Don't you just love it when God plops really neat ideas into your brain? For me, they tend to be at seemingly inconvenient times. Hahah Apparently right before I'm drifting off to sleep is a time when God can get my attention the easiest, because that's when He tends to throw things out at me. I phrase it like that for a very specific reason, mind you, because it's not like the ideas just gradually or gently "come to me." Oh no, one second there's nothin' and then BAM! an idea smacks me right in the face, waking me from my near-slumber.
Well, that's what happened when He gave me the idea for a new event that my business training and networking company, ThriveWith5, is bringing to the table next week. Yes, next week.
I was laying in bed when all of a sudden He hit me with the concept... networking, business, prayer, prayer, networking, business... these three concepts should all meld together, never separate from one another. Why don't we have a networking event that is focused on praying for our businesses in addition to networking?! I know, totally brilliant right? It made me wonder why I hadn't heard of anything like that before. We have the annual prayer breakfast here in Amarillo but God said we are going to have a networking event each month that incorporates prayer.
So He gave me the name too...
Pray'N.
Like, prayer meets networking... Pray'N. Cool huh?
So I am completely excited about this event. So often we somehow manage to separate God and our businesses, when in reality, God owns our businesses! Once a month now we will meet for lunch, networking, and to gather together believing for blessings and favor for one another for our businesses in prayer.
Oh yes, I am stoked.
I hope the entire town can join us! (Hey, go big or go home, people!)
Has God ever given you a completely awesome idea at some really random moment? One of those, you knew it had to be from God because there's no way you would've pulled that one out from anywhere-type things? They are my favorite kind!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Friday, December 23, 2011
Let's rock the box in 2012!
Sometimes you receive insights or revelations that would just make you totally selfish if you didn't share them. Well today I have some to share, so buckle up!
As we close in on 2012 there's a lot of planning involved. Lots of wrapping things up (pun intended) from 2011 and dreaming, planning and calculating for 2012. What are our goals? What do we hope to accomplish? Where do we start? How do we move forward? These are all questions I've been mulling over for a couple months now, and as 2012 draws near I feel the anticipation increasing.
YOU will do big things in 2012 if you set your mind to it! Are you ready?
I read this recently in Joyce Meyer's book, "Power Thoughts." EXCELLENT book by the way. (Learn more about it here.) I'm still working through it and learning a heap load.
As I read this quote I first registered it as a warning. But then, as I read on, I realized it is also an encouragement. Here's my spin...
Before 2012 gets here, complete this sentence... "I can _____________________." Be determined to see it through this coming year, no matter the obstacles you face. Remember, you can do whatever you need to do through Christ. (Thanks for the power thought, insight and wisdom, Joyce Meyer! ;))
Some other things I realized today while studying during "Power Thoughts..."
The world is filled with people who are pros at telling us what we can or cannot do. Ordinary people CAN do extraordinary things if they just flat out REFUSE to give up.
Proclaim today...
"I will continue forward in my circumstance and let God guide me in growing and establishing my business (or other endeavor you are on). I refuse to listen to any nay-sayers (including Satan) who say 'I can't' because...
a)________________________________
b)________________________________
c)________________________________
d)________________________________
or ANY other reason presented. I REFUSE TO GIVE UP.
This is my personal business prayer that I prayed this morning. I will continue to pray it throughout 2012, but I feel like it can be applied to whatever area in your life it is needed as well. Join me in proclaiming these things in prayer over our businesses, families, and lives!
As we close in on 2012 there's a lot of planning involved. Lots of wrapping things up (pun intended) from 2011 and dreaming, planning and calculating for 2012. What are our goals? What do we hope to accomplish? Where do we start? How do we move forward? These are all questions I've been mulling over for a couple months now, and as 2012 draws near I feel the anticipation increasing.
YOU will do big things in 2012 if you set your mind to it! Are you ready?
"Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny."
- Anonymous
I read this recently in Joyce Meyer's book, "Power Thoughts." EXCELLENT book by the way. (Learn more about it here.) I'm still working through it and learning a heap load.
As I read this quote I first registered it as a warning. But then, as I read on, I realized it is also an encouragement. Here's my spin...
"Positive thoughts become life-affirming words.
Life-affirming words become necessary actions.
Necessary actions become healthy habits.
Healthy habits become Godly character.
Godly character becomes a fulfilling destiny that touches many and leaves a legacy..."
- Maddy Vieth, The getREAL Coach
- Maddy Vieth, The getREAL Coach
Before 2012 gets here, complete this sentence... "I can _____________________." Be determined to see it through this coming year, no matter the obstacles you face. Remember, you can do whatever you need to do through Christ. (Thanks for the power thought, insight and wisdom, Joyce Meyer! ;))
Some other things I realized today while studying during "Power Thoughts..."
The world is filled with people who are pros at telling us what we can or cannot do. Ordinary people CAN do extraordinary things if they just flat out REFUSE to give up.
Proclaim today...
"I will continue forward in my circumstance and let God guide me in growing and establishing my business (or other endeavor you are on). I refuse to listen to any nay-sayers (including Satan) who say 'I can't' because...
a)________________________________
b)________________________________
c)________________________________
d)________________________________
or ANY other reason presented. I REFUSE TO GIVE UP.
