Scary & Exciting

I've been using SparkPeople.com for tracking my calories, goals, etc. for my weight loss for a couple of weeks now. Tonight, I was playing around with the "goal weight" buttons where you input your goal weight and how many pounds a week you're trying to lose, and it calculates the date that you're expected to reach your goal weight...

And something shocking happened.

July 29, 2012. That's when I should be at my goal weight.

Sure, it's not guaranteed; it's not 100% certain that I'll lose weight at this rate the entire time. It could take longer... But at first, I thought I must have input something wrong or that I read the date wrong. Surely I can't possibly reach my goal weight this year, especially so soon! July is only 5 months away! No way I can reach my goal weight by then! Surely you mean 2013??

But no... July 29, 2012.

And you know what? That's just the motivation I needed. I can do this. It's hard now, and it's SUCH a slow process, but I can do this.

My Journey Starts Here

It's been a long journey on this road, but I need a change...

I'm beginning my weight-loss journey. Actually that journey started during the summer, but now I'm REALLY working for it.

It won't be easy. It's going to hurt sometimes. I'm going to feel like I can't go on... But I will. I must. This is for me and no one else.

I've been going to the gym three days a week and upped it to four days a week this week, and I've been getting back to counting calories and working hard to eat better. This isn't a diet; it's a lifestyle change.

I have a long way to go, but I'm willing to put in the work. I've lost about 4-5ish pounds in the four weeks that I've been going to the gym so far. It seems better to look at it there in words than to feel the numbers ever-so-slowly ticking down each week on the scale. I have to remember to look at this in the grand scheme of things instead of wishing that it could be faster, easier, etc...

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step," yes? Well, this is going to be one heck of a long, hard journey.

But I'm ready.

Review of Right From the Heart

This is truly a gorgeous book. I've recently been “on the market,” so to speak, for a daily devotional that that could help me get my mind and heart set on God and His purpose for my life, and this was precisely what I was looking for. I personally feel as though this is a good starting point for helping me to actively keep on track with my walk with God each day. “Right from the Heart” is definitely a book to be treasured (and it even looks the part of a beloved keepsake, so that's an added plus!). I can't wait to share it with and recommend it to others.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Review of Stumbling into Grace

Lisa Harper shares her personal experiences in her relationship with God in a very frank, and often hilarious, way. Each chapter ends with a relevant sample prayer and questions for personal reflection and/or group discussion.

From the moment I had this book in my hands, I knew I would love it. I have never read any of Lisa Harper's books before this one, though I had heard good things about her Christian ministry before. Now, I can't wait to read more by her. I really felt i related to this book. It made me laugh and cry, and it kept me hooked from the beginning to the very end.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Review of Treasuring Emma

Emma has been brokenhearted by her mother dying and her love, Adam, leaving the Amish way of life. When Adam suddenly returns, however, she expects that he will leave again at any time, so she cannot easily find it in her heart to forgive him. With financial and familial problems building up, the only thing Emma can do is learn to take her grandmother's advice – trust in the Lord.

I haven't read much Amish fiction before, but Kathleen Fuller always captures my attention and holds it from the first page to the very end. This particular novel is an entertaining and satisfying read, and I look forward to reading more of Fuller's novels.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Review of It's Not About Me

It's not about me. It's not about you. It's about God. To most Christians, this seems to be a given – OF COURSE it's about God... but do we really live our lives as if this were so? Lucado presents his case, allowing us to explore the truth in our own experience.

Max Lucado, one of the most humble Christian authors I have ever read, truly has a God-given gift for writing and speaking the truth in a unique yet simple way that touches my heart every time and often even leaves me in tears. Every Lucado book I have read has truly been a blessing to read, and this one is no exception! I highly recommend this book, and this author, to everyone who seeks the love and truth of God.

I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.

Review of Courting Miss Amsel

Edythe Amsel, the new schoolmarm of Walnut Hill, Nebraska, is about to turn the tiny town upside down with her unorthodox teaching methods and strong determination. Almost immediately, many parents try to stand against her, with the prime exception of John Townsend, who finds her contemporary ways – not to mention her rosy lips and pretty eyes – delightful. Edythe must place her faith in God to trust that He will provide a way for her, and He, of course, is faithful to prepare her for plans that are greater than she could ever have imagined.

I love books that surpass my expectations, and this was one of them. I enjoyed it so much that I was a bit disappointed when it ended. I must admit, however, that I started getting a bit frustrated with John and Edythe, and I almost found myself wishing that John would be successful in moving on and finding someone else. All in all, this was a wonderful read, and Kim Vogel Sawyer is a very talented author.

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers as a part of their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review; my opinions, therefore, are completely unbiased.