Got up to watch the sunrise this morning while I drank my coffee, nice view out of our living room window. I remembered the sunrise services that I went to when I was younger and lived in warmer parts of the country. I could hear the hymns and was singing in my mind!

Then got to work to get ready for company.

Went to church and smiled at the little girls all dressed up in their Easter finery. Brought back memories of the patent leather shoes and lacy bonnets mom used to make us wear...who knows how she got all six of us ready to go and out the door, with a crazy group picture of some sort. Sang and cried at the beautiful music.

Easter is my favorite day! It brings with it a message of hope and new life.

Had a great on plan day blended with grandchildren hunting for Easter eggs, family visits, and the calm at the end of the day of knowing that everyone is safe... I am so thankful for everything. :hug: Bethz

:wave: Had a perfectly lovely and sunny EASTER SUNDAY!!! We went out to my aunt and uncles for a nice turkey dinner. The drive out there and back was very enjoyable; it was a good day, except DH's priest came down ill at the last minute and they had to cancel the Easter service.

He was disappointed becuz we live way out in the country, so it was too late to try to go to one in town; as they all had already started and would have been over by the time we got there. His priest is on our special prayer list this week, for sure ...

I saw another fox up-close today, having something to eat; he was a very handsome one (that's three now that I've seen in the last month). Tried to get a picture, but it was too quick. Watched some figure skating this aft. We got home pretty late; time to go get ready for bed. Take good care all; your fellow encourager :hug:ROSEBUD:hug:^PRAYERS^ continue for all ...

Thank you for the warm welcomes. It's been a few days since I've checked and am behind in responding but have been thinking about this thread and excited about being encouraged from a faith perspective. I am thankful that I am never alone in this life as I know that Christ is by my side the entire way. Unfortunately, my listening ear isn't always turned in his direction but he always finds away to force it back. I am humbled.

Just - no hard feelings. At first I wondered how my message might have been interpreted as funny but then I reread what I wrote and I can see how it could be perceived in that way. But, my intention was serious at the time. Thanks for the apology and for tapping into my blog. It's a journey for sure.

Counting Down and Shy - thanks for the friendly welcome. I look forward to getting to know you and everyone else here.

So, for a very very very long time I have been on the downward swing with my weightloss efforts. Mostly because I'm tired of being overweight. I'm tired of my weight being a problem as it has been for so much of my life. I started to feel like "what's the point... I've failed at this everytime".

For Lent I gave up movie watching in the movie theatres because I'd gotten to a point where I was starting to go to the movies to avoid life and I know that is not what God desires for me. So, I gave it up for Lent and stayed commited. I was surprised to find how easy it was to give it up. At first, there were a lot of temptations with commercials, friends, and passing by the theatre on Friday evenings with no plans ahead in the evening (I'm single so when I have no plans I really have no plans). But, it got easier. Part of my goal for giving it up was to see how I could fill up my "movie watching" time with other activities and embrace life more. So, after some uncomfortable evenings of being alone and being reminded how alone I am (as a single woman in her 30's wishing she were married with a family... God's timing... just wish He would move a little faster) I always managed to find other things to do and sometimes it just meant a quiet night at home doing other stuff. So, being that today was Easter, I have successfully made it through Lent without stepping foot in a theatre. I've enjoyed the process so much I may extend my fasting.

I mention this because it inspired me to do something else. Give up sweets/processed sugar. I've been turning to sugar as a means of comfort and stress relief but really it only has adverse results. I usually end up feeling horrible about myself, bloated, lethargic, etc. So, after my pastor's sermon on giving up something (he came in late on the whole Lent idea since it's usually more of a Catholic upheld tradition, I think) I decided to fast from sugar as well. I have cut it out completely the last 12 days and let me tell you the food table at church this morning was a test. A BIG TEST to see if I could really stay away. I did. My goal was to do it for 14 days and I'm almost there but I think I'm going to extend it and see how long I can go without processed sweets. Eventually, I would like to get to a point where I can have a bit and it not be a trigger to eat more than what is satisfying.

