The Lord's Table~Day 27 to 34

I'm a little behind with these summaries because of Christmas! But I have continued doing the readings daily even during my travels. They have been a great source of encouragement and have definitely continued teaching me new things...

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Day 27~Walking in the Spirit

Isn't this interesting how the verses in Galatians 5, which highlight the importance of walking by the Spirit, were the main theme of my Saturday, December 20th reading! God has been highlighting this verse numerous times for me over the past couple weeks. This lesson continued as this verse was highlighted at the Christmas eve service I attended. God is speaking loud and clear!

Should we just give up and say that we will always have these intense temptations, these fiery darts from the enemy, and at timse we will have victory over them and at other times we will give in to them? Many people do just that. They are tired of fighting, tired of resolving to stop only to fall again, tired of the vicious cycle. But friend, this does not have to continue. Scripture makes a declarative statement:

Walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

The above passage states that there is a way to keep from fulfilling the lusts of the flesh. It is to walk by the Spirit. It is to be led by the Spirit. It to walk with the Spirit. So, our "fight" is not so much with not overeating, or not being greedy, selfish or divisive, it is with maintaining our walk with the Lord. For if we live by the Spirit, are led by the Spirit, and walk with the Spirit, the promise of Scripture is that we
will not gratify our flesh. We will not overeat. We will not be sexually immoral, etc. There is our answer! TLT workbook pg 87-88

I wrote a big "AHA!" by the point! I have known this truth, but the above paragraph really put it all in perspective with just the right words! I know the main point of this journey for me is to learn to walk by the Spirit at all times in all things, all for the glory of God!


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Day 28~New Creations in Christ

I did this reading last Sunday... "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things have passed away behold, new things have come" (2 Cor. 5:17) kept on turning over in my mind and heart OVER AND OVER again this whole entire week at my in-laws. I didn't even realize until this moment that this was a central part of my Sunday, December 21st reading! Go figure! My memory is obviously short...but the verse was obviously highlighted for a reason and did stick with me. I kept thinking, "Am I any different then last year in regards to my eating?" I can't say I felt much different, but certainly was seeking to abide in Christ and look to Him throughout this entire week. That's different. That's reflective of seeking to walk by the Spirit.

I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15:5

I am reminded I must ABIDE in Christ! I am a new creature. I am being led, prompted, empowered by the Spirit.


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Day 29~Growing in Christ

This lesson dealt with three different groups that John addresses in 1 John 2:12-14: children, young men, fathers.

I know that I'm growing up. I can sense a change in me as I am applying, chewing on, praying and soaking up the Word of God more each day. This is incredibly exciting for me!

Thank you Lord for giving me a hunger and thirst for You and for Your Word. Thank you for revealing truth to me, being patient with me and teaching me. You are just awesome and incredible! Thank you!

I can also see myself being equipped and prepared to give an answer for the faith more often. I will explain that a little later...


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Day 30~The Discontented Heart

I was reminded that I need to be content with my portion. Don't go looking for contentment with more than I need else I be greedy. Fill up on God. He brings true contentment and satisfaction. More of Him. Less of me. This is my prayer.


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Day 31~Back to Basics

This lesson highlighted the point that Jesus' birth in a manger was a reminder for Him to be fed upon. I read this on Christmas eve which was quite meaningful to me. It once again felt like God was speaking with a loudspeaker to me! :-) This reminder also made Christmas that much more meaningful...

The main points of this lesson were:

1. Delight your soul.
2. Discipline your body.
3. Develop daily accountability.

These were all great reminders:-)


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Day 32~Freedom through Fellowship

The main point of this lesson was:

Truly stopping habits of overeating requires ongoing intimacy with God. TLT workbook pg101

And it all boils down to the John 15 portion of scripture which highlights over and over and over and over again that we must ABIDE IN HIM, staying close to Him spiritually! Then we will bear fruit! Praise God! Walk by the Spirit. Abide in Him. Bear fruit. I am reminded that I must fix my eyes on Jesus for He is the author and perfector of the faith. This is all very encouraging to me.


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Day 33~Exercise is a Must

Okay, gotta exercise! The main point of this lesson obviously! I am getting my butt in gear:-)

I don't tend to get too legalistic about exercise. I don't even see it as having anything to do with weight loss to be honest!

