Good Morning Everyone, I wanted to check in. I'm so excited. It's been 3 days since I started my declaration weight loss program, and my energy level has increased, my appetite is under control even better than before,and the best part is I've lost 3 lbs and 13 inches. It's unbelievable!
Want to know how I do it just drop me a message.

Oct, 2010

I wanted to let everyone know that I'm making a personal declaration that over the next 5 months I'm going to lose 10-15 more lbs,  I'll need all of your help to hold me accountable and cheer me on to reach my goal. Thank you.

If you want to see what I'm doing just drop me a message and we'll talk.

Many Blessings

After, 90 lbs gone 10 more to go. These are the hardest

Today I am stepping across the line. I’m tired of waffling and I’m finished with wavering, I’ve made my choice, the verdict is in, and my decision is irrevocable. I’m going God’s way. There’s no turning back now!

I will live the rest of my life serving God’s purposes with God’s people on God’s planet for God’s glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his word.

Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living, and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.

Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, “we” over “me”, character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures. I know what matters most and I’ll give it all I’ve got. I’ll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today.

I won’t be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I’ll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won’t back up, back off, back down, back out or backslide. I’ll just keep moving forward by God’s grace. I’m Spirit-led, purpose-driven and mission-focused so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I finish the race.

I’m a trophy of God’s amazing grace so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for everyday, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me.

To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I say: However, Whenever, Wherever, and Whateveryou ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I’m ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway.Whatever it takes Lord; Whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I’ll hear you say, “Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!”

Author RickWarrenSaddlebackChurch.

Diabetes has become one of the major diseases in the nation today. Millions of people suffer from this disease and millions others don’t even know that they have it.  Diabetes is not choosey about whom it effects, rather it is adults or small children the out come is mostly the same if not treated in a timely manner.  So what can we do to help slow the process of diabetes for those who do not have it yet, especially our children?  And for those whom do have it, what steps can be taken to help maintain a healthier lifestyle.  Well from what I know about being a diabetic for the last 25 years, the recommended suggestions from my Dr., is to Lose Weight.   Well that’s all good and fine and for some maybe it’s easy, but if you’re like me, fighting weight loss your entire life, it’s easier said than done.  Most of us all grew up in homes where our mothers baked daily, oh those delicious home made cookies, breads, cakes, pies, ice-cream.  Pasta dinner’s with lots of cheese and garlic bread.  Late night snacks before bed.  What a childhood!  But look where it got us.  Over weight adults with a series of health problems. Our teen years being a series of  yo yoing from one diet to another, lose a couple of pounds then gain twice as much back. That’s was a lot of fun. Ha! Ha!

Now take a moment and look at the children of today, the percentage of overweight children in the United States is growing at an alarming rate — 1 out of 3 kids are now considered overweight or obese. Here’s a great site for parents whom want to know more about child obesity:   http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/body/overweight_obesity.html

Ok for us adults I have found a way to help lower my blood sugars levels without starving myself, or taking diet pills.  It’s called the The Glycemic Index Diet Plan And Its Benefits For Weight Loss by Wesley Atkins. Yes it says diet plan, but it’s really not. It’s a better way of eating, a new lifestyle that’s easy to follow, and it works. Ok, you say I don’t want to have to cook different meals, one for me and one for the family, well you don’t have to.  Your family will benefit from this just as much as you will, especially if you have a family member whom is prone to be a little overweight. Lets face it most of us as we get older needs a little help with our waist line. This is really learning to live a healthier lifestyle.

If you have diabetes or you need to lose weight the Glycemic Index Diet Plan might be just the solution you’re looking for. This diet is based on a diet plan that was developed in the 1980’s as a way for diabetics to better control their blood glucose levels and subsequently manager their diabetes.

It was discovered that the diet plan had a wonderful side effect; efficient weight loss. Since that time the Low GI Diet, as it is often referred to, has become quite popular with non-diabetics as well. Individuals who use the diet claim they are able to lose weight as well as retain more muscle. Many people report the diet helps them to shave off weight in critical areas as well, including the stomach.

