***Christian Calorie Counters (CCC) Continues***

Greetings to all. This thread is being started to continue, not to abandon, the old thread, Christian Calorie Counters. Thank you Danceswithforks for that wonderful thread.

This thread is for the purpose of lifting up our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and in doing so, encouraging and motivating one another on their weight Loss and weight maintenance journey, and encouraging each other in life itself.

So please come and share your needs, share your successes, encourage one another, and help us motivate each other, all in the love of the Lord.

There is an ongoing challenge if you would like to participate. It starts on the first of every month and ends at the first of the next month. On the first of the month, you come to this thread and post your weight and your 3 core measurements (chest, waist, hips). Then throughout the month you collect points for different categories of the challenge. Each week you post your points for that week. The points are then updated on the thread:
Christian Calorie Counters Challenge Roster & Updates. You go to that thread just to view the list, but stay on this thread for the purpose of posting stats and points, and above all - fellowship with each other. You do NOT have to take part in the challenge in order to be a part of this group.

Hello everyone .... it's 2am and just LOOK at what I just concocted ....

HOMEMADE BANANA-RASPBERRY SORBET

Combine in a blender, then pour into a freezer-safe container and then freeze for a few hours...

6 ounces of fresh raspberries (88 calories)

1/2 banana (45 calories)

1/2 cup unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze (20 calories)

2 packets zero-calorie sweetener (0 calories)

TOTAL CALORIES: 154

FAT: only 3 grams

FIBER: 13 grams

VITAMIN C: 82% RDA

CALCIUM: 15% RDA

*** You can substitute skim milk for the Almond Breeze, but that adds about 20 calories to this yummy, fiber-laden, HEALTHY treat!!!!

*** You can also substitute blueberries or strawberries for the raspberries, just be sure and adjust the calories. (You may not need to add sweetener if you use a fruit that is less tart than raspberries)

=^..^= MOLLY

Pam!

 Its great to see your continued dedication to our group.  His kingdom is thrilled to have you inside...as are we.  I was a bit shocked by the lock down of the previous thread...but was ecstatic to see it here this morning.  Amen!

To all:  Good morning and I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  Through the weekend my diet suffered a bit of a hit....ok a big one, but as of 906am, I am back in the saddle.  Good luck to you all as we start this NEW day.

In His love,

Eric

Good Morning everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend!

Ms Pam, I am so glad that you are continuing this great part of my life! (And others lives too!) If it weren't for you in here giving your input and fellowshipping with such insight, my day would be incomplete. I love hurrying in on Monday mornings to read everyone's posts. I learn so much from you and consider you one of my great mentors! You have a wonderful way of lifting up Jesus' name and magnifying God's glory for us all to want more of him! Thank you for your selflessness! I'm sure everyone feels the same way as I do!

Ms Dances, Please don't go too far, for too long! You are going to be missed. I understand the packing and moving part, but we need you as well as you need us too! You always bring a fresh spring in your words and the innocence in the way you approach life is wonderful! Your fellowship is very inspiring to me and your knowledge of God's Word is very helpful! 

Thank You both!

Hello all my CCC Friends!

A bit of a shock to find the old Board closed, and thanks to Pam for accepting the responsibility of continuing it. Love and prayers to Dances as she prepares for her move and her next Christian "assignment"

We spent a glorious weekend at Bible Camp! We continue to make friends there and feel the welcoming love of this great group of folks.

On Sat AM, I took a hike around the lake, just over 3 miles, over hilly terrain. Such beautiful views, I wished for my camera! But at least this one photo was taken, and I'm glad to share a happier photo now!

The sad news is that we lost our awning to a rain storm over night. But our new friends rallied round, helped pick up the pieces and encouraged us to not give up!

The study theme for the weekend was Thess. 2:1-8, putting on the Christian personality and what that really means. We both learned a lot. Sat evening the music around the campfire was fabulous...just a group of friendly believers sharing their talents. An accordion, 2 guitars, a harmonica and many angelic voices! What a joy!

Good-morning everyone!

I'm entering the October challenge a little late, but here are my stat's

Weight: 271  (1 lb. away from first mini goal!!!)

Bust: 46

Waist: 41

Hips: 51

 

Pam, I will start keeping track of all the other things this week.  We update on Monday's....correct?

I have a question for all you ex-smokers....or WHOEVER really.  Glorious smoke free weekend.  As I stated on the last thread, I didn't expect to lose any weight due to the natural detox of the body when you quit smoking.  However, I did manage to lose 2 lbs.....but I gained a few inches......2 in my bust and 1 in my hips.  Is that possible to gain inches and lose weight?

Also I wanted to share my victory this past week over night time binging.  I was kidding myself (as Suelovingly pointed out) that it wasn't really mindless munching, since I was/ am aware of it. 

