Green Eyes

Proverbs 27:4

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁴ Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming,
   but who can stand before jealousy?

You are probably wondering what 'jealousy' has to do with weight.  So am I, but I can't seem to get away from the thought.  So, I'm exploring it right here with you and hopefully, by the time I finish writing, we'll all have some idea as to what it has to do with weight.

What is 'jealousy'?  Webster defines it as " Jealous - Resentment against a rival, a person enjoying success or advantage, etc., or against another persons success or advantage itself."

 Not one of those 'feelings' defines how I feel.  or does it?  I always prided myself on not being one of those 'silly women' who can't stand to see another woman succeed or achieve her hearts desire.  I am encouraged by the success of my sisters.  Whatever their 'accomplishment', in my heart I feel pride for them.  I'm glad for them.  In my mind, I know that what God has for me is for me.  So the fact that they have it first or in abundance or even in addition to me only affirms my faith.  

Or does it? Don't put yourself in my shoes if this is not you...but somewhere...in the back of me or deep inside of me...I'm tired.  I'm frustrated with being the 'cheering squad' or the 'bigger person'.  I want to be the one.  But I also know what God is creating with me and for me is a process (that doesn't make it easier - remember, I'm walking through this thought with you, right now, so I may change my own mind at any point.  Please bear with me.)

So what do I do with this 'emotion' God?  How do I keep it from turning me into something or someone that I am not or at least someone that I don't want to be?  Jealous.  That's not who I am.   But...it is how I feel.  Wow...I said it.  I FEEL JEALOUS.  O M G!!  I said it again!!!  I FEEL JEALOUS!!  umm...no lightening bolts?  no...hell fire?  Wait a minute?  I said, I 'feel' jealous.  and its true.  It is how I feel.  Its not who I am.  I am not consumed by it (except when I am trying to ignore my feelings).  Its just how I 'feel'.  Actually, I just realized I said, 'I feel jealous' and not 'I AM jealous'.  Because truthfully, logically, I am not a 'jealous' person.  But where are the 'feelings' coming from?

Seems to me, now that I am allowing myself permission to 'feel jealous' I can actually address the 'why'.  Hmmm...still thinking.  (yeah, K, I know, I'm talking to myself - out loud - in writing - um...so?  you got a problem with that?) Anyway, why do I feel jealous?  Do I want what someone else has?  Do I feel displaced by what someone else is doing?  Am I tired of not having what I want?  Probably a little of all of those things.  But what keeps me from falling?  or What will keep me from being consumed by jealousy? (BTW - I feel the tension leaving my shoulders even as I write, so I think I'm on to something).  If I think back (fortunately - way back) I'd probably alienate the person I was jealous of, probably make them my enemy.  Allow them to be the target of my anger, my venom.  But that's not me anymore.  So instead, I still have the anger, the venom but what do I do with it?  I turn it inward.  I allow myself to seethe because I cannot respond the way that I feel I want to.  So in essence I punish myself.  The tension creeps into my back, my stress levels accelerate.  I become short and erratic all AT MYSELF.  

then...I have to apologize.....to Me.

And how do I do that?.....................WITH FOOD! (wow..ok, ok, I'm listening)

So, what am I supposed to do with these feelings, these emotions?  I don't want to give them to God.  I am ashamed of them.  I don't even want to talk any one about them, let alone God.  I am ashamed.  (loooooooonnnnnnnngggggg pause here).  I      AM        ASHAMED.  But I haven't even done anything.  I'm just feeling jealous.  I haven't done anything to anyone.  I haven't said anything to anyone or treated anyone in the wrong way.  I just felt.  So why am I ashamed?  

Because I hurt.  I did HURT someone - me.  

I'm trying so hard not to do or say or be a certain thing that I am allowing myself to do those exact things to 'me'.  I didn't even acknowledge 'me' when I was let down, sad, overlooked, intentionally or unintentionally shorted.  All I did was focus on making sure I didn't hurt anyone else.  I treated 'Me' so badly that 'Me' began to rebel.  'Me' is tired of being overlooked in the care department.  'Me' is going to get some attention one way or the other.  So I try to apologize to 'Me'.  What can I do for 'Me'.  'I' placate 'Me' with food.  But that's not what 'WE' need.  We need acknowledgement. We need to respect ALL 'OUR' FEELINGS.  I don't have to 'act' on them.  But I do have to give myself permission to 'feel' them.  

What does this have to do with weight loss?  You decide.  But I certainly feel much lighter now. 

