Video Blog: Hardcourt Champs

Front page of the Sports in Tylers Saturday paper
10/20/12
 

Hello!  Set up the cam to share some thoughts about the tennis tournament last month.  Cool experience and so grateful for support from sweet friends who came out to watch and encourage me.  Thanks to Sherif for being there and getting all those awesome money shots!  Most of all to my sweet mama who is always there to listen to me and believe in me. 



From 0 to 13 with Deanea McWaters

I first began working out with Emily about 2 years ago. Working out with a personal trainer has really given me the motivation and encouragement I need to avoid getting into a workout "rut". About a year and a half ago, I decided to set a goal for myself to run a 5K....I had enjoyed walking the Komen Race for the Cure 5K for several years and had always toyed with the idea of actually trying to run the entire race. May of last year I challenged myself to do just that! I shared my goal with Emily and she not only encouraged me, but gave me guidance and direction on how to gradually increase my runs each week. I basically went from not even being able to run one minute to running over 30 minutes without stopping! After meeting that goal and running the Komen 5K, I then went on to train for and run my first 10K at Tyler Azalea Run this spring. After that I was ready for an even bigger challenge and signed up for my first half marathon! I met that goal on Oct. 7th when I ran the half in the Tyler Rose Marathon! With each race, Emily not only continued to give me helpful advice on how to gradually increase my mileage but also helped me with our weekly workouts to strengthen my core and also work those muscles that I tended to not use as much when I ran. She also showed me some helpful stretches that I did not only during our workouts but also after my runs. Although I have had many of the usual aches and pains that most new runners experience, I believe the workouts Emily has had me do have gone a long way towards allowing me to train for my races and avoid injury. As much as I have come to love running, I also understand that strength training is just as important as my runs are in helping me to be stronger, better runner. I truly think the time spent in my training sessions with her have contributed to my success every bit as much as all those hours out pounding the pavement! Thanks, Emily! :-)

-Deanea McWaters

From Emily

Deanea is so fun to train!  What I admire most about Deanea is her ability to balance life with training.  She trains hard with variety and knows when to listen to her body and rest.  In the past 6 months we have also seen some awesome strength gains including being able to do real push ups!  Rock on, sister! 

Berry Dressing

I have been playing around with making fresh home-made dressings.  After a few fails this one is def a success!!  Whoop!  and it's oil-free!

Just put these ingredients in a blender. Blend and store in a sealed glass jar:

• 8 strawberries
• 1/4 cup raspberries (i used more)
• 1 tbsp avocado
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tea lemon zest (this is the skin of a lemon)
• 2 fresh basil leaves (i didn't have any so used basil from spice jar)

Would be great with: spinach, grilled chicken, strawberry, pecan, feta salad.

Sweet Potato Kale turkey Burgers

So much fun with Kale! I'm done with the Kale kick for a bit after this one, maybe ;)

OMG YUM



chopped green onion, kale, cubed sweet potatoes

3 green onions
1/2 sweet potato
2 1/2 cup Kale
2 ib ground turkey
2 Tea Dijon mustard
1/4 cup coconut flour
2 eggs

-cook in cococut oil
     greet onion 3-5 min
     cubed sweet potatoes 4-5 min
     kale 2-3 mins

- Mash Turkey
   yeah use your hands

-add salt, garlic, eggs, flour, mustard, to turkey mix

-add sweet potato mix

-mash together and store *4 hours* at least

-make patty

-cook 6-7min each side


Recipe from:  Multiply Delicious
I did change it a bit.  Love love love this site for recipes!!!

Video Blog: Zucchini Spaghetti with Fresh Marinara

I am going to publish this cooking video I made this summer.  Great and light recipe.  Love this for lunch time.  They are getting better as I go, more to come..

Tiny Dancer, Margaret Perkins

Working out with Emily for the past two years has been a productive and joyful experience. Emily understands the principle of "muscle confusion" and that understanding translates to getting desired results for her clients. Simply stated, repeating the same exercises and activities week after week, month after month, and year after year are self defeating. Our muscles and bodies quickly adapt to repetitive exercise which makes body shape changes impossible. Exercise experts agree that adapting to repetitive exercise takes as short a length of time as 4-6 weeks. Enter, Emily - a "queen" of exercise variety. Emily is a dedicated trainer who knows lifting weights are essential - especially for women. Women have less muscle to begin with than men, lose it easily and have a more difficult time just maintaining muscle mass. Weight training must be challenging and a routine must be varied to be effective. Probably none of her clients "grouse and mumble" about her creative exercise routines more than I do, but I know that definite results are the reward. Only working with a professional trainer can prevent even a dedicated exercise client from doing the same 'ole routines week after week, month after month and year after year. Thankyou, Emily!!!

