So last night I had 3 gals come over for me to share about Advocare, and actually my friend and trainer, Julia, did the bulk of it. She's so informative because of her Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition and Health. I was so amazed at how the girls responded and how excited they were to start the program and try the health products. And what I am learning more and more, so many people want to feel good and healthy and have energy. Advocare isn't just about weight loss or selling things- it truly is about the overall well being of a person. I love it! And not only are the products wonderful but they work.
I learned that I don't have to be an expert- I learned that I am surrounded by people who are knowledgeable and can be a resource to me and my friends. I learned that when you share your story and they see results, they want to be apart of it. So sharing my story is so vital to what I'm doing with Advocare.
Julia told me that after she left my house last night, she prayed. She prayed for me and my friends and the whole Mixer. I am thankful for a friend and someone who truly cares for me and my whole being. :)
I decided that I am not going to shy away from sharing more about what I'm doing, and especially not shy away about the product and how it has changed my life. God brought me into this journey for a reason and I'm just taking it one step at a time, remaining faithful and disciplined and who knows where this could go.
I love what Julia told me in her email- I'm going to paste it here so that I can remember it:
"Let me know if you need anything else! Once again, I loved talking to you last night! Thank you so much for hosting that mixer!! It was great! God has blessed us both by crossing our paths in life. You motivate me and benefit me just as much as I do you! God gives us all struggles and hurts for a reason. You have struggled your whole life with your weight and your food addiction. God gave you the power to overcome that and now you can help others! I honestly think that is your purpose. To help others help themselves and love themselves. God has given you the gift of compassion and motivation. Run with it! You have made a huge impact in my life and I don't even need help with food or weight loss. You are the answer to so many prayers out there. Believe me, I talk to many women every week who have the exact same troubles that you do and they all feel like they are alone." from Julia Raglin June 7,2012
My verse today is interesting:
"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."
Provers 13:12
When people lose hope and feel like they are a failure or cant do this, they lose heart. They literally can become sick with depression or all kinds of things. BUT when you fulfill that longing (which can be financial peace, health, a career, or dream) than your life is a TREE OF LIFE, thriving.
But that tree of life must be rooted and grounded in Christ Jesus- and HE IS my foundation and HE HAS given me the hope to keep striving and believing for more and more in my life.
"Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home."
Psalm 23:6
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Letter of Encouragement
10 REASONS YOU SHOULD NOT FEEL DISCOURAGED, BUT IN FACT FEEL LIKE A CHAMPION!!!
from my friend and trainer, Julia Raglin
1.) You have lost nearly 20lbs!
2.) You are miles ahead of where you were just months ago! Think about the person you were back then! Would you have imagined yourself where you are now?!?!
3.) Many people don't have near the courage that you do. They are all still sitting on the couch WISHING they were had even half the strength and motivation that YOU do.
4.) In your daughters eyes, Mommy is getting healthy and they admire you and think of you as a SUPERHERO, no matter how fast the weight is falling off.
5.) You have a new glow about you that everyone sees.
6.) Food formerly had you in a strong hold and now it can't even touch you.
7.) You are STILL losing! (No matter how quickly)
8.) You have shaved so much time off your 5K!
9.) You have stuck with it for almost, what, 3 months?!
10.) You have proved that voice in your head that has always told you that you can't do it WRONG!!
So I got this email from Julia today and I needed it. I have had the time to blog and it's something I need to do regularly because when I take time to retrospect, I'm able to really process all that I'm going through. Its very emotionally and mentally hard to train your body to submit and discipline itself to eat and exercise. I feel a little out of wind- out of mental strength. But it's because I've been trying to rely on just me and I NEED GOD to continue to sustain me. And you need friends and motivators on this journey. You can not do this solo! It's all about finding yourself, your strength and passion and surrounding yourself with those who believe in you too and can encourage you to "keep going!"
I'm reminded of the scripture in Hebrews 12 when writing this because of all the people that are encouraging me, and that includes my loving husband Cornelius.
Romans 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
I Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Perservere and focus on the prize- the prize of health, submission, discipline and blessing in Christ Jesus. Because whenever y ou surrender self to God, he honors that and blesses your walk.
I keep thinking how OBEDIENCE to CHRIST always brings blessing. I have seen that fruit in my life. It's when I get my eyes off that goal and prize, that I lose focus, wander and falter in my walk.
Tonight I am celebrating God's faithfulness and the fruit of self control and discipline in my life. I will not give up.
TODAY MARKS 47 days since I started this journey!
from my friend and trainer, Julia Raglin
1.) You have lost nearly 20lbs!
2.) You are miles ahead of where you were just months ago! Think about the person you were back then! Would you have imagined yourself where you are now?!?!
3.) Many people don't have near the courage that you do. They are all still sitting on the couch WISHING they were had even half the strength and motivation that YOU do.
