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Karen Ehman

Live Your Priorities. Love Your Life.

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Voices & Choices

Congrats to the two winners from the Valentines Day Giveaway. If you are one of them, get your home address to me at karen@proverbs31.org so I can mail you your prize!

Oh, how I wish I could pick you all. What great stories and ideas you shared! But alas, I only have two prizes so…..the winners are:

Single gals winner: Jeannette; time stamp Feb 14th at 2:31 pm

Married women’s winner: Amy Sabol; time stamp Feb 14th at 9:40 am

_____________________________________________

Okay girlfriends….I cannot start out this post without thanking all of you who prayed for me last week when I had the flu and thought I’d NEVER make it to Charlotte to be on the Made to Crave webcast and see our daughter for two days.

It was rough. Sucking a cough drop throughout my plane rides and also my entire segment on the show. I nearly had a coughing fit right during Lysa’s opening devotion. I was already sitting on the set with Tonia and sipping water that I had hidden behind the couch.

Thankfully, I only coughed a little and prayed her mic didn’t pick it up!

While in NC, I was able to hang with our daughter (who just finished cosmetology school) for the first day when she gave me a French manicure.

I stayed with Holly (who was on the show with me & is Kenz’s other mother) had lunch with LeAnn (also on the show) and my dear friend Marybeth and hung out with the FABULOUS women at the Proverbs 31 office (they even let me answer the phone!).

I got to have breakfast with Lysa & her daughter Hope when we went to see Kenz at her second job at Chic Fil-A (she also works for Lysa) and all in all—I had a WONDERFUL time just being me (not mom).

After the show, I hung with Kenz & Holly’s family watching a little reality TV and checking comments from many of you on my Facebook page and Twitter profile.

I nearly fainted when Mandisa Tweeted about me. TWICE!!!

She loves all things related to Made to Crave and I totally love me some Mandisa. Cried like a baby when she left American Idol.

Anyhow….

The boys were fine when I was away. Normally, I am a “cook ahead and leave them great food” kind of gal.

I was so sick til right up until I went that I left them peanut butter Captain Crunch & the Main Street pizza phone number!

My return was not uneventful. I must have gotten a hold of a bad chicken breast at lunch and had myself a little…. ahem…stomach issue…right before I got on the plane.

Just let me say THANK YOU JESUS for both my stash of Amodium AD in my purse and for friends I can send quick “pray 4 me” text messages that include TMI words like “diarrhea” !!!!!

Although I LOVED beautiful Charlotte & the warm weather, I was glad to touch back down on the snowy Michigan tundra.

So….now it is Wednesday.

Weight Loss Wednesday gals….

Please leave a comment at the end of this post letting us know a little about you and how your week went. Feel free to hop back on the offer encouragement to others and check back in over the course of the week for new comments. Let’s encourage each other on the way DOWN the scale!!!

Now….let’s talk voices.

And choices.

Who are you listening to?

This was an important question that I have to ask myself often on the way down the scale.

For years I listened to the negative, echoing, and cutting comments from a handful of people from my past.

Like the cousin who, when I was about eight, once glanced around my grandma’s spare bedroom where we were playing and announced, “Someone in this room is fat.”

I was sitting on the floor with her and two other skin and bones relatives. I looked around at the four of us in our pastel summer shorts and determined that, since my legs were the thickest of the bunch, it must be me.

Then there was the cheerleading uniform fitting where the coach grabbed all of the skirts out of the storage bin from the year before and after peering at all of the tags on the insides, tossed the biggest one—size 10, my way and said, “Here. We’d better start with this one for you.”

I still recall the fat jokes by my brother. The mooing emitting from the mouths of some boys as I walked by the loooong wooden bench in my high school corridor. The well-meaning, but critical relatives who made back-handed or cleverly cloaked remarks about my size.

They made some bad choices. However, I made the worst choice of all.

I listened to every one of them.

Their words went straight to my heart. They stung my soul.

And I chose to replay them over and over again in my mind.

Ultimately, I chose to believe them and let their careless and sometimes cruel words defeat me.

When I finally let God have His way and rescue me from the life of slow suicide that I was living due to the horrible mistreatment of my body, I began to listen to the words of life instead.

