The Rhythm of Secrets

My Thoughts:
From the moment I began reading, I was captured by this story.  I could not put this book down, and found myself lost in the past of Sheila Franklin's life.  She is smart, had done what she believed she must in order to survive, and is being crushed by her own secrets.  The resurfacing of her son changes the game, completely, for Sheila, and opens the door to truth's freedom.  Get lost in this book, it is a story that will captivate you.

About the book:
Since 1955, Sheila Franklin, a talented musician, has perfectly performed the role of devout pastor’s wife, locking away her past as Sheba Alexander and Sylvia Allen. Her carefully constructed façade crumbles with a single phone call from a young Marine named Samuel, the illegitimate son she secretly put up for adoption. Samuel begs Sheila to use her government contacts to get his fiancé, Mali, a Thai prostitute, into America. A dangerous mixture of love and guilt spurs her to help her only child even though it devastates her husband Edward and exposes her questionable past. After a quarrel with Edward, Sheila and Samuel board a C-130 for Thailand and then search Bangkok’s steamy streets for a Madonna-faced prostitute. The two whisk Mali from a brothel but are seized by a warlord who considers Mali his “number one girl.” In a teak “ghost house,” Sheila discovers God’s grace and gains the freedom she needs to find her own identity—Sheila, Sylvia, and Sheba. A framed story, this novel has roots in the bohemian 1940s New Orleans French Quarter and spans three decades, including the turbulent Vietnam era.

Buy the book

About Patti:
Baylor graduate, taught community college humanities until God called her to span seas and secrets in her novels, An Irishwoman's Tale and What the Bayou Saw. She has two grown children and a dog named Laura. She and her husband can be seen jog-walking the streets of Normal, Illinois, an amazing place to live for a woman born in a car. For more information, visit Patti's website at http://www.pattilacy.com/, her blog at www.pattilacy.com/blog, and her Facebook daily Artbites. Patti's longer bio here.

Patti Lacy is celebrating the release of her latest
book with a NOOK Giveaway, blog tour and Book Club Party!

Follow the blog tour and read the reviews!

Patti and her publisher, Kregel Publications, are giving away a NOOK prize package
worth over $150 to one lucky winner!!!! 

Enter the Nook eReader Giveaway and you could win:

• A brand new Nook eReader with Wi-Fi
• $25 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form/s, then tell 5 or
more friends about the contest. Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on
February 16th at Patti's Rhythm of Secrets Facebook Party.

Patti will be announcing the winner of The Rhythm of Secrets NOOK giveaway at
her Party on
Facebook  February 16th! 

She’ll be hosting a book club discussion of The Rhythm of Secrets and giving away other fun prizes! (signed copies of her books and gift certificates to Barnes & Noble, Starbucks, &; iTunes!). Don’t miss the

fun at Patti’s FBAuthor Page on February 16th at 5pm PST ( 6 pm MST, 7 pm CST, &; 8 pm EST)!

*I was sent this book in return for my honest review.

Fitness Friday

This is the final week for half marathon training!  Oh thank you Jesus!  WOO HOO!  I will actually be heading out, leaving the family behind for the weekend, to see wonderful friends, take part in a half marathon, and more than likely laugh my head right off (laughing is a great ab workout you know).

It has been so cold each morning that I have not wanted to get up and run, so I didn't.  Well, Monday I did because the training schedule said only a 20 minute easy run was required, whew.  I came back and did a chest/bicep workout thanks to the STS workouts I now have.  I already feel more ripped and toned and it's only week two.  Honestly, I'm not, but these are some good workouts!  Tuesday I do not even remember, and Wednesday I did a leg workout.  Thursday was spent preparing to leave, finishing cooking our February dinners (yes, I cook in advance, and freeze them), and removing pictures from our walls because painters are coming Saturday.  Oh yea, and a training session.  This morning I am doing a video called Cardio Core Circuit.  I need to do something prior to sitting on a plane!  And then, Sunday I will be completing 13.1 miles.  Sweet.

Take care of yourselves friends, move, laugh, and eat foods that your body will use!

Join us for Fitness Friday, and link up!

Making where we are right

My beloved spoke and said to me, “Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me.

Song of Solomon 2:10

Ah, marriage.  It is an adventure isn't it?  Sometimes it is a wonderul, thrilling adventure filled with laughter, shouts of delight, and unending joy.  At other times, the adventure is burdensome, exhausting, and taxing.  But when two people decide to marry, and further decide that they will stay married, the adventures simply come.

It is easy, too easy, to become caught up in the routine of life.  It is easy to allow past fears to become the wall between one another.  Rather than face one another, we slip slowly into our own corners of the world.  There we sit, in our individual corners, wanting more but saying nothing.  We need more but do nothing.  And we sit, caught between our desire and this place of comfort we have created, that doesn't happen to be comfortable or enjoyable at all to be honest.  Although we can choose to leave things as they are, each with our own spheres in life, rarely intersecting, rarely joining, it is more pleasing, more right to emerge from the corners in which we sit, stuck in our own thoughts and perceptions, and speak to the one we most long to hear from.

Last night, as we were preparing for bed, Andy and I began a discussion that lasted for two hours.  It was a needed discussion, one we were both longing for, in many regards.  You see, we each, due to our own insecurities, refrain from speaking up even when we are unhappy because we do not want to be rejected.  Through the course of last night's discussion, we shared openly, freely, and without hurting one another.  We spoke and listened with the intent to understand the other person better, and that made all the difference.  He was laying in bed, I sat on the couch across from the bed the entire time.  We simply spoke and listened to one another.

It was in the flow of conversation, the wrapping of thoughts around one another that we stepped out of our corners and set things right.  From a place that says, "Marriage was made for more, and we are not taking hold of it properly," our heart's cry began to flow out. 

In almost eight year of marriage, we still have so much to learn, so many areas in which to grow.  But, we are both still here, intend to remain here, and will continue figuring this all out.  It is in those moments, when we choose to make where we are right that I rejoice.  We will not attempt to solve any problems or fulfill any needs outside of this place.  That means we must not retreat to our corners of solitude in an effort to protect ourselves.  Marriage, done right, requires both of us.  We will not always do well, but we will choose to remain here.  That, my friends, is one reason our marriage is beautiful.

