Christmas Day 2011

We had Christmas Brunch! No, I didn't eat any of it! I made a Crockpot breakfast casserole, a ham, Eggnogg french toast casserole, pumpkin breakfast cake and had fruit and veggies out. :) Success.... and fun time with the family that was here! :)

Week 30 and still going strong!

End of week 30 and I am 116.4 lbs lighter!  The first picture of me with our Golden is after 60 lbs.  The second of me is on Sunday after weighing in -116.4!  I can't begin to tell you the difference in how I feel!!  My girlfriend and I talked about this after she took some pics of me for tracking my journey. I opened up and told her things I hadn't told anyone!  Not even my husband!!!   She cried for me!  And then of course I cried!   There were things in my life that I was hiding and holding inside.  I could not share these things with others.  On the outside, I appeared to be smiling but on the inside, a whole different story!  I was miserable.  I was in my own personal jail.... one created by ME!  One created by my weight!  I honestly felt that I was beyond help anymore.  I had seen an orthopedic surgeon for extreme pain in my knees.  No one knew how much pain I was in!  I hid it!  Or TRIED to hide it.  Going to the grocery store would put me in the chair for the rest of the day from pain!  And carrying in the groceries?  Ugh... I would carry in one or two bags (as the added weight would PAIN my knees) and then have to sit in the chair, wait awhile and carry in more, repeat until done.  Then, it would take time to put them all away!  Yes! Going to the grocery store and taking care of the groceries could become an all day project!  I HURT!!!!!  My husband did not understand what was going on and was becoming to think I was LAZY!~ (I need to add that I would do these chores when he wasn't around to see how I couldn't do them!  he just saw the aftermath and must have wondered in his mind, what did I do all day?  lol)  And then the breathing!  Always out of breath.  Simple tasks such as changing the bed sheets was a chore and more!  I would want to stop and rest in the middle of that!  I think I was wearing blinders.  I think I didn't understand or better to say, I didn't want to understand what was going on with me!  And I was afraid!   I couldn't exercise because it hurt.  I was in a catch 22 and I couldn't get out of the situation.  Then my dr told me that my left knee was 90% gone and I would need surgery.  But had to lose weight for that! And couldn't have a cortisone shot because of all the fat cells and swelling from my lymphodemia!    Quite the situation I was in!  Pain, sadness and all of my own doing!  For a couple years I had considered weight loss surgery.  Hubby and I had gone thru the seminars and I had all the testing done and was cleared for it.  But I had to lose 30 lbs to even do that.  The small still voice of God was telling me this was not the answer for me.  Take Shape for Live (www.healthierishappier.tsfl.com) came into my life and the vehicle for losing weight and changing my habits!  Thank you, Lord!  It hasn't always been easy!  But I am learning to make the right choices!  In September I had lost enough weight the dr was able to give me a cortisone shot in my left knee!  The pain was relieved immediately and my mobility increased! YAHOO!  This week I completed the second shot in my first series of Orthovisc shots in both knees.  I am feeling relief!  I have gotten a Nordic Track exercise bike and am doing a mile and a half in the morning and a mile and a half in the evening after work!  I will increase this as I get comfortable with it.  Movement in my knee is 99.9% improved and I am living without constant pain all the time!  I feel like a new woman.  I feel like God has given me a new lease on life!  At Christmas we were taking pictures of all 16 of my grandchildren.  One of the younger ones ran out of the pic and was refusing to come back in. I scooped him up, loved him up and we both got in the picture!   6 months ago I could not have done that!  I don't think my children realized that!  Not just because I didn't like my pic taken but the pain of lifting that weight and standing would have been too much!    This truly is my story.  I am a healthier and happier person!  I know there are MANY MANY others out there with stories similar to mine.  I hope I can help encourage others to lose their body fat and get healthier and happier!  I have started coaching as a Take Shape for Life Coach!  My website is www.healthierishappier.tsfl.com      I am here to be an ear, an encouragement and to say if I can do this ANYONE can do this!   I want to make a difference to others that may be going thru the same experience as me - held hostage by a fat body and a mind that created it's own jail cell!  

Some exciting news to me:  My doctor says that I may not have to have a knee replacement on my left knee, now that I have lost weight.  Time will tell! That is jumping in the air kind of news!!!!  I LOVE THAT MAN!!!  lol  And...... I fit into my biking leathers!  I tried them on this past weekend and I can wear them again.  The bad news is that when I reach goal, I will need to buy new ones as they will be too big!  Oh, wait.. maybe that isn't such bad news!   :) :) :)  :) 

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

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