AdvoCare 500 is coming!

Let's Celebrate the Inaugural AdvoCare 500 NASCAR_® Sprint Cup Series Race!

Make the most of race day:

Watch national coverage of the AdvoCare 500 on ESPN Sept. 4, 2011 at 7 p.m. ET

• Two NEW AdvoCare commercials will air on race day!
• The AdvoCare logo will be featured prominently throughout Atlanta Motor Speedway and on television - including the infield grass, pace car, trackside signs and billboards, and Victory Lane.

Look for these AdvoCare endorsers on race day:

• David Starr: Sprint^® Cup Series Driver Car No. 95
• Mark Martin: Sprint^® Cup Series Driver Car No. 5
• Mark Mauldin: Hendrick Motorsports Race Day Operations & Pit Crew Coordinator for the No. 5 and No. 24 cars
• Richard Petty: 7-time Cup Champion

More details (ie: opportunity for free samples) to come!  When you watch the race, think of me!

Easy Canvas Prints

Picture taken by Craig Reynolds Photography 

Canvas Done by Easy Canvas Prints 

I recently opted to have one of our pictures done on canvas, and chose Easy Canvas Prints to do the job. Their website is user friendly (a huge plus) and they offer great options and a wonderful art department to make sure a quality product will be delivered. What's that? Great customer service? You heard right.

I had mine done in an 8x10 with a gallery wrap and LOVE it! The picture I took of it, above, doesn't really do it the justice it deserves. I am so pleased with this product!  For those of you looking to do something different with your photos, head on over and have some fun, you will not be disappointed (angel not included with products - ha!).  Now to find a more permanent home for my lovely artwork.



*Easy Canvas Prints sent me this product for free in return for my honest review.

Weight Loss Wednesday: Because

Because sometimes making the decision to change is hard, and the actions required demand consistency. Because sometimes we need to be reminded we do not need to say where we are, and we can choose to get out of the pit of unhealthy behaviors. Because we need to be reminded that Satan has no power unless we grant it to him and speak negativity and doubts out loud. Because we need to know that speaking God's word, out loud, and in our prayers, makes us stronger and will bring about victory. And because I want to encourage you as a dear friend encouraged me yesterday:

Psalm 30

1 I will exalt you, LORD,
for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
2 LORD my God, I called to you for help,
and you healed me.
3 You, LORD, brought me up from the realm of the dead;
you spared me from going down to the pit.
4 Sing the praises of the LORD, you his faithful people;
praise his holy name.
5 For his anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night,
but rejoicing comes in the morning.

6 When I felt secure, I said,
“I will never be shaken.”
7 LORD, when you favored me,
you made my royal mountain stand firm;
but when you hid your face,
I was dismayed.
8 To you, LORD, I called;
to the Lord I cried for mercy:
9 “What is gained if I am silenced,
if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
Will it proclaim your faithfulness?
10 Hear, LORD, and be merciful to me;
LORD, be my help.”

11 You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
LORD my God, I will praise you forever.

The Help: We Need It

With my mother's birthday arriving this week, she informed me I would be taking her to see The Help. I was more than happy to oblige my dear old wise mom yesterday.

While I am sure most of you have heard of this movie and/or book, here's a brief synopsis for you, from the website:

Based on one of the most talked about books in years and a #1 New York Times best-selling phenomenon, “The Help” stars Emma Stone (“Easy A”) as Skeeter, Academy Award®–nominated Viola Davis (“Doubt”) as Aibileen and Octavia Spencer as Minny—three very different, extraordinary women in Mississippi during the 1960s, who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk. From their improbable alliance a remarkable sisterhood emerges, instilling all of them with the courage to transcend the lines that define them, and the realization that sometimes those lines are made to be crossed —even if it means bringing everyone in town face-to-face with the changing times.


Deeply moving, filled with poignancy, humor and hope, “The Help” is a timeless and universal story about the ability to create change.

It is, a great movie, and powerful.  But I was left to wonder how different the reactions would have been at various points during the movie had the viewers been more diverse.  Would the theatre have been so silent during some scenes, filled with laughter at others?  I would have loved to have some of our Strong Tower family in there, to be able to dialogue with them after the film. 

