BEING REAL this GOOD FRIDAY

I have felt so discouraged this past week- like this weight is not going to fall off and all that I'm doing is for nothing. 
It would be easy for me to deny or even hide my discouragement or frustration but then I'd be lying and that is NOT me.  I am honest, not one sarcastic bone in my body and I wear my emotions on my sleeve.

So every day I commit myself to God and remain focused that this is a LIFE JOURNEY.  I'm on a walk and sometimes you get tired and you stop.  You stop and refuel, refocus, and then you get up and keep walking.  You look at your map or talk to your guide and you keep walking. 

God you are my guide, your Word is my map and your Spirit is my strength within me.  And You sheild and protect me from the battles that rage around me-

"The Lord is my strength and my sheild; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped." Psalm 28:7

Today is Good Friday.  Its a good day for me because of Jesus not giving up on me or humanity. Its a good day because He gave it all.  Its a good day because we showed me the ultimate act of love on that cross.

Thank you for not giving up on me, Lord.  Help me to not give up on You or myself.

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Achieving Any Healthy Habit

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to pick up a bad habit, but when you have a goal to set a good habit, it seems to be an uphill battle?

Maybe you've been working on eating better, working out regularly, or even just trying to wake up earlier. And sometimes you are super determined, you stick to the plan, and next thing you know, the first week is over and you're right on track.

The trouble with making something a habit is it has to become second nature. As in, you get to the point where you don't even think twice about it. And until you've reached that point, it is so easy to get discouraged and give up.

Over the years I've heard a lot of people talk about how it takes 21 days to form a habit. I think you and I both know that is so beyond false! If you have been carrying around a bad eating habit for nearly your whole life time, how realistic is it to expect that to change in 21 days?

Some habits may take a shorter or longer time to pick up, but I'm going to tell you right now - don't expect it to happen overnight. Don't expect it to happen in a month. In fact, new studies show it takes an average of 66 days to form a habit.

That number may seem scary to you. "Dani, I can barely get myself to work out 2 days in a row - let alone 66 days!" Remember, it all starts with a decision. When you make a solid decision and follow it with action, you will succeed.

That being said, here are a couple practical tips that will help you take continuous action towards forming good, healthy habits:

Working up to your goal will make it easier on you, and make your goal more attainable. It is just like when you make smaller appointments to achieve business or financial goals. Break whatever good habit you want to achieve into smaller pieces so you can gain a little at a time.

Start slow! For example, if you want to start working out, start by doing it a couple minutes a day and work your way up to longer and more intense workouts. If the goal is to wake up an hour earlier - that first day, just wake up 5 minutes early. Then move the time back in 5 minute increments until you reach your goal. If you want to eat better, start small. Focus on making small changes instead of changing everything all at once.

Don't get discouraged. Messing up one day is NOT a setback. I see this all the time. People start eating healthy, and after a week they miss a day. And then they miss two days. After that they just give up. There is no such thing as back tracking in good habit forming!

One really good way to not get discouraged is to celebrate your success. If you have worked up to exercising 15 minutes a day or waking up 10 minutes earlier - pat yourself on the back! Even if you messed up one day out of the whole week, it doesn't discount all the progress you made. You are still better off then you were the week before.

I sincerely hope you use these tips in your life and also use it to help encourage others. If you know of someone who has been trying to develop some good habits in life, celebrate their small milestones with them! Pass this Daily Fix on to them just to let them know what a great job they are doing!

© 2013 DaniJohnson.com. A Division of Call To Freedom International

He's a Gentleman

"When you draw close to God, God will draw close to you."

James 4:8 TLB.
Really feeling that God needs to mean more than going to church on Sunday, then saying you're a follower of Jesus Christ, mean more than being a "good person". God, your creator, wants to be connected to you- but He's a gentleman and He has given us free choice to accept this invitation.