- Margaret Perkins



From Emily

If you want to see the benefits of health and fitness over the years Margaret is living prof IT WORKS!  She has been taking ballet for years and has recently taken up belly dancing!  Walking, pilates, and stretch and strength classes are also part of her weekly routine.  Her desire to stay informed about 'what the experts are saying' regarding health and fitness I think has helped her stay motivated and challenged.  That's how you get resluts, by staying motivated and getting out of your comfort zone to challenge yourself.  It's easy to fall into a pattern of doing the same old thing while Margaret is a great example of staying consistently dedicated to improving her fitness.  She is pretty awesome!!!

Laura's Story

After years of taking care of everyone but myself, I realized I was out of shape and in desperate need of exercise.  I am an organized person, who loves to work and runs a company with over 300 employees.  I am self motivated when it comes to work; but why could I never motivate myself to stick with an exercise plan.  I won an auction bid to a health club membership in Oct. 2009. It wasn’t until Feb. 2010, I finally walked through the health club doors and signed up and asked for a Personal Trainer.  That’s when I met Emily.  She is enthusiastic about her job and motivates with friendship and positive inspiration.  I have been going twice a week ever since.  My first goal was to go for a bike ride on our vacation in June.  We were going to Europe and I wanted to be able to take a bike tour.  It was exciting to be able to do this.  Emily worked with me to build my stamina with different exercises every time I went.  I never was bored and she never gave up on me.  By having an appointment each week encouraged me to go.  I had to block that time just like a business meeting.  I met my goal so what is next, each week it is exciting to see that I am little stronger, can go to the next weight, ride the stationary bike longer.  My next goal is to take a 2 hour bike ride to see New England in the Fall.  I know I can do it with the training and support Emily has provided.  She is an excellent “Personal Trainer” who has the skills and knowledge to take you where you want to go.

-Laura Redman

From Emily

Laura has been with me for several years now, and is still committed to her exercise program!  I would like to highlight that accomplishment because like so many others she has tried the whole workout thing before and stopped after a couple short weeks or months.  NOT THIS TIME!  Making exercise a priority twice a week when it's not always convenient I defiantly admire.  She has a way of seeing the positive in most any situation.  Taking one day at a time, and one workout at a time.  Keep on keepin on, way to go Laura!

Current goals:  To bike at level 4.5 for 2 intervals during workout- one month goal.  Not miss a workout- two month goal.  Enjoying the process! (september 2012)

 

one month goal-  incorporate 2 additional at home workouts (october 2012)

 



Rick races forward...

Like many of us, I had the intensions to get back into shape. I knew I wanted to and that I needed to.  The problem was that I didn't know how to.  Then I found the missing ingredient, Emily Dumelle.  She listened to me and my goals and put together an ever-changing program designed to keep my workouts fun, safe and to realize fast results.  The "how to" puzzle piece finally fell into place.  Emily has shown me the proper technique and sequence of exercises enabling me to make the most of my workout sessions.  Not only is she a great educator, she is a great motivator.  She has been instrumental in keeping me inspired and focused so that my fitness goals have now been realized.  I can honestly say that I am in better shape than when I was in my twenties (I am now 51) and I owe it all to Emily and Premier Fitness.  So, if you were like me knowing that it's time to get back into shape but need the guidance of a professional, I STRONGLY urge you to simply take 1 lessson with Emily and see if she can be the "missing piece" that will help you realize your fitness goals.

-Rick Parks

TO SEE THE NEWS REPORT: click here

From Emily

I think it's safe to say Rick has a passion for fitness.  It only took a couple sessions to get him going and he was off!!  Running, biking, skiing...maybe not skiing :)  His goals and interests seem to change.  That keeps me on my toes as a trainer!   Rick is an inspiration and you will find after talking to him it might rub off! 
I have the blessing of training his wife and daughter too.  The Parks family is getting down with fitness.  Very cool!

