#13 Take this test

We need to do know more about our body.  I honestly thought I was Endomorph, but when I took the test it said I am a Mesomorph.  When reading the definition, its true.  I can gain muscle mass really fast and I have to focus more on cardio which is totally boring to me.  My numbers though were the same for those two.

Endomorph: 25%
Mesomorph: 38%
Ectomorph: 38%

There are three main body types: ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph. You can be a combination of body types, but will predominantly be one over the other.
These body types are general groupings of body make-ups, as well as muscle and fat storage and distribution.

An ectomorph is characterized by long and thin muscles and limbs, naturally thin with lower fat storage and a have a harder time putting on muscle.
A mesomorph is characterized by larger bones, a solid torso, wide shoulders, trim waist and controlled body fat levels who typically puts on muscle easily.
An endomorph is characterized by increased fat storage, wider waist and larger bone structure who typically gains weight easily.

TAKE THE TEST HERE



This is me:

You are primarily a
mesomorph.

You have a naturally fit body but, to maintain or improve it, you should adopt an exercise and diet regimen that compliments your build. You can strength train more often and for longer periods of time, but be careful not to overdo it. Train with moderate to heavy weighs and keep a moderate pace, making sure not to rest too long between sets. You'll find you gain muscle quite easily. Don't fear; you won't get "bulky." When you're happy with your muscle size, simply train to maintain. Stick to a good, healthy diet to stay lean and muscular, and watch for any slow-creeping fat gains. Engage in and enjoy aerobic activities, but be careful not to overdo it.

Habitat for Humanity womens event 2015

Habitat for Humanity had a woman's event here in my home town.  I had known about it for a few months and had plans to go.  It was first announced in my women's group at church and when I heard that one of my friends Dani Miser was going to be speaking at it, I got excited!  I messaged her when I got home and she told me more about the details.  I hadn't heard any advertisement for this event yet, so I wasn't sure when and where.  

As the week led up to the event the enemy just came straight forward and tried to stop me from going.  I didn't know many details still about it and I hadn't yet gotten my ticket.  I invited a friend and I knew it was the enemy with it, because we actually got into a 'tiff' over it.  It didn't last long, but looking back it was so unnecessary.  Then the next day I had another delay of information where I doubted in going and thought maybe it would be best to just not go.  I had already asked for the day off and I had people telling me that I should just take a day off and do something fun, but my heart was SCREAMING that I had to go.  I had this peace that I needed to be at this event, no matter what.  

The following days before, Dani had asked me if I would want to be a part of her advertisement of her book, which will also help her new adventure with her family with Havannahs Ranch in Oklahoma to help out children.  I thought it would be great to be a part of and I was honored.  I knew in my heart this was me stepping out of a bubble and helping a ministry.  Her book after all did help and inspire me and so has her testimony.  

The morning of, I was exhausted!  I got maybe 4 hours sleep, but I was ready!  I went and sat down at a table where I met a girl who was going to sing and her mother.  I didn't really plan on sitting there the whole time, but I did and it turned out to be a blessing.  I just love how looking back you can see God working, but during the process its so hard to see the picture God already sees.  While sitting there I made a few more friends.  

As the time got closer, not many people were showing up.  It was one of those moments where your surprised that there wernt alot of women, but it turned out the way God wanted.  The ladies were talking about how the enemy was trying his hardest the whole time to stop and discourage this event, but the people at Habitat kept pushing and wasn't giving up and I'm very thankful they didn't.  

After we sang and after Dani spoke, we had a small break.  I remember once again going out of my comfort zone and approaching the music leader.  I told her she did a great job and started to get to know her.  We even joked and talked about how sometimes events that are small and intiment bring people closer and you get to know them, as if it was big, you might not get to talk to a lot of women.  Then I had a lady come and sit down next to me and start talking to me about where she lives and got to know a little about her.  

Since it was such a small intimate group, we decided to go straight into the next guest speaker, a woman who is from Proverbs 31 woman.  She did a great job and was very sweet.  I loved hearing her testimony and how God uses her, a shy and an introvert, to stand up and talk in from of small groups and even in front of thousands of people.  In my heart, I just feel like God will one day want me to stand in front of people however big or small and share my story and I wonder sometimes how He's going to use me considering I get so scatter brained, but I know that's when God will be there to guide me.  

After she spoke and we sang, it was time to do the advertisement.  We went into another room where a few of us ladies stood in front of two cameras and lights and shared how the book has impacted our lives and how it can impact other lives.  It was definitely a good experience and maybe practice one day, ya never know! 

Then it was time to eat!!

Most everyone had already gotten their food and Dani and I were pretty much the last two.  There at the table I sat at is where I think the magic happened.  It was already a full table and we squeezed Dani and I in there and for the next hour we spoke about speaking in tongues, the enemy, walking with Christ, and we prayed!  We got a case of cookies and we talked until we got kicked out!!  Sitting at that table, I got to hear other women's struggles, concerns, growths, and even questions about their walk.  The music leader really impacted me when she looked at me after I told her I don't know if I would ever want the gift of speaking in tongues and she told me it was a very personal and deeper feeling to experience with the gift and she encouraged me to maybe pray for it.  I still was a little like, "well......," but since then have been praying if that is Gods will for my life.

I know I want to be as close to God as I possibly can.  I feel like God is showing me these strong women and placing them in my life and I'm very honored to have met these women.  But I'm not done.....

After we got kicked out.....(I know I make it sound worse than what it is), but it was time to leave. I was invited to go over to a woman's house for dinner where we will sit around and talk about our prayer journeling.  Now another comfort zone of mine would of smiled and probably come up with an excuse not too, but once again I knew I should.  I had some stuff to do before then and I got the address and still the enemy was reminding me I was tired and this is a place I never been before, blah blah blah etc.  Nope, I got my stuff ready, got my prayer journals, googled where I needed to go and headed that way.  I was actually the 2nd person there and got to know the lady that lived there and one of her friends.  These two ladies wernt at the event, but I still felt comfortable.  

