Video Clips

Here are a few video clips from the videos I turned in for the show:
*warning videos contain a little silliness. So thankful God has a sense of humor!!


Diets I have tried, I forgot to include OA:
http://youtu.be/0SltDFXQFuU

Learning about red light, green light, yellow light foods:
http://youtu.be/yi5rKEBKgRk

Do you know the muffin man song:
http://youtu.be/O-d4-hLjE2M

Mini Van Mama and her rap:
http://youtu.be/Kg34M2Rm0AI

Now What???

Now What??

Now-

 I DON'T QUIT!!!!

 

 

The day I received that email stating I did not make it as a finalist for the show I got a package I have been waiting on, it was a blessing in that moment. 

 

I can!!! I can do all things through Christ.  I can ask for help and support from others.  I can get up at 4 AM 3 days a week and get to the gym 3 other times. (yep that is 6 days per week....so thankful I have a workout buddy and a supportive family!!!)

I read Chris Powell's book.  You can find more info at http://chrispowell.com/.  I ordered the protein shakes he endorses (YUM!!!) and I am CHOOSING to follow his eating plan for 4 weeks. I will then reassess and see how it is working for me. 

 

I also made the difficult decision to change from a fabulous personal trainer who is unable to train me at my gym to one at my gym. (If you want to train outside of a gym contact http://countrifiedpersonaltraining.webstarts.com/)

 

Here is my new trainer.  I will be training with him and doing the boot camp the gym offers.

 

TOP TEN THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP:

10. Encourage me.

  9. Check in on me.

  8. Do not offer me just one bite. (unless its my "cheat" day)

  7.  If you invite me to lunch or over for dinner don't take it personal if I bring my  food.

   6. Workout with me. 

   5. Help me come up with new recipes for protein and veggies.

   4. If I sell something on one of those garage sell sites...buy it...its helping me pay for my protein shakes, trainer, and new clothes.

   3.  Hold me accountable.

   2.  Laugh with me.

   1.  Pray for me.

 

 

Thank you!!!!! 

 

 

   

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Letter to Chris Powell

Dear Chris,

Webster defines legacy as something transmitted by or received from an ancestor. Through the years many things were transmitted to me. I was blessed growing up. I was surrounded by my parents, my brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins. This family shared Jesus with me, shared a love for music with me, taught me the importance of family, laughing, and loving. I have taken great pride in my family over the years. When one of us hurt all of us hurt.

I also received a love of food from this clan. Many of my fondest memories have food in them. In the earliest one, my grandfather took me to the county fair every year for corn on the cob. We had 3 years of this before he died. I celebrated his memory every year, with a buttery corn on the cob, until 1995 when I was unable to eat it, but that is another story.

I remember being smaller, but in my mind's eye its because I was younger. I always seemed to be bigger than my peers. I am not sure at what point I became fat, but I can recall being made fun of as early as 3^rd grade. As I look back at pictures, it does not look like I am that different, bigger yes, but not necessarily fat. Maybe, just maybe my friends and I were harder on that little girl than we should have been.

The death of my grandfather changed my dad, changed my family. My parents began fighting. I think it was during this time I subconsciously began using food. I think that just like that corn on the cob comforted me after my grandfather died, that food began comforting me. I was as a young girl whose family dynamics were wavering. I don't blame my parents for this. I know how hard marriage is. I chose to eat.

My parents separated when I was in 6^th grade. This is a vital time in a little girls life to be loved, acknowledged, and validated by her father. Mine was gone. There was no weekend or holiday visitation. Our time together was sporadic to say the least. My amazing mom raised my brother and I. The strength, hard work, and perseverance that she displayed is inspiring. She is my hero. She always told us “Your dad loves you the best he knows how.” I did not understand that then, but I do now. I fed my hurt, rejection, loneliness, and disappointment frequently. I can remember lying about a piece of candy and the spanking that resulted from that lie. My mom attempted to help me loose weight for the first time in elementary school thus beginning my yo-yo dieting career. She saw my unhappiness with my body and wanted to help. I love her for that. She passed down her passionate caring about others to me.

