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Wednesday, July 28, 2010

the power of G3



Is 40:26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.

29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

Gatorade now has a protein recovery drink, called G3 that you drink after exercising to promote muscle recovery to get you ready for your next workout. I saw it @ Dick's yesterday and it made me think...


As a child of God, what is my the source of my 'recovery'? Where do I get my will (the desire to continue) and power (the energy to continue) or simply put 'willpower'? Just how much of it we have determines how much self-control and how much strength we possess. In essence, it determines our success. So isn't it important to identify the source of this important substance for us?

He said we are called by the greatness of HIS power. He reminds us that because HE is Strong in power, WE (that are connected to HE) SHALL NOT FAIL!!!!

Wow! That resonates to me. I finally understand 'blessed assurance'. I cannot fail! Imagining now that I'm fighting this battle against my weight (or any other battles for that matter) and once again (cuz I gotta do it everyday) God reminds me, that as long as I remember that I am called by the greatness of HIS power; when I am tired He will increase my strength. When I'm weak He'll give me power!



That's my G3!!!!! (I laughed to myself) I can activate my G3 before and after every workout. Before and after each meal. Before and after each snack. Before and after every setback or perilous thought. G3-Father/Son/Holy Ghost. That's our G3 and its supply is endless. It restores, empowers, encourages and even more it comforts, it/He (God) is EVERY SINGLE THING we need! There will never need to be a product replacement or an upgrade. G3, its a revolution. Don't forget to be a part of it!


Congratulations Time! (quick video online)

Kenya T. - Down 3lbs this week and 4.5 inches!! Way to work it out this am. We was sweating it out chick! Keep going higher!



Natalie N. -So glad to be a part of your journey. I'm excited to begin with you and look forward to next weeks results. You CAN do it!



This week's Charlotte Harris Teeter Sales: (til Aug 3.)


Ground Turkey - Buy 1 get 1 free

Strawberries - Buy 1 get 1 free

Eggs - .67c/dozen

French fries/Hashbrowns - Buy 1 get 1 free



All the stuff we need to eat to lose! Its on sale, buy 1/share 1 or buy 1/keep the other 1:)


Recipe: Wild Sockeye Salmon Piccata

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:
4 - 8 oz fresh sockeye salmon fillet portions
Cooking spray
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 cup dry white wine
2 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained
1 fresh lemon, 1/2 for juice and 1/2 for garnish
ground black pepper to taste
optional parsley for garnish


Salmon Picatta

Directions:
In a large no-stick sauté pan, spray with cooking spray over medium-high heat.
Season the salmon fillets and place them in the sauté pan. Cook the fillets for 2 minutes and turn the fillets once.
Add the garlic and pepper to the pan and when the garlic starts to turn brown, deglaze with the wine.
Add the chicken broth and capers and reduce by half.
Turn the fish one more time and squeeze half the lemon over the fillets and sauce.
Remove and garnish with lemon slices and parsley.





Prayer: Lord prepare me. Revive me. Replenish me. Restore me. Thank you for surrounding me with your love and allowing me to be a part of lives around me and make a difference. A positive difference in their lives while at the same time, make a positive difference in my own life. As happy as I am Lord, I am also moved with sadness. I can let a burden overtake me. I have to turn it over to you and remind myself that I am not in any of this alone. Help me to examine myself every day and find what you see in me. Your love is shining over me Lord. Help me to be a reflection of your love. Help my sisters and brothers to find peace in you and strength in you and renewal in you.




We get tired sometimes Lord. Help us not to faint but to run on and be rejuvenated in you. In the power and the authority of the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.


Monday, July 26, 2010

I think. I can. I think. I can.




I think. I can. I think. I can.

Funny, all my years reading the little engine that could, I always read it, I think I can. I think I can. And that was good enough. I mean he kept thinking he could and eventually...he did. But this time, hearing it from Young Jules this Sunday morning, it rang in my ears differently. It sounded like, I think. (period) I can. (period). Which had different meaning. You've heard it - I think therefore I am. I began to assimilate in my mind. Since I 'think' and have the cognicent ability to discern truth and apply wisdom there is NOTHING I can't do. I began to explore this thought as if it were a new concept. I think. I can. I think - therefore - I can. But there was one thing missing....the DO. I think. I can. Sometimes, I can know the what and even the how, but the 'do'...yeah, notsomuch. Problem is, you can think all you want, you can know you 'can' all you want but until you 'do' its only an assumption - a wish - a speculation.

I'm now 'doing' and 'doing' and that 'doing' requires more 'thinking' and more knowing that I 'can' to reinforce my next steps and stages but if I don't 'do' all my thinking and 'can' ing is in vain. I know I've said this before, but it bears repeating....JUST DO IT! You don't have to do it alone - Go with God but GO!! Make your thoughts a reality.

Congratulations Time!

Taryn C. - You called me just in time for today's message my sweet little hard-headed skinny baby:) I'm gonna put you on blast - Down 26lbs in 4 WEEKS!! I'm proud of you, but look where you'd be if you had started sooner! TC had the program for 3 months and only started once her trainer confirmed that by eating this way would definitely net results AND FAST and UH...GUESS WHAT - THEY DID!! Glad you jumped in and did the dern thing! Go baby!

Kenya T. - 9 oh 9 pounds in 1 week!!! We gonna get them inches tracked this eve. She's a BRICK-HOUSE!! Do it sista!

Sonya M. - Get that food organized mi hermana! Vamos! You can do it!

Recipe:
Pesto Salmon w/veggies and herb rice

1 cup of fresh basil leaves - chopped small
1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
1 tbsp parmesan & herb seasoning (Land o Lakes - 5 cal/serving)
Morton Lite Salt/Pepper to taste
1 lb salmon cutlets - thawed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (toaster over works great for 1-2 servings) Mix herbs and seasonings together and top salmon. Cook 15 mins or until desired doneness is reached. Enjoy with herb rice and your favorite veggie.

Prayer: Lord, help us to get out of our own way today. 'doing' is NOT the hardest part. Deciding to 'do' is. Let those of us who are 'doing' it today - PRAY - deliberately. We ask YOU LORD to come in and make your will plain. Help us to walk upright and holy. We love you and we want to honor you with our bodies Lord. Its not easy, you know that, but you have equipped us with the holy ghost. Rise up in us Holy Spirit and anoint our good success. In Jesus name. Amen.

Special prayer: Lord today, the marriages need your anointing more than ever before. Help to restore the love and show us how to be patient and caring with one another. Develop a desire to work together to build up and not tear down. Remind us that in the unity of marriage there is strength. Lord, send mates to the single, restore love and happiness to the married. Let it be an honor to you Lord. Please comfort those who have lost and restore that which the canker worm has eaten. We need you now Lord. Thank you. By the power of the name of Jesus. Amen.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Second wind!!! Get it! Got it! Good!

Isaiah 40:31 - But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Whew...running, running, running, never feeling like the end was in sight. Running this morning, up and down hills it just seemed like I had bit off more than I could chew. Honestly - 4 miles running on and up hill terrain, yeah - no...about half way through it I began to wish I brought my cel so I could call my husband to pick me up. I couldn't do it. Thought I could. But I couldn't. However, no cel, no way back but by my own feet - I pressed on. I prayed...help me Lord - o Lord!! Then I looked up and saw the sign in front of me that marked the less than 1 mile mark to my house. It somehow encouraged me that I was almost home. I could indeed make it. The end was insight. I kept going, I even built up some momentum!! What?!? Where did that come from? BOOM...I was at the .1 mile mark and I could see my house!! I felt like Rocky!! I made it and I didn't faint! You can do it. Keep your head up, eye on the prize and walk on water!!

Special Thanks today!!
Thank you so much to the ladies at Friendship! You made me feel so comfortable and welcome. I look forward to working with each of you to make your goals. God is with us on this journey - it was pre-ordained that we met and this is the appointed time! Walk in victory with me!!

Kenya T. - Girl-your enthusiam is INFECTIOUS! I was so happy to see you on last night getting more information and working your plan. You are already beautiful and now reaching your weight goals - WOWEE! bOOMPOW! dO IT GIRL!!

Weekend Reminders:
Ms. Tish has allowed me to invite anyone who want to join in with her tomorrow morning. Freedom Park - 8am. She will take us through a good work out and you will have plenty of time for your own saturday activities.

Weekend food fare:
Once again, remember you have to EAT TO LOSE!! Its ok to eat out, but remember you have to offset that sodium so keep the hydration up. Eating every 2.5 to 3 hrs EVEN ON THE WEEKEND. You can do it.

A little something to try if you are adventurous over the weekend. July is the start of Eggplant season. Here's a sweet/spicy/curry Eggplant inspired recipe for ya!

Grind the cumin seeds, coriander, chiles, cloves, and cinnamon together in an electric spice mill or with a mortar and pestle.
Heat the oil to medium-high heat and stir-fry the onions, garlic, and ginger for about 4 minutes, or until the onions are translucent and soft. Add the ground spice mixture and cook 1 minute.
Add the stock, coconut milk, paprika, tamarind, brown sugar, and salt. Stir well to dissolve the tamarind and sugar, then add the eggplant. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, covered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove the lid and add the pineapple. Reduce the liquid until almost all has evaporated, leaving a thick sauce clinging to the eggplant. Keep warm until service. (The filling may be made 1 day in advance, refrigerated, and reheated for service.)