This is my personal business prayer that I prayed this morning. I will continue to pray it throughout 2012, but I feel like it can be applied to whatever area in your life it is needed as well. Join me in proclaiming these things in prayer over our businesses, families, and lives!
 |
| Photo credit mdhca.org via Google images |
Lord,
Help me to rock my box until it breaks. I want to break it into so many pieces it doesn't even look like a box anymore! My trust, hope, faith, and confidence is in You Jesus.
I know You called me to this place, so here I am Lord. I'm not running from it. I'm here. I'm going to see this thing through, even though I know it won't be easy. I refuse to be deterred because You are bigger than my circumstance God! After all, "I can do anything I need to do through Christ!"
Protect me as I walk Lord. Guide my steps so I do not fall. You are my rock. Thank You for Your grace in this. Thank You, too, for Your favor as I begin/continue this journey. I know I am not alone, even when it feels like it. You are always there.
I'm ready. I'm ready to be strong in You.
Keep my hand steady, my eyes focused, and my heart lifted up to You.
Help me bless as many people as possible as You bring them across my path, through my door and into my life. Give me the courage and insight to say, "No," when I need to. Whisper to my heart when I need to say, "Yes..."
You are so good, our Almighty King! Thank You, God, for walking me through the fire and keeping me from getting burned.
Grant me the ability to give every time I can; to touch a life, to make someone smile. Thank You for caring about the details of my life. Thank You for the opportunity to reach out to those who may need it.
You rock, Jesus!
Amen
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
One month ago, today...
It's still hard for me to really wrap my mind around the fact that she is gone.
The life she lived was just that... a life. She was full of life. She didn't stand on the sidelines, waiting for things to happen for her. She got out there, she made them happen. She enjoyed life's little moments as much as she enjoyed life's big moments...
and she saw God in EVERYTHING.
Denai didn't waste a minute living her life. She didn't put things off until tomorrow. She didn't wait to tell people that she cared about them. You knew she cared about you just by the tone of her voice.
When she entered a room, she immediately grabbed the attention of everyone in it without commanding it in any way. When she hugged your neck, she made you feel like you were important, appreciated and special. She always said, "YOU are WORTH IT!" More importantly though, she really made people feel like that.
I met Denai simply because God told her to send me an email. Our friendship was a whirlwind of blessings, excitement, and fun. I learned more from her in the time we shared as friends than I ever dreamed possible. Neither of us entered the friendship with any sort of gain in mind, but what we came out with was more than I had ever hoped for.
All of a sudden I loved this woman like my own sister. All of a sudden we were close enough to call one another at midnight...
"Happy tomorrow! I figured you'd still be up working... I was thinking about something and wanted to run it by you..."
Those are conversations I will never forget.
Denai made an imprint on the world that won't soon be forgotten. She made an imprint on thousands of people's hearts that won't soon be forgotten, either...
There are still voicemails from her on my phone that I can't bring myself to delete. When I really need to hear her voice I listen to them.
There are still emails from her, sitting in my inbox, awaiting a reply... I can't delete those yet, either.
Some day I'll be able to. For now, the wound is still fresh.
I don't cry every time I think about her these days, like I did at first. This is the first loss I've felt so close to home, and man was it a big one.
When Denai died she took a piece of my heart with her. There's now a hole there where the light of her life shines through.
Somehow she reminds me every day to find God in everything... that God is good... that family is everything... that we are here to bless people in whatever ways we can.
I learned so much from her in our short time as friends, and I continue to learn from her after her death.
So this is my prayer for today;
Lord,
Please help me to live like a bright, shining light like Denai did. You are so good God, so faithful and just. Thank you for the knowledge that Denai is in heaven, "WOOHOO!!!"ing it up with the angels, singing praises at Your feet, networking and keeping everyone busy. Also thank you that she is reunited with her little heavenly children, and with her brother. What a wonderful Christmas she will spend in the heavens with You. I can only imagine how amazing it will be.
Father, help us to remember the important things, especially during this time of year. Your blessings are truly astounding on every level. Guide us as we walk, day to day. Help us to enjoy the moments we have here, and not take them for granted. Help us to live a life that reflects Your love, a life that makes an imprint on those we encounter. God, help us bless as many people as we can in the time we have here... for only You know when our hour to reunite with You in heaven will come.
Oh Jesus we sing Your praises... Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! You, Father, are sovereign and good. So, so good.
Continue to be with all of those mourning the loss of our sweet Denai, especially her precious family. Lord, hug her for us, because we sure do miss her down here...
Amen
Guys, we just never know when our time will be. Life is so short. Love everyone you encounter. Find ways to bless people, because what is life for if not to love one another?
During this Christmas holiday, remember God's love... a love so strong that He sent His Son to die for us.
Today, I remember my friend's amazing life. Forever, I will remember the legacy she left...
May your day be filled with blessings, your moments be warmed with laughter, and your praises be sung to the Most High.
- Maddy
 | ||
| May you rest in the arms of our Lord and Savior forever, sweet Denai. July 26, 1974 - November 7, 2011 |
And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. - 1 Peter 5:10
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Get thin or die trying?
