The Moment of Truth…

Today I overcame a challenge and weighed myself, now before I share with you (and world) how much I currently weigh I must share with you my journey to the leading up to stepping on the scale. From reading the previous post you will find that I am on a journey to a healthier “ME” For Real. This entails a healthier Spirit, Soul, and Body. Today was my official day that I began my workout plan. Now I am one of those people that I do not do the same workout every day, at the same time- I just go with the flow.

I woke up with a taste for Special K cereal, and I didn’t have any in the house. Publix is about 2 miles away from where I live, and I got this bright idea to kill two birds with one stone- walk to Publix and pick up some cereal. So I changed into my workout gear, grab my recyclable grocery bag, and I was out the door.  The trail was nice! I enjoyed watching the trees sway to the music of the wind, and the sun was still hiding behind the morning clouds. The summer weather was a little warm, but my rag and bottle of water kept me cool.

While walking, I could not help but observe the beauty of God’s creation. There is nothing more beautiful than seeing the reflection of the sunlight pierce its way through the trees. I felt like the trees where happy to see me. I even got a new prospective on spiders, watching them hang tight in the middle of their magnificent web they spun was amazing. Just think this little insect is an artist, now granted I would not like to see one in my house but outside in their own habitat is beautiful.

I finally made it to Publix, and my mission was operation find the scale. Of course like every Publix everywhere the scale is right in front of the store, I mean what is that about? Any who I pressed on towards the scale anyway. When I got there, it was absolutely no one in sight except for George- a little elderly employee cleaning the complimentary coffee area, I was totally relieved. So the moment of truth came, I stepped onto the scale and the moving needle seemed like it was never going to stop! Nevertheless, it did, and it landed on the number two hundred and ninety-two pounds. Yes! That was my moment of truth, and to my surprise the results didn’t put my psyche into a gloomy mood, instead I happily knew that this was going to be the last time I would (ever) see those numbers again when stepping onto a scale.

My Motivating scripture is still Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)- No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Although my current weight is 292 pounds I am encourage to know that I will never read those numbers again...Not while I'm standing on the scale! 

“I am determined to live and be a healthier “ME” For Real.”

Last Night was a Battle...

I have never experience such withdrawals in my life! Night sweats, headaches, and my cravings for something sweet was out of this world. The moment I took a stand to take back my health and life, it seems as if the entire force of darkness (plus 1) was coming against my decision to change. Background: For the past 3 days I have not touched anything sweet- no cakes, soda, or candies of any sort. You see my crick tonight is sweets, and boy did my body show me just how bad it wanted it last night. This thing is serious! 

I am reading several books to help me on my journey to a healthier me Spirit~Soul~Body: The Daniel Plan by:Rick Warren and God is my CEO by:Larry Julian. With these books, I am learning that I cannot do this on my own strength, but I need God to help me with his infinite strength and power. I remember last night praying and asking God to help me through these withdrawals, and He did. Although my body still wanted a sugary snack, God simply suggested that I drink a bottle of water and go to sleep-and I did just that. However, the battle was not over. 

I had all kinds of crazy dreams last night- exes from my past who where trying to get back with me, the spirit of depression in a form of a skinny woman…Just crazy! But as I write the dreams out for the first time, I realize that the enemy (emotional eating) wants me back, and although we have been apart for 3 days now (and I do miss her), our relationship is a very unhealthy one. I must stay away from death!

The scripture that I am resting on today is Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)-

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Although I am in a stage of unpleasant discipline, I know the direction that I’m headed is what’s best for me. I must always rely on God’s infinite strength to help me through my darkest nights.

“I am determined to live and be a healthier “ME” For Real.”

Snippet from My New Book:Pillow Between My Thighs

Pillow Between My Thighs:

I can’t tell you how many nights I’ve experienced having a pillow between my thighs. Not because I was experiencing lower back pain or having symptoms from menstrual cramps, no, I was aching for some sexual contact in a very strong way. I understand the lonely nights, the desperate cries, and the silent tears left on your pillow at night. I know what it’s like to have your hormones raging, and the pulse of your vagina screaming for some one-on-one attention, and the only thing that will suffice is a pillow between your thighs. I know what it feels like to be tempted to pick up the phone and dial in a one-night-stand special—being willing to compromise my relationship with God and everything we’ve built for just 30 seconds of sexual release. I know what it feels like.

I was torn between two lovers. My flesh desired her particular pleasures, and my spirit desired to please the Lord. I lived in constant battle with myself—flesh and spirit fighting for the victory over my soul. Some nights my flesh would respond like a wild caged animal trying to claw her way out of captivity, and right into the arms of Sin. Other nights, I felt the comforting arms of God wrapped intimately around my soul, quieting the lioness within. I know what it’s like to be on the frontline of battle concerning your soul, and live to tell about it. 

**What do you think?** **I would love to hear from you**
For More Details about the book Click Here: http://www.mechellerenee.com/store/ 

My Dating Guide Book: Breakout the Stiletto Heels is Now Available for Download!!!

Breakout the Stiletto Heels is a manual for single Christian women that desire to date on purpose. Using her specialized 90-10 Rule, Mechelle Stokes illustrates a winning combination of personal growth and Christian dating strategies. No subject—even those considered taboo in Christendom—is off-limits. This smart, authentic, how-to narrative is a must-have for women that crave godly dating success.

**Click on the Picture above to take a peek inside**

For More Information visit the New Website: http://www.mechellerenee.com 

Thank You for Your Support!!!