Prayer: Lord thank you for the renewal of strength! Thank you for the infection of the sisterhood! It is so encouraging to be working with so many positive ladies reaching their goals and building their strides. It is with you that all things are possible. Lord, today I ask you to help us to reach out to someone else and bring them in. Into your kingdom, into your presence. In the fullness of life that you have promised each of us. God you are so great and greatly to be praised. Thank you for not giving up on me and not allowing me to give up on me. It is in your will that I find peace. Help me to stay there and encourage others to be there with me. In Jesus name. Amen!!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

STAND and face it


Standing in the face of fear. Ephesians 6:10-18

Fear of failure is a paralyzing thing. After approaching this objective, year after year, a desire to lose weight and failure after failure only substantiating the fears, its difficult to take another 'try' at it. I mean, its the same old 'me' fighting the same old 'it' (fat). What makes me think this time, I'll succeed? In my own ears I hear the ringing of past results or lack of them. The mirror taunts me with mixed feeling of, 'maybe I'm just supposed to be this size' and 'what makes you think you can do it'. I can't seem to get away from, even with all the 'trying' in the past - I didn't succeed.

But God. When I got out of what "I" couldn't do and what "I" didn't do and finally, finally said, you know what, I KNOW I can't do this...ALONE. I can't do it on my own, in my own strength and with my own power. Getting out of 'me' and into the full armor of 'Him', I found the ability to STAND. Standing led to results that I didn't even believe were in me. To be honest, my own goals were set so low, even in the face of my newfound 'faith' that I wasn't going to do it on my own this time that 'swoosh' even I am amazed. 20 - 18 - 16 - 14...I would have stopped right there. That was a BIG goal and a GREAT accomplishment. But my GOD says - exceedingly and abundantly! When we get in line with God and really walk in lock step with Him, o my GOD! We went to 12 - 10 - 8...still standing, waiting and trusting. Funny thing is, tribulations really do work patience, and patience does work experience and experience really does work hope. My hope is not ashamed, I'm hopeful that in the experience of my trials, you guys, my sisters and brothers will find strength and power to bring about your own hope. You can do it, you will do it. I promise you, if you put your trust in God and your faith in God and do what He tells us and SURRENDER these weights to Him, you will surpass your goals and reach the real goal that Christ has for you.

Congratulations Time:
Doreen - You keep losing those pounds and inches girl. Stay focused. You are an inspiration to many!!

Kim J. - Tone and Tighten! That's the ticket. The inches are coming off and the devil is a liar!! You are more than a conqueror and you better walk in the authority on you!!

Kenya T. - Keep on doing it girl...another pound in just a couple days...but stay off that scale:) You're losing, believe it in your heart and keep doing what you are doing. We'll check stats on Tuesday for sure!! Go higher big sexy!:)

Need status on the progress of the Size 18 folks. Where my ladies at?
Need status on the progress of the Size 14 folks. Where my ladies at?
Size 8's...I didn't forget you? How you doin'?
and not to be outdone - mano-a-mano: WHERE THE FELLAs AT?

I got the prizes and I'm trying NOT to take the 'bag' from the 18 club. It came back with me from Cincinatti and it is CUTE!! Check out the picture!

Recipe:
Kind of boring today. I just made simple chicken and rice for lunch.

Grilled chicken breasts - seasoned with hot sauce, pepper, lite salt, garlic powder and onion powder. Tossed in some chopped onions, green peppers, snow peas, red peppers, orange peppers, yellow peppers (dag..that was a lot of peppers - lol)
Jasmine rice, splash of low sodium soy sauce on top.

Easy does it, just skillet up the meat and veggies, place atop 1/2 cup of Jasmine rice and splash with soy sauce. It was good and easy - about 10 mins to prepare.

Prayer: God, right now I just want to THANK YOU. There is no success in anything I attempt to accomplish without you. I grow anxious when I separate myself from you. I need you near and I need to hear from you. Give me perseverence Lord. Let us continue in you, day to day, not wavering but trusting in YOU for Good Success. In Jesus name, amen.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Can I get a witness?


Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

I'm thankful that God has given us each other to draw strength from and to get faith from. Sometimes our own progress may be stifled or we may not see what is really within us. But when we look at the progress of one another and see that this thing is doable, it will help us to run with patience. There's no magic bullet, no simple trick, our success requires commitment, endurance, persistence and patience. We have to make a conscious effort each day to pray, plan, purge, prepare and pray some more...for God to enter in and carry us to our destination. You can do it, I can do it, but together and with Christ - we can do anything but fail!!

Congratulations time:
Audery N. (Charlotte, NC) - I'm so proud of you girl! You are making descisions to choose life and starting over - that's big. I love you girl!

Kenya (Charlotte, NC) - That's serious dedication! We rolled out to the shopping field trip and you were up early planning and preparing palatable meals to stay on track. Your efforts are going to pay off - big! And encouraging your sister - that's what its all about!!

Recipe:
Sausage and Peppers w/Jasmine Rice

1/2 lb turkey sausage (previously oven roasted and sliced)
1 medium green pepper (sliced)
1/2 medium red pepper (chopped)
1 medium onion (sliced)
1/4 c low sodium soy sauce
2 cups of Jasmine rice (prepared)
seasonings to taste
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy)
Pam cooking spray (about 3 quick spritzes)

In preheated skillet, sprayed with Pam, add turkey sausage, seasonings, peppers, onions (feel free to add other veggies if you like). Cook until peppers and onions are tender. Add the soy sauce and simmer just for a second or two. Serve over jasmine rice and enjoy!

Exchanges (makes 4 servings). 2oz - Protein B, 1/2 cup carb b, 1/2 cup veggie a

Prayer: Lord, help me to look to you for strength and encouragement. Remind me that we are in this togehter. Not just you and I Lord, but my sisters and brothers and you and I. I love that you allow us to draw strength from one another. Thank you for all those that pray for me and with me. Remind me to pray fervently for them, to the tearing down of strongholds. In Jesus precious name. Bless us with good success. Amen.

Back to Eden: Eat to Lose - A Christian Approach to weight loss

Contact: Lisa Thatch 704-493-2035

Monday, July 19, 2010

Food is NOT the enemy


Eph 6:12 We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world and against spiritual wickedness in high places.

The food is no always the problem. We are not even the problem. Life is often the problem. So much is going on around that its difficult to even focus on what to eat and when. The problem is, by neglecting our dietary needs we actually other issues to our lives. 7 of the 10 top rated diseases that are plaguing our generation are all 'diet' related. The top 3, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure - very obviously, diet related. So as we go through life, chasing kids, working through lunch, and finally driving-up to get dinner, its no wonder when its time to choose 'what' to eat, we wanna eat 'something good'. We want the 'taste' of food to be our reward of all we've done today.

But we've once again been distracted into making a poor choice for our progress. How can we continue to lower cholesterol, lose weight, or generally improve our health if we allow ourselves not to make our dietary needs a priority? Healthy does not have to lack flavor but it does take planning and preparation. We have to decide that we are worth that time and effort.

Congratulations Time:

Lynda F. - Culpepper, VA - Down 16 lbs in 10 days!! You go girl! Keep going higher!! You are on a roll now!
Tricia N. - Charlotte, NC - Down 14 lbs! I'm so proud of you and looking forward to hearing more about your success and the success of those at your church. Keep me posted!

Recipe:
Ginger Sesame Chicken Salad

1/4 cup Sesame or poppy seed low fat salad dressing (Harris Teeter low fat Poppy Seed dressing is on sale $.99/this week)
1/2 handful of shredded carrots & snow peas
1-2 sliced scallions
2 cups of Spring Mix Salad Greens (Trader Joe's Champs Lysee is great $1.99)
1/2 lb Chicken Breast (grilled previously or baked)
Few sprigs of Cilantro

Toss cooked chicken 'fork pulled' (to absorb all the flavor) with the salad dressing. I like mine 'slightly' warmed so I re-cook mine in a skillet using the salad dressing as the 'oil'. Layer the salad greens, carrots, scallions, chicken. Top with cilantro. Drizzle with the remaining 'sauce' in the pan.

Remember - plan ahead. Cut up more scallions and carrots and chicken than you need and store it for a different meal. Be creative!!

Exchanges: 1 Protein B; 1 Veggie A; To add a carb, prepare some rice noodles and toss with the chicken and layer that into your salad. Yummy!!

Prayer: Lord, help me to organize my day and prioritize my life to include time for you and me. Help me to find a moment to listen to your voice. Show me your will for my family and the love you have for me. Let me know your will. In Jesus name. Amen!!

Meanwhile...Keep walking on water!


Lisa Thatch - A Caring Professional

704-493-2035 704-493-2035



Eat to Lose! Call for a consultation!! $75. Facebook friends: $50



Facebook: Lisa Indyatalks Thatch

Youtube: http://youtube.com/indyatalks

Twitter: http://twitter.com.indyatalks

Blog: http://indyatalks.blogspot.com

Friday, July 16, 2010

Manifest Destiny


Manifest Destiny.

