The Perfect Sentence-The Everyday Sentence

As I have said before...I LOVE words...clearly!  I love using them as often as possible...talking, writing, listening...I just love them. 

Here though is my chief complaint about words...at times, they just do not fully convey my experience.  That is where Actions come in to play!

So...I really, as a part of my growth (and reduction) along this Journey....I feel like Actions MUST accompany my words.  Which as many of you know, can be difficult.  It is something that I struggle with...I want to be a person whose words have meaning because I back them with Action. 

I work at it...AND I use lots of words...at times too many...at times not the right ones...and at times..I get it right.  My favorite though...Is when I have someone in my life that lives by example..someone that has the ability to use the right words in combination with the perfect Action!

So having said that, today I was on the receiving end of a Perfect Sentence.

The perfect sentence is tricky...It has to be the best combination of words, timing and heart (action).

I love the perfect sentence...it fits like my best pair of skinny jeans (LOL),  it completely and totally warms my heart when I least expect it...It needs no further explanation. 

AND THIS perfect sentence...sparked some inspiration within me!!!  I read it...and BOOM!!!  I got it...It fit and It made perfect sense. 

Today, I needed the perfect sentence....I needed a shot of confidence...I needed someone elses' wisdom to help me find mine. I received this sentence in an email at 6:30 AM this morning!! For me,  the perfect thought..perfect timing..and the perfect action of the person who took the precious time to send it.

"Just wishing you nothing but  CLARITY OF MIND...OF DIRECTION..AND OF HEART TODAY."


This is an EVERYDAY sentence for me...This is a sentence that I need to read everyday and know that the prayer that lives in this sentence is what I need in order to win my Fight to Light in every sense of the word.

Clarity is the key to this Journey for me and with it comes confidence, comes strength and I believe Clarity enables me to develop into the person I want to be...in relationship to my work, my goals, my relationships and most importantly in my Christian life.


In her own way and in her own wisdom...My friend captured my daily prayer in a way that I had not been able to articulate. Her grace, her heart, with God's Love gave me a gift...the gift of Clarity!

This morning my Mom and I prayed together as I entered my day...I received these words above...I had the opportunity to face a challenge with confidence... with Clarity!  A Gift...A God Moment...

God is so taking care of me through those I love...through words, through music...through powerful action...on this fact...I have complete Clarity!

The fog is beginning to lift for me...I am feeling more confident, stronger...capable again, of completing this part of my Journey.

Thanks to my sweet Mama for praying such a heartfelt prayer and thanks to the precious author of the perfect sentence!

In Communion

So the birthday celebration continued into Sunday...maybe I will push for a birthday "Month"!! 

Last night, Donna, Bill and Emily had a little birthday shin dig for Aunt Jaime!!  A great meal, great gifts and a rousing game of Apples to Apples!!! 

Really thoughtful, fun and heart-warming evening!  I feel celebrated!!!  I love my people!

At the end of the month...a few of us will be making my now, annual pilgrimage to Enchanted Rock/Fredericksburg, TX...that is my birthday present from my Mom!!!  I will be trekking up and down the big rock twice this year...just to add a little new wrinkle to the trip.  I am really looking forward to it...being outdoors...hiking...spending time with my friends..and I always feel more in communion with God when I am in the outdoors! 

Speaking of communion...Saturday night at the Josh Garrels concert he covered an old hymn often associated with communion in churches across this nation.  I could not find a songwriter to contribute it to...but I know that it is an old African American Spiritual. 

The combination of the lyrics and music is a bit haunting and humbling for me.

Let us break bread together
On our knees, on our knees
Let us break bread together
On our knees, on our knees
When I fall on my knees
With my face to the rising sun
O Lord
Have mercy on me, on me
Let us drink wine together
On our knees, on our knees
Let us drink wine together
On our knees, on our knees
When I fall on my knees
With my face to the rising sun
O Lord
Have mercy on me, on me
Let us praise God together
On our knees, on our knees
Let us praise God together
On our knees, on our knees
When I fall on my knees
With my face to the rising sun
O Lord
Have mercy on me, on me

It made me think about communion...what it means in daily life for me...Here is how communion is defined per my friend Merriam-Webster...

