As I sit here trying to figure out a plan of action for my eating habits, I am reminded of a time before I was pregnant with my fifth child. I had been experiencing great strides in losing weight and controlling my unhealthy eating habits.
About 5 years ago, I stumbled upon books written by Shonda Parker that talk about being naturally healthy using God's wisdom and guidance. After reading her books, I decided to make changes in our eating habits as a whole family. Some of the changes were: raw sugar instead of white sugar, butter instead of margarine, canola oil & olive oil instead of vegetable oil, more fruits and veggies, less packaged foods and more homemade foods. We were successful in our transition.
Now for the exercise, or lack there of. We live in the country on the corner of a dead end road. It is 1 mile round trip (from my house to the dead end and back). We all love walking and one day decided to walk to the end and back. We all got to the end, but struggled to get back. Even the kids, but we were #determined to get home. After that first walk, the kids did not want to try again. I convinced them that next time would be easier because I allowed them to take their bicycles. Success!! We then started a daily regime of walking to the end and back on the nice days. Then winter hit. Too cold to walk. But the next spring brought renewed energy to walk again and we had another successful 3 seasons of walking.
Well, between the walking and eating better and the success of not eating junk food before bed, I starting losing weight. Then one day, almost 2 years ago, my two youngest children got sick. I was not feeling very well myself, but they came first. I got them feeling better and then my two oldest children got sick. I was still not feeling well, but I took care of getting them better. Finally, my husband got sick and it was like having another child. :) All the while, I am feeling nauseous and tired so walking was put on the back burner of our lives. 9 weeks after everyone else was 100% better, I was still feeling terrible. I went to see my doctor and was told I was pregnant. I was excited! We started walking again, but it was hard because I was nauseous all the time.
So here I am. My baby is almost 11 months old and I have fell back into the routine of eating before bed. Justifying it by the fact that I need to double my calories because I breastfeed my daughter. I am still eating healthy throughout the day, but nighttime still gets me. Also, the walking has ceased as we were in a polar vortex. It has been a very cold winter here this year. Well, no more excuses. I am working on a plan to get back to my sweet place of victory using God's wisdom and guidance.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Thursday, January 23, 2014
#Empowered
[Psa 84:2 KJV] 2 My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
This is my new craving for the year. For a long time, I craved unhealthy food while watching movies with my husband after the children went to bed. Even before we had our children, we would eat before bed. Day after day, month after month, year after year, the weight just kept creeping up. At first I justified my eating habits because I was either pregnant or nursing and needed the extra calories to keep up with my conditions. In reality, I just wanted food.
Now, I feel #empowered by God's grace to kick this unhealthy habit. It really should not be hard. I eat very healthy during the day because I want my kids to see that healthy foods are best. I was able to kick the habit for about 3 years, but then became pregnant again and used food as an excuse to put on the weight needed for my growing baby.
My baby is almost a year old and I am still in the habit of eating before bed. I have told my husband my plan of action, and by God's grace, he is going to help me to combat this habit by doing it with me. Now that's being #empowered.
This is my new craving for the year. For a long time, I craved unhealthy food while watching movies with my husband after the children went to bed. Even before we had our children, we would eat before bed. Day after day, month after month, year after year, the weight just kept creeping up. At first I justified my eating habits because I was either pregnant or nursing and needed the extra calories to keep up with my conditions. In reality, I just wanted food.
Now, I feel #empowered by God's grace to kick this unhealthy habit. It really should not be hard. I eat very healthy during the day because I want my kids to see that healthy foods are best. I was able to kick the habit for about 3 years, but then became pregnant again and used food as an excuse to put on the weight needed for my growing baby.
My baby is almost a year old and I am still in the habit of eating before bed. I have told my husband my plan of action, and by God's grace, he is going to help me to combat this habit by doing it with me. Now that's being #empowered.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Jesus Saves
I came to know the Lord in February 2004 when I gave birth to our still born baby boy whom we called Nathan. Up until then I knew of Him, but did not really know Him or what He could do for my life. I had 2 young children at that time (a boy who was almost 4 and a girl who was 3).
Since that point, God has blessed me with 3 more living children (all girls). I have had my trials as well, but I came to realize that living for Christ was not going to be an easy road. I have family and friends who called me a hypocrite because they knew what my life was like before the Lord entered in and they did not think this was 'real' for me. Over the years, I lost those friends and had strained relationships with family. I have also gained good Christian friends and have not allowed the trials to get me down too far.
I still 'back slide' at times, but I know that my redeemer lives and His mercies are new every day for those who call Him Lord. I know have 2 children that have come to Christ and I could not be happier.
Since that point, God has blessed me with 3 more living children (all girls). I have had my trials as well, but I came to realize that living for Christ was not going to be an easy road. I have family and friends who called me a hypocrite because they knew what my life was like before the Lord entered in and they did not think this was 'real' for me. Over the years, I lost those friends and had strained relationships with family. I have also gained good Christian friends and have not allowed the trials to get me down too far.