I still have the urge to munch on something, so I fill a tall glass with ice cubes and munch on those.  It's been helping.  That along with not smoking, I don't feel hungover in the mornings (I don't drink anymore, so I wasn't feeling hungover from drink but from tons of food late at night plus nicotine)

 

Ms Mandy, maybe those sugar-free mints may help you or better yet, lemon drops. I gained inches as well as 60 pounds in these last 4 years after quitting smoking..........or maybe it could have been that I got married right after I quit smoking and happiness helped me gain too!!! You are doing exceptionally well, I'm proud of you!!! I think you are doing it right, eating right and quitting smoking, together at the same time. It will work!

I agree Mandy.  You are doing amazingly well.  Good for you! You are a brave woman tackling both at the same time!  :)  But I know you can do it! 

I'm SO happy that you are joining the challenge too!!!

Thank you katdan & snorman.  I'm looking forward to the October challenge.  I think it will help to keep me focused this week.  I tell you what.  I really didn't want to quit smoking just yet ( I don't think I ever wanted to quit to be honest with you) but I gave it to the Lord and told hubby to pick the date.  He picked it and we are on this journey together.  I owe any success I have to God's huge helping hand.  I am also eternally grateful to everyone who has held me in their prayers this week.  To HIM be all glory and honor and praise!

Love you all

~ Mandy

Wow, I missed alot of fellowship this morning. I am so happy to see everybody finding their way here and chatting as usual. It does my heart good to see that. There is such love and comeraderie in this group. Thank you Lord!

Molly - Good afternoon! Your 2 am feeding looks great. I am unclear however what Almond Breeze is. Could you clarify that for me And where do you find it? It looks  like I am going to have to find my blender for some of the goodies you have shared. Where Oh Where did I put it? Hmmm. Haven't used it in over 20 years.

Eric - Good afternoon! Yes, I bet it was a shock. To me as well. I only heard about the possibility a few days before, and even then I thought it was more in the distance, until I saw Dances' post. But, I think the transition went smoothly. Thank the Lord for that. I am glad to see you here. Today is a new day for you, and don't worry about the past days. It is a fresh start today.

Kat - Good afternoon! Thank you for such kind words. *brushes away tears* You too are a very special part of this group. We are so glad to have you. I am so glad to have you as my friend!

Sue - Good afternoon! So glad you had a good time at Bible Camp. I love the outdoors (when it's not too hot). The views, the night sounds, the birds singing. God created such a glorious place for us to enjoy. You took a 3 mile hike? I am impressed! Were you totally worn out from it?

The scripture that leaps out at me from the passage that Sue has mentioned (2 Thess 2:1-8) is verse 8 which reads, "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well."  I believe that is what we do here also. Thanks to each of you who share God and His love with others and share your lives as well.

Mandy - Good afternoon! I see your stats and will add you to the challengers list in just a little bit. Yes, we post points on Mondays this month. Congratulations for the smoke-free weekend! I'm proud of you! Congratulations also for the 2 pound loss! Keep in mind that it is not easy to measure the exact same way every time, so it could be that your measuring was a little off one time or the other.

Sherry - Good afternoon! Glad to see you here and joining in with the chat today. You are a great encourager as well!

I have got to continue today with a huge project that I have been working on. I am sorting through all the idle paperwork in the house and getting rid of what is no longer needed, organizing what is needed, and giving attention to those things needing attention. The other day I went through several plastic grocery bags of papers and a couple of boxes of papers. Today, I go through the filing cabinet, and eprhaps the desk. So, I will drop in ocassionally and see how everybody's doing.

Lord, I worship you today and exalt you because of who you are. I praise and thank you today for everything you do for me. You are always faithful and just. I know that you are my protector, my provider, my healer, and my comforter, and much much more. Lord, you do all of these things for each one of my friends here, and I ask that we never fail to take time to notice the little things you do, and give you thanks in all things. Lord, I ask that you let your presence be known in a very real way to each of those who come to fellowship here at CCC, and I ask that you give peace where peace is needed and restore joy to those who feel low today. I ask that you would meet each of their needs where they are, and lead each one of us and guide us in everything we do and say today, and help us to walk in your love. I ask you for all of these things in Jesus name! Amen!

Pam....

Unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze is Almond Milk ... found in your grocery store next to wherever the Soy Milk and Rice Milk lives. Made by Blue Diamond (the almond company), Almond milk is lactose-free, dairy-free, contains healthy Omega 3s .... and -- MY FAVORITE PART -- is one-half the calories of skim milk.

Fat free milk - one cup - 90 calories

Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze - one cup - 40 calories

(It also has a lot fewer carbs than milk, which helps my blood sugar!) I use it on my cereal, in smoothies, and in all other recipes calling for milk .... yum yum yum.