Phew... I didn't mean to go and on and on... just wanted to share what's on my plate this past week.

Hi there!
 

Wow! Time flys- been so busy a quick stop trying to catch up..
Rosebud- sorry to hear about sweetie- Prayers for you and family- Great news about uncle tom continued prayers
Counting- so glad trip to chicago went well!!
Shy- Prayers for the muscle pain, hope your soon feeling much better.
Karen- Prayers for dad, so glad surgery went well!
Eltigre- Prayers for thyroid issue/ and for migraines- that your soon feeling great!
Welcome to all the newbies!
Nice to hear from E.z. again! and Wilma- looks like your op.. Just a short note tonight try to pop back in soon, glad all had a great Easter, Praise the Lord. God Bless! Dinner's calling. P.S. have to agree w/ shy Icecream is one of the daily food groups. God bless!!

doit
Thanks, doc said it was what she thought. I pulled wrong or turned wrong or something during resistance training. Pain is all gone.

Jul
About messages. This is how I always take things. If it can be taken two ways, one will hurt my feelings and one won't. I take it the way that won't. Must be from being married forever. You know how men are, here is an example. From my son, darn mom your butt isn't as big as it use to be. Now, I know he was saying something nice. I would have rather heard, mom you are looking much smaller, COME ON GET SERIOUS he is a male and that would never come out of his mouth lol. My but looks smaller was as close as he is ever going to get lol.

Just
Doc was pretty happy said I must have moved wrong during Resistance training as pain is gone now.

Wilma
Nice going.


Eltig
Nice going on the weight loss. Nice idea, what we are doing is setting up a plan for life. Not just until we reach goal. You are so close to yours. Eating healthy is always the answer and will always be what we should strive for.


Karen
Hope things go well. Will keep you and yours in my prayers.

Rosebud
Now why doesn't that sound like you meant it lolol.

Shy - glad you are feeling better :)

Julz - sounds like you are doing great! Giving up things one at a time is a great way to go. Processed sugar is a major problem for me too. Giving it up was very beneficial to my health AND my weight loss. Hang in there. I remember when I first started, I knew it would take at least a year to take off the weight. But, now, almost 9 months later - I am very glad I started when I did. God has a way of making the journey rewarding when we are faithful :)

eltigre - way to go staying on plan. I love WATP videos too. DH and I did the 3 mile super challenge for Easter :) I love it when he works out with me!

Sue - glad to see you back - you were missed!

Rosebud - foxes - how fun! I don't think I've seen a fox up close in the wild. In zoos, but that's it.

Beth - I love sunrise services too. We haven't had one for a few years. But we dim the lights, and create the effect which is kinda cool too!

We are expecting a snowstorm tomorrow :( I am really tired of snow. I'm counting the days until spring break. Tennessee - here we come - the dogwoods and Bradford pears are in bloom :D

Blessings to all - and prayers ascending :)

:wel3fc: TO ALL THE NEWBIES ~ this is a wonderful group of very friendly Christian folks; you will find lots of support and encouragement here.


We had another lovely, sunny day yesterday; but today we are having a fluffy, snowstorm. The birdies have been coming in droves today; stocking up I imagine ~ LOL! Just doing the usual daily chores and laundry as usual. We are having roast chicken with turnips, carrots, and probably new potatoes (just a small one though).

Hope everyone had a lovely Easter weekend; and hope you have a great week. I was gonna wish everyone a Happy first week of Spring, but it doesn't really look like spring out there right now. Take good care, your fellow encourager :hug:ROSEBUD:hug:^PRAYERS^ continue for you and yours ...

Dee
Welcome welcome. Pull up a chair and tell someone to shove over. There is always room for one more at God's table.

Good evening everyone. I have finally made it over here to see what all has been going on! Tonight I made turkey chili and it was wonderful!

Uncle Bill is having to stay with us for about 2 weeks. He got out of the hospital yesterday and is healing very well from his surgery. Thank you for all of your prayers.

Work is work and i'm ready for a vacation.

BL comes on in an hour, i think i'm going to go veg on the couch for the rest of the night.