1: an act or instance of sharing

2: a:capitalized: a Christian sacrament in which consecrated bread and wine are consumed as memorials of Christ's death or as symbols for the realization of a spiritual union between Christ and communicant or as the body and blood of Christ

b: the act of receiving Communion

3: intimate fellowship or rapport : communication

 

4: a body of Christians having a common faith and discipline

Here is what I love about music and people...the different interpretations and relationships both are capable of..

Music can be sung differently, touch differently, interpreted differently and can trigger any range of emotions depending upon the listener.

For me, the same is true for people. We each are capable of impacting each other's lives in different ways..while we sing the same song...we can touch each others hearts differently and our actions and words can trigger any range of emotions depending upon the listener.

I think that is why I feel most connected or in communion with God when in relationship to music/people...I feel God's presence most profoundly in the moments that I am engaged emotionally, spiritually with the people that I find along my Journey. 

Now please forgive me if I am getting a little too deep...in the weeds...but as people have asked me how my birthday was...I really found myself thinking that this birthday...this potentially non-descript turning of the page from 46 years to 47...has been one of the most heart changing birthdays I have had in a while...

I found myself surrounded by moments of communion...with my friends...with great music...with wonderfully thought provoking words and I found myself completely loved by God...a "no-doubter"!
By communion I mean...I had the privilege of "sharing" time, words, space and music with people I love...everything from the Josh Garrels concert, singing in the car, or singing a stunning version of Sound of Music's So Long, Farewell with my Mom, Emily and Donna at the kitchen table...trust me..you would have loved it!!!  :)  All of that wrapped up in time and fellowship with my "people"...those people that at times, may be "singing the same song" in my life...but are each touching my heart in unique ways.

So in theme with singing the same song and it reaching different parts of us...below is Josh Garrels version of Break Bread and a version I found on You Tube...though unfortunately, I cannot credit the singer..Same words...different voices...same message...different heart delivering that message.  One thing in common...Being in Communion with God...with Each Other.

I love the fact that this birthday has made me think...even more...about how I connect with God daily and that further deepens my love for those around me that touch my heart and change it for the better.


I am Forging On!!! Phil 4:13


Break Bread-Josh Garrels

Break Bread Together

HAPPY "BIRTH" DAY TO ME

So yesterday was my 47th Birthday....The actual day of my entrance to this world.

I have always thought that the celebration should be for my Mom...I was a couple of weeks late...it took 28 hours for me to commit to showing my face...and when I did...I was all fat and sassy weighing in at 8lbs, 8 oz.  According to my Mom...I arrived hungry...hmmm...I sense the beginning of a pattern.

Over the years, birthdays have been a big deal....parties, days of celebrating, gifts, food...the whole shebang!

Yesterday was equally as eventful...but different. Truthfully, I wasn't really "feeling it" this week heading in to my birthday. I was busy and I continue to work on sorting through this part of my weight loss Journey and am in the weeds a bit.

But...Friday before my bday...my sweet Mom decorated the ENTIRE apartment with handmade decorations with sweet messages and cute stuff galore.
She always goes above and beyond to make sure I feel loved...even after 28 hours of labor and a 9.5 month pregnancy!

So...I started my birthday DAY with one of my "youngsters"...my friend, former co-worker, Rally to Serve partner, and fitness motivator extraordinaire,  Lindsey!  We met at a park, walked 3.7 miles, talked AND even had a little of her HOMEMADE LEMON CAKE...MY FAVE!

Next...Lunch (a healthy one) with Mom, Donna and family...

Then...my evening!

As I have shared in prior posts...I connect most directly with God in a couple of very special ways...through Music and through the people he places in my life. And though I certainly am aware of God's presence in my life in many other ways...these 2 ways often impact my life most profoundly.

So last night...I got a double dose of God's Grace and Love...what a special birthday present!

About 3 weeks ago, my friend Camille sent a song to me that her son had shared with her called Farther Along by Josh Garrels. I included it in my Jan. 16th post. The song touched my heart, reduced me to tears and made me happy all at the same time!

So fast forward to Friday...I get a message from Camille asking about my birthday plans...she then proceeds to invite me to a concert...A Josh Garrels concert...on my birthday...where I will get to hear him sing this heart changing  song WITH a friend who is heart changing as well...HAPPY BIRTHDAY to ME!

The concert was brilliant, thoughtful, touching...perfect.
The people I attended the concert with were funny, loving, thoughtful, touching...perfect!

I was blessed by the music...and am doubly blessed by this great family of people God has placed on my path.

