Before and progress!!

03/04/2010 = beginning

Tonight, while on facebook, I took a journey through  my pictures. Wow what a difference I can see in my face and neck. This shirt I have on here is now falling off my shoulders. Such a great feeling!!! I really didn't know how much difference I have made in my face and neck. I can't wait to see more results. I'm so glad that I have so many friends and family members that are encouraging me on my weightloss journey. So glad that God has given me the best people in my life. :) Love you all!!

03/21/2011 = progress!!!

This is my favorite picture from my journey thus far. I did my hair and makeup. This isn't done very often! Wow I can see my eyes when I smile now. That's exciting. My neck, I can start seeing my bones. :) Woohoo success!!



04/29/11 = continue...

Oh, a fairly bad hairday. Well, it is 9pm and this was my hairdo for the entire day so I guess it's not too terribly bad. I can see even more of my eyes in this picture and it's only a month later than the previous one. Just pure excitement to see what putting God first is doing in my life!!

Leviticus 19:35
"Don't cheat when measuring length, weight, or quantity. Use honest scales and weights and measures. I am God, your God. I brought you out of Egypt.

Phillippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!!!

Great day!!

What a great day. I weighed this morning and down 75 pounds now!! How amazing that felt this morning. I had to weigh twice because I didn't believe it.
They said, "Oh, good—inquire of God for us. Find out whether our mission will be a success." The priest said, "Go assured. God's looking out for you all the way." Judges 18:5-6
It is so reassuring to know that God is always looking out for me in everything I do. I know that he is a big part of my weightloss success. Without Him I would have given up awhile ago. I have been learning so much throughout my weightloss journey and has really been bringing me closer with my relationship with God. What a happy moment in my life!
 
"Could it be that you've allowed yourself to start dwelling most of the time on what's wrong: what's wrong with your situation, what's wrong with your church, what's wrong with the people around you, what's wrong with your family members? Without realizing it, you've actually allowed yourself to become what the world already has more than enough of - a negatologist - a role really that is just totally unfitting for a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.
When you belong to Him, there are always so many more lights on than off. But it all has to do with what you choose to dwell on. You can't choose your circumstances, but you can choose what you dwell on. Don't let the things that aren't working make you miss the beauty of the lights that are on all around you."
Excerpt from http://www.hutchcraft.com/a-word-with-you/your-relationships/seeing-what-is-not-working-5730

Have a great day tomorrow!

Rainy days and Monday's always get me down...

I'm sure you have heard the song by the Carpenters "Rainy days and Mondays". The most known lyric from that song is, Rainy Days and Mondays always get me down. Not today! I beat the odds and made it through the rainy monday with a smile on my face!
"Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do." Ecclesiastes 11:9 (New Living Translation)

The past few weeks it seems like I have been in a weightloss plateau. I am stuck between 70 to 72 weightloss. I came accross this website with some interesting information.
http://lowcarb4life.sugarbane.com/stalls.htm
You can count on hitting 4 to 8 plateaus, short period of time without weight loss usually 3 or less weeks, during your weight loss depending on how much you have to lose. These plateaus are just your body's way of adjusting to the new composition of fat to fluids etc.. As you lose fat, water rushes in to redistribute itself and to prevent your body from going into shock, your system will compensate for this to help ease the transition. Some plateaus of this type can last a month so don't be alarmed. Just stick with your diet plan and don't panic. If you begin to gain weight (more than a few pounds) then you need to reevaluate things.

Also from the same website it tells us this information...Dehydration - Water is the key to good health. Water is essential to lypolysis (the breaking up of fat molecules for energy). If you don't have an adequate water intake your body has a harder time burning fat. Most people do not drink enough water. The average person needs to consume 64 ounces of water per day and an obese person needs to consume that PLUS an extra 8 ounces for each 25 pounds they are overweight. Not only does water facilitate fat burning but it also helps move ketones out of your body. If you are in ketosis from eating low carb foods then you need to flush your system regularly.

I am trying to drink more water but it's so difficult. I was drinking the 4 cups of water before going to work and I did that a few days and forgot for one day and that ruins it. Time to start getting back on my routine again. I am excited to get back on drinking my water and start getting up at 6am so I can exercise in the morning.

Motivation for the week...

"Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way." Colossians 3:15-17 (the message)

Easter weekend...

This weekend was super busy. The church Easter egg hunt wasn't cancelled. We had the hunt in the rain. The kiddos all looked like they had so much fun! Easter Sunday what a rainy day again! We had a great turnout at church, lots of new people. :) I love greeting on Sunday mornings. It was a wonderful weekend even if it was full of rainy weather. Can't wait to go for a 2 mile walk tomorrow after work!!
Until then, have a great day tomorrow.

