My Oola Journey: From Fat to Fabulous

I saw this picture on Facebook this morning, and it really spoke to me.  I've been trying to lose 50 pounds for the last 20 years.  I will lose 10, 20 or even 40 -- only to gain it back. But this time...it's real...it's hard...it's forever. 

Losing weight doesn't always mean you will see the scale move.  For instance, I have been at the same weight for about a month now.  It is hard to be patient and do exactly what I'm supposed to do -- however, I continue this journey. 

I am a 50+, so weight loss does not come easily.  It takes dedication, drive and commitment.  I always did lose weight slowly.  For instance, after the birth of my 2nd child, it took me 6 months to lose 15 pounds!  That is etched in my memory because I remember the amount of patience it took and how happy I was when I reached that goal.  As I grow older, I have come to realize that it's not always about the number.  For instance, last night I was sitting in the car and the driver turned to me and said, "Where's your stomach?"  I looked down...it was flat.  Holy cow!  When did that happen???  I had been so busy looking at the scale, I forgot to look at me!

My Oola goal was to lose 50 pounds in a year.  I am down 17.  I don't know if I will get there by December but I do know I will look a heck of a lot better!  At this stage of the game, it's about getting healthy.  Frankly, if I lost 50 pounds, I might look great or I might look sickly.  So, although my goal is 50 pounds, I am working toward health, energy and yes, looking a little better.

If you are having one of those days where you ate something that was not so healthy, just move forward.  I used to beat myself up but now I realize that this is a lifetime plan and yes, little things like "life" happen.  I feel like today I am balanced and in control, regardless of whether or not I have a perfect day or less than perfect day. 

If you are struggling, join me on this journey.  Take control of your life.  If you'd like more information about the plan I am on, feel free to send me a direct message on Twitter.
Remember, this is about the journey.  As it continues, I have learned this much...I deserve this and I will do it!  I have faith that you will too!

"The Climb" by Miley Cyrus
https://youtu.be/NG2zyeVRcbs?list=PLAF1928DD0C97D647

 

 

It's that Time of Year

Galatians 5:22.  These are the fruit of the Spirit.  Love, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, joy, peace and patience.  These are God's words.  This is how we should act on a day-to-day.  Even more so, I take these words seriously when it comes to the classroom.  I think if teachers practiced more of this, there would be many more success stories.

And so, it's summer.  Not your 95 degrees in the shade summer but more like 120 degrees!  Las Vegas style of summer.  Instead of languishing around a pool, I chose to teach summer school.  I was all set to start in my autism classroom for grades 3-5, but it seems God had other plans.

The day they were handing out teaching assignments, four teachers said they wanted to work in the self-contained autism rooms and although I always wanted resource, never signed up for it because I figured I'd be more marketable in autism.  WRONG!  I found myself assigned to a grade 4 resource classroom.  Now, I was completely thrilled with this assignment until I started reading profiles on the children.  Of the sixteen in my room, 25% had behavior plans.  The criteria for being on a behavior plan is that the child's behavior must interfere with the learning of others.  Two students were coming from self-contained classes and were basically, misplaced in my room.  This, did not look good.

I must confess, although I'm a seasoned teacher,  I didn't sleep well during our 3-day week-end before the start of school.  But, I prayed.  Prayed for my classroom and for God to be in the midst.   And I continue to pray.

Monday came and frankly, I'm not sure I've ever had a better first day opening of summer school.  Everything went like clockwork.  Perhaps it's that I'm a veteran now, with this being my third year teaching summer school.  Or maybe, it was that voice inside me that said, "Just treat the kids like you always do..."  It might have been my prayers or the combination of all three.

All I know is that yesterday, I received a letter from one of my "behavior" students telling me how much she loved me and loved school.  The first day, I got a hug from a different  student -- another so-called "problem"--asking me if I would be there on Tuesday.

We have completed day 3 and students who were deemed  unable to sit more than 1 minute (no, that's not a typo), are sitting 20-30 minutes to do the work I give them.  I thank God for this kind of amazing behavior that I am seeing!  I also thank God for allowing me to work with these students, as next fall, I will be moving into resource!  It is almost as if God said, "Here Lisa -- give it a go...get some practice in before school starts in the fall!"

