Announcing Weight Loss Wednesdays (and a winner)
Published October 15, 2009First, let me say thank you to all who left comments on the subject of the last two days: frenemies. I never dreamed one little word could drum up so much emotion. Seems we’ve all either had or been a frenemy. I pray we handle these sticky situations better in the future after our little cyber discussion.
And congrats to the winner of the Starbucks card. She is:
Melinda Timestamp: 2009/10/14 at 10:03pm
Congrats! Email me at karen@proverbs31.org so I can get your home address and mail you your Starbucks card.
Now, for the kick-off of a new feature:
Weight Loss Wednesdays
I know it isn’t Wednesday, but I couldn’t start this on Wednesday this week due to the Proverbs 31 devotion I had running. So, to begin, we’ll talk about this today. Next week, check in on Wednesday. K?
Here is the dealio……many of you have read my story or watched my interview on The 700 Club. For those of you who haven’t. In 2005 I began a weight loss journey and lost over 100 pounds.
I wrote about it.
I was interviewed about it.
I spoke about it.
I was asked about it on the streets and in numerous emails.
Then, I was begged to start an online weight loss group for women for the purpose of accountability.
I hemmed and hawed. I toyed with the idea, but didn’t follow through. I had enough on my plate (pun intended) already with homeschooling, writing, speaking and such.
Besides…..I didn’t need an accountability group. I’d lost and kept off 100 pounds!
Enter the year 2009.
- My husband was laid off from GM on Christmas Eve 2008 (yes…..Christmas Eve, thank you very much). He didn’t return to regular work until this September. That is 9 months without work, people.
- We were forced to move from our dream home in the country, complete with a pond, 8 acres of woods, a cute little creek, a deluxe whirlpool and an executive, custom-built two story house with a stone fireplace. Bummer.
- My only daughter and BFF graduated and moved 15 hours away to North Carolina.
- We experienced some stress and illnesses in our extended family.
To sum things up……. 2009, thus far, has stunk!
And, as a result, instead of totally throwing myself at Jesus’ feet…..I threw myself a big ‘ole pity party.
Oh, and I invited some old friends.
Namely chocolate, salty chips, cheese and ice cream.
I, the weight loss queen, put back on 1/3 of what I lost.
*Gasps*
*Dissonant creepy organ chords*
*Shocked raised eyebrows*
Ahem……..Humbled blogger.
Now, it is I who is in desperate need of an accountability group.
And shame, shame, shame on me for not doing it sooner for all of you who asked.
Will you forgive me?
I want to break up (again) with my old love- food.
For good this time.
Anybody else feel my pain?
I want to hit the “restart” button. To get serious about my health again and quite flirtin’ with the brownies, for the love of Pete……..er Pan Peanut Butter! (Oh, I do love that stuff too!)
How about you? Are you in?
Let’s start simple.
If you want to drive a stake in the ground and say “Enough, already!”, just leave a comment today with a very basic thought.
What is your motivation? Why do you want to see the scales go down and your health increase?
I know for me, I want to feel again like I am at the weight God intended for me to be. To not feel as if I have a “Says she follows God but is a total failure with her eating” sign on my back.
Oh….and fitting into all of those smaller size clothes I bought and had given to me would be totally fun too!
Okay….your turn…..
I hope LOTS of you respond.
But if only one of you….or two or three do, that is okay.
We’ll be weight loss buddies. We’ll check in every Wednesday and let each other know if the scale went up or down. (No weight will be given, just the # of pounds lost or gained….mostly lost, I pray 
) And we’ll tackle some topics, share some recipes and chat it up about the many facets of this universal women’s struggle.
Oh….and I’ll make sure to work in some give aways too for rewards and incentive…….
Ready?…..
Set?…….
Comment!
And above all, thanks for still loving me when I failed to take my own advice and let some pounds creep back on.
I so *heart* you for that, sweet cyber-sistas!
Ready to re-enter God’s Weighting Room together,
146 Responses to Announcing Weight Loss Wednesdays (and a winner)
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I am ready to get serious again and I am so thankful for your devotional this morning. I really need a support group. I have lost over 110 pounds the past few years. Got pregnant and gained about 40 back. Then lost that and because a lot of recent stress have gained about 30 back just recently. Summer is coming and I want to feel and look good. Our bodies are God’s temples and I want mine to be what God meant it to be and stop putting junk in it.
