Big Daddy Weave

I have been off my diet for the summer. Last school year I lost 57 pounds! Now that school is beginning I will join in again to the 90 in 09.
Good luck to everyone!

Charlotte

Sorry, I posted in the wrong spot so I'm putting this here but was unable to delete the old one in the wrong spot. Sorry...

I feel frustrated. I'd originally set all these New Year goals, one of which included losing 90 lbs. I've let God down & let myself down. I'm a beached whale. I'm about 315 lbs & 5'6". I never EVER dreamed I'd get this big. I remember being upset when I'd hit 133. I'd love to be that small again. 133 was a disappointment. 200 was a disaster & by 300, I sort of gave up. Now, I really want to lose weight but feel I don't have the energy, positive attitude, or will to accomplish the goal. I guess some things aren't meant to be. So I admire what you're doing! I think it's great, healthy, & you have great accountability. Good for you. Keep up the good work!!!

Jeanette

Hey Mike,
I spoke with you at Crossover in Camdenton, MO a couple weeks ago...at that time, we discussed your weight loss challenge and the journey I've been on since mid-December. Just an update...I've lost 80 pounds since December 15th and have another 50 pounds to go. I started at 318 pounds and now weigh around 238. You're an inspiration to those who listen to your music and worship with you, but you've also inspired ME to do something that I should have done years ago. I'll continue to pray for you as you seek the Lord's will on this matter regarding your health and weight loss; I for one, know it's not easy to do. I've joined a gym, which I visit around 5 days a week; two of those, I spend with a personal trainer (thank you Steven; there's your plug!!) and have really altered my eating habits. I take in around 3000 calories a day, but their good "burnable" calories. My metabolism is suddenly like that of a 25 year old! (although, I'm now 46) You, and your lead guitarist, at that time, when we talked said you'd like to see before and after photos...I'm not sure how to send those as I didn't see a email address...irregardless, thank you for your ministry and dedication to serving the Lord and His people! This has also been a terrific opportunity to witness and befriend my trainer, Steven. He's asking a lot of questions and now, admits, "talking" to God, every day. I'll continue to pray for each of you as you travel and your families. Keep us updated on your weight loss journey...I'll let you know when I see 188!! Jeff Coale-California, Missouri chickentrader@embarqmail.com

Hey mike I started this 90 in 09 with you at the begining of the year. I put in a comment on this site when I started. Well good news I have lost 60 pounds so far!!!!! thats right 60. I started at 333 and today I am at 273. Thank you so much for starting this. Just to let you know I am also thankful for my church family who every week keeps encouraging me. I told them what I was going to do with the hope that they would keep asking me where I am at. I feel great!!!!! My blood pressure used to be 180's over 100's this week it was 137 over 88. I am beating my addiction with the help of my Lord Jesus Christ. ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!!!!!! only 30 pounds left.

Kevin

I started 5 weeks ago and so far i have lost 18 lbs. I just wanted to encourage everyone to keep your sights on Health and God!

We can beat this thing in a big way. I am working 12 step recover along with healthy eating and feel much better.

Blessings to all!

Ter

90in09 message boards? Where did they go? They were there one day and gone the next. I joined the challenge March 2nd. and I have lost 10 pounds so far. I am working out at least 5 days a week, watching what I eat, and worshipping the Lord everyday. I have a lot of blessings in my life that I thank the good Lord for everyday. I want to thank Mike for starting this challenge for everyone to join in on. I think it awesome the weight loss he has had and the spiritual growth that it is bringing to so many people.

Good Job Mike, Keep it up.

God Bless,
Dawn

I am on board and this is day 80 for me in what I am calling my 1000 day journey to better health through faith. At my heaviest I weighed 978 pounds and at the start of this journey I weighed 754 pounds. On 4/11/09 my weigh in for the week was 707 pounds. I am working on all areas of my life including spiritual, emotional, mental and physical and my daily prayer is that I will build my faith and work each day looking to the Lord above for the strength and guidance needed to eat the right foods for the right reasons. I will place Bid Daddy Weave and all others that are working through thier own journey into my prayers and I ask for prayers as well as I fight this battle with morbid obeisty and try to do so in a way that will inspire others. I give the Lord all the praise and the glory as I work one day at a time to become healthier and overcome what would be impossible odds alone. my email is big_rick20002001@yahoo.com and I welcome your support and prayers.

The senior pastor at Mud Creek, where I play at SNC (Saturday Night Church now but will become Sunday Night Celebration in two weeks), just did a series of sermons called "A Pastor's Confession." He came to the realization that he was living in sin because of gluttony and lack of exercise. He said God just outright asked him how he could profess to help others out of sin when he had a big one right there under his tie!

He has lost nearly 100 pounds in the past year, so Mike, I know you can do it in Jesus' name! It seemed for Greg to become a bit easier when he came to the realization that it was getting between him and God. The sermons should be archived on the website below. You can see them from the Sunday services, with all the flair, or click on the Saturday Night Church tab, where you can hear our band rock the house. In fact, we're supposed to learn "What Would Life Be Like" for this weekend, so I'll put in a plug for any BDW fans to check out Mud Creek at 5:15 p.m. EDT (2015 UTC) this Saturday, April 4. It'll also be a special day for me since it will mark my mother's sixth year in heaven.

