My Psych Teacher University

My Weight-Loss Journey Day 8

I started dieting on May 15, 2020. I have lost 3 pounds since beginning this journey. Today I want to work on developing my financial health.

My Financial Health Program

An abridged except from wiseeku.wordpress.com.

Money Matters

Whatever finance you have, use a ten, ten, ten, seventy rule: 1.) tithe ten percent; 2.) save ten percent; 3.) pay yourself ten percent; 4.) use the remaining seventy percent wisely.

If you have no financial background, take a class on money management. Learn how to properly balance a checkbook. Learn how to reconcile you own bank statement. Keep receipts when you make purchases. Understand how the money flow works.

Educate your children and family about money. Many youth graduate high school without knowing how to balance a checkbook. Many also ruin their credit worthiness with credit cards and other financial tools simply because they are uneducated. Take charge of your family’s financial well-being.

What Is Tithing?

I believe God can do more with a nickel back from the grocery store, than I can with any greater purse. No matter how I tried to circumvent God’s perfect plan (Malachi 3:10) in days of ignorance, He always showed himself to be the omnipotent, omniscient God, to whom all wealth belongs and it is at His very command.

I now believe it is my responsibility to not just speak, but to do what I believe – (because the Almighty God has proven himself on numerous occasions, like when I nearly died of starvation at age sixteen – and now I am forty-two – and that is just one example). Read Joshua 24:14-15.

A tithe (plural tithes) is literally, one-tenth part. In Christianity, tithing is usually giving or paying of the increase from profit. It sounds simple enough. So what is all the hype about? Bible scholars disagree. In Christianity, proponents of tithing affirm that it is an exhortation supported by Old Testament scripture and is not an out of date practice as opponents purport. Opponents of tithing argue that while tithing is expounded in the Old Testament, it is not a topic of exhortation in the New Testament – nor is it so much as mentioned at all.

With no definitive answer on the question of tithing today, how do you determine whether or not you should participate? No doubt you have heard the words of Malachi 3:10-12 in support of tithing. Remember? Now, ask yourself if you believe the Bible. If you answered, “Yes,” keep reading. If you answered, “No,” keep reading because I already cashed the bonus! (If you did not smile, rinse and repeat). A perhaps less quoted, yet valuable insight is in the single verse, II Timothy 3:16: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (KJV)

Whether you believe the New Testament is “missing something” for lack of reiterating an Old Testament truth, or you think the Old Testament is a history lesson to be learned and not forgotten, if you believe the Bible, you may agree with II Timothy 3:16.

Now, ask yourself if you believe God. Exactly. Whether you answered, “Yes,” or, “No,” you have your heart’s reply to the “do” or do not question. If all scripture is profitable, it follows that if you partake in tithing with the mindset that you are fulfilling the Gospel according to Malachi 3:10, it is neither a question of the Old or New Testament, nor of the person receiving the tithe, as to whether it is a necessary practice. The “…Prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts,…” should be enough to get your motor running!

There are several promises linked to tithing. One of the benefits of faith in God, is the ability to stand on His promises. Even if the skeptics are right about tithing not being mentioned in the new Testament, God made a promise. You can take it to the bank

Whose Money Is It?

When the Bible says, “… thus saith the Lord,” Just say, Amen. If you tithe with the proper heart condition (cheerful giving), understanding that God is the only one who can give you a return of 30, 60 and 100 fold (Mark 4:20) more than you gave, you will understand that the important question is not who gets the (seed) money – the important question is who gave the seed? Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. When you give seed of your increase, it is from God’s increase to you. He owns it all and gives seed to the sower.

Read Galatians 6:7 If we want God to be King in our lives, we cannot place limits on the topics and places that He should reign. If there are habits, aquaintances, or other areas of our lives that cause us to neglect, ignore, or water down our relationship with Christ, we need to make it our prayer that God will help us to steer those areas to His will. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” I Corinthians 1:13.

The unction to use our tithes for anything other than a token of obedience to God’s instruction in Malachi 3:10, is a type of temptation that we must resist. When some people think of tithing, they may feel that it takes away from the income they have to do things such as pay bills. God is challenging us to consider that “window” of heaven that He promises to open. Did you know that in the original Hebrew translation of the Holy Bible, the context of the “window” in Malachi 3:10 is not exactly like the window that we have come to know in houses and business offices? This prophetic window, from which the blessing flows so greatly that we will not have the capacity to reap all of its benefits, is more like a flood gate. Now, think about that. A window is really to let something in – sunshine; fresh air; etc. A flood gate is to hold something back, lest it overtake, or completely flood what lies beyond the gate.

Therefore, when we tithe as God commands us, we are “proving” to God that we believe He is able to open the flood gate of blessing upon us, that we shall be overtaken of His blessings and good favor!

