tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66771788002694774922024-02-18T23:52:53.437-08:00Maybe I need this...God has been so good to me and I can do nothing but give HIM all the glory. I have had some failures but God pushed me through and now He is showing me what success looks like! I am so thankful for all He has done and will continue to do for me. God Bless!Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-16927239907956839892013-10-30T18:32:00.001-07:002013-10-30T18:32:29.330-07:00MY GOAL! FOR REAL!!!<p dir=ltr>Ok. Over and over and over again I have tried to lose weight...I even made goals for myself. I hit some then I quit...I gave up...I made excuses and then I just ended up making myself upset.</p>
<p dir=ltr>I really want this! So bad! I am so tired of being miserable because of me! I have so many reasons to not give up. I am going to make sure my bookends don't fall over (please read fruits of the spirit post)!</p>
<p dir=ltr>So....I am not cutting my hair until I reach my goal. I have 37lbs to go and I KNOW I CAN DO THIS! I will also be training for a 5k in April. I walk this every year but this time I plan on running. I know with my family, my friends, my coworkers and My God this can and WILL happen!</p>
<p dir=ltr>Thank you God for helping me reach my goal! I am claiming it now!</p>
<p dir=ltr>GOD BLESS!</p>
Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-6672904980234062132013-10-29T19:34:00.001-07:002013-10-29T20:28:42.069-07:00ANSWERED PRAYERS<p dir=ltr>Lately I have been struggling since the government took half my paycheck while they could not come to a decision, but I knew God was not going to let me go without. I have also been wanting to find ways to get my exercise in and have fun at it so I do believe God laid out my day.</p>
<p dir=ltr>I overslept this morning and rushed to get ready. I came in the kitchen and my sister had put some chicken in the crockpot before she went to bed so I would have lunch today. I was too tired to prepare my lunch last night because of my medicine. She also left a note for me as she often does telling me to have a blessed day and that she loves me. As I am smiling, while still rushing, I head out the door and rush to my car to remember that I am low on gas and if I did not get gas I would not make it to work tomorrow. I just said a prayer to get my gas tank filled before tomorrow and I trusted in God.</p>
<p dir=ltr>While driving to work I passed a sign right down the street from work for a new exercise place. I got to work and looked it up. They have exercise classes I enjoy! They have Zumba, boot camp, turbo kick and more! It cost $8 a class so I figured I would eventually try it out.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Mid day I asked a coworker if he wanted to purchase the last Scentsy warmer I have for his wife...HE AGREED! God provided me with gas money!!!! I thought about it and decided I was going to take the Turbo Kick class after work and I would put the rest of the cash from the sale I made in my gas tank. I got to the class and they told me since this was my first time it was free!!!! </p>
<p dir=ltr>The class was great! I really enjoyed myself and I know God let me see that sign for a reason; I think this is what I need to get going again...a social atmosphere I enjoy. After class I stopped by the nearest gas station where gas was $2.97 a gallon. I went inside and told the cashier I wanted $15 on my pump then I changed my mind and told him to put the full $20. He asked if I was sure and I confirmed. When I got back to the pump the price of gas was now $2.92!!!!! </p>
<p dir=ltr>I have just been so happy today and I have not felt this in a long time. God knows our needs and He will always meet them ON TIME! He has been so good toe and I am so thankful for all the blessings He has and will provide for me! Once you put your trust in God everything will fall into place!</p>
<p dir=ltr>God bless!</p>
<p dir=ltr>P.S. There was candy in the office ALL day and I NEVER touched it! I didn't even want it! PRAISE THE LORD!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsX-RtYUyM19Oy28ATREKtP6xw_yWRmMjD2Dng_QAZcyWszi8mWx4qpbLiCgs5zH-ysDIU9I6AYB1_VM18NnOCkP3JbNhEhLxgLWwE3FU2-Vy-srOjFGDn74YdDw4LysinrxyhHqfkWZlY/s1600/20131029_232700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsX-RtYUyM19Oy28ATREKtP6xw_yWRmMjD2Dng_QAZcyWszi8mWx4qpbLiCgs5zH-ysDIU9I6AYB1_VM18NnOCkP3JbNhEhLxgLWwE3FU2-Vy-srOjFGDn74YdDw4LysinrxyhHqfkWZlY/s640/20131029_232700.jpg"> </a> </div>Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-38364740870495647812013-10-28T13:16:00.000-07:002013-10-28T13:16:35.250-07:00FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT
<i>Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is <b>love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control</b>. Against such things there is no law.
</i>
I was talking with my co-worker today about the conclusion I have come to about my eating problem and how I want to fix it. He always has good advice and stories to share and he shared with me what he heard a preacher preach on a few years back; The fruits of the spirit. The fruits of the spirit begin with Love and end with Self-Control. He said to think of those 2 as book ends and those book ends start with love which holds joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and gentleness together. On the end you have self control; if you do not have self control all of those books will fall over because there is nothing to hold them up. This goes back to the beginning where love begins; if you don't have self control you will never be able to love yourself because those fruits have nothing to lean on.
This opened my eyes so much. I live a Godly life and I want to have God in everything I do. When you don't have control over your life and you are unhappy that means the devil is happy. God gives us those fruits and He gives us the option to make our own decisions. He is always there to guide us but we have to follow His guidance in order to have those fruits. The devil is always trying to make the people of the world who follow God fall off path and he knows what will make us go off that path. For some people alcohol is the crutch, for others it may be fighting or drugs...for me, the devil knows I have a problem with food and he tries to use it in every way possible to bring me down.
By living a Godly life I have to push the devil away and know that when I have a craving or "I just can't stop myself" that I can't give in because I would be giving in to the devil. God wants us to be happy. He wants us to hold all the fruits and keep them together, never letting the book ends fall off the shelf and from here on out that is what I plan to do. I will not give in to those temptations the devil pushes my way! He will not win. I WILL have victory and I WILL have it with God!
God has blessed me with a wonderful job and wonderful co-workers. This Monday could not have started any better!