Since February I have been on what I like to call a "health journey." Really it was a belated New Year's Resolution, but I didn't want to put that title on it because, well, how many New Year's Resolutions have you kept? Anyway, I had gained a significant amount of weight and I was sick of it. I was sick literally, and I was sick of being sick. I won't lie, I contemplated some different diets. Slimfast, Acai Berry, HCG drops... Yuck, yuck and BIGGER yuck. I was the health reporter at the Amarillo Globe-News at the time, and essentially read studies on all of these. I knew how dangerous and overall double-sided they were, but like practically every other American, I wanted instant results. Like a microwave, I wanted to pop it in, set the timer, and voila! Fit and healthy.
I couldn't do it. I knew in my heart of hearts that taking the easy way out just wouldn't cut it. I would get to an end result, yes, but not one that was maintainable. We've all seen it over and over. Every woman who diets is like a yoyo... up, down, up, down... fat, skinny, fat, skinny... I didn't want to be that girl.
So, true to my headstrong self, I dug in my heels and determined that I was going to lose the weight and get healthy again... the REAL way. The NATURAL way. The HARD way.
Here we are, 15 pounds later. It has been one heck of a back-and-forth journey so far, but I'm proud of every painstaking pound I lost.
A few days ago, after feeling particularly crappy because of the crummy food I had put into my body, I decided to get reinvigorated. I'm on what I call a 30-day challenge. For 30 straight days I am going to stay at or under my calorie count. (For those of you who need a good resource, My Fitness Pal is a free app on iTunes and it is amazing! It calculates how many calories you need to eat a day to lose the weight based on how much you currently weigh and your goal weight, but it forces you to focus on losing it gradually. Oh and yells at you when you don't eat enough that day with a warning in bright red, bold letters: YOU ARE EATING TOO FEW CALORIES! My absolute favorite thing about this app, though, is that it gives you a weight estimate after you log in each day that reads, "If every day were like today, you would weigh ___ pounds in 5 weeks." It's very encouraging to see what you COULD weigh if you keep on keepin' on!) So, this week I sat down and started journaling. Somehow I ended up coming up with the top 10 reasons I want to lose the rest of the weight, get to my goal and be healthy for a lifetime.
Enjoy!
1. A healthy heart.
Earlier this year I was put on a heart monitor and sent through all kinds of tests to determine why I was having heart flutters. Turns out (thank you Lord) it was no big deal. Even though I wasn't to a dangerous point on the BMI scale, the doc lectured me about my current weight and said I needed to eat healthier. (I know your curiosity is killing you, so I am going to bury what my weight was deep into this blog... on my 5'8 frame I was at 176 pounds at that point.) Talk about a wakeup call!
"...be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or lose heart!" 1 Chronicles 22:13
2. To look good for my husband.
Ok women, quit your scoffing. I have no doubt that my husband loves me no matter what, no matter my body shape and size. He is the best at reminding me how beautiful I am on a regular basis. But the bottom line is that it really IS important to look good and take care of ourselves for our spouses! For men, what with them being all visual and everything, I think it's especially important. Yes, he loves my heart, my personality, blahdeeblahblah, but it's important to me that he finds me unequivocally attractive. When we're together, I want him to be like, "Ohhh yeah! She's with me!"
"Since they are no longer two but one, let no one separate what God has joined together." Matthew 19:6
3. To feel comfortable and confident.
Everyone's confidence and comfort levels are different, and specifically tailored to who they are, how they were raised, who and what surrounds them, etc. For me, comfort is being physically fit. I was an athlete growing up. Physical fitness wasn't just something I desired, it was something I needed to function in my sport of choice. I feel the most comfortable when I am physically fit. Don't misunderstand; physical fitness is not the same as being skinny. I was never skinny (my big booty was the "butt" of many a joke... pun intended. lol). But being able to run, walk, climb stairs and so on without being winded... that's important. I literally noticed that I would get winded walking up stairs. So NOT a good feeling! And confidence... I have always been a relatively confident person. Yes I've had my inner struggles with confidence just like every other human being capable of feeling on this planet, but for the most part I've held my own. I do not believe that your confidence should specifically be TIED to your weight, or your body image. That's just plain unhealthy. But I'm not so ignorant as to think there's not a connection between the two! If you are eating right, exercising regularly, and your body reflects that... trust me, you are much more likely to walk around feeling confident.
"It is the branch that bears the fruit that feels the knife." - Annie Johnson Flint
4. To honor God with the abilities He gave me.
This goes back to the whole physically fit thing. God gave me the athletic abilities I have. He gave me the desire to continue on in the athletic field I work and thrive in. He gave me my headstrong nature. He gave me my curves, big volleyball thighs included (lol). He gave me the ability of leadership. He gave me so many things that are very closely tied into taking care of my body. If I don't take care of my own body, how in the world could I preach to my volleyball players the importance of getting in shape to play their sport? Hello hypocrisy! I can't do that. I won't be that person who preaches one thing and does another. It is important for me to honor the position God has placed me in, and that includes taking care of myself.