And do not forget… when God promises to rebuke the devourer for our sakes, He is speaking only of what He knows He can do, not what He thinks will happen. Do not allow circumstances and other people to tell you what they think you should do other than to be obedient to God. God is able to do more than we can ask or even think. And He understands that choosing His will is not always the popular thing to do – but it is not for the people, it is for God. He said that if we love Him, we would keep His commandments. When he prepares the blessing for those who keep His commandments, He will not pass you by. Read Matthew 6:1-4 KJV

Perhaps before the digital age, your personal assistant was named, Webster. Remember him? You were told, “Look it up” whenever you had a question about an unfamiliar word. Now that we live in the virtual age, you can google “finding your purpose” and get a million pages on this very topic. What you will not find is your completed personal journey. Your journey is something that you must do. And since it is not yet complete, not even this book can tell you exactly what your purpose is. This book is a resource, not a crystal ball. It is a conversation starter – to help you open a dialog between you and God.

When faced with a challenge, it is easy to get stuck in first gear with, “I don’t know where to begin.” Does that sound familiar? You will be glad that finding your purpose is a teachable art. Keep in mind that this is a course without borders; and, you can get all the attention you need from the Lead Instructor: The Holy Spirit (John 16:13).

This book is designed to empower you. It will get you started and show you how to do your own research. It will not tell you what your purpose is. It can help you to ask the right questions and understand your discoveries, so that you may identify your own purpose by inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

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My Fast Track Week One – Day 2

Previously, I made a fifteen-week meal plan. This is week one, day 2.

For the first full week of my modified Fast Track (my weight-loss journey days 7 to 13), my meals will be during breakfast, lunch and dinner hours, with a snack after each meal.

My goal is to eat within a 2,500 calorie per day limit on days that I work my day job, and a 1,500 calorie limit on days when I do not work since I will have less activity.

Next is my daily food memo for day 8 of my weight-loss journey.

—————- MY FOOD MEMO FOR MAY 24, 2020 —————-

My Daily Food Diary – Day 8

Today’s starting weight at waking: 268 lbs. I have lost 3 lbs since beginning this blog.

AM Notes

Take morning meds.
Take daily vitamins. I take a Nutrilite Women’s Pack everyday.
Post daily devotional.
Note today’s work schedule: 9:45 am – 3:10 pm.

Sunday Exercise

I’m taking the 7 day challenge. This is is my fourth day.
Standing and walking at work from 9:45 am to 3:10 pm.

Sunday Food & Drinks

Previously, I made a fifteen-week meal plan. This is week one, day 2.

Midnight Snack at 1:00 am

2 Cups of Frosted Flakes – 280 calories
2 Cups of 1% Milk – 200 calories
Total Midnight Snack Calories = 480

Sunday Breakfast at 8:45 am

1/4 L of Bottled Water (8.45 fl oz) – 0 calories
1 Pear Fruit – 102 calories
8 Yogurt Covered Pretzels – 260 calories
Total Breakfast Calories = 362

Sunday Morning Break / Snack at 12:10 pm

1/4 L of Mango Pineapple Smoothie (8.45 fl oz) – 130 calories
Total Morning Break Calories = 130

Sunday Lunch at 2:51 pm

1/4 L of Mango Pineapple Smoothie (8.45 fl oz) – 130 calories
1 Pear Fruit – 102 calories
Total Lunch Calories = 232

Sunday Afternoon Break / Snack at 4:30 pm

None – 0 calories
Total Afternoon Break / Snack Calories = 0

Sunday Dinner at 6:00 pm

1/4 L of Bottled Water (8.45 fl oz) – 0 calories
1 Cup of Rainbow Rotini Salad from Hy-Vee – 190 calories
1 1/2 Slices of Gourmet Apple Pie from Hy-Vee – 435 calories
Total Dinner Calories = 625

Sunday After Dinner Break / Snack at 8:30 pm

1/4 L of Bottled Water (8.45 fl oz) – 0 calories
Total After Dinner Break calories = 0

Total Calories Consumed: 480 + 362 + 130 + 232 + 0 + 625 + 0 = 1,829

2,500 – 1,829 = 671 calories remain as of 8:30 pm

My Sunday Water Intake: 2 L (67.6 fl oz, close to eight 8 oz glasses)

PM Notes

Take night meds.
Record weight at bedtime.
Record today’s weight-loss / gain.
Note tomorrow’s work schedule: 1:30 pm – 5:40 pm
Set alarm for tomorrow morning.

——————— END ———————

————– MY DAILY WEIGHT-LOSS JOURNAL FOR MAY 24, 2020 ————–

My Daily Food Journal – Day 8

Daily Reflection & Goal Setting

Tomorrow’s Goals

I want to work on my spiritual health.

——————— END ———————

Follow my weight loss journey from the beginning on Facebook. Read My Weight-Loss Journey Day 7. Read My Weight-Loss Journey Day 9. View my weight-loss journey in pictures on Google Photos. Hungry? Check out my cookbook for some awesome recipes!

My Weight-Loss Journey Day 7

I started dieting on May 15, 2020. I have lost 3 pounds since beginning this blog. It is published nightly at 10 pm CST unless otherwise noted.

