape for Life! :)

A powerful blog!

http://bravegirlsclub.com/archives/2151

Tears of "Gladditude"

An old classmate and friend coined a word.  "Gladditude"  I love that word!  This morning I cried tears of gladditude!  With my 57.2 weight loss, I needed to purchase some clothing so that I didn't go to work nekkid or have my pants fall off of me at a most unopportune time!  lol  I went to the store and purchased a couple pairs of slacks and tops.  They were 2 and 3 sizes smaller than when I started my weight loss journey.  Yes.... tears of joy and thankfulness!  God has answered my prayers in this journey to optimal health.  I feel better mentally and physically and am thankful for His hearing and answering in HIS time!  :)

~*~ WEEK 12 ~*~

"The degree you allow obstacles in life to be a distraction is your choice ... don't look where you don't want to go ... what you look at, you create more of. Always stay focused (keep your eye on the prize) at what you want regardless of what is going on around you." - Susan Milligan


I love this quote! It speaks volumes to me in my weight loss journey. Sometimes it is difficult to say the least as we look at where we were, where we still might be, rather than to the big picture of the future! I have this posted on my door at work, it is part of my "smash/joy" book. It is on my desk at home and at work and have posted it to my Facebook page! Part of my journey to optimal health is creating a healthy thin mind! This quote captures that need. If I allow myself to think negatively, I defeat my purpose. This morning I am down 57.2 lbs! I have lost 7.2 BMI according to the charts! I am also one third of the way to my goal!!!!!! However, my clothes are falling off of me! lol I hesitate to purchase much because I don't plan to be wearing it very long! But the mind can still be a tricky thing. Some times I catch myself thinking with my heavier body... I can't see all the weight gone. I still see the belly, the legs, the arms and makes me want to be down! But the "healthy mind" me cannot allow it. My mind has to see the "ME" at the end of this tunnel! I have to walk like the "thin" person inside of me. I can already see a part of the OLD me coming back. The more confident person that I used to be. The one not embarrassed by her size to go up and talk to someone. So again this morning, I am filled with gladditude. I praise the Lord, who is the strength behind me. And a couple of very special friends who encourage me along the way. It really REALLY helps to have friends that CAN see the weight loss and encourage me and let me know they are proud of me. Not because I want the compliments but because there is something in their true and heartfelt encouragement that helps me put one step in front of the other and keep marching toward that goal and the continued goal of OPTIMAL HEALTH ... all of which will help me in my testimony to the Lord! I am excited to see what more there is to come! :)

10 Weeks behind me!

10 weeks already.... And the past couple of weeks have been mentally difficult for me in my weight loss journey... beginning to get a bit weary and thoughts of wanting foods that really are not the BEST choices for me.  And drinking my water has been a challenge!!!  I mean really!  I try to drink 100 oz a day, 20 of those before I go to work and I just have not been able to do it!  I do drink a lot of water, normally so this should not be a challenge but think it has been that MENTAL thing that I HAVE to!!!  lol  So last night I was pounding my water at the later hours.... and of course was up 5 times, YES, 5 TIMES during the night!  So that is an area that I am committing to prayer!  But the rewards for staying strong and enduring we shown on the scales this morning.  My total weight loss since June 11, is now 48 lbs EVEN!  THANK YOU, LORD, for not letting me get discourage and give into the desires of the flesh!  It is difficult for me to really see the loss because I look at myself everyday... but I can see it.  My ring finger is not all chunky and I can take my ring off and on.  Yes, I was actually thinking before and that is part of the reason for setting weight goals, that I would have to have my wedding band cut off and sized larger!  I really did not want to do that! It was part of my internal battle!!!

I don't want to lose sight of my goals and one of the most important goals is to be able to enjoy my grandchildren.   So in forming that goal, it is important to me to gain a healthy mindset!  Take Shape for Life is the tool that is working for me and I am so thankful to it and to Jenny, my coach!   

