5/3/14

     Wow, it's quite miraculous that I got back to my blog, since I thought all had been accidentally deleted.  Turns out it wasn't difficult to find after all.
     I read my initial posts.  I have quite a bit to update since then.  I'll summarize greatly.  Suffice it to say I wasn't successful starting back on WW as I'd intended.  So, in the over a year since I stopped WW, I've gained 35+ lbs. back.  I haven't weighed myself in several weeks, so it could be more.
    But I'm very excited to say I'm trying a new program.  I'd heard of it through church, CRCC.  I missed the first class altogether.  By the time I heard of the 2nd class, it was already 5 weeks into it.  I knew I'd never be able to catch up and I didn't want to rush through it anyway.
     It's called The Lord's Table, published by Setting Captives Free.  Although it's chief tenet is 'a Biblical approach to weight management', it can certainly be used to address other areas of weakness.   I was SO excited to learn of the program, and so disappointed to have missed it twice, that I volunteered to 'lead' another class, if there's enough interest.  Surprisingly, the church didn't have a problem w/it.  The main caveat being, will there be enough interest.  So, I'm doing the study myself now.  I need to do about 3 - 4 weeks ahead before starting the class.  It's so good I think I need to set up a notebook because most of my question answers have been longer than the space provided.
     My observation of course difficulty, it's not as difficult as Bible Study Fellowship, but it's so personal, it makes it pretty heavy hitting. Convicting, but so rewarding.  There's so much good information, I read every word.  No skimming, or skipping anything in this study.
      I also HIGHLY recommend having a good highlighter handy, you'll need it.  And I've been highlighting all references on my iPad Bible.  A very neat feature.  I've highlighted a color for the scripture in the study, and a different color for verses I'd like to memorize.
     I really need to do another day's lesson before hitting the sack, but I wanted to document some things I've already taken away from the 4 days lessons I've completed.  That's just FOUR days.  I don't want to get so far ahead in the study that I forget the "ah ha" moments.
     Day One--Topic:  Motivation.  I had not idea what I was in for, it was so good.  Loved it that a verse I marked as wanting to memorize turns out to be the memory verse for the week!  1 Corinthians 10:31  Just a few highlights from Day 1 lesson:  ". . .the motivation for the Christian must be to honor The Lord in EVERYTHING . . ."  (my emphasis added)  Personal prayer--"Would you please change my heart to desire Your glory above all else?"  ". . . the primary purpose of my heart is to honor The Lord."  The testimony from Pastor Tom, most of it applied to me.
      Day One doesn't go into any eating plan or tips, except to raise the awareness of my wrong, sinful eating.  For example, I'd already packed my lunch for work the next day.  Overall a very healthy one,  the 'worst' item being some potato salad.  So the next morning, to avoid being tempted, I took it out.  Also, TLT (The Lord's Table) advocates not to eat until you feel actual stomach growling, so I did that also.  Quite a far cry from noshing on vegetables and fruit most of the day, as I used to do previously, even on WW.  I didn't miss the constant munching I'd been indulging,  regardless of how healthy.
     Next, speaking of raising awareness, I made myself walk at lunch.  TLT recommends doing SOME form of exercise 5 - 6 days/week for 30 min.  I'd been walking regularly previously and had almost completely slacked off except when my friend joined me.
     Another conscious awareness decision, on my walk, if it's the long one, I walk past a Starbuck's.  On the spur of the moment, I got an iced tea.  It wasn't until it was already prepared that I realized I could have cut the sugar back, and one step better, gotten the smaller size.  And, although I'd done neither of those things this time, I was already automatically processing small changes I could make.
     The last change resulting from just the first day study, I also told myself I was going to jog when I got home.  No hemming and hawing, excuse making or general laziness.  I got home, got into my running clothes, grabbed my music and went for a run.  Not a long one, I'm not in good enough shape yet, but I sure felt better afterwards.
     I'll have to write more later.  I have to get to bed.  My grandsons will probably be up early and I need to get some sleep so I'll make it to church on time w/them.  :-)