Luckily, my beautiful friend Carla wrote her perspective on the movie, and you should jump over there and read that too.  I also found what the author, Kathryn Stockett, had to say about writing this book, which was quite interesting.

After posting I had seen this movie on Facebook, one comment made me stop and pause, "And to think they went to church. So glad to not have witnessed that kind of cruelty and ignorance first hand. Despicable."  Although she is right, in today's society the poor treatment of people with different skin tones is not so overt, is not so acceptable, but friends, it still happens.  It is still despicable, but it still happens.  Whether through an attitude, assumption, or an outward act or spoken word, some of these attitudes still have not changed.  


Look around at your daily life, especially if you are a pale skinned person like myself.  How diverse is your place of employment?  Your child's school?  Your neighborhood?  More importantly, your church?  I look around mine and my heart longs, immediately to return to our church in Tennessee, where the attendants came from all walks of life.  I miss the beauty that comes through diversity.

Things need to change.  First of all, I do not believe one race is to be blamed over another.  False attitudes and preconceptions come from both sides, all sides.  What we need to do is start meeting in the middle, welcoming one another into our lives, our homes, our communities, and our churches.  We need to admit we have both failed in walking in brotherly love, especially with our fellow believers.  We need to take the time to get to know one another, the struggles, the triumphs, the lessons we have learned in this life.  We need to stop turning a blind eye to how our society treats one another, especially here in the south.


I am thankful, so thankful, for having attended a church that worked, purposefully, through ministries like G-RACE.  I am thankful for our pastor there taking the time to write a book entitled One But Not The Same: God's Diverse Kingdom Come Through, Race, Class, and Gender.


Progress has been made, and in some areas that is more evident than in others.  Here in the south?  The laws have changed, but we still have a long way to go.

Blue Skies Tomorrow

Enter 8/22 - 9/22!

To celebrate the release of Blue Skies Tomorrow, the final installment of the Wings of Glory series, Sarah is giving one lucky winner A Vintage Kindle Prize Package! 

Read what the reviewers are saying here.

One winner will receive:

* Kindle with Wi-Fi

* Handmade vintage apron for you and a friend (see a photo here)

* Blue Skies Tomorrow (for Kindle)

To enter just click one of the icons below. But, hurry, giveaway ends on 9/10. Winner will be announced on 9/12 at Sarah Sundin's blog. Details and official rules can be found when entering the contest.

My Review:
I fully enjoy this series, I truly do.  I enjoy the conflicts, the characters, the flawed natures of the characters.  In fact, that is probably why I do enjoy these books, each person has their own battle to face.  In Blue Skies Tomorrow, Ray must confront his cowardice and Helen must face herself and her past.  Each is required to trust God's leading, and to rely on his strength rather than their own.  This story is a beautiful picture of God's ability to redeem and restore.  Sit back, relax, and enjoy.

About the book:
Lt. Raymond Novak prefers the pulpit to the cockpit, but at least his stateside job training B-17 pilots allows him the luxury of a personal life. As he courts Helen Carlisle, a young war widow and mother who conceals her pain under a frenzy of volunteer work, the sparks of their romance set a fire that flings them both into peril. After Ray leaves to fly a combat mission at the peak of the air war over Europe, Helen takes a job in a dangerous munitions yard and confronts an even graver menace in her own home. Will they find the courage to face their challenges? And can their young love survive until blue skies return?

Want more? Read the press release.


About Sarah:

Sarah Sundin received the 2011 Writer of the Year Award from the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference, and her second novel A Memory Between Us is a finalist for an Inspirational Readers' Choice Award. Her stories are inspired by her great-uncle who flew with the U.S. Eighth Air Force in England during World War II.


Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. Visit with Sarah online at www.sarahsundin.com.



Buy the book

Blog Tour

WLW: Picture it

<br /> <a href="http://www.confessionsofasnowflake.com"><img src="http://www.confessionsofasnowflake.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/wlw2.png" ></a><br />

Today's topic: Picture yourself living a healthy life. What does that picture look like? How is your life different from now?

This topic hit me last week, and I am rather sure I had a great response. Today? I may have stumped myself folks. Welcome to my world.