"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." 2 Chronicles 15:7
5. To prove to myself that I CAN.
Boy oh boy is weight loss an up and down ride. There are high highs and there are low lows. But basically, one of my reasons is to prove to myeslf that I really CAN do whatever I set my mind to, with the help of the Lord. If I committ to Him what I am doing I know that my plans will succeed. Why? Because the Bible tells me so. ;) It also tells me that I can do ALL THINGS (not some things) through Christ who gives me strength. Talk about a promise! I definitely feed off of feeling successful. This has proved both a blessing and a curse, because when I am unsuccessful at something it frustrates me terribly. Luckily in this situation, each pound or inch is a small victory; a small battle won in the war. Since I thrive off that, it keeps me pressing forward.
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
6. To set a standard for those in my circle of influence and be a good example to those under my leadership.
Like I mentioned before, I refuse to be the person preaching one thing and practicing another! I see a desperate need in the world around me for people to quit blaming and complaining and step up! I take full responsibility for the weight gain, and therefore I take full responsibility for the weight loss. If everyone in a leadership position stood up, I guarantee others would follow. And by leadership position I don't mean you have to be an athletic coach, a business owner, or the President. You lead in many areas of your life that you don't even realize. Are you a mom or a dad? You are a leader to your children. Are you a school teacher? You are a leader to your classroom. Are you a nurse? You are a leader to everyone who steps through the doors seeking medical care. Let's all step up and set an example for those around us!
"Without good direction people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances." Proverbs 11:14 The Message
7. To practice discipline.
Oh discipline. Just the word typically makes us all shudder. It seems like such a hard thing to achieve, doesn't it? And let's be REAL - it IS hard to achieve! But I think it's worth it. If I didn't think it was worth it I wouldn't be going after the goals I've set. I know for myself that if I can be disciplined in the area of taking care of my body, God will entrust me with other things for which I have to exercise discipline. I have to start with me. I have to be disciplined in the area of MY life. For those of you wondering, I am so not naturally, intrinsically disciplined. I am headstrong, which helps, but being disciplined is not a natural thing for me. Actually, I am literally a part of the so-called "entitlement generation." I have to FIGHT to not be lumped in with that term! I despise that term! Nothing comes easy, and nothing is free. We have to practice discipline in our lives, without someone holding our hand everyday. I have to take these things one at a time, or I get overwhelmed. I am not disciplined about keeping my house tidy, or the laundry done. I am not disciplined about eating healthy foods. I am not disciplined about working out (even though it's something I very much enjoy). I am not disciplined about getting up early (I hate mornings). I am not... but I CAN BE. One step at a time, no matter how small. I know that the more I exercise discipline in the small areas of my life - the areas that I have total control over - the more responsibility I will be given in say, my work life.
"The road to life is a disciplined life..." Proverbs 10:17
"For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him." Phillippians 2:13
8. To feel better.
Bottom line: I feel crappy when I eat crappy. I feel good when I eat good. It's like that whole "you are what you eat" thing. Man if we really think about that it's sort of gross. At the same time, it's true! When I eat lighter, smaller portions... when I add vegetables and fruit into my diet... when I drink enough water... I feel lighter. I feel more comfortable. I have more energy. I am more focused. When I eat heavy foods, I feel heavy. I feel sluggish. I feel lazy. I feel like I want to just sit on the couch and watch TV. I feel unmotivated. I feel overall... crummy. When I work out, I feel invigorated! When I work out, I feel energized! When I work out, I feel successful! So why... why in the world would I choose NOT to eat healthy and exercise? You got me. But I do. So to feel better, I'm going to make the CHOICE to live better.
"I have chosen to participate, rather than spectate; to do, and not just dream; to risk stumbling, and rise to try again." - Anonymous
9. To not become another "fat stat."
Yes, I said it. Fat stat. Have you read the statistics on obesity in our country? It is literally TERRIFYING. I don't want to hear the whole "but obese is based on your BMI and blahdeeblahblahblah"... the bottom line is, we need to TAKE RESPONSIBILITY for being overweight. We've got to stand up and say, "I'm done." Do we seriously want our children to FEEL the way we feel when we are overweight and out of shape? I don't have children yet, but looking down the road, I NEVER want them to feel the way I did when I was 15 pounds heavier than I am right now. And I'm sure, when I reach my goal, I will look down the road and say I NEVER want my children to feel the way I did when I was 30 pounds heavier. Have I mentioned that my all-time favorite foods are Mexican food and Italian food? I am Italian. We Italians love to eat! I could live off bread, cheese and wine. Having a home cooked meal, sitting around the dinner table with family and catching up... I LOVE doing that! But boy do we need to be careful. Portion sizes... smaller. Ingredients... healthier. After all, we'd all like to live a little longer to enjoy those meals, wouldn't we?
10. To prove that the hard work of losing weight by exercising and eating healthy ALONE is worth it.
Man have I been tempted by every diet fad out there. The cleanses and the pills and the powders and the juices and... oh the list goes on. It's especially hard when friends and family get on the bandwagon of these fads... and guess what? THEY LOSE WEIGHT. It is REALLY hard to feel "left behind" them as they skyrocket to their weightloss goals, losing literally 1+ pounds per DAY. Yes, it's dangerous. But do I see that when I see them shedding pounds? Of course not! I see results. And I so yearn for those same results. What do I not yearn for? The FINAL result. The final result, a very large amount of the time (pun intended), is excessive weight gain. Gaining what they lost PLUS some. This isn't necessarily because the diet isn't effective (some are), it's just that people lost the will to maintain it, because most of those plans just aren't realistic. Maybe they ran out of the money to continue paying for it. Who knows. But the end result is usually weight gain. That's a sad twist of irony. The end result of a diet is usually weight gain. Hmm. Bummer. So, every fiber of my being is aching to show the world that hard work really does pay off. I'm itching to show everyone, one painful pound at a time, that by counting calories, eating smaller portions, making a few healthier decisions, and adding some activity in your life, even if it's just walking for exercise, you CAN lose the weight and be healthier.