The women started showing up and we had prayer and we started to eat.  There was about 15 of us women in there talking and we had about 7 conversations going on at once, can you imagine?  It was great though and I got to really sit down and talk to Dani about the past year of my life and I always had felt comfort in talking to her.  I had told her I looked up to her as a big sister and a mentor, I know God has put her in my life for a reason.  After dinner a couple of us went up to a bedroom to talk and relax a little, since it was such a long day.  I got to get to know the lady who sat down next to me earlier at the event and got to share with her a little of my testimony.  

We go down stairs and we all introduce ourselves and got to share what writing to God truly has done in our lives and how it has helped.  I enjoyed hearing peoples struggles and yet their peace when they write to God.  I was reminded that some are very organized journal writers and some throw it around and pick up whichever is nearby.  Either way, God works and He hears and He cares what our struggles and our concerns are in this life.   

My side of the story of that day might be more deeper than the some of the other women, but I really enjoy getting to know people and hearing peoples stories.  We all have a story, we all have a testimony of some sort and we all struggle, and it just does something when a bunch of people get together and share.  Its fun to talk about God and what He has done in our lives and its fun to just laugh with people.  I am very thankful that God placed this event and pushed me to go even though the enemy didnt want me too.  I am very thankful that God is of love and of grace and I do hope and pray that Habitat will be blessed!  I am going to look into what I may need to do or can help to contribute.  I know this event wasnt as big as they hoped, but I know because they listened and followed Gods will, they will be blessed!  

Prayer journalist!

 EXTRAS!!!

 

Dear Future Husband

My dearest Future Husband,                                                                                                    3-28-15

I wanted to write you just to let you know that I already love you!! I love you because God has laid you on my heart and has been preparing me to be the godly wife that you need and who God wants me to be.  He has given me a season and has molded me into a strong, confident woman in Christ who knows her worth in Him.  I never really was truly confident in myself growing up and have had some rough relationships, because I was trying to find my worth in them instead.  I am very thankful to our Heavenly Father that He wanted my attention and my love so much that He put this burning desire in my heart to have Him first and foremost.  I know this world can distract us so easily and we can stray away when everything is going good, but even through the good I want Him to be our focus.

I also wanted to let you know that I pray for you throughout the day.  At times when I stop and enjoy the beautiful day, I wonder what your doing and if you are enjoying the beautiful day too!  I wonder sometimes if I already know you or how we may meet.  I pray that you are being molded into the man that I need and that you are obeying and following Christ.  I pray that you are active in a church and that you seek God everyday and His will for you.  I know one day you will be my best friend and together we will pray and lift everything up to God.  I want every choice and big life decisions to be in prayer as we walk in our journey together.  I want to be your help mate and when you are weak, I will be strong.  Just know that I will continue to pray for you till the day we meet,  then to say our vows together, and till the day one of us is called home to be with our Lord.  

I know this life wont be the easiest.  I know the odds are against us and the enemy will attack us the closer we walk with the Lord, but I know both of us will know that the battle has already been won.  I know you will be a very strong godly man who will provide and who I can submit too.  I know there will be times that we will let each other down for whatever reason, but I also want us to never go to bed angry with each other.

My hearts desire is for us to not be put in a situation before our wedding night.  God has really even laid on my heart to possibly court, rather than date.  I would like the old-fashion proper way of us handling our relationship, before we become one.  I pray for your family, for when our families become together that they will both love each other.  I ask God to prepare me for you, that I can and will be the woman you desire and need in this life and likewise with you for me.  I think of our love story all the time and how its going to be written.  

I want our household to be a household filled with Bible stories and prayer time.  I want us to get in the Bible together and learn.  I want us to be involved in a church or have our own form of ministry if that is Gods will.  I want you to know that you are worth the wait.  I pray that you are seeking God and waiting on me too.  I would love nothing more for you to seek Christ and Christ shows you me.  I am going to sit back and wait and allow you to pursue me.  I will continue to pray for you each day and your walk.  I pray if there is anything you struggle with or is tempted by that you are strong enough to withstand it.  I also pray if there is anything holding you down or any chains that they will be broken in Jesus name.  I pray if you are broken from any life's trials and storms that God touches you and comforts you.  I know you wont be perfect, and I know that I'm not, but I know we will be perfect for each other.  

I don't believe that there are so many people on this earth that could possibly be our mate.  I believe in one God and my God has told me that there is one person He has for me and that is you.  I will wait for you!!!  I know we will be Christ seekers and will be praying for each other and God will bring us together when He sees that we are both ready.  I'm not going to be looking and I pray you don't look, but listen to God.  Our faith and trust in God will bring each other together.

I'm curious what kind of gifts and talents God has given you.  I'm pretty sure they are the opposite of mine and I think its cute.  I want God to be able to use us to help others lead them to Christ as much as He can.  My heart burns to have a form of ministry.  I feel as if I can touch so many women and young girls lives.  I pray that you will be supportive and together we can grow a ministry of some sort what God calls us to do.

I want to have a warm household for our family, where when people come in our home, you can feel love and you can feel Christ.  I want our children to watch Veggie Tales and sing Christian music.  I know when we meet we will talk about all of these things, and I know you will have some great ideas to what you would like for us and our family.

We will be a team, 2 people joined together as 1.  I know there arnt many people out there that have the same morals and values or even the desire that I'm listing, they might even sound boring to alot of people, but I know these are the desires God has placed in my heart and so therefore I know there is a man (you) that exist for my life. I want to be that diamond in the rocks that God touches you and shows you me sparkling.  All this might sound cheesy, but I smile because I like cheesy!

I want to grow old with you.  I want to hold your hand and grab your arm when standing somewhere.   I will be there when you need me.  I cant wait to lay next to you everynight as we talk about our day and our dreams and what God is doing in our life.  I want us to pray over our finances that we will be debt free and can help others financially.  I want us to tithe.  I want us to be a healthy family.  I want us to go on trips and make memories, even if its camping out in the back  yard with the kids!  I know when we get married and life is thrown at us, we may forget to stop and enjoy the blessings, but I want us to always have childlike fun!  I want us and our children to play and go on rollercoasters and explore the world!  I want our children to learn Gods creation with catching fire flys in a jar and going fishing and seeing wild animals roam the lands.  

