Musings on 2012 - it has been an AMAZING Year!!!

2012 is almost over. we all tend to get reflective at this time - This has been an amazing year 

for me. There are things that have happened this year that I can't even believed happened. 

The first and biggest was the start of my health transformation. I lost an amazing 80 pounds 

and over 45 inches. I ran/walked a 5 K. I exercise every day now - usually at 4:45 in the 

morning. Here are pictures from the health transformation!

Then we started living life. I flew ion an airplane for the first time and was able to go on 2 

trips. One of my "LiveList" places has always been Washington DC - I went and had a blast!!

Then Tim and I traveled together for the fist time and went to Miami - It was his first plane

ride and my 2nd. It was the first time for both of us to see the ocean!!!

It was a good year!! Yes there were ups and down - but God has sustained us and we both 

have grown closer in our walk with God. We have met an amazing group of people who we 

call family and we love each and everyone of them!!

we saw the births of our 4th and 5th grandchildren - Zoey has gone to her forever family and we love her and her new family very very much!!!

And Justin came rolling into the world just in time to not have the same birthday as his big brother Steven!

Wow - looking back  - it was quite a year!!!! I can't wait to see what God has in store for 2013. I have a lot of goals and I have lots of plans!!! I have a wonderful family - including an amazing husband and best friend by my side.

I wish for each of you and amazing 2013!!! God Bless

I started a big massive training today. Next summer I plan to hike up and down Pikes Peak. I have an awesome trainer who came up with an amazing plan and I started this week. It is the equivalent of training for a marathon - but I do not have to run it. It also will continue to build strength and muscles - an absolute must in hiking such a big mountain.

i am going to get better about blogging and posting - I started an online support group for people like me that struggle with their weight and health - it is called helping hands for health!

Today's a short post - but the start of something big!!!

Fat?

I just got back from an amazing Body by Vi regional success training...I had the opportunity to hear so many amazing stories. I also got to hear so much inspiration and motivation. I also heard from others that i am inspiring them. In fact - I got to go up on the stage to be recognized for my weight loss. I don't say that to brag - not at all - I tell you this because  - I have always identified my self with the word fat.

I was teased as a child - made fun of - probably by today's standards - i was bullied. It didn't stop as an adult. As a teacher - i have heard students laugh at me - snicker behind my back. My parents and other family members begged me to take care of myself and lose weight - I put it off! I never was at the right point. So to think that I inspire people?

I wish Mom and dad could see me now. I wish I hadn't waited until I hit middle age to do this. I wish I had been a better role model to my kids.

Our closing exercise at regional - said to picture a word that has held you back - my word was FAT - and after we pictured it - we were to picture ourselves erasing the word - So I am no longer thinking of myself as FAT  - instead - I want to help others do what I have been able to do!!!

Live, Laugh and Love: The journey

Live, Laugh and Love: The journey:  It may be a cliche that life is a journey...but the last several months have really proven that to me. I have been on a journey to reclai...

Live, Laugh and Love: The journey

Live, Laugh and Love: The journey:  It may be a cliche that life is a journey...but the last several months have really proven that to me. I have been on a journey to reclai...

The journey

 It may be a cliche that life is a journey...but the last several months have really proven that to me. I have been on a journey to reclaim my health. after 7 abdominal surgeries and being overweight most of my adult life - I decided enough is enough - so i joined the Body by vi 90 day challenge. With the challenge - a great exercise plan and help for God - i have been able to shed 70 pound and over 48 inches. I am by no means done yet.

But it not just my health journey that has changed these last few months. By making a conscience effort to focus on the positive things in my life - the changes I was making - I also found other changes I needed to make - I needed a spiritual transformation. I have been saved and a christian most of my life. I went to church regularly and prayed on s somewhat consistent basis - you know - when I needed something - not good.

I have used the last few moths to also transform the way i look at god - I am reminded of the song - I am a friend of God - the chorus goes:
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God - I am a friend of God - He calls me friend...

