Way back in November I started really taking some time and thinking about what my goal was with my fitness page, my Beachbody business and my blog - and lots of other things in general. As God has been working on transforming me, I feel it's time I begin to make some transformations around here as well. You might have already seen a lot of them and I hope they aren't confusing, my goal truly was to simplify things, as that's my goal on so many fronts in 2017. So while there are a lot of physical changes happening, I hope you still find all the content the same or even better!
And with that said, I welcome you to Transforming Daily!
But how exactly did I end up here?
As I mentioned above I really started thinking and praying about the direction I was headed 6-8 weeks ago. Something was missing. I felt like I was not helping anyone the way I truly wanted to help them. Unfortunately in this time of transition and planning, I found a way to fall off the path myself for a bit and was really of no help to anyone. Not just here in any of the fitness aspects, but in anything I was committed to outside of family and work.
Then God made it pretty clear to me that I was over-complicating things. He is showing me some things about myself that I'm not exactly excited about changing, but know need to change. The need for control, the need to be over-prepared for everything, the need to have everything fit inside a certain box is just ONE (yes, I know that's three, just roll them up) of the things he is working on in me.
But I said ok, let's start here. Here is a place I know that God has placed me. Sharing my journey is neither easy nor comfortable for me. But I know that God has allowed me to be successful to show others just how awesome and glorious he is. So with God's guidance I came up with what I hope are some much better ways to help ladies start and REACH their fitness goals. I don't just want you to start, I want you to keep going and never give up. I want you to transform daily, for as many days as you are given, just like I plan to do!
Here is what I came up with:
If you have ever talked to me about boot camp and felt the time wasn't right, we should talk again, things are a lot different now! I've completely changed the requirements to join and I think I've made it a whole lot simpler. My heart is to help as many people reach their fitness goals as possible and I think I've found a better way to do that AND help keep you on track. Boot camps are intended to help you get started and be in an environment that keeps you focused on why you want to make the change you are making. They also give you a private place to ask questions, post pictures, vent, encourage, whatever you need to help get you through those first few days and weeks.
Making changes such as those happening on a fitness journey are changes I hope to help you realize have to become a lifestyle. I am not now, nor have I ever been about a quick fix. Once you start this journey it keeps continuing until you decide to quit. And you aren't quitting! Even if you have a rough week, or month or 6 months, as long as you make the choice to try again you have not quit and I will be there to help you back. At that time you might want to do boot camp again. And that is O.K.
I also realized I needed to find a way to "graduate" boot campers yet still give them the same support as long as they wanted it. This allows new boot campers to not get lost in with the more seasoned boot campers. This year I will offer a Fit Club for everyone who goes through boot camp with me. Once you complete boot camp, which typically lasts 4-5 weeks you will then be added to the Fit Club, where you will remain for the rest of the year. It will be very similar to boot camp but it will keep growing hopefully help to encourage one another to stay on course to reach their goals!
Boot camp and Fit Club are still very much focused on Christ being the center of our journey. He is ultimately who is in charge of our transformation. We choose daily whether we will be obedient to his desire for us to take care of our bodies. So even though the name of my page, the name of this blog, the name of boot camp is changing, the purpose has definitely NOT. If anything I am more certain of the importance of making Christ the center of it all. It was only when I quit trying to control and asked God to show me what was missing did I begin to get excited about all these changes.
I began to make lots of plan for the new year. I had things mostly squared away for what I wanted to do when Beachbody announced that it had a HUGE announcement. I got a little concerned that everything I planned wouldn't work out. That could not have been further from the truth. I knew they were doing away with the best deal they had on the market and was a little concerned about that, but really felt there were still plenty of people I hadn't reached yet and that I would figure it out.
(Disclaimer, before you tune me out because I mentioned Beachbody. I absolutely believe you can get in the best shape of your life with or without Beachbody. I believe Beachbody is an awesome tool for me to use to help you reach your goals because they focus on both healthy eating and fitness. Therefore, I choose to use their products to help others because a) they are the tools I use on my journey; b) I know they work if you work; and c) I believe they are the best package deal out there. Will I still support you if you choose another route? ABSOLUTELY! So let's get back to the rest of my plan...
Then Beachbody blew me away! They made their announcement and they were basically catering to my plan I had already made up for the year! I had already planned the changes to boot camp and what my requirements would be before I knew about the changes. I also planned Fit Club before their big announcement. I just felt in my heart that I was not offering people long term support. They were getting support and encouragement through a program, then they often lost interest. Part of the success of the journey has to come from the perseverance of the person on the journey. But it never hurts to have some added accountability and support! And that's when Beachbody announced that they would be unlocking Beachbody on Demand (the Netflix of fitness) and allowing a yearly membership for $99 (or $199 if you would like to add 30 days of Shakeology to that- which is a great deal!)
This fit perfect into my desire to start this fit club! People can continue their fitness journey's and never have the excuse of getting bored because they can start a new program without having to make a new purchase every time they finish a program. Or if they finally find their soulmate workout, they can keep doing it over and over! I am so excited about this opportunity! I already have my next 7 months of workout programs planned!
They way things pieced perfectly together ultimately confirmed to me that I was doing the right thing. Simplifying things is hopefully helping begin to balance things, yet another area I deeply struggle with, but we will save that for another blog another day.
For now, let's talk if you think you might be interested in joining in on boot camp. I'm leaving it open to join through Monday, after that you will have to wait until February to join boot camp... unless you get a few friends to join too, then I would consider doing an extra boot camp right away!
And stay tuned as I look back at some of my favorite 2016 moments and also look ahead to 2017 goals!
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Birthdays are for Celebrating!
First, thank you to each and every one of you who took the time to wish me a happy birthday today. I am horrible at returning the gesture and vow every year on my birthday to do better next year. Having so many people reach out is a feeling no one should miss out on, so I will do better to do my part in making your day just as special.
I watched the weather all week.I wanted to get up and "jog" for my birthday. I use the term jog very loosely as I am more of a speed walker who tries to look like they are jogging. I was certain it was not going to be possible as it looked like it was going to be a wet nasty day. But do you know what? God is so good. He woke me up this morning on my 38th birthday and gave me warm sixty degree weather to enjoy a walk/jog. He gave me awesome worship music to sing along to and praise him for not just another day, but another year. (And FYI - Lauren Daigle provided the tunes this morning) In our quiet morning together he reminded me of just how far he has brought me and for that I am thankful beyond what words can express!
I debated all day about how far back to take you and share about just how far he has brought me. Hopefully if you know me, you at least somewhat understand just how far that is. However, if you don't know me, and would like to know, I'd be happy to share my story with you sometime of how God has completely spun my life around. The last 9 years or so in particular, but he was working way before that.
In the end, I decided to stick with what I know He's done over the past 3 1/2 years during my journey to becoming healthy. I realize though, none of it could have been accomplished without the events leading up to it. And I am in complete awe of the new me I see him transforming, molding and making me into... at 38.
June 1, 2013 I weighed in at nearly 300 pounds. In my heart I wanted so much to serve God with all of my heart, all of my soul and all of my mind. I wanted to serve him every where, every way I could. But the truth is, I was tired. I was unhealthy. I had zero confidence. I was fearful of absolutely everything. I mean everything - new people, new places, new situations. So getting out there and being the hands and feet proved to be rather difficult.
Today, God showed me just how much he is changing me. I mean I woke up, before the sun and wanted to jog! Who does that? And I didn't used to do that. And I didn't just wake up today and decide to do it... well I kind of did, but only because for the past 3 1/2 years I've been working on changing my mindset. I've been focusing on caring for my body. I'm trying to repair the years of abuse I did to my body inside and out.
You know what? Some days I still forget all that God has done for me. Some days I struggle in trusting God to take me to new places. I find that birthdays are a special day to reflect on all of these things. A day to walk back through the past (not hanging around for long!) and giving thanks for all of the burdens you no longer have to carry around. A day to take extra time to thank God for all of the blessings he has poured into your life. Thank Him for the countless second chances he has given you... or maybe that is just me. A day to take time to really see the transformation that has been taking place right in front of your eyes.
Birthday are a fun day to dream about new adventures and wonder about all the possible places God might take you during this new year of your life. The life He created and already has planned. When I think about the mystery and wonder of what is unknown to me, but known to Him, I can't help but feel such anticipation. And for me, with my birthday so close to Christmas, it comes at a time when anticipation is already running high as we prepare to celebrate the first coming of Christ and ponder on the second coming as well.
The point, and I hope you've stuck with me this far, is that none of these changes would be possible without allowing God to change my thoughts and my heart regarding a lot of issues. I've allowed him to change how I understand fitness and nutrition, yes. But that is only a fraction of what's happening here. I've had to allow Him to soften my heart and change the way I think about myself, about my confidence, my worth, my usefulness, my purpose and so much more.
I pray that in sharing my journey I never come across as... "Look at me... I'm great!" ... because I'm not. I'm human, I mess up and I struggle. But God, He is great, He is my superpower. He is the key to real transformation - in ANYTHING. And I absolutely, positively believe that lasting physical transformation is not possible without the mind and heart transformation that comes from Christ.
Christ is making me new. Every. Day.
Christ is making a way when there seems to be no way.
I just need to get out of the way.
Christ is enough.
Christ says you (and I) are enough.
And in case you are still wondering, but how did you spend your birthday?
Well, despite several people insisting I eat cake, there was no birthday cake to be had. But I did get plenty of my favorite things, and I got to spend time with lots of my favorite people! And I bet there will be cake in the coming week that I will enjoy.
Lots of coffee happened! And we know this makes me happy (And that's not just coffee... that's "fun" coffee) This morning I hit up Kiki's and then my dad took me to HeBrewz this afternoon. (Both are excellent!)
I watched the weather all week.I wanted to get up and "jog" for my birthday. I use the term jog very loosely as I am more of a speed walker who tries to look like they are jogging. I was certain it was not going to be possible as it looked like it was going to be a wet nasty day. But do you know what? God is so good. He woke me up this morning on my 38th birthday and gave me warm sixty degree weather to enjoy a walk/jog. He gave me awesome worship music to sing along to and praise him for not just another day, but another year. (And FYI - Lauren Daigle provided the tunes this morning) In our quiet morning together he reminded me of just how far he has brought me and for that I am thankful beyond what words can express!
I debated all day about how far back to take you and share about just how far he has brought me. Hopefully if you know me, you at least somewhat understand just how far that is. However, if you don't know me, and would like to know, I'd be happy to share my story with you sometime of how God has completely spun my life around. The last 9 years or so in particular, but he was working way before that.
