Three Years Ago I started my weight loss journey

Three years ago I started my weight loss journey so; I guess it’s my anniversary! When August 4th came this year I questioned myself, “Should I celebrate it? Write about it? Are people sick of hearing me talk about it?” That’s when the whisper,

1 Thessalonians 2:4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.

which reminded me why I do what I do!

Why did I start my weight loss journey?

Three years ago today I decided I had enough!

I needed to do something different!

Lonely, depressed and a Stay at Home Mom of three little diva’s I connected through Social Media, and that’s where I began my journey.

That is where I began holding my self-accountable through blog post and Social Media of the frustrations and triumphs of weight loss.

A friend gave me the idea. I told her privately that I wanted to journal my weight loss and she told me to share it on my Instagram (like everyone else) does and I did. Thanks, Toni by the way because I have met some fantastic people through this journey.

Being vulnerable and sharing the realities of weight loss and I found others like me.

When I began this journey, I never started intending on creating a business. I was seeking a program that catered to Christian Women, and that is what I am beginning to develop three years later.

This all began because I was tired of being tired. I didn’t feel like I was walking in the body I was meant to have. I saw other fit people running outside or working out at the park (because you would not catch me at a gym) and I wanted to be like them. But I had a lot of excuses no time, no money, and no clue.

I used to hate exercise

Growing up my parents never spanked us they chose an alternative form of discipline that has it owns consequences. My parents would use “grounding us in our rooms” and exercise drills as punishment. Little offenses would be things like pushups, planks; wall sits for extended amounts of time. Mile runs for more significant crimes or solitary confinement in my room for two weeks. I was raised as the oldest of six children, so I spent a lot of time in my room and doing pushups, planks and wall sit.

Although my parent’s intentions were good, and children do need discipline, the method now that we are older, is questionable. All but my youngest sibling will tell you that we despise exercise. Why punish ourselves as adults? Yet, the way our genes work it’s highly necessary to exercise to stay healthy and eat what we please. This, as I have shared before, is not my first significant weight loss journey. Or the most weight I have ever lost yet, it will be my last. By changing my attitude from resentment to worship has been a game changer.

For God’s Glory

This weight loss journey I was motivated by something different than in the past. In the past, I was a Christian but not a Follower. Before I believed in God but had no real relationship. This time not only do I believe in God but I have taken the time to get to know Him. My external is a direct reflection of my internal; From what I put in my mouth to what I put in my heart can be seen. So, when I hesitated to celebrate my third year anniversary. I went directly to Him. This isn’t to boast on what I did but to show what Christ has created in me.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Why I do what I do?

There is absolute power in prayer, worship, and devotion. Just like exercise and “clean” or Biblically-based eating has taught me. The more you do it, the more it becomes second nature. At this point, I am a statistics and a testimony.

According to the National Weight Loss Registry, “We have also started to learn about how the weight loss was accomplished: 45% of registry participants lost the weight on their own, and the other 55% lost weight with the help of some type of program.”

I can show that a program, consistent effort will get results. Most importantly I can show what happens when you use Scripture, prayer, and devotion as your motivation.

I really don’t believe I could have achieved what I achieved in the last three years without God. In the past when I have tried it on my own, I have cheated or failed.

My goal is now to be a light for His glory and share where my strength, motivation, and faith comes from in all that I do.

Momentum Jewelry 1″ Inspired Customized Necklace

What I do differently than I did three years ago?

I pray frequently some people would consider it obsessively but those aren’t my kind of people. As much as, you would talk to yourself out loud. I talk to God (and myself still too) sometimes.

Now I am not a saint, and there are lots of times that I don’t consult God about my decision. Those are not my good days and usually when I make mistakes or fall from grace. But on the whole, my relationship with God is completely changed in the last three years, and I would say that I intimately have a relationship now that is a daily thing instead of a weekly celebration.

For example, We have three prayers in Bibles and Bootcamps to help us when tempted. I have them committed to memory because I use it so often. Prayer doesn’t need this 15 minutes ordeal it can be a short, simple praise or request between you and God. Like:

“Lord, Give me the desire and commitment to honor my temple daily. In Jesus name, Amen”

That simple!

That one is my favorite prayers in the Bible and Bootcamps because it helps me to stay on track. God is in the business of answering prayers, so I find that He daily delivers on that prayer.

Food Fixation

Three years ago when I started this weight loss journey, I wasn’t aware of food fixation. Through a Book Study that I did with my FaithFueled Life Members about two years ago. I learned more skills of dependency on God over food which I can share today. I also think that food is one of the hardest addictions to overcome. It’s so satisfying, accessible, legal, acceptable, and we are inundated with opportunities and encouragement to indulge. The difference between need and want can easily be blurred.

Three years walking through this journey has not only strengthened my bond with Christ but has instilled a passion in me to help others honor their temple. The obstacles that I have overcome, victories I have won, and amazing opportunities I have experienced have all been because I decided to live my life differently, lean on God and honor my temple.

7 Tips I have learned in Three years from starting my weight loss journey

Everything you can’t do God can; so, lean in and hold on for the ride.
2. This is a journey, not a race.
3. You have to show up and do things you don’t want to do (at first 😉).
4. The consistent effort pays off
5. Don’t count the days, count the gainz
6. If you don’t challenge yourself, ou can’t progress.
7. You don’t care how long it took you once you get there.

What’s Next?