 

Selfish

So funny how easy it is to get convinced that you shouldn't do what you are doing.  Or that you can't do what you are already doing.  I have been finding it so difficult to talk, minister and encourage on health and eating and exercise and proper nutrition because I have been dealing with people who have issues that are seemingly just so much more important.

Job loss, unemployment, health issues, foreclosures, wayward children, wayward spouses, anger management issues, drug abuse, alcohol abuse and on and on and on...How can I, in the face of such extreme and serious stuff can I talk about carrots and exercise?  And then God spoke to me.  Back to Eden is really about taking care of the thing we CAN do while you trust God to handle all the things we can't.  God makes provision for us, every day.  But He also has given us an example of the importance of taking care of ourselves.  When things get tough the first thing most of us cut out of our daily lives is the things for 'us' only.  We have been taught that 'selfish' is a dirty word.  Even though the etymology of the word selfish is anything but.  The word 'selfish' was meant to indicate 'caring for oneself'.  It evolved to have negative connotations and is often defined as 'caring ONLY for oneself'. 

So if that word 'selfish' doesn't sit well with you, get rid of it.  Let's use a different word, 'self-care'.  We have biblical substantiation for 'self-care'.  Jesus, himself, made sure to take time to 'minister to himself', if you will.  He gave and gave to the followers, disciples and his friends and loved ones.  But he also took time to care for himself.  When we find him walking on the water out to the ship - its because he was off by himself.  When we see him asleep in the bottom of the boat before they woke him - its because he was off by himself.  When we find him sitting by the well right before asking the woman to give him drink - its because he was off by himself.  Even when he went to the garden and took the 3 with him - he went off by himself.  The one who gave His ALL for us, took time for himself. 

Making healthy choices, getting enough rest, drinking enough water, eating the right foods, in the proper portion at the proper frequency are about 'taking time for yourself' - Just like Christ.  I hope today, before you reach for that soda or that hamburger or sitting in front of the TV instead of taking a walk, or choosing to eat instead of skipping a meal to finish your work, you will ask yourself, 'What would Jesus do?" and then remind yourself that you are worth it.  You can't take care of everyone who relies and depends on you if you don't take care of yourself.  

To receive your personalized Back to Eden:  A Christian Approach to weight loss packet and encouraging support for your journey call me at 704-493-2035.

Meanwhile...keep walking on water.

One time cost - $50 ($35 for facebook friends)

FEARS

Fears....

We all have them.  Songs have even been written about them.  Some of our fears don't even follow logic.  I read about a woman who has a fear of stuffed animals - an inanimate object.  What about those fears that are somewhat founded - a fear of snakes?  or how about the one that hides and lurks in the backs of so many of our minds...the fear of failure? 

God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.  (2Tim1:7)

Overcoming our fears is not often something we can do on our own.  Some of our fears are so deep rooted that we don't even acknowledge them and even the world says 'You cannot change that which you do not acknowledge.'  Some of the 'overcoming' that we need to do needs to begin with some 'soul searching'.  I used to be a smoker.  As a smoker, I used to smell like cigarettes and I had a smoker's cough.  I could treat those symptoms - I washed my hair frequently and used various cough suppressants and I could temporarily remove (or disguise) the effects of my problem.  My real problem.  The REAL problem was NEVER the cough or the funky hair.  It was the cigarettes.  (I could go deeper and actually show that the cigarettes were not the 'root' cause either, but for the purposes of this piece...you get the point). 

Obesity and being overweight is NOT THE ROOT CAUSE OF OUR PROBLEM.  It is a symptom.  We can treat 'symptoms' but we can't 'CURE' them because THEY ARE SYMPTOMS.  (You can't 'cure' a symptom you can only MASK it).  And to be brutally honest, we spend too much time trying to 'cover up' our symptoms and don't give ANY attention at all the the problems.  We wanna find a quick fix to the 'fat':  Juicers, prepared/pre-packaged food, ultra exercise, fasting, Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil, Oprah - who ever EVERY SINGLE THING out there is only meant to treat the symptom - our fat. 

But the root cause for many of us is that we don't value ourselves.  Yes, you'll disagree.  "I love myself' we say.  'I'm the bomb.com' or 'I love me some me'.  But just like the word of God says, 'If you love me, keep my commands' if we REALLY loved us we'd be doing what we need to do to get and be and STAY healthy.  It takes EFFORT!  YES!!!  But aren't you worth it?  Or are you just afraid that you'll fail anyway...so why bother to try?

I'd like to hear your answers...Don't worry - I'll wait...

