1/4 of a CENTURY

JULY 20

On July 20th I turned a QUARTER OF A CENTURY!  Tuesday I was blessed to celebrate my 25th year of life.  There has been a lot of successes, mistakes, learning experiences and life-lessons in my 25 years but each has left me with something to build off in order to hopefully become a better "me."

Last Sunday my bff and roommate, Ali Trier, threw a SURPRISE birthday party for me at a local restaurant called Ingredient.  It was the perfect setting to socialize with family & friends while making a healthy and reasonable dinner choice that wouldn't throw me off track with calories.  There was an awesome turnout with 25 people showing up to wish me a Happy Birthday and support me in my healthy living.  Some were hesitant, but it was great seeing the more conscious food choices my family and friends were making such as salads, turkey burgers & salmon.

I am so thankful to have the support system that I have and even more thankful that they aren't just a "support system," they are amazing friends.  I had a great group of "work buddies" who came to celebrate and share the special day with me.

In addition to just gathering for a great time, everyone pitched in to purchase me a BODYBUGG for my birthday!  SUHWEET!  I now have an amazing calorie management system to help propel me on towards my goal weight.  YES, I still have to do the work, but it's amazing how wearing a calorie burn counter will motivate you to move more to increase your calorie OUT numbers and work on a daily deficit.  I'm addicted to checking where I am and how much I burn doing different activities throughout my day.

Several close friends from church did a great job keeping the secret Sunday morning when seeing me at church, full well knowing about the SURPRISE coming soon. I seriously love these girls (& guys) - I am so blessed to have the church family that I do.

My family (Mom, Dad & Sister) not only helped out with the bodybugg, but went in on a new myTouch slide cellphone and gave me money that will likely go towards the purchase of the bicycle I have not yet purchased.  They were in on the whole secret and helped pull it off.  I have one of the BEST families ever.  Seriously, I'm thankful to have parents who are still madly in love with each other after 21+ years of marriage and who have loved, nurtured and cared for my since the day I was born.  I've never been left hungry, without shelter or proper clothing - all of my needs were met and I was taught a great deal about life and how to be an independent, successful person in life.  My Gma, Aunts, cousins, SISTER...they all would be there for me if ever I needed anything and I love them more than words express.

The fun before my birthday didn't mean the end of celebrations though!  At work, we celebrated ON my actual birthday with a yummy veggie tray to replace the typical cake that is purchased for every birthday.  That was accompanied by various gifts to again support my healthy living.  A eco friendly water bottle, sweatband for workouts, body oil and body wash.  There is no hiding what I'm doing right now - everything surrounding my birthday was right in line with encouraging me to keep moving foward and losing weight and I LOVE IT!

Ali got me a sassy shirt that say "Shut up and Squat," so blunt, funny and appropriate.  She also bought me the dress I eyed a few months back and casually mentioned wanting to wear at goal.  Thanks to her, I now own that dress and have it hanging in my closet on the wall where I'll always see it and a reminder that I am going to reach my goal, it's not just a dream!

ALL IN ALL - I HAD A WONDERFUL 25th BIRTHDAY

...I'm excited to see what this year brings!

Verse of the Day:

Proverbs 22:2

"The rich and the poor have this one thing in common: the LORD is the maker of them all."

Operation "Sneak Attack"!?!?!

http://www.kcfitmag.com/main/index.php/demesha-week-4

...well, what's a good challenge without a TWIST?

WEEK FOUR RESULTS:  2nd PLACE

WEIGHT LOSS/GAIN: 203 / -5 lbs

TOTAL:  -19.0 lbs

It's week 4 of the Kansas City Weight Loss Challenge and we were thrown for a loop when we discovered 9 EXTRA faces in the standings.  "Operation Sneak Attack" was underway and apparently 9 out of the 12 eliminated applicants are back and in the runnings.  They were offered the chance to work on their own at home in order to come back in week 4 for the big SURPRISE!!!  Surprise it was when we found out the news.  Tom Van Pelt is a sneak attacker who has lost an outstanding 19.4 lbs "outside" the circle of our top 12 in this challenge and he is by no means out of the runnings now.  He came back and secured 7th place.  This all definitely mixes up the challenge, but hey, I say "the more, the merrier."  It's going to be interesting next week...being our last weigh in before a three week home stretch without weigh in's or interviews.

