Inner work on order

Well, this week has proven to be heavy on the emotional side and has me sidelined for a few days.  I know from past experience that with high stress levels I am prone to injury, so I choose not to train.  I know there will be more of these days in the near future for me as life presents issues to be dealt with.
But, I am with Elaine, I Need the accountability, that is why I have never felt I could stop blogging...plus I just feel this is something I "have" to do...like it's a "calling" of sorts.  We all have a story to share and this is how I choose to share mine right now.
My last post says, "If you stop, it won’t be because of what happens around you. It will be because of what happens in you."  And this is so true.  
Right now in my life, I feel  a lot is happening inside me.  Sometimes it doesn't seem so good nor is it pleasant, but I know I am growing stronger through it all.  Transformation is not just about fat loss, as we know here.  And I know it is through the greatest inner transformation that the greatest outer transformation can also happen...and sometimes in unison.  I experienced this last year in my first muscle mission with Sharon.
Even with the speed bumps along the way, I know I can do this again.  It will take a daily refocus on the process and review of the end goal. It will take daily affirmations like the ones in my previous post.  It will take discipline.  it will take determination.  it will take accountability.  It will take belief.

It will take removing the negative and replacing with the positive...in all ares of my life.

Quitting is more about who you are than where you are.

"But the reality is that the external things do not stop people. Those
who achieve their dreams don’t have an easier path than those who do not. They just have a different internal attitude about the journey."

The following is taken from John Maxwell's website. It was too good to not post the whole thing.  How many times do people start a weight loss journey only to quit at the first sign of difficulty.  I know I have at times...and it wasn't because of what was happening in life but because of who I was on the inside...likewise...my best "missions" were those where the internal attitude was on spot.  We need to really be a guard of our inner attitude.

Back in December, I wrote about the importance of starting well. In the comments, many people agreed with me, but they also pointed out the critical nature of continuing after you start. They were right. Like I said at the time, starting and finishing are the two covers of the book. The main part – the pages – represents the day-to-day labor needed to achieve your goal.
Unfortunately, in many ways starting is the easy part. Ralph Waldo Emerson observed, “The great majority of men are bundles of beginnings.”
What about you? Are you merely a starter? When the enthusiasm for a new idea fades, when the passion cools, when the odds against you increase and the results diminish, when it looks as if success is impossible, will you maintain your intensity and keep going? Are you tenacious?
Consider the fact that Admiral Robert Peary attempted to reach the North Pole seven times before he succeeded. Oscar Hammerstein produced five shows that were flops on Broadway before staging Oklahoma, which had a record-breaking run of 2,212 performances. Thomas Edison failed in his attempt to create a workable lightbulb 10,000 times before creating one that finally worked. To achieve your dream, you need to be able to keep going when others quit.
To develop tenacity, keep in mind that…
Quitting is more about who you are than where you are.
Everyone faces difficulty when working toward a dream. And if someone fails, he can make excuses for what went wrong, how the unexpected happened, how someone let him down, how circumstances worked against him.
But the reality is that the external things do not stop people. Those who achieve their dreams don’t have an easier path than those who do not. They just have a different internal attitude about the journey. The great artist Leonardo da Vinci once declared, “Obstacles cannot crush me. Every obstacle yields to stern resolve. He who is fixed on a star does not change his mind.”
The one who achieves the dream sees the journey differently.
Instead of thinking, “Not enough people believe in me. I’ll never make it,” he says,

“My belief in myself is enough; I can make it.”

Instead of, “It’s taking too long to realize my dream,” she reminds herself,

“Dreams are realized one day at a time.”

Rather than, “Enough is enough! I’ve taken enough hits!” she declares,

“I’ve come too far to give up now.”

Instead of, “I don’t have the strength to hold onto my dream,” he tells himself,

“Hold on a little longer. The darkest hour comes just before the dawn.”

Novelist Harriet Beecher Stowe said, “When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”
And I love how H.E. Jensen expressed an achiever’s way of thinking: “The man who wins may have been counted out several times, but he didn’t hear the referee.” The only real guarantee for failure is to stop trying.
So when things go wrong, when the obstacles seem too great, when the difficulties get to be too much, when your dream seems to be impossibly far away, your job is to simply keep going. If you stop, it won’t be because of what happens around you. It will be because of what happens in you. Choose to see things differently. Success is probably closer than you think. Just keep moving forward."

