Thanks for the encouragement….. I’m in

Wow I am reading this post with a heavy heart. I have struggled with this problem for my whole life. I wish I had a few girlfriends that could help me with this journey.

Lisa T said it perfectly for me – I know that I need to eat healthier and excercise more, but I just can’t seem to get/stay motivated. I have 3 young children at home with me and that makes our days a little hectic and I eat whatever I can grab (way too often, fast food). I recently started back to the gym and I go about 3 times per week, but that is all I am accomplishing right now. I really want to train for a 1/2 marathon, but need to get some discipline, or I will fail at that too.
I’m IN!

Thank you for this, Karen. Three years ago this July I HAD a heart attack… and had just turned 39. I was with my husband, kids, and senior adults from the church. To this day, they cannot tell me why it happened – no blockages, no high blood pressure, no family history of heart problems, no smoking, etc. I am, however, overweight! Only 3 months later, we had to sell our home (in the worst economy ever -took quite a hit), take a new job, and move away!
For the first few months afterwards, I worked extra hard to eat extremely healthy, exercise, and my husband was a great supporter. But it was a difficult transition and over time, we have landed ourselves right back where we were. I am a good 60 pounds overweight and am desparate to lose it. I’ve tried it all… and I DO need some strands, as I do well for a few weeks and then sabbotage myself due to stress or anger or some other emotional hurdle.

I am actually going through Lysa’s B.S. on “Becoming More” and it is truly a great study. I just find myself not making time for the things that matter and getting myself back in a hole by watching TV and snacking, instead of B.S., prayer, cleaning, bill paying, or other things that need my attention. What advice can you give me?

It’s interesting. God is always amazing me!
Just last night, last week, last month and last year, I was praying, thinking, and telling myself ‘this is it!, you must do something’…you are not getting any younger’….
Every morning when I get ready for work, I go through the same emotions. Complete disappointment! I can only choose between 2 pair of pants and a handful of shirts.
I’m a cute girl and I have a good heart so what’s my problem!?
I have no idea. I’ve been about 10-20 lbs overweight my entire life. Then a year before my wedding, I made a ‘gym buddy’ from work. We worked out every day. I lost weight, felt great and could wear whatever I wanted. I absolutely LOVED shopping! I hate it now.
I have prayed hard and I’ve tried to re-arrange my life to ‘fit in’ exercise only to destroy all my efforts by overeating between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and midnight.
Last night, as I was enjoying my last night party with me, myself and I…I talked to the Lord and pleaded with him to help me. Then it hit me, He’s sitting there with this ‘and what do you think I’m trying to do’ look on His face while I’m resisting any help He could ever offer. I was restless last night, I prayed, and eventually went to bed.
I got up this morning after only a few hours of rest to hit the ground running with work and kids and all the things in between…..yet again disappointed that my outfit is ‘same old same old’. I love to look cute and feel pretty…not over the last few years. Not a good feeling. I was made for more than this. I know it.
As I sit down at my desk, I read the devotion. My first reaction is absolutely gratitude that the Lord is speaking to ME! He loves me…this devotion (the timing, the impact) was meant for me!
Why can’t I honor Him with obedience and appreciation for my body by doing what is right?
Instead of getting way ahead of myself, I commit to join Weight Loss Wednesdays and develop friends on this blog who know my pain/struggles directly related to the challenges of being overweight.
I’m the sister that has penciled in times to go to the gym, only not to go…I’m the sister that has brought my walking shoes to ‘walk’ during my child’s soccer practice, only to sit and watch others instead…I’m the sister that has joined Weight Watchers a zillion times to only lose a few/gain a few….I’m the sister that has vowed to eat in ‘moderation’ only to binge on the bag of m&ms.
So, as I hope you will pray for me, I will tell you, it is an honor to read these posts and pray for you all! The Lord knows our struggles, He wants to help us. (but like you, I’ve turned my nose thought ‘I got this’….)
Lord, I’m ready!
I pray for friends (strands) to add to my braid.
I pray each of you have a fabulous day and feel the love to the Lord nudging as we make positive food choices today!

