Unshakeable -- It's Gonna Rock You

Stop what you are doing, click the link above and purchase the newly released album, Unshakeable, by Laura Cooksey. You will not regret it, your ears will appreciate it, and your heart will be overjoyed by it. You may thank me later.

Visit her website here.

What Was That Crunching Noise?

Allow me to show you how my morning started:

Nice isn't it? Last night I opted that I would sleep in a little bit this morning. I woke up half an hour later than usual (my body didn't get the message it had 30 more minutes until the alarm would be going off) and began getting ready to head to the gym. In my head I was running through my morning's to do list, and out the door I went. Due to the construction going on in our area, I altered my route. Down the road I went, until I didn't, because a lady ran into me.

I kid you not my first thought was, "Did she just do that on purpose?" I was going straight, she was turning into her driveway, sans turn signal, and smacked right into me. Really? I still cannot believe her claim of "I didn't see you." Someone explain to me how another car, with their headlights on is not seen. Oh wait, that is possible if one is not paying attention. That's right.

We had a nice two hour wait (yes you read that correctly) for an officer to show up. It would seem that when an ambulance is not needed and a shift change is taking place, the "dispatch is on hold, but we will get someone out as soon as possible." Hmmm, not impressed one bit with the local police department. Having never been in an accident prior to 6 am this morning, I was unaware of all procedures and therefore did in fact wait until someone showed up. What can I say, I was not going to hurt myself further with this mess.

Luckily, I could still drive my car, and thanks to my dad who said, "Hey look, here's your left headlight, I'll put it back in for you," I was able to drive the car away. It rattled, the old girl was hurting I tell you. I quickly called a good friend who is in the auto repair business for a recommendation on where to take my car, and that is where I immediately drove. The lovely man I spoke to went into "grandpa mode" and started taking care of everything, including calling the guilty party's insurance company to get the claim in motion. He then called the rental car company for me.

Four hours of my morning were no longer available, gone, ka-put, never to be had again. However, I found myself feeling quite blessed. The car, the only car we have, is damaged, yes. But I am not. The other driver was not. No one else was in either car, mainly, my child. We both walked out and are fine. The other party's insurance will be taking care of the claim and will be paying for the repairs needed on our car (the amount is only 1000 less than the car is worth, yikes).

In fact, throughout this whole little misadventure, there was only one moment I nearly lost all composure. As the police man was driving up, the individual who slammed into me said, "I know this sounds bad, but I am glad I was in my dad's car and not mine." Rather than saying what was actually going through my head I replied, "Well, you have just damaged the only car my family and I have." Those words were the meanest ones that escaped my mouth. The mother in me almost lost her cool, but I kept it together. Not only did the lack of concern unnerve me, but how incredibly selfish of this person. After what has just happened, that is what you choose to say? What a said commentary on this individual.

I have no clue how long it will take for our car to be repaired. My main concern now is to remember what that rental car looks like.

Success School Recap

AdvoCare Success School is always amazing, it truly is. This year was the best yet, and I am sure July will be more of the same. Want to see for yourselves? Here you go, a small glimpse as to why I am honored to be a part of this company.

Encourage One Another: Send A Card

I have a secret love. It is true, I do. I love, and I mean love, to send (and receive) cards. So, when the (In)Spired Crew offered a chance to review a card pack, I jumped on it! I received my Simply Marvelous card pack, and the added surprise of a card organizer!

To review: DaySpring sent me an awesome card pack AND filled my need to organize with the card organizer and all I have to do is tell you about it (ie: DaySpring gave me the free product to review and all opinions stated are my own). Sweet!

It is easy to send a text, email, facebook message, or tweet. It takes some time however to actually sit down and write a card. Even if I take the easy way, simply signing my name because the card's author has said it all, I must still decide on the card and address it to the recipient. Sending a card requires some thought, some time, and some consideration. Who does not like to receive these things? Then, there's the moment the recipient informs me of how the card I sent made them smile. Could encouraging another person be any easier? I think not. Which reminds me, I have an awesome new set of cards begging to be mailed across this great land. I need to get on that.