Believe me, each child has a story.  I hope teachers out there will read this and understand why I never take too much to heart when I read what a report, another teacher or even a parent says.  In my humble opinion, it is all about letting the kids know you care.  To me, it's that simple.  I am there to teach them and help them learn how to be successful, in their own right.  Not because I hand it to them but because they have earned it.

God smiled on me this summer.  He gave me a classroom of  12 incredible students; each with their own gifts and talents.  It's going to be a great summer!  It's going to be an even better fall!

Do You Believe?

 

So I just finished watching the movie, "Do You Believe?"  The movie was about twelve people and how circumstances in their lives led them to believe in the power of the cross.  One of the first scenes in the movie had a man carrying a cross asking a pastor, “Do you believe in the power of the cross?”  It was very thought provoking because you could almost hear everyone’s thoughts – “Of course he does!”  But did he?  Now let me turn the question to you…do you believe in the power of the cross?

Let me tell you, there are times in our lives that will either bring us to our knees, causing us to draw nearer to God or we will turn away from God.  Most of these times are because we are going through incredibly trying circumstances; ones that we don’t understand and/or don’t wish to face.   I want to share with you a few times that I could have either turned away from the cross or moved closer to it.  I am thankful that although I may have wavered periodically, I ultimately grew stronger through my experiences.

The first time I was faced with enormous turmoil was when I was thirteen years old.  My parents were going through a very ugly divorce.  As a result, I could have moved closer to Jesus or away from Him.  This was a pivotal time in my life; as a result of the chaos in my life, I found myself being drawn to the Christian faith.  You see, I had been raised in a Jewish home -- yet, I found comfort in the cross.  I knew that Jesus was real and that He had died for my sins.  A friend took me to church and I felt a peace I’d never felt before.  It was God calling me to Him.  And I went.  My faith grew the next two years.  However, during those teenage years, I caved to peer pressure.

I gradually fell out of my faith and married a man of a different faith altogether, despite knowing that it was darned near impossible to raise children in a two religion household.  I had grown up confused and knew that was a very real possibility, yet followed a path of my own design; not His. My willingness to be led astray would come back and darned near destroy me.  But, I'll get to that later.

My next pivotal experience in life was the death of my father.   I found myself struggling with his death.  I was quite young at the time -- 28 years old -- and as a result, felt like God had abandoned me.  I went on a quest to find God, which included going back to my Jewish roots.  In the end, I realized that God had not abandoned me; however, there were some very hard lessons I was to learn from this experience.  God was using many life lessons throughout this two year struggle.

A few years later, I found myself in Kuwait.  At the time, I had a spirit of adventure.  However, it eventually ran thin.   I ultimately had a vision that led me to feel cut off from God for over two years.   I believe I was in the midst of a huge spiritual battle.  You see, I had asked God to show me the Truth.  He did with the EXCEPTION of the crucifixion.  You see, He left that a blank for me to decide -- did I believe in the power of the cross?   Ephesians 6:12 describes what I was going through.  "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. During that time, I prayed wholeheartedly for God's return to my life.  I believe I experienced true Hell -- being cut off spiritually from God.  I could no longer feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and that scared me.  I was spiritually empty.  My four years of living in Kuwait had taken its toll on me.   It took me nearly 3 years before I was to feel "normal." Yes, I believed in the power of the cross!

As I went through my marriage, I drew closer to God.  As times got harder, I became a more steadfast Christian.  By the time I got divorced, I was extremely strong in my faith -- having been a Christian for now for over 15 years.  However, it was through my divorce that I learned some incredible faith lessons such as why we are to be joyful in all circumstances, that God does reach out to us, that if we are really quiet, we can "hear" His voice and discern His will for us.  In Romans 12:2, it says "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."  In other words, we are quite capable of figuring out God's will but we have to draw close to God and listen in our hearts.

