I am disappointed in how I handled the weekend. (Another birthday party!)

One of the messages last night, given by one of our young people, was "Running the Race." It was, of course, talking about enslaving the flesh and keeping our eye on the mark. The athletes (back in Paul's day) trained for ten months, giving their bodies only what would help them win the race. It really spoke to me (showing me how undisciplined I am). My flesh is far from being enslaved!

I hope I take what God gave me yesterday and run the race (He has given me) to His glory.

I'm ending another work-week. It sometimes scares me how fast my life is going by.

I don't want my lasting memory to be one of always trying to lose weight. I want to get past myself and onto others. Yesterday I ate a cream puff; when am I going to get serious? It's no wonder I've spent most of my adult life dieting.

God warns us about being "lukewarm;" that condition is ineffective. Wake up!

"This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!"

That is my heart's song this morning. He is ever faithful; He is ever my Rock. As I begin this hectic day, it's a comfort to know He is in the center of it.

"Oh, give thanks unto the Lord for He is good!"

I slept like a baby last night--thank you, Lord!

I am still working on the amount of food I eat. For some reason, I get the "munchies" at night. Even though I dine on "healthy" snacks, it is still unnecessary eating. If I don't keep any in the house, though, it seems to get worse; and I grab a bag of chocolate chips!

So, the proverbial hurdle is always looming. I'm thankful for the desire to keep trying (that God has put in my heart); He is the great Encourager.

I've had little sleep since 3 a.m. but don't feel too bad inspite of the short night. (I think it's usually the second day before it takes it toll!)

I'm having real problems with my left hand falling asleep; and when it happens in the night, it throbs so much it wakes me up. This time I couldn't get it to "wake up." I was so worried I wouldn't be able to go to work, since I need two hands to (safely!) do my job.

Praise God, the thought of pulling down on my arm (the way a chiropractor did years ago for carpal tunnel) came to me; and soon I had feeling again. Prayer is a wonderful thing!

I am glad to have the weekend behind me--too much food to deal with!

I have breakfast and lunch covered for the week, which I take to work on Monday so I don't have to spend time preparing meals each morning. I usually eat two hard-boiled eggs mid morning, then a shredded cabbage salad with protein mixed in it for lunch. Of course, the hurdle is supper. (There has to be a hurdle!)

I am energized having a definite plan; it keeps me from sliding back into that ever-lurking unhealthy "grab and go" eating style. Leaning on God buffers me from the chaos of this fast-moving system called "life."

Friday is here; it's fun to look back at a good week (for a change)!

We have Good Friday service tonight at church. It's a solemn service, one of reflection. It's important to remember the suffering Jesus Christ willingly endured for us to "do the will of the Father Who sent Him," to die on the cross, shedding His precious blood to pay the penalty for our sins.

Sunday is all together different, as we rejoice, "We serve a risen Savior!" Have a blessed Resurrection Day!

God's faithfulness is seen so clearly now. My right decision (to start eating right) has taken the blinders off from seeing how much God is carrying me; I'm not in this alone.

I thought of that at my work station yesterday. I hadn't thought about food all day. I ate at noon (actually 1:30!), because we were on our lunch break; but not because I wanted to get a "fix."

It's good to feel normal!

The week is quickly moving along. It's not discouraging, though, like it used to be.

It's a good feeling when progress is in motion, and each day becomes a little stronger by the push given from the day before. Having one of my daughters on the same program I am on is a boost, too. (And the fact that she lives next door!)

Living to eat had become my lifestyle; I thank God for redirecting my focus.

Eating right has really helped the "swooning" feeling I get once in awhile. (I think it is a diabetic reaction to too many carbohydrates.)

The body I have is a direct "this is what you get" from my parent's genes. Unfortunately, they both had similar genes! I seemed to have gotten all the undesirable ones (as far as the way a body is put together). My "apple shape" is not a good shape to have to be overweight. My only hope to good health is to lose weight.

I am thankful for God's constant leading. I never feel alone on this journey of becoming.

I am looking ahead at a new week and looking behind at a fairly accomplished weekend. I survived two birthday parties and an anniversary open house without getting into sugar!

My dear cousin sent me some inspirational "ditties" and one has really helped me: "I asked God to take away my habit." (It shows a "happy face" gobbling chocolates.) "God said, 'No. It is not up to Me to take it away, but for you to give it up.'" I thought that was very good, putting the responsibility where it belongs. (Thanks, Staci!)