One highlight this week:  My youngest granddaughter weighs 49 lbs.  Picking her up makes me realize the "weight" of what I have lost!

~*~ Week 7 ~*~

Week 7!  The journey to weight loss is not an easy path.  There is not a magic pill you can take to help you lose weight.  Well, it appeared there USED to be but then they found out that phen fen did damage to your heart!  Many people opt for weight loss surgery to help them in the quest to optimal weight.  And many don't find that an answer!  Believe me, I was OH SO close to opting for this surgery.   It certainly was not a option that I took lightly.  A lot of thought, prayer and research went into it.  Finally I decided that I had to do this without surgery!  I want to lose weight but I don't want to compromise the body that I have left!  The past 7 weeks have not been without struggles.  I have had some stress in my life.  And stress is often a calling to find something comforting to eat!  Comforting? Hmmmm... only in my head!  lol  Have to develop habits of health!  Some days I open up the refrigerator and there is some goodie just looking out at me and my temptation is to eat it!  Not hungry just see something good and it beckons me!  HABITS OF HEALTH!  My eating does NOT have to control me!  I have to control it!   Last night I dreamed that I went off my diet and ate things that I shouldn't have.  I was relieved when I woke up and found out it was just a dream!  I don't need to derail my own success!  So getting on the scales this week, I am very happy to announce that I my total loss to date is 36.2 lbs!  Thank you, Lord!   I have a long road in front of me, but that is ok!  I have the tools and the support to be successful!    I am changing my habits and my mindset and looking forward to each day and new week! :)    My hubby has not been following the exact same plan but I am cooking "cleaner" and healthier and he is reaping the benefits also.  He is down 14 lbs since his last diabetes check up in April and his blood levels and cholestrol levels are FANTASTIC!  I am really happy for him.  He really does not have much weight to lose but he is supportive to me. :)  Love you, babe! 

~*~ The journey on ~*~

I am happy to announce that I am 32.8 lbs lighter as of Saturday morning's weigh in. :) 

From Dr. A's Habits of Health:

Secrets to Success

1. Eat one PCMR, portion controlled meal replacements, every three hours. Don’t skip meals even if you’re not hungry.  It’s absolutely critical to fuel as scheduled- in fact, your weight loss may be slower if you don’t.
2. Get some extra rest. You may feel a little tired during the first three days as your body switches on its fat-burning mechanism and gears up to use its stores of fat.
3. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day.
4. Eat Slowly.
5. Stay busy and avoid sights and smells that remind you of food, especially during the first few days. Soon enough, your own energy stores will kick in and you’ll feel more in control.
6. Use your support system. If you have a coach, call them.
7. Limit caffeine to no more than three servings a day. You may find that your body is more sensitive to the effects of caffeine, making this a great time to cut back on your daily consumption.
8. Avoid alcohol. It causes dehydration, throws you out of the fat-burning state you’ve worked so hard to achieve, and It’s a powerful appetite stimulant.
9. If you slip up, just get right back on track. But remember, it will take about two to three days after a slip-up to get back into a fat-burning state.
10. Keep a journal. This is a great way to monitor your progress and help you focus.
11. Avoid exercise for the first three weeks. Or, if you do choose to exercise reduce your usual amount by half. No huffing, puffing, or sweating.

~*~ Saturday and 5 weeks into my journey ~*~

Any day you get on the scale and the numbers go down is a good day! Today I have donated somewhere 29 lbs! :) I am loving this and I am preparing myself by learning new habits of healthy eating! I am feeling a bit more energetic and look forward to the day my arthritic knees get the message that they are carrying less weight! hahaha...

