#136 Showing Up Is Half the Battle!

9/2015 Updated PRAISE REPORT to this blog post:  I published this post in August 2014 and I'm happy to say that I have a regular quiet time with my Lord every morning -- making it the first thing I do before I hit my feet on the floor for my day.  It has been the best blessing I could give myself, my family and those around me.

Do you have a problem being consistent?  Do you say you are going to do something and then when the time comes to do it you back out because you don't "FEEL" like doing it?  Do you have a gym membership that you are paying for but you are not showing up?  Giving away FREE MONEY!!! 

This quote is on the outside of my gym!!

Why is being consistent such a problem for many people.  Am I always consistent?  No -- I wish I could say I was.  When it involves other people I am quick to try to be as consistent as possible.  For instance if I make plans to meet with a friend -- I make it my business to keep my plans.  Just today I visited with a girlfriend and my boys went as well to visit with her boys -- it rained cats and dogs and my entire being was wanting to stay home and pull out a good book and just curl up in bed and read.  I could have easily called and rescheduled -- but it is my goal to be a keeper of my word -- especially if I have know good reason other then the excuse "I don't feel like it."  And I want to be known as a person who does what she says she's going to do.  I don't want to be labeled in a negative way.  So I guess I care what others think and say about me -- yes -- my character is important.  It's a reflection of who I am -- who wants to be known as always late, liar, inconsistent -- the list goes on and on...

But what about being consistent to myself?  Keeping up with my bible time, and prayer.  Keeping up with eating a certain way -- things people cannot see -- but I'm aware of.  Oh it's easy to not be consistent to yourself because you are not being held accountable for those things by others.  When I'm consistent with these things I feel 100% better about what I do for the rest of the day -- when I'm not -- I know that I'm not being the very best to myself as I could be.  So why is it so hard to be consistent in those things?  I believe it's because it's easy to get caught up with the habits of checking our smart phones and everything else we get in the habit of doing -- but then -- check it out -- those things are just habits.  We can form new habits.

This year I joined Gold's Gym and I started when lots of people joined -- in the month of January!!!  Well I'm happy to say that I'm STILL GOING and I've turned into a regular Gym Rat now.  I love going to the gym and I'm definitely getting my monies worth.  No one is watching -- no one is keeping record -- it's a habit that I'm doing for me and I feel great about it!  Now I just have to work on my quiet times at home.  It can be done -- and I will make it happen.  (See the Updated Praise Report at the top of this blog post).  That's the best thing I can do for myself. 

Let's make time for the most important things in life!

Until next time...

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#134 I Got This Too!

Happy September,

Yes, the time is flying and with it lots of great things has happened since my "no-electronic" month in August.  First things first, I read Jennifer Hudson's book "I Got This" and was very inspired by her story.  She talked about her life as an aspiring singer, actress and how her life has changed using Weight Watchers.  If you have not read it I highly recommend it.

After reading it it left me with questions regarding every diet I ever tried.  I had never tried Weight Watchers because I never wanted to start a program where I had to pay to loose weight in a  "PROGRAM."   The only thing I ever "BOUGHT" to loose weight is a gym membership or either home equipment -- but never a program where you pay monthly for their services to loose weight.

She stated how it sounded too good to be true. She joined but she stilled worked it like other programs -- eating less and working out more.  Then once talking with her support person at Weight Watchers she had to truly do the program correctly to believe that it was truly as easy as they said it was.  The program was called the PointsPlus System.

Let me say, I did not and was not going to pay to do Weight Watchers.  First of all, I only had 5 lbs. I wanted to loose and it was not worth paying for.  I went to YouTube to see how others did it without buying into the Weight Watchers Program.  I found out how to do it for FREE!  You heard me --absolutely free.  Here's the YouTube channel that shows how to do it (see link below).  I started with a goal of getting down to 139 lbs.  I started at 144 lbs. and it's true -- those last 5 lbs. are hard to loose.  I've been holding on to them for months and sometimes adding to them as high as 149 lbs.  I will not go through telling you the ins-and-outs of the program but feel free to check out the YouTube channel that I watched to get started below.  The video also shows you how to calculate your daily points with links on how to do this without paying one cent!!!!!