Wow! I was literally just praying for help in my weight loss journey as I was driving in to work this morning! I’ve recieved the daily devotions for a long time now, and they have always encouraged me. I’m so glad this post was on here today. My confession every morning is that I’m more than a conquerer through Christ, and that He has made me strong enough to face any challenge… even if it’s pizza!

Addiction to food has been a lifelong struggle for me. God has used this issue in my life to draw me closer to Him. I now understand that food is an idol in my life and that by filling myself with food for comfort, I am sinning against God. Only He can meet the needs of my heart so I am learning to go to Him in prayer when those temptations strike. I’m not perfect but God is working in me.

I have been struggling with my weight for a while now. My Mom Passed in October and I found 10 more lbs creep on. I Desperately need some sisters to come along side me. I have been doing better, Taking thyroid support and st John’s Wort.
I hate taking pills and forget a lot. But it seems to help. Trying to make healthy choices, but already do not do anything with Gluten. I am pushing 180# and really feel good at 150#. So need to lose 30#.
I have been really busy, traveling, and have not gotten back into exercising. Need to start getting back into my Tai Chi and walking.
Thank you for bringing attention to this group, I look forward to participating.

I’ve been praying for a “weigh-in” sister for many years. I’m at my highest weight ever and too afraid to pursue the weightloss surgery because of the risks but most of all knowing I have not given God’s help a try yet. I”m a busy working home mom of 4 children (2- 12 years) and no time to exercise and too stressed to eat the way I should…so I’m glad to be here and excited about the possibilities ahead.

Wow…well, I am new to the website and found your blog through proverbs 31 ministries. Let me just say THANK YOU!!! I have always struggled with my weight my entire life. My hubby and I are coming up on our 1 year anniversary, summer is approaching, and my thighs are looking more and more jiggly as I stand in front of the mirror each morning.

I am still in my 20s and I know that if I don’t do something about my weight issue now, it may very well be too late to reverse any health issues it may cause (plus, I want to be in great shape when I have children in a year or so!)

I could really use some encouragement from my sisters in Christ:)

My goal is to lose at least 30 lbs

I lost about 30 two years ago on a “no carb” plan- but then gained it all back and then some!! I keep “yo yo” dieting and I know that isn’t good for me.

So my plan is to cut sugar and junk, allowing one cheat SNACK on Fridays.

I need to do cardio at least 5x a week for at least 30 minutes

….hold me to it ladies!!!

1 Chronicles 16:11 “Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.”

This hit home with me. I lost 70 pounds in 1996 and kept it off for 3 years and thru two pregnancies. I looked and felt wonderful at my God designed weight. As the pounds began to creep back on, I remember thinking, “it was that last bundle of joy” that helped me keep that weight on. Well, last summer, I was looking thru some pictures. There I am, I am much heavier NOW than I was pictured THEN holding that “last bundle of joy”. That sweet little boy did nothing to cause the weigh gain – it’s ME. I know I need to be released from the bondage of food – AGAIN. Having others in the trenches with me would help me be accountable to someone.

Hi-
I’m new to this group! My goal is to stop my late night binging. My emotional eating is out of control. Thanks for this support group… I’M IN!

Oh, Karen. Straight from God’s heart to your blog. I am SO thankful that God led me to your blog today!

I got to my goal weight after my 7th – yes, *SEVENTH* – time at Weight Watchers in March, 2007. Then 8 months later, the real estate market tanked and my family’s income went down 70%. Did I turn to God to help me cope with the stress? Nope, I turned to food – again. The month after we filed for bankruptcy protection, I was diagnosed with cancer. Here I sit 55 pounds later cancer-free but having experienced financial ruin, burried 3 dear friends – all young mothers with young children – who died of breast cancer in the last 3 months, just finished walking through breast cancer with my mother (who is cancer free!), and heart surgery with my dad.