Our life is going to be so short on this earth and I cant wait to share memories with you and build our lives together.  I love you already and I know this desire God has put in my heart is from God himself and not just something that I want.  He has been preparing me for you and I know Hes preparing you for me.  I pray for you and I wish you happiness right here, right now in your life as we arnt together.  One day, as God is writing our love story right now we will look back and see the pieces that God is placing together.  Until then my love, I am missing you and waiting on you!  I am allowing God to work in me to become the wife and mother to your children that you need and desire and that will build His kingdom.  

Love, 

your future wife

Joy Rachel

#12 Kale Chips

I LOVE me some kale chips.  I didn't think I would, but I decided to try them a month or so ago and the first I burnt them and it was horrible.  So I gave it another go a few days later after watching some videos and some recipes and fell in love.

I personally will scatter kale across a pan with parchment paper and try not to have the kale piled up on each other.  Then I drizzle a little bit of olive oil across it and I add paprika and lemon pepper to mine and put it in the oven for about 10 minutes. 

Then when it comes out, it should look like kale, maybe a little dried out, but crisp.  My first batch was kinda black, lesson learned!

I think its a good snack before bed if you get the munchies, its kinda like chips!

#11 Air popcorn

I was once taught how to cook popcorn on the stove and it changed my life.  Its so much better to me than bagged popcorn and its so much healthier.

I add popcorn kernals and 100% vegetable oil ( you can also use olive oil) and put it in your pan on the stove and cover it with a lid and let it pop.  Once the popping slows down take it off the heat and let it pop a little bit more and be aware that when you open the lid, it might pop out at you.

Then just pour into a bowl and maybe add a little sea salt and shake it in the bowl to get everywhere and wa-la......delicious snack.  I always get the munchies before bed, right after work and this always lets me munch on something with little calories.

Also I read that the bag popcorn has unhealthy ingredients in them,HERE and also the popcorn flavorings has an ingredient in them that is from cement.  So maybe just watch what is in the fake flavorings.

My new lesson, my new goal!

I catch myself at times finding myself really dumb.  I know there is no way that I will ever know everything or even come close to it, but yet, I stop at times and I tell God, "God, I think I'm ready to move to the next chapter, I'm pretty sure I've learned everything in this one".  Then God chuckles up in Heaven and then I'm sure a big grin comes across His face and then {BAM} God shows me I'm wrong and that there is yet another lesson to prepare me for my future.

Okay....maybe He's not that harsh, but in reality God is really gentle with me and lays things on my heart and gets me all excited!  If you didn't know I went to college for Accounting and Bookkeeping. In fact I even did it in High School for fun as a credit and also worked at a school where I was responsible for all the Income/Expenses and was the Treasurer for the School Board for 8 years.  So yet, I found myself dumbfounded when God laid on my heart to calculate my credit card bills.  Mine and my grandfathers income and expenses come out of the same bank account.  When I calculated our credit card bills and compared it to our living expenses, they exceeded the living expenses.  I was so upset at myself that I didn't know, but also excited that God has given me the wisdom and drive to pay them off. 

I know God doesn't like debt and I know living in this world, you will somehow be in some form of debt whether its your mortgage or your car, but extra can be foolish.  This isn't going to be easy and I pray that nothing comes in the way to distract me to pay this off and that I have the ability too.  I will be needing a new vehicle soon and I want to be able to pay for it every month and still be okay with bills.  If I didn't have any credit card debt I would be just fine.  God also laid on my heart that His plans are better than my plans and His ways are better than my ways and the fact that I am now working on my debt is something that I am very thankful for.  God likes to work on us one step at a time and last year it was my inner and outer self and now God is preparing me to be a better wife to my future husband.  I would hate to go into a marriage with so much debt and burdening him with it.

I am just very honored and grateful God has given me this time to work on myself and my faults and weaknesses.  I found out that there are some that I didn't even know I had, but Gods grace and love has shown me that there is nothing too big to overcome with His help, even my pile of finances.  I have trust and faith that with Gods help and direction and also my ability to listen and make right financial choices that I will one day be debt free or even close to it.  

Proverbs 31 woman

For the past year I have been driven to be a Proverbs 31 woman.  I have admitted that in the past I was not or even near close to it.  After I read the 90 day book on How to be a Proverbs 31 woman, I'm reminded daily of who she was in the Bible.  This woman was a woman who dressed in fine linens and who owned her own business and still took care of her children and household.  She was a woman who was admired and her husband was respected at the city gate.  She was a strong, beautiful woman in Christ and her children and husband trusted her and she also took care of her servants.  My drive, my goal, my hearts desire is to be that person.  Its going to take work and effort and I have been working hard, but I know its going to be worth it.    

1. Faith - A Virtuous Woman serves God with all of her heart, mind, and soul. She seeks His will for her life and follows His ways. 

(Proverbs 31: 26, Proverbs 31: 29 – 31, Matthew 22: 37, John 14: 15, Psalm 119: 15)

This can be hard at times, but there have been many times this past year in which I wanted to do something,  but God laid on my heart not too, or I didn't want to do something and God wanted me too and I think I have done each of them.  Its hard especially when you don't understand or see the reason, but that's where trust and faith comes in that its for our good.

2. Marriage – A Virtuous Woman respects her husband. She does him good all the days of her life. She is trustworthy and a helpmeet. 

(Proverbs 31: 11- 12, Proverbs 31: 23, Proverbs 31: 28, 1 Peter 3, Ephesians 5, Genesis2: 18)

I'm not currently married, but I do pray for my future husband each and everyday.  I pray that he is walking with God and obeying him and that he is being molded into the man that God wants him to be.  I pray that he is waiting and trusting God to bring us together and not seeking women that is not from the Lord.  I pray for myself and for God to mold me into the woman He wants me to be and that I will be a good wife, mother to our children and best friend to him.

