- Username: marylaw
- Location: Winfield, KS, USA
- Member Since: 7/26/2008
- BMI: 44.7
- Hoping to have surgery
- Surgery Type: VSG (11/17/08)
- Surgeon: Gregory Walton, M.D.
Photos
I'm Not In Any Photos Yet.
Before & AfterThere are currently no before and after photos for this member. See these instructions if you wish to submit your own Before & After photos.
Goals
No Public Goals Yet.
Surgeon TestimonialGregory Walton, M.D.When I attended the informational seminar, Dr. Walton was the presenter. I was impressed by his unassuming demeanor, his humor, and his knowledge. When I found out that I could get an appointment with him, I was delighted. When I met with him, I just knew he was the surgeon for me! I have had several challenges already, and Dr. Walton has been very helpful and encouraging. His staff has been wonderful. Everyone emphasizes the importance of pre- and post-op care. Dr. Walton and I both know there are risks, not only in connection with the surgery but with me as the patient. I feel like I am part of the team, to make sure my experience is the best it can be. I feel \"heard,\" and that is so important to me. No question is \"stupid.\" I appreciate Dr. Walton's surgical expertise and his sensitive bedside manner.rnI'm sure Dr. Walton is not a perfect surgeon, but, so far, he's come close.
Member Interests
- Books & Literature - I'm an avid reader. I love to learn and be challenged.
- Writing - I enjoy writing spiritual devotionals and articles.
- Teaching - I'm a retired English teacher. I still enjoy teaching; I just don't get paid.
- Walking - I used to enjoy walking. I look forward to being able to again.
- Singing - My favorite form of worship is singing.
- Christianity - Radically saved (40 years and counting)
- Married - Very!!!
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Relational Devotion #4 [Need a miracle?] on October 31, 2008 5:22 am
Hi, Everyone.
Today's scripture is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. I hope to hear from many of you about how God has come through for you and what you're believing for in the future. Have a great weekend, and spend quality time with the Lord.
John 4:46-53
"As [Jesus] traveled through Galilee, He came to Cana, where He had turned the water into wine [at the marriage supper, His first miracle]. There was a government official in nearby Capernaum whose son was very sick. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged Jesus to come to Capernaum to heal his son, who was about to die. Jesus asked, 'Will you never believe in Me unless you see miraculous signs and wonders?' The official pleaded, 'Lord, please come now before my little boy dies.' Then Jesus told him, 'Go back home. Your son will live!' And the man believed what Jesus said and started home. While the man was on his way, some of his servants met him with the news that his son was alive and well. He asked them when the boy had begun to get better, and they replied, 'Yesterday afternoon at one o'clock his fever suddenly disappeared!' Then the father realized that that was the very time Jesus had told him, 'Your son will live.' And he and his entire household believed in Jesus."
The government official demonstrated faith in Jesus by humbly asking Him to heal his son. He believed Jesus' word to be true, even though he hadn't yet seen the results. Our faith is expressed in similar ways. We can begin by humbly and honestly seeking God's help. He will help us, even though we may not see immediate results. We can believe that God is working and persevere, even when the results are not immediately evident.
What this has to do with weight loss: You can ask God to partner with you, to help you lose the weight you need to lose and/or exercise regularly, to help you become and stay healthy. It is a process that will take time. Keep believing that God is working, and persevere, no matter what. If you do, in time you will see great results.
Today, what can you believe God to do for you? Listen to the lead singer of Delirious sing "Miracle Maker." [Note: The word you see, in different languages, is the word "holy."]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FOPKkQmJog
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Relational Devotion #3 [You are loved] on October 30, 2008 5:27 am
John 3:16-18
"For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him. There is no judgment against anyone who believes in Him. But anyone who does not believe in Him has already been judged for not believing in God's one and only Son."
Faith says "yes" to God's loving overtures to each of us. God cared enough to send His own Son, Jesus Christ, to pay for our sins. True faith has nothing to do with our human efforts, social achievements, or material wealth. True faith says to God, "I'm a helpless sinner, in need of a Savior. I trust Your forgiveness, which You freely offer me in Jesus Christ." This faith delivers those who believe, and have asked Jesus to enter their heart, from the ultimate consequence of our sins--eternal separation from God.
What this has to do with weight loss: Not only does faith in Jesus Christ give us salvation's assurance of an eternity in Heaven, but it also empowers us to make changes in the present that will plant the seeds for a new life. As a believer, you have access to all the power of God, to enable you to make good choices, even in the area of eating and exercising. God cares about every detail of your life. He is ready, willing, and able to help you. He loves you and wants you whole, in every way.