For more info on Back to Eden:  The Christian Approach to Weight Loss call Lisa Thatch - 704-493-2035 or email thatchl@yahoo.com

Back on Track to Eden: Goal Setting 1-2-3

For Your Health:
Goal-Setting 1-2-3
If you didn't succeed with your 2011 resolution, then you need to do something different to succeed with 2012's. Try these three steps (and four bonus tips!) to set and meet your New Year's goal.

If you're trying to lose weight, you probably already have a good idea of where you want to be: back in your old jeans with the 34" waist, or in your favorite size-6 dress, for instance. But let's hold off on that long-term goal to start...

1. Create an Action Plan

Before you get too attached to a goal weight and a target date, set an Action Plan. That is, decide what you will realistically do to achieve your goal. How often will you exercise? What dietary changes will you make?

An Action Plan takes the guesswork out of your resolution. It doesn't just answer 'what' and 'when' like a goal does; an Action Plan tells you 'how.' It also prevents you from 'resolving' to lose too much weight, too soon, which will only discourage you.

Better still, an Action Plan defines success by your efforts every day: if you follow your plan (get to the gym and have fresh fruit for dessert, for example) you've succeeded! By contrast, even a realistic long-term goal may leave you waiting for months before you can say "I did it!"

To help you stick to your Action Plan, write it down; putting it in black and white helps steel your resolve. Then notify your support network - your friends, family, and anyone you can count on for positive reinforcement.

2. Set a Long-term Goal

Give your Action Plan a couple of weeks. Once you know how effective it is - how much progress you make when you follow it - you can then figure out how long it will really take to reach your final goal. In other words, you can now set a fact-based Long-term Goal.

To set that Long-term Goal, you can either proceed with - or revise - your Action Plan. For example, if your final goal is to lose 20 pounds, and your Action Plan shed one pound a week, then you can either:

Set a Long-term Goal to stay the course for 20 weeks total, or...
Revise your Action Plan for more activity and fewer calories to get their sooner.
3. Set your 1st Short-term Goal

While you work toward achieving your Long-term Goal, you should set Short-Term Goals to keep you excited along the way.

If your Long-term Goal will take six months to achieve, then you might plan a series of one-month goals (i.e. double what your Action Plan tells you that you can achieve in two weeks).

Plus 4 Tips to Keep You on Track

▪ Be patient with yourself. It may take longer than expected, and it will certainly take longer than you'd like. If you didn't gain it overnight, then don't expect to lose it overnight either.

Also, consider how long you waited to start. If you're like most people, you procrastinated for longer than the resolution itself will take to achieve! If you've already proven that you can be patient with getting nowhere, then being patient with progress should be easy.

▪ Be forgiving if you have a few setbacks. Most of us do. It's your ability to get back in the saddle that will make the difference!

▪ Remind yourself why you're doing this. You might put an appropriate photo or Post-It note where you'll see it regularly:

Want to fit your old jeans? Then choose a picture of yourself from when you could; or hang the jeans near your refrigerator!
Trying to dodge a family history of heart disease? Then perhaps pick a photo of a loved one who suffered from it.
Tired of getting winded climbing the stairs? Then post words of encouragement at the top and bottom of those stairs.
▪ Reward yourself for each Short-term Goal that you achieve. Don't reward with anything that will slow your progress. (Hopefully, your Action Plan allows a little leeway for you to enjoy some of your favorite foods, though less often and in smaller quantities).

You could buy yourself something, but instead, reward with an experience. Research into happiness tells us that money spent on an event brings more satisfaction than money spent on a thing. So take a friend out to dinner, go dancing, get a massage, or do whatever you find fun and don't do often enough.

Of course, getting and staying fit is its own reward. It helps you feel better, fills you with pride, and signals your body to release mood-boosting hormones for an all-natural 'high.' We all want to enjoy the finer things in life; just remember that physical activity is one of them.

Who do you think you are?

Running for your life.
Hated.
Disregarded by your family.
Misunderstood.
Tired.
Confused.
Alone.

Can you imagine my confusion?  I served him honorably.  Both personally, in his private chamber, soothing his sullen spirit and publicly bearing arms to fight a formidable adversary.  I kept going, even after having been overlooked by my own father.  He didn't even consider me when calling the family in for the special dinner.  Now I'm on the run, hiding, fearing for my life, going to my enemies for cover.  Can I really be the one?  Am I the one you intend to establish forever?  Speak to my fears.  Strengthen my gait.  Encourage my heart that I may encourage myself. 

