"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3: 13-:14
If you are anything like me you want to know everything. I am bit of a perfectionist. I like to have everything in order. I want to know how things works and why they work. I have a hard time letting go and letting someone else take control.
This scripture reminds me that I don't have to know how everything is going to work out. It doesn't matter if it didn't work before. My past failures don't determine my future successes. I can start over again.
I have to let go of what is behind and press towards the calling God has placed on my life. I don't have to know the how's, when's and why's. I just have to walk by faith and believe that He is in control and He knows what is best for me.
I ask you all the do the same. Let go of the past and press towards the high calling God has placed on your life. That calling has nothing to do with your own abilities. It has everything to do with the power of God that is working through you.
As you surrender your own will and walk according to God's perfect plan you will begin to see the manifestations of God. God will unlock doors that you never thought would be opened. You will see His glorious light illuminate the darkest places in your life.
That dream that you thought was dead will breathe a new life. Put your hopes in God...put your faith in God and believe in His promises. If He said it....then it will happen.
Monday, December 31, 2012
My Fast
Ladies I have so much to share. My heart is full today. First of all I want to thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey. I have no doubt that God has lead me to do this fast. I have endured many roadblocks along the way. I know God has the victory so I didn't allow them to get in the way of what God has already ordained.
During the last few days I have been seeking God for His wisdom. I have been praying for each of you and asking God to let me be a vessel and bring forth whatever words you may need during this time. This fast is not at all about me and really it's not about you. It's about God.
We are taking this time to surrender our will and prepare ourselves to manifest the will of God. God has a specific plan for each of our lives. He knows why He created us and why we have had to endure everything we have endured up until this point.
Nothing has been an accident. You were not a mistake. Nothing that has occurred has been a surprise to God. He knows our hearts above all things. He is not concerned with our mishaps or in betweens because He knows our end. He has a plan for us and it far supersedes our highest expectations.
I know during the darkest times in my life I felt lost. I was unsure of my place in this world. I prayed and cried for God to reveal my identity to me. I wanted to know who I was beyond everything that had happened to me. I had identified myself as the victim, the abused child and the wife that was cheated on.
I was so consumed with my past that I was afraid to live my future. I was filled with anxiety and fear. I didn't know how to overcome my emotions and claim my rightful place in this world. I let everything I had went through keep me bound. Like shackles the adversities in my life kept me limited.
In the midst of my disparity God lead me to read a book that forever changed the way I thought of myself and life. I began to understand that I wasn't my life. I wasn't the things that happened to me. As I began to strip away the labels and layers I began to see myself as God created me to be. LIMITLESS and FREE!
Meditation played a huge role in my transformation from victim to victor. I would sit in a room and just focus on my breath...letting go of every thought that once defined me and limited me. You see what we focus most on in our lives we give center stage to. If you focus on the drama then your life is filled with it. If you focus on peace then your life is filled with it.
Your thoughts are the seeds that ultimately bring forth the harvest. Our minds are incubators. We can't manifest greatness if we are thinking negative self defeating thoughts. Meditation helps us to center ourselves and release those thoughts that no longer serve us. We learn to shut up the whining and complaining and give our dreams a voice again.
While I am so much further in my journey than I was a year ago I still have things to overcome. I am still learning how to love and accept my body. I am learning how to release my insecurities and embrace my power. I know without a shadow of a doubt that I have been called to do amazing things in this life for the glory of God. I have chosen to answer that call and prepare myself for the assignment.
I owe everything I am to God. I know that He is the very breath that I breathe. He is the source of my existence. Without Him I am nothing therefore I surrender myself and consecrate myself. I am dedicated to His glory. I set myself a part and focus my eyes on the prize.
"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14
During the last few days I have been seeking God for His wisdom. I have been praying for each of you and asking God to let me be a vessel and bring forth whatever words you may need during this time. This fast is not at all about me and really it's not about you. It's about God.
We are taking this time to surrender our will and prepare ourselves to manifest the will of God. God has a specific plan for each of our lives. He knows why He created us and why we have had to endure everything we have endured up until this point.
Nothing has been an accident. You were not a mistake. Nothing that has occurred has been a surprise to God. He knows our hearts above all things. He is not concerned with our mishaps or in betweens because He knows our end. He has a plan for us and it far supersedes our highest expectations.
I know during the darkest times in my life I felt lost. I was unsure of my place in this world. I prayed and cried for God to reveal my identity to me. I wanted to know who I was beyond everything that had happened to me. I had identified myself as the victim, the abused child and the wife that was cheated on.
I was so consumed with my past that I was afraid to live my future. I was filled with anxiety and fear. I didn't know how to overcome my emotions and claim my rightful place in this world. I let everything I had went through keep me bound. Like shackles the adversities in my life kept me limited.
In the midst of my disparity God lead me to read a book that forever changed the way I thought of myself and life. I began to understand that I wasn't my life. I wasn't the things that happened to me. As I began to strip away the labels and layers I began to see myself as God created me to be. LIMITLESS and FREE!
Meditation played a huge role in my transformation from victim to victor. I would sit in a room and just focus on my breath...letting go of every thought that once defined me and limited me. You see what we focus most on in our lives we give center stage to. If you focus on the drama then your life is filled with it. If you focus on peace then your life is filled with it.
Your thoughts are the seeds that ultimately bring forth the harvest. Our minds are incubators. We can't manifest greatness if we are thinking negative self defeating thoughts. Meditation helps us to center ourselves and release those thoughts that no longer serve us. We learn to shut up the whining and complaining and give our dreams a voice again.
While I am so much further in my journey than I was a year ago I still have things to overcome. I am still learning how to love and accept my body. I am learning how to release my insecurities and embrace my power. I know without a shadow of a doubt that I have been called to do amazing things in this life for the glory of God. I have chosen to answer that call and prepare myself for the assignment.
I owe everything I am to God. I know that He is the very breath that I breathe. He is the source of my existence. Without Him I am nothing therefore I surrender myself and consecrate myself. I am dedicated to His glory. I set myself a part and focus my eyes on the prize.
"Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14
Saturday, December 29, 2012
New Wineskin
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17
"And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved."
Matthew 9:17
This fast is intended to help guide you in the direction of your own truth. Many of us have dreams and aspirations that we have been trying to achieve for many years. Some are here fighting to believe again after being hurt or disappointed in life. Others are trying to find the faith to believe in their healing whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual. Many of us are wounded from the actions of another or from our own mistakes in life.
Whatever the reason you have decided to join this fast I want you to know that you can start again. The new year brings a feeling of hope and renewed strength. Some of us make the resolution to once and for all accomplish our hopes and dreams and become the person we have always wanted to become.
Others are lying beneath the rubble of past failures and pains. We are too afraid to believe. Too weak to even try to pull ourselves out of the mess we find ourselves in. The thought of our future brings a sense of anxiety and frustration. Why are we at the same place a year later? What will make next year any better? How do we begin a new? How do we manifest our dreams when they have been shattered over and over again?
God's word tells us that we can not put new wine into old wineskins. We can't manifest our dreams if we are not willing to break out of these old wineskins. Our old thoughts and habits are holding us back from achieving what we are fighting so desperately to achieve.
Many of us have prayed over and over again for a breakthrough....to be set free from the bondages that are currently on our lives. We feel a sense of hopelessness as we see the things we want fading in the background of our reality.
You see God will not grant your request on a wish and a prayer. God is waiting for you to activate your faith. He is waiting for you to believe again. Faith is an action word. It means you put one foot in front of the other even when you can't see where you are going. Actively moving towards your dreams means you believe in yourself and trust in your God.
Every opposition in your life has been an opportunity to teach you, awaken you and strengthen you. God has been preparing the new wineskins so He can fill them with the new wine....the new anointing, the new visions, the new dreams, the new blessings.
God doesn't want you here merely existing. He created you for His glory....to show the world a manifestation of love and power. He wants to fill your cup and watch it overflow into the lives of others.
The first step to becoming all that God created you to be is to release the old. You can't think the same, act the same or do the same ole' same ole'. You have to be willing to do an new dance, walk a new walk and talk a new talk.
"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee." Proverbs 23:7
Our thoughts control our actions. Our thoughts control what comes in and out of our lives. Our thoughts reflect the condition of our hearts. If our hearts are pure and our intentions are pure then our actions are pure. We will reap the harvest of pure intentions. We will reap the new wine. The wine that has been prepared for you by your Father.
I challenge you to release the old you and allow the new you to come forth and claim what is rightfully yours. God wants to give you the abundant life He has promised you. One filled with more than enough love, health, finances, faith and substance of things hoped for.
Be courageous enough to dream big and follow your heart. Don't allow the external things of this world to keep you bound behind bars of fear and doubt. You have been set free. God's word is the key that unlocks every door in your life. Stop looking....it's already in your hand.
"And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved."
Matthew 9:17
This fast is intended to help guide you in the direction of your own truth. Many of us have dreams and aspirations that we have been trying to achieve for many years. Some are here fighting to believe again after being hurt or disappointed in life. Others are trying to find the faith to believe in their healing whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual. Many of us are wounded from the actions of another or from our own mistakes in life.
Whatever the reason you have decided to join this fast I want you to know that you can start again. The new year brings a feeling of hope and renewed strength. Some of us make the resolution to once and for all accomplish our hopes and dreams and become the person we have always wanted to become.
Others are lying beneath the rubble of past failures and pains. We are too afraid to believe. Too weak to even try to pull ourselves out of the mess we find ourselves in. The thought of our future brings a sense of anxiety and frustration. Why are we at the same place a year later? What will make next year any better? How do we begin a new? How do we manifest our dreams when they have been shattered over and over again?
God's word tells us that we can not put new wine into old wineskins. We can't manifest our dreams if we are not willing to break out of these old wineskins. Our old thoughts and habits are holding us back from achieving what we are fighting so desperately to achieve.
Many of us have prayed over and over again for a breakthrough....to be set free from the bondages that are currently on our lives. We feel a sense of hopelessness as we see the things we want fading in the background of our reality.
You see God will not grant your request on a wish and a prayer. God is waiting for you to activate your faith. He is waiting for you to believe again. Faith is an action word. It means you put one foot in front of the other even when you can't see where you are going. Actively moving towards your dreams means you believe in yourself and trust in your God.
Every opposition in your life has been an opportunity to teach you, awaken you and strengthen you. God has been preparing the new wineskins so He can fill them with the new wine....the new anointing, the new visions, the new dreams, the new blessings.
God doesn't want you here merely existing. He created you for His glory....to show the world a manifestation of love and power. He wants to fill your cup and watch it overflow into the lives of others.
The first step to becoming all that God created you to be is to release the old. You can't think the same, act the same or do the same ole' same ole'. You have to be willing to do an new dance, walk a new walk and talk a new talk.
"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee." Proverbs 23:7
Our thoughts control our actions. Our thoughts control what comes in and out of our lives. Our thoughts reflect the condition of our hearts. If our hearts are pure and our intentions are pure then our actions are pure. We will reap the harvest of pure intentions. We will reap the new wine. The wine that has been prepared for you by your Father.
I challenge you to release the old you and allow the new you to come forth and claim what is rightfully yours. God wants to give you the abundant life He has promised you. One filled with more than enough love, health, finances, faith and substance of things hoped for.
Be courageous enough to dream big and follow your heart. Don't allow the external things of this world to keep you bound behind bars of fear and doubt. You have been set free. God's word is the key that unlocks every door in your life. Stop looking....it's already in your hand.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Resolution Fast Preparation
Preparing for the next few days of this fast is important. Before we can begin the process we have to make a few adjustments in our lifestyle:
State Your Intentions
What is your purpose for joining this fast? What are you seeking to fulfill after you have completed this journey? It's important to state your intentions for they will be the key to unlock the door to your success. No one is here to judge you. If you wish to openly share your intentions feel free to leave a post on the page. If you want to be private that is also ok. I would recommend trusting someone enough to share with them. Let them be there for encouragement and accountability. Let them stand with you in prayer as you walk this journey to find your truth.
