Who Knows What This Is??

June 2007 was the last time I attended a meeting. My sister was getting married and I was the matron of honor and her color was yellow. I had to wear a yellow strapless dress. I was accustomed to wearing black, blending in with the shadows and being as monochromatic as possible. I believe I started counting points in February or March of that year. I figured out how to leave out healthy food, eat what I wanted and still maintain my allotted number of points. Making sure I weighed in on Fridays so that Friday night through Sunday night was a free-for-all, then Monday-Friday I'd walk, drink water, and stay within my daily allotment. Because I never broke the addictions of sugar, flour, fried foods (having indulged every weekend) I never ever learned how to live without them. I never learned any strategies for going to the movies. I'd save points for movie popcorn. I never learned stress strategies (although we DID talk about them in the meetings.) 

At my last meeting they handed out this little charm to celebrate my 16th week. I remember well, the day they handed me mine. Everyone clapped. Everyone cheered. They asked me to stand up and share my story. I stood up with hesitation. I was mad but I was being forced. The leader said "What? Aren't you happy!?"  I said "no."  In front of 30 people, I said I was unhappy with how slow it was going and I was discouraged and really, after my sisters wedding, saw no point in continuing this path. At that 16 week mark, I had lost 24 lbs.

NOW, please. I am NOT knocking that. If one of my clients had only lost 24 lbs in 16 weeks, I'd applaud them! That is progress and it is moving in the right direction. However, I'd talk to them about what they want from their program, if THEY are happy with their results and if THEY wanted to supercharge it. Because on average, my clients lose that amount their first 4-5 weeks.

Let me explain the benefits of my current path. First off, I have learned that I actually DO like vegetables! I know what I don't like, but I've learned to like many new veggies. Funny, but its true. Your tastebuds change. I have broken the addiction to sugar/flour/fried foods and salads actually DO taste delicious now! I drink 3-4 liters of water a day because I'm thirsty. My body has learned that it prefers to be well hydrated. I eat 6 times a day. Always. I never skip breakfast. Ever. And there is more. But here are some other differences between what my program has to offer, and what others may offer:

THE TSFL DIFFERENCE

FAT BURNING PROGRAM
Reduce calories to 1000/day
Body turns fat stores for needed energy
Mild fat burning protects lean muscle
High energy/Low hunger
100% Complete nutrition
Lose up to 2-5 lbs a week

VRS

LOW CALORIE DIET
Reduce calories by 500/day
Calorie or point counting
Not nutritionally balanced
Tired
Hungry
Lose up to 1-2 lbs a week

Here is a brief video explaining our program. Learn more here!

This is my website with more information!

Doctor Recommended! Watch This Video!

Today, after having kept 100 lbs off for 2 years, I am on the next leg of my journey. That is to get down to my healthy BMI. Since October, I have lost 40 more lbs and have joyfully stayed the course through the holidays. I'm looking forward to what 2012 holds for me and for what it can hold for you too! The time is NOW!

I'd LOVE to assist you or someone you love. I am giving away $35 referral credit for each referral. If you aren't a client, and you refer someone, you just get a $35 gift card.

I am also throwing out an incentive for anyone makes a decision to get healthy and lose weight by going on the TSFL program by the end of December 2011. Here it is: for orders of $250 or more you will get 4 boxes of free food for the first two orders - 5 percent discount - Free shipping - and $20 cash off! For all of you wanting to start that new years resolution a couple weeks early and save now is a great time. Please contact me to get started!

503-278-6626 (call or text)

Christmas Time Five Years Ago.....

My heart throbs with painful memories when I look at this picture. It was taken Dec. 2006. I have a few pictures of me, waist up, weighing over 250 lbs. This isn’t the most horrible, visibly speaking, nor is it my highest weight ever. But what’s going on that you cannot see?

Remember, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and a couple weeks of Christmas baking preceded this event and I had gotten too large for my clothes. I felt so sorry for myself that I cried all the way to this dinner. When I walked in, I sat down and didn’t get up again until it was time to leave. I cried all the way home.  I wanted, desperately, to feel pretty for a night and no matter how much money I spent on new makeup, new hair styles, new jeans, new necklace, SPANKS… nothing helped. I just could not be happy in my own skin.

This photo is on my refrigerator today because as I go through this Holiday season, bombarded with insane temptations and traditions, I look at that photo and remember how I felt that night 5 years ago and think about how I feel now. What I’ve overcame, what I’ve accomplished, the adventures I’ve been on… and the hundreds of people I have had the humble pleasure of assisting.

If you feel tempted this holiday, remember what overeating feels like. Remember what it feels like to not be able to button up your jeans without leaving a red mark around your waist. Look at the people around you. Pay attention to how tired they are, how poorly they’re sleeping, who’s complaining of heartburn and who can’t keep up with you at them mall….. and then be proud (yet remain humble ;) ) and stick to it. You only have 10 more days then everyone around you will be starting ‘diets’ and joining gyms and you’ll be in good company-yet ahead of the game.

If you have joined others in the junk-food-fest, its not too late to turn it around right now. Please call me today so we can talk. If you haven't ever had the experience of personalized behavioral support, I'd love to explain to you what it is that I do and how I can help! It is proven that 'diets' attempted without behavioral support have an 85% failure rate!

Please feel free to go back on this blog and read my posts from 2008 and my first few months changing my lifestyle. The posts are unedited and written from a whiny obese lady who didn't know what she wanted. See the transformation! And call me to so we can get you started!

From HERE until the End of the month, to help you get started, I'm offering the following AWESOME deal!

I am offering an incentive for anyone makes a decision to get healthy and lose weight by going on the TSFL program by the end of December 2011. Here it is: for orders of $250 or more you will get 4 boxes of free food (your choice!!) for the first two orders - 5 percent discount - Free shipping - and $20 cash off your first month! For all of you wanting to start that new years on the first and save now is a great time. Please contact me to get started and mention this blog!

And Here is a brief timeline of my life since that Christmas dinner in 2006:

January 2007: Second attempt at deal-a-meal and sweating to the oldies. Lasted until February. Spent months feeling like a failure but not quite ready to give up.  

April 2007: Weight Watchers. Lost 24 lbs in 16 weeks. I figured out how to manipulate those points so I could squeeze in Snickers bars every week. I didn’t change how I ate. Hated vegetables, so I didn’t waste any money or points on those. Then I figured out how to eat chicken McNuggets. (1 pt each nugget.) I did not change one habit those 4 months. I just figured out how to manipulate the system for a while.

