Hang On, Change Is Coming! (Sacrificial Diet # 1)

Do you ever feel like this little lady?

I sure do!  Like life is happening at the speed of light and I am just holding on for dear life, trying to stay on top of things.

(Usually, staying on top of things isn't happening!)

What changes would you like to see in 2012?

I'm not talking resolutions per say, because I think the word RESOLUTIONS alone, sets us up for failure.  But maybe you have areas you would like to improve or change.

Many of you have met my friend Angela....she is a sweetie!  Several years ago, she coined the phrase 

Sacrificial Diet.

At the time, it was a new concept, or at least Angela thought it was.  Now, there are a number of websites that deal with this issue.....although, they refer to it by different names.

Angela has taken it to facebook!


Membership is still small...."cozy".... a place where you can get to know the other members...
if you'd like!  Learn from one another's experience.
Pray for one another.

 (If only!!!)

Yes, I joined or "liked"....whatever I had to do!


The end of December, I was within 7 pounds of being as heavy as I've ever been!   Not good!

So, I decided to change my eating habits...little by little....not by resolution, but by asking ABBA's help.  Sacrifice.   Sacrificing my time and my health to HIM!  Allowing the Holy Spirit to guide my decisions on what to eat, when to eat.


Basically, the way the Sacrificial Diet works is to eat pretty much what you want each day, but basically only eating during a five hour window.  The other nineteen hours of the day, you sacrifice that time to HIM....allowing HIM to guide you as you die out to self.  After a few days, you are in control of your appetite rather than your appetite in control of you!  It's pretty amazing!

You even loose that "foggy brain" thing!





Since January 1st, I've lost (drum roll please) 9, NINE pounds!  Nearly a pound a day!  
I know, the rate of lost will slow down, but I'm here for the long haul.


My goal is to be healthier and draw closer to GOD. But at this time, I would also like to loose 117 lbs.  Preferably by April 2013.

(I've shared before what is happening in April 2013, and I will again....but later.)

Right now, my short term weight goal is to loose another 8 lbs. by the end of January.  That will leave 100 lbs. ~ even ~ to loose over the coming 14 months or a little over 7 lbs a month....which I think is doable.


I'll tell you a little more about my eating "schedule". 

My five hour window is from 1:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.


When I first get up, I drink a glass of water.  Then I have my coffee, usually one or two cups.  If I need to take any medicine, I eat a tablespoon of peanut butter or a boiled egg.  I can't take medicine (even herbs) on an empty stomach, so I have chosen peanut butter or an egg to do this with.  They are high in protein and the calorie ratio compared to the amount of protein isn't too bad.


I stay away from bread and potatoes as much as possible...all day.


Sometimes, mid morning I drink a glass of juice.  I try to keep orange, grapefruit, apple and pineapple on hand, so I don't get bored.


If I get terribly hungry before 1:30 or 2:00, I eat a piece of fruit or drink another glass of juice.


While I'm cooking supper/dinner, I eat raw vegetables (or salad).  When supper is ready, I eat whatever I have prepared for the family, but within reason....(again, none or very little bread or potatoes). 


That's it.
Well, that and I dry to drink water through out the day.


I've learned a lot about me during the first ten days, about what works.  I want to share them with  you as I take this journey....maybe something God has shown me, will help someone else.


Oh, and all that "change" I was working on from October through December.....I can now look back and see how God was bringing me to this point....preparing me.


Sometimes we can't see the forest for the trees....ya know?

BTW ~  Welcome new followers!  I am so happy you are here.


Blessings,
Cheryl

Happy New Year!

Just had to take time early this morning to wish you a very joyous New Year!  May each of you be blessed in every area of your lives!

I have made another discovery (can't believe I am getting so wise in my old age...hehehe).  In spite of putting forth my best effort, about two or so weeks before Christmas, I unwillingly started slowing down and withdrawing.  I just could not put my finger on what was wrong, other than being so tired from so much "company".   (Don't get me wrong, I love all of our family and friends!)  It was even difficult to get a few (very few) Christmas cards mailed out.  I did remember, last year's Christmas cards rode in the front seat of the van forever.  I would write a few, mail them and a day or two later repeat the process!  Still "it" didn't dawn on me......I'm slow, I've told you before. :)

Today Stephanie, (our family nurse/dd#2) came over and went out to granny's old house to go through a few things.....she brought me some things she thought I would want to keep and showed me what she had picked out.  I sat here and finally realized......Granny has been gone a year (it will actually a year January 5th).  Last year, much of the time between Thanksgiving and New Year was spent running back and forth to the hospital, including much of the time around Christmas.....hence the cards scattered on the front seat of the van.