NOW is when this challenge is going to start to get reeeaaaaallllly interesting.  Chris Wilson is still holding strong with a solid 1st place position and I jumped from 4th to 2nd place this week with a blind 5 lb loss.  I say "blind" because this week I took a break from the scale and said, "Stick to the plan, be disciplined and give it all in my workouts and it'll pay off."  You don't need to monitor the scale every day if you know in your heart you're doing what needs to be done to see results.  The scale can oftentimes be the biggest cause of mental battles which lead to obsessiveness or even self-sabotaging.  Over the past year and a half of weight loss I've personally blown it several times; Sometimes because I felt that I was on track and therefore owed myself some "grace" to slack off and I've also blown it because I felt like the scale wasn't moving fast enough so might as well eat bad for the same results!  Either extreme is unhealthy and unbalanced.  That's why I've learned that sometimes it's good to just walk away and just let your healthy lifestyle happy.  That scale isn't a barometer of how we should feel - it doesn't always reflect our efforts.  If you are living healthy, be happy.

As far as next week goes, I have a personal goal in mind that far surpasses any competition goal.  I want to be under 200 lbs by July 20th - my 25th birthday!  To be under 200 pounds is almost unreal to me.  Seeing that first digit change from the "3's" to the "2's" was a great day for me but to see the first digit change TWICE and go to a "1" makes me emotional.  Being under 200 lbs is something I don't believe I've seen since I first entered junior high school.  I can honestly say that I am more active, more fit and healthier than I've probably been in my entire life at this very moment.  I feel more confident, secure and full of life than I ever have before and I'm finding ME.  Although I've still got a ways to go, I'm not hiding behind 200 pounds of extra fat any longer.  I'm not just the one with a "cute face & pretty smile" which is what fat girls often get as a default compliment.  I'm a happy, single, CHRISTIAN young lady who is finding herself and learning that I have so much to offer and a lot to love.  I am no longer living through the lives of my friends; sitting on the sidelines happy for them as they meet there "until death do us parts" but internally broken out of self pity and shame.  I don't have to exclude myself from events in fears of my weight becoming an issue or it drawing unwanted attention.  I'm done backing away from ministry opportunities because I'm ashamed of being judged for my weight - an outward sign of an inward struggle.  So many try to hide their weaknesses in life but when you're obese, you can wear cute clothes and have a fun personality but there are only so many ways of trying to "mask" this obvious issue.  I'm done selling myself short and feeling as though I deserve LESS than God's best for me because I'm not worthy of more...I don't have to settle!

I LOVE ME!  I don't say that with boastful arrogant pride.  There are still so many things that I'm dealing with in life and God's constantly working on fixing within me - but I don't feel unworthy and unloveable anymore.  I can honestly say that I LOVE ME, Demesha Rachelle Wright, both inside and out.  I don't have to dread coming home and facing the reality of myself.  I can confidently look in the mirror and smile a smile that says I'm happy and PROUD of me.  Imperfect, yet changing me.  Broken, yet healing me.  Living and learning ME.

I used to say this all the time and I think it's time to say it again:

"I'm losing weight but I'm reGAINing LIFE!"

VERSE(s) OF THE DAY:

Galatians 2:20


I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20


Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

WALKING CLUB: 5 weeks down...onto SIX!

...we started our walking club 5 short weeks ago and now we are moving on to week SIX.

I haven't posted any updates on the walking clubs success, but it's definitely thriving.  With only 4 walkers our first week we are now averaging 6 participants.  I have one who hasn't missed a walk yet and many who have taken personal steps above and beyond our weekly walk towards a healthier & active life.

So far we've walked 12 miles as a group with many more to come...

I'll echo what I said week one:

"Sometimes the greatest way to encourage yourself is by encouragaing others."

WEEK ONE

Brad, Ashley, Becky, Baby Mazin & I

WEEK TWO

WELCOMING MICHELLE & ALI!

Becky, Michele, Brad, Ali & I

WEEK THREE

WELCOMING ALICE & TRICIA!

Michele, Brad, Tricia, Becky, Alice & I

(Jannifer showed late but missed the walk...but she came!)

WEEK FOUR

WELCOMING JANN!

Brad, Jann, Ashley, Michele, Baby Mazin, Baby Desmon & I

WEEK FIVE

WELCOMING ALICIA, CATHERINE & SHILOH!

Alicia, Ali, Brad, Tricia, Catherine, Shiloh & Baby Jenna

...TOMORROW we walk week SIX and we're stepping into the AC and out of the sun...time for some MALL WALKING!!!

