2-19-2010

When I originally signed up to be apart of the 40 day challenge I didn’t write a lot. I honestly thought I would never get in and be selected. I wrote the bare minimum as I was also afraid to really live out loud and let others know what was really going on. How do you admit you’re not healthy and that the lifestyle you are living isn’t the best? During that time I had been praying to God to help me with the family weight and health issues. 4 out of 6 of us in our house are overweight and not active. I knew it wasn’t something I could change on my own so I kept praying. Right about that time I had also been telling my husband I really needed new tennis shoes. Then the phone call came, I was one of the 8 qualifiers for the 40 day. It started becoming real but so did all the lies, “why would you be picked, you aren’t anyone they would be interested in, you can’t do this, others deserve this more then you, you really don’t want everyone to know how overweight you are, you are going to make yourself an outcast.” But I pushed through it with strength from God. I pushed and I put myself out there, I asked friends and family for support and votes. They answered and so did the listeners and others following along. I was chosen to be one of the final 4.
The journey began- God answered those prayers and cries for help. I got my new shoes. My 2 older daughters are very interested in the bootcamp and what I am doing and want to do it with me. My husband has been very supportive. The challenges and tests came along with this process. Sickness, kids, life, it was all very real. About 4 weeks in I did want to quit. Just like I normally would with anything. It starts to feel as no one is really watching or cares and it would be so easy just to stop and not do this anymore. I’m still here still leaning on Our Father and seeking his strength.

What I realized during this 40 day challenge is it’s not about the workout, shoes, spa the radio station, listeners, it’s all about God. From a Beth Moore study the 5 Faith Statements:
1.God is who He says He is.
2. God can do what He says He can do.
3. I am who God says I am.
4. I can do all things through Christ.
5. God's Word is alive and active in me.

It is all so very true, as long as I keep my focus on God and not the failures my weight, inches, struggles it becomes easier. It’s not without pain but the freedom is amazing.
I want to win this challenge and be the grand prize winner because I want to use this to Glorify God and further his Kingdom here on Earth. I want to be his light and help others succeed.
So Many people are alone out there in the darkness like I was seeking and grasping for anything- I want to be the hand that reaches out and offers them something that they need…Love, Support, Life!
There is a song currently playing on Spirit that truly has been my anthem song during this challenge:
Before the Morning- Josh Wilson
Do you wonder why you have to
Feel the things that hurt you I
f there’s a God who loves you where is He now
Maybe there are things you can’t see
And all those things are happening
To bring a better ending S
omeday somehow you’ll see you’ll see
Would you dare would you dare to believe
That you still have a reason to sing
Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
It can’t compare to the joy that’s coming
So hold on you gotta wait for the light
Press on and just fight the good fight
Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
It’s just the dark before the morning
My friend you know how this all ends
You know where you’re going
You just don’t know how you’ll get there
So say a prayer
And hold on cause there’s good for those who love God
But life is not a snapshot
It might take a little time but you’ll see the bigger picture
Once you feel the weight of glory
All your pain will fade to memory It’s just the hurt before the healing
Oh the pain that you’ve been feeling
It’s just the dark before the morning

I love the part-it can’t compare to the Joy that’s coming. So much truth in that line. This challenge hasn’t been about just losing a few lbs or inches it’s been about battling my way out of the darkness to walk and live out loud in the light. I want to continue that. I don’t want it to end here. I am coming out of the valley through the desert. In the end it’s not about my looks, my hair, my clothing it’s about how I lived my life and did I live it from my heart and allow the spirit to work within me to Glorify God.

I turn 40 in a few weeks the past 40 years have been amazing. I pray my 4 kids (15, 13, 5, and 1) don’t have the challenges and struggles I did growing up. I pray that this challenge was a spring board for our lives to change so we can continue to live healthy lifestyles and be more active. We have been watching the Olympics and one thing I have been learning during that is sometimes it’s not the most popular, or the favorite sometimes it’s the under dog, the quietest one that has the most amazing story and gift to offer.

Praising God for everything he has given me!!! To him all the Glory
Thanks to all our sponsors and supporters during this- truly amazing challenge and I so much appreciate the time, effort, money and prizes we have been given during this challenge.