Hello everyone,
I’m so thankful I found Karen’s blog today. My love for food has been an unhealthy relationship for many years. Thankfully, I do exercise frequently so I tend to work off much of what I eat, but this cycle of exercising and over eating is taking a toll on my soul and body. I want to committ to a healthier way of life, but everytime I choose that path, something hinders my progress. I remember reading once that addictions take many faces and I do believe my addiction is food. I want to be faithful and obedient to what God wants me to do with my body and life. The first step for me is to say no when the mind cravings take over. My new loves are graham crackers with peanutbutter/chocolate spread in the evening when I should be reading or doing something relaxing. Another love is cookies, cakes, pizza, pretzels with cream cheese, and I could name millions of others. When I’m not allowing God to take control- and I overeat and binge- I feel terrible. I know that my body is meant to consume healthy fuel not fake foods. I look forward to this blog so I can learn and contribute to others. Thank you so much!
I also lost 74lbs and regained 20lbs of it back before I knew it. I have to watch what I eat, I write everything down and add up the calories and carbs. I try to keep carbs under 50 and the calorie intake under 1200. I have thought about starting a devotional for dieters at my church, but I have not followed through on the idea. Mainly because I was worried no one would show up. I was just wondering if your church had a weeknight service where you had a short devotional and maybe a little exercise and a weigh in, would you be willing to attend.
Glad I found your website. I have struggled with my weight for about 15 years. Before that I was between a size 7-9. But now a 16; and as high as an 18. The last five years have been especially hard because my husband had a four year affair with a 5′ 105# women. He has always struggled with my added weight. I have spent the last year and half trying to recover my marriage and my weight has always been in the back of my mind. I am currently separated and two days ago came across a devotion that spoke directly to me. God says He’s my husband and wants me to spend my time to become spiritually and physical strong. Think all of these things are kinda coming together. I definitely need a support group. Does anyone recommend Weight Watchers? Last year I worked out 4 days a week and only droppped 10 pounds. I know I need to get my eating healthier. Help!
I am ecstatic that I came across this info on your devotional. Your story sounds very similar to mine and I have been struggling for a while now with whether or not I should work out or not. ( feeling very holier than thou when I hit the gym every day at 5am,) so I quit. I had a very rough year last year and gained back the 120 lbs that I had lost 3 years prior to that. we had a house fire in April 2009, my girls were in a car accident in May, then My 18 year old told me she was pregnant, and finally my 21 year old went cliff jumping and accidently landed on a rock, breaking(shattering) both feet, her elbow and her back in several spots. praise God she is alive and just learning to walk again now. any way yes I put all the weight back on but learned how to trust God for everything. maybe everything except with my body and weight loss. I need help, accountablity. I know everything about how to work out and love lifting weights but am mortified about gaining it all back and embarresed to let anyone know I am trying again, just incase I fail. I would love to be part of your weight loss group.
Thank you so much.
I’m in!
So happy to have found other women experiencing the same issues! I’ve battled the weight issue all my life. During the middle of college, I was at my lowest weight and very happy about it. Senior year, the year was horrible for a number of reasons and I gained a lot of weight back. After having baby #1, I didn’t lose any of the weight. After baby #2, I have lost the weight and then some, but still have a good 40 or so to go, ideally. I’ve been hitting the gym, but recently sprained my knee, so I’m concerned I will fall off the wagon. It’s wonderful to know there will be support!
I thank God for all of you willing to share about yourselves. There is nothing more lonely than abusing food and feeling like you are the only person out there with this struggle. I have struggled all my life with using food the wrong way and then dealing with the guilt, shame, etc… I feel like most of my life is out of control. If I could at least get a handle on weight loss (I need to lose about 50 lbs) while improving my daily walk with Christ – I think life wouldn’t be so difficult. I am looking forward to helping and supporting other women through this website- count me in!
I’m in! For the past year, I have slowly put back on 30 pounds I had lost 2 years ago on my quest to lose about 120. However, spiritually and emotionally I am in a better place now than I have been in the past.
Your phrase “Says she follows God but is a total failure with her eating” struck me to the core. I want all areas of my life to say I follow God. So with that thought in mind…I’m in!
It is shameful to admit this sin of wrongful eating when other areas of my life seem to please God. I want to honor Him in all areas of my life. Usually, as soon as the cookie(s) have been gobbled I have a strong sense of guilt and shame. However, I am out of control. I am averaging a gain of 2 lbs each month. Pray for me.
Why do i love food? I just met my goal at weight watchers and I would really like to keep the weight off this time. I’ve done this before and gained all the weight back (and more). It is a constant struggle! Food is my comfort.
Loved the encouraging word today. I would love to join your weightloss wednesdays. This is something I have been looking for and praying for.