God Bless!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkb0FCsvnvxjmZYenaQT_j2mNNrpkAzx4AFIS1MqKtyFyMOvgydsm6nkVJjwgxwlZUy5hlNnW_JRR0MCxy25wHA_Wq30lI3Z6s2tWdlA4IU11muaBitwzOAcZIVezAYA6IeHdD3trTUEf/s1600/FRUIT+OF+THE+SPIRIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkb0FCsvnvxjmZYenaQT_j2mNNrpkAzx4AFIS1MqKtyFyMOvgydsm6nkVJjwgxwlZUy5hlNnW_JRR0MCxy25wHA_Wq30lI3Z6s2tWdlA4IU11muaBitwzOAcZIVezAYA6IeHdD3trTUEf/s320/FRUIT+OF+THE+SPIRIT.jpg" /></a></div>Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-83243892116855435552013-10-27T18:45:00.001-07:002013-10-27T18:45:48.497-07:00The Disorderly Disorder<p dir=ltr>"This cycle will never end!"<br>
"I think about food all the time!"<br>
"I feel so disgusted with myself! "<br>
"Why did I eat that?"<br>
"I feel fat!"</p>
<p dir=ltr>Those are just some of the things that have crossed my mind during this weight loss journey the past few years.  Recently they have crossed my mind more than they should.  If you have read any part of this blog since I started trying to lose weight you will see that I have just gone back and forth.<br>
At first I was really excited about losing weight! I just knew that this diet was going to get rid of all my excess weight! Then I knew that diet was going to be the one! Next came this miracle diet..and so on. <br>
They say no one should "diet", they should just make it a "lifestyle" change. Well apparently when "they" spoke to me they were not very clear on the definition of "LIFESTYLE"! <br>
The past few years I have became so consumed in losing weight that my life has become disordly. I had a talk with my sister last night about how food makes me feel and how, lately, I just want to hate it! I let her know everything!<br>
When I am alone, sad, bored, upset, happy..any emotion really, I eat. I don't just eat when I am supposed to. I eat even when I am full and if I am not eating I am thinking about eating. When I eat I normally feel disgusted afterwards because that food just made me feel fatter and that scale will not make me smile in the morning! I know I am not morbidly obese, but I am not comfortable in my own skin and sometimes that image makes me feel obese. When we have a church dinner or a lunch at work I spend days trying to prepare my mind to not go back for seconds, to not eat too much dessert. I feel like people sometimes think I am gross when I eat. I am always wondering how fast I ate. These things haunt me so bad! I can't even enjoy food like I want to anymore.<br>
After this discussion my sis she and I both realized this is more than a weight loss journey now; this is a problem. This disordly diet "lifestyle" has turned into a disorder. There are things I want in life and I know my life is not defined by the number on the scale but until I can find peace within myself and see the beautiful person that God sees I will never grab ahold of those things I want. I refuse to settle for anything less than I deserve and my happiness is at the top of that list! <br>
I pondered the thought of posting this, putting it out there for the world to see, but I know there are people who will read this that really love me and those people will pray for me and help me change this disordly lifestyle into one that will no longer hold me back.</p>
<p dir=ltr>God bless!</p>
Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-10265703844649385322012-07-14T19:03:00.000-07:002012-07-14T19:03:50.622-07:00I smile because I'm happy....2 CORINTHIANS 12:9-10
BUT HE SAID TO ME, "MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR YOU, FOR MY POWER IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS."...FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG.
Lately, life has been throwing some curve balls, but God keeps catching them for me so I don't get hit in the face! Since I have been in Kentucky I have let loose a bit on the eating. I had to catch myself and start asking the same questions I had to ask myself when I started this journey to a healthy lifestyle. I can't let "life" mess up "my life".
I want to be as healthy as I can be to prevent big doctor bills! Recently I met someone who has really been helping me out with my health and I am so thankful! He is helping me realize the good from the bad, giving me substitutions, and encouraging me to keep going. I don't think this was the plan for our meeting, but I am ok with that. I am sure I am annoying people with my healthy facebook post and my comments about clogged arteries at work, but this actually helps me. Maybe I should just shut up...haha. I want to be clean on the inside and out. I want to make the right choices and, if I can, help others as well.
I am anxious to learn and grow as my healthy lifestyle continues and one day...hopefully soon, I want to go back to school and learn about nutrition from beginning to end! Too many people get sick or die from things that could have been prevented early on in life. I know only God knows when we will leave this world, but God also gives us the knowledge to make the right choices (2 Corinthians 7:1 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness our of reverence for God), not just by going to church and telling others you love them, but by treating your body right. We should not overindulge in anything (Proverbs 23: 20-21 Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.)
I started losing weight and telling myself I can do this and it can be successful because of God. In all the diets I had tried before I never included Him or asked for His help. God saw I was struggling and He proved to me He was there. Some may think, "Oh God doesn't care about weight loss!", but my God does because it was something that was hurting His child. Once I added God into the equation I began to see the beauty within myself. I began to take a spiritual journey that I never want to let go of. He has helped me overcome many emotions and He has kicked out those demons in my closet (because they were haunting me!). Before, I was not trying to lose weight for me. I was trying to lose weight to find a man to love me because no one likes a fat girl! Or, I thought all financial issues would magically disappear somehow if I was skinny...WHAT?!?! I was connecting everything in life to a world of skinny for some reason, but I wasn't connecting God.
He is there at all times, in all situations if you let Him reside. With His guidance and with the strength He gives me I can't give up. When I step off He will remind me to go back to that place I was earlier in the year...that place that contained Him, that place where my happiness started to begin and then.....I say THANK YOU and I smile. :-)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZk_mC8-5A5Z17TzKbv62J0ue4ax9LBPEVV4R2XGOimv3VXocSsgN1yITmNNI8CjG1BFZTshqZqPmNhbBeX_sSSMuwypQj27R0td2T_qAZE-cvT43nrtoYDGhuZdPlHHZ-c-TlSZ54x993/s1600/Yellow+Close+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZk_mC8-5A5Z17TzKbv62J0ue4ax9LBPEVV4R2XGOimv3VXocSsgN1yITmNNI8CjG1BFZTshqZqPmNhbBeX_sSSMuwypQj27R0td2T_qAZE-cvT43nrtoYDGhuZdPlHHZ-c-TlSZ54x993/s320/Yellow+Close+up.jpg" /></a></div>
PSALM 84:1-2 HOW LOVELY IS YOUR DWELLING PLACE, O LORD ALMIGHTY! MY SOUL YEARNS, EVEN FAINTS, FOR THE COURTS OF THE LORD; MY HEART AND MY FLESH CRY OUT FOR THE LIVING GOD.Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-32873151305020465472012-03-29T10:05:00.000-07:002012-03-29T10:05:17.186-07:00THE 20LB GOAL HAIRCUT BEFORE AND AFTER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBCrAUnY7x9XRdprqks7sATzbePMzzu10C08BVfeRHvZSqdgB-BR5rKwV-L2f3PsP1lFnC8rKT6CIx9pvR87kuKuwcTYpWI_lMXpSRi46oVjp_azFM0x9tMhr-7RI7f9F3BCn8SbAa6P3/s1600/before+the+cut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBCrAUnY7x9XRdprqks7sATzbePMzzu10C08BVfeRHvZSqdgB-BR5rKwV-L2f3PsP1lFnC8rKT6CIx9pvR87kuKuwcTYpWI_lMXpSRi46oVjp_azFM0x9tMhr-7RI7f9F3BCn8SbAa6P3/s200/before+the+cut.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAuhN8fdYST0SMUNggHqJk6rirPWPlLDbRh8e9bMac-S3rVHPuUMQetPprydLUjK1wQMIoWlIGz1hg6xSxjTTRbRzYBlogicWZb3E3Kz_pkizI1Pd7V-OXlUnOJPvr1bLHvWWuNCP2YHx/s1600/AFTER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAuhN8fdYST0SMUNggHqJk6rirPWPlLDbRh8e9bMac-S3rVHPuUMQetPprydLUjK1wQMIoWlIGz1hg6xSxjTTRbRzYBlogicWZb3E3Kz_pkizI1Pd7V-OXlUnOJPvr1bLHvWWuNCP2YHx/s200/AFTER.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxtBL8H_ocrF25bhSdpNdCaYSo8c-we8OIgH0JU_R8G7Gxuw5Ox0jnQLVMKxu90AwJyawG7IGWRTa1nyIl5i5uPx-of6YqKAZyuJXGFhVvldPq-uFh3r2T2-xtgqILetAZI01v4Y9BQ5B/s1600/AFTER+BACK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxtBL8H_ocrF25bhSdpNdCaYSo8c-we8OIgH0JU_R8G7Gxuw5Ox0jnQLVMKxu90AwJyawG7IGWRTa1nyIl5i5uPx-of6YqKAZyuJXGFhVvldPq-uFh3r2T2-xtgqILetAZI01v4Y9BQ5B/s200/AFTER+BACK.jpg" /></a></div>Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-14013897502698228462012-03-29T09:41:00.000-07:002012-03-29T09:41:30.729-07:00ON TO THE 3RD GOAL!Well, I did it! I made it past my 2nd 10lb loss! I am so proud of myself and I was so happy to get that goal haircut! Not only has the weight loss made me feel better, but the haircut is also a confidence booster. <br />