Growing Fit, Jordan Thomas

I have been working out with Emily ever since I was a freshman in high school. I have always wanted to live a healthier lifestyle, and Emily has helped me accomplish that. She incorporates a variety of different exercises each session so you will never get bored with the same workouts. We have even flipped giant tires on the basketball court! She has also helped me make smarter eating choices. Emily is an awesome personal trainer, and I would recommend her to anyone who wants to get in shape. 

-Jordan Thomas

After a training session, 1st yr. of college!!

Freshman yr. HS when training started!

From Emily

I am so so proud of Jordan!  It has been the coolest thing to watch her grow up and become such a mature young lady!  We just finished a summer boot camp focusing on nutrition and meal planning...and the latest nail polish color :)

Current goals:  Starting second yr of college and maintaining fitness!  Loving the spin classes!

dare to hope

This jumped out at me this morning and filled my heart with faith.  It's in Lamentations 3.  That's after Jeremiah (def had to use the table of contense ;)  Last night I was asking the Lord, who are you?  Do I even know you?  Coming from a place of bitterness, even when things aren't even terribly bad.  I don't want to be bitter, I want to be excited about the Lord.  Because first of all I am nothing without God.  (love Galations 2:20...it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me..)  He has saved me and continues to save me from sin and death and fills my heart with overwhelming joy so faithfully.  Def not deserved, but to know he thinks I'm worth it is unreal.  Maybe that is why people have such a hard time recieving grace sometimes?  They know how ugly sin has made them and it's just too good to be true.  I say "grace, YES PLEASE!"  Or maybe no one has over loved them with the love of Christ?  Scared from religion and rules and regulations, wounded and surpressed hurt beyond measure.  You just can't fully love without Jesus and his forgiveness in your heart.  Without forgivness, there's conditions.  Deep down I know he has a good plan.  But really... 'THIS', this is what it looks like???  The Lord def cares the most about the condition of my heart.  I just Love him and how he answers....

It starts out to say:
18.  Everything I had hoped for from the Lord is lost!...
19.  Bitter beyond words...

21.  Yet I still dare to hope

            when I remember this:

22.  The faithful love of the Lord never ends!

              His mercies never cease.

23.  Great is his faithfulness;

            his mercies begin afresh each morning.

24.  I say to myself, "the Lord is my

                    inheritance;

         therefore, I will hope in him!'

25.  The Lord is good to those who depend

             on him,

         to those who search for him.

26.  So it is good to wait quietly

          for salvation from the Lord.

27.  And it is good for people to submit at an

              early age

          to the yoke of his discipline:

28.  Let them sit alone in silence

           beneath the Lord's demands.

29.  Let them turn lie face down in the dust,

               for there may be hope at last.

30.  Let them turn the other cheek to those

               who strike them

          and accept the insults of their enemies

31.  For no one is abandoned

                by the Lord forever.

32.  Though he brings grief, he also shows

             compassion.

          because of the greatness of his

              unfailing love.

33.  For he does not enjoy hurting people

           or causing them sorrow.

Summer Tennis movie!

I SO love teaching the little ones how to play tennis.  Check out how awesome they are...

Demo Video

Wow, so here we go!  Here is a little sneak peak at fit 'n 5 video blogs I am working on.  I have so many fun things coming and can't hardly wait to share with everyone.  Set some goals today, shocking, I feel not so overwhelmed.  Putting things in perspective and setting goals that are do-able.  Thank you!  To my oh so patient friend, John, who sat with me and helped me plan out this whole new adventure.  'Reaching the Nations' I am calling it, through fitness and lifestyle training.  On a daily basis I sit and help others plan out how to reach fitness and lifestyle goals.  Then provide the tools to get there.  It really is nice to have someone help you do that.  Even though I squirmed at the idea of making goals.  After seeing that this can happen, my attitude went from 'this is to much' to 'i can do this'.  I can hardly wait to blog about 'how to set goals'.  I'm telling you, this is such a great thing to be able to do.  Anyone can set a goal, but are you reaching them?  If you are reaching them was it worth it?  Does the satisfaction leave you fulfilled or empty, striving for the next big thing.  Was the process in a nut shell......I don't have words there!!??  What is your process and where are you going with the goals you are setting?   Are you thinking now?  Or are you like me and tune out as soon as you hear the word 'goal'.  You know what you want and whatever happens, happens.  Whatever.  Whatever is SO one of my favorite words.  I have been known to dive into projects with a huge vision and lack of direction.  Whatever, I have goals now :P

Check out the super rough first video blog...

