Sunday, August 9, 2015

"My Best Yes"

I have just finished reading the most amazing book - "The Best Yes" by Lysa TerKeurst.  It really hit home with me.  The biggest thing for me was learning how to chase your choices.   In the past I haven't been thinking about where my decisions on each choice will lead me. 

One of my biggest area that I need this help in is with food.  I am not overweight because I ate like I was suppose to.  I know that I don't have a Thyroid and that will make my weight issues harder but it isn't the total problem. My lack of making "The Best Yes" to each food decision is where the problem lies.  Have I always thought about each food choice before I eat?  Have I chased the decision to where it will lead me down the road?  NO

That is changing today .... no more just putting something in my mouth with me asking myself, "Is this my Best yes?"  or "Will this food get me to my goal" 

Another area is with my finances.  I have not always made the right choices.  I can look back over the past many years to can see clearly that I did not make The Best Yes decisions.  If I would have done better with them years ago we wouldn't had to file for bankruptcy all those years ago.  Also, we would not be in debt now.  I am working on getting us out, again, but what if I had the right choices to begin with? 

There is no sense in punishing ourselves for choices that are in the past.  We can only learn from them and gain wisdom.  That is what I am going to focus on .... growing wisdom. 

I know too that I can NOT do this on my own.  Look where it got me - overweight and in debt.  I need the Lord' help in making sure that I am making "The Best Yes" decisions.  That I am chasing the decision before I make them.  I want to live so that other people can see Christ through me and I haven't been living this way.  I have been overwhelmed and stressed - all because I haven't been living my best. 

This all changes today ....  I am excited about "My Best Yes" and what the Lord has in store for me. Thank you Lord for bringing this book to me and for bringing to my attention the areas of my life that I need to change. 

Monday, August 3, 2015

Always growing

I think we can never get too old to stop growing.  I know that I always strive to keep learning and striving to be better than I was yesterday.  That is one reason that I love to read and I love to read books on spiritual growth.

I finished my book "Life Interrupted" by Priscilla Shirer - awesome and amazing book.  It is about Jonah and his life in the belly of the whale.  I have always loved this story about Jonah but I have never really dug into the story.  This book does that and it is amazing look into this story.  It is a great read ....  Priscilla is a great writer.  I highly recommend this book. 
The book is about life's interruptions - good or bad.  We all have them.  They're aggravating and sometimes infuriating.  But how we handle interruptions actually tells us more about ourselves.  We, like Jonah, tend to run from interruptions.  When major pains and minor problems cause a hiccup in our carefully calculated plans and goals we head in the opposite direction. 

I wish I could put everything I learned about after reading this book, but I would be writing a new book.  Add it to your must read list ....

Now .. onto my next book.  I didn't think I could top the book I just read but I have done just that ...  "The Best Yes" by Lysa Terkeurst.  Just started it last night but I can't seem to put it down.  OMG!!  Powerful book!! 

"Are you living with the stress of an overwhelmed schedule and aching with the sadness of an underwhelmed soul?"

The first thing that hits me and it is in big letter so I don't miss it.  We must not confuse the command to love with the disease to please.  OMG - this is so me!!  I am always doing this ... Are you?    

If we are to be Best Yes Girls, we have to long for unbroken companionship with God.  The one who obeys God's instruction for today will develop a keen awareness of His direction for tomorrow.  

I am going to be sharing some of the things I am learning as I read through this book.  I am also going to do the Bible Study that goes with it.  I will do it after I get finished reading the book.  I hope in my sharing what I learn and my stories ... I can help someone else.   

Monday, July 6, 2015

July 6

Another holiday has come and gone.  I like the 4th of July is such a fun holiday.  I like celebrating the birth of America.  With all the wonderful cook out food - fireworks and of course spending time with family.  This was a rainy year but we still made the most of the day. 