Likewise, when my mother passed away, I learned many things.  I learned that all things are for the glory of God.   Romans 8:8 declares this.   "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."  It was during this time that I heard His voice call me to ministry.  I saw firsthand God's healing power and watched as He changed my mother's heart which had grown somewhat hardened over the years.   I observed non-believers appear to not really hear my mother tell the powerful story of her salvation earlier in the day.  God speaks of spiritual blindness in Matthew 13:13. "This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand."  It is hard to understand but I witnessed this firsthand; first with my mother then later with the individuals who visited her hospital room that evening.  Her salvation was written off as the side effects of medications she was taking.  However, I witnessed the transformation; a powerful truth! 


Many are amazed by my faith.  I have been blessed because I have experienced so many things in my life; good and bad.  However, I am grateful because they strengthened my faith, rather than drive me away from it.  In Romans 8:28, it states "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

I encourage you to think about your life and culminating experiences.  Each time you hit a crisis, did you grow closer to God or allow that circumstance to drive a wedge between you and Him?  Where are you today when it comes to Jesus?  Do you believe?

You see, believing in God does not mean bad things won't happen.  But Scripture tells us how we can protect ourselves against spiritual warfare, and that is by putting on the armor of God.

Ephesians 6:10-18 says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." (NIV)

So as you mull over my question tonight, remember God is real and He is there for anyone who reaches out to Him.  Do you believe?  Do you believe in the power of the cross?  Do you believe in Jesus?  Do you believe in God's mercy and grace?  Do you believe He has a plan for your life and that you are just clay in the Potter’s hands?

These are questions we should all be asking ourselves -- even Christians!  Because we are all going to face Him one day -- when He asks you, "Did you believe?”  What will your answer be?  In the meantime, listen to this video and allow it to touch your heart.

Newsboys - "We Believe"

https://youtu.be/FtPmX7e_Rpw

 

A Minute of Grace: Throwing in the Towel

Have you ever had one of those days?  Weeks?  Months?  Time to move past your fears and self-sabotaging behavior to achieve the success you deserve!


Tune into YouTube for my latest A Minute of Grace
https://youtu.be/iX_K-lfMs4s

My Oola Journey: From Fat to Fabulous

So, three guesses as to what you think this blog is about?  If you guessed cheating on my diet, you would be right -- sort of!  It's actually about how I didn't cheat on my diet-- despite the fact that I was so desperate to self-sabotage myself.  So, how did I do it?  And what made the difference this time versus all other times before when I was faced with this situation?

First of all, yesterday was a difficult day because I was hungry ALL day!   Seriously!!   My guess is it was because I exercised quite vigorously the day before.  Forty-five minutes of tennis in the heat followed by swimming and pool calisthenics.  Yes, for this eating plan, it was extreme.  You are really not supposed to engage in much more than a bit of walking during the weight loss portion of this plan because it is only 1000 calories per day and to expend energy on so few calories would put you into a "starvation" mode; in other words, your body would think it was starving and hold onto your weight.  Plus -- it would make sense that you would be hungry.  Fortunately, this is only during the initial weight loss phase.  Once you lose weight and are eating more calories, exercise is definitely encouraged.

In any case, last night I had the "munchies" -- big time!  And sitting in the fridge were some chocolate covered macadamia nuts.  Not mine but a friend's -- and I wanted them with every fiber of my being!  Well, I ended up eating a couple of snacks and finally, just gave up and went to bed since the snacks really didn't kill the craving.  Frankly, I was surprised that I was craving sugar at all because I have not experienced that since starting this program -- aside from the first few days on it.

As I was perusing the refrigerator, a voice told me to think about all I had accomplished and did I really want to risk not being able to get back on program?  Starting it was hard.  Some days it is downright difficult to stay on track.  However, I have been determined.  I also knew that it was more than the food that was the problem -- it was the mindset.  You see, I could have eaten those few chocolates with the intention of getting back on program tomorrow.  However, would I actually be able to do it?  Last time I did something like that -- I ate a donut after losing 40 pounds at the urging of a "friend" -- and it was all over.  I gained back the 40.  And frankly, I have worked hard to lose the weight that is gone.  My only option, after eating the 200 calories in extra snacks was to go to bed.  Was it a great solution?  Probably not.  But if avoidance works at this point, I say, "Do it!"