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Voting- final week

The voting has started- its the final week of this journey.
As I reflect back over this challenge I am so amazed by the blessings. A Week ago I was ready to call it quits but right now I feel so full of life and joy i can't describe it. I have enjoyed working out in the morning and getting healthy and creating new habits. Mark with Aim To Be Fit has been wonderful. He has been working closely with my PT Kathleen Young at PT Pro to make sure I am not doing anymore damage to my neck/shoulders but still getting the top benefit from the workout. He is constantly coming by and checking on positioning and making sure I am working the muscles correctly to benefit me. My kids and I have enjoyed going to Taco Time. We were just there yesterday.It's been a nice benefit.

I love how the 40 Day challenge ended right as we moved into Lent. Another 40 days and an awesome reminder in our lives of how to give things up and sacrifice. I've learned alot about sacrifice and giving things up over this challenge.

I wasn't sure if I truly wanted a lifetime membership but sitting here today and looking back I can see how much I have changed and how much my family and I would benfit from a lifetime membership and I want to be selected as the grand prize winner.

Each of us ladies are already winners. They have been a huge blessing during this challenge. Each of us with our own stories and different lifestyles but all loving God and giving him all the Glory.

I was able to work out once with each of the Ladies - I loved it. Kat came to one of my bootcamps at shorelines and I went to Everett to Ginny & Katie's bootcamp. I got to see each one of the ladies in motion and enjoyed the companionship.

Good luck to all you listeners- you can continue to follow me and my journey on twitter at Tammiego or on my blog: http://allinadayof.blogspot.com/

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God

Day 38

Day 38- 2 more days until this 40 day ends. and everything goes back to voting. I had an amazing workout today- I feel really good and charged. its early in the AM and I already have 1/2 my water intake for the day done. I have come to realize that drinking all of my water for the day is so extremely important. When I don't drink all my water I tend to snack and not feel full. It's been amazing to me how much of a difference 1 glass of water can make.

GREAT NEWS- I am down 12 lbs and 10". I can see it in my clothes and my face, body. I can also certainly feel it. Even though there have been alot of challenges these last 2 weeks I see the light I certainly want to continue this journey. I

T is really important i remain focused and on track. My 2 older daughters have been begging if they could come to bootcamp with me- I think they might join us ladies on Friday.

I would really encourage everyone to try the 2 free weeks.If you can FIT it into your schedule do not force it, but if it works try it. I am thankful i had this opportunity it truly has changed my life and I am motivated to finish and to keep going STRONG!!!!

Ephesians 2:8-10 For it is by the grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. AMEN!!!

I shall not want

Anyone out there?
I feel like I am talking to myself when I come here and there are no comments.

I haven't done my video for Week 5 yet. Maybe on Friday. Monday I needed to leave the second class was over and didn't have time to wait to do the video. Today well I overslept. I woke up and my clock said 6:14. Because Boot camp is about 30-45 minutes away I knew I wouldn't make it to the workout. Which i was bummed- disappointed- depressed. That upon the injuries. My left calf is still bothering me. My neck and nerves are reeking havoc on my arms and hands(numbness, tingling) so I have to be careful. No weights and limit my exercises.

Good news though I weighted myself and I am down 10 lbs and down 8" I can feel it in my clothes and the way i walk and stand. I am feeling lighter. it's great.

My son is feeling better but still waking up coughing and hacking at night so my husband and I was still not getting sleep- I think the most we get is 3-4 hours. We are exhausted. drained. It's hard to be motivated to workout when you can't even function to do daily living things.

4 more bootcamps to go then we go to voting.
Have a great day everyone

Psalm 23


A psalm of David.


1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [

I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Week 5 Force and Fit

We started Week 5 of the 40 day Health and Fitness challenge. I am almost looking forward to it being over.
What I have been discovering is I am trying way to hard to "force"things into my schedule and family life, what God is showing me is to stop forcing and only allow those things in that "fit"

What a concept huh? It's hard though. I don't want to let others down, I don't want to fail, if others can do all this why can't I. The truth for me is I don't think others do it successfully or without sacrifice. I know alot has to be given up.