Phil Alexander
Bassist
Mud Creek SNC
www.mudcreekchurch.org

I have always struggled with my weight and for the most part thought that I was pretty healthy. having been adopted,i didn't know about my family history so i thought that this was just who i was. my kids are grown now and i want to be around to see my grandchildren or even great grandchildren if that's what the Lord has in mind for me. i found out a year ago i have diabetes. i need to control it with diet and exercise. i haven't done a great job. i have lost 20 pounds and just held it off. now i take needs for diabetes, blood pressure, and asthma. i haven't had a support system before when trying to lose weight.. i've wanted to do it for others but not myself. now i'm putting it in God's hands and i'm ready to lose the weight. i've listened for 3 months to klove tell of mike's story and have wrestled with doing it or not. i realized today is the first day of a new me! i'm ready to make the change. i can't wait to see what God has is store for me this year and in this journey. i hope that my daughter will see the change in me and will also choose to lose the weight that she needs to. i'm up to the challenge and ready for the new me! i know that i have more than 100 pounds to lose and it won't be easy, but i have God on my side and others on this site and around me that will keep me on my path. god's blessings to all who join this challenge and those that help support us on our journey.

My wife and I are believers and we are giving back. We coach people on weightloss for free and when I heard about BDW doing a challenge I knew I had to try to help! We have had much success in the past. A good friend of ours LOST 127 pounds and no longer has to take her insulin! Talking about freedom! I want to offer Mike and eveyone on this page free advice and help. We also have in home DVD workouts and supplements. Our main focus this year is our new shake www.shakeology.com and we are really exited about it. We are seeing amazng restults. If you would like any coaching or accountability please let me know. My wife and I do this full time and we love it! We love seeing people get healthy and their bodies transform. Let me know and may the Lord bless you all on this journey! sheafer@myfitbiz.com

Today March19 2009 seems like a good day to change my eating and smoking habits.
I told the Lord I did not want to lose a pound until I knew what the spiritual root was to my over eating and smoking. When I was first born again 5 years ago it seemed as if these bad habits that are a lie and bring no satisfation just fell off of me. I was amazed at how satisfied I was in the middle of Gods love. Somewhere along the way I've believed a lie and find myself back in bondage today.
Not with out hope though. I remember what it was like to be free and will press until I'm back in the center of my fathers love. Please remember to deal with the spiritual issue so that you do not just go into bondage to something else, perhaps working out.
God is good all the time.

I am replying to you and joining to support you as your weight loss goal is similar to mine, and I want to support you in your steps forward in fighting cancer. My husband is an 8 year cancerous brain tumor suvivor. I have needed to lose weight, too, so I can enjoy my 3 young children ages 6 and under. I am an older mom in my 40's, and I am excited about the success God has given me already. I have been on my weightloss journey since August '08 and have lost 34 pounds so far. Last night I felt the need and prompting of the Lord to start a countdown for the rest of the weight--28 pounds to go rather than just aiming for a higher number. God has allowed me to reach the half way point, so I am going to start a counting down with the rest of the weightloss. I love the support I get from my weekly Weight Watchers meeting. Seeing my goal as a countdown now has changed my perspective as I was starting to feel that I was only half way there and the weightloss was starting to go a little slower. God has shown me that each lb. in the right direction is even closer to my goal. Life is full for me with kids, part-time teaching job, finishing my Master's degree, but God is helping me find success in my weightloss. God bless you and keep on your journey!

Best of luck.

I listen to a station in Lubbock [KLove] that has been letting us know how you are doing in your challenge. I've been offline until today. I had been telling myself that when I got back online I would have to tell you that you have my support and faith that you will suceed.
You bring hope and peace to so many with your music for which I am grateful.
So, good luck and God bless.

Hey everyone,

I am working with a personal trainer in Clinton, IA. Shortly after he heard of Mike's journey I approached him about training me. He presented me with a contract and part of my end of the deal was to write daily journals and have my story put up on his website. You can see my successes and challenges at: http://www.fitpro360.com/joshmeyer.html.

Mike, I am praying for you and the team that surrounds you to reach your 90 lb. goal. I have been addicted to food for over 25 years. Since Feb. 2nd I have dropped 20.8 lbs.! It is awesome. Keep at it! You are blessing to many as we watch and hear about your journey!