I have struggled with my weight all my life and am tired of feeling defeated, I know God intended for me to be strong and healthy and a blessing to others. I have a son who is struggling with weight and I feel its because of my poor example. I want to overcome this battle in hopes that it will help him get control also, I know God can help me do anything and there is something in me that must be blocking that power, I need lots of prayer everyday
I’m in. I looked at pictures of myself while on a mission trip last summer and I looked so bad. I’ve lost 15 pounds so far but have hit a plateau. I have another 30 to go before I hit my goal. Having accountability partners in this journey would be such a blessing. The only thing is, I read somewhere where weighing yourself daily is too stressful, especially if you are a stress eater. Therefore, I only weigh myself once every two weeks, when I go to donate platelets. I don’t own a scale, the blood bank weighs me. I mostly need encouragement to stay on my eating plan and keep exercising. It is wonderful to know I am not alone on this journey.
In the lat ten years, food has been a comfort for me. I developed diabetes and leukemia. I decided I wanted to be healthy and began dieting with a little success; however, a crisis with my mother (who is 84) took me to Texas for six weeks and I fell back into my old pattern of eating for comfort.
I know I have been relying on my pitiful strength to reach my goal to become healthy and I know the only true strength is through GOD and His support. I read your encouragement today on Proverbs 31 Ministries and know that I am not alone in my struggle. Praise God for your ministry. Please pray fro me.
I have to loose weight!!! I HATE looking at myself. I hate having to go to a specilty store to find clothes that fit!! I believe in God. I am having a difficult time enjoying life. I have two wonderful granddaughters and one more on the way. I want to be here for them and to show them that God loves them. I will be forever grateful to your ministery and most of all to God for helping me lose a lot of weight. Thank you, nancy
Just discovered this site ( I subscribe to the Proverbs 31 Ministry) and have decided to join as I both need & desire to loose weight. I am 5’10″ and weigh about 220 lbs. I’ve never been a skinny person, and am fortunate to carry my weight well. People never believe how much I weigh, but I know this is not healthy and that my high blood pressure would probably decrease considerably if I loose weight, not to mention I’d look & feel better.
I am in…I have been obese for many years…well practically my whole life. I am very blessed to be in good health and not have any of the side effects of obesity, but I don’t want set around and wait for high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes to take hold.
I have been working hard to improve my relationship with God this year and it has made a huge difference in my life and now I need to follow thru and hand this to him. This hardest part of all of this for me is trust. I believe, but trust is not my strong point, but if he can mend broken & abused hearts, He can surely help me thru this.
Just had my physical yesterday and was told (Yes I knew) that I need to lose weight! and lots of it, for my health. This was definitely sent from God. Thank you!
I am so thankful for your devotionals and I plan to jump on board. I am new to following devotionals, as well as a real plan. After just having my second baby, I have to do something to keep up with both of them (a 2yr old as well). Thanks for the encouragement!
I am in. I have lost and gained 30 lbs. several times. An extra 30 lbs is a lot of weight to pack on a 5’1″ body. I love to cook and eat. I have just had to start watching my blood pressure. I know this isn’t what God had planned for me. I am thankful for the support.
I know that this was the Lord directing me hear today. I have to tell my story that has led me to this aha moment with God. 4 years ago, I had lost my father that I had just recently got a relationship with that had been missing most of my childhood. I got married and had a baby, and life was good. I lost all but 5 pounds of the baby weight, and had lost that and 15 more pounds to boot. June 28, 2006 my life was forever more changed. My dad suddenly passed away, and my life and my weight spiraled out of control. Depression and thoughts of suicide was a forever more reality to me. I can say that after much prayer and help from family and friends I am doing better. I am on the verge of diabetes and several health issues,I woke up this morning asking the Lord to help me with losing weight. I have a daughter and a wonderful husband that I have to be here for and I need all of the encouragement that I can get.
I’m in for sure! With tears welling up, my chest tight, I read the devotional at work this morning. You are talking about me. I have pleaded with God so many times, please release me of my unhealthy eating habits. I’m so weary of the constant battle. God bless, could not have t come at a better time.
Missed a few prov31 devotionals lately and this morning this is the one I started with. Funny how God works because this is what I have been struggling with lately. I have been homeschooling for 5 1/2 years now. Before we began to homeschool I had gotten myself into a great exercise routine, great eating habits…oh you all know the story. I felt GREAT and just knew that I would never let myself gain that weight back. lol. Well…after taking the kids out of school and trying to tackle the new, daunting task of homeschooling I slowly started skipping my walks, not eating as well… all in the name of doing something I felt was best for our family. Each year I gained 10 lbs and when I realized I had gained so much weight(you wouldn’t think it would be a surprise but when I stepped on a scale it was) I joined a great, faith-based exercise group. While I do get to the exercise classes, they were only twice a week. I am finding that I don’t exercise more between classes like walking or go to the gym with DH. I can’t motivate myself. My main concern is that I am really struggling with what I eat and when. I eat when stressed(did I mention two boys, 17 & 12), bored, tired, happy, sad…
As I saw myself gaining the weight back I just told myself that I wouldn’t worry…I lost it before and knew I could do it again. But now I’m 6 years older, weigh as much as I did with my first pregnancy at 9mths!! and seem to have less motivation.