Be transparent and vulnerable with yourself. Don't hold anything back. Being pure with your intentions will start the healing process and align you with the truth that ultimately will set you free.
Sacred Space
I ask you to create a space for sacredness. Set a time and place aside where you can be at complete peace and without any distractions and interruptions. For some this may be tough if you have a busy schedule filled with responsibilities and kids but it is a very important part of this process.You must learn how to detach yourself from your roles for a space in time and get to the truth of your soul. You must be willing to surrender your thoughts and allow your heart to speak. This is a time and place for meditation, prayer and stillness. This is the place in which you will allow your dreams to come forth and give you a new sense of hope. This is where you meditate on your purpose, passion and goals.
My suggestion would be to create a specific time in your daily schedule such as in the morning before you get ready for your day. This helps you start off the day with positive thoughts and a clear mind allowing you to bring your best to the day and be more productive.
Cleaning The Clutter
Releasing the things that no longer serve you such as relationships, thoughts, habits and emotions is a huge part of preparing for the new things to come forth in your life. Learn to be present in the moment and allow whatever that moment brings to teach you. When you release old thoughts you make room for new ones that will serve you in this moment. Old thoughts serve the past and keep you stuck therefore delaying and hindering your transformation.
Clean Your Temple
Only fill your body with food that nurtures you. Refrain from eating things that you go to when you are emotional. Eliminate processed foods and refined sugars. Eat whole foods...food in their natural form. If you want to take it to another level you might also want to refrain from eating animal products such as meat, chicken, fish, pork, dairy...etc. Use your own discretion if you would like. This fast is completely personal and can be a very intimate and meaningful journey. Only you know what your struggles are and what will challenge you to change.
Food will be a very important part of this journey especially if you are on a journey to lose weight or heal your emotional eating. Nutrition also has a profound affect on your body and mood. When I decided to give up animal products over 3 years ago it was one of the most spiritual experiences of my life. I had my own personal reasons for eliminating it from my diet and I understand that it might not be for you. I had a lot of emotional and personal things I was going through and this was what my spirit lead me to do.
I believe the body knows how to heal it self and balance itself. We just have to be willing to give it that space to do so. Fasting is about denying the flesh and bringing it under subjection to the spirit. So during this time of fasting it's imperative that you learn how to control your emotional eating by eliminating those foods that you tend to run to.
Eat Only When Hungry
During the fast I would recommend you eat only when you are hungry. Instead of following a restricted meal plan I would suggest you learn how to listen to your body rather than force it to do anything. Before each meal it is best to meditate and create a stillness with. Refrain from eating in front of the TV or while doing any other activity. This is the time to be completely present and aware of your actions.
Many times we eat unconsciously. This is when we are more inclined to overeat. It's time to reconnect with your body and treat it sacred. Take your time chewing, swallowing and savouring. Listen to your body and how it responds to your food. If it doesn't taste good or it makes you feel yucky then don't eat it anymore. Often times we force our bodies to eat something even when it doesn't want it. This is how we create a negative relationship with food and our bodies.
Stop eating when you feel satisfied. This is why it's important to meditate before you eat. This will help you clear your mind and not attach emotions to your food making you once again less likely to overeat.
Deal With It
Don't feed your emotions. Only allow a space for them but don't give them fuel to grow. Don't silence your emotions with food or other unhealthy habits. Let them speak, teach you and point you to your own truth.
Many of us have had to deal with adversities in our lives. Rather than deal with the emotions linked to them we hide them away in a closet. We push them way into the deepest darkest places within just to survive. Often times those emotions resurface when a certain trigger is activated. As a way to cope and not experience further pain we try to drown them out with food.
During this fast it's important to make room for those emotions to resurface. As you start to become more conscious through your meditations you will most definitely be forced to deal with many of the things you have tried to keep hidden. This is the time to welcome them and deal with them.
What ever the emotion is it has a purpose. We don't just experience things in life on accident. Many of the oppositions in our lives are opportunities. They often come to awaken us to our true identity and potential. They help us surrender and fully embrace God's will and plan for our lives. Rather than continually wrestling with that emotion I challenge you to overcome it once and for all. Let it speak and then release it.
Guidance
As I have stated before this fast is completely personal. I am just here to guide you. I will be posting things on the page and on my blog as the spirit leads me to. I know that each of you has came here for a different reason. I am not in any way trying to force you to believe anything. I believe we each have our own truth that we must seek and live.
I look forward to sharing my heart with you all and learning more about you as you begin to open up and share your heart as well. If you don't want to share your journey publicly but would still like the support please feel free to private message me or email me at temple.fitness@yahoo.com.
I pray the best for you all. Remember I am always here for you. If I don't respond immediately to your messages please be patient. I have limited computer access at this time. I will still do my best to communicate with you in a timely manner so please don't hesitate to contact me.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Trust
Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it. Psalms 37:34
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
I was reminded today that we must trust the Lord with ALL our heart. You see often times we become so consumed with the world, our lives, the drama and chaos that we put our trust and heart on those things. God tells us to "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." according to Colossians 3:2.
We must not allow our minds to be trouble and conformed to the ways of this world. No matter what is going on in the superficial world around us we must continue to trust in God. We must believe that He knows what is best for us. He has a plan for us and it is good. Our thoughts are not His thoughts. He has a greater expectation and plan for us than we have for ourselves.
If we allow the outside world to influence our thoughts and keep us paralyzed in fear then we are not walking in faith. Our dreams and visions will not manifest if we are living in fear. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen"..Hebrews 11:1.
This means that faith is the substance...faith is what dreams and visions are made of. We can't manifest our dreams until we have faith. Without faith it is impossible to please God. It is impossible to get Him to move for you if you don't believe in Him.
Trust is the graduated form of faith. Faith are things that we hope for....trust is what we expect. When we have matured in our relationship with God and begin to see His faithfulness we now begin to rest in Him. We release our expectations and trust in His perfect plan. We have seen Him prove His power over and over and we can now relax and surrender to His will.