Verse of the Day:

Micah 6:8

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

WEEK THREE: KANSAS CITY WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE

KANSAS CITY WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE by KC Fit Magazine.

Click here to view my week three interview!

WEEK THREE RESULTS: 4th place

WEIGHT LOSS/GAIN: -1.4 lbs

TOTAL: -14.0 lbs

Saying goodbye to week 3 and heading on towards week FOUR!!!  So far all contestants survived the "Week Two Blues" Ya know, the week that is commonly dreaded by most after BIG week one losses which typically are countered by a "frozen scale," GAIN or itty bitty drop.  I think most handled week 2 with grace and blew those misconceptions out of the water!  Week 3 held some new challenges - mainly SUMMER HOLIDAY!  4th of July fell smack dab in the middle of our weigh in week and for most it presented many familar temptations that needed to be overcome.  BBQ's, family recipes, summertime desserts, alcohol, appetizers and all the works.  Needless to say, it was a C-H-A-L-L-E-N-G-E!

BIG CONGRATS to Sandy Hill who took over 2nd place with 5.4 lbs lost this week.  Chris Wilson is still holding strong with a good 2% lead holding down his 1st place.  For such a hard week, I'm proud of everyone's positive results.  This challenge is not only motivating us as individuals but its a public example of how hard work and diligence pay off with GREAT results!

As for my week - I'm thankful for my 1 lb loss, however, I really wanted to pull more.  "A loss is a loss," and by no means are you going to hear me grumble about 14 lbs lost in 3 weeks.  Sometimes you HAVE to step back and see the bigger picture in order to keep yourself from being disappointed.  For me, the greatest enemy against me was a good ol' friend who we'll call "Aunt Flo" to be socially correct. :)  She usually shows up right on time accompanied by water weight gain, swelling, irritability and fatigure.  Oh yea, what a wonderful "house guest" to have the week you were hoping to catch up a bit.  From Aunt Flo's arrival on Monday until the official weigh in on Wednesday - she helped store nearly 3 extra pounds in this body of mine.  Gotta love her. :)

OH well, it is what it is and Jillian Michaels showed up right on time as usual with the Jillian Michaels newsletter I receive - it was titled "Five Tips for Taming PMS."  GUESS WHAT?  #1 was EXERCISE.  Yep, you got it!  Last week I hit hardcore two-a-days and refused to weigh myself again until our next weigh in...I hope something gives.

ENJOY!

FROM JILLIAN MICHAELS NEWSLETTER:

The good news is that there are ways to tame PMS naturally. Try these five tips:

Exercise! You may not want to, but get in your workout anyway. The endorphin rush will help relieve cramps and raise your levels of serotonin, a mood-lifting neurotransmitter.

Get some R&R. Adequate sleep and less stress will put you in a better hormonal position to handle the physiological imbalance that PMS brings.

Cut out most alcohol, caffeine, and salt. Alcohol can exacerbate feelings of depression, so steer clear. Reducing caffeine may minimize breast tenderness and irritability, and cutting salt can reduce bloat.

Minimize simple sugars. Ideally, you're doing this all the time, but it's especially important before your period. Simple sugars may increase inflammation, making cramps feel worse. Eating regular meals and snacks with fiber and protein will help keep your blood sugar stable, which is a lot better for those raw nerves than blood-sugar swings.

Consider supplements. Calcium may reduce symptoms of PMS, so shoot for at least 1,200 mg a day. Magnesium is also helpful, as are B complex vitamins. To reduce the inflammation of cramps and breast tenderness, try a primrose-oil supplement; it's a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory that may work in ways similar to ibuprofen.

Verse of the Day:
 
“Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”- Matthew 4:4

"I can't do this"

"I can't do this!"

"That's TOOOO fast!"

"Stop, stop, PLEASE, it hurts!"

"I'm gonna throw up!"

"Ugh, I give up!"

"I'm DYING!!!"

That's a replay of what this morning sounded like during the 1 hour session with my Wellness Coach, Kim Sitler.  After two days in a row of cardio blast workouts with Brandon Hersh, my personal trainer, Kim kept in pace with no mercy during our session.  Core, arms and intervals was part of our morning workout and I spent a good amount of it finding more complaints and reasons to whine.  I was TIRED.  I was SORE. I was *cough* "Going to be late to work..." or at least that's the one statement I thought might end the torturous treadmill run prematurely...(ps. it didn't).

"I'M. GOING. TO. DIE!!!"