Let's see, what does my healthy life picture look like? The fridge and pantry would be stocked with fresh foods, real foods, little to nothing that comes in boxes. You know, the kind of things that require some work to make a meal out of. (My financially more advanced healthy life also includes a great cook to put together wonderfully nutritious meals. HA! Until then, I am on it!)

Our house would be the stopping place for meals, but more time would be spent outside, which has been tough to do this summer because we have had over 30 days of temperatures over 100. Ugh. But alas, my healthier picture involves more time at parks, and bike paths, and the like.

My closet would have clothes I felt comfortable and beautiful in, and maybe something more than just my "trainer clothes." You know, it's ok to be strong and beautiful. You do know that, right?

If I am going to be quite honest, my healthy ideal picture is not far off from my current reality. I am thankful for that because it is only by God's grace that it's true. Right now I am learning real health begins in the mind, and is not simply a number on a scale or the size of clothing. There are a lot of unhealthy skinny people (you didn't know that? It's true).

Let me share with you some insight I have learned the last few years while working as a personal trainer: being overweight is more often an outward manifestation of an inward problem. Either our emotions or thinking are out of balance, or both more often than not. It's when we take our minds captive and focus on God's truth and what He says about us that we begin to see progress in our physical bodies.

"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (Eph. 4:23-24)

I am so honored to be hosting WLW today, and I cannot wait to read your posts. Link up, join the party, and live out that healthy picture!

Chef Jeff's Dinner Revolution

Get your free copy!

Oh friends, am I excited.  I was contacted earlier today about this great new cookbook!  What's included? 
 In this groundbreaking new cookbook you will learn:
--Over 200 of my healthy and mouthwatering dinner recipes

--All recipes have less than 10 ingredients and take less than 30 minutes to prepare

--An amazing variety of recipes including vegetarian and simple side dishes

--No more wondering what's for dinner. I take all the guess work out

--Finally a trusted source for all of your dinner recipe needs

I received my free copy this evening and am already looking forward to utilizing this cookbook!  I mean seriously friend, the recipes are super family-friendly, healthy, have less than 10 ingredients, and take less than 30 minutes to prepare.  Nutrition information is even included.  Um, yes, that sounds absolutely marvelous!

What are you waiting for?  Click here to get your FREE copy!

Plateaus and What To Do About Them

The following is from Cathe Friedrich's website, specifically, from right here.

You’re watching what you eat and working out at home or at the gym. You’re even keeping a food diary to make sure you’re getting the calories you need to lose 2 pounds a week - and it’s working. You’ve lost 15 pounds and are already looking better in a swimsuit. But suddenly your weight loss grinds to a halt. You’re watching everything you eat, and you haven’t missed a day at the gym. What gives?

The Dreaded Weight Loss Plateau
This scenario happens to almost everyone who tries to lose weight. The pounds melt away at first, and suddenly they stop. This is referred to as a weight loss plateau. There are two reasons why people reach a plateau.

As you lose weight you need fewer calories since you have less weight to carry around. The other factor at play is your body’s attempt to adapt to your weight loss. Each person has a genetically determined set-point, a weight which your body wants to maintain. When you go to far from that set-point, your body makes adjustments to try to bring you back to it. One way it does this is by slowing down your metabolism to conserve energy.

It’s tempting when you reach a weight loss plateau to cut back your food intake even more. If you’ve been eating the appropriate number of calories you need to lose weight, and you haven’t been cheating, this isn’t the best move. Your metabolism has slowed, and you need to jumpstart it. Restricting calories further will only slow it down more.

The solution? Cycle your calories. If you’ve been eating 1,800 calories a day, continue to eat that many calories for 3 days in a row. On the fourth day, increase the number of calories you consume by 300. Then go back to 1,800 calories a day for 3 days. Continue cycling in this manner. The higher calorie days will give your metabolism a boost and help restart the fat loss process. Never go below 1,200 calories a day even when you’re trying to lose weight.

Other Ways to Break Through a Plateau
Look closely at your exercise routine. If you’re doing only steady-state cardio and aren’t hitting the weight room, this could be part of the problem. Try to add some more time working out with heavy weights to your exercise routine. Lifting heavy activates growth hormone and other fat-burning hormones that will keep you burning more fat for hours after you put the weights down. It also builds lean body mass. When you have more muscle, you burn more calories.