3.  Mothering - A Virtuous Woman teaches her children the ways of her Father in heaven. She nurtures her children with the love of Christ, disciplines them with care and wisdom, and trains them in the way they should go.

 (Proverbs 31: 28, Proverbs 31: 26, Proverbs 22: 6, Deuteronomy 6, Luke 18: 16)

I currently don't have any children here on earth and I'm not really around alot of children.  Then when I started to go to my church and allowed God to open up my heart to serve Him, I was told about a group that gets together with a bunch of moms twice a month in which they need sitters for their children at the church.  I volunteered and I love these little children.  I can tell God is practicing my motherly side of me that I haven't gotten to use and its preparing me to hopefully be a mother one day.  I also have a friend who fosters children and she has been helping me to feed and take care of a baby and I feel so much more comfortable now and its true when that natural mothering is just built in you. 

4. Health – A Virtuous Woman cares for her body. She prepares healthy food for her family. 

(Proverbs 31: 14 – 15, Proverbs 31: 17, 1 Corinthians 6: 19, Genesis 1: 29, Daniel 1, Leviticus 11)

This has been a big one for me this past year.  I now look at food and what it is in food totally different now.  I also noticed when you eat healthier and wanting to take care of the body that God has given you, God provides and helps.  I know alot of people complain about it being expensive, but honestly its not when you stop eating out and start eating from what you have at home most of the time.  People can easily spend $5.00-$10.00 for a meal through a drive through.  Not only though does it make you healthier, but it makes you feel good.  You don't get the heaviness of a meal and want to sleep, or headaches or bloating from salt, etc.  I know now when I eat bad food, I am miserable!!!

5. Service - A Virtuous Woman serves her husband, her family, her friends, and her neighbors with a gentle and loving spirit. She is charitable. 

(Proverbs 31: 12, Proverbs 31: 15, Proverbs 31: 20, 1 Corinthians 13: 13)

God has been placing this on my heart lately.  I know that we all give in different ways with our different gifts.  Some are words, some are actions, some are listeners, some are financial, but its good to try and be all of them if possible.  God has been working on me with certain areas that I have lacked or wasn't very good at in the past.  It also has to do with trusting God and Him providing, whether it be with giving you the words to say, or the money to give, or the time to serve.

6. Finances - A Virtuous Woman seeks her husband’s approval before making purchases and spends money wisely. She is careful to purchase quality items which her family needs. (Proverbs 31: 14, Proverbs 31: 16, Proverbs 31: 18, 1 Timothy 6: 10, Ephesians 5: 23, Deuteronomy 14: 22, Numbers 18: 26)

I'm pretty good at spending my money wisely.  Like everyone I'm sure I spend money on things I don't need or can do without, but lately, actually the past few weeks, God has really opened up my eyes to debt and how He doesn't like it.  Obviously living in this world this day and age, we will have some form of debt whether it be a mortgage  or a car payment or a loan of some sort.  My debt is more than what it needs to be and for some reason God just showed me that it can be fixed if I am smart and driven to do this.  This is something that I'm trusting God with and I pray that nothing happens to interfere and I hope and pray He opens up doors for me to stay on track to pay these off.  I also don't want this to be a burden to my future husband and family when that time comes.

 

 

7.  Industry – A Virtuous Woman works willingly with her hands. She sings praises to God and does not grumble while completing her tasks. (Proverbs 31: 13, Proverbs 31: 16, Proverbs 31: 24, Proverbs 31: 31, Philippians 2: 14)

I love to work!  I just enjoy earning the money God wants me to have and I appreciate it so much more.  I love to be crafty and take pictures and I know these are gifts and talents God has given me and I know that they can be used for good.  I don't want a burden to put on my husband and I want him to know that I can take care of us if for some reason a financial issue occurs.  I also want him to be the provider for our family, but I would love to do something on the side if I was to some how be a stay at mom one day.

8. Homemaking – A Virtuous Woman is a homemaker. She creates an inviting atmosphere of warmth and love for her family and guests. She uses hospitality to minister to those around her. (Proverbs 31: 15, Proverbs 31: 20 – 22, Proverbs 31: 27, Titus 2: 5, 1 Peter 4: 9, Hebrews 13: 2)

This is me!!!!  I love making my home into a home.  In fact my dream this past year is to build me a home out on the outskirts of town and design it and then decorate it when its all said and done.  I visualized church groups and kids coming over into a Christian atmosphere and us having BBQs and gatherings.  It makes me smile just thinking of it.  I should pray for this!! :)

9. Time - A Virtuous Woman uses her time wisely. She works diligently to complete her daily tasks. She does not spend time dwelling on those things that do not please the Lord. (Proverbs 31: 13, Proverbs 31: 19, Proverbs 31: 27, Ecclesiastes 3, Proverbs 16: 9, Philippians 4:8 )

In the past I always freaked out and stressed myself out if things didn't get down in the time frame I had set in my head.  I have realized how relaxed I am and I put the top priorities on the top of my list.  There have been alot of times that God has tested my time and His time.  Things that I would want to get done ASAP, it took months and I had to wait.  I still have a fence that I want to get fixed, but its not time.  I'm waiting on God to work in that.

10. Beauty – A Virtuous Woman is a woman of worth and beauty. She has the inner beauty that only comes from Christ. She uses her creativity and sense of style to create beauty in her life and the lives of her loved ones. (Proverbs 31: 10Proverbs 31: 21 – 22, Proverbs 31: 24 -25, Isaiah 61: 10, 1 Timothy 2: 9, 1 Peter 3: 1 – 6)

A year ago I didn't like the way I looked.  I didn't like the inside or the outside.  I held on to alot of hurt and bitterness and God has set me free!!! And because that God has set me free, I am now feeling beautiful on the outside now that I know my worth in Christ.  It also has to do with my health mentioned in 4.  I had to lose weight and get healthier and it effected my insecurity and my self worth.  Ever since I changed my health and Ive lost weight, it has made me feel more confident and comfortable. I also changed the way I dress and I am more modest now and aware of what is revealed.  

