Lady's Mantle

I was spending my day out in my dad's barn helping him strip an old rocking chair (a story for another post) and saw the Lady's Mantle outside the door. It had been raining earlier in the morning and the leaves were still holding the rain!

"Then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, 

and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit."

Leviticus 26:4

Seeing His Face

This is something that I read in my devotions last night that I enjoyed.

"When a king's face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring." Proverbs 16:15

"Perhaps we don't enter the courts of kings as they did in the ancient world. Maybe we don't understand the implications of a king's expression when he sees us. But the king's acceptance once meant the difference between blessing and misery. When his face lit up, his servants could rest easy. To their great relief, his good mood would result in the glory of his favor. It would bring joy to the heart.

So how is this relevant to us? Aren't we rarely privileged to enter the halls of national authority or the courts of sovereigns? No, the privilege has been granted to us. We are to come into the throne room of the Most High God - the ultimate authority in all of existence - and voice our concerns. We are allowed to serve in His fields. We are allowed to consult with the wisdom of eternity for our daily endeavors. And we are blessed to become partakers of His glory. He shares His kingdom with us! There is no greater joy.

But what do we see on His face? Is it brightened by our presence? Many are afraid not. Many see a rightfully angry God on the throne when they pray. Many feel the holy disappointment of our pure and perfect Father. Many believe that God could never love them as He loves a treasured child. Until we believe otherwise, we will not know His favor. Knowing His delight is contingent on our being absolutely convinced of His good will toward men. His favor falls on us when we know from whom it falls.

When God sees you, does He see Jesus? If you believe in the Savior, God will consider His life a substitute for yours. And as you serve the Savior, God will fill your life with His Spirit. Your life and the life of Jesus will become so intertwined, so connected, that in heaven there can be no distinction beween the two. As a husband and wife are 'one flesh,' the Savior and His bride are 'one Spirit.' The two have become one, and that One is a delight to His King. Accept the King;s delight with gratitude."

Long Overdo Update

Sorry it has been so long since my last update! I have been having problems with blogger. I have continued to have great success, losing 15 more pounds since my last post, bringing me to a total of 25 pounds lost! Since I started working at Tolman's getting my exercise in has been difficult. I am going to try getting up early in the morning and getting some time in walking on the treadmill and maybe a little strength workout in as well. I am not necessarily a morning person so this has proven difficult to get started on!

Not working in the kitchen has been very helpful, though. Not having that temptation around makes it much easier for me to say no when the temptation does arise. I also find that I can eat small portions of things that aren't necessarily healthy foods and not need to eat even eat what is considered one portion size.

I went out shopping tonight and was able to buy a couple shirts that are mediums! I think middle/high school was the last time I was in a size medium! Thanks for the support! I couldn't have gotten this far without knowing that you are all out there supporting me!

Weigh in!

Alright, it has been a couple of weeks since I last posted. I have had continuing success since my last post. Last week I lost 2 pounds and this week I also lost 2 pounds. I am now down 10 pounds since I started. I am now really starting to notice it in my clothes. I can fit into clothes that I haven't been able to wear for a while. It is really motivating!

I have also downloaded a new app on my phone that teaches you to do either 50, 150, 200 or 250 sit-ups. I do it every other day and since I haven't been able to exercise since I started this, it is a small thing that helps me. I am working toward doing 150 sit-ups and am currently at 31. It is still difficult, but it is getting easier!

Weigh Day!

Well, another week has come and gone and that means that it is time for another weigh in today! It was a relatively good week this week. I have been having some issues with my blood sugars lately. My pump is set up to give me a lot more insulin than I need at this point since I am eating a lot less carbs. This causes a lot of issues with my blood sugar going low and that means that I have to eat unnecessary carbs and calories. I am hoping that this gets better!

So, with all this in mind I was a little worried going into this weeks weigh in. I was just hoping that the scale would at least show a loss since I am eating much healthier than I used to. I was thrilled when I stepped on and saw a 3 pound loss this week! I was very surprised and happy. I am not sure that I could do the 17 Day Diet for the rest of my life; I think it is too strict to do forever, but it definitely provides a great spring-board to jump start any weight loss!