With being on a low carb diet it can be hard to eat how you should at cook-outs, especially if you go to someone else house.  I am learning that it doesn't have to be that hard.  If you are too shy to ask what they are having to eat or if you can bring something; then you just have to do the best you can.  Eat a burger and/or hotdog without the bun.  I have gotten to where I just take me a small bowl with a salad in it.  I just go ahead and prepare it with the dressing on the side.  I don't make a big deal about eating it.  I just get a plate and get a burger and/or hotdog and then have my salad.  I have actually gotten to taking me a salad just about anywhere I go, this way I am sure I always have something to eat. 



Eating Low Carb can be challenging at times but it doesn't have to be.  It has it's moments when it can be hard, but if you slip then you just pick yourself back up and get back on plan.   After awhile it does get easier, especially when you put your mind to doing this for life.  It just isn't a fad diet ... it is for life. 

In my lifestyle of eating low carb I have decided to start sharing some of my recipes.  I have been searching all over for different ones.  I am especially going to post the ones that I love the most ... I hope that you enjoy them as much as I do.  I am not an expert on Low Carb eating but I finding my way.   I hope that while finding my way I can help someone else find their way. 

Here's to finding out way through Low Carb eating .... as a way of life.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

It is about the journey

I am so excited and proud of myself.  I am not one that likes to toot my own horn.  In fact, if you know me at all you know that I don't like to brag on me.  This just isn't me.  However, I think it is good from time to time to toot away.  I am giving myself permission to pat myself on the back. 

I know that I am not where I want to be yet, but I know for sure that I am on the right path.  For once in my life and I am on the path to better health and fitness.   I have started this journey so many times to just give up and quit.  Especially when things got tough or the scale didn't seem to move fast enough for me.  Then there are the times that it got stuck or went upwards.  I would just throw in the towel and my hands and quit.  NOT THIS TIME!!!

When I first started doing any exercises at all, I could barely do 5 girl push ups.  Last night I did two sets of 25 push ups.  Still doing the girl ones but that is ok too.  I did two sets of 50 sit ups - that is 100 sit ups - that is awesome!!!  I also did - two sets of 20 jump squats, 15 squats, and 20 lunges.   After I got through last night I just sat and cried.  Not because of the pain from pushing through but for the progress that I have made in the journey.  I am proud of myself!!! 

I am down 22 pounds and really close to being down another 2 sizes.  I am going to take my measurements this weekend and see how many inches I have lost.  I did a sneak peak a week ago and I have lost 4 1/2 inches in my waist. 

I know what people mean about it isnt' about the number on the scale.  Because sometimes it will stay the same or it will go up and down, but what matters is how you feel in your clothes and about yourself.  It really is about the journey ..... about pushing yourself to do one more push up or sit up or making the right food choice at that meal.  Each time you so "NO" to something bad to eat or make the right food choice for your meals that is an accomplishments. 

It is about taking that first step to just get started.  If you can only do one sit-up or one push up - then do that one and be excited.  Then the next time add another to it.  Or take that first step to eat healthy - can't let go of everyone at one time.  Then take that first step to cut out one thing at a time and take one meal at a time.  Set your goals and keep taking the steps on that path towards your goals.  If I can do this ... so can you. 

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

May 12

I always have good intentions on writing more on my blog.  I get busy and think I will do it tomorrow and before I know it a few weeks have passed. 

I have been so busy for the month of April and so far into May.  This is always my busy time of year.  I am the manager of the concession stand at the ball fields and this is the busiest time.  I try to find someone to work so I don't have to but then it never works out that way. 

On top of being the manager of the concession stand I am also the President of our local recreation.  I am loving it but it is keeping me busy too.  I am sure that I need to delegate more, but I have such a hard time doing it.  I am going to have to learn to do this because if I don't I am going to get burned out really quickly.   I believe though that this is where God has me and He gives me the grace to do the job.  Thank goodness for His grace. 