<br />
This week I have not been able to exercise like normal because of the busy work life, but I have still been doing good on my eating. I hope to get back in the gym soon. I have another hair appointment before I leave to work at Fort Knox for the summer and I am so excited to see what I will weigh by then...the appointment is on the 19th of May...I am 163 now, that is about a month and a half away...I am averging about 1-2lbs per week...I have about 7 weeks so I could lose up to 14lbs or more by then which would put me at 149lbs!! Oh my, I don't even know the last time I was at that weight! I am going to set the goal to 144 which is 19 more lbs to lose by then...I have some work to do, but 20 more lbs gone sounds so good!!! After that I will only have 14 more lbs to go before reaching my goal weight!!! I can't believe I started at 54 and the thought of having to lose 54lbs was not a good one, but with God by my side I am getting there...As of now my number is 33....these accomplishments make me feel so blessed and proud!!Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-68505462863843438562012-03-06T10:01:00.000-08:002012-03-06T10:01:24.855-08:00Almost to my second goal!!!I am so excited and so extremely grateful for the strength God has given me on this weight loss journey. I started with 54 pounds to lose and, yes, that seemed so dreadful until the pounds started falling off. I am now at 15 lbs down, passing up that first 10 lb goal and 5 away from the 2nd!! It is almost time for my new haircut!!! (Please see picture; that is what I am getting.)<br />
<br />
In the past month and a half..or near there..since I started this journey and since I have been so motivated I have wanted to learn more so I am able to share and help people. I want to know more about fitness, health, proper nutrition...anything and everything!!! I want to go back to school for all of this, but right now I don't have the time. In the meantime I plan on taking advice on books to read, videos to watch, listening to people who know about all of this..who have been there, done that...I want to be smart on this. I know I have not done some things correctly...I know that my eating habits, although I only consume 1200 or less calories a day, are not correct. I know when I went to the gym and just went at it like I was a pro and pulled that muscle that I did something wrong...I want to know how to fix all of that. If you have any suggestions feel free to post them. I am game for anything. Until then I will continue with my cardio and counting my calories and doing my best on what I think is healthy. God Bless!!! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcm130DMTvv4l0WH7lRCUxroglxjk6vwYMpklfiNB5r0VON_RGZEnt94gC79py1znZfxZmx6MPqt9P4SYlFgLdVqZPtIx1mcOMbAFrPvLBkqJD7auqWbk_RQbYV1vaut1kg0V_zDRLEKh/s1600/Medium-Bob-Haircuts-2012-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcm130DMTvv4l0WH7lRCUxroglxjk6vwYMpklfiNB5r0VON_RGZEnt94gC79py1znZfxZmx6MPqt9P4SYlFgLdVqZPtIx1mcOMbAFrPvLBkqJD7auqWbk_RQbYV1vaut1kg0V_zDRLEKh/s320/Medium-Bob-Haircuts-2012-6.jpg" /></a></div>Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-1067737160218997112012-02-28T12:26:00.000-08:002012-02-28T12:26:54.930-08:00I'm proud of myself...I am happy with the way things are going. It would be nice if there was a magic button to push and make all the weight go away, but since there isn't I will just have to keep on keeping on! I am at a 13lb weight loss right now. Only 7 more to go until I get that haircut I have been wanting for soooooo long!!! I know I will be there soon and 20 lbs down?!?! That is awesome...these small goals have helped lots. I am not focusing on that "long term, this is going to take forever, oh my gosh I still have 41 more lbs to lose"...so, I am proud of how far I have gotten in a little over a month. The end picture is going to be great, but seeing the picture AS IT IS NOW, the progress I have made...well, that is really helping me keep my head up!<br />
<br />
I am happy with what I eat, happy with how I exercise, happy with the way my clothes are looking on me now, and happy that I have not given up. I may have a little junk food every now and again, but I know my limit and I know what happens if I keep on eating that junk food. I don't want to go back to that miserable life again. I want to continue to be happy and I WILL! God is so good. He has really been guiding me through this process and I will NEVER let go of His hand!!!Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-68217629763522405782012-02-03T20:32:00.001-08:002012-02-03T20:32:04.214-08:00He is SO good to me!<div><p>Blessings are everywhere... just look around!</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE23dJ0a_JSjBV-25WXNIALidiT6Zy-WHqFLOOLkhiatOyXWedjkh8Qyh0xy7u3M9h60jG-5oSUYkLlO-ve60mikD_7pr4TvWfaXWvwU8E5TAHOWMG_4lD_OgeJyzSo99LMInkEnUS_qaC/' /></div>Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-83229591659090891882012-02-01T18:13:00.001-08:002012-02-01T18:13:35.986-08:00Oh my...it hurts!<div><p>I ask God to give me strength to get through my workouts and He does! I wanted to increase the incline on the treadmill, but I kept telling myself how much it would hurt and I just couldn't do it. Well, the past couple days I ask God to just push me..to let me do what I am capable of...to not let me tell myself that I can't and then I thought of one of my favorite Bible verses....Phil 4:13-I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I have been strengthened! Today I increased my incline to 7.0!!! I was sweating and holding on to the handles of the treadmill at times but I didn't stop until my hour was up! It hurt but felt so good...so good because I took that strength God gave me and I conquered! Even though my body now feels like I am a body builder it feels good! Feels great actually! Thank you Lord for my strength, motivation and perseverance! There is nothing I can't do as long as You are by my side!</p>
</div>Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-28626434226698526642012-01-31T13:38:00.000-08:002012-01-31T13:38:33.451-08:00The "Skinny" on being skinny...Since I have started this journey towards skinniness I have had many questions on what things are like when you are skinny...cause I have never experienced that.<br />
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First...and the most pondered question....Do high heels hurt your feet when you are skinny? I know, as a bigger girl, my feet feel like they swell up, get smashed with a hammer, and my toes turn into little balls from being scrunched up in the front of the heel for so long! I like wearing heels because they make my under 5' self feel taller, but they hurt too bad! I can't wear them for long periods of time without having to free my poor, battled feet!<br />
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My next question has intrigued me for quite some time because when I go check out sale racks at the mall it seems only the smaller cloths are left so....Do you get lots of deals on clothing and shoes? I mean, that will be great when I get skinny, but until then us big girls need sales too! Or, do skinny girls not shop the sale racks??<br />
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These next few are for the big girls who became skinny. <br />