In the end, I decided to stick with what I know He's done over the past 3 1/2 years during my journey to becoming healthy. I realize though, none of it could have been accomplished without the events leading up to it. And I am in complete awe of the new me I see him transforming, molding and making me into... at 38.
June 1, 2013 I weighed in at nearly 300 pounds. In my heart I wanted so much to serve God with all of my heart, all of my soul and all of my mind. I wanted to serve him every where, every way I could. But the truth is, I was tired. I was unhealthy. I had zero confidence. I was fearful of absolutely everything. I mean everything - new people, new places, new situations. So getting out there and being the hands and feet proved to be rather difficult.
Today, God showed me just how much he is changing me. I mean I woke up, before the sun and wanted to jog! Who does that? And I didn't used to do that. And I didn't just wake up today and decide to do it... well I kind of did, but only because for the past 3 1/2 years I've been working on changing my mindset. I've been focusing on caring for my body. I'm trying to repair the years of abuse I did to my body inside and out.
You know what? Some days I still forget all that God has done for me. Some days I struggle in trusting God to take me to new places. I find that birthdays are a special day to reflect on all of these things. A day to walk back through the past (not hanging around for long!) and giving thanks for all of the burdens you no longer have to carry around. A day to take extra time to thank God for all of the blessings he has poured into your life. Thank Him for the countless second chances he has given you... or maybe that is just me. A day to take time to really see the transformation that has been taking place right in front of your eyes.
Birthday are a fun day to dream about new adventures and wonder about all the possible places God might take you during this new year of your life. The life He created and already has planned. When I think about the mystery and wonder of what is unknown to me, but known to Him, I can't help but feel such anticipation. And for me, with my birthday so close to Christmas, it comes at a time when anticipation is already running high as we prepare to celebrate the first coming of Christ and ponder on the second coming as well.
The point, and I hope you've stuck with me this far, is that none of these changes would be possible without allowing God to change my thoughts and my heart regarding a lot of issues. I've allowed him to change how I understand fitness and nutrition, yes. But that is only a fraction of what's happening here. I've had to allow Him to soften my heart and change the way I think about myself, about my confidence, my worth, my usefulness, my purpose and so much more.
I pray that in sharing my journey I never come across as... "Look at me... I'm great!" ... because I'm not. I'm human, I mess up and I struggle. But God, He is great, He is my superpower. He is the key to real transformation - in ANYTHING. And I absolutely, positively believe that lasting physical transformation is not possible without the mind and heart transformation that comes from Christ.
Christ is making me new. Every. Day.
Christ is making a way when there seems to be no way.
I just need to get out of the way.
Christ is enough.
Christ says you (and I) are enough.
And in case you are still wondering, but how did you spend your birthday?
Well, despite several people insisting I eat cake, there was no birthday cake to be had. But I did get plenty of my favorite things, and I got to spend time with lots of my favorite people! And I bet there will be cake in the coming week that I will enjoy.
Lots of coffee happened! And we know this makes me happy (And that's not just coffee... that's "fun" coffee) This morning I hit up Kiki's and then my dad took me to HeBrewz this afternoon. (Both are excellent!)
As I mentioned earlier, the Lord woke me, with no alarm and the word "Go" kept echoing in my head. I went to bed positive that no outdoor activity would be happening today. I was wrong. So I went. I would have never, ever, dreamed 4 years ago that I would be excited to spend my birthday morning jogging/walking. But that is just one of the many was God is transforming me. It isn't easy. And it hasn't happened overnight.
Then I also got a HIIT workout in too!
I've spent the rest of the day relaxing, watching Christmas movies, working on some projects and writing this blog... then re-writing when it somehow deleted itself.
Again, thank you to every one of you who have taken time to read this and to wish me a happy birthday today. I means so much. And it was definitely that, a very happy birthday!
Friday, December 9, 2016
Where You Will Find Me
Towards the middle to end of November I began to realize I needed to make some changes. I began to realize that some of my goals were not really my goals. They were goals other people had that seemed rather appealing. And they may very well be longer term goals for me especially when it comes to my business.
So I am taking December as time to clear the slate. Go back to square one. Everything I was doing had begun to feel like a job. I was over-committed. I left no time in my week to catch up with friends, veg out for even one T.V. show, sneak in a visit to my sister, etc. Every moment was planned and if one thing got off schedule the entire week fell behind. While God does desire for us to make good use of every single day he gives us. He does not intend for us to be so busy we miss out on relationships and life.
I want time to read, create, invest in relationships with those I love, help others, serve God, cook, bake, watch a movie here and there, write and more. I mean, let's be real... if I never have time to leave the house other than to work, go to ballgames and church, then I am definitely destined to be single the rest of my life! (I kid ;) ) But seriously, after spending a lot of time praying about this I believe I have a pretty clear answer about what changes I need to begin making. And it was not the solution I thought I would uncover.
The problem is all me- not any of my commitments. I didn't hear that I needed to walk away from anything. I heard quit aiming for perfection - it's impossible and you will never feel successful. The other thing I heard which goes right along with the first, is stop being such a people pleaser. Be a God pleaser. I need to look at my commitments and priorities and decide who they are geared to please and adjust accordingly. Are they aimed at getting me glory or God glory?
This, then is where you should find me for the rest of the month of December. I hope you find me connecting with God as I (attempt- it's hard!) allow Him to reorganize my days. I hope you will find me thoroughly enjoying this season of anxiously awaiting the celebration of Christ's first coming... and prepare as we await His return!
Monday, November 7, 2016
Week 1 - Day 1
Today, November 7, 2016 I begin the United Legacy Core De Force Test Group and I begin my first Core De Force Boot Camp!
I am excited about this opportunity for many reasons:
1) The test group puts some pressure back on me. I was chosen therefore I need to bring my A game.
2) I need a new workout and this one so far seems like a great challenge and change of pace.
3) I not only get to do this in my coaches test group, but in my boot camp with my sister and two ladies that are already such great encouragement to me. And I can't forget the Country Heat ladies who give me much needed added accountability!
While I'm excited, I've got some big concerns too.
1) Thanksgiving is right smack in the middle of this test group.
2) No treats for 30 days is really hard. - Notice I choose treats not cheats.
3) It is comfort food season!
So I guess you can easily see that the workouts don't concern me. Food really concerns me.
Let's take a look at what the week holds, then some before pictures shall we?
You can check out my food plan and workout schedule here:
And how about some before shots:
I am really ready to do this. I am so thankful for everyone who has ever trusted me by being a part of a boot camp. You participation helps keep me accountable, I just hope it does the same for you all! Here I go this month becoming a participant of a very similar group with this test group. I hope this group energizes me to really dial in and tackle these last 20ish pounds to my original goal weight!
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Crazy BIG Goals!
Someone recently asked me if I can even comprehend the fact that I have lost 116 pounds.
I can't.
At all.
That is seriously crazy and I cannot process the fact that I even ever needed to lose over 116 pounds. My goal is to lose 144 pounds which will put me at 140 pounds and I'm only 5'2'', so, I will still be overweight according to BMI charts.
A side effect of this weight loss however is confidence. I feel far more comfortable in my own skin (even the excess, most days). But it also comes from surrounding myself with encouraging, supportive and like minded people. AND from seeking Christ to help me reach my goal.
I say all of this to say, I know a thing or two about crazy dreams. But taking that dream and breaking it down into a smaller more manageable weekly goal is what helped me get here- and will help me get there.
My BIG goal: Save the world!
A little lofty? I guess so. Besides, Christ already took care of that one, so that's a huge load off my shoulders. So how about helping change the lives of those Christ puts in my life? Helping them change their world. That I can do! I want people to experience what I have experienced and I'm not necessarily talking about weight loss. I want to help people find their God given passions and start to pursue them. I want YOU to join me.
Before the end of the year I have four opportunities for you, yes, YOU, to begin a journey to finding your passion.
So how is helping you helping me reach my goal? Well, every one person I help begin the journey toward finding their God given passions is a small step toward saving the world, I mean, you changing your world. This is a big scary goal for me. But I have found that I truly LOVE getting to know people through this new outlet. I am learning to enjoy sharing my story. Maybe your story looks nothing like mine. Guess what, I bet it looks a lot like somebody else's that you could help... But I'm getting ahead of myself again.
This is where you come in. This is where you set your goals! And this is where I help you reach your goals.
These are the available opportunities and the link to the "application" (for lack of a better word) to get you started. I will contact you within 24 hours to talk about what steps you should take next.
Opportunity #1:
I have 2 openings left in my October boot camp and I would LOVE to fill them. This boot camp is 30 days and runs from October 3rd - November 1st.This opportunity is perfect for someone who doesn't want to think about making a change any longer and is ready to dive in. No looking back. The time is now! If this is you, I want to work with you, but hurry because space and time is limited. No more excuses. Here is the link to this boot camp (registration closes Sunday October 2) :
Opportunity #2:
21 Day Fix Boot Camp- This boot camp will run from October 31st - November 20th. That is the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Here is the link to get signed up for this boot camp:
Opportunity #3:
Help for the Holidays Boot Camp- This will be a multi program 4 week boot camp that runs from November 21 - December 18th- the week before Christmas. This seems so far away, but it's not. And the truth is some people cannot financially jump and do a boot camp on the whim. This option gives you time to save money and join us in around 6 weeks. Here is the link to get signed up for this boot camp:
Opportunity #4:
The BIGGEST opportunity of them all. Become a coach yourself! We can do these groups together! We can reach all of your goals together! You bring your peeps and I will bring mine. Coaching has 100% been a game changer for me. Absolutely life changing. Coaching IS what is building my confidence. It is what is leading met o awesome new like minded people I get to call friends. Coaching is paying for my next mission trip (hopefully 2 next year!). Coaching is accountability. Coaching means discounts. Coaching means becoming the person you were meant to be. At least these are a few of the things coaching has meant to me.
Pick your opportunity, fill out the application and I will get you started ASAP!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkkjcuKZKKmyMYXsf_6bhXjpJuVi0ggN-lEt46N31VHVGqTQ/viewform
I can't.
At all.
That is seriously crazy and I cannot process the fact that I even ever needed to lose over 116 pounds. My goal is to lose 144 pounds which will put me at 140 pounds and I'm only 5'2'', so, I will still be overweight according to BMI charts.
A side effect of this weight loss however is confidence. I feel far more comfortable in my own skin (even the excess, most days). But it also comes from surrounding myself with encouraging, supportive and like minded people. AND from seeking Christ to help me reach my goal.
