Hey, friends! If you’ve been reading my blog for a few years, you will remember that I have a very close friend, Vicki, who I went to high school with and we have been best buddies for many years.
I featured her several times on fashion posts for the full figured gal and today I’m sharing more of Vicki’s story. I know you will love hearing from her again, this time even more from the heart on what she’s been through over the last few years, life’s ups and downs. Along with all of that, Vicki has been on a quest for weight loss and I’m so excited to share her amazing journey.
Just as a reminder, here are a couple of shots from 3 years ago when Vicki was a guest on my blog with some fashion over 50 posts.
Vicki loves shopping at thrift stores and has found many things over the years to add to her closet. I’m sure she will continue shopping thriftstores at times, but now her size has been altered and as she mentioned back then shopping in the Women’s department, now she’s shopping in the regular department, size 14.
Here’s Vicki 3 years ago, a pretty lady.
And here’s Vicki now! I can’t wait for Vicki to share her story and I hope it touches many of you too. If you have struggled with weight issues or anxiety, you’ll relate to Vicki’s story.
Here’s Vicki…….
Thanks to Rhoda for allowing me to share my heart with her readers.
The storms of life can pop up when you least expect it, out of a clear blue sky, bringing winds and waves of adversity. I felt like I was standing, firmly, on a white sandy beach enjoying the beautiful view of a calm sea and bright future when, BAM, a huge wave of change rose up out of nowhere and crashed into me. The forceful wave pounded me down onto the ocean floor strewn with sharp rocks and broken shells, bruising my faith. Just when I got my footing and stood back up, BAM, a huge wave of loss and disappointment hit, knocking the breath out of me. Again, I fought to stand up, but more waves came, one after the other, each one stronger than the last. Finally, I was carried out into the deep, lost and alone, where sharks of worry, depression and fear lurked, seeking to devour me.
This sounds a little dramatic, but it’s how I felt as I tried to “stand” against waves of change and loss during one of my life’s storms, the greatest in 24 years. While many of our challenging circumstances were natural life events, they occurred within a relatively short period of time. I won’t bore you by expounding on my list of trials and tribulations, but Rhoda suggested I mention them. I’m sure many of you have experienced some of the same, and many of you have experienced much worse.
January 2016-February 2018
I began treatment for dangerously high cholesterol levels.
The shape of my nose changed after basal cell carcinoma surgery.
Our younger son graduated from college (9 year plan) and moved an hour away.
He married a wonderful young lady 3 months later, both joyous occasions!
My husband required 2 surgeries after an injury.
Two weeks later, our beloved 15 ½ year old Weimaraner died.
My precious 79 year old mother-in-law with Alzheimer’s moved from her home of 36 years two hours away to an assisted living near her daughters.
My 84 year old mother with Alzheimer’s was hospitalized 3 times in 6 weeks, and survived pulmonary embolism.
We celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary and our 60th birthdays.
Our older son and daughter-in-law and their 4 children, ages 1-6, moved 17 hours away from their life long home in North Georgia, to West Texas where he accepted a position at a huge church.
We closed on the sales of both our parents’ homes in the same month.
I experienced some concerning symptoms and assumed they were caused by the mental and emotional stress of the past year. But they progressed and after research, I determined the debilitating muscle pain in my quadriceps was most likely caused by the statin drug I was prescribed in January, 2016. I alerted the prescribing physician and halved the dose.
We traveled to West Texas to visit our son’s family.
Symptoms/side effects persisted and I discontinued the statin and returned to the one I had taken previously without any negative side effects. Quadricep pain disappeared but not the most serious of symptoms. .
My brother and I had to make a very difficult decision regarding our mother’s health.
Texas crew came home for Christmas, 2017.
During 2016 and 2017, my husband was dealing with his own challenges regarding his business, surgery, loss of our sons, our dog, his hobby, etc…In January, 2018, he was diagnosed with severe anemia. After numerous tests did not reveal anything ominous, I finally told him about my symptoms.
On Tuesday, February 27, 2018 I heard from God.
Yes, I heard from God. Not in an audible voice, but He spoke to me very directly that day. My anxiety level had reached an all time high. I had an appointment with our internist the next day to discuss my persistent symptoms of dizziness, upset stomach, and problems with short term memory and speech. At that point, I had concluded I might have dementia caused by the statin drugs and blamed myself for not losing weight to lower my cholesterol. Guilt and shame added insult to any real or presumed injury I faced.