Dare...Boldly 2011: Dare to Believe Boldly

Can you Dare to Believe Boldly that there is a Savior and was sent to this earth to live among us?
Can you Dare to Believe Boldly that this Savior, who was sinless, yet died a sinners death?
Can you Dare to Believe Boldly that this Savior died so that we may live?  for all eternity.  He loves us that much!
Can you Dare to Believe Boldly that this Savior not only died, but rose again on the third day, conquering death for all time.  Death could not hold Him.
He is Risen!

He isn't here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.

Matthew 28:6 NLT
It is this Risen Savior that gives me strength...a warriors strength.

Dare...Boldly:   Dare to Believe

Dare...Boldly 2011: "No Surrender!" T-110

Dream your dream and live it in your mind and you can watch it become your reality.

 

At the beginning of the year I posted up about “Daring…Boldly.”  Daring to Believe Boldly.  Daring to Dream Boldly.  Daring to Think Boldly.  Daring to Live Boldly.  Daring to Pray Boldly.

But my thinking, believing, dreaming, praying boldly was met with opposition.  As it was meant to.  If you are to dare…boldly, you have to expect to be put to the test.  Daring…Boldly requires faith.  Faith is to believe something that is not as though it were.  To not surrender to the fear.  To not live in defeat.   Daring…Boldly is to Not Surrender! 

 

Since May 2010 I have believed boldly for a trip to Australia to go see my friend, Sharon.  My faith was put to the test.  The goal was to save a little bit of money each month for about 14 months.  But the savings was cut short due to some financial strain.  For several months I had no idea where the money would come from.  I was trusting that It would be there.  As the days moved forward I would fight the doubt and that somehow it would come.  And it did!

Tuesday night, the reality of my dream was one step closer.  I have purchased my ticket to Australia!

 

I have been dreaming this dream for nearly a year.  I have been living this dream in my mind for nearly a year.  I am now watching it become my reality! 

 

I had a dream in my mind.  I thought about it every day.  I could put emotion to it and could feel the dream in my heart.  I believed in my heart that it would happen.  It was happening in my mind already.  All I needed to do was have faith that what I have been dreaming would become a reality.  It was already real in my mind, in my heart.  Even when things didn’t look like it was going the “right” way, I believed that somehow it would just be.  Even when doubts would creep in I let my faith take hold and declared it was to be.  I kept saying, “It is a done deal.  I am already there.”  I did not surrender to what my circumstances said.

 

I have a definite goal…a Photo shoot ready body.  This is my “comp”.  I have an image in my mind.  An image of a strong, confident, muscular Warrior Woman.  It is not any other person’s body, it is mine.  I see myself.

 

And now, I have a definite goal end date…August 1, 2011.  The day I fly out to Australia. 

 

I have huge emotions attached to this goal.  It is the culmination of a dream, of faith, of belief…of not surrendering to doubt, fear, or circumstances.

But this goal is not just about a photo shoot or even a trip to Australia.  It is about giving it my all.  It is about Inspiration.  It is about being inspired.  It is about all the emotion that comes with this trip to Australia.  It is personal.  It is about becoming more than I ever dreamed I could possibly be…not just physically, but spiritually and mentally.  It is about rising above my circumstances and overcoming the trials of life.

 

This goal will require focus, drive, determination, intensity, and strength of heart, mind and spirit.  It will require a “No surrender!” attitude. 

 

“This is the day, because I no longer feel afraid!”

 

This video I made for Sharon and the song fires me up.  It empowers me. It Inspires me!  It will be my anthem for this mission to Oz.

Dare to Think Boldly!

Dare to Dream Boldly!

Dare to Believe Boldly!

Dare to Pray Boldly!

Dare to Live Boldly!

 

NO SURRENDER!!  T-110 days!