Thursday's Thoughts

 

• It's been a while since I have done this, which is not to say I don't have any thoughts on Thursdays anymore. I do, I just haven't blogged them!
• Sunday is the half marathon!  WOO HOO!  I know, I am expressing excitement over a 13.1 mile jaunt, and that is not normal by any means.  But, I will get to see some amazingly wonderful friends over the course of the weekend, which is the real reason to my excitement.
• Speaking of the half marathon, I have upteen million things to do and could us an extra day to do them (the painting fiasco of 2011 has hindered me).
• We are hiring a professional painter to fix up our space!  Praise the Lord!  Thanks to our awesome realtor, we have found a wonderful person for the job!  I am hoping this is done upon my return from the half marathon, we shall see!
• STS workouts are kicking my hiney.  WOW!  This is week two and I already feel more ripped.  Ok, I am probably not, but it's made me realize how much I backed off weight training while I was doing my running.  Boy am I paying for it too!
• I got to guest blog Wednesday!  What an honor too. 
• AdvoCare's 24 Day Challenge Bundle is on sale through Monday night, so you need to order NOW!  The average weight loss is 12 lbs on this program.  It's totally rockin!  Order people!

This completes my thoughts for the day.  I have tasks to accomplish people!!!

 

 

 

Guest blogging: Imitating her father

If ever there were a daddy's girl, it is my child.  She adores her father, calls to him when she is sick, cuddles with him before laying down to sleep at night.  When he sits down at the piano, she walks up beside him and plays along with him.  As they sit side by side, it is comical to see the similarities in their mannerisms.  Nature or nurture?  I am not sure, but she is certainly her father's kid.

Find out the rest of the story at Confessions of a Snowflake, where I am guest blogging today.

The day the paint hit the wall

As of late, I have been wanting to improve my environment.  You know, make it prettier, more inviting.  With that being said, I knew we needed to paint our living room and kitchen.  The bleak wall color is more than I can handle.  It's not bad, just blah.  After much thought, I picked out a paint color and began the task of painting our large living room (with tall ceilings) yesterday. 

I was on the first wall when my husband came out and I asked what he thought.  He did not give much of an answer either positive or negative, so I kept on painting.  Do the trim, climb up and down the ladder, away I went.  I had predetermined my stopping time, regardless of where I was on the job.  I loved seeing color on the wall, but it was not quite what I thought it would be.  However, I am a "go until the job is done, dive in and go full force" kind of gal.  Usually that is a good thing, sometimes, it is not.

As I came out from getting cleaned up, my husband looked at me and said, "I am not sure about that color.  Don't paint anymore.  I don't think I like it."  Initially, I was peeved, very peeved.  When I ceased from thinking profane things about him (yes, I confess it, I did), and took a few deep breaths, I simply said, "then come up with a solution. I don't need more problems.  We can't have a half painted room, and I am officially done.  Do it or find someone who can."  I continued to calm down.

I was exhausted.  I worked for three and a half hours, went up and down the ladder countless times, for what?  Nothing.  Absolutely nothing.  We did find out the color won't work in the room due to the lack of natural light, which I suppose is a positive.  But that was a lot of work to do for a negative outcome.  His delayed response plus my full steam ahead approach equals a recipe for disaster at times. 

We later discussed it, we even found a much more subtle color, and will be finding a painter to do the job for us.  Yes, I am throwing in the paint brush, I give.  The color we chose will not be a drastic change, but it will add some warmth to the place, and light, which the room needs.  Now, to find a painter.  I have officially retired.  The paint has dried, the tempers calmed, and all is better in our world.  Well, except for the half painted living room neither one of us like. 

Lessons from Super Nanny

Friday night, I sent my husband and daughter off to our small group gathering while I stayed behind, at home, in desperate need of my own space and my own time.  Mommy needed a time-out to be sure.  I spent the first 30 minutes doing some cleaning (my therapy of choice).  I like the instant results, and an ordered environment calms me quite a bit.  When everything around me is out of order and messy, I feel the same internally.  After cleaning, which ended with vacuuming while power praying, I sat down to eat a nice peaceful dinner.  Since I was by myself, I ate in the living room (never done around here), and even watched the television.

If you are looking for something to watch, Friday night is not a good night for searching, is the first lesson I learned.  Then, I chose to watch the show Super Nanny.  The few times I have watched this show in the past, I have been alarmed amazed at the situations families are in.  The typical scenario is kids running like wild monkeys around the house while the parents yell, shout, or flippantly say, "Stop that or else."  The "or else" never comes, which is why they are where they are, and in comes Super Nanny to save the day and help the parents come up with a plan to ensure their lives are more peaceful and their children do not become disrespectful, obnoxious human beings.  On Friday's episode, they highlighted a segment with one child's difficulty with eating.  He was picky, and would spit food out, and drag on and on until he got the junk he wanted.  And I watched, and my ears honed in because friends, I have a picky kid on my hands whom I do not want to see grow up with poor nutritional habits because her parents would not step up and do what is right.  The result was the parents would say, "I am going to count to 5, and if you have not started eating your (insert food here), then you are going to go sit in timeout."  It worked.  At least a few bites were taken, and that my friends sets the kid on a road to better nutrition. 

The next day, I implemented this course of action, with carrots.  When I say my child does not eat any vegetables, I am not exaggerating one single bit.  No vegetables (well, except those found in tomato sauce when I make spaghetti or lasagna) have crossed my girl's lips since she started eating solid foods.  I sat three carrot slices (tiny really) on her plate and used the phrase used in the show.  My child looked at me and said, "No Mama, don't count!  Just stop counting!"  She ate the carrots, and smiled while doing it.  Praise the Lord in Heaven!!!!!  Last night, we had to use the same technique, but I am ok with the repetition because eventually she will learn what we place in front of her will be all she gets, and vegetables are essential to healthy living.  In fact, she often tells me she is going to "tall like Daddy and Papa," so I told her vegetables would help her do that. 

Fine, so she may not reach 6'2" based solely on vegetable consumption, but here's hoping.  Right?

You will find me

Because we all need a great song every now and again to move us, encourage us, and remind us how much God loves us:

Serving isn't safe

I found out this morning that a dear friend of mine, and the founder of Against the Grain Ministry in Tennessee, was attacked.  She many now have permanent damage to her right eye, and she was attacked in broad daylight.  But her interview is what truly brought me to tears.  No, serving may not be safe, but being obedient to God is always worth the cost.  I am proud to call her friend, prouder still of what she said in this interview.  Click the link, watch, it's ok to cringe at the current state of her eye, but please praise God along with me for her determination to carry on the ministry God had told her to pursue.  Pray for her healing, and pray for the man who did this.

