Here comes Sharon!!!

[skeopple]

My real goal is to drop 100 pounds this year. My stand-by goal is to lose as much as I can.

January 14th, 2008 was when I began low carb. I can't really say I follow Atkins to a "T" because I messed up on the ladder. I DO only eat low carb foods but I have a bad habit of eating TOO MUCH LOW CARB food.

I really need to carry a note pad and chronicle all my food intake, as well as water and exercise (in my case, movement of any kind IS exercise. I'll by a little pad today expecially for this.

I credit "Determined to Lose" for me getting started with this journal. For one thing, we both decorate cakes and we're darn good at it. Neither of us really likes to be in public. We have great DHs. We both believe that Jesus is our Salvation. I need to talk to Him more often. The difference between Diana and myself is 100#. I'll catch up this year!!!

I told Diana I wasn't going to weigh until the 14th but with all the excitement of the t.v. show The Biggest Loser, I just had to start new NOW, today. Why should I put it off?

Do I have the strength to have hubby take pictures of me at this weight? Sure, doesn't mean I have to look at them now.

The best news yet (even though it was slow going) is that I've lost 42 pounds in nearly a year. LOST. NOT GAINED!
May I never see 300 again. With God's help, I can do this and I know He will help me.

[Livywilltim-mom]

Yeah Sharon!

I am so happy you have your journal! Thanks for sharing your journey with us.

Hugs

[skeopple]

You're very welcome, but now I feel as if I'm kinda "out there" for the world. Kind of humbling. Hoping it will keep me accountable?
Yes, it will!

[TXLoser]

Hi Sharon..congrats on the loss so far!!!

I definitely say YES YES to taking pictures...they are a great tool to track progress...especially if you don't see it in the scale..you can look at comparison pictures. No more hiding behind the camera..start getting in front of it

[skeopple]

[COLOR="Purple"]ok[/COLOR]

[Determinedtolose]

Hey Sharon! I love your journal title!!!

I agree with the others, looking at your pictures show you how much you have lost. I know how hard that is to do. I eventually did that and I tell you what, it's very encouraging to see the difference. That really keeps me going.

I didn't know you like to decorate cakes??? How cool! I have always wanted to do that. . mine are just amaturish, but I would love to learn how the pros do it. I'm very shy and kind of introverted so it's really hard for me to be around alot of people I don't know and that's what stops me.

If you have pics of your cakes, post them. I would love to see them!!

I think you got the makings for a successful weight loss Sharon. You have the right attitude and bringing God into your life to help you!
Plus all the wonderful support you'll get here.

Have a super day!!!

[Determinedtolose]

Originally Posted by skeopple

[COLOR="Purple"]ok[/COLOR]

[skeopple]

I used to do wedding cakes mostly, and of course something for everyone's birthday, etc. Since I started low carb, I've refused a few orders cuz it's just too hard. Ya really have to taste the frosting to know it's right My pics of cakes are regular prints. I'll try to find some and scan them. Never took a class. Bought the Wilton year books and taught myself, a little at a time. You get great satisfaction from decorating a beautiful work of art that people take pictures of! Fun hobby. Many have asked me to do it as a "home business" but in our state/county you need a health license, which involves quite a kitchen remodel, etc. Plus, too much temptation with sugar.

I'll be thinking and meditating on a signature phrase or verse today. See what I come up with. Already thanking God for YOUR support and encouragement and that He will bless your journey. Everybodies@
LCF

[Determinedtolose]

That's what got me into decorating cakes too. I was signed up to take the Wilton cake deco classes, but chickened out. I did buy the kits, so I'm pretty much teaching myself how to use the tips and all that.
I wouldn't mind getting a part time job at a store bakery, that is if they take someone with no experience.

The next cake will be for my mom, she loves coconut cakes. I don't taste my cakes either, or the frosting. I get DH to do that.

Hope you have a great day!! I'll be here most of the day!!

Oh what part of Wisconsin are you from? My mil's family is from Highland.

[skeopple]

I don't know where Highland is? We are up under the 'Indian's ' nose. Near St. Croix Falls.
We have to pick Mom up and take her to grocery shop so I need to get in the shower and be on my way.

Make it a Great Day!

[Determinedtolose]

Originally Posted by skeopple

I don't know where Highland is? We are up under the 'Indian's ' nose. Near St. Croix Falls.
We have to pick Mom up and take her to grocery shop so I need to get in the shower and be on my way.

