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01 May 2016

Caryl McAdoo -- "Fluffy be Gone"


Fluffy be Gone  
By Caryl McAdoo

No Fluffy isn’t my cat or pet bunny. It’s what I’ve been since in my teens with a few brief respites. Praise the Lord that my sweetheart said he prefers fluffy. I weighed one hundred sixty pounds at sixteen when we met and gained twenty by the time we married two years later. All my life—up to a point about thirty years ago—I’ve fought this fluffy stuff.
Back in the 80s, in my thirties, I gave up the fight.  Got with my Father and made some changes, wanting to accept me and like me just the way He made me. I can’t imagine why I ever thought I could improve on His creation and plan for His daughter.
I quit cutting, curling, and coloring my hair. No more make-up for me either—ever. I also told Him I was done dieting. That I would be obedient and if Holy Spirit said, “Don’t eat that” I wouldn’t. And so, we rocked along happy together. He continued to bless me. My hair grew longer which my husband loved.
For a while, several years, I did alright. We got the grandsugar boys (took in four in 2002, ages 6, 4, 3, and newborn) and inherited twelve quarter horses. Both additions put more exercise into my life. But then, when we got all the little fellers in school and I started sitting at the computer all day writing…my weight went up.
And up and up.
One time that I spoke with Abba about it, I said, “But I hardly eat anything fattening. This isn’t fair.”
Holy Spirit came back at me. I love God’s sense of humor. He asked, “But what do you drink?” Huh? My sweet tea? So I fasted that summer, nothing but water and lost a little more.
Then in July of last year, my brother-in-law visited and had lost fifteen or twenty pounds. He shared a high protein/low carb/no sugar weight loss program with Ron and I and offered to help us get started if we’d commit. It was about a thousand a month for both of us. But we committed and got started, believing God was in it.
The weight literally fell off. And we were eating so much more healthy. To hike the results, I started drinking Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) water too…no more sugar sweetened tea…I use stevia. Four cups of vegetables a day (plus some) eight ounces of protein plus other protein in shakes, bars, and even pancakes!

Thanks to Walden Farms’ sugarfree syrup and other products, I’ve never felt deprived, and certainly not starved. As of this date, I’m seventy pounds lighter, and I know that I’ll never ever weigh two hundred and fifty-seven pounds again. It’s helped so much with pains and energy and stamina.
As in all things I do, I give God the glory…for bringing the high protein/low carb/no sugar model into our lives, then showing us a less expensive way to keep going using the same protocol. He has led me every step of the way, and told me what not to put in my mouth. I turn sixty-six in less than a month and still plan to lose about thirty more pounds—at least.
It has been a lifelong issue, and with God’s help, I have been able to overcome it. He’s strengthened me on days I was weak and encouraged me to keep going when I’d get stuck on plateaus…I’m on one now, but still committed. I have no doubt that I’ll reach my goal of losing one hundred pounds.
And my most precious prince of a husband lost over fifty pounds, too—much more healthy on our hearts and everything. Extra weight can be so detrimental to our wellbeing. I would never ever want to make anyone feel bad about extra weight. I rejoice when friends post they’ve lost weight, and am thankful to God for helping me join their ranks!  

Giveaway: I'm giving away a paperback copy of Sins of the Mothers, one of Caryl's many wonderful books.     



53 comments:

  1. After reading about your life, I want to read your book!

    Gpk1946 at gmail dot com

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    1. Hey, Phyllis! That's awesome :) I pray you have the chance to soon! Blessings!

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    2. Hey Phyllis, and you will get the chance!!! You are the WINNER of Caryl's book on OWG blog!!! Congrats!

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  2. Congrats, CARYL! Losing weight is not an easy thing to do and it takes a lot of discipline! I lost 50 lbs, reached my goal, and kept it off for almost ten years. When I started having some issues with my health which prevented me from exercising like I should it started creeping back up. I'm too tired to cook 3 meals a day (kids are gone anyway) so I'm really blowing it big time. How do you eat 8 oz. of protein a day? Like what do you eat for lunch, bc that's a hard meal for me to figure out as I'm not a big salad eater. Salads don't like my tummy much.