Josh Meyer

120 in 2009

I just happened to be channel flipping this morning and caught the story on 700 Club. People who have never had this problem think it is just a matter of "will power". I wish it was so simple. I lost my job in 2001 due to a mental disorder. I had let my job define me and it was a crushing blow...and sometimes still is. I loved what I did..and it took me two years to realize I could never do that job again. In 2002 my weight ballooned to 408 pounds. I thought it was because of depression and medications. I have always had a weight problem but never over 300 pounds in my life...I am only 5' 10". One night at church in trying to sing along I just could not sing...could not breathe. I had no pain but went to the hospital where they found a saddle block pulmonary embolism that was lodged right where the blood supply splits to each artery to the lungs. No oxygen was getting to my lungs. They admitted me and it took two weeks to bust up the clot. Doctors I had never seen in my life would drop by my room just to see me as they had seen the CAT scan and all of them refused to believe I had lived through that. My pulmonary doctor...whom I had never met...was wheel chair bound and told me I would have permanent lung damage as a result of the clot being there for so long. I was on several inhalers for almost a year and then the tests showed my lungs had healed themselves....to me it was a gift from God...and my pulmonary doctor said the same thing. One would have thought this would have been the wake up call...and it was for a little while. The weight had nothing to do with the embolism but it made me think about my health. I proceeded to lose 180 pounds and kept it off for over a year and then put back on 100 pounds. My love of the outdoors has always been great...fishing...golf...hiking. Having been out of work the outdoors was my reprieve. Even though the weight was back on I could still function. But age and the fact that I already had two toes amputated when I was 16 and in late 2008 another toe had become so deformed that it was going to require surgery to be able to walk correctly again..along with being able to walk some distance...gave me...for the very first time...a severe wake up call on the weight issue. Since I would have to be on crutches for 6 weeks after the toe surgery, myself and my doctor decided that I probably could not get around on crutches at 300 pounds so I had a decision to make. The surgery has been put off until December of 2009. I am on a diet and have found a foot doctor who has helped me with the walking...but even he agrees I need the surgery as the deformity is too severe to correct with any devices. My goal is to lose 120 pounds in 2009. So far I am doing good. It helps to see stories like this to keep me focused. For 3 weeks in January I was in deep depression mixed with extreme anxiety that my love of the outdoors was in danger of being taken away from me at age 58 because of my own actions. When one is young..at least in my case...the weight did not seem such a big problem. Even up to age 50 I could get around pretty much as I wanted to do...even take my 5 mile hikes on the weekend. But the gain to 400 and hitting the big 50 changed everything. At the golf course I play at there is a young man who is obese but yet he can play golf...a game he loves....with no problem. I have talked to him in private many times and told him my story and what will happen to him...if he does not have other problems along the way....when he does get older. So to end a long story it was good for me to see the story about Mike. I can't do this alone. My faith in God and putting trust in Him is the only way out of this. I never watch the 700 Club....somehow I don't think it was by chance I tuned in to that channel this morning. Good luck to Mike and others on their journey.

Regards

You sound like an awesome woman with a wonderful attitude and a tenacious drive for life, love and happiness no matter what gets in your way. I commend you for your spirit in your battle. WOW, you inspire me! God Bless you and thanks for sharing your story and good luck with the weight loss and everything else.

Hi Mike, the pressure is on. How can you fail with all these folks routing for you.I'm a 5'11 woman that weighed almost 300. I'm now down to 235. I still have a long way to go and the more people at my church that know, the more I have encouragement to keep going. I get alot of encouragement from the Biggest loser show. Do you watch it? I just got my size large tshirt. I used to be a 3x. I am praying for your success. Thanks, Cheryl

Mike,
I just wanted to take a minute to encourage everyone.

Satan has a way of dividing and conquering us as Christians. I know this technique works because I let it destroy me. I let my pride and fear take over my life. I had this "I can do it all by myself" attitude. I thought I was the biggest loser because I could not save my little world. Satan has used my attitude to destroy me from within. God has shown me that I CANNOT do it all myself. The reality of what God is showing me is this: I was so afraid of my own failure that I became a sloth and refused to even try to change. We were created with a God size hole in our lives that only God can fill.

Our pastor has been preaching on fear and I would like to share his comments with you.
2 Timothy 1:7 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." The spirit of fear came from Satan. It is a demonic spirit sent to make Christians ineffective. Satan knows he has already lost the big battle, but he attacks us individually. We must stand together and claim (in the name of Jesus) His power to overcome Satan and his lies. I will never again try to do anything on my own.

I would also like to join you in the 90 in 90 challenge. I have recently lost 25 pounds this past year. I can certainly lose another 90 this year. I have chosen a few verses to help us:

Philippians 3:14 "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 3:21" who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."

Philippians 4:13” I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

You have brought so much to my life through your music. Never forget your gift is for all of us. God is always here with us in our struggles. I will be here too.

In Christ’s love,
Cynthia

How wonderfully refreshing to find a website where people are willing to admit their weight and their struggles. I have read every word on the site and am so encouraged by you all. So many have been so candid about their struggles, their weaknesses and their triumphs. So many of the stories mirror my own.
Another aspect is the Christian imput many of you have recorded.
I have just turned 60 years old. I have been overweight since birth. At 12 the doctor told my mother to stop worrying I would lose the extra weight as I grew older. So I continued to grow, outwards. School days were horrendeous. My nickname was 'fat brown cow'. As I stammered my way through senior school my self esteem plummeted. I continued to grow outwards.
I have tried to lose weight over the years often being very successful only to put it all back on and more. The crashes usually came following problems at work or at home.
I am now living in Canada having moved here to care for my elderly parents. My mother is very frail and needs a lot of physical care. Several months ago I realised that my 290lbs was puting my own health at risk as I struggled to help her in and out of bed etc. I decided to go on a diet again. Although I have lost 25lbs. (it was 30 but Ive been binging lately) I am seriously struggling. You see I can't get out very much, the bungalow is small and exercise is difficult.
Finding this site (quite by accident) may be my 'salvation' (loosely speaking). I have found reading Mike's story and his commitment to be accountable very encouraging.

I would like to be accountable to each of you. I want to commit to recording my weight on a weekly basis even if it's gone up. I want to commit to the 3 principles and to supporting others.

