New Year's Resolutions

Every year I try, I really do. I try to make wonderful and inspirational New Years Resolutions and most years, they trickle by the wayside in just a few short months. I either can't stick to my guns or I find I never really wanted to in the first place. I was sure this was year I would stick to my resolution because I even got a head start on it way back last year. Yep, I thought it would go smoothly because I have already succeeded by losing a few lbs, eating healthier, exercising by walking when ever I can, just being more active in general. But, I had a game plan and I had already been working on it....so this was a piece of cake. I had it nailed. I pledged to myself that 2011 was the year. I have entered the year sure of myself. Sure until, lets see, what's today's date? Yep, it's true. I have already managed to find a slew of excuses and reasons why I haven't managed to make my regularly scheduled workout times. I am so steamed at myself! Seriously? Okay, so I still have time to recover and go on to keep this resolution, but already my heart feels like it's failed and why bother..
Yesterday something occurred to me. I have been trying to do this all on my own. I have been deciding what I was going to do, how I was going to change myself, and going about it in my own human power.
Don't we all do that in some form or another? Maybe it's not a new years resolution and workout for you, but haven't you ever tried to do something that feels big under your own power?
To make it work, and have a sticking power, there is only one driven force that has the ability to change anything of value. And that force is God. I know, I know, sounds a little preachy when I say it out loud. But hear me out....
Only God has the power and strength to take something tired, worn, dirty and old and change it into a whole new clean, whole, and life filled beginning. It doesn't matter what it is- name anything- and God can bring new life into it. Be it your finances, your job, a relationship, or even plain ole you! He can make all things new. He can strengthen, renew and grow us. But there is something important in having this happen...we have to want it, and then ask for it. He has to be invited into the changes we desire, into the new beginnings we crave, into relationships we hold dear. Like anyone of us, He won't jump in where He's not wanted. But, He'd jump at the chance to be part of your life if you asked! It's what he desires most.
I know if I truly want to become a more healthy person this coming year, I won't resist the temptations that lead to failure without the sustaining strength that God at my side will bring. So I've invited Him into my New Years Resolution. I know that He will motivate me and help make 2011 amazing!!!
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Menu Plan Monday

My self esteem has soared 3 fold this past weekend! My hubby told me he could tell I was losing weight. Well, quite frankly I didn't believe him as I thought my DH was just being nice. To tell you the truth, I have felt better but weight loss? nawwww! My brother in law from Indianapolis stopped in yesterday and out of the blue he told me I looked like I had lost some weight. hugh? He doesn't know I am dieting neither.Well I must be doing something right and you can bet I will continue doing what I'm doing. This is great news for me. Losing excess body fat has not been an easy task for me. I am determined to lose this blubber once and for all. After I injured my back I couldn't exercise, let alone move around for 2 months! I am trying to slowly incorporate exercise in my everyday routine. Springtime needs to arrive soon so I can start walking daily outside.

Making smart healthy choices and watching my portions will be the same. My menu this week is just that while keeping costs down and using what I have on hand.

MONDAY

chili ( made with venison)

cornbread

TUESDAY

Baked lemon chicken

steamed california blend(broccoli,cauliflower, carrots)

tossed green salad

WEDNESDAY

chicken and noodles

green beans

apple sauce

THURSDAY

low fat shepherds pie

fruit of some kind and or jello

FRIDAY

chicken stir fry

brown rice

SATURDAY

mini meatloaves

mashed potatoes

steamed peas

SUNDAY

on our own today!

Go to organized junkie for more amazing menus and recipes!

The 30 day challenge update

Well, here it is my 30 day challenge update! I know I am a little late on this because of taking a few days off from my blog. The good thing is I lost 5 lbs! I will be happy to except that. I didn't get my walking and crunches in every day but I have been working hard moving around all the time, eating less and so forth. A good part of it was having these garage sales almost back to back which is alot of work. It's amazing that you do not have to go to a fancy gym or do sit ups every day but, just getting off your keester and moving around and eating a bit less is will do the trick. I will definitely continue to sit less move more. I may not lose alot but I know I will be alot healthier for it. So... how did you do?

30 Day Challenge - Check In

Well, it's Tuesday, and it's time to check in. Although, I haven't had the time to do my crunches, I have done plenty of walking back and forth, up and down steps, lifting and all that good stuff the past few days. My poor old body feels it also! I believe I have used muscles I haven't used all winter. All and all by staying busy and constantly moving. There has been times I almost forgot to eat and when I did eat, I noticed my appetite was smaller. I guess that is a good thing. I really hope to get some crunches in this week though because my tummy area needs a whole lot of work! Did you get your workout in this week?

The 30 Day Challenge!

I am joining the 30 day challenge with http://dailyessentialsanddeals.blogspot.com Oh yea, for me its going to be a challenge! Diet and excercise has been on my mind now for some time. I have gotten quite lazy this winter and I wonder why I do not feel as good as I used to. This should be fun. I am going to find 10-15 minutes a day to excercise. That sounds simple enough hugh? It can be walking or crunchers, riding a bike whatever, it doesn't matter as long as its excercising. If you want to join me, just leave a comment and let me know! I will post each week my success and my hope, not too many failures. Here's my plan: excercise everyday! Keeping it simple!

Walk! and when I can't walk...

Stretch(this is very important, even before walking)

50 leg lifts

50 side to side crunchers

50 crunchers

Remember Drink lots of water 8-10 glasses everyday(this might be a hard one for me)

Let's have fun and encourage one another!