 

This morning, I want to choose to draw close to God, let Him in, let Him get personal and examine my heart, my feelings, my motives and my dreams. Because when you let Him in, His love for you and His desire for you to be the best you can be, overshadows anything else in your life. - Quote by Cherri Bornman on March 28, 2013

Its Not About Me

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness."
Psalm 115:1 NRSV

Seriously, what girl doesn't love to be dotted upon, spoiled or just plain "get all the attention."  I don't think it's just a girl problem.  It's human nature!  We were designed to be loved, cared for, taken care of and feel like we are everything to someone.

Well, I hate to burst your bubble, but it really isn't about you or me.  We were created with a purpose. A purpose to honor God, to be a living sacrifice, to be in relationship with our creator and do great things in this life - GREAT THINGS THAT HONOR HIM.....not me. Now let me reaffirm you though that God does want good things for us and He wants to bless us.  In the end, it's really about being blessed because it's about Him and His attributes and not about me.

So today as I think about my journey to be healthy, lose weight and honor God with a life that is self controlled in all areas, I stop and realize that it's not about me and what I want.  It's about what He wants. 

When I surrender and submit my struggles and let Him work through me, I will do great things because He is empowering me so that I can bring glory for His name sake.

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5:16

Oh that I can be that person that is selfless and filled up with His purposes.

Side Thought:
Sometimes we fail because we make agendas that are not His agendas.  God let my desire to be healthy focused on honoring you with what I do when I exercise and what I put in my body to fuel it to complete your kindgom work.  Amen!

Being Faithful Without Instant Rewards

Below is an email I sent Cornelius today :

I feel discouraged this morning: 

1. I feel discouraged about money. I feel like we’re doing the right things but I HATE feeling strapped and not having money to go and purchase things when I want and living by a restrictive budget.  It’s depressing. 

2.  I feel discouraged about my weight. People told me Sunday it looks like I’m losing weight- but I weighed myself and I honestly think I gained 4 pounds!!  Then I told myself I wouldn’t weigh myself until a month later which would be April 7^th.  And I really am trying and it seems like I’m not losing fast enough. 

It feels like I’m doing the right things and not getting the results.  And I am all about having results or having rewards.  That motivates me. Its hard to do good things with no rewards- I’m whining. L

So then I read this verse:

"Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness." Psalm 34:8-9 MSG

I know God is good and faithful.  That He gives me all that I need and that He provides a way out when I am tempted. I know that He has blessed me......"I know and I know".....but its so easy to focus on what I'm not getting. 

Worshiping God is about being connected to him in heartfelt relationship and allowing Him to live fully in me and overflow His love and goodness into my life.  Its not about getting what I want when I want it.

And probably the most difficult for me is this:  BEING FAITHFUL TO WHAT I KNOW IS RIGHT, EVEN IF I DON'T GET WHAT I WANT. 
Its hard to be faithful, disciplined, self controlled in what you eat when you don't see instant results. 

We live in a instant gratification society and world.  Why wait?  Get what you want now with no work.  Or if you want that car, just go purchase it and get a loan. Or put it on your credit card or "I'll worry about watching what I eat tomorrow."  Or, "I'm overweight so I should look into meds or surgery"

So these are the things we're working at in my house and I'm not seeing instant results:
1. we are saving money and paying on old bills that we just let sit. And boy does it get old when you work really hard and see your check instantly gone to bills and savings.   THE POSITIVE UP to this is that we're saving $500/month right now.  How cool is that!
2. I'm working hard to count calories, keep track of making healthy choices and exercising a minimum of 3 days per week.  And the weight still just seems to cling to me!!!  THE POSITIVE UP to this is that I can tell that I have more stamina in my Insanity work outs.  I'm doing more reps.  I'm getting stronger and building my endurance.

So Lord, here I am. Your child who wants to live right, be healthy, and be a temple of your Holy Spirit. I want to encourage others to live their life with joy and see Your blessings.  But God, today I ask that you forgive my impatience. And I see how much I need YOU- I need you to be all that I need.  That I would remain steadfast and thankful for your faithfulness and not focused on my agenda or on what I want.  Let it be what You want Lord. Let this be from my heart and not just words. I pray this in Jesus Name, Amen.