In order to help you do the same, I am hosting a GIVEAWAY! Hip hip hooray, a GIVEAWAY! Since I am a simple girl and value your time, to enter to win a $20 coupon code to be used on the Day Spring site, simply leave me a comment and tell me about one of the last cards you received. Got it? Comment = chance to win a $20 coupon code to be used on the purchase of your choice. Pretty easy.

I also need to tell you about the Heart Connection Club Card. Membership Benefits: Enjoy added convenience and savings

• Always be prepared to Share God’s love with DaySpring premium greeting cards.
• Receive convenient monthly shipments of 10 premium cards — up to a $30 value — for only $12.99 plus $3 shipping. (U.S. Delivery)
• No cost to join. You can skip a month, return your order, or cancel at any time.
• If you like, swap the featured card pack with a different pack of your choice.

And, swing on over here to hear what others have to say about this deal!

Book Review: I Am Second

My Thoughts
Since I have watched some of the I Am Second videos, I was looking forward to reviewing this book, compliments of BookSneeze. The stories, written, are as compelling as the videos. Although, I did prefer the videos simply to hear the person's voice sharing his or her story. The stories shared are raw, and inspiring, and quite moving. The stories included are not those of just athletes and entertainers, which I loved. This is a good read, a simple one, and one that will inspire you.

Book Description
There is nothing quite as compelling as a personal story—an account of someone’s life, radically changed.

This book is filled with some of these amazing stories. Across North America and around the world, hundreds of thousands of people are proclaiming a new anthem: “I Am Second.” No longer are they number one. These people have come alive to the truth that God has a plan for this world…a plan that specifically includes them. In this book you will discover their stories—some from notable people and some not so well known—who have had a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ and are walking in radical obedience by putting Him first in their lives.

These stories are raw and real, dealing with the darkest moments of the human experience. Addictions, depression, infidelity, abortion, cancer, pornography, loneliness, jealousy, divorce, war…each story shows the redemptive power of Jesus who brings purpose and true joy to every secret place of life. Your story may not be included in this book…but you too can be a Second.

WFW Micah 6:8

Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

I love staircases, and doors and doorways. They all indicate a path to somewhere else. A change in scenery, in direction, in challenges, in triumphs. The staircase in the picture above is from the Herodium. While Herod the Great was one messed up individual, the man was a gifted architect.

When I sit and wonder what I should be doing, all I need is to turn to Micah 6:8.  How do I handle a situation?  Act justly.  How do I treat others?  Love mercy.  What should my attitude be?  Walk humbly, with God.  There is no need for me to blaze new trails, as the ones He has set before me will assure my steps, my direction, my landing.  That is what He requires of me.

To enjoy more Word Filled Wednesday posts click here..

WLW: Support

This week's topic: Support – It’s hard to be successful at anything without support. Who is your support system in this weight loss journey? Are you doing it with a friend? Or what about your husband?

I have been lucky to have never been short on support in the areas of health. However, not all support has been necessarily good. My biggest supporter is my husband, although my mother runs a close second. My husband has changed his nutrition completely in the past few months, increased his exercise, and it shows. He is highly supportive of me as well, although I usually grumble at his seemingly easy success. (Men, seems so much easier for them I tell you!)

My mom is also a great source of support, as is my whole family. Lucky girl I am. I also have Carter, back in TN, who tells me what to do, sends me workouts, and reminds me of what God has already spoken of me. Finally, I have two friends whom I share quite a bit with. I share the common goal of improved health with them, and I know I can set aside my personal trainer hat and share my own frustrations, set backs, and shortcomings with them. There is no condemnation, no "what? You are a trainer! Shouldn't you have this all figured out?" from them. It's nice, very nice.

Regardless of the support I have, ultimately I am the one who determines what foods are going into my body and whether or not I am going to exercise on any given day. It is wonderful to have others who are supporting me, but it is not for them that I make healthy choices and exercise. It is for me, for my body, the one God has given to me. All the support in the world wouldn't matter if I did not decide that this body, created by God, was worth caring for.

