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Clare Smith

Training Body & Soul

{Shed & Share Wednesdays} Nikki T.

October 19, 2011

I am so excited about this new series, “Shed & Share Wednesdays“! You will be so motivated while reading these stories of these unbelievable women!! Let’s get to it. Meet Nikki T!

♥♥♥

{The Basics}

Name: Nikki T

Age: 33

Profession: I am a minister’s wife and have awesome opportunities to minister to women and their families, and I educate my children at home. I am also enrolled through the University of Missouri’s online degree completion program and will have my undergraduate degree completed by the end of this year (prayerfully).

How long have you been on this weight loss journey?

I have had weight issues my entire life. I was probably even the chubbiest baby in the hospital nursery. Seriously though, on January 23, 2011 I saw a number on the scale that shocked and scared me. I decided I had to stop flirting with dieting and ditch it completely and make a committed lifestyle change.

Weight Loss/Inches Lost:

I have lost a little more than 30 pounds so far and have gone down two pant sizes (almost three).

Medical stats:

One year ago my blood pressure was 140/90 (which is considered stage 1 high blood pressure). I went into the doctor on October 5th to have a blood pressure check and it was 122/72 and my resting heard rate was 53 beats per minute. This is proof all that exercise and healthy eating is paying off.

Blog/Facebook Page:

Joy in the Journey: http://nikkit3.blogspot.com/

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joy-in-the-Journey/156180934459273


(Nikki, before and after!)

{Your Story}

What was your “low point”?

My low point was seeing the scale read 216 pounds. I want you to know how hard this is for me to type those numbers out. I am actually typing through tears. A girl who only stands 64 inches tall should not weigh that much. I began to see pictures of me pop up on Facebook that friends took of me at different social events and I would say to myself, “Do I really look like that?” The pictures and the numbers on the scale were my wake up call. This was my low point, but it was my opportunity to crawl out. I had put myself in this low place and I knew I could climb myself out! I kept clinging to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. I desire to honor God with my body and that means I make wise food choices and exercise to be strong and fit.

How did you get started?

I checked out the South Beach Diet book from my library and decided to give it a try due to a high fasting glucose test I had one year ago, my family history of diabetes, and my love (addiction) to bad carbohydrates. My doctor approves of this diet as long as her patients do not stay on Phase 1 long-term. I also started using an intense workout DVD that combines both strength and cardio for maximum calorie burning.

What is your workout routine and eating plan?

Today my motto is: “If it’s white, don’t bite.” I wish I knew who said that cute little saying so I could give them credit. Basically, if it’s made with white sugar or flour I don’t eat it on a daily basis. I also stay away from white potatoes and eat sweet potatoes and yams instead. We eat healthy 100% whole grain and whole wheat products. This does not mean that I do not enjoy an occasional dessert, but sugar is no longer a part of my daily life like it used to be. Preparation is crucial to success also. I make sure I have grilled chicken to throw on a salad for my lunch or a soup prepared to eat throughout the week, and of course I keep plenty of vegetables washed and ready to eat when needed. I have a couple of workout DVDs that work well for me, and I have started running. I actually feel silly calling it running because I am slow and sometimes I have to stop and walk for 30-60 seconds, but my track coach friend tells me it’s okay to say “I’m a runner!”

{Help Us!}

What are your top 3 favorite resources that helped you along the way?

1. My husband – He has been a huge blessing of support and encouragement along the way. He has recently lost more than 50 pounds and is a running machine! I’m so proud of him! It is awesome to have a healthy buddy along this journey.

2. Good running shoes. I truly believe you have to have good shoes when you work out and they are worth the investment.

3. Clare’s blog and especially her “New Move Mondays” have been a great resource. It has been really cool to have some moves I could barely do a few months ago, but now I can do more reps because I am losing weight and getting stronger.

4. I have to share this last one and it is the most important – Christ. Without Christ I am nothing and have nothing. During one of my workouts, the instructor says, “Why are you doing this workout?” I always say, “Because I want to represent Christ well and to serve Him better!”

If you are a parent, how have you balanced everything?

You have to schedule time to work out. I started with three days each week and now I work out six days a week. You also have to take time to shop and prepare healthy food. I cannot stress enough how preparation has played a huge part in my success. I have made healthy living a lifestyle. Taking the time to exercise and prepare healthy meals is not selfish or self-centered. You are not neglecting your children when you go to the gym, go on a run, or turn on a workout DVD. God has called us to the abundant life and when we carry around extra pounds we are not living up to His fullest potential for our lives. I also think we need to be teaching our children to be good stewards of the bodies God has given us. We must be a healthy example to our children. I am very careful with how I talk about my weight loss journey. I always say I’m working on getting healthier, not skinnier around my children.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone who is sitting on the sidelines and waiting?