Inpiring video

Talk about inspiring?  I have to share with you all a video I made for my Aussie friend, Sharon.  Despite going through some tough personal crap this past year, she has been busting her butt getting back into shape and has worked her way down to a four-pack and has nailed her Senior Brown Belt grading in March.  I made a video from her pics from her grading.  It so fits her and her journey up to this point.
Every time I watch this video I made for her I get inspired.  It fires me up!  I've got 113 days to get that photo shoot ready body for my trip to Australia to visit Sharon in August.
It is going to be a challenge, but I am a Warrior!!   I will focus on the positive and will focus on words of Life!!  I will not be waving my (white) Flag anytime soon, either.  Not in this physical challenge, nor in my life challenges.  Every challenge I face is making me stronger!!  I am thankful for my challenges.  They are growing me into a new person.  I am being Transformed!!  a continual process.

Song: "Never Wave My Flag" by Mary Mary

I will post up updates soon to my next "mission"

Blessings in Disguise

This blessed me and I wanted to share it with you all.
All of us have gone through down times in our lives and there was something...a blessing in disguise, that brought us here together.  Blessings come in ways we just can't imagine.   I know my trials have brought me to where I am today..stronger than ever before, despite the current issues.
and to know that because I have kept up with my fitness over the years and even now, will only help me to be strong physically, because we know that stresses of life do wear on our physical bodies...and our immune systems.  My good health will only be a plus as I go through this present trial.  And knowing I have formed the positive habits that will keep me moving forward and to not fall back.
Let us all look for the blessings that may be disguised as pain and suffering.

Choose Strength!

So with a high on my heels, I was thrown a low blow yesterday!(in time I will share what has happened).  This low blow is a life changing one!!  My life will forever be changed.
 But I am determined to not let it pull me under or to throw me off course and revert to old poor food habits or to stop my workouts.  While yesterday I did not do my scheduled workout, I know my body enough to know that the stress I was under was a recipe for injury.  But I made good food choices and it was forefront in my mind that I was NOT going to make poor choices there that would only serve to disappoint myself.  I have been down that road before and 90 lbs later regretted it.  I will not do that again!  I will not let my circumstances dictate my actions.  I am even more so determined to keep my mind in the right positive place.  To fill my mind with empowering and positive thoughts that will propel me towards personal excellence.  I will not be pulled down by the dream stealer with defeat and depression.  I will Rise Above!!  I am worth it! 
The next months will be challenging for me...like that is anything new for me?  This is a "new" challenge unlike I've ever experience before, but I know the personal growth I have undergone these past 14 months is/has made me stronger to endure this new life changing challenge I am about to go through. Many of you know of the challenges I have endured even just this past year...but I will not be pulled under.
I am more than a conqueror!
I am unstoppable!
I ain't no quitter!
I am a Warrior!
I have an unstoppable Force behind me, within me, for me, before me!
I am a woman on a mission!  To inspire!  To show others that no matter what life throws at you, you can overcome!  That with God, ALL things are possible! 
Nobody can keep you from your destiny-except you!  Even your trials and  circumstances can not keep you from fulfilling your destiny! God's got it all figured out!  All I have to do is Trust and walk in faith...believe without doubt...put into Action...the destiny God has put inside of me.
What don't kill you can only make you stronger! 

I choose Strength!!

Be strong, and let your heart take courage,
all you who wait for the Lord!—Psalm 31:24

 

fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.   Isaiah 41:10

 

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.—Philippians 4:13

God says, as He said at the Red Sea, the battle is mine. I do the fighting. In quietness and trust will be your strength.” Our strength is in God. And it’s not just any strength – the strength of a warrior. Trust in God is our warrior strength. God is our fortress and strength

 

Let's just say I am about to go through the fire...but I WILL come out Gold! 

We all have a story

I met up with a long time friend for lunch yesterday.  It was great catching up from the past 16+ years of life.  We talked for several hours! It was so good for both of us.  It was the lift I needed, and I think she would say the same. 

It reminded me that it’s not all about me anymore.  We all have a story to share.  The common thread is not how much weight we have to lose, or about physical strength, which we do need, but It’s about strength of heart, strength of spirit.  It’s about how we feel about ourselves.  It’s about believing in ourselves again.  The story we share is one of belief!  It is one of fulfilling our God-given destiny-we all have one.    It is our duty to share our stories so that others can believe and live their destiny...and keep the story going.