Today I want to work on developing my mental health. This is part of my goal to establish a new normal life. I have to redefine normal as a life with less dysfunction.

Before I started working after an 8 year battle with failing mental health, I had a lot of free time on my hands. These hours were mostly spent obsessing about the past and future, having as many as six panic attacks per day, seven days a week. I was totally debilitated. I usually felt like I had Adult ADHD. I found it difficult to focus on any one thing as my mind went through a thousand thoughts a minute.

Spring Cleaning

I’ve learned that disorganization around the home reflects mental clutter. As I sank into depression and other disorders, I lost control of my personal space. As I continue making changes in my overall health, I want those changes to be reflected in my environment.

So I have this hutch that I repurposed as a bookcase after tossing the dresser that it used to sit on. Here’s a before picture.

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Over time, the papers just built up. I never seemed to find the frame of mind to organize it. I must say that I am a bit of a hoarder. I got worse after I became traditionally homeless. I developed a fear of losing my personal belongings since I had no place to keep them.

I began collecting things that did not take up physical space in my life – although the mental capacity was enormous. I started collecting websites. I currently have over have over fifty of them, each with their own topics. In the past, every time I would have a new idea for some product or service, I would create a new website to describe it. This way, I did not accumulate a mess of paperwork and I always had room for more ideas.

In a way, I was getting rid of my mental clutter by farming it out to the web. It was free and easy organization. BONUS! I found papers I had been scrounging for months to find on that bookshelf, such as my college transcripts. I also came across a document titled, “Controlling Your Hunger.” It said the following:

Some of the medicines you are taking to treat your mental illness may increase your appetite… Here are some helpful hints on controlling your hunger.

Take a walk when you feel hungry.

Drink a glass of water.

Eat a rice cake or a cup of raw vegetables.

Chew sugar-free gum or sugar-free mints.

Here’s the new mirror of my mental office – neat and organized.

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Want to see what’ s on my mind? Here are a few of my other authored sites:

gsyndicates.wordpress.com. My developing clothing line.
hautemidwest.wordpress.com. An online fashion magazine.
sandlineproductions.wordpress.com. A faith-based psychosocial rehabilitation program.
shineonpurpose.wordpress.com. My ministry, 31 Women.
wiseeku.wordpress.com. My Biblical studies and devotional writings.

As you can tell from my website list, I am a creative goldmine. However, I have not been very successful at marketing this skill. Although I am in my forties, my mental age is about twenty-eight. My mind-body connection was severed at age six following abuse. I did not manage to reconcile it until about age thirty-two. Meanwhile, I was in and out of the psych ward suffering from major depression and bi polar disoder.

I developed the Sandline Program as a healthy response to my trauma – to help me learn the important life skills that eluded me, and to teach myself and others how to navigate life under the pressure of mental illness.

Looking for a hub for your next big thing? I recommend WordPress. Need ideas? Ask me a question.

My SandLine Mental Health Program

sandlineprogram3

This is actually my Masters degree thesis project.

Background

The SandLine Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Mentoring Program (SandLine Program) leverages the power of the Internet to empower the reach of traditional mentoring. Participants are matched in one-to-one relationships with trained mentors and communicatweekly through a secure website. The needs and interests of the program participants drive service development.

sandlinee-mentoringmodel1

The SandLine e-Mentoring Model is a faith-and-recovery-based, psycho-social rehabilitation program tailored to the unique needs of at-risk populations including youths, teens, and adults, living within or transitioning from the justice system. Participants are empowered to overcome obstacles in life, relationships, education, career, and business.

The SandLine vision spans over two decades. The program offers mentoring and leadership training, a life-coach connection, vocational tools, service opportunities, educational resources, inspirational support, and empowerment. Leadership training is available for parents, teachers, individuals, organizations, and other leaders who work with at-risk populations, and to those who are in or transitioning from the justice system.

Draw a line in the sand – or help someone else commemorate theirs. Get your SandLine gear today!

thisismylineinthesand_hoodedsweatshirt_black

Buy this hoodie Now!

SandLine Hooded Sweatshirt

Black SandLine hooded sweatshirt with printed commemoration, “This is My Line in the Sand.” Wear this hoodie to celebrate taking the first step in your mental health recovery.

$54.99

Read more about the SandLine Mental Health Program.

My Fast Track Week One – Day 1

Yesterday I made a fifteen-week meal plan. This is week one, day 1.

For the first full week of my modified Fast Track (starting today – my weight-loss journey days 7 to 13), I will concentrate on reducing my calorie intake and cravings for high fat and processed foods. I want to start eating more fruits and vegetables.

My meals for week one will be during breakfast, lunch and dinner hours, with a snack after each meal. My goal is to eat within a 2,500 calorie per day limit on days that I work my day job, and a 1,500 calorie limit on days when I do not work since I will have less activity. I am not focusing on eating specific foods. I will eat small potions of basically whatever I want (within reason) as long as I don’t go beyond my calorie limit.

Next is my daily food memo for day 7 of my weight-loss journey.