Make it a Great Day!

Have a great day too!!!

[skeopple]

Okay, I worked on getting a link to this journal; will try later when my brain is awake.

This journal has me so excited, I almost can't believe it. It's taken me a long time to "put it out there" for the world. It helped a lot that I weighed yesterday and the pounds were down. Even if the scale had me up, I know low carb is my way of life and will never go back to the carbage.
It was after Christmas last year when I ordered and read Jimmy Moore's book. He is one amazing guy. And his wife Christine has battled pain. I don't check in with them as much anymore, but I owe a lot to them and their web and youtube posts.
I'm battling the clothing monster. Sick of my fat clothes but not fitting into smaller stuff. My closets are full, totes are overflowing, don't know how to deal with it all. This week, I hope to do a lot of sorting and get rid of some stuff. Heaps and piles. Heaps and piles. I like the feeling of being more organized and it's been awhile. Aiming to get more organized in this month of January!
I've always been close to God. Seems lately, I'm farther away. Letting life and things take up the time. Starting back with daily reading the Bible and may get online with Joyce Meyers programs. Can't watch t.v. in the a.m. when she's on cuz I'd fall back asleep that early. She's motivating and easy to understand. I've strayed and I know it will feel good to get close with God again. What's wrong with me that I didn't stay with it? Want to take the time again because I know He will be pleased. I love Him!
I might come back later. Need to take time with God.

[COLOR="Purple"]Make[/COLOR] it a Great Day!

[Determinedtolose]

Hi Sharon!
I can read the excitment in your journal!! You're doing so well in staying motivated too!

Good for you on spending time with God! He does love when we do that!!

I hope you have a great morning, and I'll talk to you soon!!

[Determinedtolose]

Hi Sharon!

Hope you are having a very blessed day!!

[skeopple]

Did not take the time I wanted for prayer and meditation this a.m. and my day was a bit messed up. Too many changes of plans so not much got done, but I got a few more things rearranged and sorted. Got this really neat thing to hold kids books. It's more like slings than shelves (at 2 and 4, they don't really stack or stand books so this should work well in at least keeping the books in one area? Time will tell.

Hoping you are having a nice day too. Snow coming tonight, not much, maybe 3 inches. love it.

[Determinedtolose]

Hi Sharon,
I was wondering where you've been.

Are those your kids on your avatar? They are so precious!!!
That thing for the books sounds interesting and cool, never heard of that. But if it makes it easier for the kids to put books away, then that's all the better.

Have a great evening!!

[skeopple]

Grandchildren; Jonathon age 4 and Madeline age 2. Their new brother Chase was born the day after Christmas. What a blessing they all are.
Lonely tonight. My DH drove our DS to the V.A. Hospital in Minneapolis. Lots of tests. (son was in military 9 years, deployed for a year and a half of that). DD went with friends to karaoke.
Going to sneak asleep early. Have to give hubby a morning call so he can go over to hospital and take son to next appointment in a.m. Tonight, son has sleep study. Colonoscopy in morning.

Sleep well.

[Determinedtolose]

Good morning Sharon,
your grandchildren are very precious and so cute!!
A BIG Thankyou to your son for his service!!!
I'll be praying for him too.

I love karaoke! In fact, I have my own system with tons of songs. My family is big on that as well.

Hope your day is a great one!! Talk to you soon!

[skeopple]

Our daughter (29) is a very good singer and knows the words to so many songs and can sing really well in many venues, from gospel to rock to country and everything in between. Sometimes, we'll pull up stuff on youtube and sing, sing, sing. We laugh and cry.

I cooked up some low carb food today. Made Linda Sue's White Castle pie and peanut butter fudge. I also made some sugar-free jello. I chop up half a package of celery for my 8" square dish. It ends up sweet/tart/crunchy. It's also pretty good ruffage so I try to over eat it. Instead of all the cold water I put some mayo, vinegar, a.s. in cup, stir, then fill with water. Makes it tangy and creamy. I got that from picnics of the 50's and 60's when my grandmas and aunts used to make the green jello thing. Today, I used lime jello AND cherry jello. I would have used more mayo but ran out. Have to make a grocery list.

I didn't eat much of what I made today. Settled for a thick sandwich on Trader Joe's sprouted bread (4 net carbs per slice) Slather on mayo, thinly sliced cheese and ham and turkey, couple slices of onions and tomatoes, salt and pepper. Better than Subway, for sure. Satisfies me for hours. I was off all bread for about 10 months but heard about Trader Joe's. Kind of formed a habit now, wanting it. Don't eat it all the time, just once in a while. I keep track so I don't overdo it.