In January, I finally turned to God and told him if I was going to get my weight and food issue under control it was going to take a miracle from Him. Guess what? He showed up! He has led me to exactly what I need to get my weight under His control for once and for all! I’m please to report that as of this morning, I’m down 14.2 pounds and today I have my quarterly check-in with my oncologist to make certain my cancer has not returned. He has been SO on me to get the weight off and will be so proud of me.

My friend, Wendy’s, funeral is tomorrow. She leaves behind 3 small girls. I know she would be so proud of me that I’m submitting my diet and my body to God. Prayerfully, she will be the last friend I will lose to cancer for a long while. But I know if cancer should show its face again in me or in a dear friend, I won’t be turning to food for solace. I’ll be turning to God alone and not God and Tostitos. Weight Loss Wednesdays is an arrow I’m so thankful to add to my quiver in my battle against Satan in this difficult battle. Here’s to the next 41 pounds!

I thank you for listening to The Lord and reachng out to us. As a woman, mom, daughter, grandmother, sister, wife teacher, volunteer… I feel like there is so much going on in my life. Never time to truly take care of myself. I do not even know where to begin. I have been praying and asking Father God to show me. Tommorrow is birthday 51 , and I feel so very tired. I have lost weight gained, lost, gained… I want off this roller coaster. I am definately IN! Thank You Abba for these women and thank You for what You have ahead for us. Thank you ladies!

I start everyday with good intentions and end it in disappointment. It is hard because my husband can eat anything and everything and still struggles to keep the weight ON!! I am sick and tired of being in bondage to this and today I start again…I’m looking forward to some encouragement Thank you.

I’m in… again
Haven’t been to weight loss wednesday’s in a while. thanks for the encouragement!

I’m in!

I’m in . . . thanks for the encouragement!

Great encouragement! It’s good to know I am not the only one in this battle. Count me in!!

Weight loss is a daily battle for me and I’ve learned that I can’t do it alone. This site has been a big encouragement for me. Thanks Karen and others. I”M IN.

This is a lifelong struggle – up and down on the scale, in my head, in my heart, in my mind. Look forward to exploring what others have to say in this group. Thank you for the opportunity to listen, speak and learn.

I’m in!! I could go on and on with my story, but it seems it has already been told and retold in the previous posts. I too have struggled all my life with morbid obesity. Not 10 or 20 pounds, but 60 or MORE! Been to Weight Watchers; lost some; gained more- over and over again. I am now 58-see my daughter struggling with the same problem. We are both iover 275 pounds. I quit smoking 112 days ago and gained yet another 13 pounds. My doctor doesn’t even mention my weight anymore. Once you reach a certain age-even they give up on you.

God sent me your message today for a reason. I read “Encouragement for Today” everyday, but today’s message struck a “chord” to say the least. He is good, all the time!!

Thanks all and my prayers will go up for each of you, as I hope yours will for me.

I’m so thankful for this blog message! It has both encouraged & challenged me.

I have fought a weight problem most of my life and every time I failed I listened to the lies of Satan and believed that I “just wasn’t worth the trouble” or he would tell me “I will fail or gain it back anyway – so why bother.” I’m thankful to find a “braid” of women to be encouraging and I try again – this time listening to the Lord!

I’m in!

I too am battling the battle of the buldge:) I am 50, have been slender all my life ,even after marriage and 4 children(all grown) now legally seperated, divorce complete any day now) I sit @ a desk all day therefore weight just sits with me:0 I work a partime job also in retail, so I get a little exercise:) I started walking during my lunch March 1st, on MOM-WED-FRI. after I reached 200lbs:( I am 5ft 7in! My friend(male) made no bones to tell me I was much smaller when he met me 2 yrs ago.:( men tell it like it is:( So I have set a weight loss of 50 lbs. to loose. I have resorted to wearing all black tops now:( So it’s nice to read about other women strong with the same struggle. God Bless you for sharing your journeyy
Thank You Again, and God Bless!!!