Well let me say that I have met my goal and going down even further (some days).  I truly can say that I can eat what I want and as long as I stay within my points for the day -- I'm good!

I'm with you Jennifer -- "I GOT THIS TOO."

Until next time!


Here's the link:  YouTube Channel for How To Do Weight Watcher's Free

Food Tracker Value Diary App I purchased for my IPhone Ultimate Food Value Diary
(This is not something you have to purchase I just purchased to keep track of my food -- also it's rated very well -- much better then the actual Weight Watchers app).  Perfect for just $3.99

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#129 Random Thoughts to Single People Wanting to Be Married

If you are single and you want to be married, don't settle for less than the best.  Even if you have to stay single. You heard me right!!!

I don't necessarily care for Tylor Perry, but I do like the title of one of his movies "I Can Do Bad All By Myself."  You must love yourself first before you can love someone else. Take care of you first and make sure you have high standards for what you will and will not tolerate. Don't allow your need or desire for someone make you lower your standards. In other words, no sex without a ring on it. You say you love me -- Prove it!!!!  I can say this -- I married 25 years ago a virgin. My former boyfriends,  I always told them -- "You're not getting in my pants."  That was my standard. Believe me,  I could have had sex because my parent encouraged me by saying -- "You have to try on the shoe before you buy it."  I dont't blame my parent, her standards were not formed based on morals taught by a mom and dad who spoke life from the Word of God, matter-of-fact, she never knew her dad and her mom died when she was very young. So this single mom did what the majority of Americans do.  I'm not here to judge her - but I do thank God for Jesus.  You may not have a father living in the home, or parents that bring you up with high standards but make "Him (the Lord Jesus - lets make it clear) your Father. My motivation was not disappointing Him. Those little raggedy boyfriends with raging harmones would have taken what they could get and go on to the next thang.

What I am saying is this, life is short -- live life like you mean it. Not with a lot of regrets and people that aren't worth your time. Once you start taking care of yourself and loving who YOU ARE you may decide I'm good by myself. Me and God the Father. If that someone does show up in your life, remeber what I said.  You're worth it!!!!!

Until next time....

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#36 Do You Have A Love-Hate Relationship with Your Bath Scale?

Do you have a love hate relationship with your bathroom scale?  How often do you weigh yourself?  Every day, every week, never???

 

I use to weigh in everyday and I found myself jumping for joy or either kicking the scale.  I allowed the scale to dictate what type of day I was going to have.  Not anymore!

I have since learned that there are so many things that can take place with our bodies that can affect the number on the scale.  For instance, water weight, your period, your bulging muscles that you are building, stress and so many other variables can trigger that number.  

I do believe that it is important, for me anyway, to weigh in at least once a week.  I usually weigh in on Mondays.  The reason why I do this is because it keeps me grounded.  That out-of-sight-out-of-mind approach does not work for me.  If I fail to get on the scale and just try to go by how I look in the mirror or how my clothes fit -- I find myself waaaaaay over what I thought.  So when I start a new workout program -- be it weight training with cardio --  I weigh in first and do my measurements (I check my body measurements with a measuring tape once a month).   I then weigh in every Monday the same way -- (empty bladder with no clothes, at the same time of day with the scale on a flat floor surface -- in the morning for me).  

It's important that you keep track of what you are doing by writing it down on paper or buy you a fancy journal.  Also include how much you weighed at the beginning of that week.  I write down what my program will be for the next six weeks and I include the weights used and how many reps and sets.  This journal is a great encouragement while you are on your program.  Also, if you get off track the journal is a good reminder of what you did in the past to drop the pounds.  You could also include your food as well.  I usually do my weight workout on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays.  I do any type of cardio I choose on Tuesday and Thursday.  Now that the weather is getting warmer I will again do my walks on the weekend.  I then switch it up for the next six weeks by doing a different weight workout.  I find that if I keep my body guessing it performs by shedding unwanted pounds. 

If you are trying to loose weight it is important that you weigh in but don't be rigged about it.  I think everyone knows by now that if you want to loose weight you have to eat a clean diet and workout.  When I say clean -- I mean -- food found in nature.  No process foods but lots of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean meats.  You know the drill.  It has not changed -- it's one of the best ways I know of to see results. 