I would like to have support buddies particularly those who are older. Older people have particular needs and issues such as arthritus and so may find exercising more difficult.

If you are say 50+ and would like to support other people of a similar age then please reply to this blog.

It was good to read your blog. I too am in Canada but have spent all my life in UK. I am here to look after my elderly parents. Some months ago I found helping my mother (she is 89 and very frail) with her personal care needs so difficult due to excess weight. I am 265 now but was 290. I decided I simply had to lose weight or risk injuring myself.
To get back to your blog however you said you had hit a wall. Are you taking extra vitamins. When we reduce our food intake we also reduce our vitamins and minerals and may not be getting enough of the important ones.
Some years ago I decided to lose weight. I worked out a stratedy for the evenings (my worse time) and planned each meal carefully. Initially I emptied my food cupboard making sure there was nothing of temptation. I shopped with a list. I increased my exercise regime (mainly extra walks for my 2 dogs) I did everything I knew to make this new plan work. (I have been on a diet of one sort or another since I was 13 but always broke them gaining more than I had lost. Usual story)
For 8 weeks it worked beautifully. I lost on average 2-3lbs every week. I was delighted.
Then one day I had an urge for a pear. a piece of fruit. I decided it wouldn't do any harm and so had it. The urge grew and before the day was out I had eaten several. Next day I was back on my diet determined to stick to it. But the urge for pears grew and before many days were out I was binging first on pears then on anything I could get. I was completely despondent. Before 'I came to myself' I had put back on all the weight I had lost and more. I was very depressed. I decided never to diet again.
A lady I know was a diabetic nurse. Seeing how despondent I was she asked the problem and when hearing the saga of the pears she asked if I had been taking vitamin tablets. She explained that our bodies can only go so long without sufficient vitamins and minerals and if they dont get them cravings will start.
What is in pears to cause such a craving. I don't know but now that I have started another diet I have also started taking a vitamin supplement everyday.
Perhaps your wall has is vitamin related. Just a suggestion Hope this helps.
Tikvah

My name is Dawn ....Just wanted to say..since I've joined Mike on his journey for 90 in 09..I've lost 11pounds since Jan 20th..which I was at my highest of 241..I'm down to 230 with the Good Lord on my side and feeling great. My prayers continue for all

I will be praying for you. What a wonderful thing that you realize this need. I have a granddaughter that struggles with her weight too as I always have. I wish you God's blessings.

I signed on to lose at least 70 pounds. I have been on BP med most of my adult life and have a family history of diabetes, which I want to stay away from. Hopefully this challenge will be what I need to finally get closer to my goal of being the person that God made me to be, physically, and spiritually. Gods blessings to all that are taking on this challenge.

I am really happy about this.
I am only 13 years old and weigh 240 pounds
I hope I can lose this weight

I'm in like flynn. Last year I was a terrible 320lbs at 6'2" and 42 years old! Diabetes hit and really frightened me. I can't believe all of the medicine I am now taking. Anyway, I am now down to 291lbs and I actually set 90lbs. as a target for this year prior to even hearing that you were launching this challenge. It is a confirmation for me from God that I too need to take better care of his temple and I would encourage you and all of the people taking the challenge to read Nehemiah as he "rebuilds" the temple and see that it takes everyone to come together to get the job done! I will pray for you and really hang in there with you on this journey.
Remember this---MORE OUTPUT, LESS INPUT! It's what keeps me going!
Blessings,
BBB

So I am 54 years old, 5'4" tall and I weigh 270. (Holy mackerel, how did I get here?)Easy, too much sitting around at work and after work, too much food, too little exercise. I am really tired of being tired all the time. I accept your challenge Mike. If you and all the other people on this website can do it, then I can do it. I commit to posting my weight once a week. I commit to reading this blog daily for encouragement. I commit to giving my problem over to the Lord God. I am already working the 12 Steps for other reasons so I will just wrap this issue into that work.
Love to all, may God's hand be on all of us through this journey
Sharlee

Hey Mike

I was looking for your email on your website and couldn't find it. I tried the old email and it kept bouncing back so I dropped you something on your myspace.

Man I love what your doing with the 90 in 09! I tell you, what we do can be so hard on the body. All the travel, eating out, and sitting will catch up to you. I was tipping the scales four months ago around 270, my brother, who is only 33 had just gotten diagnosed with diabetes and I had a wake up call. Back when we were young and just starting out (at Meltdown) we could get away with a bit of abuse on the body, but not anymore. Not if we are going to be in it for the long hull. Also when you have a few kids you can't up but want to be around as long as you can to perhaps be called grandpa one day.

I just want to encourage you to hang in there. It is so worth it. I haven't met my personal goal yet but for the last 4 month I have been work hard. I dropped down to 245 and have a my eyes set on at least 225. I found that if you find something that you enjoy doing for exercise it drives you; you'll stay with it longer. At one time I played basketball to stay in shape, but my legs just can take it any longer. Now, as crazy as it sounds i have been boxing. Yes the chalkguy boxes. I have a great coach who pushes me more then I ever thought I could be pushed. (he's like the guy from Rocky) We are trying to find an amateur tournament for me to enter so I have a goal to work for. When I sign up I am going to be blogging about it on my website, www.chalkguy.com in hopes to help those in the same way you're trying to help, to be an encouragement to those who desire to live a healthier life.