Being a Proverbs 31 woman is hard, especially living in this world, but it can happen.  I encourage all the women reading this to grab the book and just spend 90 days in it.  Its a very good read and it opens up your eyes.  I also suggest to any men reading this to grab it for your spouse or maybe even for your mother.  I pray that each woman whos reading this works on at least one of these that maybe you know you might be weak in or slack.  God has made us women and we are loved by our Father and we all have a purpose on this earth.  We are made with emotions and we can multi task and we are help mates to our husbands and nurturers to our children.  I pray that you will be bold in your walk and that you can be the beautiful woman that God has made you to be!

#10 Kidney Cancer awareness

March is Kidney Cancer Awareness month.  In case you don't know this about me, at the age of 19 I was diagnosed with Kidney cancer. I had a tumor on my right kidney and they went in and removed it.  I was very blessed in not having to take chemo or radiation and since then it has changed my life and the way I view life.

If you are a fan of Christian music, Mark Hall from Casting Crowns was recently this past week diagnosed with the exact same thing as me and I believe he had surgery yesterday. 

Today, March 12th is actually wear Orange for World Kidney Day.

Since I have had my kidney removed and I have one functioning kidney, I value and think that my kidney is very precious.  When you face any terminal type of ill

ness, it truly changes everything about you. 

Now that I am walking closer to the Lord, the way I eat and the way I live is something that is very important to me more now.  God has shown me what type of ingredients and chemicals that most of our foods have in them.  Our bodies are not made to break these down or to consume.  I can see why we have so many health issues.  When I look at food, I honestly look at it and think, is this man made or did God make this?  Even God given foods like fruits and vegetables have chemicals on them.

This week in my weekly Healthy Living advice is to look more at the ingrediants in your foods.  What I was always told, is "If you cant pronounce it, you don't eat it".  Also look to see how many ingreadiants are in there.  Do they really need 47 ingrediants to make a cookie?  Think about it!

When or if you start to eat clean, give yourself 30 days.  You will start to realize and to notice in how you feel and that alone is addicting.  When I get in my vacation lazy weeks, I start to feel like CRAP and I get excited to go back on eating clean. 

This will always be a struggle of mine, but I know I have the drive to keep the body and temple God has given me, healthy as much as I can.

Red Flags

I had went to the Dr and I had done a healthy regimen from my Nutritionist in losing some weight and when I went to the Dr, I gained a pound.  This was a month process and I invested time, money and energy into what the nutritionist wanted me to do.  Lets just say, I wasn't a happy camper.  The Dr and I started to talk and for the past year I have been doing pretty much the same thing.  He requested that I shock my body and do the complete opposite.  He wanted me to try this diet in which you lose a pound a day and he wanted me to read up on it before he was going to prescribe anything to me.  I read about it for two weeks and it sounded great.  I really didn't see anything risky or even bad on your health because it was a natural product (hormones).  There were certain things you had to do to make sure nothing bad happened, but I knew I was going to do that and beyond.

The (first flag) that came is when I realized that I didn't want to pray about it, kinda like my first marriage, ha!  I knew that I didn't want to hear a NO! but if you truly think about it, then that means you must already know its going to be a No!  I went ahead and prayed about it and I heard God tell me (second flag), "You don't need to do this."  I brushed it off, thinking it must just be me thinking that.

So for the next week I keep reading and reading about it.  I read reviews, I ordered a book, I ordered other things that I was going to need to make this successful.  I never had 100% peace.  My human self wanted me to have peace about it since I wanted to reach my goal and because I hadn't read anything bad and plus, my Dr requested it.

The morning before is when my package was supposed to be coming to me with 2 main things that I needed.  It was supposed to be delivered that day and then I got an email stating it was delayed (third flag).  I looked it up and called the carrier and it was 2 hours away the night before and then it got shipped to New Jersey.  Well I live in Texas and so they said it would be 6-8 days before it was going to be delivered. I was upset, but didn't care and was still going to do it.

That afternoon I'm getting ready and I'm headed to my friends house and we are going to take before pictures and on the way there, I'm listening to a Christian station and Mark Hall from Casting Crowns announced about his Kidney Cancer (fourth flag).  I remember thinking about this diet that I was going to do and I'm not sure why I related it to my kidney cancer.

That night when I was going home I remember that I cant have oil supplements and one of mine is that I take and I had forgotten to get some when I was at the store so I stopped at Wal-greens.  {Before I begin what I'm about to explain is not my behaviour at all and even looking back I can see that it was the Holy Spirit just guiding me.} So I go to the vitamin section and I stand there and see Gummy Vitamins.  I'm thinking, "Well I cant have sugar or sweets so maybe, I can use these?"  There were 2 bottles left, but one had sugar and one didn't so they looked funny to me.  This is where I know it wasn't me, because I stand in line at the Pharmacy and ask the stupid question to the Pharmacist, "Why do these look different?"  I proceed to tell him why I need them and what I'm doing (like he cared) and that's when he looked at me funny and told me that I don't need to be messing with my hormones (fifth flag) and that I should contact my Urologist.  In that moment, I was reminded of a few years ago when my Gyno wouldn't give me birth control.  In fact he didn't enter the room and told me that he would lose his license because birth control has a hormone in it.

So that night I googled cancer and the diet name (why I didn't before, I have no idea) and all these things started popping up.  This is a hormone diet and hormones feed off of things.  These reviews were stating how these people had rapid tumors growing and some of them didn't even have cancer in their family.  Its not 100% proof to know if it caused it, but the fact that I have had a tumor double the size of my kidney and have cancer cells sitting there was a good (sixth flag).