How do I move from where I am to where I want to go? How do I operate in the favor of God and the unction of the Holy Spirit. Separate the flesh from the faith. 'Feeling' and 'Faith' are not always in sync. I don't always 'feel' like doing what I need to do for anything or anyone. But 'Faith' has to be walked in whether I feel like it or not. Walking on water requires looking out over the sea and looking past the boundaries of the flesh. Looking past what's in my bank account, looking past what's in my house. Looking beyond what my relationships 'feel' like right now and looking to Christ for strength and looking to the Holy Ghost to enlighten me and allow me to do what is impossible.

It was impossible for "me" to lose weight. "I" have been trying to lose weight for over 20 years. "I" have walked in 'atkins', 'southbeach', 'jennycraig', and so many more really GOOD plans. But it wasn't the plan, it was the 'I'. It wasn't (and isn't - because I have to repeat this step EVERY DAY), but it wasn't until I surrendered my will to God, surrendered my 'FAT' to God and asked Him to go with me and show me how to walk on water....how to choose healthy foods when I want cake...how to eat when I need fuel and not when I'm sad or lonely...how to pray when I feel weak and cannot soothe myself....it wasn't and ISN'T until I put God first in this battle and then learn to put him first in EVERY battle, that I began to walk on water. That I began to be able to do the impossible (for me).

Every time I think I can boast or get comfortable in this leg of the journey, I am THANKFUL that I get a little setback, a little 'trial' for these trials they come to make me STRONG!! These little setbacks push me back on track. They push me to God (from whom I should have never veered). And the good thing about it, is He receives me back and even better, He reminds me that ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD. Manifest your DESTINY - Surrender and walk on water!

Congratulations Time!
Moesetta C. - I'm so proud of your perserverence! Adding exercise and keeping on pushing towards your goals means that you are SERIOUS about this thing. I pray only for your success, my silverfox!!

Kamikka W. - You keep going, almost 50lbs down and you are staying on the journey. It is a big weekend for you with the family reunion - be easy, have fun, enjoy the family and stay on plan. You can do it!! (ok, just 1 slice of watermelon). Keep up the great work!!

Recipe: Its the weekend, lack of planning is a recipe for disaster. Either too much or too little structure typically plagues our weekend's progress. Remember your P's. Sit down and Pray. Ask God to make HIS plan for your weekend plain. Take it one day at a time. Remember lest the Lord build a house we labor in vain. Where will you be? What will you be doing? Plan for some unexpected activities. Beautiful weather is an excellent opportunity to go to the park. But plan your meals AHEAD of time. You can 'plan' to eat out, but make sure that you can find WHOLE UNPROCESSED choices so that you fuel your body with pure energy. 2 days, 12 meals, they won't happen on their own. Pack your tote, take your food, bring your water and EAT.

Prayer: Lord, help us to manifest our destiny, your will for us. Teach us to tear down strong holds. Show us how to cast down vain imaginiations. Remind of of who we are and WHOSE we are. Forgive us for our shortcomings and our sins and relase us to our destiny. Show us your will and encourage us to take the first step...into the water

Back to Eden: Eat to Lose! - A Christian Approach to weight loss!

Call for a consultation!! $75. Facebook friends: $50

704-493-2035
thatchl@yahoo.com

Facebook: Lisa Indyatalks Thatch

Youtube: http://youtube.com/indyatalks

Twitter: http://twitter.com.indyatalks

Blog: http://indyatalks.blogspot.com

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Don't let ignorance make me kill you! Save yourself!!


Hosea 4:6 My people perish for lack of knowledge.

I have been recently asked to defend a statement that I made which was, "If you don't know how to use your weapon, don't be in the front line of this fight because you will get us both killed". Now, we know that are weapons are not carnal (guns/knives) but spiritual (prayer/fasting/supplication) so the question is how can I hurt you when I'm just asking a question about how to use my weapon?

There's nothing wrong with the question. The problem is, 'the timing'. When we are toe to toe with the adversary in the middle of WAR, guns cocked, ready to shoot and then someone interjects...'Um, how does the gun work' 'BAM!' right there, the adversary has taken both YOU and ME out with one shot. Because of the distraction.

Don't let anyone cause you to take your eye off your goal. NOT EVEN YOURSELF! If I'm already at the end of myself and in a fight of wills, my 'will' (flesh) against my 'will' (spirit), then I can't afford to be distracted by you bearing 'crunch and munch' and not understanding how that is a distraction. But God! Even with the temptation he provides a way of escape. (yesterday's memory verse...do you remember it?)


Congratulations Time:
Pulcheria P. - So proud of you! You better get that sewing machine out! That 8 is on the way!!
Doreen H. - Um, I done heard you are in a size 10 SISTA!! You betta shake your shimmies!!! Go girl! Do it!!

Ladies, please send me a picture of your progress. I'm so proud of you all. You give me encouragement with your successes. Praise God for your perseverence. I'm telling you that I know it takes a real commitment to get up each day and decide to be responsible and sober minded. God honor's your commitment and He will continue to empower you in your journey...back to eden

Recipe:
Quick Bowl-o-noodle yum!

Trader Joe's has a Rice Noodle Bowl for $.99 this week. I bought like 20 of them because I eat them about 2x a day. The sodium is a little higher than I'd like so either I throw the packet away and season it up myself with a little garlic powder, onion powder, lite salt (morton), pepper or you could just you 1/2 the seasoning packet. You simply open the 'bowl' add boiling water, cover the bowl and let it sit for 1 minute (or 2)

Then, WHATEVER, else is handy, throw it in the bowl. I like to do turkey meatballs and mushrooms. or Scallions and Shrimp. Or Steak and green peppers and onions. The variations are endless and so easy. You can take the bowl with you and a small tupperware of your proteins/veggie mix and whereever you are mix it up and enjoy a great hot meal. The water is absorbed by the rice noodles so you don't have 'soup' it just noodles and meat/veggies. YUM!!

Noodle portion is EXACTLY 1 - CARB B and you measure out your proteins to equal 1 protein (A or B or even C) in 2oz or 4oz portion. (female/male)

Note: If you purchase your noodle bowl from anywhere except trader joe's make sure to check the ingredients. The Rice Noodles should only have 2 ingredients (rice & water). Anything else is PROCESSED AND WE DON'T DO PROCESSED CARBOHYDRATES!!

Prayer: Lord let me be an instrument of peace. Let me be strengthened in you daily as I sharpen my tools of your word in my heart and write them on my eyelets. Help my sisters and brothers to acheive the greatness that you have placed in them and touch us all to be OVERCOMERS by the words of our testimonies. Lord we need you to come in and remind us of not just whose we are but WHO we are in you. We are more than conquerors, we are OVERCOMERS, we are WARRIORS, we are VICTORIOUS! and most of all, we are children of a MOST HIGH GOD WHO IS ABLE TO DO EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY ABOVE ALL THAT WE CAN ASK OR EVEN THINK!! (according to the power that worketh in us....WORK YOUR POWER PEOPLE!!)

IN Jesus Name - Amen!!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Looking for strength? You might be looking in the wrong place!

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

I really believe our success ties back to our commitment to encourage and support one another. When we realize that our choices don't only impact us but actually everyone connected to us, we are more likely to bear the consequences out and weigh our choices. Reaching out to someone who can support you, physically, emotionally and spiritually requires a certain vulnerability and a level of trust. Are we making ourselves trustworthy, so that when we support someone or encourage someone or even correct someone we are doing it out of love AND at the same time being a role model?

Exercise your 'help another' muscle. It strengthens the whole body!

Congratulations time!!!

Gwen S. - THANK YOU for having a spirit of responsibility for your sister! Am I my brother's keeper? YES, YES, YES! I love you for your heart. Can't wait to get you STARTED!!

Kaylah S. -My 1st TEEN 'Eden-er'...Already losing them pants!! DANG less than a week and you need a shopping trip? Way to commit! Auntie is SOOOOO proud of you baby!!!

Jennifer - THANK YOU for the fabulous field trip idea! Charlotte folks - stay tuned for the Back to Eden goes back to Nature hiking trip! Jennifer is working out the details and we're gonna take it to the great outdoors!!! Way to work it out sista!!

Recipe:
Since you probably have some leftover squash if you made yesterday's recipe, here's a 'cool' way to satisfy your sweet tooth!!

Peach-Squash Smoothie (can be frozen and eaten as 'ice cream' if you like)

1/2 c frozen peaches
1/2 c Squash (cooked using the Roasted Squash recipe from yesterday)
1/2 - 1oz Rice milk vanilla
1/4 c ice
1/2 tsp vanilla
Cinnamon/nutmeg to taste
2-3 packets sweetner to taste

Optional - 2oz egg whites (use egg beater whites to assure proper pasteurization) for meals that also require a protein

Combine ingredients in blender. Pour and ENJOY! or 'freeze' for an additional 30mins to 1hr and EAT like ice cream - YUMMY!!

PS - YOU DON'T REALLY TASTE THE SQUASH, IT JUST THICKENS THE SMOOTHIE AND PROVIDES THE CREAMINESS!! Dang - try something new why don't ya!!