I tend to view it simply as being great for my muscles, for my heart, for my energy, for my endurance, for toning... I don't connect it very directly with losing or lack of losing weight. I DO view it as being important to make a priority though. My goal is once again 5x each week doing 20 minutes cardio (jumping rope is the best one during these cold winter months...and I have an eliptical machine on my bday wish list now:-) and then aim for 3x each week doing some kind of resistance/weight training. That's has been my goal in the past and continues to be:-) I'm already looking forward to spring when I can get out jogging again. I really enjoy getting the fresh air and time with the Lord as I get moving:-) But alas, I must wait a few months for that!!!


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Day 24~Enjoy the Feast

God's grace has been very evident in my life. I am thankful for a godly heritage and upbringing. I am thankful for a wonderful husband. I feel that could have gone quite wrong had not God been gracious! I was so young and we jumped into marriage quite quickly. I'm very thankful that Jon and I share the same values and faith. It is actually quite incredible how God, in His grace, brought us together. I also can see God's grace and provision evident in our lives with regards to jobs. And then of course I can see God's hand of grace in my life as I have struggled with weight-related issues for the past 20 years, since I turned 13 years old. God has been gracious and not given up on me but rather used this to draw me closer to Himself! What an awesome God!

This lesson asked the reader to soak in Psalm 103 and Ephesians 1 and note all the spiritual blessings that Christians have to feast upon... The list got pretty LONG!!! I would encourage everyone to take the time to do this exercise! It was pretty amazing to note all the blessings that God has for us!

I felt like this quote from a course member (Pastor Joe), summing up his weight related issues, corresponded quite closely to where I'm with my journey...

While I am still tempted and occassionaly fail, the pattern of my life now is walking in obedience to the Lord in this matter. I pray that He will do a complete work in me and I will bring glory to His name because of His grace working in me. TLT workbook pg110

Prize

As I was jogging this morning (yes, I got back to exercising, yippee!)...I got to thinking about this verse:

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

My NIV study notes say:

prize: The winner of the Greek races received a wreath of leaves and sometimes a cash award; the Christian receives an award of everlasting glory.
heavenward: Paul's ultimate aspirations are found not in this life but in heaven, because Christ is there (see Col 3:1-2)

Often, as I apply this verse to my TW journey, I mistakenly think of the "prize" as finally reaching my weight release goals and getting "thin"!

Yet far greater then getting "thin", is my life (present and future) with Christ. I was thinking about what the "prize" in the present would be.... And came to a definite conclusion that the ultimate prize, relating to my TW journey and the present, would be Christ's healing and restoration and setting me free from captivity to this sin of gluttony and greed for food. I look forward to the day when I experience this more fully.

So I keep pressing on!

As I return from holidays I feel there is a need for greater accountability and transparency with 0-5 eating and exercise. So I have once again began posting to my Daily Food & Exercise Log and will continue for the next 30 days.

Jogging, Wind & Persevering

(Not me in this picture btw--just found it online, thought it was fitting for this post!)

As a child I believed I was a complete failure at running. I hated running or relay races, even baseball…probably largely because of the pressure of others watching me run in these races…and knowing I’d inevitably be the slowest!

Well a few years ago I decided to give running a try again. I started running 1 km and then eventually began frequently running 2 km (with some walking breaks of course!). I discovered I wasn’t a complete failure at running after all! It was really my beliefs about myself that were setting me up for failure. What a joy it was to discover I could do it after all!

This spring I decided to push myself a little further and began running 3 km. I didn’t find it that crazy difficult so yesterday I decided to try a 4 km run….and managed to do it without much difficulty! Woohoo! Maybe I’ll work my way towards doing a half marathon next spring…we’ll see!

I’m guessing some lessons could be gleaned simply from that little rambling…about how we need to look at what we believe….and what we believe should be grounded in God’s truth. Just like the story of the eagle who believed he was a chicken!

However that’s not why I’m rambling about jogging! When I went jogging the other day it was like the wind was my helper on the first stretch of my run. However when I turned around to run back I discovered it was pretty challenging to run into that wind and keep pressing forward! In that moment I knew God was teaching me a lesson.

Sometimes on this “thin within” journey it seems like I have smooth sailing, the wind pushes me forward. God's presence is very real to me. 0-5 eating seems pretty straightforward with no real challenges that seem insurmountable. I feel like I’m in the “zone”. And weight seems to melt off my body.