Start today, take one day at a time and trust God to meet you where you are and be your strength!

What one piece of advice would you give to someone who is in the process but is feeling discouraged?

Sometimes at the end of the day I will feel like I could have worked out harder or I could have made a wiser choice at a party and my husband will say, “Nikki, tomorrow is a new day.” This is statement is so true. Sometimes we can beat ourselves up so much that we are left feeling discouraged and no longer focused on Christ and His plan for our lives. So, I would encourage the discouraged to remember that the Lord’s mercies are new every morning and He is faithful (Lamentations 3:22-23). Stays focused on your healthy living goals and remember to “finish what you start.”

Anything else you would like to share?

I am praying for each person who reads this. I pray that you will be encouraged to make a lifestyle change if you need to. I am also praying that you will grow closer to Christ as you journey with Him as you strive to be a strong and healthy servant for Him and His glory!

♥♥♥

Nikki, thank you so much for opening your life to us! You have such great words of wisdom and encouragement!

Do you have a shed story that you want to share? We want to hear it! Please contact me below or clare@peak313.com to be a part of the series! Stay tuned because I have many more women with more inspiring stories to come!

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Filed Under: Featured, Good Living, Shed & Share, Spiritual Tagged With: exercise, perseverence, real life, self discipline, Shed & Share, spiritual 17 Comments

About Clare

Comments

  1. Julia says

    October 19, 2011 at 8:41 am

    Thanks for sharing Nikki!!! Very inspirational! Also thanks clare for the new shed story series!!! love it!

    Reply
  2. Tristan says

    October 19, 2011 at 10:11 am

    Yay Nikki! I love reading about your journey. I’m trying to be motivated through the rest of this pregnancy to eat well and do some gentle exercise so that the weight comes off easier (ok, so it comes off period) afterward. We’re the same height and I’ll be honest, I’ve hit just over 220 by the end of the last few pregnancies. It’s not a healthy place to be. With this pregnancy coming when baby #6 was only 3 months old I had not lost enough weight to be healthy. I’m sitting at 200 lbs and still have 13 weeks to go. Sigh. It’s worth it, but I wish the weight just all disappeared after the baby is born…LOL.

    Have you seen the T-Tapp dvds? I’m enjoying the T-Tapp More DVD right now and hope to work up to the regular one post-baby.

    Reply
  3. Sue says

    October 19, 2011 at 10:51 am

    Way to go Nikki!

    Reply
  4. Jenny says

    October 19, 2011 at 12:28 pm

    Awesome story Nikki! It inspires me to keep going with my journey! Thanks so much for being transparent and for being used by the Lord to encourage others! You look amazing!!

    Reply
  5. Sandra says

    October 19, 2011 at 12:53 pm

    Love that you are teaching your kids it’s about being healthy! You’re passing on that healthy lifestyle, and to them it will be normal. So proud of you!

    Reply
  6. Heath says

    October 19, 2011 at 2:04 pm

    That’s my wife! She has tons going on in her life and she was able to do it. You can too! And…that’s my wife!!!!

    Reply
    • Nikki says

      October 19, 2011 at 2:24 pm

      Love you, Heath! You are such a blessing of encouragement to me and I am thankful.

      Reply
    • Joy says

      October 19, 2011 at 6:00 pm

      Aw that is just too cute and sweet. Love this. A hubby praising his woman!! YAY!!

      Reply
  7. Jodi says

    October 19, 2011 at 3:56 pm

    Way to go Nikki! Proud of you, and I enjoyed your tips for what works for you, I think I will take some of your advice for sure. 🙂

    Reply
  8. ann gardner says

    October 19, 2011 at 4:01 pm

    wow! what an inspiring story of hope and transformation. awesome job, Nikki….you look FABULOUS!

    Reply
  9. Nikki says

    October 19, 2011 at 4:37 pm

    Thank you all for your sweet and encouraging comments! I stand amazed at God’s goodness and strength!

    Reply
  10. Joy says

    October 19, 2011 at 5:58 pm

    Way to go Nikki! You are an inspiration!! I love your heart and open honesty. I appreciate your willingness to type that difficult number out. I KNOW you have impacted and encouraged many ladies today!! You go girl!

    Reply
  11. Megan says

    October 19, 2011 at 7:27 pm

    Congratulations Nikki!
    I am currently working hard to be able to have a story to share myself!
    Thanks Clare for facilitating this kind of encouragement through personal stories!

    Reply
    • Nikki says

      October 19, 2011 at 10:18 pm

      Megan, I can’t wait to read your story! I was scared to death to share mine, but it has actually helped focus and motivate me even more!

      Reply
  12. liz says

    October 20, 2011 at 7:36 am

    awesome story. thanks for the encouragement! i too, am praying i’ll have a story to share!