"I'm going to die!" - The phrase I repeated accompanied by grunts and growls during my intervals.  This was right around the time she looked at me and laughed while increasing the speed on my treadmill to a 5.5 followed by the comment, "Wellness tidbit of the week - you tell yourself you're gonna die and you're gonna die!  Mind over matter."  She then began to encourage me with phrases such as, "Keep going, you're almost there."  "Feel those pounds shedding off."  "You're doing great Mesh, keep your back straight."  She was doing all the talking as I was focusing on breathing; She talked about how my mind will try to give up on me but I can push through it if I don't give up.

After we concluded our workout she said to me, "Do me a favor, next week there's no complaining!"  This prompted a great reminder and wellness piece of advice that comes from Phillipians 2:14:

(Amplified Bible)

"Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining [against God] and questioning and doubting [among yourselves],"

It's so easy to grumble, complain or question the things in life that are difficult instead of allowing them to make us stronger.  Have you ever heard the phrase, "What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger?"  I'm not "dying" when I'm running on that treadmill, I'm not incapable of doing the work that is asked of me but it's hard and therefore I find myself trying to find an easier way out!  That's not what gets results - complaining and grumbling by no means bring about a positive attitude that encourages me to keep moving, it only frustrates me and even makes me angry during my workouts.

Furthermore, I started driving home and began thinking about another verse in Proverbs 18:21 which says our tongues have the power of LIFE & DEATH; I quickly kill & destroy my workouts when I speak doubt and disbelief by crying out "I can't," or "I quit," or "It's too hard."  Those statements show that I believe nothing other than FAILURE, inability or lack of faith in myself.  From now on I want to start speaking LIFE into these hard pressing and challenging workouts with both Brandon and Kim.  I want to say, "I WILL," "I CAN," and "I AM" going to do this!  It may take a couple reminders, but I want to stop making excuses or opting for easier ways around what I'm being asked to do.  On Tuesday Brandon had asked me to do jumping jacks for 30 seconds and I found myself settling for 10 jumping jacks instead.  It was what I felt "sufficient" rather than what would push me to my limit; What I knew I could do rather than what challenged me to work harder.  I want to be done with taking the easy road or what feels better - I'm in it to win it - blood, sweat and tears!

THANK YOU BRANDON AND KIM FOR YOUR AWESOME PATIENCE AND HARD WORK WITH ME - YOU'VE BEEN GIVING ME ALL YOU'VE GOT IN TRAINING AND I WANT TO GIVE YOU MY ALL WORKING OUT IN RETURN.

Working on not complaining and I'm going to start speaking LIFE!

Verse of the Day:

Proverbs 18:21 (Amplified Bible)

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]."

ROAD RACE: Mass Street Mile

On 4th of July I got to kick off my day with my FIRST official road race - MASS STREET MILE!  The weather was perfect to be outside for a jog - cool breeze and partly cloudy!  There were a lot of nerves flying around that morning which caused some anxiety and tension prior to the race but I'm thankful my best friend Ali trucked out to Lawrence with me early in the morning; Poor thing, she got the short end of my built up 'butterflies' as I anticipated what the race would bring about but needless to say she was there for me!

This was the first year of the Mass Street Mile race and I was so excited to make it my first official running event.  The Mass Street Mile was a 1 mile walk/jog race and although that may not be as far as the more popular 5k events, it's still a good distance, one that is often used to access physical fitness levels.  The mile is the basic measurement for distance in most cardio exercises and by no means is it taken lightly in my workout world.  The mile has become one of my "milestones" - first challenge was completing it, next was steadily increasing my time and now jogging the entire distance is what has been making me proud!

I approached this event with TWO goals in mind:

GOALS:

1. JOG the entire mile race.
2. COMPLETE in under 15 minutes

......DONE!  I surpassed my expectations on both goals and not only jogged the full course but completed it in 12.46 minutes - 1 minute less than my personal best time!

I also had the opportunity to meet my "blog/facebook friend" Amy over at Lite and Fit after the race!  I'm so blessed by her encouragement and also following her journey as she's leaping hurdles and succeeding with over 55 lbs lost to date!  Simply A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!  She jogged her personal best as well finishing in 11:10.  As I crossed the finish line she was right there to congratulate me and we got to snap a quick pic!

All-in-all it was a GREAT 4th of July and as always I look forward to next year!