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    1. Hey, sweet Diana :) The 8 oz protein doesn't seem so hard. An egg accounts for two, and I'll have a small piece of meat for lunch or dinner. I do love and eat a lot of salads. I make a protein pancake out of the vanilla protein shake powder you can get at Walmart. 1 scoop of protein powder, 1/4 tsp baking powder, and enough water or almond milk for right consistancy (3-4 TBSP?) I just splash it in. Then cook on griddle with olive oil and use sugarfree syrup (the Walden Farms doesn't have aspartame). I also get the protein bars at Walmart (I love the Power Crunch 'salted caramel' ones best) No beans because of the carbs. I make french fries out of rutubega! Cut it julienne style, toss in olive oil them whatever spices (I like garlic, chili powder, and sea salt) then bake at 350 until tender...15-18 minutes. I stir fry cauliflower all cut tiny and play like it's my rice bed when I stir fry chicken, bell peppers, cabbage, celery, and whatever else is on hand (with finely diced ginger and soy sauce). I've gotten real creative with recipes :) And I LOVE steamed veggies and soups...they've been a mainstay :) I eat well and rarely feel deprived though sometimes I would like a pizza. :) Love and hugs!

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    2. I remember when you were losing your weight, Diana! I was so thrilled for you! :) And you look terrific!

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  3. Such inspiration in your weight loss story, Caryl!! I've fought weight issues most of my life too, and as with Diana - I'm not a salad lover (or a huge veggie eater, either) and have always loved sugar too much. I truly try to eat well now - some days I succeed and others I don't. I agree with Diana in that the symptoms from health issues create additional obstacles to eating healthily.

    I have a bottle of Braggs apple cider vinegar I'm planning to start using - was wondering about the ratio of vinegar to water that you drink and how many times a day?? Organic apple cider vinegar is good for the body, regardless of weight issues. I'm also interested in the less expensive ways you've found in implementing your weigh loss plan. I have lost quite a bit of weight in the last 6 months but have much more to lose and part of the reason I've lost it is due to health issues (not a good way to do it).

    Congrats and thanks for sharing, Caryl!! I know your testimony will be the incentive some people need to embark on a weight loss plan of their own.

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  4. I'm so happy for you that you're losing, too, Bonnie! I have come to LOVE the apple cider vinegar. I use Bragg's, too :) I started with less, but I love the combination of about 3 TBSP (again, now I just splash it in) in my 32 oz glass of ice water, then I use those little squeezer 'water enhancement' flavors (at Walmart) My fav is the Great Value 'Southern Sweet Tea'---but of course! :) It makes a refreshing tangy drink that I pretty much keep going all day :) OH and I've lost 78 lbs now! :) Yay, God! I'm so grateful to Him for helping me! Love and hugs!

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    1. Thanks for the tips, Caryl - I enjoyed the ones you left after Diana's comments, also!! I use the water enhancement flavors, also - the ones that are flavored with fruit juice only, and no artificial sweetener. They are a help as I have never been a lover of plain water. For sweetener in other things, I use Stevia.

      So happy for you!! Love and hugs back!!

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  5. Carrie, thank you so much for having me at Overcoming With God. I am so blessed to be with y'all again and love you all dearly! Can't wait to get to meet Bonnie in person in Nashville in August! And thank you for giving away Sins of the Mothers (bk 4 in the series). I'm so excited about bk 7 coming in May, At Liberty to Love. Just got my new cover which is always fun! Hugs and blessings!

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    1. Thanks, Caryl! Can't wait to see you in Nashville! Thanks for sharing your testimony with us. Also, thanks for being our Angel's Heart winner in 2014!! Blessings!