So what is the difference between my being on this program and any other?  The truth is, it is me that has changed.  I don't just want to be healthy -- I deserve to be healthy!  I also like the way I am looking.  People are starting to notice.  They are commenting on my shorter hair (although it's been like that for a couple of months).  I think they notice something is different, they just aren't sure what...and if they ask me if I've lost weight, it implies I need to!  I dare say, after another 10 pounds, they will be certain that I am losing weight and will begin to comment.  I'll let you know in a future blog.

This morning, I woke up feeling like, "Wow -- I ate those extra calories!  I wonder what they did to me?"  As life should have it, I actually lost weight!  Yes, I am now down 16.5 pounds.  I am very close to my 20 pound goal that I had set for 8/19 -- the day I return to work.  I plan to lose another 8-10 pounds a month from here on out.  Is it doable?  Yes!  I believe it will happen with every fiber of my being.



Why was I able to fend off last night's craving versus any other time I have been trying to lose weight?  First of all, I owe all glory to God!  Without Him, I am certain I would have eaten those chocolates!  Additionally, I have committed to losing weight.  With commitment, you plan -- what are you eating?  What do you do when you are stressed?  What happens when you are hungrier than usual? Whereas, if I were motivated, my ability to follow-through on this plan would wax and wane according to my mood.  Motivation has a short time period, where commitment has no time...you just take it as it comes until the job is completed.

Will I always be able to say, "No?"  I hope so.  There are no guarantees in this world.  I do know this.  I am working hard to get my Oola Life.  I am beginning to see how the seven key areas of fitness, faith, field, friends, fun, finance and family have a synergistic effect on one another.  But that's a topic for a whole other blog.  For now, suffice it to say that if I can do this, so can you.  It is not easy; you have to pick and choose what you want from life.  For now, I choose freedom from medication and long-term health.  And if I look a little better in the process?  Well, that would be the icing on the cake -- metaphorically speaking!

The Perfect Day

Today was about as perfect a day as one could possibly want.  I seldom get into a relaxation mode but today was a full-on vacation day. 

The day began with a text from my daughter.  She is pregnant, according to her, 288 days.  I reminded her -- 67 days from a year!  Thanks, grandma!   I can't imagine she has much longer to go as baby is getting big and she is well past her due date.  It is a matter of time and grandma is anxious!   We touch base daily and it is one of the highlights of my day!

I also texted my son who just competed in the Drum Corps International quarterfinals.  He has semi-finals tonight, so I wished him good luck and told him I love him.  I am getting anxious as he will be home Sunday after being gone nearly three months!  I am also excited to see how they do tonight -- he promised he would text the scores!

I also had a doctor's appointment today.  My insurance has changed significantly, so I decided to see if I could switch out all my medications for generic.  I could and walked out with my prescriptions in hand.  I dropped them off at the pharmacy and told them I would return a couple of hours later.

Once I got back, my bestest friend in Nevada asked me if I would like to play tennis.  It was in the 80's this morning and I figured, it was a good day to get back on the court.  I have not been on the tennis court since May, when the pain of my foot got too intense from a tennis injury sustained in February.  I let it rest this summer and decided it was time to try.  Once on the court, my shots were effortless.  I found that I had not lost a lot of ground and my partner agreed.  We lost track of time and played for about 45 minutes.  It felt good to be breaking a sweat again.

Afterwards, we went to the pharmacy.  Total cost of my prescriptions?  Zero!  That's right -- my pharmacy bill has now gone from $150 per month to nothing!  I was beyond excited!  In fact, I was shouting "Woot-Woot" all the way out the drive-thru!  Yes, that is a huge savings for me!

We returned to my best buddy's house, where I made a light lunch.  A little tuna salad on a bed of lettuce.  It was delicious.  I also made a "frosty"...not real but a mock one that is allowed on my eating plan.