The New is Here!

Good Morning!!  It's a brand new day!!  Have you heard that song by Mandisa?  Its ringing in my head this morning.....It truly is a brand new day. And I loved it when in Anne of Green Gables the Novel, Anne's teacher says to her "Tomorrow is a brand new day, with no mistakes in it."

New beginnings are so hopeful- they make us feel clean and that we can face the challenge refreshed and empowered. 

Today is the first day of Spring and on the radio this morning they were talking about verses that remind us of new beginings. And I was thinking how I am in a new beginning.

Below is something I wrote Cornelius to tell him how I was feeling:

"I’m tired…..I think because all I can think about is losing weight.  I’ve been reading some amazing blogs from women like me- who were big and beautiful.  Their husbands loved them the way they were but they had these “aha” moments when they were like “I really am fat” and then decided to do something about it.

Now they are skinny and even more beautiful……many of them have stories where they are trying to relearn to eat clean, exercise and track what they eat.  The journey never ends but continues and sometimes its easy and other times its not.

It’s like with any addiction or stronghold in your life- once you’ve been suspectible to it, it’s like Satan will bring it back to try to bring you down.

I feel like this road I’m on will never end and that I have SO MUCH TO DO to lose weight.  It’s hard to keep my mind focused and not focused on my weight…..I know, it sounds crazy to talk about this with you.  But I figured you should know where I’m at."

I don't want my new beginning to be focused on losing weight.

I want it to be focused on being NEW in CHRIST- this verse comes to mind this morning: 

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:  The old has gone, the new is here!"   

2 Cor. 5:17

THE NEW IS HERE!!  THE OLD WAY OF LIFE IS GONE!  You know, when we confess something to God and ask him to cover it or to forgive us, the Bible says He remembers it no more.  We are the ones going back to it and remembering it. 

So with this whole weight thing, I bring it to God and I say "God, I confess I have had the most unhealthy lifestyle and affair with food.  I need you to help me, to deliver me and to empower me with your Spirit to defeat this demon in my life. In Jesus Name, Amen."

And the beautiful thing is, THAT HE HEARS THAT CONFESSION and forgives and HE ALSO HEARS THAT NEED and meets it.  God is in the business of restoring and empowering people.  So that we can shine and be his stars! 

When our heart is to delight in Him and to live a life that honors Him, he will give us the desires of our heart.

"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart; Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your case like the noonday sun." Psalm 37:4-6

So if I have confessed, THE OLD HAS GONE and the NEW HAS COME!  God has given me this new beginning and wants to see me succeed.  He doesn't want me to fail.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

So guess what?!  Its a brand new day, a new beginning and God wants to see you succeed. He wants to see you thrive and prosper and He wants to see the NEW in YOU. :)

Be blessed today!!

Pictures from March 14-16, 2013

 

Like my new hair do?  I went and got it all cute for our little weekend away to Little River Casino in Manistee for Cornelius' work dinner party.  I was just happy to be able to get some alone time with my husband. We've never stayed at a Casino Hotel so that was a different experience.  The room was very nice but I didn't care for the smokey environment. The dinner party was excellent though.  The one part we could have done without was the hypnotist.  Cornelius and I stayed for the entainment just because we've never seen one and just wanted to see how they work.

We both were trying to think if we've been away overnight together since Jaelle was born but then we remembered last year we went to a leadership retreat for chuch overnight and so that was one night we were away from the kids.  But seriously, once a year for one night away together isn't enough.  We're going to try to plan another get away soon.

 

On our way to Little River Casino Resort for his work party.  Cornelius just shaved off his beard for the event.  One friend from church was all worried because he is Jesus in the Easter Play and now has no beard.  He grows hair like an ape and will have a beard in 2 weeks again. 