I hope that you'll join me on this journey. My goal is to reach my desired fitness level before the one year anniversary of when I started this journey. Please be encouraged, I know this route is not the easiest. Trust me, I know it's hard. I'm right there with you. But I also know we can do it. We can get back to healthy... one step at a time...
"Anybody can quit. It's easy to quit. If you don't have any other testimony, at least have this one... 'I'm still here...'" - Joyce Meyer
I couldn't do it. I knew in my heart of hearts that taking the easy way out just wouldn't cut it. I would get to an end result, yes, but not one that was maintainable. We've all seen it over and over. Every woman who diets is like a yoyo... up, down, up, down... fat, skinny, fat, skinny... I didn't want to be that girl.
So, true to my headstrong self, I dug in my heels and determined that I was going to lose the weight and get healthy again... the REAL way. The NATURAL way. The HARD way.
Here we are, 15 pounds later. It has been one heck of a back-and-forth journey so far, but I'm proud of every painstaking pound I lost.
A few days ago, after feeling particularly crappy because of the crummy food I had put into my body, I decided to get reinvigorated. I'm on what I call a 30-day challenge. For 30 straight days I am going to stay at or under my calorie count. (For those of you who need a good resource, My Fitness Pal is a free app on iTunes and it is amazing! It calculates how many calories you need to eat a day to lose the weight based on how much you currently weigh and your goal weight, but it forces you to focus on losing it gradually. Oh and yells at you when you don't eat enough that day with a warning in bright red, bold letters: YOU ARE EATING TOO FEW CALORIES! My absolute favorite thing about this app, though, is that it gives you a weight estimate after you log in each day that reads, "If every day were like today, you would weigh ___ pounds in 5 weeks." It's very encouraging to see what you COULD weigh if you keep on keepin' on!) So, this week I sat down and started journaling. Somehow I ended up coming up with the top 10 reasons I want to lose the rest of the weight, get to my goal and be healthy for a lifetime.
Enjoy!
 |
| Photo courtey of weddingclipart.com via Google images |
Earlier this year I was put on a heart monitor and sent through all kinds of tests to determine why I was having heart flutters. Turns out (thank you Lord) it was no big deal. Even though I wasn't to a dangerous point on the BMI scale, the doc lectured me about my current weight and said I needed to eat healthier. (I know your curiosity is killing you, so I am going to bury what my weight was deep into this blog... on my 5'8 frame I was at 176 pounds at that point.) Talk about a wakeup call!
"...be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or lose heart!" 1 Chronicles 22:13
2. To look good for my husband.
Ok women, quit your scoffing. I have no doubt that my husband loves me no matter what, no matter my body shape and size. He is the best at reminding me how beautiful I am on a regular basis. But the bottom line is that it really IS important to look good and take care of ourselves for our spouses! For men, what with them being all visual and everything, I think it's especially important. Yes, he loves my heart, my personality, blahdeeblahblah, but it's important to me that he finds me unequivocally attractive. When we're together, I want him to be like, "Ohhh yeah! She's with me!"
"Since they are no longer two but one, let no one separate what God has joined together." Matthew 19:6
3. To feel comfortable and confident.
Everyone's confidence and comfort levels are different, and specifically tailored to who they are, how they were raised, who and what surrounds them, etc. For me, comfort is being physically fit. I was an athlete growing up. Physical fitness wasn't just something I desired, it was something I needed to function in my sport of choice. I feel the most comfortable when I am physically fit. Don't misunderstand; physical fitness is not the same as being skinny. I was never skinny (my big booty was the "butt" of many a joke... pun intended. lol). But being able to run, walk, climb stairs and so on without being winded... that's important. I literally noticed that I would get winded walking up stairs. So NOT a good feeling! And confidence... I have always been a relatively confident person. Yes I've had my inner struggles with confidence just like every other human being capable of feeling on this planet, but for the most part I've held my own. I do not believe that your confidence should specifically be TIED to your weight, or your body image. That's just plain unhealthy. But I'm not so ignorant as to think there's not a connection between the two! If you are eating right, exercising regularly, and your body reflects that... trust me, you are much more likely to walk around feeling confident.
"It is the branch that bears the fruit that feels the knife." - Annie Johnson Flint
4. To honor God with the abilities He gave me.
This goes back to the whole physically fit thing. God gave me the athletic abilities I have. He gave me the desire to continue on in the athletic field I work and thrive in. He gave me my headstrong nature. He gave me my curves, big volleyball thighs included (lol). He gave me the ability of leadership. He gave me so many things that are very closely tied into taking care of my body. If I don't take care of my own body, how in the world could I preach to my volleyball players the importance of getting in shape to play their sport? Hello hypocrisy! I can't do that. I won't be that person who preaches one thing and does another. It is important for me to honor the position God has placed me in, and that includes taking care of myself.