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Can you cross your legs easier now? I have a hard time trying to sit lady like because my legs are too big to cross so, does this change?<br />
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Are you more sensitive to pain now...I mean, if you fall does it hurt more than before you lost all your weight? Reason asking is because I plan on losing most of my padding.<br />
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Are airplane seats more comfortable? I don't fly much, but when I did I was so uncomfortable because my body took up most of the seat...no room for moving around at all!<br />
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Is it easier to run? This kind of goes back to the hurt feet thing. I have a hard time running because I just feel like all of my weight is on my feet...well, it kind of is...Ok..it definitely is..and my legs hurt too soon! So it is easier to run? Do you feel free?<br />
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I know these things sound crazy, but I want to know what I am in for when I become a skinny girl. Got anymore skinny on the skinny? Let me know cause eventually I will ask anyway. Smile and Have a blessed day!Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-32605323538800439072012-01-30T10:07:00.000-08:002012-01-30T10:07:52.788-08:00I HAVE A TESTIMONYA few months ago I was so discouraged as my clothes kept getting tighter and tighter. I could not figure out what was going on. I had doctor’s appointment after doctors appointment and everything kept coming back normal. Soon I began to develop dizziness with the weight gain, then headaches, fatigue, then severe body aches. I was scared of what my body was doing, but yet none of the doctors could seem to help me. I was afraid I would keep getting bigger and bigger and that my body would continue to fail me. I hated going to my closet. I did not feel comfortable in my own skin and I cried about it often. I wanted to change the way I was eating, which really was not that bad except when candybars and cakes called my name, but I felt "What's the use? Nothing seems to help me." It wasn't long after that when I really started to get closer to God and then the church talked about fasting and I was definitely not going to miss out on this because I wanted to be as close to God as I could get. <br />
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Yesterday was the official FINAL day of my 21 day fast. I cut out those convenience store snacks and soda that I seemed to turn to in times of my sad and fat life. In the beginning I was worried this would be hard, but God gave me strength and I didn't have any problems staying away. I grew closer to God and started focusing on diet and exercise during this time. In 2 weeks (this is when I started the diet) I have lost 7lbs and I am so happy. I have also started reading "MADE TO CRAVE" by Lysa TerKeurst and this book really opens your eyes on the way you eat. God does care about your health and happiness within yourself. The book talks about how God can help you with your cravings...How to satisfy your cravings with God instead of food. I like to read it while on the treadmill. She incorporates the Bible in with her book/study. I have never felt so empowered and confident that I WILL reach my goal weight. I have tried many diets, but none with God. He wants me to succeed. He wants me to be happy. He has wanted me to see what I am seeing within myself now and I am so thankful I have finally opened my eyes.<br />
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Last night in church there were testimonies. Great testimonies! A lady who had cancer has been healed. Another lady spoke of someone in her family who had cancer and lost her vision and she has been healed. Listening to this made me think..."I have a testimony too!" The past few months, as I mentioned before have been rough. I have been in pain both emotionally and physically and since I saw the light of God shine though me I have not had the bad headaches like before, I have not been dizzy in a while, I can workout and clean my house and my body does not hurt me like it did before. I can eat and LOSE weight now, I can have the will power I never even grasped onto before. I CAN BE HAPPY! AND I AM! God is so amazing and I am so thankful to be a child of God! <br />
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"He's my rock, He's my shield. He's my wheel, in the middle of the wheel. I know He will never, no never let me down. He lifts me up and plants my feet on solid ground!" (From a song in church)Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-44512057778095666152012-01-27T12:14:00.000-08:002012-01-27T12:14:20.777-08:00It IS Friday!I am so happy it is Friday even though I really won't be doing any winding down over the weekend. With my grandma being sick, trying to fit in exercise, work, eat healthy...well, I am drained. Wednesday I wasn't able to get a workout in, but spending time with my grandma was worth skipping the workout for. Yesterday by the time I got home holding my eyes open was a workout enough for me! I really do enjoy the feeling I get after I finish a gym session, but sometimes life just won't allow that time. That is ok though. I have continued to watch what I eat this week while staying around my calorie goal and never going over. I still know I have done well and I am proud of myself especially when everyone around me was eating a fresh apple cake that was homemade and still warm the other day...sheesh! That was hard! I do plan on going to the gym today and I pray God gives me the strength to make it there. He continues to push me everyday and I am so thankful!<br />
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If only I had God with me before...I may have hit my goal already, but now is better than never! Jeanie, I can't wait for that FREE haircut! :-)Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-80406719070476375032012-01-23T13:28:00.000-08:002012-01-23T13:28:53.860-08:00You need to reward yourself...but not with food!I think it is important to reward yourself for a job well done so I have made a list of things I plan to do in order to reward myself with my weight loss.<br />
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<b>10lbs (174):</b> Buy a new shirt to go with all those pants you put away that now fit!<br />
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<b>20lbs (164):</b> Time for a haircut with Jeanie!<br />
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<b>30lbs (154):</b> New underclothes!<br />
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<b>40lbs (144):</b> PEDICURE, those feet are tired from all that exercise!!! <br />
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<b>54lbs (130):</b> GOAL-BUY A NEW OUTFIT AND GO HAVE PICTURES MADE! YOU MADE IT!!!!!Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-6796314888820341052012-01-22T19:05:00.001-08:002012-01-22T19:05:20.435-08:00Sunday is always good...<div><p>I always enjoy Sunday's but today was extra special. I was able to spend time with my grandma and see her smile. She has been doing so great lately health wise but she knows God is taking care of her. My sister and I prayed with her today and I held her hand for a while. She is such a Godly woman and has been a great inspiration to many. I pray that God lets me follow her footsteps. I am so blessed to have her in my life.</p>
<p>God bless and never forget God is great!</p>
</div>Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-33935025879459858322012-01-21T20:37:00.001-08:002012-01-21T20:37:23.737-08:00I'm on The God Diet<div><p>Today I have felt like the devil is trying to attack me. I have been in a low mood and I just could not get out of it. I have been so great during my fast and also since I started my diet again, but the thing is see, I have been doing this for and with God. I pray for strength and guidance and I have become closer to God. I love it! I have told the devil to get out of my way so many times and today he tried to make me mad! I will say for a while it worked because I was not in the best of moods, but then I started talking to my mom and sister about it. They agreed it was the devil so I told him to LEAVE ME ALONE! </p>
