Almost done

Ok, so it has been forever and a day since I have even blogged, but I see that I wasn't too far behind. I am only on day 2 or 3 of week 8, but I plan to finish it this week. I will have to say that like Erin, I cannot check the box next to "Woman of Moderation," but I can say that I know that Voice, I hear that Voice and am no longer ignorant to my sin with food. I do see more obedience in regards to listening, but have in no way conquered it. I intend to listen more so that I can become more and more sensitive to His voice, and no matter what study we do next, I do want to do another one together, but I also know that we must continue to ask one another how we are obeying in regards to our eating. I know we have ALL learned a deal about ourselves and about God through this that we are more accountable to each other and to God to listen and obey. Let's do that for one another.

I love the idea of what Sam had mentioned on the phone this morning, but I don't know if we are ready to do that or not. Whatever we do, and I'd love to start it soon, (though going through Luke with church would be fine too) we should do a new blog to go along with it. This has been good. What're your thoughts? Also, just for the sake of finishing, we should each end with our weight in the same way we started with it. I'm not too excited to do that, but it is a good conclusion along with our final thoughts.

I also wanted to thank you guys for the good conversation this morning. I love to hear from you guys and hash things out. It was refreshing and uplifting and I hope you all feel the same way. It just solidifies in my mind the fact that we need to do another study of some kind soon, if not right away! I love you both and am very grateful for your influence in your families, my life and in Christianity in general. We need more open an honest people in the world who aren't afraid to be vulnerable and don't act like all things are perfect in life. Charade-less women (at least most of the time. After all, we aren't perfect).

Study is Done!

Hey girls. Well, I can say that I have completed the study. It was very eye opening and thought provoking and I learned a lot. Can I say, "I am now a woman of moderation. Check!" Uh, no. However, I feel like I have tools, resources and knowledge that I have never before had and I feel like that is great. I still have a looong way to go, but I truly do look forward to the day when I have true freedom in this area of my life. I have had other battles in my life that God has set me free from, so I know He can do this for me to, in His time. I am thankful that my heart's desire is to be a woman of moderation! How about you? Any final thoughts as we complete this study? And where to now?

I am also so thankful for the discipline and accountability of being in a study with you girls. No, I haven't been completely consistent, but I have made it somewhat of a habit to be in the Word. I don't want that to go by the wayside now. I don't think I am ready to redo the Women of Moderation study right now - however, I think I will do it again sometime. For now, I am going to pick up in the Luke study that our church is doing.

How are you two doing? Sam, thank you for your honest confession. And good for you for seeing the sin for what it was. I know exactly what you are talking about with that and I know we wouldn't have had that revelation if it wasn't for this study. Good for you! Can't wait to hear from you two.

E

Confession Time!

Ouch, today's lesson hurt! I'm still in week seven, day 2, "While the meat was still between their teeth." I sometimes wonder why things happen like they do. Like why I am still on week 7...I was so sick last week that I didn't even do any of the study. Excuses could run for days, but I don't think it would have had the impact on me if I would have studied it any sooner. Being sick, I lost a couple of pounds...not the way I wanted, but loss nonetheless. I weigh less now than I did when I got pregnant with the girls. I'm still a good 60 lbs overweight, but I have to tell you, sick or not, I felt pretty good when I saw the scale number. (which triggers me to believe that could be a whole other therapy session in itself.) Anyway, long story short, I went to church for the first time in 3 weeks and wanted Mexican food last night after we were leaving Calvary. I didn't necessarily crave anything, I was just hungry, and bottom line....I just WANTED it. I didn't want to come home and have an egg sandwich, or whatever we could create out of our "end of the month...got to make it stretch...food items" we have here at the house. To be honest, our dining out budget was blown but that didn't matter to me. I wanted Mexican food. (stomp foot!) Well, my husband graciously stopped at the local Crazy Jose's and we ate dinner. I have to say, it was good, very good. It was there that I fell into the hands of the enemy. It wasn't the tantrum I through in my mind, or even the endless chips and hot sauce, but my noncompliance with obeying the little voice that told me "that is enough." Over and over again, I ignored it...like a screaming child in a public place...or the pink elephant in the room. I knew what I was doing at the time, and I felt bad, but not bad enough to stop. Once I came home, I started feeling bloated from all of the chips and salt, etc. but hey, "it was good." This morning I woke at 4:30 feeling so bloated and full...like my stomach is in my throat. I know it isn't a coincidence that today's lesson was meant for just this moment. I'm such an Israelite. I whined because I wanted other food ...all the while God had provided good food for me to eat at home. I through a fit and God allowed me over to myself. Now I feel sick, bloated, greasy...all to my own doing. Lord, forgive me for being defiant...allow me to feel this way all day...as a reminder that you want me to listen to you. Your manna is sufficient for me. When I take my eyes off you, food does become my idol. Help it not to be so today. Forgive me for being a spoiled brat. Girls, I need tough love right now, don't let me rationalize my behavior.