After lunch, we went swimming in his pool.  I had a chance to exercise a bit.  I've been swimming laps and also doing water exercises to tighten and tone my body.  Although I don't believe in horoscopes, my sign is Pisces -- the fish.   He reminds me of this daily, saying that  I'm a real water baby. I'd have to agree... I love the water and all things associated with it.  And so, it was an incredible treat to swim today.  It also gave me a chance for a second workout; something I have not done for years!!

I also got a chance to read -- something I hardly ever do.  This week, I've been reading a John Grisham book poolside.  Because the weather was so incredibly fabulous today, I sat outside and read for over an hour.  In my world, if it's not a textbook, it's a luxury.  That's what reading felt like to me today.

Once we left the pool, the cooking commenced.  Pizza made with a spaghetti squash crust.  It took a little time and so, I got some writing and editing completed including this blog.

As the sun begins to go down, I can't think of a more perfect day than the one I've had today.  I feel incredibly blessed to have spent some time in the sunshine, with a man who makes me laugh and having an incredible dinner.  I've had some activity, time to relax and saved major money from my budget.  Today is just one of those days...it was perfect!

Susan Boyle "Perfect Day"
https://youtu.be/09RqlKsygwY

Lessons from DCI 2015

photos courtesy of BlueDevils.org

 

If you like to watch marching bands, then Drum Corp International is for you.  It is marching band on steroids.  Each winter, musicians of all ages try out for the corps.  Every May, the musicians who are chosen, join their respective corps and go on a 2 1/2 month tour across the country.  Make no mistake, these musicians are the best of the best. However, they are not just musicians but really, artists.  They not only play their instruments and carry props,  but perform physical feats that outright amazes me.  It is a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity, as the performers "age-out" at 22.   

I know all this because my son is in drum corps.  Before he left for camp this year, he was told by the coaches he needed to be able to run 5 miles before he arrived.  Aside from marching band, my son has never exercised for fitness.  Yet, that is exactly what he trained for because he knew, that is the kind of stamina that is required to perform at this level of competition.  To give you a better idea, the performers in his show warm up for ninety minutes prior to their twelve minute show. 

Last night, I went to our local cinema to watch the live stream of the quarter-finals competition.  I don't know all the ins and outs of drum corps.  Due to distance and finances, I am unable to be more involved to attend activities such as family days and competitions.  I do, however, make the yearly screening to watch the top 25 corps.  The competition is so tight that the top 5 scores last night were within tenths and hundredths of a point difference.  The competition is keen and the musicians perform at their peak. 

I write this, not because I am a proud mother but to illustrate a point.  Can one be passionate about something at such a young age?  Or do you need to have lived life before you find your passion?  Let's look at my son.

He began band in sixth grade.  After a trip to the local music store, he decided on the trumpet; rather reluctantly as I recall. He really wanted to play trombone like his older brother but decided on something a little different.  I don't think he ever looked back except to play euphonium when asked by his band director. 

When we moved to Las Vegas, he had to try out for marching band unlike St. Louis, where he would have made it, just by virtue of having played in middle school.  I saw a post on Facebook the other day which highlighted the anniversary of the day he made marching band!  He was incredibly thrilled and gave it his all.  His first year of high school, he participated in all the bands, which was quite substantial; even to the detriment of his studies.

The next year, I took a hard stance and told him, he could not do marching band until his grades improved.  We made a pact.  He would participate in fewer bands and more on his studies.  It worked.  His grades improved and he was able to stay in marching band.

His junior year, he was a section leader.  He also asked me if he could try out for the U.S. Army All-American band.  Not understanding the enormity of this opportunity, I told him (rather flippantly) if it didn't cost anything.    He said it didn't.  He practiced and practiced, marching around our small patio.  He submitted a video.  From 7,000 applicants, he made the cut -- 1 of 150!  He travelled to San Antonio that year to march in the U.S. Army All-American game.   I suddenly realized his talents and passion far exceeded that of the "usual" high school student. 

