Well, I have been working on my diet now for 1 week at 5 days. I had my first weigh in last Tuesday and I only lost two pounds.  I had been away over the weekend and had little control over my choices of food. My guests offered me Mexican food on Friday night and Pizza on Saturday day night.  Also, there was a big reception after the graduation I went to with a big buffet. I did have some success at controlling myself, but I found it so hard to overcome my desire to eat all of those delicous goodies! I do know I could have asked for more grace to struggle against my weakness. I know all the help I need is there if only I ask.

The good news though is that my waist circumference has already gone down one whole inch. And my hips have gone from 51 inches to 49 inches!!! Totally awesome. My clothes already feel better.  I have exercised this week Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and today!  This is a huge change as I was a big couch potato for the last 18 months or so! 

Below is a picture of my guy- I totally love him!  He became the Holy Father when I was in the 5th grade and to be honest, I miss him here on earth. He was like another great dad to me! I had the opportunity to see him in person 3 times.  The first time was at World Youth Day in 1993 and I was 23 years old. The theme of WYD 1993 was John 10:10- A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly. ( I also love the next verse: 11: I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep- which is exactly what JPII did).

If you are interested, here is the prayer to his intercession-

O Blessed Trinity, we thank You for having
graced the Church with Blessed John Paul
II and for allowing the tenderness of Your
Fatherly care, the glory of the Cross of
Christ, and the splender of the Spirit of love,
to shine through him. Trusting fully in
Your infinite mercy and in the maternal intercession
of Mary, he has given us a living
image of Jesus the Good Shepherd, and has
shown us that holiness is the necessary
measure of ordinary Christian life and is
the way of achieving eternal communion
with You. Grant us, by his intercession, and
according to Your will, the graces we implore,
hoping that he will soon be numbered
among Your saints. Amen.

My next weigh in is on Tuesday- I hope the scale moves a little more as I get more active. My metabolism appears to be moving at the rate of a rusty old barge in sludgy water!  With your help, Lord, I will progress!

Omnium in Bonum,
Denise