The trouble with most of us is that we think of God as man. We allow our failed relationships, disappointments and fears to distort our perception of God. The lies of your past often become the truths of your now and future because you frame your world with your thoughts. God's word says that as a man thinks so is he...Proverbs 23:7.
Our thoughts have the ability to transform our world "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." according to Romans 12:2. This means that we should not force ourselves to be like someone else or something else. We should not think like the world or act like it.
We are transformed as we renew our minds. One definition of renewed says "to resume after an interruption". Many of our lives have been interrupted by a catastrophic or life altering event. We may have experienced a death, divorce, job loss, health issue or some other form of devastation. We have allowed that incident or incidents to distract us from our purpose...from the reason we were created.
As we begin to awaken to our true identity in God we can then be transformed and resume our lives according to God's perfect will. Perfect meaning we are lacking nothing. God has our backs. We are covered under His grace and mercy. His love allows us to walk in total and complete freedom. We no longer have to be prisoners to our past.
This is a powerful truth because it gives us peace and hope. We learn through this truth that we are not defined nor limited by our past. We can start again. It's never too late and you are never too far off from beginning a new life.
Whatever your heart desires...yearns for....craves....dreams of....you can have if you trust God with it. If you place your heart in God's hands and trust Him with it then your dreams can become reality. There is no need to hope and wish. Expect it.....it's yours!
What are you expecting from God? What are you trusting Him with? Let us declare the victory together!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Brand New Me
I have been through so much over the last several years. Always searching yet too fearful to find the truth. NOW that I have evolved and transformed into the woman I am today I can so relate to this song.
I have noticed many people that used to be so close to me now act different towards me. Could it be that the NEW ME intimidates them? Maybe I make them confront the issues within themselves.
What ever it is I am not making excuses. I am not stepping back. I am not sitting down. I am not shutting up.
I am who I am by the grace of God. I am who I am because God created me to fulfill His plan and purpose. I came to prosper, conquer and overcome. I will not settle for less than God's best. I must be me.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Protein
When constructing a meal plan it is imperative to include protien in your diet. Proteins are a vital part of every tissue, cell and organ in your body.You need protein from your diet to maintain your muscles, keep your immune system functioning and allow your body's vital reactions to occur. Proteins provide aminio acids. If you are deficient in one or more essential amino acid, your body will not be able to make the proteins necessary for muscles and other body tissues.
There are two types of proteins you can consume, complete and incomplete proteins. Complete proteins contain all the 9 essential amino acids required by the human body: phenylalanine, valine, threonine, tryptophan, isoleucine, methionine, leucine, lysine. These 9 essential amino acids can not be synthesized by the human body so they must be provided by our diet.
Complete proteins often come from animal sources but can also be found in some plant sources. Incomplete proteins come from non animal products or plant sources. Choosing healthy protein choices and not over-eating protein is important for many reasons, including the decreased consumption of saturated fat and cholesterol. Plant proteins do not contain cholesterol and can actually help lower your cholesterol levels while providing the proper amount of nutritents. They also contain little to no saturated fat.
Animal sources of complete proteins include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk and milk products. While these proteins are complete they can be high in cholesterol and saturated fat so it is important that you don't over consume them. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Mayo Clinic, you need about 50g of protein in your daily diet. Most Americans consume about twice that amount. High animal protein in your diet increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and several types of cancer.
There are other sources of protein such as hot dogs, and convenience foods such as cold-cuts, as well as bacon and other fried foods but they are especially high in saturated fats. Eating these foods can increase your levels of LDL, or "bad," cholesterol. Avoid them if possible.
It is important to understand that eating whole clean foods is your best bet when trying to create a balanced meal plan. Buying protein bars, shakes and frozen meals may be convenient but it's not the best choice when trying to achieve a healthy and fit body. Processed foods might contain protein but they also contain high levels of sodium, sugars, artificial sweetners, oils and other harmful ingredients.
Protein shakes and bars can be an easy go to option when you are short of time but eating a small whole food snack is much better. Instead of a protein bar trying eating an apple (carb) and handful of nuts or tbsp of nut butter (protein/fat). You can also make your own homemade protein bars or cookies and prepackage them. Doing this helps control the ingredients that are going into your body. It can be as simple as mixing up some oats, applesauce or other fruit puree, protein powder, shredded veggies (zucchini, carrots..etc), baking soda, baking powder and vanilla. Bake mixture in a 9x13 cassarole dish in a 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes.
Let's wrap it up!
Including a protein source in every meal of your day is an easy way to make sure you are eating enough protein to keep your body functioning properly. Be careful about overconsuming animal protein. Try incorporating 2-3 plant based proteins sources per day. This not only helps control your cholesterol and saturated fat levels but it also encourages fiber consumption and weight loss. Sounds like a win, win to me!Here are a few plantbased meals you can include in your meal plan:
Brown rice tortilla
black beans
grilled or roasted veggies (zucchini, peppers, onions..etc)
lettuce
avocado
salsa
Whole wheat wrap
hummus
salad greens (mixed greens, cucumbers, tomato, broccoli slaw)
roasted red peppers
avocado
Brown rice
beans
veggies
salsa
avocado
Black bean patty
whole wheat bun
burger fixings (lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion..etc)
drizzle of ketchup
mustard
*TIP: Skip the bun and place patty over a salad and enjoy with some baked sweet potato fries.
Extra Firm Tofu (rinsed, drained and cubed)
Stir fry veggies
Tamari (wheat free soy sauce)
brown rice or quinoa
black beans
salsa
nutritional yeast cheezy sauce
Enjoy any of these meals with a large green salad with light dressing (balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, apple cidar vinegar, fresh lemon juice..etc.) or a huge helping of steamed veggies (non starch veggies) seasoned with Mrs. Dash.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
My World Part 2
Hey, I have been going like crazy lately. This month has been full of exciting things. Since starting my personal training position at the gym I have had some pretty long days. Now that I am nailing down my own personal training schedule my days are going to get a lot longer.