Why did I bring up that song because that is how I have transformed my relationship with God - i talk to Him now like a friend. i reach out to Him for everything - i truly pray without ceasing - and it has made so many areas of my life better.

So if you are thinking about transforming yourself - don't forget your spirit too - it may need a little transformation!!

Debi

Live, Laugh and Love: I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Live, Laugh and Love: I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!: I did it!!! I did my first 5K!! I had to walk a couple of times  - it was so humid - but I walked really fast until I could breathe and th...

I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did it!!! I did my first 5K!! I had to walk a couple of times  - it was so humid - but I walked really fast until I could breathe and then forced myself to run again! My goal was under 45 minutes!! I did it in 40:35.9. I went from 6 months ago being a severely obese non exercising woman to a 5K participant! How life has changed!!!

I owe it not only to bodybyvi, but my supportive husband - who takes Anneshia to school everyday so I can work out in the mornings, a great trainer - you all should look Toby up - and a group of supportive friends and family. The only mistake I made was running with my glasses on. I was afraid of getting lost - LOL!! They bugged me the whole way - but I know better for the future!!

I love my exercise routine and eating healthy and feeding my spirit too!!! I was thinking this week about the Praise song:

I am free to run
I am free to dance
I am free to live for you
I am Free!!!

My success is not just my own - I have been praying for God's strength and his willpower to help me! And He did!!! I still have a LONG way to go - but I also remember the kids song from church many many years ago:

He's still working on me to make me what I ought to be.
It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars,
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars.
How loving and patient He must be, He's still working on me.   1. There really ought to be a sign upon the heart,
Don't judge her yet, there's an unfinished part.
But I'll be perfect just according to His plan
Fashioned by the Master's loving hands. CHORUS: 2. In the mirror of His Word reflections that I see
Make me wonder why He never gave up on me.
He loves me as I am and helps me when I pray
Remember He's the Potter, I'm the clay. CHORUS:

I am happy with what God accomplished and I accomplished today - i can't wait to see what he has planned next!!!

Live, Laugh and Love: Update Finally!!!

Live, Laugh and Love: Update Finally!!!: It has been an awfully long time since I have posted - i hope to get better about that. My diet and exercise are going really well. I am dow...

Update Finally!!!

It has been an awfully long time since I have posted - i hope to get better about that. My diet and exercise are going really well. I am down over 60 pounds and 40 inches. I run now - LOL - jog really - but what's in a name - I move faster than walking - signed up for my first 5 K - we will see how it goes - hope to do more!!!! Love my life - except for a little bump - here and there - which is teaching me to rely more on God and my hubby - my true best friends!!! Will update pictures today too!!!

Results

I have  just been so busy - I haven't had the chance to post my results from my first 90 day challenge. I lost 40 pounds and 25 inches - off of my entire body - measured in 5 places. I feel fabulous and am really loving the nutrition. Tim is working out now and it is awesome to spend that time together!!! Here is a picture to update you all!!!

Learning to Lean....

I am a control freak...I know it and I have been working really really really hard at learning to not control everything and let God take control. Today an old monster reared its ugly head and I have spent all day trying to figure out how to fix the problem. But then I realized I don't have to fix the problem, I need to let God fix the problem. I have tried to fix this problem for several years and I obviously cannot fix it. Matthew 19:26 says:

But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Therefore I am giving this situation fully over to you Lord. You know my needs, their needs and what would be best according to your will!

I also am feeling a little down because my business is not taking off like I want it to. I am having such great success with Body by Vi and feel so good - I want others to join me. I can look in the mirror and start to see the work the Lord is allowing. So instead of worrying about this as well...I am going to let it go to God. I know this is where he wants me and what He wants me doing.  Jeremiah 29:11 states:

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

So on this Easter Sunday, I am returning my worries to my risen Savior. He did not suffer in vain - it is me who needs to learn to lean!!!

Body by Vi

I haven't posted a lot about why I am promoting Body by Vi or about my weight loss journey - so here it goes. I LOVE to eat - I eat when I am happy, sad, bored, stressed etc.... So I got to my biggest weight ever this winter. I was smoking 1/2 a pack a day too. My mom and most of her family died young from heart disease - you would think I would do something right??