:cb: Lauren :cb:

eltigre - congrats on the new pants! It feels GREAT doesn't it?

Dee - :welcome2: I look forward to getting to know you. And yes - this journey is so much easier when God walks with us :D

Rosebud - be glad it was fluffy. Ours was wet, heavy, yucky snow. It was awful to shovel!!!! At least it was good exercise ;)

Lauren - I'm with you on looking forward to vacation. We leave on Saturday :D Prayers continuing for your uncle and your family.

Long day today - had to work a 14 hour shift :( It happens about 4 times a year. But, I will take off early on Friday so we can get to Grand Rapids in time for supper. With a 6:00 a.m. flight, I like eating early and tucking myself into bed by 9.

I hope you all had a POP day! Blessings to all, and prayers continuing :D

elt
Nice going on the clothes and sound like you have been busy. We just don't think about how much smaller we are do we. I went out and got me a new Cav's shirt. I just never thought about it, got an XL. Tossed it into the washer and dryer and put it on. Oh my gosh it is huge on me lol. Now mind you, it looks like a very large XL but darn I was tickled and disappointed at the same time lol.

Counting
Oh 14 hour day. How are you feeling, how is the knee? That has to be rough 14 hours and a knee that isn't feeling to well.

counting - thanks! where are you going for vacation? i don't have one planned for a very long time. might be another cruise in december. 14 days sure are hard.

Last day before I go hardcore dieting! I am starting TOPS tomorrow with my DH and we aren't following a diet right now.

Today is BEAUTIFUL!!! i'm so looking forward to more warmer days! :D

:cb: Lauren :cb:

Hi all! My weight stayed the same this week. I'm thankful for not gaining!! After a stressful week last week and a family gathering on the weekend I stayed pretty much OP. That's a new one for me because I do eat because of stress or think I deserve something gooey because I'm feeling bad.

I appreciated all your prayers. Things are a bit better but it'll be ongoing for a while so I do appreciate your prayer support.

Shy - the knee is doing OK. all of my workouts with Leslie have really helped, and it is recovering quickly :D

I did the full Zumba video tonight - whew - it was really challenging! But it WAS a lot of fun :D

We are heading to the Knoxville (TN) area to see my Mom and step-father (and brother and family as well). SF has not been well this winter, so we are anxious to get down and see everyone. HOPEFULLY, we will be able to do some hiking in the Smokies :D We will definitely be able to get in some walking in the spring weather. I can't wait. More snow is predicted Friday :(

Lauren - I've never done a cruise. I'm not sure I could handle all of the buffet tables - LOL

Wilma - prayers continuing. I really think stress wreaks havoc on my weight loss. Even if I DO stay on plan - the cortisol in my system really hampers progress. Meditation, prayer, devotions, Bible reading, yoga, exercise - all help me relieve stress and are really helpful for keeping that scale moving! Prayers continuing for you!

eltigre - next time, get the mediums. You will get used to clothes that fit. It takes a while, but it does happen. :)

Shy - That Cavs shirt is a good reminder about how far you have come. Keep it handy and smile every time you wear it!

Blessings to all and prayers ascending :)

Counting
Hope you have a nice time and find everyone well. That shirt is so big it hangs half way to my knees lol. I wear it to bed now.

Wima
With all that is going on just not gaining is a great thing. Will keep you and yours in my prayers.

counting - my parents and a friend of ours went with DH and I this past December. My mom was actually doing WW and LOST while on the cruise! I am so proud of her.

Zack and I start TOPS tonight... I have a feeling that this group is a lot of people who are not in our age group. I love it! I will tell you all how it went.

Hope you all have a GREAT day!

:cb: Lauren :cb:

DEE ~ :hug::hug::hug: to you!!! Yes, have already sent up prayers for you dear; for strength and comfort at this time. Remember, the LORD loves you and cares about you; and we will lift you up in prayer ...

DEAR LORD, please be with our sister, DEE, who has had this upsetting preliminary diagnosis. We ask that you grant her peace and serenity as she goes thru this process; and we know that you will be right by her side as she does. We also ask that your healing grace will be at work in her body, and mind, and spirit, during this time; and we ask all these things, in Jesus' name, and thank you. Amen.

