Who Am I to Talk about Good Health?

Scripture for the day: "And God also selected (deliberately chose) what in the world is lowborn and insignificant and branded and treated with contempt...so that no mortal man should [have pretense for glorifying and] boast in the presence of God." I Corinthians 1:28-29
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I survived the road trip!

This was a major hurdle, because as I mentioned in the previous post, this was not a trip just anywhere. It was to my birthplace, a small town with many great relatives and lots of childhood food memories.

But in addition to that, there were several gas station stops on this 12-hour drive. On Sunday, I was in a convenience store in St. Louis, and at 11 a.m., found my eyes fixed on a king-size Snickers candy bar. It looked so thick and fat in the brown wrapper. I could almost envision my teeth sinking into the mound of chocolate, peanuts, and nougat. I shook myself back to reality, telling myself: "Even your old self didn't indulge in a candy bar this early in the morning. Get your juice and get it together, woman!" I stayed on my plan, journaling every food and bit of exercise.

Now that I've been home a couple days, it feels good to get back into my routine.

About 2 weeks ago, I re-joined the local Y after a 2-year hiatus due to budget constraints. They had a special going, so a family membership seemed like a good idea. Had to convince myself it was an investment in our health. Funny how we don't think twice about spending money on junk foods, or gourmet ice cream, or going out to eat, but we think of all kinds of reasons why we can't afford things that are conducive to our well being.

Anyhoo, this week I ran into a seasoned man who I've had the pleasure of taking many exercises classes with. Was my face a bit red when, after light conversation getting re-acquainted, he said something to the effect that here I was again, and I knew what to do to get more fit because, after all, I'd done it a couple times before.

I suppose he was alluding to my fluctuating weight over the years. I could have been offended, but I knew he was right. I DO KNOW what to do. Heck, many of you reading this who have issues with food or weight KNOW what to do. I'd venture to say that MOST people with weight or food issues KNOW what to do. We are practically experts because we have lost and gained, lost and gained.

Yes, we may fall down, let ourselves go, or fall off the chuck wagon. But thank God for Jesus. It is by His strength that we "get back up again," as the song by Donnie McClurkin goes.

Who am I to talk about good health? At last weight a month ago, I tipped the scale at 283, having regained at least 40 pounds in the past 3 years. Yet I can talk about it because I have tasted and seen serious weight loss several times. I yearn for better health, and now I am doing my best to get it again. I am endeavoring to be better, more fit, for my very life.

This is Day 33 of my health and fitness journey. Looking in the mirror today, I don't like that my belly hangs. Rather than dwell on the negative, I meditate on the positives: building discipline, exercising again, opting not to eat after 8 p.m. Oh, and gorgeous, God-made veins are re-surfacing. THAT'S what I choose to focus on.

I give God the glory for bringing me -- us -- this far. Let's continue on, praying for strength, praying that He will use us, transform us, so we may encourage others.

I want to live, and I believe you do, too, or you wouldn't have read this far. I hope and pray this blog is an encouragement to you, as I encourage myself in this journey.

Let's keep in mind this wonderful, assuring scripture: "And God also selected (deliberately chose) what in the world is lowborn and insignificant and branded and treated with contempt...so that no mortal man should [have pretense for glorifying and] boast in the presence of God." I Corinthians 1:28-29

Thank you for stopping. Please leave a message below, or contact me at: escribemama@gmail.com