Butternut Squash

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:33:09 EST

I am trying to introduce new vegetables into my eating plan. Today I selected butternut squash that I steamed on top of the stove with cinnamon, it was delicious as a side dish. 189

Keep on Encouraging Others

Wed, 5 Jun 2013 12:00:24 EST

252 Spark Members, I think we can all agree that some days are better than others. 483 471 486 Tuesday was a very challenging day for me because everywhere I turned there were so many unhealthy dishes to take my mind off of my journey, but so many of you came to my rescue and you did not even know that you touched me with your conversations and saved my Tuesday. We need each other.

247

It's OK to be Different

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 06:09:18 EST

This is from Amy Taylor's Collection on Flickr. I am so thankful to have found Spark People and my my Spark Friends and I know that it was God that lead me to you both.“O Lord; point out the road for me to follow.” Ps 25:4 NLT. 247 220

Hubby's Teachable Moment

Sat, 6 Apr 2013 10:25:05 EST

My Hubby watches on the sidelines as I engage with Spark People. Well yesterday, I had a teachable moment with Hubby. We had to attend a funeral and instead of parking further from the church, which offered an “easy in easy out” escape; Hubby opted to park closer to the church which was clearly a bad choice for getting out after the services. So I sat quietly and did not say a word (I am so proud of myself). 246 After the services, we walked to our vehicle and saw that we coul...

Can't Find your Calorie Counter?

Fri, 5 Apr 2013 13:15:55 EST

Are there days that we cannot locate your calorie counter? 246 On days like these, there is a wonderful web site (www.self.com) that lets us know how many calories we are burningto post to our favorites and add to our Fitness Spark Tracker. In addition to exercises we can check our calorie burned while cleaning the house, dusting and working in the yard just to name a few. All calorie burns counts and it all adds u...

Great Day Defined

Thu, 4 Apr 2013 20:13:05 EST

Recently, I read a sign on a bus that said, “Have a Great Day”. The sign brought to my remembrance, what a friend said when I told him the same thing; he responded, “Make your Day Great”. Reflecting on his statement, I am reminded that I am in control of my day. So my Spark Friends, make our day great by choosing today that we will do what we can to live a healthier life and do it just for today. For each day is a new ca...

Off the Web and Glad to be Back

Wed, 3 Apr 2013 17:48:51 EST

Wow Spark Friends, it is good to be back. Our town has been off the web because a work person did not contact the 811 people (they identify everybody’s wires) prior to their construction. One dig and everybody is cut off from the rest of the world for a while. You do not miss your water (web) until the well runs dry (someone cut the plug). Glad you be back, missed you guys. Let’s be considerate of others. “Be careful to do w...

Just Believe

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 10:04:53 EST

“We believe that Jesus died and rose again.” 1Th 4:14 I believe this with all my heart and I am truly thankful. Happy EasterSpark Friends.

Cold Water

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 19:41:16 EST

Today when I went to my water aerobics’ class, the water was so cold that I did not want to stay. I thought if I just move around and did my warm ups the water would get warmer—the water was still cold. All I could think of was the hot shower that was waiting for me if I got out of the pool. I did not get out of the pool; I continued my warm ups and slowly the water started to get warm. Isn’t life like this? Just when we t...

Zumba

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 14:12:35 EST

It is cold and misty raining outside; no excuses 246 great day for Zumba. Enjoy your day. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” James 1:12 KJV 381 386 247

Wilderness Days

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 11:56:07 EST

Today, the scales did not change. There are times on our journey to a healthier life that we feel stuck—we are in the wilderness. The wilderness part of our journey is when we do not see anything happening and we feel that we will not reach our goals. It can happen at any moment and on our best days. Let’s take a deep breath, and remember our power source and continue the journey—the clearing is up ahead. “He…guided them ...

We are not Lost

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 07:42:00 EST

Psalm 23 (KJV)
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy ro...

Love is the Beginning

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 09:05:23 EST

Love yourself because we are special and God loves each of us and knows our needs. “My unfailing love for you will not be shaken.” Isa 54:10 NIV 247 247 247 247 247 247

I Took a Vacation and Lost a Pound.