God created me a little on the sensitive side with a flare of drama queen, these emotions were handled with food and still are to this day. As much as I showed emotions I covered them up inside, calorie after calorie. I could never figure out how to allow Christ to fill the space that I allowed food to stuff.

In 1995, I had to quit eating my memorable corn on the cob. I told you it was another story. I was a senior in high school, I finally had a boyfriend. Life was on the upswing for this plus size girl, until a beautiful March day, when I wrapped my Buick Skyhawk around a light pole. I had just washed my car and was on my way to get gas. I was driving on a curve when I looked over my left shoulder to change lanes and overturned my steering wheel, wrapping my car around a light pole. Thankfully no one was with me, they would have been killed instantly per the doctors. We took pictures of the car, however they did not develop. As the story goes, the front of the car was wrapped around the pole, the engine was in the passenger seat, the driver's seat was turned toward the passenger seat, the steering wheel was bent bottom to top from my face hitting it, the front tires and back tires were smashed together. Praise the Lord, I undid my seat belt and opened the car door. I can remember a tooth falling out of my mouth and blood pouring like a fountain. I was in surgery for about 13 hours. I lost 3.5 top teeth, one was shoved in the roof of my mouth, and some pierced through my bottom lip. Every bone in the roof of my mouth had to be pieced back together. I had an imprint from the seat belt across my body, this saved my life. If I had not been using it I would have been killed instantly. Seventeen years later, I can eat corn on the cob with my bridge, but I am reminded daily about this moment. My bridge is on the verge of needing to be replaced. I have a scar on my chin, people used to say “you have lipstick on your chin” and I would respond with a simple “thank you”. After the emotional and physical pain decreased, I ended up having some fun with my false teeth I had before my bridge. I had to wait a few months to get it so my mouth could heal. I hope to get the chance to make you laugh with my stories.

My boyfriend broke up with me roughly 2 weeks later, not due to the accident, but what another jab to my spirit.

After my parents divorced my mom had met a wonderful man who would become my step-dad, however I was a hurt, emotional teen who had a hard time adjusting to this, and I still only occasional saw my Dad.

Teenager, car wreck, blended families, break ups, insecurities add up to lot of eating.

The wreck matured me a bit and I went to college, got married, moved a way from home, bought my first house and had my first panic attack. Food helped, but I knew I needed more and told my husband I needed to get back in church.

Almost 12 years later, 2 kids, pets, and a lot of life. I have continued to use food instead of my faith. I have attempted many diets and OA.

There are many whys to me wanting your help. I have recurring ovarian cyst that would improve with weight loss. I have tried and failed too many times. I have found a love for running and I hope to run again one day. I ran and completed 2 5ks, but tore my meniscus training for another in September. My first one took my 59 minutes, my second 50 minutes. I found stress relief in running. My weight while running was too much for my knee. Losing weight will save my knees and provide me with an emotional outlet.

But my main reason is upstairs watching a movie. They are 9 and 5. I want to practice what I preach to them. I can see in my oldest daughter symptoms of a poor relationship with food. I have seen her cry over it. I have seen her eat to much and be sick from it. This is heart breaking. She got her love of all things sugar from me. I need your help learning what is best for my body, how to menu plan for busy families, and how to make those meals that benefit my body and the bodies of those I love.

My 9 year old is a vibrant, passionate, soccer playing young girl. My 5 year old is full of energy, songs, smiles, and is in gymnastics. I want to teach them to stay this way. I do not want to pass down a legacy of bad food choices, dependence on food, or an unhealthy body weight or image to these precious gifts. God chose me to be their mother and I need your help being the best mother I can be.

I have had healing in many areas in my life. I have broken free from many strongholds.

I have forgiven my real Dad and we have relationship, the best way he knows how. I also talk to my sisters that I have from his 2^nd marriage. I have grown to love Richard, my Step-Dad. He is my Dad, I call him Dad and his daughter is my sister. How blessed am I.