January 2008: Joined a gym. Soon learned you cannot out exercise over eating.

February 2008: Placed my first order with a prepackaged food -highly commericalized- company. Cost me a fortune. No behavioral support. Food just barely tasted better than what I fed my cat. Lost 20 lbs at first, but then nothing, actually got sick from the food. Ask me in person about that experience if you dare.

March 2008: Walking program. Just to feel better. No weight loss results, but I did feel a little better.

June 2008: Had to ask for extension belt on airplane. Got kicked off a roller coaster at 6 Flags (too fat to buckle the safety bar.) Paid extra for first class flight on the way home so I’d fit in my seat. Also dehydrated myself so I wouldn’t have to use the bathroom on the airplane.

July 2008: Depression-overeating.-Deciding I was born for nothing more than obesity and I had better get used to it.

September 2008: Started hearing about “health coaches” and wondered what on earth that was all about. Learned more about Take Shape For Life and decided I was NOT going to try another ‘prepackaged food’ diet and recalled how I’m destined for obesity so abandoned hope once again.

October 2008: I heard many more success stories from people on the program I heard about the previous month. Started researching and pondering. Then abandoned hope again.

Started to think at length “What if?”  What if this would be the ONE time I’d be able to really lose weight and I was letting it pass me by?

Went to my doctor and said that limiting my calories to 1500 a day and working out was helping me lose about 2 lbs a month. She said that was normal and there was nothing else she could do to help me. But I did need to lose weight or I’d have to be on diabetic meds, bp meds and the prescription strength Zantac I was taking wouldn’t be enough. She just knew I needed to lose weight.

THEN: On a Friday. A lady called me. She heard I was interested in learning more about what a health coach had to offer and how she could help me.  The phone call came at an inconvenient time for me and I was in a hurry and I can’t tell people ‘NO’ so when she asked me if I wanted to place my first order and get some food coming, I just said “yeah, just do it” and then I took off. Was just out to prove it wouldn't work.

October 21, 2008:  I opened my first box of food. I weighed 299 lbs. It was a good day. I actually had seen the dreaded 300 lb number at one point.  

Oct 21, 2008 to Present: I have lost 116 lbs. There was a time in 2010 that I actually struggled a little bit with my old self and used food to medicate and get me through some hard stuff and I had some medical issues that prevented me from staying on program, but I never spiraled so far away that I couldn’t stop the spin and I have recovered from that nicely with the help of my beloved and most trusted, free for life, health coach. The lady who reached out to me in Oct. 2008. I am still in contact with her almost daily!

Passion... Dreams and Integration

Its been a few months since I've written anything! Wow!

A couple months ago my business coaches, Chemae and Eric Stevens, suggested I dream bigger. I really have never had any problems dreaming. Roy likes to quote the scene from Apollo 13 where they're trying to figure out how to get the shuttle to earth. Its way over here, earth is way over there... unless changes are made... Charity usually falls way short of her dreams. Its funny the way he tells it. I do have lofty dreams and goals. This conversation with my business coaches did inspire me to make a few of the dreams come true. I went to Borders bookstore and purchased magazines that inspired me. I went to Craft Warehouse and bought some art supplies. I scheduled a Sunday to sit and put together a 'dream board.' Once I put a dream on paper, I am almost rabid to fulfill those dreams.

I started day dreaming about an EPIC road trip. I want to collect sunsets from all over. I want to see National Parks. I want to go to Alaska, Arizona, Utah, ect, ect. All that made it on my dream board. Something was missing though. It was all about me and what I want. That isn't really satisfying and its not what I want to live for.

As I was thinking about my dreams (I'm still rabid, mind you.) I tried to think not just about what I want but what I care about. What is it that makes my chest tight, my eyes water, my throat close up because I'm mute with passion and concern. It's obesity. It really is. I think God allowed me to spend a decade and a half obese so I could care more, understand more and help more. I'll write more about that later. Combining what I wanted with what I care about was the puzzle I was trying to fit together. An integrated life. I love that idea. I want to live an integrated lifestyle. One where I love what I do, do what I love, be with those I love and make a difference in the world and grow in my walk with the Lord all at the same time. That's when the pieces started to fit together.

I decided to start to plan my trip. I was going to see a few spots I pasted onto my dream board. Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park and the Grand Canyon. A couple guidelines for myself would be to stay on program (keep working toward my own healthy weight,) keep 'working,' stand in awe of God's creation, and create memories with my family. I want to integrate everything I care about. I decided that at each stop I'd talk to 10 people about their health, interview them, so to speak.

I've now checked off Bryce and Zion. I'm sitting in Las Vegas waiting for my husband to join us via Southwest Airlines. Then tomorrow, as a family, we head to the Grand Canyon. A few complications have come up making it a little difficult to fulfill all my objectives but as I continue to blog I plan to share a few stories of people I've met, their personal stories, their hardships and if nothing else, I hope that I will leave these people feeling better than when I found them. I hope my family goes home with memories of a great time. I hope to come home with a grander view of God's artistic side and I hope to be a few pounds down.

Until the next wi-fi spot.... signing off.

P.S. If you're interested in learning about what I do either as a potential client or a future health coach (or if you know someone who'd be interested)... imagine living your dreams and growing your business at the same time! Its incredible! Then please feel free to call/text/email or facebook me. Lets set up a time to meet either in person or on the phone. 503-936-9728

(From Left to Right: my brother Larry, son Jarod, daughter Allison, sister Shaina and son Cody on our way to hike Angels Landing at Zion National Park)

I Still Play With My Food

I am not crazy about chocolate. Don't get me wrong, I love it. It just isn't my down fall. Frosting is my Achilles heal. I love to bake. I love "sugar arts."  Hard to do when you're making healthier choices. But I think I found a way to integrate what I love and what loves me. I have been experimenting all week with my frosting tips and my medifast food. If you get my newsletter, you seen the chocolate kisses I made by piping pudding and freezing it. My valentine isn't a fan of frozen pudding, but he LOVES brownies. Brownies are his thing. Here is what I made for him today.

I used a number 95 frosting tip. I mixed up Medifast brownie mix with a touch less water then the directions call for. I sprayed a plate with non stick spray. Then I piped them on the plate. This batch actually made 8, but the last 2 came out weirdly deformed so they aren't shown.  I microwaved the brownie blobs for 85 seconds. Let them sit until they cool. 

Meanwhile, mix 1 tablespoon of peanut butter with a cap ful of sugar free syrup of your choice. I chose white chocolate this time. I put the peanut butter in a frosting tube with a tiny star tip. Then piped tiny peanut butter stars on top. 