I say all of this to say, I know a thing or two about crazy dreams. But taking that dream and breaking it down into a smaller more manageable weekly goal is what helped me get here- and will help me get there.
My BIG goal: Save the world!
A little lofty? I guess so. Besides, Christ already took care of that one, so that's a huge load off my shoulders. So how about helping change the lives of those Christ puts in my life? Helping them change their world. That I can do! I want people to experience what I have experienced and I'm not necessarily talking about weight loss. I want to help people find their God given passions and start to pursue them. I want YOU to join me.
Before the end of the year I have four opportunities for you, yes, YOU, to begin a journey to finding your passion.
So how is helping you helping me reach my goal? Well, every one person I help begin the journey toward finding their God given passions is a small step toward saving the world, I mean, you changing your world. This is a big scary goal for me. But I have found that I truly LOVE getting to know people through this new outlet. I am learning to enjoy sharing my story. Maybe your story looks nothing like mine. Guess what, I bet it looks a lot like somebody else's that you could help... But I'm getting ahead of myself again.
This is where you come in. This is where you set your goals! And this is where I help you reach your goals.
These are the available opportunities and the link to the "application" (for lack of a better word) to get you started. I will contact you within 24 hours to talk about what steps you should take next.
Opportunity #1:
I have 2 openings left in my October boot camp and I would LOVE to fill them. This boot camp is 30 days and runs from October 3rd - November 1st.This opportunity is perfect for someone who doesn't want to think about making a change any longer and is ready to dive in. No looking back. The time is now! If this is you, I want to work with you, but hurry because space and time is limited. No more excuses. Here is the link to this boot camp (registration closes Sunday October 2) :
Opportunity #2:
21 Day Fix Boot Camp- This boot camp will run from October 31st - November 20th. That is the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Here is the link to get signed up for this boot camp:
Opportunity #3:
Help for the Holidays Boot Camp- This will be a multi program 4 week boot camp that runs from November 21 - December 18th- the week before Christmas. This seems so far away, but it's not. And the truth is some people cannot financially jump and do a boot camp on the whim. This option gives you time to save money and join us in around 6 weeks. Here is the link to get signed up for this boot camp:
Opportunity #4:
The BIGGEST opportunity of them all. Become a coach yourself! We can do these groups together! We can reach all of your goals together! You bring your peeps and I will bring mine. Coaching has 100% been a game changer for me. Absolutely life changing. Coaching IS what is building my confidence. It is what is leading met o awesome new like minded people I get to call friends. Coaching is paying for my next mission trip (hopefully 2 next year!). Coaching is accountability. Coaching means discounts. Coaching means becoming the person you were meant to be. At least these are a few of the things coaching has meant to me.
Pick your opportunity, fill out the application and I will get you started ASAP!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkkjcuKZKKmyMYXsf_6bhXjpJuVi0ggN-lEt46N31VHVGqTQ/viewform
Monday, September 26, 2016
But First, Draw Near
I mentioned recently that God has really been dealing with me and my prayer life. The two times in my life that I undoubtedly felt the closest to God were two of the toughest times in my entire life. I'll spare you all the details, but I know that it is no coincidence that I felt so close to God during these times. I NEEDED God during these times. His strength was the only way I made it through those times.
I miss those days. Not the struggles themselves, but my time with God. I miss the connection, the urgency and the molding that came from those times. The problem is, there is no reason I should not feel that connection now. One of possibly the strangest things I think Beachbody has done for me is bring me back to the path towards that closeness. There is nothing about Beachbody that pushes for a relationship with Jesus, but as a coach they strongly encourage what they call personal development. I personally thought that sounded a bit silly and self-centered until I realized how God intended that I use it.
For me, this was just the push I needed to refocus, to start wandering back to where I need to be. And I need to be giving the first of each day to Jesus- not the last, not leftover time. I need to be focused on making sure my plans are actually His plans. (Jeremiah 29:11- and he has plans!) I need to make sure my life is focused on making more of Him and less of me.
I LOVE to read (and write) but over a year ago I began to feel like these two things took up far too much of my time. I mean 40 hours at my full time job, up to 20 hours on Beachbody, maybe 5-7 hours working out, 6- 10 at my sons games, 10 or so serving and worshiping at church, plus all the regular momma stuff. No time, see... Until you do the math. Even with sleeping I have a good 10-20 hours on my busiest week still free. That's a lot of time! That is the time I would like to claim as MINE. All mine. But, that's just not true. Yes, rest is good, but it doesn't necessarily mean do nothing. And you know what is better than rest?
Obedience.
There that word is again, it's been coming up an awful lot lately.
Just Sunday morning my pastor said this:
Don't get me wrong, I'm being obedient by going to work, sharing my story through Beachbody, being a mom, serving at church, and caring for my body. However, I don't get to choose only the things that I enjoy and ignore the tasks that seem, well unproductive. Because let's be real, sitting quietly and reading a book that encourages my relationship with Christ, reading my Bible and even praying require me to sit still, and be quiet. I'm not good at this. I struggle to quiet my mind. Which is all the more reason I NEED to do these things.
What is God teaching me through all of this? If I can be disciplined in counting calories and working out, I can be disciplined in reading my Bible and prayer. Actually, I should be even more disciplined in reading my Bible and praying. I should first be disciplined in these things as a means to accomplishing ALL other things. When I quiet myself, that is when I hear God's direction. That is when I have ideas to write, when I stay on the path towards the goals He has given to me, and when I make all around better choices.
Discipline isn't easy. However, letting the One who who knows the way, the One who lights the path, the One who can rescue me from all of my struggles discipline me about my priorities, well, it's needed. Seeking to put God first in my day, my lifestyle, my work, my relationships, even my rest is what will bring back that closeness I felt.
Let me ask you this...
What or who are you putting first?
Are there things that you are struggling with and you just can't seem to figure out how to move forward?
What would happen if when you woke up each day this week you gave God the first ten minutes?
I miss those days. Not the struggles themselves, but my time with God. I miss the connection, the urgency and the molding that came from those times. The problem is, there is no reason I should not feel that connection now. One of possibly the strangest things I think Beachbody has done for me is bring me back to the path towards that closeness. There is nothing about Beachbody that pushes for a relationship with Jesus, but as a coach they strongly encourage what they call personal development. I personally thought that sounded a bit silly and self-centered until I realized how God intended that I use it.
For me, this was just the push I needed to refocus, to start wandering back to where I need to be. And I need to be giving the first of each day to Jesus- not the last, not leftover time. I need to be focused on making sure my plans are actually His plans. (Jeremiah 29:11- and he has plans!) I need to make sure my life is focused on making more of Him and less of me.
I LOVE to read (and write) but over a year ago I began to feel like these two things took up far too much of my time. I mean 40 hours at my full time job, up to 20 hours on Beachbody, maybe 5-7 hours working out, 6- 10 at my sons games, 10 or so serving and worshiping at church, plus all the regular momma stuff. No time, see... Until you do the math. Even with sleeping I have a good 10-20 hours on my busiest week still free. That's a lot of time! That is the time I would like to claim as MINE. All mine. But, that's just not true. Yes, rest is good, but it doesn't necessarily mean do nothing. And you know what is better than rest?
Obedience.
There that word is again, it's been coming up an awful lot lately.
Just Sunday morning my pastor said this:
Don't get me wrong, I'm being obedient by going to work, sharing my story through Beachbody, being a mom, serving at church, and caring for my body. However, I don't get to choose only the things that I enjoy and ignore the tasks that seem, well unproductive. Because let's be real, sitting quietly and reading a book that encourages my relationship with Christ, reading my Bible and even praying require me to sit still, and be quiet. I'm not good at this. I struggle to quiet my mind. Which is all the more reason I NEED to do these things.
What is God teaching me through all of this? If I can be disciplined in counting calories and working out, I can be disciplined in reading my Bible and prayer. Actually, I should be even more disciplined in reading my Bible and praying. I should first be disciplined in these things as a means to accomplishing ALL other things. When I quiet myself, that is when I hear God's direction. That is when I have ideas to write, when I stay on the path towards the goals He has given to me, and when I make all around better choices.
Discipline isn't easy. However, letting the One who who knows the way, the One who lights the path, the One who can rescue me from all of my struggles discipline me about my priorities, well, it's needed. Seeking to put God first in my day, my lifestyle, my work, my relationships, even my rest is what will bring back that closeness I felt.
Let me ask you this...
What or who are you putting first?
Are there things that you are struggling with and you just can't seem to figure out how to move forward?
What would happen if when you woke up each day this week you gave God the first ten minutes?
I challenge you to do just this all week. Wake up and give God the first 10 minutes of every day. No cell phone, no weather, no news, no bathroom (if you can ;) ) 10 quiet minutes alone with Him. Let me know how it goes!
Monday, August 1, 2016
Starting Over: Day 1
Super excited for Day 1 today!
Day 1 used to mean that I had been dieting for awhile, maybe even having some success and then I walked away. Day 1 used to be filled with a lot of guilt that I was starting all over again as well as the uncertainty of whether or not I would actually get anywhere this time.
This is so not my mindset now. Day 1 means I get to try something new! It doesn't mean I'm starting over. It doesn't mean I've completely messed up. It means a new program is on the horizon. I've been contemplating starting this program for quite some time. I finally purchased it around the same time I purchased 21 Day Fix and I think I am ready to dive in.
My new program will be....
And I am absolutely certain I will look just like Sagi when I'm through ;)
Kidding.
I hope :)
No, really... I'm kidding :D
I love strength training. I would choose it any day over cardio. I get my HIIT workouts in at the church 5 days a week and I'm getting back to occasional walks so I have cardio covered. Body Beast is a 90 day fat blasting, muscle building program... well, that's the claim. I am going to put it to the test! I have never been able to complete a 90 day program. I can usually make it to about day 60 and then I am out. Please hold me accountable to this! I want to finish :)
(And when I finish... Core de Force should be releasing! An MMA style kick boxing program!)
The hardest part of Body Beast is going to be nutrition for me. Wrapping my brain around eating more is so hard for me. I had to do that with 21 Day Fix, and now Body Beast wants me to eat even more! I mean I like this idea, who doesn't want to eat a lot of food, right? But it still amazes me how much nutrient dense food our body can eat when you are fueling it properly.