The workouts 3 days a week leaving the house at 5:45/6am to get to Shoreline by 6:30am and then made dash out of there at 7am to make it home by 7:30/7:45am. Trying to fit in Olympus Spa, Body by God (Puyallup) and more exercise. I think there just has to be an easier and more simplier way to do this.

Once the challenge ends I think I will do my workouts at home- get up at 6am and workout for 30 minutes. There would be alot less stress and pressure.

God certainly has shown me alot during this challenge and alot of things have changed. I am looking forward to having peace back in our lives.

Ecclesiastes 11:7-8 (The Message) Oh, how sweet the light of day, And how wonderful to live in the sunshine! Even if you live a long time, don't take a single day for granted. Take delight in each light-filled hour, Remembering that there will also be many dark days and that most of what comes your way is smoke.

Nutrition Pitfalls

AVOIDING COMMON NUTRITION PITFALLS

1. Drinking too many sweetened beverages.
Fluids play a vital role in our daily nutrition, but beverages such as coffee drinks, energy drinks,
sport drinks, juices, bottled iced teas and pop can add a substantial amount of “empty” calories
to your day. These drinks often lack fiber, vitamins, and minerals and should never be used in
place of a balanced meal. In addition consider the mood, behavior & nervous system affects of
the excess caffeine found in the popular, but unregulated energy drinks. Often what we
interpret as signs of hunger may really be signs of thirst. Try a glass of water first before you
reach for a pick-me-up food or an energy drink. Drinking water also has the side benefit of
speeding up your metabolism. Bottom line: Cut back on and/or avoid these drinks. Drink
more water - At least 8 cups every day.

2. Skipping meals.
Skipping meals and snacks often sets us up for hard-to-control hunger or a disordered eating
pattern. We all know it is impossible to run an automobile without fuel. That same principal
applies to our human “machines.” Pay attention to hunger signals and eat when you feel slightly
hungry. Bottom line: Eat breakfast. Eat 3 meals and 2 snacks per day, or every 2 - 4 hours.

3. Skimping on fruits and vegetables.
Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, water, and phytonutrients, yet they’re
low in calories. Fiber aids greatly in providing a feeling of fullness and satisfaction after a meal.
Scientific studies consistently demonstrate that people who eat more fruits and vegetables
greatly reduce their risk of developing heart disease, some types of cancer, high blood pressure,
diabetes, and other chronic diseases. Bottom line: If you do nothing else, eat more fruits and
vegetables. Aim for 6 - 10 servings a day.

4. Eating large portions of food.
Serving sizes in the U.S. have significantly increased in the past 30 years making it hard to know
what a reasonable amount of food looks like. But have no fear. You can retrain your brain to
recognize how much food is enough. Here is a simple list of common foods and ways to estimate
one serving.

FOOD ONE SERVING LOOKS LIKE…
Meat, fish, poultry 3 ounces Deck of cards
Fruit 1 medium piece Tennis ball
Rice, pasta 1 cup Rounded handful
Raw veggies 1 cup 1 baseball
Cheese 1 ounces 6 dice
Salad dressing 1 Tbsp. Thumb tip
Peanut butter 2 Tbsp. Ping-Pong ball

Bottom line: Turn super-sized feasts into moderate meals.

Week 3 Thursday

It's Thursday of Week 3
Matt Case called me yesterday while I was at work and left me a message. Hilarious message!! Really love Spirit 105.3 and all the support and encouragement they have given us during this challenge.

I had some friends here from Oregon and Colorado over the weekend and they just LOVE Spirit 105.3. They kept talking about how great our radio station here is. YEAH GO SPIRIT!!!!

My 2 older daughters asked me yesterday why I wasn't up early, I forgot to mention to them it is our resting week. I love that they are interested in what I am doing and that they are supporting me.

My left leg muscle still aching and sore along with my back. I am going to go to Physical therapy on Monday to help with the muscles.

I have several friends who work downtown Seattle who have contacted me about walking during lunch hour. YEA. I have been trying to think of things I can do while away from home to get some exercise in. Any Ideas????

Alot of people that I have spoken to have been encouraged to get out and make changes in their lives- more exercise, eating right, drinking more water. WOW- I am so impressed with everyone and their commitment... GO GO GO!