There is no reason to get bored with your food. There are over 70 selections you can choose from and each one of those 70 can be made, mixed or played with in a few different ways! Let your creativity show and have fun!

***Health Coach Charity is here for ya. She is experienced, nationally recognized and ready to serve. You can count on her being there for you. She loves what she's doing, she's well established and isn't going anywhere! So have courage and give her a call today! *** 

"Winging It", "Off The Cuff" and "From The Heart"

Welcome to the "Charity Husk Cliche Festival!" 

Last night we kicked off our Lose Big Competiton in Gresham. Over 50 people showed up to compete for a grand prize of $300 Cash! The enthusiasm was high and the comradery was moving. We didn't know how many would show up, we didn't know if it would be a competition between 3 people or 300. We were hoping for 20. Because we were uncertain who'd come, the only plan we had for the evening (besides weighing and measuring people) was to wing it. If we had a lot of new people, we'd spend time talking about the program, if we had a lot of salty dawgs, we'd try a different approach. There was a good mix so we squeazed in the new program information, many thanks to my good friends and fellow health coaches, Amy and John Hardesty. Amanda Himes, another fellow Health Coach and Registered Nurse, weighed clients in a private room, ensuring 100% confidentiality. The evening was MC'd by my personal hero, Chemae Stevens.

I'm going to 'sidebar' here and just say a few words about Chemae. I know I've said this before, but I love that lady and am so thankful God brought her into my life. The special thing about her: she loves people. She genuinly cares about your feelings - thus she chooses her words carefully. She cares about your success - so she never gives up on you. She cares about your relationships, so she'll only repeat edifying things and always keep your secrets close. I wish to be more like a lot of people. Jesus, for instance. But Chemae has moved up to my 'top 5' 'I wish I could be like her' list.

The reason I'm sharing about the meeting and kick off 'party', as it were, is because I learned something quite profound last night. Or rather, I was reminded of something I'd forgotten in my quest and eagerness to help more people. Going back to who was doing what and the 'winging it' plan, Chemae asked me, last night, to do the 'testimonies' portion of the evening. The purpose of sharing testimonies is always to encourage and create excitement, provoke you to dream. I was glad to do it. I love sharing my story. I tell how I used to weigh close to 300 lbs (carried it mostly in my legs, seriously) and how my life changed and how I got to summit Mt. Hood last year. But then I had asked a few people to share their stories. They were caught off guard, had no idea I would ask this of them and had nothing prepared. They had to speak off the cuff. The testimonies were so moving. I was caught with a lump in my throat more than once.

There is Donna and her inability to get health insurance and how she's lost 100 lbs in 6 months and is now insured!

There was Patrick, who was depressed because the old 'get to the gym and workout more' routine was no longer working for him-but he found TSFL and the 60 lbs melted off him!

Trudy. Precious girl, had a lot on her plate last year, including a death in the family. Talked about her 90 lb weight loss and how her daughter can wrap her arms around her now and how she is COACHING baseball! Great things are in store for Trudy!

David. He lost 8 lbs. Didn't need to lose a lot, but was suffering from chronic heartburn. He feels amazing now. His wife, Amanda lost 40 lbs and she loves boasting about how you don't have to have a HUGE weight loss to a 'story' or to inspire others! Her life has changed so much and her story is as big as her heart!

Jana. She was nervous about sharing. Mainly because she hadn't before and I sprung it on her. She hadn't 'prepared' anything. Her story was very moving and she just spoke from her heart. She told about how she lost 38 lbs and her 16 yr old daughter wears her jeans. There was some funnies in there. She said the biggest thing people noticed about her was that 'her smile' was back. She's happy and in control of her food, eating and her weight, where she had previously felt out of control. Her smile is back. That put a smile on everybody's face.

Here is the lesson I learned. I've been working overtime, trying to bribe and beg people to try Take Shape For Life. I have had so many 'specials' floating around that sometimes I lose track. Free food, free shipping, $50 off, free set of Habits of Health books..... $300 cash prize for the biggest loser. I've forsaken why I really do this. What is it about Take Shape For Life that draws people in? Is it the freebies??  OR is it the heartfelt stories, the true life transformations and the hope for a better future?

Nobody paid me to try Take Shape For LIfe. I started because I seen other lives changed and that is the business I'm in now. Life change, transformations, dreaming, health, not settling for good when you can have great. For me, this is what Take Shape For Life is about. Now. I'm not withdrawing offers on the table. I do have quite a few and will honor them, gladly! But there is much more to this program then food and I encourage you, if you haven't yet.... give it a try.

There is still time to join our Lose Big competition. You'll have a little bit of a disadvantage, but who knows, you could still win  the $$. Everyone wins with this competition though. The motivation, the encouragement and the lessons are well worth your time.

Next week, January 19th, we'll be starting a series called "The Habits of Health" and we'll learn a lot about how we got where we are and how to get where we want to be. This is free and anybody is welcome to come.

HAPPY HEALTHY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

You may think I'm over doing this 'birthday" thing right now, but let me tell you. I am so excited and emotional about this day. October 21, 2008 I cracked open my very first packet of Cappuccino. I was reminiscing about that this morning, as I was going through my cappuccino routine. Breakfast every day within 30-60 minutes of waking up. The cappuccino is loaded with vitamins, minerals, carbs, protein and fills me up, gets me started on the right foot. I do it every morning. 


I'm not going to 'blibbity blah' with a whole post today, I think my post from October 4th says it all. "Meet Charity."  My life has changed so much in the last two years. From being kicked off a roller coaster because I was too fat to climbing Mt. Hood..... 

On the anniversary of my new life, my 'healthy birthday'  I want everyone to know, you may look at me now and think that its no big deal, I'm not that hot or not that thin, but look where I came from! Look how far I've come! I'm so proud of what I've done and so thankful to Take Shape For Life, my health coach Chemae Prime Stevens, God-for bringing this amazing program (and many amazing people!) into my life and for giving the horrible times in my life purpose and allowing me to use those to inspire others and help them make changes. What a GREAT day!

Meet Charity, 2008

I would like to introduce you to someone I'm very close to. I didn't use to care about her too much then I realized how much her family loved her and how much Jesus loved her. I decided to give her another chance and now I love her too.