Today, know this: If you had been the ONLY person on the face of this earth, Jesus would still have come and died just for you. Listen to Tom Nicholson singing "No Greater Love." [Note: The music begins after the introductory material and poem.]
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=02af9a458a4bb47a8415
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Relational Devotion #2 [Get angry!] on October 29, 2008 5:27 am
I don't know about you, but anger is my least comfortable emotion, yet, it is God-given. The Bible says, "Be angry and sin not" (Ephesians 4:26a). That's the key. Even Jesus got angry, yet He did not sin. Let's see how getting angry can be beneficial.
John 2:13-16
"It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. In the Temple area He saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; He also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money. Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers' coins over the floor, and turned over their tables. Then, going over to the people who sold doves, He told them, 'Get these things out of here. Stop turning My Father's house into a marketplace!'"
Jesus was angry at those who turned the Temple courts into a marketplace of unjust profit. The merchants forced the people to buy "approved" sacrificial animals at exorbitant prices and exchanged their currency for Temple currency at inflated rates. They abused the public trust and mocked holy worship. It wasn't right, and Jesus was righteously indignant. Anger is an emotion and one of the emotions God created in us. It can be used for good or for evil. Anger that is measured and authorized by God's purposes (not "man's" and not religion's) is justified. This kind of anger can play an important role in our spiritual, emotional, and physical recovery.
What this has to do with weight loss: You will know, beyond a doubt, that you will experience success in the area of weight loss, when you get angry enough to do something about it. When you stand up to the abusive forces in your life, and that includes addiction to food, you will be able to make the changes that will set you free from its grip. As you do, God will stand by you.
Today, think about anything in your life that God says, "Let's get this OUT!" Allow holy anger to well up inside you, and do the hard thing, to get that destructive, abusive force out of your life. God can use even anger in you, to encourage you to make changes. Surrender to the process. Listen to the group Sanctus Real singing "Whatever You're Doing."
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=62bb7ec2e75a4db9fdc0
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Relational Devotion #1 [The Gift] on October 28, 2008 5:20 am
Today begins a new devotional series, based on the Book of John. I'm calling it a Relational Devotion, as it will focus on scripture that teaches us how to have a good relationship with the Lord and with each other. Along with the scripture, devotional comments, and daily challenge, I will seek to tie it in to weight loss and include a video song, if at all possible. As always, I encourage you to share what God is doing in your life.
John 1:1-5, 10-13
"In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through Him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it... He came into the very world He created, but the world didn't recognize Him. He came to His own people, and even they rejected Him. But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn--not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God." [NLT]
The same Power that created the universe is available to create a new life within us, to create a new life from our shattered hopes and dreams. The Light of Life, that exposes and drives away the darkness of the human race is the same light that brightens the dark corners of our world, whatever those dark corners may be.
Eternal life and renewed earthly life are ours when we believe what God says, renounce our tendency to do things our way, and receive the One whom God sent to help us. It is our personal decision to make, whether or not to receive the gift of salvation, to receive the gift of help.
What this has to do with weight loss: Everyone who is trying to lose weight, pre- or post-op, needs support. Support can come from family, friends, the medical community, the internet community (like ObesityHelp.com), but the greatest help can be found on the spiritual level, in a day-to-day relationship with Jesus Christ. He is our High Priest, acquainted with every sorrow, with every experience we could ever have [Hebrews 4:15; Isaiah 53:3b], and has promised to make a way out whenever we experience temptation [I Corinthians 10:13].
Today, if you've never received the gift of salvation and would like to, listen to the song "Prayer of Salvation," and pray the prayer with an open heart. If you have asked Jesus into your heart, previously, take the opportunity to remember the sweet moment you surrendered to Jesus and thank Him for the gift of salvation and the gift of help He gives you daily.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQF2Yf2D3fw
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Devotion #61 on October 27, 2008 5:57 am
Today's devotion is a summary of all the important points that I chose, when I reread all 60 devotions. I often use them as positive confessions, reminders, etc. If you recall, I call this "The Way of Holiness"(see Devotion #5).
The Way of Holiness
1) Whether I eat or drink, whatever I do, will be for the glory of God.
2) I purpose in my heart to work with God, for His glory, and He enables me.
3) I "feast" on Jesus, and I am full and satisfied.
4) I learn what I need to learn, apply it in my heart and life, and leave the results and
timing up to God.
5) Fasting once a week helps break my bondage to food, loose my yoke of self-loathing,
and I realize true freedom.
6) I receive food with thanksgiving and with discipline (when and how much to eat).
7) I do not overeat or deny the sufficiency of Christ. I choose to change my focus from
the physical to the spiritual, from food to Him.
