New Beginnings

January is a wonderful time to start thinking about new beginnings - a time to renew commitments, make a change, and do something better for yourself and for the world. The word beginning is a synonym for the word Genesis. It's new. It's exciting. It's good.

However, starting over, starting again, or simply starting can also be scary. It's unknown. It's different. It's change. In the beginning the world was without form, void, and dark. (Genesis 1:2) Is there anything in your life that seems chaotic (without form), possibly a void of feeling accomplished, appreciated, or heard? Are you in a dark place?

In the midst of a dark and formless world, God's spirit was right there. He was hovering over the waters and it was then that He called forth the light. He was able to separate the darkness from the light and the light was good. (Genesis 1:4)

Whatever situation you are in - whenever the water seems too deep to swim up, remember that God's spirit is there - waiting to call you out of the darkness. Nothing is impossible with God and now is the time for you to make your new beginning. Write your Genesis story, and let it be good.

Sometimes our goals can seem so far away. It's not always easy to see the light - but let the Spirit guide you. He will call you forth for the greatness of His Kingdom. Sometimes I get discouraged when I think about how far I still have to go. Financial goals, family goals, and future goals often seem frustrating because I want to be there now - not in a year or ten years from now. But it helps to look back at some of the things I've already achieved and remember that those accomplishments didn't happen overnight.

Whatever goals you have for the New Year, I hope to be there as an encouragement along the way. I don't have all the answers, (but no one does.) So, let's grow together in 2015!

Luke 9:62, Don't Look Back!

Well, it's happened again. Christmas has come and gone and now it's time to start thinking about those New Year's Resolutions. 2014 is almost over. It's time to stop fretting about everything you didn't do; stop hanging onto any regrets. Leave the past behind you. (Mostly a pep talk for myself!)

My theme for 2015 is "Don't Look Back," and it comes from Luke 9:62. What can I do better in 2015? I don't want to make the same - very broad/vague resolutions that I have in the past; I want to make a tangible difference. I don't need to do more, I simply want to do better. (smarter, not harder)

This year, I'm not only going to set goals I want to reach by the end of 2015, but I am going to break it down into monthly, weekly, and daily goals as well. I want to have a plan in place and when life happens (as it always does) I can always modify my goals as needed.

First things first, I'm going to have a solid bible reading plan. I've done cover-to-cover and OT/NT/Psalm in a day; I think I'm going to try a chronological approach this year. Most of this blog will probably be about what I'm reading at the time.

I have other personal goals as well; fitness goals, healthy eating goals, etc... I will track all those closely on my Fit For the Kingdom Facebook page and occasionally on here.

I am also going to keep editing my book and seeking out publishers - hopefully being able to speak on it's contents a few times throughout the year. In summary, it's about Faith, Fitness, and Food.

I want to make a difference for God's Kingdom this year. I want to live radically and not waste any time I have been granted - time only given to me by God for the purpose to further His kingdom in the first place. Feel free to keep me accountable; feel free to ask me how I'm doing, and feel free to join me. Click HERE for my reading plan if you want to follow along!

I want to hear about all the lives you will change in the upcoming year. Are you in?

I Choose You, Jesus

We often read the account of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion and are continuously stunned by the events that led up to this beautiful tragedy. I still find myself amazed when I read the account from the gospel of John. In chapter 18, verses 39-40, Pilate asks the Jews, “So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” In amazement, the Jews reply, “Not this man…”

They had an opportunity to choose Jesus and didn't! I know I often find myself judging the accusers with arrogant thoughts of, “How could you?” and “Not me. I would have chosen Jesus.” But in reality, how often do we have the chance to choose between Jesus and our own selfish desires?

This looks different for everybody. I am passionate about fitness. For me, sometimes I have to ask myself, “Is working out worth it today?” Sometimes it is, and sometimes it’s more important to spend quality time with friends or family. If I find myself stressing out about my workout instead of focusing on my relationship my family or God through regular devotional time, then it’s time for a priority check.

Whether it’s watching sports or other TV shows, reading your favorite book, or playing x-box…whatever you enjoy as your pastimes, remember to keep your priorities in check. It’s great to enjoy the pleasures of life God provides for us. But are we placing those things ahead of our relationship with Him?

If we forego our Bible reading for extra workout time, extra sleep, or possibly that late night movie, maybe it’s time to rethink our priorities. We need to constantly ask ourselves, “Are there moments when I have the choice to pick between my own desires and Jesus?” If so, what am I choosing? 

Are You a Strong Willed Child?