So glad to run across this group! I am hoping to gain encouragement and true wisdom. I need to lose this unhealthy weight, gain some healthy eating habits to share with my family, and have that extra energy you get when your body is functioning as it should because you are caring for it as you should!! Looking forward to the journey!
I am 5″4 and have struggled for years to deal with my weight. Iwent from being anorexic (lowest weight 67) to being overweight almost topping out around 200 pounds. I think God has sent youto me. Now there is hope. Thank you.
I now see the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you i
I’m in. Your devotional on Wednesday really spoke to me about including God in losing weight. I have tried and failed on my own and I realize that, just like in every other area in my life, He wants to be a part of this.
I am starting to overeat again, and I haven’t been exercising due to being sick and also not getting enough sleep at times. I was very happy when I was losing and felt like it was glorifying God, but now I am sort of eating whatever I want to eat, whenever. So I need support to start taking control over what I eat and I feel God can help me to glorify him with my body. I am needful of other ladies support and that is why I am here.
I am tired. I am tired of being overweight; I am tired of always being on a diet of some sort; I am tried of always being the biggest one in the crowd; I am tired of watching what I eat; I am tired of allowing food to rule my life; I am tired of not allowing my precious Saviour to rule this part of my life.
I simply want to be healthy and feel good about the physical part of me. I have grown so much spiritually, but when you hold back a secret part of your life from the Lord, you have not really surendered all. Lord and friends, I so want to give this to the Lord and need friends to pray and encourage me.
I am in!
I have spent a lifetime gaining and losing weight. As a child I spent some time in a wheelchair due to some surgeries and started packing on weight which continued into my adulthood. Everytime I have lost a significant amount of weight (at one time I lost over 100 pounds) I have had a surgery that has kept me sedentary for a time and I regained the weight. Then a few years ago I lost my Dad to a 10 year fight with cancer and since then I haven’t been able to motivate myself to lose the weight. Then I received an email with a devotion from this group and I am motivated to try again. I can’t do this alone. I am putting my faith in God first and then the support I anticipate receiving from others who have struggled with their weight. I hope to hear how others are succeeding and also hope to offer some sort of encouragement to my online sisters.
I have struggled with my weight for along time. I have been a former weight watcher member and leader. I was able to keep my weight fairly under control until about 8 years ago when I was diagnosed with a bone tumor. Although the results were no cancer I was left with an abnormal gene that has to be watched continuously. I guess that the depression and pity party must have started when I found out I didn’t feel well and has continued ever since. I have tried a couple of other weight loss programs and even HCG shots with some success but only to gain the weight back when I stopped. I hope to be able to receive encouragement and support and learn from those that have struggled with the same problems I have or similar ones. Success is in numbers and the encouragement I can receive from online sisters by putting my faith in God would be awesome.
Hi My name is Judith Barnett – I am a newbee to the group. My friend Eileen suggested this web site – she’s always doing yummy things for me – thank God for her. You know what I mean? When you have one of those friends that always seems to give you what you need, before you know you need it? Anyway 2day is my BIRTHDAY, and it’s been really lovely so far – but it’s always one of those landmarks…
“I’m supposed to be weighing such and such by now!”
(pout)(loser)
So, I try not to think about it, but it always creeps in…little sneak. (giggle) Well, I’m not sure how this works, but I’m eager to encourage and to be encouraged. AMEN! (smile)
I’m in! God has been dealing with this in my life for some time and He has really convicted me recently that I need to submit to Him and the desires that He has for me to be healthy. Thank you Karen for having Weight Loss Wednesdays. I just read through all of the posts and have been encouraged.
I want to be Spirit led and not emotional led. I have turned to food and lazing around to often. I used to be a marathon runner then got injured and thyroid went and been struggling with weight for 4 years. I do want to be the weight God intended for me. I am so in love with Jesus and I would like to Glorify Him with weightloss. Is that possible, I had a lady pray over me because I felt very unworthy like this is not a God problem. But now I see clearly from the prayer that God does truly care and wants me to follow Him in weightloss.