Under the Glycemic Index Diet Plan, foods are divided into three categories based on how they rank on the glycemic index. The glycemic index ranks foods according to how quickly the body is able to digest them. Foods that are processed more quickly by the body rank higher on the Index. Foods that take longer to be digested by the body rank lower on the scale.

The idea is to base your diet on foods that rank in the low to medium range by eating foods that rank high on the Index sparingly. Some of the low foods which are allowable on the Glycemic Index Diet Plan include broccoli, tomatoes, cauliflower and other fruits as well as whole grains. Legumes are also allowable. Some foods rank in the middle range, including bananas and apricots.

When dieters first start the eating plan they are in what is known as Phase One. Under this phase, dieters are encouraged to eat only foods which are low on the glycemic index in order to lose weight. These foods are low in calories and high in fiber which makes it easier to lose weight. Dieters should plan to be on the first phase of the diet for about three to six months depending on how much weight they want to lose. After that time period, the individual may then advance to the second phase, which is the weight loss maintenance phase. In this phase, you may eat low as well as medium foods according to the glycemic index. It is important to understand that exercise is an important component in both phases of the diet plan in order for it to work effectively.

The Glycemic Index Diet plan by itself is not a complete solution for weight loss. You must be dedicated to participating in an active and healthy lifestyle. It should also be understood that this is not a diet in the true sense of the word but rather a change in lifestyle. If you abort the diet plan after losing weight and return to eating large amounts of highly processed and refined foods it is quite likely that you will regain weight, particularly if you are not exercising on a regular basis.

One of the major advantages of this diet plan is that it is not as restrictive as many other diet plans. For example, you can have some carbs on this diet as long as they are good carbs and they rank low on the glycemic index. In addition, it is perfectly okay for you to eat out. Once you have become familiar with which foods rank low on the index you can then usually find something on any menu which is acceptable according to the Low Glycemic Index Diet plan.

Vegetarians frequently find that many low carb diets do not work well for them because they place a strong emphasis on meat. With the Low Glycemic Index Diet plan there is no such problem because proteins from vegetables can replace meat.

With time and dedication the Low Glycemic Index Diet plan has proven to be quite effective at managing diabetes, promoting weight loss and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

————————————————————————————————-

Wesley Atkins is the owner of The Low GIi Diet Breakthrough website at: http://aireanna.wesleya.hop.clickbank.net - In his nutrition program you too can discover how to lose 19 pounds of fat every 21 days with the Low GI Diet.

A Man will do nothing if we waits until he can do it so well

that no man can find fault with what he has done.

Steps to Living a Spiritual, Peaceful Life

Everyday thousands of people invest millions of dollars seeking out help with everyday problems, via, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Counselors, Psychics, Guru’s,  etc….

What happened to the days when people relied on their own common sense and wisdom to make up their own minds and solve their own problems?

Those days are long gone. The stress of everyday life, jobs, family, relationships and money has caused the human race to stop thinking for them selves.  How can we influence the new generation of children to think and make decisions on their own and trust their own instincts, if we as adults have difficulty doing the same?

Our ancestor through out the ages tried hard to follow in the footsteps of their parents, our parents tried to teach us the old values, but some where along the way we all took a wrong turn. We were determined to follow our own path into an uncertain future, as we rebelled against a way of life that was less stressful.  So how do we get back on the right track? To trust ourselves to make the right decisions, that will enable us to live a life filled with peace of mind, calm heart and spirit, so that each day we create meaningful memories.

One must start by looking inward searching you soul for all the good things from our past we remember and preparing ourselves for a better future.

53 years living has given me the wisdom to search out ways to complete me, giving me a quiet spirit, and a faithful heart.

So I will share with you over the next few days my  steps to reaching your own inner peace.

Finding a quiet time and place:

 In today’s society the rule of thumb is Rush, Rush, Rush!!!  If like most people the normal daily routine will consist of early rise, for the sake of argument lets say 6AM – Taking care of your own personal needs, wake the kids, Br4eakfasts, Lunches, making sure everyone is ready and out the door on time. 