When you do cardiovascular exercise, do some shorter, interval workouts where you work out at near maximum intensity for 20 to 60 seconds followed by a brief recovery. Vary your workout as much as possible to keep your body guessing, and don’t neglect resistance training. It’s the key to building metabolism-boosting lean body mass and transforming the way your body looks.

The Bottom Line?
Don’t let a weight loss plateau discourage you. It’s a sign your body is adapting, and you need to make changes to your diet and exercise plan. Pretty soon you’ll be back on track to shed more body fat.

References:
The British Journal of Nutrition. 102:488, 2009.
Science Daily. “Interval Training Burns More Fat, Increases Fitness, Study Finds”

Mugabe and the White African

Buy the book

Kregel Publications is sponsoring a $50 Amazon.com giveaway!
To enter all you have to do is send a tweet (using @litfuse) about Mugabe and the White African or share about it on Facebook!

If you tweet we'll capture your entry when you use @litfuse. If you share it on Facebook or your blog, just email us and let us know (info@litfusegroup.com). Easy.

TWEET THIS: Mugabe and the White African – one family’s stand for justice in the face of evil! @litfuse http://ow.ly/61JDW RT 4 a chance at $50

FACEBOOK THIS: Ben Freeth has an extraordinary story to tell about one family’s stand for justice in the face of evil. The fight for justice in Zimbabwe is far from over—Mugabe and the White African is for anyone who wants to see into the heart of one of today's hardest places and how human dignity flourishes even in the most adverse circumstances. http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13422041

About Mugabe and the White African:
Ben Freeth has an extraordinary story to tell. Like that of many white farmers, his family's land was "reclaimed" for redistribution by Mugabe's government.

But Ben's family fought back. Appealing to international law, they instigated a suit against Mugabe's government in the SADC, the Southern African equivalent of NATO. The case was deferred time and again while Mugabe's men pulled strings. But after Freeth and his parents-in-law were abducted and beaten within inches of death in 2008, the SADC deemed any further delay to be an obstruction of justice. The case was heard, and was successful on all counts.

But the story doesn't end there. In 2009 the family farm was burned to the ground. The fight for justice in Zimbabwe is far from over--this book is for anyone who wants to see into the heart of one of today's hardest places and how human dignity flourishes even in the most adverse circumstances.

Read the press release for more.

The PBS debut of Mugabe and the White African, the award-winning documentary of the same name, was on July 26. Watch now at PBS.

About the Ben Freeth:

Ben Freeth, MBE, is a British-born Zimbabwean farmer. He has lived in Zimbabwe most of his life and is raising his three young children there, together with his wife Laura. Ben's story has already been the subject of an award-winning documentary which won Best Documentary 2009 (British Independent Film Awards), was nominated for the BAFTA Outstanding Debut Film 2010, and shortlisted for an Oscar in 2010.

My Thoughts:
One man driven by power, ruling by fear, has the ability to control and change the face of a country.  One man, driven by integrity, ruled by truth, can light the fires of change.  This book, in its brutality and honesty is haunting, even more so knowing that Mugabe's attacks on Zimbabwe's white farmers is happening in our time.  Laws have been ignored, or created to suit Mugabe's motives.  Freeth, and few others, are willing to stand against the evil infiltrating those who rule, and risk their own lives doing so.  This is happening.  And it could happen here, in America, if we stick our heads in the sand or cower in fear to those who disregard their fellow man.  I am thankful for men like Freeth, who will stand up and fight as everyone else is running away.  I am thankful he is willing to honestly share his story, and his faith, in the face of such adversity.  

Blog Tour

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

WFW: Psalm 119:133

Psalm 119:133

Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.

I love this picture. I love the confidence of her walk, the set of her shoulders, her head focused straight ahead. May I walk so boldy and confidently on the path, whatever path, God lays before me.

To enjoy more Word Filled Wednesday posts click here..

Weight Loss Wednesdays

I am typing this on Tuesday, and have no idea what my Snowflake friend has in mind for our topic this week. So, being the rebel I am, I am going freestyle on this one. We're cool with that, right?