Check out her video and see how she measures her body

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ1e4yMwo9A

I have learned a lot from the lady pictured above.  She is on YouTube and she goes by the name Aketafitgirl (click on the blue link under her picture to check out her channel).  She is an all-natural bodybuilder.  No Steriods with this sista.

She suggest three forms of measuring your body.  Measure your physical weight, body measurements with a tape measure and your body fat (you can skip this part unless you have a skin-fold caliber) prior to starting a program.  "Gauge your progress based on your measurements.   If you start your program and you've only taken your measurements at your waist and did not measure your thighs and you didn't see much loss at the waist you might think there is something wrong with the program.  So it's good to measure lots of different body parts" says Aketafitgirl.  She also suggest gauging by keeping an article of clothing that you are unable to fit the way you would like to.  Let that be your goal to fit into those skinny jeans!:-))

So if you are one of those who have a love-hate relationship with your scale -- try some of these tips and see if it makes a difference for you.

Until next time...

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#6 Do Something About It!

Here We Go Again...

How many of you leave the house just about everyday?  When you leave, do you ever get hungry?  What do you do about it?  Do you pull into your nearest, favorite, fast- food restaurant and pull out the wallet or purse and buy yourself AND the kids food you know is not that healthy or good for you?  Not only that but are you spending money you don't really want to spend!!!???


We have all done it more times then we would like to admit.  I have come to the conclusion that there is a better way.

First of all, don't get mad at me for saying this and sounding like a broken record -- but it's true.  Organization is crucial for stopping the yo-yo eating syndrome.  Organization, organization (say it again) organization!!!!

This Friday's blog is going to consist of things we can do about eliminating yo-yo eating while away from home.  While at Sam's, I went down an isle that was lined with boxes of individually wrapped 100 calorie packages.  I began to think of how advertisers are so in tuned with our society and how they will provide products for anyone and everyone who will buy their goods.  If they provide it -- we will come...

Then I thought, why are "we" PAYING for them to individually wrap our favorites into small packages and then charge us more for their time and effort.  Yeah I know it's convenient -- but it will cost you more in the long run to continue to buy in this manner.  I must admit, a lot of the stuff that they have packaged in those boxes I don't want anyway -- but there may be one thing I like out of the whole box.  Why not make my own individual calorie bags of the foods I enjoy.

I purchase dry roasted, unsalted almonds from Aldi and put 1/4 cup of them in bags. It's always easy to grab a piece of fruit.  Remember to save your empty bags and just put them in your canister after your done.  This can be done easily with little preparation. 



I never said I gave up Tortilla chips.  I just make sure when I come home from the grocery store I empty a bag into individual size baggies (pictured above).  Eliminating me from eating the entire bag in one sitting.

So when you're out and about -- don't forget to pack foods ahead of time that you know are healthy for you and your family and stop buying those expensive 100 calorie boxes of snacks or eating out.  Also, it does not have to be necessarily "healthy" -- you just want to make sure you are eating serving sizes of things.  Instead of buying large bags of M&M's, buy one individual bag.  Instead of buying bags of miniature candy bars -- only buy one candy bar.  You don't need that temptation just sitting around the house.  Make it a treat when you buy that candy bar.  Eat it, enjoy it and get it over with.  So take the time to buy things you like and spend time packing serving sizes in bags or containers.  Your waist and your wallet will be glad you did.

Until next time...

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#29 What's For Dinner?????

The Dreaded Question...

   What's For Dinner???

 

Why is this such a dreaded question?  It's dreaded because most of the time it's an after-thought that you think about close to 4-5pm when you know it's time for your dear hubby to walk in the door.  It's the dreaded question because nothing has been PLANNED and nothing has been taken out of the freezer. 

You know that your not going to be able to feed your family something "INTENTIONALLY" well-thought out and delicious.  So now it's a mad dash to see what you can thaw out quickly, what you can add with it, or worse -- what you can order out -- you know the drill.

 We all know the saying:

I do make weekly meal plans, but lately our household has changed a bit due to changes with both my husband and I.  My husband has been pretty much on his own with his dinner, by choice. He comes home and has a taste for eggs, so he will make eggs.   Or he has a taste for salad only or a smoothie -- so he pretty much is self-sufficient when it comes to making his own dinner. 

