melting away

Flying in from our record-breaking hottest month of July...

Summer is waning... see the once tall and straight new white candle tipping?

I zoomed in. First time ever in all my summers to droop. (The candle, that is.)

Goodbye July. Hello August, end of.

We are headed straight toward the "back-to-school" routine, a routine that has guided me for the majority of my 54 years. School kid, college kid, return-to-college kid, married a teacher, 3 more school kids:)

This week history is being made. 

Drum roll . . .

This week is the last time I complain think about school encroaching upon our summer fun in the sun. This is Chuck's 35th and last year of school! (He retires next June from teaching at age 56.)

I don't know if I will miss the school days. Just in case I've taken this school routine for granted all these years, I plan to make the most of every changing month and season in this last year of our school career. It's the best I can do.

Meanwhile, I am still snatching bits of time to enjoy my outdoors porch and flowers. The hummingbirds don't seem to care that school is right around the corner.

Less of Me 

(Now there's a good prayer. "Lord, less me and more Thee.")

84.2 at 32 weeks

I broke the plateau (don't know how or the physiology behind it but I'll take it). To all of you who have cheered me on, THANK YOU! Journeys are difficult to travel alone. I'm thankful I have traveling companions! If you are one who is secretly, or not so secretly, pulling for me, can I just say it means sooooo much!!

I'm not where I am - if it wasn't for help. And my greatest source? His story is found tucked in the pages of Scripture.

 Philippians 4:13  Even lose a truckload of pounds.

It's been a great summer! My healthy lifestyle continues into the next season. Think simmering soups. But for now, I'm on the prowl for a frozen banana!

 Then off for a hike. Thanks for flyin' with me! Enjoy the final days of summer.

margi

monkjo@live.com  Open to comments or questions. I try to answer each one.





sit and quit

Because what I write in this journal, of sorts, is more beneficial for me than the public eye, here are some very honest thoughts straight out of my chair this morning. I want to record my "processing of emotions" for future reference.

If you are not discouraged, mad, frustrated, out of patience, thoroughly ready for your trial to be behind you... I'm happy to catch you at the next posting. I promise to bring back my cheer:)

I thought it was time to share a full view. From size 3x to xlg. 

78.2 pounds lost

To save you from doing the math, the scales have barely moved the past two weeks, in SPITE of being on plan and even upping my game. The month of July has been  s   l   o    w .

30 weeks. I'm running low on patience in this journey. I want to cross the finish line. I'm tired of being "good" and making wise choices, over and over.

(For those who are new to my blog, this is a page from my story of battling food addiction. I know it isn't a battle of cancer, of unalterable physical limitations, marriage crisis, financial bleak outlooks, and so many more heartbreaking and mindblowing life stories. BUT, it is my reality and acknowledging its life and death struggle helps in the healing process. At least I hope so.)

I turned to the Songbook this morning, the Psalms of the Bible. The writer David wrestled a lot with his emotions. David sure asked a lot of questions. In the end, his wrestling didn't always bring him answers to life's hard questions. Instead of finding answers, he found the Answer Giver.

Seek and Find - a Person, perfect in power and promise!

Could that be the purpose in this journey of mine? Of your own particular hard journey you travel?

Ultimately, seeking not the gifts from our Savior but seeking Him?

How lovely is Your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD, my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home...             Psalm 84:1-3

Sparrow receives honorary mention in the Songbook!

>>>>>>>

I'm sure you've heard this: "Don't stuff your face; face your stuff." So this month instead of diving into this above... I splurged and bought this below...

Look closely, I am modeling my new necklace treat. It wears better than the scoops of sugar! Still, if there were no consequences...I'd choose the scoops.

Not a sitter or a quitter. I'm a climber... one day I pray it is true of my character. Until then, today I am making the choice to reign in my emotions and trust my Companion (Jesus Christ). He is building my life. AND YOURS TOO!

Join me in smiling in our trenches? I do know some of your trials, and they are deep. I am praying for you.

margi

monkjo@live.com  I welcome all your comments and questions.