Stormy weather.

Thursday has come to a close. Even with the stormy weather the day turned out beautiful. Today is my sister's birthday. Wish I had gotten to see her today but hopefully will see her tomorrow.
I did fairly well today. Goal 1: Get up at 6 am daily. I continue to work on this goal. It's pretty hard for a non morning person to get up at 6 am. This morning I got up at 6:50. I have been staying up too late to get up so early.
Goal 2: Drink 4 glasses of water before heading to work. Completed day three of this goal. I drank 12 glasses of water today.
I got up this morning and lost 2 pounds. WOO HOO!! I'm now down 72 since last year. :) I am getting so close to 100 I can taste it.
"Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going. And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take." Joshua 1:7-9 (The Message)
Tomorrow is Friday. A busy weekend ahead. It's Easter weekend. Easter egg hunt at central middle school in van buren at 10 am and everyone is invitied. I pray for no rain during the egg hunt.

Luke 24:1-12 ESV
(1) But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. (2) And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, (3) but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. (4) While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. (5) And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? (6) He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, (7) that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” (8) And they remembered his words, (9) and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. (10) Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, (11) but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. (12) But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.

Happy Easter everyone!!

Beautiful sunset...

I walked out my backdoor and looked up to see the beautiful sunset. The fresh, windy air hit my face and I just smiled with delight. I knew that God was smiling down at me. ^" Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got!" Deuteronomy 6:5 (the message).

Great day today. I'm not saying that I didn't have a few trying times today but in the end the day was great.

I woke up at 6:30. Did some Biggest Loser Wii. ***Drank my 4 glasses of water***. Then made my way to work there I came to sit in my car in traffic for 30 minutes as there was a wreck on the bridge. I prayed that everyone involved was alright.

Recap of my 2 current daily goals.

Goal 1. Wake up at 6 am daily. I am getting closer. I've made it to 6:30 and now just 30 minutes earlier to get up. I'm going to get there by Friday I hope.

Goal 2. Drink 4 cups of water before heading to work. Day two I completed this goal. I drank a total of 16 cups of water today. I'm proud of myself.

Walked 3 miles at the mall tonight with my walking buddy. So proud of us on that one as well.

Well, time to start winding down to get ready for bed.

"Good-bye, friends. Love mixed with faith be yours from God the Father and from the Master, Jesus Christ. Pure grace and nothing but grace be with all who love our Master, Jesus Christ." Ephesians 6:23-24.

Terrific Tuesday!!

Tuesday, here it came, back to work I went. Made it all day cheery!! I just kept singing a song in my head we sing at church:
Cause the enemy has been defeated
Death couldn't hold you down
We're gonna lift our voice in victory
Gonna make your praises loud
Shout unto God with a voice of triumph
Shout unto God with a voice of praise
Shout unto God with a voice of triumph
We lift your name up, we lift your name up
Cause I know my God saved the day
And I know his word never fails
And I know my God made a way for me
Salvation is here.

This song really made my day. Remembering that I am here to make His praises loud and outshine the enemies negativity and hate.
It's really hard to believe I have made it 78 days without any animal bi-product entering my body. I really can tell a difference not only in my weightloss but also in how I feel. At this moment with God's help I think this is the best decision I have made. I woke up this morning at 6:30. Did a little exercising, made a protein shake, drank 4 cups of water before heading to work. During work I drank another 8 glasses for a total of 12 cups of water today. I'm so proud of myself. Now it's just to do this everyday. I'm still working on waking up at 6 am but I know I will succeed soon.

Goal 1: wake up at 6am daily.
Goal 2: Drink 4 cups of water before leaving my home to drive to work.

What a beautiful day the Lord has made. He took away the bad weather that was predicted for our area and replaced it with beautiful weather. God is great, all the time.
Remember...
The enemy has been defeated
Death couldn't hold you down
We're gonna lift our voice in victory
Gonna make your praises loud!!
God just keeps bringing me to these different websites and definately hits me hard. I wanted to share an exerpt from this website:
"Jesus calls us, Jesus shows us something better, something higher - a more supernatural way to live, to draw on His grace, to keep giving out His love even when we feel battered, to keep giving out His encouragement, to keep delivering His word, to be all about others when I feel like being all about me; because I will find my life by giving it away." http://www.hutchcraft.com/a-word-with-you/your-hard-times/stormy-weather-shutdowns-5702
You should really read the whole story at the above website.
I hope everyone has a blessed Wednesday and to my co-workers I hope we have a great work day and accomplish alot!!

A day off = happiness!!