Many of us have one: a strong willed child. For some of you, you have strong willed children. If that's the case, know I'm praying for you. Come over, take a load off - just leave the kids at home. (Just kidding.) I love kids. I love my strong willed child and his tattle telling older brother. We love our children dearly, but let's not beat around the bush: they can be a royal pain in the rump! 

However, we can learn many valuable lessons from our children. It's funny how God uses them to highlight our own areas of weakness, whether that's lack of patience, being quick to anger, or a strong willed defiance of what God is asking of you. 

Sometimes it's easy to give up or give into our children when they are being difficult. We have to learn to compromise and let them explore their creative side - even if that means giving up our parental power of wanting things done 'our way.' 

Our way. As a child, we often hold the notion that when we grow up we will be able to do everything 'our way.' As an adult, we often try to do everything 'our way' and most of the time, we fall flat on our face. God doesn't compromise. However, if we are insistent about constantly defying His will, He will allow us to fail so that we recognize the need to follow through with His instructions.

I do believe God allows us to carry out His will through our own unique personalities and creative passions - personalities and passions that He designed for us and instilled in us long before we were born. Our talents were given to us for a purpose. There is a reason we tend to enjoy certain things more than others. If you are looking for your way to witness, start there - where you find your joy for your passion. 

Strong willed children can be difficult. But, if cultivated through the spirit, they can grow up to be strong willed Christians. Are you a strong willed child of God? If so, is your will working for His, or against? 

Yikes! I'm a pastor's wife!?!

I can be kind of goofy sometimes. However, it's very rare and only my close friends, my kids, and my husband really understand just how weird I am. I grew up with the idea that being "Christian" was a synonym for being "prim and proper." With this notion, I always had a certain sense of not being 'good enough' because I could not live up to the typical Christian stereotypes.

I spent the majority of my early adult years building up walls so that others would be blinded to my imperfections. I wanted to be seen as independent, happy, and care free. In reality, I felt alone, miserable, and anxious - all the time. Trying to hide who I really was in order to live up to the 'Christian expectations' was not only exhausting, but I was contributing to the very impression that blinded me from God's truth.

It was not until I became part of a ministry team that I really began to understand the paramount fact: Christians are far from perfect. And that is okay! Knowing that God created us with all our quirks, all our emotions, and all our imperfections - and yet loves us in spite of it all is a beautiful thing.

I am still awed by the fact that my husband is a children's pastor - making me a pastor's wife! I am definitely not the type of woman I used to think that being in a position of ministry encompassed. I keep thinking that one day I will wake up and just 'feel' like a pastor's wife.

However, the more I get to know my ministry team, the more I realize that 'putting on a face' for the sake of worldly views of how Christians 'should' act is harmful to our personal testimonies. No, I am not perfect. (My husband and kids can testify to that!) I lose my temper at times, I make mistakes, and to top it off - I am extremely introverted. (not the picturesque 'pastor's wife who I always pictured as outgoing and could always remember everyone's name)

But through it all, God blesses my mess. As long as I am trying to live for Him and keep focused on what He has for me, instead of trying to live up to my own idealistic standards, I am enough. Sometimes I just need to get out my head and out of God's way and allow Him to work through me - imperfections and all.

Facing "The Rut"

November and December are awesome months! I love the holiday season - the bright lights, the Christmas trees, (the desserts)...But with the season comes colder weather, more time spent indoors, and the endless effort of piling on extra clothes - hats, scarves, gloves, etc... And I really don't care what anyone else says - no one looks good in layers.

So as this season brings a lot of joy it can also bring the 'winter blues.' The leaves are pretty...but they are dying, the snow may glisten...but it's a pain to drive through and snow days are great...but now the kids are stuck at home, indoors, ALL day. (Or in my case, my husband!)

Despite the season, we all have found ourselves in a rut at one point in time or another. So, how can we fix this? What are steps we can take to either prevent or bring ourselves out of an emotional low? Well, the first thing is that you have to actually want to climb out of your emotional hole.

One of the hardest things to do when I am in a ‘rut’ is actually want to come out. I have days where I want to lay in bed, hide under my covers, and just stay there. I am very grateful that I have my kids who keep me on somewhat of a schedule because without them I would be a lot less productive.

Next, you pray...I know that sounds so cliche, but if you really believe that God listens and answers prayers why would He not answer yours? If your child came to you and said they were feeling like crap, would you scoff and brush it aside as if it were no big deal? God doesn't either. You also have to believe that God can fix it. Sometimes I think we pray without really believing God will answer. 

Even if your prayer is "God I feel like crap. I want to feel like crap and I want everyone around me to feel like crap too. This kind of sucks. Help me to want the desire to change my attitude." Reciting the Lord's prayer is great and all, but it's not the only way to pray. God doesn't care about formalities.  

