Then and Now

About a year and a half ago, I started sharing about my weight loss. I had a goal in mind and was ready to get to a healthier and happier me.

A happier me came but not because I lost the 25 pounds that I had set out to. It was because I found out I was pregnant! So instead of losing, I started gaining. In the best possible way of course.

Since having Corbin in July, I have been back at it. I haven't shared here yet. I am not sure why. I am so excited to let you know though, that I have reached my goal. And then some.

When setting that goal, I really didn't think it was possible. I was discouraged with where I was. I am still not quite happy with where I am. Even after losing a few extra pounds. Honestly, my body is just different after having kids. Go figure. The weight I am at now doesn't look like it would have pre-babies. Again, rocket science, I know.

I am setting a new goal. Not a goal that I am insistent on reaching but a pie in the sky kind of goal. I am on my second round of the 60 days Body. Mind. Spirit challenge and the weight isn't falling of as easily as it was the first time around. I'm at that point of slow and steady-ish.

Anyhow, I am coming back to you with more healthy tips and recipes as I learn myself. Ignore the unhealthy recipes I will be posting here (when I am done with the BMS challenge). I do better when I don't deprive myself.

I'd love if you'd follow along. Offer tips and advice. I will share them with other readers as they come along. I'd love to share your success stories as well.

Just for some motivation I thought I would share some before and after shots. And some numbers.

Not gonna lie, I am super embarrassed to do this. So out of my comfort zone. I see other people share their photos and I am thrilled for them, I get ready to share my own and cannot believe that I am showing the before. Eek.

This was shortly before my first post about losing weight. 34 pounds heavier than I am now. Unfortunately, I didn't take measurements back then. From the beginning of the first BMS challenge until last month, I had lost a total of 12 inches.

Looking at these pictures, the weight is obvious but the way I feel is 10x more. I can run around so much more. I am in a better mood...most of the time.

I want to continue feeling this way. So here we go to the next 10-15 pounds. I can do it. Who's with me?

Going Deeper

How often do you spend time with the Lord? How often are you emerged in His word? How much time do you spend in prayer?

If you are anything like me, your answer is probably "not enough". I try to read my bible daily but I am not always consistent and I am often distracted. I do not sit and listen. Really take in what God is saying to me through the bible.

I pray numerous times a day. I have a decent prayer life. BUT it is not nearly enough. Most of the time I pray quick prayers. Five minutes at best. I cannot remember the last time that I got down on my knees and prayed for more than 10 minutes.

Things are changing though. Last night, my husband and I started a course at our church called Deeper. Going Deeper with God. For 4 weeks we are making a commitment to be at church NO MATTER WHAT, on Sunday morning and then in the evening for our class. We will be at our Growth Group every Wednesday. We will be praying daily for 15 minutes at a time. We will be in the word for even longer. We will be seeking God and all that He has in store for us. I hope that when these 4 weeks are over, we will not break these habits.

It sounds like a lot. Doesn't it? When the Pastor went through the list of what he would like us to do during the time we are in the 4 week course, I was scared. How on earth would I fit this all into my schedule? Doesn't he know I have 2 kids?!? (He has 5). Doesn't he know how much I already have on my plate? How could I possibly survive going through all of this with everything else I do? HAHA I have to laugh at myself. What do I mean? The real question is, how have I been surviving all of this without first spending all of this time with my Lord and Savior? How have I not dedicated this much time to Him before?

Silly me. Going through life like I can accomplish anything on my own. I always make it a point to seek God first but have I really been stopping to listen? How "in charge" am I allowing Him to be when I pray for a few minutes and then rush off to my busy schedule?

How much more can I accomplish when I am depending on Him fully? We will find out!

God is so good. Look at how much He has done for us when we have given Him so little to work with. I can only imagine what we will see now. I can't even fathom what is coming next.

Can I ask you to hold me accountable? If you want to join me, I would love to hear about your commitments to Him and be there to hold you accountable too. He really does deserve all we can give Him.

If you need prayer, please let me know. I would love to be praying for you.

If you are local, I would love to refer you to the next session of Deeper at our church. Let me know and I will give you all of the info.