Hope everyone has a great week. No School Tomorrow for the kids.

Take care everyone

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

Ten Nutrition Tips to Live By

Ten Nutrition Tips to Live By

Stay Healthy & Energetic with These Great Hints

By: 20/20 Lifestyles

Drink Plenty of Water. Water dilutes toxins and waste materials and helps remove them from the body. Your goal should be to drink 64 ounces or eight glasses per day.

Eat Breakfast Every Day. Eating a balanced breakfast gets your metabolism off to a good start. You also benefit from stimulated brain power and increased energy. Some good examples include:
High fiber bread with natural peanut butter and a piece of fruit.
High fiber cereal with low-fat milk topped with sunflower seeds.
Egg white and vegetable omelet

Get Some Fiber.Consuming a high fiber diet lowers your risk of heart disease and colon cancer. Strive for 25 to 35 grams per day. High fiber foods include beans, lentils, most fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.

Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables. Challenge yourself to eat a minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Go for color and variety. Deeper, richer colored fruits and vegetables contain higher amounts of anti-aging oxidants.

Go For "Whole" Grain. Whole grains such as brown rice, whole wheat pasta and bread contain more vitamins, minerals, and fiber than their refined counterparts. Be sure to check the ingredient list for the word "whole" before grain.

Replace Unhealthy Fats with Healthy Fats. Cut down on your consumption of trans fats and saturated fats. Trans fats are found in fried and processed foods like chips, crackers, instant rice and stick margarines. Foods high in saturated fats include high fat dairy products, high fat beef and pork. Instead choose fish, turkey, soy and low-fat dairy products as your protein sources.

Limit Sugar Intake. Stay away from sodas, candy, baked goods and even juices. Sugar adds empty calories that lead to weight gain and increase your cravings.

Reduce Salt. Too much salt or sodium causes fluid retention and increases your risk for high blood pressure. Try seasoning your foods with herbs and spices like black pepper, garlic, and ginger. Always choose foods with less than 400 milligrams of sodium per serving.

Limit Alcohol. Alcohol increases your appetite, slows down fat burning, adds empty calories and decreases your will power. Enough said.

Pace Yourself. It takes 20 minutes for your brain to get the message that your stomach is full. Put your fork down between bits and sip water. Eating small frequent meals throughout the day will keep your metabolism working efficiently.

Living Water

Each day will bring challenges but the Lord will show you how to persevere.. Today's lesson was about Living Water.... Connection to God is a must if we desire to have any kind of victory in this life... Some things to keep in mind as you continue your walk with Jesus... God is the Living Water that truly satisfies... True satisfaction comes from Him. He is our all in all. Just was we need to drink water, let it remind you of your need for the Living water

Isaiah 58:11 The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

As I think of what the Living Water does, I like to think of a fountain that has layers on it.. As God fills me, the overflow effects someone else's life and he begins to fill them, their overflow effects someone else's life.. Just as water goes down the different layers of the fountain. We are to be so full of Christ that we overflow on people too... As I think of a well-watered garden, I think of something very nurtured, very fruitful, something that has deep roots and draws the living water from deep within.. We become this well nourished person when we spend time in the Word, our nourishment..
Stay in the Word, put into practice all that you learn... Draw your strength from the Lord and His word so that soon you will be a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.. Keep depending on the Lord... He will proclaim freedom for you who are a captive, He will give you a crown of beauty, and so much more... He will rebuild, restore and renew the places that have been long devastated..

Isaiah 60:1-4 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.

Keep on keeping on..

Day 10

Day 10



30 days left to go!!

The workout today was amazing! I really do enjoy the 30 minutes we get to spend there. Mark certainly does not waste time. I appreciate the fact that he walks around the room to make sure you are benefiting from the exercise and doing it correctly.

He offers a lot of encouragement during the intervals.

Here is part of a study I am doing on food/overeating- gave me a lot of insight today and something’s to process and think about.


Today we’ll discuss why we give into sinful eating practices (starving, overeating, throwing up, etc.). When we discover the answer to this question, we’ll learn how to break the sinful habit.

