Hi Friends. I just had a blogger friend comment that she didn’t know I was still on my weight loss journey. Yes, I certainly am. I still have 27 pounds to go. I am praising God for each pound that is shed. I started losing weight in June 2008. Then I maintained for almost a year (though I gained back around 7 pounds) with a good 30 additional pounds that needed to GO. I really feel that God led me to a way of fasting and eating that has the weight moving again. I basically fast until around 2pm and then eat within a 5 hour window. It is a great way to crucify my flesh and cut calories at the same time. I feel great. IF you are interested in reading about this Fast-5 plan designed by Dr. Bert Herring, MD — click HERE and also find his free eBook to the right of his web site.
Isaiah 58:6 Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
I have really enjoyed a weight loss community on YouTube. If you are losing weight and you need some encouragement. Come on over.
Spiritually, I am still in “waiting” mode. It is a very strange place to be. I feel like in some ways my roots are growing deeper. I guess a tree that stays stationary does grow deeper roots than one that is moving from place to place. Right? I’ve been in a holding pattern until my husband releases me to move. In years past, I always ran ahead of my husband. Now, I wait. No, I’m not saying it is easy, but I see God moving and working in my husband’s life. So I wait. (In other ways I feel like I am getting left behind. But I wait.)
Isaiah 40:31
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Just sitting back and watching others, I am learning to keep my opinions to myself when it comes to the relationship of others. I THOUGHT I understood something that was happening. Again, we all need Jesus and NONE of us are perfect. But with that said … God is showing me that we need to hear from HIM and never assume that anyone in a particular “role” has reached a certain level of spiritual maturity.
James 1:19-20
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
I spend each morning weighing the guilt of not going to my parent’s house versus letting my daughter have a day to do something SHE might like. My parents need SO MUCH. They truly are pitiful, but I could visit them everyday and it still wouldn’t be enough. I pray each day that God will send angels to protect them.
Ephesians 6:2-3
Honor your father and mother—which is the first commandment with a promise— that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.
On the home front, woo hoo! I have discovered the FLY LADY! I know, her name is not new here on blogger, but I’ve ignored her and her advice. Ha. Finally, I am 
on board and my husband has been thanking me! He immediately noticed. If you aren’t a fly baby, why not? It is so awesome to wake up and see a clean sink, clean counters, clean bathroom, etc … Hit the hot spots that gather clutter, swipe your counters, etc . It is great. I also found a new best friend: SWIFFER SWEEPERVAC. It is awesome!!! It has a rechargable battery and it is great to pick up the little pieces that gather on the floor each day! I have a Rainbow Vacuum (that I love), but it isn’t something I want to hook up each day. The Swiffer Sweepervac ROCKS and it is inexpensive. Each morning I go through the house in just a few minutes. It makes everything look nice and fresh. I purchased mine at WalMart (I think) for 30+ dollars. It is well worth it!
Proverbs 31:27-28
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
So that is where I am right now. What is going on in your world?
Congratulations on your determination to lose more weight! It's not easy but by His grace, you will. We have to take care of our bodies, too, right? So we can be effective vessels for Him! May God strengthen you on this.
Great verses you shared today. Lots to ponder. Waiting…Ahhh. Always hard for us but I think He's making us learn it because we have an "eternity" to look forward to. If we can't wait for even a day, how can we last for eternity? Unthinkable 🙂 but glory to God!
Just seeking Him…that's all I want for this year. Taking it one day at a time. Asking for more discernment and guidance.
May God bless you and your family richly sister. Have a great week! Blessings and love to you.
This post reminds me how we as women can be pulled in so many directions. I like what you wrote about never assuming someone's spiritual maturity and waiting for God to move in our Husband's lives. I am learned to keep my mouth shut and be still. Great post Sis. ((hugs)) I am so blessed to have you in my life.
Beth,
Let me just say that I am so proud of you for the changes you're making in yourself, physically and spiritually…though I don't think you really needed it! You inspire each and every one of us to strive to be better people and stronger Christians and, for that, I'm very grateful! Big hugs!
Congratulations on your weight loss…I think 10 of those lbs. snuck on over here. Anyhoo…once again congrats…I'm so glad you posted the link for the weight loss on you tube because my boys got ipod nanos with video cameras for Christmas…so now I can borrow one and video tape myself exercising. Praise GOD FOR THE scripture this morning. I really needed that.
Oh…I am a Flybaby, too!…which saved my household untold hundreds…it got me cooking for my family!
Congratulations! I too am determined to get the weight I have regained back off. I had lost 120 pounds and kept it off for several years. Then I regained about 50 pounds. For the last 3 weeks I have been focused and determined not to feed my heart, anymore.
Blessings, andrea
Hey Beth, good for you for continuing on your journey to good health. Btw, I don't know how I ever stopped following your blog, but as soon as I realized it, I followed again! Wouldn't want to miss out on your awesome blog!
I am so very, very proud of you, and happy for you sis. I love you.
Oh my goodness that was me who asked you Beth!
I am so proud of you for what you have accomplished on your journey. I looked through your weight loss journey photos again last night and I am still just amazed at what you did.
You are GORGEOUS and have a beautiful heart and spirit as well!
Many prayers and much success to you this year. ~Melissa 🙂
You are doing so well on your weight loss…I need to get on board. I am going to have to check out the fly lady. I have heard so much about her.
Hope you are having a great Wednesday!
Hugs,
Mimi
My massage therapist introduced me to The Fly Lady. At the time, she wasn't for me but maybe I'll give her a second look. As you know, I have a Rainbow too and I would def. clean my floors daily if I had something smaller. I might just have to check out the Swiffer.
Congrats on your weight loss journey!
I have a swiffer vac. I love it!
Great bible verses! Hope you're having a wonderful new year! You look great…keep it up!
Beth. Some true friends Mike & Beth who live in North Carolina are in a competition with my daughter and her husband in losing weight since Nov It's U.S.A v U.K.this will go on till summer when they will be over to stay with us.me i been the same for years. could lose a bit. keep going you will hit the bulls eye. love to all.
Folks if anyone is reading this that believe in the power of prayer…I'm asking my son (who shouldn't have taken an ipod to school) get his ipod nano back. it was taken from him and I'm praying he gets it back…or he gets closer to God from the experience.
Good Job Beth!!!!