I now realize the "seed" of my attitude, which has resulted in mild to moderate depression.  

Granny's death.

 (I miss her.)

Sometimes, it really is hard to see the forest for the trees! 

Now, having discovered the source of my "problem" I am working to become and over comer through Jesus/Yeshua.  He is the only answer I have, the only ONE I need.

I look around and see all these dirty mountains of laundry and realize how very blessed we are!

When I see the dishes beginning to pile high in the sink, I know we are blessed.  There is food in the pantry and all the kids/grands are in good health.

Thank you, to those who sent cards and greetings, via the mail or emails!  My friends, you are amazing!  And you are always in my prayers!  It is a daily walk, as I pray for my family and friends.

This coming week will be a busy one, but I will try to be more faithful to blog.  There are days when I am running over with things to share.....just don't get to sit down and write my thoughts here.  But you remain in my heart and in my thoughts always!

 

(the following is from Streams In the Desert)

 

Have you come to the Red Sea place in your life,
Where, in spite of all you can do,
There is no way out, there is no way back,
There is no other way but through?
Then wait on the Lord with a trust serene
Till the night of your fear is gone;
He will send the wind,
He will heap the floods,
When He says to your soul, "Go on."
And His hand will lead you through—clear through--
Ere the watery walls roll down,
No foe can reach you, no wave can touch,
No mightiest sea can drown;
The tossing billows may rear their crests,
Their foam at your feet may break,
But over their bed you shall walk dry shod
In the path that your Lord will make.
In the morning watch, 'beneath the lifted cloud,
You shall see but the Lord alone,
When He leads you on from the place of the sea
To a land that you have not known;
And your fears shall pass as your foes have passed,
You shall be no more afraid;
You shall sing His praise in a better place,
A place that His hand has made.
 

~ Annie Johnson Flint ~

Blessings,

Cheryl

And Then Along Came Life..... or More than you want to know!

It was not my intention to go off and just leave you hanging after starting our journey way back in October, but life just got hectic.  In many ways life also has gotten better, but busy. 

Merry CHRISTmas!

The rest of this is probably more information than you want to know!  And my main purpose of writing tonight is to let you know I am praying for you….some of you have contacted me, and I am praying!!!  Also, I wanted to tell you Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and let you know I am praying the coming year will be a very blessed one for each of you!  We serve the God who can and will do the impossible!  Amen.

Now, if you do not wish to be bored to tears…..STOP reading now!  (Unless you want the wonderful Oatmeal Cookie Recipe near the end of this post.)  Yum!

 The Light of the World

Instead of having my normal three plus boys, I have been having between six and seven kids/grands for the last several weeks.   One weekend, the total number was eleven. 

 I always wanted a big family (be careful what you ask for). 

DD#2 passed her nursing boards!  Tremendous!  What a blessing, but now she is working two jobs.  Four days a week, she works as a councilor for a Family Crisis Center, after she gets off there and the other two days a week she works for a home health care company, seeing patients.  Her income has increased and she has paid off her land in the last few weeks.  But I have the baby a lot.  Love that grandbaby ……but, I’m tired.  She is just 15 months old and she is a climber!  And she has so much energy.  Her four y/o sister is also staying with us.  Hopefully, she will return to public school in January, as they will be in a new school district.  The boys are a big help, but they help me so much, I worry about their home schooling.  I try to console myself with the thought of how much life experience they are getting….hands on!  Then we have had two other grands visiting for about eight days and one step granddaughter this past week.  On weekends, the count goes up.  Yeah, you should see my grocery bill!

Even so, I have made some progress in the house.  At least I know what I have cleaned is clean, rather than a “hit and miss” job as my mother would have called it.  Several drawers and shelves have been cleaned out or off.  There is still much to do, but a lot of clutter has “left the building”.  I have become a woman with a mission and my mission is getting larger…..but that’s another story, when I have more time.

I have been going to bed earlier and getting up earlier (tonight is an exception because I wanted to visit with you).  For the most part I am feeling better, except when I get chilled.  Getting cold seems to be one of the things that cause my muscle spasms.  So if I take my medicine, keep warm and continue moving, they are more manageable.  This is good.  

(I'm learning, paying attention as I go.)

Earlier, I mentioned Oatmeal Cookies....this is a great recipe!  My husband's aunt calls them Dishpan Cookies, because it makes so many, she mixes them in her dishpan....do you have a dishpan?  I think they are becoming a thing of the past.

