Posts: 6,598
9/23/12 7:52 P

I am Happy to be back God has truly worked on me and I blessed His holy name.

SparkPoints: (54,718)
Fitness Minutes: (53,919)
Posts: 6,378
9/23/12 9:35 A

Hello ..Welcome back!

current weight: 161.0

208 194.75 181.5 168.25

155

Posts: 6,598
9/21/12 5:26 P

HI EVERYONE I AM GAYLE I AM NOT NEW BUT I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING TO KNOW EVERYONE.

Posts: 49
4/14/12 8:24 A

Hello everyone, I'm Tami from Little Rock,Arkansas. I am an operating room nurse,and I have a big family. I love to read inspirational books and positive quotations. So far I've lost 10 pounds upon returning to sparkpeople. Praying to stay motivated and to continue my weight loss journey. I'm so excited and I love sparkpeople.

SparkPoints: (28,294)
Fitness Minutes: (26,551)
Posts: 1,810
1/28/12 11:45 A

Hello Newbies,

Welcome to Sparkpeople.

FallGirl104

Total SparkPoints: 28,294

	25,000 26,249 27,499 28,749	29,999
SparkPoints Level 14

SparkPoints: (79)
Fitness Minutes: (40)
Posts: 1
1/15/12 7:57 P

Hi,

I was so happy to come across this team! I know that having support and encouragement helps one achieve their goals. The number of teams out there was so overwhelming that I thought about not even joining one. However, right before I was about to give up on a team, I saw this one and I think that it's going to be a good fit for me. Being in any type of ministry whether in church, the community, or wherever it is that God sends us, is a challenge in itself and it's a calling that can be lonely because not everyone understands what comes with this territory and there aren't always outlets for us to open up and express ourselves.

I have been the wife of a minister for 9 years and it has been quite a challenge balancing not only marriage, but marriage to a minister in an environment where people can be very demanding of the pastor and they forget that he too has a family and life outside of the church. Sometimes it's ovewhelming trying to balance home, church, work, and I'm also in school. As a a result, I've gained a lot of weight that is now affecting my health. I've got 3 closets full of clothes that I can no longer wear. What I can fit into is very limited. I try to smile and tell myself that I'm God's child and He loves me the way I am, but even though I know that God accepts me as I am, I'm not happy with me and I haven't been for a long time. I want to be healthy and free from the aches and pains that have come with this weight gain.

I've tried doing this on my own for a couple of years now, with no sucess, because I felt I should and could do it by myself. This weekend, I finally surrendered and have accepted that I can't do it by myself. I'm tired of spinning my wheels. I'm tired of being miserable. I'm tired of hurting.

SparkPoints: (54,718)
Fitness Minutes: (53,919)
Posts: 6,378
1/9/12 10:03 A

Welcome

current weight: 161.0

208 194.75 181.5 168.25

155

SparkPoints: (40,339)
Fitness Minutes: (29,665)
Posts: 2,656
1/5/12 10:53 A

Good day, With the new year I decided to add a new spark team. I am glad to have found the women in ministry team. I have been retired for almost three years. I married with two adult daughters and three grand children. I am looking forward to giving and getting support on the women in ministry team.

SparkPoints: (28,294)
Fitness Minutes: (26,551)
Posts: 1,810
12/28/11 2:47 P

Hello everyone,

I am glad to see this team on the SparkTeam page. I am a divorced mother of 2 adult children. I am enjoying my single life and have decided to lose some weight and do something healthy for me. I have been a member off and on for about 2 years, and just recently joined this fall, October 4, 2011. So far, I have lost 29 pounds, and I desire to lose another 59 pounds.