"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded." 2 Chronicles 15:7
5. To prove to myself that I CAN.
Boy oh boy is weight loss an up and down ride. There are high highs and there are low lows. But basically, one of my reasons is to prove to myeslf that I really CAN do whatever I set my mind to, with the help of the Lord. If I committ to Him what I am doing I know that my plans will succeed. Why? Because the Bible tells me so. ;) It also tells me that I can do ALL THINGS (not some things) through Christ who gives me strength. Talk about a promise! I definitely feed off of feeling successful. This has proved both a blessing and a curse, because when I am unsuccessful at something it frustrates me terribly. Luckily in this situation, each pound or inch is a small victory; a small battle won in the war. Since I thrive off that, it keeps me pressing forward.
"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
6. To set a standard for those in my circle of influence and be a good example to those under my leadership.
Like I mentioned before, I refuse to be the person preaching one thing and practicing another! I see a desperate need in the world around me for people to quit blaming and complaining and step up! I take full responsibility for the weight gain, and therefore I take full responsibility for the weight loss. If everyone in a leadership position stood up, I guarantee others would follow. And by leadership position I don't mean you have to be an athletic coach, a business owner, or the President. You lead in many areas of your life that you don't even realize. Are you a mom or a dad? You are a leader to your children. Are you a school teacher? You are a leader to your classroom. Are you a nurse? You are a leader to everyone who steps through the doors seeking medical care. Let's all step up and set an example for those around us!
"Without good direction people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances." Proverbs 11:14 The Message
7. To practice discipline.
Oh discipline. Just the word typically makes us all shudder. It seems like such a hard thing to achieve, doesn't it? And let's be REAL - it IS hard to achieve! But I think it's worth it. If I didn't think it was worth it I wouldn't be going after the goals I've set. I know for myself that if I can be disciplined in the area of taking care of my body, God will entrust me with other things for which I have to exercise discipline. I have to start with me. I have to be disciplined in the area of MY life. For those of you wondering, I am so not naturally, intrinsically disciplined. I am headstrong, which helps, but being disciplined is not a natural thing for me. Actually, I am literally a part of the so-called "entitlement generation." I have to FIGHT to not be lumped in with that term! I despise that term! Nothing comes easy, and nothing is free. We have to practice discipline in our lives, without someone holding our hand everyday. I have to take these things one at a time, or I get overwhelmed. I am not disciplined about keeping my house tidy, or the laundry done. I am not disciplined about eating healthy foods. I am not disciplined about working out (even though it's something I very much enjoy). I am not disciplined about getting up early (I hate mornings). I am not... but I CAN BE. One step at a time, no matter how small. I know that the more I exercise discipline in the small areas of my life - the areas that I have total control over - the more responsibility I will be given in say, my work life.
"The road to life is a disciplined life..." Proverbs 10:17
"For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him." Phillippians 2:13
8. To feel better.
Bottom line: I feel crappy when I eat crappy. I feel good when I eat good. It's like that whole "you are what you eat" thing. Man if we really think about that it's sort of gross. At the same time, it's true! When I eat lighter, smaller portions... when I add vegetables and fruit into my diet... when I drink enough water... I feel lighter. I feel more comfortable. I have more energy. I am more focused. When I eat heavy foods, I feel heavy. I feel sluggish. I feel lazy. I feel like I want to just sit on the couch and watch TV. I feel unmotivated. I feel overall... crummy. When I work out, I feel invigorated! When I work out, I feel energized! When I work out, I feel successful! So why... why in the world would I choose NOT to eat healthy and exercise? You got me. But I do. So to feel better, I'm going to make the CHOICE to live better.
"I have chosen to participate, rather than spectate; to do, and not just dream; to risk stumbling, and rise to try again." - Anonymous
9. To not become another "fat stat."
Yes, I said it. Fat stat. Have you read the statistics on obesity in our country? It is literally TERRIFYING. I don't want to hear the whole "but obese is based on your BMI and blahdeeblahblahblah"... the bottom line is, we need to TAKE RESPONSIBILITY for being overweight. We've got to stand up and say, "I'm done." Do we seriously want our children to FEEL the way we feel when we are overweight and out of shape? I don't have children yet, but looking down the road, I NEVER want them to feel the way I did when I was 15 pounds heavier than I am right now. And I'm sure, when I reach my goal, I will look down the road and say I NEVER want my children to feel the way I did when I was 30 pounds heavier. Have I mentioned that my all-time favorite foods are Mexican food and Italian food? I am Italian. We Italians love to eat! I could live off bread, cheese and wine. Having a home cooked meal, sitting around the dinner table with family and catching up... I LOVE doing that! But boy do we need to be careful. Portion sizes... smaller. Ingredients... healthier. After all, we'd all like to live a little longer to enjoy those meals, wouldn't we?