Woman Who Runs Ministry For Abuse Victims Attacked - NewsChannel5.com Nashville News, Weather & Sports

Heel grabber or God chaser?

Genesis 25:24-26:
When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. ²⁵ The first to come out was red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment; so they named him Esau. ²⁶ After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau’s heel; so he was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when Rebekah gave birth to them.

Have you ever read the Bible and wondered why God chose the people who did to bring about His purpose?  Honestly, there are countless people who fail time and time again, yet God chooses to use them anyway.  My Thursday morning Bible study is discussing  discovering Genesis.  There are moments I wonder if I have ever really read this book of the Bible before.  It is incredible, and filled with more substance than I have ever seen before (funny how that happens when I slow down).

Yesterday, we discussed Esau and Jacob.  We often hear all about Esau, the one who followed his flesh, denied his spirit, and traded his birthright for a bowl of food.  All the inheritance, the prestige of having been born first, he threw away, to satisfy his stomach.  I shake my head in wonder at this, but then my spirit whispers, "you are no different.  You too have given away a blessing for a momentary pleasure."  Ouch.  Esau is a tempermental, impatient soul, and then there is his brother, Jacob.

From the moment they were conceived, these two boys could not get along.  After being born, their father, Isaac, favored Esau, while their mother, Rebekah, favored Jacob.  If that is not a direct set-up for sibling rivalry, I am not sure what is.  As Rebekah's body is bringing her twins into the world, Esau bursts forth, while Jacob follows soon after, grabbing the heel of his brother.  Great foreshadowing, no?  He chased his brother out of the womb, and as I have read Genesis, I am seeing Jacob's consistent drive to take over his brother's rightful position.  As I first read this, I found Jacob to be clever and quite cunning.  And then, I listened to the lecture yesterday.

Although Jacob is going to fulfill God's promise, and he will walk in the Spirit, in this moment, he is walking in the flesh.  He is trying to help God out, and make sure, just in case, he is set up to fulfill what God has promised.  I cannot fully blame him, he comes from a lineage of individuals who have attempted to "help God out."  And in "helping God", they hindered God.  But because God cannot lie, his promises were fulfilled and his oaths were kept.  What an amazing God he is.

As I came home, with this lesson fresh in my mind, I asked myself, "am I a heel grabber or God chaser?"  I know what God has said, what he has promised, and am keenly aware of the desires of my heart which He has placed within me.  But am I trusting God to do what he has said he would, or am I trying to assist him?  And since when did God need a finite, sinful, in need of a a savior, freckled face girl to help him operate this world?  Hmmmm, let me think.  Oh yes, that's right, never.  Does he want me following where he leads?  Oh yes.  Does he want me trusting him to bring these things to fruition?  Indeed.  Does God, the creator, need me, the created, to set the stage for these things to happen?  Certainly not.  Follow, trust, obey, repent, praise, worship, pray specifically, these are my tasks.  Put everything into order?  That is God's work.  When we allow God to be God, and quit trying to do his part, not only will we be less exhausted and frustrated, but we will receive the blessing God has intended for us, in full rather than in part.  And, we will not have to deceive others in order to get there.

Made to Crave

My thoughts:  You want my honest opinion on this book?  Really?  Now, remember, I am a personal trainer and AdvoCare Distributor.  So, with that knowledge, are you sure you want to know what I think?  Well, let me tell you, this is the GREATEST BOOK ON HEALTH I have ever read!  Lysa Terkeurst does not give out a 3 step plan, or a plan of any kind for that matter.  What she does do is challenge her readers to find out the "why" behind the unhealthy behaviors.  Why are you choosing junk when you should be choosing God?  This book is relevant, poignant, and will prove to be life changing for many.  After reading this book, everytime you want to stuff yourself with junk, you will stop, take a breath, and ask yourself why you aren't allowing God to be God and why you are trying to replace him with things that could never compare to Him (and only leave you feeling guilty).  I am so happy I received this book from LitFuse Group to review.  Wow, I love it.  And now, I am going to be recommending it to all of my clients, or at least implementing it in multiple ways for them.

About the book: Just because a woman finally fits into her skinny jeans doesn't mean she's won her battle with food. Too often, women overlook the spiritual component to their physical struggle with healthy eating. Made to Crave taps into the desires God gave you to consume food without letting food consume you!


Made to Crave is the missing link between a woman's desire to be healthy and the spiritual empowerment necessary to make that happen. The reality is we were made to crave. Craving isn't a bad thing. But we must realize God created us to crave more of him. Many of us have misplaced that craving by overindulging in physical pleasures instead of lasting spiritual satisfaction. If you are struggling with unhealthy eating habits, you can break the "I'll start again Monday" cycle, and start feeling good about yourself today. Learn to stop beating yourself up over the numbers on the scale. Discover that your weight loss struggle isn't a curse but rather a blessing in the making, and replace justifications that lead to diet failure with empowering go-to scripts that lead to victory. You can reach your healthy weight goal - and grow closer to God in the process. This is not a how-to book. This is not the latest and greatest dieting plan. This book is the necessary companion for you to use alongside whatever healthy lifestyle plan you choose. This is a book and Bible study to help you find the "want to" in making healthy lifestyle choices. 224 pages. Companion Bible study DVD set also available. http://madetocrave.org/purchase-resources/  

Embed code for the Made To Crave book trailer:

About Lysa: Lysa TerKeurst is an author and speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith through following Jesus Christ. As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa has led thousands to make their walk with God an invigorating journey.


Lysa wrote the book Made to Crave from the perspective of a woman who has never craved a carrot stick in her whole life. Having struggled with her weight her whole adult life, Lysa knows what it feels like to be in the vicious cycle of gaining and losing, but never feeling at peace in her struggle. Everything changed when Lysa decided to have her deepest desire met by God not food. Now, armed with the spiritual motivation she gained in her own journey, she is inspiring others to find lasting victory.


As a nationally known speaker, Lysa has been passionately teaching women God’s truths for years. Lysa’s personal adventures of following God led to appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, The 700 Club, USA Today newspaper, Woman’s Day magazine, and Focus on the Family radio.


