I don't know if you've heard of Drew Manning's quest to go from Fit 2 Fat 2 Fit in 1 year... but if not,let me tell you.
Can I just start out by saying... He is my new hero!!!
Drew Manning is a personal trainer who has willingly put on an extra 50-60 pounds over the course of 6 months, and now he will lose it all back in the following 6 months. AND... he's doing it publicly! Why? So he can better understand the struggles of those he is trying to help... all of us who are overweight and have a hard time shedding those unwanted pounds.
I've been following his blog for just a couple of weeks and I love it. I find him to be authentic. He is doing this amazing thing so he can have a better understanding of the food addictions, the depression, the poor body image, and everything else that people who are overweight are dealing with on a daily basis. He has never been overweight and yet he is putting on the pounds. Who would do that??? Someone who truly cares.
Check out this video...
You can read his story and find some great information on meal planning, workouts, and much more on his Fit 2 Fat 2 Fit site at http://www.fit2fat2fit.com/.
There you have it! All the links you'll need if you'd like to follow along on his journey... or maybe even join in his final 6 months of shedding the pounds.
If you haven't heard, this Sunday, September 18th, is National Back to Church Sunday.
If you've been thinking of going back to church but never seem to get around to it... or if you've never been and would like to check it out... then how about this Sunday?
Or... maybe there's someone you've been meaning to invite. Well, here is the perfect reminder.
I saw Priscilla Shirer at a women's Bible Study not long ago, and I've loved her ever since. She is a great speaker and teacher.
The video below is a clip from that study. Just before the clip, she was speaking about her husband... how he came home one day and looked at her and said "Who's your daddy?" and she said "You are!" and she ran into his arms, and how she felt secure knowing that she belongs to him. (It was really cute how she told it!)
This is a powerful segment as it explains how we can feel secure in knowing who our "Daddy" is. Great stuff!
This is a preview of the DVD series called Laugh Your Way To A Better Marriageby Mark Gungor. It's used in churchs for marriage seminars and it is hilarious! So funny... but so true!
I saw one of the videos a while back and forgot all about them until my sister posted them on her Facebook page. Thanks, Sis! :)
If you're married or thinking of getting married... check out these videos. If you like them, vistit their website.
Hope you enjoyed them! Enjoy your day and God bless!
Have a safe and happy 4th! Enjoy time with family and friends... and remember the freedoms we all enjoy! We are so very blessed! Below is a video a friend shared on Facebook... a great version of God Bless America! Love it!
This is one of my favorite songs from about 20+ years ago. It may be a bit old-time, but I love it. It's called Ain't No Grave by Russ Taff. He's one of my favorites. I used to listen to his cassettes over and over. Yes... I said "cassettes". That's how we listened to music way-back-when. ;)
This is the best video I could find. I was hoping to find him in concert from all those years ago... but none to be found. That's ok, it's still a great song.
I don't know how many times my kids and I have watched Evan Almighty together, and we were just watching it again last week. If you haven't seen it, it's the modern day version of Noah And The Ark. It's a fun family movie.
This is my favorite part...
Such a simple revelation, isn't it? My life would be so much easier if I could remember that! :)
I appreciate Francis Chan... he has a heart for God. I look forward to reading his new book.
Take a few minutes to really listen before you make a judgement. This is such a hot topic right now. And a very serious one. It is worth your time to pray and study God's Word.
I've spent many years doing it the hard way... boiling the potatoes, let them cool (or burn your hands if you don't have time for that) and peel, then chop.
Then I got smart and started doing it the easy way... peeling them first, chopping them in bite sized pieces, then boiling them. Just had to be careful not to boil them too long or you'll have mushy potato salad... or mashed potatoes.
Well, apparently there is an even easier way to peel a potato. It was just kept secret from me all these years.
Now, I haven't tried this myself yet, but I certainly plan to. It could save me a lot of work. Looks like it works in the video, and if "Mary Ann" form Gilligan says it works, then I plan to give it a try. You know... she is from Idaho.
Check this out..
How cool was that?
Well... since I just showed you how easy it is to peel a potato, I guess I should tell you how to make my favorite potato salad.
Spring is in the air, so you know that means picnics, potlucks, and bbq's are just around the corner. And somebody has to bring the potato salad!