~*~ CHOICES ~*~

Life is about choices.  Every day nearly every moment we make choices that affect our life.  Many choices we make are mindless, or automatic.  We don't put a lot of thought into them  My journey to optimal health is a choice.  It has become a very conscientious choice.  Walking thru the grocery store there are temptations all around.... Even something so silly as Oreo cookies!  Something that maybe I would not give much of thought to before but today I looked at that package and thought "OH... that would taste good!"  Time for the good angel and the devil on the shoulder!  lol   No one would know... if you had just one.. you know all those things we try to talk ourselves into... You will be happy to know that the right choice was made and I walked past without lingering, stopping or putting them in my cart.  :)  

I started my journey 30 days ago.  Today I am 21 lbs lighter.  It is good. It is working and this is where I need to be and want to be to achieve my goal.  The weight loss portion of this journey is only step one.  I am thankful for the Habits that I am learning and practicing to live my goal!   

"Optimal health isn't a destination, but a state of being that you achieve -- a change in orientation whereby you create a new state of being that revolves around making the daily choices that support health."  Dr A's Habits of Health

Old fashioned Family Fourth of July!

Every Day is a New Day!

We are finally having some beautiful summer weather in the Pacific Northwest! YAY!!! When you take a look at Mt. Rainier, you KNOW there is a God!

I am happy to journal that I am down a total of 21 lbs. :) I am beginning to feel it in my clothes. And I think I see it in my face. And how did I fair on the 4th? Fantastic! I didn't have any problems! I didn't want to call attention to the fact that I am on a diet. That was very important to me. And fortunately with all the kids around, that seemed to be a distraction enough for everyone! I took a turn up to bat, and let my granddaughter be my base runner. My son was a goof pitching me the ball but I finally hit it! haha! I am finding this easy to stay on at work also. Just excited as I make my journey to optimal health. I hope that soon my knees will realize the weight loss and feel better too! lol

Do you want to know what Weigh In said today???

I am very happy this day.  The scales say another 5 lbs down!  I just sigh a silent sigh of relief and thank God!!!  It has been a difficult week, personally with a job situation, but I was able to deal with that and stay on track with my weight loss journey.  I have to say there were a couple of evenings where the desire for a snack reared it's ugly head!  But I just grabbed my water and actually went to bed at just a tad earlier time those 2 nights and was completely satisfied!   Sometimes, I look out to the future and think... OH... I don't want to do this for a year (or longer if need be!) but then I think of the end results and the desire to stay at a healthy weight and be able to do some of the things I love doing and it gives me encouragement to stay on this journey!   :)

Thump Thud Thump Thud

I just have to share this devotion from Max Lucado.  This truly spoke to me.  I have been put into a difficult with my new job.  I am replacing someone who has been let go but they asked to stay and train me.  She is not a happy woman.  And I do feel for her and I am trying to be so careful to be sensitive to her. But you know what I have learned?  She is just not a happy person anyway you look at it.  And that negative energy and disposition makes the work place full of negative energy and a disposition that is very short of being kind and sweet.  Have you ever worked with someone who looks for the "wrong" in others? The one who does not listen to what you are saying but turns it around to make it as if YOU are not the one listening?  Asked a question of someone answers in an exasperated way letting all know within hearing distance that she is annoyed with the question?  Well, that is how this woman is.  And it has frustrated me.  I have been without a job for over 2 years. This job is nearly a rocks throw from my home.  Do I believe that this job is an answer to prayer and where the Lord wants me to be at the moment?  Yes, I do.  Is it an ideal job?  Sadly, no it is not.  It is a THUD for me.   There are many less than ideal situations about this job that I won't get into here.  And I have been second guessing myself.....This devotion made me sit up and take light of the attitude that I had regarding my situation.    God has me here for a purpose.  It is my responsibility to listen to the thump and the thud and to make sense of it in my life.  How I respond is crucial.  I need to keep a positive prospective.  I need to be a ray of sunshine in an office situation that is dark and a bit dreary.   I rejoice in this new job!  I rejoice that God is testing me in dealing with others.  I rejoice that there are going to be some very obvious challenges in this work.  I rejoice in the lessons I will be learning from my shortcomings.  I rejoice in the positive influence that I can be with those around me.  I pray that I will listen to God and be His shining light here.  I pray that when I make a mistake that I can admit it and move on and learn from it.  I thank God and sing praises to Him for placing me right where He wants me to be!  I am thankful that He continues to work on this old vessel. May I please Him.