My friend Melissa started using Body by Vi and I started. Wow - it was delicious. I am NOT hungry - I don't miss my sweets - and I had a sweet tooth. I got so excited I decided to promote it. I LOVE teaching - do not get me wrong - but with the way education is going - can I see myself doing it for another 15-10 years - No way. But I can make money at this - while I am helping others to change their lives?? Yes please.

I have met a wonderful group of people. A lot of them love the Lord just like I do - But the best thing is that I am starting to feel better about myself. I have lost 17 pounds and almost 14 inches. I can work out every day - I can even run a little.

I can't wait to see where this journey takes me!!!

debkellogg.bodybyvi.com

deb

One year....never forgotten

It's hard to believe tomorrow marks one day since I lost my Dad here on earth. I know he is in heaven with my mom and for that I am eternally grateful, I will get to see him again. However, there is so much he has missed and I have missed sharing with him. I so wish I could call and talk to him. I still have the last voicemail he ever sent me. I haven't even erased him from my phone contacts.

I finally got the guts to do all the things he had been on me to do - quit smoking - lose weight - exercise - Dad  - do you know? I have 4 beautiful grandchildren - he only got to see 2. Mom never got to meet any of them - that makes me so sad - she was an awesome mother and grandmother.

As I got older  - my parents became my n=best friends. There was rarely a day I did not talk to them. So tonight I am sad - very sad - because I miss them.

I am thankful to them for all the things they taught me - to work hard, to never give up, to have faith, to be honest, to smile through adversity> But most of all they taught me the importance of family!!

Dad - you were my hero, you were my rock, I love you more than words can ever say! I cherish every last moment we spent together and am so grateful  we had that time. I wish we had gotten more. but thanks to Calvary - I will be reunited with you and Mom. But just so you know - time may go by - but you are always in my heart and mind.

All my love - Deb

Following God's plan

Wow - what an amazing journey I am on and I see no end in sight. i have goals and plans and God's blessing on it all!!!! it is an amazing feeling when you know that what you are doing is exactly what god wants you to do! I didn't say it was easy - but it helps feeling His loving arms and comforting touch. I have gone from a smoking couch potato who ate 2 doughnuts every morning with a large french vanilla cappuccino (can we say empty calories) - to a 2 shakes and a healthy meal - work out 1 1/2 hours every day and have not had a cigarette in over 3 weeks. Lets give Him some praise.

I always had an excuse to not change my BAD habits. I'm too stressed. or I'm too busy or I will do it when.... God sent a family into my life - the Body by Vi family that showed me the time was now. I know people blast this program because it is a networking deal...but it WORKS!!!!!!! i have never felt so good and wanted to work out - looked forward to my diet., looked at each thing I put into my mouth. It is truly transforming my life!!!

Thank you Lord Jesus for showing me the answer to my prayers. May I continue to follow on your path and listen to your guiding voice!!!

Deb

Why?

Today I am filled with questions. Today has been a tough day. Today should have been my dad's birthday. Why have I lost both my parents? Today no one I invited showed up to the Body by Vi party. Why would people pass on such an exciting program? Today I heard about peoples exciting trips. Why didn't I go anywhere for Spring Break?

But instead of asking why - I have decided to look at Who. God created me. God knows what I need and when I need it. I out it all in his hands, and I will let Him know the whys. If He feels led to share them with me I will listen...if not I will trust and have faith.

To god be the Glory that today my dad celebrated his birthday in Heaven! praise the Lord that a couple came to my house and learned about Body by Vi. And thanks to God I got the opportunity to work out on a consistent basis all week and ma leaving for Nationals on Friday!!!!

Deb

Thsi is me and my Dad 2 years ago !! I miss you and Love you Dad!!

Excitement

Have you ever just known that something you are doing is right? I often question myself about so many of my decision. I also question my abilities, my paths etc... But I know this time I am doing exactly what God wants me to be doing!