Every Body Matters: Gary Thomas

Zondervan

My Thoughts:
As a personal trainer who consistently works to help clients change their mindsets in regard to their health, I was nearly jumping up and down shouting "yes!" while I read this book. Gary Thomas does an excellent job explaining why health is important without any guilt, shame, or the like. He includes great stories, both personal and from others he knows, and what scripture has to say about it all. Thomas often states he is not talking about extreme circumstances (being overweight due to health problems, abuse, etc) but does speak honestly about how the church has failed to keep one another accountable in this area of life. I cannot say enough about this book and highly recommend it. To your health!

Book Synopsis:
Every Body Matters explores how positively addressing our physical condition can lead to a fortified soul better able to serve and love others. Through confessional and engaging stories of people who intentionally got physically fit as a way to grow spiritually, Thomas draws a fresh, compelling, non-judgmental body/soul correlation
Description:
Few pastors or Christian writers have dared to approach the subject of how proper eating and an active lifestyle can affect how we serve God. Author Gary Thomas does just that. And he reaches all the way back to the apostle Paul, who wrote that we need to prime our bodies to become, "an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work." To illustrate the body/soul correlation, Thomas presents engaging and diverse stories that include a young mom who got fit through volleyball and reaped spiritual rewards in her marriage, a 300-pound pastor who realized his obesity was eroding his ministry impact, and a woman who gained the spiritual strength to survive a contentious divorce by training for a marathon. In every instance, Thomas makes a direct connection between the physical challenge and its spiritual consequence. This book is a must read for anyone seeking new and compelling motivation for strengthening their bodies and fortifying their souls.

About Gary Thomas:

Gary Thomas is a writer in residence at Second Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, and an adjunct faculty member teaching on spiritual formation at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. He is the author of several books, including Sacred Marriage, Sacred Pathways, Pure Pleasure, Sacred Parenting, and the Gold Medallion Award-winning ... Click for more information about Gary Thomas







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

Weekend Of Greatness

I have been in Ft. Worth this weekend enjoying my time with a great friend while also attending AdvoCare's Success School. We got to hear stories, testimonies, like these throughout the weekend. The lives of families have been changed because they chose to believe in the possibility of what could be then ran after it. We also heard stories like these, proving yet again how effective these products are.

On Saturday, we heard Andy Andrews. If you have never read a book by Andy, you need to. If you have the opportunity to hear him live, you need to. Not only is he a gifted speaker who is rip-roaring hilarious, he also has a message of value to share. Believe me, you cannot walk away from reading a book of his or hearing him speak without having learned something and without being inspired to act on that knowledge.

During the optional chapel service today, Mike Huckabee preached. While I fully enjoyed his message, I was surprised by his comedic abilities. He speaks with humility and honesty that was refreshing. Speaking of the chapel service, Aaron Loy and his band blessed our socks off with some incredible music. There was so much talent on that stage and I am thankful to have been there to experience it.

Aside from the great products and the incredible business opportunity AdvoCare has to offer, it's the people that set it apart. The company attracts the best, plain and simple. I am ecstatic I am a part of this company, confident it will be the vehicle that allows us to obtain our dreams for our family.

Now, it is time to get to work.

My Strength

Have you ever had a week that has felt like it has been on full throttle from sun up to sun down? This has been one of those weeks. My days start not later than 5:00am, and I have found myself going, training, exercising myself, playing with my child, going to physical therapy, meeting new clients, etc. It has been nonstop, from here to there to everywhere. I would love to lay down and take a nap, but I have to do laundry and do some cleaning because I will be out of town this weekend. I will be traveling alone which makes the preparations slightly easier, but also more difficult. No sense in leaving behind a lot of unfinished tasks.

My head and eyes fill heavy, and I will blame any incoherent sentences on that little fact. Oh yes, indeed I will.

Yet, we have seen an increase, in the AdvoCare business and in personal training, and it is good. I am packing two days of the week completely full because that is when my child is in preschool. While I want to be training more, I am also refusing to place my child in school more days of the week to do so. She is worth the exhaustion a few days of the week.