Exchange counts as - 1 Fruit - A, 1 Carb - A and if the egg whites are added - 1 - Protein - A

Get adventurous and change up the fruits or the carbs or even add spinach (Don't make that face! - you don't even taste it, but it does make it 'ugly' green looking - LOL)

Prayer:
Lord, cover all of my sisters and brothers with your love. Help us to reach out to you in our efforts and to reach out to each other, both to lift up AND to lean on each other. Help us to be corporate in our efforts and bless us as we continue this journey in wholeness.

In Jesus' name. Amen!

Man cannot live by bread alone

Luke 4:4 ....man cannot live by bread alone but by every word of God.

I struggled this week to write about 'food' or 'diet' because my focus has been on 'war'. Our church is preparing for its new fiscal year and the theme is "I D-E-C-L-A-R-E WAR!". I realize that as I put my focus on the theme and honing my weapons of 'war' (the Word) that I had less and less thought connective messages regarding 'eating'. We are discussing 'fasting' and 'praying' and tearing down strongholds.

But God. He's so amazing! He never ceases to remind me of how great He is. Jesus was in the wilderness AND he was HUNGRY. What a way to be set up! Just as in the beginning, he was tempted - WITH FOOD! But HE-CHRIST in his infinite wisdom responded in FREEDOM and not in bondage (as Eve did). He 'COULD' have turned that stone to bread. But he rebuked the devil with the Word of God. Because of his obedience, restraint, he is victorious.

We have to get in the Word of God. It is by His word and through His word that we find our power, our strength. And how wonderful is it that we serve a God who has been through what we are going through!!! Get a word, memorize it, use it to fight the cravings and the mindless eating and the lack of consistency. Here's a good one:
1 Corinthians 10:13. Shoot it at the adversary and he WILL FLEE!!

Congratulations Time:
Kim J. Baltimore, MD - Keep going girl...down 3 more pounds! You can do it!!
Gloria (Flat)L. - Baltimore, MD - Momma Flat, I'm so proud of your consistency. Tone and sculpt and shape. You got it woman of God! Keep it up!
Trudy R. - Raleigh, NC - Down from 22 to size 14 since February!! You had some ups and downs but you kept getting back UP!! I'm so proud of you! You betta work those heels chickie!
Lisa (Indyatalks) T. - Down 3.5inches!! this week....whoo hoo. I went up 2lbs ya'll and almost lost my mind for a minute:), but those measurements show and prove. Who's zoomin' who?!! (muscle is heavier than FAT!!)

Recipe:
Summer Salad All in One

2 cups - Spring mix salad greens
1/2 cup - Broccoli Slaw
1 pkg - Tuna or Salmon (10 oz, low sodium)
Sugar free poppy seed dressing
seasonings to taste

In a large bowl, make a bed of Spring Mix salad greens. Top with the Broccoli slaw (adds amazing crunch). In a separate bowl, mix tuna/salmon with seasonings.

Serving: Dish out as much of the salad greens as you like and top with about 2-3 oz of the fish mix. Top with 1/4 cup of the poppy seed dressing. YUMMY!!

Exchanges: 1 Veggie A; 1 Protein A; small portion of fat (dressing) - use vinigrette spray if you prefer. Add a small baked potato if you need a carb to complete your meal. Feel free to toss in some fruit if you need a fruit for your meal.

Prayer: Lord, strengthen and remind us that every battle we fight is for our attention to be taken from YOU! Help us to turn to you and to fight the adversary with the power you have placed in us. We thank you for allowing these things to work together for our good. We love you for all you do. Thank you for new beginnings and for your forgiveness. In Jesus Name. Amen.

For a personal consultation - call Lisa (Indyatalks) Thatch - 704-493-2035 or email at thatchl@yahoo.com

Monday, July 12, 2010

Focus

Right now I'm focusing on God. Its hard, because there's lots of other stuff on my mind. I feel as if I have to almost physically push the other stuff aside to find God. I'm tired and would like to just laugh and run but I have to sit and pray. There is so much confusion, I don't want to focus on it. I don't even know if I should or not. I know God's word says cast down vain imaginations, but is it always vain?

I don't know. I think if it is a distraction that is pulling me away from rather than pushing me closer to (God) then it must be vain. But God gets the glory in all things, so even when I get pulled away, (if I let him) He'll teach me something. I'm focusing and losing focus - all at the same time. Like a circus mirror, the image keeps changing. God, its you. If I can keep my eye on you, I'll be alright. Looking up. Looking out...

Lord Bless the Prioleau family, we know you are a healer. We love you Lord and we trust you. Bless my family, send your deliverance Lord and cast down all vain imaginations. Touch the RCM Family - bind up division, strife, miscommunication, ignorance, pride, lack of understanding, selfishness, self-centeredness, know-it-all'edness, impatience, hate, lack of tolerance...replace all these things with Love, Wisdom, Endurance, Patience, Longsufferince, Tolerance, consideration, humility, unity.

Help me Lord to see any of the qualities in myself that are not like you and to invite you in to restore me and rebuild me. Show me 'Me'. Help me pray earnestly to you not selfishly. Lord bless the church family, take us higher and higher Lord. We want to go deeper and deeper Lord. I know you are a rewarder of them that seek you. Help me to do more that just talk. Help me to walk, do and live your word. Remove the pain in my back Lord. Reduce my anger and restore my joy. Show me your way Lord.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

How much are you willing to do for you?

original post date: 3/15/10

...not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly...Romans 12:3 (portion).

We as women often assume the roles of caregivers, selfless, loving, kind (some men too). But what we sometimes neglect is the notion of 'self-care'. We were good loving, caring mothers who insured our children had everything they needed in terms of diet, exercise, sleep. Many of us doing the same for our husbands and even more still extending themselves to others, as an expression of our love. However, we also sometimes neglect a very important person in the midst of all that selflessess....ourselves.

It is as important, if not moreso, to think AS HIGHLY of ourselves as we should - as children of God as it is NOT to think more highly of ourselves than we ought. We should acknowledge that we are worth the time, money and effort it takes to make sure we are healthy, happy, whole and rested.

Take time today to give to yourself.

Congratulations time!!
CONGRATULATIONS!! to Vann H. (drum roll please.........) Down 11lbs, 3.5inches in the waist, 2 inches in her bust, .5 inches n her hips....for a total of 6 inches & 11lbs in 7 days!!! Who's that slim shady!?! U better rock the Casbar - ROCK IT!!

CONGRATULATIONS!! to Jeanine, Tiffany, KT and Madison for choosing to let me join with them on their healthy journey!! Thank you for trusting me ladies. I love you and look forward to supporting you in your goals!

Recipe: OK, this was supposed to be saved for cook-out time, but I made it yesterday and YUM...so pretending you are at a cookout is sufficient to enjoy this tasty take on a family favorite.

Cook out Time!

You don’t have to miss out on all the grill fixins’ just because you are eating healthy.



Heartfelt Potato Salad

2 lb. red or new potatoes

2 tbsp. chopped dill

4 oz. white wine

1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 tbsp. Dijon mustard

1 tsp. Lo-Salt (or ½ tsp reg salt and ½ tsp Nu-Salt)

1/2 tsp. pepper (or to taste)

1 sm. red onion (diced)

3 hard boiled eggs, sliced (no yolks)

1 tsp. thyme

1 tsp cilantro



Place potatoes and eggs in warm water with 2 tablespoons salt. Bring to a boil and simmer eggs 8 minutes and continue cooking potatoes until tender. When potatoes are done, submerge in cold water to stop cooking.



Place wine, mustard, dill, vinegar, salt and pepper and thyme, cilantro in a bowl and mix with whisk and slowly add oil while whisking.



Cut potatoes in 3/8 inch slices and mix with dressing. Add eggs, and onions.



Twisted Cole Slaw

1 head green cabbage

1 head red/purple cabbage

3 carrots

2 packets splenda/truvia

1 tbsp onion powder

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tsp low-salt

1 tsp pepper

½ c apple cider vinegar

¼ c white wine

2 tbsp olive oil

Juice of ½ lemon (if desired)



Grate cabbages and carrots together, toss. Place all other ingredients in a bowl and mix with whisk and slowly add oil while whisking. Once blended, pour over cabbage/carrot mixture and toss. Refrigerate for at least 2hrs.



Have your potato salad and your cole slaw with your grilled chicken breast and you won’t miss a thing!


Prayer: Lord, cover each one of my sisters and brothers and bless them with your goodness. Help us all to reach our goals. Remind us to look to you for emotional support and not to food. Help us to consider each day, each meal, the impact of what we choose to put into our bodies. Remind us to take time out to clear our minds, connect with you and rest and exercise our bodies.

In Jesus name we pray and ask it all. Amen!

Lisa Thatch - A Caring Professional
704-493-2035 704-493-2035

Eat to Lose! Call for a consultation!!

Blame it on the ______________________

original post date: 3/12/10

Is 63:17 O, Lord, why has thou made us to err from thy ways and hardened your heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants' sake, the tribes of thine inheritance.