Things clearly in the Bible. Like God has a plan for me. It is full of hope for my future. It is for my good, not my ruin. It will be a delight, not a disaster. (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

But there were also many warnings in His word.

Warnings that my body is the very temple of the Holy Spirit. I should take care of it, not kill it. I am not my own. I was bought at a great price. Therefore, I must honor God with my body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

That I must note well what is before me when I eat and “put a knife to my throat” if I have a gluttonous appetite. (Psalm 23:1-3)

And the most haunting passage of all to me which I knew, if I didn’t change, would be my fate:

….And you mourn at last, When your flesh and your body are consumed, And say: “How I have hated instruction, And my heart despised correction! I have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, Nor inclined my ear to those who instructed me! I was on the verge of total ruin, In the midst of the assembly and congregation.” Proverbs 5:11-14

I had to let God’s Words, His perfect, flawless and TRUE words, become louder than the words of the world and the naysayers. There was just one slight problem.

The world shouts.

God whispers.

I had to get to the place where I was focused and intent on listening to His still, small voice over the negative cheers and jeers of the world.

I simply must share with you this little story that my leader at Weight Watchers read to us one day.

While scripture was where I got my strength to make my life changes, I have to tell you ladies, that next to the Bible, this little story was my greatest motivation.

I first discovered it right before a holiday gathering where there would be lots of food and lots of mental torment from a few “food pushers” and “naysayers” in my life.

The former tried to sabotage my eating by forcing foods on me or pouting when I didn’t eat large helpings of what they brought. Or they’d slather the veggies in butter before I could dish any out because they knew I was trying to watch what I ate.

The latter group of people just made their off-handed, cleverly disguised, but cutting comments that chipped away at my resolve and tempted me to just throw in the towel, give up and stay fat forever.

Then, I heard this wonderful story.

There once was a bunch of tiny frogs who arranged a climbing competition. The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower.

A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer on the contestants. The race began. No one in the crowd really believed the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower.

Heard throughout the race were statements such as, “Oh, way too difficult,” “They will never make it to the top,” “Not a chance they will succeed,” and “The tower is too high.”

The tiny frogs began collapsing, one by one—except for those who, in a fresh tempo, were climbing higher and higher. The crowd continued to yell, “It is too difficult! No one will make it!”

More tiny frogs got tired and gave up. But ONE continued to climb higher and higher. This one refused to give up.

At the end of the race, all had given up climbing the tower except for the one tiny frog who, after a big effort, was the only one who reached the top!

All of the other tiny frogs wanted to know how this one frog managed to do it. They asked him how he had found the strength to succeed and reach the goal, despite the horrible odds and the cruel taunts and jeers of the crowd.

It was simple. You see, it turns out that the one determined, focused, and disciplined frog …….was utterly and completely……….DEAF!!!!

My prayer for you is that you will turn a deaf ear to the discouraging words in your life whether they are from your present, your past, or even from your own self-talk as you think in your mind, “I can’t do this!!!!”

Yes, sweet one, you can. But only through Christ.

Are you ready to begin? He’s always been there waiting for you to get serious.

You can start right now.

No….not AFTER you go eat a bunch of junk from the fridge or cupboard.

No, not after your lunch out today when you order the most fattening thing on the menu and polish it off with a huge dessert.

Not after, on your way home, you swing by a drive thru to grab a huge cheeseburger and some jumbo french fries and quickly consume them in secret.

No, not first thing tomorrow morning.

Nope, not next Monday after you pig out all week.

Not even when you turn the calendar to March 1st.

I said now.

Believing You WILL Do It,

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About Karen Ehman

Karen Ehman is a Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and New York Times bestselling author. Described as profoundly practical, engagingly funny and downright real, her passion is to help women to live their priorities and love their lives as they serve God and others.

Karen writes for Encouragement for Today: online devotions that bring God’s peace, perspective, and purpose to over four million women daily. She has authored 11 books including the popular KEEP IT SHUT: What to Say, How to Say It and When to Say Nothing at All and her new release LISTEN, LOVE, REPEAT: Other Centered Living in a Self-Centered World. Both include a companion DVD Bible study designed for group or individual use.