GREEN smoothie

For real they are good!

• unsweetened almond milk- 1 cup
• unsweetened apple sauce- 1/4 cup
• strawberries- 5
• banana- 1/2
• handful of stemmed kale
• 1 packet stevia
• ice cubes

Watch this youtube video on how easy it is to de-stem kale.  I just rip it off, ha going to have to try this!

amazed, still

With his love, he will calm all your fears. Zephaniah3:17

This song came on my Pandora yesterday and I'm in love!  When we don't even realize it the Lord is delighting in us.  Our thoughts might not line up, but God.  But God is there and I'm not even going to try and tell you how he loves ...He's better at it than I am :)

Sitting and being vulnerable in his presence.  The walls come down and it's messy, and totally cool.  I have had a relationship with the Lord for a handful of years, and honestly it's still new.  I didn't even realize it but I have not sat and opened up my heart to the Lord in, well, long enough.  Hence, facebook hiatus.  I need to hear the Lord.  More than anything I need to hear the Lord.  Even if its quiet and I'm waiting, I need to hear the Lord.  I'm so lost without God.  Facebook was becoming such a suction cup to negative fruit in my thoughts and time.  I got sick of it.  Basically.  Yeah.

thats all :)

cool chick!

Just came across this girl and I LOVE HER!!!  She totally squashes self-rejection and really taps into speaking life over yourself.  This is so so huge.  If the enemy is going to get me its in this arena.  Take thoughts captive, yes I know.  Oh now that's a good blog topic for a later date! 

Anyway, liked this video :)   Reminded me of Psalm118:24, This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Cute website too!  http://www.nicholekellerman.com/

Totally inspired by how she is impacting the lives of others and running her business!!

a typical busy day

So basically I'm just super pumped about InstaCollage and have nothing better to take pictures of!  Exciting I know!  This pretty much describes my typical day fitting in quick meals and a quick workout.  Get up grab pre-made breakfast.  Teach a tennis lesson.  Workout in my room.  Yes, on a beach towel, a fan going, and using the stop watch on my phone.  Foam roller always close at hand.  LOVE that thing! 

Workout was:  Squats, pushups, and sit ups.  start with 2 reps and increase 2 each round.  So 2, 4, 6...for 15 mins.  I got up to 20 reps.  had that goal in my head and went up to 16 mins, forgot to look at my phone.  Quick mile jog outside tracked on RunKeeper app.  25 min workout.  Sweet! 

Actually I was super sweaty and rushing to make lunch and shower before heading to the gym to train.  Pulled it off. 

Lunch was:  Sun dried tom basil wrap (100 cals so crazy), 2 brown scrambled eggs, couple pinches of mozzarella cheese, broccoli lightly steamed, red onion, and some salsa.  New fave dish!

Brought protein mix with me to make shake at gym between clients.  Stop at store on way home to grab din.  I am pretty worn out by now.  In and out of the store, make din and back off to gym.  One late night a week training a super sweet lady.

Dinner was: Salmon, Spaghetti Squash, and homemade sweet potato fries. 

day over heading home.

Okay I can't lie.  This pic was after late night the week before.  I looked more like a wreck prolly after a day like this one :)   Everyone seemd to be having a rough day including sweet Linda.  There was no picture taking this day but we did laugh it out and have a great workout!
Wanted to update with a pic of the short hair.  It's already growing so fast!!

chocolate coconut banana...whats not to love!?

So a whole day off in the middle of the week with no plans or commitments.  Hope everyone has enjoyed the day dedicated to freedom :)  Mine consisted of a long jog, painting nails, and baking with gilmore girls on in the backround.  Bliss!!  I have been wanting to experiment with some stuff for a while.  These turned out super yummy and I'm not sure I remember exactly how much of everything I put in the recipe.  Best part of this.. didn't have to make a trip to the store and used what I had!

2 mashed bananas
3 brown eggs
1/4 cup crushed walnuts
1/4 cup coconut flakes
1 cup coconut flour
3 Tbsp carob powder
1 tea baking soda
1 tea baking powder
3 Tbsp coconut oil
white chocolate chips

-mash the bananas
-throw in eggs, walnuts, coconut flakes
-sift in coconut flour, carob powder, baking soda and powder
-add melted coconut oil
-mix
-spoon into liners
-add white chocolate chips

Bake 350 20-25 mins

So the white chocolate chips were not as cool as I thought.  Would have been cooler if they were melted and like drizzled on.  I mean that would look like profess.  ha.  seriously yum and def healthy.  Yeah, i'd say healthy.