My friend, Charity weighed close to 300 lbs. Every single night (sometimes during the day as well) she had the worst heartburn you could imagine. Water gave her heartburn. She had GERD (Gastroesophogeal Reflux Disease) so bad she could hardly swallow because of the built up scar tissue in her esophagus. She was borderline diabetic. Her dad is diabetic so she knew it was coming, but BOY did she love sugar. Who cared about her health. The sugar and carbs made the hurts of life go away.....temporarily. She supplemented the sugar with high doses of antidepressants and isolation.

The only thing she liked about the mall was Panda Express.  Size 22-24 was a hard range to find anything trendy to wear. She had to shop alone too because none of her friends needed specialty shops. When she did shop with her friends and they went to all the surf shops and petite stores, she'd look at earrings to pass the time.

Travel was miserable for her. She had to have an extension belt on airplanes, she didn't fit on rides at amusement parks, seats in the car could not have the arm rest down and the steering wheel of the car fit miserably up against her stomach.

Sometimes, Charity would sit around and remember how much fun she used to have hiking and climbing but a simple trip to the mailbox was excuse enough for a nap now. She never visited her kids rooms upstairs because it took her breath away to climb up there.

Another thing she would remember and miss terribly was intimacy with her husband.

Charity wasn't very nice either. Maybe she thought being a bossy bully earned her respect that she'd otherwise lost being obese? She was loud because otherwise she was sure nobody listened to her. Charity was in pain. Not just physically but emotionally as well. It was a crazy cycle. Being obese made her depressed so she'd eat. Eating made her obese. This made her depressed and she'd eat some more. But when the pain of staying the same became greater than the pain of change, she began to pray. 

I'd like you to meet Charity now. She's lost over 100 lbs. She feels AMAZING. Sure, she has days where she feels 'fat' and has to kick into high gear again, but she's tasted freedom and she will never go back. She is no longer on any acid reflux medication, she takes the lowest dose of antidepressants possible-mostly to combat dreary Oregon days I think. She visits the mall frequently, but NEVER Panda Express. Hiking and climbing are her life now. Last week her kids -each individually and separately-gasped and said "Um! Did you just RUN up those stairs?"  Why, YES. She DID. She loves running up the stairs now! Gets her legs in shape for climbing! 

Her husband is quite pleased with her progress. Their alone time has been amazing. He always loved her and supported her no matter what. There is something physically liberating about not having to maneuver around 100 extra pounds though and their marriage has never been better. 

Loving herself has become easy and has enabled her to love others more. Now she has a burning passion to help others -everyone whether they have 5 pounds to drop or 300 - but especially the ones with 50+ lbs to lose. She has been there. She has figured out how to overcome obesity. The vicious cycle that doesn't seem to have an end can indeed have an end. If you'd like her to reach out to you, and help you or someone you know or love, please contact her today. She's waiting to help. 

Racing For The Cure.... Optimal Health..... And Me!

Tomorrow morning I am headed out for my third Race For The Cure event. This year it holds more meaning to me than ever. The first time I raced, I had the recent passing of my wonderful Grandma Willa Piersall in my heart. She died of breast cancer. If she would've had it now she could've survived it. They've come so far in the way they treat breast cancer and how soon they detect it. Of course, she was modest, didn't want to see a doctor so maybe it wouldn't have mattered. This past July my Mom was diagnosed with Stage 2 Aggressive Ductal Carcinoma. (Forgive me Mom if I got that wrong.) But the more and more I see women I love, the more I realize the importance of regular mammograms and raising awareness. Many  people cannot afford these and that is why I am so happy to join with the Susan G. Komen foundation for my third time this year. Imagine how much farther a long we could be when my daughter gets to the age of risk! 

Strong Link Between Obesity and Breast Cancer There is a growing connection between breast cancer and obesity - especially abdominal and upper-body obesity. For example, almost half of all breast cancer cases occur in obese women. Also, cancerous breast tumors are notoriously hard to find in young women with more than 15-20 percent excess body fat. Exactly how severe overeight leads to breast cancers is not yet known. The link between body mass index and breast cancer is mostly statistical. We can see it, but we don't understand exactly why it exists. I propose, until we know more, we err on the side of health.Do you have more than 15-20 percent excess body fat? I think you can imagine why that would be harder to detect if you did. We know that people that are within a healthy BMI range tend to live longer, have less health care expenses, sleep better, look better, look younger longer, ECT! Lets talk about how obesity affects our pocket book.  In total, the yearly cost of obesity in the United States is $147 billion, or 9% of all medical expenses. And, it figures to get worse now that the average American is 23 pounds overweight. That's right. The average American is over weight. Did you know that obesity tends to run a person an extra $1500 a year? That doesn't include the extra cost of the food you need to consume to maintain that higher weight (eating out, sugary/fatty candy coffee's, movie popcorn....you get the picture.)  So what does it cost to lose 30 pounds? Not as much as you might thing, and not as much as it costs to hold on to it. Take a look at this graph.  What I'd like to do is encourage you to get healthy. The plan I am on, the plan I have helped over 200 people with, teaches you healthy habits, includes personalized one on one support and an individual plan that best suits your needs. Nursing mothers, diabetics, arthritics, thyroid patients, vegetarian, soy allergy? I've got a plan for you. A plan that is proven to work.   Contact me and let's talk. If you live in NW Oregon, we can get together in person if you'd like. If you don't, I'm hooked up to SKYPE if you have a webcam we can hook that up. Phones, texting, instant chatting... all works for me. You can find me on facebook following the link on this page.  UPDATES  Ulcer had healed and I have to "OK" to get back on plan. Today I am on day 6 and feel great. I started Yoga yesterday. That's been an adventure in pain! I had no idea that it really heated up your muscles and that after all that sleepy time stretching and breathing, I'd actually feel like I just had a workout afterward! Whoa Nelly!  Mom begins radiation on Wednesday, please keep her in your prayers for the next 7 weeks.  We are almost totally unpacked in our new house. Feels good to start to settle in. Still haven't hung pictures but, it will get done. Allison and Jarod are attending public school this year. It was a last minute decision. We scrambled to get supplies and new clothes for the first time in years. If you are a homeschooler that is wondering why I'd do such a thing, feel free to email me personally. I love homeschooling and do not plan to abandon it all together. We will be back.

Commitment 2: About The Last 17 Years.... And Here's To The Next 17.....

Commitment 2: About The Last 17 Years.... And Here's To The Next 17.....

About The Last 17 Years.... And Here's To The Next 17.....

I can't believe I've been married almost half my life now. Time has flown by. Roy and I have gone through quite a few adventures together the last 19 years or so. (Married 17 years..... we didn't really know Jesus back then so don't bother doing the math.)