This recipe was adapted from a clone of KFC Potato Salad. The original came from Top Secret Recipes. (Visit their site... there's a lot of great recipes there.) I changed it just a bit and have been using it for years now. Here's my version:
Peel potatoes and dice into bit-sized pieces. Place in a pot with enough water to cover and bring to a boil. Boil potatoes until they are still slightly firm in the center. Drain potatoes and rinse with cold water.
In a medium bowl, combine all remaining ingredients. Mix well.
Place potatoes in a large bowl. Pour dressing over the top and mix until all potatoes are well covered.
Cover and cool in the fridge.
Serves 8.
My daughter and I always fight over the potato salad. We both love it... I like it really cold, and she likes it hot, right out of the pot. Either way it's really good.
Back in 2009, there was a man named Darrel Rundus, a self-made millionaire, who was offering a prize of $20,000 of his own money to the first person he called who could recite the Ten Commandments in 20 seconds or less.
Why did he do this?
After questioning many people and finding they knew more about celebrities, sports teams, clothing stores, and brands of beer than they did about God, he decided he wanted to do something to encourage people to learn more. By offering a large monetary prize, he knew that people would work to learn the Ten Commandments. I know it worked for me.
My kids and I signed up and went straight to work at learning the Ten Commandments, in order, and reciting them in less than 20 seconds. A challenge? Yes. But it was worth it.
For the first time in my life, I know the Ten Commendments. In order. Still not as well as I'd like to know them. I have to say them in order to get to the number I want.... but that's about how I count in Spanish too. Not perfect... but it's always there when I need it. What's even better, is that my kids are learning with me.
The video below shows how he teaches the Ten Commandments. So easy... an 8-year-old can do it!
Oh, yeah! She does!
In the video you'll see an 8-year-old girl saying the Ten Commandments, in order, in 20 seconds. And you can learn them too!
*Please disregard any reference to the contest. It is now over and the information does not apply!
I've always wanted to learn the Ten Commandments... had every intention. Sad that it took the thought of winning a lot of money to finally make me do it. But, learned them all the same. I guess what Darrel Rundus set out to do was accomplished in many people. To hide God's Word in their hearts. I know he will be blessed. Thanks Darrel!
When I woke up this morning, I thought my day would be spent at church... listening to Dallas Holm in concert, staying after so the kids could practice their song with the choir for the Palm Sunday performance next weekend, and then stopping for a late lunch on the way home. That's what I thought.
Instead, I sit here with my Baby Girl's head on my lap as she wiggles from pain and I hold her hair back as she vomits... again, and again, and again. She hasn't eaten all day, yet her stomach thinks there's still something in there. Believe me, there isn't. Sleep and rest just won't come for her today. Stupid flu!
It's been that kind of week in general. A week for expecting the unexpected. All the plans in my 'notebook' meant nothing when it came down to it.
Last Sunday, my Hubby twisted his ankle while playing catch with my son at the park. A simple turn, turned bad. His foot was swollen to at least twice it's normal size and he had this tennis-ball-sized bump sticking out from the side. It did get better after a couple of days and few shades of purple we hadn't seen before, and he still went to work. Thankfully, he was aided by a cane my oldest daughter, Little Lady, bought him as a 'gag' gift for $1 at a thrift store several years ago. Ironic? Yes... that was too funny! (oh... you had to be there.)
Then on Monday, I had taken my mom for her 4th reconstructive surgery for this darn skin cancer. Such a small-looking thing can cause so much trouble if not taken care of immediately. This was by far the worst. When they brought me back to sit with her in recovery, I have to admit I was shocked. Not shocked at the scars, stitches or even the blood... but shocked at the extent of it all. It looked as if they had made a jig-saw puzzle with her face. To see my mother looking so helpless and 'beat up' was a little more than I expected. I had to hold back the tears as I told her how well she did and that the surgery went just as planned. "What have I done?" was my first thought. Followed by "How can I hide this from her?" You know... when you think you did the right thing at first and then panic at the thought that you really messed up? Uh-huh.