 

 

A healthy morning breafkast under just under 250 calories.  I love my Advocare Spark energy drink. Its better to start my day with that instead of coffee. And the bagel sandwhich could be a lunch sandwhich but I toast it and eat it with a 35 calorie Laughing Cow Low Fat Swiss Cream Cheese Wedge and it's just so amazingly good.

 

 

Larita took this picture of Jaelle- doesn't she look adorable? And she's feeling so much better. Larita has been such a blessing to our family and we're thankful to have her in our lives to care for our children while Cornelius and me work.

YOUR EXAMPLE SHAPES YOUR CHILDREN'S FUTURE

So I did the insanity work out last night with a group of girls at church and it totally kicked my butt again.  But I'm still keeping at it and believing God is going to continue to give me the strength and right mental, emotional attitude for this journey.
Abby and Becca and my little Jaelle have been such great support and right by my side.  Abby watched Jaelle during the workout so that me and Becca could have fun working out.  Jaelle came out during part of the work out and did some jumping and dancing moves- totally made me love the work out even though I felt like I couldn't go at it any longer.  That little gal totally got me pumped!
I was telling a co-worker this morning how my eating and lifestyle totally effects my children.  I had a test last night.  After the work out I had to stop to fill my van with gas.  Becca said "Mom, when you go to the gas station I want to go in and get some food. I'm so hungry."  And in my mind I was like, "I know she's hungry and it won't hurt to reward her since she was exercising so much tonight."  But then I thought, "No, we can wait till we get home and eat the good food we have at home."  I told Becca this and she was upset and I started feeling guilty and then realized that I was allowing guilt and "rewarding with food" to direct my decision.  So I nipped it in the bud and remained firm and confident in that we would eat food when we got home.  And in the end, Becca was fine with it and the fit ended.  So I almost gave in to that food demon of emotional eating but in the end I won!!  When we got home we had yogart, cheese, milk and graham crackers.  Then we read a book before bed and I felt like we really fed our bodies right- we exercised, we played together, we fed our minds by reading a good book and we rested well because our bodies were cared for. 

Here is some spiritual food for thought today:
"I delight to do thy will, O my God; thy Law is within my heart." Psalm 40:8

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double -edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

THIS IS MY READING FOR TODAY from DaniJohnson.com

YOUR EXAMPLE SHAPES YOUR CHILDREN'S FUTURE

As parents, we have a deep desire to see our children grow up to be honorable, responsible adults. We long to see our kids succeed financially, relationally, and in every area of their lives. We have this hope that they will avoid the mistakes we've made, and they will far surpass our own level of success.
We do our best to give our children the best possible start in life. Sometimes we succeed in that, and other times we totally miss the mark.
Whether you make a conscious decision to set the best possible example for your kids or not, they are always watching you. And they will follow your example. No matter what kind of example you set, they will follow it.
That may give you shivers down your spine right now. But I promise, it's okay. There is a reason you are reading this right now.
Kids see so much more than we realize. They catch on so quickly, and our habits soon become their habits. Our way of thinking quickly becomes their way of thinking.
Your kids are watching you, and they will do what you do. They will spend how you spend, talk how you talk, and eat how you eat.
When they see you stopping by the grocery store on your way home, buying more food when you have a pantry full of food, guess what message that sends to your kids? It tells them it's okay to buy in excess just because you have the money. Or when you go shopping for yet another pair of black shoes or a new cell phone, and you whip out your credit card, you are showing them that it's okay to go into debt for stuff.
How about this one... Do your kids see you spending too much time in front of the mirror or making negative comments about your weight or appearance? Do they see you spending hours at the gym? Or on the flip side, do they see you plop down on the couch to watch TV every day and never getting any exercise? Do they see you obsessing over food, either to one extreme or the other?
Do they hear you gossip about your boss or your co-workers? Do they hear you complain about what your boss said yesterday or how you hate your job? What about this one... "I hate Mondays!"
What I'm trying to say is your kids are watching what you do, and they will pick up your habits and mindsets. They will follow your example. These things are shaping their future and shaping the kind of person they will grow up to be.
In fact, this actually goes for leaders of companies, teachers, and businesspeople as well. This applies to employees, community leaders, and even kids and teens!
We are all products of our environment. Your employees are a product of their environment - your office. Your students are a product of their environment - your classroom. Your children are a product of their environment - you.
There are things in our lives that we never thought (consciously or subconsciously) would affect anyone other than ourselves. But the second you step into a leadership position, whether that role is as a mother, a manager, a teacher, a CEO, or a community leader, your life is no longer your own.
Some people may read this and break down in tears because they realize they have, without even knowing it, set an example for their kids that is not setting them up for success. Others will take this message as confirmation that they are on the right track, and they are giving their kids the best possible start in life.
Whichever category you fall into, know this: You are not held accountable for what you did not know.
But now that you have this information and you are aware that your actions have a massive impact in other people's lives, you have to make a decision to set the right example. Be intentional in your words and actions. Those around you, especially your kids, are soaking it all up. They are watching you, and they will replicate you. So choose to set your kids up for success instead of unintentionally setting them up for failure.
I pray this message gives you hope today! I hope this has either reinforced some things for you or helped you start to build a solid foundation for your children. Either way, I want you to know that I believe in you. You are being prepared to raise smart, strong, successful kids, and I really believe that you can do it!