:hug:ROSEBUD:hug:

Dee - more prayers for you girl! Let us know how it went!

Dee
You are in my prayers. Hope things go well.

This will probably be my last post until we get back to MI. I should be back on the 5th. I wish you all a blessed POP week :D

If I get a chance to post, I will. You will be in my thoughts and prayers :)

Hi there!
 

Dee- Welcome! Prayers that the tests go well and they are able to remove all the bad cells ect. and for peace of mind and healing, that there will be no more issues following the procedure. Great job down 6.3 lbs-
Shy- very glad to hear you are pain free and feeling so much better,
Counting- Thanks! I agree I am so sick of snow, so ready for spring we had bare ground for a couple days then woke up to snow again yesterday- yuck, gotta end soon!! Enjoy Grand Rapids try to relax and rest after a 14 hr day... you need too.
Rosebud- WOW! YOUR DINNER SOUNDS YUMMY ROASTED CHICKEN!!
Lauren- Glad to hear your uncle bill is getting better, a big answer to prayer, I luv cruising, I just went to the Carribbean in Jan. I ate alot off of the low calorie menu, and did salads for lunch as they had a nice salad bar, and walked every morning on deck, It was beautiful watching the ocean as I did my laps around the deck, I had headphones so I was in my own little world.
Wilma- Great job sttaying op Prayers the the stress lets up and for peace and rest..
I am doing well, I have worked out everyday this week - 6 miles on the elliptical every morning, and am within 2 lbs of being back to where I left off.
Prayers for all who are MIA and for a great weekend, unfortunately I have to work, but other than am doing great. Blessings!!!

doit - where did you go? i've been on two cruises, the first just to Cozumel and the second to Progresso and Cozumel. by far Cozumel is the prettiest and we LOVE IT! we go with Carnival and both times out of Mobile on the Holiday. Can't wait for the next one! :D

I'm off now! love you ladies!

:cb: Lauren :cb:

HI GALS ~ :wave:

Well I have been working close to home...well kind of...180 mile round trip...for a couple of days. Spent the morning un-packing from my last couple of months. I shouldn't have to stay out of town, other than for a day or two, for awhile! :carrot:

Angie is off teaching Saturday school today...left the vacumning to me ;)

We are going to miss church this week-end. We have a family dinner at my ex-wife's and her S.O. house tonight so we can't go and tomorrow morning we are in a 5K with our dogs so we will miss....I just hate that! But we haven't missed it quite sometime other than a couple of months ago when I had to work on Sunday and was out of town on Saturday night.

My son turned 27 this week...made me feel old!!

Angie and I went for Italian last night for :love: Date Night :love: I was pretty good on my meal...brought some home for lunch....but...I had to go and order a pizza to go...dang! It made a nice breakfast...back to the treadmill!!

Great to see all the action here!

I have read all your posts and hope to "get back in the swing of it here" now that I wll be closer to home for awhile!

Have a great week-end ~ :hug: Gary

Hello,
My name is Alyssa and i am trying to get in shape but not get consumed with the hollywood part of being "healthy". I am a devoted Christian and hope to reach my goal weight by May 25, my high school graduation date. I do have an unhealthy complex about weight, I cant seem to stop comparing and judging, i have prayed about it but i just cannot seem to overcome this bad habbit. i hope that with my continued weight-loss I will be able to overcome my judgmental behavior. Any tips or good verses? This seems like a good group for that, could i join you guys?

Hi all,
I'm Dora from Oregon. I'm an RN of 23 years a dieter of more. Restarting today and need your support and prayer. Don't know what's happened lately, but I've been eating like I don't care . . . but I really do. Hope this site will help. Say, where do you all get those tickers at the bottom? Thanks in advance for your love and support.