There are, of course, many reasons why we overeat—we might desire to find comfort, "medicate" pain, alleviate loneliness and boredom... or we might just be feeling lazy. But this lesson focuses on a more pressing and spiritual reason:

One of the reasons we want to overeat is because the human heart craves fullness and satisfaction.

Have you found (as I did) that you often turn to food for fulfillment and satisfaction? If so, you’ve almost certainly found that after a big meal, you are not truly satisfied, nor are you even really "full."

As Ecclesiastes states:
All man's efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied. — Ecclesiastes 6:7


In other words: we may keep stuffing food into our bellies beyond reason, but it will never, ultimately, satisfy us.

Micah 6:14 states it clearly:

Thou shalt eat, and not be satisfied, and thine emptiness shall remain in the midst of thee. — Micah 6:14


Micah is judging Israel for her disobedience and injustice. In its proper context, Micah 6:14 is part of a list of judgments against the people of Israel for their sin. As part of their judgment by God, the nation of Israel would eat, but not be satisfied.

Micah 6:14 states that the Israelites’ emptiness would remain "in the midst" of them. This phrase is a reference to the heart; the food the Israelites eat will not satisfy their hearts or fulfill their lives. This heart-satisfaction is something overeaters seek today… but it cannot be found in eating. Food is not designed to satisfy the heart, but rather to provide nutrition to the body.

Tip from Mark:

One really good thing you can do as your body gets accustomed to all the work it's receiving (sounds like your legs are really feeling it) will sound funny, but it really helps. Take a rolling pin and roll out your leg muscles like you would with dough. Make sure the muscle is relaxed. This is like giving your muscle a massage, and the point is to get out some of that lactic acid that makes you sore, and get rid of knots which make you tender. This technique is at least as important, probably more so, than stretching.



Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

Tips and update on progress

Here are 10 tips you can do:
1. Chew more and try to eat more slowly- it takes 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain it's full.

2. Take smaller bites

3. Do NOT take seconds

4. Leave some of every type of food on your plate

5. Take smaller portions and leave serving bowls of food in the kitchen

6. use a smaller plate

7. try to put your fork down between every bite

8. Eat only at the table, NOT in front of the TV, computer or at the ktichen counter

9. Eat three bites of every new food

10. Drink a large glass of water 15 minutes before each meal.

Friday AM:
And back from bootcamp, kids are off to school, hubby off to work and I am working from home. I was told by a few ladies that it was a HARD workout today. That made me feel better. I did it, did the entire 30 mniutes. I gotta tell you though the last 10 minutes were hard. I had to keep breathing and listening to Mark. My legs burned but I felt great after the workout. Right now my legs are shaky.

We did squats, push ups, wall sits. My partner told me that after her 1st workout she was sore for 3 days. She said to make sure i drank my water and kept walking around. I really loved the ladies in class and apprecaited the advice and encouragement. It sure makes me look forward to monday.

Cardio intervals tomorrow and Spa Food journaling has been ok I was sick and didn't eat much for 2 days so that made it easy. I encourage everyone to keep a food journal even if you aren't exercising. It is interesting what you really eat and don't realize it. Okay gotta go drink water.

Saturday :
Woke up really sore this morning. My legs are still tender. It is hard to walk up and down the stairs. Other then that I feel great.

Met the other 3 ladies at Olympus Spa this morning. What an awesome time we had, sitting in the rooms - whispering quietly ;-) It was very relaxing and helped with the soreness. I really like the Charcoal and sand room. The heat felt great!!

I find if I drink all my water i am not hungry and the carving feeling goes away. So I am really trying to get all my water in.

I played Wii Fit with the kids awhile ago that was fun. The game wasn't too happy with it becasue it had been so many days since I had been on it. Sure doesn't like that. I love even how technology holds us accountable.

It's been a beautiful day here today! I am thankful for the blue skies we had before the rain started in.

Praying for Haiti. All the families out there trying to contact their loved ones.

2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

Monday Week 2:
Off work today and kids are all out of school- MLK Day.

What a windy blustery morning. But then the sun came out and there were blue skies. The workout this morning was awesome. We did 5 stations that we roatated every 60 seconds. My legs are doing much better today. I am not as sore as i was last week.