This is a chore that men and women share alike.

Then maybe, you have time for one last cup of coffee before you’re on your way.   As usual looking forward to your two hour drive to your wonderful job. HA! HA!   Don’t get me wrong there are a percentage of people whom love their jobs and to these people I applauded you, for you must have already found your inner self.  For the majority of you there is still work to be done.

So where does this fit in our busy life style?  Good Question.

Finding a quiet moment for ourselves is almost an impossible task, but one that will pay off greatly in the future. 

So now’s the time to take action, and make a commitment to fulfill this need in your life.   

It may mean rising an hour eailer—this is the time of day that I prefer and recommend. It’s imperative to find a place and time were you can be alone for at least 30 minutes to start with.

When the air is crisp and the birds are filling the world with their morning songs.  Watching the sun rise over the horizon, feeling it’s warmth on your face as it creeps into the sky. Experiencing the fresh smell of the flowers blooming and seeing the dew on the plants and grasses sparkle as diamonds accross the earth.

Each morning is a new song and new adventure into what the day will bring.

If you’re not a morning person then the evening can hold just as amazing wonders for the heart. Again watching the sun escape its daily travel across the sky as it turns from bright yellow, to orange, then red and disappears for the night. Listen carefully for the night sounds to calm your soul after a busy day.

Do this for a week to start with 30 min to an hour if possible.

Go to your quite place, take off your shoes, stretch your whole body to release the tension, sit comfortable, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Slow your breathing, relax each part of your body, first your legs, hips arm, shoulders, and neck. Keep breathing slowly.   Feel the stress leave your body each time you exhale.  Listen to the sounds of nature around you; practice this until you can no longer hear the sounds of the city around you.  This may take several days to accomplish.  Try and hear the smallest buzzing from the fly insects or the wings of a humming bird if you have a feeder near by. I recommend that you get one; there is nothing more beautiful and peaceful than watching a hummingbird.  Once you feel completely relaxed sit for a few more minutes then take another deep breath.  Rise, stretch to the air.  At this point you should feel less stressful and more alert. Helps me becoming one with the universe.

I find doing this in the morning helps me prepare for the hectic day ahead of me.

Journaling- The act of keeping a journal:

Journal: an account, diary, log, and record of accounts in daily life.

This step is a very important part of your transformation into the person you were meant to be.

Now to get started you need to have something to write on and with, of course that’s a given.  Now you can use any type of writing pad and pen. But it‘s important that you have something special that you’ll enjoy writing in and even look forward to it.

So, you can pick up a journal from most every where, Wal-Mart, Target, Kmart, any book store, and even the internet. 

I prefer one from the book store they are a little more expensive but quite lovely displayed on your private shelf of books, but most of all a home for my life in words to rest for eternity.  Not only will this journal help you create a calm aura in your life, but it will be a testament of who you are for generations to come.  Great history for the future Genealogist your family.  The content of these journals’ is what’s really important for you.

I usually write in my journal during my quiet time, after my relaxing exercise, it allows my thoughts to flow freely.

As the journalist, you’ll want to be honest with your self. You’ll be the only one reading this as long as you are alive.  Please take this seriously- life is too short to be vague about who you are.   

Things to write about, well this is really up to you. But as a rule-write about everything.

If you chose to write in the morning, then you’ll want to write about the day before, if evening is your choice, and then write about that day. As time goes on you’ll find you can’t wait to put down your thoughts, you’ll find time even throughout the day to take a few minutes to jot down something important to you.  I would take mine to work with me and during lunch I’d go to the nearest park, or even sit in my car on raining days just so I could journal my thoughts.

Your days are filled with all kinds of events which create an enormous flow of different emotions and concerns.  So this is where you’ll begin.  This will be hard at first, but once you begin the words will flow smoothly.   Where to star?  A good place is the beginning of the day. How you felt when you got up, did you sleep well, did you dream and if so what was it about. How did it make you feel?