This time, they gave her more drugs than usual, which I didn't like. But it worked out well because I couldn't get her pain medication from the pharmacy 'pending appoval' from her insurance which I'm pretty sure will never come. Thankfully, my mother has a high tolerance for pain and the worst part was over by the time the hospital drugs wore off. Since then, I've been giving her antibiotics every 6 hours, which is very hard to do by the 5th or 6th night. My brain no longer reacts to my alarm. I give her her pills late, but I do give them to her, and I'm just cranky all day long from no sleep. Just ask my Hubby. He's been telling me all week. Errggg.
Then on Tuesday... my sister-in-law, who is only 45, had a mild heart attack. It was a stressful time. She has 4 kids and a husband (my brother) who were very worried. I was worried too. She's too young for heart trouble! Right? She was in the hospital in the small town where she lives, but was transported to a city hospital where she stayed until Thursday. Thankfully, she only suffered damage to 5% of her heart and will be just fine. She will have to make some changes to her diet and physical activity. What's hard for me to understand... is that she has been trying for years to make these changes and I thought she was doing very well. So what happened?
Anyway, on to Wednesday. All is well.... until... my son calls me from school. He's sick. Stomach flu? Who knows... he was running a fever all day and said his stomach didn't feel good... but that was it. Kept him home on Thursday to make sure he was really well and he was back at school on Friday. He couldn't miss the play that his G.A.T.E. class was doing... it was Peter Pan and he was playing Smitty!
Well, Thursday... ok, that was all I could handle. I'd been tired all week. Exhausted really. Grocery shopping, homework, laundry, etc., on top of everything else... I just came apart. I sat in my shower as long as I could.... as long as the hot water was still running... and cried. I poured my heart out to God.
Things that I thought I had given over to Him long ago came pouring out.... "Lord, I can't do it! I'm no good. I'm a terrible wife, mother, daughter, friend, (and everything else I could think of). I'm tired. I can't manage my home or finances. I can't cook. I don't feed my kids healthy enough. I don't take care of myself. I don't do enough at church. I don't help people. My blog (yes... I brought my blog into it!), it just isn't what I know it should be. Nothing is fun anymore! And it's all about me... I HATE that about myself. See Lord, even my prayer is all about me! Why can't I get it right?" And sadly.... it just got uglier. I, I, I and Me, me, me... and the pity party went on... well, until the water turned cold.
Friday and Saturday? Who knows. Obviously, they came and went... but they are just a blur.
Which brings us back to Sunday! Now, I know my week wasn't what I had planned, but it is what God allowed in my life. And He knows best. He brought me through it. He is preparing me for what's ahead. Making me stronger... mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I have a feeling there may be many more days or weeks like this ahead. But God is my personal trainer. If He says I can do it... I will trust Him. I will not give up.
Since I missed the concert, I thought I'd post my favorite song by Dallas Holm on my blog. It is close to Easter and this is, in my opinion, the best song for Easter. I listened to Dallas Holm about 25 years ago. Wow... that's a long time. So it's an oldie, but a classic...
I absolutely love worship songs. They have a way of making my day go much better... and they seem to come on the radio at just the right time. God is amazing in that... isn't He? When my day starts to go askew... He knows just what I need to hear to get me back on track and return my focus to Him. This is one of my favorites...
It's 'Revelation Song' by Gateway Worship. The lead singer, who has such a beautiful voice, is Kari Jobe. There are other versions out there, but this is the first one I heard, and I think it's the best. Plus... I just like Kari Jobe. No one else has the same 'worship' affect when they sing it. Well... for me, anyways. (Sorry guys!... just my opinion.)
It's been around for a while, but I think it's just one of those 'classics' that never get old. Hope you enjoy it!
Last night our church showed the movie "The Cross"... the story of Arthur Blessitt. If you've never heard of this man, let me tell you a little about him.
Arther Blessitt began as a preacher on the Sunset Strip. He ministered and shared the love of Jesus to those who others may say are unworthy. Hippies, hookers, drug addicts, Hell's Angels, rock stars and more. He has a heart to love people. ALL people.
In 1968, he said that God told him to take his cross and start walking across America. Two weeks before he was scheduled to leave, he found himself in the hospital, with a brain aneurysm. Faced with the news that any excessive walking or heavy lifting could cause the aneurysm to burst and kill him, he decided that he would rather die doing the will of God, than live outside of it. He said that his circumstances did not alter the call of God on his life... so he headed out, as planned, on Christmas day.