4.) In your daughters eyes, Mommy is getting healthy and they admire you and think of you as a SUPERHERO, no matter how fast the weight is falling off.
5.) You have a new glow about you that everyone sees.
6.) Food formerly had you in a strong hold and now it can't even touch you.
7.) You are STILL losing! (No matter how quickly)
8.) You have shaved so much time off your 5K!
9.) You have stuck with it for almost, what, 3 months?!
10.) You have proved that voice in your head that has always told you that you can't do it WRONG!!
So I got this email from Julia today and I needed it. I have had the time to blog and it's something I need to do regularly because when I take time to retrospect, I'm able to really process all that I'm going through. Its very emotionally and mentally hard to train your body to submit and discipline itself to eat and exercise. I feel a little out of wind- out of mental strength. But it's because I've been trying to rely on just me and I NEED GOD to continue to sustain me. And you need friends and motivators on this journey. You can not do this solo! It's all about finding yourself, your strength and passion and surrounding yourself with those who believe in you too and can encourage you to "keep going!"
I'm reminded of the scripture in Hebrews 12 when writing this because of all the people that are encouraging me, and that includes my loving husband Cornelius.
Romans 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
I Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Perservere and focus on the prize- the prize of health, submission, discipline and blessing in Christ Jesus. Because whenever y ou surrender self to God, he honors that and blesses your walk.
I keep thinking how OBEDIENCE to CHRIST always brings blessing. I have seen that fruit in my life. It's when I get my eyes off that goal and prize, that I lose focus, wander and falter in my walk.
Tonight I am celebrating God's faithfulness and the fruit of self control and discipline in my life. I will not give up.
TODAY MARKS 47 days since I started this journey!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Memorial Weekend 2012
We had a very fun Memorial weekend. Friday night Cornelius took his girls out to dinner at Leona's in town. Saturday we did some things at home in the morning and then were gone grocery shopping and got some things for outdoors. Saturday night Cornelius did the finishing touches to his sermon. He made home-made playdough for kids and adults and invited them to participate while he preached. His message "Like Clay" was very powerful. Here is the outline of the service- it all just went together.
Welcome and Scripture
Worship Song- God Of Wonders
Announcements
Prayer for OfferingOffering: America (My Country Tis of Thee)
God You Reign
In Christ Alone
He Knows My Name
Message- “Like Clay” by Cornelius Bornman
Genesis 2:7 and Jeremiah 18:1-6
I forgot my camera but took a few on my phone to show you the kids and adults using the playdough. And I took a few pictures of him working the clay. He took the pottery wheel to church and actually did a pot during part of the worship. It was probably one of his best messages and I felt and believe that many connected with it. There were tears and prayers at the alter that day.
Genesis 2:7 Then the Lord God formed a man[a] from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
Jeremiah 18:1-6 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” 3 So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 4 But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.
5 Then the word of the Lord came to me. 6 He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.
And after Cornelius gave his message we went to Fred and Cheryl Engle's home and enjoyed being on Crystal Lake with their family. The girls played and swam in the lake and Fred ended the day with a pontoon ride. Jaelle loved it all!! She only had 35 minute nap the whole day but she did fabulous and didn't complain all day. :) It definitely was a lot of work having a baby on the lake but she was so happy and I couldn't have asked for a nice Sunday afternoon.
Sharing my shebert with Jaelle.
Jaelle taking a morning nap on daddy's lap. Isn't she precious? I just love sleeping babies. :)
And I had to add this picture of Jaelle pushing the cart at the grocery store. She thinks she's a big girl. Can't believe that June 1st, my little baby is going to be 1 year old already.
Welcome and Scripture
Worship Song- God Of Wonders
Announcements
Prayer for OfferingOffering: America (My Country Tis of Thee)
God You Reign
In Christ Alone
He Knows My Name
Message- “Like Clay” by Cornelius Bornman
Genesis 2:7 and Jeremiah 18:1-6
I forgot my camera but took a few on my phone to show you the kids and adults using the playdough. And I took a few pictures of him working the clay. He took the pottery wheel to church and actually did a pot during part of the worship. It was probably one of his best messages and I felt and believe that many connected with it. There were tears and prayers at the alter that day.
Jeremiah 18:1-6 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” 3 So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 4 But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.
5 Then the word of the Lord came to me. 6 He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.
And after Cornelius gave his message we went to Fred and Cheryl Engle's home and enjoyed being on Crystal Lake with their family. The girls played and swam in the lake and Fred ended the day with a pontoon ride. Jaelle loved it all!! She only had 35 minute nap the whole day but she did fabulous and didn't complain all day. :) It definitely was a lot of work having a baby on the lake but she was so happy and I couldn't have asked for a nice Sunday afternoon.