Right after we got married back in 1993, we bought our first house. It was only 740 square feet and we only had one child. I remember when Cody was born, we didn't really know where to put him. For two years he slept in our room. I even ran a daycare out of that house!

In 1996 we moved out here to Fairview. This house was more beautiful than we ever thought would be possible for us. This was before there was an 207th street exit, bypass to Glisan, a Target, Carlino's, Scrubby's, Bumpers...... Halsey street was a small one lane road with a wetland on the south side. Here we brought home two more newborns, taught 3 kids how to read, make hundreds of dozens of cookies on stormy days, hunkered down for many ice storms and held many garage sales. We have about eight cats buried in the back yard, each with a tiny headstone.

Today is our last day in our Fairview home. The Uhaul truck will be here early tomorrow morning to haul off the last of our belongings to our new home in Gresham and we'll start another leg of our journey together.

About my husband: Roy is everything I ever could've asked for in a husband. He loves me unconditionally. He loved me fat, he loved me thin, he loved me everywhere between. He's kind, gentle, attentive (when he wants to be LOL)  loyal, hard working and a super dad who leads by example. He follows Jesus whole heartedly and gives of himself relentlessly. Before 10 am this morning he already told me "Happy Anniversary!" and "I love you!" more times than I can count on my fingers.

Thank you Jesus, so much, for everything you have given me. Thank You for providing a house better than our wildest dreams, thank You for my wonderful children (all 4 of them!) Thank You for Roy-whom i did not deserve. Thank You for my friends. I love you ladies. I couldn't get through all this baloney without you.

Now, as for Take Shape For Life. Check out my new website! www.charityhusk.com I'm excited to gear up for the last quarter of the year and kick some buns. I want to get about 20 more people on the road to optimal health before the end of the year so if you know someone who needs some help with their health, send them to my sight and encourage them to contact me.

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We're Moving

I can't tell you all how thankful I am that August is almost over. There is something new and fresh feeling about September.

First of all, Mom's surgery went well. She opted for a lumpectomy rather than a full mastectomy per the doctors recommendations. 48 hours after surgery she was headed to the movies with Amy. So, that's a good sign. We'll find out sometime this week what pathology had to say about everything removed. Friday is her appointment with the radiation oncologist and we'll discuss the next step. Next week post op with her surgeon.

Monday the 30th, Kerry (step dad) goes in for surgery.

Now, here's the 'new' news. This past year and a half, Roy and I have been trying very hard to work with our mortgage company. Before I started with Take Shape For Life, the economy was rough for our automotive repair shop and we had a rough winter. We got behind on many bills including the IRS and our house. For 6 months we paid a payment and a half ($2500!) a month to get caught up, then right when we got caught up, we had another slow month at the shop and couldn't make the next payment. When finances got better, we called to set up a payment plan again, this time I had an income of my own to help out. Take Shape For Life has supplied me with a greater income than I'd ever had before on my own and we were certain we could catch up and stay current. The bank had a different plan though. We started to work on a load modification. Found out we now made too much money. We wanted to send them a payment, they said nothing short of $5000 would be satisfactory. I'd heard from others that when they just sent in a single months payment, the bank returned it, so we just took the bank for their word and didn't send a payment. Eventually it turned into nothing short of $15,000 would be satisfactory. Again, tried loan modification, tried calling all those Obama plan mortgage help lines, and we got nothing. So, we opted to quit 'fighting' and do a short sale. We received an offer on the house, earnest money and we had a fabulous Realtor on our side. Would the bank except it? NO. They said due to FHA guidelines we could've been making our house payment for the last 6 months so they don't have to work with us. Remember, they  wouldn't accept a payment. Furthermore, they were working off our shop income as our personal income. They said that we'd made $130,000 in the last 6 months so there was no reason we couldn't make the $15,000 payment. Of course we did not make $130,000 in the last 6 months. The shop did, but not us. Over 50% of that money was cost of goods sold as well, not to mention labor, taxes, rent, payroll....... Anyway, very not fair. Roy and I have worked hard, gave it an honest effort and at last gave up the fight.

This Tuesday, August 24 our house will be auctioned off. I'd be embarrassed about it but the fact is, so many people are going through the same thing right now. I find sympathetic ears everywhere I go. Roy and I tried our best to make it real and honest and right and well, the fact of the matter is, this house isn't that great anyway.

The great news is we found a place to live. Its ten times better than the house we're in. It's definitely an upgrade. Same house payment as this house, but now I have my Take Shape For Life income to pay for it. Tuesday night we get the keys and we'll start the move Wednesday.

So. That's the news. Please be praying for us as we make this huge adjustment. The kids are struggling the most with it but I'm sure once they see their new bedrooms, the creek in the back yard, the kids riding bikes in the new neighborhood, they'll be fine. The rough part is just dealing with all this at the same time as mom and Kerry go through their surgeries and various doctors appointments. Prayers are appreciated.

The Road Not Taken

I took this photo myself on our little mountain adventure this past Wednesday. It's taken at the Barlow Road Tollgate on Hwy 26. Every time I come to a fork in a trail like this I think of the poem by Robert Frost, "The Road Not Taken."  In the event that you don't know this one, I'll share it below here.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
and sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveller, long I stood
and looked down one as far as I could
to where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
and having perhaps the better claim
because it was grassy and wanted wear;
though as for that, the passing there
had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
in leaves no feet had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less travelled by,
and that has made all the difference -- Robert Frost

Robert Frost has a great poetic interpretation of many people's thoughts when they come to a fork in the road, I'd like to offer my thoughts on the road less traveled. 

Many times we go through life just trudging along. Its fairly easy. We have our hills and staircases-metaphorically speaking but sometimes we come to a place in our life where we have to stop. Its too hard to move on and we have to make a choice.  One path looks incredibly hard and you don't think you can do it or even if its something you want bad enough to try. It's the high road.  Its hard to imagine ever getting too far up that path. The other road is the low road. I believe it would be the trampled on road. It looks easier, it doesn't require a whole lot of preparation or effort. I'm certain it is the one most often picked. 

The difference between mediocrity and greatness, good and great, sufficient and exemplary depends on you making the right choice at that fork.  In order to be great, you have to be willing to do what others most often aren't willing to do. Perhaps you have to pick a tad bit of discomfort or inconvenience. It's worth it to choose the road less traveled. The path less trampled. 