How your mornings went and if you had any confrontations, express your feelings about them. Write about your day at work, what happened throughout the day, how you felt about these events.   Your relationship with your spouse, children, in-laws, parents, siblings, everyone you consider close friends and strangers you meet.

As you can see this is really about your feelings.  Most people start off by writing about things that cause them to have negative feelings. This is good it helps you to release your frustrations in a positive way.   The most important thing about this is not to forget the good things.  What made you laugh or smile? A friendly jester, a complement, etc… you get the picture.  After awhile you’ll find that there are more pleasant things to write about than there are sad ones.

 Your journal is your best friend always there, ready to listen, never talks back or gives you bad advice. So journal your heart away.

Finding your own Spiritual Guide

This is one of the most exciting experiences you will have.  I can not tell you who to choose as your Spiritual Guide, with all the different religions there are, not every one shares the same beliefs.  Most of you already have your own spiritual guide rather it’s God and the Holy Spirit, Buddha, Allah…etc…  it’s important to embrace you Spirit Guide more each day.

I have found that my quiet time has expanded, I’ve included a special moment to spend with my  God, talking and listening to him, Experiencing his beauty in nature, if you close your eyes and listen you will hear your Spirit Guide speaking to you in the wind, the song of the birds and through you Spirit and heart.

Now for those of you whom are still seeking your guide my best advice is to research, the knowledge you will acquire is irreplaceable.  Where to begin?  If you have an idea of which religion that speaks to you then of course start there.  My suggestion is not to stop there.  Seek out others until you are really sure. When you find the right path you’ll know.  If you were raised in your family religion please do not leave this out of your studies, sometimes after your search you’ll find this is were you were really meant to be.

For the unbelievers, you can, find peace for your soul, to help you maintain a stress less life style just by using the previous steps.  For you this maybe enough, but I can not stress how much more you’ll feel at peace if you obtain a spirit guide. 

Pets are a great stress relief, I personally surround my self with different species, I found these to be my best friend, cats, birds, fish, hamsters and a rabbit. These work great for small places.  Dogs also work wonders. When possible try and rescue your pet from the local animal shelter. This will be the most spiritual act you’ll experience, just follow your heart; you’ll be glad you did. 

4 years ago I visited the local animal shelter not intending to pick up a dog, I was actually looking for a calico cat to replace my friend whom past away her name was Callie, I also rescued her from the shelter. Anyways I was walking down the isle looking in the cages. There were many beautiful dogs and very friendly too.  Huddled in the back corner shivering was this very ugly, dirty, wet, homely looking dog. Couldn’t’ even tell what breed it was but it touched my heart.  I went home that night, told my husband, but I couldn’t sleep that night, I even woke up during the night with her name in my head “Saddie”.  So the next morning I called the shelter and yes the dog was still there, so I went and got her,  boy did she smell bad, took her straight to the groomers,  lo and behold I had rescued a beautiful King Charles Spaniel. Unfortunately she was only with me for 3 years, she was 10+ years when I got her, but at least she had a wonderful last years.  What I gave to her was nothing compared to what she gave to me.   So listen to your heart.

Here are some websites that I found very helpful during my search.

http://www.beliefnet.com this site speaks to all Religions with forms and groups.

http://www.pantheism.net/paul/index.htm  Scientific Pantheism:
Reverence of Nature and Cosmos

www.thewayoftruth.com  a good site for spiritual seekers.

http://www.rockchurchfamily.com church and outreach center

www.wicca.com The Celtic Connection

I know there are many websites just go to Google and search.

Read:

Reading is the best way to learn. During my search I read many different books,  from many different religions  Here is a list of my favorite books.

Christian Based: The of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peal

                            Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

                         Guide to Spiritual Success by Billy Graham

                         The Secret Thins of God by Dr. Henry Cloud

Native American:  

                            Spirit Healing How to Make Your Life Work.    

 by Mary Dean Atwood 

Other Spiritual Resources:  

                            Contacting Your Spirit Guide    by Sylvia Brown 

                             Celtic Wisdom   Caitlin & John Matthews  

                            Healing with the Fairies      by Doreen Virtue Ph.D.