I am still doing well with my journey of losing weight.  I am now down 21 pounds!!  I am down 4 sizes since last year.  This is a wonderful thing BUT this means I don't have any clothes to wear this summer.   I am so excited!! I am loving where I am headed.  I am exercising and loving it.  I have never been that way before.  Making the right food choices are getting easier.  There are time it is still hard but it does seems to be a little easier. 

I am going to get a new picture taken and I will post a before and new picture.  I will try to make sure it isn't a month ..... 

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Still learning ....

I don't think on this journey I will ever NOT be learning something.  Should we ever stop learning?  I don't think so.  Why would you? 

I really thought I was doing good on my low/no carb eating plan.  BUT I have been slipping and it was all because I was slipping on reading labels.  I know that I have to read labels but I have been slipping on some of them.  So, when I was at the store yesterday I made sure I read ALL labels, even though I might had already read it on that product.  Well .... I found out yesterday that I have been eating things that are NOT within my low/no carb guide.  A couple of them was way off.  So, back to making sure that I read labels so that I can stay within my range. 

When reading labels it amazes me at the difference between - regular, light, no sugar, reduced fat and fat free.  No, I am not an expert, by no means; however, it shouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure this out.   For example - I was reading the label on JIF peanut butter.  I grabbed a jar without really looking what it said - (I read carbs) well this one jar had a large amount of carbs.  I was upset because I had been eating a very small amount but it was still way out of line for me.  Well, I turned it over and noticed that it said Reduced Fat.  So, I compared it to regular peanut butter.  There was a really large difference.  If you are counting carbs it is so much better to NOT eat reduced fat or fat free. 

 I wonder why we think that just because a label says reduced fat or fat free that we can consume it and a lot of time in large amounts.  No wonder I gained weight over the years.  I really thought this was the way to go.  However, they add so many other ingredients to make it taste good that it is going the other way. 

This was a hugh lesson for me.  I know that I have to take the time to read labels.  Don't just assume that it will be ok - sometimes it is and a lot of times it is not.  This lifestyle change is something that I really can't let my guard down ...  I have to pay attention to each thing that goes in my mouth.  

On this journey of losing weight and getting healthy I am still learning ....

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Low/No Carb

I use to think that it was impossible to eat low/no carb.  When I did this eating plan before I got so bored with the few things that I was eating.  So, I ended up quitting it.  As I have stated before I have went back to eating low/no carbs a few weeks ago.  I am being more creative in my meals and they are so good.  Trying new foods that I have never tried before and really liking them.  The other night I cooked Asparagus and it was good.  It is something that I will definitely cook again and it is on the NO carb list - I can have as much as I want to eat.  That is always a good thing.  

Something I have found that I am really liking and I can make it under my 5mg of carbs so I don't have to count them.  It is pizzas made on the low carb wraps.  Make sure they are the Carb Balance - whole wheat ones - they are 3 net carbs per one.  You can put almost anything on these pizzas.  I have even make grilled ham & cheese.   Here is a picture of my lunch from today - less than 5 net carbs.  Grilled cheese on low carb wraps with sliced tomatoes & crumbled up bacon.  I also have a small amount of Jicama as my fries.  They are really good and as long as you eat less than a cup it is NO carbs.  I am stuffed!!!! (The ketchup is Reduced Sugar 1g carbs for 1 Tbsp)



Here is another pizza that my daughter and I made .... it has jar marinara sauce, cheese, scrambled hamburger meat and sliced tomatoes.  Cook in the oven on 450 until lightly brown and bubbly.  Enjoy!!


This is a lifestyle change for me.  I am so enjoying discovering new foods.  It isn't always easy but it is so worth it.  It is worth how much better I am feeling and watching the pounds come off.  I am down 14 pounds!!!  And the journey continues ....

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Wed. March 11th

It is funny how some things in life can throw you off and make you have a really bad day.  It is our choice to how we want to let circumstances control our attitude.   But I decided today that I wasn't going to let things make me have a bad day ... NOT today!!