There is freedom in forgiveness. I now need your help to break free from this stronghold of weight. Its time to get rid of the excess that is left after years of abusing food. There is a song and it says “You can't run if your holding suitcases.” I am ready to leave mine behind. Will you help me?

In one year, I want to sing “My chains are gone, I have been set free. My God, my Savior has rescued me.”

Help me leave a different legacy.

Thank you

Shelly Jones.

The Scoop with EMWLE Part 2

The call back came on April 18th at 11PM, I was fast asleep. When the phone rang I saw it was a blocked number, pushed the talk button, and hung up.  The phone rang again and I answered. I was shocked, somewhat speechless, and unsure if I could workout what they asked of me.  I was asked to drive to Oklahoma City for an on camera interview. They apologized for not being able to do this while in Dallas.  I can't remember exactly why I ended up getting that golden ticket...I think I was an alternate or something?? 

Oklahoma City is about a 3.5 hour drive from my house.  Who would keep my youngest daughter? Who would pick my older daughter up from school?  I could not do this by myself, who would go with me?  We agreed that I would call back in the morning and let them know if I could make it.

Who can sleep after that call??  Thankfully I had a friend up I could call and my husband woke up. I tossed and turned most of the night.  Impatiently, I waited for 4:40 AM for my ride to the gym.  I could not wait to tell them and ask them to help me figure out the logistics.  One even dropped everything she had going on for a road trip.  I am so grateful for this little town we live in and the friends that God has put in my life.  I got a friend to take care of my kids and pray for me.  (you all are awesome, thank you)

 

Road Trip Selfies



Lobby couch was awesome

Lovin' the green couch


 

We had so much fun on this road trip.  I completed my on camera interview and we headed back.  I was completely overwhelmed.  This was crazy, unexpected, and a lot to process.  I had a lot of homework to do. I had to dig deeper into my story and although I have told bits an pieces before, putting it all together was very therapeutic. I got it all turned in waited and prayed. 


I had to make a lot of videos and in one of them I voiced these words:

"The journey of unpacking my story and telling my story has taught me greatly. I heard Beth Moore say "There is beauty in the process” and she is right."

 

In my next blog I will include the letter I wrote to the host of this show.  (which begins its next season on Tuesday!!)

 

I received an email on Wednesday that I did not make it to the finals. Very bittersweet.  I had some plans for my summer with my girls!!! Who knows what would have happened had I got picked???

 

I still don't know where God is taking me, but I know He is in control.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Scoop with EMWLE

I have been working out, counting calories, and trying fad diets forever....with little long term success, so I decided to attend a casting call for Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition.  What did I have to lose?  What is the worst that could happen?

 Jesus has healed me in so many areas, with many more to go (I am a kid adult under construction), and I know He has called me to have victory with my weight. So.....

On April 13, 2013 I did just that.  I had just a few minutes to charm the 2 wonderful casting ladies. I met a handful of people in line, and prayed with 2 wonderful young people. I thought to myself, maybe that was the reason I was there.  I also submitted my story via video, some of which I have blogged about in the past (When I learn to post a video I will post some snippets).  I heard so many stories and amazing reasons to fight for a spot on the show. I shared my story and my main reasons why I need help and then rushed to my daughter's soccer game and waited for a call back.  That call back never came. I was disappointed.  Where was God leading me to overcome this obstacle?

Day of Casting
 

It frustrates me that insurance would help cover weight loss surgery, but not help cover someone getting support to do it without surgery.  I felt like my chance of help was gone.  It's not in our budget to hire personal training 1X1.  I had a pity party, that included some FOOD, and moved on.  A week later my husband and I confessed to our kids that we have not done a good job teaching them nutrition and we introduced a fun way to teach our kids about nutrition and I continued to count calories and workout.
Here is the link to what we are doing with our kids:

http://redlightgreenlighteatright.com/ 


Then I got a call back......

 



 

James in 2013

I love how God works in my life.  He breaks through walls I build, gives me glimpses of why His timing is best, and weaves people into the fabric of my life to show me more of Himself. 