Prior to changing eating my habits I often couldn't understand how I gained so much weight because I didn't feel like I ate that much food. Well, the truth is quantity wise I might not have always been eating excess amounts of food. The problem was there was no nutritional value to the food, which often left me hungry for more. Now, I can eat sooo much food and still be at or under calories every single day. I can't fathom the amount of food Body Beast is suggesting I eat, haha. It makes me nervous to think about consuming that amount of food each day. But I am going to follow the plan exactly like it is.
Why? Because, if I'm eating clean, which I will be on the plan... and working out, I'm getting healthier regardless of what the scale says. I hope... I REALLY hope to continue to watch the scale decrease. But I also can't wait to celebrate lifting heavier and heavier because that is a huge success too! Skinny has never been my goal, strong and healthy always has. I think this is a program to help me reach those goals!
Here is to DAY 1!!!
I will check in with some results after the first 30 days!!!
(And side note: I didn't end round 2 of 21 Day Fix well, but here were my results: Weight stayed exactly the same, O.K. I was down .6 lbs and 4 inches! Still awesome!)
Day 1 used to mean that I had been dieting for awhile, maybe even having some success and then I walked away. Day 1 used to be filled with a lot of guilt that I was starting all over again as well as the uncertainty of whether or not I would actually get anywhere this time.
This is so not my mindset now. Day 1 means I get to try something new! It doesn't mean I'm starting over. It doesn't mean I've completely messed up. It means a new program is on the horizon. I've been contemplating starting this program for quite some time. I finally purchased it around the same time I purchased 21 Day Fix and I think I am ready to dive in.
My new program will be....
And I am absolutely certain I will look just like Sagi when I'm through ;)
Kidding.
I hope :)
No, really... I'm kidding :D
I love strength training. I would choose it any day over cardio. I get my HIIT workouts in at the church 5 days a week and I'm getting back to occasional walks so I have cardio covered. Body Beast is a 90 day fat blasting, muscle building program... well, that's the claim. I am going to put it to the test! I have never been able to complete a 90 day program. I can usually make it to about day 60 and then I am out. Please hold me accountable to this! I want to finish :)
(And when I finish... Core de Force should be releasing! An MMA style kick boxing program!)
The hardest part of Body Beast is going to be nutrition for me. Wrapping my brain around eating more is so hard for me. I had to do that with 21 Day Fix, and now Body Beast wants me to eat even more! I mean I like this idea, who doesn't want to eat a lot of food, right? But it still amazes me how much nutrient dense food our body can eat when you are fueling it properly.
Prior to changing eating my habits I often couldn't understand how I gained so much weight because I didn't feel like I ate that much food. Well, the truth is quantity wise I might not have always been eating excess amounts of food. The problem was there was no nutritional value to the food, which often left me hungry for more. Now, I can eat sooo much food and still be at or under calories every single day. I can't fathom the amount of food Body Beast is suggesting I eat, haha. It makes me nervous to think about consuming that amount of food each day. But I am going to follow the plan exactly like it is.
Why? Because, if I'm eating clean, which I will be on the plan... and working out, I'm getting healthier regardless of what the scale says. I hope... I REALLY hope to continue to watch the scale decrease. But I also can't wait to celebrate lifting heavier and heavier because that is a huge success too! Skinny has never been my goal, strong and healthy always has. I think this is a program to help me reach those goals!
Here is to DAY 1!!!
I will check in with some results after the first 30 days!!!
(And side note: I didn't end round 2 of 21 Day Fix well, but here were my results: Weight stayed exactly the same, O.K. I was down .6 lbs and 4 inches! Still awesome!)
Friday, July 8, 2016
Heartbreak and Fear
I generally shy away from writing about topics such as those that are currently plastered all over the media this week. But then I realized, people are hurting, people are searching, that doesn't seem like the time to stay silent. As a Christian my heart is breaking. As a mom, I find myself somewhat fearful.
I don't know if you've kept up with the headlines or watched the videos. If you have, I would imagine your heart breaks too.
My heart breaks not only over the headline events of the past week, but over the untold stories that don't get attention. Many of the stories this past week centered on racism. Racism comes from fear and misinformation and is very alive and well today no matter how much we try to ignore it. There are prejudices of all types alive and well today. But this isn't what is at the center of these and other events. Evil is. Evil comes in so many forms, perceived hatred for the color of ones skin just happens to be the one gaining attention at the moment.
As Christians we can't take sides with people groups. The only side we can stand on is God's side. We must love and pray for the salvation of all people. And mourn those who may never get the chance. We must boldly be sharing the gospel with all people, we can't count anyone out because of their past, their skin color, their occupation, their religion, their gender or sexual orientation. The Gospel changes everything. It is the only hope.
We cannot go on expecting change when we are doing nothing to bring about change. We can't keep the Gospel to ourselves and wonder why things seem to only be getting worse. We cannot expect peace and love from those who do not know the Prince of Peace, the Author of Life and Love. We must step up and care for the orphans and widows left behind regardless if it happened by a health crisis, car accident, gang violence, drugs, shooting, or suicide. We must pray for a 4 year old who sat in a car and watched as a man gets shot and bleeds to death while no one helped. We must pray for families who get calls every day that their loved one is not coming home because of evil. We must pray for a generation of youth being brought up thinking that all of the evils of the world, and there are many, are the norm. We must sense the urgency that these tensions bring.
Our hearts must break for what breaks the Lord's heart. Evil, hatred and rebellion break the Lord's heart. Disobedience of Christians to rise up and care for our communities also break the Lord's heart.
But we also can't live in fear. People whose skin is dark can't fear evil people who wish them harm just because. Women can't fear being preyed on just for being a woman. Police officers (and many other professions) can't fear going to work to serve our communities because they never know what's waiting for them that day. Christians can't fear sharing the Gospel here or in other parts of the world. These are all part of who we are, who God has made us to be. And God tells us not fear. He tells us there will be evil in the world and we cannot fear it because he is in control. We must remain close to God now and all of the time. We must seek ways to share His love and heal our communities through our local churches. We must become a refuge for those who are hurting from all kinds of evils.
I'm not claiming to have all of, or for that matter, any answers, other than God. God is the only one who can heal. I don't know where we go from here except prayer. I pray for the tension in America right now that keeps escalating because of fear. I pray for peace in my heart as I raise a 16 year old boy with dark skin who is sometimes judged based on just that. Who aside from that, is a teenager and is easily swayed by peers, the media and celebrities who make bold statements about what is right and wrong because often Christians aren't speaking as boldly into teenagers lives as everyone else is. I pray for all of the police officers I know and their families who do fear the tension happening right now, that they would find peace as they seek to serve and protect our communities. I pray for our nation as we head into elections and the turmoil surrounding that. I pray for Christian leaders on the international, national and local level as they are looked up to for answers about how to deal with all of the evils of the world. I pray for the courage of all Christians (myself included) to look around and see what needs aren't being met in their own communities and neighborhoods. Moms that need help putting food on the table, kids that need school supplies, a ride to church or even socks or underwear, dads that need jobs, families that need hope, people who need a friend, anyone who needs Jesus.
We can't live in fear.
We can't be paralyzed in our heartbreak.
We can't stay silent.
We can't take sides.
We can share the Gospel.
We can pray for change.
I don't know if you've kept up with the headlines or watched the videos. If you have, I would imagine your heart breaks too.
My heart breaks not only over the headline events of the past week, but over the untold stories that don't get attention. Many of the stories this past week centered on racism. Racism comes from fear and misinformation and is very alive and well today no matter how much we try to ignore it. There are prejudices of all types alive and well today. But this isn't what is at the center of these and other events. Evil is. Evil comes in so many forms, perceived hatred for the color of ones skin just happens to be the one gaining attention at the moment.
As Christians we can't take sides with people groups. The only side we can stand on is God's side. We must love and pray for the salvation of all people. And mourn those who may never get the chance. We must boldly be sharing the gospel with all people, we can't count anyone out because of their past, their skin color, their occupation, their religion, their gender or sexual orientation. The Gospel changes everything. It is the only hope.
We cannot go on expecting change when we are doing nothing to bring about change. We can't keep the Gospel to ourselves and wonder why things seem to only be getting worse. We cannot expect peace and love from those who do not know the Prince of Peace, the Author of Life and Love. We must step up and care for the orphans and widows left behind regardless if it happened by a health crisis, car accident, gang violence, drugs, shooting, or suicide. We must pray for a 4 year old who sat in a car and watched as a man gets shot and bleeds to death while no one helped. We must pray for families who get calls every day that their loved one is not coming home because of evil. We must pray for a generation of youth being brought up thinking that all of the evils of the world, and there are many, are the norm. We must sense the urgency that these tensions bring.
Our hearts must break for what breaks the Lord's heart. Evil, hatred and rebellion break the Lord's heart. Disobedience of Christians to rise up and care for our communities also break the Lord's heart.
But we also can't live in fear. People whose skin is dark can't fear evil people who wish them harm just because. Women can't fear being preyed on just for being a woman. Police officers (and many other professions) can't fear going to work to serve our communities because they never know what's waiting for them that day. Christians can't fear sharing the Gospel here or in other parts of the world. These are all part of who we are, who God has made us to be. And God tells us not fear. He tells us there will be evil in the world and we cannot fear it because he is in control. We must remain close to God now and all of the time. We must seek ways to share His love and heal our communities through our local churches. We must become a refuge for those who are hurting from all kinds of evils.
I'm not claiming to have all of, or for that matter, any answers, other than God. God is the only one who can heal. I don't know where we go from here except prayer. I pray for the tension in America right now that keeps escalating because of fear. I pray for peace in my heart as I raise a 16 year old boy with dark skin who is sometimes judged based on just that. Who aside from that, is a teenager and is easily swayed by peers, the media and celebrities who make bold statements about what is right and wrong because often Christians aren't speaking as boldly into teenagers lives as everyone else is. I pray for all of the police officers I know and their families who do fear the tension happening right now, that they would find peace as they seek to serve and protect our communities. I pray for our nation as we head into elections and the turmoil surrounding that. I pray for Christian leaders on the international, national and local level as they are looked up to for answers about how to deal with all of the evils of the world. I pray for the courage of all Christians (myself included) to look around and see what needs aren't being met in their own communities and neighborhoods. Moms that need help putting food on the table, kids that need school supplies, a ride to church or even socks or underwear, dads that need jobs, families that need hope, people who need a friend, anyone who needs Jesus.
We can't live in fear.
We can't be paralyzed in our heartbreak.
We can't stay silent.
We can't take sides.
We can share the Gospel.
We can pray for change.
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Do You Want to be Beautiful?