But in my mind -- I like to have something prepared just in case he does not "FEEL" like coming home and thinking about what to eat. He has told me not to concern myself with fixing him anything -- but being a women, wife, nurturer -- it's my duty to concern myself about these types of things (at least I've told that to myself :-).



OK, I think he will like it if I make...

Also, lately me and the hubby have been laying off of meat. So in my mind you have to be really creative with what you are going to prepare. So I find myself planning twice -- something for me (and hubby -- just in case he wants to eat what I've prepared) and a meal for the boys because I don't want to deprive them of meat just because we slack off of it from time to time. GREAT SCOTTS!!! 

I found this cute book at the library and I'm going to try some of the recipes with the family. It's called Peas and Thank You by Sarah Matheny.

This lady and her family were once meat eaters but the wife and husband decided to go meatless. She didn't want to deprive her children of meat so she found meat alternatives. She concocted this cookbook of delicious meals that now her entire family loves. We are not talking about going vegetarian (yet :-) -- because we will have a burger every now and again -- and chicken and fish will probably always be something we will eat -- but I'm just SAYIN -- we have laid off of it considerably.

So what's a girl to do in situations such as this???  The dreaded question -- "What's for dinner?" -- now stares me in the face?   Tell me, who are you cooking for and what's for dinner????

Until next time...


I hope you enjoyed this Friday's blog -- Yo-Yo Eating No More and So Much More. If you did, share it! And if you have any feedback or comments, click on the blue word COMMENT below and leave me one. I would love to hear from you. I respond to each comment -- Thanks!

#125 He is Risen!

Happy Resurrection Sunday!!!  He is Risen!

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#119 The Mind -- Think on These Things....

Disclaimer:  If you have come to this blog thinking all you will read about is Yo-Yo Eating No More -- you are sorely mistaken...hence the title AND SO MUCH MORE.  Gotta love blogging :-)))

The mind is a funny thing.  I look at it as a big REPLAY button...

But the funny thing is -- what's replayed the most is the unpleasant stuff.  Have you noticed that?  For instance, I've been doing this blog since 2012 and I hardly get any comments.  My mind replays that over and over.  It skips over the fact that I have over 22 THOUSAND VIEWS -- and that people are always complimenting and saying how much they enjoy it.  How soon we forget all of that because the mind replays the fact that you did not get one comment today on your post -- boohoo!!!

Have you ever had on an outfit or your hair was on "POINT" and just about everyone complimented you on how nice you looked and this one individual doesn't say a word but the eyes says it all -- or at least in your MIND the eyes says it all!



You know what I'm talking about -- right lol???  The replay button just keeps going back over and over and over and over on that face in your MIND.  No matter all the 50 thousand compliments you got before hand -- that ONE person sticks in your mind -- and you can't seem to turn off the REPLAY button.

The Bible talks about this because God knows our mind is a powerful thing.  It has the ability to think on ALL types of things but it focuses on the unpleasant things.  The Bible has to help us to focus on what to think on.  So before you start thinking about all kinds of mess the bible says this:

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things (Philippians 4:8)."

Example:  Think about those people that we think are living the life.  Hollywood stars, bloggers with 10 million comments (ha!!), people that appear to have it all together.  Well, life is not what it appears.  Robin William, for instance, loads of movies, beautiful wife who loves him, money, fame -- but the mind torments and it has to be something we shut off.  We have the power, with the help of the Lord.

Let's pay attention!  The mind can have you on a trip that will take you outta here.  We ALL have so much to be thankful for.  So-much-so that we can shut that replay button off and FOCUS on the good.

FINALLY...

Until next time...

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#114 Have You Done It Yet?

It's 2015. Happy new year!!!!  There's one thing that I want to make sure I do right off the bat this year and that's ask you a question.  Have you done it yet?  Have you given your life and heart to the Lord Jesus Christ?  It's real easy and simple -- here's the scripture of how to do it:

Romans 10:9-10 

New American 

Standard Bible (NASB)

^9 [a]that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; ¹⁰ for with the heart a person believes, ^[b]resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, ^[c]resulting in salvation.