:wave: HELLO EVERYONE ~ we had a lovely, sunny day today; even the snow started to melt a bit in the 40F today: it even kinda felt like spring today. I felt well enuff to go for a drive and we went and picked up some groceries, as I was almost out of fruit. We picked up some yummy Spit BBQ chicken for dinner; do ya think I like chicken a lot or what, eh??? LOL! ;)

Oh yes, I have it at least twice a week, sometimes even more! But we do try to change things up a bit with fish, steak, and pork chops; plus other stuff now and then, like spagetti and meatballs (about twice a month). Those are old standbys, but I measure the cooked pasta very carefully!

:wel3fc: SKINIMERINK & DORA ~ glad to have you both join us; our thread is growing by leaps and bounds these days, but that's alright with us. As SHY says, 'The More The Merrier!'

GARY ~ nice to see you back again; I bet Angela is happy that you'll be home more. Of course it's nice for you to be home and see your family more often too. Best wishes for your runs tomorrow for you both ...

:congrat: TO ALL WHO LOST THIS WEEK; you are doing great!!!

SUE ~ ya, I share what I eat to help others, to see we eat fairly normal and still lost weight. DH even lost a couple of pounds this winter even though he really wasn't trying to (he's 129 lbs). I have tweaked our favorite recipes by cutting down/out fat, sugar, and salt; and boy, do I notice it if there's too much now; can't stand skin my chicken or turkey (I cook it on; but remove it to eat it). Our local grocery has large turkey drumsticks that are so lean; hardly any fat at all: yummy and just right for two people.

MOMOFMANY ~ thanks so much for that update. I don't blame you one bit for arranging another way of doing that procedure: I would do the same thing myself. A friend of mine told me about that too; and one of my aunts says you can request the hospital for tests for colon and stomach too. Do tell us when you go, and we'll pray you thru it ...

Well, that's all for now; hope the rest of you are well too (SHY, LAUREN, WILMA; COUNTING have a great trip; and all MIA's). Take good care, your fellow encourager :hug:ROSEBUD:hug: ^PRAYERS^ for you and yours continue ...

Thanks for the welcome Rosebud. A lousy day, ate too much again, but tomorrow is Monday, the dieter's most hopeful day of the week, so here I go again. Any methods you've all used would be greatly appreciated, along with your prayers. Thanks for having me.

Dora

doit
Hi and thank you. Today is a terrific day.

ez
Nice to see you are going to be closer to home.

momo
Glad to hear the results were good. It is tough having things done in the office. I will take loop me up any day of the week. Hope you are feeling better soon.


Alyssa
Nice to have you with us. Glad to see you are looking at getting healthy with a good view. This isn't about wearing a size 0. This is about eating the required amounts of the four basic food groups. Staying within some good basic ranges for your selfs and exercising ( or what ever healthy plan a person chooses ).

Dora
Hello, we have a great group here. We love to hear from each other and sure like to give support and encouragement. My week always starts on Sunday. I have found, a little prayer, a little song and a whole lot of animals and rice makes the week go pretty darn peachy lol.

Just
I have never known there not to be room for " just one more " at God's table. lol. Everyone around here has decided they love animals and rice. Use to be Sunday was beef, Monday chicken, Tuesday fish, Wednesday pork, Thursday chicken, Friday fish Saturday pot luck. Now every other day just about is chicken, beef, pork and fish lol. Because that is all the animals in the animals and rice lol.

Need some encouraging buddies!
 

Hello everyone, I have started today on my way to losing 50 pounds. I am a college student so i am on the go alot. I do not have alot of time to cook. I also need some ideas for snacks that are ok to eat. I would appreciate an suggestions! God bless you all!

Hischild
We are happy to have you. Veggies are great snacks and they help to fill in one of the required amounts of the four basic food groups for the day. Fruit is also another great snack but remember they do have a lot of carbs so don't over do on them. I happen to like the reduced fat townhouse crackers also.

Hi folks—I keep reading that there is always room for one more—must be a really large table!! I am hoping that since there is room, that I am allowed to pull up a chair and join you? My name is Alison and I have already done a “profile” in the 100lb club. I cannot place a link to it since I have not met the minimum post requirements yet, but let me know if you'd like me to paste it in this forum...