Ladies, think back to when you were young and how you defined beautiful. Did you possibly watch as a sister, mom or maybe even grandmother put makeup on and did her hair? Did you admire her sense of style? Did you hope to grow up and be just like her? Maybe there was a celebrity that you admired and tried to mimic her style. But I bet if I asked you then you would have said they were beautiful and you wanted to be just like them.
If I asked you today if you want to be beautiful, what would you say? How do you define that now? Is there still a celebrity you admire, or do you still think back to your younger days and who you admired as beautiful then?
Today young girls have not only their moms, sisters or other family members to look up to, they have YouTube. They can find hundreds of thousands of videos in seconds that can teach them how to be beautiful. Unfortunately, lost in all of this is the true meaning of beauty and we are failing this younger generation. We are allowing them to be deceived into thinking perfection, or at least the appearance of, is beautiful. And they aren't the only ones being deceived, every generation is falling into this trap. We are believing that lipstick, eyeliner, a perfect complexion, trendy clothes or a chiseled body are the definition of beautiful.
Just take a look at our Facebook and Instagram feeds, you will see lots of people portraying their perfect, "beautiful" lives. And the young eyes are watching. Scratch that, all of the eyes are watching. We are often setting our goals based on our perceptions of other peoples lives. Forgetting the time and effort it to took for many people to reach their goals.
I've been reading in Ecclesiastes this week and this verse stuck with me:
True beauty comes from a mature faith in Jesus Christ. We will never find it in our makeup, the clothes we wear, our complexion, or a chiseled body. God does not judge our character or beauty on these things. But God will make you beautiful.
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:30
"But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.' " 1 Samuel 16:7
As a matter of fact if we let these thing become idols in our lives they become the opposite of beautiful.
Here is where I think we are failing. We aren't sharing this with others. We aren't having conversations and building those relationships with the younger generation or other women around us. We aren't sharing our struggles and asking them about theirs. We aren't encouraging them to seek the Lord to find their worth.
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded of you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20
We are called to disciple. We are called to bring out the beauty in others. We are called to walk in obedience beside them and share our insecurities and how God is using those things too. Encouraging them to embrace their own. We do not have to share of all of our struggles and temptations on social media, but we need to make sure we are being real. And we need to make sure that we have genuine relationships where we can share those struggles, where we intentionally tell people what's going on. Where we pour into the younger generation about the reality of growing up and becoming beautiful in Christ.
So let me ask you again, do you want to be beautiful? If you do let me give you a 4 step guide on how to do it.
1. Pray
Pray day and night, have constant conversation with God. Give him all of your insecurities over and over. There is no decision, temptation, or idea too big or too small to bring to him.
2. Read your Bible.
This is how we get to know our Father- through reading His Word. We cannot share Him if we don't know Him.
3. Take care of yourself.
Eat healthy food to fuel your body. Move more. This keeps your mind and body functioning and ready to serve Him.
4. Share
Our lives should not be meaningless but a reflection of Christ. Christ is beautiful. When we reflect Christ, when we share about Christ, our true beauty is going to shine through. Share about whom your beauty comes from.
No physical flaw (by our definition) can steal true beauty. You are beautiful in the Lord's eyes. Take refuge in that today. Find someone to share your beauty with. Be truly beautiful to the eyes that are watching. Be someone our daughters, sisters, nieces and other young people desire to grow up be just like, not based on our outward appearance, but based on our Christ-like appearance.
Find me on Facebook: Facebook.com/faithmeetsfitness
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Summer Plans
With my job comes six weeks off each summer. It's not paid time off, but it's a nice break to catch up and refresh, get some projects done, and work towards some goals. And, while getting paid is preferred, haha, time is pretty valuable too and I choose to enjoy every moment.
My time off is what lead to the 21 Day Fix bootcamp idea. However I ended up getting one full round in before I began my break (See here for results... CLICK ME!). I do have other plans for my time off that don't include working out though.
(In no particular order)
#1: Clean and organize! Getting this done early will help the rest of the time, projects and goals go smoother.
#2 Make a business plan for Beachbody. I struggled in the beginning treating Beachbody as a business but I working to embrace it now. I began this blog before becoming a Beachbody coach, I began my journey before becoming a Beachbody coach and I would continue it all with or without Beachbody. However Beachbody gives me some awesome tools to help people who are ready to make a change and don't know where to start. I will gladly help anyone, but having nutrition plans and workouts that work all laid out is pretty awesome. All of the messages from people who want to make changes and who are making changes are so rewarding! I don't think I ever connected the dots that I could make make a business by doing something I'm so passionate about- something I would do anyway. I had the same problem when I decorated cakes. Do you know how much time can go into one cake? And I just wanted to give them away because it was fun. Well, this is the same thing.
But I digress...
So a business plan with some goals and a schedule to help me meet those goals. (Yes, I'm type A) I want to get things ready so I can get some people to join my team of coaches. Everything is more fun when you have friends to share success with!
#3 Spend time with my baby sister. She lives so close now, but we have such opposite schedules. We are either road tripping or I am just going to crash her place a few days.
And my other sister? I'd like to see her too- and it would be ok if it was in her pool ;)
#4 Coffee! Lots of coffee with friends and family. I have a niece who has been anxiously awaiting a few coffee dates this summer.
#5 Prep for a new small group! Well, it's an old group with a new twist if you will. I am really, really excited about this even if it means I have to give up my Saturday morning coffee ritual.
#6 Beachbody Summit- I am headed to Nashville, TN for a few days to hang out with 25,000 other Beachbody coaches. I will get to workout and learn from some awesome leaders in the organization. I will meet my coach and other team members, all of whom I have never met before. I'll room with people I've never met (please don't let me snore!). And hopefully come back even more energized and ready to encourage a healthy lifestyle even more!
In between all of this I want to read as much as I can, write as much as I can and enjoy the new swing outside. What are your plans for the rest of the summer?
My time off is what lead to the 21 Day Fix bootcamp idea. However I ended up getting one full round in before I began my break (See here for results... CLICK ME!). I do have other plans for my time off that don't include working out though.
(In no particular order)
#1: Clean and organize! Getting this done early will help the rest of the time, projects and goals go smoother.
#2 Make a business plan for Beachbody. I struggled in the beginning treating Beachbody as a business but I working to embrace it now. I began this blog before becoming a Beachbody coach, I began my journey before becoming a Beachbody coach and I would continue it all with or without Beachbody. However Beachbody gives me some awesome tools to help people who are ready to make a change and don't know where to start. I will gladly help anyone, but having nutrition plans and workouts that work all laid out is pretty awesome. All of the messages from people who want to make changes and who are making changes are so rewarding! I don't think I ever connected the dots that I could make make a business by doing something I'm so passionate about- something I would do anyway. I had the same problem when I decorated cakes. Do you know how much time can go into one cake? And I just wanted to give them away because it was fun. Well, this is the same thing.
But I digress...
So a business plan with some goals and a schedule to help me meet those goals. (Yes, I'm type A) I want to get things ready so I can get some people to join my team of coaches. Everything is more fun when you have friends to share success with!
#3 Spend time with my baby sister. She lives so close now, but we have such opposite schedules. We are either road tripping or I am just going to crash her place a few days.
And my other sister? I'd like to see her too- and it would be ok if it was in her pool ;)
#4 Coffee! Lots of coffee with friends and family. I have a niece who has been anxiously awaiting a few coffee dates this summer.
#5 Prep for a new small group! Well, it's an old group with a new twist if you will. I am really, really excited about this even if it means I have to give up my Saturday morning coffee ritual.
#6 Beachbody Summit- I am headed to Nashville, TN for a few days to hang out with 25,000 other Beachbody coaches. I will get to workout and learn from some awesome leaders in the organization. I will meet my coach and other team members, all of whom I have never met before. I'll room with people I've never met (please don't let me snore!). And hopefully come back even more energized and ready to encourage a healthy lifestyle even more!
In between all of this I want to read as much as I can, write as much as I can and enjoy the new swing outside. What are your plans for the rest of the summer?
Monday, July 4, 2016
21 Day Fix Results... Round 1!
I started 21 Day Fix on June 13th, 2016. I'm a little late to the party considering it's been out for a couple of years.
To be honest, I wasn't expecting big results. I was a little skeptical. I've been doing this weight loss thing for over 3 years already and the scale is really slowing down. I was doing HIIT workouts 5 days a week and prior to the fix I was also walking nearly every day. I count calories, I try to keep up with nutrition and educate myself on it. I didn't believe this program would offer any huge results for me.
Here are my before pictures:
But regardless of what I thought would happen, I was in. I was going to to follow the nutrition plan and do all of the workouts. The workouts consist of varied 30 minute/day activities such as cardio, strength training, yoga and pilates. I also planned to stay committed to my 20 minute HIIT workouts 5 days a week since I help lead them. This would mean giving up walking, but I was ok with that given the scorching summer temps. The nutrition program was going to take a little more work for me. There are perfectly portioned containers for specific food groups (protein, veggies, fruit, carbs, nuts and seeds, healthy fats). I was going to have to pay a lot more attention to where my calories where coming from.
The first week went great! I'm a daily weigher ( I don't recommend when doing the program, but I still do it haha) the ounces and pounds were literately falling off. I could not believe what was happening. I had not seen the scale move like that in a VERY long time. I knew it would slow down, but I wasn't prepared for what happened next. I should have been, but I wasn't. Before we get to that, let's talk about the workouts. I do what I consider to be some pretty difficult workouts. Stating the 21 Day Fix workouts I was a new kind of sore every single day for the first 7 days. 7 days. It's the best kind of sore there is.
Then week 2 happened. I started an online 7 day clean eating group. Sounded like a great plan- shouldn't have interferred with 21 Day Fix, but it did. I got too wrapped up in making sure my foods were "clean" that I wasn't using my containers at all. I figured as long as it was clean it was healthy. But that's not what the containers are about. They are about balance and portions. I also noticed my workout effort left a little to be desired. I just felt blah. I also watched as the scale creeped back up a few pounds. I grew EXTREMELY frustrated. Then day 14 came and everything made complete sense. One word- sorry guys- hormones. I was again frustrated as this was going to be how the final week was spent.
