[EZMONEY]

I am so blessed! Thanks ladies!

[wilma12]

Gary : You and your sister are in my prayers!!

[mom2fivesweeties]

Gary, I'm so sorry. God Bless you and your family.
Lori

[Loriann7]

Gary, always hard to see a loved one pass on! ((hugs))

[Justwant2Bhealthy]

~ We had lovely sunshine today; it went down to -35C last night, but it has stopped snowing. Yesterday, I did some ski-walking; the wind was cold, but I didn't want to pass up the chance with all that sunshine out there. Today, we justed stayed home and rested; Dh's church had a nice potluck Christmas dinner after church, and it was packed.

NSV UPDATE ~ Becuz my weight-loss has been slower than I had hoped, I decided to measure myself instead. I didn't realize that it had been seven months since I did, and I have lost over 12" in total. The one I am most happy with is my tummy too: I lost 3.5 inches there alone ... yeah!

FINALLY got that ERGOMETER (mini-cycle); did I tell you this already? So I tried it out and it is great; have to watch not to overdo it at first, as it works both your arms and shoulders at the same time. I can also use it for my legs; just have to watch my one knee, but I'll work my way up as I go along. I'll try 'almost' anything to burn some more C's ~ lol!

GOOD NEWS ABOUT TOM ~ (message from my Aunt) she says TOM's most recent tests show that Tom's cancer has been halted, and is not spreading anymore. Plus TOM is sleeping all through the night again; something he hasn't been able to do in four years, becuz of pain. He will be going to see an 'oncologist' in January to see about treatment options. My Aunt is so encouraged by all our prayers that she is asking everyone she meets to pray for TOM; and they send thanks to all of you for your prayers as well.

Well, that's all the news I have from here for right now; it's time for tea. Take good care everyone, your fellow encourager ROSEBUD

[CountingDown]

Rosebud, great news about Tom - thanks for the update. We will continue to keep him in our prayers! God is amazing and all things are possible for those that trust in him!

Great NSV too. It is so hard not to get caught up in the scale progress. I have found myself in the same place. The scale is moving SOOOO slowly. I can't believe how much harder this is in my 50s than it was earlier in my life. Like you, I am looking at other indicators to help me keep things in perspective. I wore a suit today that I bought second hand and hoped would fit soon. Although the scale hasn't moved more than a few lbs. this month, the suit fit and I could button the jacket. Something that I couldn't even begin to do at Thanksgiving.

Gary - we continue to keep you and your family in our prayers. You were so blessed to have your grandmother with you as long as you did - cherish those memories - they are special indeed!

I hope everyone had a blessed 3rd Sunday in Advent! It is hard to believe that Christmas will be here soon. I hope everyone has had time to enjoy the season and spend some time reading and reflecting on this miraculous time of year. As Christians, we are so blessed to understand the real meaning of the season.
Blessings to all!

Laurie

[wilma12]

WOW! Both Shy and Laurie: You have both accomplished a goal. Feels great doesn't it? I have a dress in my closet that I use as a gauge. I used to be able to barely get it over my head and now it fits perfectly. I keep it not because I particularly like it but so I can try it on and if it gets tight I know I have to get my rear in gear again.

Way to go!!!

[CountingDown]

Wilma - great idea! Thanks for sharing one of your success tips.

Dawn - way to go with the pants. You are losing so steadily, you should feel really great about your progress.

Blessings to all! And prayers continuing...

[doitforme]

E.Z.- So sorry to hear about your gramma- Prayers for you and your sister.
Rosebud- Congrats down 12 " awesome job! PTL w/ the news Tom recieved that is great...
Counting- Thanks! We are so busy need to take the time to remember the reason for the season! Blessings to you and yours as well!
Shy- Isn't it awesome when things that were too tight are suddenly too big because it has been awhile since you tried them on... Gotta luv it...
Wilma- your an inspiration to us all!
Blessings to all, I am doing well very busy, gotta be to work at 6am>> Catch ya later...

[Justwant2Bhealthy]

HELLO EVERYONE ~ had a cold, but lovely sunny day; I think that is a record for us, so many days in a row. Tonight, we have some light flurries and it looks so pretty.

SUE ~ YOU are doing so fab yourself girl; 134 lbs is fantastic!!!

WILMA ~ I like to try on smaller clothes all the time; I always have something nice that is one size smaller to try on. To me, that's the funnest way to see your progress; by sizes ...

SHY AND COUNTING ~ you both are doing well and using similar methods.

In the meanwhile, I continue to look for more ways to cut back ever so slightly and to increase my exercise at the same time; every bit helps, I think. Using my Ergometer bi-daily and will increase it to daily as my muscles get used to it more.

JUST had a restful day today; and did stuff around home. Friends are coming for dinner again this year; so looking forward to that. Bye for now, and take good care ~ your fellow encourager ROSEBUD

[Loriann7]

Hey girls! Congrats to all on the NSV's of clothes! Thats huge!

Please pray. I'm headed to visit my brother today. I haven't been over there in a few months and he's thinking I"m mad at him. Anyway, he likes to override the conversation and talk about nothing. Please pray that the Lord will open the flood gates of discussion, and His Spirit!

[EZMONEY]

HI GALS

Well are you all finished with your CHRISTMAS shopping? I'm not sure if I am...I'll ask Angie

We are well around here. Nothing major going on other than Ryan and Nicole got home last night to a broken fridge...they came by to pick up some ice-chests we have to save what they could. They had just gone to Costco on Sunday too. They lost a lot of frozen food.