I have also been reminded that it takes a community…my own words.  We do need each other!  While no one can do the work we need to do in the gym or in the kitchen, but we do need other people for support and encouragement.  We do need outside motivation.  Either in the form of a family pact to lose 30 lbs by Christmas, or a professional photo shoot or a figure competition, even just telling someone you want to lose weight.  We need people to believe in us, when we don’t believe in ourselves.  To know that there is someone there to pat you on the back when you meet your goals for today.  To know there is someone with a helping hand or an encouraging word helps us to keep moving forward when we don’t feel like we can. 

Get around people who will stir up those seeds of greatness.  Find some dreamers, people who will build me up, people who will celebrate my victories, not people who will criticize and be jealous any time I succeed.

 

My crisis isn’t over.  But I can only do what I can do.  The rest is up to God to do.  The Creator of the universe is directing my steps.  He has me in the palm of His hands.  And even though this is difficult, I know it’s just a matter of time before it turns around.  I know my payday is coming.  God is in control of my life.  He knows exactly where I am.  He knows even the hidden dreams He has put in me.  He still has a way to bring them to pass.

 

The story continues. 

Overcoming Adversity

"Sun Stand Still" by Steven Furtick
"you can choose to convert your times of crisis into the greatest opportunities of your life.  It all depends on how you see your crisis --  and whether you seize the chance that lies before you."
"Where there is no opposition, there is no opportunity."
"Without a crisis or adversity there would be no opportunity for victory or overcoming"
"I choose to believe that audacious faith enables me to seize the opportunity in my adversity."

These words are reassuring to me to know that in the adversities of life that there is always an opportunity for being an overcomer...an opportunity for victory.  There can be no victory without first a battle to fight.



 

 

 

 

This is what adversity can do for you:

Refuse to quit
Be Determined
Be Focused
Be Relentless
Be Intentional
Be Decisive
Be Driven
Be Unstoppable
Be Thankful

Live Your Passion
Live Your Purpose
Live Your Dreams

Dare...Boldly 2011: Muscle T-62 Hold my Hand

I am slightly unwell today.  I am taking a break today.

Also I have two sick kids.  My 14 year old daughter has bronchitis and my 11 year old son has pneumonia.  I think everyone in the family has been sick the past two weeks, except me!  Hmmm. I wonder why that is?  Except now my tummy not feeling so good.  I'll wait it out a day to see how I feel.  This morning didn't start out too good, so we'll see.

I try really hard to motivate people to get started on this journey to "amazing".  Some find a little spark and actually start...but then somewhere along the way, they stop.  I can only do so much.  Each one of us has the responsibility to change if that is what we truly desire.  No one else can motivate you enough to keep you going..that has to be done within oneself.  But it sure helps to have a support system in place that offers that support from others who have been there and know how you feel.  Sometimes the starting or taking that first step seems the hardest.  But knowing there are  others that have struggled the same and have made it is encouragement enough to start.

This is a message I got a few days ago:
"I was chatting with your brother about losing some weight and he suggested that I get in touch with you.... He said that you are so inspiring and motivating that you could help me out."
Well, isn't that the ultimate compliment from your brother.
A comment I get alot is that people say they need someone to hold their hand through this, that they need that "external" motivation.  And that is so true.  We do need that to start...until we can learn to do it on our own that hand-holding support is needed.  With the proper "care" we can do that and then slowly let go as they learn to walk on their own.
If you want someone to hold your hand for a while until you can walk on your own, then you need to get this ebook, "Why Delay Amazing"  In it you will find all you need to not only transform your body but to also transform your mind, for that is truly where the battle is.  You will get step by step guide for nutrition and exercise, from beginner to advanced.  But more important you will get what you need to make a lasting transformation, by changing the way you think. There is only thing stopping you!  YOU!  Why Delay Amazing?  

It's time for you to be the Amazing you that you already are!

Dare...Boldly 2011: Muscle T-65 Dare to THINK Boldly!

