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Clare Smith

Training Body & Soul

{Shed & Share Wednesdays} Tonya

March 6, 2012

Woo hoo! It’s another “Shed & Share” story!! Meet Tonya!

♥♥♥

The Basics:

– Age: 37

– Profession: Homemaker/SAHM

– How long have you been on this weight loss journey? Approx. 2.5 years (pregnant time included)

– Weight Loss/Inches Lost: (Post Baby) 40 lbs./ 4.5 inches (waist)

– Blog/Facebook Page (if you have one): www.amrsamom.blogspot.com

 

{Your Story}

Here’s some background:

I had never really had a weight problem. I’ve been a size 6 most of my adult life.  When I met my husband in May 2004 I was the smallest I had ever been (sz 4).  My husband & I married 6 months later in November & I gained 40 lbs. in our first 2 years of marriage.  I moved into a size 8 & carried it fairly well, but when the 8 started tightening I knew it was time to do something.  Just when my size 8 started loosening I got pregnant w/ our first baby & gained 70+ lbs. during the pregnancy.  After having him in January 2008 the weight literally fell off.  I was smaller than before I got pregnant, but still not wedding day size.  Eight months later I was pregnant with our 2nd child & gaining that 70+ lbs. once again.  After his birth, the weight started coming off… & then it started piling on.  For the first time in my life, I was on the heavy side.  Because I wanted another child I didn’t pursue weight loss, but in December 2009 I asked Jesus what He wanted from me for His birthday & felt that His answer was my physical body.  I set a goal date to lose weight & be in better shape.

My 2nd son would celebrate his 1st birthday on May 5, 2010 so I set that as my goal date.

At least I thought I was setting it for that reason.

Shed & Share Wed: Find out how Tonya lost over 40 lbs the healthy way! : peak313.com

Tonya, before and after

 

Here’s my low point:

At this point it’s important to remember that the Lord had prompted me to take care of my physical body, to get healthy.  I did not do it.  Lazy.  Disobedient.  On May 1, 2010 my best girl friend, my mama, suffered a massive stroke.  She was in 2 different hospitals over a 2 month period & we were told 5 different times that she would not live.  Care for her is ongoing, but praise God she has come a crazy long way!!  Her extremely intense care involved several months following the day of the stroke.  Her extremely intense caregivers were my daddy & me.

Our schedules were completely out of whack, our eating was certainly not controlled, & the lack of sleep all amounted to unhealthy living.  I’m so ashamed that I didn’t listen to the Lord so I would have the needed energy & physical strength to REALLY handle those days.  However, HE IS FAITHFUL & MERCIFUL & GRACIOUS & HE CARRIED ME!!!!    My goal was to be between 128-130 & maybe in sz 6 again by Valentine’s Day.  February 11, 2012 was weigh-in day for the week.  I was at 130 – PRAISE GOD!!  (And I’m a size 4 again – WHAT??!!)

How did you get started?

When I was able to return to a fairly normal schedule at home I started running (slow jogging for a super-short distance) 3-4 days a week.  I have never run & never wanted to run.  I enjoy exercise & I enjoy walking, but not running.  BUT this was a prompt from the Holy Spirit & I chose not to ignore it this time (He has taught me SO MUCH during my times of running).

I remember laughing when I heard Lysa Terkeurst (“Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl DVD) talk about running from one mailbox to the next her first time out, then running to the 2nd mailbox the next time & so on.  I loved the spiritual application she made & was impressed with her, but I did NOT have an interest in running at all.  I knew I wouldn’t be trying that…until I did.  I went out one day & ran from one mailbox to the next.  If I heard a car coming down the road I’d stop running until they passed because I knew I looked ridiculous.  I still look ridiculous, but I also look healthier so I don’t care anymore – FREEDOM!!

Three months later I think I was at about 1.5 miles (don’t laugh) & became pregnant with my 3rd child.  I tried to exercise, but just couldn’t do it so I steady picked up those 70+ lbs. again.  Six weeks following baby’s birth in June 2011 I started exercising, running (only 1 day a week), & counting my calories.

Tonya and her family, before

 

What is your workout routine and eating plan?

I know what my daily caloric intake should be so I watch that in a way that works for me.  I exercise for 30 minutes a day/6 days a week.

