15 Pounds In 15 Weeks - Round 2

Geez, that picture came out pretty big didn't it? Don't feel like shrinking it now. And yes, I was up at 5:30 in the morning when I weighed in.

Anyway, if you can recall, I challenged myself to lose 15 Pounds In 15 Weeks on January 1st of this year. Well just a few weeks later I was told that I needed surgery to remove a benign tumor that had eaten through half of my tailbone.

So here I am again with my starting weight at 170.4. I'll post my weight every Wednesday since that was the first day that I weighed myself.

I surprised myself last night by running what I think was 3 miles.. I ran for a little more than 31 minutes. This is pretty amazing to me since I've only jogged 2 times since my surgery. Besides that, the only cardio I've done is on the recumbent bike at physical therapy.

So here's to a new beginning. Last year I was riddled with unfortunate injuries that put me out of commission a couple of times. Sciatica caused by the tumor, shin splints and heel spurs. Maybe this year will be better. For my before pics, just check out my January 1st post from above. My body hasn't changed.

By Week 15 I should be a svelte 155 pounds. I haven't been that light since my early 20's. I'm not necessarily doing this because I have to, but for the challenge. Challenges like this help me to know just how in control I am of my being when I put my mind to it. Which brings me to my weight loss scripture for the week. I actually had another scripture, but this one just crept into my mind. 1 Peter 1: 13-14

¹³Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. ¹⁴As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

In context, this scripture is talking about how we should steadfastly practice our faith as we anticipate the coming of Christ. As we wait for Him, we must have a healthy mindset to stay the course. Any healthy and good thing will require 1) an object of hope (weight loss), 2) a decision to be made (prepare my mind), 3) and action (be self-controlled and obedience) and 4) the grace of God to get you there (15 Pounds). I could also throw a 5th point in there as well...A pure purpose (to exercise my faith instead of being given to vanity).

Prayer: God help me to exercise restraint as I prepare each meal and may I look to hope as the substance of my faith to help me get there. Be gracious to me Mighty God and keep me from injury. Holy Spirit, continually search my heart and hide my motivation from vanity. Amen. 169 here I come.