But I still have one...actually, I have two!

 (These are my son-in-law's favorite cookie!)

~ Oatmeal Cookies ~

2 cups shortening

4 eggs

2 cups brown sugar

2 cups sugar

2 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. baking soda

3 cups flour

4 cups quick cooking oats

1cup coconut

1cup nuts or raisins (optional) 

I mix the first 7 ingredients until well blended.  Then add the flour and beat once more.  Then stir in the oats and coconut.

Drop by spoonfuls on a cookie sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray (or grease the pan).  Cook at 350 for 10 to 12 minutes.  Makes 10 dozen.  Enjoy!

We will be sharing these with the neighbors tomorrow, along with a few other goodies.

Have a wonderful weekend and be blessed!

Cheryl

A Note of Thanksgiving!

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name."

Psalm 100:4

The last few days have been busy!  (I can tell the holiday season is upon us!)  I don't know what day of our 65 day journey we are up to...not sure where the calendar is!

My house is not perfect, but there is more done than I had hoped possible....sort of. *Smile*  Regardless, my heart is glad for HE is with me!  

I love this time of year for so many reasons!  I always feel so blessed during this season, even in the lean times....we all are so blessed!

The last few days, we have had ups and downs....but all with great joy!  We are making lemonade from some of our lemons...it's interesting and fun....part of the adventure.

I read this morning, there is a whole lot of living between "now" and "then".....between our smiles and our sighs.  We need to embrace each moment.

The turkey (breast, it was suppose to be a whole turkey....one of the surprises of the last few days), is soaking up the *brine*.  I'm getting ready to "start the bread to rise" as Granny would say, if she were still with us.  Then I'll make up the pie crust.

I will miss those who won't be at our table this year...those who have passed on, those who will be too far away.  This season causes me to reflect on how the faces around our dinner table are ever changing....generations passing.....

I miss the family I grew up knowing....but I love my children and grandchildren so much.....I wouldn't trade one moment of now to be able to visit the past.  Honey-hunk and I are the middle generation....we remember parents & grandparents, great uncles & aunts.....and we look into the eyes of our children and grandchildren.  It is an awesome time!

Tomorrow, and everyday, I will be giving THANKS for you, for your friendship!  I will be asking ABBA to bless you and your homes.  May HIS Shalom (Peace...the Prince of Peace) be with you and may HIS angels have charge over you!

It would be awesome if you could drop by for a visit tomorrow....we could have pie & coffee....leftover turkey and cranberry relish.

We would laugh and cry together....then laugh some more!

Welcome, new followers!  I am so happy you are here!

I will try to get caught up on our "journey" posts over the weekend.  I have found some awesome ideas for gifts....inexpensive gifts...but so NICE, I want to share. 

My Bible studies have been amazing the last few days....would like to share from those also.  Is God saying something to your heart?

We rec'd word a former neighbor *next section over* passed away.  She was a precious lady and a good friend to my sweet mother-in-law (Granny Dorothy).  Please say a prayer for the family of Mildred Altom, if you don't mind.  

Mildred was 93.

Her younger sister, Jo, still lives close by.  I will try to go by and visit with Jo next week.

 

Blessings,

Cheryl

Day 23 ~ A Sad Day

Day 23

of Our 65 Day Journey

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"  ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1

Praying for the families of those who died in the plane crash and for the OSU community and family.

From Miranda Serna's FB page: 

Favorite Quotations: "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I hope that I have not a single bit of talent left and could say to him, "Dear Lord - I used everything you gave me and thank you for all you entrusting in me!". 

 Beautiful

 

Wanted to let you know, I probably won't be online much today  (Saturday), but for those of you who had prayer requests, I am praying. 

You are precious to me!  And you are precious to HIM!

Today, I am thankful for everyday splendor.

 Have a blessed day today!

Shabbat Shalom,

Cheryl

Day 22 of Our 65 Day Journey...more than a third there!!!

Day 22

 

 

of our 65 Day Journey

and it is also

 Fearless Friday!

And WE are blessed….

It is less than a week until Thanksgiving!

There are so many thoughts running through my brain, I am having difficulty in sorting them out.  I hope I will be able to share some of them with you….but not today.  I’m still sorting!  But soon!

The Prayer room is open….we are praying for you!

If you have a special request, please leave me a note in the comments…or you may email me (info is in the sidebar) or you may contactAngela, her information is also in the sidebar.