You have a sound mind, filled with good thoughts, not thoughts of defeat. By faith, you are well able. You are anointed. You are equipped. You are empowered. When your thoughts are guided by God’s Word every day, no obstacle can come against you because your mind is programmed for victory.(Joel Osteen)

Our minds are programmed by the  thoughts we allow to enter in and stay there.  We control our thoughts by what we put into our minds, whether it be in hearing or reading or seeing.  (what are you watching on TV?  what music are you listening to?  what are you reading?  What about our conversations?)  When thoughts enter our minds that are filled with doubt and fear, you can know these are truly not our own thoughts and we need to "take every thought captive" and throw down every thought that does not encourage, or lift us up, that is not the truth.    These thoughts of fear and doubt are not TRUTH...they are lies.  We can choose to believe those lies or we can choose to take hold of the TRUTH. 
The truth is...you are able, you are anointed, you are equipped, you are empowered, you are an overcomer, you are more than a conqueror, you have a sound mind.
We must continually guard our hearts and minds against the lies that enter in our minds.  We are meant for victory.  We are meant for peace.  If we are not living in a place of peace, there are lies.  With the TRUTH comes with it PEACE.
Real Transformation starts and is a result of what is in our minds.  The truth is, real transformation is not about what is on the outside, physical stuff...the workout, the diet, external motivations...but real transformation is about renewing our minds, reframing our thoughts, changing perspective.  We have to banish the old thoughts of defeat, lies and doubt and replace them with new thoughts of victory, conquering and overcoming.

What we say means nothing unless we think it and believe it.

"but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
(renew= To make new)
"as a man thinks in his heart, so is he."

For something to be lasting, it has to start with our thoughts.


What are we letting guide our minds?  The Truth?  or the lies?
Identify the lies and replace with the Truth!

What are you thinking?

Dare...Boldly 2011: T-180: 69 is not too old to start

I am so excited!!  After several years of trying to convince my dad to start working out "with" me, he has today made a decision!
On Saturday, February 5, my dad will be turning 69 years old!  My dad has been very active his whole life.  From playing some sports in his younger years and farming as a teen and into his early adult life.  He has always loved gardening and working outside.  He cuts down trees and splits them the old fashioned way, with an axe!  In his mid-thirties, he developed "Guillain-Barre Syndrome", which is a serious disorder that occurs when the body's defense (immune) system mistakenly attacks part of the nervous system.   He was in the hospital for six weeks suffering chest-down paralysis from this disorder.  He did recover from this and came home, but does have some long term residual affects.  When he got home he started reading and did his own research.  Ever since then he has been conscious of eating healthy, whole foods, hence the gardening.  He is big into supplements and I believe all of this has kept him not only feeling younger but also looking very young for his age.  If you were to meet him in person, you would not think he was even in his sixties.  Some would say he looks in his 50's.  But even being very healthy, he has added on weight slowly over the years.  Since he is single, he does like to go out to eat more often than he should.
We've lived with my dad since June 2008.  He hasn't said it, but I know my dad is very proud of me for how I have changed my life and am back on track with the way he taught us growing up.  He sees how I eat and sees me working out in our garage.  He has literally over the past four years watched me change right before his very eyes.  Not only change my physique, but change who I have become.  He has seen my struggles and has seen my victories over the past few years.
And now he sees me going at it again full force.
It is with great pride that I say he has decided to join me in training starting on Monday.  He is going to start with Elaine's baseline training the first four weeks and then we will assess then how he is feeling and determine if he would like to do the whole WDA(Why Delay Amazing) program or to venture into Muscle.  I will see if he will be willing to do some "before" photos and progress photos as he goes along.  We will also do some measurements.  I'll keep you updated as to his progress.

As with anyone, it is great to inspire someone to start, but it will be up to that individual to follow through.  I know I have inspired three of my four siblings to start(several times over!  lol), but it is up to them to follow through and press on.  I will continue to set the example and show them it IS possible, to not only start, but to also follow through and get the job done.  It is my hope that my dad will do just that, Follow through.

It doesn't matter how old you are when you start, what matters is that you do start.  It's never too late!

Dare...Boldly 2011: T-182: Secretariat

"It's about life being ahead of you and you run at it."