Comments

  1. Connie K says

    February 16, 2011 at 10:25 am

    I have started this journey so many times and given up in the past. I have been diligent since the end of October with only a few minor moments of meandering off the path. The scale has not often been my friend, but your words of encouragement have helped. We are so much more than what the scale says and as long as I persevere eating nutritiously and exercising and ignoring the negative comments, I will get to the top of that tower. William Feather said, “Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.” I look forward to seeing you at the top.

    Reply
  2. Jolene says

    February 16, 2011 at 10:25 am

    WOW – I have been to church and heard the voice of Jesus! That was some good preaching and teaching sister Karen! Exactly what I needed to hear to make the next courageous choice today! The words “slow suicide” stopped me in my tracks. That is exactly what I am doing to my body and I want to stop with the help of the Holy Spirit living in me. So much good stuff here today. And I love how you ended with starting NOW – I have been eating my way through valentine treats every day this week – but no more! Going to the grocery store tonight to stock up on healthy options. God bless you Karen for speaking truth into our lives. You were great on Made to Crave too!

    Reply
  3. Debbie says

    February 16, 2011 at 10:59 am

    I had never seen Proverbs 5:11-14 before. What an eye opener. I went to a site and looked at the verses in different translations. The Good New Translation for verse 14 says “And suddenly I found myself publicly disgraced.” Publicly disgraced. Is that how my husband, daughers and grandchildren feel when they are seen in public with their 140 pound overweight wife, mother and grandmother? I personally find excuses to avoid going places because I don’t want to be seen in public. I am at work right now and there are tears in my eyes. I think for the first time, I have been hit right in the face with my sin of gluttonous appetite. Thank you for this posting, Karen. It spoke right to my heart.

    Reply
  4. Sharon says

    February 16, 2011 at 11:07 am

    Karen you did GREAT on the webcast Monday evening. God sure answered all the prayers being lifted up for you! What an encouragement you are to me! Thank you for being real, for your blog and for being a cyber friend! I am so thankful to be a part of Weight Loss Wednesdays and for the renewed hope I have in my struggle with weight. Blessings on you and your family!

    Reply
  5. Carol says

    February 16, 2011 at 11:09 am

    Karen – I am such a “tomorrow” gal – I’ll eat better, get up earlier, read my Bible, exercise, organize…tomorrow. Thanks for your message.

    Reply
  6. Danielle says

    February 16, 2011 at 11:14 am

    First, let me say. I love you. You are beautiful, amazing, inspiring, encouraging, lovely… and so funny!!! I loved seeing you on MTC Webcast the other night. It was good to see that smiling face ‘in person’. I so badly wanted to meet you last year at sHe Speaks, but the line was so long and I had to get going.:-( Hoping for this year!

    As for today’s post, Oh, how you spoke all of my languages. Through the years, I truly believe I’ve been deing a slow death when it comes to food. I’ve been such an addict since I was young.Always having an unhealthy view of food. Whether it was to consume it or starve myself off it. I too have been up and down and up and down. And the voices in my head are from my brother and others, “Hey Thunder Thighs. Hey Bubble Butt.” But, one of my favorites, okay, well not really, “Hey Hunky Chunky Funky Fat Mama.” Yes they did! My brother and his friends thought it was hilarious. Not so to a struggle 11 year old. Those words kept me on an emoational slippery slope all my life.

    But, no more. I joined Weight Watchers at the beginning of the year and I love it! I’m down a good amount of weight already. I have a long way to go, but I am excited. Me and another mom are walking together Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons after school. To God be the glory!

    I still struggle with the voices at times… even those that call from the cabinets asking me to come and start a party with them!lol

    Anyway… Karen, thank you for being a vessel in which God reaches His children!

    Reply
  7. Brenda Schiesser says

    February 16, 2011 at 11:30 am

    OK…….been there, done that to all of the above. Have been working on losing since Oct. with the help of my doctor..but not working very hard. Have lost some weight but without moving my behind more, am at a standstill. Will try to pump it up some. Am sending this article to my daughter who, for the past 5 weeks has been doing the Biggest Loser contest at the local Y and has lost 36lbs!!!! I am so happy for her and proud of her. I think she will relate to and love the story. Thanks Karen.

    Brenda Schiesser.