At other times I feel like everything is a challenge. I feel like I’m fighting a losing battle (and not the kind of “losing” that I want!). I stray from 0-5 eating very easily. I struggle to experience God’s strength at these times. I feel like a failure at these times. Yet, I know I must keep pressing on…I have to get home after all! I know that God is with me through all the ups and the downs of this journey. He is teaching me things through both the "easy" and the "hard" times. I know I've quoted this verse many times, but it touches me every time I read it:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

And then of course this verse also encourages "pressing on"...

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:14

I think the reason this hit me was that right now I’m feeling like I’m running into the wind, struggling to keep pressing on. I have not been living my life fully surrendered to the Lord (particularly with eating) the past few days. I don’t like having to admit this! But it’s true! I don’t know why I’m having such trouble.

Why am I willing to walk away from this “great project” that the Lord is working in my life?

Why am I eating past full?

Why am I not spending enough time focussing on God, his constant presence and his plans for me?

Why am I not relying on God when he promises to equip me and strengthen me?

Why am I hard hearted, hardly caring that I am making choices that are displeasing to God?

Why does it not make me feel truly sorrowful?

My heart is heavy as I ponder these questions...

Oh Father God, I want to have a soft, tender heart. I want to live a life pleasing to you. I want to glorify you in all I say and do. Please forgive my rebellious heart. Help me walk the path of your provision once again. I look to you for grace, mercy and strength at this time, with the assurance that you are indeed working through these times to make me mature and complete, not lacking anything. In Jesus name, Amen.

Heidi's blog got me thinking...

I have been reading through Heidi's blog starting at the beginning of her journey and have been really convicted and challenged through much of what she wrote.

I was thinking at supper tonight about the "giving up the last bite" plan being unnecessary as long as I stop at #5. Well, I think it is a really good practice for me to continue... Why am I even fighting it??? I know it is because I want to eat ALL my food!!! So, I will continue sacrificing some of the food on my plate to the Lord.

The other thing that I know I need to do, that I have read in various places (the latest being Heidi's blog), is to pray and ask the Lord for direction when to stop eating. I really need to start implementing this more. I need to trust Him. I have found it quite bizarre how I actually have a little burp (would air bubble being a nicer description?? :-) when I'm satisfied... Yet so often I push past that and want to continue eating as much as I can within the parameters of 0-5. I feel quite convicted that I'm being disobedient in this. Sometimes I don't get this "air bubble" but still know I've had enough to satisfy. I'm kind of toying with the idea of actually exercising (jumping rope or running) immediately following dinner... Wouldn't that be a good challenge!!!

I also am feeling challenged to wait for really clear hunger signals. I find it particulary hard to discern what my #0 is when I don't get the rumble in the belly. These are the times that I often rationalize my way through the "Am I hungry yet?" question.

Also in regards to the scale.... What an up and down rollercoaster this has been! I read how Heidi would pray and ask God to reveal when she could step on the scale... Interesting thought. I am not sure I am called to wait an entire month (until mid-July) as I originally planned. I guess I have fear of gaining weight when I'm not really consistent with 0-5 eating. I'd rather just know where I stand with things and then keep pressing forward. I'm not sure if this is *wrong* or not... I have to admit I'm a little scared to step on the scale tomorrow morning (which is my current plan). I certainly feel challenged to possibly make it a once-a-week weigh in. I'll just have to bring this to the Lord and follow His leading.

Eating without being accountable to others as I was before, is a bit tough I find. I find I'm not eating quite as consistently 0-5 as before. Why is that!!! Strange I know! Anyways, I plan to keep on growing in this area as I don't think it makes much sense to keep on posting everything I eat for the rest of my life! I know I'm going in the right direction with this one.

Also, I'm having more trouble with regular exercise. I go through my spurts all the time...and really want to get back into regular exercise again. Not sure why I fall off the exercise band wagon all the time! It's not like I set myself up with lofty unrealistic goals! I know it is just laziness!

In regards to time with the Lord... I just am blown away by how He is becoming more a part of each moment. I'm also blown away by the hunger and thirst I have for His word. Thank you Lord!

Well, that's an update at my end. Reading Heidi's blog certainly got me thinking and reflecting! Thanks, Heidi! God continues to use your journey and words to encourage others! What a testimony to His power and grace! You are shining for Him and bringing Him glory! Thanks!