Jerri
I am in! Karen, I saw you last January, right after your husband lost his job. Mine, too, lost his job around that time, and I have been throwing myself a giant pity party as well. 2009 was a tough one here, too, and I just stuffed my anger and disappointment. I cried out to God, but I have felt so alone in my struggle. I just read your posts since October, and I am in, even though it is now April. I AM IN. I AM READY FOR FREEDOM.
I just read all the post. I am in the same boat as all of you. I lost 60 lbs and have another 100 lbs. to go. I have high blood pressure and have to watch my blood sugar. I joined Curves and was doing pretty well on the working out part and then I hurt my back. So I did what we all do, made myself feel better eating whatever I wanted. Looking forward to sharing encouragement with everyone. I was so discouraged that I even stopped reading my devotionals. I am so glad that God did not give up on me.
Getting ready to read the posts….plan to weigh in on Wed. Feeling the transitions of having a little guy in 2009 have helped me gain and keep on the baby weight. Was 50lbs lighter before the kiddo…and at that time I thought I needed to loose. Feel as if I am not being holy when I overeat. I don’t want to be an emotional eater, and I want to regain my confidence in myself, in being healthy and being a child of God. Super excited!
I just read this post. I know it’s November, but I’ve really been struggling with getting on track to lose my excess weight. From this day forward, please count me in on Weigh-in Wednesdays. Thanks and God bless
Ok I’m late but I’m ready. I’m going to eat that old salad that is turning brown, dressing will hide that. I’NOT going to eat the chicken sandwich or the cheese sticks that the cafeteria is having. AND I AM going to drink at least one big glass of water today. (Hate water, I’m a diet coke girl.) The pressure is on I have to read all these and get caught up w/ you christian chicks!
DIET ON!
I’m in! I will memorize Jeremiah 29:11-14, eat less, get moving’ and come here for accountability! God loves me and wants more for me (and you, too)!
Late, but most certainly in. I had a little lady tell me once, that it is sinful to over-indulge. I want to quite letting my eating habits cause me to be a sinner. I want to be fit and healthy, to also, show my children it can be done.
I want in, too. I see there are 3 other 2011 late-comers, so I’m not totally alone in that regard. I’d already lost 37 lbs, with a goal of 60 to lose. I’ve put back on about 4-5 lbs and I just don’t want the scale to go up any more. I want to see it going back down. I was doing awesome until Nov ’10 – my daughter’s wedding planning, the holidays, etc, got in the way of exercise and food intake. I need to get back on track. I’m going to lead the Made to Crave study at church starting in a week or so, pending arrival of materials. I have over 20 ladies coming. I’m hoping this blog will be an additional encouragement for me!!
Oh how I want in. As I set here typing this I am out of work today, mostly because I need an emotional overhaul.. I have been over weight most of my life, and to be honest with you, I just don’t like myself any more. I need help. I know that losing weight is not the total answer, but I know that it will help. I have a wonderful husband, son, daughter-in-law and two precious grandchildren. I want to be able to have fun with them and not get so tried all the time. The thing is, I need to lose about 200 pounds and to me that just seems impossible. But I know I can do all things through Christ, yes even lose weight. Dear friends, I so desire your prayers for me. I want to do this, I just need help. I have begun reading the Made to Crave book. I know that my family loves me and that God loves me, but I need to love myself. I truely believe that God has brought me to this web-site today. I am in. I will start making a change today with God’s help and your prayers. I know this will be a long journey, but I have to do this I will read more about this and get started today. Thank you God for bringing me to this site today.
I just heard about you moments ago – first time–. I need to loose and am struggling. I am learning as I read your blog. I need a plan. .spacific– but simple.. life is so busy for me. Becky
Good Morning! I have never heard of you, but I was introduced to you this am by Lysa Terkeurst in her devotional book Made to Crave. Today is my beginning day-committment day. Yes, I want to loose wt, get healthier, feel better, have more energy. BUT! always when asked “what is my motivation?” I have no clue. No real clue. I think what keeps popping up in my mind is peace with myself as I learn to believe that God can nuture me & I don’t have to do it with food & things. I’m grateful.
Just learned of your weight loss wednesday blog through Lysa Terkeurst’s book “Made to Crave”.
I am 52 years old – and have been overweight since puberty struck. I have attempted numerous diets – had some success (80 lbs) with pills – but have never been able to stick with anything long enough to lose much weight – and I NEED to get my weight down for medical reasons. I had an epiphany this week though and realized that my struggle is not with food – it’s spiritual. My motivation for losing weight is to restore God’s temple -my body -for His use.