First, one of the kids on my bus decided he wanted to poke a hole in my brand new bus seats.  I was furious.  I really don't understand what makes kids or people in general want to destroy someone else's property.  Why? 

Then I realized that I had put a bag of dirty towels, my nephews, in the garbage can at the road.  I really did think it was a bag of trash.  Thank Jesus the trash people had not ran yet.  So, I went to the road and pulled them out. Of course, my neighbor happened to see me.  I bet I looked funny pulling a big bag of garbage from the can.  He didn't know that it was a bag of towels. 

On my way the doctor, I dropped my keys in the mud and my pocket book in a water puddle when I was getting out.  It was then that I decided how I was going to handle my day.  Before I would have gotten so mad at all that was going on.  However, today I decided to tell the Devil ... nice try, but it isn't  going to work on me. 

I have to say ... it worked!!!  I had a great report from the doctor.  Everything checked out!!  The best part of my visit with my doctor - I HAVE LOST 12 POUNDS!!!!  That is so exciting!!  I have tried so many times to lose weight and this has been a very long journey.  I know this may not sound like a lot to some people but every pound is exciting. 

Even better than the pounds gone is the way that I feel.  I am feeling SO GREAT!!!  I have a lot more energy than before.  My clothes are loose on me.  I just feel GOOD!!! My daughter told me the other day that I just look better.  I knew what she meant.  Fighting with thyroid issues you fight so many different things every single day - depression, low energy, irritability and the list goes on and on.  I haven't been feeling these in the past week or two.  It is all because I am eating a low carb diet.  I / my body just cant' handle the effects of carbs.  It isn't easy to eat as low as you can with carbs, but it is so worth it at the moment.  Thank you Jesus for helping me do this ....  I know that I CAN NOT do it without His help. 

You just have to start .... one bite at a time.  Make the decision that you are tired of being the say old way. It just takes that one step ... and then another ... and then another.  Whatever you do ... DO NOT QUIT!!!!

Friday, March 6, 2015

Friday March 6th

It has been a crazy couple of weeks.  We have had snow and have missed quite a few days of school.  It has been fun and relaxing it.  I have taken that time for some much needed down time.  Took some time to read and really just relax.  It was nice. 

I have been doing good with the low carb.  I can not lie and say that it has been 100% easy and painless, but it is getting better day by day.  A lot of my cravings are decreasing.  My sweet tooth is even getting a little better.  I am finding more and more things that I am liking to cook and they taste really good too.  Each time that I think about falling off the wagon I just ask myself, "Is it worth it?"  Here lately it has been "NO!"  The scales are going down and it is a great feeling.  I am down another size in blue jeans - now that is an awesome feeling. 

Something I have learned through this journey is this is we do have choices.  We can chose to eat healthy or not.  I know that there are time when it is really hard to make the right choice, but it is still a choice.   I know for me, there were times when I would eat and not even think about it - mindless eating.  I have been paying more and more attention to what actually goes in my mouth.  You have to when you are counting carbs and as closely as I am too.   It is hard at first but I am making a choice to change my lifestyle. 

Journey to continue ......

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Feb 18, 2015

It has been a crazy couple of days.  We have been out of school for what they called a winter break.  We were out Friday, Monday and Tuesday.  Well, we are now out today because of snow and the cold temperatures.  It is suppose to be colder in the morning and tomorrow.  In the south, we are just not use to this really cold weather.  bbbrrrrrrrr .....

In having some time home I have been working on one of my goals for 2015 - to declutter.  I have worked on this for a couple of days.   It is nice to see things changing and getting cleaner.  Of course though it is always a bigger mess while you are trying to de-clutter.  I am excited to see the changes that are being made ... one small step at a time.

I can't wait to use some of Clever Container products to help me get better organized.  I have a list of products that I am wanting to purchase or get for free is better.  My kitchen and office are getting the biggest de-cluttering.  There are some great products for both of these rooms.  I will take some pictures and share when I get them done. 