My day typically goes like this:
4:30am- wake up, get ready for gym, eat pre-workout meal (oatmeal, banana, cinnamon, almond milk)
5:00am- drive to gym
5:15-6:45am- my own training session
7:00-8:50am- get daughter ready for school, make breakfast and lunch for both of us, pick up house, get ready for work.
9:00am-3:00pm- work at full time job ( When I am not busy I take this time to update my Facebook and blog since I don't have a working computer at home right now.)
3:00pm-4:30pm- get daughter situated at home, start homework, make dinner or snack for daughter, eat one of my meals, run errands if needed.
5:00pm-8:00pm -train clients at gym and hang out at gym for potential clients
8:20pm-10:00pm- cook and eat dinner, help daughter finish homework and get stuff ready for next day, pick up house, do laundry if needed and try to unwind before I go to bed.
So that pretty much sums up my day during the week. I am not at all stressed but I am definitely busy. I am sure it will be even more cray cray (crazy) when I get more clients. I am working on creating some special packages and deals to promote my services and increase my clientele. I am very optimistic about my plans and can't wait to share my success with you all when my business starts growing.
I am still trying to eat healthy and workout. I can't neglect my own goals. More than ever before I must be on top of my game because I have to be an example. I can't train clients on how to be their best and I am not my best. So I created a workout and nutrition program for myself to help me reach my goals once and for all.
Today was a leg day and I did the following routine:
5 minute warm up on Elliptical
Leg Circuit-
Weighted barbell squats 10x3
Leg press 10x2, set 3 to failure
Hack squat 10x2, set 3 to failure
Leg extensions 10x2, set 3 to failure
Lying leg curls 10x2, set 3 to failure
Traveling lunges 30x2
After performing 3 circuits of the above I did this circuit:
Single leg dead lifts with dumbell 10x3 each leg
Step ups with dumbells 10x3 each leg (Grrrrr these where killers for sure. Now I know why my client groans when she has to do them! Sorry Brit!)
Jump squats 10x3
I also did 15 minutes of moderate intensity cardio on the stationary bike followed by a stretch.
I am pretty sure I will need the assistance of the sink to sit on the toilet tomorrow. :) I sure did beat up my legs. I tried to go as heavy as I could without compromising form or feeling joint pain. I tend to feel a little strain on my left knee if I use too much weight on some of these leg exercises.
Here are some pics:
My typical day of meals goes like this:
Pre workout: oatmeal, banana, cinnamon, almond milk
Post workout: tofu, sweet potato, veggies and avocado. Sometimes if I am really hungry I include a Nutriblast: greens, 1/2 small orange, small piece of apple, cucumber, celery and water.
Meal #3 & #4: tofu, veggies, sweet potato
Meal #5: This is where we get into trouble sometimes. I haven't been doing good with dinner because I have been so busy so I usually eat whatever I made my daughter or have some cereal. Some days I am not hungry and just have some steamed veggies. Since it was my birthday on Tuesday I did have some cake that night. I just ordered some protein powder so I have something to drink even if I am not in the mood to eat. I am also going to start premaking my dinners so they are ready to eat at the gym or when I get home from the gym.
There you go. That is what I have been up to lately. See I am a normal human being like you!!! :)
My day typically goes like this:
4:30am- wake up, get ready for gym, eat pre-workout meal (oatmeal, banana, cinnamon, almond milk)
5:00am- drive to gym
5:15-6:45am- my own training session
7:00-8:50am- get daughter ready for school, make breakfast and lunch for both of us, pick up house, get ready for work.
9:00am-3:00pm- work at full time job ( When I am not busy I take this time to update my Facebook and blog since I don't have a working computer at home right now.)
3:00pm-4:30pm- get daughter situated at home, start homework, make dinner or snack for daughter, eat one of my meals, run errands if needed.
5:00pm-8:00pm -train clients at gym and hang out at gym for potential clients
8:20pm-10:00pm- cook and eat dinner, help daughter finish homework and get stuff ready for next day, pick up house, do laundry if needed and try to unwind before I go to bed.
So that pretty much sums up my day during the week. I am not at all stressed but I am definitely busy. I am sure it will be even more cray cray (crazy) when I get more clients. I am working on creating some special packages and deals to promote my services and increase my clientele. I am very optimistic about my plans and can't wait to share my success with you all when my business starts growing.
I am still trying to eat healthy and workout. I can't neglect my own goals. More than ever before I must be on top of my game because I have to be an example. I can't train clients on how to be their best and I am not my best. So I created a workout and nutrition program for myself to help me reach my goals once and for all.
Today was a leg day and I did the following routine:
5 minute warm up on Elliptical
Leg Circuit-
Weighted barbell squats 10x3
Leg press 10x2, set 3 to failure
Hack squat 10x2, set 3 to failure
Leg extensions 10x2, set 3 to failure
Lying leg curls 10x2, set 3 to failure
Traveling lunges 30x2
After performing 3 circuits of the above I did this circuit:
Single leg dead lifts with dumbell 10x3 each leg
Step ups with dumbells 10x3 each leg (Grrrrr these where killers for sure. Now I know why my client groans when she has to do them! Sorry Brit!)
Jump squats 10x3
I also did 15 minutes of moderate intensity cardio on the stationary bike followed by a stretch.
I am pretty sure I will need the assistance of the sink to sit on the toilet tomorrow. :) I sure did beat up my legs. I tried to go as heavy as I could without compromising form or feeling joint pain. I tend to feel a little strain on my left knee if I use too much weight on some of these leg exercises.
Here are some pics:
Me today at the gym getting ready to squat. It was cold outside so I had on two hoodies. :) I like to sweat!
I have been pretty much sticking to eating like this during the day. Here is meal #2, #3 and #4.
Meal #2- salad with tofu, avocado, mixed greens, pico de gallo, and apple cider vinegar
Meal #3 and #4- tofu, sweet potato, broccoli and pico de gallo
Here is another meal I had this week.