Goals - checking in

Checking in on the goals I set for May 30th :

Goal #1 - 157 lbs by May 30th
I reached 157lbs this week, praise God!

Goal #2 - continue exercising 3-5x each week plus of course flyer delivery walk 2x/week
I have been exercising about 3-5x each week generally...although could up that a little.

Goal #3 - find balance in everday activities, start learning some spanish
I'm having trouble finding balance in everyday activities and I haven't started learning spanish yet.

Hitting the 150's is a huge step for me. It also comes with some new baggage. After my second child was born in 2002 I seemed to hit a wall with my weight and stayed stuck at 157lbs for about 3 years. My weight didn't seem to fluctuate at all, no matter how much I worked at it (which in hindsight I'm not sure how consistent I was). Then my weight started to spin wildly out of control the past two years, climbing FAR from the 150's, into the 170's.

I feel like I'm entering a new phase as I face old battles, old failures. I feel like I'm hearing a whisper in my ear saying "Remember how impossible it was to get below 157lbs last time. I'm not sure it's possible...." I need to move forwards....and stop acting like a chicken and act like an eagle! LOL! I need to remember "I'm not a FAILURE, but rather God's SAINT by calling who fails!" (TW pg 98)

As I read over my TW journalling I noticed a few quotes from TW that deal with failure that have really spoken to me:
“He knows we will fail even before we do, but it is not His will that we fail without benefiting or maturing in some way from the experience.” (TW pg 99)

“Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.” (Denis Waitley TW pg 95)

And of course, one of my favorites:
"Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat."
F. Scott Fizgerald

I know God has a plan in all this. This scripture sure has been an encouragement to me:

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

So, with all this in mind my new re-adjusted (from original) goals are:

Goal #1: HEART changes - a more surrendered close relationship with God and practising God's presence more moment by moment day by day

Goal #2: 150 lbs by the end of the month

Goal #3: Exercise 3-5x each week for at least 20 minutes

Goal #4: Learn some spanish, spend time with the kids focussing especially on devos with them, and find balance in life.

I've found myself drawn to the scale far too often this past week. Thankfully it doesn't send me spiralling out of control. However the thing I have noticed that I don't like is how my mind has been focussing too much on a # (even though it has been all good news this week--yeah PTL!). My focus slides away from God and the heart work He's doing...and ultimately that is my #1 goal - to be in a more surrendered close relationship with God. So, I want to form another goal, which I know will be difficult for me to do....

Goal #5: Only one mid-month weigh in to check progress this month - maybe mid-June.

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms..." Ephesians 1:18-20

Goals - past & future

April 24 I re-adjusted the goals I set at the beginning of the month of April. My re-adjusted goals were:

#1 - 162 lbs by Saturday, May 3rd
#2 - exercise 3-5x each week plus flyer delivery walks 2x/week
#3 - clean up laundry room, our bedroom, winter/spring clothes switch-er-roo

Praise God I actually managed to meet EACH of these goals!!!

My new goals for the end of the month are:

#1 - 157 lbs by May 30th

#2 - continue exercising 3-5x each week plus of course flyer delivery walk 2x/week

#3 - find balance in everday activities, start learning some spanish

April 24

April 24th food log:
(Chapter 24)

#1 By God’s grace and strength I will be 159 lbs by day 30. (currently 165lbs)

My weight is still 165lbs… This is a positive in many ways of course. But I also know I need to re-adjust my hunger #’s and make sure I’m consistent if I want to lose weight and not just maintain… So, my goal for next Saturday, May 3rd is 162lbs as already stated before. I am going to aim to eat only to a #4 as I know it and hopefully this will help me re-adjust my hunger #’s.

#2 By God’s grace and strength I will exercise 5x each week (Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat)

My goal remains to exercise 5x each week as often as possible. I find this hard at times, but will try to get some exercise 3-5x each week plus flyer delivery 2x week. I think this is do-able.

#3 By God’s grace and strength I will follow my daily day plan & tidy my laundry rm.

I think I’m going to scrap the daily day plan. Doesn’t seem to be working. However, I still want to meet the objectives/aims of the daily day plan that I created. It was good to work out a schedule as it gives me a better idea of how I can get all my objectives met and how little extra time there really is to spare! I will clean up the laundry room TOMORROW! Saturday! That will be my aim. Then I should have a fairly clean storage space under the stairs and a clean laundry room…that would feel good. Next week I’ll be working on cleaning up our room a little as my in-laws arrive for a visit and will use our room…which will probably require doing the annual winter/spring clothes switch-a-roo.