The blame game. Even the chosen people of God played it. Blaming God for their disobedience. People often assuage their guilt about a given situation by displacing responsibility for their actions. "It ain't my fault" or "Blame it on the alcohol" or "Blame it on the rain" all songs about something that someone did that they realize they should not have done but instead of owning the responsibility for their actions, they looked for some object outside of themselves to place blame. The likelihood of repeating an error that one has made and not accepted responsibility for the action are far greater than when we 'own up' to what we did and learn from it.

Let responsibility and accountability start today.

Congratulation's time:

Vann H. Down a fantastic, fabulous, fat-free 4lbs!! in 4days!! Can I get a whoop, whoop!! you go girl!!

Cossandra S. Down an amazing 12lbs and 11inches in just 1 month!!! WHAT!?! Did I see you in a magazine girlfriend!! U betta work!! You go girl!

Me. (Lisa T.) Down 7lbs in 7 days and ALMOST in a size 10 - without a body shaper on!! (I can't zip it yet tho-lol) Y'all betta clap it up for me!!!

Tish C. - Way to get started sista!! I'm so glad you decided to go on this journey with us!

Prayer:
Lord, I acknowledge my weakness and my shortfalls. I bring them before You and present them to Your altar. In the humility of my brokenness, I beg You to keep me from repeating those same mistakes. I realize that apart from You I can do nothing, I am nothing. But in You, I can do the impossible. Thank you for your forgiveness. Help me to forgive myself. I love you Lord, with all my heart. In Jesus name. Amen.

Recipe:
Its friday, so in lieu of the recipe, I'll provide some restaurant solutions so we can stay on track even if we want to go out.

Applebee's:
Grilled Tilapia w/Mango Salsa (comes with rice and veggies)
Sizzling Chicken Skillet (order with no dressing or tortillas).
Mesquite chicken salad (order with no dressing, the corn and beans will count as your carb)

TGI Friday's:
Sizzling Chicken/Steak or Combo Fajita (order without tortilla) Order w/baked potato

Macaroni Grill:
Pollo Margo "skinny chicken" (order with no cheese, no dressing)
Chicken Toscana (order with no bacon, no cheese, no dressing)
Simple Samon
Mediterranean shrimp

Activities to add to you weekend:
Brisk walk in the park
Bowling
Roller skating
Bike riding
and of course my favorite (which I don't save for the weekend....) Wii!!!



Lisa Thatch - A Caring Professional
704-493-2035 704-493-2035

Eat to Lose! Call for a consultation

Push Press Pray

original post date: 3/11/10

Press toward the mark for the prize... Phil 3:14

The word 'press' implies that some exertion is required to achieve the goal. When we press a button, we focus energy through our fingers and produce pressure to cause that button to depress. When we press toward the mark for Christ - we also have to exert energy to make anything happen. That 'press' is in His word and at work in His ministry. Likewise for our weightloss goals. If we don't 'press' or exert energy, we won't lose weight. You have to get moving and continue eating the foods that God has designed to cause your body to operate optimally. All of these 'presses' work together. We are 3 part beings; mind, body and spirit. We have to fulfill the needs of each of our parts so that we may operate optimally.

If we don't 'press' ourselves we won't acheive our goals. Nothing worth having happens by accident. Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Pray and ask God to order your steps and strengthen your walk - in Him, in weightloss, in LIFE. Don't exclude God from any area of your life. He wants to be in it. Pray without ceasing. Read His word and find out what He desires for you today. Pray.

Recipe:
Chicken and Mixed Vegs - Asian style

1lb chicken
16oz Chinese Vegs
1lg onion chunky cut
1 green pepper cut in strips
1/4 c garlic sauce (go to the chinese restaurant and just ask for some. They'll charge about .50c but it will make your meal taste authentic.)
Pepper to taste
White Rice - steamed


Cook chicken until its no longer pink in the middle. Add onions and green pepper, cook until onions are translucent. Add other vegetables and sauce and cover and reduce heat. Serve over white rice.

1/2c Rice - 1 serving carb B
2oz Chicken - 1 serving protien A
Vegs - have as much as you like!

Prayer: Lord help us to press forward and not give up on ourselves. Remind us that the race is not givent to the strong or the swift but to them that endure to the end. Cover us and keep us today as we put you first in all that we do. Remind us to love one another and trust you with all we do.


Lisa Thatch - A Caring Professional
704-493-2035 704-493-2035

Eat to Lose! Call for a consultation!!

Who do you see when you look at me? (or yourself)

Original post date: 3/9/10

John 4:4-26 Am I the adulterous whore or am I the passionate evangelist? If the truth be told, I am both. Fortunately, God sees within us, often past what we even see of ourselves or who we might be at this particular moment in time. If I were to stay locked up in what I see I won't be able to even conceive of doing the things that God would have me to do. All my dreams would be beyond my reach. But I choose to listen today and see who God says I am. In consuming the Living Water I become filled and desire to tell others about this drink that quenched my thirst, my emptiness.

But if I would have stayed in my own opinion of myself - or even someone else's opinion of myself, I might still just be that adulterous whore. BUT GOD! Now I can see myself through God's eyes. Its still cloudy and I still sometimes see the old me and get scared that 'she' couldn't possibly achieve anything. But when I pray...God infuses me with the strength to be me, covered in Him! That's the best me I have. The best me I am.

Let's take another look at ourselves. Stand in front of God and let Him reflect to you who you really are. A royal priesthood. A holy people. Not a slave to our flesh but instead, lord over it. Then make choices based on who God says you are!

Congratulations Time:
Kaylah S. - You took a big girl pill last night! Way to step up to the plate young lady! Deciding that there is no time like RIGHT NOW to get started on your goals. I promise to walk the journey with you. I love you and you're gonna do this!!

Kenya J. - Alright sista! Bless that man of God (your husband). He's got your back and I'm glad you saw something good here. You are well on your way. Send me your results so we can get you started IMMEDIATELY!

Shelby T. - You just bless me! I'm glad you are taking authority over your health. It already shows. You are just going to add one more peice to the puzzle and WATCH OUT! We got this!

Sonia M. - Your dedication and 'won't quit' attitude is remarkable! The small changes that we've made are going to get your metabolism SUPERCHARGED! Look OUT - sexy!

Judy D. - I can't believe you COOKED for yourself!!!! HEHEHE - I love you my 'cookie'! Way to put it in gear and not let a moment take you out. Glad you enjoyed the 'rice porrige' recipe. - Love you girl and you know I got your back!!

Recipe:
Shrimp and Grits (one serving)
5 medium shrimp, deveined, defrosted, pat dry - dry season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Lo Salt, pepper, chili powder
Grits - cook as desired, season with garlic, butter buds, pepper

In a preheated pan, with 1 quick short spray of Pam, put a nice crust on shrimp and turn once. Don't cook shrimp long or they will be tough. Plate them on top of 1/2 cup of grits and enjoy.

Cook time - 5-10 mins, depending on which grits you use!

Prayer: God, allow me to see myself as you see me so that I don't short change you! Help me to be full of your glory and confidence as I attack my goals. Cover me with your protection and lead me and guide me in all truth. I love you Lord and I'm glad I never have to do this alone!

In Jesus' name - AMEN!!

Lisa Thatch - A Caring Professional
704-493-2035 704-493-2035

Eat to Lose! Call for a consultation!!

SUDDENLY!

ORIGINAL POST DATE 3/11/10

2 Chronicles 29:35b So the service of the house of the Lord was set in order. 36 And Hezekiah rejoiced and all the people, that God had prepared the people: for the thing was done suddenly!

Your body is the temple of the Lord. We have taken the steps to use the foods that God has provided for you, in the right portions, and WOW!!! Suddenly!!! You have results from your diligence! Suddenly!! You are losing weight, gaining energy, getting fit!! SUDDENLY!!

It didn't happen all by itself...YOU did something with the information you were given. But when you did...WOW!!! SUDDENLY!!!

Congratulations Time:
Louverdia: Great time talking with you on saturday. Vann: You know I always enjoy getting together with you. For the both of you, today is your 'starting' point. Remember to Pray, Plan, Purge, Prepare and then Pray some more. We can't do this with God but with God all things are possible. I'm excited for you!!

Me:) I have been struggling to get out of ALL size 14s and into a true size 12. I was fitting some 12's here and there but notsomuch comfortably and attractively so I've been wearing the loose size 14's that I have. Then I received a beautiful size 12 leopard dress from my mother in the mail sunday. I put it on, zipped it up and boom! It fit! Now - I'm on my way to that size 10! Yeah ME!!!!

Tasha: I am proud of you for staying on track!! Didn't it feel good to get into that outfit that you couldn't wear? Way to go chick!

Pam D.: Its time to go SHOPPING! We shall not we walking around 'hy-ching' (sound it out - you know what that word is) up our britches skinny minny! You can't lose all that weight and not reward yourself with a couple new interim things! YOU GO GIRL!

San: You go girl. 1lb is GREAT. You are exercising so you have to remember that you are also building muscle. Make sure to take those measurements so you can see all you are losing!



Prayer: God, WE THANK YOU!! We appreciate you standing by us and encouraging us and helping us to be an encouragement to one another. Stand in the gap where we leave off, its in you we are strong and not we ourselves. We love you. We worship you. Help us to seek solace, comfort, peace, joy and love in YOU and not in food. Cover us with your protection as we go out today. Keep us in perfect peace as we keep our minds stayed on you!