- King David, in the valley of the shadow of death.

Don't allow where you are right now make you forsake your destiny!

Cane Creek UPDATE:
Ladies,

Please send in your payments:
Lisa Thatch
3225 Sunset Road
Charlotte, NC 28216

or Paypal.com to thatchl@yahoo.com or call and I can take a credit card payment on the phone.

The itinerary is shaping up nicely.  If you have not already RSVP'd please do as soon as possible, there are still spots available.

The dates are Oct 21-23, 2011.  Cost is $60.

Grateful!

I haven't written much of anything in a long time but today I was reading one of my notes from 2010.  At that time I was looking at a note from 2008.  I was angry that I was 215lbs at that time but then when I saw the note (from 2008) I was reminded that I was 241lbs at that time!  Now its 2011 and I can't even imagine EVER having been 241lbs at 4'11'' tall.  But I was.  As much as I am dissapointed at myself for having gained back almost 15lbs I have to remind myself that as of April 2010 I was 185 lbs!!!  and that was something to be GRATEFUL FOR!  What's more, 'I' did it!  No pills, no drugs, no hypnosis, no shakes, real food and real sweat with LOTS OF PRAYER!  All of which is in great supply. 

So as I regroup (again) I realize that the same way we (God and me) showed the devil back in 2008 that I am more than a conqueror is the same way in 2011 that we (God and me - MORE GOD than me) will show the devil in 2011 that I am MORE THAN A CONQUEROR!  I am grateful for the set back (again).  I am grateful for everyone of these 15 lbs (that I completely HATE).  I am GRATEFUL for the gift of God which is Christ and the knowledge that I am overcome by the words of my testimony!!!

I'm tired of this weight and I'm tired of all the fears and anger that I'm hiding in the folds of each layer of fat.  I'm tired of starting over and I'm tired of all the setbacks.  I'm tired of sabotaging myself and allowing others to sabotage me.  I'm tired of allowing myself to forget who I am and more importantly WHOSE I am!!  I'm tired of hiding and I'm tired of worrying.  I'm GRATEFUL for all the failed 'yesterday's' and all they taught me and  most of all  I'm GRATEFUL for TODAY AND EACH AND EVERY TOMORRROW!!

I am also grateful that I am reminded that this is a JOURNEY and what I have learned is that I took the 'goal weight' as a destination thinking that when I got there - I had arrived.  That was the biggest mistake.  Thinking that the journey was over when I got to that magic number.  Maintaining a healthy relationship with food (for me) is as much of a day to day journey as sobriety for an alcholic.  Thinking that I had 'arrived' was the beginning of my downfall.  Thinking more  highly of myself than I ought.  Forgetting that when I am 'weak yet am I strong'.  Forgetting to surrender EACH AND EVERY DAY to God and asking for His help and guidance on this journey. 

I am now fully persuaded that neither life nor death nor cake nor pie nor success nor failure can separate me from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus.  Thinking that my failure is my finish is a trick of the adversary and what I sometimes forget is that I am MORE THAN A CONQUEROR!!!

and so are YOU!!!

2nd Annual Back to Eden Retreat - CANE CREEK

Ladies,

Its that time again! Are you ready for it? This year we have a special treat planned for us. We will have a specially chartered pontoon boat taking our group around the lake to take in all the beauty and serenity of it all. The itinerary is still being developed and as always - this is YOUR retreat so I need YOUR input.

October 21st, 2011 - Friday night's meet and greet - campfire pajama party replete with s'more (yeah, I didn't leave off the s...U know you only get one:)

October 22nd, 2011 - Saturday will be chocked full of fun activities - mini-boot camp; lunch on the lake, pontoon boat ride and free time to explore the campsite - miniture golf ($2) and pedal boats ($3). And of course dinner and our infamous award ceremony.

Octobeer 23rd, 2011 - Sunday - Say our good byes/continental breakfast & coffee and make our way to Sunday 11am morning service. You are welcome to come to services at my church if you are from out of town. Just need to know ahead of time so that I can make arrangements to feed whomever stays after church.

As always, I endeavor to keep costs as low as possible. This weekend locked in at $60. Remember, the cabins sleep 6 and you will need to bring your own bedding. Each cabin contains a mini fridge; so once we get monies in and room assignments folks can work together for snacks and or whatever they might want 'room by room'. Date is October 21-23rd, 2011.

I sincerely hope everyone is able to come and I know that God will orchestrate exactly who 'needs' to come to be there.