That morning, I shared my fear with my dear friend Carol, a strong woman of faith. When I began the blame game, she cut me off, saying that was a lie from satan and I should not look back but forward. Her encouragement reminded me of the scripture, “satan comes to kill, steal and destroy, but I come so that you may have life ‘more’ abundantly”. John 10:10.
Later I listened to a Christian program I enjoy in the mornings. The message was on 23rd Psalm and how the sheep would stay stuck in the same place until parasites took them and the land over! The message was to JUST MOVE. Well, I had been stuck in a rut of poor eating habits resulting in obesity for much too long! It was time for me to “move”.
After lunch, I took a short drive to the library and flipped on the radio. The very first words I heard were about addiction and how we must push through the discomfort of withdrawals from drugs, alcohol or food (New Life Live Broadcast). Hmmmm….Back at home, I prepared dinner and fretted over the webinar I planned to attend that night. It was an orientation about a weight loss plan I had experienced success with years prior, but fear of failure kept me from trying again. After dinner, I turned to the daily devotional from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.
Keep your eyes on Me! Waves of adversity are washing over you, and you feel tempted to give up. As your circumstances consume more and more of your attention, you are losing sight of Me. Yet I am with you always, holding you by your right hand. I am fully aware of your situation, and I will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear. 1 Corinthians 10:13
Your gravest danger is worrying about tomorrow. If you try to carry tomorrow’s burdens today, you will stagger under the load and eventually fall flat. You must discipline yourself to live within the boundaries of today. It is in the present moment that I walk close to you, helping you carry your burdens. Keep your focus on My Presence in the present.
Wow! This devotional spoke directly to my anxiety and temptation with food. A wave of peace washed over me. On the day of the orientation webinar, and the day before my doctor’s appointment, God used 4 different “messages” to minister to me in a very personal and specific way. My husband noticed the improvement in my demeanor. When I tearfully shared what happened, he agreed I’d heard from God. After the webinar, I committed to the health plan.
Appointments with my internist and later a neurologist concluded my worrisome symptoms were not related to the statin drug but caused by the stress of the past two years! I felt immediate relief in my mind and body. Overcome with emotion, I told my husband I felt God had given me a second chance to live a healthier lifestyle.
I began my weight loss program the next Monday, March 5, 2018. Less than 4 months later, on June 28, 2018, I saw my internist again. I had lost 40 pounds and my blood pressure was the lowest ever. (I’d never been treated for hypertension, but this was the lowest BP reading I could recall.) My cardiac health risks were much lower and my internist recommended I discontinue the statin drug! Woo hoo! I had been on a statin since I was 50! God truly touched me, giving me the self discipline to work the plan as needed to lose the weight quickly. I give Him all the glory for my success. I have not weighed this weight in 24 years.
My Weight Loss Plan
Most any weight loss plan will work if you work it, but as I aged, plans that had worked for me before, no longer worked, or maybe I just didn’t work them! This plan is different in that it teaches how to combine foods for efficient fat burning. It’s scientific! Why had I never heard of this before? Other components of the plan include portion control, timing, journaling, support from fellow members and staff, exercise and spiritual enrichment. While I am blessed to live near a center, I have worked the plan completely on-line, on my schedule! I enjoy encouraging relationships developed through our Facebook group. We have members located across the U.S. and in other countries.
If you’ve struggled to lose 10 or 100 pounds, what do you have to lose but weight by trying this plan? You are worth the effort of improving your health and taking back your life. Trust me! If I can be successful working this plan at this age and stage of my life, you can too! This plan is affordable and enjoyable using grocery food; doable and sustainable as a life long lifestyle. Here is the link to the plan that has radically changed my body, my life: https://www.myshibboleth.com/sponsor/vickidavis/
If you’d like to contact me about the plan, please leave a comment here or on my blog, Mother Moms Musings.
God bless you all as you strive to “stand” up against the waves of life’s storms and in your pursuit of life “more” abundantly!
Thank you, Vicki! I’m so glad you stopped by today to share your heart with my readers and I know that someone’s been blessed today because you shared. I hope you all will leave Vicki some comments and tell her what a great job she is doing. I’m SO proud of my friend! We have had different health journeys over the years, but aging is not a one size fits all program, is it? I love Vicki’s story and how God intervened in her life to give her the tools when she needed them to get on the weight loss path and stick with it.
We’re going shopping for new Fall clothes for Vicki soon and I can’t wait to see her in them!