I am doing well with grandma's passing, thank-you all for your prayers, it means so much to me. With my sister back here in California now, my uncle was having a difficult time one on one with her, this frees him up to take care of himself. He had a stroke a couple of years ago and has some memory difficulties still.

I have a few extra days off here for Christmas, I was hoping to have work until Thursday but I finished my job on Monday...oh well...at least we have a few big projects coming up soon.

We had several people over last night to work on our plan to get the word out, about our new building at church. The congregation has been hearing about it for years, now with the approved plans done, money saved and a building budget completed...we are ready to move forward with final plans to raise money and make people aware of what we are doing as a church body.

We will have about 25 over here Christmas Eve for our extended family gift exchange, we draw names. This year we will have carnitas for dinner. Something easy and good! I am not sure yet about Christmas Day though. My daughter is heading out to her husband's grandparents that day. We usually do our "personal" family Christmas gifts on Christmas morning then the kids take off to the other parents side of the family (even though most of them are here ....my ex-wifes family...at our house the night before) then the kids come back in the evening for mexican food...our "personal" tradition. DANG! My kids running off and getting married has really screwed things up!

Knucklehead nephew is considering joining the NAVY after high school. I think it is a good idea, but I have told him it is a decision only he can make. To get all the information he can and ask God for guidance...don't just rush into it.

WILMA ~ Well I weighed in at 170 today. That seems to be my normal wednesday. I have been weighing in at 170-172 every morning...can't seem to drop, but at least no gain! how is that exercise room going? Young son still with girlfriend? Niece still rooming? DH still on those icy roads? Newlyweds not so new. Work still stressful? Have a great Christmas.

AUNT SUE ~After all the cold up your way I'll bet that cruise can't come soon enough I assume you will be having a wonderful Christmas with family as always. Angie and I saw MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER last week, we really enjoyed them but for a concert I think, if we go again, it will be just to TRANS SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA....a little more rock...but then again as I get "older" maybe Mannheim will be the ticket

LAURIE ~Advent is a wonderful time isn't it! I won't be at service tonight, my niece is having a Christmas show at school tonight. She plays the french horn in her 7th grade band. Great job on getting that "button" to work!

SHY ~I am glad we don't have that cookie thing going on here yet I am sure it will happen soon. Angie doesn't bake much but she does make macadamia nut cookies at Christmas most years. Thank goodness I am not much of a cookie eater...with my new "journey of better choices" in swing. Good luck "fitting" that dress.

LORIANN ~Prayers that you have a wonderful visit with your brother. Merry Christmas.

LORI ~ It's gotta be busy around there Loved the pictures you sent of the kids in the snow...WOW! have they ever grown! Here's hoping the new year brings great news for your home and that treadmill gets a great work-out

KAREN ~Love the pics you sent, so pretty in Colorado. As always hoping for good news on the house and your dad and sister.

ROSEBUD ~ Great news for Tom. Way to go dear on that Ergometer! You have the right idea...a little less of that and a little more of that...will add to a big loss by the end of next year!! I am glad the weather is nice for you right now, it is raining here but we sure need it!

HAVE A GREAT TIME AS WE ENJOY HIS BIRTHDAY!

[cadavis2]

Hello ladies

I am a new member and am so grateful to find a weight loss support group with a Christian perspective. I look forward to future postings and success stories from everyone. I am looking to lose about 75 lbs.

[CountingDown]

Cadavis - another from me as well. I hope you will come back and post often

Dawn - cookies are on my "cannot make at home" list right now. I can handle leaving them alone everywhere else, but warm - right out of the oven - I'm not there yet.

You are right - we are in about the same place. I like that we are losing at about the same pace and doing this together I may adjust the 140 once I get there - it just seemed like a good place to stop and smell the roses for a while, particularly with all the walking and toning that I am doing. I think exercising right from the beginning will pay off (at least I hope so)

LORIANN - I hope things went well with your brother! You have been in my prayers

EZ - maintenance is really great right now - if you can keep 170 through New Year's, that would be a major success. I love macadamia nut cookies too! Especially if they have white chocolate with them

Rosebud - your Ergometer sounds great! I think you are right about the little changes that we make - particularly if we implement them consistently!

Like you - I just love the freshly fallen snow. Everything is just beautiful, so peaceful and soothing.

Sue - 6 am start of work? I have enough trouble getting to work by 7:30! I hope you don't have to do that often!!! DH has a 7:00 a.m. start time a couple times a week. I just groan when his alarm goes off.

I hope everyone is well! Prayers continuing for all!

[CountingDown]

Originally Posted by Shy Moment

Hubby says NO NO NO he doesn't want me as thin as the pics he has seen of me lol. The man knows who puts those hot home cooked meals on the table doesn't he lol.

I know what you mean - I look for your posts too

I really don't know if I would lose the same without the exercise. I don't think so. I'm not sure that the extra 200 calories burned every day would speed things up tremendously, but I think that when I exercise, it is easier to stay on plan. I think I feel better, and that helps keep me from emotional and stress eating - so I really do think that exercise has been a key factor. I am worried that I will get tired/bored with what I am doing and find myself drifting back to my sedentary ways. I hope not, but I know me -- and physical activity was never (even from childhood) something that I truly enjoyed. Now give me a good book ...