Now to get back to work .....

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Tues Feb. 10, 2015

Exciting things going on.  The scale is moving DOWNWARD!!!  YEA!!  The low/no carb is working for me.  I knew that it would but it is hard giving up the things you like the most - pasta, bread and of course sweets.  I haven't been 100% faithful to the low carb.  I have had a few cheat times, but I have paid for it in the long run.  I won't have anymore total cheat meals.  I will only take a few bites of something that I truly want.  My body just cant' take the totally giving in to carbs.  I am so miserable afterwards. 

I have started my new business with Clever Container.  I am so excited about this company and I love the products that they have for organizing.  I cant' wait to use them in my own house.  I am just not sure what area I want to start on first - my whole house needs organizing.  It is like with anything in life - you just have to find a starting point and get started!!   The opportunity is really big with this company.  I am getting started on the ground floor with them.  There is only one other consultant in my area and NO directors in the state of GA.  I would love to be one the first ones.  That would be awesome.   Here is a picture of some of the top sellers

 
 
 
And right now the company has the start up kids on SALE!!  That is just crazy.  They are such a good deal at the regular price.  Now is a good time to get signed up .....  You can go to my site and get more information.  www.mycleverbiz.com/lisagray

 
 
 
 
Can't wait to see where the Lord is going to take me now ....  step by step. 

Loving this journey I am on .....

Saturday, January 17, 2015

I tried this today and it was quite good.  I wish I had more some more.  It got gone pretty quickly.  This is a recipe from Doctor Oz's Total 10 day plan. 


Total 10 Cauliflower Kettle Corn

Ingredients

  • 1 small/medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil, liquid
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Directions

Heat oven to 400 degrees F.

In a large bowl, stir together cauliflower, oil and spices.

Transfer to a baking sheet and spread in a single layer. Make sure the cauliflower pieces aren't too crowded on the baking sheet or they will steam instead of roasting.

Roast, stir or shake once or twice midway through cooking, until golden brown or tender, about 35 minutes. Serve hot.

New Chapter!!!

I am so excited to be starting a new chapter in my life.  As always, it is scary to venture down a different road, but exciting all at the same time. 

I am starting on a new business venture.  I am going with a new direct sales company.  They are a newer company and are not in my area.  This could be a big opportunity for me. I do realize that just won't fall into my lap, I will have to work.  Time to get busy .... 

The company's name is Clever Container.  It has all kinds of things to help you get organized.  Now, who doesn't need help organizing?  I know every room in my house needs organizing and then there is my car.  I am so excited to use these products in my house to get myself organized.  This is one of my goals for 2015 - get my life organized. 

I am working on getting my website up and running for Clever Container.  I will post a link on here as soon as I get it going.  Make sure you follow to see how things are going ......

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Low Carb Strawberry jello cheesecake

This is so good and yummy!!  You will have a hard time not eating the whole thing at one setting. 

8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/8 tsp caramel flavoring or your favorite flavoring (I used sugar free caramel ice cream topping)
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/16 stevia powder (I just used 1 tsp of regular sugar)
1 cup finely chopped pecans
box of jello of your favorite flavor

Mix box of jello as directed on the box of jello.  Place in container and let cool in fridge. 

After it has set, then mix the cheesecake.  With paddle attachment beat the cream cheese, vanilla, and flavoring until well blended.

Switch to the whips and add the cream.  Whip until the consistency is thick, dense, and creamy.

Add the sugar or other sweetener and adjust until its the way you like it

Carefully spoon the cream cheese over top the jello. Then sprinkle with chopped pecans.  Chill. 


**  You can delete the jello all together.  ** 

Melt 2 tbsp. of unsalted butter.  Mix with chopped pecans and a pinch of salt.  Layer it in the bottom of a dish then top with cream cheese mixture.  Sprinkle a few pecans on top.