A mom, mother and minister trying desperately to find the time to take care of me and not allow all that “baby weight” to creep up. I fluctuate like a yo-yo, and more often than not, I just throw in the towel. Thanks for the blog. I’m IN!

I’m in. I started a weight loss program 1 week ago today. I need to lose 30 pounds. I lost 7 this week but it’s such a strict diet (500 calories, and 10 carbs a day). I would love prayers from others in my boat!! God bless you all.

I’ve just learned about this blog from the devotional this morning. I’m 33 and have been weight-conscious since I was about 8 or 10. I’ve had successful weight losses through Weigh Down Workshop in the 90′s and ThinWithin more recently. However, as quickly as it melts off, the weight comes back on. It used to only take me 2-3 months to lose 20-30 pounds, and now I’m still struggling to lose 10 pounds after 3 months this year. I’ve done the hunger-fullness grace approach, which worked, but I regressed. I’m now combining the hunger-fullness approach with counting calories in order to try and make better food choices. This feels legalistic to me and has only been semi-successful. I dislike forced exercise and until I graduate from school next month, I don’t have much time to even force it, let alone enjoy it.

Sorry, this is getting lengthy. To wrap it up, I am in the overweight category, and not obese. Most of my problem I think is internal and feeling like I fall short. I go between happy with myself and miserable. This is me. Thank you for listening.

I’m in!!!

To Diane- I encourage you not to go to such extremes with your diet. Your body cannot survive like that as it has nutritional needs. It will also “rebel” on you by storing reserves as much as possible. Check out SparkPeople.com for some helpful tools.

I started your group a way back but quietly dropped out when my health issues began to overcome me. After many doctor appts and lots of test coming back normal I decided to take a new look at my health and begin to make some major changes in my life. I am on day 7 of the 30 day Shred with Jiliian Michaels and although this is kicking my booty every time I do it, I will not quit! I am fighting through and have set goals along the way. I will not fail! So I am back in and looking forward to having some support along the way.

I, too, am like some of your posters (i.e. “Jamie”)! I have three young children, work full-time, and have a crazy hectic schedule. I try to get up around 4:30am to get in some form of exercise, but that’s SO early!! I cannot wait to see where this journey takes each of us……I’M IN!!

I’m in.

I am a 53 year old who had a heart transplant ten years ago and partial knee replacements eight years ago. I have gained almost 80 pounds since transplant. I need someone to hold me accountable and I am thankful I found this blog. So COUNT ME IN!

You’re an answer to an unspoken prayer. I am a nutritional therapist and had kept my weight at a great level for the last 4 years. Then I married an abusive man who almost starved me because he wanted to lose weight. (What a wolf in sheep’s clothing!) When I finally broke free I started eating anything I wanted, including a lot of comfort foods. I’ve put on 30 pounds in 7 months and am miserable. The stress of a divorce and a criminal trial just make weight loss harder.

I know God loves me the way He made me, but He loves me too much to leave me this way. So I appreciate this opportunity. COUNT ME IN!

I’ll be 26 in 11 days and about 70 lbs overweight. Also, i just found out that i’m going to the beach with my family (including my not-so-humble skinny sister-in-law) in 6 weeks. SO, needless to say….I’M IN!!! I’ve been trying to loose ALL of this excess weight for a long time. I’ll lose 10 lbs, give in and eat like crazy, then get discouraged and give up! It’s a vicious cycle and I’m praying that God will finally give me the strength and friends to help me do this. I’m excited!!!!