Thump-Thud, Thump-Thud

When a potter bakes a pot, he checks its solidity by pulling it out of the oven and thumping it. If it “sings,” it’s ready. If it “thuds,” it’s placed back in the oven.

The character of a person is also checked by thumping. Been thumped lately?

Late-night phone calls. Grouchy teacher. Grumpy moms. Burnt meals. Flat tires. You’ve-got-to-be-kidding deadlines. Those are thumps. Thumps are those irritating inconveniences that trigger the worst in us. They catch us off guard. Flat-footed. They aren’t big enough to be crises, but if you get enough of them, watch out! Traffic jams. Long lines. Empty mailboxes. Dirty clothes on the floor. Even as I write this, I’m being thumped. Because of interruptions, it has taken me almost two hours to write these two paragraphs. Thump. Thump. Thump.

How do I respond? Do I sing? Or do I thud?

Jesus said that out of the nature of the heart a man speaks (Luke 6:45). There’s nothing like a good thump to reveal the nature of a heart. The true character of a person is seen not in momentary heroics but in the thump-packed humdrum of day-to-day living.

If you have a tendency to thud more than you sing, take heart.

The true character of a person is seen not in momentary heroics but in the thump-packed humdrum of day-to day living.

There is hope for us “thudders”:

1. Begin by thanking God for thumps. I don’t mean a half-hearted thank-you. I mean a rejoicing, jumping-for-joy thank-you from the bottom of your heart (James 1:2). Chances are that God is doing the thumping. And he’s doing it for your own good. So every thump is a reminder that God is molding you (Heb. 12:5–8).

2. Learn from each thump. Face up to the fact that you are not “thump-proof.” You are going to be tested from now on. You might as well learn from the thumps—you can’t avoid them. Look upon each inconvenience as an opportunity to develop patience and persistence. Each thump will help you or hurt you, depending on how you use it.

3. Be aware of “thump-slump” times. Know your pressure periods. For me Mondays are infamous for causing thump-slumps. Fridays can be just as bad. For all of us, there are times during the week when we can anticipate an unusual amount of thumping. The best way to handle thump-slump times? Head on. Bolster yourself with extra prayer, and don’t give up.Shaped by God

Remember, no thump is disastrous. All thumps work for good if we are loving and obeying God.

From Shaped by God (original title: On the Anvil)

Copyright (Tyndale House, 1985, 2002) Max Lucado

UpWords®, the Teaching Ministry of Max Lucado

is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. You can partner with us to help others take one step closer to Jesus.

UpWords | PO Box 692170 | San Antonio, TX 78269

Authenticity

I listened to a video this morning of Wynonna singing "I Can only Imagine."  Beautiful song and she shares some real emotion as she begins the song.  But she said something that spoke to my heart - "Honey, let 'em see the brokenness.  That is how the Light shines out!"  What great words!  God wants our authenticity, not our facade of Christianity.  We are real people, with real problems, real lives!  We struggle with everything out there!  Me, with my weight issues, struggles at work, etc!  That is how others see Christ IN us!  When we FACE the issues, when we express how we fail and how CHRIST picks us up, they see that Christ LOVES us and cares!  It is sad that not all Christians see this.  They feel that they have to appear to be perfect, struggling in their silence because they can't share their shortcomings and struggles to find support and guidance in the brothers and sisters in Christ that are around us.  Or shun the one that has stumbled because the pass judgement based NOT on the Truths of God but on their fear of being in the same place as that person!  OH how important it is for us to share our shortcomings with others so that they realize that they are NOT alone and let the Light of Christ shine thru us so that others may find that joy also.

