Power, Love, and Self-Control

Year End Reflections

"The sin that is most destructive in your life right now

is the one you are most defensive about." (Tim Keller, twitter)

When I acknowledge that eating too much, eating thoughtlessly, and eating for reasons besides nourishment is sinful behavior, I experience the most health and "success" in my eating habits.

The statement applies to many other areas of my life as well...Thankfully there is a way to deal with the sin problem that puts my life and daily choices on a whole 'nother track!

Nothing to promote health and a good frame of mind like a trail-walk with grandkids on a sunny, winter afternoon.... (Why don't I do this more often?!?)

Water * Walk * More Fruit/Veggies *Less Sweets

That's all for today.

Photos - Past and Present

This photo is kind of weird. I know!

But after reading the link in Myra's most recent post

I've been processing the subject.

I can't speak for the reactions of everyone else who looks at my "fat" photos.

Only for myself.

And I will say, I will take this weird photo over the "fat" photos ANY day!

I AM a happier person when

practicing healthy habits

and functioning at a healthy weight.

I am SO thankful I found a system that has (finally) worked

to both GET me to this place

and keep me here.

The photo?

Taken over the Thanksgiving Holiday, poolside,

by a young grandson who was waiting for his swim suit to arrive.

I handed him my phone/camera to help him occupy his time...

Blessings

Along the way, it's quotes like these that bring me face-to-face with myself.

My past, my present, and my future.

“You know you're an addict when you're trying to deal with your distress

with the very thing that caused your distress.” (a Tim Keller tweet)

This Thanksgiving Season, I'm thankful that over the past (almost) 2 years

I've found a way to deal with the "very thing that caused my distress".

Fast-5 has put boundaries around at least ONE of my eating habits

that was problematic.

To be at a healthy weight is one of many blessings

that I'm counting this week.

Health-Beauty-Freedom

"As things are brought back under Christ's rule and authority,

they are restored to health, beauty, and freedom." (Tim Keller, twitter)

Saw this post in study in brown. It's on a food-related topic but not my Fast-5 lifestyle per se. I was intrigued by the ideas contained in it and will put some of them into practice.

Mostly though, I thought how true the concept "limits are freeing" is! I'm quite sure it's why the Fast-5 lifestyle has worked for me both in losing the weight and maintaining a healthy one.

It really is a "yes-lifestyle" for me.

stuck?

May I suggest smaller Sarah's video on her post today here? Her thoughts on "seeing results and NOT seeing results" were motivational for me this morning.

Every morning - yes, EVERY morning - I step on my vintage bathroom scale. It seldom moves from its 142# mark. I AM still hoping to see it move down to 139# one of these days, but I can't say I've been putting my energy behind that "hope".

So.......I guess "results" really isn't what I'm looking for. (Just thinking out loud here.) Results only come tied to effort. In that sense, I am stuck.

No WONDER Myra doesn't visit my blog anymore!

Seriously though, I DO show up and do the work in the sense that for almost 2 years I've remained consistent with the Fast-5 pattern of eating that resulted in a 40+ pound weight loss. My body seems to have found its "comfort zone" around 142#. If I want to lose those additional 3 pounds, I'll have to expend additional effort. AND if I want to stay below 140#, I surmise that I'll need to continue expending additional effort.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm.

(Contemplating my profundity: "Results only come tied to effort.")

Intentions

To say that I've been busy doesn't quite convey the whole story.

"Urgent" and "important" have merged over the past few weeks

filling my hours and days (and weeks).

Yesterday, my husband and I took a walk--a stroll, actually.

A necessary break from some necessary responsibilities.

I really had intentions of getting into the habit of brisk walking this summer.

But now it is October.

I'm NOT an outdoor walker in winter. I'll have to come up with another plan

for exercise and put it into action so that it doesn't become only an

INTENTION, too.

(I HAVE kept my weight off. I'm sure this is thanks to the Fast-5 eating habit I've established.)

Power, Love and Self-Control

I've spent the past 9 or 10 days feeling a little like this woman. A challenge in our family's life altered my routine (and appetite) significantly

I'm sure there were other positives that came out of the situation, but two come to my mind: the interaction with my three siblings (usually separated by distance) and a 5-pound weight loss!