Recipe:
Curry Chicken & Rice

1lb Grilled chicken strips diced in big chunks
1/4 tsp Curry powder
1/4 c Trader Joe's Curried Sauce
1/4 c onion minced
1/4 c green pepper diced
Nu Salt or Lite Salt & Pepper to taste
1 pkg Trader Joe's - Biryani Curried Rice (frozen)

Combine the first 6 ingredients in a non-stick pan and cook until the chicken has no pink in the middle. You may use a little chicken broth (low sodium) for preparation if required. In the microwave, heat the bag of rice. Combine and enjoy. Be sure to add a vegetable on the side to complete your meal.

I personally don't make this dish all at once unless I'm having company. I know I am not going to want to eat curry a bunch of times in a week. So I prepare one serving at a time, using 2oz of chicken breast, all the seasonings and 2 tbs of the sauce over 1/2 c of the rice.


Lisa Thatch - A Caring Professional
704-493-2035 704-493-2035 704-493-2035 704-493-2035

Eat to Lose! Call for a consultation!!

Willingness vs. Weakness

original post date 2/28/10

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

We got 2 scriptures today because we really need to understand that spiritual willingness alone is not enough. Our flesh is weak because we often offer it no resistance. We give it whatever it wants. You can't build a 'muscle' without any resistance. So, how do we build our 'spiritual muscle'? God tells us in the same verse - Watch and Pray. With regard to the weight loss - its the same. Our spirit is willing but its not strong. The cookies, cakes, snacks - those are all things that the 'flesh' wants.

We may not even think we 'know' what the 'weight loss - spirit' wants. At least not intuitively. We did-when we were born. We knew we needed 'food to live'. As babies, we craved 'milk'. Not because it tasted good or made us feel 'happy', but just because we 'needed' it. But we changed. We got immersed in a relationship with food that was more than just 'nourishment'. The relationship evolved into a dependant one. Food made us 'happy'. Food was associated with 'family'. Food was a 'comfort'. Food was a 'reward'. Food was a 'friend'. Think about how you got here. Think - I'll wait.

Now think about where you want to be. Think - I'll wait. Picture yourself happier, healthier, full of energy, sexier...I mean BOOM POW! Ya'll are already a 'georgious' group of people (seriously - we IZ a cute bunch of folks - I've met you all so I know!) But imagine everything all tight, healthy and fit. Food in it proper place is supposed to be nourishment. Its supposed to provide energy. Let's exercise our spiritual muscles and strengthen our minds - WATCH and PRAY. Free your mind. The rest will follow. (thanks en-vogue)

Congratulations time!!

Ms. "Johnnie-come-too-EARLY" San!! You know you weighed in too soon, but GURL!! 4LBS IN 2 DAYS!! I'm not mad at ya!! Stay focused. and STAY off the friggin scale! - Congratulations!!

Tracey - You got your plan now Work it Girl!! Congratulations on starting your journey!!

Prayer: Touch our minds and help us to focus. We need you daily Lord. Go before us and encourage us along the way. We can't do this alone, we need you and we need each other. Thank you for your daily mercies and forgiveness. Help us to forgive ourselves and move forward. We love you.

In Jesus Name - Amen

Recipe:

Tropical Breakfast Risotto
Ingredients:
1 cup Arborio rice (this is the Italian rice risotto is made with)
2 cups water
1 15 oz container rice milk
1 cup fresh cubed pineapple (retain the juice)
1 cup firm banana, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Directions:
Bring water with rice to a boil in medium-sized sauce or soup pan on high heat. Once it comes to a boil, turn heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently for creaminess.

While rice is cooking prepare rest of ingredients.
As water is absorbed in rice add pineapple juice and keep cooking. When that is absorbed, add the container of rice milk. As that gets absorbed, but while still creamy, add rest of ingredients. Heat for another 2-3 minutes and serve when rice is tender. It should be still juicy and creamy without being runny. This dish is good served warm or cold.

KEEP WALKING ON WATER!!





Lisa Thatch - A Caring Professional
704-493-2035 704-493-2035

Willingness vs. Weakness

original post date 2/28/10

Why whole?

Original post 2/20/10

Genesis 1: 29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. 30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.

God created the world before he created man. He got everything ready for us that we would need to be healthy and whole. This article has a very good insight on, "Choosing Whole, Unprocessed Foods for Health" I hope you enjoy it.

Eating healthy does not have to be boring. It will, however, take some 'brain washing'. Yeah - I said it, 'Brain Washing'! We have to 'WASH' our 'BRAINS' and 'rinch' (yeah I said rinch - ya'll know I meant 'rinse') out all the old habits we have developed over the years. At first, that won't be easy, I'm sure of it. It wasn't easy for me. But hopefully, as you see results, start to feel better, get more energy, the benefits will outweigh those old habits. We can't expect different results from doing the same old stuff. You can do it. One meal or snack at a time. YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Congratulations Time!!

San!! -You was on a mission yesterday getting your foodstuffs together to get this 'PLAN' in action! Keep me posted on your progress and hit me up with any more questions (I know you will...and NO, I am not coming to MD to cook4ya! LOL - UR welcome to come to Charlotte!)

Mii and my Wii!! WhooHoo, let me tell ya. That boxing workout is a BEAST!! I got my exercise on and played a little tennis! Go Indya!! (that's me! - yeah, I have a little MPD but ya'll luv me anyway!)

Prayer:
Thank you Lord! Thank you for preparing a place for us. A special place with all we need. Thank you for your forgiveness. Help me to forgive myself and others as you forgive me. Cover us in you peace. Keep your promises toward us. Shower us with your blessings and your love. Encourage us to continue to seek your face, daily and help us to stay in your perfect will.

In Jesus name, Amen.

Lisa Thatch - A Caring Professional
704-493-2035

TGIF!!

Original Post 2/19/10

Its FRIDAY!! Celebrate your successes without regressing. You deserve an ATTA GIRL or ATTA BOY!! You did it. You went through a whole week, ups and downs and all...and you didn't give UP! I'm proud of you I hope you are proud of yourself. Give THANKS!!


Congratulations Time:

To my Big Bro. Patrick M. - DOWN 5 (YEAH FIVE) POUNDS!!! What's good witcha!!! That's what's up!! I'm proud of you. Stay away from PJs pizza snacks and you'll be ALL GOOD - lol! Congratulations!

To Priscilla W. - Down 10lbs in one month - even with your Valentines' cheats:) You got right back on track and you are doing the DERN THANG!! You go girl! I'm proud of you.

To Judy B. - Way to PLAN...I saw your lunch tote with all your healthy meals prepared. I'm proud of you! Now git rid of that last box of Girl Scout cookies (throw them away, don't eat them!) - you know they are of the DEVIL! PURGE...the 3rd P. You got this girl!

Scripture: Ps 119:133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

You have authority over your own body. With your 'PLAN' and 'PRAYER' you are covered. But you have to do it - PLAN AND PRAY. I believe in you. Now believe in yourself!

Prayer: Lord, go before us in our day today and through the weekend. We need you to be our rear-guard. Send your angels and have then encamp about us over this weekend so that we are protected. Protect our minds, our eyes and guard our hearts. Remind us that everything that 'feels' or 'tastes' good is not 'good' for us and is counter-productive for our goals. Strengthen us where we are weak and help us to encourage ourselves.

In Jesus Name.
Amen!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND...SEND ME LOT OF GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND WE'LL SEE YOU MONDAY!!!




Lisa Thatch - A Caring Professional
704-493-2035 704-493-2035

Don't short yourself

Original post 2/18/10

2 Kings 13:14 And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. 15 And Elisha said unto him, Take bow and arrows. And he took unto him bow and arrows. 16 And he said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands. 17 And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the Lord's deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them. 18 And he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said unto the king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed. 19 And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice.


How many times have we given up on ourselves right before we got our breakthrough? You probably can't answer that question because if you gave up, you didn't get your breakthough. Nothing worth having is not worth fighting for. We can't just try once or twice, we have to try and try and try and keep trying until we actually finally GET what we are striving for. Joash could have had EVERY battle WON for him by the Lord. But he stopped short.

Just 'enough' we'll sometimes say. We only put forth 'x' amount of energy and effort and expect the mountain to fall into the sea. KEEP BEATING! KEEP FIGHTING! KEEP PRAYING! KEEP PLANNING! KEEP DO-ING! We didn't get the weight in one meal. We are NOT going to LOSE it in one meal. Not in one day or even in one week. When you stop beating the rock you short change no one but YOURSELF!

Prayer: God, keep our hand stayed. Help us to trust you and give you the opportunity to help us win this war against un-healthiness. Cover us in safety. Free us from frustration and help us to be mindful that if we keep YOU involved in this journey with us, we CAN'T fail because with Christ ALL things are possible. God, bless each one of my sister's and brothers and keep their minds stayed on you. Help us to encourage and support each other and send prayers up not only for this 'weight' journey but the journey of life we all have which includes our family, our jobs, our everything. Cover it and keep us safe.