It has been a difficult week for me in the fact that I have started a new job and the person training me is not leaving because she wants to leave.  She is struggling with that and although I do understand and feel her pain, it is making my job difficult.  She is struggling on letting go and I am having a hard time on getting from her what I need to know before she leaves.  And although it is hard for me, I am trying to have compassion and caring for her.  Actually working has helped with my weight loss journey because I don't have too much down time to think about food!  lol  And a bit easier to time my meals, but some of the stress when I get home gives me the desire to eat.  I have not given into that but found other things to keep me busy (like a messy house) to keep my mind off of that!  The good news was when I stepped on the scale yesterday, I was another 2 lbs down!  I wasn't going to weigh but just had to!  Thanks for your continued support!!! :)   

Inspirational Quote!

A tale about habits: Inside of every person a battle is raging between 2 wolves. One wolf is bad & represents compulsiveness & habits of disease. The other wolf is good & represents self-control & habits of health. These 2 wolves are constantly fighting, pulling us in opposite directions, causing us to stumble or succeed. Which wolf is going to win? The answer is whichever one you feed. Feed your good habits.

Wow... this really says it all! I am printing this quote out and posting on my refrigerator!

And today the scale says...

I am happy to say that I am down another 6 lbs!  PTL!  I am soooo pleased.  Last night's dinner went very well.  I stuck to my plan and I think that was the key.  I had a plan and knew what I was going to eat and stuck to it.  :)  Another dream though.  This time in it the dog had a bone on the front porch and was not going to let anyone take it from him! HAHA... do you think that is related somehow to my weight loss journey! :)  

Not much really to share today, just that I am happy and pleased with how things are going.  Tonight I am fixing a Pork Tenderloin.  I am allowed 5 oz of it.  :)  I will be grilling it on my indoor grill.  I have not grilled a pork tenderloin so this will be a new thing for me.  I plan to season it up with a nice seasoned rub and enjoy it! :)  Happy Saturday!

How our mind works!

I had a dream this morning before waking. I dreamt that I was at a coffee house, like a Starbucks, meeting some old high school friends, who I don't know. (1st clue this is about my weight loss journey, as my TSFL coach is the wife of a high school friend). I took one bite of a sample and as I was about to swallow it I remembered that I could not eat that!!! I tried to spit is out into a napkin, but it had dissolved and gone down into my tummy, I guess! LOL Then I realized that I was drinking a drink that was packed full of sugar and calories!!!! Where, oh where, do these dreams come from?? :) Honestly, our mind is a funny thing sometimes.

Needless to say, I was happy to wake up and find out that I was still on my weight loss journey and I had not sabotaged it with empty calories! :) My kidney stones appear to have passed and I am feeling much better. I had a hungry day yesterday, so decided to have an optional snack. I chose 3 celery sticks and cut them into thin slices and sat down to eat them slowly. That did the trick until dinner and satisfaction the rest of the day. :) I actually tried Morningstar veggies burgers last night as I could have 2 of them! lol And I did enjoy them seasoned up a bit and eaten with a nice green salad spritzed with a balsamic vinaigrette.

Tonight is the first dinner out on my weight loss journey. But I am going prepared and believe me, I have to be prepared. This is a buffet! But it is a seafood buffet and I know it. I have been picturing 7 oz of crab as I am allowed that. So dinner tonight will be 7 oz crab with a nice lettuce salad with cherry tomatoes and my allowance of black olives. (With crab I am allowed 2 healthy fat servings and olives are one of my choices.) The other healthy fat will be in the form of my vinaigrette spritzed on my salad. I will have some Molly McButter to sprinkle on my crab and I will be just a happy as a bug in a rug! :) The planning of this may have been what triggered my dream! haha... But with the strength of the Lord going before me, I am confident that this will be all go well. Tomorrow is my weigh day and I am looking forward to seeing what the scales have to say after week 2! Got my game on!!!!