April 3

April 3rd food log:
(Chapter 3)

#1 By God’s grace and strength I will be 159 lbs by day 30. (currently 165lbs)
#2 By God’s grace and strength I will exercise 5x each week (Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat)
#3 By God’s grace and strength I will follow my daily day plan & tidy my laundry rm.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1Cor. 10:31

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Cor. 3:18

Lord, I am thankful for your promise to change me to become more like you. Amen

MARCH - TW ch 24

March 24th:

“We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” Romans 5:3-5

“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it” 1 Cor. 10:13

Your resolve to finish the restoration and subsequent maintenance of your body, God’s temple, will undoubtedly be challenged; so be prepared and well armed. Look on your trials as an opportunity for the Lord to form and shape your character. He will provide a way of escape if you are open to it. You can be confident that He will not allow anything to prevent the accomplishment of His plan and purpose for His beloved, you. He will provide the grace and the strength you need to emerge victorious.” P.257

This chapter really spoke to me, right where I was at… I was feeling quite down, like a failure once again. And this chapter just lifted me right up out of that defeated place and back on the path of grace. As I started reading I was at a place where I was fearing being unable to successfully complete my goals… I felt like I had failed and was feeling quite down…

A statement on p. 259 that stood out was: “With Thin within, you don’t need to be perfect, but I came to understand I needed to persevere. Things happen and can seem overwhelming, but now I know how to refocus on God and press on.”

P. 260 Specific Actions to take to reach Goals

Goal #1:
0-5 Eating 0-5 consistently
Expect to realistically reach 162lbs by Monday, March 31st if I follow the above plan.

1.) Pray each morning (and through day) a prayer of surrender and cry for help.
2.) Post planning for trials exercise around the house, drawing more attention to them.
3.) Conscious Eating – refocus
4.) Continue with daily journaling and food log.
5.) Keep a gratitude journal (add it to my daily journal).
6.) Practice praying scripture and claiming promises.
7.) Limit the baking!


Goal #2:
Exercise 4x week
This goal is on hold until April when I will tackle this one full force. I am okay with this. I’m looking forward to the warmer weather and starting a 3 month exercise challenge with Jon.

Goal #3:
Clean laundry room, under bathroom sink, medicine cabinet
1.) Today – clean medicine cabinet
2.) Tuesday evening – clean under sink
3.) Next Monday, March 31st clean laundry room

Steps to Strengthen Belief System

Chapter 22 & 23

March 22nd & 23rd:

Steps to Strengthening Your Belief System (P. 233-234)

1. State with confidence and boldness: “God has equipped me with everything I need to be what He wants me to be and to accomplish what He wants me to accomplish.”

Taking action on p. 235:

Romans 8:1-2 personalized:
Through acceptance of Jesus’ payment for my sin of gluttony, I am fully forgiven and free to follow Him.

Psalm 27:1 personalized:
I don’t need to be afraid of failure to lose weight and be healthy because God is my Savior and will help me press on and release weight.

Philippians 4:13 personalized:
God equips me with the strength I need to withstand the temptation of poor eating choices and eating outside 0-5.

2. Remind yourself often of the Lord’s promise to make a way when there seems to be no way.

P. 235 encourages dealing with temptation with gratitude statements/thanksgiving journal and reading Scripture. I prayed:
Dear Lord, thank you for helping me persevere through ups and downs of the past 8 weeks. Please help me stick to 0-5 eating and be free from the mastery of the sin of gluttony. Please help me continue to surrender to you. Amen.

3. Highlight verses in your Bible that deal with courage, confidence, faith and believing.

I reflected on the following verses in prayer….

Matthew 14:27 – Lord, thank you for being my Savior. I trust and believe (not doubt!) that You are faithful and will give me the strength I need to fully surrender my greedy to you. Thank you.

Hebrews 3:6 – Lord, thank you for taking over the reins of my life. Help me hold onto You and cling to You.

4. Pray the promises of God.

1 John 4:4 – Father, I believe that You are greater then any force in the world. You are able to overcome ANY obstacle, any temptation Satan throws my way, particularily with regards to gluttony.