:0)

FallGirl104

Total SparkPoints: 28,294

	25,000 26,249 27,499 28,749	29,999
SparkPoints Level 14

Posts: 13,375
12/18/11 7:35 P

all new members.

current weight: 170.0

200 182.5 165 147.5

130

SparkPoints: (54,718)
Fitness Minutes: (53,919)
Posts: 6,378
11/16/11 9:54 A

current weight: 161.0

208 194.75 181.5 168.25

155

Posts: 309
11/16/11 9:42 A

Hi, everyone, I'm new to this forum. Back on SparkPeople after a couple of years' absence, now I'm the heaviest I've ever been. When I realized I even weigh more than I did when I was pregnant I decided it's time to get serious. Hope to find some good fellowship and spark buddies on this team.

current weight: 140.8

175 161.5 148 134.5

121

Posts: 553
11/10/11 8:30 P

Hello everyone. My name is Cherry. I am the mother of one lovely adult daughter who is an ordained minister , a published Christian author, an ordained Apostle who is about to begin a new church in a few months, and a full-time employee.Yes, I am a busy lady , and that is why I have to drop these pounds. I am here to encourage and to be encouraged both naturally and spiritually. Looking forward to the fellowship!


Edited by: KEPTBYGOD at: 11/11/2011 (16:58)

Posts: 4,567
11/6/11 6:35 P

Hello I am Brenda, mother of 3 from Arkansas with several grand children.
I love to read, do family history research and sing.
I am looking forward to making friends and being an active member of the team.

Posts: 89
8/19/11 10:22 A

Hello Ladies! I'm new. Looking foward to staying active on the forums and our successes

current weight: 170.0

170 168.75 167.5 166.25

165

Posts: 151
8/11/11 3:10 A

Hi Ruth, welcome to Women in Ministry!

Pounds lost: 17.5

0 7.5 15 22.5

30

SparkPoints: (54,718)
Fitness Minutes: (53,919)
Posts: 6,378
8/7/11 8:10 P

Hi Ruth..Welcome to the team!

current weight: 161.0

208 194.75 181.5 168.25

155

Posts: 13,375
7/28/11 12:53 P

Welcome Ruth, best wishes here. Here a few steps to remember.


Best Wishes to change. Change isn't easy but by dressing down, workout just 10 minutes per hour, rethink what and when you eat and the cost of loving ones self.

Anyone who refuses to see the problem will never discover the solution. You have to see it to solve it. ~Dr. Thema~ Thankful today is Thursday!!!

EAT HEALTHY DRINK WATER WORKOUT TN MINTES PER HOUR REMEMBER 8 GLASSES OF WATER TO HELP THE CHANGE SLEEP 8 OR MORE HOURS KEEP THE POUNDS DOWN JUST A FEW EASY THINGS YOU CAN DO BELIEVE IN THE CHANGE. BELIEVE IN YOU. LOVE IS ACTION SO START WITH YOU PASS IT ON.

This Team needs a few worker here so if you see your place here please join in and start that POST. We welcome any and all here help here.

current weight: 170.0

200 182.5 165 147.5

130

SparkPoints: (33,681)
Fitness Minutes: (35,818)
Posts: 4,007
7/27/11 7:49 P

Hi Ruth and to a great team..good luck on your weight loss journey!

current weight: 173.0

181 173.25 165.5 157.75

150

SparkPoints: (5,322)
Fitness Minutes: (3,312)
Posts: 343
7/27/11 1:05 A

Hi, my name is Ruth. I Co-Pastor Living Word Foursquare Church alongside my husband. We have 10 children between us. My husbands first wife passed away and they had 3 boys. We have 6 children now at home, the oldest 21 and the youngest 13 months. I have been here on SP on and off for several years but wasn't active in any teams. This time around I am motivated and determined to live a healthier life and shed these unwanted pounds. I was happy to find this team!!!

current weight: 195.2

205 200.75 196.5 192.25

188

Posts: 13,375
7/17/11 12:21 A

Amen! Welcome keep share your voice here and if I can help you please stop by my page.

current weight: 170.0

200 182.5 165 147.5

130

SparkPoints: (33,681)
Fitness Minutes: (35,818)
Posts: 4,007
7/16/11 8:09 P

Hi I am new to the team..my name is Angelia I am 41 yrs.old..married to my bestfriend of 16 yrs.. we have three beautiful kids...I am from Louisiana..God is and always will be the head of my life..I can't thank Him enough for his unfailing love...We are truly Bless...Thank You Jesus! and God Bless!

current weight: 173.0

181 173.25 165.5 157.75

150

SparkPoints: (8,567)
Fitness Minutes: (6,174)
Posts: 130
3/28/11 7:14 P

Hello, everyone! My name is Rosalinda, I am 55 years old, and I'm living in South America. My husband and I have been married for almost 30 years, have three grown children and a son- and daughter-in-law. So I count five children, now!