8) I do not give in to a craving, for I will not choose to gratify my flesh over enjoying the
presence of God.
9) Food cannot meet emotional needs (quench the thirst heart, fill the hungry soul). Only
Jesus can do that.
10) I allow the "waters" of the Word of God, the Presence of God, the Glory of God, and
the Power of God to flow over me, and I am satisfied, fed, quenched, refreshed, and
transformed.
11) My purpose is to honor the Lord, to magnify His grace, and to show the power of God
in my life, living a disciplined life and savoring the preciousness of my Jesus.
12) Gluttony, the habit of overeating and indulging the flesh, is sin. I put it far from me.
13) It is important to remove all obstacles on The Way, and that involves repentance and
purposeful living.
14) I "put off" gluttony, overeating, and indulging my flesh and "put on" disciplined eating
habits, feasting on God’s Word, and offering my body as a living sacrifice. The power
of God’s grace accomplishes this.
15) My two accountability partners and I are a "three-stranded cord [that] is not easily
broken" (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
16) I am most easily tempted after a spiritual experience, when I am physically weak, or
when I am alone. To resist and overcome temptation, I refuse to comply and I reply
with God’s Word.
17) I am clay in the Potter’s hands. He will remake me into a beautiful, useful vessel.
18) Jesus sets me free from the bondage of overeating, as I yield to Him and His Word.
19) God saves, rescues, and frees. My part is to cry out to Him.
20) When I "feed" on Jesus, my Passover Lamb, I leave Egypt, my enslavement to
overeating.
21) On my own, I am powerless over food addiction. I must keep my eyes on God, looking
to Him for help.
22) Renewing my mind is thinking differently, and that leads to behaving differently. It’s the
key to presenting my body as a living sacrifice.
23) God fights for me. Because of Him, I stand firm, confident, and undismayed.
24) I must be vigilant in my walk of victory.
25) I embrace God’s Greatness and All of Who He is fills my view, so I am no longer able
to overeat in His Presence.
26) When I’m weary, God’s power strengthens me. When I’m weak, God’s power
empowers me. I find it by waiting in His Presence.
27) Living by the Spirit (being led by and walking with the Spirit) is the key to not gratifying
my flesh (not overeating).
28) I am a new creation, on the inside. In time, my "outside" will show that, too.
29) When I fall down, I get back up again.
30) When I am content in my circumstances, God is free to intervene in them.
31) It is good to take time to review what I am learning.
32) Abiding in the love of Jesus makes my joy complete and breaks my slavery to food.
33) With God’s help, I fight laziness and gluttony.
34) I press on.
35) The God Gain Lifestyle is about delighting my soul, disciplining my body, and daily
being accountable.
36) I am nourished through God’s Word.
37) I am an overcomer, changed, even in the area of eating.
38) I am diligent, because I want everything God has for me.
39) God is most glorified in me, when I am most satisfied in Him.
40) I do not run from the pain of crucifying my flesh daily; I run to God.
41) I’m free to eat whatever I want, as long as the food will be helpful to me and I am not
mastered by it.
42) I seek God first, eat in a careful manner (without overeating), and enjoy food as a gift
from God.
43) My desire is that my life and my body prove that I have been with Jesus.
44) I look for opportunities to minister grace to those in need.
45) Jesus wants me to be alert and vigilant, ready to serve God with a mighty, strong
body and a healthy mind and soul.
46) Humility enables me to continue to be victorious in this battle against my flesh,
continue to be free from overeating, continue to honor the Lord in my body, and
continue to lose weight for the glory of God.
47) I am master of my cravings, and I make my body subservient to my spiritual desire to
honor the Lord in all things.
48) Forgiveness breaks every yoke of oppression.
49) Meditating on God’s Word every morning feeds my soul and strengthens my "inner
man."
50) I act on God’s Word, walking it out in my daily life.
51) I know the difference between true hunger and emotional hunger, and I choose to eat
only in response to true hunger.
52) I line up every thought with the Word of God, taking it "captive to the mind (obedience)
of Christ."
53) I spend time with Jesus, face to face, and His face is all I see.
54) The Lord is my Shepherd; I have everything I need.
55) If a food is not "helpful," I choose not to eat it, because I know my body and am
honest with God and myself.
56) I can do all things through Christ, for He gives me strength.
57) I will follow God’s Word, which keeps me on the right path.
58) I delight my soul in the Lord, for I know that as there is more of Jesus, there is less of
me.
59) I praise God at all times, for He has done the work!
60) Jesus is praying for me.
Today, review the 60 steps to The Way of Holiness, the way to life filled with delight, discipline, and accountability. Listen to Leon sing "When You Believe."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSwHKVinxX0
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