In my unworthiness, in my sin, He still chooses to use me. I find when Jesus wants to use me its usually to teach me something, help me  apply a lesson to my life, or to just show me He is in fact right where I am.

I have been attending a fabulous women’s community group at my church.  When I first attended, I was just trying it out. This is where God knocked down the first brick, and began His work in me, yet again. 

I don’t really make New Year’s resolutions, but I know that in 2013 God wants to teach me through James.  The book in the Bible and the study by Beth Moore. 

I was asked to write a monologue in regards to James and I know these are the goals for 2013,  based on what God taught me through  choosing to use me to pen some words on page:

1. Remember His faithfulness – this encourages me onward.

2. Let go, Prioritize His way-  life is full of precious moments, enjoy them, don’t rush past.  Read an extra story, do the extra bible study with my kids, play the game, and yes even let the bed go unmade. (Letting go of my to do list and is HARD!)

3. Fight with Him - When David picked up the stones to fight his giant, someone once told me they stood for God-Is-All-I-Need. When I face a giant in my life, He is all I need.

4. Instead of getting overwhelmed by life’s trials, breath through and allow them to produce perseverance.

5.  Let my faith have action. I want to demonstrate my faith through active obedience.

6. Work on taming my tongue.  I wrote this in the monologue:  “God uses my kids daily to mold me, teach me, and clean me up. Everyday being a mom is a God moment. I pray that for 2013 my tongue is more tame. That I am more gentle with my kids, more respectful of my husband. That I will not quench their spirits with my words, but will uplift them.”

7. To fill myself with Him.

When I wrote this monologue, it was based loosely on my life, not all parts are things I struggle with. But food has always been a battle and God gave me these words: “ Last night my flesh won over my desire to submit to God. Pleasure in the moment instead of pleasing God and saying no to a sinful desire. I wonder sometimes what other women struggle with. Are they like me and let a binge moment with food win over taking care of the temple that is their body? What desires do they wrestle with, that win over submitting to God? I know sometimes TV shows are a struggle, or books, movies. Maybe even too much wine or ex-boyfriends on face book. I know You created me with a desire and that desire is only filled through daily submission to you. You reminded me with this moment to fill myself with you and not anything else.”

8. Prayer. I believe in its power and its comfort. I love the peace praying brings.  I want to start a prayer journal for 2013.

 

No matter how many stones I pick up to fight giants this year, the first one is ALWAYS GOD!

God is all I need.

Heavy Heart

My heart is heavy. 


All day my life has continued like normal.  Coffee, work, Christmas shopping, laundry, and then tonight we went to dinner with friends.  We enjoyed food and fellowship.  We walked around a beautifully lit downtown square in a neighboring town.  We saw fake snow fall down to the ground. There was Christmas music, trains, and a tree.  My kids held hands with their friends, played, and laughed.  My friends and I stood talking and watching the sights and sounds all around us.  I took a moment to sit on a small wall, where I could continue to observe my children and friends as they interacted, and tears began to feel my eyes.  I ached for all the people in CT.  Shouldn't the world just stop?? 

I do not understand.  I have expressed this to Jesus several times as I have prayed for the families. There are no words.  None.  And yet, I feel like I have to try to write something just to attempt to wrap my head around it. 

First, I would like to say I am sorry. I am so so sorry. 

Then I would like to say, I am so thankful that Christmas is not about snow, lights, the gifts that I need to complete.  Its about Jesus.

 And Jesus loves the little children of the world.  In Luke 18:16 the bible says, " ¹⁶ But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

 I love Jesus, I have faith in Jesus, and I question Jesus?  Why?  Why did this happen?  I am not here to debate anything, I am here to find for myself a slice of  peace.  The nugget I am grasping onto, is that Jesus loved those children, those teachers, and I know He held them in His hand. 

We can't stop the world, but we can stop the political debates and grieve with our fellow man.  Romans 12:15  says "¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."  To do that I will shed tears with them, on behalf of them, and I will intercede in prayer for them.