My husband and I were missionaries in Argentina for two years before we married, and in Botswana, Africa for 15 years. Our two daughters were born there. Now we live in Uruguay, and work for a university; we are the "parents" for American students who join the Study Abroad program. So we have from 10 to 20 American kids living with us each semester. They are our ministry.

Life here is pretty hectic, and I confess that I indulged TOO MUCH in the delicious food during my first couple of years here! But this year in January, I resolved to "Give my body to God." It's something I did (in a way) when I was five years old; but now I want to submit to exercise and the discipline of godly eating. Instead of thinking, "I deserve this," I want to think, "God deserves for me to only eat what is healthy."

Well, I don't even know if this is an active group, so I'll stop rambling now... Hope to hear from some of you, and begin encouraging each other.
~Rosalinda

SparkPoints: (54,718)
Fitness Minutes: (53,919)
Posts: 6,378
2/10/11 9:42 P

You are welcome to Women in Ministry!
Be Bless Shimmer123

current weight: 161.0

208 194.75 181.5 168.25

155

SparkPoints: (177)
Fitness Minutes: (10)
Posts: 1
2/10/11 9:22 P

Blessings - I am a second career Presbyterian Pastor. I have two churches in a rural area - the larger of the two is a PC(USA) church that is very Presbyterian - they don;t call us the "frozen chosen' for nothing! The second church is a small UCC (United Church of Christ) church about ten miles away. They are a church that is open and loving. Two services each Sunday and our Christian Ed is Wednesday night. My husband and I have two children and six grandchildren. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to follow my heart and God's call into the ministry. Shalom - Barb

Posts: 13,375
2/6/11 4:21 P

Audrey for joining the leadership here.

one and all

Glad you are here
HERRENG

WILLING58

JUNKDRAWER

SNOWIEJAZZFAN

current weight: 170.0

200 182.5 165 147.5

130

SparkPoints: (54,718)
Fitness Minutes: (53,919)
Posts: 6,378
1/27/11 9:26 P

Hi my name is Audrey, your new team leader. Let's get together and talk about the goodness of the Lord. The issues we have with our weights, God can fix it if we let God have his way with us! Amen! Sharing bible verses would be good! God wants us to be good health! Also can pray for one and another. To conclude I will include the topic of Personalized Prayers and Confessions to build your faith and strengthen your Spirit is called "365 Days of Power"

Living a Christian life can be difficult with increased pressures from the enemy through relationships, finances, physical well being, and mental strongholds-the challenges of living in a fallen world. You need, more than ever, the strength of God's Word to build up your inner man. It's that inner strength that will keep your faith strong and give you the ability to overcome the world.
(1 John 5:4.)

This powerful collection of prayers and confessions are designed to help you build your inner man and help you grow spiritually as never before. Every day of the year, you can pray God's Word into our situations and confess His answers over your life. God's power is available to change your circumstances and help you overcome in every area. That is right your weight issues! Amen.

I will start tomorrow " 365 Days of Power.

Edited by: MZLADY77 at: 1/27/2011 (21:28)

current weight: 161.0

208 194.75 181.5 168.25

155

Posts: 13,375
1/6/11 11:03 P

Carol, you are so right.

current weight: 170.0

200 182.5 165 147.5

130

Posts: 151
1/6/11 9:14 A

all of us who love the Lord have a ministry! Even just bringing a bit of the Light of Christ into all our everyday activities is a ministry! Being kind to the check out person, a smile and hello as you hold the elevator door open for someone with small kids, waving to a neighbor as you drive past, these are all ministry moments!