****

So I have secretly wanted to know how to cook *good* for like ever!  My nannie gave me this pic last time I saw her.  She used to let me make a huge mess in the kitchen and I LOVED it! hehehehe i think I'm 3 here.  Going to have to call and talk to nannie now she will get a kick I put this in my blog!

PRAY

Lord, Free us from the unhealthy habbit of only thinking about ourselves!  There is only one place where we are right with God, and that is IN Christ Jesus.  We are perfect only in Christ, not in the best we have done.  God did it for us.  I know no greater love.  Step into those shoes and begin to pray for whoever God puts in your path.  hmmm.  the inner life of prayer.  That quiet place with the Lord is the BEST!

Are we prepared to purposely disregard ourselves and to laung out into the priestly work of prayer? The continual inner-searching we do in an effort to see if we are what we ought to be generates a self-centered, sickly type of Christianity, not the vigorous and simply life of a child of God.  -Oswald Chambers

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people.  You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession.  As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness and into his wonderful light.  1peter2:9

Dear Blog,

We haven't met in a while!  The busyness of life I guess.  Def have once again run myself into the ground before taking a step back.  This time I have learned, ha really!!  Last week I went back to Illinois to visit my family.  Dad has been going through a health battle with kidney cancer.  Being so far has been harder than I realised.  At first I wanted to tune all that out and go about life as usual.  I will 'feel' later, right now I have stuff to do.  You might know how that goes!?  At any rate, I'm so so grateful for the chance to stop and spend some much needed time. 

In the midst of spending hours at the hospital it was shockingly restful and I actually had some fun!  Of course taking pictures along the way :) 
Before chemo started we took a trip to the zoo.  My sis had to leave the next day to work her biggest event of the year, River Fest.  She is a trip, I just adore my little sister to peices.  Even though she is loud and yells at me sometimes haha!!

Cheeky, Daddy, and Me at the zoo

 Bears

Penguins

Mom and I went to see cheeks do her thing.  They gave her a golf cart and she was for sure in charge and running the show like a star.

St. Charles River

So then we watched these dogs dive!  yeah!  Strangest thing, Dock Dogs they are called.  They measure what dog can dive the farthest.  

DOT DOG

Mama and I at river fest

That was cool.  Now I had a bit of a wait in the airport trying to get back to Texas.  Spending a whole day waiting to fly stand by and not getting on was worth it.  I got to see my BFF and spend one more night on valley!

Ian and I at the airport

Basically I have the coolest, sweetest aunt ever!  She met me at the airport the next morning, at 4am, to fly with me back to Texas.  We couldn't get on to houston so we got to fly FIRST CLASS to DENVER!  I was freaking out!  And so wishing I would have done my hair for the occasion :/

Aunt Whitney and I sitting first class :D

That was short lived.  Got to see the rockies only from the plane window.  Right back on another plane.  I was so hoping to get out and explore.  Gods timing is perfect.  I will wait on that one.

Thats the end of my photo journey back to the home base.  I love you family and I miss you more than you know!!! 

Gluten-Free Banana Maple Flax Muffins

Well they were gluten-free until I added 1/2 cup of oats to the mix.  Those could be left out.  Found this recipe and changed a few things, they turned out delish!  I get confused the way they tell you to mix stuff in a certian order, so I just throw it in a bowl and hope it turnes out.  Whatev!  Mash the bananas first.  Put melted coconut oil in last.  Just throw the rest in there :)

Recipe:
3 ripe mashed bananas
3/4 cup 100% pure maple syrup (could decrease amount and use agave nectar)
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 1/2 tea cinnamon
1 cup organic flax seed meal
3 cup wheat-free gluten-free whole grain oat flour
2 tea baking soda
1/2 tea sea salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

mix it up and fill liners to rim (makes about 15 muffins)

add cinnamon for topping

Bake at 350, 20-25 mins

love!

Fun with QUINOA

Have you heard of this South American wheat free, gluten free 'supergrain'!?  Basically it's awesome!  It contains more protein than any other grain, and provides all the essential amino acids.  It taste good and is easy to digest.  Cooks just like rice, takes about 15 mins. 