Today, Lysa and her ministry team at Proverbs 31 Ministries encourage more than 375,000 women through their daily online devotional. In addition, she co-hosts a 1-minute inspirational radio program aired on more than 1,200 stations around the world. Plus, she touches hearts through their monthly magazine, P31 Woman. Lysa’s blog averages over 70,000 avid readers per month. She is the award-winning author of 14 books, including her newest releases, Made to Crave and Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl. Other noteworthy books include What Happens When Woman Say Yes to God, What Happens When Women Walk in Faith, Capture His Heart, and Capture Her Heart. Visit Lysa's website for more info and to visit her blog! http://lysaterkeurst.com

Buy the book here

About the giveaway and party:
Win a brand new KINDLE from Lysa Terkeurst during the Made To Crave KINDLE Giveaway!

To celebrate the release of Made to Crave and the MTC Small Group DVD Study Set, Lysa is giving away a KINDLE prize package worth over $175.00! To enter just click on one of the icons below! One winner will receive:
A brand new Kindle with Wi-Fi & the New E Ink Pearl ScreenKINDLE editions of Lysa’s Made to Crave and Becoming More Than A Good Girl
But, wait there is more!

Lysa will be announcing the winner of the Made to Crave KINDLE Giveaway on February 8th during the Made To Crave Party on Facebook!

During the party Lysa will chat with guests, host a trivia contest or two, and give away lots of other fun prizes (copies of Lysa’s other books and Amazon.com, iTunes & Starbucks gift certificates) – including a live Author Chat with Lysa for your small group!

Don’t miss the fun! Lysa is looking forward to learning more about you – so be sure to stop by Lysa's Facebook Author Page on February 8th at 5:00 PM PST (6 PM MST, 7 PM CST, & 8 PM EST).

Lysa has a fun KINDLE giveaway and a Facebook party! Please help us spread the word about both! A few ways to do that are:

1. Include this button on your blog sidebar:


2. Include the giveaway & party info in your review post or on a separate day. There is an HTML post attached and the info is below.

3. Share this on Facebook:
Enter to win a KINDLE in Lysa TerKeurst’s Made To Crave KINDLE Giveaway! Find out who won during the Made To Crave Facebook Party on February 8th! All the details here: http://litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/made-to-crave-by-lysa-terkeurst.html

4. Share this on Twitter:Win a KINDLE from @LysaTerKeurst in her Made To Crave Giveaway! All the details here http://ow.ly/3CLBJ #litfuse

For more great reviews click here.

Be inspired

Please watch this great video of how one man lost 100 pounds! Enjoy!



To order your 24 Day Challenge Bundle products, click here.

WFW 2 Cor 13:10-12

2 Corinthians 13:10-12 (New International Version, ©2010)

This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.  Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.  Greet one another with a holy kiss.

Based on the tiny amount of news I hear each day, we need to begin speaking better of ourselves.   While speaking on the podcast for the Pink Dress, I made the statement that we do not speak as kindly to ourselves as we do to one another.  Having a bad day?  No problem, I will do what I can to cheer you up?  Not feeling good about yourself?  Have no fear, I will list out every single one of your positive traits!  But then, we look in the mirror, we allow our thoughts to run freely, and we beat ourselves up.  False humility?  Lack of belief?  Following society's norm?  I, for the life of me, cannot figure out the why behind that question.  I do not know why we speak so abusively to our own selves.  We would go to blows if we heard someone speaking so horribly about our daughters, friends, or family members.  But left on our own, we are beating ourselves up, often.

We have to stop allowing this to happen.  We must hold one another accountable to the promises God has laid out, to what his word says about us, and encourage one another to speak those words to ourselves.  Encourage one another to be honest, but kind, realistic and bold, but with hope.  We need to encourage our own selves, as often as we encourage one another in what God has before us.  If we are not where we want to be, let us start coming up with solutions rather than kicking ourselves repeatedly (anyone else tired of self inflicted bruises?).  And please, do not minimize yourself in your speech in order to sound more humble.  Let's be honest in where we are, where we have come, and where we are going.  It is ok to speak of our accomplishments, as long as we are giving credit to the one who has gifted, equipped, and guided us.  Do not minimize God by minimizing yourself.  I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I am where I am because of God's grace and mercy.  I know his love for me has so exceeded what I have deserved, and I am thankful for all that He has allowed me to do and what He is preparing me to do.  I will not be ashamed of his creation, myself included.  Am I a work in progress?  Oh yes friend, yes indeed.  And this work in progress will grow and flourish, especially when surrounded by love. 

Besides, there is enough hardship in this life, we do not need to add to it by slipping our hands into boxing gloves and turning them on ourselves.

To enjoy more Word Filled Wednesday posts click here..

Wiped

Parenting is hard.  We can agree with that, right?  There are moments that are so wonderful and so incredible they make your heart soar.  And then, then there are moments like today.  The moments that leave you exhausted, mentally and physically.  Moments that make you wonder why God decided to make you a parent to begin with.  They do not last, but they are there, they exist, and they are guaranteed to happen.

What brought on the Oscar worthy tantrum from my child, the tears, the stomping, the wailing and gnashing of teeth?  Her tricycle.  We had returned from the store and she told me she wanted to ride.  No problem kid, I will be happy to do that with you as soon as I put away our groceries.  We went back out to the garage, and the saga began with me telling her to figure out how to get on by herself.  Success!  She did!  And then, even though her feet finally reached the wheels, she wanted me to push her with the parent bar on the back.  I stood in front of her and told her I would show her how to make it go on her own, and essentially teach her how to ride her little bike.  Friends, this was not her plan.  The crying began, the screaming, the shouts of, "No!  You just do it!"  I looked at her, calmly, and gave her a choice, "Either you allow me to teach you how to do this, or we go inside."  Her protests grew, and she even offered to allow me to pull her in the little red wagon.  Sorry kid, there was no option three given.  We came inside. 

Her crying increased to an ear piercing wail, and again, I gave her a choice: stop, or go to your room.  She did not stop, into her room I marched her.  As I reached for the doorknob, she loudly cried, "no, don't close the door!"  I did anyway, to calm myself down, to let her know I was not going to allow her to throw fits.  And that's when she started kicking the door.  I was going to just let her go, let her throw her tantrum and not release her until she stopped.  Her father saved her and thwarted my plan.  He had an upcoming meeting, and because he works from home, the hysterical fit needed to end, and quickly.  I opened the door, raised my voice and told her she was to stop acting like she was.  I also informed her that if she refused to learn to ride her tricycle, we would give it to a child who would like it.  Let me tell you, she looked at me and said, "Maybe my cousin could use it."  Oi.  Supressing my laughter, I reminded her that her cousin already has a bike and would enjoy riding with her.  And with that, we walked out of her room.