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  6. Congratulations on your weight loss, Caryl! I need to lose some weight before my son's wedding next year. In 2005 I lost 160 pounds via gastric bypass surgery. Unfortunately, in the last four years, I have experienced some health setbacks and I have been unable to exercise as I once did. Sadly, I have gained 80 pounds back. I have asked God why when I have been so careful with what I eat and plain water is what I drink.
    I have been thinking about trying the Apple Cider Vinegar with Lemon Juice that I have heard people talk about.
    Any help you could give me with low cost menu ideas would be a big help since I have a very limited budget and spend about $100 to $120 a month on groceries and sometimes less.
    As part of my post gastric bypass surgery requirements I have to eat high protein, low sugar as well. However, I have developed hypoglycemia and have been struggling with very low blood sugar readings. They range from 39 to 60. Please pray with me that my blood sugar levels will stabilize at a normal range. Thank you. I hope this wasn't too long.
    Kathy at phoneticpanda (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Amen, Kathy! I will certainly pray that the Holy Spirit will help you eat exactly what's right to bring those sugar levels into His perfect range! My hint for low cost is Wlmart instead of the expensive protein supplements the weight loss programs offer. I went from the first program to buying from The Protein Store onlilne but eventually get most of what I get from Walmart. Try those protein pancakes. I actually eat 1/2 a pancake and 1 egg for breakfast most mornings. My youngest son is getting married in October, too, but I didn't know that when I started this last July! God did though :) I love Him so much. Let Him help you! He wants to! :)

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    2. AND WOW and CONGRATULATIONS on losing that weight! I KNOW you feel so much better!

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  7. Thanks for sharing your story/journey. I did well losing by just cutting portions and trying to limit carbs (since I'm diabetic) & walking DAILY. I got within 20 lbs of my goal & then began a crazy traveling life with my husband. (80% travel). Basically living in hotels & eating in restaurants practically 24/7 slowly brought the weight back until now I'm back at my highest and currently on insulin.
    While these things make it much more difficult for me, they are being used (by me) as excuses. I could make healthier choices and I could exercise more regularly--but I CHOOSE to be the way I am now. :-(. Please keep me and the many others in the same boat in your prayers. Thanks!
    Congrats on your success and I pray you will continue towards your goal and the strength to hang onto that goal. Keeping it off can still be a big job too.
    Vicki

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    1. It IS harder when you're away from home and not cooking for yourself, but I've found restaurants to be very helpful with substituting 2 portions of steamed veggies instead of 1 and a potato :) And I also almost always take 1/2 my restaurant meal home! They give you too much food! I'm known for eating slow...I think that helps, too :) I will pray for you. It's miserable, I know! The best advice is listen to Holy Spirit and not the voice of that ol' liar, the devil out to kill, steal and destroy! HUGS! and thank you for your comments!

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  8. CARYL, thank you for sharing on OWG about your 'fluffiness' lol, and your successes. LOVE that term, Caryl! This is something most of us suffer from and it seems that medications often play a big part. That and age I suppose is what's giving me difficulties. Before I had to go on long-term meds, I never had problems with weight and always wished I could gain some. I only drink water, and one hot tea a day, and have very low to no sugar in my diet, and 'pretty good' meals with no snacks in between. But I do eat carbs. Can't help wonder if I'd put on weight no matter what because of meds. One of these days I'll get along to a nutritionist to help sort everything out. I hear a lot about people eating all this low-fat stuff but disregard their sugar intake. That's great God spoke to you about your sweet tea. Bless you for sharing and I pray your post helps and encourages everyone!

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    1. There are so many factors in these days we live in and WHY so many have the difficulty of keeping a good weight. Mind you...I don't think I ever want to be too thin. They have as much a problem with good health as fluffy people do. I think a big part is eating natural, but you know...We pray over every meal and I know God makes it healthy and lets it nourish our bodies as asked! One time my 1st grandsugar said to me, "I love you Grami because you're so soft like a big pillow!" :) God will help us always!

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  9. Congratulations. God is blessing you on your journey! I'm sharing this with my sissy to encourage her. Hugs.

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    1. Thank you, Lucy. It did take commitment, but I knew God would help me, and He sure did! :) He IS blessing me in so many ways :) Hugs! :) And I pray your sister will get in cahoots with God against the devil and have the Lord's favor and blessings, too! :)

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  10. Hi Caryl. What a great testimony. My husband and I really want to lose weight this year and just get healthy. I like that you wanted to be just who God created you to be. Most people I know, including myself, are not content in that regard.

    sweetdarknectar at gmail dot com

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    1. Hey Boos Mum! It made it so much easier being on the journey together with my husband! There are so many ways out there, but the main thing is to change your eating habits. My sweetheart reached his goal well ahead of me...then he started eating like he used to...desserts and carbs and fruits (I don't eat fruits because of their sugars, carrots either :) ...right back up he went to 215, so now he's back on it with me again :)