Tofu with zucchini, onions and mushrooms w/ some sweet potato
And finally here is a picture of me taken Tuesday. :)
I tried to let my hair grow out but caved in a month ago and cut it.
I love my short hair. Not sure if I will try to grow it out ever again.
Sorry for such a small pic but it was taken on my phone and for some reason it uploaded this small.
My typical day of meals goes like this:
Pre workout: oatmeal, banana, cinnamon, almond milk
Post workout: tofu, sweet potato, veggies and avocado. Sometimes if I am really hungry I include a Nutriblast: greens, 1/2 small orange, small piece of apple, cucumber, celery and water.
Meal #3 & #4: tofu, veggies, sweet potato
Meal #5: This is where we get into trouble sometimes. I haven't been doing good with dinner because I have been so busy so I usually eat whatever I made my daughter or have some cereal. Some days I am not hungry and just have some steamed veggies. Since it was my birthday on Tuesday I did have some cake that night. I just ordered some protein powder so I have something to drink even if I am not in the mood to eat. I am also going to start premaking my dinners so they are ready to eat at the gym or when I get home from the gym.
There you go. That is what I have been up to lately. See I am a normal human being like you!!! :)
Step Into My World
I wanted to bring you into my world for today so you can get to know me better. Instead of just reading inspiring blogs I want you to understand who I am and what I do. I am pretty sure you have met my spiritual side but now it's time to meet my natural side..LOL!
Although I tend to be really serious when I write on this blog I am pretty silly in person. I like to keep things light and definitely positive. I love to read, write and workout. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family and friends. That mostly includes my daughter, mom, my best friend and her kids, nephews, mother in law, brother and grandmas.
I am married but have lived separate from my husband for about 11 years now. We are working things out and letting God have His way....we will just leave it at that for now. :) So needless to say I pretty much assumed the responsibility of being a single mom to my 13 year old daughter.
She is the star in my sky and I love her more than the air that I breathe. She brings so much joy to my life. When I feel like giving up she is always there to encourage me with her love and powerful words of wisdom. She is way beyond her years when it comes to her spirit. We have spent many days and nights just talking about life. I don't know where I would be without her. My heart melts just thinking about her.
As you may know by reading my blogs and following my Facebook page I am extremely passionate about health and wellness. Even when I was overweight I knew that one day I wanted to be a personal trainer. There is something powerful about having the ability to change someone's life. My desire to empower people and myself lead me to study plantbased nutrition and also become a certified fitness instructor. I now work at a gym where I train clients one on one.
My vision is not just to change someone's body but also transform their entire life by awakening them to their true nature. From my own personal experience I know how amazing it is to have someone supporting your journey and rooting for you. Someone that not only has been there but has overcame. I didn't have that so I want to be that "someone" for others.
My hearts desire is to share my ups and downs with the world and help inspire others to become who God created them to be. I can see such amazing things coming from that. I am confident that this is my calling and purpose in life.
Although I have already overcame so much in my life I know there is still room to grow. At no time do I ever feel like I am self sufficient. I know that I only exist because of God's grace and mercy. Only He knows how many times I wanted to give up...how many times I cursed at Him....how many times I questioned whether He was real. I am forever grateful for the unconditional love He shines into my dark places. I am forever grateful for everything He has done and will do for me.
I know that I can trust Him with my life. I know that His plans for me are great. They are greater than my highest expectation. So because I know that I know I can't do this on my own. I surrender my will to His will. I dedicate my life to His service and give Him all the glory for this life He has given me.
Without getting into all the details of my life I will just tell you that I have experienced child abuse, abandonment and infidelity. I have lost loved ones, my job, my home, my car and have watched loved ones battle life threatening diseases. I am not saying I have gone through more than anyone else. I have just experienced life and all it's ups and downs like you have. I understand what it is to be lost, depressed, frustrated, scared, out of control, rejected and hurt.
The beautiful thing is that I don't regret anything I went through. I know that everything had a purpose. It awakened and transformed me. It taught me and strengthened me. I can now use my pain to fuel my passion and help others along their own journey's.
I am extremely passionate about helping others. During my darkest moments I asked God to use my pain to save others. I wanted to be an example, an inspiration and a testimony. I wanted other women to gain strength from my weak moments and power from my fears. I want to empower women to be all that they were created to be. I want them to strip away the labels and walk in freedom. I want them to love themselves and share that love with the world.
I feel we each have a purpose...something we were created to do. We all have something to give the world. We all have a light within that can illuminate the darkness. As each of us awakens to that truth and begins to move forward in their calling I believe this world will also awaken and begin to heal.
I pray that this blog and my Facebook page not only inspire you but makes you get up and move. I hope it gives you that extra push you need to get out of your comfort zone and pursue your dreams. If I can be of any encouragement or assistance please don't hesitate to contact me by private messaging me on my Facebook page or emailing me at temple.fitness@yahoo.com.
Although I tend to be really serious when I write on this blog I am pretty silly in person. I like to keep things light and definitely positive. I love to read, write and workout. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family and friends. That mostly includes my daughter, mom, my best friend and her kids, nephews, mother in law, brother and grandmas.
I am married but have lived separate from my husband for about 11 years now. We are working things out and letting God have His way....we will just leave it at that for now. :) So needless to say I pretty much assumed the responsibility of being a single mom to my 13 year old daughter.
She is the star in my sky and I love her more than the air that I breathe. She brings so much joy to my life. When I feel like giving up she is always there to encourage me with her love and powerful words of wisdom. She is way beyond her years when it comes to her spirit. We have spent many days and nights just talking about life. I don't know where I would be without her. My heart melts just thinking about her.
As you may know by reading my blogs and following my Facebook page I am extremely passionate about health and wellness. Even when I was overweight I knew that one day I wanted to be a personal trainer. There is something powerful about having the ability to change someone's life. My desire to empower people and myself lead me to study plantbased nutrition and also become a certified fitness instructor. I now work at a gym where I train clients one on one.
