Sorry for the poor quality of this picture. This is me summer 1988 - 20 years ago! There is something I have always liked about this picture in spite of the big '80s glasses! I still had hair and lots of it (it's pulled back, was down to shoulder blades), I had life struggles, but was still young, free and pure. That spring I had faced a lot of "issues" and I was able to lose a lot of weight. Recently I had begun working as a pediatric medical assistant after graduating from technical school and life was moving forward.
That summer things began to change. A Christian woman, who I thought I could trust, introduced me to a young Christian man to date. At 22 I had never dated and honestly, looking back, I wish I never had. My husband and I feel that we will pursue the idea of courtship, NOT dating for our own children. Old fashioned, yes. But we feel it is more in line with God's plan for His children than the world's. This man betrayed me, broke me and abused me in many senses of the word. Because of all kinds of circumstances, I felt very isolated from both friends and family and was unable to find balance. Shame forced me to work hard to solve the situation on my own. Some things are never meant to do in our own efforts. I needed my Heavenly Father's love and guidance but I was so busy trying to work it out on my own that I dug my own hole deeper.
Thank you Jesus, that you are so patient with me. The Holy Spirit is a gentleman who does not force us, but gently nudges us and encourages us to grow. It still brings up feelings of panic to write this and I do not write it as a "victim" or to dwell on the past or to play a sympathy card. I write this so that I can face FORWARD and continue on My Journey To Wholeness.
18 "Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Today I post this picture as a reminder, that God did not make me broken, fat, unhealthy and out of shape. My body will never be "perfect" this side of Heaven. However, this picture reminds me that when He and I work together, good things can happen.
For the last month or so I have been doing a lot of walking with Leslie Sansone and I have added an exercise section with links on the right hand side. I even joined her walk club for a year. It's a good deal for $29.99 you get the membership with all it's online benefits plus the Walk Away the Pounds Book with a walking DVD. Truthfully I would be losing weight faster if I was also dieting, but I have decided not to ever do that again. I am focusing on eating healthier and less, but not dieting. The walking is awesome. I am already feeling an underlying energy that I have not had in a long time and my body is missing it on the days I take a break!
With God all things are possible.
I will survive.
He is making me WHOLE!
6 comments:
Congratulations, and praise the Lord! I'm glad to hear that things are going well for you.
What a great picture and a great post. I will miss your posts while you are gone. Have a great time!!!
I do think that pictures is absolutely fantastic. the way you write, what you write and communicate is really touching, I can perceive God is with you!
God bless you
br.freddie
Hello Sweet Theresa, I'm just thrilled you came across my bloggy threshold. I had a bit of a time figuring out which blog of yours to start with, but the title of this particular one just tugged me on in. I read the first post -- Yummy and healthy. Very interesting to me, as I have been "health conscious" since age 17 when I spent a Summer in Norway and ate delicious, organic foods and felt GREAT. When my boys were born with so many special needs it just reinforced my healthy choices and prompted a crusade to find organic. I am delighted that the days of hard-to-find-organics are behind me. We are blessed to live in an area of plentiful organic choices.
I scrolled on down to your next post and you won my heart 100%. How honest; how brave; how beautiful. You are in my prayers now. We all have "past" pain but God truly does deliver us. I encourage you to continue this quest for health and vitality. I look forward to reading more and making regular visits to "see" you. God is good. : )
You are truly an incredible woman Theresa. You are the kind of woman I'd love to have as best friend. LOL, why do you have to live a continent away!
I remember you talking once about the ackwardness of the teens and trying to fit in with the pretty girls. You do realize that you have such a beautiful soul that you are one of those beautiful girls the rest of us want to hang around with don't you?
I LOVE that picture of you by the way. You have great hair. Steriods can cause hair loss (as I am sure you already know) and you may find as you get healthier and healthier and can use less of them that you get back that headful of hair. Then you can lament about the trouble you have taming it all, lol.
Post a Comment