Thursday, August 21, 2008

Six Day Slim Down

Boy, doesn't that sound fun!! Six day slim down!! So, I recently purchased an exercise video called "Hip Hop Abs", it's actually a series of videos and it came with this guide to jump-starting your metabolism called "6 Day Slim Down". It's basically only vegetables, fruit and meat for 6 days, while you do the specific video they suggest on each day. I'm going to start it Sunday.

I'm going to start it Sunday.

I'm going to start it Sunday.

I figure if I say it enough, I'll actually build up the will power to do it!

I've also decided that my blog isn't funny. Not that it's supposed to be, but it's kind of boring. That's probably because no one knows about it, so today I'm posting a bulletin on my myspace...scary. It's really hard to open yourself up to criticism by admitting that something is hard for you, and that you're going to try really hard to be better at it.

One of my favorite Psalms is a popular one, and I love the entire chapter, so please, take the time to open your Bible and read the whole thing. It is Psalm 139, and I am learning everyday to consider myself this way.

When I look in the mirror and don't like what I see...

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand. (Psalm 139:13-18)

And so I open myself up a little more to the world, to scrutiny, to being made fun of or laughed at, and invite you in. It's okay if people see this blog and laugh, or don't like it, because I know what my Father thinks of me.


amy

15 comments:

Rebecca LaCount said...

I can do all things...I can do all things...I can do all things! Yep. Say that enough too. THROUGH CHRIST! Love you, my muffin!

Rebecca

Just John said...

I am so very proud of you, Amy.

Unknown said...

Babe I am so proud of you, i of all people know how hard this opening up is for you and I will stand behind you the whole way!!

Anonymous said...

Behold! I'm one of your new Myspace converts. :)

I'm an eighteen-year-old guy. End of the story. So I'm not supposed to have image issues right? Cause I'm young and male.

Not quite the case. :)

I'm not actually "overweight," but I have some . . . well . . . extra baggage. ;)

I'll definately be coming back to your blog to read more. Thanks for this.

And for anybody else, I have a blog about losing weight too. It's on my actual Myspace profile, so I don't know if you can access it without having a profile yourself. Here's the link anyway, if anybody happens to be interested: http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=96456492&blogID=390055951

I put a comical spin on it, so if you're in the mood for a couple laughs, feel free to stop by. :)

jolomom said...

Dear Amy...

First of all, I need to tell you that I didn't think that ANYONE could ever replace Nicole in Selah.

I went to a concert in Minnesota at Christmastime about a year ago and I heard you...

A-Mazing! You are SO gifted! :-) THANK YOU for sharing your beautiful voice & heart with the world...

And about your blog...you are SO brave. And SO obedient to the calling of the Holy Spirit.

I, too, have had weight issues. Mine started after I had my first baby at age 31. I gained 60 pounds and thought it would just "drop" off... that was 14 years ago.

I am currently 100 pounds over my "ideal" weight. BUT! After a lot of emotional healing, I am on a path that I've never been on before.

Diets don't work. Crash exercise programs/fasts don't work. You WILL lose weight...but once you start eating normal food again, you will gain it back and MORE! The vicious cycle...

Do something that you love. Walking is WONDERFUL! And, if you have a CURVES in your area, I HIGHLY recommend it. It is the perfect work out to supplement your walking. AND it's for WOMEN ONLY! Women who look like YOU & ME!

I will pray for you, Amy. God WILL walk through this with you. And you ARE fearfully & wonderfully made! You are BEAUTIFUL!

How wonderful that you have such a supportive husband. Praise God!

In Christ,
In Love,

Kellie

Unknown said...

I must say what a wonderful idea to creat a support system like this. I am glad you shared your feelings. There are so many out there with those feelings. I too all my life have felt the same things. Not feeling right, looking in the mirror is always fun. Wishing I could wear the fun clothes. Reading your blog was like reading many of thoughts I say to myself..lol. Even the dryer situation. I am proud of you as well.

Unknown said...

I started a belly dance class with a good friend. It has been a blast. One thing that I have and forever feel I will struggle with is the mirror. I usually only pause long enough to do the quick look over. I am working hard on the positive things. Kinda like the saturday night live skit. It seems silly, but I will press on.

Thank you for your reaching out to others and sharing what can be such a difficutl thing to talk about. You are amazing and have a very special gift.

MelissaM said...

Hi Amy, I was so happy to see that you are writing a blog about you struggles with your weight. I struggle with a severe weight problem and I am starting to eat healthier and have lost 31 lbs since June 16th but I've been waivering this week so your myspace bulletin couldn't have come at a better time. I saw you perform in Oklahoma City with Selah several months back and you inspired me so much. You have such an incredible voice and I was so encouraged that you had the courage to get up and perform in front of hundreds of people. I have let my weight stifle me my entire life and will avoid getting in front of people at all costs but ever since I saw you, I have not stopped thinking about it. I think you are a beautiful woman and you truly are an inspiration to me.

