Thankful Thursday--Just For the Joy of it!

• Who can find a virtuous woman? her price is far above rubies
• She is like the merchants' ships, she bringeth her food from afar
• She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness

This week I'm thankful for the family meal that we had together last night--just the thought of it brings me joy.

For one thing, it means we're all together as family, for now at least. With a husband who works not only away from home but also out-of-state, and a son who's a senior in college, it's not something we often get to enjoy these days.

Second of all, I'm thankful for the Lord's provision and the heritage He's given of parents who, while both are in their 70's, still enjoy working hard and giving generously to their children. Their hard work in their garden and raising a few hobby beef cows provided every single element on our plate except for one--round steak from their farm raised beef, purple hull peas, tomatoes, and cucumbers from their garden--even the ice-box pickles I'd made using cucumbers from their garden.

Thirdly, I'm thankful for the changes that are being made in my eating habits. I've been off of sugar for just over a month now. I'm staying away from most other junk foods. I ate my meal last night, and I actually had more vegetables on my plate than anything else. (That, for me, is a big deal--I'm generally not a veggie lover!) I'm losing slowly, but still losing. This week I'm down a pound, for a total loss of 25 pounds. I'm happy with that, especially with a travel day thrown in there. I made a 10-hour drive Monday, which used to mean practically non-stop snacking and munching, and although I did eat fast-food twice during the day, I chose as wisely as I could, and had no snacks in-between.

And last but not least, even dessert, which for me was fresh blackberries and wild cherries, picked by my husband from the area around his job site, makes me thankful for my husband. Glad to be back in the same city, under the same roof, eating dinner at the same table. He would like nothing better than to be at home all of the time, but he makes the sacrifice to work "away" in order to provide for his family.

This post is linked to:

Thankful Thursday at Grace Alone

Just for the Joy of It at Good, True, and Beautiful

What makes you thankful and joyful this week?

Until next time...

Thankful Thursday

• Who can find a virtuous woman? her price is far above rubies
• She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness

I have so much to be thankful for, even when I don't always take the time to think about and appreciate the blessings that I have. But this week, I'm especially thankful for:

• Losing three more pounds (finally!) for a total loss of 24 pounds. I lost the first 20 or so pretty quickly, so I think my body needed some time to adjust as I sort of yo-yo'd back and forth, up and down. I think I've finally headed back downward again this week. Even though I knew if I just kept at it and didn't quit, it would pay off eventually, it sure is encouraging to finally see the pay-off on the scale again.
• Leaving for Georgia in 4 days, where I'll get to actually live with my husband! Yay! We've spent a lot of time apart through the years due to job issues, so this is a big Yay!
• Having high-speed internet at my fingertips, without having to go some place special to have it--a case of "you never realize what you're have till it's gone."
• Knowing that my house at home will be well-looked after by my parents. They pick up my mail and keep a watchful eye so I don't have to worry while I'm gone.
• Being in an area with more competition and shopping venues available, so that I can reduce my grocery spending using my coupons and frugal shopping strategies. (Not impossible in my small hometown, but not easy, either.)
• Having our son with us for one more summer. He'll be graduating from college soon, so we're glad to have time with him while we can.
• Splenda--I know it sounds shallow, but since I'm off sugar for now, I'm so glad that there are more and more options available these days that taste good.

There are so many more things I could list--so many more important or "meaningful" things--but I'm also thankful that the Lord who blesses us is many big and important and meaningful things, also blesses us with the little ones, as well!

This post is linked to:

Thankful Thursday at Grace Alone

Just for the Joy of It at Good, True, and Beautiful

Until next time...

The Incredible Shrinking Woman

• Who can find a virtuous woman? her price is far above rubies
• She is like the merchants' ships, she bringeth her food from afar.
• She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
• She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

For those of you who don't know me IRL--In Real Life--you may not even be aware of the fact that I'm overweight. Overweight by anyone's standard, very much so. It's something I've struggled with for my whole life, literally. I was born weighing 9 lbs 1/2 oz, and from there was a chubby baby, a chubby child, and a chubby teenager. I started dieting on and off in my teens and continued into my young adult years--but at some point I just quit trying. I had a busy, fulfilling life, and besides, I was always one who "carried it well". I was out of shape, but it didn't effect my health--my blood sugar was okay and I had better cholesterol numbers than people half my size.

Fast forward a few years, though, and it really began to catch up with me. Even after my doctor started to talk to me about considering various options, I put off dealing with it, over and over and over.

Not long ago, though, I reached an impasse. I wasn't "carrying it well" anymore. I've known for years now that my health was deteriorating and I was holding myself back from accomplishing things I knew I wanted to do, telling myself that I would do them "after I lose weight." Time was running out, and I knew it--it was now or never.

So, what is a virtuous woman to do?

First of all, I started praying about it. There are so many different diets out there, and even the so-called "experts" disagree about the best way to lose weight and keep it off.

I also started fasting. Oh, my.

But guess what I discovered? Being hungry isn't going to kill me. (And you know I'm not talking about Hunger-with-a-capital-H-starving-people kind of hungry.) But it does make me ashamed at how quickly I reached imaginary I'm-so-hungry-I'm-weak-I'm-going-to-starve-hunger.

But with the grace of God, and much seeking and praying and fasting and cutting out sugar and refined carbs, among other things, the tide is starting to turn.

I've lost 21 pounds so far. My 'fat clothes" are getting looser. I feel better, and I smile more.

I have a long way to go. I still need to incorporate more exercise in my daily and weekly routine. But I am so thankful to the Lord for the strength and the help He's given me, and the support that is continuing to come my way from my family.

This post is linked to:

Thankful Thursday at Women Taking a Stand

Just for the Joy of It at Good, True, and Beautiful

Be sure to visit these sites and see what makes other bloggers thankful and joyful!

Until next time...