I just got back from see the movie, "Secretariat."  The following is a review of the movie "Secretariat" from a Christian point of view..  I love what they are saying and I think it speaks volumes to us going for our dreams and to give it all we got.  It doesn't matter what other people say about us or whether or not we can do a certain thing. What does matter is that you believe in your dreams and you don't let anything stop you even when faced with "incredible odds."  This movie really made me think of such a Champion right here.

'Secretariat” is an inspiring film based on the true story of a housewife and a horse who rise victoriously to overcome incredible odds.

 

“Secretariat” speaks to us all. To find what we were made for and to live it without regret. “Because you never know how far you can go unless you run.”

 

Secretariat” can be summed up in one verse. 2 Timothy 4:7 says,
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
It is a story of perseverance through hardship and struggle. While history tells us the outcome, the film also tells us failure isn’t in losing the race, it’s in not running. 1 Corinthians 9:24 says to “…run in such a way as to get the prize.” The Contemporary English Version says “…run to win.” The heart of the story, like the scripture, is not in the actual winning, it’s in the effort, in giving all you’ve got.
 
As we prepare for and run our race, we must learn to stay focused on Jesus.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” —Hebrews 12:1-2.

“Secretariat” opened and closed with quotes from the Bible (Job 39:19-24)

Job 39:19-24

 ¹⁹ “Do you give the horse its strength
   or clothe its neck with a flowing mane?
²⁰ Do you make it leap like a locust,
   striking terror with its proud snorting?
²¹ It paws fiercely, rejoicing in its strength,
   and charges into the fray.
²² It laughs at fear, afraid of nothing;
   it does not shy away from the sword.
²³ The quiver rattles against its side,
   along with the flashing spear and lance.
²⁴ In frenzied excitement it eats up the ground;
   it cannot stand still when the trumpet sounds.

 

Loved this movie!!

Reach New Heights! "Dare...Boldly" 2011

It's time to put up or shut up!
This was to be Day 37, but after I looked at my "day 1" pic(from Dec.6, 2010) , there really was no comparison nor any changes.  Hmmm.  It's time for this gal to "Reach New Heights" and put into practice all I have been sharing these past few blogs.
Granted I had some life "crap" to deal with these past few months(actually feel like I have floundered since all the gall bladder stuff started back in March, which saw me put on about 25 lbs.)...and I put forth my best effort during this time.  I guess I can say I "survived" the holidays.  I have worked through some tough stuff and have come out better for it....much stronger mentally...much stronger spiritually...having more confidence in who I am.
But today is a new day!!  It's time to get back what I had...and MORE!!  I can not aim for what was..but must aim for what is to be and better!  As Elaine Morales perfectly states, "Why Delay Amazing?"
Several things have inspired me recently.
One being my friend, Amanda, setting a goal for having Pro pics taken and she went for it and DID it!!  I also know of someone else who is working towards "pro" pics this year.
Another is Elaine's new link to the "Why Delay Amazing?" sales page.  What I see there are two awesome looking ladies who are tight and ripped with Pro pics to show their efforts.  While I do believe my pics, as far as comparison purposes are concerned, are amazing, even for me!  But what I see missing is a "Pro" pic.  Hmmm. So Dare I think Boldly?  Dare I Believe Boldly? 

While I don't really have any aspirations for the stage, I do like the idea of being "Pro pic" ready.  Now I haven't worked the whole idea through yet as I have just had a fire lit under my butt...But here is an initial thought...Pro pics taken for my 42nd Birthday in August?  Just in time for my trip to Oz!
I have no clue what I weigh(I am guessing around 160 lbs).  I have no clue what my bodyfat % is( I am guessing around 25 %).  I have no clue what my Lean Body Mass is.  All I know is I don't like what I see...especially the back side!

The other is not even related to physique transformation but does have something to do with going completely out of my comfort zone as far as "belief" is concerned.  It is a "writing project" I have, through Carlos DeJesus'(the 1985 Undefeated All Natural World Bodybuilding Champion) (and others) encouragement, decided to document my weight loss journey via an e-book.  This has seen to be a daunting task for me so far as I do not claim to be a "writer".  I must change my beliefs about this.
My goal in this e-book is to inspire others. If I can do it, so can you!