Where do I start? I would love to say that the weight gain has come from having my second son or the lack of sleep I get or the fact I am getting older…. But that seems to be the problem. I have been working hard lately to bring my walk closer to my Savior, and in the process have been confronted daily with this struggle with my weight (food). I have found many excuses that seem to appease me, but every morning as I get dressed I find myself disgusted as I look in the mirror and see how my clothes fit. The emotions of guilt (which is from Satan) and the desire to want to become all God has made me to be overwhelms me. However, as the day progresses the business of my life overtakes the true desires of my heart. I was reading Exodus yesterday and saw how the Jews at that time struggled with their faith in the unknown or the faith in God to provide. I believe that is where I find my struggle. I have found that the struggle does not reside with the food I love or the boredom that leads to eating but with the sin in my heart that uses food as a way that I can control my life. I control what goes into my mouth or should I say I believe that I can control my food. Unfortunately, I find that Satan has been given that control. Sometimes I find myself eating without even realizing that I am overeating. Not that I do it while I am sleeping but that it is just a habit and not a planned eating. I feel ashamed that I have even vowed to fast part of my day to show my obedience and love for my Father but to find myself eating unconsciously. I am so happy I read your writing today because I know that I cannot do it alone. My mind says I do not want to break a promise to God but I also desire to do the right thing and that is treat my body as the temple of the Holy Spirit. I need fellowship with others to strengthen me to continue no matter what time it is to do the right thing. I know that my relationship with my Father is being comprimised everytime I give in to the flesh and fill myself with the food that brings on so many other emotions that wreak havic on my mind and body. I pray for all the women who have found themselves at the point of dispair who continue their daily “work” without facing the issue of disobedience in the one area God has put before us all. Proverbs 31 states that we are to make ourselves beautiful in the eyes of our Father (husband)(and I will add friends and children) I know that truly to be an example of a good christian and lamb of God I must not give in to the desires of the flesh. I am lost!!!! Satan is good at his attacks and he knows where each of us resides. Whether if it is the extra 30 minutes of sleep that kept us from exercising or the business of life that leads us to the drive through for lunch and/or dinner or even the downcast emotions of a rough day that finds us in front of the fridge or cabinet… The question we must face as children of God just like in the wilderness wandering of Exodus is where do we want to be in our hearts. For where are hearts are is where we will find redemption through our Savior. I pray that through this group, that the Lord has lead me to, that I will find the help of my sisters to win this long term battle of the bulge and bring glory to God with a closer walk and a beautiful temple. I do not yearn to be Miss America but to be “who God made me to be” As I have read before>>> I am made for more… May we find each other and support each other to bring us to this place where we put our obedience to the test and let God reveal that he will strengthen us if we turn to him. Thank you for guiding me to the first step in fulfilling my true calling… We can overcome together. I look forward to speaking with others to help us grow (thinner)… Jesus revealed that where there are two or more in prayer, He is there with us… I want to be in that circle, please walk with me to the light… God bless each of you ladies..

I have been struggling with my weight it seems like since I’ve stopped smoking over 20 years now. I’ve had two more children since then and that hasn’t helped. I am not an overeater, I believe I eat the wrong types of foods. I would like to learn to properly portion out the good carbs with the proper amount of veggies and fruit throughout the day. I have a goal to lose 70 lbs. I’m in for the encouragement of other sisters who have the same issues. I have found that fasting and seeking the Lord has helped me in the past with disciplining myself, I should start that again. Thanks for the invite to join this blog.

Trying to loose kilo’s for years now and every year its is going up a bit.. now its 13 kilo to much. Soooo tired of it, just started today again the battle and I’m sure I need help from God (just asked for it before reading this so if you sisters would like to pray for me I would be very thankfull. i will pray for you as well and I would like to join on wednesdays.

I always could control it but I have a really hard 2 years behind me and lost myself in frustration eating. Its no excuse I did it all myself and I have confessed it as a sin. Now I’m feeling so much stronger so I decided it is time to work on the outside of me, my condition and a healthy (not skinny) body.