When you are faced with a bag of chips or a special birthday cake I want you to think about the path you are choosing. When you are discouraged and want to quit, that is a pivotal fork in the road. Quitting will lead you down the same road that many others have chosen and many others have decided to forgo a life of activity and health for the easy path. Choose health and life. Go from just surviving, the thriving. It's worth it. This is one path I'd love to see worn down and trampled. 

Personal updates:  I have now been back on plan for almost 2 weeks straight. I've had some rough days with worry and anxiety but I turned to walking and friends and Jesus rather than food. The next two weeks are going to be more of the same nuttiness but I think I'm getting a handle on things. 

Mom: Her birthday is on the 18th. She'll be 60. We're going to have a party. Not sure how rowdy it'll be, but I will be working on it. Surgery still scheduled for the 19th. Still not 100% sure what kind of surgery she's opting for, a lot of that depends on her appointment today with the geneticist. 

Step-Dad: Surgery to repair the other worn out retina scheduled for the 30th. Mom will probably not be in any position to take care of him, or him her so...

Me: In addition to my duties as the nanny of the parents, I am moving this month. Looks like we'll be moving the week after my mom's surgery and before step dad's. We've had a long battle with our mortgage company. The details aren't important, but we're all going to be ok. Just another layer of craziness.  Our new home is in East Gresham and a long way from Target. How will I ever endure? LOL  I am absolutely determined to find other solutions to my anxiety that are not food related. I am absolutely determined to stay on program learning the habits of health and teaching them as well.

Take Shape For Life: I have some vacancies. Lots of people reached their goals and I want to help more do what they did! If you're one of them, can I bribe you into giving me some before and after pictures??  If you would like to talk about Take Shape For Life, the NO Fail, completely safe, pill free, drug free, diet free approach to life long health, please feel free to call, email, text, ect. Don't be afraid to just ask questions, I'm open to whatever you throw at me and better yet, I look forward to it! 

The people that were at Wednesday nights FIT meeting got to meet my daughter, Katie. She will be assisting me with outgoing calls this month. Incoming, please, send them all to me. 

As for the FIT meetings, I will not be there next Wednesday because it is my Mom's birthday before her surgery. I encourage you to attend however. See below for times and directions! We are going through the Habits of Health DVD series! Its amazing and I learn a ton, I know you will too! 

503-936-9728

What I've Been Going Through This Month....

Crazy is the new normal. But then, even the state of crazy can be a porthole to another level of insanity. I really want to take some time to explain where I’ve been, what I’ve been up to, why I haven’t been the best role model or support out there recently.  My level of personal growth has been through the roof this month and facing the month of August, I really want to head into it with a new level of maturity and grace.  So here’s my story.

The Background Information: As many of you know, July was busy with my trip to Texas. The days prior and the days after were about getting ready or getting settled. It’s not easy leaving 4 kids and a husband behind for a week. Also prior to my leaving my mom had an abnormal mammogram.  She had a biopsy scheduled for July 14^th, and we were going to try not to worry about it until then so Mom went to Kentucky to see my sister and I went to Texas. Mom had her biopsy and then we had to wait for a little bit for those results. They said they’d call Friday or Monday. Friday came and went leaving us to speculate all weekend. Monday came and right at the end of the day the doctor called. He said he didn’t have enough information yet but it was cancer. July 21^st Mom had an appointment with the surgeon. This is when we found out that it was an invasive form of breast cancer, somewhere between a stage 1 and stage 2. She was given 4 treatment options. As of today, we’ve narrowed it down to two. One option was not treat it at all and die within 4-5 years. Gladly she discarded that option quickly. Right now we’re (I say ‘we’ like I’m going through this too!) proceeding with the plan to either do a lumpectomy with radiation or double mastectomy. The thought for that is that we believe this is a genetic problem and if we just perform the lumpectomy she’ll be dodged with the threat of breast cancer the rest of her life. We have until the morning of the surgery to make that decision so prayers are appreciated on this matter.

Last Thursday, my mom’s husband worked all day in the yard (they live on 20 acres) and he came in saying something was wrong with his eye. He couldn’t see. Friday morning Kaiser called and asked Mom to come in for a nuclear MRI. Kerry (mom’s husband) decided to get his eye checked out. Friday just spiraled out of control really fast. My husband Roy and my boys had all taken off for their annual boys weekend and I was trying to spend the weekend with my girls. It was in the early afternoon that I got the frantic call from my mom saying that Kerry needed to have surgery to reattach his retina. The surgery needed to be performed at OHSU Casey Eye Institute. With mom dealing with her breast cancer and a big plate of uncertainties, this was a little much for everyone. The newest uncertainty was, will Kerry be able to see out of his right eye ever again.

Saturday morning, Kerry had a reaction to the anesthesia. He had some seizures, quit breathing, and scared my mom half to death. Later I heard that the doctor was completely calm during the ordeal and just tapped him on the chest to wake him up. The call I got from my mom was mumbled up with hysteria and tears. All she told me was that “I almost lost him, Chair” (mom calls me ‘chair’ sometimes)  The doctor sent them home but the drive is long and mom was afraid so she just kept driving. She got home, all the way out in Molalla and realized she forgot all Kerry’s prescriptions. So Allison and I went and picked up the prescriptions and drove them out to their house.

Prognosis on Kerry: We won’t know if he’ll have his vision restored on that right eye for 4 or 5 weeks. We know that the left eye is also about to fall apart, so he will need to have that retina patch welded here soon as well.

Plan and prognosis for Mom: Right now surgery is scheduled for August 19^th. The day after her 60^th birthday. How extensive that surgery will be, remains to be seen as of yet because Mom hasn’t officially declared her treatment of choice.   Either way it will either involve chemo or radiation for some time after the surgery.

What is the plan for me this month: I really hope you’ve hung in there long enough to read to this part. Let me start with the technical first off. Kerry (step dad) is in no position to take care of mom right now, get her to her pre-op appointments, surgery or whatever. My sister is in Kentucky and can’t likely get here in time to help. Likewise, Mom is in no position to take care of Kerry right now. She’s too emotional and scared. My mom’s doctor has declared Kerry unfit for driving her or for after surgery care so I’ve been declared the caretaker/chauffeur.

