Forgetful and Failing... but Hallelujah...FORGIVEN!!

Hey Friends,   Long time no "see."  I literally had to look back at the first emails via FB that I sent all of you to find my blog address!  I am so forgetful.  Then I almost couldn't remember my password to sign in...in fact, fortunately, I remembered I had written it down somewhere so was able to sign in.  You all may think I'm joking but really...remember my age?  Know what God planned for all of us hormonally at this age?  Well it has drastically affected my memory!  PRAY FOR FOCUS AND MEMORY FOR ME!  Thankfully the hot flashes have been few and far between.

I haven't posted in so long because I am failing miserably at the goals and tasks I set myself.  I started this so we could hold each other accountable but when I didn't like what I was going to have to tell you...I just didn't write.  Also it's spring.  And in the spring, our family life gets really busy...but mostly, just because I was failing!

I think I may have told most of you at some point my weight loss story.  But for those of you I haven't, here it is.  In 2007 I joined Shake the weight and lost 25 pounds...by 2010 I had gained about 5 back.  In 2010 my numbers (cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar) were all out of wack so the Dr. wanted to start me on medicines...I didn't want to.  So I asked him for help in attacking the problem...being overweight...not the symptoms...bad numbers.  Between March 2010 and June 2010 I lost another 42 pounds for a net weight loss of 62 lbs.  I held my own until November.  Then I gained about 7-10 lbs through Christmas.  Since Christmas though I have gained another 10 lbs.  As of today, I am at a net weight loss of 47 lbs.  The sad part is I now have two sets of clothes...one too large and one too small.  But I refuse to buy anymore!

Over Spring break I traveled with my oldest child and visited 3 different colleges.  Let me just say that when traveling, eating right is a problem for me.  Not because there weren't plenty of options...but because when I travel, I like to eat at nice places (budget issues here) and try new foods/restaurants.  Most of the places we ate at served portions way too large and I had too many REALLY large eating days.  However, one place we ate  was the exact opposite.  There were really large PRICES on very small amounts.  While this was better for me calorie wise...it caused much budget stress...and I hear stress can make you gain weight!

Anyway...let me summarize our college visiting trip...we have not saved enough money!  College costs WAY TOO MUCH!  We will be counting on God to provide scholarships and direction.  One day in future, I'm going to post my thoughts on college/break even/raising a family/ and how MAYBE we set our female children up for failure....but not today.

Today I want to talk about fasting.  When I was in college I fasted to loose weight.  I could go two or three days without eating and loose that 7-10 lbs that was always keeping me in a size too large (HA!  What I wouldn't give to wear that size today).  In the past few years, as I've grown spiritually, I have come to realize that fasting is a spiritual process...not a weight loss process. The exercise fiend and I from the beginning of our marriage have chosen to fast different things during lent...not because we are catholic, but just as a matter of self discipline.  Usually we fasted TV because, let's face it, we were addicted.  Until several years ago (3?4?5?) we gave up cable completely.  Now the only TV we see is Netflix streaming or videos we rent.  This cuts down on our choices of viewing along with our hours of viewing.

This year our Pastor has asked us to fast something between now and Easter/Resurrection Sunday.  The purpose is to spend time praying when you are fasting (whatever activity you choose)for a certain thing.  I'm not exactly sure what our Pastor asked us to pray for (I"m easily distracted...remember paragraph 1?  I need focus)  but I think it was for our Easter Service, that many might come to know the Lord.  At least that is what I will be praying for...salvation for any lost that attend our service. 

Our youth were asked to fast media...i.e. facebook, twitter, youtube, TV, etc.  I have decided to fast food every other day.  This for me will be a two fold purpose.  1 - each time my stomach growls or I think about eating, I will pray for those attending our services between now and Easter, that they may see the Lord in me and others in their path and accept Jesus Christ and the salvation He provides. And 2 - that each time my stomach growls, I will pray the fruit of the spirit (Gal 5:22) love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control will be evident in me.  That the fruit will swell within me in exuberant amounts...that anyone who sees me or talks to me will see Christ or hear about Christ and that through the particular part of the fruit - SELF CONTROL - I will remember to put only edifying things into my body.  Both edifying food and edifying thoughts and words.  Edifying food does not include food that harms me...for me that is sugar and foods that turn to sugar.

O.K.  Sorry this is so long and rambling...I'll do better next time.

Lord please fill me with Your Spirit every day so that You are easily seen in me and that You are in total control of what comes out of my mouth and what goes in.  I know I received all of You at salvation, but I quash You sometimes with the desires/demands of my flesh.  I'm asking you to help me "loose" You in me.  Help me give over all my selfishness and selfgratifying behavior to You.  Let Your Holy Spirit be in total control of me and subdue my flesh.  In His precious name...AMEN (SO BE IT!)

DLG