A Month of Change!

Ok, so this is it.... I have been praying, listening, praying, reading, praying, researching, praying, talking to others, praying..... did I mention praying :) It is no mistake that I have "stumbled upon" articles, verses, and blogs touching on life changes. What an encouragement other women are to me, sharing their struggles and challenges! I have been a reader and occasional commenter at http://www.incourage.me/ and in reading that this week was brought to another blog that interested me: http://beautyandbedlam.com/the-weight-loss-roller-coaster/. Most of you know that I have struggled with my weight for so many years now that it seems like forever. Without going into it all over again with all of you, I am still struggling, therefore this blog intrigued me. While I found interesting information there that I plan on using, I was more intrigued by the sense of community there was between the writer and her readers. I have been longing for community for some time and will expand upon that in another blog post.

The writer decided to do a 30 day shed.... work on eating better and moving each day. She is accountable to close friends and her readers. She is taking off the mask, letting the real her show, and being open and honest about her struggles. I read and admired her determination and prayed. Could I do such a thing? Boy,oh boy, if I committed to do this, like this, would be letting all of you my readers the opportunity to see me fail (again). Prayed more, advice kept coming at me like a freight train. So for the last two weeks I have been thinking, talking to my Father, and researching. Finally, this past weekend it all came together for me (I think!).

So, here it is my 31 day plan! I am focused and committed to making good food choices; eating to live not living to eat. Focusing on something other than what to eat next. I will move my God-given body for at least 30 minutes a day (no excuses).I have joined a dance class and have plans in place for the other six days too, some of it just hiking with my family! I got myself a no-nonsense accountability partner! This is so HUGE for me! I love her, she will tell me just how it is, I have no doubt. She already has me looking at ideas and sites online on how to accomplish some long term goals that I have. She is a fellow Christian sister who I know will be praying for me and I her as we start this new challenge together.

But this isn't all about my weight, either. In this 31 day plan, I am also working on "shedding" my masks, simplifying some of our financial obligations, living more in the moment with my family, and spending more intimate time with my Father. This last part is most important to me, I get so into just getting my devo time done, to say I do it, that I have lost the intimate part I once had with Him.

So, there it is! I am out here, exposed and open in front of you, my friends. Every Monday, I will try to update you on my progress for the week. Please pray for me when you think of it? My commitment at this point is just the 31 days, I am praying it continues but I need to go short term and I am know I can do a month!

Hebrew 12:11 reminds us that “No discipline is pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. “