In Jesus name. Amen.

CONGRATULATIONS time!

Brooke R. - READY, SET, GO!! Congratulations on taking the first step toward good health and wholeness! I'm proud of you. It takes a lot to admit when you need help. I got you girl!

Judy D. & Tasha M. - Congratulations! Your concern for making sure you stayed on track and made healthy choices for yourselves even when you were hungry - WOW! You are my heroes ladies! Keep going higher!!

Happy Hash

½ c potatoes - chopped

½ Lg. Turkey Sausage - sliced

2 Ts Chopped Onion

½ tsp Garlic

1 Ts Chopped Green Pepper

1 Ts salsa

1 boiled egg white



In non-stick pan sprayed lightly with Pam combine first 5 ingredients. Cook until brown (2 mins – remember, they are already ‘cooked’). Add chopped boiled egg white, turn off heat. Spoon 1 Ts salsa over mix. Ready in less than 5 mins.



(You can also make this in the microwave. Just add boiled egg AFTER everything is done and don’t return to the microwave. It will be heated by the rest of the food.)



Equals 2oz. Protein A, ½ c Carb A, ¼ c vegs. You can add more vegs to the mix (they are FREE) and a fruit on the side if your body type calls for it.


Lisa Thatch - A Caring Professional
704-493-2035 704-493-2035

Hump Day!

Original Post Date: 2/17/10

Scripture:
Nehemiah 4:6 So we built the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.

Well, its Wednesday. We've made it over the mid point and now many of us are working for the weekend:) As you look forward to your weekend, be sure to PLAN. Weekend's can be more difficult than the weekdays on your eating because you have less structure and more opportunities to make poor choices. Nehemiah made plans and provisions before undertaking the role of rebuilding the wall. He had to ask the King for wood, workers, time and money so that when he got started on his goal (rebuilding the wall) he could take the work to completion.

Don't undo all the hard work you are doing all week by failing to plan for the weekend. Plan ahead. Start thinking now. What am I going to do on Saturday? Sunday? By now, you should have a little cooler or lunch tote. Start thinking on what you can take with you, that you will enjoy and stay on plan. I know its only Wednesday - but if you don't PLAN now, Thursday will slide by and Friday is the WORST planning day of the week. We are usually in 'off' mode by Friday. We want to just let go of responsibility and cares that we carry all week long.

Friday's also often bring us to the point of 'reward'. We want to 'reward' ourselves for doing so good all week - and well we should. But we need to start planning now for what that reward should be. Food is not intended to be a 'reward'. Food is 'fuel'. Start thinking of how you could 'reward' yourself without food. Could it be a brisk walk in the park with a friend? A pretty new top? A great book or movie? Rewards do not have to be and should not be EDIBLE.

So today, is officially PLAN day. Remember, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

Congratulations time:

Elisa W. - Congratulations for getting back on plan! You are worth it girl! I'm proud of you!

Lisa T. aka Indyatalks (that's me) - Congratulations for staying focused and keeping my goals for GOOD health in the forefront! I took a Karate Class last night! YEAH ME!! (wax on, wax off - lol)

Sonia M. - Congratulations for staying on plan even when you are not feeling so well. Your body will thank you. Hope you feel better soon! Love you.

Prayer:
Lord, help us all to make good choices as we endeavor to rebuild the temples of our bodies. Help and fortify us. Strengthen us for with your help, all things are possible.

Recipe: Turkey Sausage Patties (protein)

1 pound lean ground turkey breast
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp coriander
1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 c chicken broth (no sodium or low sodium)

1. Combine turkey and dry spices in large bowl. Mix thoroughly.
2. Add chicken broth, mixing well. Let stand 15-20 minutes.
3. Form turkey into 8 patties, approx. 3/4 in thick.
4. Cook patties in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, 7-8 minutes on each side, or until thoroughly.

Lisa Thatch - A Caring Professional
704-493-2035 704-493-2035

Keys to the Kingdom

Original post: 2/16/10

Matthew 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind in earth shall also be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

The Keys to Heaven are master keys. You hold the master keys to EVERYTHING. Not just weight loss. If you are a child of God and a believer in Christ, you hold the master key to EVERYTHING. Problem is, we don't always know how the keys work or we may not know we even have the keys. That's why we have to read, pray, study in God's Word and help one another when a 'key' has been revealed to us.

If I gave you the key to my Jaguar (in Jesus name!!) but didn't tell you where I parked it or you didn't know how to drive, it wouldn't do you much good. Or worse still, if you knew where it was, how to drive it but you chose to continue to drive your old beat up '88 Malibu Classic (my first car) then it broke down and you couldn't get where you were trying to go...whose fault would that be?

You have the 'keys' to your weight loss BUT if you don't implement them they WON'T WORK. Period. You have to stay committed and continue to unlock the door to your weight loss, health and energy by using the keys that have been provided to you. If you get stuck or need some direction or encouragement - call me. I'm in this with you!

OK - on to the CONGRATULATIONS for the day!!

CONGRATULATIONS to Priscilla W. down 6.8 lbs!! You go girl! I'm proud of you! Those last 7lbs are gonna just FALL off. I'm praying with you - get that water in!!

CONGRATULATIONS to Ori-Lou (Angel) down 4.2 lbs in one week! And she wasn't even STRICT on the plan. Watch and see what happens when you get real serious! You go girl!!

Don't forget to pray. Prayer is the real 'key'. With Christ ALL things are possible. Ask Him to go before you. TELL Him where your struggles lie. GIVE Him praise in all things. Truly, I go to God for each of you daily - but He wants you to come to Him for YOURSELF!!

Keep walking on water!!


Lisa Thatch - A Caring Professional
704-493-2035 704-493-2035

Suddenly!

Originally posted 2/15/10

2 Chronicles 29:35b So the service of the house of the Lord was set in order. 36 And Hezekiah rejoiced and all the people, that God had prepared the people: for the thing was done suddenly!

Your body is the house of the Lord. You have taken the steps to use the foods that God has provided for you, in the right portions, and WOW!!! Suddenly!!! You have results from your diligence! Suddenly!! You are losing weight, gaining energy, getting fit!! SUDDENLY!!

It didn't happen all by itself...YOU did something with the information you were given. But when you did...WOW!!! SUDDENLY!!! You go people!!

Congratulations to Cydney W. Down 2 (yes TWO) dress sized in 4 days!! Suddenly!!!

Congratulations to Cassandra G. Down 5 (oh yeah FIVE) pounds in 1 week! Suddenly!!

Congratulations to Judy D, Down 9 (oh for-real tho' NINE) pounds in 1 week! Suddenly!!

NONE of it happens on or by accident. When you put forth the efforts...God will honor his Word and you shall succeed - and SUDDENLY!!

This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us be glad and rejoice in it. Celebrate with your sisters in their successes and use it as motivation to get your house in order. PRAY, PLAN, PURGE, PREPARE - then Pray some more! It will happen...SUDDENLY!!

Keep walking on water!!

Where does your strength come from?

Original post date: 2/11/10:

Thought for the day: Where does you strength come from?

Ps 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

My personal update: as of 2/11 - I am down more 3 more pounds (since 2/3) AND I have lost a total of 3 inches!! That's in ONE WEEK WITH MY PERIOD (tmi - i KNOW!!) BUT Yeah Me!!

Cutie Judy D. - Congratulations with yo cute sef!! Judy has her shirt TUCKED IN to her jeans today!! Way to celebrate that new figure. You go girl. I'm proud of you. Keep going!!

Pam D. - You better PLAN chick! So happy you called me from the store yesterday. Staying on task and planning your meals are why you are SHEDDING that weight - Slim!

You will notice focus was not on WEIGHT today. Its on how you 'FEEL'. This video speaks VOLUMES about what I have been trying to say to everyone about this journey in wellness. Its a JOURNEY! Not a TRIP! You are not gonna get there in a couple days and be done with it. We are reconditioning our bodies to operate to their fullest capacity!

Don't get bogged down in pounds as your only 'results, results, results'. Yes, we want weight loss results, but also long term results. The pounds dropping off is the jumpstart and the inspiration we need to be and stay motivated but everyone loses weight differently. Some of us lose fat first, others gain muscle (which is heavier than fat - but burns fat), others retain more water and so on.

Don't be a slave to the #'s. How do you 'feel'? How do your clothes feel? Do you have more energy? Those are better indicators of your progress. Check out this video, he is informative and entertaining: (a little young - but still cute - LOL)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVQH1PSNwfI

Meantime....Keep walking on water!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

The very FIRST sin...eating (smh)

Genesis 2:8 Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. 9 And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Genesis 3: 2 The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.' "

4 "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. 5 "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.

ALL of the beauty and deliciousness that is/was provided for us by God and here we go. We allow ourselves to be so easily convinced that God is just trying to keep something from us as opposed to do something FOR us or protect us from ourselves. I personally believe the 'forbidden tree' was no more than God's boundary for man. The tree was to remind us that God intended for us to have everything if we only obey Him. Eating the tree did not cause physical death, it caused a spiritual one. What it really did was empower satan. He learned his first lesson about us. We could be easily manipulated. No matter how much we HAVE (because they had EVERYTHING ELSE ALREADY and DOMINION over it all(see Genesis 1:28) we could be convinced that God - the very provider of EVERYTHING WE ALREADY HAVE - is holding out on us. How stupid can we get...I'm sorry - I meant me. I'm just talking to me. How stupid can 'I' get?