If there is anything I can do to be an encouragement to you, please let me know. Be blessed in this adventure and keep moving forward!

Ben Glen (the chalkguy)

Like most everyone who posted above me and of course Big Daddy Weave, I too need to lose about 90 pounds (probably closer to 100 for me).

I'm 29 years old, former military (go Army infantry!) and currently in nursing school. I'm 5'8' and on Monday of this week I was at 181.5 pounds. My max weight ever was this past Christmas in 2008 where I hit 185 pounds after pigging out on all the great food cooked over the holidays. It was then that I finally had the last straw and decided to take back control.

Since early January I changed my diet completely by simply cutting out all junk and high-sugar foods and sticking to lean meats, vegetables, fruit, and whole wheat products. The first two weeks of eating healthy alone with no workouts took me from 185 to 181.5 pounds. This Monday on the 26th I finally added a workout routine of 30 minutes of cardio and 15 of weight lifting every day but Sunday and am my 5th straight day at the gym today. I weigh myself twice a day at times when my body isn't as prone to be in a state of flux with food or water intake, which is just before bed and just when I wake up. My morning weigh in today was 178.2 pounds so I have lost over 3 pounds this week alone by adding in the workouts to the previously established diet.

So I'm right there with you Big Daddy Weave cheering you on and praying for you. And I'll be right there with you at the end of '09 being 90 pounds lighter too. I finally have the willpower needed to do what I have always known I needed to do since leaving the military 6 years ago and putting on these extra 100 pounds.

God Bless.

After hearing your news many times on KLove about wanting to lose 90 in '09 I realized that this is what I need - I already planned to lose weight this year - but I needed a goal - to give my challenge a name, for it to really become a journey with God alongside me, just as he has been for my life so far.
My challenge is to lose 60lbs for the 6 people in my family - and that includes myself. We all need to lose weight for ourselves as much as we do for others. It has been a little over 18 months since I was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. Throughout my journey I have been supported by my awesome family - my husband, two teenagers and two toddlers. Each of them has brought something special to this journey - humor, prayers, compassion, reality, hugs and kisses. I never realized until now just how blessed I really am with family and with so many friends who I never knew could care so much. Now that my cancer is in remission I need to focus on what I can give back and on what I can do to stop the cancer invading our lives again. My children need me and I need my family - if I have to become fit and lose that weight so that I can say that I have done all that I can to reduce my chances of becoming part of the "cancer club" again. Life is too short and is so precious that we all have to do what we can to take care of ourselves and our loved ones.

Hey Mike,
I'm in with you on this 90 in '09, I am at 204 the highest weight i've ever been and don't want to go any further. It will be good to have encouragement from others trying to lose
weight.

Hey Mike, Wheat and Gluten can cauase all kinds of problems....I have been doing a 30 Elimination Diet by Dax Moy
(you can get the diet on google) for anyone who's interested...I am 20 days into it and have lost 9lbs and 6in overall. It eliminates all the things that can mess us up like wheat, gluten, sugaer and certain dairy products for 30 days then after teh 30 days you can add them back in slowly to see which ones agree with you and which ones don't. Even though this is a 'diet', it doesn't really feel like one. I feel better and more focused then I have in a long time and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants an all natural healthy way to lose weight and eliminate the garbage that bogs us down : )
Good luck with yoru weight loss!

Lisa Marie
Mustard Seed Productions
Pittsburgh PA

Greetings! WOW What a great idea for the New Year!
16 years ago I weighed 128 lbs.
In less than a year I gained about 80 lbs.
NO one believed me that something was wrong!
Everyone, including my family thought I was piggin-out, becoming a closet eater!
For 16 years I tried to tell people.
Family, doctors, coaches at my gym, etc..."I don't just look fat, I look puffy!"
It wasn't until last year when I went to a nutritionist.
She told me I had Celiac, an intolerance to wheat and gluten.
After ridding my diet of wheat and glutens, in less than a month my puffiness went down; it looked like I lost 20 lbs when indeed I only lost 5.
Last year I was going on a mission trip. My first fundraiser was a weight-a-thon.
People sponsored me a certain amount of money for each pound I lost.
I raised half the money I needed, but only lost 20 lbs!
It lasted from January to May.
Sad to say I gained it all back!
This year I am not sure if I am going on the mission trip, but I am doing my weight-a-thon regardless.
The monies raised this year will go for next year's mission trip. (God willing)
I am a professional fashion expert, who has worked in the film industry.
In conjunction to this weight-a-thon another fundraiser I am holding is a 6 week health/fashion workshop series at various churches in my home town of Pittsburgh. Beginning with mind and thought, fashion, makeup, skin care and ending with relaxation, sleep and most importantly prayer!
To help me with my mission trip, James and Betty Robison and their outreach ministry "Life Today" is sewing a seed and sending me DVDs of a series called
"Your Body, His Temple"
This is designed to accomplish exactly what you are doing....a better body temple by using mind, body and spiritual needs.
When I heard about this on K-LOVE I knew I had to join in.
I think it is great you are doing this, I pray you have the strength of the Lord to guide you through this.
And I love that we can all do this as a networking system to give us the incentive to be healthier by the end of the year.
God bless you on your journey. I will keep you posted on mine!
In Christ,
Lisa Marie

I'm totally in on this! I'm getting married in 39 weeks! I wanna be a skinny and blessed bride!!!!