 

{Help us!}

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

– Lindsay Brin (www.momsintofitness.com)

– Family

– Prayer

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

JUST DO SOMETHING.  Do it now.  Waiting doesn’t burn calories. MOVE.  MOVE.  MOVE.

 

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

Keep on keepin’ on.  You are not alone. We go through seasons & some days are harder than others.  Don’t focus on the numbers on the scale or the size of your jeans.  HOW DO YOU FEEL?  If you’re eating better & moving more YOU FEEL BETTER.  Don’t pursue an image of what you think you should look like – pursue health & fitness!  Fit doesn’t look or feel frail!!

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

It is not easy to keep 3 small children occupied at the same time for 30 minutes a day, but it can be done.  Sometimes I have to stop for their potty breaks or more juice or discipline issues, but I pause my DVD, take care of my children, then start up my workout again.  Some people would think I’m selfish for prioritizing daily exercise while my kids wait (I count it as a lesson for them in patience).  FOR ME, it would be selfish not to do it. Exercise makes me feel better & it keeps me strong for the task of handling 3 small children.  I have a large, heavy 2-year old whose love language is physical touch.  The boy loves to be held & if I didn’t exercise I could not hold him for any length of time.  My other son needs my time like he needs food & water.  He loves to play outdoor sports.  Exercise gives me the energy I need to be fully engaged when I play with him.  My baby girl doesn’t sleep well & nurses frequently through the night.  I am quite sleep-deprived so exercise gives me the boost I need to start my day. MOMMY EXERCISES EVERY DAY.  It’s part of their routine.  No biggie.

Tonya and her family, after!

 

Anything else you would like to share?

FIND A SUPPORT SYSTEM.  It might just be one person, but find someone who is really interested in your pursuit & keep them posted on your progress. I’m blessed to have a few cheerleaders! You need at least one of these people in your life to keep you accountable & encouraged!  If you don’t have anyone, let me know – I’LL BE YOUR CHEERLEADER!!

♥♥♥

What a story, Tonya! Thank you so much for opening up and sharing your heart and the specifics of how you shed your weight!

If you have a Shed story that you would like to share, please be sure to email me: clare@peak313.com. I’d love to have you!

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Filed Under: Featured, Good Living, Shed & Share, Spiritual Tagged With: accountability, real life, Shed & Share, spiritual, tips 19 Comments

About Clare

Comments

  1. Zinnada says

    March 6, 2012 at 9:55 pm

    Love your testimony, Sister! I hear you girl! I was there too. But, praise be to God for deliverance!! I love the family picture you look so good and healthy. Stay encouraged and thanks so much for sharing your story.

    Reply
  2. tonya says

    March 6, 2012 at 10:08 pm

    Yes, all glory to HIM! Thank you for being so kind! Sitting on this side & looking back is amazing & a little unbelievable, isn’t it? It puts a lump in my throat – I know you know what I mean! I remember your story & you look incredible! Way to go!

    Reply
  3. Jinka B says

    March 7, 2012 at 7:21 am

    LOVE it! I did the same exact thing- running from one mailbox to the next! Thanks for sharing. You look great- happy and healthy. ;oD

    Reply
    • tonya says

      March 7, 2012 at 7:32 am

      You look fabulous!! I’ve thought of you often since reading your story. You are proof that “fit doesn’t look frail”. Thanks for commenting, Jinka – nice to meet you. :o)

      Reply
  4. Christine says

    March 7, 2012 at 12:25 pm

    Thanks for sharing your story — so motivational! I’m down 20 pounds this year so far and up to jogging 2 miles. I hope to share my story someday soon! It helps greatly to read about other people’s successes. I can DO this!

    Reply
    • tonya says

      March 7, 2012 at 1:45 pm

      YES, YOU CAN!!!!!!! Awesome results already, Christine!! Feels indescribable, doesn’t it?? I look forward to hearing your story. Keep on keepin’ on!!

      Reply
  5. Summer says

    March 7, 2012 at 12:27 pm

    Wonderful, inspirational story – thank you so much for sharing!