With my heavy eyes and tired body, I also feel, full, satisfied. Not the kind of full that comes from food, but the kind from deep within. You know, the place that says, "This is what you were created for. You are doing exactly what you should be doing in the place you should be doing it." It is the feeling, the knowing, this increase is from God and God alone. He has opened up some doors and I am simply walking through. He is teaching me about balance, about rest (learning that one still I believe), about diving right in without doubting.

There is a long way to go still. There are more prayers to be prayed, more doors to be opened, more rest to be found. For now, in the middle of this exhaustion, I find myself swept up in praise. Thank you Father. Thank you for the increase, for the desires, for the gifts. Thank you for saying yes.

As I opened up the Bible to do some reading today, my heart leapt with joy as I read Psalm 18:1-3 "I love you, LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies."

I love you, LORD, my strength. I do not have to, He will. He has, He is. My strength. None of my own, only Him. Find rest oh my soul, The LORD is my rock.

WFW Psalm 127:3

Psalm 127:3
Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him.

Some friends recently welcomed their second child into the world, and the picture above is from the shower for her. What a blessing their child already has been, and I for one am excited to know her, her paernts, and pray I am able to see where God leads her life.

Each night as I hug and kiss my child goodnight and hear her say, "I love you Mommy," I am reminded of how much God loves me. Regardless of whether she and I have had a day filled with giggles and playing or disagreements and punishments, we always end with hugs and "I love you." It is the same way with my Savior. No matter how far I have strayed, how closely I have stayed, whether or not I have prayed, I end my day knowing he too is saying, "I love you."

My little one said tonight, "God wanted you to be my mommy and me to be your daughter. Yep, that's what God wanted." And God knew, of course he knew, how often my daughter would point me to Him.

To enjoy more Word Filled Wednesday posts click here..

WLW: Exercise

Today's topic: Exercise – What are you doing for exercise? Is it working for you? Do you need to make changes to your exercise routine? Or if you are not exercising, how can you start? What realistic fitness goals can you set?

Exercise is something I do not have a problem with. Six days a week, you will find me exercising, and not just hopping on an elliptical for some preset schedule either (though I have nothing against ellipticals for their preset workouts). I like to really wake my body up, use every muscle possible. For instance, this is what Monday's workout consisted of:

50 Squat jumps
50 sec sprint
50 push-ups
50 sec sprint
50 single leg hip extensions (50 each leg)
50 sec sprint
50 split lunge jumps (25 each leg)
50 sec sprint
50 mountain climbers (both knees up = 1)
50 sec sprint
50 burpees with jumping jack
50 sec sprint

No, this workout is not of my own design.  Even though I am a trainer, I know enough to ask someone else, someone wiser than myself (not hard to find) for help.  This workout, as are all others I do, are compliments of my friend Carter.  He is a genius, and believes in maximizing potential and taking full advantage of what God has given us.  I love the workouts he sends me, and absolutely adore him too.

For those of you needing help in setting up an exercise routine that works for you and your schedule, let me know.  I am happy to help!  Happy exercising.

The Proof Is In The Pictures

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Start your journey to better health today. Safe, effective products, and coaching from me along the way. Click here to order.

Sweat Pouring Truth

Source: Uploaded by user via Heather on Pinterest

Showering One Tough Momma

Yesterday, I had the honor of hosting a baby shower for a dear friend of mine. Before we go too far in this story, no, that picture above is not from the shower that was held here, at my humble abode. If you know me, there was no question I took this from somewhere else, but for those of you who do not know me well, no, I do not have those kind of skills. Moving on.

The sweet little girl, who was scheduled to arrive via c-section on Monday, could not wait and she was brought into this world on Wednesday. Alas, my sweet friend and now mother to two beautiful girls, said, "Shower on!" There were complications, a few unexpected twists and turns, yet here she sat on Saturday.

We did everything we could to ensure it was a very low-key event, with little activity other than watching her open her gifts. I believe it worked. No baby shower games (that alone caused me to rejoice as I have never liked them), not a lot of much other than admiring the sweet little girl resting peacefully in her baby carrier, and getting mom whatever she needed.