More Than Able! Day 5

It's amazing what counting your calories and a little exercise can do to you!!! Already lost a few pounds this week on day 5! But those of you who are on this journey with me, hold me accountable! I'm not going to weigh myself until April 7th. I want to do a monthly weigh in. :) Let's focus on good choices and inches lost verses numbers on the scale this month.

Last night we went to our church to participate in the Insanity Work Out that is going on each night at 7pm.  It totally kicked my butt!!  Cornelius and Abby did it with me. I have such a supportive family :)  Cornelius told me that he needs to lose a little since he gained some winter pounds.  And it truly is all about being active and healthy.

MY SPIRITUAL APPLICATION TODAY:

Its easy to be focused on the things in me and on me that I don't like and become discouraged or depressed.  HOW IMMATURE AND SHALLOW!!  The JOY of the Lord is my strength!  Find that Joy in what God is doing in you and that He has enabled you to go on to the heights.  With Him, all things are possible.   GOD'S WORD IS FULL PROMISES THAT ENABLE US TO DO AMAZING THINGS! And those amazing things are in all areas of your life. Not just in your marriage, family, career or church activities. But in your body and health.  God did the most amazing act of will and sacrifice when he faced the cross and experienced excruciating pain and persecution.  God promised that when He left this world He was leaving us a helper, the Holy Spirit.  And I'm asking God's Holy Spirit to give me the strength, the will and the power to conquer obesity in my life.

"God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."2 Cor. 9:8

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us..."

Ephesians 3:20

WE ARE MORE THAN ABLE TO CONQUER THOSE STRONGHOLDS IN OUR LIVES!! LET'S DO THIS!

Starting again

So here I am.  Starting my journey again to be intentional and disciplined in my weight loss.  I took this picture on Saturday March 9th and I thought "I don't look too bad". But when I weighed in on Sunday, I have gained 14 pounds back that I had just lost last summer. I had lost a total of 30 pounds and gained back 14 pounds.....  I've been thinking again about taking God's hand and going on this road again with Him.  I get afraid because it requires discipline, sacrifice and putting myself face to face with "self"- yep, self.  The person who puts her selfish desires ahead of what is right or good.  Food isn't bad. But it can be bad if you don't use it for what it was intended for- and that is to fuel the body and not gorge yourself or entertain yourself with it. Or what I do- the mindless emotional eating.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." Ephesians 6:10 KJV

So Lord, here I go again. Asking you to  help me on this journey.  That I would remain steadfast, faithful, disciplined with YOUR HELP and YOUR POWER in me through your Spirit.  I pray this in Jesus name, Amen.