I still 'back slide' at times, but I know that my redeemer lives and His mercies are new every day for those who call Him Lord. I know have 2 children that have come to Christ and I could not be happier.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Praying God's Promises
Heavenly Father,
I trust in you with all my heart and pray that you will continue to direct my steps and make my paths straight. I come to you weary and heavy laden and trust that you will give me rest. Your grace is sufficient for me, and I know you will help me in times of trouble. Lord, thank you that you make all things possible by your power. Thank you for generously providing for all my needs. Thank you for your strength and that you will never forsake me .
In Jesus' wonderful name, Amen.
As I was pondering God's word this morning, I came to realize that I was not staying in His presence like I thought I was. I was stressed, overwhelmed, and just ready to quit as a wife, mother, and homeschooler. I fell to my knees before making breakfast and cried out to Jesus and a peace which surpasses all understanding came over me. I decided right then that my family needed to put Christ back into the 1st position of our lives. I found a 90 Bible Reading challenge that I put myself and older children on starting today. This challenge will have us read the Bible in 90 days and I hope to use this over and over again so that we can stay in God's word throughout our lives. As for the younger children, I am using a Bible Storybook that I plan on reading to them for 10 minutes twice a day (morning and bedtime).
I will be saying this prayer over and over again until I feel led to change it. I pray this for all my friends and family as well. May God bless all of us this Christmas season.
I trust in you with all my heart and pray that you will continue to direct my steps and make my paths straight. I come to you weary and heavy laden and trust that you will give me rest. Your grace is sufficient for me, and I know you will help me in times of trouble. Lord, thank you that you make all things possible by your power. Thank you for generously providing for all my needs. Thank you for your strength and that you will never forsake me .
In Jesus' wonderful name, Amen.
As I was pondering God's word this morning, I came to realize that I was not staying in His presence like I thought I was. I was stressed, overwhelmed, and just ready to quit as a wife, mother, and homeschooler. I fell to my knees before making breakfast and cried out to Jesus and a peace which surpasses all understanding came over me. I decided right then that my family needed to put Christ back into the 1st position of our lives. I found a 90 Bible Reading challenge that I put myself and older children on starting today. This challenge will have us read the Bible in 90 days and I hope to use this over and over again so that we can stay in God's word throughout our lives. As for the younger children, I am using a Bible Storybook that I plan on reading to them for 10 minutes twice a day (morning and bedtime).
I will be saying this prayer over and over again until I feel led to change it. I pray this for all my friends and family as well. May God bless all of us this Christmas season.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Who I Am in Christ
After years of self-doubt and fear, I have finally come to know #WhoIAm with Christ. I am God's child. I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ. I am free from condemnation. I cannot be separated from God's love. I am a citizen of heaven.I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. I am God's workmanship. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Just because I know #WhoIAm does not mean that I live an easy life. We live in a sin filled world and there are temptations all around. Sometimes I fall for Satan's lies, but most of the time I remember that God is in control of my life and that if I follow Him, I will not falter. When doubt comes after me, I WILL remember that God Almighty is for me and will Never forsake me.
Just because I know #WhoIAm does not mean that I live an easy life. We live in a sin filled world and there are temptations all around. Sometimes I fall for Satan's lies, but most of the time I remember that God is in control of my life and that if I follow Him, I will not falter. When doubt comes after me, I WILL remember that God Almighty is for me and will Never forsake me.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
A Heart Surrendered to Christ
This post is a more detailed version of my last. It gives and account of what led up to my relationship with my Lord and Savior.
When I was growing up, I new of God but did not know God. Our family did not go to church and God was not spoken of at home. I was raised to know right from wrong and was well loved, but I still felt empty. As a teenager I turned to drinking and drugs. While at a nightclub with a friend I met a cute guy that I was hoping would be the one for me. We started dating and he was very patient with me while I was still hanging out with my drinking buddies and babysitting for drug dealers. He was not in that sort of thing and patiently talked to me about Jesus and how my life did not have to be like it was. Well, I thought I knew better and would not listen. I thought for sure that he would leave me like the rest of my boyfriends did, but he stayed.
After four years of dating, this guy asked me to marry him. I said 'yes'. I was still drinking pretty heavily but had stopped doing drugs and stopped babysitting for dealers. I was still not into 'Jesus', but I did go to church with my fiance because I grew to love him very deeply. In 1996 we got married and moved to a different city 3 hours away. I slowly quit the heavy drinking and would only drink on the weekends. After two years of a rocky marriage, I gave up drinking completely to work on my marriage as I was very determined to keep my vows. In 2000 we had our first child, a boy. I was thrilled, but still did not surrender my life to Jesus. In 2001 we had our second child, a girl. In 2003 I had a miscarriage (Peace) and in 2004 I had a stillborn (Nathan). It was during this time that I finally cried out to God and accepted Jesus into my life.
I thought my life would change right away, but it didn't. In 2005 and early 2006 I miscarried again (Patience & Liberty). I thought God was punishing me for not believing sooner, but realized that maybe I was just not cut out to me a mother of more that 2 children. I cried out to God again and asked for peace and wisdom to parent the children I had the best way I could. Then in December of 2006 we had our third child, another girl. And in February of 2008 we had another girl. I realized that at this point surrendering my whole being to God would be needed to raise our growing family. Well, late 2008 my world seemed to crash again as we miscarried again (Victory). I was crushed, but would not let my depression get in the way of raising my 4 children. They needed me and I needed Jesus.