Now, after more than 40 years, Arthur has walked the world over. He's been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for "World's Longest Walk", walking through 315 countries, walking on every continent, and crossing every ocean. He has shared the love of Jesus with every people group, of every language. He has walked through places that no one else would go, knowing that God was sending him.
Here's a trailer of the movie...
Arthur Blessitt is a humble man. He's seen many miracles, and he gives all the Glory to God, and God alone. He says..."I am unworthy to be called by God- but my unworthiness does not disqualify me from the call of God."
I'm very excited for the weekend ahead. Arthur is coming to my city, Las Vegas, to carry the cross down Fremont Street, and share the love of Jesus. I know God is working in Vegas. I miss the days when christians had a heart for the lost, and I'm hoping this weekend will restore that passion in me, and in others.
Lord, give us a heart to reach the lost for You. Bless this event and use it to Your Glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.
*This is a great devotion from the group Leeland. They are one of my favorites! They have a great blog on their website http://www.leelandonline.com/. Check it out!
Legalism vs Discipline
1 Cor. 9:26-27 " So I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."
Legalism is doing a list of good things in order to get in right relationship with God (which stands opposed to the true Gospel). Discipline, on the other hand, is doing those same things because you're already in relationship with God. Legalism seeks redemption. Discipline should be the hallmark of the truly redeemed. When we are rooted in the knowledge of God's grace, we are then free to run this race. So that's where we start. The routines or exercises we do aren't out of our effort to win (we've already won) but to FINISH!
We have a generation of people who start but don't finish. The reason they fall out of the race isn't because they don't love God, but it's because they lack discipline. Setting Godly standards in our lives is okay because the Holy Spirit helps us live up to those standards!
If the goals aren't there, then we're setting ourselves up to run aimlessly and ineffectively. And the end result is quitting because we're burnt out, even though we had good intentions. Your intentions don't mean any thing if your actions oppose them.
In a generation that's running around chasing their tails, let's set a different standard. Once again, we're not going for a life of dead legalism. You have to know that God loves you! And this is our motivation for excellence in life.
I'd heard many of Leeland's songs on the radio and even heard them performed as special music at church. But it wasn't until I had seen them in concert, The Exit Concert with Raul Ries, that I was totally hooked. The heart they have for God is undeniable. They aren't just a group who sings christian music... they are a group of christains who are out to win souls for the Lord. Refreshing. And to wrap it up... here's a video of one of my favorite Leeland songs. Count Me In. :)
This is my all-time favorite song. When I'm by myself I love to turn it up so I can't hear anything else... and then I play it again. And again. You ever have those days when you feel like you just can't keep moving? This is a great reminder to keep... Moving Forward. I've posted the video below the lyrics. I hope you like it.
Moving Forward
Chorus:
I’m Not going back
I’m Moving ahead
I’m Here to declare to you, my past is over
In You all things are made new
Surrendered my life to Christ
I’m moving moving forward
What a moment
You have brought me to
Such a freedom
I have found in You
You’re the Healer
Who makes all things new
Yeah Yeah Yeah
You have risen
With all power in Your Hands
You have given me
A second chance
Hallelujah Hallelujah
Yeah Yeah Yeah
Yeah Yeah Yeah
You make all things new
You make all things new
I will follow You forward
If you like this song, you will probably like the whole album. It's called Moving Forward by Free Chapel Live and the worship leader is Ricardo Sanchez. It's really a great cd.
This is such a great song! I love the lyrics. I could sing this over and over. And I sometimes do. David Crowder is one of my favorites. I hope you enjoy it.
Today is a great day! Nothing special going on... My Baby Boy is home sick on only the second day of school. I have a ton of things to do this week... including taking my mom for x-rays and blood tests, making a new budget (blah), and trying to learn to feed my family cheaper, healthier meals. Plus, I want to write on my blog! (Yay!) And with that is the ususal housework, homework, and errands. We won't even mention exercise!
What's great is that no matter what gets done... or not, it just doesn't change the fact that God is in control. And this song reminds me of that... so I thought I'd share it with you.
Love this song... thought you might enjoy it too! :)