So, what are you thankful for today?

In keeping with Shawn’s

Thirty Days of Thanks

I am thankful for………God’s abundance, I can’t define it any better than that, only to add

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”

~ Psalm 84:11~

Are there things we could use?  Of course!

Are things perfect?  No

Is our bank account running over?  (Over, in which direction?)  Unfortunately, no!

Do I ever feel overwhelmed?  If you only knew…

Still can’t comment on most of my friends blogs…makes me feel guilty, but I’m leaving you with this:

"God is looking for people on whom He can place the weight of His entire love, power, and faithful promises."

"God knows that you can withstand your trial, or else He would not have given it to you. His trust in you explains the trials of your life, no matter how severe they may be. God knows your strength, and He measures it to the last inch. Remember, no trial has ever been given to anyone that was greater than that person's strength, through God, to endure it."

From: Streams in the Desert.

Just something Angela shared the other day…

It washed over me like a wave of joy, peaceful, taking away the stress and leaving me feeling refreshed, renewed!

We are blessed!

(Speak LIFE into your situations, ladies. )

Praying for each of you, for those who follow and those who just happened by and praying for your families. 

May God’s Shalom (HIS peace) fill your hearts and your homes.  May each need you have be met in ways you've never imagined.  May your bodies be healed by the ONE who bore the stripes that paid for your healing.  May HE who created the universe give you the desires of your heart and may your relationship with HIM through HIS Son be more than you had ever hoped for. 

Remember, YOU are more than conquerors!!!

“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”  ~ Romans 8:37

Blessings,

Cheryl

Day 21 of Our 65 Day Journey

Day 21 

of Our 65 Day Joruney!

Since Thanksgiving is only a week away,

Beth over at A Work in Progress is doing Top Ten Thanksgiving Yumminess!  Come on and join the fun….

Ten Must Have Foods for Thanksgiving…..

1. Mr. Tom Turkey! 

2. Cornbread dressing….not stuffing….dressing

3. Giblet Gravy (which I make without the giblets)

4. My mother’s cranberry relish recipe

5. Some kind of sweet potatoes   (soufflé is preferred by dd#1, plain old candied and topped with toasted marshmallows is dh’s favorite)

Next five in order of preference ……..

Everyone, Aunt Billie’s cheese ball

Everyone, hot rolls (homemade the best, but will except others)

Nearly everyone, mashed potatoes (garlic cheese mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving!)

Me…..BROCCOLI  (can be a casserole but plain, steamed is fine), both dds would rather have green bean casserole and of course the boys would rather have mac & cheese (not happening), honey hunk will be busy with the dressing and sweet potatoes, so he doesn’t count here!  BTW – Broccoli can be raw on the relish tray….(I’m really not difficult to please!)

And Fruit Salad…..we use 3 or 4 recipes….depends on our mood!

And dessert…..

Well that is probably a whole ‘nuther TEN!

Pumpkin Pie

Pecan Pie

Apple Pie

Four Layer Chocolate Pie

Cream Cheese Bars (Also known as Neiman Marcus Bars)

Chocolate Chip Cookies or Blonde Brownies

Cheese Cake….anykind!!!  (I’m wanting to try White Chocolate Raspberry….maybe Christmas)

Peanut Butter Pie

Banana Pudding

Rice Krispie Treats (The boys also make the day before)….

In realty, we will probably have the first four, along with the Rice Krispie Treats.  We’ve had two pans of blonde brownies in the last couple of weeks.

Thanksgiving (or parts there of) will last from Thursday through the weekend, feeding approximately 25.

If anyone wants recipes….just let me know!  Our Cheese Ball and (one of our) Fruit Salad recipes can be found here!

Thirty Days of Thanks!!!

 Join Shawn for more Thirty Days of Thanks!

Wednesday ~ The gorgeous trees outside my kitchen window.  They make me happy while I’m washing dishes!

Thursday ~ The tremendous Bible Study I’m a member of!  Those gals ROCK!

Around the House

Yesterday, I made two batches of Triple Berry Jelly for gifts!  Just finished making the second batch when dd#1 called and (just happened) to mention she was out of jelly!!!  I think she smelled it cooking….70 miles away!  Makes me happy that like their mama’s jelly though!

Still cleaning cabinets and such…seems like the never ending job!!!  But I know I’ll be much happier when it’s done!!

Hope you are having a wonderfully blessed day!

Tomorrow is Fearless Friday.  If you have a prayer request, let me know.  We would love praying for you!

Cheryl