10. To prove that the hard work of losing weight by exercising and eating healthy ALONE is worth it.
Man have I been tempted by every diet fad out there. The cleanses and the pills and the powders and the juices and... oh the list goes on. It's especially hard when friends and family get on the bandwagon of these fads... and guess what? THEY LOSE WEIGHT. It is REALLY hard to feel "left behind" them as they skyrocket to their weightloss goals, losing literally 1+ pounds per DAY. Yes, it's dangerous. But do I see that when I see them shedding pounds? Of course not! I see results. And I so yearn for those same results. What do I not yearn for? The FINAL result. The final result, a very large amount of the time (pun intended), is excessive weight gain. Gaining what they lost PLUS some. This isn't necessarily because the diet isn't effective (some are), it's just that people lost the will to maintain it, because most of those plans just aren't realistic. Maybe they ran out of the money to continue paying for it. Who knows. But the end result is usually weight gain. That's a sad twist of irony. The end result of a diet is usually weight gain. Hmm. Bummer. So, every fiber of my being is aching to show the world that hard work really does pay off. I'm itching to show everyone, one painful pound at a time, that by counting calories, eating smaller portions, making a few healthier decisions, and adding some activity in your life, even if it's just walking for exercise, you CAN lose the weight and be healthier.
I hope that you'll join me on this journey. My goal is to reach my desired fitness level before the one year anniversary of when I started this journey. Please be encouraged, I know this route is not the easiest. Trust me, I know it's hard. I'm right there with you. But I also know we can do it. We can get back to healthy... one step at a time...
"Anybody can quit. It's easy to quit. If you don't have any other testimony, at least have this one... 'I'm still here...'" - Joyce Meyer
Friday, October 7, 2011
Blogtalkidy!
I am so excited today!
1. Two good friends of ours are tying the knot this evening! YAY! So excited for them. Congratulations again, Jake and Whitney! You guys are going to love married life.
Chris and I are in the wedding, so today we will be busy busy getting all ready. Fun stuff!
and 2. The introduction to my NEW radio show, Get Real with The getREAL Coach, launched TODAY! Yippeeee! It is a 30 minute segment that tells about what the show will encompass, and explains a little about who I am and what's important to me. Listen in here. It is a special episode so my portion doesn't actually come on until minute 88, but once it loads you can scroll over to that time to tune in.
Happy Friday everyone!
1. Two good friends of ours are tying the knot this evening! YAY! So excited for them. Congratulations again, Jake and Whitney! You guys are going to love married life.
Chris and I are in the wedding, so today we will be busy busy getting all ready. Fun stuff!
and 2. The introduction to my NEW radio show, Get Real with The getREAL Coach, launched TODAY! Yippeeee! It is a 30 minute segment that tells about what the show will encompass, and explains a little about who I am and what's important to me. Listen in here. It is a special episode so my portion doesn't actually come on until minute 88, but once it loads you can scroll over to that time to tune in.
Happy Friday everyone!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Holy huge croc! ... and raging wildfires
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| Photo credit: AP Photo found on Toshiba News link |
As for the Captain Obvious comment of the day the story reads, "Residents of the farming town of about 37,000 people have been told to avoid venturing into marshy areas alone at night, Elorde said." HA! You think?
To top it off, they think there might be an even bigger one lurking around...
Check out the huge croc story here.
In other news, wildfires are still raging in Texas. It sort of feels like our entire state is burning up. Not sure what we did to piss off the fire gods... (KIDDING. I do not believe in fire gods). Regardless, keep everyone in your prayers. Especially the brave men and women out battling those blazes. As the wife of a firefighter, they tend to stay at the forefront of my mind.
Here are some fire stats (updated yesterday) that I found on the Texas Forest Service website:
· It appears that in the past 48 hours, more than 700 homes have been destroyed. As better assessments come in, we will continue to update the situation report.
· Yesterday (Sept. 5) Texas Forest Service responded to 22 new fires for 7,544 acres, including 10 new large fires.
· In the past seven days Texas Forest Service has responded to 181 fires for 118,413 acres.
Just in those 48 hours more than 700 homes destroyed. 700 folks. That's really hard to wrap your mind around.
On that note, if you have friends, family, or just someone you know who has been somehow affected by the wildfires in Texas or know some brave soul out fighting said fires, please leave a comment below. Let's turn the comment board into a prayer wall how's-a-'bout?
Happy the-week-is-half-over day...
Sunday, September 4, 2011
It's personal.
Ok so it's official - I have decided that this blog will be a personal blog. Not to say it won't occasionally incorporate business-ish stuff, but it means I am giving myself explicit permission to talk about everything from the goings-on of my family, to why I had a fantastic day and you should too, to the irresistable adorableness (is that a word? came out of my mouth didn't it? HA!) of my dogs. Basically, I will be blogging about what matters to me.
My life
God has recently been taking me down a new and very exciting path! I have established myself as The getREAL Coach, and am in the process of starting my business. To find out more about what I do, click here, and here, oh and here too.
One thing after another has started very quickly falling into place, and I can't wait to see where He is taking all this!
So today it feels like fall is coming. And I LOVE IT. Yes, capital letters love it! According to a USA Today poll, only 28% of the adult population's favorite season is fall. Well guess what? I am a part of that 28%! What's your favorite season and why?
Moving on.