I have had lots of "birth" days in the past couple of years...moments when I celebrated something new being born in me..some little nuance of change or big dose of different that keeps me on my way along this Journey...Some amazing God moments that reinforces the idea that I am in the middle of life changing...life affirming process that will make me Lighter...physically, emotionally and Spiritually.

Thanks to my Mom for kicking off a great life by enduring my stubborn tardiness....and "decorating" my life with amazing support and love.

Thanks to my friends and family who have consistently made me grateful for my life and are onboard for ALL of my "birth"days.

And...
Thanks to the new gifts in my life...those that have met me in the middle of an, at times, dicey life overhaul and love me anyway!

And thank God for sharing such precious gifts with me!

Again...as the song I mentioned above says:

So much more to life than we've been told
It's full of beauty that will unfold
Farther along we'll know all about it
Farther along we'll understand why

Thank you to ALL of you that add daily joy to my life.

Let the Games Begin

So Tonight...The Opening Ceremonies for Sochi 2014! 

So..I think it has been established that I love the Olympics: I mean REALLY LOVE! 

So my sweet Mama does this funny thing...She posts signs on our door (the door from the garage to the house) that are celebratory in nature!!  Like this one...When I started this Journey:

 

And this one for my Birthday last year!

 

 

 

 

So night before last I came home to this!!!!

 

 

 

 

 She makes my heart smile!

 

So let the Games Begin!!!!

 

Maybe there is some unexpected inspiration to be gained and I know that there will be amazing examples of Courage and Perseverance...there will be amazing victories and there will be those that fall short of their goals.  One thing I love about the Olympics...it is a lifetime achievement that cannot be done without great thought, heart and work AND it does not happen every day or every year for that matter.  These athletes work a lifetime for this one chance...unless of course you know an Olympian that has been to 4 Olympic games!!!! :)  Seriously, the level of commitment it takes, the PATIENCE it takes...All of it is profoundly inspiring. 

 

As I turn a year older tomorrow...I know that I am grateful for my Journey...for the opportunity to work for my own version of a lifetime achievement...No, there will be no gold medal or torches carried...but the work is still required...the courage and the heart...the guts it takes to lose my gut...

 

I will continue to pray for the strength and courage I need to conquer this challenge.  God can Make A Way!

 

 

 

 





Courage IS Required!

One more day...and the best sports competition in the World begins...The Olympics...an event where Courage, Faith, Determination, Perseverance, Tenacity...are household words. 

I love the Olympics...Summer and Winter.  The best part about the Winter Olympics is that the Opening Ceremonies are always either on or near my Birthday!!!  Happy Birthday to ME...this year...the Day before!!

For those of you that are familiar with my story...you know, that this Journey started because of the Olympics...at least the final push of inspiration was provided on an Olympic stage by people who embody those words I mentioned above...and because God is good...I now have had the honor of seeing that kind of character up close and personal.

 

I will tell you that there is something special about an Olympian...at least the one I have met.  Strength (physical and emotional) that passes my understanding...Wisdom, Quiet Confidence..OPTIMISM...and amazing Faith!  Faith in the direction of the Path that she is on and the Courage of a LION!!! Of course, I do not profess to know her daily processes...but I can tell you this...there is something about this Olympian that stands out...her ability to consistently live/be at the level required to achieve her goals and do so with a wonderfully loving and grateful heart.  Just writing this paragraph reminds of why she inspired me in the first place.  She has a certain Light about her that blows my mind.

I continue to "report" to her my progress from time to time and I share with her certain blog posts..Honestly...at times, I am a little intimidated to do so...not because of her...but because I struggle so much. 

However, it really does provide me with a certain will or drive that I just don't get elsewhere...I actually want to accomplish this goal for all of the reasons I write about so frequently...AND there is a little part of me that wants accomplish my goal in honor of her!  As a way of repaying the inspiration, so to speak!  That may sound kinda silly...but it is true! 

She would tell me to do it for ME...and I am...with just a little side for others as well!!

So I will say this...in spite of  myself...:)...I am making progress again...losing weight..and slowly climbing up from where I have been...

Kerri sent me this quote a couple of days ago:

"Be courageous, open up and let love, prosperity and all the good stuff in. You are worthy of all this AND more!”

Really such a true statement...

Courage Is Required.

Opening up our minds and hearts is key! In doing so...I think that Letting Go is equally as important...clearing out all that keeps us closed off and afraid. 