The next morning I contacted my Urologist and at this time, I already knew in my heart that I shouldn't and wont be doing it.  I was so bummed, but I think I just needed that (seventh flag).  Well he told me that he would recommend that I not do it.  I have realized that my health is so much more important than this possible fix of my plateau.  I need to keep doing what I'm doing and push harder and it will happen.  In fact since I started back on my healthy diet and adding more stuff to it, I have lost 6 pounds in 5 days.  I have also prayed and asked God to help me and I feel like He's smiling down on me and blessing me.  

Another red flag that I have encountered lately is that there is an opening at my job in a different department with more pay and better days off.  I never felt at peace and in fact the other day I started to fill out the application and in the middle of filling it out, I clicked out of it.  I asked my grandpa to pray about it too, but in the middle of me telling him, I told him not too, because I already know the answer.  

Gods plans are so much better than our own.  He sees what the future lies ahead.  I thought about if I did this diet, ignoring what I felt and all the red flags and me possibly getting cancer, would I be mad and upset at God that I got cancer?  I probably would, even though I pretty much caused it on myself by ignoring God.  

I want this blog to not be about the diet, but to be about how God loves us.  He loves and cares so much about me that He threw people, things and delays at the right time and even myself to stand in a line to ask a stupid question.  I am so thankful that I went against what I wanted and listened to God and now He is taking care of me and helping me lose this weight.  Its not going to be easy, but that's okay!  I honestly want what God wants in my life.  He knows that we get stubborned and we can get fixated on certain things if it looks good or if its what we want, but he loves us enough to warn us and to lay it on our hearts to do it or not to do it.

So if there is something in your life that God is calling you to do or maybe to not do or even to wait then listen to God!  He knows the outcome and the reason even if we don't.  He knows your walk and knows exactly where your at in this life and what season you are in.  He loves you and wants to give you the best and sometimes we have to go through difficult to get to the best and sometimes we have to wait to get it and also sometimes God says No.  Just know that Gods No is best for you!  

#9 Getting plenty of sleep

Its an obvious one but I know its a crucial one.  We need rest to make sure that our bodies are restoring themselves properly and if we really think about it, it helps our mental state and our mood swings.  I know scientifically they say your supposed to get an average of 6-8 hours each night, but I do think it depends on the person.   

Sleep, we all love it, especially when you wake up from a great night's sleep. In the past, sleep was often ignored by doctors and surrounded by myths, but now we are beginning to understand the importance of sleep to overall health and well-being. In fact, when people get less than 6 or 7 hours of sleep each night, their risk for developing diseases begins to increase. Benefits are given below :-

You need plenty of sleep to stay healthy. Getting a good night’s sleep can have many benefits.
The

• You will be less likely to get sick.
• You will be more likely to stay at a healthy weight.
• You can boost your brainpower and your mood.
• You can think more clearly and do better in school and at work.
• You can make better decisions and avoid injuries. For example, sleepy drivers cause thousands of car crashes every year.
• You can lower your risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.

How many hours of sleep do you need? 

Most adults need 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. If you are having trouble sleeping, make changes to your routine to get the sleep you need. For example, stay away from caffeine in the afternoon. Kids need even more sleep than adults.

• Teens need at least 9 hours of sleep each night.
• School-aged and preschool children need 10 to 12 hours of sleep.
• Newborns sleep between 16 and 18 hours a day.

Does it matter when I sleep?
Yes. We have a natural cycle for when we feel tired and awake. Sunlight plays a big role in this cycle.
Our “biological clocks” are set to make us feel the most sleepy between midnight and 7 a.m. We’re most alert during the day, although many people have a sleepy period between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Our natural sleep cycle is very hard to break or change. When people have to work during the night, they can have trouble getting enough sleep during the day. People who travel to a different time zone can also have trouble sleeping.

Why can’t I fall asleep?
Many things can make it harder for you to sleep, including:

• Stress
• Pain
• Caffeine
• Some medicines
• Sleep disorders, like insomnia

How can I tell if I have a sleep disorder?
Signs of a sleep disorder can include:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Trouble staying asleep
• Sleepiness that makes it difficult to do daily tasks like driving a car

If you have any of these signs, talk to a doctor or nurse. You may need to be tested or treated for a sleep disorder.
  
Take Action! 

Small changes to your daily routine can help you get the sleep you need.

Change what you do during the day

• Exercise earlier in the day, not right before you go to bed.
• Stay away from drinks and foods with caffeine (such as coffee, tea, soda, or chocolate) late in the day.
• If you have trouble sleeping at night, limit daytime naps to less than 1 hour.
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation. Alcohol can keep you from sleeping soundly.
• Don’t eat a big meal close to bedtime.

Set a bedtime routine

• Go to bed at the same time every night.
• Get the same amount of sleep each night.
• Make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet.
• Avoid eating, talking on the phone, or watching TV in bed.
• Try not to lie in bed worrying about things. Learn to manage stress.

If you are still awake after staying in bed for more than 20 minutes, get up. Do something relaxing until you feel sleepy.

If you are concerned about your sleep, see a doctor
Talk with a doctor or nurse if you have any of the following signs of a sleep disorder:

• Frequent, loud snoring
• Pauses in breathing during sleep
• Trouble waking up in the morning
• Pain or itchy feelings in your arms or legs that may happen more often at night
• Trouble staying awake during the day

Even if you aren’t aware of problems like these, talk with a doctor if feel like you often have trouble sleeping

#8 Nature Box

Every month I order from Nature Box .  Its a website where you can order over 100 different kind of snacks.  Im not a big grab a bag of chips and by the time I know it their gone kind of a person.  So I just snack on a few at a time and they last me and I don't have to worry about whats all in them.  You can also choice if you want sweets or protein or some without sugar, etc.  Also every month you get an email stating what you want next in your box and they automatically take it out of your checking and in the mail for you.

 

Vegan

Our 60+ vegan snacks include dried fruits, nut mixes, and more.*

Made without gluten

Sensitive to gluten? We have 60+ snacks that are not made with wheat, barley, rye or other gluten ingredients.