She asked to watch a show she likes, I rejected her suggestion and said reading books was her only option.  In a quiet whisper she said, "I'll just sit in the big chair and read."  Good thinking on her part, we needed a bit of a time-out from each other.  Did I mention she had wanted to wear big girl panties this afternoon?  Oh yes, she was in her big girl panties (with a pull-up over because I am not completely insane), and she informed me they were wet.  I walked over, happened to inhale, and asked if she had pooped too.  Yep, she had.  Oh child, this is not good on the heels of your recent outburst!  I asked why she didn't tell me she needed to use the potty, "because I didn't" was her only response.  Nice.  She wanted another pair of panties on.  No, thank you anyway.  Use the potty first.

A while later she came over and wanted to sit in a chair beside me.  She quietly played beside me and occassionally glanced up at me.  I turned towards her and asked her to look at me.  The words that came out of my mouth were, "Honey, I love you, and I am sorry I yelled at you.  But you know what?  I think you can pedal your own bike.  I think you are big enough, and strong enough to do it.  You do not need to be afraid of it, and you need to try it.  I will help you, but you have to stop expecting Mommy and Daddy to do everything for you."  She nodded her head.  I explained we can practice when we go out on family walks.  She smiled and stated, "I'll just ride in the stroller."  Oi.  Parent FAIL.

There is not a thought in my head, a fiber in my being that wants to kill her strong will.  I love that about her, love that she speaks her mind.  I do not want her to think she has to go through life alone, always by herself, and not knowing how to ask for help.  However, I do want her to try new things, to experience life.  I want her to try, even if she fails, and not worry if she fails, or if a task requires multiple attempts.  Go for it kid, see what you can do!  It is a fine balance, setting boundaries to protect her and pushing her outside of her own comfort zone in an effort to help her.  Try, fail, fall, but get up.  Know Mommy and Daddy will always be here for you, but you can try things on your own before you ask for help.  Oh parenting, you are not for the faint of heart, mind, or spirit. 

And even this is only a moment in time, a moment that will be gone too soon, a moment I will one day long for.  The moment she came to Mommy first.  I simply pray I do not fail her as her parent.

Changing Stripes

John 12:46 -- I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

"A tiger can't change his stripes."  This is the comment my father made following a scenario I was telling my parents about.  The course of a friend's life is being dramatically changed, and it was not her decision.  Someone else made a series of decisions, and she will soon become a single mom, the current course of her life will change.  However, recent circumstances, traumatic hard ones, may change that again.  I said the maybe, just maybe, these events will get the attention of others involved.  Maybe this will be the "lightbulb" moment that creates change and restoration.  And that's when my dad said it, "A tiger can't change his stripes."

It took me all of about one second to respond by saying, "If that is the case, if there's never any hope for change, then what is the point of the cross?  The power of the cross, of the death and resurrection of Christ is deemed meaningless if there is no hope of change, restoration, and redemption."  I have been pondering that ever since, and firmly believe what I said.  Will the desires and temptations suddenly go away?  Possibly not.  But the desire to resist will trump the sinful desires.  We are in constant battle of flesh vs. Spirit, doing what feels good, what is easy, and doing what is right, and of eternal value.  When we desire God more, the joys becomes easier but our fleshly lusts will always be there.  We can choose not to sin.

The tiger will still have his stripes, but those stripes will not be marks of failure.  No, the tiger's stripes will be constant reminders of what the tiger has been created for, and even with its markings, the tiger can still be beautiful.

Fitness Friday

Secret Mom Thoughts is hosting Fitness Friday again!  The main event that happened this week in the area of health?  I spoke on a podcast for The Pink Dress on the topic!  Click here for replay information.  I had so much fun!  Honestly, I would rather see the faces of the people I am talking to, but what a blessing that I can simply give out a number for people to call in order to listen to the podcast, anyday of the week! 

Sunday evening, the great stomach demon, straight from the pit of hell bug hit.  My child had suffered through it, rather well I might add, and it was passed to me.  Ugh.  Not my idea of a good weight loss program or core workout.  Needless to say, that threw off (or up?) any workout schedules for the week.  I just received the STS Workout Series and was excited to get going with those.  Due to temperatures in the teens, or lower, I chose to forgo early morning runs.  Wednesday, I popped in video one and about died.  Starting a new workout following an illness, and 24 hours of not eating was not my best decision.  I did what I could, laughed that I thought I could get through that after my body had been put through the ringer, and carried on.  This morning I did DVD 2 in the first cycle, whew, it's a could workout and my muscles are already talking to me. 

Thanks to my AdvoCare vitamins and supplements, I feel great and have my energy back.  There is also a complete shifting happening in my eating which I love.  I am craving all things healthy and seeing little to no need for junk.  Yay!

Let me leave you with a trainer tip for today: don't worry about the scale when you are starting to workout!  As your body is changing, the scale won't show those changes all the time.  I prefer to take my client's measurements.  Pay attention to how you feel, how clothes are feeling, etc.  Especially for females, our scale weight will fluctuate thanks to hormones.  If you must use a scale, use it one day a week, the same day every week, and in the morning.  Then, don't go near it again.  Or, just weight yourself once a month.  For measurements, redo them every month.  It is more important to know how you are feeling, if you have an increase in energy, if you are feeling stronger and are able to do more in your workouts than the number flashing on the scale.  Stepping of my soap box now....

Join us for Fitness Friday, and link up!

The Search

Buy the book here

Suzanne Woods Fisher is at it again, writing an incredible book filled with delightful characters and a plot worth following.  Suzanne does not slow down for her third book in this series, and it is just as good as the ones it follows.  You will love these characters, and relate easily to them.  You will adore Bertha, and if you are like me, nod your head as you realize you too have a relative who is just like that.  The Search will wrap you up and leave you wanting more, which I do believe is coming.  The Search is a beautiful story of how truth brings about freedom, and the value of forgiveness.  Sometimes, we must do the uncomfortable and the unnatural in order to bring about God's grace and mercies.  To walk in obedience is more worthwhile than walking in comfort, which this book shows over and over.  Sit back, relax, and dive in.  You will love every page.

About the book:
Fifteen years ago, Lainey O'Toole made a split-second decision. She couldn't have known that her choice would impact so many.


Now in her mid-twenties, she is poised to go to culinary school when her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge, the very Amish town in which her long-reaching decision was made, forcing her to face the shadowed past.