Verse of the Day:

Psalm 68:3

"Let the righteous be GLAD and REJOICE before GOD; Yes, let them REJOICE exceedingly."

WEEK TWO: Kansas City Weight Loss Challenge

KANSAS CITY WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE by KC FIT MAGAZINE

Click here to watch week two interview!

WEEK TWO RESULTS: 3rd PLACE

WEIGHT LOST: -3.6 lbs

TOTAL: -12.6 lbs

CONGRATS TO JERA LEATHERS WHO LOST 6.8 LBS IN WEEK TWO AND JUMPED UP 3 SPOTS TO 2nd PLACE!!!  This girl seriously almost had me in tears when I watched her week one (<--click here) video.  I think everyone is taking this challenge really seriously but I must say, watching her video I truly BELIEVED in her and knew she was ready to make a change.  She most certainly proved that with her Week 2 results.  Great Job Jera!

We've finished week two and I managed to drop another 3.6 lbs for a total of 5.7% lost in the Kansas City Weight Loss Challenge!  Chris Wilson is still in the lead with 18.6 lbs lost for a percentage of 7.7%.  I'm kinda biting my fingers each week waiting for the gates to open and everyone to break free from their stalls.  This is just the beginning, I know everyone is going to push hard to show all their family and friends who voted for them EXACTLY what they are capable of doing.  I know that seeing results and realizing you can truly do this is exhilerating and causes you to push harder - you gain a faith in yourself.

This week I met with my personal trainer, Brandon Hersh, twice for hardcore workouts.  My "Last Change Workout" Wednesday morning was 50 minutes of brutal cardio.  What I love about Brandon is the fact that he heard me when I said cardio tends to bore me and he's been introducing things to spark my interest.  It's hard to be BORED with cardio when you're focused on not DYING.

NOTE TO SELF: Anytime your trainer asks if you are embarrassed to run in front of people, your answer should be YES!

The next day I met with my wellness coach and personal friend, Kim Sitler, who not only gave me a great workout but also reminded me of where to keep my focus with a scripture from Colossians 3:23-24:  "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."  I loved it because it helps put things in perspective - Yes! I am in a weight loss challenge, but, am I really doing this just to win? For people's approval?  To impress others?  NOPE!  Not at all, I have always set out for this weight loss to be for the glory of God!  To position myself to be used in greater ways be Him - body, mind & spirit.  If I can't be active in this body I live in, how am I going to be active to live, move and breathe FULLY for Him?


This next week is going to be interesting, we've got the "4th of the July" obstacle in our way but I'm convinced that this group will handle it with grace and style.  I'm excited to see how everyone avoids the temptations thrown their way and their decisions "TO EAT or NOT TO EAT?"

Stay posted to follow the weeks ahead...

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Verse of the Day:

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? "I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.”- Jeremiah 17:9-10

4th of July

It's THAT time of year again...a holiday!

What's with calling it "THAT" you may ask?  After all, aren't holiday's supposed to be filled with family, fun and fellowship?

"THAT" time of year is a panic attack waiting to happy for most dieters and healthy lifestyle goers.  "THAT" time of year is when all the family and friends gather around for organized social events with an alter of none other than FOOD.

OH YES, "THAT" time of year is when the counters and stove top become invaded but homemade recipes, Momma's mac n' cheese, Dad's BBQ ribs, Grandma's potato salad and Aunt Fran's sinful peach cobbler.  "THAT" time of year is when your best friend, Mom, girlfriend or sister wants you to "just try a little bite," of her NEW recipe made with looooove.  For those of you who may not know, "LOOOOOOOVE" typically consists of butter, sugar, cream or LOTS of all of the above.  :)

Are you scared yet?  You SHOULDN'T be!  Holidays can be mastered with will-power and careful preparation.  I'm the last person who's gonna tell ya, NOPE, don't touch your Gma's apple pie that only comes out for the 4th of July party and is then retired until the next year (well, unless maybe you're a diabetic).  I'm sure you've all heard this by now "Everything in moderation."  I don't know that I 100% agree with that statement because who defines "moderation?" If you used to eat 5 pieces and now you're down to 2 1/2 YOU may call it moderation...but that's for another post.