    Reply
  8. Barb Wall says

    February 16, 2011 at 11:35 am

    Thank you Karen–I am so disgusted with myself and so very blue–I needed to read what you had to say today–God works in wonderful ways!!!!! Thanks I have a smile on my face and I am ready to face the day!!! Hope you have a very Blessed one!!! Barb Wall

    Reply
  9. Debbie H says

    February 16, 2011 at 11:48 am

    WOW! You really are a cheerleader. Go Karen.

    Reply
  10. Dee says

    February 16, 2011 at 12:19 pm

    karen, that was awesome. I love what you write and I can relate to some of your past hurts. I am so glad you are turning a deaf ear to what others say. I know there is something in Made to Crave where Lysa asks about a part of your body that you don’t like and where did that memory come from. I hate my arms. They really are too fat and if I could be brave enough to ever do cosmetic surgery, that is what I would do. I remember being a little girl and my friend saying, “Your arms are as big as my thighs.” I must have been 7 years old and remember exactly where I was whe she said it in her backyard playing on the swingset. Isn’t it amazing how we let others careless words affect us? Well, ha, ha, I do wear sleeveless and if anyone notices my fat arms and not my nice smile and fun personality, well, that is their problem now.
    Thank you for all you share, you are such a blessing and I loved seeing you on the webcast. The prayers for health worked! Was that your daughter that brough the puppy out? I heard them say Kenzie…couldn’t see her face though.

    Reply
  11. Liza D says

    February 16, 2011 at 12:48 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing this story, it truly is inspirational.

    Thank you all for sharing your hearts. It is comforting to know that we are not alone.

    Big hugs for all of you and praying for all of us!

    Reply
  12. Karen Ehman says

    February 16, 2011 at 1:00 pm

    Dee– Yes, that was Kenzi on the webcast!

    Reply
  13. Lisa Ramsey says

    February 16, 2011 at 1:09 pm

    Karen, thank you so much for sharing this. I have been on this weight loss journey since 2002. I had lost almost 100 pounds (95 to be exact) and I just could not get that last 5 lbs. Then health issues hit & I gained some (50 back). I am now head strong back on that journey. I love the show the biggest loser, & it inspired me to want to do a 5K. But my health is not the best, but I have set this goal for myself & I am training hard!! (even through shin splints) I have my na-sayers too, who tell me it’s too hard on my knees, I don’t have to do this. But I cling to the fact that God tells me He is my strength in my weakness. He is my healer. He is my all in all!! And along comes these wonderful women who are encouragers and speak words of life to re-affirm His truth!!! May the Lord continue to bless you as you share your heart with all of us!!!

    Reply
  14. Ayla says

    February 16, 2011 at 1:17 pm

    I love that you wrote “The world shouts. God whispers” because it’s so easy for God’s voice to be drowned by the louder, negative voices around us.

    I have always been under weight and so have always heard negative comments about being too skinny, having “chicken legs,” being bone ugly etc. I grew up in a family that told me I needed to eat more and frequently so I would look normal. I believe this created a “I-don’t-eat-enough” complex which eventually led to me always being conscious of eating, my weight etc. period. The more I recalled those voices; the more I resisted food and was determined to not put on weight or lose it if I did.

    Now I’m at a place in my life where unhealthy eating habits have consumed me and I have a hard time addressing them because those voices keep repeating through my head about how I need to eat more and I need to be some “meat on my bones” to look “normal.” I’m still underweight but I just don’t feel good and I know it has to do with a lack of discipline as to what I’m eating. My greatest struggle was fast food which I’m proud to say I have not had for almost a month now which is huge for me so I praise the Lord for victories; no matter how small they may be. Another great struggle is chocolate (isn’t that all women’s struggle?) I haven’t had much chocolate in the past few days but I had to really fight with myself because my wonderful husband who I have not yet shared my desire to eliminate chocolate out of my life (*gasp* the very sound of it is horrifying)bought me two boxes of chocolate this week in honor of Valentine’s Day (one of which you gave away in your single’s giveaway lol).

    Thanks for your thought-provoking and real encouragement. I have really enjoyed your blog these past few days.

    God bless!

