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

write it down!

I personally started keeping a journal/book of recipes in my new favorite cook book.  I  keep it close at hand and sometimes just take it to the store with me along with my list of groceries to get. Thank you Rose Heights for being so awesome and providing tools to live healthy in all areas! It's great for ideas and to pull open when cooking. I just started writing stuff in it and stuffing papers with recipes in it. It's my organized mess that I now can't live without in the kitchen!  The past month I have been moving and in transition.  Just like when traveling, during a move it's hard to stay on track and eat healthy. I HATE being off track and am learning to embrace the messy-ness of it all. But really, it is very possible to eat healthy on the road. This is why at least basic knowledge of nutrition is so important. Some may need a more detailed food journal if working toward a specific goal.  Anyway...

Here is a link to Kristen's Healthy Kitchen Recipes!

Workout log and Recipe/meal journal

Also, it has helped me so much during a time of transition to have my workout log written down and updated. If it's not written down I get to the gym in the middle of the week and have no idea what muscle groups I have done or no plan of what to do next.  I encourage people I train to keep a workout log, especially so they can look back on it for workout ideas.  This helps me to see what my clients are doing outside of their session with me.  What a great way to highlight success's and see what areas to focus on to improve.  SO write it down guys!  Thanks!! :))

If you are not currently focused on your health and fitenss and want to be just start and start SIMPLE.  A basic plan and goals then start keeping a log...WRITE IT DOWN!

Looking forward to posting some more specific workout's with exercises included!! AND starting the 40 day devotional that I planned on back in January. The process gets spread out. That's the beautiful thing about living healthy, the on-going process never ends!!!

Katie's black bean burgers



this is sorta big, two servings

1/2 cup black beans
1/4 cup flour
1 egg white
1/2 cup shredded carrots
season:  onion, garlic, cumin, basil (whatever you like)

* mix beans (mashed), egg, flour

* mix in carrots

* make patties

* cook med heat about 3 mins each side

* makes 2-3 patties




Smaller, single serving

Notes:

~ use soaked cooked beans if possible, no canned

~ if beans are warm they are easier to mash

~ serve with sliced avocado...i didn't have any :(



Katie and I!

new shoes

SO I love my new shoes!  Brooks PureCanence running shoes.  I have super flat feet and decided to stop using my orthotics and find a shoe that was lightweight and good support.  My feet have been happy during and after runs, def recommend. 

Reminded:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:1-2

per-sev-ere:  to continue steadfastly
stead-fast: firm in belief, determination, or adherence : loyal

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.  Isaiah 26:3

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out proverbs10:9. His walk may be slow but it is sure. Filled with steady perseverance. It searches for peace rather than prosperity. This is contrary in almost every way our world works today. One day at a time... PERSEVERE

ok, i surrender

The past couple weeks I have been having a hard time with surrender. As much as I wanted to lay everything down at the altar, I just couldn't let go. As much as it sounds good to say “yeah, I trust the Lord” I knew I couldn't make that statement in complete honesty. What it comes down to is I might not trust Gods heart towards me. That if I really surrender I might not like what comes next.

So maybe if I get down on my knees, then I'll feel it. Nope. I got up and wondered why did it used to be so easy just to give it all. Then I got a text from a friend (who btw has no idea what is going on in my life). The text says...have you surrendered every part of you? Literally right after I got up. One of those moments that you know God is totally in all this. So I'm like great, God's totally letting me know he's there and I'm still fighting letting go.

In worship the following day I started to realize that surrender sometimes is like forgiveness. You might not feel it, but it is a choice. Yield your heart to surrender even though there are no warm fuzzy feelings to go along with it. Choose to surrender even when there is a pull that is saying no the other way is better. Choose to surrender even if you don't feel like it. Choose to surrender even if what comes next might be uncomfortable. Choose to surrender your will and your dreams and your desires and experience PEACE THAT SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING.

He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Psalm23

Take delight in the lord, and he will give you your heart's desires. Psalm37

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. Zephaniah3:17

Perf song!  Thanks Judy!  Love kari and her sweet anointing!

dude, i made my own clif bars!!

1/2 cup almond butter

2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

3/4 cup date paste (blend 1 cup pitted dates with 1/4 cup water)

1/2 cup ground flax seed

2 cups oats

1 cup raisins

1/4 cup unsweetened coconut

splash of vanilla

1/4 cup walnut flour ( put walnuts in blender and blend to flour consistency)

1/4 cup almond four (put almonds in blender and blend to flour consistency)

Mix all ingredients in large mixing bowl.  Shape into balls or squares.  Add more applesauce if to dry or more flour if to wet.  Place into freezer (at least 1/2 hour) to firm up and Enjoy!

Random Notes: 

~You can add more or less of whatever ingredients! 

~Dates are a great sugar substitute and the left over paste can be stored in the fridge for a couple weeks. 

~Yay for making almond flour, after the initial fail :)  I'm pretty pumped about that! 

~You can buy flax seed ground.  I bought some at Fresh in the self serve section and ground my own, the bag was 10 cents! 