May we remember to bring that Light wherever we go today and always!
Carol

Pounds lost: 17.5

0 7.5 15 22.5

30

Posts: 13,375
1/5/11 11:37 P

SNOWIEJAZZFAN!
I'm J and I'm not a pastor nor to I plan to be one. But I love our Lord and will let Him use me where ever He think I fit best. I've long been a member here because I enjoy learning from other. I became leader here because went I saw we were without a Leader I didn't want to see us lose this Team because I felt it had a place here. So pastor please feel free to add your voice everywhere and other here would love to hear from you.

current weight: 170.0

200 182.5 165 147.5

130

Posts: 151
1/5/11 10:10 P

hi, all! What a blessing to find this team!
I have been on SP off and on, and lost and regained and am now losing weight again, for the LAST time, by God's grace!
I am a licensed pastor working part time. Have been serving my church for about 6 years now. Prayer team, bible studies, visitation. My husband is one of those great behind the scenes people, he knows how to work the lights, change altar cloths and make the coffee.

i am so looking forward to getting to know you all better. I just know our Loving Lord has wonderful things in mind for us!

Carol

Pounds lost: 17.5

0 7.5 15 22.5

30

Posts: 13,375
1/1/11 1:12 A

Welcome back SDCAIN !

current weight: 170.0

200 182.5 165 147.5

130

SparkPoints: (7,842)
Fitness Minutes: (98)
Posts: 968
12/31/10 12:40 P

Hello I am not really new here but I have been gone for a very long time, I am now ready to try HP again, I know that without Christ I can do nothing, so I am looking forward to getting to know the women here and also to loseing some weight so that I can live a better and healthier life. In Christ Sharon

current weight: 203.0

213 203.5 194 184.5

175

Posts: 4
11/7/10 11:52 P

Hello Women in Ministry,

I am new to Sparkpeople but of course not new to the eating healthy lifestyle. I have tried many different plans and ways of eating until I finally gave up after getting little results. After praying and seeking God about this journey, I was lead to focus on Sparkpeople. I have found this site to be very informational and encouraging. I pray that each and every woman here meets their goal and inspire others through their journey as well. Looking forwarding to meeting ytou all. In the mean time, may God;s grace forever rest upon you.

SparkPoints: (271)
Fitness Minutes: (25)
Posts: 12
10/21/10 9:29 A

Hi Women in Ministry,
I am so excited about joining SparkPeople. I do believe that in order to successfully lose weight, God must be incorporated. I look forward to sharing in the struggles and successes that we all will encounter when taking this weight lose journey. God Bless.

SparkPoints: (54,718)
Fitness Minutes: (53,919)
Posts: 6,378
9/30/10 11:30 A

Hello, my name is Audrey. I am a prayer intercessor about 5-6 years. Very active in my church. Also a speaker each month. Family prayer and Bible study and whoever comes to my home. 4 grown children.
I like to reach out to people.
My focus on my weight has been successful since God has brought me to SPARKPEOPLE program.

I can do all things through Christ has strengthen me!
Amen.

Edited by: MZLADY77 at: 10/22/2010 (19:57)

current weight: 161.0

208 194.75 181.5 168.25

155

Posts: 290
9/17/10 4:58 P

Welcome to Women In Ministry! Please take a moment and introduce yourself. Please complete the following in your post:

Name of your ministry:

Position/Title: Praise and Worship team lead

What is the purpose of the ministry? To usher in the Presence of the Lord, break yokes and cause deliverance through worship

What are some challenges you are facing? Team members,band members staying focused

Any additional information (optional)I am married to a wonderful man who is also a Youth Pastor at our church I have a 20yr old son, 6 year old stepdaughter and a almost 3yr old granddaughter that I recently adopted.

excited to be apart of this team

current weight: 213.5

240 230 220 210

200

Posts: 2,180
9/11/10 12:12 P

Hello, I am Frances. So glad to be here! I have been with Spark for a while now and looking for some groups I can be a part of where I can contribute, help and learn. I am excited about the opportunities ahead!