The food has been a bit challenging. I find when I get stressed and can't control a situtation I turn to food. Becasue it's something I can control. Here is a great devotion that I am going to focus on to help with that:

Beloved, as long as your focus is on things that you have no personal control over, you will be subject to regret, disappointment and accusation. But, I would have you release what you cannot control and to put your faith and trust in Me. Only then will you be able to see that I am doing a very great and powerful work in your midst, My people, as I establish My kingdom in, around and through you. Expect change, and resolve to be flexible enough to move with grace, says the Lord.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. I hope everyone has a great day and enjoys the day off if you have it.

Going Up?

What a week it's been. Monday Night my husband called me while I was at bible study. He was sick, throwing up, woke up Aaron and just needed me home. My 13 yr old hadn't been feeling well either, she said she felt all day like she needed to throw up. Tuesday hubby stayed home. I was fine Tuesday, perfectly fine then it hit about 8pm I started to not feel well. 10pm came and as I was laying in bed I thought I know this is it and off to the bathroom I ran.

Yep I was sick. then came the chills, fever and aches. I woke hubby up and asked him to pray because I just really couldn't believe this was happening. On the Eve of what would be my 2nd bootcamp workout. No I can't be getting sick!

I was up all night just sick sick sick!

Wednesday came and I slept all day. Woke up about 2pm and felt some what able to join the human race for awhile. I was bummed though. 2 workouts I missed and I feel so far behind.

Today I am at work. I started to get really discouraged and just down. I was reading emails from the other 3 contestants and they are so awesome. Very encouraging words, pray and lots of uplifting thoughts. I love that they took the time to think of me and that we truly are in this together. They said words that I sooo needed to hear.

I went to go downstairs and go grab a coffee (yes I am feeling better) I was on the escalator. Right in front of me was this little boy (about 2yr olds) and his dad, holding hands. Right before they got to the end the dad lifted him up and off the escalator. Then they turned around to go back UP. The Dad said to the little boy " Are you ready to go UP now?, ok here we go" and the little boy stepped on. His Dad did not lift him but was holding his hand. The little boy was wobbly and shaky. But got on and up they went.

It made me think that is EXACTLY how God is with us, He is our Daddy asking us "Are you ready" and then holds us , allows us to take those steps and encourages us by offering us grace.

It was such an amazing imagine. One that I truly needed today. He has me always and he isn't going to let go becasue he is there for us.

2 John 1:3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

Day 1

Today was suppose to be day 1 for me but well today has pretty much been a serious battle.

I was up at 5:45am - out the door by 6:06am the GPS couldn't find the shoreline address thankfully i had printed hte directions the night before so off I went.

Traffic was horrid- it was pouring and pitch black - I have never really been to shoreline andI am not familiar with that are at all so I missed the streets had to keep turning around after I passed them- finally found the Senior center which the campus is huge so I was in out of a few parking lots before I found the senior center door- to which the door was locked - there were only 2 cars in the parking lot and it was 6:40am.

What was suppose to be 15-20 minute drive turned into 30 and now that I was there had no idea where to go becasue it was pitch black in the building and the doors I tried were all locked.

I was frustrated- disappointed - and then all the old tapes started playing in my mind "see you shouldn't be doing this, why bother, you knew you couldn't get here on time, you are going to fail" so I was rather bummed.

I sat there until 7 becasue I wanted to see if anyone came out of the doors- about 7:02 on the other side of the building around the corner ladies started pouring out of the bldg. I drove over to see where the door was- back behind the building in the recreation center.

Then off I raced to get back home to get the JR higher to school. Traffic again horrid but i knew where i was going. got home about 7:35 got her to school.

At home they all asked me in their excited voices- HOW WAS IT- part of me wanted to hide and lie- I didn't want to let them down- I didn't want to be a failure which i really felt like it. I had already blown in a huge way day 1.

I promised i would stay real and share the expereinces with people , this is as real as I can get. I know I am not the only one who struggles. When things like this happen it is also when my food battle takes over and I want to fall to food for control and comfort.

The other 3 ladies are truly amazing and awesome we have been talking to each other every day and its been such a blessing for us to be connected like we are.