And here are a few more pictures on Memorial Day. We spent the day at Lake Michigan in Ludington with just Abby and Becca. Jaelle stayed home with Amanda. It was a scorcher and it was good that Jaelle stayed home in the cool air conditioned house. I have to admit that I felt so bad leaving her behind but it was so good for Abby and Becca to have a day with mommy and daddy.
Sharing my shebert with Jaelle.
Jaelle taking a morning nap on daddy's lap. Isn't she precious? I just love sleeping babies. :)
And I had to add this picture of Jaelle pushing the cart at the grocery store. She thinks she's a big girl. Can't believe that June 1st, my little baby is going to be 1 year old already.
Hey, where's my icrecream cone!
Becca giving kisses to her Jaelle.....:)
Jaelle did so good eating her own icream. Pretty good for an almost 1 year old. :)
How blessed I am to have these precious girls in my life. And God has given me a wonderful husband who cares and provides for all his ladies. :)
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Yummy Recipes and tid bits
Yummy Banana-Oat Bars
Serves: 8
Time to prepare: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
2 cups quick oats (not instant)
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup raisins or chopped dates
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 large ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (optional)
1 tablespoon date sugar (optional)
How to prepare:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix ingredients together in a large bowl.
Press dough in a 9"X 9" baking pan and bake for 30 minutes.
Cool on wire rack. When cool, slice into squares or bars and serve.
We started eating more Quinoa in our household- look it up on Wikipedia. It's amazing stuff! But here is a site that my sister-n-law so graciously found with wonderful dishes to prepare with Quinoa.
http://www.tastespotting.com/features/tag/30-days-of-quinoa
One of the simplest things I did with quinoa was boil it, then mix steamed broccoli into it and add a packet of tuna and add some fresh herbs/spices and squeeze some lemon juice on it and VIOLA! Instant yummy food.
Another one of my favorite meals is baked Sweet Potato Fries and baked fish- any fish! We added some steamed veggies too to make the plate pretty. :) Its just so yummy.
Last night was my best time yet for my walk/jog. 3.1 miles in 48 minutes. My goal was to do 3.1 miles in 45 minutes by the end of May. I have 1 week exactly from today to shave off 3 minutes.....scary! But I know I can do it. :) Right now I'm mostly power walking with interval jogging. So I just have to think about adding more jogging time. Baby steps....
As time goes on, it seems to get easier to choose good choices over bad food choices. I have this feeling that if I give in once to junk food, that I will continue to say "Its OK, just this one time." Instead, if I do want junk food, I tell myself that when its snack time, I'll eat. Or I ask myself, "Am I really hungry or is this just a craving that will pass?" Drink some water, get my mind off of it by doing something else and then a few minutes later I find that I wasn't hungry. It was just my emotions and feelings "thinking" that I wanted food. It almost feels silly to try to teach myself these things now...I mean, I'm adult and I should make good choices.
I plan to weigh myself again this Saturday. It was 2 weeks ago that I had lost a total 14.2 pounds. I don't think I've lost that much but I think I'm on track to have lost another 4 pounds which is a healthy weight loss in 2 weeks.
I keep telling myself that I need to journal about what my sister-n-law Tina emailed me about. But I just haven't had the emotional strength to write about it. I feel like I'm still chewing on it. It was so good and I know she was spot on. So I'm excited to get time to really sit down and write it out and see where my emotions and Spirit take me on it. So Tina, hold me accountable and make sure I write about what we talked about in your email. I know it will bless not only me, but other women too. Because that is just how cool God is. :)
Serves: 8
Time to prepare: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
2 cups quick oats (not instant)
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup raisins or chopped dates
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 large ripe bananas, mashed
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (optional)
1 tablespoon date sugar (optional)
How to prepare:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Mix ingredients together in a large bowl.
Press dough in a 9"X 9" baking pan and bake for 30 minutes.
Cool on wire rack. When cool, slice into squares or bars and serve.
We started eating more Quinoa in our household- look it up on Wikipedia. It's amazing stuff! But here is a site that my sister-n-law so graciously found with wonderful dishes to prepare with Quinoa.
http://www.tastespotting.com/features/tag/30-days-of-quinoa
One of the simplest things I did with quinoa was boil it, then mix steamed broccoli into it and add a packet of tuna and add some fresh herbs/spices and squeeze some lemon juice on it and VIOLA! Instant yummy food.
Another one of my favorite meals is baked Sweet Potato Fries and baked fish- any fish! We added some steamed veggies too to make the plate pretty. :) Its just so yummy.
Last night was my best time yet for my walk/jog. 3.1 miles in 48 minutes. My goal was to do 3.1 miles in 45 minutes by the end of May. I have 1 week exactly from today to shave off 3 minutes.....scary! But I know I can do it. :) Right now I'm mostly power walking with interval jogging. So I just have to think about adding more jogging time. Baby steps....