Hi everyone. I found out about this when I signed in to sparkpeople and because I enjoy Big Daddy's music, I thought how awesome it would be to do this journey with him. My biggest struggle in my weight loss journey is support, all the people I know who are losing weight are already quite small and just a few pounds away from their goals, whereas I am starting at 227 and have a few more pounds then them to lose :O) So I am more than willing to be supportive and enjoy support from any of you all. The lowest I have got down to is 215, and then I seem to hit a wall and put it all back on everytime. God keeps bugging me to lose this weight though, so I keep trying, knowing one time I will see the end of all these extra pounds!

I am a mom of 3 wonderful children, two girls 11 and 9 and one boy 4. I can't use my pregnancy gain as an excuse anymore, It is an addiction to sweets and treats, that is why it is so hard to get past, it is just like an alcoholic and drug addict and if I can just keep that foremost in my mind I will have victory in this area. I use food to comfort myself and fill those lonely places in my heart. I am learning though to let God fill those up and not food...it is a tough battle though.

I look forward to doing this with you all and Big Daddy, it will be fun to see how he progresses, I enjoy watching the videos he makes as encouragement.

God Bless you all,
Willa

Hi!

I LOVE KLOVE --- and the more I heard them talking about the 90 in 09 challenge the more it tugged at my heart to sign up! So here I am!

Recently out of an engagement I realized I had gained 56 lbs during that 2 year relationship. I think a lot of it had to do with feeling guilty about repressed feelings and the sinful path he and I traveled down over the course of those 2 years. Neither of us were wanting to give up the relationship-- we'd much prefer to wallow in sin than make the decision to do what God wanted for us (which was not to be together). I think when you start to bury feelings and thoughts deep down inside--- it starts to grow roots into all aspects of your life. -- it's as if I had a redwood protruding out of my chest-- just so vast and immensely unfathomable to deal with. Once I started swallowing that guilt whole-- it just festered in my gut.

It's been about 4 months since we broke it off and I'm happy to report that I'm in the process of healing in a multitude of ways. I've been cutting out the fat and the cancer-- what do I mean by that? Well... when you have cancer the doctors do one of two things (unless it's terminal) -- they either cut out the cancer or they kill your immune system to get rid of it. Both of these seem so drastic-- but absolutely necessary. So I've been cutting out my cancer-- no matter how painful. All the bad things I've been allowing to fester I'm cutting out-- my sins are forgiven! I'm also renewing my relationship with Christ-- allowing Him to wipe my slate clean and carry all of these burdens I've been dragging around with me. In essence I'm trimming the fat literally and figuratively and bringing it back to the basics of a Godly life.

At this point I'm down overall about 32 lbs-- I have at least another 30--- maybe even 50 lbs to go. I've been cataloging my weight loss on my blog, http://two81.blogspot.com it helps to keep me accountable and really allows me to share my thoughts about weight loss and God--- and actually share "those three dreaded numbers" with the world. So far it's been an amazing journey-- but I'm still just at the start!

Congratulations on making your first step-- I'm routing for you-- but best of all God's routing for you too! :o)

(Jer 29:11-13 NKJV) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

Psalms 23:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green [1] pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest [2] my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Ana

What a success story you have already Amy. I am only 5'3" and was 280 on 12/29/08. Now I am 260 and I know it's going to take me a long time to lose. I have arthritus in both my knees, so I can't walk far or do any heavy duty aerobics, but I will be starting to do the upper body exercises and whatever I can.

I wish you many blessings and success on your journey. I will be thinking of you and you will probably along with Mike, be in my thoughts as I pursue my journey.

God bless,
Debbi

I just wanted to say how awesome you are Mike. You are an inspiration to me. On December 29th, 2008, I started the "last" of my diets for life. I just decided with God's help, I needed to take care of his temple. I was always small framed and in high school weighed 105. After 31 years of marriage and 2 grown daughters and 5 grandbabies, I have bloomed into a hefty 280. I took the opportunity to begin a 40 day fast that my church is doing, but decided that 3 days was good for me (for now). I have been fasting and praying about this and wow, did God meet me where I am.

I have lost 20 lbs by cutting out soda's and coffee and nothing but decaf herbal tea and water. Also, I only eat fresh fruit and vegies along with fish and chicken. I have been feeling so much energy and I still have many pounds to go to get down to 130. I now weigh 260 and feel great. I have been praying daily and spending time with God. When I deny myself the food that's bad (sweets) He rewards me beyond what I could even imagine. Being a former Choco-holic, I no longer crave chocolate or sweets and haven't had any since 1/1/09.

I love what you're doing Mike. I praise God for you and I know that all of us are behind you and with you in every way.

God bless you and your sweet family. You are loved!