My vision is not just to change someone's body but also transform their entire life by awakening them to their true nature. From my own personal experience I know how amazing it is to have someone supporting your journey and rooting for you. Someone that not only has been there but has overcame. I didn't have that so I want to be that "someone" for others.
My hearts desire is to share my ups and downs with the world and help inspire others to become who God created them to be. I can see such amazing things coming from that. I am confident that this is my calling and purpose in life.
Although I have already overcame so much in my life I know there is still room to grow. At no time do I ever feel like I am self sufficient. I know that I only exist because of God's grace and mercy. Only He knows how many times I wanted to give up...how many times I cursed at Him....how many times I questioned whether He was real. I am forever grateful for the unconditional love He shines into my dark places. I am forever grateful for everything He has done and will do for me.
I know that I can trust Him with my life. I know that His plans for me are great. They are greater than my highest expectation. So because I know that I know I can't do this on my own. I surrender my will to His will. I dedicate my life to His service and give Him all the glory for this life He has given me.
Without getting into all the details of my life I will just tell you that I have experienced child abuse, abandonment and infidelity. I have lost loved ones, my job, my home, my car and have watched loved ones battle life threatening diseases. I am not saying I have gone through more than anyone else. I have just experienced life and all it's ups and downs like you have. I understand what it is to be lost, depressed, frustrated, scared, out of control, rejected and hurt.
The beautiful thing is that I don't regret anything I went through. I know that everything had a purpose. It awakened and transformed me. It taught me and strengthened me. I can now use my pain to fuel my passion and help others along their own journey's.
I am extremely passionate about helping others. During my darkest moments I asked God to use my pain to save others. I wanted to be an example, an inspiration and a testimony. I wanted other women to gain strength from my weak moments and power from my fears. I want to empower women to be all that they were created to be. I want them to strip away the labels and walk in freedom. I want them to love themselves and share that love with the world.
I feel we each have a purpose...something we were created to do. We all have something to give the world. We all have a light within that can illuminate the darkness. As each of us awakens to that truth and begins to move forward in their calling I believe this world will also awaken and begin to heal.
I pray that this blog and my Facebook page not only inspire you but makes you get up and move. I hope it gives you that extra push you need to get out of your comfort zone and pursue your dreams. If I can be of any encouragement or assistance please don't hesitate to contact me by private messaging me on my Facebook page or emailing me at temple.fitness@yahoo.com.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
He Knew Me
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5
It's beautiful to know that before you were formed in your Mother's womb God knew you. He had an intended plan for you. There is a purpose for your existence.
It's amazing to know that you are not defined by your past nor is your future limited to your own abilities. God has appointed you to fulfill His plan. That is why the word says that with Him all things are possible. It is possible because He gives you the power to fulfill that which He has created you for.
There is no reason to worry nor fear what lies ahead because you have been prepared and equipped to handle the task. God says that He will not give you more than you can handle. So when it feels like you just can't take it anymore....God knows otherwise.
He uses the adversities and challenges in our lives to awaken us....to bring us to our knees...to seek His face and purify our hearts. God opens up our eyes in the midst of the trials and shows us an expected future full of hope and possibilities.
He develops us in the darkness. He transforms us through the struggles. In our frustration He reveals His truth to guide us and direct our path so that we can walk in authority. This life is not about our plan. This life is not about our pain. This life is about our purpose.
We were created to walk this Earth as manifestations of God. Manifestations of love, hope and peace. We are to proclaim the victory and walk in boldness, making no excuses for who we are or what we came to do.
There may be some that stand up to challenge your beliefs but rest assured that God has your back. The opinion of man is nothing compared to the favour of God. What God has declared over your life is done. There is no need to manipulate or try to conjure up a plan to achieve it. We must trust in God and rest in His peace. We must walk by faith and believe in every seed He has placed in our womb.
There are visions, dreams, and promises that we have yet seen come to pass because they are still being nurtured by our faith. They will come to pass when we release our expectations and lean on the unwavering hand of God.
Trust in God's perfect plan for your life. Know that you are more than your struggles. Believe that there is a greater power working in you. Have faith in who you are and what God created you to do. You were created for the glory of God.
Never forget that you are powerful, beautiful, strong and full of possibilities!
It's beautiful to know that before you were formed in your Mother's womb God knew you. He had an intended plan for you. There is a purpose for your existence.
It's amazing to know that you are not defined by your past nor is your future limited to your own abilities. God has appointed you to fulfill His plan. That is why the word says that with Him all things are possible. It is possible because He gives you the power to fulfill that which He has created you for.
There is no reason to worry nor fear what lies ahead because you have been prepared and equipped to handle the task. God says that He will not give you more than you can handle. So when it feels like you just can't take it anymore....God knows otherwise.
He uses the adversities and challenges in our lives to awaken us....to bring us to our knees...to seek His face and purify our hearts. God opens up our eyes in the midst of the trials and shows us an expected future full of hope and possibilities.
He develops us in the darkness. He transforms us through the struggles. In our frustration He reveals His truth to guide us and direct our path so that we can walk in authority. This life is not about our plan. This life is not about our pain. This life is about our purpose.
We were created to walk this Earth as manifestations of God. Manifestations of love, hope and peace. We are to proclaim the victory and walk in boldness, making no excuses for who we are or what we came to do.
There may be some that stand up to challenge your beliefs but rest assured that God has your back. The opinion of man is nothing compared to the favour of God. What God has declared over your life is done. There is no need to manipulate or try to conjure up a plan to achieve it. We must trust in God and rest in His peace. We must walk by faith and believe in every seed He has placed in our womb.
There are visions, dreams, and promises that we have yet seen come to pass because they are still being nurtured by our faith. They will come to pass when we release our expectations and lean on the unwavering hand of God.
Trust in God's perfect plan for your life. Know that you are more than your struggles. Believe that there is a greater power working in you. Have faith in who you are and what God created you to do. You were created for the glory of God.
Never forget that you are powerful, beautiful, strong and full of possibilities!