~ Consistency ~

Consistency - being constant.  I have been meditating on those words.  Honestly, I have a problem being consistent.  Not in my "professional" life or with others, but with MYSELF.  I can be a consistent, constant devoted friend.  I can be consistent good worker.  I can follow thru and do a good job with an organizational assignment or commitment but when it comes to being consistent with myself, I fail.  I don't consistently exercise and it is important.  I am not consistent with my devotions and that is important to my spiritual growth.  I am not consistent with putting something back where it belongs and that is crucial to the organization to my home.   I think that part of it is that I don't consider myself as important as someone else.  My husband is more important, my children, my friends, all others rate over me.  And perhaps that has contributed to the failure in the past to consistently lose weight and keep it off.  In following my weight loss journey, there have been temptations.  Just yesterday, I fixed nummy sockeye salmon for dinner.  I weighed my portion and ate it.  Later as I was cleaning up the kitchen, I was SO tempted to take just a bite more of the leftovers.  Can't hurt, can it?  Did I take it?  No, I didn't.  I resisted.  I chose to be consistent in my plan.  Watching TV an ad came on for a new ice cream bar.  Man it looks good.  Hmmm, maybe I could buy one and just try it.... it won't hurt will it?  Well, you know, I could cheat.  I could take that extra bite and it probably wouldn't be enough to hurt me. And i could go out and buy that ice cream bar and probably set my plan back two days by doing so. It wouldn't hurt someone else, BUT it WOULD hurt me.  It would reinforce a bad habit rather than the habit of consistency.  In this journey to optimal health, I am learning Habits of Health.  Those habits need to include consistency.  So, I am practicing, conscientiously to be consistent, a constant in my plan and in my life.  :P  It is important.

I really appreciate all the support that you are giving me.  Your comments really do encourage me.  With the support of my coach and my friends and family, I am going to succeed!  PTL!

And the official weight loss for week one is -

Today is the official weigh in day.  I am happy to say that I am down 8 lbs!  Thank you, Lord!   Yes, there have been days when I struggled, when I wanted to give into temptation, when I felt hungry, when I craved something that I saw on a TV commercial, when I had thoughts like, "Oh, I wish I had eaten one of those before I started!!!!"...... Wow.   All statements that are programmed to create failure! I am so thankful!!!

The Neatest Little Kitchen Gadget!

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This little puppy is the handiest little kitchen gadget around!  It is great for blending a cup of hot cocoa and getting it all incorporated.   Many of my foods on my Medifast weight loss journey come in little packets that mix with cold water and a spoon just does not seem to do the trick.  I found this at Amazon.com (Thanks to my coach, Jenny) and have been using it ever since!  It is battery operated and small so that it can go with you when you are on the go!  I love it!  What a great find it is! :)  I might even find ways for my granddaughter to use it when she comes over to let her think she is helping me in the kitchen! :)

Minus FIVE!

"She who kneels before God, can stand up to anything."  Weight loss... think it sounds simple?   Do you think we might have enemies out there who really don't want us to succeed?  Perhaps even enemies inside of us?  You know.  That proverbial angel on one shoulder, devil on the other... the one saying, "You are doing it right now,  you don't need that."... that the other saying, "it's ok.  Just one bite won't harm you."  LOL  Well, that is why this verse helps me in this journey.  Granted it may not seem like such a big thing to someone else, but right now, this is truly a big thing to me.  To me, my weight loss journey will bring glory to God.  It will bring a healthier me back into life!  It will be a blessing to me and to my family.  So on my knees I will be asking God for His help and guidance.

I went to the doctor yesterday, mostly just to get a starting point with blood work and to ask for his assistance in monitoring my journey.  I did weigh myself before going as I wanted to see how close his scales were to mine.  They are about 2/10ths of a pound difference.  :)  I like that!  And I was so pleasantly pleased to find that I am down 5 lbs since Saturday weigh in.  Thank you, Lord!  My doctor is on board and I am thankful for that.  Only one negative though right now.... Tuesday I started to feel a dull pain in my right kidney, Wed it just didn't hurt enough to bring attention to it BEFORE going to the doctor... but by the time I got home from my doctor (a 45 minute drive), I was in pain!  Kidney stones.  I have had them before and knew there were still stones in there, just a matter of time.  So dealing with that and drinking LOTS of water to try and flush them through.  Timing is everything!   Lord knows and this too, shall pass!  

