Fit Mommy Friday-10 week challenge

So. You may or may not have noticed that I have had a “weight loss” tab up with nothing going on there. I’ve been kicking this idea around for a little while now that if I could use my blog to just get it all out there, maybe I’d find a little accountability and drive to stick with it. However, I’ve been procrastinating because I wasn’t sure what I wanted this whole sharing thing to look like.
Today over at the Crew Forum, I read about this challenge. I think I’ve found my answer.
Two years ago I (finally!) quit smoking. A direct result of that has been some significant weight gain. Add to that having three children, a drop in my activity level after becoming a stay-at-home mom, and not having the advantage of a twenty-something year old metabolism anymore and here I am- the heaviest I’ve ever been- at about 70 pounds overweight. Ouch.
Although I’ve been down this road more time than I can count, I am confident this will be the time I succeed. I know because I’m just not going to stop this time. I know because I have had enough. I NEED to feel good again. I need to have the energy and stamina to keep up with my girls. I need to set a good example for my girls-to lead by example the importance of healthy eating and exercise. I need to be healthy so I can be around for them for a while…
So, my goals:

• to lose 15 pounds by Dec. 31st. It’s a drop in the bucket, but it’s a start.
• to increase my water intake to at least four glasses a day and gradually increase it
• to eliminate junk food and get back to healthy, whole foods
• to spend 30 to 45 minutes four days a week on the treadmill or some other form of movement

Fit Mommy Friday is a way for everyone involved to check-in and offer each other encouragement and accountability. So every Friday I will write about my progress, and visit others to see how they’re doing. Genius, right?!
Now I’m off to link my very first “exercise” post :D
See you Friday!

Word Filled Wednesday: What I should have said

Someone that I love recently asked me how I know God exists. How do you prove God to someone who is on the fence and wants to know how you’re sure you aren’t just being brainwashed? How do you convey faith in concrete terms that makes someone who is trying to find theirs understand? This was one of the most important conversations I’ve had. We were talking about her soul, all of eternity. I felt so much pressure to say something profound, to get the words just right to make her suddenly see the light. And I didn’t. There was no profound moment of realization. In fact, I’m pretty sure I just gave her more questions.

That conversation has been weighing on me. I had been waiting for an opportunity to try to encourage her, to help her find her way to Him. I knew she needed to be saved, and I thought I was the one person in her life that could help her. And when we were finally alone with no distractions, when she was finally receptive to what I had to say…I fumbled. I failed her.

I’ve been having conversations with my daughter and my husband, asking them how they know God exists. While the topic has inspired some great conversation, I didn’t get any concrete answers I could use. Since this person reads my blog, I thought I could put together a powerful and moving post that would convince her beyond a doubt that there is a God, and that she needs Him in her life.

And then it hit me as I started writing. I can’t save her. It isn’t up to me. All this time I had been trying to figure out a way to make my faith something tangible, something she could see or touch to believe in. And faith, by definition, is exactly the  opposite. I wanted to give her something concrete that she couldn’t poke holes in, but I couldn’t. I realize that if it is your intent to disprove something, or to not believe in it, you will find a way no matter what you’re presented with.

I know God exists because I’ve read the Bible (that I can’t prove is real, and not altered in the translation) After reading it, after studying it and immersing myself in the word…there just isn’t any way I could doubt it’s authenticity. There are some things you just have to know to understand. The Bible is one of those things. (Photoshop is another ;)

I know God is real when I look at the amazing beauty of His creation. I know God is real because I’ve experienced the miracle of childbirth. Most of all, I know God is real because I felt His call. Five years ago when my heart was restless and in search of something, I felt Him. He relentlessly pursued my heart until I had no choice but to slow down and listen. And I’ve learned so much since then. And the more I learn about Him, the more I love Him and want to please Him. See, that’s what it’s about. Once I received Jesus as my Savior, all my sin was atoned for. There is nothing I can do or not do to get myself into Heaven. It isn’t about works, it’s about faith. BUT, I choose every single day to try to live my life the way He wants me to. I try to be the person He wants me to be because I love Him. Because I realize what an amazing sacrifice Jesus made on that cross. Because the more I learn about Him, I can’t help but be in awe of His magnificence.

So. It isn’t up to me. I can’t save her. I was foolish and naive to think that I could. I can live my life as an example of Christ’s love so that she can witness it. I can let the Lord work through me to get to her. But only God can save her. And He will. He’s pursuing her. He’s making Himself known in her life, and He’s speaking to her heart. All she has to do is slow down and listen.

To see more Word-filled Wednesday, visit Internet Cafe Devotions

Word Filled Wednesday: Hebrews 11:6

My God, the God of the Bible, is an almighty and powerful God. If you don’t know Him, if you don’t have a personal relationship with Him, if you don’t want to shout about how awesome He is from the rooftops…find Him!! Find Him now before it’s too late. He’s there, waiting for you. He already loves you. All you have to do is seek Him. Nothing will ever be the same.

My Girls

All of my girls have been blessed with special and unique gifts. It is such a privilege to be able to watch them grow and develop their talents. Sam is an amazingly talented artist and writer. She has such a kind heart and an incredible sense of humor. She is becoming my companion as well as my daughter.With her I can see all the years of hard work starting to pay off.

Katie has a brilliant mind and a sharp wit. She is also compassionate and very loving. She is the love bug in our family. I’ve yet to meet a more affectionate child. She, too, has such a kind heart. That seems to be a trait all three of my girls share.

Francesca is thoughtful and creative. She is the most sensitive of all my girls, and she feels her emotions strongly. You never have to guess what’s going on with her. She’s persistent and determined, and just a joy to be around. But the thing that I admire most about her is her amazing ability to watch someone do something and then do it on her own. You may remember me telling you about Frankie writing letters on her own a while back. She also learned to tie her shoes on her own, just from observing Katie. Another was learning to tell time on a clock. She was in the room drawing when I was working on a lesson with Katie, and when Katie and I were done she just came over and showed me how to do it. It seems like Frankie amazes me almost daily!

On a day when I’ve been crabby and overwhelmed, I’m thankful that the Lord has lead my heart (and this post) in a different direction. It’s good for us to be reminded of our blessings once in a while. And these girls; these amazing, talented, beautiful girls…what a gift it is to be their mother.