I know this is controversial with so many and frankly -- it's my blog and it's my belief -- therefore I'm sharing.  If you don't agree or don't think I should share -- it's a free country for you to feel that way -- but I feel otherwise.   

I pray that you do turn your life to Him.  Yes it is a new year.  But Jesus is coming back for His Church.  The bible says no one knows the day nor the hour (Matthew 24:36).  I pray that you are ready when He returns.

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#108 Free Exercises & Two Other Cool Sites

Back in January 2013, I passed along an exercising website called

Fitness Blender that I found on YouTube when I purchased my Kettlebell set for my birthday.



Loads of free videos





Fitness Blender Website





Lots of people found it helpful and I wanted to also pass along other

YouTubers who have been helpful for more then just exercise.

How Jen Does It

This YouTuber has so much to share with others from her Aldi Hauls, Trader Joe's Hauls and so much more.  What I like about her is that she is consistent.  Consistency is very key for me.  When I find people who are consistent in what they do -- I like following them.  If they are sporadic and haven't put out a YouTube video in years then it's hard to follow those types of people.    Check out her channel How Jen Does It: 

On my channel, you will find organizing and cleaning tips, recipes, menu planning ideas, grocery hauls, huge Trader Joe's hauls, Trader Joe's product reviews, tips for saving time and money, beauty product and clothing hauls, OOTD, and tips for staying fit and eating healthy.

At Home with Nikki

Another one of my favorite YouTubers is At Home with Nikki.  Interior decorating is this women's specialty -- on a budget.  She knows how to turn an old piece of furniture into a work of art.  In my humble opinion, she has fantastic taste.  She needs to have her own decorating show.  Check out her channel At Home With Nikki:

I am passionate about my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, my family and my home. I love all things dealing with home organization, interior decorating, crafts and cooking. On my channel you will find tons of tips to help you around your home. I hope you will take time to enjoy my channel and all that I love to share.

These are just a few of my favorites that I hope you will check out.  They have been an inspiration to me on-line and I'm thrilled to share them with you.

Until next time...

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#104 Are we there yet?

I ask the question -- are we there yet.  What I mean when I say this is this -- when will this be OVER???  Every single day there are new challenges.  Big and small -- but none the less challenges.  I home school my two boys (teenagers mind you) who I've home schooled since they were babies.  They have never stepped foot into a public school or private, for that matter, for a full or part-time education.

My oldest is 17 and he has struggled all his life with academics.  Comprehension, math, spelling, vocabulary -- you name it -- he's had an issue with it.  My youngest, who is 15, does not struggle academically but just does not have a love for learning -- it's more like -- lets get it over with so I can do what I really want to do.  His biggest struggle is talking -- you see, he stutters and no matter what is done -- therapy, encouragement -- he does not follow those things that are given him to do to improve.  He continues to do the things that are keeping him in that habit.

People think that home schoolers are the smartest and brightest kids because of the one-on-one assistance that they receive at home.  Well I would agree perhaps 90% of the time.  But guess what -- if you have a child that no matter how much you put into them -- that child chooses to do his or her own thing -- decides that what is being said to them is not really relevant to them at the moment -- then guess what -- know matter how much you put into them -- they will only receive that which they choose to receive. 

Are we there yet?  They are in the 11th grade -- one has a desire to go to college.  The other is struggling with high school -- so college is hard to see at this point.  Are we there yet?  Today it looks bleak -- but tomorrow things will look up!  I'm trusting God know matter what it looks like -- I know that all things will work together for the good.  I'm encouraging myself -- and perhaps someone else.  Nevertheless, this too shall pass and I'm looking forward to the future.

Until next time...

#100 Are You Looking For Peace & To Quiet Your Spirit?

Back in November, 2012 I featured books that encouraged me for a healthy lifestyle.  You can check out that post here:  My Books Post  One of those books was written by a women named Jackie Trottmann.  At the time, I did not know her and I read her book over and over and thoroughly enjoyed it.  It was called "The Freedom to Eat."  I read the back of the book and found out that she resides in my hometown of MO.  WOW that was different!  I quickly emailed her letting her know how much I enjoyed her book.  Fast forward 2014 -- we are now good friends and we encourage each other regularly.

