Progression or End Result?

Are you the type of person who likes to go through the storm, watch yourself transform, evolve, or are you the type who wants the end result immediately, instant gratification? Me, I want the immediate. I went to church Wednesday and watched a weekly devotional by Kasey Van Norman, titled, Named By God and she spoke about how God wants us to go through storms, not because He wants to see us suffer but because He wants to watch us trust in Him and seek His face.
As I was listening to her speak, I began internalizing two storms in my life:
1. My health (weight) - All my life I have had a slight weight issue. I have always eaten unhealthy, been a little lazy at times and always, always, always wanted immediate gratification. My mind has always been on that perfect figure and not how I was going to get there. I have taken diet pills, went to a plastic surgeon's office to see how much it would cost to have a tummy tuck, colon cleanses, etc. All the while, realizing these things only lasted but for a moment.  I didn't seek God, repent for my gluttony, and begin a journey of faith and transformation WITH God.  I always wanted to take control and figure it out myself.  HELLO!!!! This doesn't work.  I am 34 years old and I am just now figuring this out...Needless to say, Thank the Lord, I am figuring it out and with His help, I am going to walk through this storm and transform. 

2. My new house - In 2008, we sold our house to pursue my life long dream of building my dream home. We purchased land and thought it would only take us two years to pay off our debt, so we could move into a new home debt free.  Well, it is 2013 and we are still living in an approx. 900 sq foot 2 bedroom, 1 bath house. This home is in my husbands family and is over 70 years old. We are very blessed to live here, rent free. HOWEVER, this whole time, I have complained about how small this house is, how old it is, how dirty it is, it isn't new and pretty, AND why aren't we in our new house, it will never happen, etc.  Over time, my negativity has spilled into my kids ears and my heart has lost hope. I truly know in my heart our new house is right around the corner and it will happen, yet, my attitude and lack of faith has really made me realize where my focus has been.  I have been very selfish and tried to be in control of this situation for years.

Needless to say, God is showing me put my focus on HIM and not on myself. At least I have a somewhat healthy body and a home!!  RIGHT!! Let's try to look at the positive while walking through the storm! This is the teachable moment that God is preparing us to help others for the future.

Where are you in your life? Are you going through a storm? Can you share it with me? How are you coping with your storm?

Lord, I come to you in Jesus Name, and I ask that you will please forgive me for my selfish ways. I thank you so much for helping me realize where my focus needs to be and that it is a good thing for me to go through these storms. I want to grow and become more like YOU! Father, I pray that you will help me keep my focus off of the end results and more on my transformation into my healthy lifestyle and my new house! In Jesus Name, Amen.

Encouragement

I had to take my girls to see the Allergist today for a follow up visit. We went to Steak N Shake for lunch. Both girls ordered small milkshakes and guess what, I resisted the temptation to get one!! Yippee! Finally...I didn't give in...until I got home and went back to work. I ate 6 Hershey Kisses. Boo Hoo...My justification was, at least they are small, "Ahem", 6 though. I still feel like I have done much better today than I have since I began my journey.
I wasn't able to work out this morning, so I had to work out this evening. This was the first time my girls watched me work out with this DVD. My 8 yr old says, "Mom, your not doing what they are doing." I told her if you are going to make fun of me, you need to go into the other room. I was so offended by her comment. Why did this bother me so? Was it because I couldn't do all the moves, because I am out of shape, because my 8 year recognizes that I can't do it, or because I don't see my self worth as God does?
3/4's the way into the workout, I felt like I was dying. I said out loud, "Jesus, why am I putting myself through this? Why? I know, to become healthy, to become healthy, please help me through this." As soon as I said that, my 8 year old said, "Mom, I will help you workout", then my 4 year old said, "Me, too". They both got up ran into their room and put on their workout clothes. It was so encouraging to see them want to help me finish the workout video and help me become healthy.
As parents, our children watch and hear everything. We are their mentors and role models, just like Jesus is to us (His children). If we follow in His footsteps, we will transform in the likeness of HIM! If our children follow in our footsteps, they will become who we are. Which footsteps are we leading them in?

Cupcakes

So, my wonderful friend and co-worker, Tonia Latham came into the office today with luscious coke-cola cupcakes. OH MY GOSH...what a temptation. She is such a great baker and every time she brings in yummy food, the food talks to me and says, "Eat me, Melanie, Eat me". I not only ate one cupcake, I ate two!
At least I didn't eat the entire pan! I sure wanted too!! I still felt like an over-comer because I really would have eaten three or four of them. So, then when I got home, Madeline, my 8 year old brought me tootsie rolls, then my husband brings me a cookie.  Does my forehead say, "FEED ME EVERY CHOCOLATE ITEM IN SIGHT?"  Hello...Is this temptation or what?  Needless to say, I ate both.
Tomorrow is another day. I will do better!  I just know it.  I did eat a protein shake, LUNA bar, and cottage cheese and fruit throughout the day, so at least my meals/snacks were healthy!
Did I also mention that I did my INSANITY video!!!! Can my unhealthy habits stabilize my healthy one's??? Am I justifying??

So, I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me! Let's do better tomorrow!

I am an overcomer!

Am I the only one who struggles with food? This week, I have made the decision to begin working out, which I have done pretty well; eating healthier, which I have not done so well; and teaching my family how to live a healthier lifestyle, still working on.... So, to begin, I am working out with the Insanity workout videos and I must say, they are so hard...I was not able to do Friday's work out due to being too busy but at least I worked out for 5 out of 7 days this week. More than I have in years! My food habits though, I'm not doing so hot. I don't know what it is. I can't say no. I want chocolate and I want to eat when I am not hungry. I wonder if it is because I feel like I am not supposed to eat it if I am dieting, which makes me want it even more???

I have made the decision to take it slow so I will not let myself down all the time. If I keep my current eating habits, I will give up and feel like a failure. I am going to try eating smaller meals throughout the day so I will not feel as hungry when the main meal comes and this will prevent overeating. I am also going to try to eat one apple every day. I want to see if this will help with my sugar cravings.  I will let you know how this goes.

As far as overeating and eating totally unhealthy, this is a sin and I am going to have to get a hold of it. How can I witness to others and be Christ like when I am in sin. I am so thankful God forgives me everyday, however, if I am knowingly overeating and eating unhealthy, I am in sin and will be in sin until I turn from this and begin to walk a healthier lifestyle. God made desserts, therefore I know He doesn't mind me eating them, He just doesn't want me eating 2 candy bars in one sitting...Hello!!!

I can do this! The bible says, I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me! Philippians 4:16.  Who is with me?