    Reply
  15. Vicki Foss says

    February 16, 2011 at 1:18 pm

    When I heard them say Kenzi, I wondered as well if that was YOUR Kenzi. Glad to know it was!! Thanks for your words Karen. I needed to heard them. I do feel kind of blessed because I was thin in HS. Didn’t start getting heavy until after I had children. Coarse, it’s been up the scale since then and they are 20 and 23!! And the only person who ever said anything was my dad. Things like…”I’ll pay for your to go to Nutri-System.” Well, I firmly believe that I know HOW to eat, I just can’t seem to get it done, so don’t really feel paying money is going to keep me from the pantry. I needed to work out the WHY I eat. And with God’s help, your help, my boyfriend and the support of my friends I am half way there!! 35 down and 35 to go. I had finally started making healthy choices and leaning on God for strength….then the holiday’s hit. I haven’t been able to get myself sorted since. We’ve had BIG stress in the last couple of months and that has pushed me right past my healthy choices and back to where I was before. It’s taken me a while, but today I actually feel strong and ready to get back to where I was. Thanks for the great words. Once again you’ve inspired me. Good luck ladies. You are all in my prayers.

    Reply
  16. Sarah says

    February 16, 2011 at 1:28 pm

    Karen,
    It was so good to hear and see you on MTC. Your post today was very good. I became very serious about my weight last April. I was doing really well with eating healthy and making good choices until December. I had lost 32lbs…….then came Christmas and it has been down hill ever since. I weighed Monday and have gained 13lbs back. Everyday since January 1 I have been starting over,tomorrow.,after I eat this one last thing…….After reading your post today I am committing to starting over RIGHT NOW.
    Thanks for allowing God to use you to encourage others.

    Reply
  17. kimberlee says

    February 16, 2011 at 3:40 pm

    Oh, love that frog story!!! Wow, powerful, thank you for sharing that!
    I committed to daily exercising (minus the weekends) on the 4th, and my weigh in 9 days later showed down 3#! I was very surprised and so grateful to see some quick results. Eventually I will get into that favorite pair of jeans from pre-pregnancy.

    Reply
  18. Gabriela says

    February 16, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    Wow! This is the second reminder for me to be deaf to the bad comments, thoughts.
    This verse helped me, too:
    From 2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV
    5We destroy arguments and(A) every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to(B) obey Christ,

    Again, thanking God for you Karen!

    Reply
  19. Kelley says

    February 16, 2011 at 3:51 pm

    Thank you for today’s words from God, through you. I really needed to hear them! :)

    Reply
  20. Darlene says

    February 16, 2011 at 4:58 pm

    Thanks Karen, I loved also that the world shouts and God whispers. I am learning to listen to that whisper more and more. Through MTC I am learning to replace the lies with TRUTH. It is a daily decision, sometimes I falter but He is faithful. Thank you for your encouragement and I loved the MTC webcast. Thank God you were able to attend and didn’t cough through the recording. Glad you had a wonderful time with your daughter and “Sisters”.

    Reply
  21. Roxanne R. says

    February 16, 2011 at 5:48 pm

    Thank you, Karen, for your words of encouragement today. I love how you ended with “Believing YOU WILL DO IT.” I needed that positive affirmation today.

    Reply
  22. Lisa says

    February 16, 2011 at 5:52 pm

    Amen Karen! You looked wonderful on the webcast. I LOVED the orange jacket! The words you shared today really affirmed what God has been telling me through this journey. Not after this or that but now!

    Thank you!

    Reply
  23. Kylie says

    February 16, 2011 at 5:55 pm

    It was great to see you on the MTC webcast, so nice to be able to put a voice and person to your words! Thanks for WLW.

    Reply
  24. Kerri says

    February 16, 2011 at 6:10 pm

    Thank you, Karen, for your encouraging words! I also enjoyed seeing you on the webcast. You did a wonderful job speaking truth to all of us! A little about me – I have had trouble getting the weight off after turning 40 and after having my last child. It has been a roller coaster for me as well. Since reading Made to Crave, I am finally relying more on God for strength in my healthy eating/living journey but sometimes during particularly stressful times I still forget to lean on God. I keep reminding myself that it is a process and not to give up! My prayers are with all of you in your journeys too!!

    Reply
  25. Amy C. says

    February 16, 2011 at 7:13 pm

    I was thinking to myself, He must be wearing earplugs!

    Debbie- thanks for your honesty. It is good sometimes to have a message pierce to our heart. Maybe it’s the wake-up call we need! At the same time, I just want to encourage you to remmeber how much God loves you, no matter what size you are! Yes, we can work to be better each day and to change our focus off of food (something I am learning), but it never changes our VALUE. Don’t let a word of instruction become a voice of defeat, girlfriend! God loves you dearly and is there to give you strength for each new day. Be encouraged!

