Work outs lately

Lately my workout routine consists of me walking 2-3 miles three mornings a week, doing 40min on the elliptical (-400 calories)three evenings a week, and every other day switching between arm weights (I posted a pic of my arm routine awhile ago), abs and squats. :-) I'm also tracking my calories on an app on my iPhone, which I love. My calorie goal each day is 1,200.

I've learned that keeping myself accountable to my calorie intake is HUGE. Honestly, most of America is completely deceived about how many calories they are consuming and it's not even their fault. Some things are just INSANE! Try getting a meal at chick-fil-a under 1,000 calories! VERY HARD! I've figured out a few ways by mixing and matching, but it was seriously hard! The reason I use chick-fil-a as an example is because many view it as "healthier" than other fast food places. I personally hardly go out to eat for many weird personal reasons lol.

I've never seen much success in the weight loss department. I believe one day we will look back at the stupidity of all this weight loss junk and realize it's ALL HORMONES! Everything is tied up with hormones! Our skin, our weight and our emotions. So many products contain hormones that mess up people's balance, especially women because they are more hormonally complex than men. When we think of hormones the first thing most people think about is food, but hair styling products, makeup that we wear on our face ALL DAY and more all contain chemicals and hormones. CRAZY, right!?!?

Anyways I'll post another weight loss update soon. I have yet to weigh myself! I'm so scared because I fractured my foot in two places in early December and stopped working out completely until recently. I was pretty sedentary through the high calorie holidays. I don't want to see the damage on the scale.So, I'm going to wait till my pants start feeling big, then weigh myself. :-/

Supporters

I'm learning how special supporters are because they are so few and far between. Supports are a beautiful breed of people who celebrate others gifts, talents and adventure. Most would like to consider themselves supportive, but the fruit of a supporter is action. :-)

Fearless

This song has really been giving my feelings a voice. There is such freedom when you find an expression.

Ruby

I've been watching the Ruby series on Netflix and it's been so eye opening. I'm sad I only have 2 more episodes left because Ruby feels like my friend now lol. If you have Netflix and struggle with your weight you should totally check it out. The show follows 700lb Ruby on her weight loss journey, on her path to recovery she visits with lots of counselors and trainers who all share very insightful advise. You also get to know her friends and other interesting characters that help her along the way.  I've found myself laughing at Ruby's fun personality and crying at the pain she uncovers on her way. I think anyone who struggles in this area to any degree will benefit from Ruby's journey. Truly a great show! :-)

Seventy Times Seven

This season has been such a roller coaster emotionally, seriously! So, I wrote this short little devotional to express the healing that's going on inside of me for my ministry blog and thought I'd share it here on my personal blog as well. :-)

Seventy Times Seven

The key to unity is forgiveness.

It's easy to look at others actions toward us and be  upset, but honestly, we need to look at all the stupid, careless and hurtful things we've done. When we see our own short comings we will have more grace and mercy on others. Trust me, it works for me when I'm feeling hurt by someone.

How many foolish things have we done in our younger less mature years? That should be enough  for us to cut others some slack no matter the offense. Plus, loving people in spite of their bad behavior is when it counts. That's what God does for us! :-)

 Matthew 5:46-48 The Message says, "You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that."In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you."

This is something we should all reflect upon in every season of our life because every new season comes with new hurts and pains, but those things don't have to rip us apart. We can't still maintain unity if we continue to forgive.

Seventy times seven!! :-)

Yum Yum Coffee!!

I've been having to stay at my parent's house because the roofers have been fixing the roof all week and talk about LOUD!! It felt like an earthquake shaking the walls and pictures frames! I'm so thankful I live near my family.

Well, while staying at my parents I got to have the BEST COFFEE ever! They have a Keurig K-Cup brewer and it's OMGOSH good!! It brews the perfect cup of coffee. If I could have coffee like that everyday I'd be addicted! I now know what I want for next Christmas!! ha-ha :-)

Hazelnut coffee with some cream and Cinnamon