Recently I started the Body by Vi 90 day challenge. I quit smoking. I quit drinking pop. I have began to exercise again. I am feeling the effects as well as seeing results. I believe so much in this product that I became a distributor. I had been wanting a part-time job to help pay off my student loans...but this is so much better!!

I have met and am getting to know some awesome people! I feel their excitement. I am feeling the presence of God in this. I think this is awesome that I get to become healthy, make money and fellowship with Christians - could anything be better!!

I just wish I had the eloquence to explain how this is changing my health - the energy I have - the just good feeling.


THIS IS WHY I AM EXCITED!!!!!

  I have decided to DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Debi

God's Infinite Wisdom

The last couple of days have reminded me just how powerful our God is. He is wiser than the wisest and greater than the greatest. My youngest daughter gave birth on Tuesday to a beautiful baby girl. We love her dearly. She had decided at the start of the pregnancy not to keep the baby. She has faced a lot of personal problems the last 2 years and is just getting her life back on track. She knew that for her and her almost 2 year old...keeping the baby was not an option.

A friend of hers had a couple who had adopted a little girl two year ago...they were interested. We thought it was perfect...God knew better. That family was able to adopt a full sibling to their daughter. My daughter's world seemed to spin. Her step-mom felt led to call a friend who has has trouble having a second child. They were interested. The home study went through without any difficulty. The father did not consent - but did not contest. The baby was a girl - she told me yesterday her son had been praying specifically for a sister.

I watched as my daughter struggled through horrible pain...the baby was stuck - hotting her pelvis - anesthesia could do nothing. I sat in the labor room with the adoptive mother and found out we were in the youth group together. i just didn't recognize her after all these years. I saw the adoptive mom watch in awe and wonder as her daughter was brought into this world. I watched as she cut the cord. I watched my daughter cry...knowing what was coming and in joy over the gift she just gave. I could feel God's amazing spirit in the room!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I cried a little saying good bye to my 4th grandchild today...but I know in God's infinite wisdom - she will be well taken care of, loved and nurtured for the rest of her life. It is an open adoption and we will get to see her grow through pictures etc...

But most amazing is God;s love, grace and wisdom to take what many would call a mistake and turn it into a beautiful amazing experience.

Please pray for my daughter - although she is comfortable with her decision - 100% - it is never easy to give away a child. Pray for comfort and healing!

Here is a picture of my 4th granddaughter and her new Mom!

Romans 8:28

The Message (MSG)

 ^26-28Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

I can do all things....

Phillipians 4: 13 has a new meaning to me halfway through week 2 of my 90 day challenge. I have always used the excuse to not diet and to not quit smoking because I was too weak willed. Well yes - the key there was me...I don't have the will.

I have been praying for weeks to be able to change these two things in my life. God brought the Body by Vi challenge to me. He also helped me find the herb Lobelia which has made quitting smoking very easy. He gives me strength each day to work towards my goals - a more healthy me.

I wish i had relied on him earlier!! But wishes are for fishes...I am feeling great - I love my plan. The only thing lacking is exercise. But next week I am starting the C25K. That's Couch to 5 K program for non-runners. I hope to be able to run a 5 K by the River Run...we will see - It is in His hands.

I will be able to start exercising though because my daughter  is going to have her baby, I haven't felt like being far from home with her due date so close!! But the Dr. said Tuesday inducement!! I think she will go before then!! That is another thing God is helping me with watching my granddaughter go to another family. He has given me a peace beyond what I ever thought I could feel. She is going to a loving, Christian family and I can love her from afar!!

Well i am beat - thanks to State Assessments!!!

Peace and Love to all!!
Deb

Results

And th e week 1 results are in...8 lbs lighter and 6.5 inches smaller - WOOOHOOO! I feel great. I just want to add more exercise. The only thing that is holding me back in that aspect is time. Mainly because my daughter is due any day and I am not wanting to not be home if she goes into labor.  LOL - I wonder how Tim would handle that!!!

