Run from the scale!!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." Hebrews 12:1-2


Missed my blog yesterday since we were in Fredericksburg for family get together.  It was gorgeous day in the Hill Country, and I soo enjoyed my run thru downtown.  I used to focus on my time when I ran, but as I have matured (don't want to use "old"), I focus more now on just enjoying scenery, listening to some remixed Praise music, and just meditating, being grateful I can still get up and run!!
 
For those of you who don't know this little fact about me, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis 13 years ago when I was 29 after Avery was born.   There have been times when I could not dress myself, comb or wash my hair, and exercise was limited to only 20 min of forced workout on elliptical or underwater treadmill.  I had many joints swollen and so tender.  I would cry (alone so my family didn't see me) and ask God, "why me?? There are so many people out there that DON'T like to exercise, so why me??"   ( I am one of those weird people who truly enjoy exercise...but I found what I enjoy and have done it for over 20 years.).
 
But now I realize God doesn't give us more than we can handle and He always has a reason for our suffering.  Not sure exactly what His great plans are for me to help others with this disease (or just anyone dealing with chronic pain) but there have been some doors opening to some opportunities to use this "adventure" I've been on for 13 years to encourage others!  Let me stop here to thank the Lord Almighty for the healing He has brought on my body this last 6 months!! I was prayed over at a Ladies' Bible study few weeks ago, and felt the anointing of the Holy Spirit so overwhelming, that I can't really describe it.  So I'm giving God glory for this mountain top I'm on with my health and being able to run a few miles each week!!
Now, let's switch gears and talk about the deepest valley I think many many women and men go thru...the valley of the sacred number on a scale!
 
If you only get one thing from my blog, PLEASE hear this: DON'T  LET SATAN USE A NUMBER TO STEAL YOUR JOY!!  Can I get an "AMEN??!!"

You are so much more worthy of joy in simply knowing who you are as a child of God, versus some little gadget that can make us feel victorious or make us feel defeated with just a number!!
 
In the past 20 years I have heard so many people say they weigh daily.  Well I have one piece of advice....RUN FROM THAT SCALE!!   You will burn calories and not feel defeated if you start to weigh,  and instead turn around and go for a run/walk.  That is where you will find peace, mental clarity, and success!!   
 
Most people can fluctuate 2-4 pounds daily in their weight, simply due to fluid intake and sodium intake.  (salt makes you retain fluid, as well as carbonated drinks...yes I'm preaching to the choir on this one because most of y'all know I love my diet coke from Sonic!! Haha).  But seriously,  if you weigh daily, you set yourself up for disappointment and feeling like a failure.   So why do it?? Remember our goal for 2012 is to GAIN!!
 
Try this for the next 6 weeks: 
1) Weigh and measure yourself tomorrow (chest, waist, hips, thighs).  Write it down and tape it to back of bathroom door.  You can see it but if you have company, more than likely they wont! Ha
2). Exercise 4-5 days every week. Even if it's only 20 min a day do something!!  (tomorrow I'll post some easy at home exercises to do to boost your energy for the day and you don't need any equipment!)
3). Eat healthy 90% of the time for each week.   This takes pressure of you feeling like you have to eat perfect.   How many of us go out to eat Mexican food, eat a basket (or 2) of chips and salsa, only to beat ourselves up and say, "well I blew it so maybe next week I'll start my diet".   STOP THE NEGATIVE FEELINGS!!   Simply drink lots of water and green tea (natural detoxifier), and get back on the train!! You may feel like the caboose but ur still part of the train!!! (*see note below)
4). Stock up on fruits/ vegetables and be prepared!!! Keep raw almonds in your purse, car, drawer at work so your not tempted to find that snicker bar at the vending machine!! (I do love snickers btw!!)
5) At end of 6 weeks, weigh and measure yourself again (dont cheat and weigh early! Ha).   If scale hasn't budged but ur waist is smaller, then its time to celebrate!! Not with a warm brownie (again my fav!!)  and ice cream but go buy yourself a new shirt or better yet a new workout top so you feel good when you workout!!   Go back to your 5 things you want to gain and add:  FREEDOM FROM THE SCALE!!

Heaven Father, I thank you in advance for the chains that are going to be broken by even just one person who reads this.   I pray for women and men to be FREE from those lies Satan tells us by using a scale!!  Let Jesus' set you free from any foothold the the devil has on your with your worth being in a number; if Jesus sets you free, you will be free indeed! (John 8:36)   But Lord, we also ask you to convict us when we do NOT take care of our body in a way that is pleasing to you, because our body is YOUR temple! 
In Jesus' name!

* Note:   Do you ever "over-indulged" at a meal or travel out out of town and feel blah (haven't had my good healthy foods and traveling makes me crave junk sometimes ya know what I mean?).  That is when I love having shakeology!! It detoxifies junk from our body through all the natural ingredients, boosts my energy level back up, and gets me right back on track...almost up to the engine with just one shake! Ha
For example, being at hotel this weekend and eating little more bread and some birthday cake at party plus traveling in car 5.5 hours, I can't wait to have my shake for supper tonight!!   I will do a shakeology cleanse for couple days after a trip to really detoxify.  Then watch out...this engine is full speed ahead and running... not to the scale to see if I will be happy for the day but running because I feel better and want lifetime of joy!