If you cannot find it locally (they have it everywhere, here), you can purchase it online direct from Blue Diamond.

 

=^..^= MOLLY

~ TODAY'S LUNCH ~

9 oz of cooked herbed-butter spinach (one bag) (59 calories)

Cucumber - radish - tomato salad with bacon ranch dressing (88 calories) (one cucumber, one cup of tomatoes, 2 cups of radishes)

Ham and cheese sandwich on flax seed bread (198 calories)
(4 slices ham/ one slice Kraft fat free cheddar)

TOTAL CALORIES: 345
(7 servings of veggies)

=^..^= MOLLY

Thanks Molly for the info on Almond Breeze milk. I will look for it.

have a blessed night I'll be here tomorrow again!

Hey Guys! Hope everyone is doing well. I have a special prayer request. There is a 17 month old baby at church that has been diagnosed with cancer. He has been receiving chemo and radiation however the tumor that is in his abdomen has grown onto the kidney causing blood in his urine and he may not be able to continue with the chemo he needs. This family also has 7 additional children. If anyone of you are interested in following him you can go to www.carepages.com, his carepage I believe is SamuelAndersoncarepage. God has performed miracles on this child already I know he can do it again .Please Pray.I hate to burden everyone with this but I know if we can get christians praying it will help little Samuel. Love in Jesus Name Jennifer

Waytoofat, praying as requested.

=^..^= MOLLY

~ TONIGHT'S DINNER ~

Lean, grilled sirloin, cut into strips (227 calories)

2 red onions, finely diced with fresh garlic and grilled (92 calories)

1 cup of cooked long-grain brown rice (216 calories)

zucchini with tomato sauce (90 calories)

TOTAL CALORIES: 625

(5 servings of veggies!)

* * *

Cook the brown rice with garlic powder, onion powder, and a few green onions and dried carrot pieces. Grill the garlic onions until almost done, then add in the (already-cooked) sliced sirloin steak. Either serve over the brown rice, or mix the brown rice into the pan with the grilled onions, garlic and steak .... then serve. Serve the zucchini with tomato sauce on the side. (May be topped with a little reduced fat parmesan cheese.)

SUBSTITUTIONS: Grilled chicken can be substituted in for grilled sirloin steak; one cup fresh mushrooms can be substituted for one of the onions; 1 cup cooked bulgur could be substituted for the 1 cup of brown rice. (Calorie savings for substitutions ... save 27 calories for the chicken, save 30 calories for the mushrooms, save 66 calories for the wheat bulgur.)

ENJOY!!!

 

=^..^= MOLLY

Molly - Now that was my kind of dinner!!!! I think that is what I will plan on having tonight. I asked my husband to pick me up some sirloin steak last night when he went to the store, but I don't know if he did or not. Molly, I want to tell you that you have inspired me quite a bit to get back into trying new fresh ideas, instead of staying with the same old stuff. Today is a new day, and I am going to make a fresh start today! Thank you for your inspiration!

I don't know who all this scripture is for today, but I think it will minister to someone here today, besides just me.
"Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." (Psalm 32:6-7)

Ms Molly, What a yummy menu for tonight for dinner!! I will try to make that! Thanks!

Ms Pam, I am grabbing that scripture for Nick! I talked to him yesterday and he is doing ok, not much going on right now, where he is in Iraq, but I will e-mail him this scripture. He doesn't like when I e-mail him scripture, but I told him that I believe so to please read it for my sake and to help me with his unbelief. He actually said ok! He said he will read them for me!!! Praise God!  I just believe with all my heart that God is working in Nick. Softening his heart! One day Nick will be saved, I just know it!!!

Ms Jennifer, I am praying for little Samual. God will heal that little boy! He will give the rest of the family peace and understanding. That's why we are here too, to pray for each other, not only with weight issues, but any issue that concerns the body, soul and mind. Please know that you will NEVER be a burden to us! And that a prayer request is NEVER a burden!! Bring them on!!

Yummy Breakfast:
Sautee onions and green pepper in 1 tsp olive oil. Then add 1 egg and scramble. When that is done, add 1 can of Black Beans and cook till hot. Eat that with a side of grapes, and you've got one low calorie, low fat, nutritious breakfast!

Good morning Kat! May your day be filled with peace and joy!

Good morning!
I see I've missed alot while I was gone.
I stayed the same weight for 2 weeks. I really didn't pay too much attention to my weight. Tried to eat light for the most part, but taking care of Mom was a stressful thing and then having her go into the hospital while I was there, well, you get the picture. I'm going to try to get back into the swing of things.
Hello to all the newbies.
I've missed being on here. But like Dances, feel that I might spend a little too much time at the computer and need to schedule my time better. I'll keep my volume up so I can hear when I've got mail if anyone wants to email me.
Love ya, Kim