What a great day!!! Spent the morning with my mom running important errands. Went to the healthfood store and found some Gardein "chicken". I can't wait to try it. I also got some other great food such as; Vegan Cookies, some noodle soup, and Tofurky pepperoni pizza. YUM!!! I'm still looking at some new recipes to make and will upload pictures when I make them.
You are invited to Mt. Olive's Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 23rd, at Central Middle School in Van Buren. 1,000s of eggs and free food. Hope to see you there!! Also Easter sunday services are 9 and 10 am located at 500 Jefferson Street Van Buren, AR 72956. Behind Sonic on Broadway.
Hope everyone has a blessed Tuesday!!!

 ³⁴"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." Matthew 6:34  (The Message)

Happy Birthday Angie!!!

Happy Birthday Angie!!! I went to Angie's house and celebrated her birthday with several other friends. Had a great time as always. I was able to hang out with my best friend today for a little while and that was fun. I also got to hold a 12 day old baby girl. She is such a sweet baby and brought laughter and smiles to my face. I love that little baby!!! She is truly sent from GOD to bless her family and her church family.
I didn't make it to the health food store or to the regular store today. I will try to make it to the grocery store tomorrow. Maybe I will be able to cook something yummy...

Friday, How I used to love thee...

Friday, how I used to  love thee but today chose to be quite the opposite! The morning was rough for more than words can say. The afternoon was much better emotionally but still busy! I was positively ecstatic when it was time to go walk. Time to walk off some steam. It helps tremendously and we walked three times around the mall = 3miles! WooHoo!!!
Last night I didn't blog because of the storms. So glad we didn't have as bad of storms as they predicted. The sirens went off once for about 30 seconds. I went into the closet with my pup. She sat and just stared at me. I guess she was thinking why are we sitting in this small closet?? It was too funny. She finally relaxed and lay down just in time for us to get out of the closet. It was very funny!!!
Tomorrow it's time to go to the store and get some goodies. I will let you know what I purchased.
Until tomorrow!!!

Made it through the middle of the week!!!

Wednesday came to a close!! Now it is on to Thursday. It better be agreat day is all I have to say. Too much work to do! It was an interesting day today. Had lunch with an amazing friend and had a great time. Loved my leisurely walk to the restaurant today the weather was beautiful. Went walking my 3 miles after work today! Woot Woot. Felt great getting to do that again. Unfortunately I can't tomorrow as it is time to go to the Dentist!!! I will miss the walk but so glad to get my teeth cleaned. My bogs are getting shorter by the day. I'm afraid not much more to share about today.
But...I did have a great dinner. Morningstar riblets are so yummy!! They resemble ribs alot and the BBQ sauce that is on it tasts yummy too.
Talk to you all tomorrow!!! Time to hit the hay. 8-D

7 days in a row.

Can't believe I've made it seven (7) days in a row already! How exciting. A huge thanks goes to everyone that is reading. It was a long day at work today. I was just ready to go home and relax and relax is what I did. I really needed that tonight. I am looking forward to my next night of relaxation. I'm not sleeping enough for me I think.
Tonight I checked out some blogs looking for some new exciting vegan recipes. I've found a few that look good. I'm going to try them out and let you all know how they turn out.
Well, I'm cutting it short tonight so I can head to bed. I am so excited that I have made it to Wednesday and ready for a full workday!! I've got my music ready to jam and be miss speedy tomorrow. :) I hope everyone has a blessed Wednesday!!!

Oh happy day!

I didn't make it up by 6 am but I did get up 10 minutes earlier than usual. I am getting there. Hopefully by the end of the week I will accomplish this goal. Then it will be on to making another goal. :)
Went to work this morning to arrive to a devastating fire down the street. Two of the historical buildings went down in flames early this morning. It's a blessing that no one was in the building when it happend. They are still trying to figure out what started the fire. It will take several months if not a year before those buildings will get reconstructed. Thank goodness for the men and women that help put out that fire that it didn't spread farther than those two buildings.
I had a good day at work today. I just can't believe I have so much to accomplish at work and such little time to complete it. Wednesdays are the best day of the week, a workday to try and catch up a bit. Hopefully this Wednesday will be very productive!
I got my hair cut today. I'll see if I can fix it tomorrow. It's pretty much the same style I always choose. Layers and whispy bangs. I'm thinking about changing my hair drastically when I lose 100 pounds from my highest weight. Only 30 more pounds to go and boy oh boy it's never fast enough. Time to start exercising more often. Just walking the 3 miles after work when my friend and I are able to is just not enough these days.
This verse is perfect for my work and I really should take this one to heart. .
"Listen carefully to complaints and accusations between your fellow Israelites. Judge fairly between each person and his fellow or foreigner. Don't play favorites; treat the little and the big alike; listen carefully to each. Don't be impressed by big names. This is God's judgment you're dealing with. Hard cases you can bring to me; I'll deal with them." Deuteronomy 1:15-17 (The Message)

Everyone have a blessed day and remember "Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God's Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. " Philippians 1:3-6.

