Only Pack Some Things for the Journey

My husband just celebrated his birthday a few days ago. He received so many sweet messages and nice cards, but one in particular stood out to me. It wasn't the card itself (although it was nice, too), but the handwritten sentiments inside. They came from a family member and were simple enough, but filled with wisdom.

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His Hands Are So Much Bigger Than Mine

About midway through last week I had already decided what I would write about in my blog this week. And God confirmed it beautifully during the sermon at my church this past Sunday.

My pastor shared a story (of course this is my paraphrase as best as I can remember it) of a little boy who was typically rambunctious, energetic and some might even say aggressive. Well, the boy visited a candy store with his mother. During the course of their visit the store owner generously offered to give the boy a handful of the candy of his choice. A whole handful!

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So You Ate a Cookie? Now Get Over It!

At this point we are three weeks into the new year. Have you fallen off the wagon of your resolutions yet? I read something this week that says that 90% of people break their New Year's resolutions by Valentine's Day. Sad, but true.

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True Value

I had another one of those "Aha" moments this week. And I really feel like God imparted some wisdom to me that I wanted to share. It's so simple and yet so profound. If we could all “get this” it would truly change our lives.

“What you value...you treat differently.”

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Lessons Learn in 2009

Happy New Year to you all!

I love the freshness of each new year, as the calendar flips over from December to January. It symbolizes a new start and endless possibilities for the future months. But it also is a time to stop and reflect on the blessings and lessons learned from the previous year.

Some of what I learned in 2009 was simply a reminder of things I already knew. And, still, other things were brand new revelations! And I wanted to share some of these things with you.

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Having a Happy, Healthy Christmas Season

It's amazing how quickly the months have flown by. And again, we are at the most festive time of year.

It's especially wonderful to watch through the eyes of my children. Our 9-year-old has really embraced some of our family traditions and has seemed so engaged in the spirit this year.

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Where There's a Will, There's a Way

I just returned from Los Angeles where I attended The Biggest Loser Season 8 Finale and did some promotional things for my book, Fat Chance.

It was a four-day trip which—although it was fun—also meant time away from family as well as away from my routine, which includes my workout regime.

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Fat Chance: Losing the Weight, Gaining My Worth

When I think about how my life has changed over the past couple of years it makes my head spin.

Flash back to the Spring of 2006...I was a stay-at-home mom who had come to a place of desperation in my own life. I had always struggled with my weight but it had become an all-consuming force in my life by that time that I could no longer ignore. It was affecting everything in my life.

I cried out to God for help. And He answered in a most usual way, as many of you already know: through reality TV.

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Thanks-giving...More Than Just a Holiday

I can not believe how quickly the year has flown by! In just a few days we will celebrate Thanksgiving. I thank God each day for the many blessings He has given me. But this coming Thursday will be a special day when my focus may be a little more refined.

My plans for Thanksgiving are dramatically different in some respects than they use to be. Of course I will enjoy time with my family—and that includes good food.

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God's Plans Are Better Than Ours

Did you know that November is National Adoption Month?

Adoption has a very significant place in the life of my family. If you know my story then you know that one of the main reasons I auditioned for The Biggest Loser was my intense desire to have another baby.

I had health problems that were made worse by my obesity and doctors told me not only was it unwise to try to conceive at my weight, but it was unlikely as well.

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