Total SparkPoints: 41,984

	40,000 42,499 44,999 47,499	49,999
SparkPoints Level 16

SparkPoints: (3,879)
Fitness Minutes: (5,645)
Posts: 183
8/24/10 6:30 A

Hello All, My name is Ashley i'm 27 from ohio!! Very excited about this group can't wait to meet you all:)

Posts: 38
8/23/10 11:40 A

Hello Ladies,

My name is Robyn and I am so excited about joining Sparkpeople. I recently started my own journey of a healthier lifestyle. I just so happened ran in to this website, of which I have found to be so inspirational and motivational. I am thankful that God has guided me to resources that will enhance my knowledge and help me in my effort to lose weight and be more health conscious about my eating. Thanks for all of you who have already left inspirations and motivational sayings. B Blessed

Posts: 11
8/14/10 3:03 A

Hello my name is Jeanntea 24 I am new to the website. I am in a very new season in my life. God is moving in all areas which I never had given up control when it can to my weight. However, I am ready and looking forward to connecting with you ladies.

current weight: 372.0

393 368 343 318

293

Posts: 12
6/9/10 11:27 A

Hello Women In Ministry, I love this group inspiration and encouragment. I'm Pam Levine, reside in Katy, Texas with one beautiful daughter, Khloe'. I'm a single mom and loves spending time with my daughter.

I'm back on the journey to loose weight and get healthy. I'm 35 pounds over weight and hope to get it off in 6 months that a little over 5 lbs a month. I'm planning to eat healthier and do more exercise.

I'm looking forward to meeting everyone and staying in touch.

Pam

Posts: 309
5/26/10 10:30 A

Hello everyone,
I joined this group a couple of weeks ago and forgot to introduce myself. I'm Lisa, otherwise known as "The Psalmist." I am a minister of GOD who has been running from her calling for decades, but has recently finally accepted the call and office of Prophet. I was terrified and ran because the only examples of modern-day prophets before me were either frauds or were so "beat-up" and persecuted, I wanted no part of it. But who knows that running from GOD is fruitless? So I finally threw up my hands, fell to my knees and said, "Okay GOD! Fine! Whatever you say!"

I am learning to balance life and pay attention to GOD's voice so that all the wonderful gifts with which HE's entrusted me are not left neglected. I told GOD just last night that I need to sing again, it's like fire shut up in my bones, and HE has already begun to honor that.

I appreciate GOD so much because HE led me to this group. I had been eyeing it for quite some time, but didn't think I was "called" to it. GOD finally answered my plea and told me differently, so now I'm here to support and be supported, to pray, to cry, to rejoice, to intercede, to laugh, to love!

Pounds lost: 2.8

0 3.75 7.5 11.25

15

SparkPoints: (17,437)
Fitness Minutes: (20,825)
Posts: 204
5/9/10 7:17 A

Hi Liz, Thank you for the welcome! I hope this is an active team. I know that we are all busy women with families, ministry and jobs, but I hope we all find time to support each other in our goal of increasing health!

Kelly

Pounds lost: 51.0

0 25 50 75

100

Posts: 10
5/8/10 3:28 P

Nice to meet you! You seem very strong and its an honour to meet you. I don`t believe that woman can`t minister, its been a life long goal to be a Priest, and I consider myself just that. If you preach, you`re a minister.

God bless and best of luck Kelly!

current weight: 563.0

570 537.5 505 472.5

440

SparkPoints: (17,437)
Fitness Minutes: (20,825)
Posts: 204
5/8/10 3:10 P

Greetings Ladies!

My name is Kelly. I serve as a chaplain with people who have developmental disabilities and their caregivers. Purpose of this ministry- to help people grow closer to God through their family's faith heritage, and if there is no faith heritage I introduce them to the Lord Jesus. I am also in the process of ordination in the United Methodist Church and serve at my local church in Christian Ed and women's Bible study.

Challenge- those who believe that women should not serve as pastors or be in leadership over men.

Challenge- maintaining a healthy lifestyle that energizes me for ministry, family and life.

I am glad to have found this team. I hope that it is an active group!

God is good!

Peace,
Kelly

Pounds lost: 51.0

0 25 50 75

100

Posts: 10
4/22/10 11:22 A

Morning,

I'm Liz, I'm 25 and a woman of God. I'm looking to meet other strong woman who can discuss faith, life, god, and goals with. I'm very excited about this site and have faith God has led me here for a reason.