Debbi Hicks
Vancouver - Washington

I too want to send some words of encouragement to everyone taking the 90 in 09 challenge even myself. I am 24 years old and a little over a year ago I was 300 pounds at 5'8. Over the course of the year I took a challenge on myself to get healthy, my goal was not so much to lose weight but make healthy decisions. This body has been given to me by God and I have not been treating it well. When I started I couldn't walk down the street without being out of breath and for a female in her 20's that is unhealthy. I changed what I drank and ate first. Then once I was able to get outside and do things without getting winded. I started walking, then a slow jog. Once the year ended I lost 100 pounds. I am much healthier, eat better, and can run. Through this whole process I changed my major in college to Exercise Sports Science. I felt that everything that I had gone through and had to over come through this last year, God was showing me something he was pulling me in a direction I had not see.I still have more to lose and though I may not lose 90 pounds. 50 pounds would be good for me. If there is anyone in Texas who needs help.. I would be more than happy to help.

Hello Mary,
My is Lupita, i'm from Texas. I am 32 married and a mother of 3 awesome children.
I currently am a full-time student @ Baptist University of the Americas, i'm working on my BA in Biblical Theology. My oldest will graduate in May, and will be leaving for law school in the fall. So I will have 2 left at home who will still take some time from me, but I can understand that time is a big factor. Eating on the run is a game we end up with some times, and results are 65 pds over weight for me. Mary I will continue to pray for you and the journey in which we have commited to take. Remember that the Joy of the Lord is our Strength.

In Christ,
Lupita Tx ><>

Dear Mr. Weaver,
My name is Lupita Criado from Texas, I am 4ft 11in. and weigh 190pds. I have gained about 65 pounds in the last 2 1/2 years. I can say that I am not very happy about it, I do love myself I just feel that I can do better. About 3 weeks ago, God spoke to me about my body and how my body is his temple. So on a sunday afternoon I cried out to God and said here I am Lord! My body belongs to you and help be a living sacrifice for you. Help me be disipline to all my body in takes, it has been 2 weeks since I have stop drinking soda and have cut down on my sweets.
It really has not been all that hard, I have not stepped onto a scale but i'm feeling more energized.
Praise God!!!!! Well, Brother I guess what i'm trying to say is that I am with you, I will continue to keep you in prayer. Please pray for me and my family!!

In Christ,
Lupita Criado

Hi all,

I am 46 and been overweight since birth of daughter 19 years ago. Weight has just kept on growing. I have tried cutting back and working out at the Y a few years ago, but I was not losing any weight. I considered Nutri System and Weight Watchers this year as I have really gotten serious to lose 100 in 09. However, being a nurse, I know how to cut calories and eat healthy without the extra expense. There are no health clubs open late enough or early enough for me. Years of working nights have probablly contributed to poor eating habits also. I am on 12 hour days for past several months and that has helped to just feel better and have better eating habits. Since I signed up, I have been taking a soup, salad, and meal to work with a fruit. I have had special K cereal and juice and hot tea for breakfast. I try to make time for an afternoon break to eat small meal or fruit. My meal is usually ground turkey browned with noodles or brown rice, some veggies and chicken broth and seasoning. I take this in about a one cup container. The most difficult thing is drinking more water. I usually only get to drink what I have with my meals. There just isn't time to drink or empty the bladder on a busy medical/surgical unit. But I will continue to work on this. Setting up gizelle (need to check my spelling) in living room. Nursing is my calling so I know I need to be more fit in order to do my job better and be an example to my patients who are also obese. I believe this is something God wants me to do. This challenge hit at the right time. I believe we can all make our goals together!!
Mary

Hi Amy!

Thank you for sharing your accomplishment. I am exactly at the weight that you were at a year ago. I have lost so much weight, in the past, only to gain it all back. My health is really being effected and I am scared that I won't be around to watch my kids grow up. I am a single parent to 3 beautiful kids and 1 foster son. I was married for 13 years, but my husband left and never looked back. It has been a really rough couple of years. God has been so good to us, though, and I am thankful for His love and mercy! I am so ready to start living life instead of existing. I am praying for all of us to be strong during this journey or our lives.

Love,
Carin

I have been over weight/obese since the age of 7. I am now 39. My first atrtempt at dieting was when I was 7 and it has been a roller coaster ever since. I have lost 50 to hundred pounds on 3 seperate ocassions only to cave and put it back on plus 10 times more.

I am inspired by Mikes Challenge of 90 in 09. I feel inspired and want to encourage everyone to work hard so we all can be healthy and alive to do Gods will. If we don't do things to be healthy we can't accomplish the things we want in relation to being alive to share Gods words. God bless you and your family Mike as you work through this journey.

I have lost 11 pounds in 3 weeks. I am trying hard to stay focussed and pray about it daily so I don't loose my step. It is easy to say and at times dufficult to do. My goal is to reach my ideal weight of 155 pounds in the next 18 to 24 months. 90 in 09 would get me closer to my main goal.

God bless and keep you, your family, band and fans safe!

Tonya

PS. Ilisten to KLOVE and my favorite Christian Bands on my MP3 player it helps me to focuss and listen to the word of God through music while I am exercising. I don't notice the time or if I am tired. Sometimes I catch the holy spirit and keep going till God says I can slow down.