    Reply
  13. Summer says

    May 16, 2012 at 10:51 am

    Hi, Nikki! I clicked on you from my Shed and Share Story and realized that I had not been linked up with Peak313 when you shared your story! I love how you talked about not neglecting your kids when we work out, and teaching them to be healthy as well, and making sure that it is about being healthy, not skinny! My son Taran is a sports enthusiast and is planning on going into Athletic training and coaching after high school sports and hopefully college football. Then I have a teenage daughter, and so healthy nutrition and perspective is so important as I am an example to them as well. Thank you for sharing your AMAZING story – very inspiring to me! God bless in your homeschool and health journey! 🙂

    Reply
  14. Jacqueline says

    January 18, 2014 at 3:03 pm

    Nikki, thanks for sharing. I just really appreciate your story, your “realness”. I’m a mom of four, I work full time (a very sedentary job, unfortunately) and it’s really hard to improve my health. I appreciate your encouraging story, and I appreciate that you even said you would pray for each person who reads your story. I pray every night that God will help me, my true goal is to take better care of myself so that I can take better care of others. I hope one of these days I will get there!

    Reply

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Let your complicated, challenging, nuanced situati Let your complicated, challenging, nuanced situation(s) be what forms you. Let it build you into the person God is bringing you to be. It’s not the ability to live life unscathed and perfect that creates a beautiful soul. It’s the ability to feel the heat and pain and come out more tender, authentic, and loving that makes you a person who is set apart for use. A person like this is refreshing and that person absolutely is you. #abeautifulpurpose

(Quote not my own)
I’ll keep this short because I want you to read I’ll keep this short because I want you to read the poem. We can bring our burdens many places nowadays- friends, Instagram, Facebook, text, to gym, to work, to sleep.. you get the point. But let’s make sure we bring our burdens first to Jesus. After the week.. month.. year.. many of us are having, there’s no better time to do this than now. #sweetunfailingrefuge

(I found this tucked in an old book at my family’s 100 year old farmhouse that we were selling this summer 🤍)
•My house was a mess with everyone being home to •My house was a mess with everyone being home today
• I only had ingredients for one batch of soup
• I don’t drink alcohol on Mondays
• Hubs had the sink totally apart in the middle of a project
• The kids were in and out of our deep conversation

Sometimes the quick stop to say hello turns into a therapy session with dinner and wine. Everything was stacked against me – so I thought- but the mayhem is often beauty and normalcy to the person’s life who is spinning. Sometimes “the plan” goes off track... but it’s not off track in God’s eyes.

Living life knowing that the minutes of your day are not yours but for God to use to encourage and be there for people who are hurting changes everything. It changes who you marry. It changes how you spend your money. It changes what you do with your time. Dinner portions may not be what you planned but God always finds enough to fill those who come to His table to be loved on and heard.

If I know one thing – it’s this. People are hurting right now. Some things are private and some are public. What would it look like if our homes became safe places for people to land? For our hearts to enter in the pain? For our embrace to provide the temporary relief needed? We can be people who talk about bringing the kingdom here on earth or we can be people who do what we can with the little we have to be the hands and feet of Jesus. 🤍
I’ve been on a “physical” comeback over the I’ve been on a “physical” comeback over the past few weeks. Between an insane December, Covid recovery, Ohio winters, and the mere fact I don’t have the bounce back that I used to (#thisis40) it’s been a slow go for me to get to feeling where I feel best physically. It’s been discouraging to say the least and I feel like I just turned a corner last week. 

While a lot truly was physical exhaustion, it was more of a mind game I was playing. I had to be my own #hypeman and tell myself to keep chipping away at the goal. I had to tell myself that the only way to the end was through it…no shortcuts. Just time and steady work. I often dismissed the small wins I had because I hadn’t hit the finish line. Well that thinking wasn’t helping me and one day had the “aha”that while I wasn’t yet at the goal, I was BETTER.

Each of us have something in our lives where it’s not what we want. We are on the path to achievement but it sure ain’t there yet. It can be with some of the obvious things such a health or financial goals but I see this often with people regarding relationships. The marriage, friendship, child or community in which we live falls just short of “perfection” and so we just settle instead of putting in consistent, hopeful work, which allows room for the Holy Spirit to work. 

I just want to encourage you to keep chipping away because while things may not be what you want, they can be better. In fact the way we reach what we want is not by snapping our fingers and it magically appearing but by a process or journey which involves ups and downs, straight stretches of boredom, and then finally a renewed energy as you see the end in sight.

