Get Some

This morning I shaved 4 minutes off my mile just by jogging some of it.  I did not go for a time run but instead I had a tangible distance.  One step at a time I moved closer to a 16min mile. I know for some of you that may be your 3 mile pace, but I am 3 times your weight too so it is a wash. Today pick a spot and push through it no matter how hard or strange it may feel at first.  Be determined to reach your goal and not give up before you get your breakthrough........Live free and be Strong......Operation get Skinny in full effect.......

Today.....I am

It has been almost 4 1/2 months since my first blog.  I have lost 40 pounds and completed my 1st 5k.  I have also written 72 blogs between then and now about the journey.  Along the way there has been many people who have helped and encouraged me to keep pushing, and even a few boneheads who have been discouraging. The joke is on them because I am an over-comer. I have had a tremendous opportunity to get to know some other biggest loser 13 hopefuls, who remind me daily that I am not alone in this struggle.  That being said some days I think I should attend Over-eaters Anonymous because I get cravings that make me want to stick my hand in hot fudge and eat until my mouth was tired. Thankfully I know that is not the best option for me today. My family has also found a church that feels like home with people who love Jesus and are working towards a better future. Now that everyone is caught up to speed with my journey we can move forward to destination skinny (borrowed from a friend but love it).

WARNING......if my blogs sound preachy or mention the name of Jesus to much for you I am sorry you feel that way but the journey has became more than just my weight loss.  I have stirred the fire that is in my heart for Jesus and I will pursue His will with the same drive I use for my weight loss...........Live free and be strong.......

I am....

I am ______. You fill in the blank. What do you say about your self? What are you calling yourself? You set the foundation for how others will see you by the words you say.

In Exodus 3:14 God calls Himself "I AM". God know the people would know Him by that name. So next time you say "I am ...." think is that what you want to be known by.  I have said "I am fat" most of my life. I am learning now to say "My body is fat but I am sexy". I am a positive role model for change. I am an overcomer. I am able to run and not grow weary. I am a blogger. I am a speaker. I am living a life for God. I am............ What are you?  Live free and be strong.........

A walk to remember

This morning I had a walk with a new friend.  We have not spent much time together until today, it was like we had known each other forever.I felt as if I was looking in a mirror and not just because he is a big guy also. I believe it was the spirit of God in both of us. It is refreshing to spend time with someone who loves Jesus. We shared about the past, present, and future and how God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. I know this is a powerful friendship for the journey he and I are both on. God is good all the time. Live free and be strong..........

I do

This November my wife Mega and I will celebrate 10 years of marriage.  She is my best friend most days ( I am not the easiest person to deal with). When I said "I do" I intended to keep that true so I had to change my way of thinking towards her and others. I had to adjust my words and actions to that of a married man who was in a committed relationship. One rule we but into effect early was we never threaten to leave each other and never, ever, ever talk about divorce. Now I can't speak for her but I am stupid and hurtful when I am mad so these simple rules have kept me out of trouble over the years. It really was "I do" not "I will try". Commitment will allow change to happen. If you jump ship when things get rough you may be swallowed up by a whale like Jonah in the bible. Life is not easy and sometimes it is down right hard but you decide how to handle it. Your words reflect your heart and commitment towards your goal. I have been on this weight loss journey for a few months now but last night I realized I have to stop trying to eat right and just do it. I will not talk about being fat but instead I will focus on what life will be like when the weight is gone. Focus on the person you are becoming not the person you were. Vision stirs up passion and passion breeds work and work brings change. Catch the vision for your life and push to your future, you are worth it........

Dry Bones

I heard a sermon Sunday about the prophet Ezekiel prophesying to the dry bones.  Dry bones that took life through the move of God on the land brought forth by a willing servant. This sermon struck me to the core because it is the same message that God has been whispering in my ear for a few months.   I have cheated myself over the years because of my weight, and more so I have cheated the call of God on my life.  My weight is my sin to bare no different than an old school scarlet letter.  I have hidden my gifts and talents from everyone around me.  I have allowed my lust for food and pleasures of my flesh to dry out the life in my bones like the valley Ezekiel was carried away to by the Lord.  The wind of life and change is blowing around us and it is time to become a people who are alive. God is calling us out of our dry place and into a land of plenty.  The spirit of God is reviving a people who are hungry for Him and not that of the flesh.  We are called to be a people of change and that change starts with ourselves.  Make change happen in your life........

still small voice

   In the bible the prophet Elijah had an encounter with God while hiding out in a cave. (1 Kings 19:9-12)  Elijah just had an amazing victory in his life but now he is hiding out from his life.  Elijah had ran away from his accomplishments at the first sign of a fight.  He begins telling God how alone he is and that he fears for his life.
  We all have voices in our heads some voices may not be as loud but it is still there.  I can only speak for myself here but I know that the inner critic in my head is just mean. I never feel good enough at anything because I hear the voice telling me I am a failure and will always be that way. With all the weight loss I have had so far I should feel good but I feel fear.  I did weigh over 500lbs and my voice reminds me of that.  The cravings are so hard to ignore at times that I can not control myself with my food. I will do whatever it takes to satisfy the craving it is an addiction. Instead of me thinking oh man I slipped up today I can work harder tomorrow the voice reminds me I am a fat failure.  So the craving is now dragging me into the dark abyss of my fears. I find myself hiding in that cave watching life pass me by looking for a light.
  God gave Elijah direction for his future and these directions gave him purpose to pursue. I believe that the first part of the direction was the most important for him and me to reach my future. 1 Kings 19:15  God told him to "GO" back to where he came from.  Go is the key to the lock of your future.  If you never leave the place of fear and doubt you can never reach your destiny.  So today turn around and start going back to your place of victory. Go back to the last place you won. Go back to the time you said no to the craving. Go back to when you had faith and trust in yourself. So today just Go.......Live life like you deserve to be free from bondage......