2 Encouraging Signs and 3 Prayer Requests

So, I've now been on this journey for just over four months. I started with, really, 3 goals: become more healthy (lose weight), enrich my relationship with God (read the Bible, strengthen my prayer life, get plugged in at Emmaus Road), and become a better husband (sacrifice for Anna, treat her with patience and grace, and show her how much I love her).

My weight loss has been going the best of all three goals. There were two things that happened today that really surprised/encouraged me! 1) I was told by one of the members at my church that he noticed I had lost a lot of weight--he actually called me svelte! :) That felt great! 2) I needed to buy some new jeans, since mine had become too large and baggy! I went to Old Navy, and was able to buy them off the shelf!!!

OLD

NEW

Granted, it was the largest pair, but still, so encouraging. So, that means that in 4 months, I've gone from a loose-ish 48x30 to a tight-ish 42x32! That's a good start.

My second goal of getting closer to God has been a mixed bag. I've been attending Emmaus Road on a very regular basis (maybe missed 6 weeks since last September) and have been a part of our local Gospel Community (what our church calls its small groups); however, I have not been reading the Bible much at all and my prayer life has been very light (other than saying grace before dinner and praying maybe 4 nights a week before we go to bed).

My third goal of becoming a better husband has been the least successful. I still disrespect my wife (not yelling or criticizing, or things like that, but I'm very impatient). And I've been lazy with showing my love to her. This really is the one area where I feel the worst. I am embarrassed to write about this struggle, but I'm very grateful that both my wife and the Lord have enough grace to forgive me daily!

So, you've seen the two encouraging signs--both about my weight. The three prayer requests are geared to each of my goals:

1. Prayer that I would treat Anna with more respect and more grace--as the gift from God that she is. I want to do something nice for her this week.


2. Prayer that I would read the Bible more regularly and pray with intentionality.


3. Prayer that I wouldn't let up on my weight loss. I have made great strides, and it's tempting to lay off and feel like I can take it easy--"I have this in the bag, right?" But I can't do that. I need to keep the pressure on. I'm excited to see how long it will take me to get halfway to my goal--but I know I need to do it in a smart way. So please pray (those of you who are) that I would maintain my focus without allowing it to become too strong an influence in my life.

Thanks for your support so far, and God bless you on your own journeys!