I have been putting it in my salads.  This one is organic greens, cherry tomatoes, brown cage free egg whites, red onion, cucumber, and organic inca red quinoa.  What dressing did I use?  Either an all natural balsamic vinegar, or all natural honey dijon.  (Working on making them from scratch)

Add it to chicken and veges!  I stir fried my veges (orange bell pepper, broccoli, and white onion) in a soy sauce replacement made from a coconut tree.  Its organic, low in sodium, a source of 17 amino acids(protein), vitamins, minerals, low in cals, gluten-free, and dairy free.  Raw Coconut Aminos soy-free seasoning sauce.  Score!!!

my facebook and twitter following

Now that I have your attention ;)

For the past couple years I have followed a reading that a church in Chicago sends out via email. Here is the link if you are interested.  It continues to ground me in the word and I'm beyond thankful and in awe of the Lord working in my life, AT ALL TIMES! I started writing this post back in January, and it has been on my heart to wrap up the thoughts. Fitting seeing as the past week I have decided to lay off the workouts and rest. I want to walk and not run... that dixie chicks song 'Cowboy Take Me Away' seems to be my heart beat the past couple weeks. Being in the fitness industry I find myself getting easily wrapped up in serving an image. Forming the physique can easily take priority over anything else in my life. Yes it's about being fit and the rest will follow, but lets be honest... most of us care about our image and looks to some degree. Not to say that being healthy and working toward fitness achievements is right/wrong, it's not about that. I can tell I'm getting burnt out and overtraining is about to set in. Our body is the temple of the holy spirit and we are called to honor God with our body, not honor our body as God. Time to rest, recover and spend time at the Lords feet. Put others before myself. Pour out not of myself and my strength but out of overflow received from the Father. Then just maybe my dixie chicks tune will change and I'll be 'Ready to Run' ;) Seeing as I have already gone off on a different avenue it would be a good time to dive into the original topic...

This teaching I believe reveals the contrast between what the world grabs for us to walk in and what walking in the fullness/wholeness/whatever of Christ is. (enter whatever super spiritual word works best there) Yes, I am being super spiritual...deal with it! The point is, our culture is grabbing for our attention into a fantasy world. We can so easily give our hearts to other 'lovers' and indulge in temporary satisfaction to fill the desires of our hearts. I'm def guilty of getting sucked into all the 'virtual life' that can take the place of real living and real relationships. How much time do we really spend on facebook, following or favorite twitter stars, and trying to make our own story appear exciting and glorious to the cyber community? I want to share how extremely challenged and encouraged I am by this concept. Seems like the deeper I get in His word the more it reveals the contrast of how I live and what I seek does not always match what it looks like to truly seek and live in His kingdom. The scripture after all says; seek His kingdom above all else...

Some QUESTIONS and A TRUTH that made me evaluate my walk:

1. How important is it for you to have the majority on your side?

2. Would you still follow even if there weren't many people in the crowd?

3. Why do you believe some people feel you have to be on TV, on the radio, have a massive twitter following, be published, etc to have a legitimate voice?

4. How does the life of Christ contrast with a culture that seeks to make a name for themselves?

*That is a tough question!

5. Jesus is not impressed with the number of followers.

*That is a tough truth!

For reference sake, the scriptures:

John 7:1-24 (NLT)

After this, Jesus traveled around Galilee. He wanted to stay out of Judea, where the Jewish leaders were plotting his death. But soon it was time for the Jewish Festival of Shelters and Jesus' brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles! You can't become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world! For even his brothers didn't believe in him

Jesus replied, “Now is no the time for me to go, but you can go anytime. The world can't hate you, but it does hate me because I accuse it of doing evil. You go on. I'm not going to this festival, because my time has not yet come.” After saying these things, Jesus remained in Galilee.

But after his brothers left for the festival, Jesus also went, through secretly, staying out of public view. The Jewish leaders tried to find him at the festival and kept asking if anyone had seen him. There was a lot of grumbling about him among the crowds. Some argued, “He's a good man, but others said, He's nothing but a fraud who deceives the people. But no one had the courage to speak favorably about him in public, for they were afraid of getting in trouble with the Jewish leaders.

Then, midway through the festival, Jesus went up to the Temple and began to teach. The people were surprised when they heard him. “How does he know so much when he hasn't been trained?” they asked.

