How am I running the race?

I Corinthians 9:24 - 27 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

I have been thinking about these verses and am very convicted. I ask myself the following questions. Do I exercise self control in all things? Do I have aim? What is my aim? Is my body my slave or am I a slave to my body?

Staying the Course

I haven't posted for some time. I have been maintaining weigh wise. I have been struggling to stay encouraged on a spiritual front. Feel so easily distracted, and I have much to distract me. I know the right thing to do and am just NOT doing it. Drew is so faithful to encourage me to stay in God's Word and to continue to call out to the LORD moment by moment!

My sister Terry's incredible commitment to the LORD and continued weight loss has been a great encouragement to me. Also, I was reading aloud a biography of Abraham Lincoln to some of the kids and was struck by Lincoln's commitment to improve himself. He would make daily goals of what he was going to do that day to be better the next day. Inspired me to keep a daily log of verses I must memorize etc.

I know I rambled quite a bit here, but I needed to :-)

Whew! I just finished my total body blast pilates work out and I must admit it felt GOOD. I showered afterwards and that always helps. I do enjoy the slightly sore feeling of a good work out, call me strange :-).

Well, I just finished the first article I decided to read to help me in this eating battle. I found it over at associated content by yahoo. I learned a lot from it. The main thing I want to try to implement is working out to relieve stress (rather than eating to relieve stress). I really thought the morning paper route was enough exercise but I am definitely stress eating SO I am going to try to work out 4 days a week.

Click here if you want to read the article: Eat like a Skinny Person and Other Weight Loss Tips

Weigh In

Weighed in yesterday at 165. Had a really bad week as far as journaling goes BUT an excellent week pondering on God's word and surrendering different areas of my life to the LORD. He is so faithful. With Drew out of town for several days I literally did not have energy to journal every bite. Wednesday I started thinking about my focus with my weight loss. All I have been thinking about since I started is FOOD! The very thing I want to think less about. SO . . .

I so want the LORD to be the center of my thoughts! Him and HIM alone. What to do????

In 1999 I almost started the Weigh Down by Gwen Shamblin, after which I named the blog. How funny that it took me several weeks to get my focus right. I don't even have the book. In fact I don't think I ever owned it. The Weigh Down bible study had it's first planning meeting in my living room a day before the whole thing blew up due to some of Shamblins doctrinal views. I still think she has some great principles. These are the ones I remember and have been implementing the past few days.

1) Don't eat if I am not hungry (really listen to your body and learn hunger signals.)

2) If I think I am hungry drink a cup of water and wait a period of time to see if I was really thirsty and read my hunger signal incorrectly.

3) Pray before eating

So here I go!!!

Motivational Articles

I am feeling a bit unmotivated to stay the course this morning so I searched motivational articles on SparkPeople and came across this:

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellness_articles.asp?id=692

This article links to 3 other articles I have not read.

I did think when reading this article. On step three it would be beneficial for me write my thoughts down at this point. Writing triggers the brain differently, helping the analysis process.

Day Two

I was not successful in my water intake today. Close, but still want to do better tomorrow. I tracked every bite in my journal. I went 100 calories over but I am not going to beat myself up over that. One thing I have found different between what I remember of Weight Watchers and what I am currently experiencing through Spark People. WW didn't count as much for fresh vegetables. The first 1/2 C or something was free if I remember correctly. Anyway I am attributing my 100 extra calories to that. Ultimately I want to have lost a pound or two by my weigh in on Saturday so I am not going to let the 100 extra calories worry me.

I am thankful to have an accountability partner, it helps me stay on track. Right now Kari and I are both flying high, happy to be in control of our eating instead of our eating controlling us!

Motivation

I found a note from July 3rd 2008. I was 200#. That is so motivating for me. By June of 2009 I was 152#! I remember how miserable I felt carrying the extra weight around. I enjoy a greater quality of life when I am at a comfortable weight.