Hi All,
I wanted to send a word of encouragement to everyone taking the 90 in 09 challenge along with me. Last year in January I was 385 pounds, and by December I was 285. I lost 100 pounds last year, and I still have plenty more to loose. My goal weight is 130-150 but I dealy 140ish, right in the middle. I have watched myself loose two ring sizes in my hands, I lost 2 1/2 dress sizes in my clothes, and my feet have even gotten smaller. Its amazing to see the transformation. I have more confidence walking, I used to be so clumsy and I still consider myself clumsy. I used to fall every few months. I would say, keep eating what you want, but what your want once a month. If you want Ice cream, eat it only once or twice a month, if you want chips do the same. Its okay to have what you want just eat it in porportions and only eat when you are hungry not just because you can. Also when working out, if you get tired of just plain ole working out....mix it up with doing something fun like Bowling or minature golfing or whatever else you think is fun. Anywho, keep it up and I know God will help you when you get stuck. I have gotten stuck on a pleatu before and its not fun. If anyone near KC, Missouri needs some help I would love to help you!
God Bless you all!
Amy M.

Hey guys, keep up the great work. With Gods help anything is possible. The key to loosing weight is prayer, exercise and changing your eating habits. 4 years ago I lost 75 lbs in less than 6 months and I have kept it off. Every morning I pray for strength, endurance & self control. I also thank god for all that he has done for me. P.S. when mike looses 90 lbs I will need a new Big Daddy Weave T-shirt. Mine has Mike as a stick figure with a big round belly! :)
Below is a recipe that I use to help satisfy my hunger. I also eat all the raw veggies & dill pickles I want.

Cabbage stew recipe:
2 heads of cabbage
4 tomatoes
1 head of celery
1 large onion
1 package of fresh mushrooms (optional)
8 bouillon cubes (chicken or beef)
Water

Hi there! I've been on Weight Watchers for 14 years. I've lost 20 pounds and gained it back several times. Each time it seems like I rebound even more. I picked you to reply to because I'm closest to your wt. I am nearing my highest which was 206. I lost 20 pounds last year then left a job I hated to stay home and help dh with his biz which is in the start up phase. So between dealing with all the drama of a dd in college and a teen ds learning to play guitar and being home all day I've been nibbling again. I'm back up to 197.

I know that it can be done - my problem is keeping it off once I get back down to where I want to be - about 135. Allergies have kept me sidelined from all the exercise I was doing. I used to do 1 hour walk in a.m., bike ride at noon and 1 hour in p.m. but then Oct came and something didn't agree with me - I've been sneezing ever since. Hopefully this too shall pass quickly!

I look forward to talking and praying with all of ya'll!

"C" in Southern Louisiana

That sounds like a great idea I will have to try that! I wish that i only knew how to do this buddy thing but i have a myspace or maybe we can email eachother jj93612@gmail.com thats the only thing that i can think of. Jolene Jepsen

Hello, my name is Kevin and I too am on a journey to lose 90 lbs. I am 34 years old and was at my largest at the beginning of this year. I am 6’3” and at Christmas I weighed 330 pounds. I have never thought of my self as unhealthy, fat, or large guy. When I was in high school I was 230 lbs. and played football. I have always been a built big guy and that is the way I have always viewed myself, until Christmas Eve that is. I was getting ready for church and happened to get a glimpse of myself in a mirror and noticed I was a fat guy. I know that is not the politically correct way to say it, but that is what I saw. I freaked out!!! So since January 1st my family and I have started to eat healthy and eat much smaller portions. I have started watching serving sizes and how many calories I put in my body. I eat 5 to 6 times a day. I have also started walking. So far I have lost 22 lbs. !!!!! I am so glad I heard about Mike and what he is doing in 09 on K-LOVE. Because I can see someone else who has a large commitment and he can be a motivation for me as this becomes harder. I have realized over the past few weeks, I have an addiction. My addiction is no different that others, mine too will kill me one day if I do not kick the food addiction. So mike I want you to know that I am with you and we both will hit our 90 lbs. this year. Thank you for being an encouragement to others and myself. Keep it up brother!!!!!!

Kevin

Hi - I made a decision that I was going to lose 50lbs by my 50th (eeeck - sorry the big number scared me for a second) birthday. That only gives me until November. So I joined weight watchers and plan on checking back here to get, and hopefully give, inspiration from you and everyone else . As a matter of fact tonight was weigh in and after two weeks on the plan I've lost almost 5lbs. Not a great amount but it's better than nothing. I wanted to share a positive story though. One lady tonight was celebrating because she had not lost any weight for a couple of weeks but finally broke through the plateau and lost 4 lbs. The facilitator asked her "well what do you think contributed to your managing to break though that plateau?" She stood there for a second thinking of an answer when the woman who was sitting next to her spoke up and said "I prayed for her; I just asked God to help her through this rough patch". These ladies aren't friends or family; they are just two ladies who met at the last meeting. It made me realize that I'm not in this alone and reminded me that I need to be asking God for help and thanking Him for every pound (who am I kidding - I'm grateful for every ounce) lost.
It's going to be a great week for all of us!
Charlene

Jolene,
First you have to pick a diet that everyone can eat from. You may need to add for children and husband. But if you can plan meals around what you can eat, it is so much easier on everyone! Far less hurt feelings.
The way I cook to make a fast dinner is by putting on a chicken in a crockpot as I leave for work. I think all diets include chicken! I squirt lemon juice on it, put some Mrs. dash and set it on low all day. Yum! And a salad and there you go! I also do roasts, pork tenderloin, and turkey. I am on a low carb/high protein diet.
How do I get a buddy or buddylist? Help!
Charlotte