Psalm 20:4-5 – Thank you for saving me. Thank you for answering my calls to You. Thank you for the power You promise to give me to save me.

5. Visualize and affirm your assets.

I visualize the following impressions of what it would look like if I cooperated with God in the goals I listed in Chapter 16:

Goal #1 (reach 160lbs….restated success would be eating 0-5 consistently 10/14 days remaining) --
I would feel healthy, slim and victorious in God!

Goal #2 (exercise 3x week)
I would feel healthy and energized and disciplined.

Goal #3 (clean out different messes in the house)
I would feel lighter as a burden is lifted.

6. Make and memorize a list of character qualities that you desire to develop.

Character trait #1: Disciplined/self-controlled
I would like to incorporate this in my life in the following ways:
Eat 0-5, exercise 4x/week, watch 1 hr TV/day, 1 hr computer/day, keep house running smoothly, daily prayer/devotions

Character trait #2: Wise/Discerning
I would like to incorporate this in my life in the following ways:
Study God’s word, pray, memorize bible so I can more effectively apply and share my faith and ultimately pass it on to my kids.

Character trait #3: Patience/gentleness
I would like to incorporate this in my life in the following ways:
Slow to anger with my family, treat family with empathy, encouragement and love.

7. Actively replace negative thoughts and statements with positive thoughts and statements.

8. When an obstacle arises, state boldly, “If God is for me, who can be against me?”

9. When you are feeling harassed by Satan, say aloud, “Father, God, I want to thank you that you are greater than anything Satan can do to me.”

List some situations or circumstances in which you find yourself feeling most harassed by the enemy: p.248
· Anxieties – the “what ifs” of life!
· Failures – self control, gluttony, patience

10. Remind yourself continually: “God is with me in this. He will never leave or forsake me.”

MARCH - TW ch 16

March 16th:

“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.”
1 Peter 6:9

My original goals that I set on day 3 were:
Goal #1: 160lbs
Goal #2: exercise 3x/week
Goal#3: clean storage area under stairs and the laundry room

My re-adjusted goals are:
Goal#1: My main goal is to consistently eat 0-5 each day. I’d like to see at least 10 out of 14 completely on-track 0-5 eating days by the time I complete this book. Weight loss will fall in line with obedience in this regard.

Goal#2: I need to START exercising 3x/week! Jon and I are going to start a 3 month challenge starting in April. In the meantime I’d just like to try my best to go for short walks after dropping off the kids at school and slip in jumping rope a couple times. My main focus won’t be on this until April.

Goal#3: I cleaned the storage area….now onto the laundry room!

Significant Time Exercise p. 165
I know I filled this out previously. Not sure what I put down last time, but here is what came to mind as I quickly did it this time.

Significant Time #1 – Major relocation

Where were you?
Moved back to Canada (parents were missionaries overseas)
Who was with you?
My family
How did you feel?
Lonely, lost, bitter
Was there a shift in your weight as a result of this incident?
Yes
What decisions did you make as a result of this incident?
Food changes, eating habits changed. I no longer was under the rules of dorm life and had the freedom to snack when I wanted on what I wanted etc.
Did your self-esteem increase or decrease?
Decreased a little, but then that is probably normal in the teen years! But I still had a fairly healthy self-esteem.
How did this incident affect your view of God? Drew me closer to God.

Significant Time #2 - Marriage

Where were you?
Current city
Who was with you?
Jon
How did you feel?
Happy, loved, really enjoying being a homemaker, loved experimenting with cooking and baking.
Was there a shift in your weight as a result of this incident?
Yes
What decisions did you make as a result of this incident?
With baking, baking, baking came lots of eating!!! I no longer had ANY rules to live by as I could buy/eat whenever/whatever I wanted.
Did your self-esteem increase or decrease?
Neither.
How did this incident affect your view of God? Didn’t affect.

Significant Time #3 – Pregnancy #2

Where were you?
Here in our current home.
Who was with you?
family
How did you feel?
A bit out of control with eating, uncomfortable, had morning sickness, loved being able to eat, eat, eat for two!
Was there a shift in your weight as a result of this incident?
Yes
What decisions did you make as a result of this incident?
I felt like the pregnancy was licence to eat as much as I wanted. Morning sickness also made me always question whether I was hungry.
Did your self-esteem increase or decrease?
Neither.
How did this incident affect your view of God? Didn’t affect.