Take a Walk in My Shoes-the Audacity of a Naysayer

I was reading over one of my journals from 3 years ago and I marvel at how far I’ve come. Three years ago my heart was bleeding on paper to God as I expressed my loneliness, oppression, depression, and the emotional suicide I was experiencing all at once. I realize now in my life that not everyone will understand or get me, but I know Who (& Whose) I Am. And because of the beauty of your (Right Now) appearance, and you walk with your head held high, people will tend to hate on the fact that you (for the most part) carry this confident glow about you. So they choose to speak from the depth of their insecurities instead, trying their best (consciously or unconsciously) to dim the light that God has placed inside of you- but only if they knew the old shoes you use to wear(your past)they would see you from a different point of view.

The audacity of the naysayers who have no clue about the HELL you've gone (or going) through, I refuse to be silent anymore. Don’t allow people to place judgment upon you because you decided to make the joy of the Lord your strength. If naysayers had a clue, they would recognize that it was only by God’s grace that you were not found dead in an ally somewhere or behind bars. The Lord has kept you and he has definitely kept (and is keeping) me too. Know this, God has his hand upon your life. Believe me, I understand and know what it feels like to be judge and not helped. I know what it feels like to have people (especially church folks) try their best to limit my (God-given) wisdom to the number of my age, but they haven’t gotten a clue as to Who I really AM or what I've been through-they haven’t walked in my shoes.

People don’t know your dark nights, your lonely tears, and the physical pain you've experienced in the past or even now, but let me be the first to tell you that God knows and He cares for you deeply. Allow God's deep love to be your shield and buckler, your healer, and your very best friend. I wrote this message to encourage you ALL (even the naysayers) to love your sisters and your brothers for real. Love them if they've fallen into the hands of sin, love them even if they don’t look or act like you, because God may use that same person one day to help deliver you through. We all have a story to tell that could save someone else’s life. Will you choose Love over Judgment today?

~MechelleRenee 

SECOND HALF- Is our time to SHINE

I am a huge Miami Heat fan (now to ALL my non-Heat fans, please do not roll your eyes at me…Moving on LOL). Okay, so for the basketball fans out there we know that right now the Playoffs are going on- The Western Conference is locked in with the San Antonio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies are set to battle. In the Eastern Conference, the Miami Heat awaits the winner between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers (stay with me I’m going somewhere with this). However, I want to draw your attention to the Chicago Bulls vs. the Miami Heat’s second to last game that was played in Chicago. Why this particular game because it will prove the point of my message to you today.

  

For the first half the Bulls were in the lead, playing strong, and I tell you those Chicago Bulls fans were hype. Nate Robinson was hitting 3point shots left and right, and we were still behind (I was very relaxed in my chair; I had confidence in my boys). The first half buzzer sounded off to let us know that the second half was vastly approaching. So you know me being the Assistant Coach and all I had to have a heart to heart locker room talk with my boys- giving them their pep talk (screaming) “SECOND HALF is OUR TIME to SHINE!!!” Go out there and own the court, and so they did just that. Dwyane Wade (despite his knee injury) got his second wind and dominated the court along with the dynamic LeBron James, and the rest of the Miami Heat team. We WON that night, not because of my pep talk (wink), but I believed that they believed (with injuries and all) that SECOND HALF was there time to SHINE.

The first part of your life may have not gone the way you've expected it to go; things may have happen in your life that were totally out of your control, but I have good news for you SECOND HALF IS YOUR TIME TO SHINE!! Own and dominate the second half of your life. Start Now!! Believe in yourself and know that God created you to shine. For so long we have allowed people who mean well, naysayers, haters, those unfortunate events that occurred in our life to hinder us from being in the lead of our own Game-this STOPS HERE. Locker Room Time: “Forget about the first half (your past) because you can’t change what’s on the scoreboard, and concentrate on the Second Half (your present and your future) because you can change that scoreboard to benefit and to show proof the true essence of who God created you to be. The clock has started, and the ball was just passed to you- what’s your next move?

SECOND HALF is YOUR TIME to SHINE!!!

~MechelleRenee 

Day 1: Winning the Wars Within

I’m learning that the biggest trail you face in life are not so much the ones that people are externally involve with, it’s more so the ones you internally face (and let the church say Amen). The Wars within has a greater impact on you than the battles going on around you, why is that? The only way I can explain this is to have you drive down a one way street. I don’t know if you had the unpleasant pleasure of driving down a one way Street before, but I certainly have by mistake one time (not a good feeling). Driving forward on a One Way Street is an accident waiting to happen, and trying to back out of it is even worst (trust me I've tried), so what’s a girl to do? I Prayed and ask God to hold off any cars coming down that one way, I made my quick 3-point turn, and found myself back on track again (Whew! That was really a close one for me).

I used this example to explain what internal wars feels like-spiritually trapped, immobilized, kind of like how the Israelites were to their Goliath opponent (see 1 Samuel 17). The Israelites were trapped, unable to move forward because  a huge Goliath was standing in the way of their freedom and victory. What internal Goliath(s) has sent you spiraling down a one way street immobilized? Or better yet what are the giant(s) in your life that you knowingly allow to keep you from your truest self and your victories? I really want you to take the time thinking about these questions ask, and write down every honest answer you can think of in your journal. 

Do not get overwhelmed by the number of Goliaths you have written down, but rejoice because this is the beginning stage of you Winning the Wars within. Ask yourself What am I afraid of? What’s really holding me back? Is it fear, procrastination, lack of wisdom, direction, yourself? It could be a number of things, but whatever it is by you identifying your giants, you are one step closer to Winning the Wars Within-I'm SO HAPPY FOR YOU. 

Day 1 Assignment: identify who your internal giants are (write them by name), and what are they preventing you from doing. Use the questions already given to you previously as a guiding point. Remember there are no right or wrong answers here, only the honest ones required. Be True to Yourself & Never give up on the betterment of yourself. 

God Bless & I will see you tomorrow for Day 2 J  

~MechelleRenee