(A reminder to myself...) "If the size of your vision isn't intimidating to you, there's a good chance it's insulting to God"...Steven Furtick.

There!  So I have gone completely public with some goals!  Now to be accountable and give it all I've got this coming year.  It's going to be a biggy!

Let's Dare to Be Unstoppable!

 

93 lb weight loss, from 239 lbs down to 146 lbs.

Dropped  8 dress sizes from size 24/26 pants down to size 10,

Lost 10 inches off my waist from 42" down to 32"

Lost 10" off my hips from 49" down to 39"

Increased Self-esteem and Confidence in self

How can we Lose?

Romans 8:31 (The Message)
" 31So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose?"

 I hope you don't mind my sharing with you my devotional from today.  It lines up perfectly with the thoughts I have been having and sharing with you the past few blog posts.  Of course it lines up with this time of year, the New Year, as most people are thinking of "resolutions" and visions and goals for the new year.  But what reassurance we can have to know that there is Help along the way.

Taken from the devotional, "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young
"January 9
I am with you and for you.  When you decide on a course of action that is in line with My will, nothing in heaven or on earth can stop you.  You may encounter many obstacles as you move toward your goal, but don't be discouraged - Never Give Up!  With My help, you can overcome any obstacle.  Do not expect an easy path as you journey hand in hand with Me, but do remember that I, your ever-present Helper, am omnipotent(having unlimited power or authority; all-powerful).
Much, much stress results from your wanting to make things happen before their times have come.  One of the main ways I assert My sovereignty is in the timing of events.  If you want to stay close to Me and do things My way, ask Me to show you the path forward moment by moment.  Instead of dashing headlong toward your goal, let Me set the pace.  Slow down, and enjoy the journey in My Presence.

Romans 8:31; Psalm 46:1-3; Luke 1:37"

Dare..Boldly

So I ended the year 2010 off on the right foot...But was met with my first challenge first thing New Year's Day.  It has made it a long weekend for me.  Not the best of weekends for dealing with emotional issues being around sweets and treats all weekend.  I'll just say it didn't go so well with the food intake.

I am challenged by my own blog post from Dec. 30th.  I am challenged by the questions:
"Dare we think boldly?  Dare we believe boldly?  Dare we live boldly?  Dare we pray boldly?"
Carlos has challenged us to "ask the next question.  There always is one."
So the next questions would be, "What am I thinking now? How can I think boldly?  What do I believe now?  How bold is that belief?  How am I living now?  How can I live boldly?  What am I praying for now?  Am I praying bold prayers?"  These questions can work for any area of my life.
As I think about these questions, Belief is what stands out for me in all of these questions.  If I believe whatever I think, I will live it.  If I believe whatever I pray, then I will have what I pray for.  All things are possible for him who believes....Belief without Doubt.  Anytime we have a negative emotion such as doubt or fear or worry, then we are truly not believing.  Our emotions reveal what our real inner belief is. What is it that we believe in our heart? The Answer lays within the question, 'Do I have Peace'?

I've heard it said that if our dreams and goals don't scare us a little bit, or excite us, then we are not dreaming big enough.  Dare to Dream Big!  Dare to Believe!

2011 - The Battle is Already Won!

Had an awesome workout today with my sister. We were pumped. Feeling the muscles nice and good! I love it! We have upped on either weights or reps. It has been so good to have her here working out with me. I wasn't quite sure what to expect having a workout partner, but it has been good. We took some body measurements. No weight as I don't have a working scale right now.

I think about 2011 and all that I could make it to be and I am getting that "fire" in my belly. It's the "fire" that says, "let's do this! It's time to get this done. Let's see what you got. It's time to BE Unstoppable! " and even those words don't say it all.
And it's not just about a physical transformation. It's about my Thoughts. It's about my Beliefs. It's about Living in Truth. It's about a Spiritual transformation. It's about thinking Quantum, which is thinking, believing, living, and praying beyond what we could ever imagine or ask or dream.
Dare we think boldly? Dare we believe boldly? Dare we live boldly? Dare we pray boldly? We DO have the Power within to do and be more than we could ever ask or imagine.
Will there be obstacles? YES!! but if we keep our eyes on The Goal, we will overcome! We will be victorious! We will be Unstoppable!