Yay! This is so awesome. Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey!
Thank you Lori! I appreciate Rhoda allowing me to share with her amazing readers! Bless you!
Thank you Vicki for sharing your personal struggles with weight. I too have the same struggles. I have been a yo yo dieter for years and tried many plans. I have recently joined weight watchers (again) and am learning the new Freestyle program. So far so good.
Good luck and continued success.
Hello Lynda,
I one hasn’t experienced struggles with being overweight, they just do not understand! I had success with WW when I was younger and 2 friends of mine have lost weight on it this year! Good luck to you as well! Thanks for commenting! V
I would love to know the weight loss plan! I am a breast cancer survivor but the med I have to take to keep it at bay makes you gain weight so I need all the help that I can
Hi Veronica, I’m so sorry about your bout with breast cancer but so happy you’ve overcome it. Please see the link to the plan below. God bless you with continued good health! V
https://www.myshibboleth.com/sponsor/vickidavis/
Hi Veronica, I am so sorry about your struggle with breast cancer but happy you are doing well. Please see the link to plan below. God bless you with continued good health!
https://www.myshibboleth.com/sponsor/vickidavis/
Oh Vicki I am so happy for you! Praise be to God! Loved reading your story of how God has brought you through so much! You are an overcomer and girl you look absolutely amazing! Love you! Vonda
Hey sweet lady,
Thank you for your encouraging comments! Yes, Praise be to God! I’m glad we connected through Rhoda and Peggy! I’m still looking forward to a hug! Bless you and your sweet family! V
This is an incredible story. I have struggled with weight gain as I’ve gotten older. I will be 56 soon, and I have been “dieting” for the last 2 1/2 months. I’ve lost 11 pounds but I still need to lose about 40 more. With my back issues and the fact that I just plain don’t like exercise, the going is slow. Vicky’s story is very encouraging.
Dear SoCalLynn,
Thank you so much! Yep, growing old ain’t for sissies! LOL! Sounds like you’re on your way to getting healthier. I try to concentrate on what I “can” do, like drink water and walk, so when my food intake isn’t as it should be, at least I’m doing something healthy! God bless you as you pursue your best healthy weight! V
Vicky, you look great and I’m sure you feel so much better as well. Thank you for sharing the journey you have been on. 2018 has been quite a year for me. I’m hoping for some glory days in our near future. Where in West Texas did your son go? I’m a West Texas Girl. I grew up in Sweetwater, TX and lived in midland, TX for a while. I’m now a Texas Girl in an Oklahoma World ;-D My daughters live in Fort Worth. I’m sorry you’re so far away from your kiddos. Keep up the good work and again, thanks for sharing!
Hi Melesa,
I appreciate your thoughtful comment. Our son is is Midland. My husband loved the drive from Fort Worth to Midland last year. It is a boom town with the oil industry. Yes, it’s very difficult being so far from them, but I am proud he and his wife are doing what they feel God called them to do. I’m partial to our rolling hills and beautiful trees in Georgia! Hopefully they will return to the southeast in the future. Bless you! V
You look fabulous! And it’s so encouraging to learn that you leaned on our Lord when your trials got difficult and that you listened to Him and are now living a healthier lifestyle!
Oh thank you, Nita! God truly blessed me that day and I have notes on each “message” from that day I refer to often! I appreciate your thoughtful comments! V
That’s wonderful!
Thank you Martha! God bless you today! V
Vicki, you look amazing and you must feel amazing as well. Thank you for sharing your heart with us and how God has worked so mightily in your life. You are an inspiration.
Thank you Tee! I appreciate your thoughtful comments! I do feel so much better than I did in January! To God be the glory! Bless you! V
Vicki, Thank you for sharing. This is just what I needed today. I could hardly finish reading because of the blur from my tears. I’ve been going through some things these past two years and your testimony was such a blessing for me today. Very timely. You’re beautiful inside and out. God bless and keep you, Lisa
Oh Lisa, I’m sorry you have had a difficult 2 years. Thank you for your encouraging words! God’s timing is a amazing. Bless you as you stand against your storms in life! V
Hi,
I would like more I formation about the weight loss plan. Very inspirational!
Thank you for Sharing!