As time goes on, it seems to get easier to choose good choices over bad food choices. I have this feeling that if I give in once to junk food, that I will continue to say "Its OK, just this one time." Instead, if I do want junk food, I tell myself that when its snack time, I'll eat. Or I ask myself, "Am I really hungry or is this just a craving that will pass?" Drink some water, get my mind off of it by doing something else and then a few minutes later I find that I wasn't hungry. It was just my emotions and feelings "thinking" that I wanted food. It almost feels silly to try to teach myself these things now...I mean, I'm adult and I should make good choices.
I plan to weigh myself again this Saturday. It was 2 weeks ago that I had lost a total 14.2 pounds. I don't think I've lost that much but I think I'm on track to have lost another 4 pounds which is a healthy weight loss in 2 weeks.
I keep telling myself that I need to journal about what my sister-n-law Tina emailed me about. But I just haven't had the emotional strength to write about it. I feel like I'm still chewing on it. It was so good and I know she was spot on. So I'm excited to get time to really sit down and write it out and see where my emotions and Spirit take me on it. So Tina, hold me accountable and make sure I write about what we talked about in your email. I know it will bless not only me, but other women too. Because that is just how cool God is. :)
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Trip to Indiana May 18-20th
Just a few good pictures of our trip to visit Cornelius' mom and sister's family. Sarah is due any time to have her 2nd baby. We were hoping that she would deliver while we were there, but no such luck. So we'll have to plan another trip down soon to see this new sweet baby.
It was a great weekend and I took many pictures but these are a few of my favorites. :)
At the restaurant on the way down. Abby is always helping and holding Jaelle.
Went on a morning walk with Grandma Bornman Saturday. We stopped at a park on the way. Abby and Becca were like "Look mom! We're stuck in a big web!"
Talking with Grandma Bornman. She loves taking walks.
Lindiwe loved hanging out with her cousins. She's such a sweety.
Jaelle's first ride down a slide. She was a little nervous at first. As you can see she is looking down the slide rather anxiously.
Hanging out in grandma's rocking chair.
All smiles Lindiwe Mlotshwa- my neice
I love my thumb.
Reading with Uncle Nelson
Jaelle and Lindiwe had some troubles but mostly because Jaelle doesn't understand not getting into people's space. But they really did get along so well. Lindi is 2 and Jaelle will be 1 June 1st.
Jaelle loves swinging....as you can tell from this picture.
Probably one of my most favorite pictures from the weekend.
And here is prego Sarah who should have had the baby while we were in Goshen. But alas, we will have to wait until another time to see the baby.
And this picture of Lindiwe is so very darling- I love her serious stare. :)
It was a great weekend and I took many pictures but these are a few of my favorites. :)
Lindiwe loved singing and we played and sang many songs together. :)
Bath time.....one day these girls will be upset that I shared this very cute picture!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Before and After Pictures of the 24 Day Challenge
Julia had told me on the first day of the challenge to take before and after pictures. I am so glad I did. It just hits home when you actually see with your own eyes. When I saw myself on the first day, I just couldn't believe how bad I had let myself go. And then when I see myself on day 23, I'm like, "Wow! There is a significant difference. I'm doing it!"
I am 14.2 pounds lighter and 6 1/4 inches total smaller since I started. Julia took the first measurements and weighed me on Wednesday night April 18th. And the results after 23 days shows that I did great during the challenge.
Here are the pictures to prove it!
The front side day 23 of challenge
The side view day one
Side view day 23
Back view day one
Back view day 23
I am thrilled with my progress. But then I don't want to get too excited, or prideful. I need to keep my eyes on the goal. My goal of life long health. My journey continues to reveal so many things about me- good and bad. The good is that I do have the strength and resolve to do this. That God is walking with me each step of the way and providing me all I need when I'm in the struggle. That He loves me so much that He wants more for my life.
And the bad- some days are HARD. Some days are an emotional roller coaster where I am fighting food cravings and feeling so ugly and discouraged. But the reward is that when you work on the inside, it shows on the outside.
And right now I am beaming.
Hebrews 12:1-3
I am 14.2 pounds lighter and 6 1/4 inches total smaller since I started. Julia took the first measurements and weighed me on Wednesday night April 18th. And the results after 23 days shows that I did great during the challenge.
Here are the pictures to prove it!
The front side 1st day of my challenge
I am thrilled with my progress. But then I don't want to get too excited, or prideful. I need to keep my eyes on the goal. My goal of life long health. My journey continues to reveal so many things about me- good and bad. The good is that I do have the strength and resolve to do this. That God is walking with me each step of the way and providing me all I need when I'm in the struggle. That He loves me so much that He wants more for my life.
And the bad- some days are HARD. Some days are an emotional roller coaster where I am fighting food cravings and feeling so ugly and discouraged. But the reward is that when you work on the inside, it shows on the outside.
And right now I am beaming.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)