Even with all my prayer, study even I daresay success with properly managing my food I still allowed myself to be hoodwinked, led astray, run amuck over a tiny, teeny little 's'mores' this weekend. We went camping and it just couldn't be 'camping' if I didn't eat a 's'more'. I don't know why, but omg...it was the BEST S'MORE I ever had in my life. I danced with my s'more ya'll. It was sooooo yummy....going in. But once that refined sugar (that I haven't eaten in a good long time) got into my system and started reminding me that I don't eat this stuff...OMG FOR REAL. I thought I was gonna die, lol. (not literally - but my stomach was all flip/floppy) for the next 3 days. Now I'm not saying that you have to be perfect nor that I think I'm perfect. But I'm actually glad I got sick. It was a reminder to me that I need to be sober minded always. I could have had campfire fun with the kids and hubby and laughed and enjoyed myself all the more with OUT the 's'mores from hell' (lol - they ain't from hell, but they made me feel like it). Thank God for renewed beginnings and for always teaching. Even in the midst of disobedience.

Congratulations Time:
LaTanya H. Official start this week! I'm proud of you! Making a decision to do what's best for you is not always easy. I know you prayed and struggled for a long time. We'll go shopping together on Wednesday to make sure you plan well for your first week to see tremendous results!

Charlotte Exercise (free or cheap)Tuesday/Thurs - Funky Fit w/Nettie 5pm (Tuckaseegee Rec Center) (free if you live in 28208/28214-$3 others)
Wednesday Night - Funky Fit w/Nettie 5:30 (Bettie Rae Rec Center)(free if you live in 28208/28214-$3 others)
Aerobics w/Tish 7pm (1337 Samuel Street - New Life Fellowship Center) (free)
TimeWarner & DishNetwork OnDemand - check out the aerobics/pilates/yoga and put together a routine.

Note: Please send me any free/cheap exercise in your area w/schedules and I will include it in the newsletter!

We have NO EXCUSES not to be moving. If you don't want to do any of these types exercises just march in place in front of the TV while you watch (I do this on my wii but you can do it freestyle)

Recipe: Tarragon Chicken
3 tablespoons chopped or diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ lb sliced mushrooms
¼ cup white wine
¼ cup nsa chicken broth (nsa-no salt added) or choose low sodium)
◦1-2 teaspoons dried tarragon
◦dash nsa lemon pepper
dash ground or whole dried fennel
2 oz uncooked skinless chicken breast

Rice
◦¼ cup nsa chicken broth
◦½ cup cooked rice




In a hot non-stick skillet, lightly brown the diced onion then add garlic and mushrooms. (I let them brown just a little bit, but watch that the garlic doesn’t burn.) Then add the white wine, chicken broth, tarragon, lemon pepper, and fennel. Cook until the mushrooms are done and most of the liquid is evaporated. Remove into a bowl. Bring the pan back up to temperature to brown the chicken and cook it through. When the chicken is cooked, pour the mushroom mixture back into the pan. Add the rice and the other ¼ cup of broth. Heat just until the rice or pasta is warmed through.

After cooking the chicken, you can slice it and mix it in with the mushroom mixture, or you can keep the chicken separate and mix the mushroom mixture with just the rice or pasta.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for reminders of your love. Thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for my independence from food and for your help in making sober minded decisions. Lord, bless my family today. My Back to Eden family. Help us to be patience and wait on you. Help us to be diligent and consistent. Remind us to pray, daily, without ceasing, not just 'to' you but 'with' you. Send your angels with answers swiftly. We thank you for your love and all you do to keep us in the apple of your eye. In Jesus name, amen.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Put that knife down! Don't cut your throat!!

Proverbs 23:2 And put a knife to your throat If you are a man given to appetite.

That's how SERIOUS it is. It would be better to cut our own throats that to have no self control regarding food. But God doesn't leave us to our own devices. He gives us good, godly counsel, in His word to help us to be sober minded (self controlled). God knows that 'appetite' (for food or any number of indescretions) is a real battle that many of us face. Some of us admit the severity of it but accept it as, 'that's just the way I am'. Others avoid facing the truth and continue doing what they've always done until they run up against a real consequence. (This one was me, I was/am 'fat' but there was nothing wrong with my fat. The doctors couldn't pin diabetes, blood pressure, my cholesterol was alright, all that...and I was still 'cute' (lol). But it was only a matter of time before failing to address my gluttony was in essence a knife to my throat. Finally at my annual physical, my high blood pressure and cholesterol were WAYYYYY up. I had to go on 'old people' medicine, as my mother calls it. WHAT?! Not me, I'm 41(at the time). I'm not old. But all the choices I made for myself were catching up to me. The same way I have learned to speed up my metabolism, I was accelerating the aging process. Eating inappropriate foods in large quantities led to my health problems. Lack of exercise leads to muscular atrophy. All these things equal a body that DOES NOT function how it is intended for the length of years it is intended and in essence I CUT OFF MY OWN LIFE because I was given to appetite.

But GOD! He's a God of second chances. A God of new beginnings. A God of 'draw nigh unto me and I'll draw nigh unto you'. Surrender the habits, the food, the drink, the whatever is separating you from life and life more abundantly. Seek God daily while He can be found and save your life, don't cut your throat!

Charlotte Weekend Workout!
Boot Camp with Uneek Fitness (Ms. Tish) @ Independence Park 8am Saturday. $10
She will work you out and God will get the glory.

4th of July Game Plan
We know you are going to be out eating this weekend. Most people can't avoid that. Make as healthy a choice as you can. Watch your portions. Check yourself - snacking and picking adds up. Choose WHOLE foods not processed. Its better to eat potato salad than potato chips. Its better yet to eat a grilled potato than potato salad. Enjoy the cole slaw and choose hamburgers or turkey burgers over hotdogs (sodium/processed meat). Better yet, have grilled chicken breast. Select fruit over cake but AVOID WATERMELON (its mostly sugar water). Key words...moderation, moderation, um, did I say MODERATION?

Stay hydrated and be blessed my family. I want you around for a long, long time. God has a work to do in you and through you. Celebrate the FREEDOM and INDEPENDENCE that Christ bought and paid for with his blood. HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY FAMILY!!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

You gave up all that for some SOUP?!!!???!!!!


Genesis 25:34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and food. Esau ate and drank and then left. So Esau showed that he did not care about his rights as the firstborn son. (easy to read version)

Esau got up every day and hunted in the field. I’m sure this was not the first time he came home hungry. This day, he was so hungry that he decided it was worth his entire inheritance to get something to eat. Because he didn’t have anything else available to eat he sacrificed something of far more value to satisfy a temporary need. Been there, done that. Picture it: 5:30pm, long day at work, EVERYBODY done got on your nerves. You’ve got to get to bible study by 6:30pm (which you really don’t want to do anyway, but they done called you out too many times for missing). AND you hungry. You didn’t pack your food. You didn’t prepare anything and you certainly don’t feel like cooking now. What are you going to do? You think, “I worked all day and I don’t want no doggone salad!”…the drive thru is calling your name. Burgers and fries it is…o yeah and a diet coke. 

Do you care about your birthright? God promised us 120 years. I can’t believe that Esau actually thought the ramifications of his actions all the way through. “Surely, this cup o’ red bean soup is not going to cost me an inheritance?” he may have rationalized. “Surely, one burger and some fries are not going to sabotage my goals and compromise my health?” we may rationalize. Truth be told, it probably won’t if its just one time – but it can. Just like we don’t know which cigarette gives us the cancer, we really don’t know which glob of fat clogs up our arteries. Planning and preparing for your energy needs (food) is a part of your daily regimen that can not be omitted.

We have to choose to be responsible for our actions. We have to surrender ourselves to God and ask Him to empower us with diligence. The flesh is stronger when we constantly give in to it. But when we put it under subjection it must obey. It is not, however, a passive activity. It’s not a ‘side job’. It has to be a daily decision, sometimes even an hourly decision.

This weekend is 4th of July. It’s usually marked with a weekend full of fireworks, eating, cookouts and drinking. Focusing on our goals is more difficult when everything is centralized around food. Have a plan before you head out. Don’t go anywhere hungry. Be prepared, drink lots of water, get your exercise in early and be sociable. Make your focus on the people not the food.

Charlotte Exercise
Uneek Boot Camp: Independence Park – 8am (Hawthorne Road) $10

Contests
Mano a Mano Contest (First man to lose 15lbs – Dick’s sporting goods gift card)
Size 8 Contest (Beautiful Designer Silver Bag from fabulouslacewigs.com)
Size 12 Dress Contest (dress & accessories)
Size 14 Dress Contest (black satin empire waist dress & accessories)
See facebook events for contest details.

Prayer: God today is your day. I surrender my will to you. I thank you for going before me and preparing the way. I thank you for having endured everything that I will ever have to endure. I thank you for my freedom, my independence, my victory through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Amen!!