Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Hello, my name is J'me. (No, there are no letters missing, that is really my name.) Friends simply call me Jay. Two syllables seems too long these days I guess. ;)

I have always been a larger person throughout my life but I was always active so it wasn't to the point of obesity. Once I became "middle aged" and my kids grew older my activity level was at a stand still and my weight was in full forward motion.

In my culture food is everything. It's how we express love, it's how we socialize, it's how we encourage one another, etc. And the more greasy the food, the more love that was poured into it! Chili rellenos, enchiladas, barbacoa, menudo, mmmmm, it's all so delicious! The bad part is that they are all full of fat! Because of this over the years I become what a call "fat and happy." When there is something to celebrate we do it with food and my life has been blissfully blessed in so many ways over the past decade.

Along with all of those blessings I have suffered many health issues that have caused emotional stress and mental anguish that has been at an all time high for the past year. I have not been that "fat and happy" person that everyone knows; now I'm just fat. Because of all my medical procedures recently I was unable to exercise and the pounds kept creeping up. It seemed that the moment I was actually motivated to start losing some weight, that's when I "wasn't allowed." Yesterday, October 11th, was a devastating day for my family in regards to my medical situation and things at this point seem hopeless. We have seen God's hand in all of this so we know that He has a plan for us, but right now while we are in the middle of the storm it is hard to see anything but our situation. Ever heard that song "Before the Morning" by Josh Wilson? Well, that is the theme song for this season of my life. We know that God has big plans for us but the waiting process will be a growing time for us as it is a very painful wait. I thank the Lord everyday for giving me such an awesome man of God for a husband. He has encouraged me and lifted my spirits through all our trails. I love him very much, but one of the things that he can never do for me is help ME to lose weight and get fit for ME.

Much like our God, my husband loves me inside and out so there is no motivation to lose weight. Yes, I realize that this is the only earthly body I will have and I should take care of it, but when you weight well over 100 lbs. like I do, you get the point of making excuses. Well, today is a new day. Today I am looking at my future and telling God, "I don't know what you are doing in my life, but I know that it's good, and I'm gonna be a good steward with what you gave me." Today I'm going to do my best to get into shape. (A shape other than "round.") I am going to start eating better. It's not like I eat pies and cakes all day, heck, I don't ever LIKE those things! But there are other alternatives to the food that I am used to eating. And no, I'm not going to deprive myself, but there has to be some form of moderation and control. Self control is one of the fruits of the Spirit that I have been lacking and it's time I make way for that fruit to flourish!

My goals for the next 10 weeks:

#1:
Include more time in my day for God. Just Him and I. Renewing my spirit. It's not enough to read His Word and pray. I have to learn to be silent and listen for Him to speak. (I used to be diligent with this and have somehow lost it along the way.)

#2: Start substituting high fat food items for better alternatives. (Low fat or non fat items, equivalent items with just a higher fiber content, etc.)

#3: Eat when I'm hungry. Stop when I'm no longer hungry. (Sounds so easy, but this is a HUGE one for me.)

#4:
Start a moderate exercise routine. At least 20-30 minutes a day, 4 times a week.

#5:
Find a work-out partner. Someone that will keep me accountable. Someone that I feel comfortable with and someone that I can also encourage along the way as well.

The weight on my body will submit to ME as I will be submitting to GOD.
Praying that I find encouragement during these next 10 weeks.
I'm glad to be a part of your group. =)

Jay

6 comments:

Meltin'Away said...

Hi Jay,
By the way I think your name is fun! Just want to say that I think you are going to do great in the challenge. I am sorry that you are experiencing so many health problems.
Also, I really appreciate your goals, especially spending more time with our Father and the one about not eating past the point of enough. Those are great!
Ruth H.

Sarah K said...

Welcome J'me~
My husband and son both have the name Jay, so it would be weird for me to call you that. I hope you don't mind. =)
I am sorry to hear about your health problems. I will pray with you for those and getting through them. You have very healthy and encouraging goals. Thanks!
Nice to meet you!
~Sarah K

Charlie said...

Hi Jay,

First of all, I would like to welcome you to our group. I believe that you will find that the ladies on this blog are very supportive of each other. We may have never seen each other, but the Lord has drawn us all together for a reason. I believe that the reason is so that we can uplift each other, while giving God all the glory.

It is good to hear that you want to take control of your health. Several years ago, the doctor told me that I was killing myself with my weight and stress level, but with much prayer and learning to live a healthier lifestyle, I have turned things around. It is important to remember that prayer should always come first. He will give us the strength day to day. Also, remember to take things slow. Patience is a virtue that I have to work on daily. Remember that something is better than nothing and as you see the results and as your body and doctor says it's okay to do more then do more. Be patient with yourself and your body. Okay, I'm done preaching, LOL!!!!!

Praying for a healthier you,
Charlie

Annie said...

Hi Jay,
Nice name. I am glad you are with us on this challenge. You have done a good job of setting so good goals and I look forward to seeing God work in you life during this challenge.

Annie

Unknown said...

J´me, look at you, go on the blog! I am so happy you have joined the Crunch! I never imagined you or any of the ladies at the Y would be able to because I didn´t promote it there. The Lord works in mysterious ways!

I am praying for your goals. I prayed for you today and know God is going to do great things through you.

So glad, for what our other sisters have written. How encouraging!

Crunchin it with ya,
Dani Joy

Anonymous said...

Hi J'me,

Wow, what a testimony! I'll be praying for you as you start your journey getting closer to God and taking care of the body He gave you. The point you mentioned about eating when you're not hungry really hit me. I tend to eat too much and don't even realize I'm full. I also eat because the food is there, not because I'm hungry. Thanks for joining us. I look forward to seeing God do great things for you!

Kathryn :-)