Thanks for your support and prayers and encouragements!!!! 

Feeling Good!

Each day is a new day and a gift from God.  I didn't wake up feeling quite as good as yesterday but it wasn't bad either!  lol  I am finding that I like having my first medifast meal in the hot drink form as I sit and reflect on God's Word.  I take my time drinking it and it gives me my Spiritual connection for the day.  Last night I had a real treat!  My last meal was Mango Soft Serve.  Let me tell you, after taking the first bite I had to look around the room, thinking, this is almost sinful, I think I am cheating here! It was that good.  Mango would not be my favorite flavor but this was GOOD!  I told, Jenny this morning that when they come up with just plain chocolate and chocolate caramel in this soft serve, I would never have a sweets craving again in my life!  I could watch people around me eating their cake and ice cream at parties and I would site back with a satisfied smile on my face as I slowly savored each and every bite of this one!!! hahaha.  Not weighing yet.  Gotta give it time!  But thankful for a plan, a support team and a coach that is helping me get on the right track for life!

Along this same line, I found the BEST blog this morning!  The Journey to Laura  What an inspiration this woman is and how authentic and soul stirring to me are her words!   I will definitely be following her blog because she gets it!  She says the words that I, too, am feeling!  Laura is on a journey to her optimal health and also a coach for TSFL.  

She made me stop and think this morning!  I want to find the REAL me, too.  I want the old Marcia back that is under the layers of embarrassment from being overweight.  The Marcia that could reach out to others and not feel like they would look at her differently because of her weight.  The happier me.  The more contented me.  The me that is coming back with a balance in her life of Spiritual and optimal health.  It is hard to put things all out there for everyone to see, but at the same time, it is important to be real and who knows what might touch someone else and inspire them in their journey, whatever it might be! 

What a beautiful morning!

It is one gorgeous morning this morning!  Day 2 of medifast and my journey to optimal health.  Sat down to have my devotions with my first medifast meal of the day; Cappuccino. I was pleasantly surprised by it.  I enjoyed slowly, savoring it as I poured over God's Word.  My devotion was on Consistent Godly Behavior.  "Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right."  Ps 106:3.  I can claim the second part of this verse for my journey also!  Isn't it fitting?  "Blessed are they...who constantly do what is right."  I am working toward changing my habits to create healthy habits!  Consistently and constantly, with a constant effort.  A verse to help me along the path. Creating optimal health in my life needs to be a balance in my life, both spiritual and health. :) 


In sharing that. I believe it is time to tell you how Take Shape for Life (TSFL) came into my life!  I have an old friend, classmate on Facebook who started posting about TSFL.  His posts about being a TSFL coach interested me, but I really didn't want to talk to a guy about my weight; especially one of the best looking guys from our class!  LOL  I considered "friending" his wife on FB because she is his partner in TSFL but I had never met her.  So I just watched and once in awhile commented on his posts.  Meanwhile all this time, I have been knowing that I need to make some changes and take charge of my weight and health. Have some health issues that I wish I wasn't dealing with!  And had of course been praying about it.  Several weeks ago, I posted on a weight related post on Steve and Jenny's certified Coach page on FB.  The Lord must have tipped Jenny off that I needed some help because low and behold, there in my request box later that day was a friend request from her!  We started exchanging emails and talking about TSFL and my need to find a healthier life path.  From there a friendship and coaching relationship has bloomed!  I really appreciate her!  She is a fantastic coach!  She knows her stuff!