The next year, he tried out for Drum Corps International.  He made the team!  Make no mistake, this was no small investment -- it was $3,000 for the summer plus trips back and forth to his team's home state for camps between the months of January and May.  It was a struggle for me, as I was newly divorced; however, I felt he needed something positive in his life.  His dad and I agreed to split the expenses and did so that first year.

The following year, he tried out again, and made the same team.  Again, he travelled but this time, he paid for his trip.  I no longer could afford to fund his passion.  I wished I could help more but also, I know his paying for the trip helped to not only build character but also, show him how much sweeter the success is if you work for it yourself.  AND if you want it bad enough, it will help you sift through those passing fancies to determine whether or not it is truly a passion.

This year is his third year in drum corps.  He made one of the more "elite" corps.  It was a $4000 expense.  He dropped out of college in order to work and fund the trip.  I'm not sure how I feel about his leaving college but also, I know this is something that he needs to do while he is young and unfettered by life.  Although he has a girlfriend, she understands his drive and passion since she too, has marched drum corps.  Best of all, he is living his dream; his passion.

Last night's marching bands had me thinking-- what incredible drive and passion these young people have.  I don't know what my son's future holds; only that I know he will be successful in whatever he sets his mind to do.  I try to remember if I had that kind of passion at that age.  I don't think so.  I had ambition but not the drive to carry me through.  I loved broadcasting and worked in college radio stations for years.  I had a tremendous voice for news, but allowed other things to get in the way.   Clearly, that was not my passion but more, a hobby.

I think about his circumstances and how as a family, have struggled for money over the past few years.  Working hard has built character.  It has made him hone in on what really drives him and go after it; a laser pointed at the prize.

I have learned through my own circumstances that it is much better to find your passion at an early age.  I am doing it now because I took a huge side-step and never really discovered my passion until late in life!  As a result, I have to work incredibly hard because the time I have to spend on my passion is somewhat limited by my age.  I am entering the field late.  If this were marching band, I would have cost my team points.  The good news is, once on the field, you can prove yourself and perhaps, level it based on your drive.  My drive is high.  I love what I do, despite the fact that it takes up a lot of my "spare" time.  At this point, I don't care what it takes -- I want to be the best I can! 

My suggestion is, find your passion.  You will know when you find it because you will become all-consumed by it.   Next, do what it takes to be the best.  And regardless of the outcome or what others say, never stop.  I'm on break from school the next two weeks and I'm still writing and working.   Why?  Because I believe in what I do and love doing it!  I don't know God's plan for my life but I trust Him.  He has filled me with words -- those are my musical scores!  I continue to let Him use me as His instrument in the greatest performance of all; my life.

Video courtesy of Blue Devils Drum Corps
https://youtu.be/5p1EOCJheuE

Making a Difference

Some days, life seems daunting.  How do I get past my depression?  How do I work through my marriage difficulties?  How do I get physically fit?  I have too many things to do!!

The truth is, life is not always about us.  Let me say this again...it's not about us!  Yes, we each have our own set of problems but the truth is, in spite of them, we can actually be part of the solution. 

You know, I never saw myself as writing a blog, let alone one that would actually achieve a following.  However, the more I wrote, the more I received positive feedback -- people were telling me that I was helping them through my writing; that I was encouraging them and suddenly, this blog became an instrument through which I could use my personal experiences to help others.   I was making a difference.  When I started, I had  maybe 150 people a month reading it.  Today, my readership has grown exponentially in what I would deem a supernatural way -- between 9,000 and 12,000 a month.  I don't give that glory to me but rather, to God.  This is, I believe, a ministry to which I was called.

I have a friend in Kuwait who began a Christian ministry in a Muslim country.  It began when she observed a street worker without a winter coat, as it was starting to get colder.  Before she knew it, she had over $20,000 in coats which a merchant gave to her to pass out; but she had no way to pay for them.  God was in the midst and answered her prayers.  Not only were the coats paid off but her ministry grew.  She now has Muslims and Christians working side-by-side to help those less fortunate in her adopted country.  That is God at work!

