Weigh In Week 3 - Little Things Mean a Lot

Starting Weight: 242 lbs
Current Weight: 234 lbs
This week's results: - 1 lb
Total results: -8 lbs

For those of you who have been listening to The Joy FM Morning Cruise and/or reading my posts, I truly mean it when I say that for me, this weight loss journey is not about the number that pops up on the scale each week. Its about the little things, because enough little adds up to HUGE results! Speaking of which, be sure to send Carmen some new children's shoes for her trip to Peru. Every pair is significant. Check out The Morning Cruise at http://www.thejoyfm.com/ for details.

Firstly, thank you so much for your prayers for Mom. She was released from the hospital late Friday afternoon, with no heart damage or other heart-related problems. She is relating her pressure and chest pain to some peanuts she had eaten as a snack the evening before. Sister Carla and I are saying "miracle." Because of all the prayers and good thoughts, what could have been a terrible problem for Mom came out to be no more than a serious case of indigestion; or was it? The doctors found nothing; no damage, no heart attack, although nitroglycerin stopped her pain; they did not administer antacids. She went grocery shopping Saturday afternoon, and we went to church together Sunday.

I've started looking at my day-to-day life, and watching for God's Hand in it. For instance, have you ever been late for work and driven past a major vehicle accident on your normal route? I have; too many times for mere coincidence. Crisis averted! God's in control.

There are just too many instances in my life where I can see God was watching out for me, and guiding me to make the right decision. For example, a boy was confirmed (Lutheran thing) in Saginaw, Michigan in spring 1967, by a pastor who was subsequently transferred to a congregation in Temple Terrace, Florida. In 1975, that pastor confirmed a girl in the same manner as the boy 9 years before. In 1985, that very same pastor married the couple in Temple Terrace. The kids are Carl and me. How does that happen?! Carl and I both have previous marriages, and children from those relationships. I would've thought God was done with us in the "happily ever after" department. I know of only one way stuff like that happens - through the Lord's guidance and mercy! I can give you example after example of the miracles He has done in my life, but maybe later.

Back to the weight loss efforts! I'm noticing some other stuff, too. While stretching Monday night with Michelle at Shapes, I could reach behind me and grab the toe of my right shoe with a little struggle. The week before, I couldn't do that at all. I've rested my ankle on the arm of a chair and kind of hopped backwards, but that's not very safe (or attractive, let me tell you)! I have almost toppled over a couple of times. Clothes are getting a little looser, too, and I've had to take a few more tucks in my waistbands. "Tucks" is a sewing term; I've always had to sew my britches for a smaller waistband, even when thinner, because I have a (seriously) larger seating area in proportion to my waist. Last pair of slacks, I took in 4 tucks (for about 4 inches) instead of the usual 2. Go me!

Whatever your present bug-a-boo is, look at the larger picture, for some perspective. Then, look at little things that can add up to a major change for you too. Not exercising, eating right, or drinking enough water, and feel like its too overwhelming to start? Start writing down everything that you put into your mouth, including the amounts, and when you have it. Don't try to cut back, just write it down for about a week. Then, look back and see where you could make healthier choices. At Subway, have a turkey breast salad instead of the turkey sandwich with the mayo. Order dressings on the side, dip your fork with every bite instead of pouring the entire amount over your salad. Get marinara sauce instead of alfredo sauce on your pasta. Have clear soup instead of cream of whatever. Try the brown rice; its really not that bad at all! Cook with olive oil or cooking spray instead of butter. Get the dog and go for a walk. Take a 20-oz bottle of water with you and don't come home until its all gone. Never grocery-shop hungry!

You might not see anything right away... I didn't gain all this weight in a day, and I'm betting neither did you. Give it 2 weeks. Don't look at a scale, and stay off the grocery store ones forever - they're not accurate! With my limited knowledge and vast experience of failure at losing weight, I can help you by letting you know what works and doesn't work for me. You take it and use it (or not) for whatever it can do to help you. Most important: Don't give up!

Since starting this very public effort of mine, I feel better about myself, because I'm working on something. I'm nowhere near where I want to be health- and weight-wise, but I'm accomplishing some little things and that always feels good!

I pray that you will see God in some place this week, and recognize His hand in your life always!