Week 3 I made a decision to press forward. I watched the scale sit still for days and I had to work very hard to not let that continue to frustrate me. I knew why it was sitting there and I knew it would move again in a week. This is a monthly ritual if you look back at my weigh ins. I also felt very tired and just yucky, but decided to push through. I kind of gave up hope that the results would be what I thought they might after an exciting first week. I had to accept that this was completely beyond my control. I had to remind myself what I preach, that a scale does not define me. I had to remind myself that I put in some really hard work these 2 weeks and I wasn't going to stop this last week. I had to remind myself how much stronger I already was from just these 2 weeks and that another week would build on that. So, I dug the containers back out. I recommitted to working out hard.
The number on the scale wasn't going to be the end of my journey whether it read 5 pounds or 15 pounds lost. That number would be one tiny marker, like all of the other markers along the way.
My weigh in today served as an end to round 1... AND it serves for a starting point for round 2!!!
And for round 2 I have friends joining me and I am super excited! I absolutely cannot wait to see how it goes for everyone. (One of the ladies had to start early to finish before a trip... as of day 3 she was already down 3 lbs!) I hope that whatever results these ladies have that they are proud of themselves for giving it all they have when the 21 days are over and I hope they will let me share some of their results too! I want them to be proud of 1 pound or 1 inch lost (it won't be!) or 10 pounds and 10 inches (very possible!)
But for you who have read this far, here is what you came here for: THE RESULTS!!!
Over the past couple of days the scale began coming down again, moving in the right direction. I also hit a new "decade" of pounds which I had been waiting so long to see! I am 29.6 pounds from my original goal.
Total pounds lost in 21 days: 7.4!
(Equivalent to 2.5 pounds a week - and 114.4 pounds total in my journey)
Total inches lost in 21 days: 6!
(2 were in my abs!)
After pics:
Side by side pictures:
I still can't believe I lost over 7 pounds in 21 days, that is awesome! I've been lucky to lose 4-5 each month lately. I am SUPER SUPER pleased with these results! I can't wait to go another round and work harder on controlling my portions and eating a more balanced diet. I am continuing to learn foods that agree with me more than others and how that affects how I feel. I ate pretty simply this round. Now that I'm off work for a few weeks, I'm breaking out my Fixate cookbook and I'm hoping to start incorporating more actual recipes this round and feeding my family fix approved meals that they can learn to love too!
If you have any questions about the program or would like to join me for the next 21 Day Fix bootcamp send me a message and I will get you some more information!
To be honest, I wasn't expecting big results. I was a little skeptical. I've been doing this weight loss thing for over 3 years already and the scale is really slowing down. I was doing HIIT workouts 5 days a week and prior to the fix I was also walking nearly every day. I count calories, I try to keep up with nutrition and educate myself on it. I didn't believe this program would offer any huge results for me.
Here are my before pictures:
But regardless of what I thought would happen, I was in. I was going to to follow the nutrition plan and do all of the workouts. The workouts consist of varied 30 minute/day activities such as cardio, strength training, yoga and pilates. I also planned to stay committed to my 20 minute HIIT workouts 5 days a week since I help lead them. This would mean giving up walking, but I was ok with that given the scorching summer temps. The nutrition program was going to take a little more work for me. There are perfectly portioned containers for specific food groups (protein, veggies, fruit, carbs, nuts and seeds, healthy fats). I was going to have to pay a lot more attention to where my calories where coming from.
The first week went great! I'm a daily weigher ( I don't recommend when doing the program, but I still do it haha) the ounces and pounds were literately falling off. I could not believe what was happening. I had not seen the scale move like that in a VERY long time. I knew it would slow down, but I wasn't prepared for what happened next. I should have been, but I wasn't. Before we get to that, let's talk about the workouts. I do what I consider to be some pretty difficult workouts. Stating the 21 Day Fix workouts I was a new kind of sore every single day for the first 7 days. 7 days. It's the best kind of sore there is.
Then week 2 happened. I started an online 7 day clean eating group. Sounded like a great plan- shouldn't have interferred with 21 Day Fix, but it did. I got too wrapped up in making sure my foods were "clean" that I wasn't using my containers at all. I figured as long as it was clean it was healthy. But that's not what the containers are about. They are about balance and portions. I also noticed my workout effort left a little to be desired. I just felt blah. I also watched as the scale creeped back up a few pounds. I grew EXTREMELY frustrated. Then day 14 came and everything made complete sense. One word- sorry guys- hormones. I was again frustrated as this was going to be how the final week was spent.
Week 3 I made a decision to press forward. I watched the scale sit still for days and I had to work very hard to not let that continue to frustrate me. I knew why it was sitting there and I knew it would move again in a week. This is a monthly ritual if you look back at my weigh ins. I also felt very tired and just yucky, but decided to push through. I kind of gave up hope that the results would be what I thought they might after an exciting first week. I had to accept that this was completely beyond my control. I had to remind myself what I preach, that a scale does not define me. I had to remind myself that I put in some really hard work these 2 weeks and I wasn't going to stop this last week. I had to remind myself how much stronger I already was from just these 2 weeks and that another week would build on that. So, I dug the containers back out. I recommitted to working out hard.
The number on the scale wasn't going to be the end of my journey whether it read 5 pounds or 15 pounds lost. That number would be one tiny marker, like all of the other markers along the way.
My weigh in today served as an end to round 1... AND it serves for a starting point for round 2!!!
And for round 2 I have friends joining me and I am super excited! I absolutely cannot wait to see how it goes for everyone. (One of the ladies had to start early to finish before a trip... as of day 3 she was already down 3 lbs!) I hope that whatever results these ladies have that they are proud of themselves for giving it all they have when the 21 days are over and I hope they will let me share some of their results too! I want them to be proud of 1 pound or 1 inch lost (it won't be!) or 10 pounds and 10 inches (very possible!)
But for you who have read this far, here is what you came here for: THE RESULTS!!!
Over the past couple of days the scale began coming down again, moving in the right direction. I also hit a new "decade" of pounds which I had been waiting so long to see! I am 29.6 pounds from my original goal.
Total pounds lost in 21 days: 7.4!
(Equivalent to 2.5 pounds a week - and 114.4 pounds total in my journey)
Total inches lost in 21 days: 6!
(2 were in my abs!)
After pics:
Side by side pictures:
I still can't believe I lost over 7 pounds in 21 days, that is awesome! I've been lucky to lose 4-5 each month lately. I am SUPER SUPER pleased with these results! I can't wait to go another round and work harder on controlling my portions and eating a more balanced diet. I am continuing to learn foods that agree with me more than others and how that affects how I feel. I ate pretty simply this round. Now that I'm off work for a few weeks, I'm breaking out my Fixate cookbook and I'm hoping to start incorporating more actual recipes this round and feeding my family fix approved meals that they can learn to love too!
If you have any questions about the program or would like to join me for the next 21 Day Fix bootcamp send me a message and I will get you some more information!
Thursday, June 30, 2016
I Choose... Me
In June 2013 I had a choice to make. The answer was obvious, but not easy.
Today, I have a choice to make. The answer is obvious, but not always easy.
I think people often have a misperception that I get up every day and am excited to workout, twice, and eat healthy all day long. Would you be disappointed if I told you that is not the case most days? But, I do choose to do it anyway- most days.
Making the choice and being disciplined is not always easy. Actually, it's rarely the easy choice. And this is true regardless of what you are disciplining yourself for. I went 34 years of my life living the complete opposite of a healthy lifestyle. I still live in a house where the majority of the people live an unhealthy lifestyle. It's not easy.
I want to sleep the extra hour instead of working out, so I go to bed an hour early sacrificing time with the t.v. or staying out with friends, scrolling Facebook or just vegging out. I choose to ignore the brownies, cupcakes, cookies and whatever else might be in the house at any given time. It's not deprivation, which honestly, is what I've grown up to believe, it's the opposite, it's benefiting me far more than those "treats" ever will.
Like I said I don't always want to make these choices every day, and I don't ALWAYS make them. However there are some things I do want in life. I have goals. And while I realize life is not guaranteed, I would rather make my chances greater, at least when it comes to the circumstances I can control. So, yes, I choose me.
I want to see my son graduate high school and college (if he chooses)
I want to see him marry and hopefully have a family
I want to play with grand-kids (MANY years from now, boy that sounds weird to say)
- and I don't want to struggle getting to the floor or up from the floor, or beating them in races down the street, I want to enjoy taking them to a movie or to get ice cream.
I want to return to Belize over and over - or wherever God leads me
I want to enjoy friendships that include, road-trips, shopping and nights out
I want to encourage others to get healthy
I want to be strong
What I don't want... I don't want life to pass me by. If I'm honest, I did that for a lot of years. I regret that, but I can't change it so I move forward with much expectation for the future!
Life is all about choices. Take it a choice at a time. Focus on how each choice will get you closer or further from where you want to be. Our devotional at workout tonight reminded me that my choices don't just affect me either. They affect those around me. Our devotional talked specifically how if we are not using the gifts and talents God gave us, we are hurting others by not sharing that with them. For example, it God gave me this journey to share with others to encourage them to get healthy and I chose not to do it. I could potentially hurt the people who were meant to hear my story and make a healthier choice.
Make a choice.
Choose you.
God chooses you.
Today, I have a choice to make. The answer is obvious, but not always easy.
I think people often have a misperception that I get up every day and am excited to workout, twice, and eat healthy all day long. Would you be disappointed if I told you that is not the case most days? But, I do choose to do it anyway- most days.
Making the choice and being disciplined is not always easy. Actually, it's rarely the easy choice. And this is true regardless of what you are disciplining yourself for. I went 34 years of my life living the complete opposite of a healthy lifestyle. I still live in a house where the majority of the people live an unhealthy lifestyle. It's not easy.
I want to sleep the extra hour instead of working out, so I go to bed an hour early sacrificing time with the t.v. or staying out with friends, scrolling Facebook or just vegging out. I choose to ignore the brownies, cupcakes, cookies and whatever else might be in the house at any given time. It's not deprivation, which honestly, is what I've grown up to believe, it's the opposite, it's benefiting me far more than those "treats" ever will.
Like I said I don't always want to make these choices every day, and I don't ALWAYS make them. However there are some things I do want in life. I have goals. And while I realize life is not guaranteed, I would rather make my chances greater, at least when it comes to the circumstances I can control. So, yes, I choose me.
I want to see my son graduate high school and college (if he chooses)
I want to see him marry and hopefully have a family
I want to play with grand-kids (MANY years from now, boy that sounds weird to say)
- and I don't want to struggle getting to the floor or up from the floor, or beating them in races down the street, I want to enjoy taking them to a movie or to get ice cream.