                          One Minute for My Self         by Spencer Johnson M.D.

Books for enjoyment:

                          Left Behind Series                by Tim Lahaye & Terry Jenkins

                        Mitford Series                         by Jan Karon

                      Spirit Freaks                           by Rebecca St. James

                     Books on Angels read books by Doreen Virtue Ph.D.

Barns and Noble is a great resource for books and Amazon is great for low-cost books you’re looking for.

Its 7am the day has already begun to wake.  The Sun is just starting to color the clouds with its warm rays.  The snow CapMountains are starting to melt.  Not only are the birds merging upon the sky but, manmade birds also make themselves present.  All around there is so much noise; I’ve forgotten what it is like for quiet.  Even closing the doors, shutting the windows won’t keep out the noise.  Is there not a quiet place left?  Yes nature is alive, dogs barking in the distance, birds chipping from the trees, the rooster is waking the day, but yet the noise we humans make with our loud trucks and cars, with their racing up and down the street, honking their horn- always in a hurry to get someplace they don’t really want to be.  Why?  Why do we continue to place ourselves in positions where we have to endure the wrath of someone else in order to just survive?  A lone jet, races across the sky leaving a trail of where it’s been & to where it’s going for what purpose is it going?

The man across the street loads his truck everyday to do the same job he did lasts week, the little old lady next door sits in her house everyday, to tired to venture out much, waiting to die.  Are we all so set in our ways, to overcome what we set for ourselves, to stop long enough to just sit, listen and watch all that has been given to us? 

Is the money we so hopelessly crave for, worth the lose of ourselves.  Has everyone forgotten what its like to just sit and watch the sun rise, to feel the warmth on our faces?  To enjoy the shape of a tree as it reaches high into the heavens and weeps for all man kind to just stop and watch, as it welcomes the morning sun as it kisses  its branches, warms it leaves and changes its color from green to gold, as it sparkles like jewels floating among the clouds.  To capture the moment in time, to hold it in place forever, one could only wish.  Everyday this same tree stands in the same place displaying all its beauty; none really pay attention or sees its beauty. 

A young mother walks her son to school, every day down the same street, same time, then walks back again, never once stopping to just look and listen, never sees the tree, as it watches her go by, not noticing the changes in life around her, or show her son the wonder of what nature has to give.  We’re all so much in a hurry that we’ve stopped seeing or did we really ever?  Humans are a creature of habit, we take the same way to work every day, do the same things, missing so much of a life that is already too short.  God forbid, if we break our routine, get up a little earlier, try taking a different route, smile before we have coffee, say good morning to a stranger, and tackle our jobs differently.  Heaven Help Us.  We just can’t see what we’re really here for.  We’ve been given all this beauty, from the mighty tree embracing the sky, to the smallest bud trying to spring through the snow. Yet we don’t see.  The sun is now cresting the top of the houses, no longer is the majestic tree green, but a massive gold of shimmering lights and for a brief moment in time it’s breathtakingly amazing.  But no one sees, but me and the birds that call it home.  Nature provides us with the show of grace and beauty, sadly no one’s around to watch.  Ask anyone who passes by, adult or child what they see when they look at the tree? What do they say? The answer is the same, A Tree!

In the warmth of the sun the birds are beginning to feed, their song is music to the Gods.  How many children can honestly tell you what it’s like to watch a caterpillar change into a butterfly or watch a seed grow roots and bud forth into what it came from, rather a flower, bush and yes even a tree.  How many have been privilege to experience the birth of a new born kitten, puppy or even a fish for that matter.

 We have all lost site of what life is about in our hurry to get from one place to another. Must our children suffer the same fate that we’ve programmed for ourselves too? 

