I've Accepted The Christmas Crunch Challenge

I'm Charlene Crawford. I met Danielle many years ago, through her husband Joseph. Joseph was the summer intern at our church, Sun Valley Baptist Church in El Paso, Texas. I was the Church secretary at the time. My husband and I hosted him in our home for most of the time he spent in El Paso. Later, he and Danielle were married. I was so excited to finally meet her. We made a connection nearly right away and now I count her as one of my forever friends.

Now, I am a stay at home wife and mom. I homeschool my son, who is the joy of my life. My husband is currently in Iraq as a civilian contractor. I am also a student at Pima Community College, praying through God's will that I will become a Computer Engineer. I am also very active in our church, Fellowship Baptist Church, as a leader of our Pioneer Clubs, I have the opportunity to witness to many children. So needless to say, I am a very busy person. I love staying busy for it keeps me out of trouble. Idle hands are the works of the devil. I am very blessed to be used by God in so many different areas.

I decided to join the Christmas Crunch Challenge, to keep me accountable to my fellow Christians. About a year ago, I was doing the Hallelujah Diet. I was 176 lbs. when I started, for my 5 foot 3 inches with a small frame, was quite a bit of weight. This picture is what I looked like at 176 lbs.

I originally started the diet to encourage my dad and Pastor who both had cancer and wanted to go on the diet. I felt the best encouragement I could do was to do it with them. I also knew that it would also be good for my health. God works in mysterious ways. I lost over 30 lbs in less than 3 mos. I have enjoyed energy that I never had before. Both of my parents passed away last spring which didn't make it easy for me to continue. I went through a grieving process and a time when I let myself go idle for a little while. Sitting idle was not good for my health nor for my walk with the Lord. I then decided to start walking and getting back into the work of the Lord. This really picked my spirits up. It is true, that when you focus on others rather than on yourself, true happiness, peace and contentment can be found. I started walking up to 7 miles approx. 4 days a week. Which of course helped my physical body as well. I started college classes, which put a damper on my time to walk. I've gained a couple of pounds back. I know that the "Challenge" will keep me accountable and will give me the extra encouragement that I need to get back on track with my walking. So, walking at least 4 miles a day for approx. 4 times a week is what I am committing to. Also, to observe portion control.

I hope to be an encouragement to all of you, as I know that you all will be an encouragement to me.

Here is my personal information:

I am 44 years old. My height is 5'3" (Actually 5'2 -3/4"), I think rounding is fine LOL., I currently weigh 147 lbs. I will get my measurement hopefully by tomorrow.