Loving, Letting others love us and the hard one for me...Loving myself.. it is freeing and gives us space to be more than we can imagine.

And for Me...All of the above...Over and Above...require Faith...the true trust that I am not doing this...not taking on my life without the loving guidance and care from a Power much greater than me!!! 

After that...the Door opens and the good stuff will flow...AND from what I hear...with that comes Confidence, Perseverance, Determination...all of those traits that make for a champion and a happy champion at that!

My work...my process...appears to require that I "clean" out a few "closets"...make room for the new stuff...the good stuff.  I pray daily for the courage I need to be in God's Will...My hope is that this part of my Journey...this "cleaning" out that feels intense, messy and maybe a little too much drama for some..will help me BE Courageous...Open Up and let Love, Prosperity and ALL of the good stuff in and Most importantly...will help me Live as an Example of Worthiness in God's eyes.

There is a Way

Hi there,

This is a letter of sorts...from me to you...the many of you that take the time, the patience and the energy it takes to be a part of my life. 

So...I think it has been well documented lately that I am experiencing a few growing pains these days. A few weeks ago, I received this from a friend. 

 

 

I keep reading it...thinking about what that means for me...I agree that there are times when our best  plans turn our not to be the best...and that we, as people trying to reach a goal, have to amend plans in order to be successful. That makes perfectly good sense to me on a logical level...yet, I continue to struggle with all of the other pieces that play into this Journey over and above logic. 

 

So here is what I got in the last 24 hours..or I should say...here is the reminder I got.  The Plan is God's plan...not mine.  So, I have to keep my ears, eyes and heart open to that plan.  When my plan interferes with God's plan...that is where the trouble begins and grows, if I don't reel it in!! 

 

Last night, I had the privilege of getting to hang out with two of my very first coaches.  As I have said before in this blog...If you ever have the opportunity to sit down as an adult with a teacher, coach, mentor,  someone that had an impact on your young life and talk about life from an adult perspective...don't pass it up.  There is something so wonderful in the exchange...Of course, though I may be bias, these 2 people are exceptional people and I am blessed to have the opportunity. 

 

They listened to me...like they had a choice...and I listened to them...yes, I stopped talking long enough to do that every once in a while.  I found that in listening...I heard God's voice...His wisdom..coming through their words...their experiences...their courage and strength.  I am no dummy...I knew going into it that these two women had something to say that I needed to hear...they always do!

 

Also yesterday, I received a message from a young man that I am just getting to know and that I have had the privilege of becoming friends with his Mom in the past year.  I felt compelled to write a note of encouragement to him as he experiences some of those growth opportunities that God gives us on our way when we least expect them...we have ALL had those...Just wanted him to know that I believe God is right there...every step of the way...just a little note of encouragement...a prayer on paper of sorts.  He is 20 years old...and probably could have thought I was a bit of a nut when he received this note ( and you KNOW it was NOT a short note) from someone he barely knows...but instead he wrote this..."The fact that we have only met briefly makes this letter so much more special and clearly from the Lord!" Love that...Wisdom...it is not just for us "seasoned" folks.

 

So...I got something from my time with my "coaches" and from this text from an exceptional young man...I was reminded that nothing can stop me if I remember that God loves me...more than anyone on this Earth can...That if I let Him guide my actions, my words, my plans...I will succeed...that There is a Way I can succeed. 

 

So as I write this, I am again aware that somewhere along the way...somewhere EARLY in this process...this Journey really changed from a weight loss Journey into a something much bigger...much more important. 

 

The 1st part of my title for this blog was created to reflect my Journey to lose 120lbs in a year.  I can PROMISE you that you can find hundreds of other similar Journeys online...blogs, video blogs, you name it...ALL of which document the lives of people taking on the challenge of losing a large amount of weight in an allotted period of time. And like me, some set goals that they have not met...Others have kicked some butt and amazingly have met their goal weight within the time frame they designated.  God Bless them all...for each of their experiences are unique and are, I am sure, filled with great stories of courage, strength, failures and successes...all that comes with making a radical life change.

 

The second part of the title of this blog was created to reflect the daily journey of this " fluffy girl's" journey to lose that weight...the honest, cold-hard facts of the Life...the daily life...of a Fluffy girl and her fight to become lighter!!!

 

Now...the part of the title that resonates with me most deeply is the Fight to Light.  Yes...it still means a literal lightness...lighter on my feet, lighter on the scale...lbs and lbs lighter and I am still hoping for 120lbs lighter...