This morning, I went out and jogged for an hour then did an hour and a half of yard work. Whew, talk about working up a sweat! But, I realized something, as much as I love spinning (ie: the no pounding on my joints), I love being outside, feeling the breeze, and watching the sunrise. It's peaceful early in the morning, before most people awake and cars start zooming down the road. Fresh air really is good for the soul.

A friend was nice enough to email me a yummy recip for some protein bars Tony Horton (from P90x) posted about. Since I like you all, I thought I would share it with you:
Ingredients:
1/2 good sized banana
1/4 c chunky peanut butter
1 c unsweetened granola
sheet of wax or parchment paper around 1 1/2ft long

Directions:
1) mix & mash ingredients in a bowl
2) spoon it all onto the paper in one big blob a little off center
3) roll the paper up like a cigar & mold the mixture into a log
4) freeze for about 90mins
5) slice the log into discs & eat as is or dip into melted chocolate
6) store n fridge or freezer
Calories: 389; 14g protein; 47g carbs (serves 2)

Make sure to return next week because I get to host WLW! Woo hoo! Fun times ahead friends.

Stressed? Who Would Know?

“There are very few certainties that touch us all in this mortal experience, but one of the absolutes is that we will experience hardship and stress at some point.” --Dr James Dobson

“Stress: The confusion created when one's mind overrides the body's basic desire to choke the living daylights out of some jerk who desperately deserves it” --Author Unknown

 Two doctors have asked if I was stressed.  What?  Me?  I do not think so.  What about depressed?  Seriously?  Today the doctor stated he thought the pains I have in my side (which led to having my gallbladder checked months ago) is probably due to stress.  In fact, he said, "First time parent, your child is 3, it's probably just stress since you don't eat high fat foods.  Take a warm bath, drink a glass of wine each night, you'll be fine."  Ummmm, ok?

I do not drink wine doctor, any more genius ideas?  Because the only thing stressing me out is you medical folks suggesting I am either depressed or a ball of nerves.  Thanks, now I am stressed.

According to webmd, stress is:

Stress is what you feel when you have to handle more than you are used to. When you are stressed, your body responds as though you are in danger. It makes hormones that speed up your heart, make you breathe faster, and give you a burst of energy. This is called the fight-or-flight stress response.
Some stress is normal and even useful. Stress can help if you need to work hard or react quickly. For example, it can help you win a race or finish an important job on time.

How do they suggest managing stress?

Try some of these ideas to see which ones work for you:

• Exercise. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to manage stress. Walking is a great way to get started.  (Check, I workout 6 days a week for at least an hour, ususally close to two)
• Write. It can help to write about the things that are bothering you.  (Check.  You are reading this blog aren't you?  Someone had to write it, and that'd be me.)
• Let your feelings out. Talk, laugh, cry, and express anger when you need to with someone you trust.  (Check.  If you know me, you know I am pretty open.  And again, I write a blog, double check.)
• Do something you enjoy. A hobby can help you relax. Volunteer work or work that helps others can be a great stress reliever.  (Check, I do what I enjoy daily: exercising, blogging, talking to friends, etc.  I do need to find some volunteer work however.)
• Learn ways to relax your body. This can include breathing exercises, muscle relaxation exercises, massage, aromatherapy, yoga, or relaxing exercises like tai chi and qi gong.  (Check, my handy dandy foam roller is great for relaxing muscles, and so are monthly massages.)
• Focus on the present. Try meditation, imagery exercises, or self-hypnosis. Listen to relaxing music. Try to look for the humor in life. Laughter really can be the best medicine.  (Check.  Again, if you are around me for any amount of time, you know I can be found laughing more often than not.)

So, here I am, apparently stressed from who knows what, yet feeling like life is pretty good.

We all have stressors in life, and I do not think mine are any more severe or out of control than anyone else's.  I mean, come on, I have a great husband, a fantastic child, we have family within 5 miles who are more than helpful, my husband has a good job and works from home, I get to have the best of both worlds by working some but mostly staying home, God provided a way for me to go to Israel, and we are healthy.