Would start fitness this week but I got in a car accident last week and I’m not allowed to fitness for 3 weeks….bummer!!! still started to diet hope it will work.

i just read about your group im so excited i really want to join i need help im 62 weigh 350 i quit smoking 5 years ago gained 60 lbs im a diabetic ; high blood pressure the works i have no help here i also have breathing problems which is from smoking [copd] and from my weight thank you
mavis

I began my weight loss journey (again) about a month ago & have lost 8.6 lbs. so far. I have a “buddy” that is helping plus my husband is trying to lose weight too which has helped SO MUCH! I also have a sister who regularly encourages me as she is losing weight too. It’s an every day journey & it will never stop until I die & needs to become just a way of life for us all. It is so hard to accept that we CAN’T just eat whatever we want, when we want & lose or keep weight off. I am so glad for this encouragement because we all know that we can use all the help we can get in this area! Thank YOU!

Hi Karen! I am a multi-time graduate of She Speaks. My latest book, Overcoming Overeating: It’s Not What You Eat, It’s What’s Eating You would be a tremendous resource for you and your Wednesday’s womens group. It helps people break the unhealthy cycle of stuffing down their feelings with food. Instead it instructs how to fill your heart instead of your plate…freeing you to live long and serve strong far into your sunset years! Sound Biblical and psychological methods fill the pages, along with real life stories of people, like yourself, who after a lifetime of struggle have finally been set free. It is available through P31, Amazon, or my website: RestoringYourTemple.com

thank you for todays devotional. I needed this! I had done well with my weight and health for a while. Then the stresses of everyday life got the best of me. I turned back to my comfort…food. I desperately want to get back to feeling healthy and better about myself. It is so easy to say I will start tomorrow. But tomorrow turns to weeks, then months and the time quickly goes. So please pray I will find the motivation and will power I need.

As always, God’s perfect timing. I’m in!!

Wow! Recently I’ve been struggling with the way I look and how I feel and the Lord guided me to this devotion this morning. Usually, I read out of another book that I have each morning, but God knew that I needed some encouragement. He knew that I needed to know there are plenty of other women who are struggling as well and that there is something that we can do about it.

He helped me to shift my prayers and to realize that it is Satan who is constantly reminding me how easy it was for me to exercise and be healthy when “I was in college” and when “I worked a very active job.” He helped me realize it’s time for me to stop dwelling on what was and to focus on what is and to start praying for others to come into my life to help me alongside this, to encourage me, to pray for me and to walk this road with me, and to GET MOVING!

Thank you for your words of encouragement…the timing, as always, was perfect!

I am in! Love the encouragement, and seeing what others are trying.

Wow! I feel really blessed this morning. Most days I really feel like I am the lone soldier in the never ending battle. I’ve been dealing with weight issues since before I can remember and God is really showing me that food has been an idol in my life. Some would say that is too strong but an idol is anything that takes our focus off of God and I have to be honest and say that I have done that! I am excited about this ministry and look forward to walking on this journey with all of you.

Thanks for the opportunity to become a part of your “rope”
After a 58 year battle as of late I have been praying for God to bring me the answers and help me along with all the angels around me to help heal and take away the sick relationship I have with food. A visit to my Dr for my yearly physical yesterday has validated that God is working in my life and my recovery. Looking forward to learning and being a part of this group of sisters.

I really needed this today. I have been battling with my weight for over 18 years. Then one day last May I got on the scale it is said 264 lbs. I have been working hard to lose the weight every since but it is so hard. I weighed in this morning at 218.2 lbs. and that is down 1 1/2 lbs from last week. I am putting in the work out time at the YMCA and keeping track of everything I eat. I give so much of my time to others that I forget to take care of me sometimes. It has been hard but I continue to set small goals, with the big goal in mind. I want to get down to 150 lbs. but my goal for now is to get under 200 lbs and rejoice with such happiness. I know I will give all the glory to God. Thanks for reminding me to rely on God and lean on my friends for support.