As I grew in my love for Jesus, my love for my husband and children grew. We had come to think our family is complete, but God had other plans. Just when we finally wrapped our hearts and minds on the fact that we will have no more children, our fifth child was born in March of this year. Another girl. We now have 1 boy and 4 girls ages 13, soon to be 12, 6, 5, and 7 months living in our home. We also homeschool. Now more than ever, I need to surrender my heart to Christ every morning to get through the trials of raising these arrows for His army. #priceless
When I was growing up, I new of God but did not know God. Our family did not go to church and God was not spoken of at home. I was raised to know right from wrong and was well loved, but I still felt empty. As a teenager I turned to drinking and drugs. While at a nightclub with a friend I met a cute guy that I was hoping would be the one for me. We started dating and he was very patient with me while I was still hanging out with my drinking buddies and babysitting for drug dealers. He was not in that sort of thing and patiently talked to me about Jesus and how my life did not have to be like it was. Well, I thought I knew better and would not listen. I thought for sure that he would leave me like the rest of my boyfriends did, but he stayed.
After four years of dating, this guy asked me to marry him. I said 'yes'. I was still drinking pretty heavily but had stopped doing drugs and stopped babysitting for dealers. I was still not into 'Jesus', but I did go to church with my fiance because I grew to love him very deeply. In 1996 we got married and moved to a different city 3 hours away. I slowly quit the heavy drinking and would only drink on the weekends. After two years of a rocky marriage, I gave up drinking completely to work on my marriage as I was very determined to keep my vows. In 2000 we had our first child, a boy. I was thrilled, but still did not surrender my life to Jesus. In 2001 we had our second child, a girl. In 2003 I had a miscarriage (Peace) and in 2004 I had a stillborn (Nathan). It was during this time that I finally cried out to God and accepted Jesus into my life.
I thought my life would change right away, but it didn't. In 2005 and early 2006 I miscarried again (Patience & Liberty). I thought God was punishing me for not believing sooner, but realized that maybe I was just not cut out to me a mother of more that 2 children. I cried out to God again and asked for peace and wisdom to parent the children I had the best way I could. Then in December of 2006 we had our third child, another girl. And in February of 2008 we had another girl. I realized that at this point surrendering my whole being to God would be needed to raise our growing family. Well, late 2008 my world seemed to crash again as we miscarried again (Victory). I was crushed, but would not let my depression get in the way of raising my 4 children. They needed me and I needed Jesus.
As I grew in my love for Jesus, my love for my husband and children grew. We had come to think our family is complete, but God had other plans. Just when we finally wrapped our hearts and minds on the fact that we will have no more children, our fifth child was born in March of this year. Another girl. We now have 1 boy and 4 girls ages 13, soon to be 12, 6, 5, and 7 months living in our home. We also homeschool. Now more than ever, I need to surrender my heart to Christ every morning to get through the trials of raising these arrows for His army. #priceless
Thursday, October 17, 2013
I Believe...
...that God will give me the victory over failure.
...that God will give me the strength to endure trials and tribulations.
...that I am precious and loved by God despite my faults and weaknesses.
...that Gods faithfulness and love will guard my heart and mind.
...that I am Gods masterpiece and I am like royalty in His kingdom.
...that God is my strength and wisdom and will give me confidence.
I am a mother of 5 beautiful blessings here on earth and 5 with Jesus. I have been through many hardships as a child growing up in an unbelieving home. I did not come to know Christ until my 4th pregnancy ended in a stillborn baby boy. I cried out to God for answers and heard "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." I did not know at first where that came from until little Nathan's funeral when the pastor said those same words. I knew then that the Lord was speaking to me through this trial. It was February 2004 that I made the decision to give my life to Jesus and I started reading the Bible and trying to understand what He had in store for my life. I am still carrying a lot of baggage from my childhood, but with the help of Bible Studies and Prayer Partners, my husband and my church, and most importantly, God, I am seeing the 'light'.
...that God will give me the strength to endure trials and tribulations.
...that I am precious and loved by God despite my faults and weaknesses.
...that Gods faithfulness and love will guard my heart and mind.
...that I am Gods masterpiece and I am like royalty in His kingdom.
...that God is my strength and wisdom and will give me confidence.
I am a mother of 5 beautiful blessings here on earth and 5 with Jesus. I have been through many hardships as a child growing up in an unbelieving home. I did not come to know Christ until my 4th pregnancy ended in a stillborn baby boy. I cried out to God for answers and heard "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." I did not know at first where that came from until little Nathan's funeral when the pastor said those same words. I knew then that the Lord was speaking to me through this trial. It was February 2004 that I made the decision to give my life to Jesus and I started reading the Bible and trying to understand what He had in store for my life. I am still carrying a lot of baggage from my childhood, but with the help of Bible Studies and Prayer Partners, my husband and my church, and most importantly, God, I am seeing the 'light'.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)