Well, at least they are.  My health seems to be a toss-up right now.  *grin*

Listen to Our Hearts

Below is one of my favorite songs. It's simple. It's beautiful. It's the utterings of my heart. Enjoy.

Remembering and Praising

Psalm 77:10-12
Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

One month and two weeks. That's all. That is the time from now until I arrive in Israel. Wow. Can we just say that together one time? Ready? "WOW!" What a whirlwind two months it has been. Tuesday afternoon, I met with our pastor to share with him how this came about and how it all got swung into action. I loved telling the story, remembering what has happened in such a short time. As I left our meeting, I knew I had to write it down on this blog because I do not want to forget. There will be a time that I will need this reminder of what God has done for me, for my family.

On June 10, I posted my desire to join our former church on this trip, one that is taken yearly. With a departure date of September 24th, I knew this was not a lot of time, but my spirit was so stirred, I knew this was the path I was to take.

June 13 found me praying and believing that God was going to do this. That is also the day I went to take care of my passport. Although I had heard many horror stories and was even told it could take months to obtain, my child and I spent a whopping ten minutes at the post office and I was informed it would take three weeks to arrive (which it did). On June 15, I had received $25 of the over $4000 I would need for this trip. Stressed? Oh, a little.

Six days later, on June 19, I confessed so much of the filth in my own heart. Eww, so ugly, yet so refining to lay things out openly. Out of the darkness, it could no longer be used against me. I shared with our small group, and they were diligent to pray for me and hold me accountable. Not long after that, I was reminded that God is always faithful, even though I am not.

June 22 rolled around and a friend called to inform me the plane tickets to Israel would be taking a very large jump in price the following day, so if I had the money, I needed to book my ticket. The price was $400 less than I thought it was, and as I realized the amount needed was the amount I had been provided already, I quickly hung up and called the travel agent to book my ticket. I was humbled and rejoicing at how quickly God had moved. A mere 12 days, when the majority of the Israel team had been raising funds for over a year. 12 days, and the plane ticket was secured. However, not only did I need the ticket to Israel, I also needed a ticket to get myself to Nashville in order to join the group for departure. On that same day, my favorite airline was running specials on all their flights. Using some points I had with them, my ticket to Nashville cost me a whopping $7 and I was able to purchase tickets for Andy and our sweet girl for a very low price.

Fourteen days into this journey, I found myself, once again, waiting for a miracle. It took me all of about one hour to go from rejoicing in having the plane ticket to Israel to worrying the land fees would not be raised. 60 minutes of thankfulness, that's all I had in me. How pitiful.

With a month remaining until I had to mail the land fees, we, as a family, took a day to fast from all media in order to pray and see what God had for us. Although the day did not go fully as I had hoped, I was confident that God was still calling me to this journey. July 2 found me no closer to having the money for the land fees, yet I believed God still had this for me to do.

The month of July was a flurry of activity, and I was hard pressed to find much down time, much less time to blog about my need to raise funds. By July 15, half the money needed for the land fees had been provided. While I was well aware of what God had already done, I still had moments of doubt (imagine).

I mailed off a check for the land fees on July 25, even though not every penny had been provided. It was on August 2, that I stopped, briefly, and stood in amazement at what God had done. While we lacked $500, my husband and I came up with a plan to cover that cost, or rather, my husband worked out all the details.

Even still, I have not had the opportunity to really sit and reflect back on this very short, very incredible journey. Not until I sat down to write out this post anyway. Again, WOW GOD. As I sat talking with our pastor I said, "God so removed me from the process during the last month, that there is no possible way I can take credit. I had absolutely nothing to do with it, it was all Him, and I can take no credit at all for it. I did nothing, as He had me fulfilling other commitments and focused on other aspects of life. All of a sudden, July had passed, it was August, and I realized: I am going to Israel!"

Wow God, wow.

In spite of having only two months, in spite of doing nothing except asking others for help, in spite of some funds promised but never received, in spite of my lack of attention to the matter, in spite of what others thought was possible, God and God alone did this. For me, for such a time is this. Wow.

WLW: No Quitting Allowed

This week's topic is:
What keeps you going when you want to quit? Is it a friend who encourages you? A picure of yourself that you despise? A dress that you want to wear someday? Or a scripture that inspires you?