    Reply
  6. tonya says

    March 7, 2012 at 1:46 pm

    Thank you so much for commenting! The feedback is the most fun part! :o)

    Reply
  7. Jaki (Slim Down U) says

    March 7, 2012 at 4:34 pm

    Congratulations, Tonya! You look great and have a beautiful family!

    Reply
    • tonya says

      March 7, 2012 at 7:54 pm

      Thank you, Jaki!

      Reply
  8. Judy says

    March 7, 2012 at 11:25 pm

    Thank you for these stories. They are motivational.

    Reply
    • tonya says

      March 8, 2012 at 10:15 pm

      I agree, Judy! The stories before mine kept me encouraged while I was smack dab in the middle of the climb!! Thank you for doing this, Clare! You’re such a blessing & you help us girls more than you even know!!

      Reply
  9. Blessed Mom says

    March 8, 2012 at 10:00 am

    This is very encouraging to me. I am also a mother of three young children (all under the age of 6), and need to loose at least 20 lbs before I have another baby due to gestational diabetes in my last pregnancy. I’ve been trying to loose for several months, but have only lost a few pounds. I actually love to run, but knee pain prevents me from running and some days its painful to walk. Thank you for sharing your story.

    Reply
    • tonya says

      March 8, 2012 at 10:07 pm

      Wow, I know it’s tough when you have the want-to, but you also have physical limitations. Maybe Clare has some suggestions for easy-on-the-knees exercises that you would enjoy or some advice?

      Friend, a few pounds is not a small accomplishment, so GOOD FOR YOU!!! Those few pounds add up!! Don’t give up on yourself!

      “Yet those who wait for the LORD
      Will gain new strength;
      They will mount up with wings like eagles,
      They will run and not get tired,
      They will walk and not become weary.”
      Isaiah 40:31

      Reply
  10. BrendaS says

    March 8, 2012 at 2:28 pm

    Great story and inspiration! I need to have a fire kindled in my before it’s too late. I start an exercise program only to have my knees or other joints go haywire on me and I stop because I don’t want to damage them more. I am on the brink of giving up and I really don’t want to get out of control more than I am. I need encouragement and support and have no one to count on in that area. My hubby loves me just the way I am and is no help when he brings home ice cream. NO….I don’t think he would deliberatly sabotage my efforts……he truly doesn’t see me the way I look. So, I am going to start again……slowly……..and hope that this time I will succeed. Thanks for sharing your story.

    Reply
    • tonya says

      March 8, 2012 at 10:47 pm

      Oh please hang in there, Brenda! I am not qualified to give advice on exercise, but I will be cheering you on & lifting you up in prayer! Please let me pray for you now?

      Father, I praise You for this unique opportunity You’ve given us to share in an online community. Thank you for Clare & her ministry here. We come here because we want to take care of these bodies that You’ve awesomely created. Help us, Lord? Brenda needs encouragement right now. She needs to know that You are her #1 fan!! She needs wisdom to know how to be healthy & fit even when her body seems to fight against her. Let her know that victory is in her reach & carry her to the finish line, Lord! We thank You!! Amen!

      “I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” Psalm 139:14

      “…Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

      “Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

      “…If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

      Reply
  11. Nikki says

    March 9, 2012 at 6:10 pm

    What an awesome example you are to Mommas of little ones. I did not get my act together until my kids were older. I let myself make excuses that I couldn’t do anything b/c my kids kept me from being consistent. You are beautiful and thank you so much for sharing your story!

    Reply
    • tonya says

      March 10, 2012 at 9:39 pm

      Nikki, your words are so sweet, but they convict me. “I let myself make excuses that I couldn’t do anything b/c my kids kept me from being consistent” – Sister, I’m sad to say that’s me spiritually. We’re keepin’ it real here, right?? Oh, if I could be an “example” in SPIRITUAL discipline & fitness. Wow, I’m really thankful you stopped by here – God has used you to prick my heart.

      Reply
  12. Lauren says

    April 16, 2014 at 10:14 am

    Thank you so much for sharing your story, Tonya! And thank you, Clare for reposting it! It is always so encouraging for me to read about people who have been successful in finding a free, healthy place in life by relying on and being obedient to God, rather than going to crazy extremes. Thank you for your honesty! You’ve blessed me today!

    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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