 

However, the word Light has taken on a different meaning for me...a singularly more important meaning that now for me, is the real meaning of this Journey.  For me...this Journey is about learning to live fully in the Light..the Light of God's Love...and taking that Light with me...Living that Light so that others can see it...without straining their eyes and hearts..you see...THAT is the fight for me in this Journey...to really live as FULLY as I can, be ALL that God intended AND in a HEALTHY body.

 

See...the healthy body...the weight loss really has become a secondary goal..but very necessary for me to accomplish the ultimately bigger goal...to the live this life that God gave me to the very fullest...

 

I could spend hours enumerating the multitude of life changing moments I have experienced since August of 2012 and technically, I have in the over 500 posts here...and I am sure I will continue to do in the next 500...but I am not sure that my words...and my ability to utilize the English language will EVER be demonstrative enough, descriptive enough or eloquent enough to capture the reality of my experiences...but I keep trying!

 

But because I love words...I love this outlet as a way I can express the love, the craziness, the growth, the growing pains...the gains and the losses, the victories and the total fails.  But most importantly, I love this place because it is where I have begun to learn about the real meaning of this Journey...Because this is where I have met inspiration...because it is the  place where I am learning to share my heart, conquer my fears, cry my tears and make some really bad jokes. Because this is the place I am learning about my own personal Journey to Light and the ways in which I can be the Light...to share it with others...THIS is the place is where others have shared with  me their Light...their Courage and their Hearts! 

 

At the end of the day...This is the place where I am embracing ALL parts of my life...not just the fluff!  With every pound I lose (gain back) and lose again...I GAIN a permanent change in my heart.  I GAIN from all of you...much needed wisdom, courage, honesty and LOVE...

 

And just like anything in life...along this Journey...I have lost friends, gained new ones, relied on my family, looked to strangers for help and found friends in the process.  I have had to overcome my fears of looking foolish, or weak and trade that in for the knowledge that those things don't define me..but do give me the opportunity to grow.

 

I continue on this Journey...a bit bruised today...but clear that this Journey to Light...is worth the Fight...and that though the Plan MAY change...The Goal is Still the SAME only bigger!!!

 

So as I end this letter to you, I am reluctant to make any promises about the the trajectory of this Journey, the success or how long it will take...I am thinking though...that this Journey to Light...is one that will last a lifetime.  Relax though...I will not require all of you to read this for the rest of  your life or mine...But I will continue (not daily) to document my quest to get this body in shape for the rest of this Journey!

 

 One of the best parts of this Journey for me is really coming to learn and understand the power of Love...God's Love, sharing that and receiving it!  Thank you for being great teachers!

 

Still Forging On...There is Way! The Truth, the Life and The Way

 

Jaime

 

 P.S.  This is a Great song...take a listen!

 

There is a Way-NewWorldSon

 

 

 

 



The Peyton Manning of Fluffy Girls

Happy Superbowl Sunday...at least if you are a Seattle fan...
I am a Peyton Manning fan so...feeling disappointed for him tonight.

But he has something no one can take away from him...Integrity, Humility and a quiet Confidence and Grace...Greatness!

Richard Sherman could learn a thing or two from him..but  then again. ..so could I!

I think we all would like to be great at what we do AND be well respected for the WAY in which we do it.

As I have stumbled lately...struggling with the changes I have been experiencing...fumbling along on my Journey...I am aware of the fact that I have always wanted to take on this Journey with a certain grace. I want to live as an example of integrity, humility and be the best person I can be throughout this process.

I guess though....I am really not feeling too graceful lately. ..clumsy, clutzy and awkward...seems a more accurate description. 

I want to be great at this weight loss thing...I want to accomplish my goals and succeed. I want for others to see the blessings God has given me in the way I live my life.

Frankly...I want to be the Peyton Manning of Fluffy Girls...

Confident. Graceful. Humble and with unquestioned Intergrity (and 120lbs lighter).

So...as the 1st week of the cleanse comes to a close... so far so good.

I attended a great Superbowl party...with lots of great food and friends/new friends. It was a bit of a challenge to lay off the groceries....but I got something better...fun, laughter, conversation (my favorite ) and the chance to share space with new friends and with those I love dearly....all over a game of football!

I am blessed!

This week, I will continue to Ask...Seek and Knock!