TheNewMe

 Well, today is my 1 year surgiversary. My journey started in December of 2013. I weighed 330, my BMI was 58.5 and was in really bad shape physically. Before surgery, I lost 50 pounds and was on a variety of medications and machines. September 22, 2014 I went in for surgery. My pre-surgery weight was 280 and I measured my body. As of today: I weigh 180, my BMI is 31.9, and I have lost a total of 79.25 inches off my body. Incredible. I would like to take full credit, but I cannot. God has been my main source of strength. My awesome host of family, friends, and co-workers have been my incredible source of hope, motivation, and support. I love them all. I don't know what the future holds regarding any further loss, but I am finally comfortable in my own skin. I am still working towards my goal of 145, however I am happy to be where I am. Thanks to all who have gotten me here and praise goes to my Father in Heaven for allowing me to finish a great work. Things to keep in mind: 1....

I want to begin by saying that I am a reviewing an advance copy that was provided by the publisher free of charge for the purpose of review. I received it through the Blogging For Books website. You can purchase the book   HERE . The author, Kevin Gerald is best known for his communication of practical, biblical principles that empower people to live successful Christian lives. He is the founder and Senior Pastor of Champions Centre, one of the largest congregations in the Pacific Northwest. This book gives a fresh perspective on how to live believing that God's favor is always upon us. The point is made that grace and favor are intertwined and we are never without both. Despite hardships that come our way God's favor can give us a different perception in how it will affect our lives. While I do differ in opinion about how easy it is to relish in God's favor, I found the material to be uplifting and encouraging in the Christian faith walk. I would recommend this book for ...

Why does what I say matter? Because it matters to me. Only you can make what you want to say significant to yourself. What it means to others falls on them in how they have been shaped by their own experiences. Everyone's voice makes a difference, whether you agree with them or not. I am shaped by my experience and by my beliefs. Because I may not agree with how you view the world or God's word does not mean that I do not love you just as much. We all have opinions and the "right" to say or express our feelings. Sometimes it is not worth saying and sometimes it is. There will NEVER be a time when our beliefs will align with everyone or when politics will simply be real and unadulterated. Why do we have to then argue about every single issue? Is it going to change anything really? This life is short. God meant for us to love and for his love to reach others through us. We are not to compare ourselves to others because we were only meant to be ourselves and not those ot...