Two men whose paths crossed early in their careers.  Fast forward many years later.  One is struggling to survive and the other is retired.  The one who is struggling calls his mentor.  They talk.  They meet.  They decide to use their experiences to help others.  They go on to want to change the world with a word..."Oola".  The struggling man tells God he wants to use that word to help others.  A prayer.  A ministry of sorts.  They are now doing that by the grace of God.  They are helping people achieve their dreams -- whether it is getting out of debt, losing weight, becoming stronger in their faith, getting passion back in their jobs or developing stronger relationships with friends and family.  Oola is now a buzzword.  They are spreading the message around the world!

A musician who sees a Mercy Ship dock in New Zealand.  He asks God, "What can I do? I'm just a musician?"  Twenty or more years later, he is a music ambassador for Mercy Ships and recording an album to raise money for them.  That is powerful!  THAT is God at work!

So what is the common thread that binds us all together?  We believe in God's mighty power to do anything, we care about others and we want the world to be a better place.  We don't know the circumstances of how things will happen, as it's all about God's plan, purpose, and timing.  However, we do rely on Him as our guiding force.

So, have you considered that you could make a difference?  Look around you.  Do you see something that you would like to see changed?  Perhaps, that is the Holy Spirit saying, "That needs to be fixed and you're just the one to do it!"  Not one in a hundred, but one!  YOU!

You see, we all have the power to make a difference in this world.  God has gifted us with certain talents that make us quite capable of making our world a better place.  If you think you don't have that, think again.  It can be as small as a teacher offering words of reassurance to a child who has been told they are stupid.  It can be helping an elderly person load their groceries in a car.  It can be giving a homeless person a PBJ sandwich and a bottle of water on a 100 degree day.  Now take those ideas one step further.  Tutor a child who can't read for free.  Put together a group who can go to the homes of the elderly to mow their grass or run small errands for them.  Keep bags full of food that won't spoil and water to pass out on those 100 degree days. 

Our minds are trained to think "in the box."  I am challenging you today to think "outside the box,"  and to be radical in your thinking.  What can you do?  What do you possess that makes you unique?  How can you make someone's day brighter?  Be an encouragement to others.  Can you make a difference?  Absolutely!  It doesn't take an army -- it takes a willingness, a little bit of an imagination and allowing God to work in your heart.

The Book: An Update

So here it is; the moment of truth.  I promised myself that if I got 4,000-6,000 readers per month on my blog that I would publish my book.  I hit that mark.  The moment is now.

I'm scared.  This book is incredibly revealing and yet, I know that God wants it out there.  Why am I so sure?  It took me one week to write it.  One week!  It is 153 pages.  My life on paper.  My life during periods of self-loathing due to abuse and a crazy marriage lasting over 30 years of my life.  Trust me, no one including myself, is left unscathed.

It tells the details that I have not shared on this blog -- and I have shared a LOT!  But it goes even deeper.  It is a story of hope and healing.  Of how God can indeed use all things for His glory.  I am praying it will be used to encourage those that are in situations that they deem hopeless.  I would also like to springboard into a career that lends itself to life coaching and  using my testimony to help others.

I still need a final editing and that's it.  My summer school pay will more than cover it.  So, why am I scared?  I guess because I wonder if it will sell?  Is my story compelling enough for people to read?  Is it interesting?  I also pray that it will, in some way, alleviate the burden of debt with which I've been left.  I'd like to know that my debts were paid, rather than discharged; a huge difference in my mind. 

I know the people who've pre-read the story have been unable to put it down.  I also have one major edit this week, which is to change the ending of the story.   You see, my life is now quite different than it was two years ago.  I am wholly and completely healed, thanks to God and an amazing counselor.  I am doing things I never saw coming.  I am in a relationship.  I am losing weight and getting healthier (the 'right' way).  I am writing nearly full-time in my "spare" time.  My blog has reached a readership I never dreamed possible.  And despite my continuing financial issues, I am stronger than I ever dreamed possible.  I am living my dreams!   I have spent the last 3 years fighting my way out to the other side.  I am that butterfly emerging from the cocoon.