<p>Then....God stepped in. He opened me back up and put me back on track. </p>
<p>Today was wonderful besides my mood. I was able to visit with both my grandma's and some more of my family. Memories were created that I will never forget. Love was felt. It was wonderful. </p>
<p>I pray to God. I pray many times during the day and since letting God in my life completely, not just part of the time but ALL THE TIME things have changed including the will power I have now with eating.</p>
<p>Crystal and I were sitting eating dinner and we were talking about all of those diets I have tried that never worked.  She said"But you didn't have God with you then. You are on the God Diet!" I like that and this God diet is going to continue to change my life! He will always provide us with everything we need including a full tummy! He will never leave us not satisfied.</p>
<p>Joel 2:26<br>
You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you;  never again will my people be ashamed.</p>
<p>This verse was in my Bible study for fasting today and it really means a lot to me. God knows my heart and He is there to fulfill it. He will continue to give me strength on this weight loss journey and give me the happiness in my heart that I have been searching for. I have been telling people lately about how God is helping me and it feels so good to share that so "The God Diet" is the perfect name! I KNOW this diet will be a success so anyone need a change in their life? This diet will not only change you physically but spiritually also.</p>
<p>THE GOD DIET....thank you God for holding my hand!</p>
</div>Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-52911913202898332082012-01-20T09:43:00.000-08:002012-01-20T09:43:17.132-08:0054 is MY number...What? 54?? Huh??? Well, that is MY number TODAY...that number will go down within the coming weeks, but right now it is 54. That is how many pounds I need to lose to get to a healthy weight...my goal weight. <br />
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This number may seem big to some, but I'm not afraid of it. I am ready. I am so motivated and, for once, nothing seems to be getting in my way. This is an amazing feeling...a feeling I have never had before. I started a fast on the 9th of January to become closer to God. I cut out sweets, more like convenience store sweets, and soda. I have had a want here and there, but not really a craving for either of these. I remember the day before I started I went to the store coming home with a Diet Root Beer, a candybar and I think even a cake! I was NOT looking forward to taking these things out of my daily routine. Since the 9th I have prayed for strength, read the Bible and I have NOT touched a single sweet or drank a soda at all. I am so happy that God is giving me the strength and I feel closer to Him than ever.<br />
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When I started my fast and saw how easy God was getting me through I decided it was time to get back on track again and pray for strength for this journey also. I am doing great! It is, in a sense, hard to believe how motivated I am, but God will never steer you wrong!<br />
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I weighed in Wednesday at a whopping 184 lbs and I want to reach 130. I was a bit discouraged when I stepped on the scale knowing that before summer I was at 169, but things happen and there is nothing you can do but look forward. I know 54 seems so long away, but in order to get there I have to make small goals and I am starting with 5lbs and go from there. I plan to continue to exercise at my pace--I don't want to kill myself, and eat what I want, just smaller portions (and I am counting my calories). This will work this time! <br />
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It is hard to live life in a body that even yourself can't accept, but in order to fix that problem a change has to be made and no one can do that for you. There are many things I want to change about my appearance...I like who I am on the inside, but what I see in the mirror does not make me happy.<br />
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I am tired of feeling the need to cover my stomach with a jacket, pillow, blanket...whatever is near me, when I sit down!<br />
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I am tired of putting clothes away in storage because "I just know I will fit back into them someday!"<br />
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I am tired of feeling miserable after a meal or feeling guilty when I overindulge!<br />
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I am tired of looking at every area of fat on my body every single day before I get in the shower, when I change clothes, when I sit a certain way, when I am next to someone smaller than me!<br />
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I am tired of getting angry at my closet!<br />
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I am tired of the tears that fall on the days I just feel "ugly".<br />
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I am tired of jeans and t-shirts! I want to wear nice clothes and feel pretty..<br />
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I am tired of low self-esteem!<br />
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I am tired of being tired...both physically and mentally.<br />
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I want this change...I want it more than I have ever wanted it before and I know some days will be harder than others, but I also know MY GOD will pull me through those days. I CAN DO THIS! I have no doubt in my mind. It is time to stop putting this off...I am ready to change my number to 0!<br />
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"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:13Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-25372514497786940092012-01-19T11:37:00.000-08:002012-01-19T11:37:22.926-08:00TOO MUCH WATER???Set 1 of squats with weights turning at the waist switching sides each time I squat....complete...set 2....complete....set 3....OUCH! OH MY GOSH! I CAN'T WALK!! WHAT THE WORLD???<br />
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See, I got to the gym around 6pm and had already had 9 cups of water, working on another one and some coffee so you know what that means...yes, the bathroom and I were pretty close yesterday. It seemed like everytime I sat down I had to go again.<br />
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I was so excited to work out! I wanted to get about 45-60 minutes of cardio in, but that was cut short because after about 25 minutes my bladder could not hold it anymore so to the bathroom I go again after just going before I got on the treadmill...and about 4 times at my house after I got home from work at about 5:15! This was getting annoying...really annoying, but I am supposed to stay hydrated, right? Water is good for you, right? Well, I found out the hard way that you CAN drink TOO much water...really, I didn't drink too much, I just drank it within a short amount of time so my body released it quickly and often which diluted my sodium levels quite a bit. Sodium is an important electrolyte that helps regulate the body fluids and we all know electrolytes are important to have when working out. Since I drank so much water so fast releasing all of my electrolytes my cells in my body were acting crazy and caused the cramping that sent me out of the gym quickly.<br />