We need your prayers-

I'm IN....

I got in- I am one of the Top 4!
Now it all begins, being real. There is no hiding here right becasue I asked and went public and said will you vote for me?, well that makes it real becasue the eyes are watching. I am being held accountable and this time I am so excited and JAZZED!

I am ready this time.
Ready for a forever change.
Ready for a new life
Ready to finish something (I am not good at finishing things I start)

2010 will be a great year.

I get up tomorrow at 5:45am to leave the house by 6am to get to the workout which starts at 6:30. MWF repeat 3 times a week.

I am hoping to get in at least 2-3 times a week at least a 20 minute walk. We have an eliptical and a treadmill plus the WiiFit so no more excuses right.

I weighed tonight at 9:30pm and I weighed in at 195lbs. My 5'2" frame says that is about 75 lbs too much. That is 2 of Julia and 2 1/2 Aaron (he weighs almost 30lbs)

It's gonna feel good- I am going to feel good.... so remind me of that in a few days or weeks when it gets hard and the excuses come, Will you remind me of how it will feel?

I'm IN!

Voting Time

http://www.spirit1053.com/40days.php?articleID=523

Here is the link to my profile page for the 40 day Health and Fitness Challenge.
Voting is open 1/2-1/8, you click on the Vote for your top 4. you enter in your email and it takes you to a page where you can select the top 4. Some people have been entering 1 person in all 4 slots or entering in who the top 4 should be.

I can not even beging to describe the way I feel about this.
My heart is all over the place, but I really really want this.

Last night when i went to my profile page and saw the comments I had the lovely messages folks took to write to me I was honored. I had 12 comments and they are precious!!! Then I did something dumb clicked on Kathryn's name and she had 46. My heart sank. My enemy started to creep in there with the doubt and fear. "Who do you think you are?" "See no one really cares"
Then I stopped and said nope not going there. I deserve this and I want this. How do I get votes well I don't know I asked friends and family to vote for me but it's truly up to the listeners. The unknown out there, the lady i am standing next to in line at the grocery store. It might be her, she might be the deciding factor. What this taught me is that treat everyone how Jesus would treat them, you truly never know when that person is going to impact your life again. They might be the organ donor who saves your life or someone you know, they might be the deciding vote that changes your life. The reality- treat everyone as Jesus would treat them, Grace, Mercy, Compassion, Love.

Voting is open, comments are open..... I can't wait until Jan 8th/Jan 9th when we hear who is the final 4.

Thanks

It might be me.....

I am so excited right now... our local radio station Spirit 105.3 is doing this 40 day health and fitness challenge. I am one of the 8 qualifiers. Starting Jan 2nd people can go out online and vote for me to be one of the 4 finalists in this challenge.

Here is the link: http://www.spirit1053.com/familyfun.php?articleID=490

What's in it for me besides losing weight- getting healthy and growing with God- well here it is:
1) Each of the 4 contestants will be sporting a new pair of New Balance 1010 cross-trainers (retail $110). These premier multi-purpose cross-trainers offer supportive and cushioning from runs on the pavements to the most grueling indoor workouts.

2) Each of the 4 contestants will have access twice a week to Olympus Spa each week allowing them to focus on their health and body relaxation after their tough workouts. This includes herbal hydrotherapy pools, earth energy rooms, steam, sauna and more for a whole day.

3) Each of the 4 contestants will recieve one meal per week throughout the competition to Taco Time. Grand prize of $100 gift certificate to Taco Time for overall winner.

4) 40 Day Extreme Makeover by God. Millennium Chiropractic will be giving all four participants: Body by God, The Owners Manual for Maximized Living book by Dr. Ben Lerner. 6 week Registration in Body By God Workshops to be held at Puyallup Four Square Church.

5) AIM Fitness - Annual Membership for Final 3 Contestants, Lifetime Membership for overall winner

I turn 40 in March and at this moment i am very unhealthy and obese. (such a yucky word) but it's the truth. So if I am chosen to be one of the final 4 i get to blog about the challenge, do the workouts with a trainer, keep a food journal... and the best thing is I can encourage others including my family.

I'll post more info when they have the profiles online and voting begins.

but right now .... It might be me!!!!