Steffers said...

I'm proud of you for allowing yourself to be vulnerable to others! I know first hand how difficult this journey has been for you Ames but the great thing is this IS a journey. You keep moving forward, you keep pressing on, you keep fighting. There is a great quote that says “To get through the hardest journey we need take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping” I am PROUD of you for continually stepping...Yes, at times we all sit and slack a bit..we are after all human, but it's how we get up and the fact that you KEEP getting up is half the battle. You are an inspiration....... The size of your jeans doesn't determine that nor should it ever.
As you embark upon this journey, I pray you will take comfort in all those who are cheering you on! All those who will support you---->NO MATTER WHAT! All those who lift you up in prayer to become all God has called you to be.....and continually finding strength in your Heavenly Father!
When I look at you, I see a woman of character whose confidence is found in the Lord, a woman who has compassion for life and for living life to the fullest. I see a woman who has the boldness to confront herself and succeed!
Kudos to you my friend for stepping out from your comfort zone and allowing the world a peek at your transformation!!

Cheering You On, and not afraid to take someone out who may criticize you (ok, I won't..LOL)

Love you,
Steph

Unknown said...

Oh Amy, I feel your pain. It feels like there is no way to work it out. One thing that I STRESS is to talk to your doctor BEFORE you start anything. They will run some blood work, and decide if your electrolytes and vitamin regime is in check. If you cut out the wrong foods you will be doing harm not good. Also, what has helped me is a food log. My DR looked at it and told me I was actually not eating enough. I would eat one meal a day and wonder why I was staying the same weight or actually GAINING!!! FRUSTRATING!!! The best way is to eat healthy foods every 3-4 hours. Your body will start to trust that you wont starve it and use the nutrients your giving it the way they are supposed to be used. Drink LOTS of water. Before meals. Especially if you are going to sit down for a meal that you know you LOVE the food being served. This will help you not overdo it. It is definately a struggle that I have dealt with my whole life. The people that LOVE you do the most damage with their comments. You ARE a VERY strong woman, and I know with God you can do ANYTHING!!! You and Your family taught me that. Call me if you need ANYTHING!! Love you!

Tara

Amanda said...

Hello Amy!
Your journey seems to be right in stride with my own. I have not started exercising, however, I did remove ALL junk food from my house almost 2 weeks ago! In less than 2 weeks I am down 6 pounds! Whoo hoo! Exercise will come soon, but for now I am feeling good about the dietary changes. :o)
I have been motivated by my husband. He signed up to run a 1/2 marathon coming this January and I felt like I was undermining his efforts to get some extra pounds off. That is a terrible feeling!
I pray daily for God to walk beside me and encourage me. The Lord is my Shepherd....
I also hate that feeling of vulnerablility that comes with exposing a burden you carry. Good luck!!! I will include you in my own cries for help, friend!
Amanda

Patty Schultz said...

Hi, Amy. My name is Patty and I was on the last Kathy Troccoli cruise with the group from West Virginia that included Carrie Oliver. I too have struggled with weight issues and plan to begin working on that. I lost close to 40 pounds a few years ago and have since put it back on. I guess what I've learned from that is that it is a lifestyle change. After I lost the weight, I went back to the poor habits I had prior to losing it. My prayers this time around will be strength and wisdom not just as I lose weight but after I reach my goal as well. I will share any tips that are helpful to me as I begin this journey. I also have a blog and feel free to check it out. The address is http://pattyschultz.blogspot.com/
You will be in my prayers.

Nonni said...

Amy...I'm a talker too,but I'm not sure what to say. I have always been so proud of you and everything you have accomplished! My concerns about your weight have always been from a health standpoint. I never want you or your brothers and sisters to have to depend on medication as I do! You are one of the strongest people I have ever known and I know you can do anything you set your mind on with God's help.
With love unconditionally,
mommy

Nonni said...

Amy...I'm a talker too,but I'm not sure what to say. I have always been so proud of you and everything you have accomplished! My concerns about your weight have always been from a health standpoint. I never want you or your brothers and sisters to have to depend on medication as I do! You are one of the strongest people I have ever known and I know you can do anything you set your mind on with God's help.
With love unconditionally,
mommy

OllyMay said...

Amy, I too struggle with weight gain -- and I have finally put my foot down. There's a great community that you would REALLY enjoy, it's a big blogsite called www.blogtolose.com -- all women who are supporting each other in their weight loss journey. I'm here:

http://www.blogtolose.com/profile/Molly33

I'd love to keep in touch with you through the site -- it's extremely helpful and the women are amazingly understanding, supporting and empathetic with each other during their journeys. I'd love to have you. If you join (free!) be sure to befriend me. I look forward to seeing you there :)

Molly