Once in awhile, I get an urge for a glass of cold milk. Then I remember that humans are the only mammals that drink milk past childhood. Why have we done this? We're so conditioned as to what is good for us. Thanks again FDA.

Even though I didn't vote for him, I sure hope the new president can fix our economy. It's affecting sooo many families and jobs and businesses.

I guess I'm talking to myself tonight as I remember to pray for Shaun and Amy's baby to make it. DD's BFF is in her 7th month and was taken to United Children's Hospital this morning. She's having regular contractions and baby is in distress due to fluid around her heart. Yup, it's a girl. A sister for little Zane. Baby's heart rate was over 200. I'm not sure if they flew her or went by ground ambulance. So concerned they are okay. Too late tonight to call and find out if there is anything new to report. I know someone would've call me if things changed. Last I heard they were discussing c-section to save them both.

Prayer time. G'night.

[Determinedtolose]

Good morning Sharon,
First I just wanted to say, I'll be praying for that precious little baby too and that everything will be fine!!

I'm glad to see you preparing your foods, that's what I do too. Doesn't it make it easier on us. I hate to be thinking about what we're going to eat, and DH eats whatever I make too, so that makes it so much better for me.

That jello sounds really good, did you make it with a box or from scratch? I've also heard of that bread you're talking about, but I can't seem to find it at my TJ's. I buy the Aunt Hatties low carb bread for DH, and there is another bread called Nature's Own that is low in carbs too. I'll have to go back to TJ's and see if I can find that one.

How's everything going besides? When do you normally weigh yourself? Hope you see some losses!!!

Keep you the good work Sweetie!!! Have a great day!!!

[skeopple]

I'm going to weigh tomorrow for one challenge. I'll weigh Tuesday for the Biggest Loser.

They have Amy in a St. Paul hospital and trying to keep labor at bay. Their main concern is the baby's heart. Praying.

Here's my jello:
The celery jello can be anything. Here's what I do:

Pour 1 cup cold water into 8 or 9" bowl/pan.
Sprinkle one pkg. plain gelatin.
Pour one or two small pkgs of your favorite sugar-free jello into 1 cup boiling water. Stir to dissolve.
Stir up your cold water/gelatin.
Mix the hot with the cold. Stir.
Put approximately 3/4 cup mayo in measuring cup. Add 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar and a dash of artificial sweetener. Stir. Fill the cup with cold water to equal 2 cups.
Chop up a whole lot of celery. (I've been known to use a whole package in the summer! Just make sure your serving dish is big enough. Mine is a Pyrex glass thing with a cover.) Add to your concoction and refrigerate. I like mine really firm. That's why I have the extra gelatin. It keeps well in the frig. With all of the celery, you get a lot of chewing in so it's a good snack or even dessert. My last batch, I used both lime and cherry jello. I've also made it with kool-aid and plain gelatin so as not to use the Jello. It's cheaper too, but more work and you still have to use a sweetener.
Let me know if any of you try this. It's a main stay for me and I miss it if I don't have some made up.

I had just posted it in another thread. It's really whatever you want and I enjoy it any time of day.

Thanks for visiting me!!!

[Determinedtolose]

Thanks Sharon, I'll have to give that a whirl!! Sounds like a good lc snack/dessert/sidedish!!

That's cook that your daughter can sing. I don't have a singer voice, but I can carry a tune. But it's so much fun to do and my family really enjoys that as well.

I'll check back with you later too and see how things are. Oh and I hope your weigh in is a good one!!!

[skeopple]

My topic this morning is about going to church. We have quite a good church family. People who care about each other. Our minister has been here 30 years and we have an intern pastor each year that comes out from seminary like an apprentice thing. We/I used to be very active in stewardship and fellowship. My weight seems to have changed a lot of things in my life, including church attendance. We have 2 services each Sunday, as well as adult and children's classes. Services are 8:30 and 11:00. I should be able to make one of those, but here I am, looking for excuses not to go. This does not make God happy, I'm sure. I dislike finding something to wear that makes me look good. I have a hard time walking from sidewalk into the sanctuary, even though DH drops me off at the door. It's not only the breathing from my weight but also my lower back. So, I'm huffing and sweating by the time I get to the back pews. We have communion every Sunday and I'm always fearful of tripping or falling and making a fool of me. They will come to your pew with communion, but that is soooo embarrassing. I know people there really care about me. Some even call me periodically to check on how we're doing. It would be easier in one way to 'just go' but it's such a mental and physical strain. [COLOR="Purple"]One of my main reasons to get healthier. [/COLOR]Even though God knows what's in my heart and I know that I can't pull the wool over His eyes; I keep it up.