Carol
Hello Carol, Thanks for your encouraging comment. The weight loss plan teaches how to combine foods and timing when to eat for efficient fat burning. While this is scientific, I’d never known about this. They also incorporate journaling, water, lots of support with a Facebook group, spiritual enrichment and endless lists of approved grocery store foods, restaurant meals, etc…Webinars and on-line classes and recorded classes are extremely helpful. I work the plan totally on-line! Current annual membership fee is $100. Please see the link below. God bless you as you seek life more abundantly! V
https://www.myshibboleth.com/sponsor/vickidavis/
Dear Vicki…THANK YOU FOR BEING SO HONEST & BRAVE!!! The tears are streaming down my cheeks as you have so bravely shared your journey. I am 60 years old and my dear husband is 61 and for the past nine years we have hit by so many storms also we can barely go on. In July of 2009 my sweet mother-in-law passed away from breast cancer, shortly after one of my husbands brothers was diagnosed with colon cancer and subsequently his wife was also diagnosed with breast cancer. On the way to the rehearsal dinner for our oldest son’s wedding (2010) we found out my husband’s other brother was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and driving home from the wedding my son’s close childhood friend and his wife were in a devastating accident….his wife was killed and he was critically injured. In 2011 my husband’s brother lost his battle with esophageal cancer. In 2014 my husband lost his job, and our youngest son graduated from college (the five year plan) and moved 1,200 miles away. In December 2014 my father was hospitalized a week before Christmas for a kidney stone and then were told in February 2015 that when they removed the large kidney stone they found out he had stage 3 bladder cancer. So my Mom and brother and I geared up for four months of ruling chemotherapy and then in August 2015 my almost 81 year old father had his bladder removed, they nicked an artery during surgery and he was given strong antibiotics and then developed a c.diff infection, what we anticipated as a two week hospital stay turned into 2 1/2 months. Then in December 2015 my almost 79 year old mother herniated a disc in her back and 48 hours after she was given a steroid shot she was delusional and ended up in the hospital. She has had consistent UTI’s and now has been diagnosed as having MCI, so my parents require full-time care that my brother and I are trying to do in their home…my dear brother (59) lost two jobs during this time period also…..I am tired…overwhelmed…overweight…and have been praying for God’s help….so your brave and honest story gives me immense hope. I have been a long time reader of Rhoda’s blog because I always share the sweet picture of her Dad in his garden. My dear husband has been care taking his Dad (89) who lives on several acres and still gardens. My husband spends his weekends helping his father and I try to recover from the week of care taking my parents because my brother takes the weekends. You look so beautiful Vicki and I can truly see God has blessed you…may he continue to bless you and your family. Sorry for this lengthy comment but I feel like I can safely say what has been so heavy to bear over these past few years. I am praying for a breakthrough also to regain my health.
HI, Deb, thanks for sharing your story too. What an ordeal of life you’ve been through, my goodness, that would break anyone. I pray for a breakthrough for you and your family, for peace and calm in the storm.
Dear Deb,
Wow. I am so very sorry for your many losses and the continued concern and stress of care giving. My sweet daddy had a 7 week illness and died without much pain. He lived a healthy and wonderful 80 years, still cut firewood and worked. Burying him was easy compared to becoming a care giver for Mom. I don’t know what resources you have access to in your area, but sometimes the senior services department of your county can assist. I am very blessed to have a dear family friend and Mom’s former neighbor, who is also a skilled care giver, help me with Mom. Mom is in a wonderful AL facility 14 miles from my home. She is physically strong and stable for 86 1/2, but her Alzheimer’s is progressing. What you have gone through and continue to cope with must feel totally unbearable at times. In 2017 when our son moved out, my husband was injured and had surgery and our dog died, all natural life events, I cried for months. I withdrew from friends, was uncomfortable going out in public because I would cry. Just when I started to settle down, my mom had the 3 hospital stays that wiped me out physically and emotionally. Soon after that, our son’s family moved away and the crying ensued again. I had purposed in my mind to see a counselor if I didn’t feel better soon. I don’t have the constant waves of adversity now so I’m coping much better. My husband’s severe anemia cleared up with treatment! Another primary reason I wanted to lose weight is I could not care for others if I was unhealthy. I imagine you have absolutely no time for yourself, but if you can just take one small step of improving your health, like a walk around the block or drinking more water or journaling what you eat, you may begin to feel more in control of your life and have hope. Again, your load is heavy and I pray you will have help from someone to lift your burden just a little. If you have anyone you can ask to help you, you should ask. I’d love to hear an update from you. Until then, may God bless you with hope and peace. [email protected]
Hi Vicki, Thanks for sharing your very inspiring story. So many of us face adversity and it takes courage to write about it and share it with so many people. I think that you look amazing! You are glowing and all of these lovely clothes look sensational! Best of luck as you continue this journey and I hope we get to hear from you again!