I wanted people to listen to her testimony on the Be Empowered Show and how she found calmness and a quietness to her spirit.  This is a very encouraging interview but one not to miss if you are looking for that in your life.  Jackie's Interview & Testimony.

She also has a meditation cd that will help you to become still and clear the clutter from your mind.  Her meditation cd is Christ centered -- no spooky chatter that you're not sure of what your saying -- she uses the scripture "Be still and know that I am God. (Psalms 46:10.)"  You can also find her website entitled Guided Christian Meditation with everything from her blog and other information here:  Jackie's Website.

You can find her cd here:  Jackie's Meditation CD.

Jackie's updated book "The Freedom to Eat" is in the eyes of many publishers at this time.  So when that time comes, I will definitely be getting my copy and I will let you know how to get yours.

Until next time...

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#96 The Most Important Time!

I have made time to go to the gym, which is "ME" time.  I have made time to spend with my boys, my husband, my family and friends.  But what about time with God.  That time is off and on, sporadic and not as consistent as I would like.  I have now put that time as first place time in my life.

Before I place one toe out of my bed, I get to feed myself spiritually.  I have an app bible that I use and I'm going through the bible one chapter at a time.  WOW!!!!  It has been awesome.  From there you can't help but pray over what you have just read regarding things in your life.  For instance, in my neighborhood a young man, by the name of Michael Brown, was shot and killed by a cop in Ferguson, MO.  This incident was seen all over and brought forth a lot of outrage and sorry for what was taking place.  There was, and to this day still is, looting going on all over that area and surrounding areas (as a result of this incident -- or just an excuse to do so).  It has been one teachable moment for this homeschooling momma -- you better believe it.  I prayed for the parents of this young man and especially for his momma.  She was seen on the scene of her child's death and she was overcome with grief and disbelief.  You see, this young man was suppose to start college soon, but here he laid dead. 

While reading the book of Luke ch. 7 it talks about Jesus raising a Widow's son.  Verse 12 -15 says:

"12 A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate.  The young man who had died was a widow's only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her.  13 When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion.  "Don't cry!" he said.  14 Then he walked over the the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped.  "Young man," he said, "I tell you, get up."  15 Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk!  And Jesus gave him back to his mother."

Immediately I began to pray for that young man to be raised.  If Jesus can do it for that momma, He can do it for any momma.  He is no respecter of persons.  I'm aware that it's according to His will.  He will have compassion on whom He will have compassion.  After all He is God.  But I'm looking for God to do something supernatural.

Getting up everyday and having my quiet time with the Lord is the BEST thing that I have done -- PERIOD!  My day is brighter (even in this dark world), I feel a sense of accomplishment throughout my day with whatever else is in front of me because I know I have the most important thing done.  When we pray -- we are giving God permission to work on our behalf and on behalf of others.  So it's important that Christians everywhere do this on a daily basis.  If we don't pray -- all HELL breaks loose -- literally.  When we seek the face of God for our situation, our neighborhood, our world -- He hears and answers prayer.  I am a believer -- I've seen the results of prayer too many times in my life.

Let's keep the most important thing as the first thing we do -- LET'S PRAY!


Until next time...



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#94 I'm Back -- and Refreshed!

Hey all, 

I've missed posting to this blog on Friday's but I'm so glad I took off for awhile.  I realize something that I always knew but rarely take advantage of  -- when you get yourself revitalized -- then you can be better for yourself and others.  So I'm back refreshed and rejuvenated in hopes to continue to encourage others.  I want to say -- GOD IS SO GOOD!  He helps us in so many ways -- we have no idea -- all the things that He is working out for our good in the spiritual realm.  I know I just lost about a third of you -- but hear me out...

I have watched God answer prayer that ONLY He could do.  Open doors that only He could open.  I remember posting in my blog post entitled "My Annual Review" (Check it out by pressing this link) http://yo-yoeatingnomore.blogspot.com/2014/01/my-annual-review-for-2013.html about my testimony of leaving my church of 13 years to find another church home.  That was in May of last year.  I can happily report that God has truly blessed me and my family.  My oldest son has done a complete 360 and is serving the Lord in a way that I did not see coming.  He's playing the drums as well at our new church and just has really found his place there.  This is a work that only God could have done. 