I have to admit, I laughed when I read this topic. What keeps me going? I am a personal trainer, it's good job security. HA! But even then, that would not be enough to keep me waking up at 5am everyday to ensure I get in my workout, and it most certainly would not be enough to keep me from making poor eating choices.

What keeps me going? The fact I know God has said my body is a temple. The better I care for the temple, the better I receive the one who created it, and the more useful I am.

What motivates me? I have a daughter who will look to me as source number 1 as to how she should view and care for her own body. If I am unhealthy in those regards, I will be passing those things on to her. I have no desire for her to struggle as I have, and I have no desire for her to see herself as anything other than what God has already spoken of her.

Exercise, in the past, was motivated because of inconsistent eating patterns I had. I knew I had to exercise in order to counter what I chose to put into my body. Now, as I have been continuing to grow, learn, and teach, I see how hand in hand these two aspects are. I choose to eat well and exercise because I feel so much better, clothes fit so much better, and I feel lighter outwardly and inwardly, resulting in a better balance in my life.

The fact I am a bit stubborn helps too.

And yes, the fact I am a personal trainer certainly helps me get up and get moving.

Join me, and others for Weight Loss Wednesday by clicking the image at the top of this post.

River's Song

Purchase book here.

My Thoughts:
In River's Song, the first book of the Inn at Shining Waters series, Carlson has woven an enchanting tale that will delight its readers. I quickly found myself drawn into this story as vivid pictures flowed through my mind as I read each page. I fell alongside Anna as she began her journey to find who she is as a woman, mother, child, and friend. And, I loved every step of this journey.

About the book:
Following her mother's funeral, and on the verge of her own midlife crisis, widow Anna Larson returns to the home of her youth to sort out her parents' belongings, as well as her own turbulent life. Her relationship with her daughter is in shambles, and the tension between Anna and her vicious mother-in-law escalates daily.

Anna's unique family home sits on a picturesque coastal tributary and is filled with years of memories. For the first time since childhood, Anna embraces her native heritage and river roots. But Anna soon learns that more than just her past resides along the banks of the Siuslaw River. By transforming her old family home into The Inn at Shining Waters, Anna hopes to create a place of healing-a place where guests experience peace, grace, and new beginnings.

About the Author:

To read a personal message, biographical information, and view Melody’s personal photos, visit her site.
http://www.melodycarlson.com/info.shtml


**I received this book from Glass Roads Publishing in return for my honest review.

God Said Yes

I took the picture above just the other day, on August 2nd actually. The day after all land fee money was due for the Israel trip. I sent in the money a week and a half before its due date. Wow. God said YES!

What a journey of knowing God's called me to this, of seeing how faithful He is, always.

July was a flurry of activity and I did not have much time to reflect or think about what was happening, or is going to happen rather. Yesterday, as I was walking by the calendar, I just stopped. My eyes fell upon what I had written on August 1st and I stood, amazed. I whispered, "thank you," a smile spread wide across my face, as I turned my attention to the two young girls standing before me. My husband walked by and I said, "Look, look what was written. Look what God has done!" A quiet, humble moment of praise between us, and we set back to work.

There have been setbacks, many setbacks, and though I was praying for there to be money to cover fees for our flights to Tennessee, it is ok.  God is taking care of it.  He already has.  God has used so many others to bless my little life, to bless my family.  No words or actions could ever adequately express my gratitude. 

My schedule still seems to be packed and full, but what a wonderful moment, to stop and allow the realization to sweep over me.  What seemed like a last minute decision was God's purpose and path all along. What others saw as insane God had already planned. When I wondered how, God had already made the way. Wow God. Wow.

Rejoice with me, if only for a moment, won't you?

**We are paying $500 or so out of pocket. But, we will rework the budget a bit to ensure all is well. Of course, there may be someone who was just waiting to send in a donation, which is ok too! God's got it covered!

George Washington Carver

My Thoughts

I completely enjoyed this book about George Washington Carver. In many ways, he was ahead of his time, and he certainly did not fall into the stereotypes of his day. Carver excelled and thought beyond what many thought was possible. An innovator, inventor, and genius, who did not remain in the slavery he was born into. This book is easy to read, and an excellent look into the life of an extraordinary man.