Do you remember what it was like to lie on your back upon the grass and look into the sky, watch the clouds move across, making shapes and pictures, that made you smile or giggle, can our children tell us what they see?  Do they ever stop to look?  Who is to blame, if they can’t see.?

We strive so hard to work, make money to buy our children so many things that we never had, that we’ve forgotten to give our children the things we did have. Things that brought smiles to our faces & laughter to our hearts. 

Fishing trips with our grandparents, waking at 3am, riding in the back of the big blue pickup, before it was against the law. The one lane dirt road he always took into nowhere with the hairpin turn where you could reach across and shake hand with the other guy in the front car. Watching out for the deer skirting across the road.  Learning how to catch the worms and bait the hook while the litter bugger wiggled in your hands.  To follow across the stream making sure to step only on the rocks so as not to get wet, then slip & fall flat on your bottom in the cool water, while grandma laughs on the other side.  To know what mud to use, found near the stream bed to stop the sting from the needles you’re grasped to pull yourself up a hill that was no bigger than you were. To catch your first fish using nothing other than a long limb, string and a worm tied to the end.

Watching squirrels & blue jays as they skirted across the ground then from tree to tree.  Sitting patiently as the chickadee, chipmunks, and deer eat peanuts from your hand.

To lie on your back late at night with your sister starring into the night sky at shooting stars, the Milky Way and the space ship as it circled the earth. 

To remember what it was like to find an oasis in the middle of a vast desert and climb to the top of a waterfall. 

The first snow flake melting in your hands as you try to lick it, your first snowman even though grandpa said it looked great  with his fishing hat, stick arms, carrot nose, trying to hold his best fishing pole. Christmas caroling around the block with all the neighbors on Christmas Eve.  Remembering the great rolling thunder, lighting streaking across the sky, and the rain as it trickles down you window pain, they way you could breath on the cold pain and play tic tac toe in the fog you created. Watching winter turn into spring, helping with the seeds of vegetables and flowers in grandpa’s garden, taking care to help turn the melons as they ripen, learning how to make a snapdragon open its mouth, the taste of the first ripe tomatoes, the smell of rows & rows of grandma’s favorite carnations as they bloom. Picking cherries during cherry season, apple butter & apple cider during apply time.  Tree frogs kept in a shoe box, tad poles in a glass jar, and the smell of fresh mowed grass.  Sitting on the back porch helping grandma break the green beans and shell the peas, cucumber & tomatoes sandwiches, with home made ice tea. Roast beef sandwiches on a Sunday afternoon

Waiting for autumn leaves to turn shades of gold, orange & red, watching them fall as grandpa rakes them into piles for burning, then while he’s not looking you run and jump in the middle of it all, while he pretends to be mad, then he laughs and piles them all up again, just to have you run & jump scattering them everywhere again.

  Remembering the first time you held a trapped humming bird in the palm of your hand just how grandpa showed you, in wonder of the deep colors of red, blue, and green with long beak of such a small bird.

The time you and your sister fall down the same hill on your bikes and you both scrapped the same knee.

Beach trips where your great treasure is all the sea shells that you find and keep forever, the small starfish and seahorse, or the sound of the ocean you can hear in a large shell.  The site of a sailboat on the horizon as the sun sets orange and red, wondering if it will fall off the edge of the earth or catch fire from the sun.

Memories are a wonderful thing, but what worth are they?  We all want our children to grow, be strong, and learn values and patience. But how will they learn if we don’t show them? The memories of our lives, along with the gifts from nature, the adventures of childhood, theses gifts are free to give our children.  With these gifts are all the lessons we wish to instill within our children.

Joy, of a spring day, Patience, of the birds eating out of our hands, the Gentleness, of a Hummingbird.  The Kindness, of a mother cat as she cares for her kitten.

It’s time we remember how to stop, take a different path, turn off the TV, video games, take a walk, and look to the sky for Peace.  No matter whom you are, where you live, the best we can leave our children, their children, is the wonders of nature and a part of ourselves in their memories, which will help them remember the worth of life we taught them to live.