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At least I made it to the gym. Today I am so sore like I worked out for hours so I feel like I did something, but this evening I am going to focus on cardio more to work this soreness out and right now I am drinking a vitamin water to help replenish what I lost yesterday...and I have only had 5 cups of water so hopefully I will be ok. You live and you learn I guess. I'm trying to get healthy and if a little HURT gets me there then I am ok with that!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1RiH9Ypbfyi6KoU9eaiez-EPHgRujwQrK7SeryyLbt-6IvVKQjjRkZKVs7pPt9ikF3FhZfiYEZPcQOF75wASNhzS5j-Wb38LQtwZbCrzmFDzosgzdG5AKIDOkP_w4QPwhbxo-I4b-8Dh/s1600/water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1RiH9Ypbfyi6KoU9eaiez-EPHgRujwQrK7SeryyLbt-6IvVKQjjRkZKVs7pPt9ikF3FhZfiYEZPcQOF75wASNhzS5j-Wb38LQtwZbCrzmFDzosgzdG5AKIDOkP_w4QPwhbxo-I4b-8Dh/s320/water.jpg" /></a></div>Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-82104636582448730132012-01-18T10:09:00.000-08:002012-01-18T10:09:03.083-08:00It has been so long since we talked....Oh, how it has been so long since I strayed away from the blog that was supposed to give me motivation in my, what seems like, life long journey to get FIT! I hid away for so long until I eventually forgot what I was even doing....or so I wished.<br />
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My life with weight loss has resembled a see-saw the past couple years. The dreaded scale just goes up and down, up and down, up and down and finally I just stopped giving in to that elementary playground amusement and said "FORGET IT!" I was so tired of having to live a life I didn't enjoy, which in my world is a life without REAL food!<br />
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Over the summer I was exercising more than normal, but I could not seem to even come close to being satisfied with myself, my body...and in the end, my confidence. I came home from Kentucky and stopped working out, stopped eating the way I should because seeing no results became discouraging. Finally I decided to see a doctor since I had gained 13 lbs in about 2-3 months and exercised like Jillian Michaels. All blood work normal...nothing in my life could cause this so what now? Give up? Again? I mean, I am back to the weight I started at a couple years ago...<br />
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For a while giving up was the take I had on my life...I had given up on love, given up on marriage, and even given up the dream I have had since a little girl--having children, so why not give up on food? God gave me another option--DON'T GIVE UP! How could I not listen to God? Living my life in gluttony is not what God wants and I have been doing that for quite a while with food.<br />
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I pray everyday for strenth and guidance to become a healthier person...it is not easy, but there are lots of things in life we have to fight for. Well, I am fighting again and this time I am fighting like I have never done before...this fight with food will be the Muhammad Ali/Joe Frazier fight...the second time around!<br />
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I AM GOING TO DO THIS! There is no doubt in my mind this time...if you stopped working at your job you would get fired, right? Why stop working at health...I'm not ready to expire! With patience and strength from God I will succeed...I know it is hard to have confidence in me right now, but WATCH OUT WORLD CAUSE I'M NOT GIVING UP THIS TIME!!!<br />
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God bless and say a prayer for me. :-)Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-51424982761170854592011-06-05T10:31:00.000-07:002011-06-05T10:31:41.317-07:00I'm trying hard...well...kind of..Sometimes things are not as easy as they seem. Trying to eat healthy when you are away from home, working out of a TINY kitchen, and when asked to plan potlucks and group outings at restaurants makes things a little difficult.<br />
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See, I LOVE food...I love the good food, the fried food, the sweet food...and lots of it, but I am trying. I have went through counting calories, to going to the Weigh Station and eating only meat and veggies, to eating whatever I wanted (which caused the gallbladder removal), to Weight Watchers, to South Beach, to eating whatever I wanted again, back to Weight Watchers, and now I am counting calories again...I am drained from dieting. I am exercising quite a bit, but the eating just gets to me...I want everything from pizza to ice cream with no veggies inbetween! I know that is awful.<br />
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I was telling my friend, Michelle, I need something...I need something to push me to that point that makes me say.."Ok..this is what is going to make me stay on track." I thought the gallbladder would have done that, but nope...then the asthma..but nope...I just love food and I need help. I am so scared I am going to get so big that I will be miserable. I want to be a role model, but with my habits of eating that is not happening until I change it. <br />
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There is something I want to do, but I know I have to get myself completely healthy and my body in shape before I can tackle it. I have been taking Zumba classes and recently I have thought, well, maybe I could be an instructor. The Rec Center back home needs some more fun added to it and maybe if I become certified I can help myself while helping others. I think this could be fun, but at the same time I am afraid I will get burnt out on it. And the class to get certified is not cheap so I just need to make sure, but in the meantime I need to get myself together. <br />
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In my head I want to try so hard and then I smell fried chicken or cheessecake and that little evil fat guy sitting on my shoulder pulls me to it. How can I knock that guy off? How can I stay focused? How can I stop fighting the food that will continue to make me fat and unhealthy that I love so much? How do people do it? How do they just say "No, I am NOT eating that cake even though my mouth is watering for it?"<br />
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Any suggestions? Help please? I want to be completely happy with me and by fighting this bulge around my belly I don't think I can be.Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-45393119865224527382011-05-08T22:04:00.000-07:002011-05-08T22:04:41.198-07:00Without God, who are We?"Truly I've been through the storm and rain, I know everything about heartache and pain, but God carried me through it all, without His protection I'd surely fall. I've been broke without a dime to my name, but all my bills got paid, I know in Jesus name."<br />
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I was listening to this song in my car today and I felt the spirit. Sometimes we don't give God the credit He deserves. He is the reason for everything. <br />
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Today I have been struggling with life. I try not to ask "Why?" because I know God has a reason for everything. I am blessed in so many way and I take that for granted sometimes, I know I do. When I sit back and think about this I feel selfish. My mind just seems to go in a million directions sometimes and I think about all the things I don't have and get depressed over it. It is not that I want lots of money or material things, but I should still give God more thanks than what I do for the things I do have.<br />
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My job: God has blessed me with a job I love so much. Everyday there is a blessing to me. I love the people I work with; they fill my soul with so much joy and I couldn't ask for better people. The Cadets, they make me laugh, they make me feel important...the things my job requires me to do for them may sometimes get overwhelming, but in the end...when they commission and I see the smiles on their faces and their families faces...and when their families thank ME for what I have done for them..Oh my gosh...God, this is one blessing I thank you SO much for! My dad was so happy that I got this job...so happy. He would tell everyone about it and I can still hear him say, "I'm proud of you Sylvie."<br />