How are the two of you doing? Hope to hear from you soon. Lots of love-have a great, moderate day!

Sam'

Ah, the Color Green

I thought I wouldn't have to have this topic of conversation again since the girls potty trained. I'm afraid I will have to if this virus doesn't stop. I took Bailey to the doctor yesterday because she ran a 105 fever the night before. Some type of weird virus. She hasn't gotten the green stuff yet, and she is playing like she never had a temp. Me on the otherhand, can barely take a full breath without going into a coughing fit and then OF COURSE, pee my pants. Lovely! I knew I should have kept some pads on hand. Anyway, I am just now doing dishes from Monday/Sunday ...I stayed on the couch pretty much all day yesterday. I thought I'd wake this morning well and rested but not so fast. I think I'm going to run and pick the kids some dinner up and call it a night. Paul won't get home until 9 or so and by then, I will probably be back in bed. If I feel bad again tomorrow, I will get to the doctor. I don't have anyone to watch the kids and I refuse to get my mother sick. She has offered, but no way. Dad isn't having a good day today, but I can't go check on him either. Paul and I discussed the fact that if he would get this, it could very well kill him. Not going to live with that guilt.

As for the fudgepops, well...my wonderful husband couldn't find the cheap kind, so opted out of buying me any! How dare he! Doesn't he understand that you can't put a price on a good fudge pop...especially when you're sick? So with that, he came home with Blue Bunny, Sweet Freedom (no sugar added) Black raspberry frozen dairy dessert bar. At least they are covered in chocolate! Only 90 calories. They were so good that after the first one I thought I'd have another, only to hear "woman of moderation" whisper through my ears! So I didn't have another one until the next day. :)

Okay, need to go...just coughed!

S'

Are you better?

Ugh! What a weekend. I hope NOT to try that method anytime soon. Hope you enjoyed your Fudgcicles. Michelle is on the farm, so I don't know how much we'll hear from her until later this week.

Love,
E

The KEY to weekend weightloss!!!

Okay, well the trip would have been fun, but it is Sunday night and I am home. I woke yesterday with "one of my headaches," vomitted, and then felt good enough to plot out on our trip. When we arive, I have a 101 fever. BAD idea...looks like I have the flu, or at least that is what I am assuming. I didn't eat anything at the party and finally broke my fever, only to run it again. A friend from Beaumont ended up driving us back home because all day today my temp has been at 102. Fun. Not eating...a little nauseous...hot/cold/hot/cold and my body feels like someone is trying to make a wish bone out of my legs. Paul asked if I needed anything from the store, ie Sprite, and I said fudge sickles. He ran to get me some only after making a funny comment about it not being for my physical well being, but for my mental sickness I have with ice-cream...fudge sickles particularly. I would have slapped him, but I was so bundled up with my thick fuzzy socks, long pants, sweatshirt and three covers, that it hurt too much to move. :) Yeah, I'm getting my fudge sickles in about 30 mins. Who's da man!? So I am now going to take my clammy self over and wait...:) I figured by not eating much this weekend, I can fudge a little tonight. I'm certain my weight loss will be less in the morning, but whoa...what a way to lose it. I think I prefer the other way! Talk to you tomorrow.

Hot Mama (sick, and still funny!)

Weekend Trip

No, not for all of "US", but for me and the kids. We are going to see our friends in Katy (about 2 1/2 hours away) today and the kids and I are staying and will be back on Monday night. I just thought I'd let you know so you don't think I'm skippin town on you. (well, I actually am, but you know what I mean.) This should be our last trip of the season. We were to go before our TN trip, but had to go to the funeral instead. The kids will see two sets of friends that haven't seen in a long time...one is driving in from San Antonio, so it will be one big slumber party. It will be fun, but I so wished it would be with you guys! I'll be back in touch on Tuesday! Have a great weekend.

Love,

Sam'