I have a lot more energy. I am starting to breathe better - imagine that - one week with no smoking. The Lobelia has really taken away the cravings!! I went for a really long walk yesterday and was not short of breath hardly at all.

What I am suprised at - is that people are not just clamoring to sign up!!! It comes out to 2.50 per meal - that is nothing - you can't even get a meal for that at McDonalds. I want to share this with all of my friends - not jusr those who struggle with weight.  This is also good for athletes because it is a triple absorbency protein. It works ALL day.

I am going to have a party soon and invite everyone I know - it will change peoples lives - just like it did mine!!

http://debkellogg.bodybyvi.com/

Click the link above to visit my website for more information!! You do not have to live near me to do this - it is a world wide program!!!


Remember - Live - healthy -  laugh - joyously and Love the Body you are in!!!

Debi

Week one almost done

Week one is almost done!! I have not smoked for 5 days and I have followed my body by Vi plan!! I have so much energy - it is amazing!!! I can't wait to see the results of the first week. But more importantly  - I feel great. I love my shakes. I love that I am eating more fruits and vegetables. I love that I have not had a pop on 5 days.

I had hoped to exercise more this week but my daughter has been having complications with her pregnancy. I hope to be able to do it more next week - esp if the weather is as gorgeous as it was this week.

I will update again when I weigh and measure next week!!

if you want more information on my program - go to my web site : http://debkellogg.myvi.net/challenge
 - These are the results I want - doesn't she look great!!!! I can do it - will post pics soon!!!


Live Laugh and Love,

Debi

Day 2...a little easier

So today was Day to of my first 90 day challenge on body by Vi. I already have a lot more energy...I literally skipped down the hall today. I also worked out...something I have not done in a LONG time. And it felt good to work out. I did cardio for 30 minutes and then lifted weights for my arms - one of my least favorite body parts.

At first I was very self conscience going in to work out - surrounded by buff and skinny people. But then I asked for God's help. And He reminded me I am here to get healthy and to change my life. If people want to make fun of my fat bouncing around - let them...I am doing this for me.

The not smoking is going well too. I have had no nicotine cravings - just habit cravings. I did not smoke much - but it was always at the same times. So I find myself wanting one - just out of habit.

I am not only excited about the body by Vi - but about changing my health for the better. I am using a lot of prayer and meditation. I know God is there right by my side cheering me on. After all - he created me and he wants His temple to be right, good, and healthy.

Please pray for me on this journey. I have over 100 pounds to lose. I also want to run and am wanting to hike - small goals - but very important to me!

If you are intersted in Body by Vi - visit my website:


http://debkellogg.bodybyvi.com/

Not a Diet...a change for health

I turned 42 last week. The anniversary of my dad's death is only a few days away. I can't believe it has been 5 years since I lost my mom. I don;t want to pout my kids and grand kids through an early demise. But I have not lived that way. I am severely obese. I smoked. I hardly exercised. Well today I decided to make a change for the better.

I am taking the Body by vi challenge. I quit smoking with the help of Lobelia and St John's Wort and tomorrow I will visit the Y for the first time in 6 months. I want to get healthy. Yes - i know I need to lose weight to do that - but that is not my ultimate goal. My ultimate goal is to be able to keep up with my grandchildren. To run a 5 K - just for the fun of it. IO want to go climbing in the Rockies.

Please pray for my strength - I will need all the support I can get!

Adventures in couponing

I am by no means an extravagant person. I do not get plastic surgery - although of I could afford it, I would get complete body lipo - ha ha!! I do not live in a fancy house - it is nice, comfy and home. but we live like most Americans - a little above what we should and God has really laid it on my heart this year to work to be more frugal. we have things in our future we would like to do and we would like to do it debt free. I am hoping and praying for a job with my Master's Degree - but in this economy - who knows. We could get second jobs - but in doing so would sacrifice the family and our own time we are trying so hard to carve out.