Book Description

A generation of 20th-century Americans knew him as a gentle, stoop-shouldered old black man who loved plants and discovered more than a hundred uses for the humble peanut. George Washington Carver goes beyond the public image to chronicle the adventures of one of history's most inspiring and remarkable men.

George Washington Carver was born a slave. After his mother was kidnapped during the Civil War, his former owners raised him as their own child. He was the first black graduate of Iowa State, and turned down a salary from Thomas Edison higher than the U.S. President to stay at the struggling Tuskegee Institute, where he taught and encouraged poor black students for nearly half a century.

Carver was an award-winning painter and acclaimed botanist who saw God the Creator in all of nature. The more he learned about the world, the more convinced he was that everything in it was a gift from the Almighty, that all people were equal in His sight, and that the way to gain respect from his fellow man was not to demand it, but to earn it.

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

WLW

Why hello friends! I hope this Wednesday finds you all doing well, and moving more than you are sitting today. Well, no topic for today's WLW post leaves me wondering what exactly to write. I did just finish a "31 Days of Wellness" journey which has my brain feeling oxygen deprived and overworked (it's not that hard to do really). But, alas, I have been doing some new things as of late.

I contacted one of my favorite people on Earth, who also happens to be the trainer I used to workout with in Tennessee about changing some things up. He certainly delivered! I am in the final week of the first phase of the eating plan and have been doing some workouts he sent to me (ie: I am a smelly sweaty mess at the end of them). During these four weeks, I have lost 13 pounds and feel a whole lot better. With Israel coming up soon, I am thankful for the timing of all of this.

God is cool like that.

Next week I will begin phase two of the nutrition plan (which goes from insane to only slightly crazy) and continue on with these workouts and my spinning or running. My abs feel tighter, clothes that were tight are hardly staying on, and I am loving the results. Is it tough? Yes. But, I love progress, so it's worth it.

Even as a trainer, as you can tell, I too like to make improvements. Being a trainer has increased my knowledge, but that doesn't always translate into doing it for myself. Just as much work and planning is required for us as it is for non-trainers. Surprised? Don't be. We are human too, we just like muscles more than most folks. *grin*

I hope you all are staying cool, staying hydrated, and staying active! Be blessed!

The Finish Line, or Is It?

Today marks the final day of 31 Days of Wellness. While I am not sure I served you well during this time, I did what I could, when I could. My hope is that you have gained some knowledge, been encouraged, challenged and inspired to take care of yourselves better. I give you complete permission to care for yourselves.

A few days into this journey, I began, what I call, a nutritional overhaul plan. It has been tough too friends. It has involved periods of fasting, and a whole lot of convincing myself not doing it right was not an option. On the days I was tired and hungry, it probably came through on a poorly written and lackluster blog post. I apologize for that, but I wanted to share what I have been doing with you because I think it came at just the right time.

You see, the more convicting a post came across, the more convicted I was becoming on various issues with my own health. I wrote nothing that I have not wrestled with and gone to battle with. And then I realized, all I really need to do is follow God's leading and trust him. I need to rejoice that He chose to give me life, and serve him well by doing everything I can to take good care of this body He provided me.

During this time, I also committed to walk alongside a friend as she begins ridding herself of the chains of food addiction. She has faced eating disorders, which were going to kill her but God saw otherwise. She is fighting, by resting in God's promises, and learning to look at herself as He sees her rather than the cracked glass reflection.

This is not really the finish line at all my friends. This is only the beginning of the journey. We have been given the knowledge of how to treat our bodies, how to rest, and so much more. It is now up to you to make those choices, daily. Involve your family, your friends, your pets, anyone around you. Pay no mind to the negative voices, and know that I am cheering for you. While our lives are mere vapors, we should live them well. Go ahead, grab a bottle of water and head outside for that walk you have been puttin off. Hear the music? Dance until you are left breathless. And then treat yourself to a delicious piece of fruit.

Blessings to you and thank you for walking with me during these 31 Days of Wellness.

(Also, join my friends who are taking part in this 31 Days by clicking on their buttons on my tool bar on the right.)