I'll keep you posted of what I'm doing.  Right now I am counting calories.  I haven't decided when I'll do the cleanse again with Advocare. And right now, I'm taking those baby steps.  I'm writing down my food and calories and plan to add the walking again as it gets warmer.

SO HERE GOES!!  Keep me in your prayers!!

Silly Elmo Girl

Jaelle really loves watching Elmo.  And she thinks she pretty silly too.  We had just finished her bath and put her Elmo pajamas on and then she saw all these bows and wanted to put them on. I couldn't resist. 

Riding her dino friend.

Look at me mom! I can do tricks!

Silly girl!

How low can you go?!

Very Sick Jaelle

 

Sunday March 3, 2013 will forever be etched in my mind as a day that I will never forget. Jaelle had a seizure and was then admitted to stay at Gratiot Medical center.  Seeing your child turn stiff, contorted, drooling, grey in color, blue in the lips and then lifeless after the seizure- you as a parent are helpless.  You can only plead for God to spare your child and help you.  Cornelius was so calm, peaceful and was my assurance that she was going to be alright.  He had just finished first aide training a few weeks ago for work and was able to put into practice what he had learned.  These are the pictures from right before the seizure to after the seizure at at the hospital.  The doctor told us that it was unpreventable. The seizure was a result of the fever rising too quickly.  She was admitted to the hospital dehydrated, double ear infection, fever of 104, low white blood cell count and a rash as a result of the virus.  My poor child just was having a very difficult time fighting off the virus. She was just very sick.  And this was the weekend I was supposed to be gone at a women's retreat.  I remember thinking to myself that the only way I would miss the women's retreat is if I got sick with the stomach flu.  Well, it happened. I got sick. And I remember thinking "God, there is a reason that I'm sick and missing the retreat."  If I had gone, I wouldn't have been home when Jaelle had her seizure.  God knew this, and knew that Jaelle needed her mommy to be home and take care of her at the hosptial.  God knows all things and when things happen that just don't seem to make sense or don't seem to fit our agenda, well, guess what? God knows best and they fit His agenda/plan. I'm so glad that God interrupted my plans to make sure that I was where I was supposed to be! 

 

Your children are a precious gift, a treasure from God. Your time with them is only known by God. How important it is to invest in them and impart His love and presence and power in their lives.

 

 

Sunday morning at 11:30am. She was out cold and feeling not good at all. Cornelius and the girls went to church, the potluck and Easter Drama Practice. I stayed home with Jaelle because she had a fever.

 

We watched a Kid's Worship Video for our spiritual food that sunday morning. Can you see the top of Jaelle's head?

Before she fell asleep she looked at me and said "Mommy hold me..I sick"

 

 

Mommy and Jaelle

Look at those sweet eyes and I love that she sucks her thumb.

At the ER at Gratiot Medical Center after the seizure.

Her arm all wrapped up to protect the IV that took 5 pokes an over an hour to get put in.

Sleeping peacefully at the hospital.  She slept so much.  Her body was just wiped out!

Playtime in bed

Walking the halls.  Actually, acidentally her IV cord had seperated and she was walking away from me and her IV fluid bag!  We found that pink baby stroller in the play room. And we walked round and round the halls with that thing with her baby doll in tote.

Grandma came to visit Jaelle in the hospital.

Pastor Stephen and Chris Shebester came while Jaelle was napping with a bag of goodies-books and this little horse teddy was her favorite. She just loved it.

Isn't she just adorable? Just love this sweet picture. She was finally starting to feel a little better.

They released us Monday night at 9pm from the hospital.  Her white cell count was up and she hadn't had a fever on Monday while there. So we asked to go home and they doctor let us. 

 

We're home and mending.  Each day getting stronger.  What have I learned from this experience?  That our children are just on loan from God...they are His gift to us and we are to love them and rear them in the way that Christ would want us to. 

" God, give me the grace, strength and wisdom to mother this gift. I thank you that you are with me always and that you will never forsake me or my children.  I pray this in Jesus Name, Amen."