Friday, December 7, 2012
My Thoughts
I have struggled with fears and insecurities for so much of my life. I always made excuses and tried to find ways out of things. I tried to remain in my comfort zone until the pain of remaining was greater than that of growing. I couldn't remain in my shell anymore. I couldn't hide from my potential and see all my dreams fade away. I had to step out from behind the shadows of my past and become the woman that God created me to be.
That fear of being hurt, rejected and judged was the fuel I used to pursue my passion. I knew that I could either crumble beneath the weight of my fears or I could use it to strengthen me. I chose to let it strengthen me. You see for many years I allowed my emotions to control me, limit me and conform me. I molded myself and my life around negative thoughts. I blamed everyone else for my unhappiness and unsuccessful life.
I was like a leaf floating around in the wind. My mind and my emotions would go from one place to another. I was so unstable. One minute I was happy and the next I was depressed. One minute I had hope and the next I was living in fear. I was so used to being miserable and having a life full of drama that I thought it would always be this way. I didn't know how to live any other way. It was my uncomfortable "comfort zone".
Since I defined myself by the drama it became a part of me and I attracted more of it. I was unaware that no one else was in control of my life. The issues in my life were a direct reflection of my own heart. They were a part of my own thought process. The word of God tells us that as a man thinks so is he. Which means that our thoughts control us. We are products of our thoughts.
It also tells us that we must guard our hearts with all diligence because out of them flow the issues of life. This means that I have no one else to blame for my issues. They are a direction reflection of the condition of my own heart. We can not control what other people do to us but we can control how we respond. We can control how we feel and what we do.
As I began to understand these principle and how they affect my life I was then able to take responsibility for my own actions and begin to transform my life. This is a principle that not only affects the issues in your life but also affects your weight loss. If you continually think you are fat, unhealthy and weak then you will reap the harvest of those thoughts.
The opposite is also true. If you edify yourself by speaking words of life then you will reap the harvest of that seed....or thought. These are principles that many of us are not aware of which leads us to feel powerless and frustrated. We feel that we are not in control of our lives which also causes us to feel afraid. When we feel out of control we tend to hide from life. We tend to remain in our comfort zones because we don't want to confront the unseen things. We don't want to walk by faith and believe in ourselves and God.
When we begin to rewire our thoughts and attach ourselves to God truth it is then that we can begin to transform our lives and our bodies. God tell us in His word that we should not conform ourselves into the image of this world but that we should transform ourselves by the renewing of our minds. This means that we should not force ourselves to take on the thought patterns of this world. We should not force ourselves into a mold of what the world says we should be. We should not limit ourselves by what the world says we should do or can do.
As we awaken to our true nature in God our mind will begin to renew and we will be transformed. We will be delivered from our old habits, addictions, thoughts and ways of doing things. We will walk in righteousness and reap the harvest of a disciplined and obedient heart. A heart that yearns after God and thirsts for truth. A heart that trust in God and walks by faith. A heart that is pure and reaps abundance and prosperity.
So I encourage you to search your heart and surrender it to God. Take responsibility for your actions and your life. You are not powerless and defeated. You are full of power and walk in victory. God has already gone before you and prepared a place for you in this world. You are not merely existing. God has a plan for you. He desires to prosper you and give you a life full of hope.
That fear of being hurt, rejected and judged was the fuel I used to pursue my passion. I knew that I could either crumble beneath the weight of my fears or I could use it to strengthen me. I chose to let it strengthen me. You see for many years I allowed my emotions to control me, limit me and conform me. I molded myself and my life around negative thoughts. I blamed everyone else for my unhappiness and unsuccessful life.
I was like a leaf floating around in the wind. My mind and my emotions would go from one place to another. I was so unstable. One minute I was happy and the next I was depressed. One minute I had hope and the next I was living in fear. I was so used to being miserable and having a life full of drama that I thought it would always be this way. I didn't know how to live any other way. It was my uncomfortable "comfort zone".
Since I defined myself by the drama it became a part of me and I attracted more of it. I was unaware that no one else was in control of my life. The issues in my life were a direct reflection of my own heart. They were a part of my own thought process. The word of God tells us that as a man thinks so is he. Which means that our thoughts control us. We are products of our thoughts.
It also tells us that we must guard our hearts with all diligence because out of them flow the issues of life. This means that I have no one else to blame for my issues. They are a direction reflection of the condition of my own heart. We can not control what other people do to us but we can control how we respond. We can control how we feel and what we do.
As I began to understand these principle and how they affect my life I was then able to take responsibility for my own actions and begin to transform my life. This is a principle that not only affects the issues in your life but also affects your weight loss. If you continually think you are fat, unhealthy and weak then you will reap the harvest of those thoughts.
The opposite is also true. If you edify yourself by speaking words of life then you will reap the harvest of that seed....or thought. These are principles that many of us are not aware of which leads us to feel powerless and frustrated. We feel that we are not in control of our lives which also causes us to feel afraid. When we feel out of control we tend to hide from life. We tend to remain in our comfort zones because we don't want to confront the unseen things. We don't want to walk by faith and believe in ourselves and God.
When we begin to rewire our thoughts and attach ourselves to God truth it is then that we can begin to transform our lives and our bodies. God tell us in His word that we should not conform ourselves into the image of this world but that we should transform ourselves by the renewing of our minds. This means that we should not force ourselves to take on the thought patterns of this world. We should not force ourselves into a mold of what the world says we should be. We should not limit ourselves by what the world says we should do or can do.
As we awaken to our true nature in God our mind will begin to renew and we will be transformed. We will be delivered from our old habits, addictions, thoughts and ways of doing things. We will walk in righteousness and reap the harvest of a disciplined and obedient heart. A heart that yearns after God and thirsts for truth. A heart that trust in God and walks by faith. A heart that is pure and reaps abundance and prosperity.
So I encourage you to search your heart and surrender it to God. Take responsibility for your actions and your life. You are not powerless and defeated. You are full of power and walk in victory. God has already gone before you and prepared a place for you in this world. You are not merely existing. God has a plan for you. He desires to prosper you and give you a life full of hope.
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