Actually, I don't like going anywhere. I like being places, just not getting there. I usually do fine after I'm involved, I'd just rather stay at home, where I feel safe.

Then, I read Houston Heather's blog and journal thread and wonder how can I not put more into life? I try hard too, but she actually accomplishes what she sets out to do. My challenges are nothing compared to hers. I am in awe of her and what she is/does.

And then, Snow White, who has lost over 220#. Her pictures in the gallery prove it. She's had extra skin removed twice. She has stamina!!!!

I'm going to use their inspiration as a seed.


I may think of more later today but for now, I'm gonna rest my brain. This journal is a good thing. I can talk myself silly but putting it in writing may be a new breakthrough. I did a written journal when our son was in Iraq and I talked to God unceasingly. Have to remember how that helped me get through each day and night. I tried to battle the weight during that time, but the weight of him being over there was more important.

I'm pumped. I'm actually looking forward to the scale; no matter what it says. It will show me if I need to change it up a bit or continue as planned!!! Yea me.

[Determinedtolose]

Oh Sweet Sharon, can I share with you something that I have learned. I used to feel the same as you did about going to church. . .that God would be unhappy if I didn't go, but I have learned that all that is NOT how God thinks of us.

Going to church is good as far as fellowshipping with other Believers, but all God wants from us is to Believe on His redemptive work on the cross. . that He did it all for us.
I realized that anything else is "works" and that feeling that we aren't reading the bible enough, not going to church or not praying enough is all legalism.

God wants us to stand fast, positionally and doctrinally in the liberty He gave us.

Galatians 5:1

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty (don’t let somebody box you in with religious, legalistic demands) wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."

Everything that we think our things that God wants us to do, come from church traditions and alot of it is not for us now. We are in the age of Grace and not under the law.

I don't mean to sound preachy, but I've gone to churches where the Pastor made the congregation feel guilty if we miss a Sunday. That's legalism! God wants us to worship, praise and fellowship with Him everyday but out of the love we have for Him and out of the free will He gave us, and not out of fear that something bad will happen to us as I've been told before. And you know what, there is no time frame or set place for that. Some people have told me they read the bible for hours a day. I couldn't do that and would "feel" guilty if I couldn't. That's a legalistic feeling. So I fellowship and pray no matter where I'm at. I talk to Him when I'm at the store, driving in my car, and at work. . basically anywhere.

I remember one time when I was going to a particular church. I had a abcess (sp?) inside my vaginal wall and I couldn't sit it was so painful, I couldn't even lay down. Well the dr had punctured it and put a balloon in there to keep it open to help drain the fluid. Well I called my Pastor and his wife and told them I wasn't going to make it cuz I couldn't sit down. So I he tells me, can't you bring something in to lay down? When he said that, I thought, omg, he doesn't get it! He didn't want to miss a "tithe"!!

I didn't go, but you know I never forgot that. I haven't been to church in a long time, but I have found an online bible study that I love! And since then have learned alot of truths, because I knew there had to be more than what I had been taught before.

He wants us to study His word though. . ."Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15


Sorry I went on and on.

[Determinedtolose]

Good Morning Sharon!
Have a very blessed Monday!!!

[Livywilltim-mom]

Wow, Sharon!

I love how much you are sharing in your journal. It is why I am so happy to have found this wonderful place. So much to learn.

Hugs

[skeopple]

I know that church is just a building. Churches in buildings have bills to pay, utilities, wages. I'm not saying that I approve of how the money is spent all of the time, but I've learned that if the Spirit moves me to give my tithe or money, I have to trust it will also see it's put to good use. Not my control.
I also know God wants us to gather. That doesn't necessarily mean in any certain building, day, or place. He wants us to especially concentrate on the 7th day. On Him. His love for us and our love for Him. I'm not a preacher, [COLOR="DarkOrchid"]nor do I claim to be one on t.v., [/COLOR]but I want to be more of a 'light' for Jesus than I've been. And I do feel that light glows higher and stronger when I participate in church on Sunday mornings. Yup, it's tradition. I come from a long line of Scandinavian Luterans. Red jello, weak kool-aid, hot-dishes (casseroles). But, from now on, I'll go when physically up to it. If not, I'm not going to badger myself with guilt!!!
I, too, talk to God anywhere, anytime. If someone needs; I'll grab their hand and bow my head and we'll pray together. Ya have to watch it though, can't just help without asking first. Of course, ya can't stop me from praying for someone who doesn't [COLOR="DarkOrchid"]believe[/COLOR]. They need it most and hahahaha, can't stop me.