Hi Nancy,
Thank you so much for you affirming comments. I admit I was hesitant to put myself out there so, but Rhoda suggested I share what she has observed me going through. I believe I am called to use any writing skill I might have to encourage others. I’m glad you were inspired. I appreciate Rhoda allowing me to share with her readers. Being able to shop in the regular sized clothing department has been so exciting for me! Thank you again for commenting! God bless you and yours!
Vicki, you look great, and most of all, I can tell you have peace of mind. Congratulations! I am commenting because I can relate to so much of what you wrote. God speaks to me in exactly the same way He spoke to you. I, too, enjoy Jesus Calling and often it brings me just the exact message I need on a particular day.
Hi Melanie,
Thank you! I do have peace of mind now as the waves have subsided! My husband’s severe anemia has cleared up with treatment, our mothers are stable physically, our family members are all doing well and I am so grateful! Yes, don’t you just love it when the day’s devotional speaks specifically to your need! Amazing! I hope your life’s storms are manageable! God bless you and yours. Thanks for commenting. V
Vicki, thank you for sharing your amazing journey! For God to have spoken to you four times in one day is truly a miracle…and your heart was open enough to hear the tmessage. You look amazing but you also were beautiful before. Regaining your health is the greatest gift you could have given yourself and your family!
Hello Roxanne,
Thanks for sharing. Yes, definitely a miracle. When people who have known me a long time comment on my weight loss, I say “it truly was a miracle from God”. Trust me, I have tried and failed so many times, but this time was different. But God!!! You are so right! Being healthier to care for others was part of my “why”. God bless you and yours! Vicki
What is the plan
HI, Rita, there’s a link to the plan at the bottom.
Hi Rita,
The plan is called My Shibboleth. It’s unique in that they teach how to combine foods and timing when to eat to achieve efficient fat burning. They also incorporate journaling, water, support, lots of information through online webinars and classes, and spiritual enrichment. I have worked the plan completely on-line and lost 8 lbs the first week! Current annual membership fee is $100. Please see the link below. God bless you as you see life more abundantly! Vicki
https://www.myshibboleth.com/sponsor/vickidavis/
Vicki, Thanks so much for sharing your storms. We all have them, but when we keep our eyes on the Lord and listen to His voice, He gives us the strength and courage to get through them. My husband and I have been through some doozies, and although we couldn’t always see it at the time, God was right there and so faithful. We are still in some struggles, but continue to trust. I too, like Jesus Calling… a wonderful book. I don’t know how people get through life without Jesus…. He is our hope! Love your heart, sister!
Love,
Julie from Kentucky
Hello Julie,
Thank you for sharing your experiences and your faith. A dear elderly lady friend of mine lost her son, her brother and her best friend all in 30 days. I asked her how she survived. She said we all know about God’s “amazing’ grace, but she experienced God “sustaining” grace. I understand now. Your comment is such a blessing to me. Thank you for sharing YOUR heart! Stand!!! v
Love you Vicki, you’re beautiful in so many ways! Thank you for sharing your inspiring story. Love all your outfits too! Thanks for sharing Vicki, Rhoda! What a great friend for you.
Hi Diane in Wisconsin! My son visited Milwaukee in June on business. He loved it and was glad to add it to his list of states he’s visited. You are so sweet to say such kind things! I’m glad you were inspired. Rhoda and I have been friends since we were 15 and are a week apart in age. We’ve been through thick and thin together and I cherish her friendship. Thank you for sharing! Blessings to you Diane! v
Rhoda,
Thank you for giving a shout out and celebrating with your dear friend, Vicki. Giving her an opportunity to express in the written word was concise and reached many of us that otherwise would have missed.
This meant so much to me and appreciated the transparency yet with hope and a positive outcome.
All the best to both of you,
Angie
Thank you, Angie, I’m so glad you enjoyed Vicki’s story! She’s a dear friend and I’m so happy for her good reports.
Hi Angie and thank you for your thoughtful comment. I believe I am called to use any writing skill I might have to encourage others. I’m glad you were encouraged by my story. May God bless you with life more abundantly.
Vicki, you look awesome, my friend!! Congratulations!! Hope to see you on one of my trips back to ATL.
Hey sweet girl! Miss you! Yes, I’d love to see you. I hope you and all of your family are doing well. Stand!!!