This is the time, so let us be like the lily's and trust!

current weight: 563.0

570 537.5 505 472.5

440

Posts: 102
3/16/10 11:02 P

Hi, I am Lisa. I am an ordained Elder in the United methodist Church. I have been in ministry fulltime for eleven years. I am married (29 years) with 2 adult children.

I am ready to get healthy and lose weight so I can continue to live life fully. I have been on SP for 2 months and just discovered this team today. I am excited about this journey and am looking forward to sharing it with other women in ministry!

Blessings!
Lisa

current weight: 203.0

220 202.5 185 167.5

150

SparkPoints: (43,730)
Fitness Minutes: (32,132)
Posts: 3,252
2/28/10 10:17 P

Hello! I am an ordained Lutheran pastor for the last 20 years. I am not new to spark, but I am new to the team.

Name of your ministry: Peace Lutheran Church

Position/Title: Senior Pastor

What is the purpose of the ministry?
To be useful to God.

What are some challenges you are facing?
I moved to a new home, changed positions from working at the judicatory level to congregational ministry, and tried to transition to maintaining my weight after losing about 70 lbs. all within a few months. The maintaining hasn't gone so well! Now that I have had a few months to settle in to the new position I am ready to apply myself to being a good steward of this earthen vessel so that I can be more useful to God. Re-establishing good habits will be a challenge, but aligning my behaviors to develop an abundant life is appropriately part of my call.

Any additional information (optional)
I am married to a Lutheran Pastor who serves another congregation. We don't get to worship together on Sunday, but it is wonderful to be married to a man who understands the joys and sorrows of life in full time ministry.
We have three children. One is grown and out, but I still have two in high school. All of them are musically talented, singing and playing brass instruments.
I am an occasional free lance writer, and my latest article on persistent prayer will be featured in the June 2010 issue of Lutheran Women Today.
My son and I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2005. It was a true blessing, and allowed us to raise funds for some wonderful ministry happening in Tanzania. In 2006 I was honored to serve on a work team that helped with the construction of Sebastian Kolowe University in Tanzania which is one of the only schools in East Africa to offer teacher training for special needs teachers.
Ministry has been a grand adventure. I am excited about what God can do with our lives when we follow. I am excited to see what will happen next!

Pounds lost: 32.4

0 18 36 54

72

SparkPoints: (10,153)
Fitness Minutes: (6,944)
Posts: 361
2/8/10 2:14 P

Hello everybody, I'm Theresa I'm really not new to the team I am a returning member. I got out before because of time issues but I have been freed from some things in my life and am ready to do this! God Bless

Pounds lost: 18.5

0 34.5 69 103.5

138

Posts: 1
2/4/10 9:54 A

Just thought id introduce my self my names Dawn 21 decided it was time to take control of all areas of my life as ive bin allowing thingz 2 slip 4 far 2 long.

I joined this team because I wanted to meet ppl in the same position or ppl who hv bin in the same position to motivate and help me so I can in turn get to a stage were I can motivate others.

SparkPoints: (25,331)
Fitness Minutes: (20,055)
Posts: 1,648
1/9/10 6:00 P

Welcome Ronda. I'm new around this team, too. I don't think I ever introduced myself to the team. So -- I'm here folks!

current weight: 212.0

242 226.5 211 195.5

180

Posts: 55
1/9/10 10:13 A

Well hello ladies. My name is Ronda. I'm 31 yrs. old,reside in Dayton, Ohio, and am a single mother of a 10 yr. old. I am on a quest to get to a healthier size and be proud of myself. My goal weight is 180 lbs. I am now 256. I know I have a long way to go, which is why I am looking for as much support as I can find.
I joined this team because I figure who else can keep me motivated other than those who have a direct connection to My Father & Lord Jesus Christ. I'll take that type of support any day.
I wish you all the best of luck. Keep me Focused and I will try to do the same for you !!!

Posts: 366
12/14/09 12:20 P

Hello, my name is Karen, but I go by Karina on SparkPeople. It is my Russian name. I am in the process of moving into full-time mission work in Russia. It is my hope to be over there working as soon as April.

To learn more about me, check out the following....
my Spark page
my Facebook Karen Mead
and my website
www.seedsfortheharvest.org

Looking forward to getting healthy and following God's call in my life with you.