I Seen Jesus This Weekend

And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ - Matthew 25:40 NKJV

Good Monday morning to you. I hope that you are starting the week of understanding how blessed you are. No matter how bad things get, remember that God loves you! He won't allow you to go through one trial that He hasn't already walked through Himself. Take heart that the One who created you will go before you to secure your steps.

I spent yesterday thinking about this blog post. I wanted to write it, but I just didn't take the time to stop so I could put it into words. I will do that now. This weekend I saw Jesus. I saw Him with my own eyes. I saw Him in human form, not once but twice!

Last week my husband learned about a family who'd been staying at the hotel he worked at. The family consists of Dad, Mom and a little boy. This family has faced a lot of hardships. They are homeless, right now. All of their worldly possessions fill 2 Wal-mart bags. The more I learned about this family the more I realized I had to do something to help. Dad is currently looking for a job, but most people won't hire you if you don't have a permanent address. They had very little food. Each had only 2 outfits. The little boy only had 2 toys. Last week was the little boy's birthday. He turned 5.

We are in between paydays right now so I was trying to figure out what WE could do for this family. Not very much at the moment, but when we got paid I could. I put a plea for help on both of our facebook accounts then I called my sister, Cindy, to see if she knew of anyone who had toys for the little boy. She said she'd see what she could do.

In the meantime my sons heard me talking about what was going on. Sam is so kind hearted that he would give the shirt off his back to help another person. You could see tears forming in his little eyes as we talked about their situation. Landon waited until Daddy got home because he didn't believe that something like this could really be happening. After Daddy confirmed it, I could see the wheels turning in Landon's head. Both Sam and Landon said "We'll help them!!" The next morning before John left for work all of my children had donated at least one of their toys to this little boy. We also sent our extra copy of Cars 2, some coloring sheets, crayons and a workbook I had so he would have some activities to do to get ready for Kindergarten. John said the little boy was very excited for his gifts.

Saturday, Cindy called me back and told me she was going to be bringing some stuff out on Sunday. So yesterday we met them at the hotel and John took them up to the family's room. Cindy and Cyndee took in food, a backpack filled with stuff for the little boy. John said he opened the backpack and seen the clothing that was in there and was so full of joy. They had toys and other things in the backpack for him, but he wouldn't even look past the clothes. You truly gain perspective there. All of my earth babies were in foster care before we adopted them, but they would NEVER get that excited about clothes. They would also be going through the rest of the bag to see what else was in it. It breaks my heart when I think of children who are in need.

I was changed by this experience. These women didn't know this family, but they were willing to help. They didn't just give toys. They didn't just give them food. They invested in this family's lives. As my sisters left, they stopped to ask me to get the family's sizes. Cyndee also said that she was going to try to help them get some furniture for their new place. That is right, they have found a house that they will get to move into this weekend. In a day when a lot of people are such scammers, a lot of people have shut themselves off and refuse to help anyone because they could get burnt. I will never be able to express to you how much my heart was blessed by watching someone so willing to help another.

God, thank you for the chance I had to see You in action this past week. Thank you for giving my children such tender hearts. Help me to help them nurture their spirits that they may never lose the passion to help others. Lord, thank you for giving me the chance to see YOU through the willingness of two ordinary people who were determined to do something extraordinary. I ask that you protect and help this family who is in need. I ask that You will provide them with employment so they can thrive. Give this precious child security, safety and meet all of his needs. God I ask that You would pour an extra blessing out on my sisters who gave so selflessly to help those in need. Please bless everyone who is involved. In Your Precious Name, Amen.

Month 2 - Day 1

It's another fine Sunday morning here in Mama's world. I am so blessed to be able to write to you today. We yesterday we made the decision to "home church" today so we can get a few things done around the house. As I write this John is currently making breakfast for our 5 kids and I'm getting ready to work out. After that we will have praise and worship and Bible study time.

Yesterday marked 2 weeks since we said "see you soon" to Jeremiah. It seems like it's been forever since I held his precious body in my hand. Oh how I miss him. He should be kicking me, making me experience morning sickness and cravings. Instead my body is empty. "You left us with the greatest gift of all because our hearts ache for home."

I am struggling a lot right now. I'm trying to remain positive about everything. I feel better when I have a bright, sunny disposition. I dread going to the gym. The treadmill is my enemy right now. I have tried the elliptical a couple times. Last time I think I lasted about 2 minutes on it. I consider that an amazing accomplishment for me. I also did some weights and rope pull. I have no problem using WiiFit, but my heart just isn't in the gym. The only appeal the gym has for me is hanging out with Stephanie and the hot showers! I'm really not sure how to overcome this. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Yesterday I completed 2 hours and 13 minutes AND 817 calories toward my fitness challenge. I'm off to a great start! If you've decided to join me in my fitness challenge then please take a moment to comment and let me know. I would love to cheer you on!

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11

Blessings,

Weight Loss Mama


February Challenge Progress

Fitness Minutes - 133 / 3480
Calories Burned - 817 / 20,300

February Fitness Challenge Progress Log

I'm going to be updating this blog post each day with my progress.


