Mini Weight Loss Goals

I've heard of people losing all kinds of weight, 50 pounds, 100 pounds, 10 pounds, 25 pounds, etc. My current goal is to lose about 30 pounds but I've broken that number down into mini goals: 5% loss, 10% loss, 15% loss, 20% loss. I took my original weight which was 174.8 and multiplied it by 5. This equaled 874. Then I divided that by 100 and got 8.74. My first mini goal is to lose 8.7 pounds or to reach 166.1. Then I work on my 10%, 15%, then 20%. So my weight loss looks something like this

5% Loss = 166.1
10% Loss = 157.4
15% Loss = 148.6
20% Loss = 139.9

My goal is to reach 144 but may feel differently once I get there. I believe when I look at these goals, the numbers don't seem so big and I feel like I can manage this along with everything else. I'm trying to look at this whole situation with realistic expectations and allow myself some grace. Bryan is doing everything he can to find a job and I am praying like crazy. I wanted to lose all my weight by Christmas but that may not be something I can do. Giving some wiggle room to my plan is best for stressful times. I do not want to stop losing but there are other pressing issues that deserve my attention. My post yesterday was full of emotion and I'm glad I wrote it. Each day I feel something a little differently. Today my mind is a bit more focused and ready for the task. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?

The verse in my mind today : James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Life Just Threw Me For A Loop

My husband lost his job. Yes, you read correctly. My new husband of six weeks has no employment. HOLY MOLY. If there was ever a time to gorge on food now would be it for me. This is the "perfect storm" as some say. I'm not in control of the situation, I don't know what's going to happen, our world may be turned completely upside down, and survival mode has kicked into high gear inside me once again. Bryan said to me last night that he will probably lose twenty pounds because he works out when he's worried. I countered with the notion that I'll probably gain twenty pounds because I eat when I'm worried. Obviously I'm hoping this doesn't happen and I can be in control of the one thing I physically can do something about. But how??? I must remember my goal: I want to live healthier and feel better. I can't achieve those two things if I'm stuffing my face. I'm going back into "take each minute as it comes" mode right now and just trying to stay calm, breathe and be so very grateful I'm not dealing with this on my own. Bryan is here and is being very pro-active in his job search. He seems happier, as if a weight has been lifted off him. He hated the job he had so maybe this is God's way of moving things around for us. I've been asking Him to help us know what's right for our family. If we have to move, we move. If we need to downsize, I've done it before. All this has happened in my past and I'm not scared of it. But it is overwhelming to process and realize the changes that are occurring all around me. I've been reading some scripture lately and these verses keep coming to mind:

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about in anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

These help me feel not so insignificant and show me what I believe in is real. I have been through hell and back and know in my heart that if I was not a believer, I wouldn't have come through as I did. If you feel lead, please pray for my family. We're gonna need it!!!

So Very Thankful

My two younger kiddos wanted to play in the sprinkler so badly this evening. It's been extremely hot here and unfortunately we don't have easy access to any pools. After dinner Shelby and Jonah quickly changed and stood by the back door patiently waiting for me. As soon as I pulled the door open they were running to the yard, laughing and jumping around with excitement. I turned the sprinkler on and the kids acted like it was Christmas!! They were running around, skipping through the water, having a blast. While I sat on the back porch watching them I felt so happy and peaceful. Our lives have not been very easy and when I look back at the past few summers I am amazed at how life can change. My children are still young enough to not understand all of the hardships we've been through and also don't fully comprehend the love and commitment Bryan and I have for them. It's still difficult for me to fully grasp the fact that I'm married to an amazing, loving, devoted man! After my first marriage fell apart I truly believed I wouldn't find anyone else but here I am and my cup truly runneth over.