That’s the hard part this year! I have no idea! I have never imagined getting on stage, being featured in National Publications or having two online fitness apps: and PerFIcT App; that is really helping people or working at an amazing gym surrounded by amazing trainers. Or to get to to help empower women!

Right now, I can’t afford to do another Figure competition. I tried Ninja Warrior Training, and my ankle is still not ready, unfortunately. After experiencing my first significant injury in my life and recovery was a faith experience as well. My ankle is not prepared to train for a Spartan Race which has also been on my things to do list.

Honestly, I am seeking something different than just dumbbells and barbells. I have no idea what that looks like but it gives me lots of opportunities to try something new. Like I did three years ago.

Thank you!

For those of you who prayed, encouraged, and motivated me in the last three years:

Your comments, likes, double taps, retweets, direct messages, gifs, and in real life hugs and love have also gotten me here today. I really do appreciate your encouragement and support. It’s been an amazing journey, and I am blessed to be where I am today!

“I still remember the days that I prayed for what I have now! “

I would love to help you with your journey!

Check out my other Anniversary Post to see what I have taken away each year! First Year, Not an Overnight Success Story: 2 Year Anniversary

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I can’t believe that it has been another year. It seems both fast and long. For last years anniversary post check it out here! Two years seem like a long time but looking back it has flown. I started this blog three years ago as a Christian Mom Blog I didn’t know what I was doing then, and I still don’t know what “Christian Mom Blog” means but it has evolved over the last two years it has become a faith and fitness blog.

August 4, 2015

Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us. Isaiah 8:10

Two years today after trying on my own to figure out this daunting weight loss thing joined an online exercise program It was exactly what I needed to get started a plan and some guidance. She also encouraged her members to take pictures to show progress, and I am grateful for those to look back at and see my progress. I would have never thought to do that. At the time I hated the idea, and the cost of a gym so, at home workouts worked for me. I also said that I would “never work out at a gym again,” haha.

Fast Forward

Fast forward two years and what I thought was going to be a temporary fix; I was going to get real skinny quick. Little did I know not only was I going to “get skinny” but it was going to be a roller coaster of highs and lows expectations and disappointments and an internal journey as well. It hasn’t all been bad.

Blessed through the Journey

This has also given me the opportunity to have fun adventures like working out with celebrity trainers and trying all kinds of new equipment, supplements, and tools.

Never Say Never

I am teaching group fitness classes at 5 am in the morning which I never imagined I would be up and moving at 5 am much less teaching other people too. I told my friend who kept referring me that I would never do group fitness and now that I have I absolutely love it.

A passion ignited

I am 10 weeks away from obtaining my degree in Fitness and Exercise Science, and I am working at an amazing gym (which I also said that I would never do; “work at a gym)”. I am learning so much from a great group of passionate trainers.

FaithFueled is a Lifestyle

Honoring my temple has now become my way of life how I live my life. The choices I make how I plan my day involves my mental space, health, exercise and healthy eating.

More than just a weight loss journey

I started on Periscope and Instagram just sharing about my journey which turned into a 30-day personal prayer challenge that I gave myself to honor my temple. Those 30 days completely changed my perspective of how I can use God in my life. I had always put boundaries and limits on what I could pray.

Change in Purpose

I didn’t think God cared if I wanted to be skinny or not but through my prayers and devotion my want to be skinny changed for want to be healthy both including spiritually, physically and medically. It gave me a passion for honoring my temple meaning what I put into it, how I treat it, who I involve in my emotional life and I went to the Bible for the lead in everything.

Stronger Together

I had a relationship with Christ before this journey but the peace I and intimacy that I never knew I craved has been met and continues to grow through this journey. When you turn to God for the little things you begin to turn to Him for everything and having a daily passionate relationship with God has been more fulfilling than being skinny or lifting a weight. The most exciting part of this journey is that I pray every day that I can be a light and bring glory to God through all that I do.

Humbled to be used

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God–this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1

God has shown me in the last two year many women and some men that I have inspired through my journey. I am humbled and honored to serve God through fitness. It is amazing that in two years I have been able to change and transform and it is really truly because of God that I am where I am today. So, today I am celebrating the day that literally changed the course of my life. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today. So, this is my physical change in the last two years Year to date, but I don’t think you can take a picture for the internal change this experience has had on my family and myself.

The things I have learned in two years

Give it to God first don’t try to do it yourself you’ll save time and stress.
Be consistent even if you don’t see progress.
If it isn’t working try something different you don’t have to stick with the thing you started.
Yes, food is important not only what you eat but how and when you eat it!
Discipline is needed and accountability
Regardless what stage you’re at love and appreciate where you are right now while you are working towards what you want and always remember your Why!
The only fix is your mindset that quick and easy doesn’t cut it hard work is worth the reward.

What’s Next?

I now have a new goal to compete in a Fitness competition. Similar to weight loss, the mental is hard, the workouts are hard, and the food is the worse. I want to quit from day to day, and the highs and lows are the same but I know I have the victory. It will take more time than I want but I will get there just like I got here.

Work in Progress

There is a lot I still have yet to learn and work on if not physically then spiritually and emotionally. By no means am I even finished I like to think of it as just getting started on the next chapter, and I am excited to see what is written. If I could leave anyone with any advice is if you haven’t started, start today because it’s just another step closer to your goals. Remember it takes time so give yourself

time!

How can I help you start your journey or encourage you?

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