Made without soy

We have 60+ snacks made without soy ingredients.*

Non-GMO

We have 55+ non-GMO snacks to choose from, with even more on the way!

Made without milk

If you don’t consume milk and milk products, we have 75+ snacks for you!*

Made without nuts

We have 60+ snacks made without tree nuts, and we're working overtime to add more.

*Just keep in mind that all of our foods are processed and packed in a facility that handles tree nuts, peanuts, milk, wheat, egg, and soy.

 

You can try a free trial too if you go to their website.  If it wont let you I have a code you can ask me for and I will give it to you!

#7 YES pills

I started taking YES pills about a year ago.  They have changed the way I feel and when I don't take them, I can totally tell a difference.  Here's a little info on them.

PEO Challenge: How to Get Enough Parent Essential Oils (PEOs)?

Parent Essential Oils start out in food, but by the time the food processors finish, these precious nutrients can be either converted to unhealthy trans fat, removed, or deactivated. Food processing presents an insurmountable problem whose hazards may be minimized by supplementation. Chemical processing and high heat transform PEO 's and other unsaturated oils into trans fats. You may recently have heard on the news about the damage trans-fats can do.

Your appetite can constantly stay "on" because your body is hoping you will give it these precious, essential oils.

Below are typical steps a food processor uses to make commercial cooking oils like those you buy at your local supermarket and eat at your favorite restaurants. Even though you may not want to consume them, it's nearly impossible to completely avoid them.
PEO Solution

Many of us are overdosing on harmful trans fats and not getting enough of the unprocessed oils containing the precious Parent Essential Oils. The EFA are cold-pressed and organically produced. You can rest assured there are no fishy oils that need to be masked with other flavors.

Fish have no oil glands so creating fish oil supplements basically means you get "juiced" fish. "Juiced" fish is the worst way to get your EFA's. No fish oil! And vegan.

Fish are exposed to contaminated water supplies. Fish toxins, including mercury, may magnify into higher and higher levels in these concentrated fish oils. Even if fish oil supplements claim to have removed harmful toxins, the processing needed to do so may also alter the natural oils. You do NOT want this regardless of who is making the claims for concentrated fish oils. Furthermore, fish is high in derivative omega 3—not the required Parent Essential Oils nature intended us to get.

Instead of relying on fish oil containing mostly "derivative-based" omega 3 oils, we use healthy organic Evening Primrose oil, organic high linoleic Safflower oil a and sunflower oil, all excellent sources of "parent" omega 6, along with organic flax oil for "parent" omega 3, to obtain what we consider the ideal science-based “parent” omega 6/3 combination.

The proper Parent Essential Oil ratio based on science is another extremely important issue that needs to be addressed. There is a misconception among nutritionists that we already get plenty of omega 6 in our diets. The problem is that we get very little pure, unadulterated "parent" omega 6 oils because, to get long shelf-life, most will be turned by the food manufacturers into cancer-causing trans fats or damaged in some way making them ineffective. Furthermore, and of extreme importance is the fact that you can easily "overdose" on excess omega 3, which can cause serious health problems. More than 97% of your body needs at least a 4/1 ratio in favor of unadulterated "parent" omega 6 over "parent" omega 3 because that is what your tissues and organs are made of.
Our unique PEO formulation takes into consideration the good unadulterated "parent" omega 6 you may already be getting in your diet, as well as carefully balancing it with the proper ratio of "parent" omega 3. We are the leaders in EFA science with such a specifically calculated balance, using naturally produced seed oils instead of fish oil, and providing the parent oil, and not just the derivatives.

We bring you convenience without compromising quality or requiring refrigeration. How do we know that our formula is so great? Because thousands of people from around the world rave about it. The Yes EFA formula satisfies your body's need for these essential oils thus reducing the body appetite naturally.

IMPORTANT: Be sure to take a minimum of 4 YES™ Parent Essential Oils daily for nutritional support and to help assist with appetite fulfillment. If you think you may forget, it is best to take all 4 at once, rather than to take just 2 on any given day. You may be pleasantly surprised with your new, lower appetite. The Yes Parent Essential Oils has a cumulative effect. You won't notice the full impact for a few days or first few weeks. That is why Yes PEO is so successful!

Stepping out in faith....Part 2

I wrote part 1, before God was just AWESOME and showed me what happens walking with Him and walking in faith does.  I want to share my little story over the past few days.  Ill be explaining people as A, B, C etc to not confuse anyone.  

On Monday I texted my preachers wife to see if they needed any volunteers to watch some little kids on Thursday because a bunch of moms get together and share about Jesus (MOPS).  A few weeks ago on our Wednesday class she mentioned it and asked if anyone could that would be great and the following Thursday I had plans already and I couldn't attend but God never let me forget it.  So because I wasn't a member I needed to fill out an application, which I totally understand and while we were texting I asked if she could pray for me to join the church.  I mentioned in part 1 where I kept waiting on God to pretty much come down and shine His heavenly light on me and make a flashing sign with his booming voice for direction.....okay maybe not that extravagant, but looking back I pretty much think I felt that way!  God himself directed me there physically when my GPS didn't work and I do believe I have a blog post on that (CLICK HERE TO READ THAT POST) and I have loved everyone there and have enjoyed growing there as I started going on Sunday with my lifegroup and also church service to now in a woman's group on Wednesday.  Those doors I guess wernt open wide enough for me to see.  

I had asked my grandpa to pray for something specific a week or so ago and when my grandpa was honest with me and told me that he never heard anything and neither did I, its like something clicked.  I know I am walking the path God wants me too, I know I'm trying to obey him in everything that I'm doing, so why cant I hear him?  Then I was told by my preacher and even heard it other places that when you are walking so close to God, you don't need to hear Him, you know because you are in His will.  I remember one time praying for something and God told me NO, because I was going too do it and He didn't want me too.  