I want to return to Belize over and over - or wherever God leads me
I want to enjoy friendships that include, road-trips, shopping and nights out
I want to encourage others to get healthy
I want to be strong
What I don't want... I don't want life to pass me by. If I'm honest, I did that for a lot of years. I regret that, but I can't change it so I move forward with much expectation for the future!
Life is all about choices. Take it a choice at a time. Focus on how each choice will get you closer or further from where you want to be. Our devotional at workout tonight reminded me that my choices don't just affect me either. They affect those around me. Our devotional talked specifically how if we are not using the gifts and talents God gave us, we are hurting others by not sharing that with them. For example, it God gave me this journey to share with others to encourage them to get healthy and I chose not to do it. I could potentially hurt the people who were meant to hear my story and make a healthier choice.
Make a choice.
Choose you.
God chooses you.
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Extra Chin, God Still Loves Me.
There are things about weight loss that I find not appealing, such as loose, sagging skin. Things such as lumps and bulges in weird places because fat doesn't just melt off smoothly and evenly apparently. Have I grossed you out or are you still with me here?
I tell you this for a reason, stick with me.
I see these things as grotesque and I am certain every other person in the world does too.
Let me rephrase, I see these things on MY body as grotesque and I assume every other person in the world does too. I'll even take it a step further, I'm certain they notice. So, while I know that nothing about those statements are actually true, that's what plays over and over in my mind. That's what keeps me in sleeves and jeans every chance I get. I just couldn't wait for summer, then it got here and now I just can't wait for fall again so I can cover myself back up and not be miserably hot.
This is something I will have to pray about and overcome as time goes on. I'm positive it will get better if I remain patient and continue working on my fitness. I will hopefully see changes physically and mentally, accepting me regardless. But I must remind myself, nothing about my physical appearance changes how much God loves me. Nothing. Putting back on these 113 pounds or losing the other 31, neither change how much God loves me. Extra skin, God still loves me. Extra chin, God still loves me. I know that God desires for me to be healthy, that's the whole reason I started this journey, because that is how I can serve him BEST. He can and will use me in any shape, but he desires me to be in the best shape. And when I say shape, I'm not talking running marathons, I'm not talking about the physical shape of my body, I'm talking about my body functioning the way it was designed and seeking Jesus to lead it. I must continually remind myself it has nothing to do with appearance.
So, where did this come from? Well, I took the picture on the left yesterday. Which led to the picture on the right today:
I had no intention of ever showing these pictures to a soul, but that picture on the left made me feel a little better, a little stronger, reminded me that what everyone sees (because believe it or not I don't go around flexing my muscles all day) isn't what is underneath. The picture on the right, that's what I see every time I look in the mirror or post a fitness picture or video. And, well, that's what everyone else sees, however I'm certain my eyes are less forgiving than most others. One day that picture on the left, of what's underneath, that is going to shine through, maybe it will even be the "norm". But if it's not, that's ok too.
I've kind of already seen a transformation similar happen to me over these past three years which is probably what gives me hope for those arms (and legs, and stomach). This transformation I guess you could say is happening with my personality, it's happening inside me.
I've never, ever, ever been an outgoing person, but I love people... most days. Something has happened as I've discovered this passion- I want to tell people about it. I want to talk to people, share with them, help them if they will allow. Now let's not go crazy, I don't want to stand in front of hundreds, ok, not even 50 people and share about why I hope they want to get healthy. BUT, give me a social media outlet, message me, let me take you out for coffee and I will talk to you for days about it. Seriously, you have no idea. I have no agenda, I just want to encourage you to find this person I'm only beginning to find. And it doesn't apply only to weight loss or getting healthy, I just feel more comfortable being me, and worry a lot less what people think (except for my saggy arms of course ;) )
I know that a real physical weight, 113 pounds worth, has been lifted off my body. My bones, muscles, heart and lungs thank me regularly and ask to be pushed more. But there is another kind of weight that's being lifted too and that weight loss is what really leads to this new found confidence if you will. This confidence ( I almost can't even use that as a descriptive word for me) comes from getting up each day and deciding not to quit, deciding this is worth it. It comes from getting out of my comfort zone and sharing what God is doing with me, even though it feels SOOO awkward most of the time. I knew this part of me was in there, and I've tried to free me before, but I could never do it on my own. So thankful for God's unfailing love, grace and strength as I watch in awe where this path leads. In the end I have to remind myself not only of God's unfailing love but demonstrate that love to others and myself as well.
I tell you this for a reason, stick with me.
I see these things as grotesque and I am certain every other person in the world does too.
Let me rephrase, I see these things on MY body as grotesque and I assume every other person in the world does too. I'll even take it a step further, I'm certain they notice. So, while I know that nothing about those statements are actually true, that's what plays over and over in my mind. That's what keeps me in sleeves and jeans every chance I get. I just couldn't wait for summer, then it got here and now I just can't wait for fall again so I can cover myself back up and not be miserably hot.
This is something I will have to pray about and overcome as time goes on. I'm positive it will get better if I remain patient and continue working on my fitness. I will hopefully see changes physically and mentally, accepting me regardless. But I must remind myself, nothing about my physical appearance changes how much God loves me. Nothing. Putting back on these 113 pounds or losing the other 31, neither change how much God loves me. Extra skin, God still loves me. Extra chin, God still loves me. I know that God desires for me to be healthy, that's the whole reason I started this journey, because that is how I can serve him BEST. He can and will use me in any shape, but he desires me to be in the best shape. And when I say shape, I'm not talking running marathons, I'm not talking about the physical shape of my body, I'm talking about my body functioning the way it was designed and seeking Jesus to lead it. I must continually remind myself it has nothing to do with appearance.
So, where did this come from? Well, I took the picture on the left yesterday. Which led to the picture on the right today:
I had no intention of ever showing these pictures to a soul, but that picture on the left made me feel a little better, a little stronger, reminded me that what everyone sees (because believe it or not I don't go around flexing my muscles all day) isn't what is underneath. The picture on the right, that's what I see every time I look in the mirror or post a fitness picture or video. And, well, that's what everyone else sees, however I'm certain my eyes are less forgiving than most others. One day that picture on the left, of what's underneath, that is going to shine through, maybe it will even be the "norm". But if it's not, that's ok too.
I've kind of already seen a transformation similar happen to me over these past three years which is probably what gives me hope for those arms (and legs, and stomach). This transformation I guess you could say is happening with my personality, it's happening inside me.
I've never, ever, ever been an outgoing person, but I love people... most days. Something has happened as I've discovered this passion- I want to tell people about it. I want to talk to people, share with them, help them if they will allow. Now let's not go crazy, I don't want to stand in front of hundreds, ok, not even 50 people and share about why I hope they want to get healthy. BUT, give me a social media outlet, message me, let me take you out for coffee and I will talk to you for days about it. Seriously, you have no idea. I have no agenda, I just want to encourage you to find this person I'm only beginning to find. And it doesn't apply only to weight loss or getting healthy, I just feel more comfortable being me, and worry a lot less what people think (except for my saggy arms of course ;) )
I know that a real physical weight, 113 pounds worth, has been lifted off my body. My bones, muscles, heart and lungs thank me regularly and ask to be pushed more. But there is another kind of weight that's being lifted too and that weight loss is what really leads to this new found confidence if you will. This confidence ( I almost can't even use that as a descriptive word for me) comes from getting up each day and deciding not to quit, deciding this is worth it. It comes from getting out of my comfort zone and sharing what God is doing with me, even though it feels SOOO awkward most of the time. I knew this part of me was in there, and I've tried to free me before, but I could never do it on my own. So thankful for God's unfailing love, grace and strength as I watch in awe where this path leads. In the end I have to remind myself not only of God's unfailing love but demonstrate that love to others and myself as well.
Monday, June 20, 2016
Getting Fit the Counter Culture
This post is not intended to offend, but I'm aware it might. Go ahead and backspace if it begins to get too personal for you, or maybe keep reading... maybe you need to hear it. I mean every word with love and it breaks my heart when I see so many companies making empty promises to people who need to learn what healthy really is. I just can't keep silent about that.
We live in a culture right now where everything is delivered immediately. Google can answer all our questions. Jimmy John's can deliver food so fast you'll freak. (We don't even have a Jimmy John's but hey, you get the point). We want to get rich by winning a huge lottery. Amazon can bring your groceries and anything else to your door, even by the next day if you're willing to pay a little extra. Electronic devices can instantly download any song or book. And I'm not saying these are all bad things.
What I am saying is we don't have to put forth much effort to get what we want. We don't have to work hard for very much, if we choose not to. So when things come up that are hard we feel defeated before we even start. We tend to lack the ability set goals, make a plan and take the time to reach those goals. We want it to happen yesterday. And that's why weight loss gimmick companies make TONS of money! And not just weight loss gimmick companies but other services that offer instant physical results - think plastic surgery or injections and such. (Sometimes these things are necessary, totally get that, but I'm talking about completely elective as opposed to putting forth work) No one wants to work for their success. They want it handed to them in a pill, a wrap, a shake, lotions, creams, whatever they think works. And a lot of those things might work for a short time. But if you aren't getting healthier it doesn't matter how many pounds you lose or what size pants you wear. If you aren't learning how to fuel your body by eating real food and moving more to keep your body strong, you are quite possibly fooling yourself. Your results likely won't last long, unless you begin to make some lifestyle changes using that first loss a motivator.
Could I slip up any day and go back to my old habits? You bet I can. I will have to make a decision to stick with this lifestyle for the rest of my life and that is a commitment I'm quite ok with making. Please don't fall for the quick fixes and the fad diets. Put in the work. Educate yourself about nutrition and exercise. No one can do this for you, except you.
(Disclaimer, because I know someone is thinking it: YES, I sell Beachbody. I sell Beachbody because they are NOT quick fix products. They are products I have used throughout my journey. They are products that combine fitness and nutrition and make you WORK for results. And YES, I believe there are other ways to get fit and healthy, I use some of those too! But if someone doesn't have a clue where to start or loves at home workouts, Beachbody has tons of options to fit everyone's fitness level and workout type. I'm MORE than happy to talk to anyone about starting their journey regardless of how they want to start!)
Friday, June 17, 2016
But why?
It's been a BIG couple of weeks in my corner of the world. I haven't even had time to share about my recent Belize trip! Before we get to that, let's jump ahead a little, then go back some, then tackle the trip.
Last night I was able to speak and share about my journey. I shared how I got to the point of weighing almost 300 pounds then I shared some tips about how I have steadily lost 110 pounds and am still going. The presentation managed to start and end on the same note: Why do you want to get healthy?