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My home: I live in a wonderful apartment in a nice neighborhood and my landlord trust me. That is a blessing in itself. She trust me so much that she asked me to be the property manager here. I have had the experience of renting out properties, handling money, and just taking care of things around here. This is a blessing to me, for one, that I am able to help out. She lives far away and can not get here for lots of things so I do what I can. Second, I get the experience of knowing the ins and outs of the rental property business...and most importantly...I have a roof over my head. There are so many people without homes right now due to weather troubles..they may be homeless...or maybe they just don't know their way. God, you have blessed me with a roof over my head and for that I am SO thankful!<br />
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Friends and Family: Within my life I have came across many people. Some have come and gone, but those most important to me remain. I don't get out much..I don't really go anywhere or hang out with anyone, but I do have friends who care about me. I have friends and family who love me and would be there for me through any storm if possible. I take this for granted because of the fact that I don't go anywhere or do anything...with them. I stay at home and I make a phone call here and there, but I know I can do more Lord. I am so thankful for the people in my life. So many have wiped tears, been with me through heartache and pain, helped me out when I was about to hit the ground and I am SO thankful for all of them. I pray, Lord, that you help me to put these people in my life more often..to put more smiles on the faces of those I love and to be there more often when I am needed. Thank you so much for those who love me Lord.<br />
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Feeling: Lord, sometimes I cry. Sometimes I get lonely. Sometimes I hurt, both physically and mentally. Sometimes I'm so tired I can't hold my eyes open and sometimes I am wide awake due to all the caffeine. Sometimes I am able to feel others pain and I am able to comfort them with kind words or a hug..or sometimes, just a smile. Thank you Lord for giving me feelings...feelings of sadness, happiness, worry, regret...love. Some people don't have this, or they don't care if they have it so they hide it under all of their layers never to show the world. I do..and I show my feelings often and I know that is okay. I thank you for these feelings, Lord. Thank you for my heart, it is so big and I see so much of my dad in my heart Lord. He was such a kind and gentle person and he always expressed feeling...even when he was in the hospital Lord..he said to me, "Sylvie, don't worry about me, I'm going to be alright." He knew I was hurting Lord and he wanted to comfort me. He knew that no matter if he stayed alive or if he died that he was going to be alright because he was in Your arms. I thank you Lord for feeling.<br />
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Memory: There are some things in my life that I simply can not remember, no matter how hard I try, there are some things I have blocked out of memory because those are not parts of my life I wish to dwell on, and there are those memories that I hope to never let go. I have memories that make me laugh, memories that make me cry, and memories that make me ponder...I enjoy my memories..With memory I am able to bond with people..share experiences...make people smile. Memory is such an amazing thing to have and this is why I thank you for this..Thank you Lord for memory.<br />
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I could go on and on and on for the things I take for granted that the Lord has give me, but I will need to sleep evenutally..haha. God is so amazing. For a long time I always tried to hide God. I thought if someone saw me pray they would think I was wierd or would not want to hang with me. I finally grew and I noticed that those people who serve God are "In it to win it!" as Randy Jackson says on American Idol. I am in it to win it. God has done so many things for me and showed me the way. I was struggling so bad a few years ago and then I decided to pray before I eat even if I was in a restaurant by myself...I decided to tell people who were complaing about how awful their lives were to Trust in God without hesitation..I decided that if I do not live for Him, who am I living for? My dad raised me to love God, to love everyone..to Follow God and let Him lead the way. When I started doing this my life did a 360! I have pushed and pushed and pushed to show people how great He is and sometimes I don't push enough and I start giving myself credit for the things that I could not have done without HIM. I am SO thankful at where I am right now. I know I have more to accomplish, but I know that if I don't let God lead me to those accomplishments they will soon become failures.<br />
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So, ask yourself.."Without God, who am I?" You may find yourself falling to your knees asking for forgiveness...I pray this to be so. He is amazing...if you don't believe me, well, try Him out for yourself!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQ_pF01_XszsC76B3dzcSgiUX9j6LgiN_tKvK-nIuU7njJOQy0vJMxpXTX-wF75JSdjQA1qgqFOB21cuKrbiwCc4qqTDkghWpGqbIl5YyL1OPD9iYsAc3wZ44Q1EWrq4F4QiMD3GEA0P3/s1600/rotc+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQ_pF01_XszsC76B3dzcSgiUX9j6LgiN_tKvK-nIuU7njJOQy0vJMxpXTX-wF75JSdjQA1qgqFOB21cuKrbiwCc4qqTDkghWpGqbIl5YyL1OPD9iYsAc3wZ44Q1EWrq4F4QiMD3GEA0P3/s320/rotc+017.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYQ42s8X2BKbdI_KYG59nMGryO2vtPfFJaz3IVDSORoj9KZQYBBCBVMjNzZPQ8fAr6FKod1v6cQVa7VHdH4i-B64j8sKgbb4QJ4zXn9cEyro56-CIyXjv27YW6RENixEmxs2VMEIahotP/s1600/rotc+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYQ42s8X2BKbdI_KYG59nMGryO2vtPfFJaz3IVDSORoj9KZQYBBCBVMjNzZPQ8fAr6FKod1v6cQVa7VHdH4i-B64j8sKgbb4QJ4zXn9cEyro56-CIyXjv27YW6RENixEmxs2VMEIahotP/s320/rotc+019.jpg" /></a></div>Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-64499452816321082252011-05-08T15:54:00.000-07:002011-05-08T15:54:56.297-07:00Still pushing on..Well, it has been over a month since I posted and I have had ups and downs since then. I am still trying to be healthy, but I hit a speed bump unfortunately. Something happened and I wasn't able to breath as well as normal...after some testing the doc seems to think I have developed asthma. This stinks, it really does. It has really put a damper on my exercise routine...it has almost stopped it. I can't go very far or push very hard without feeling like my chest is closed up..I am still trying to do what I can and to eat healthy (most of the time)...every now and again I will have those sweets I love so much!<br />
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On another note, I have been irritated with a few things lately and I am trying really hard not to let things get to me, but sometimes that is hard. I just ask for prayer.<br />
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In less than 2 weeks I will be heading to Fort Knox, KY to help out with another part of my job and I am ready, besides the packing part. I am ready for reasons that shouldn't be reasons, but I just want to get away. I always tell people they can't walk away from problems, this does not mean they will disappear, but for me, walking away for a bit will help me to analyze things, to figure out if some things can be...I am just happy to be seeing my Fort Knox family, well work partners that feel like family. I will continue to improve my health...I will continue to eat healthy with an occasional Korean meal, a now and then Jailhouse pizza and pickle chips..and I can't go to KY without stopping by the cheesecake factory, but I know more about portion control now...I know more about reading nutrition labels...I know more about exercise, stretching...about being healthy. I have a friend going and we will push one another. I can't wait..Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-66471183366645274412011-03-31T19:13:00.000-07:002011-03-31T19:13:37.467-07:00I TOLD YOU I PROBABLY WOULD...Well, I had a weigh in today, which I have every week with my Weight Watchers group and even though I said it is not about weight loss (which I still agree) I did say I would probably still post it so I am ....<br />