Get behind me I’m coming through
I’m armed and dangerous
I’m like an army that’s fed up with you
commanding you must
get out my way and go back
to where you came from
Oh! Go! I’m telling you, no more!

I’m sick and tired of all you’re lies
nothing you say could make me
Agree with you, I know the truth
nothing you do could break me
You just don’t know who your messing with
I’m a warrior

Oh! Go! I’m telling you, no more!
The weapons of my warfare
they are not carnal

Oh! Go! I’m telling you, no more!
The weapons of my warfare
they are not carnal

The victory is mine
I’m taking back everything at least seven times
I raise my sword and make you wish
you never even tried
I’m telling you, No More!

All your attempts are only making me stronger
Your strategy ain’t fooling me any longer
I see you loud and clear
You can’t hide, but you can run
Oh! Go! I’m telling you, no more!

You best be leaving now
cause I’m about to bring some glory
You lose, and thanks again
for giving me an awesome story
You just don’t know who you’re messing with
I’m a warrior
Oh! No! I’m telling you no more!

Oh! Go! I’m telling you, no more!
The weapons of my warfare
they are not carnal

Oh! Go! I’m telling you, no more!
The weapons of my warfare
they are not carnal

The victory is mine
I’m taking back everything at least seven times
I raise my sword and make you wish
you never even tried
I’m telling you, No More

I’m not afraid cause I’m not alone
so be on your way
There’s nothing here for you
the battle’s already won
You ain’t worth my time
I ain’t messing with you no more
You’ve been defeated under my feet
crushed on the floor
You ain’t done nothing
but make me a better warrior!
So I’m telling you, no more!

The victory is mine
I’m taking back everything at least seven times
I raise my sword and make you wish
you never even tried
I’m telling you, No More!

The victory is mine
I’m taking back everything at least seven times
I raise my sword and make you wish
you never even tried
I’m telling you, No More!


I'm a Warrior!
A Warrior Never Quits!
The Victory is Mine!

Muscle Mission: Day 2 Grandma's Wisdom

Grandma's Wisdom

Today's post isn't so much about physical transformation but more about love and life.  Love and Forgiveness is the essence of life!  When you love, you forgive.  When you forgive, you love.



I have the most beautiful Grandma in the world!  At least I think so!!  My grandma turned 90  this year September.  My grandpa passed away the day before my birthday 5 years ago.  They were married over 60 years!
I got to spend a few hours today talking with my Grandma talking about love and life.  As a child of divorced parents and have seen family members and friends go through divorce or separation and even having issues within my own marriage, I asked my grandma about being married for so long and about love.  My grandma cries just as much today and misses my grandpa just as much today as the day he passed away.  She still weeps for him because she misses him so.
I asked her, "How do you stay married so long, Grandma?"
Her answer, "A little bit of give and take."
"What does that mean, Grandma?"
"When you love each other, you don't yell at each other.  Don't hold a grudge.
When you argue or hurt each others feelings, forgive, as soon as you can, because you just don't know when you will lose that other person."
Grandma misses Grandpa so much.
Something else Grandma shared today, was the importance of touch.  A hug is healing.  It is a touch of caring.  It is Love.  A hug is healing because it is Love.  We all need hugs.  She relates a story from a Doctor visit she had recently.  After a regular check up Grandma hugs her Doctor and tells him those very words, "A hug is healing."  He replies, "I know."
Thank you Grandma, for being there for me today, for sharing your wisdom with this wee little child.  Thank you for your hug today.  Not only am I helping you to heal, but you are helping me.
As I see it, God has more work for Grandma to do before she goes to be with the love of her life.



Today was HIIT Cardio.  Elliptical.
Food was ok today.  When I was at my grandma's I did have a few chocolate chip cookies(which my mom made)
Today's pic.


Affirmation statement:
I am Destined for Greatness.
I have the Power within me to do more than I could ever ask or imagine.
Every day my daily actions take me where I want to go.