I've been really trying to spend time with God and I've been talking to Him as if He is in the room with me.  I turn everything off and just lay there and joke with Him and cry with Him and laugh with Him.  I've been praying for some people to come up to me and start talking to me at church because for some bizarre reason I've been quiet and kinda shy.  Well on Wednesday night person A asked me what my name was and we started to chat.  Person B came and sat next to her and I asked her a question on some products that she sells.  After the class I go up to my preachers wife and I gave her the application and if I could join.  We went into the office and it turns out that I know alot of the preachers family and friends, small world, but while I was in there person C invites me to a Home Bible Study.  At first I was a little skeptical because of the unknown in not knowing anyone and something new (those doors though, the ones you pray for and yet they are given to you but you don't want to walk through them in fear).  I took the information and was a little excited but still in my head weighing it out.  

The next morning I go to church and watch nine 2 years olds and I had so much fun and learned alot about that age.  The lady that I was helping with and I took them into another room to play.  While we were in there another class came in and Person D and I started to talk and ask questions.  I got to know a little about them and we went on our way to take our kids back to our classes.  After watching the kids and while I was leaving, Person E and I walked out and she started to talk to me and she mentioned on going to a Bible study that evening that she never went to before and we realized it was the same one, so to me that was confirmation that I should go.  I knew someone who was going to be there and also it was her first time too, so then I got excited and I really enjoyed getting to know her too because she took the time to talk to me even when she had somewhere to be.  

That night it was time to go to Bible Study and I knew Person E was going to be there and we met outside and walked in.  Person C was also outside and so we all walked into the house.  Then I see person A and person B in there and said Hi.  While I was sitting there and after I met everyone Person D walked in.  All these people talked to me in about a 24 hour time span and they were all there.  They all took the initiative, but yet, all didn't know that I was invited to that Study except for Person E.  I can see Gods hand at work in this and I never would of known how God orchestrated it if I never went to the Bible Study.  I don't think it just happened or it was a coincidence, I know because I keep walking out in faith that God is showing me how Sovereign he is and how He is answering my prayers.

I am very thankful and honored that God led me to this church and has placed all these great people in my  life.  I love my church and that most of the people that go there are about my age group and we are all walking this same but different paths of lives.  I love the fact that I learned that I don't need to hear God in every single thing.  I guess I had a fear of walking down the wrong path or getting off course and I guess I self-doubted.  Once I let go and trusted God, I can see His hand in it.  I'm starting to realize I might be a slow learner, haha!  We are all on this journey of life and we are all walking different steps at a different speed, but the question is if our purpose is if we are walking the path that God has for us and if we are walking with Him and in His will?  I know I was doing NO ONE any favors, except maybe the enemy, by me sitting on the side lines not doing anything, waiting on God. 

 

I know that if we are walking with God and we start to get of track He will let us know.   

Stepping out in faith.... Part 1

I wrote this weeks ago and I want to share it all put together.  I write my blogs a lot away from home and then never get around to publishing them. Don't forget to read part 2.

I've sat back for awhile now and kept asking God questions and I would never hear an answer.  I knew that God was waiting or needing me to do something, so I kn
ew it might not be instant.  I finally asked a loved one of mine to pray for a certain amount of time for the answer too and they never heard anything from God either.  The same day that I accepted that I might not hear an answer or if ever, is when my whole world started to make sense.  

I was reminded of Job in the Bible when he asked God over and over in prayer and God never answered him.  Finally, Job gave up and trusted God and that's when his blessings started to happen.  When I finally gave up and started reading the Bible directly, then God started to speak me.  

I realized I have been living for God, but not LIVING for God.  I had it all wrong.  Instead of waiting on God to guide me, I was waiting on God to tell me what to do.  I heard a few sermons and a tug in my heart that I need to take the step out in faith and allow God to direct me.  I have taken a step and I already feel excited about life!  I want to keep stepping and keep stepping and I know God will keep opening up the doors.  I blogged a month or so ago about doors being shut and I do believe that was from God, as I have peace about them all, but the reason alot of doors haven't been opened is because of me.  

Don't get me wrong, I know God knew I needed to get to this place.  We are all different, we all have our difficulties in overcoming or even learning and all in different time spans.  I have learned so much over this past year and wouldn't change anything.  Gods been gracious to me and has given me the time and resources to learn and because of that I appreciate it so much more.  Also, because of me learning and in Gods word so much the enemy is after me too, so its a wave of emotions as I begin to FULLY do Gods work.

I just love Christ and what He has done for me and is doing even up to this moment in me typing this.  He has never left me or forsaken me even when people on this earth has.  There is no greater love than the man who has given up His life for me so that I may live with Him for eternity.  I want to share that with anyone and everyone who wants to hear or even for the people who might not want to hear.  I want to be able to show who Christ is through me, through my words and my actions.  I know the enemy wants me to be quiet and take what I want and not share it and I have fallen for that trap the past few months, but I cant anymore.  Even if one person reads my blogs and it encourages them in some way to either grow closer to God or to know Christ or to even take that step of faith like what this blog is about then I did my purpose.  We just never know when we talk to someone or when someone is watching us what kind of seed we are planting in their lives.  

I never want anyone to see me or think I have it all together, because hunny.....I DO NOT!!!!  I want to share all the good God has done for me and all the bad I have done.  I want to share what I have learned or the hard lesson I endured, because I know someone out there is or will go through it too.  This is my gift....this is my purpose is to share my life, my testimony and to help and encourage others out there.  I don't want anyone on this earth to feel alone or abandoned, because I have felt that alot of times in my life, but MY HEAVENLY FATHER was always there.  He never left and most of the time He didn't seem like enough for me, I always thought I needed a humans touch or someone to talk too, but GOD has been showing me that He is always there and wants me to run to Him.  I think in a way that's why alot that has happened this past year, has happened to me.  

This is what I prayed for, this is what I needed to endure and will endure to be a woman who fears the Lord and wants to honor Him.  You start to really see whats important, who's important and what your purpose on this earth really is about.  Its time I step up and put my walking shoes on and take the step of faith in help building the kingdom of God.