What have you given up on achieving because it hasn’t come to fruition in the time you wanted? Remember… things can be BETTER. And that counts for something. 🤍
I was recently telling someone my journey or where I was recently telling someone my journey or where I am today in regards to what I do for a living... the crazy road I’ve travelled over the last 10 years to get me here. It’s changed a lot and if you’ve been here online with me, you have seen it! If you would have asked 18 year old Clare what she saw herself filling her days with at 40 years old, it would be about 5% of what I’m doing. Goodness...none of this was even around when I was 18!

I look back and see all the twists and turns. All these tiny moments and conversations. Many open and closed doors. Things that I thought were just random or not a big deal, but in hindsight, they were a huge deal. I appear to be a very type a “has her stuff together and a plan” type girl but the truth is, I am (was) taking everything day by day.

All I know is that everything I stepped into prepared me for the next thing. Many times I didn’t even know it! But I look back often and am like, “ohhh, God, I see what ya did there!” 

My encouragement to you is this- no matter what age you are- trust the path you are on. Let peace be your guide... not some assumed plan an “expert” or author told you. Sure- be wise with your time. Put in the work with diligence wherever your feet may have you, but be open to the nudges of where to go.

Maybe I’m crazy but living a life of faith in God is one of the most exciting and fulfilling things. I don’t know what He has for me in 5 years let alone 1...and for whatever reason, that thought alone gets me up and helps me live with a holy anticipation. I trust Him.  I live less with resistance to the unexpected now. God is indeed preparing you for what he has prepared for you. What a loving Father!
We all know this but it’s so easy to forget. Rem We all know this but it’s so easy to forget. Remember that seeds are buried and “in the dark” before anything springs forth. Our journeys in life can often feel like that. Do the daily work. Tend your “heart garden.” Time is on your side. And when it’s time...it’s time. 🤍

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians‬ ‭6:9‬
A few years ago I was the speaker for a women’s A few years ago I was the speaker for a women’s retreat in the Chicago area. I just finished a session & a lady ran up to me asking if she could ask me a few questions. She was early 50’s, striking in appearance… fit & confident. She started telling me that she resonated with my health/fitness message & wanted some encouragement on starting “this late in life”, but as we continued talking, her demeanor changed & tears started to fill her eyes.

She told me that was she was struggling with something that had been weighing on her since she was 18…the decision to have an abortion. The tears were streaming down her face, the clear guilt she carried from it weighing heavy on every part of her beautiful stature. Not many knew about it. Her current husband did not…many friends did not. She felt it was keeping her from this life she saw that was just within reach. The more she sat in silence, the heavier the chains felt. She needed to speak and I watched the tears fall like visible chains.

We chatted a little longer, prayed & hugged, & as I walked away I couldn’t help but think of many women I’ve encountered with this same story but I would’ve never known. Walking through life seemingly fine, yet carrying a deep wound inside, questioning every bit of her worth and ability to make a difference. Heartbreaking. 

If you relate to that woman, I want you to know that you are loved & seen. Your past, as hard as it has been, has formed & shaped you into the woman you are today, & a woman that God greatly desires to use. He wants your broken, fragile heart. He will bind it up and heal it. He will walk with you in the shadows. He will lead you beside still and soul-quenching waters. There may be many words you can attach to your situation but there is one more powerful than all that I want you to keep remembering…RESTORATION. Jesus is renewing and reviving something within you that will bring light to yourself & others.

For the rest of us who may not have this as a part of our story, let’s remember that we are walking amongst those who have & that we are to be healing arms, not ones of judgement & legalism...but ones of compassion & grace. 🤍 DM me if you need prayer!
This came up on my Facebook memories and I just fe This came up on my Facebook memories and I just feel it’s always applicable! There is always something in our lives that if we could just “get our hands on” would work to our favor. We dream about what it would be like if we got that thing/person etc. We think about the 2 tweaks that need to happen for it to occur. We pray about it. Perhaps obsess over it.. sound familiar?

But we also start to resent our current lives. We stop living in what God has fully given us. We live everywhere but the here and now and alongside that dream of yours comes a side dish of anxiety and sadness. So then we get our hands in it, perhaps without God’s “OK” and then we see a mess unfold. We’ve all been there. If only we had waited. 

This is the grind of living in reality. We are pulled from living what is before us into living into a dream we have deep within. Here’s the cool thing. We don’t have to choose.. reality or dream. It’s not an either/or but both/and. We can live fully here while also giving energy to our hopes. The difference is how tightly we hold into those things and how much they get elevated in our hearts.

If you are here this morning I just want to encourage you that you aren’t alone! I truly believe with everything I am, that God works for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) I believe in His sovereign timing. I believe that the work He started in you (and everyone else in your life) will be completed. (Phil1:6) Keep praying, stay faithful to where you are now, walk in the “peace path” and hold onto Jesus. He will lead you. 🙏🏻
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