It is amazing to me to see how God works in our lives!  Bringing just the person(s) that you need at just the right time.  PTL!~

Almost done with day one

First of all, started the day out early. Woke up at 1 something to use the restroom and was way after 3 before I went back to sleep! Then up at 6:30. 7:20 AM I ate my first meal. Oatmeal - not toooooooo impressed with it... lol But that is fine. I managed to slowly eat and take little bites and enjoy knowing that I am working towards optimal health! 10 I ate a lemon meringue crunch bar and enjoyed tiny bits if it while I played on the computer. My coach, Jenny called around 11:30 and we discussed my options and how I was feeling. Getting on the hungry side! lol Really enjoyed the flavor of my Chicken w/Rice soup! Drinking lots of water. at 2:15 or so I had a banana shake. I am not too fond of banana flavoring but it was fine. I started checking my packing list for my Avon as it had arrived earlier. By 3, I had to snack so 3 celery stalks it was for me. Right now I have salmon and broccoli grilling away on the indoor grill. I am REALLY looking forward to this! lol I was going to have cauliflower but decided on just the broc for today. Jenny tells me that on the 4th day the hunger will subside and I will be feeling better. :) I feel tired and just a bit headachy. But hey, this is worth the cost of today. It will get better and I will achieve a healthier me. I keep thinking of my goals. I want to honor God first of all. I want to do this for me. I want to be a happier, healthier me! I want to do this for my family. I want to be around for them. Enjoy many years of watching my beautiful grandchildren grow and become a great grandmother. I want to walk in the zoo with them and not be out of breath and ache so much! And I do want to get on that Harley again. I miss that. Miss that time with my hubby and I know he does too. So those are my thoughts for right now. I am sure that I will have many more thoughts to share. I acknowledge that the first few days are going to be tough. And I acknowledge that I CAN do this! "I can do all things thru CHRIST who strenthens me." UPDATE: Just finished my salmon and broccoli grilled on the indoor grill. 5 oz of Copper River Salmon and 1 1/2 C broccoli. I took my time and savored every bite. I squeezed 1/4 lemon on both the fish and broc. I am feeling VERY satisfied. Not full or stuffed but satisfied. :) I am a happy girl!

And the Journey begins......

The journey to optiminal health!  My "goodies" arrived and I quickly unpacked them and put the away in the pantry for easy access and organization. :)  How did the dog get in there?  He was feeling a little neglected as I unpacked the box and organized it.  And then the reading!  Along with the medifast system comes some very excellent reading.  Dr. A's Habits of Health.  You see, I have chosen NOT to diet but to change my lifestyle.  I have chosen to take the path to optiminal health.  I am 60 years old and I have never been a Barbie doll and have no desires or fantasy of being there.  I do however desire to feel comfortable in the body that God has given me.   Losing weight it difficult when we HAVE to do it. We don't have to smoke.  We don't have to drink alcohol.  These are choices that we make in life.  But eating is mandatory to stay alive.  So  in order to eat to live rather than live to eat, we need to make choices and create habits that help us choose to be healthy.  My Medifast journey begins Saturday but my journey to optimal health has already begun.  I am down 3 pounds to start.  That isn't much yet but it is the beginning and that 3 pounds have taken 12 pounds of pressure off my painful osteoarthritic knees!  So ALLELUIA and I continue on!  I think the most exciting thing for me is to read and really think about how different foods react and help our bodies to function properly.  :)


http://getyourfatoff.tsfl.com/

Today is the first day of the rest of my life.

Yes, it is.  Those of you that know me, probably already know that I have struggled with obesity all of my adult life.  I have tried so many diets and my weight has gone up and down just like a yoyo!  I am getting off that roller coaster ride.    I am tired of living to eat.  It truly is time to eat to live.  I have 16 beautiful grandchildren.  I want to be around to see the youngest of them graduate from high school, graduate from college, get married and have children!  I want to enjoy life, not hide away ashamed of myself and suffering from the damage that I am doing to myself!  I have tooo much going for me for that.  So, I made a decision and that is to lose this weight and lose it for a lifetime.    I will take you on my journey one step at a time.  I will post a before picture but just not yet.   I have it taken and ready but I am not ready to put it all out there for the world to see just yet.  In doing this, I also believe that I am honoring my God.  With His strength and help I will do this!  So bear with me. It truly will be a journey. I have made the decision to create HEALTH in my life.

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