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:32:08 EST

After my California vacation, I weighted myself and was expecting a weight increase 49 and I got a weight decrease 55 of 1 pound. 244 I lost 1 pound on my vacation, enjoying family, friends, food and wonderful sites. I am thankful to God for leading me to Spark People and all of my encouraging friends here; Spark People works for me because I can live my life; food no longer rules my days...

Risks

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 18:26:29 EST

I found this Flickr and I want to share it with my 223 247 247 220

Spring Forward

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 08:48:16 EST

I hope you did not forget like I did, this is a kindly reminder. Galatians 6:2(NKJV) Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 128 220

Life is...

Sat, 9 Mar 2013 18:18:54 EST

Life is like a cupcake, you have to bite into it. Psalm 25:15 Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. 381 247

Distance Test

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 13:03:05 EST

Ok, most of my Spark Friends know that I do water aerobics and that I enjoy this greatly. This week, the areas of the pool were changed to accommodate the Triathlon Trials for the month of March. The change meant that our small swimming lane turned into the larger Olympic swimming lane. That was not problematic for me; I just stayed in a small area of the poo...

Amazing Wednesday

Wed, 6 Mar 2013 18:59:13 EST

Today, was an amazing day. I was able to conquer the brunch buffet at a meeting that I attended and I feel wonderful. I stared the dessert trays from left to right and reminded myself of my journey through “self-talk” and I moved on. I am so thankful for the “Tame your Sweets Challenge”--it works. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Pr. 18:21 NKJV).

Enjoy the Journey

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 23:15:39 EST

“Just for Me” February Challenge is ending so today I am reflecting on everything I did this month just for me. Each day, I tried to do something to nurture me and I think that I have been successful in doing just that. When we take the time to care for ourselves and love ourselves, we make better choices; not only in our eating but in other areas of our lives as well. I am thankful for all of my Sparked Friends that have...

Pink Tulips

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 22:26:04 EST

”Just for Me” February Challenge. Today I brought some pink tulips. I have always loved tulips and I can remember my mom putting the buds out in the winter for beautiful spring blooms. I remember in school studying about Holland and the beautiful tulips that grow there. Although tulips are not perennials, I remember one year in which my mom’s tulips returned without my mom’s replanting them. My mom was so surprised and ...

New Exercise Clothes

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 00:47:28 EST

“Just for Me” February 2013 Challenge. Today, my favorite department store had a great sale, so I found a nice exercise outfit that I had wanted earlier but I did not want to pay the price that it was selling for. Girls, you know we love a sale. As I was getting ready to check out, I saw one of my water aerobics class members, who shared with me that her coupon was greater than mind. We checked with the cashier and she sai...

Five Minutes

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:54:33 EST

“Just for Me February Challenge. Today I exercised 5 extra minutes, I don’t think that 5 extra minutes really made a difference in my caloric burn for the day, however I felt good doing 5 extra minutes of exercise to add to the fitness tracker for the day. Who knows, those 5 extra minutes may put me over the top at the end of the week. Psalm 18: 36 “You enlarge my steps under me, And my feet have not slipped.” 386

Chicken Soup

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 22:08:32 EST
“Just for me “February Challenge. Today I made chicken soup. I love chicken soup and it makes me feel good to prepare the soup in large amounts to eat and to freeze for meals on other days. Chicken soup had been a comfort food for colds and sore throats for years and a staple in our home for more years than I can count. There are many recipes; however the best recipes begin with a slow simmer of chicken with your preferred...

Abs' Fitness

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 23:21:51 EST
“Just for Me February Challenge. Today, I did the How to Get Six Pack Abs Fitness Secrets for a Flat, Toned Tummy -- By Nicole Nichols, Spark People Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor. There is a link included in the article that has a 15 minute workout that is just what I needed for my midsection area. It was wonderful and I know my body will let me know that I did the routine on tomorrow. “I have come tha...

Counting Blessings

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 21:46:34 EST
”JUST FOR ME” February Challenge. Today, I am counting my blessings and giving thanks because God is so good. I am counting my blessings because sometimes we forget how fortunate we are. I am thankful for salvation, for family, friend, health and for this life that God has given me. Even during my struggles, I know God reaches out to me at that time and gladly lends a helping hand. Just believe and trust Him. Psalm 107:1 ...