Parmesan Chips

These are so good.  Easy snack to make.  NO carbs!!! 

Cooking spray
Coarsely grated Parmesan cheese - not in big container - I find mine in the cheese section

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Coat a cookie sheet with cooking oil spray.

Spoon 1 tablespoon of the cheese onto the cookie sheet.  You can pat down or I just leave mine in a pile.  Bake for 5 minutes. 

Let cool before you try to remove off cookie sheet.  They are also good right out of the oven.

**  I love them plain or you can add some different flavors.  **

These I have tried .... in picture below

 -  ranch powder mix - sprinkle onto of pile of cheese
 -  Weber - roasted garlic & herbs (this was my favorite)



#nocarb

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Wed Jan 7th

So much going on in my brain these days.  Got some decisions to make and like always I  always want to make sure that I make the right ones.  How do you make decisions?  Do you just go with your gut and take the plunge?  I have been praying and asking God to send me peace with my decision.  That is the only way I know to make decisions. 

I am looking into going a different direction or with a different company.  It is a different direct marketing company and one that hasn't been around for that long.  I would be one of the few consultants with the company and the only one in my area.  I guess I also question myself - Do I have what it takes to make this work?  To build a team?  Can I dig down and fight for what I really want?  What makes this company different from the one that I am with now?  These are things that I am going over in my mind ..... 

I am reading now "Purpose your purpose - for Women" and it is really good.  Last night the chapter was on surrender.  I am half way through it but boy is it good.  Last night, I surrendered my eating over to God.  I pray that He will take away all the desires & hunger for carbs, sweets and anything else that is not good for me.  I pray that he will give me a thirst for healthy foods and for water, which I don't drink enough of.   I know I will need to pray this each day until I have made sure that I have totally surrendered it all. 

Another thing I have surrendered to God is my finances.  I pray that God will take over every thing to do with money - tithing, getting out of debt, saving and being a good steward of what He gives to us.  I want to make the right choices with our money. 

I pray that God will use me in these two areas help other people.  Both has been a struggle but I have faith that God will bring me through them and that I can bless other people for Him.  I pray He will use me to bless others!!! 

Thursday, January 1, 2015

Happy 2015!!!

It is January 1st, 2015!!  I am excited about the new year and all that it has to offer.  I am ready to put the past year behind me and never look back.   I am going into this new year knowing that I am stronger person.  I can handle whatever the Lord has in store for me, as long as He is with me. 

I have a few goals that I have set for myself in 2015.  Of course, I have made the one of  losing weight.  I want to get healthier in this year.  I want to make the right food choices and I know that the pounds will come off when I am making the right food choices.  I need to exercise more in this new year.  I had some health issues last year that kept me from exercises too much.  I want to change that this year.  At least, just get out and get to walking. 

Another goal I have this year is to read through the Bible again.  I have loved doing this in the past, but I had stopped for the past couple of years.  I wanted to do some devotions and other studies.  I am ready to get back to reading the Bible each day.  I use the Daily Bible by Becky Tirabassi.  It breaks it down into daily reading of the old and new testaments, psalms and proverbs.  She has so many more things that I may try this year.  One thing I am thinking about is her journal.  It is real easy to use.  It could be a template to use in a spiral notebook. 

Another goal that is really important to me is getting organized and decluttering this year.  I am tired of all this stuff around my house.  I am ready to have less .... "Less is More"  I like that phrase.  I found on facebook a program that I am using for 365 days to declutter your house.  It gives small 15 minute things to do each day to work on decluttering your house.  Seems pretty easy to do.  I will keep you updated.

Those are some of the goals that I am working on for 2015.  I just know that I have to do something each day towards these goals.  Nothing too big, just small steps each day.  Almost one day down ... only 364 more to go. 

I pray that you will have a fabulous new year!! That God will Bless and keep you safe in 2015!!!