What is more extraordinary, other than having her sit here for a baby shower three days after a c-section, is the story itself. In the beginning, it was thought a miscarriage would be the result of this pregnancy. Alas, God showed otherwise as the doctor said, "Nope, there's the heartbeat." Five days before her scheduled arrival, as she was being brought out into this world, two knots were found in the umbilical cord, two knots that could have brought a different end to this story had the scheduled date remained. Two knots that had the doctors stopping to say a prayer of thanks.

There are so many facets to this story, of a little girl born into this world less than a week ago, that has the handprints of God all over it. I am thankful I know them, thankful to call them friends, thankful I have been allowed to see the good work God has done in this little one's life, already.

Meek

My friend Carter shared this today and I liked it so much I wanted to share it with all of you, enjoy.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the earth.
The Greek word for meek, (praus), was used to refer to domesticated animals. The word does not refer to a wild, unruly animal; it refers to a strong and powerful horse or an ox that was trained and disciplined so that it could be controlled by a human.
The word meek used in Matthew 5:5 refers to a strong person who is under control, a God controlled person. A meek person is a man or woman of God whose strength is controlled by God. He or she is controlled by God in thought, word, will, emotion, and action. The meek man is one who submits, not to his own will or to the will of the world, but to the great and gracious will of God.
The strength of your body therefore is hammered through iron, the strength of your character chiseled through conflict, the strength of your spirit forged by the Lord living in you and through you. The strength that you display is as fragile or powerful as He that is in you.

More Reasons To Choose Better

Personally, I do not need reasons to not eat at McDonalds, and all other establishments of the same kind. However, if you are wondering what could be so bad about it, aside from the cholesterol, fat, etc, here you go:

WLW: Diet Changes

This week's topic: Changes – What are some changes you have made in your life that have really made a difference? Is it eating more fruits? Or cutting out carbs? Or Throwing out all the Christmas chocolate? What changes are helping you in your weight loss goals?

The biggest change I have made is cutting out grains and starches. Every now and then, or later on, I will add a few back in (oatmeal, Ezekiel bread), but for now my body is responding better without them. Every now and then I crave a nice sandwich, but it's not worth the pain (literally) it will cause, or the step backward.

While the typical macronutrient (carbohydrates/protein/fat) ratio in a healthy diet is 40/30/30, I am utilizing a 30/50/20 plan. That means, half my calories come from protein, 30% from carbohydrates (vegetables and fruit only) and 20% from healthy fats. For my goals, it works. I advise only doing this if you are working with a trainer, nutritionist, etc.

I am feeling great! Nothing about the holidays destroyed any plans either and my husband and I chose to help each other along and hold one another accountable. As I was getting ready for bed the other night, I noticed the muscles in my back, which are now much more pronounced. I admit, I gawked, at myself. I was am impressed. Seeing muscle definition is just a good reminder to keep going. More importantly, taking efforts to improve my health now will prevent me from paying for illness later. Amen? Amen!

Live vibrantly, and to join in on Weight Loss Wednesday, click the button at the top of this post.

Filled To Overflowing

Psalms 26:5-6

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

The picture above aptly describes how I feel today. My cup is overflowing with so many wonderful blessings. My husband, my child, a new boot camp, new clients, new AdvoCare customers and distributors, and today also brought snow.

If I am going to be honest with you, I have to admit that I could go to bed right now, yes, when most are barely arriving home from work. Last night, realizing I had not taken the medicine for my shoulder/neck, I took it just before bed. What a mistake. I remembered the pharmacist saying to take it with food because it's hard on the stomach. Guess what. She was right.

I knew I would have an early wake-up, which is not new to me, but this time it was for our first boot camp class. Being the instuctor, I believe it's good to be early. As I ran through my mental check list and ensured everything was ready to go in the morning, I headed off to bed, about an hour later than planned. And, I was so excited about the boot camp starting. Let's review. We have:

1. Medicine that is supposed to be taken with food taken without food.
2. A delayed bedtime.
3. A very excited me.

Any guesses as to what this equated to? Very limited sleep thanks to all issues, extra stress wondering if my angry tummy would fledge a full scale revolt, and a very sleepy me.