REMEMBER: Be safe, have fun and BE MINDFUL of what you're eating.   Just because it's there doesn't mean you have to taste it.  Survey the options and make wise choices that don't leave you feeling depressed because you "can't" eat like everyone else; have a couple things you enjoy but keep them reasonable.  Go for 1-2 spoons of the homemade pasta salad rather than ½ your plate…which is usually followed by a second serving! Make a goal BEFORE the holiday catches you off guard: Eat a serving of vegetables before you go to a gathering (the fiber will fill your tummy and leave less room to feel ravenous when selecting foods), exercise in the morning, no seconds, ½ a piece of small dessert, get 1 piece of meat without the bun or extra condiments, opt for fresh veggies and fruit when available, anything with WHITE sauce is typically a big “NO” and lastly…AVOID pop, juices or alcohol. These are items to avoid all the time for numerous reasons but for weight loss it’s definitely a highly effective way to cut back on the holidays. Use some of those extra calories you saved by eliminating beverages for your favorite FOOD items that you may only experience 1-2x a year. Do not find yourself DRINKING your calories. You’d be amazed at how much drinking water ONLY (and lots of it) will save on your caloric intake AND help curb your hunger.

I hope you don't rush into your holiday unprepared for the "battlefield of food," or "self-loathing" because of your decision to strictly stick to "the plan."  Keep in mind that strict dieting can cause many psychological problems such as headaches, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and wanting to be unsocial.  (<--click link for article).

MAKE A CHOICE:

1.  TO EAT:  If you ARE going to consider this your weeks "cheat meal," prepare in advance and do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT go overboard.  Remember your goals and what you're striving towards, you'd hate to ruin a week by careless eating on one day.  Workout in advance and don't skip meals to "save up" for this treat.  Chances are you'll go WAY overboard if you starve yourself prior to this meal.  (<---I have been guilty of this poor weight loss "strategy" for a year now, not anymore.)  Also, if you've worked out and eaten healthy all day you're less likely to allow yourself to just BLOW your hard work when presented with the opportunity.

2.  NOT TO EAT:  If you would rather stick to the plan, I say KUDOS.  Eat before you go and bring an "emergency" bag of healthy snacks to munch on if temptations are arising. Did you catch that, "eat before you GO," which means don't skip the gathering all together in order to avoid facing the pressure. Great Grammy may only come out once a year for these social family events.  When you are there, don't bring yourself and everyone else down because of your decision to avoid the food.  There shouldn't ever be any hanging face, poor attitude or judging (ridiculing) others for THEIR food choices when you're choosing to do what you feel is best or right.  Be joyful, proud and c-o-n-f-i-d-e-n-t in your decision.  Think about WHY you are choosing to withhold and why you believe it to be most beneficial.  Don't just say, "I'm not going to eat," know WHY you aren't going to eat?  Spending time understanding and knowing the basis of your decision will get you through the holiday more effectively than just trying to dive in blindly.

One thing I've witnessed all too often with people who have gone into a social "food centered" event not firm or confident in their "NOT TO EAT" decision is the following (you may have seen it before too):

1.  ABSTINENCE: Starts the night fully abstaining; rejecting even the THOUGHT of the food
2.  CRITICISM:  Begins to critique everyone else's food choices "Are you REALLY going to eat THAT?"  "Do you know how much fat that has in it?"
3.  BITTERNESS:  Irritated at even having to BE at this event; wishing they were anywhere but in this wicked place of high-calorie laden food.
4.  SELF-PITY:  "Woe is me."  Feeling sorry for themself and sad that they too cannot eat without worry.
5.  BREAKING POINT:  Yep!  All too often this un-mentally prepared person breaks with, "Well, I guess I can have just one teensy weensy bite," then it's all over.  They've opened the door to the forbidden fruit and spend the next hour watching the evil calories perpetrate their will power.

What started as denial is now indulgence...all because they weren't firm, steadfast, CONFIDENT and content in their decision to reject the temptations.

That unhealthy approach reminds me a lot of a verse in James that says "a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways."  I can't tell you whether "TO EAT" or "NOT TO EAT" is right for YOU, but I will tell you there is a good reason to be confident and secure in your choices - there is a reason the Bible warns us not to doubt. :)

“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!”

I hope everyone has an amazing 4th of July weekend that is filled with family, fun and fellowship.  I hope you are all prepared for the food choices you'll make at your celebrations.  I pray you are filled with JOY in your hearts as you rejoice over the FREEDOM we have in this country as Americans and rejoice moreso if you've found that FREEDOM is offered through Christ.  Remember our soldier's fighting for our country and pray for our brothers & sister's in chains who are held captive in foreign countries for sharing their faith.
Verse of the Day:

Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

"It is for FREEDOM that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."