    Reply
  26. Barb says

    February 16, 2011 at 7:15 pm

    Thanks for your encouraging words. I have too long listened to the shouts of those who have shamed me and not to the whispers of God who loves me when it comes to the area of food and body image. Thank you, too, for sharing the story from your WW leader. I have been a leader with that group for 8 years and have tried to be an encouragement to my members, but have not always taken to heart the things I share with them. I love your writting style and am coming here for the spiritual encouragement my heart desires. I enjoyed all of the MTC Webcasts, but your honesty really struck a chord with me.
    May we all continue to hear the still small voice of the One who loves us unconditionally.

    Reply
  27. Crystal says

    February 16, 2011 at 7:40 pm

    After reading all the wonderful comments about the webcast, it makes me even more disappointed that I cannot view it due to my slow internet connection! Anyway, I do not have a lot of weight to lose, but I would be healthier and feel better if I lost about ten more pounds. It sure is interesting how the last bit of weight to lose is so hard. My husband has been newly diagnosed with pre-diabetes, so this is now becoming a couples battle. And to top it off, our children are UNDERweight. I do not know how I’m supposed to prepare food that will meet the needs of everyone in this family. I barely have enough time to cook as it is with my work schedule – there’s no way I’m becoming a short-order cook. I appreciate reading the stories in your blog today – especially about the deaf frog. We’d all be so much better off if we could shut out those negative voices. I almost think the worst voices are the ones that have made their way into our own heads.

    Reply
  28. Cindy in PA says

    February 16, 2011 at 8:33 pm

    Karen you were awesome on the Made to Crave webcast and I’m thankful that you’re back with Weight Loss Wednesdays. I ended 2010 losing 17 pounds. Have slid down the slippery slope of too much sugar and have finally been getting back to my treadmill on a regular basis. Last year I read Jennifer Rothschild’s book (Me Myself & Lies…A Thought Closet Makeover) with a friend and learned a lot about how to recognize my negative thoughts that I were my normal and how to stop them more quickly and turn to God’s truths. I need to continue my focus on Him during this “new” year.

    Reply
  29. Wendy says

    February 16, 2011 at 8:57 pm

    Thank you for the encouragement Monday night,which led me to sign up for the blog last night. I struggle with what others must be thinking of me. After losing 50 lbs 5 years ago, I fell hard and gained every pound back. After my sister-in-law commented one time that my weight loss wouldn’t last, my predicted failure is hard to get past. However, your encouragement as well as the MTC webcasts and the book are helping me to begin my journey of spiritual growth and physical shrinkage, so I will do it NOW! Thank you for what you’re doing!

    Reply
  30. Rebecca says

    February 16, 2011 at 10:29 pm

    Karen,

    I’m so glad you were able to do the Made to Crave thing. It was so cool to see you and I can almost hear you talking when I read your posts! Thanks for sharing your wisdom and encouragement! I am needing to keep better track of calories again. Would you mind posting that formula for how many calories a person can consume and still lose weight? Thanks,
    Rebecca Ann

    Reply
  31. Janet S says

    February 16, 2011 at 11:22 pm

    When I saw you on the Made to Crave webcast, I totally connected with you. I love the story of your youngest only seeing you not the weight. I live in Indianapolis with my hubby of 25 years with two boys 25 and 21. Emotional eating has always been my problem and it is every emotions. Food is my comfort. Made to Crave has been so powerful in keeping me focused. I believe that this time will be different. I look forward to sharing my journey with you all.
    Thanks you

    Reply
  32. Amy says

    February 16, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    I have for years struggled with low self esteem and weight issues. I don’t remember anyone ever really picking on me about being overweight, I’ve just neve felt attractive it’s really just all been messages I tell myself…”You’re fat and ugly” “You’ll never change” “Might as well eat it, you know your efforts are worthless” “You’re a failure.” Over and over.