I also mentioned in that same blog post that I was thinking about joining a gym.  BAM -- I'm on it!  I've been a member now of Gold's Gym since January of this year and I absolutely love it.  Yes I'm still going (not like those who start at the beginning of the year and slowly stop going) -- I plan on getting my FULL moneys worth.  I would have never thought I would love YOGA -- but I go to Yoga twice a week, cycle once a week, step and abs class once a week and so much more.  I talked about "ME TIME" and I've found it at my gym.  Go figure!  I love it!

I took a weekend by myself and spent it at the Hilton Garden Inn.  There I spent time with the Lord and was able to go away for a minute and get out of the four walls I'm in all the time (my home).  I think this is very important when you home school and your job and life takes place at home.  It was especially important for me this year since we did not go on a family vacation.  My weekend was spent enjoying Jesus and just chillin!  I brought my candles and favorite bubble bath and soaked the night away!  The next day I took a lovely stroll on the Chesterfield Valley Levee Trail.

All in all I had a wonderful time away and I'm glad I took the time off.  I'm looking forward to sharing with you all the things that the Lord is doing and sharing with me.  Thanks for coming back and sharing in my journey of health and all the other things I share!  God bless you.

Until next time...

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#92 -- 4th 5K DONE!!!

I came, I ran, I walked -- I finished!!!!!

Woohoo for me!  I'm  done with my 5K that took place on May 17, 2014.  It was a gorgeous day and it was a very fun event!!!

I enjoyed the fun of being with those who enjoy competing and doing something challenging for the body!!!  I was pretty sore for at least two days afterwards -- but it was a good sore!  I asked myself why I would put my "48" year old body under so much stress -- for what?  Well, because it's challenging and it takes you to another level.  Then after the soreness subsided I told myself -- "Self -- you should do this again."  I'm sure I will!!!

Like I said, I did not do this to calculate how fast or how slow I ended in the race -- but it was all in fun and just a great way to keep in shape with other like-minded people.

Here I am from start -- to finish!

Until the next race...

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#86 Goals

#1 Speak positive affirmations daily from the Word of God about who God says I am:

#2  Work out 5 days a week (Mon Wed & Fri Strength Training & Tuesday & Thursday Cardio):

#3  Saturday & Sunday "Fun cardio" -- bike riding, tennis, walking the neighborhood, etc.

 

#4  Eat well 90% of the time and have a cheat meal every now and again!!

#5 Enjoy the journey!!!!

 

 

 

Until next time...

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#85 Living This Life -- Some Tips!

Being healthy and fit is a job.  Don't let anybody fool you.  But it can be done!!!  It just takes a made-up mind.  Because it "should" be a lifestyle -- it requires you to eat right, get proper amount of exercise, sleep and so on and so forth.  What we do on a daily basis -- our habits per se, is a big part of this process.

 

One thing that I found very necessary in trying to understand what it is you need to do to live this lifestyle -- is information -- research.  Well, as you know, there is a lot of information out about this subject that can be overwhelming -- almost to the point of giving up.  You don't want to do that before you even get started -- so it's important to take your time and either talk with friends or family who you observe is living a lifestyle that you admire.  Talk with them and see if they can point you in the right direction.  If you don't have people that you know is living a lifestyle of health -- then take it upon yourself to do the research yourself. 

With technology now days, there is plethora of apps, blogs, books and other things that can help you on your journey.  I am like a kid in a candy store with all the apps that are available on my IPhone. One free app that I have found helpful in meeting my goal of drinking my allotment of water per day is called Daily Water.  After you click the glass of water that you drank -- there is this refreshing gulping down and "AAH" sound.  You put in how many cups you want to drink and you set off to meet that goal.  It's just a great reminder to me.  I set a timer to go off to drink an 8 oz. size every hour (using my water bottle):

Daily Water

A snack that I have found helpful that's low in calories and a good fiber filler is air-popped POPCORN!!!  Done either on the stove or in a brown paper bag in the microwave.  One of my favorite YouTubers (Dani Spies) has a good video on how she does it:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDT1wNFt5Ds

Stove-Top Pop Corn

So there you have it -- two tips that I have found helpful on my journey.  Hopefully it will help you as well.

Until next time...




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