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I LOST 2.2LBS THIS WEEK!<br />
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This is a great feeling, kind of reassuring that you are doing what you are supposed to do...in my case it is to eat healthy, exercise and be accountable for what I do each day. Now I have more of a reason to be accountalbe. Thanks to a good facebook friend, Tessa, I have created a challenge group on facebook called SPREAD THE HEALTH...A CHALLENGE COMMUNITY. This group was created in hopes to do just as it says...spread the health. Today we all take for granted the ease of getting food not taking into account the problems that could cause us health wise in the longrun. In order to live a long life, if God chooses for us to by health, we need to take better care of ourselves. I hope people decide to take on the challenge of creating a challenge for themselves. I feel I am making a difference and this feels great!<br />
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Life is changing for me...I hope you choose to change yours as well.<br />
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God Bless!Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6677178800269477492.post-6138172030917263232011-03-30T10:03:00.000-07:002011-03-30T10:03:16.395-07:00ALL IN A MONTH'S TIME..."I DID IT!!!" These 3 little words seemed to be the only words that could go through my head this morning after leaving the gym and heading home to shower. It all seems surreal to me that I made it through an entire month of doing what I put my mind to. <br />
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This past month I challenged myself to go to the gym everyday for 30 days and eat healthy. I can say that every day was not an easy one. There were days that I asked myself why in the world I decided to do this and there were other days that I did not want to leave the gym. I feel so accomplished in my efforts because of the many things I have overcome this month. First of all I overcame the fear of "not being able to follow through." All my life I have used many excuses to get out of something either because I was afraid of the outcome or I just didn't think I could. My dad would always tell me that I can do so much more than I think I can. He always tried to instill a positive attitude in me and taught me to go for whatever I can possibly go for and to succeed at it! This challenge was a first step into a new life that I want for myself...a step in living up to what my dad always knew I AM...this is A SUCCESS STORY that I am happy to share.<br />
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I posted my challenge on facebook for the world, well my facebook world, to see so therefore I had no excuse...I had to do this! Every day there would be a different picture taken of me; at the park, at the gym, at home-and I would post under the picture what I did that day physically. There was only 1 day that I did not make it to the gym, but I was pretty sick that day. I did want to go so bad, but I knew since I was trying to become healthier that a part of this was to know when to say when. I even worked with a personal trainer this month and that was an experience in itself! SORE was not even a word to describe the pain he put me through, but it was a good pain...another "accomplishment" if you will.<br />
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The food choices I made during this 30 day challenge were different that what I had been choosing the past few months, but I was never starving and I ate well!! The past few years I have been trying to lose weight. I have tried counting calories, cutting carbs, getting shots, taking pills and NOTHING had worked…I would always give up because I wasn’t happy with my food choices or the process. I was always focusing on LOSING WEIGHT. I am now on Weight Watchers...yes, another diet plan, but this one is different. I am allowed 29 points per day and everything I eat has a point value. I can have ANYTHING as long as I write it down and put that point on it. That is exactly what I have done this month. I wrote EVERYTHING down and yes, I did have a candy bar here and there..a piece of cake-EVEN A 15 POINT HONEYBUN (one of those endless pit days!), but I was accountable for everything I ate! There was not a time that I said, "Well, I only took a bite so I won't write that down.." I have realized that fruits and vegetable are filling, and these are free on my plan by the way--no point values--so I can have all I want, but we try to limit to 5 a day. What am I getting to? Well, I look at what I am about to eat...I don't count the calories, but I pay attention to what is healthy. That 15 point honey bun, yes, I knew it was bad, but I wanted it, which is something else I learned this month--we cannot deprive ourselves from what we really want. As long as we don't go binging through the kitchen at 9pm on a Wednesday night right before bed when we have to work the next day..or anyday, we will be okay. If I want something really bad, I go for it, but I am accountable for it and, yes, I feel it the next day.<br />
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I am not so hard on myself now compared to the way I was when I started this thing. I can't be or I will never achieve my goal. How much weight have I lost or how many inches have I lost?? I don't know. I will not be posting this. I do weigh in every week at WW and the scale has not been moving much, I will say that, but it is not about the weight to me right now. I do have a goal I want to reach, but I have to take care of ME first and by continuing to do this I will get there, but there is no rush. I will occasionally post about my actual weight loss, I am sure, but I think this is why so many diets fail; everyone watches the scale and when it doesn't move they get frustrated (which I have, recently actually). I know my body and what it has done. I have toned up by doing cardio and weights. My face has slimmed down. I am more awake than what I would be if I ate unhealthy every day. I enjoy my meals because I don't worry where those 8 grams of fat in my lean cuisine pizza will go anymore. I LOVE the gym! I love learning more and more about health and I LOVE motivating people!<br />
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This challenge has not only improved myself and the way I think, but I have helped others. I have been a motivator without even knowing it at the time. When I received the messages about the motivation I was sending out I got tears in my eyes. This made me feel incredible! This was NEVER a goal of mine when I started this, but now I have made it a daily goal--I will continue to try to motivate however I can. I want people to look to me for advice, for help...for whatever and whenever. I LOVE helping people and to know that I did just by posting my "healthy way of living" pictures everyday...WOW! <br />
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Right now I am continuing to focus on myself to get me where I want to be, to be happy with me, but I am currently trying to think of something else to challenge myself at. I have a few things in mind, but nothing to post on facebook yet..haha. Any ideas??<br />
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My advice for you is to challenge yourself…start with a weak area of your life and work on it, build on it..You never know what will happen in the end until you succeed!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAx7eS87clfIRko9kUbjZxOb-hEWsRM9KfQDvGI_NUaAN4X0AEpxdcX6VvZp-J2d3GwpHl9VjrFnHKkCQ4VIGt-677_hZ5YLZ8QClIvojBMYnACZ9Ln9JcGDMqAgvVpwF1yqmiVyFX34H/s1600/30+day+challenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAx7eS87clfIRko9kUbjZxOb-hEWsRM9KfQDvGI_NUaAN4X0AEpxdcX6VvZp-J2d3GwpHl9VjrFnHKkCQ4VIGt-677_hZ5YLZ8QClIvojBMYnACZ9Ln9JcGDMqAgvVpwF1yqmiVyFX34H/s320/30+day+challenge.jpg" /></a></div>Sylvia Marie-BLESSED TO BE MEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07025336865478754445noreply@blogger.com1