The title of my blog definitely came into play throughout the days and nights of our experience--Power, Love and Self-Control. I suspect I'll be needing all three like never before in the days ahead. Especially the "Power" part...

How about YOU? How are you doing under the weight of YOUR challenges?

Here's the explanation that came with this $.75 thrift store purchase.
You can click on it to enlarge it for reading.

It's Been Awhile

...but here I am to keep it honest. Both my husband and I have successfully maintained our Fast-5 schedule/lifestyle of eating. It has served us well. I have maintained my weight loss while enjoying the taste of just about anything I get a hankingin' for! We have no plans to change.

How are YOU doing? What healthy habits have you made a part of your life?

Beginning Now

A habit not pursued is easily forgotten, replaced by what’s reasonable, what’s comfortable. All too often, what’s reasonable and comfortable is a formula for complacency – a last-luster, dulled approach to connecting with life … to connecting with Jesus. (Elaine, here)

Isn't this a profound statement? Elaine was writing about a prayer posture that she had practiced for awhile and then let slip. I find the observation applicable for so many other areas of my life--particularly when it comes to healthy practices of diet and exercise.

Another line in her post -- Old habits remembered (especially the ones that are sweet) are ones willingly reinstated -- is a hope-filled one!

There are a few sweet old habits to which I shall return. Beginning NOW.

How True is THIS?

However often we think we have broken the rebellious self we shall still find it alive. (C.S. Lewis)

How true is THAT?!?

Checking in today to record fresh determination to

keep the "rebellious self" in check.

No Excuses/No Regrets

"Don't let today's excuses become tomorrow's regrets."

(Steven Furtick)

I'm pretty good at making excuses.
Oh, not outloud, spoken ones.

Just quiet, inner ones.

They're comforting somehow - intially.

But the comfort is short-lived.

Today I will be more cognizant

of this paralyzing habit of excuse-making.

I will beat my excuses to their punch.

Day lilies are called that because their bloom lasts only for one day...

Today is the only "bloom" I'm given.

I will NOT let today's excuses become tomorrow's regrets!

Manage Your Mind

If you’re serious about defeating temptation you must manage your mind.

(David Chrzan on Twitter)

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure and lovely, and admirable. think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me--everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you."

(Apostle Paul, Philippians 4:8-9)

That Woman is a Success . . .
Found at itsnotaboutfood.blogspot.com

who loves life
and lives it to the fullest;

who has discovered and shared
the strengths and talents
that are uniquely her own;

who puts her best into each task
and leaves each situation
better than she found it;

who seeks and finds
that which is beautiful
in all people and all things;

whose heart is full of love
and warm with compassion;

who has found joy in living
and peace within herself.

~ Barbara J. Burrow ~

To which I add, "who makes God's kingdom and His righteousness her #1 priority"....(rlg)

"A day must come in our lives, as definite as the day of our conversion, when we give up all right to ourselves and submit to the absolute Lordship of Jesus Christ. . . . there must be a day when, without reservation, we surrender everything to Him--ourselves, our families, our possessions, our business and our time. All we are and have becomes His, to be held henceforth entirely at His disposal. From that day we are no longer our own masters, but only stewards. Not until the Lordship of Jesus Christ is a settled thing in our hearts can the Holy Spirit really operate effectively in us. He cannot direct our lives effectively until all control of them is committed to Him. If we do not give Him absolute authority in our lives, He can be present, but He cannot be powerful. The power of the Spirit is stayed." (Watchman Nee)

"Each day you take a few small steps, then build on them day after day. There may be set backs, everyone has them, but those victories will add up, and then pretty soon you'll be amazed at how different your life has become. And what could be more alluring than the prospect of waking up to your best life? So roll up your sleeves and get to work!"

"Remember, every step you take toward reaching your weight loss goal is really a gift that you give to yourself. When you eat right and exercise, you are taking care of yourself, treating yourself with respect, and acknowledging that you deserve* to be healthy and happy.” (Bob Green, The Best Life)

Rebecca's note: I have trouble with "deserve". I want to care for my body because God Himself cares for it! Do I "deserve" health? No, in light of my sinful inclinations and the fall of mankind, health is a gift. A GRACE-gift directly from the hand of God--a gift to be handled thankfully and thoughtfully.