There are countless reasons someone might choose to take on a healthier lifestyle. Me, personally, I had three reasons on June 1, 2013 when I made the choice and those three reasons remain the same today:
Last night I was able to speak and share about my journey. I shared how I got to the point of weighing almost 300 pounds then I shared some tips about how I have steadily lost 110 pounds and am still going. The presentation managed to start and end on the same note: Why do you want to get healthy?
There are countless reasons someone might choose to take on a healthier lifestyle. Me, personally, I had three reasons on June 1, 2013 when I made the choice and those three reasons remain the same today:
- Serve the Lord
- Honor God by caring for my body
- Be a better mom, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, co-worker and everything else
I'm not saying you can't have success for other reasons, but for me, these reasons will keep me going for a lot longer than one special event or even jean size. The truth is, if YOU don't want to make the effort to make the change, it's not going to stick.
I'm sure I've said it several times but joining the Belize mission team for the 2014 trip was a huge motivator for me to get started. However, that is only one way I continue to serve. I probably wouldn't have ever served in AWANA's if I was as miserable as I was 3 years ago. I wouldn't lead Purposefully Fit for obvious reasons. I wouldn't lead a lifegroup or serve coffee every Sunday. I would hide my face in the crowd and I hope I went unnoticed.
What freedom I am finding!
Belize is really where it all started, well the preparation for it at least. How fun it was this year to be on my third year back to the same community with the same friends as well as many new ones. I appreciate and thank each one of you who prayed for our team while we were gone. While some of us had been several times and it feels like a second home, many had never been. And there are always the unknowns of travel, flights, illness or even group compatibility. One thing is for sure, God was and is in control and He works all things for His good.
And He did. And He will.
It was so fun to watch friendships form, on the team and between the two cultures. To watch kids experience the trip with a parent. To reconnect face to face with the Armstrong's and see Pastor Mark looking so strong. To experience Belizean culture (that reads: food, haha). To see the kids who have grown a foot since I saw them last and how much more some of them trust us after continually coming back. To paint a house, hang out with the kids at their school, run around with 110 kids at Vacation Bible School, and to be able to use what God had given us to bless others in the community. To bake cupcakes while getting some serious encouragement from a godly woman I admire. To worship the Lord. To listen to kids say over and over their favorite part of the week was studying the Bible. To tell people Jesus loves them.
It was tough to hear testimonies of pain. To watch a joyful young man receive devastating news. To attend a wake. To see needs that can't be met, at least not yet. To wonder if I'm doing enough, here or there. To wonder how many opportunities to share about Christ I miss daily. To wonder if the kids, moms, families, community and church know I really care and am praying for them. It's tough to come home and realize what a brat I am about some things.
Every time I come back from a week away, in a country I have grown to love, my eyes are opened more and more to the wonders of our Amazing God. I'm always amazed at how God uses people here and there (and around the world) to build relationships that serve to bridge gaps of faith and encourage one another. We definitely all need each other.
If you want to know more I'd love to sit down and tell you all of the details. Coffee anyone?
Monday, June 13, 2016
Obedience Illuminates Confidence
I've struggled with confidence for as long as I can remember. I am only just now, in my late 30's, beginning to explore a life lived in confidence. I realize now, confidence for me can only come through my faith in God. I am not confident. I am confident in God.
This confidence only shines when I forget about all of my insecurities and put my trust in the Lord. Obedience illuminates confidence. And it takes a hefty pep talk to remind myself of that most days. All of my insecurities are still there, I just have to choose what I am going to do with them. I watch as others share about their insecurities and how they deal with them. I begin to realize we all have them, I just have to choose not to let them rule the day.
Making that choice can be hard. Losing weight has helped me feel more confident most days. It has eliminated certain insecurities, but while I no longer worry about things such as being the biggest person in the room, or will that fit, there are MANY new issues that come with losing large amounts of weight (we will save that for another post, another day). Choosing to put myself out there somewhat publicly, at least in my little corner of the world, opens the door for judgement and criticism as well. While I haven't heard any yet, though I'm sure it's said - just not to my face, I am working to prepare to deal with the day it comes.
During my trip last week I was faced with some incidents where I had to decide to be confident in God, in me, the me God made, the me I am becoming. There were a moment or two I was almost brought to tears because I almost couldn't muster the confidence to move forward. Thesemoments were situations I never could have prepared myself for, that struck out of the blue, and were never intended to harm, I'm just a little on the sensitive side. ;) Other times I knew there would be uncomfortable moments and I chose to tackle them head on.
Nothing I do or say is to gain attention for myself, my purpose is obedience to Christ, whatever that looks like each day. My confidence is never about seeking out applause for myself. EVER. Everything I do is to give glory to Christ. God has given me this life, this journey to show people just how incredible He is. I cannot do that sitting in my house watching life pass by. I must get out, out of the house, out of my comfort zone, out of my own head that tries to hold me back. Only there will I find the opportunities to grow in my faith, therefore gaining new confidence, through Christ.
This week I get the opportunity to speak for the very first time publicly about my journey. This is so far beyond my comfort zone I have no words to describe the feeling I get just thinking about it. If you believe in prayer I would absolutely covet your prayers for this event on Thursday evening. I know that God is in control and He has given me this journey to share and encourage others. So I'm stepping out from behind the computer and doing just that. At least I keep telling myself I can do it... I will let you know how it goes!
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
This confidence only shines when I forget about all of my insecurities and put my trust in the Lord. Obedience illuminates confidence. And it takes a hefty pep talk to remind myself of that most days. All of my insecurities are still there, I just have to choose what I am going to do with them. I watch as others share about their insecurities and how they deal with them. I begin to realize we all have them, I just have to choose not to let them rule the day.
Making that choice can be hard. Losing weight has helped me feel more confident most days. It has eliminated certain insecurities, but while I no longer worry about things such as being the biggest person in the room, or will that fit, there are MANY new issues that come with losing large amounts of weight (we will save that for another post, another day). Choosing to put myself out there somewhat publicly, at least in my little corner of the world, opens the door for judgement and criticism as well. While I haven't heard any yet, though I'm sure it's said - just not to my face, I am working to prepare to deal with the day it comes.
"But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him." Jeremiah 17:7
During my trip last week I was faced with some incidents where I had to decide to be confident in God, in me, the me God made, the me I am becoming. There were a moment or two I was almost brought to tears because I almost couldn't muster the confidence to move forward. Thesemoments were situations I never could have prepared myself for, that struck out of the blue, and were never intended to harm, I'm just a little on the sensitive side. ;) Other times I knew there would be uncomfortable moments and I chose to tackle them head on.
Nothing I do or say is to gain attention for myself, my purpose is obedience to Christ, whatever that looks like each day. My confidence is never about seeking out applause for myself. EVER. Everything I do is to give glory to Christ. God has given me this life, this journey to show people just how incredible He is. I cannot do that sitting in my house watching life pass by. I must get out, out of the house, out of my comfort zone, out of my own head that tries to hold me back. Only there will I find the opportunities to grow in my faith, therefore gaining new confidence, through Christ.
This week I get the opportunity to speak for the very first time publicly about my journey. This is so far beyond my comfort zone I have no words to describe the feeling I get just thinking about it. If you believe in prayer I would absolutely covet your prayers for this event on Thursday evening. I know that God is in control and He has given me this journey to share and encourage others. So I'm stepping out from behind the computer and doing just that. At least I keep telling myself I can do it... I will let you know how it goes!
Friday, June 3, 2016
Un - BELIZE - able
In less than 24 hours I will be sitting on a plane with 12 other members of my team, headed back to Belize! This makes the third summer Devin and I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve God in our now second home.
The first year after we returned, Devin immediately knew he was going back. Me on the other hand, I wasn't so sure. I loved the people, the food, the scenery, etc. but being afraid of the unknown almost ruined the trip for me. I found myself unable to loosen up and focus on the real purpose of the trip, sharing the Gospel.
As time passed I knew God was nudging me to go again. This time I would be a little healthier and a little less focused on the what ifs. The trips were like night and day different. I was able to focus on the people, getting know them, focusing on their needs, allowing them to minister to us... even if we think we are the ones going to do the ministering. What an amazing week of worship, fellowship, swallowship (as Ms. Jackie calls it) and service!
I am beyond excited about returning to Belize tomorrow, seeing how much all of the kids have grown, enjoying time and growing friendships with the Armstrong's and other families from Faith Tabernacle, meeting new people and seeing how God is moving in their community. I can't wait to see Pastor Armstrong after the medical scare he gave everyone earlier in the year! I also can't wait to see how God has grown me and matured my faith over the past year. I love watching team members grow in their faith right before my eyes, just another amazing experience the trip allows.
We serve a very mighty and powerful God. A God who does not have to send us to another country to give us opportunities to minister, grow the kingdom and grow friendships. But I sure am thankful He does!
Check out our trip journal throughout the next week here:
http://www.prayingpelicanmissions.org/journals?tripid=7063
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| Devin and I prior to boarding last year |
The first year after we returned, Devin immediately knew he was going back. Me on the other hand, I wasn't so sure. I loved the people, the food, the scenery, etc. but being afraid of the unknown almost ruined the trip for me. I found myself unable to loosen up and focus on the real purpose of the trip, sharing the Gospel.
 |
| Vacation Bible School 2014 |
As time passed I knew God was nudging me to go again. This time I would be a little healthier and a little less focused on the what ifs. The trips were like night and day different. I was able to focus on the people, getting know them, focusing on their needs, allowing them to minister to us... even if we think we are the ones going to do the ministering. What an amazing week of worship, fellowship, swallowship (as Ms. Jackie calls it) and service!
 |
| Swallowship! 2015 |
 |
| 2015 |
I am beyond excited about returning to Belize tomorrow, seeing how much all of the kids have grown, enjoying time and growing friendships with the Armstrong's and other families from Faith Tabernacle, meeting new people and seeing how God is moving in their community. I can't wait to see Pastor Armstrong after the medical scare he gave everyone earlier in the year! I also can't wait to see how God has grown me and matured my faith over the past year. I love watching team members grow in their faith right before my eyes, just another amazing experience the trip allows.
 |
| Kevin and his new bike 2014 |
We serve a very mighty and powerful God. A God who does not have to send us to another country to give us opportunities to minister, grow the kingdom and grow friendships. But I sure am thankful He does!
 |
| Abi, Timmy and family 2015 |
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| The Armstrongs 2015 |
http://www.prayingpelicanmissions.org/journals?tripid=7063
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