How is my own health? Let me be upfront and tell you, waiting at hospitals with closed cafeterias and nothing but vending machines around, it’s pretty impossible to be on plan. Both times I was called to the hospital, I didn’t have time to go home and pack a day’s worth of food before I left. (this is a good reminder, clients, always have a lot of food with you when you go out! I had food, just not enough for me and allison for a whole day... but it would've been helpful to have a whole box of bars in the car... like there is now!) The stress has been incredible. I don’t remember a time in my life where I’ve been faced with every single eating trigger all at once. Lonely (Roy was gone), scared, nervous, hopeless, uncertain, bored,  guilty,  depressed…you name it.  So, I fell off the proverbial wagon again. I don’t even remember what I ate or how much. I remember thinking that the crunching made me feel like I was doing something and I thought that was weird. I had been battling with my depression- feeling like I can’t do much of anything and am good at pretty much nothing.

The good news is that just since last Saturday, I feel like I’ve grown emotionally by leaps and bounds! I am looking at how I handled the last week and although, I’m disappointed in myself, I can say plainly that it isn’t good enough. I know who I am, I know what my strengths are, I know who is counting on me to be stable emotionally and physically.

I’ve been watching Dr. Anderson’s DVD series “The Thin Healthy Mind” and learning about how these habits form and what happened is when all that stress was taking place, my brain switched to auto-pilot. I just started doing again, what I’ve always done when faced with stress. I realize that the month of August and perhaps September are going to be hard and I cannot afford to deal with my stress the same old way.  I need to switch to manual drive for a while, be very aware of what I’m eating, what I’m saying, what I’m doing and be prayerful about it all as well.

So here’s my formal apology:  Although most of the stress has taken place this past week, it all started before I left for Texas. I have moments of strength, but more often than not, I have felt weak and drained.  I want to apologize for not being the best coach ever during this time. I signed up several new clients this month and I’m afraid they haven’t gotten to see the best side of me yet. I’m sorry that I haven’t taken responsibility for my own health or for my own schedule. I’ve learned so much in the quiet times, waiting and praying.

The month of August, will, without a doubt be a challenge but I am up for it. I am not losing sight of my hope, my Jesus, my future or my goals or YOURS. I feel like, as I begin this journey through the battle field of breast cancer and blindness that I am ready and I am fully armored and prepared as I can be to face all this insanity.

Take shape for life:  I’m excited for how TSFL is changing people’s lives right now. Every day I hear stories that inspire me, remind me of my purpose statement and what wonderful clients I have. I am still growing my business, I am still taking care of my clients and I am still taking on new ones. One of the neat things right now is that a lot of the people that started in January are reaching their goals and transitioning into a maintenance plan! I should count how many there are. You’d be surprised I think. That leaves me with room for more. I will have a lot of time to take calls, to respond to emails and instant chat this month, so please do not hesitate to contact me for whatever you need. Trust me, hearing you lost another 4 lbs this week will only encourage and support ME!

This weekend, I’m taking my kids camping. We’re going to get away as a family for just a few days while we can. Then Monday, I will be hitting my own health with the TSFL hammer, hard core. I really would like you all to feel free to hold me accountable as well.

If you’d like to join me, learn some Habits of Health or give TSFL a try, please feel free to call me! I really am here for you as often as you need and we can meet at Starbucks and talk or we can skype, email back and forth or whatever is most comfortable for you.

I got my head in the game now. Watch out world. 

Featuring Leigh....

I have become acquainted and befriended by one of my dad's clients and she had been struggling a lot with her feelings and dealing with her food issues (we all have them.) I just encouraged her over and over again to get it down on paper, write it out. I am sure if you are one of my clients you've heard me say this before, but journaling and blogging are really key to mastering our emotional connections to our weight and conqueroring  our frustrations! Well, she finally did it! She sent me a copy of her first journal entry and I asked permission to feature it here on my blog this week. She was more than happy to share.

Feel free to leave any encouraging words behind to my friend! I'm so incredibly proud of her and her journey this far. She blesses my sox off and I'm sure she'll bless yours as well..... 

July 15, 2010

I did my measurements for the first time…wow, I am huge!!!  I was bigger though, because I have lost 38 pounds in 10 weeks on TSFL.  This week I have passed up popcorn at the theater, homemade blueberry pie and homemade truffles…that’s really good and I don’t know why I am not excited about those small victories.  Charity and Robin were both telling me how I should celebrate that….but I don’t ‘feel’ victorious…I feel the pain and frustration of the struggles and why is it so hard for me anyway.  How did I get this fat.  Almost 8 years ago, exactly, I was 413 pounds!  I had done every weight loss program, and fad diet that I had ever heard of. I even had anorexia for a short time and then bulimia for over 13 years.  So, 8 years ago on July 10, 2002,   I finally was going under the knife…I had an open RNY Long limb gastric bypass surgery.  I knew I could die on the table…but I was so desperate to get the weight off after a lifetime of obesity that I was willing to go to this extreme.  The surgery was a success and I lost 213 pounds the first year….I was still overweight, but I was down to a size 16 from a 5x and I felt pretty good.  Over the next 8 years, I gained 81 pounds pack.  I wasn’t 413, but I was huge and back into a 2x.  My life was miserable.  The weight sapped my energy and I had/have severe depression.  Although the surgery was a huge help, I still never changed my lifestyle, other than staying away from sugar because it makes me ill. Also, resulting from the surgery,  I suffer anemia and deficiencies in vit D, and B-12, which my body no longer absorbs.  Why hasn’t my weight stayed off and progressed to a healthy weight?  I know it is because of not eating the right foods and exercising.  I still was eating a lot of breads and other carbs.  In fact I worked at a bread store/bakery for 3 years and then back in the school kitchens as a cook…always around food and always eating.  Even though my stomach ‘pouch’ is about 8 to 10 oz. now, I can eat the wrong foods in small increments all day long and gain weight…which is what I have done.  Even the extremity of having a gastric bypass did not ‘fix’ my weight and health problems.  I was gaining weight, having poor health, knee problems, energy problems and major depression.  I felt so hopeless.