      So far as not being satisfied with ourselves like God made us...it's rampant and has been for decades, centuries, even millenniums. I think it's a part of our human 'sin' nature not to be satisfied... But I came to a place with God where I wanted Him to be in control of me and my everything! My husband didn't object, and everyone got used to me looking like I did soon enough. It is so freeing! I can go from oily hair in nightgown, to clean and ready and out the door in 15 minutes! Woo Hoo! And if Ron (my husband) ever knew how much money I've saved him over the years.... Well, guess if he got any sweeter, I'd have to swear off him, too! :) tee hee hee

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  11. Well done Caryl, I suffer from fluffiness too. You are awesome and I love your determination; what an inspiration you are.

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    1. Hey Maggie! :) Thank you so much for coming by and your kind words! I've always been the type that once I decided a thing...I got 'er done :) I'm a firstborn, and an only child for eight years before a sister came. Does that have anything to do with it? Or I might have just taken after my daddy! :) Hugs and blessings!

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  12. Congrats on your weight loss. I am extra fluffy but I just don't have the willpower to change eating habits. I am very low income so I can't afford most of the high protein diets. I did just join our YMCA so I am hoping it helps

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    1. While I am blessed that God is doing wonderful and marvelous things with my books, Ron and I are on Social Security AND have been rearing FOUR grandsugars (all boys) for the last 13 years, so to say the least...money has been tight though God has provided miraculously everything we need when we need it! :) It really doesn't cost that much the way I got it boiled down to (fresh vegetables) eggs, meats, and Walmart protein! :) See above for protein pancakes. You DON'T buy so much other stuff (breads, potatoes, pastas, fruit, sugar, milk (except I still but all that for the boys...I'm assuming you don't have teen boys still in the house! :) most can goods - no beans, corn, rice) I truly don't think it's more than I'd regularly spend on groceries. YMCA is good! I've been trying to walk...but definitely don't get to it daily! There does have to be enough want to...if you can muster that, then "You can do ALL things through Christ Who strengthens you!" :) That's what I'm still telling myself! :)

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  13. Your weight loss is amazing! Congratulations, Caryl, and thank you so much for sharing!

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    1. You're welcome, Alexis, and thank you! Blessings! :)

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    2. SORRY! I spelled your name wrong...It disappeared when I first went to reply, Alexa! :) With my name being carol spelled Car"Y"l, I try to pay attention :)

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  14. Losing weight is hard! Congrats on sticking to your plan. I've been steadily losing over the past two years and have a ways to go, but I'll get there. You right in that it makes you feel so much better. :)

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    1. Thank you, Anne! I always heard that talking those pounds off slowly is best! Congratulations of your loss, too! Did you do much exercise along with eating better? I am at the computer such a large part of my day. I need to get up and get around more! :) Blessings!

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  15. Caryl, thank you for sharing your "fluffy" journey and the protocol you use. I have battled with weight problems for 40 years or so...One doctor told me my problem is genetic I inherited from my grandmother and will be almost impossible to loose any significant weight. I have a lot of medical problems that impact it too and some of my meds. I had thought of drinking the vinegar mixture, however vinegar makes me choke so I stay away from it. Not sure what to replace it with that will do the same thing. Have you thought of writing a book with your protocol information? I certainly would be interested in it if you do.
    Blessings,Tina

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    1. Well, that's a thought, but right now, I have so many projects in the fire! I couldn't start another book...and I don't consider my experience as above average :) I'm sad for your medical problems. That's got to be so hard! Thank you for your comments, Tina! Hugs and blessings!

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  16. Congrats on losing all of that weight! And on all of your accomplishments! You are an inspiration. Happy Birthday! Love and hugs!!!!

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    1. Hi Holly! Thanks for the birthday greetings and kind words. I spent this evening at the ER with Ron again! Not his heart this time (we just got out of the hospital LAST NIGHT!) but a digestive problem. They admitted him, but I had to come home to be here with the boys. Praise the Lord that He uses ALL things to the good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose! I have been doing SO MUCH SITTING...away from the computer and any "work" I could do :) I love you! :)

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  17. Wow. That is quite an accomplishment. It is wonderful when we accept who we are as we are. I hope you meet your goal

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    1. Thank you, Jan! I think those last 20-25 pounds are the hardest to lose :) Blessings!