Bess Reihl is less than thrilled to be spending the summer at Rose Hill Farm with her large and intimidating grandmother, Bertha. It quickly becomes clear that she is there to work the farm--and work hard. The labor is made slightly more tolerable by the time it affords Bess to spend with the handsome hired hand, Billy Lapp. But he only has eyes for a flirty and curvaceous older girl.


Lainey's and Bess's worlds are about to collide and the secrets that come to light will shock them both.


"Beautifully written, 'The Search' is a skillfully woven story that takes readers through unexpected twists and turns on the long country road toward truth. Fans both old and new will find themselves immersed in this heartwarming--and surprising--tale of young love, forgiveness, and coming to grips with the past."

About Suzanne:
In no particular order, Suzanne Woods Fisher is a wife, mother, writer, lifelong student of the Bible, raiser of puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind, a gardener and a cook...the latter two with sporadic results.


Suzanne has loved to write since she was a young teen. After college, she started to write for magazines and became a contributing editor for Christian Parenting Today magazine. Her family moved to Hong Kong for four years, just as the internet was developing, and she continued to write articles in a 44-story high-rise apartment, sending manuscripts 7,000 miles away with a click of a key.


After returning from Hong Kong, Suzanne decided to give her first novel a try. For four and a half months, she worked on an antediluvian computer in a cramped laundry room. She didn't even tell her husband what she was up to. When the novel was completed, she told her family at dinner one night that she had written a book. "That's why there's no food in this house!" said her slightly insensitive sons.


Undaunted...Suzanne found a small royalty publisher for that book and wrote three more (all earned multiple awards). With help from an agent, she now has numerous books under contract with Revell. Also look for Suzanne's Amish non-fiction, Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World, a non-fiction book of stories and examples about the Old Order Amish, as well as Amish Proverbs, and coming in Spring of 2011, look for Amish Values for Your Family. The Choice and The Waiting are the previous books in the Lancaster County Secrets Collection.


Writing, for Suzanne, is a way to express a love of God and His word. With every book or article, she hopes readers get a sense of what faith really looks like in the daily grind. She hopes they realize that life can be hard, but God is good, and never to confuse the two.

Suzanne can be found on-line at: www.suzannewoodsfisher.com
Suzanne Woods Fisher's latest installment of the Lancaster County Secrets, The Search,  is just out and to celebrate Suzanne is hosting The Search iPad Giveaway!

One Grand Prize winner will receive an iPad Prize Package worth over $500 and includes:

• A brand new iPad (16KB with Wi-Fi)
• Signed copies of all three Lancaster Country Secrets books (The Choice, The Waiting, & The Search)

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form/s, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest. Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on February 3rd at Suzanne's Everything is Coming Up Roses Facebook Party. (Did you know The Search takes place on a rose farm?)

 

Facebook Party:

Join Suzanne for the Everything is Coming Up Roses Facebook Party on February 3rd! She’ll be announcing the winner of the The Search iPad Giveaway, hosting a book club discussion of The Search, giving away copies of all three books and HEAPS of other readerly prizes! Including roses delivered to your door for three months for you AND a friend! Be sure to join us on Thursday, February 3rd at 5:00 PM PST (6:00 MST, 7:00 CST & 8 EST) at Suzanne’s Author Page.

Check out the blog tour for more great reviews!

*LitFuse sent me this book in return for my honest review.

Trigger Point

Yesterday, while speaking on The Pink Dress teleconference, I was asked:
Would you agree, that oftentimes women in general struggle with weight due to low self-worth, or do you think having low self-worth stems from being unhealthy? Why?
I answered with the following:
This could be a whole podcast in and of itself! I honestly think that low self-worth leads to an unhealthy lifestyle. From what I have experienced, the vast majority of individuals, especially women, who struggle with their weight and health have some sort of abuse in their past. Whether it is physical, sexual, or verbal, the abuse suffered leads to an incorrect view of oneself. Therefore, we don’t feel like we are good enough and stuff ourselves, literally. In an effort to protect herself, an abused woman will attempt to make herself undesirable, that way she feels safe, that she will be left alone, and that she is now protected. Excess fat, in most cases, is a shield and defense mechanism. We get tired of being hurt, so we adopt unhealthy lifestyles in order to keep others at bay.


1 Cor 6:15 says our bodies are a member of Christ. Let’s think about that. How are we representing him? I am rather sure that Christ’s body was not overweight, unhealthy, and unable to get through the day. In that scripture, we are given eternal value and worth, and that blows my mind! That is the truth we need to wrap our mind’s around: we are HIS! In order to do his work, we have got to get healthier because right now we are a diseased and unhealthy body.

Last night, as my husband and I listened to the replay of that call, I began thinking about this point and knew it was one I wanted to expound on.  Yes, I have trained a multitude of women who have gained weight as a result of some form of abuse.  It is not always phsycial or sexual abuse (though I would venture to say those are more highly common), but abuse of one form or another has happened.  Is this true in 100% of the overweight population?  No.  However, I am learning, as I listen to what others say, that there is a trigger point. 

There is a moment that began the cycle of unhealthy behaviors.  There is a trauma that has occurred that hands such a blow to the person causing them to become so overwhelmed with life they stop taking care of themselves.  I have seen this in parents whose children have died, women whose husbands have left them, people whose stress levels are off the charts.  A lost job, life unraveling at the seams, it all combines to create the perfect storm of an unhealhty lifestyle. 

It is important that we identify our trigger points.  When was it that we began these unhealthy behaviors?  In some cases, they are the way of life in our homes, in most, it begins at a specific time.  What was it?  Identify it, give it a name, be honest with yourself.  Come face to face with the moment you stopped caring about your own health, look it in the eye, and then step out of its hold on your life.  I feel this is a powerful moment, an essential moment, in becoming healthy.  I have witnessed it in multiple clients; we uncovered their "why", the reason they began adopting unhealthy methods of living, and they were released from its grasp.  Write it down, share it with a friend, pray over it.  Break its hold in your life and begin walking in vibrant, healthy freedom.

Reflections

Here I sit, as the day winds down, pondering what all has happened today.  It has been a good day.  I was able to share my heart and passion with a ministry called The Pink Dress on a teleconference.  What a great adventure it was too.  Heather, the founder of The Pink Dress, and very dear friend of mine, asked me before Christmas if I would be interested in talking on the topic of health as the new year started.  Ever since she asked me, I had been praying, thinking, and pondering what it was God would have me say.  And boy did He answer.  Around that time, I began diving into a beautiful journey with a friend, a journey that involves our health and self-image.  Then, I received a book from LitFuse to review, on health.  Talk about God's perfect timing!