New Do

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:07:23 EST
“Just for Me” February 2013 Challenge. Today, I got a new hair style complete with trim and color. I look and feel like a new person, I just love my new do. Ladies, this new do is wrap at night and out the door the in the morning . “Even if you live a long time, don’t take a single day for granted. Take delight in each light-filled hour.” Ecclesiastes 11:8. 243

Face Paint

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 19:02:14 EST
“Just for Me” February 2013 Challenge. Today I went to the mall and got a facial complete with cosmetics. It is amazing how make up can change how we look and how we feel about starting our day. Some people call makeup greasepaint or face paint, I call it a finishing touch to our beautiful canvas. “It’s in Christ that we find out who we are.” Eph. 1:11

Pedicure

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 20:38:18 EST
“Just for Me” February 2013 Challenge. Today I got a pedicure and my feet feel great. I welcomed the warm water, foot massage and the exfoliating scrub to remove the dead skin cell from my feet and toenails. My feet tingled just before the beautiful pink color with hearts was added. I feel wonderful and very special because I took the time to do something for my feet that do so much for me. Romans 10 :15 b “How beautiful ...

Sweet Tooth

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 18:34:34 EST
"Just for Me" February 2013 Challenge. Today, I made Spark Recipe cookies which was 1/3 the calories of the store bought cookies that “was calling my name”. 495 I finished the Spark People “Tame My Sweet Tooth Challenge” two weeks ago and my sweet tooth has become more discrimination since that time. I have not cut out eating sweets; however I do not crave sweets nor eat them as I once did. 756 On a ...

Wonderful Things

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 18:41:21 EST
"Just for Me" February 2013 Challenge. Today I took some of my clothes to my seamstress. She can work wonders with anything and believe me I have tested her over the years. Sewing is her gift to others. You see, I have some clothes that I can still use, if they are taken in to match the new me. 244 Wow, I feel great and the thought of food is no longer my constant compassion. Today, my days are filled with ...

Kindle

Sat, 16 Feb 2013 14:18:58 EST
"Just for Me" February 2013 Challenge. Today I stared a new novel. It is interesting how my reading has increase since I got my Kindle last year. I got an email from Amazon today to “clean out my library”. 246 I guess, I have too many books online and it is time to clean out the library. Cleaning out my Kindle library will be difficult because the novels—some read, others unread—are my dear friends. I canno...

Tea Time

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 16:21:29 EST

"Just for Me" today February 2013 Challenge, I had a cup of tea. There is something about a cup of tea in a peaceful place that truly unwinds me. I am glad that I took this time today because I felt so much more relaxed and more focus on what I needed to accomplish today. “Be still and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10. 247 220

Reminiscing

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 20:31:45 EST
Reminiscing
Valentine’s Day” Just for Me” Day 14 Today, my hubby and I enjoyed a drive in the country to watch the sun set with a small snack for Valentine’s Day. It was a wonderful drive, however the scenery was dreary because the trees were all dark and there was not one blade of green grass. The forest looked as if it had been torched, however we did not focus on the darkness of the forest; instead we reminisced of ...

Jeans

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 17:16:12 EST

“Just for me” February 2013 Challenge Day 13 Today, I went to a huge coat sale at my favorite department store and decided to try on jeans. The jean size that I normally wear was 2 sizes too big for me. 244 What a gift! 144 There are times at the plateau that we receive a surprise that we really need. 252 Thanks Spark People, I am truly on my way. “I can do all things through ...

Navy Bean Soup

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:48:28 EST
Just for me 2013 February Challenge—Day 12 today, I made navy bean soup. Mom always made navy bean soup while we were growing up. I love to make a big pot of navy bean soup to eat and to freeze for other meals. Later hubby and I eat the soup with lunch as a great protein booster or as a main dish by adding other ingredients. Navy bean soup can be enhanced with meat, vegetables and other goodies. I just love navy bean soup and...

Reaching Out

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:07:00 EST
“Just for Me 2013 February Challenge—Day 11 Today I called a lady who has been sick to check on her. She is a source of pain to most people in the community; however I wanted to reach out to her to let her know that I care about her. She was so happy to hear from me and I was glad to share a few moments with her. Reaching out made to her made me feel good as well and I am glad that I did. When we think of giving, we think...