But.

Boot Camp was wonderful. I got my child to school (which reminds me, she chose today to be the one day to wet her bed, of all days. ACH!)*, made it to the gym for my client, laughed hysterically with said client, came home, made it to the house of another client, picked up my child, laughed as we ran in the snow, found out my boot camp group will be adding a member, enjoyed a cup of hot green tea while I read the Bible, and the list goes on.

Yes, I really could crawl into bed right now and sleep until morning, but my heart and mind seem to be cartwheeling in delight. It has been a jam packed full day, but a good day. A really good day.



*I arrived home just before 8am, knowing we had to be out the door at 10 min to 9am. I had to shower, get our girl up, fed, clothed and ready for school in this time. And she woke up telling me she had wet her bed. What did I do? Hollered for the hubby to come help, stripped the bed, threw everything in the washer, completed getting ready, swooped child out the door, and left. Whew.

The Proof Is In The Pictures

Start your journey to better health today. Safe, effective products, and coaching from me along the way. Click here to order.

Able Body, Willing Spirit

Hebrews 3:12-14, "See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end."

As I was finishing my workout this morning, I noticed a man with a noticeable limp and one arm that clung to his side. It was apparent from his gait and positioning he has suffered a stroke.

I continued watching him as he went about his workout. I watched him struggle with what others would find simple tasks like sitting down and rising from a mat. He placed his right arm behind head head, held it with his left, in order to do sit-ups. He then rose, after great effort, folded the exercise mat and placed it back where it belonged. Movements I do with ease, he did with intention. I was mesmerized and inspired by him.

My cycling work was coming to an end and I began praying for this man. "Lord, bless him." "Child, speak to him." "Father, encourage him to keep going, to not give up." "Speak to him." "Lord, surround him with people who will support him and cheer him on." "Child, speak to him." "What? You want me to encourage him? I don't know his name!" "Speak."

In a way only God could do, the man began walking toward me. I looked at him and said, "You are working hard over there; I am impressed." He said he was trying. I responded, "Keep it up, you are doing very well." He thanked me, and for a brief moment, the look of frustration turned to a glimmer of hope, then he went on his way. I departed with tears in my eyes, "Thank you Lord, thank you for giving me that moment."

I thought of former clients, of some people who come into the gym and how feeble their attitudes are. Their bodies have no limits except that which their minds place upon them. They will make excuses, they will rarely challenge themselves, and they will give up in roughly a month (it's true, while the gym is crowded now, by the middle of February and for sure by March, half of the people will no longer come through the doors).

It angered me that so many fully abled body people will do so little to care for themselves. But this morning, there was a man, limping and struggling, and willing his body to work and move and become stronger. I pray he does not give up, that he begins seeing the increases in strength and movement he is longing for, and I pray those of us who have the opportunity to watch him are both convicted and inspired.

A Heart On Fire

Psalm 37:3-4, "Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

The last few months, I have felt alone. I had shared with a dear friend that I felt like God was simply being silent on matters. It is not that I did not believe He cared or heard, He simply wasn't answering, or I was not listening. Whatever the case, all was quiet on the western front, yet I knew it would serve a purpose but I certainly did not enjoy it.

With the dawning of a new year, new visions and desires began to surface. I had the vision, but the space between the vision and the fulfillment of them being worked out loomed large. I knew it was possible, but I did not know how.

And then, God began to speak.

This week alone He has set many things into motion and my heart is near bursting with passion and excitement. Details are being worked out, better and bigger than I had planned. Blessings are being poured out and the silence has become constant communication.

For instance, I knew I wanted to begin running a boot camp, for a lesser cost than most while offering great instruction, but I had no clue where to hold this. I talked to a few places and the fees alone would have left me at zero profit. I had decided that, as a last resort, we would do it in our garage. Not ideal, but at least it's a space that does not require participants to pay for a gym membership. Throughout this week, I mentioned my desires and goals for this boot camp, and one individual handed me the card of another trainer in the area as he said, "Call him." I am still blown away because with one phone call, the boot camp now has a place to meet. However, that was not the only blessing, the owner of the facility went on to tell me there was no charge because he just wanted the facility to be used. It is not the biggest or the nicest, but it will protect us from these west Texas winds, the dirt, and so much else. I will be working in my gifting, helping others to live a healthier life, and praise the Lord for it!