Heather sent me a list of questions that she has planned to ask in order to keep me from sounding like a rambling fool.  Many questions covered topics I knew I was supposed to share, things that were at the forefront of my own mind.  And then there were scriptures, scriptures that rocked my world, crushed my toes, and left me in awe.  There was the question that even as I typed out the answer, I became choked up, and I got choked up today during the teleconference.  If nothing else, I pray those who listen to the call hear this:
First and foremost, you are worth it. Sister, you are so worth it. God has created you at a specific time in a specific place and you are worth it. You are worth the efforts, you are worth the time, you are worth the change. If no one else has ever told you that before, then listen closely to what I am telling you: YOU ARE WORTH IT!


As a personal trainer, I have heard many stories, come across many individuals who have never been told they are worth it.  Or, they just do not believe it.  In order to achieve complete and total health, they have to have a change of heart and mind.  They have to find that balance of spirit, mind and body, and it has been so humbling that I have been able to help people on that journey.  Truly, it leaves me completely humbled.  Those are the moments I love as a trainer (and AdvoCare distributor), the moment my client breaks through her chains and walks in freedom.  Oh friends, I cannot describe to you how beautiful it is to behold.  Instantly, she is stronger, more capable, and more confident.  It is not because of the workout routine or eating plan, but because she believed she is worth it.

This past year, I had a client whom I saw transform in the course of our months together.  There were some sessions she began trembling as tears rolled down her face while she told me of the guilt she felt taking just two hours a week for herself, to care for herself, to not do anything for anyone else.  She shared her own struggles and strongholds and how weary she had become from them, and I watched her, as we trained and talked and laughed, break free from them.  The excuses she had used and others had used for her were no longer good enough, and she let them go.  She wrapped her mind around the fact she was capable, she was worth it, and she was going to meet her goals.  And she did (she even has a half marathon medal to show for it), and she is not only stronger physically for it, but mentally, and emotionally too.  That is success, true, lasting success.  Just writing that makes me smile from ear to ear. 

There is more to share on this issue, more insights I want to bring to light.  And, I will, trust me I will.  All in due time.  For now, rest well friends, stay warm, and take a moment to thank God for creating...you.

Podcast outline

Replay of teleconference: Dial (805) 360-1999, then enter access code 428305#. Then punch in reference number 2, or just wait and press # for most recent recording.


In case you were unable to join me on the podcast Wednesday at noon, I have outlined the questions I was asked and my answers for you.  If you are a visual person, you will enjoy this method more anyway.  For those of you who were on the call, thank you!!!

1. For those who didn't get a chance to read your bio, tell us a little about your background and some of your experiences that brought you to living a healthier lifestyle today.

I was raised in an active home, and grew up playing sports. As a young gymnast, I developed poor eating habits. I became involved in school sports, but the poor eating habits remained and I was putting on more weight than I should have. After some injuries, I became even unhealthier. Throughout this time, and throughout my life, I was teased for my big legs, I was told I was “one of the guys” and things like that. I had coaches who berated me in front of gyms full of people. Part of me knew I was strong and worth more than what their words told me, but as time went on I believed the lies more than anything else.

2. When you were struggling with being, as you said, "unfit and unhappy," how would you say it affected the way you felt about yourself?
It affected everything! I hid behind my humor and quick wit, and decided boys were just dumb since none were asking me out. I became accustomed to hearing “If only I could find someone like you” which really meant, “I think you are great, but I am not at all attracted to you.” I did not like who I was, especially when I looked in the mirror. There were few positive things I could or would say about myself. The end of Matthew 6:25 says, “Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” For me, what food I was going to fill my life with consumed me.

3. Would you say that oftentimes living an unhealthy lifestyle and having a poor self-image go hand in hand? Why or why not?
Definitely! When we don’t feel valuable, we don’t take care of ourselves because we don’t feel we are worth the time and effort. We are also likely to sabotage our own efforts, like I did. I would workout then go get some fast food, and upsized it too! When I felt like this, I didn’t like going to gyms because I felt like everyone would be focused on me and my unhealthy body, and was sure they were thinking the same negative thoughts I had about myself.


I have begun to realize that we allow food to become our god and stuff ourselves with as much as it as possible. We are choosing unhealthy meals and portions and trying to fill what only God can. 1Cor 6:13 states, “food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food, but God will do away with both of them. Yet the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body.” We are putting food, because it is necessary for survival and the only way we seem to know how to fellowship, as a top priority. Our bodies were created to glorify God, and we are destroying them by believing lies this world tells us and by choosing unhealthy lifestyles.

4. Would you agree, that oftentimes women in general struggle with weight due to low self-worth, or do you think having low self-worth stems from being unhealthy? Why?
This could be a whole podcast in and of itself! I honestly think that low self-worth leads to an unhealthy lifestyle. From what I have experienced, the vast majority of individuals, especially women, who struggle with their weight and health have some sort of abuse in their past. Whether it is physical, sexual, or verbal, the abuse suffered leads to an incorrect view of oneself. Therefore, we don’t feel like we are good enough and stuff ourselves, literally. In an effort to protect herself, an abused woman will attempt to make herself undesirable, that way she feels safe, that she will be left alone, and that she is now protected. Excess fat, in most cases, is a shield and defense mechanism. We get tired of being hurt, so we adopt unhealthy lifestyles in order to keep others at bay.


1 Cor 6:15 says our bodies are a member of Christ. Let’s think about that. How are we representing him? I am rather sure that Christ’s body was not overweight, unhealthy, and unable to get through the day. In that scripture, we are given eternal value and worth, and that blows my mind! That is the truth we need to wrap our mind’s around: we are HIS! In order to do his work, we have got to get healthier because right now we are a diseased and unhealthy body.

5. Now, I know you've given me some really great advice in the past when I've come to you and said, "Michelle, I need help. I'm feeling sluggish and have no energy. I try to eat right, but I still can't seem to lose the weight that I want....what do you recommend?" So, for our listeners out there, what are some tips or advice you have for those who may be saying, "Hey, I'm tired of feeling this way, but I don't know what I need to do at this point."? What are some things you recommend?
I would recommend AdvoCare products, which we’ll discuss in a moment, and eating foods that are God made. The more natural a food is, the better it is for your body. If it is processed, just say no! We also need to move more and change our ideas of what exercise entails. Dance in the living room with your kids, play a game of tag, just find something you enjoy. You do not have to spend hours in a gym, recent studies have shown that just 10 minutes of movement will improve your health. You will not become really toned and defined that way, but 10 minutes of movement is better than none!