February Fitness Challenge:

Total Minutes Completed: 546 / 3480
Total Calories Burned: 3516 / 20,300

January 28 - 133 minutes and 817 calories
January 29 - 158 minutes and 904 calories
January 30 - 122 minutes and 773 calories
January 31 - (NONE - was a bad girl yesterday. went over my calories too!)
February 1 - 133 minutes and 1022 calories (4 runs and 20 min of steps on the Wii)
February 2 -
February 3 -
February 4 -
February 5 -
February 6 -
February 7 -
February 8 -
February 9 -
February 10 -
February 11 -
February 12 -
February 13 -
February 14 -
February 15 -
February 16 -
February 17 -
February 18 -
February 19 -
February 20 -
February 21 -
February 22 -
February 23 -
February 24 -
February 25 -
February 26 -

Month 2 - February Challenges

Month two officially starts today as my months are only 30 days long. I am proud of what I have accomplished thus far. I have exercised 28 of my 30 days. That is beyond awesome for me.

This month I've decided to issue myself a few fitness challenges. I talked the other day about some things I want to change. Now here's the challenges.

Challenge # 1 - I will excerise a total of 3480 minutes or more this month.

I can do at least 2 hours of Wii Fit a day so I will challenge myself to do this every day. Gym minutes will also count. I KNOW I can do this as long as I stay on top of my motivation.


Challenge # 2 - I will BURN at least 20300 calories this month.

This falls in line with my two hours of WiiFit. On WF, two hours is burning anywhere from 500-750 calories for me. I will push myself to make sure that it stays within the 700 mark each day. Of course gym minutes will just help me reach my goal faster.


Those are my challenges for this month. Who is with me? What are you challenging yourself to do this month???

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11

Blessings,

Weight Loss Mama

A Plan for the February

For January, I focused on trying to control my calories and get moving in any way possible. I now park in the driveway instead of the yard. I've been to the gym at least 20 times this month. I've went from doing nothing to walking 2 miles at a time. All in all January was a pretty good month. I am 11 lbs closer to my goal. Praise God for that.

Activities for February

Physical Health

1. Start taking my other meds again.
2. Go to the doctor so I can get a refill on my meds for March.

Nutrition

1. Eat more protein
2. Drink more water.
3. Splurge twice - Coldstone is calling my name and then my regular splurge.
4. Learn one new recipe.

Fitness

1. Spend at least 45 hours on WiiFit.
2. Weight Lifting at the gym at least 12 times.
3. Use the elliptical at least once a week. (Terrified of this machine!)

Spiritual

1. Read 30 chapters in the Bible with my family.
2. Do Family Worship Time at least 5 days a week.
3. Spend more time praying.

Emotional

1. Blog daily.
2. Spend more time talking to my husband about life and the things going on.
3. Spend more time with my children.

Misc.

1. "Spring" Clean my house.
2. Get caught up on Laundry.
3. Find all forms needed to file my taxes and file them.


Small baby steps will get me closer to a healthier me. I am excited to see what I can accomplish this month.

Blessings,

Weight Loss Mama

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11

Month 1 Progress Report

I had my second clinic visit today. Apparently they measured me wrong last time because my waist was still the same. I have lost 11 lbs, though. My blood pressure is coming down and my pulse was better than I expected it to be. This is definitely not where I expected to be 4 weeks ago, but it is progress so I will take it. Hopefully next month will be better, but as long as I'm going in the right direction I'm ok.

Goals I've met this month: I have lost 44 lbs total. I have lost 10% of my original weight. I am so happy about that. Next month I would like to lose at least 15 lbs, but we will see where I go from here.

Emotionally, I had a really hard night. Husband wasn't nearly as supportive today. When I came home Landon was in fine form. At bedtime he proceeded to get mad at me over making him go to bed. He said some really mean things to me. I know he's 5 and didn't mean what he said. Still, it hurts. After a nice cry I sat down and talked to him about what he said. It's not ok to do whatever you want to do without thought of how it will effect those around you. It's not ok to use your words to intentionally hurt someone either.

Overall I guess the day wasn't too bad but health wise I'm not making nearly as much progress as I wanted to. I am beginning to hate Wednesdays because it's the day John pulls doubles and that is just a recipe for a bad day in itself. I love my kids with all my heart, but as an adoptive mom I have issues that I need to overcome. It is all a part of getting to a healthier me. I will get there one day at a time with God's help.

Day 28

It is Wednesday the 25th. Today marks 4 weeks for me. Today is my appt with the clinic. I am excited and scared about it. I know my loss hasn't been as great as I wanted it to be, but I really want to know where they have me on their scales.

Last night I had the strangest dream. It still kind of bothers me. I am trying to understand what it all means, if it means anything. I hate those dreams that wake you but really make no sense. You spend the rest of the night wondering.

I went to the gym last night and walked a mile. It wasn't what I'm used to walking, but I'm getting back up there. I need something to shake up my work outs. I need something to keep my attention. With that being said I did over an hour (72 mins) on WiiFit yesterday. It is much more entertaining and I burn way more calories than I do on the treadmill.

I'm surprisingly ready to go full steam ahead again. I am excited to see what changes lie ahead for me in the next month. This journey is so much easier when you have the fire and passion for it. I am praying I find renewed passion for my healthier lifestyle.

I want to thank you guys for following my journey so far. Thank you for showing me such great support. It means so much to me to know that there are people who care. I love each of you very much.


For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11


Weight Loss Mama