Endurance

Last month in Children's Church, we learned about the virtue Endurance.......sticking with something even when it gets tough. I learn as much as the kids. For the past 8 weeks, Sterling and I have been working really hard on becoming healthier and stronger. We have both tried dieting many times before, and never got very far. I am thrilled to say this time has been different. Sterling has lost 22 pounds and gone down one pants size! I have lost 17 lbs and also gone down one pants size! We are working out every day, except Saturday and Sunday, and eating healthy most meals.....a few indulgences here and there! About 3 weeks ago, I got very discouraged because I was not losing quite as fast as before, and I really wanted to give up. Which is what has always happened in the past. God brought to my attention what I had been teaching all last month to the kids at church.....ENDURANCE....sticking with something EVEN WHEN it gets tough! I tell you, eating really healthy and working out 5 days a week or more is HARD! It takes so much discipline, energy, and determination. It does not matter what size you are when you start a diet and exercise program. It does not matter how much you have to lose. It is hard for everyone. It is of course the classic struggle of giving up what the flesh wants, and pleasing the spirit. It is so hard when everyone else is eating what you want. One thing Sterling has taught me in our 14 years of marriage is appreciation for good food. And it is hard to pass up the fried foods and yummy desserts for whole wheat and fruit! But, God has blessed our efforts by giving us both more energy than we have had in many years. I feel better than ever, and I actually get depressed if I have to miss working out, because I love it now! Still hard.....but it makes me feel so good now. My anxiety is so much more under control. I cut my medication in half and I am doing wonderful! I am so proud of Sterling, and he is loving the fact that he needs new clothes now :)! He looks amazing! I have to recommend Leslie Sansone's Walk Slim walking program! She is a fabulous Christian woman who gets you energized and fit fast! Any age at any level can do her program. I love it! I want to encourage anyone out there reading, who maybe keeps putting off starting a good exercise routine, like I did for 34 years :). It is never too late to start and never too late to reap a harvest of great health and strong living! Like Leslie says "Walk Strong"!