I came across an interesting verse the other day, Prov 23:1-3 which says, “When you sit down and dine with a ruler, consider carefully what’s before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are a man of great appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, for it is deceptive food”. I am sure there is more to this verse than what my mind thought, but as I read this, it struck me that not being able to control our appetite, for food and so much else, is not what God wants for us. Put a knife to your throat? This is serious! God wants first place in our life, and He is the only one who can fill the voids we are trying to fill with food and only God can restore and redeem our brokenness. We can talk about plans all day long, but until we sit down and find out why we are choosing unhealthy lifestyles, we will not become healthy. The programs will not work, fully, if we are not allowing God to do a mighty work in us to fix what we, and others, have broken within us.

6. What would you say to the person out there who has given up - maybe she has tried every diet known to man - or maybe her schedule is so demanding, she just can't fit in the time to make healthier choices (like exercise, etc.)?
First and foremost, you are worth it. Sister, you are so worth it. God has created you at a specific time in a specific place and you are worth it. You are worth the efforts, you are worth the time, you are worth the change. If no one else has ever told you that before, then listen closely to what I am telling you: YOU ARE WORTH IT!


Take one step at a time. One week, choose to increase your fruit and vegetable intake. The next week, limit or avoid all simple and processed sugars. Small changes, over time, will create healthy habits.


As far as exercise, do what you enjoy. If you do not care to go to a gym, there are some amazing workout videos out there. Or, involve some friends and meet for walks a couple days a week. Cut out the TV and the computer and other distractions and just be for a moment. Sit and breathe, let your mind and body relax, and remember: you are worth it!

7. Not only do you help people with exercise regimens and eating right (obviously b/c you're a fitness trainer), but you also have a business operated out of your home that others can benefit from as well. Would you care to tell us about that?
AdvoCare is a premier health and wellness company offering world-class energy, weight-loss, nutrition, and sports performance products along with a rewarding business opportunity.


We have an incredible Scientific & Medical advisory board who develop, research and test our products, unpaid endorsers, and Drew Brees recently became our national spokesperson.


AdvoCare products are safe, and they work. As an 18 year old direct sales company, AdvoCare is growing and improving every year. Lives are being changed in areas of health, finance, and personal growth. The opportunities are endless, and their products are honestly the only nutritional supplements or vitamins I will recommend. With these products, I know I am getting the best nutrition available, and I have more energy than ever before.

8. Now, if anyone wanted to get more information about you, your business, or even just to contact you personally, how could they reach you?
Through the Pink Dress website, of course, and on my AdvoCare and fitness blog

9. Is there anything else you'd like to say to encourage us women to live a healthier lifestyle?
John 4:34 says, “Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to accomplish His work.’” It is time for us to be about our father’s business, to glorify him, with every aspect of our lives and stop picking and choosing. It is time to allow Him to take his rightful place in our lives and time for us to take better care of the bodies he has given us. The healthier I am, the better and more able I will be to serve Him and others. I cannot be about my father’s business if my body is unhealthy and I do not think I am capable. It is time to trust God at his word, and believe we are worth it, we are valuable, and we are important. We are loved by the Creator of this universe and He wants us to know that. We are worth it, so very worth it. And the journey to healthy living will be worth it.

Join me!

Join me today as I talk to Heather Schultz - founder of The Pink Dress - on a podcast at noon (CST). We're talking about health! Just dial (805) 360-1000 and when prompted, punch in the access code 428305# to listen in

Passing it on

The stomach bug that invaded my child decided I needed a visit too.  Can someone explain to me why these sorts of things do not begin their attack until it is time to go to bed?  Evil I tell you, evil.  Most of the evening it felt as if someone had their hands around my stomach and proceeded to twist it as much as possible.  So not cool.  Thanks to my lack of water intake, and the zero food I have eaten, my head now feels like it is being kicked repeatedly.  Again I say, not cool.  Now we need to pray my sweet husband escapes the grasp of this evil stomach monster demon. 

In better news, I have information for the podcast coming up!  Wednesday, January 12th at noon, The Pink Dress will be interviewing me, Fitness Trainer and Advocare Rep, as I share my story about how God transformed my outlook on being healthy. I will also be sharing some insightful tips on how you can live a healthier lifestyle as well! Here are the details:

Dial (805) 360-1000

When prompted, enter access code 428305# to listen in.

Hope you can join us!  This call will be recorded so when I have the information to listen to the recording, I will post that as well.  Feel free to tell others about this! 

Serious applause needed

An unexpected guest has entered our home, a stomach bug.  Said unwelcomed gues has invaded my child's world, and the invasion begain at 1:30 am.  Two changes of the bed, 4 changes of pajamas, and 3 fallen stuffed animals later, it is still lingering.  Sheets on the bed have been replaced with towels and a bucket is close by.  She remains happy and smiling, except when the bug decides to "bite."

Through all of this it is Daddy who has come to the rescue.  He was the one who woke up to her crying, noticed she was wet, and realized the bug had "bitten".  He was the one who has been the recipient of these "bites" not once, but twice, or is it three times?  He was the one who laid in her bed with her, just in case, and ran her to the bathroom when necessary.  He has been the one she cuddles with and calls for when her tummy starts turning over.  He has patiently held her, wiped her off, changed her clothing (and his own), and rested her weary head on his shoulder. 

I have been on clean up crew and damage control. 

Our girl wants her daddy.  And he has handled this all like a superhero.  Give him the cape and the emblem on the chest of his shirt, he deserves it.  He has been amazing and wonderful and strong, in spite of our sleep deprivation, in spite of having to watch his baby girl get sick.  What a lucky girl our child is, to have such a father.  A lucky girl who will always know her daddy will hold her, whisper "I love you baby girl" in her ear, and make everything alright.  No wonder she continues smiling, laughing, and singing in spite of the bug in her belly.

Some Favorites

AdvoCare Products: 24 Day Challenge Bundle (which is currently being sold at a discounted price!):

Order here

At home core workout - Gorgeous Core:

Buy here

Pilates based, (it's harder than you think) video -Warrior:

Buy here

Full body strength training (lots of equipment required):

Buy here

Cookbook (health information is given, and recipes are delicious):



Buy here