At church I noticed a friend, Steve, who all of a sudden to me looked very thin.  I found out he was on TSFL.  I envied him, but thought no way was that for me…it’s just another fad diet.  Plus, what would my husband and family say about me trying yet another attempt at losing weight…I mean, I have been on EVERY diet I ever heard of, spent thousands of dollars and was still fat.  I dwelled in my hopelessness for a few more weeks and then brought it up to my husband.  I said, ‘I know what I want for my birthday”…my 44^th birthday was just a month away.  When I told him that I wanted 1 month on the diet that Steve was on…he said, “that’s really expensive…but okay, let’s check into it.”  I was really surprised that he was considering it.  We are the family that struggles month to month, payday to payday etc.  We had no savings or credit cards …nothing.  We talked to Steve and he explained the program and just prior to my birthday I ordered the first month supply of food.  I was skeptical but praying so hard to God that I would lose some weight.  My first week on program was hard.  For the first five days I was hungry, nauseous…had headaches, exhaustion etc….pretty much felt like poop…but Steve said that was normal for a few days and that it would get better.  By the 6^th day I didn’t have those symptoms and I was looking forward to weighing in on Sunday.  My first week’s weight loss was 11 pounds!  I was very proud and hopeful at that point.  I believed this could work and that I could lose some of this weight.  I needed to lose at least 101 pounds to put me around 180, a high-end healthy weight for my height etc.  This huge amount to lose was overwhelming, but I was encouraged enough by my first week’s loss to keep going. I heard there were many people who had lost over a hundred pounds on TSFL.   I made it through my first month with no cheating and a loss of 21 pounds.  I ordered the next month of supplies and kept going….it’s been 10 weeks now and I have lost 38 pounds!  I still suffer depression and that prevents me from the ‘feel good’ part of losing and getting healthy, but I am sticking to the program, going to meetings and communicating with Steve, Robin and Charity.  I feel like I have 3 health coaches who are all willing to help me and support me and I am blessed to be so fortunate.  I don’t feel alone anymore in my struggles with obesity.  My husband and children also encourage me to stay on program and they ask about my loss every Sunday and compliment me on doing a good job, or looking good.  They don’t complain about me making lean and green dinners and they don’t mock me for not tasting the fresh blueberries from our garden or the chocolate truffles Heidi made…they say, “good job, mom’.

I am hoping that as I get healthier, my family will get healthier too.  I want there to be a turning point to where I become more active and do some active activities with the kids as they too struggle with obesity.  I want to change our future and not be the fat family on the block who stay home and never do anything.  We’ve started swimming together this month, yes, I put on a swimsuit, so that is a start to being more active for me.  I will continue on program and continue working with my psychiatrist on my depression and am hoping for a ‘fully healthy me’ someday.  I give God praise for orchestrating these changes in my life; and gratitude to my family and coaches who are my encouragement.

If you are interested in having a coach, being a coach,  learning more about Take Shape For Life, learning about the role of a health coach, nutrition, weight loss or have any questions at all, please feel free to contact me anytime! 503-936-9728  or husk7736@comcast.net  Tonight in Hillsboro, OR and tomorrow night in Gresham, OR (see below for locations and times) you can come and meet with me in person and learn more as well! Don't wait another day! Experience HOPE now!

Take Aways And 'Ah Hah!' Moments

Take Shape For Life National Convention 2010 was life altering. It built on things I already knew. It added height to training I received in Orlando back in April. It has the potential to change America. 

Thursday morning we heard from speaker Brian Biro who taught us about 'break through moments.' To take that lesson to the extreme, we broke 1" boards with our hands. Yeah. It was nuts a little bit. We were supposed to write down things that were holding us back on the side with the 'X' on it. And on the back side, we put what our life would be like if we broke through that barrier. In case you want to know about mine, read on.

The side with the 'X' on it had "Good Enough" written on it.  I've lost 120 lbs. I've kept it off for a year. I've climbed a MOUNTAIN! I've found a calling that fulfills my need to be purposeful. I've achieved the rank of Executive Director (top 9% of health coaches) But I stopped there. Somewhere deep down inside I didn't feel the need to improve on all that and it was holding me back. Good is the enemy of great. What would my life be like if I decided to not settle for good enough? I imagine it would look like I had confidence, health, integrity, a healthy weight. It would include more mountains, possibly some sky diving. I would be 100% present with the people I am with. I would expand my business so that I could help more people. We got the privilege of dedicating our boards and I chose to dedicate mine to my Jesus and my kids and my husband. 

I was sure I would be one of the people who couldn't break the board. But it meant so much to me that I was determined. Even as I gave Eric my board for him to hold I grabbed it back and looked at it again. I wanted "Good Enough" to know that it wasn't "good enough" anymore. See the video clip here:

Click here:  Charity's Break Through Moment 

Now the trainings and the rest of the classes were informative and inspiring but the next most powerful thing didn't happen at a real TSFL event. Some of the leaders decided to hold a church service at the Gaylord Texan Resort on Sunday morning. I was up till 2 am the night before, woke up at 8:57 am (service started at 9 am!) and for some reason, just felt like I HAD to be there. So, I tossed on some wrinkled clothes, put my hair up, tossed some make up on and SKIPPED COFFEE and breakfast (gasp) to get there. Ran in a couple minutes late but it was still good. We heard scriptures, sang some songs and listened to people share. Many people had very moving stories to share. We didn't want it to be a Take Shape For Life event but you know, we were all so thankful. At one point in our lives (I think its safe to say its the same for all of us that were there) we had prayed to God for help with our health. We all felt like God had sent us a health coach and  an answer. One gentleman was telling about how he was getting so much attention for his weight loss. He called his wife to tell her and she said "Honey, did you give Jesus the glory?" and his answer was a sheepish 'no.' This gentleman stood up and made up for that giving Jesus the glory for his health and it was so precious. Am I pointing to Jesus every time someone compliments me or tells me how I've changed their lives? Well, I want to. I was thinking about how Jesus always healed people. He would heal blindness, heal leprosy, heal blood disorders, ect - this helped form the relationship so that from there, Jesus could give them what they really need. I think that when I am coaching people about their health, that maybe that relationship could open doors to share the giver of health and life and peace and joy. 

So my Kevin McCarthy purpose is "I exist to instill bravery." Making big changes in our lives takes courage and sticking with something or someone even when it is hard takes bravery. I have found this out and want to inspire others to do the same.  My Jesus purpose is to point people to Him, all the time. In order to do this I need to always be filling up my cup, every day, full of Jesus, so that by the end of the day I have something left to give still. My TSFL purpose is to be a part of Generation-H. A generation for health and to bring health to all of America and make a difference. This will take commitment on my part because I love Texas toast and peanut M&M's as much as the rest of you but I want to be part of this great movement and I want my kids to grow up in a healthy environment so they can be fit enough to do what God has called them to do. 

So that's it in a nutshell. My notes from the weekend are type written and 25 pages long but I am ready to tackle hopelessness, fear, obesity and poor health with God's help. 

Now I've been interrupted 100 times while trying to write this so I hope it all makes sense! Have a healthy week and I'll write y'all (a little thing I picked up in Texas) again next Tuesday! 

About the photo on top: This is my friend Crystal and my friend Amanda! Between the 3 of us, we've lost 410 lbs with Take Shape For Life!