We had a wonderful sermon today at Life Community Church.  Our Associate Pastor talked about something that was dear to her heart.  By the grace of God it was also something I had been praying for....  Something I could do to sow good seed and to help others prosper.  I had been praying for the Holy Spirit to show me my work.  I think I heard the message!  :)

Ann (Our beloved Associate Pastor) began to talk about the mission we have here in town and the need that exists there.  For a small community like ours, last year they fed nearly 118,000 people.  Ever increasing are meals served to families and children.  It used to be our Mission was used mainly by the transients who came through town.  Today we were made aware that this year most of those meals are being served to families, who come 2 or 3 times a week to feed their families so they can save money for rent and utilities.  

After church I came home and knowing Bill usually cooks Thanksgiving dinner I asked him if he would mind me going to the mission to offer my help.  He agreed that it would be a wonderful thing to do.  And, to bless me more... Brittney said that she would like to do it also and bring Layla so she could see that other little children don't have all things she does.  She is hoping to teach Layla that giving feels good and is a nice thing to do for others who may not have all that she does.

I could not be prouder that all the women in my family will be at the mission this Thanksgiving!  

I plan on making this a monthly thing for me.  I have been so fortunate with health and my needs that I have a need to give back.  

Tonight my prayers will be thanking Jesus for showing me my purpose.  I may not be able to help anyone with money, but I can surely offer my help.

One last thing before I say goodnight.... Tomorrow at 10:00 I have my first appointment with a personal trainer at the gym.  I am both excited and nervous.  lol  I'll let you know how things go!

I can see my toes again!!

Almost a year ago on January 5th, 2012 I decided to be honest with everyone about my weight.  I actually got the nerve up to take photo's in my underwear and bra.  You have no idea how difficult it was just for me to see that, let alone share it with the world.

Today almost a year later I took a new picture.  Here is then and now.

I still have a ways to go.  I have went from a size 3x to a size 12 almost to a 10 now.  

God has been so good to me.  Since my lung surgery I have healed so quickly, and had no issues with  limitations.  I breezed through physical therapy and tomorrow I am joining a gym.  

The irony does not escape me that I was 47 and 100+ pounds overweight, told that I may only have 5 years to live without major surgery, and only IF I qualified for the surgery.  First I would have to lose at least 70 pounds.  At that time I thought that was impossible.  
Now I am 50 and feeling healthier and stronger than I have since my 20's.  

I am looking forward to beginning the gym and to continue to get stronger and stronger.  

I have not forgotten that Emphysema is progressive, but I can slow down the continued progression if I can keep a strong body.  I have not forgot and I realize that even with good health and exercise I still will one day be looking for a transplant hospital.  But now I am convinced it is YEARS ahead of me.