Sleep

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 21:57:59 EST
“Just for Me” 2013 February Challenge—Day 10 Today, I feel great because I went to bed early, dreamed of wonderful things(that I cannot remember) and got a good night’s rest and I feel so refreshed. So today, I feel so refreshed and last night I went to sleep without a worry because I serve a God the neither slumber nor sleep. Praise God, for His goodness and His love. Psalm 121:4 "Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neith...

Sunshine

Sat, 9 Feb 2013 17:51:02 EST
“Just for Me” 2013 February Challenge—Day 9 Today, I sat in the sunshine and it felt wonderful. I could truly feel the love of our God through the warmth of the sun. The weather person predicts rain for the next 3 days, so today, I got my vitamin D which is so important to our bodies and felt the warmth of the love of God, which is important for our soul. Psalm 5:12 "For you bless the godly, O LORD; you surround them with y...

Brick Wall

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 17:01:14 EST
“Just for Me” 2013 February Challenge—Day 8 Today, I looked at the mirror at myself and I thanked God for the gift of my live. I love myself just as I am today as I struggle with my fleeting weight plateau. We are told that they are many reason for weight plateaus, I choose to believe that weight plateaus happen to give us an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come before we move slower to our purpose. Chew on that,...

Strength Training

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 22:10:09 EST
“Just for Me” 2013 February Challenge—Day 6 Today, I did strength training for my body. It felt great during the exercise and I think I will feel the effects on tomorrow. Strength training is exercising with the goal of increasing our physical strength while building muscle, burning fat, improving our health and building character through our sacrifice to just do it. "Just for me" 1 Cor. 16:2). As all of God’s commands are gi...

Salmon

Wed, 6 Feb 2013 13:48:19 EST
”Just for Me” 2013 February Challenge—Day 5 Today, I ate salmon and I love it. I did not always love it but I have found many recipes and spices to add to this wonderful fish to enjoy it because of its many benefits to us. It is high in omega -3 fatty acids and vitamin D and low in saturated fats an excellent source of protein. Salmons are born in rivers, migrate to the ocean and return to their birth rivers to reproduce ea...

Be Content

Tue, 5 Feb 2013 18:25:22 EST
02/04/2013 ”Just for Me” 2013 February Challenge—Day 4 Today, I went to the pool, just for me. The water was wonderful, the class really worked me and it was great to see one of my classmates that had been out since the holidays due to illness. Life is good. God is good. “Be content with such things as you have.” Heb 13:5 NKJV 247

14 Pounds Lighter

Sun, 3 Feb 2013 07:40:20 EST
“Just for Me” 2013 February Challenge—Day 3
Today is my birthday and I am 14 pounds lighter and counting. Today, I meditate on the goodness of God and I am thankful for my life that He has given me. “Just for Me”, I meditate for a moment on just God. “But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in dis...

Bubbles

Sat, 2 Feb 2013 09:49:11 EST
“Just for Me” 2013 February Challenge—Day 2
Today, while home alone, I took a wonderful bubble bath with candles and soft music. It made me feel so special, and I am. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT
244

Zumba

Fri, 1 Feb 2013 12:49:04 EST
“Just for Me” 2013 February Challenge
Today is my first day on the challenge and I did Zumba and I feel wonderful after moving my body. I did this just for me and I love my video. Thank you God. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 NKJV

LINWASH23's SparkPeople Blog

Butternut Squash

Keep on Encouraging Others

It's OK to be Different

Hubby's Teachable Moment

Can't Find your Calorie Counter?

Great Day Defined

Off the Web and Glad to be Back

Just Believe

Cold Water

Zumba

Wilderness Days

We are not Lost

Love is the Beginning

I Took a Vacation and Lost a Pound.

Risks

Spring Forward

Life is...

Distance Test

Amazing Wednesday

Enjoy the Journey

Pink Tulips

New Exercise Clothes

Five Minutes

Chicken Soup

Abs' Fitness

Counting Blessings

New Do

Face Paint

Pedicure

Sweet Tooth

Wonderful Things

Kindle

Tea Time

Reminiscing

Jeans

Navy Bean Soup

Reaching Out

Sleep

Sunshine

Brick Wall

Strength Training

Salmon

Be Content

14 Pounds Lighter

Bubbles

Zumba