So, I am couponing. I am not an extreme couponer - by any means. But I am working at finding the best deals and the coupons to go with them. Yesterday was my first shot - and I did pretty well. I saved over 76 dollars. We are laying a stock pile of things we run out of a lot - when you have to RUN to the store - you generally do not save money. I was pleased with the outcome and I feel blessed that god is giving me a way to help provide for my family. It also gives me some needed alone time - there is not much of that in a house with two toddlers.

For years, my Dad would chastise me for not using coupons. Now that he is not here - I am doing it. he was the first person I wanted to call when I got my receipt. Hopefully he knows.

Will you see me on a future episode of Extreme Couponing - NO! But I am happy to do my part to take my family a little further down the road god has set before us!!!

Debi

Beautiful....

I thought I had today's blog all figured out until a former student ( whom I love and adore) posted on facebook that someone told her she needed to wear makeup. This girl is a natural beauty! I am not gorgeous, I am overweight and yet I know I am a beautiful person. Why? well part of it is because I know God has made me beautiful, part is my husband always tells me how lucky he is to have such a beautiful wife and mostly because I am beautiful on the inside.

As a teacher I have taught some gorgeous students. Just plain out physically attractive. On the outside that is. i see it everyday. society has grown a generation of beauty gurus. the crimp and straighten and paint on their war paint to perfection. But would they help an elderly lady carry groceries. do they thank someone for holding the door open for them? No - they cheer when there is a fight - they clap when a girl gets her extensions ripped from her head. I have seen ugly things come out of these babies mouths.

beauty is like my former student - who lent an ear and a shoulder to a student who lost a grandparent. Who hugged her teacher after she returned from burying her father. Beauty is the young man who cleans my whiteboard just because it needs to be done. or the man who stood up to another student because the popular (supposedly beautiful) kids were picking on one of his friends.

"Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. " 1st Peter 3:3-4.

My prayer for my granddaughters, my daughters, me and for you my friends is that we stand up as Christians and redefine beauty for this generation.

Debi

Trust in the Lord...with all your heart

I am a control freak. I am not proud to say it. I just know that one of my strengths is getting things done. I am a problem solver and a doer. However, God has shown me I need to let go of some of the control I crave and let Him lead. I need to trust him.

I used to be a very trusting person. Then I was hurt by people I trusted most - family and in one case - the closest person one can ever have  - a spouse. I vowed never again to let my life control me. I thought I would and could control every situation. I WAS WRONG! While my strengths are admirable - and desirable. No one can control everything - no one but God that is. I was reminded tonight while Tim and I did our marriage devotional that God is always there before us - plotting and fighting our way for us.

The Israelites in Deuteronomy 1:30-31 had to be reminded of this. "The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, ³¹ and in the wilderness. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.”  Just like I have to be reminded of this.

I hope that you will pray for me that i learn this lesson and can start putting my trust in the Lord - completely! I also ask that you pray as students return tomorrow that I can find a way to show God's love and light to a lot of hurting kids who may not otherwise see the love of God. - This is so difficult in a public school setting - but is one of the reasons I have chosen to be a public school teacher!!

God Bless!

Deb

New Year's Resolutions

I know it has been way too long since I wrote anything. Life happens - or we let it happen to us. 2011 was a year of challenges. A LOT of challenges. But here I am on the 2nd day of 2012 - still facing life with my husband at my side, my kids in pretty good shape and 3 grandchildren. I don't usually do the whole resolutions thing - but I have come to the conclusion that I NEED to make some changes in my life.

More to the point - God has shown me I NEED to make some resolutions and changes in my life. The first of which is taking time for myself. This is where this blog will give me that outlet to express my thoughts and feelings. The list goes on from here:
2. Draw closer to God - inwardly and publicly
3. Eat healthier
4. Exercise - yea - I NEED to!!!
5. Laugh a lot
6. Laugh with my husband more - by spending more time just the two of us - so if you know of any babysitters - send them my way!!!
7. Couponing - you will here more about this as the year goes on!

Realizing that that the precious time God has given us here on earth should be LIVED - thus why I changed the name of my blog - My ultimate new year's GOAL is to live, laugh and love. God has blessed me and I plan to enjoy it!!!

Debi