I seem to say this everytime a new month rolls around, but seriously people, is anyone else blown away by the fact that it is already September? I mean, holy crow! The year's end is creeping up on us all Ninja style. Sheesh.
The high school volleyball team I coach, Arbor Christian Academy, has already been in season for over a month. A month! Feels like just yesterday we had our first day of two-a-days. Speaking of two-a-days... totally brutal. But I love 'em.
...I digress. Anyway, we ended up having one big varsity team this year. We are calling it our Gideon season. We started with more than 20 girls and are currently at 13. It's sort of our joke that we're like Gideons army. God keeps whittling us to smaller numbers. So no doubt every victory belongs to Him! (Don't know the story of Gideon? Read it here.) So far it has proved true time and time again. We have a very young team and so it's been pretty up and down lately, but they're a great, hard working group of girls.
My family
Chris is now fully certified and can be hired on with the Amarillo Fire Department. They test again sometime during the beginning of 2012, so for now he's working EMS standby and security. That will probably change soon though, because it's totally boring him to death and he can't stand sitting still, so he's applied for a couple different positions. Here's to hoping he gets one of them so he can have the holidays off! He's also still volunteering for the county fire department as well.
My dogs... you know, I just love to talk about my dogs. You get me going and look out, I will completely forget anything and everything we had formerly been talking about and all of my focus shoots in one direction faster than you can blink. Seriously though, my dogs are like my children. I just love 'em! But I'm not that crazy person who lets their dogs get away with anything they want (up on the furniture, hogging the bed space, eating people food, misbehaving). That, in fact, drives me bonkers. I mean really people, if you can't even train a disciplined dog how in the WORLD do you expect to have well-behaved children? And it is so not cool to go to someone's house who has no control over their dog. I think having a dog is good training for having kids. You know, minus the whole, when your baby cries you can't just put it outside thing. Oh and the learning how to walk part. Oh and talk. And uhm, school and such. Ok whatever. Point is having pets really shows you in a hurry the similarities (and differences, oh my the differences) the two of you have when it comes to training (hello parenting!) styles. Luckily for my husband and I, we've found we're pretty much on the same page. (Hallelujah thank you Jesus.)
What's your take? Did you and your spouse get a dog before having kids? If so, did it bring to light some fundamental differences you guys had?
I think that will do it for today. Be sure to follow this blog and comment below! Oh and head's up - my business blog will be launching soon!
My life
God has recently been taking me down a new and very exciting path! I have established myself as The getREAL Coach, and am in the process of starting my business. To find out more about what I do, click here, and here, oh and here too.
One thing after another has started very quickly falling into place, and I can't wait to see where He is taking all this!
So today it feels like fall is coming. And I LOVE IT. Yes, capital letters love it! According to a USA Today poll, only 28% of the adult population's favorite season is fall. Well guess what? I am a part of that 28%! What's your favorite season and why?
Moving on.
I seem to say this everytime a new month rolls around, but seriously people, is anyone else blown away by the fact that it is already September? I mean, holy crow! The year's end is creeping up on us all Ninja style. Sheesh.
The high school volleyball team I coach, Arbor Christian Academy, has already been in season for over a month. A month! Feels like just yesterday we had our first day of two-a-days. Speaking of two-a-days... totally brutal. But I love 'em.
...I digress. Anyway, we ended up having one big varsity team this year. We are calling it our Gideon season. We started with more than 20 girls and are currently at 13. It's sort of our joke that we're like Gideons army. God keeps whittling us to smaller numbers. So no doubt every victory belongs to Him! (Don't know the story of Gideon? Read it here.) So far it has proved true time and time again. We have a very young team and so it's been pretty up and down lately, but they're a great, hard working group of girls.
My family
Chris is now fully certified and can be hired on with the Amarillo Fire Department. They test again sometime during the beginning of 2012, so for now he's working EMS standby and security. That will probably change soon though, because it's totally boring him to death and he can't stand sitting still, so he's applied for a couple different positions. Here's to hoping he gets one of them so he can have the holidays off! He's also still volunteering for the county fire department as well.
My dogs... you know, I just love to talk about my dogs. You get me going and look out, I will completely forget anything and everything we had formerly been talking about and all of my focus shoots in one direction faster than you can blink. Seriously though, my dogs are like my children. I just love 'em! But I'm not that crazy person who lets their dogs get away with anything they want (up on the furniture, hogging the bed space, eating people food, misbehaving). That, in fact, drives me bonkers. I mean really people, if you can't even train a disciplined dog how in the WORLD do you expect to have well-behaved children? And it is so not cool to go to someone's house who has no control over their dog. I think having a dog is good training for having kids. You know, minus the whole, when your baby cries you can't just put it outside thing. Oh and the learning how to walk part. Oh and talk. And uhm, school and such. Ok whatever. Point is having pets really shows you in a hurry the similarities (and differences, oh my the differences) the two of you have when it comes to training (hello parenting!) styles. Luckily for my husband and I, we've found we're pretty much on the same page. (Hallelujah thank you Jesus.)
What's your take? Did you and your spouse get a dog before having kids? If so, did it bring to light some fundamental differences you guys had?
I think that will do it for today. Be sure to follow this blog and comment below! Oh and head's up - my business blog will be launching soon!
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