    I joined WW 2.5 years ago and am still in it though considering dropping it soon. I lost 25 of the 50 pounds I need to loose fairly quickly, but then for the past almost two years those last 10 pounds of the 25 I lost keep coming and going so I am always fluctuating between having lost 15-25 pounds. Never seem to get more then 25. I am right now 20 pounds lighter then 2.5 years ago with 30 to go. I get so frustrated and feel like a failure all over again when I just keep redoing those ten pounds for two years.

    Everything I read about weight loss says that having an accountability partner and support system is key, but I don’t have that. I told my family what I was doing and even signed up for a couple 5Ks and ran them and they never once mentioned them or asked me how it went. I used to try to talk about it and they always just ignored my attempts so I gave up and don’t talk at all about anything fitness related with them anymore. I prayed for a while about finding a friend I could journey with and a couple ladies came to mind to forward the MTC info to. One never responded and the other was offended. And please understand, I am not beating people of the head or being obnoxious, I tread very lightly in this area. My feelings hurt and I feel lonely and the self-talk that tells me I am worthless continues. I am afraid to approach anyone else because I am hurt by the rejection.

    I am not giving up and I am thankful for the MTC webcasts and now 21 day journey and also for this. Thank you Karen for words of wisdom today. I am holding on and I am climbing. And I am remembering that no matter what, God loves me.

    Reply
  33. Ruth says

    February 16, 2011 at 11:43 pm

    Thank you for your post today! I read it after the kids had gone to bed, and I was hungry for a snack. You challenged me to make good choices right now, not later. So instead of crackers or some other empty calories, I chose a clementine and some carrots. I haven’t weighed myself for a few weeks, but I did notice today that my jeans are quite loose. More importantly, I have committed to getting up earlier so that I can make sure I have time to spend alone with the Lord. I have found that I simply don’t get my quiet time with God if I don’t get up early. My energetic, talkative son is also an early riser, and I have to get up before he does. :) Thanks again for being a blessing! I’m glad that you were feeling well enough to go to NC. I prayed for you! As for all the other ladies, sending up prayers for all of us that we will remain faithful to the tasks that the Lord has called us to!

    Reply
  34. Fran says

    February 17, 2011 at 9:38 am

    What a wonderful blog, today. You are very inspiring.

    I cannot figure out why people are so cruel about larger body frames. What is it to them, anyway? They do not have to live their lives.

    I love your frog story. Keep up the great work, Karen. I always go to your blog and Lysa’s first because you both are so inspiring.

    Reply
  35. Amanda C. says

    February 17, 2011 at 11:26 am

    Wow, all of you ladies are SO encouraging! I missed this yesterday but so glad to read it all today! I keep thinking about the messages I tell myself now and how the Lord’s message of unconditional love is all that I need to listen to! I really need that “emotional deaf ear”! I have lost almost five pounds toward my thirty pound weight loss goal. This time it has been different for me, physically. I have been doing Denise Austin aerobics, pilates, and yoga in my house and the weather is finally warming up to get outside and walk with friends. I feel much stronger physically with the exercise I have been doing and much stronger spiritually from participating in this Wednesday blog and really getting into the Word of God.

    Reply
  36. kathy says

    February 17, 2011 at 12:21 pm

    Karen, you are so inspiring, thanks so much. Loved your words on the webcast…Going back to food because it is so familiar.. MY that in me in a nutshell. Truth I been overeating the last 3 days because I know today I am going back to WW. Had success on their program 2 yrs past, and keep trying to get the gain off again by myself but have failed constantly… So chin up, WW here I come..(the evil one, keeps whispering in my ear, what failure I am)… But with Jesus strenght.. I can over come… Blessing…………..

    Reply
  37. Debby Gill says

    February 17, 2011 at 12:46 pm

    Debby
    February 17, 2011

    I am just beginning my journey today. Your blog is really helpful.

    Thanks

    Reply
  38. Connie says

    February 17, 2011 at 3:29 pm

    I have been doing WW since Thanksgiving, and am now leading a MTC study with women in our church. Both of these programs have really helped me. WW has helped me with developing healthy eating habits, and MTC has helped me to draw closer to the Lord. I need His help because I CANNOT do this on my own.

    Reply
  39. Becky says

    February 18, 2011 at 9:33 am

    Thank you SO much for this post and the deaf frog story! The Lord knew I needed that today! I reposted it on my blog and gave links/credits back to you. Thank you for your ministry. You are LOVED!!

    Reply

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