Anyway, I had lost 9 pounds over 2 weeks and hubby came home with cake and chips this past weekend…I’m afraid to step on the scale to see how much I gained back…Is is amazing how just one day of bingeing can cause so much damage, not only to the numbers, but to my psyche. I am hoping that this group will help keep me on track…what do you think? Y'all ready to do a couple laps with me?:^:

~Alison

:wel3fc: HISCHILD & ALISON ~ there is always more room at GOD's table; I think that it miraculously grows on a daily basis ~ LOL!!! And ALISON, just get right back up on that horse and keep on going. There might not be too much damage; maybe you'll just stay the same, and that's OK too.

HISCHILD ~ yah, nursing is a very hectic college course with all the practical work and lots of extra studies. I had friends who went through for nursing and I remember how tuff it was for them.

SHY ~ yes, they are the fab four, aren't they??? LOL! But there are also beans, eggs, cheese, and meatless; but DH is an meat and potatoes kind of guy, so that settles it for us really ...;)

We had a gorgeous sunny day; we went into town for errands and shopping. Boy, there goes the day; but what a fun way to spend it ~ LOL! Anyways, they are predicting a mega-snowstorm, but I'm hoping it is just an April Fool's joke, but it was getting kinda windy when I took PIN PIN out at 10:00 pm. We can always pray that it will miss us, right??? :D

ANYHOW, hope everyone is well and had a great weekend; time to get down to the serious stuff again; lol! Take good care, your fellow encourager :hug:ROSEBUD:hug:^PRAYERS^ are flowing for you and yours ...

I am blessed to have found ths group! How was everyone's day? Mine was well! So I am not on any specific diet, I am just taking suggetions. I have really cut don on the sweets and moved from reg. mountain dew to diet. I know as soon as I say i can't have something, I will crave it. So, anyone have suggestions?

Hi there!
 

Lauren- I luv cruising and have been on 10 I believe now, I have cruised w/ mostly Royal Carribbean- They are awesome- Went to Bahama, Bermuda, Jamaica-(western Carribbean-Caymans, Ect.) Eastern- Tortola, St. Marten, St. Thomas, Aruba, Curacao, Ect.) Carnival Cruises twice- Alaska, and Western Carribean out of NY Harbor. Princess- Alaska and American-Hawaii Cruises- Hawaii I have one booked for next January - out of N.J. on Explorer that is 10 days in Eastern Carribbean- Which is where I went this Jan. Luv it there, Alaska is however the most beautiful place I have ever been, Awesome!
E.Z.- Glad your back around missed ya! gonna post a pic of the kid she is getting so big, now she has a kitten who's name is mojo, she has to be constantly reminded to be nice!!
Momofmany- Great news, not Cancer- prayers that all goes well w/ getting test done
Welcome Skin- Dora-Hischild-Alison Ect- Keep sharing!
Rosebud- Sunnyday- It hit 65 here yeah! and we have ants at work a try sign of sping as it is built on a slab, and we always get ants in the spring.
Shy- Thanks! Have to agree luv the fresh veggies w/ Fatfree salad dressing- just thin it out w/a little water goes a whole lot further, or fat free mayo w/ Mrs. dash or your favorite spice and some water. Yum.
Well gotta run ! Here is my beautiful Chinese niece W/ Mojo! Poor Kitten!!! Pic had to be really small to small to actually see well sorry!

Try again!
 

Get pic a little bigger!

Hello Alison
God has the biggest table there is and he has given a leaf from it for our chat room. There is always room for one more. I am always ready to do a couple of laps with anyone lol. Next time tell the hubby no thank you. Nothing tastes as good as thin feels :). Unless that snack fits in to what you allow yourself for the day.

Just
My daughter love the fat free French dressing on just about everything it seems lol.


doit
I have become a celery nut. I eat the stuff all the time lol.


Hischild
I have a can or two of caffeine free mountain dew a week. I make sure it fits into what I allow myself that day. Have to have my DEW lol.

SO GOOD TO SEE NEW FOLKS! KEEP POSTING........BUT........

STOP POSTING HERE!

AND GO TO CHRISTIAN ENCOURAGERS ~ APRIL :)