~Shape them into whatever size.  Bite size for a quick snack!





a quest for health

I want to tell you about my new quest for better health. It's a pretty common goal and there are a million voices grabbing for your attention on the subject. The word 'diet' sends me running and immediately tune out whatever follows, generally. They all seem to promote weight loss, muscle gain, and now more commonly performance enhancement, healing and disease prevention. No carb, low carb, high protein, low fat, good fats and bad fats, no sugar, no sodium, no dairy, grain free or just gluten-free, organic, soy or no soy and the list goes on.

People are so unique and have different needs and goals. I'm asked often for help with food plans, and find most are just uneducated on nutrition. An exception would be the cases where health issues have forced a major diet change, then there is more knowledge and awareness. Also, culture and environment play a big role in what people daily feed on. The past week I have spent a good about of the time in the grocery store, and health food stores, reading and researching. I'm overloaded and have learned more in the past two weeks possibly than in four years of college. College did teach my how to dig for information and test my sources. I'm for sure not a nutritionist, but I have studied nutrition on the surface. It's important and will impact results drastically. Personal training and diet go hand in hand. My own personal story of recovery from an eating disorder and learning to have a healthy relationship with food is freeing, and I love to share! I have a lot to say on the subject :) From being in close relationship with some amazing women, I know I'm not alone. I will say, restriction mentality does lead down roads that don't end well. It's not about taking control of your life by controlling what you eat, but about taking charge of your health by making healthy choices.

Trying not to make this post a novel. I was handed a book at church last week. Our pastor is leading a 12-week transformation series. Legit! I am interested in this 40 day devotional. I do believe doing things Gods way leads to success. One of the first things I read is:

The most important decision you will make during your life is, how will you respond to Jesus Christ. Make a decision about how you will live and for whom you will live. Will it be Christ or for self?

I like that.

The scripture as far as food intake its based on Genesis 1:29 It's about eating the food God created in His original provision in the first garden.

Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground – everything that has the breath of life in it – I give every green plant for food. And it was so. Gen1:29(NIV)

Ok, hang on! This is suggesting to go on a plant based, diet, Lord!? C ya! Just saying. Or what's the new word...that cray! I am usually behind on the hip new lingo, my sister would prolly laugh at me for saying that :) Basically the plates suggested consist of: 50% leafy greens and raw veges, 20% lightly steamed or cooked veges, 20% bean, lentils, whole grains, stews, soups, small serving of animal products, 10% fruit and occasional bread portion of the meal. That's intense and against the grain of some popular diet trends. I'm not going to get into the subject of grains and meats/animal products right now. I will say... eggs, fish, chicken, and beef are a major source of my protein intake currently. Also, as far as grains.. I do love oatmeal. The original oats, not the instant stuff. I do want to clean my diet of processed foods and expand my recipe base. I've already learned some neat new healthy tricks and am looking forward to sharing. So 40 days...I'm going to do it, we'll see what happens :)

What I don't like about talking 'diets' is the tension and differing of opinions, judgment, and taking of sides that so easily happens. It's almost like talking religion or politics!

I'm going to quote Scott's book, this is from the preface:

This book is not about legalism, dietary laws, asceticism, or religious food restrictions. We have freedom and liberty in Christ, and we are not confined to strict dietary laws. Yet, diet is one of those closely held belief systems that can lead to arguments- sometimes heated- and then categorization followed by separation. Within Christian circles, it can be equally divisive as groups and individuals take a stand and attempt to defend their positions, often with unspoken assumptions and misunderstanding. Therefore, I have not named a diet, nor do I promote a named diet. I encourage you to return to foods that God created, supported by the Bible and science.

Before this becomes hard core, jk it's so not hard core. Before the commitment I'm taking a couple weeks prep phase because reviewing the material there are items I've never heard of, not many but enough. Like any change, it's a process. I plan on blogging the 40 days, not everyday but as the Lord leads. Honestly I wanted to give up when my attempt to make breakfast bars failed. Coconut flour does not work as a substitute for almond flour. I think every store in Tyler is out of almond flour, if it even exists. I will conquer the breakfast bars....but not today. Let me share with you a healthy creation that did work. Love smoothies and never would have thought to mix veges and fruit together in them. I mean I have never even heard of Kale! Parents, kids might like this one!

Nutrient dense foods included in the smoothie:

1/2 cup Unsweetened pomegranate juice: good source of folate, potassium, vitamin K, and antioxidants (one study found it to have higher antioxidant activity than red wine, grape juice, green tea, or acai juice)

antioxidant 101: They protect and repair cells from damage caused by free radicals. Helps strengthen the immune system. Found in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

4-5 Strawberries: low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Good source of folate, potassium, fiber, vitamin C, and manganese

1/2 cup Raspberries: vitamin K, magnesium, fiber, and manganese

1 leaf of stemmed Kale: fiber, protein, thiamine, riboflavin, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin B6, calcium, potassium, copper, manganese, and omega 3 fatty acids. Contains antioxidant nutrients (including and unusual concentration of carotenoids and flavonoids, lutein, and beta-carotene) yeah! Contains anti-inflammatory nutrients, and anti-cancer nutrients (specifically helps against breast cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, and bladder cancer). Another benefit, it helps lower cholesterol.

OMG, I <3 KALE!!!
Add some Ice Cubes to desired thickness