It feels good to hold my head high, to know I'm doing the right thing. That is the by-product--God's peace.

Today is a special day; our son's girlfriend's birthday. Today would have also been my dad's eighty-fifth birthday (sadly, he only saw 51 of them).

We have special activities planned to celebrate this important day. Of course, most of it revolves around food! Special days will always be something to deal with (with the food issue). I have done well this week, and that will help with the weekend.

My outlook is more positive than it has been in months--positive because I see hope; which, of course, brings peace. Isn't that just like God!

I am encouraged by how much better I am feeling--and part of it is I'm not dealing with a mental fog.

It's always good for me when I know I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. I don't have to waste time and energy (and being delusional!) justifying bad behavior.

So, another day is ahead of me; I thank God for His infinite goodness.

I'm eating less and feeling better. Could there be a connection?!

Walking down the right path brings peace to the soul. It's a good feeling and one that can be kept, IF the right path is the one I stay on. The flesh is quick to grumble, wanting "leeks and garlic" which I know from many past experiences.

Knowing this should be a warning to stand firm; be on guard for those moments of discontentment.

Yesterday went very well. It feels good to be back in the saddle again, back in familiar territory.

I was pleased I didn't do my usual munching last night. I had a hard-boiled egg for breakfast, a salad with protein for lunch, and a quick supper of meat (as I had a meeting to go to right after work). I'm a water drinker, so that was going on all day, as well.

This is the formula I believe God has directed me back to. I need to do my part, now, and live within these boundaries.

Today is a special day--our dear granddaughter's fifteenth birthday! We celebrated in style yesterday. (Now it is time to get back with the program!)

I see a very specific direction the Lord is taking me. There is a peace that comes when that awareness manifests itself. I have let too many carbohydrates enter my diet again.

We are "fearfully and wonderfully made," but I have abused my pancreas by carrying all this weight so long, it can not longer keep up. Protein and green vegetables will be most of my sustenance, and I thank God for that.

Another week has slipped by; I hope I hang on tighter to the upcoming week.

Love is an interesting emotion. God always means for us to use it beneficially; but in my case, it has become harmful. Of course, my thoughts are on my love for food (and lots of it). That is a barrier for me that seems to have no answer, as of late anyway.

God has definite guidelines to stay healthy physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. They are not hidden; there are no trick questions that make it confusing. He is a God of truth, and from that comes victory.

This is not the week I had hoped it to be. I am not doing what I "am knowing."

I knew I was in trouble when I gave in to my craving for toast last night for supper. That never works, and I know it. Along with it comes strawberry jam and peanut butter, of course (and not one slice, but two)! Some days I want to give myself a good talking to and ask, "Are you for real!"

I am certainly a long way from perfect. It's a day at a time, the good ones and the bad ones, but today I feel like I'm getting nowhere, (and I can hear my doctor's stern admonishment ringing in my ears).

Super Tuesday 2 is behind us. I thought Mike Huckabee's cession speech was so honorable, American, and Christian. God is protecting him from D. C.

I pray for the future of our country. It grieves me to see how God is pushed aside by almost all political arenas. Our forefathers could have never believed this possible, I'm sure.

Knowing God is in control is so sustaining. We have a great country; and because of Who it was founded on, I say, "God bless America!"

I am lagging somewhat. Tonight I am going to get back on course with my projects.

Having a definite direction has always helped me stay focused. I think that's why lists work so well with me. I have them taped at my station (at work) to help me stay on task, I have them posted by the computer to motivate me, and I have my early-morning daily rountine which varies very little.

I have a great prompting to be stretched, though. Until I can be faithful in the little things, the greater things will be kept from me. God means business when it comes to my walk with Him.

I didn't accomplish all that I had hoped to get done this weekend. (Taking two naps didn't help, I'm sure!)

I'm still sticking with the schedule I made for myself last week. It kept me off the computer for awhile, for one thing. My new "rule of thumb" is to check the things off my "to do" list, and to shower, before turning the computer on. I feel better about myself when I see that I've done something, other than waste the evening away toying with the computer. As my thinning cousin said yesterday, "I (she) am eating less and moving more." It shows, too!

I think I'm entering this new week with a renewed sense of hope. My mind is always open to God's direction, though, as I look to Him for each new step I take.