So Jesus told them, “My message is not my own; it comes from God who sent me. Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own. Those who speak from themselves want glory only for themselves, but a person who seeks to honor the one who sent him speaks truth, not lies. Moses gave you the law, but none of you obeys it! In fact, you are trying to kill me.”

The crowd replied, “You're demon possessed! Who's trying to kill you?”

Jesus replied, “I did one miracle on the Sabbath, and you were amazed. But you work on the Sabbath, too, when you obey Moses' law of circumcision. (Actually, this tradition of circumcision began with the patriarchs, long before the law of Moses.) For if the correct time for circumcising your son falls on the Sabbath, you go ahead and do it so as not to break the law of Moses. So why should you be angry with me for healing a man on the Sabbath? Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.”

More Scripture:

So Jesus said, When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I AM he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me. And the one who sent me is with me-he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.” Then many who heard him say these things believed in him. Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:28-32

“No,” Jesus said, “I have no demon in me. For I honor my Father – and you dishonor me. And though I have no wish to glorify myself, God is going to glorify me. He is the true judge. I tell you the truth, anyone who obeys my teaching will never die!” John8:49-50

Jesus answered, “If I want glory for myself, it doesn't count. But it is my Father who will glorify me. You say, 'He is our God,' but you don't even know him, I know him. If I said otherwise, I would be as great a liar as you! But I do know him and obey him. Your father Abraham rejoiced as he looked forward to my coming. He saw it and was glad.
The people said, “You aren't even fifty years old. How can you say you have seen Abraham?”
Jesus answered, “ I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I AM!” At that point they picked up stones to throw at him. But Jesus was hidden from them and left the Temple. John8:54-59

SO WHAT IS THIS SAYING?
Well, it's safe to say God was not impressed with just the number of followers. Despite what happened Jesus didn't flinch. The crowd who followed Jesus thinned out. The fickle followers of Jesus were sifted out by some difficult teaching, yet the 12 decided to stay (John 6:66)
Jesus had to deal with some of the stuff that we do walking with Christ. One would be fading crowds. The second is serious misunderstandings from his own brothers! From their perspective they saw Jesus as a public servant and thought since the crowd left maybe he could save the situation and gain some followers. There seems to be a difference between being a fan and being a disciple. The scripture says you are truly a disciple if you remain faithful to the teaching. It's one thing to be a fan of Jesus, press the “like” button for Jesus on facebook and another to become a disciple.
Jesus wants us to stand for the truth, live in the truth, his sons and daughters to be set free by HIS GRACE, and not worry about the number of the crowd.

PRAYER
Then they suggest to pray this. Honestly I had to take a step back and ask myself, can I pray that from my heart? Not to say you have to have a script to talk to God. Learning to pray in His will is what counts I would say. And being real with God, let him handle the ugly. He really does turn the bitterness into something sweet. So yeah, could you honestly pray something along these lines?
Dear Father, we recognize that we live in a culture that is more concerned with the praise of men rather than the praise of God. Help us not to shrink back from proclaiming and demonstrating new life in Christ. May you and your truth be our majority. Continue your great work of weakening all the desires we have to make a name for ourselves. May we know the joys of being your servants and give you all the glory. Most importantly, give us a desire to know you better. We believe that Jesus is the Christ and that we have true life in his name. Amen.

WHAT I TAKE FROM ALL THIS is to be confident in the Lord. What I have to offer and what anyone that is seeking the will of God has to offer is of IMMEASURABLE VALUE! Don't shrink back, but let the light shine. Even in weakness, most of all in weakness. That is where His strength is made perfect. No matter what the number of the following and who is watching, stand for the truth. He will guide me and lift me up, no need to strive to make a name for myself. Be humble, get low to end up high. Seek to exalt His name. He alone is worthy. Walking in humility is glorious, and somehow does attract attention. (John8:50) It's not just something that works for you or doesn't work for you. It's a gift to receive life in Christ and you chose to receive it or ignore it. Or watch as others receive theirs and be envious of it, or even mock it. We are given this glorious gift of life from God and we get to watch as it all unfolds. There is a cost though. It costs giving up your life to receive true life. I have seen people with so little have so much more joy and happiness than those with fame and fortune. Each day we can choose to seek Christ or seek our own fame and fortune. As we follow Jesus every promise He has made us will come to pass. Gosh, that makes me thankful. My business is His business.