Never underestimate the power of the human spirit.  Everyone has difficulties in life -- it is what makes us stronger.  We can either rise to the occasion or crumble in a heap.  I prefer the former.  Oh yes, I've had many days on my knees, praying for God to help me through the day or even, the hour.  However, when we make it through difficult times, somehow any success is just a little sweeter.  It gives us something to hold on to -- to remember -- and shows us the promise of better days ahead.  The bottom line?  Be grateful for every single day, whether it is good or bad and allow yourself to be His handiwork.  Imagine yourself as a caterpillar that will one day fight its way from the chrysalis to become a beautiful butterfly, exactly as your Creator intended it.

My Oola Journey: From Fat to Fabulous

Update:  Today I sent my son a picture of myself.  He has not seen me since 6/25 when I began this weight loss program.  I wrote a note on the picture; -15 pounds -13 1/2 inches.  He wrote back, "Who is this?"  I had to chuckle.  Typical of my son.  The good news is, although I have 35 pounds left to lose, people are beginning to notice I've lost weight.

The last two weeks have been trying.  My weight plateaued and it felt like I was wearing lead boots.  Not only did I have to figure out the problem, but also manage to keep from self-sabotaging myself; a pattern in my weight loss history.

I plateaued for nearly two weeks, despite following the plan.  I was also exceedingly hungry.   I finally called a health coach who went over what I was eating.  We determined that perhaps it was the fact that I was expending a lot of energy in summer school and going into a "starvation mode."  She suggested I eat 1-2 more ounces of protein per day.  Also, I was having 2 sugar-free  popsicles in the evening.  Although only 30 calories, I learned that artificial sweeteners can also slow your progress on this program.  So, I gave up one of the popsicles, despite the fact it was only 15 calories, ate the protein and the problem was solved.  Within two days, the scale began to move again.

However, I also want to stress the progress I have made even when the scale didn't move -- my "NSV's" otherwise known as non-scale victories.  I have lost 13 1/2 inches.  Last week, we had a potluck at school.  I only ate the veggies sans dressing, despite a banana pudding that I know is "to die for," since it was at last year's luncheon.  I also tried on a pair of shorts that I could not close by 5 inches in the summer -- they fit!  It is these little milestones that make me understand I am changing; not just my body but my mindset.  It's that commitment that will carry me to the end of this journey.

School was also not without its own stresses, as was my life in general.  Just a little background on myself; at the age of 40, I became an emotional eater.  However, this week I had new resolve.  Despite life's ups and downs, I chose not to eat because of a problem; a conscious decision.  The older I get, the more I realize that life is full of problems; that is the norm, and eating your way through them only creates more. It's a vicious cycle to eat when stressed, then stress because of eating. 

I also went to a party last night.  There was all kinds of food including frozen pina coladas (I'm putting that one under the 'fruit' group) and giant red velvet cupcakes from Costco.  I chose veggies, salad, a small chicken breast and a deviled egg.  I passed on the alcohol, although I had a sip.  Yes, it was incredibly good but not worth messing up the 'fat burn' that takes place on this plan.  As for the cupcakes?  Well, let's just say I left the party early, as I felt my resolve getting weaker and weaker.  OK, maybe not the best choice but it was the best choice I could think of at the time. 

So, how was I able to walk away from all those goodies?  Summer school just finished and certainly, I have much to celebrate.  I could have eaten everything that was put out without a second thought.   However, I have to give all the glory to God on this one.  I am not, on my own, strong enough to resist these temptations.  I had been praying He would help me find a program that would work for my body and He led me straight to this one.  I have incredible support from my health coaches and others on the program.  My significant other is also cheering me on as well as adopting my new eating habits.  Gone are the carbs and sweets.  As a plus, he has lost as much weight as me and his doctor has reduced his diabetes medications.

I can't wait for the day I am medication-free.  I will have changed the course of my life by overriding my genetics with good health habits.  All I can say is that, like all change, it is not easy.  But, I keep God close in my heart and know that my body is His vessel to fill with the Holy Spirit.  I want to be the best I can be and with His help, will get there in His timing.