Ready and Raring to go.

This morning at church the BIG news is that someone donated the money to start updating the kitchen in the basement so we can start serving food to the the community. It was very much a Sun stand still moment!!! :) So excited about what GOD is doing at Mt. Olive, our congregation, and our community.
Went and hit golf balls today for the first time!! It was pretty fun. I missed the ball several times but by the end I was doing pretty well. Also played some horseshoes and I was just pathetic at that. I'll leave it at that.
I heard about this great Vegan meat alternative brand called Gardein. I had looked on their website and it said that Target sells their stuff. I went to Target in town and they had never heard of it before. Needless to say I was bummed. On to looking for it somewhere else. I did find some at the healthfood store but I haven't tried it yet. I will let you know how it tastes when I make it.
I took my pup outside this evening and to my not such a happy surprise I saw 2 baby snakes. Yikes!! Now I am searching how to get rid of them. Anyone have any ideas??
Like I said yesterday I decided to put off waking up at 6 am until Monday. The monday, which is here tomorrow. This is it, no  more excuses, I am waking up at 6am in the morning. Wish me good luck.
I am ready and raring to go and see what this week has in store for me. Monday here we come!!!

Excitement!!!

Saturday has come to a close. What a wonderful Saturday. Let's review from my to do list I created yesterday.
Mow the front and back yard - Check
Take the pup to the groomers for a bath and nails trimmed - Check 
Go to Sears to look at appliances.- Check

So my excitement comes from my trip to Sears!!!! I bought a new dishwasher, front load washer, and front load dryer. They were having a great sale and I am very excited for my new appliances. The downside is that the sale was so amazing that they are now back ordered and I have to wait until 05/06/2011 for the delivery. At least I have something to look forward to receiving.

My friend's yardsale to raise money for their girl scout troop went really well. I am so happy that they now will be able to go on their trip. :)

Oh did I mention that I failed day two of my first goal of getting up by 6am. I had a friend tell me that I should wait until Monday to start and that sounds like a good idea for me.

Church tomorrow!! I can't wait to see what the BIG news that the pastor has to share tomorrow that is a sun stand still kinda stuff.

Everyone have a great day tomorrow!!
"Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God." Phil 1:3

Did I meet my first goal?

First Goal: Get out of bed at 6am.
Unfortunately I failed today. I really tried but the bed was calling my name. I promise I heard it say ROOOOBBBBIIIINNN. ;) I am really going to try tomorrow. :)

I wanted to share that if you want some great non dairy ice cream you must get either Purely Decadent brand or So Delicious. The So Delicious comes in little ice cream sandwich's or fudge bars. Both of which are tasty!!!

Tomorrow is a big day!!
Time to mow the front and back yard.
Taking the pup to the groomers for a bath and to get her nails trimmed.
Going to Sears to look at appliances. :)
Who knows what else...
Looking forward to an eventful Saturday!!

On another note, I am so glad that a friend of mine was having a yard sale to raise money for her daughter's troop. I was able to donate all my stuff I had in my Yard Sale pile to benefit the girl scouts. :) The poor troop had a rough situation happen so I hope they are able to raise a good amount of money. Good Luck to them!!!

Speaking of getting rid of my yard sale stash... I had a 1980's television that weighed, I have no idea but HEAVY. I had to work on getting that thing to my car and I was so determined that I did it!! I don't really know how I finally picked it up but I did it long enough to drop it in the back of my SUV. I was so excited that I did it. Determination is a great asset to have in life.

Catch you all up tomorrow where we will find out if I met my first goal of getting out of bed by 6am daily take two. :) Hope you all have a blessed day tomorrow!!

Onward...

Today was an interesting day. The computers went down at work for 1/2 of the afternoon and the morning wasn't much better than that. But I made it through the day and was so happy when it was time to go home.
I decided to make a goal to get out of bed at 6:00am everyday of the week, weekends included. It's time to start a routine. :) Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!!

Day 65!!

It's been 65 days since I decided to become a Vegan. I am 26 pounds lighter since 02/01/2011. This has been my easiest diet since I first started dieting at age 12. I've always been a big girl. I've done the diet pills, Suzanne Sommers diet; Weight Watchers etc. I am 26 years old and will turn 27 in 38 days. I want to be at my ideal weight before I turn 30. This is my goal and I am sticking to it.
Unfortunately, I have a long way to go but I will succeed!! I have faith that I will reach my ideal weight before age 30.
Thanks to all my great friends that keep motivating me to keep going I love you all and appreciate you so much!!!