The Lord has a forgiving, loving, passionate heart toward us, with an amazing love story waiting to be told. I am going to start calling myself a hopeful romantic, just decided!

Writing this made me want to listen to an old fave! Seriously..i wanna walk and not run...

hmmm, i'll try this...

Pinapple Chicken:  Marinaded the chicken in some pinapple juice.  Baked it...yum!

Pinapple and Veges:  Stirfired some veges with cut up pinapple.  Added a splash of water and the pinapple created some juice.  Broccoli, orange bell pepper, bean sprouts, and ginger root.  Ginger Root is good for digestion...check it out!  I wanted to add some Braggs Liquid Amino's but didn't  have any!  boo

Sweet Potato Fries: Tossed in lil bit of olive oil, cinnamon, basil, lil sea salt.  Baked em at 450, 20 mins...AMAZING!! I was sorta worried about that combo...but def recommend.

re-focus...



True Beauty

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live. Isaiah55:3

Not only live but grow in Grace and Power and Beauty- the true Beauty, the Beauty of Holiness. Reach ever forward after the things of My Kingdom. In the animal world the very form of an animal alters to enable it to reach that upon which it delights to feed. So reaching after the treasures of My Kingdom your whole nature becomes changed, so that you can best enjoy and receive the wonders of that Kingdom. Dwell on these truths.

This is from basically the best little black book ever, God Calling by A.J. Russell. 

Lasting change happens from the inside out. JESUS I NEED YOUR PRESENCE more than anything, COME overtake every-part-of-me!

My refuge

My strength

My righteousness

My deliverer

My safe place

My rock

My fortress

My confidence

My hope

Psalm 71

Jordans Workout: Legs&Abs

I took some pics of Jordan working out this week during her training session!  She likes to lift weights twice a week and enjoys zumba and spin classes.  She has continued to lose body fat, increase her strength, flexibility and endurance...the healthy way!  Exercise and smarter food choices.  NO crash diets and exercise burnout.  So proud of you girlie :)

The warmup:  Elliptical and body weight squats

We started out with a couple mins on the elliptical

and agreed today would be legs and abs.

Body weight squats starting with a short

range of montion and increasing toward lowering

all the way to the step.

She has the flexibility to get there!

Exercise 1- Circuit 1: Toe Touches

Raise shoulders off ground

raise one leg up

reach arms up toward toe

Return to a full extension

Alternate the leg raised

20 reps

Move to next exercise

Exercise 2- Circuit 1: V sit with a Medicine ball twist
twist at the torso
bringing the MB to the floor
bring it side to side

keep abs tight
a neutral spine
& shoulders pulled back
raise feet off the ground if good form can be kept

20 reps
move to next exercise

Exercise 3- Circuit 1:  Walking Lunge
Keep abs tight, shoulders up, take a big step foward
heel to toe
bend both knees (back knee does not touch floor)
make sure front knee does not overpass toe

Great form here!


bring knee up to a balance
walk 10 lunges each way, 20 total

Repeat circuit 2-4x




Exercise 4- Circuit 2: Sit ups with Medecine Ball
Hold MB in at chest level
(holding above head would increase difficulty)
lower down

 20 reps
move to next exercise





Exercise 5- Circuit 2: Plank
with Hip Extension
Start position
hands directly under shoulders
Hips low
Abs tight
Spine neutral


Bring knee in toward chest


extend leg to full extension
Keep the core engaged so
lower back does not dip
and hips do not raise

alternate legs
20 reps
Move to next exercise







Try the same exercise with the MB
Make sure to keep good form

Notice my coffe to the side...looks about right :)


Exercise 6- Circuit 2: Reverse Lunge with Medicine Ball
Start with MB at chest
(holding ball above head would increase difficulty)
Standing both feet all the way on step
Step back into a lunge position
Keep shoulders up
Return to start position
Alternate legs
20 reps

Repeat circuit 2-4x

Exercise 7- Circuit 3: Diagnols
with Medecine Ball
Low to High

Lower as about to squat
rotate at torso
to bring MB to the lateral
side of the body

keeping arms extended
raise the ball to opposite side
Now hips and shoulders can rotate

Keep Abs tight
making sure not to let lower back arch

10 reps each side
 Move to next exercise

Exercise 8- Circuit 3: Leg Curls
In a prone position flex hamstrings
lower to start position

20 reps

Repeat circuit 2-4x