[skeopple]

Thanks for visiting, Jaimie!

Yup, I'm baring my soul and thoughts. Seems to help sort through a lot of difficulties/and I'm not wasting paper. I can type faster than I can write.

Diana, would you mind steering me toward the online Bible class?
I listen to Joyce Meyer online and have some of her books/CDs/DVDs. Not currently participating in a class though. Miss it. Our daughter had a group of friends ranging in age from 20 to 28. A couple of years ago, we studied the Bible. It was awesome. It got smaller and smaller and everybody kind of went their separate ways. But I think they all took away [COLOR="Purple"]something[/COLOR] that when they need it, it will be in their hearts and minds! I think the most we ever had at one time is approx. 10 or 12. One time in the summer, (she owned a home in a trailer park), someone called the sheriff's department and a deputy came to the door to see about the 'drug' party. He was pretty surprised to see open Bibles, soda pop, and ME!! Still laughing about that one.

[Determinedtolose]

Originally Posted by skeopple

But, from now on, I'll go when physically up to it. If not, I'm not going to badger myself with guilt!!!
I, too, talk to God anywhere, anytime. If someone needs; I'll grab their hand and bow my head and we'll pray together. Ya have to watch it though, can't just help without asking first. Of course, ya can't stop me from praying for someone who doesn't [COLOR="DarkOrchid"]believe[/COLOR]. They need it most and hahahaha, can't stop me.

Yes, this is what I'm talking about. Not to make yourself feel bad for not going. I'm glad that you said that!

Originally Posted by skeopple

Thanks for visiting, Jaimie!

Yup, I'm baring my soul and thoughts. Seems to help sort through a lot of difficulties/and I'm not wasting paper. I can type faster than I can write.

Diana, would you mind steering me toward the online Bible class?
I listen to Joyce Meyer online and have some of her books/CDs/DVDs. Not currently participating in a class though. Miss it. Our daughter had a group of friends ranging in age from 20 to 28. A couple of years ago, we studied the Bible. It was awesome. It got smaller and smaller and everybody kind of went their separate ways. But I think they all took away [COLOR="Purple"]something[/COLOR] that when they need it, it will be in their hearts and minds! I think the most we ever had at one time is approx. 10 or 12. One time in the summer, (she owned a home in a trailer park), someone called the sheriff's department and a deputy came to the door to see about the 'drug' party. He was pretty surprised to see open Bibles, soda pop, and ME!! Still laughing about that one.

Sure! I'll PM you that website. It's actually an online website/forum and they have a bible study on Tuesday and Thursday nights, 6pm. It's on a website called PalTalk. But I can give you all the information on that. It's very good!!

That is too funny about the sheriff's depart coming to the door! Ain't people funny!!!

Talk to you soon!!

[skeopple]

Thanks for the pm. I'll check it out tomorrow morning. Doing the 6:30 DTV check tonight to see if our convertor box does the trick with our antenna. Really don't want to invest in a new t.v. OR dish, etc. Never get to watch t.v. as much as I want now, and when there's something I really want to watch, something equally good is on at the same time on another channel.

After being transferred from home hospital to St. Paul United Children's, DD's BFF had her baby by c-section this afternoon. Lillian Mae was 3#. Cute: [COLOR="Magenta"]Lilly[/COLOR]! Shawn was in the OR and Amy was actively talking. Within an hour after birth, Lilly's heartbeat began to beat too fast again so she is being transferred to Minneapolis Children's Cardiac Ward. I'm sure she's there by now. I so pray little Lilly makes it. It'll be tough with mommy in St. Paul though. Miracles happen with prayer. Praying the doctors and medical teams can pull Lilly through this tough stage and that she has no complications or after effects. And, Lord, give Amy and Shawn the strength only you can give them. Wrap your loving arms around their little family. Keep all the travellers safe tonight in this horrible, life-threatening weather. Thank you for our presence in our lives, Lord. In your son Jesus' name, Amen