In the last few months, I have been asking myself, "What is my passion? What is it that really drives me? What do I excel at?" Honestly, I could not fully answer that. This week, the answers are being made known. I then asked, "How do I marry all of these together and fulfill a vision I have for myself?" That question was answered on the way home from the gym, early in the morning, dripping with sweat.

Praise the Lord.

I have found myself unable to sit still and in spite of my tired eyes, filled with energy. When I would usually take a brief nap, I am not. When I would usually sit and ponder what in the world I was supposed to be doing, I am taking the steps I can.

Had it not been for everything that took place last year, the trip to Israel, the silence, a complete drop in training clients, and so much more, I would not be so fully aware of what is happening right now. The excitement I feel would be just another day, and the passion, I fear, would not be burning so boldly.

To say I look forward to seeing how different elements play out is an understatement. To say I am excited to have the focus I keep seeking is an understatement. To say God is good is a vast understatement.

Wayward Son

Wayward Son

by Tom Pollack with Jim Alves and John Loftus

What It's About
Buried near Italy's Mount Vesuvius is a remarkable observatory containing artifacts dating to the earliest record of human events. Only one person-the Getty Museum's Amanda James-can unlock the mysterious doors that guard the chamber.

But once inside, Amanda is shocked to discover evidence left behind by a notorious biblical killer-who long ago wandered off the pages of history.

The first novel of a series, Wayward Son takes the reader on an amazing voyage, where epic adventures in Egypt, Greece, China and Rome collide with modern-day intrigue and suspense.

My Review
I admit, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It is certainly entertaining complete with many twists and turns. While there were times I found myself having to remember people and places (there are many), overall this is a great fictional book with an element of surprise. I also enjoyed the fact they used an unlikely character in order to show how God can use anything and anyone for His glory. This is a fun read, enjoy!

About the Authors: Pollack, Alves & Loftus
Tom Pollack has a passion for sailing, which led him to a friendship with Roy Disney, and ultimately to the release of Walt Disney Pictures' critically acclaimed motion picture, Morning Light. The film is based on Tom's original idea of documenting the exploits of a group of college-aged sailors recruited to compete against seasoned pros in the Trans-Pacific race from Southern California to Hawaii.

Tom graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a bachelor's degree in political science. He resides in Dana Point with his wife, Jennifer, and their two children. Tom serves as President of the Mission Basilica School Foundation in San Juan Capistrano and the Chairman of ExplorOcean, Newport Beach's popular nautical museum.

Jim Alves recently completed a 25-year career in bond sales and trading. He graduated from The University of Massachusetts with a bachelor's degree in finance and economics. He currently is Chief Executive Officer of Prometheus Holdings, a financial consulting firm. Jim resides in San Clemente, California with his wife Jackie and their two young boys, having successfully launched two older sons from the nest.

John Loftus spent 23 years at Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO), where as a Managing Director he focused on new product development and marketing. A graduate of Stanford University and the Stanford Graduate School of Business, his writings have been published in various financial journals and textbooks. Now President of Cascada Productions, John is also active in philanthropy and the non-profit sector. An Ohio native, John resides in Newport Beach, California, with his wife, Lori. They have three grown children and two grandchildren.

**I was sent this book from Glass Roads Publications in return for my honest review.

WFW Luke 11:10

Luke 11:10
For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

The invitation stands, as it always has.  Knock, and He will answer.  He is willing and ready to receive you.  Will you answer?  Will you approach Grace's Throne?  No resolution, no desire for change will matter unless you are firmly planted in the hands of Christ.  Unless you know Him, have given your life to Him, the resolutions will fall away, the resolve will end before the end of this year's first month.  Without the grace, forgiveness and saving power of Christ, nothing else really matters.

Are you knocking?

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