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  18. What a great testimony to God's goodness! Being so obedient must be hard at times. But with strong faith, we can get through anything because we know that He is always with us, and He will do for us what we cannot do on our own. I love that you have lost so much weight! But even more, you are so willing to not wear makeup or cut your hair. I've often wondered how much time and money I would/could save if I cut out the makeup routine daily. But my confidence in myself is not that strong! Yet! :)

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    1. Oh, Rachelle, thank you! I so agree with you about obedience...but He gave me a song once that has this line "for to walk in obedience shows how much I love You" Obedience would be on one side of my soapbox! :) And besides the pure-dee cash you save on beauty parlors (Do they even still call them that? Now you know how long it's been since I've been to one) and makeup, the TIME! What is your time worth? Think of the hours I've saved over 30 years! Woo Hoo, that's SIGNIFICANT and my time is very valuable! Thank you for your comments! I'm praying for God to give you more confidence, but...why do you care what anyone thinks besides God and your husband? LOVE and hugs! :)

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  19. Congratulations on your weight loss. I have recently lost weight and am struggling to keep it off. I would love to win a copy of this book.

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    1. Yay, Susan! I haven't got to that "keep it off part, yet" but I'll hvae to do that the same way I lost it...with God's help! I'll have to give that burden of keeping it off to Him then listen to the Holy Spirit. That way, "I" won't hvae to be concerned at all :) Laaaaaa! I'd love for you to win the book! Did you ever read book one, Vow Unbroken? I think we met after it was out a while :)

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    2. I forgot to say LOVE and hugs! :)

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  20. Thank you, Caryl, and yes I did feel so much better when I lost the weight. In fact, my husband, who had been deployed to Iraq at the time, was totally shocked when he returned. He didn't even recognize me even though I was standing right in front of him. Once he truly saw me and the welcome home sign I was holding, he exclaimed rather loudly, "My Wife's a hottie". I was so embarrassed but proud at the same time.

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    1. Awwww, I LOVE that story, Kathy! That's awesome! :) Hugs and blessings!

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  21. CARYL, I loved reading your testimony! What an awesome God we serve. Blessings to you.

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    1. Thanks, sister-same-name-friend! and Amen! Hallelujah! We do serve a God Who is mighty to save with a name above EVERY name! OOOOooooWEE! I LOVE Him! and YOU! :) Hugs and blessings!

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  22. Hi, Caryl, sweet thang, so happy for you! Do you also use portion control? Maybe I missed that. Too much portion control can lower your metabolism too much, I think I read. Must be gradual. It's tricky. What do you think? And "Drink mo' H2O" is my slogan. I'd like to lose about 20 pounds, too.*sigh*

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    1. Hey there Friend! It's been a long time since we visited! :) THANK YOU! I have vinegar water going all the time, Margo :) Bragg's :) Every now and then, unsweetened tea, but I LOVE the ACV water with stevia sweetener. And I eat 4 cups of vegetables a day and 8 oz real protein plus protein shake, bar, pancake...I find I do get full quicker. Early on, I could hardly eat everything I was supposed to :) I love you! :) Thanks for stopping by and commenting! :)

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  23. Hi, Caryl, sweet thang, so happy for you! Do you also use portion control? Maybe I missed that. Too much portion control can lower your metabolism too much, I think I read. Must be gradual. It's tricky. What do you think? And "Drink mo' H2O" is my slogan. I'd like to lose about 20 pounds, too.*sigh*

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  24. Caryl, thank you for sharing your weight loss journey. You are an inspiration for so many and we appreciate you telling it like it is. Through easy days, difficult days, happy or sad days, God is always there and we are truly blessed.

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    1. Amen and hallelujah! That is Truth and we LOVE Truth because Jesus IS the Truth! :) Hope to see you again soon! Love and hugs and blessings!

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  25. As I start yet another 'life change' weight loss journey, I'm going to visit this blog over and over. Spectacular job!

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