The absolute best way I have found to pull myself out of a prolonged emotional depression is to be others centered. A lot of theories out there say that when you feel like a ‘mess,’ you need to take time for yourself and focus on your needs. But I find that when I am focused on other’s needs and am driven by the passion to help someone else, I bounce back faster and stronger than before.

Picture a cup being filled with God’s grace. In this grace is love, peace, and even joy. When we go to God, we are filled with His abundant love to our rim – we are full. God will keep filling us up if we pour out His grace onto others but when we stop overflowing God stops pouring in. We can be content for a while, but slowly that grace is going to evaporate away. In order to be filled, we must pour ourselves out. 

"Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, 

and one who waters will himself be watered." 

Proverbs 11:25

Fitness Challenge!

It's not too late the to join my 20 workouts in 23 days Fitness Challenge. All workouts are posted on my Fit For the Kingdom's Facebook page. Check it out!

With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, you may not think you have the time to workout. But...these workouts are all under 15 minutes. Put dinner on the stove and get your workout in before you have to set the table!

Let's start the week off right - together!

Stuck in the Mud

Sifting through my Facebook page kind of sucks sometimes. I feel bombarded with political statements, self-righteous opinions, and an overall hatred towards people who look/act/think/or believe differently from what others deem 'appropriate.' There are so many empty 'Amen' comments to posts that definitely aren't speaking the truth 'in love.'

In the opening of John chapter 9 Jesus and his disciples come across a blind man. The disciples immediately ask the question, "Is he blind because of his sin, or his parents?" Immediately, they assume that this man is 'getting what he deserves,' and instead of taking compassion on him, they want to know the 'down and dirty of his past.'

This man might have been physically blind, but the disciples were spiritually blinded by the same naive notion that people 'are where they are' and 'do what they do' because they're not working hard enough or simply lazy.

The reality was that the man had been blind so that the "works of God might be displayed in him." How many people out there are waiting for the mud to be washed out their eyes and how many people are waiting for you to do it? The disciples judged. Jesus healed.

Are you trying to heal the world or hurt it?

Sugar Detox: Tell All Experience!!!

Alright, so here is my entire review of YURIELKAIM's 7 Day Sugar Detox. I have narrowed my review down to 5 categories:

• Taste
• Variety/Flexibility
• Easy to Follow
• Budget Friendly
• Results/Willingness to Repeat

1) TASTE: On a scale of 1-10, this would receive an 8. 

I loved the foods. However, these are foods that I already have in my diet on a pretty regular basis and I can see where some people might be put off by them until they develop the 'required taste' needed to achieve this detox successfully (especially for the smoothie every morning and the spinach soup)...because if you don't like what you're eating, you'll end up regretting it in the end. And if you hate the process, it's not something that will stick and help you achieve life long changes. But, I loved the food and will definitely keep some of these on hand for future meals. 

2) Variety/Flexibility: score  10

This was probably the best thing about this detox!!! I enjoyed the different foods that were outlined and even though breakfast was the same every morning, it was delicious. (Plus, I believe most people tend to eat the same things for breakfast regularly anyway.) My absolute favorite thing was that most of the time there were no instructions regarding portion sizes or exact recipes. I was actually nervous about this at first, but I grew to love the creative power it permitted unlike most 'diet plans' and since there were not portion restrictions, I never felt as if I denying myself food if I was hungry. Even when I became hungry in between meals, I still ate things that were on the menu, just not at the times that were suggested. 

3) Easy to Follow: 9

Yes, yes, yes. It is all outlined for you from Breakfast to Dinner; with additional exercise suggestions. Did I follow it exactly - no. The times he suggested did not work for my lifestyle, so I nixed those pretty quick. Most days I reversed the snack and lunch to fit into my family's routine. I did not follow the exercise suggestions, but still remained active                                                                                                         throughout. 

4) Budget Friendly: 5

Most ingredients by themselves were not too expensive, however, in the quantities that they require, I would say this is not the cheapest plan you could do by any means. (But I'm also pretty frugal)

5) Results/Willingness to Repeat: 9

The only reason I did not give this a 10 was because of the cost. I loved the results I had in such a short period of time. By day 5, I was free from all cravings!!! I did not want food when I was bored and I almost had to force myself to eat. I was able to eat before I became hungry - even when I tried to follow the time slot suggestions. I loved the amount of energy I gained, my skin cleared up and my IBS symptoms significantly reduced and were almost gone entirely. (Which was my reason for doing the detox in the first place.) 

However, in 7 days I did lose 4 pounds - which is just icing on the cake! 

Who needs this?

I do suggest this to anyone who needs fast results in a short amount of time, i.e. a wedding/reunion. I also would suggest this to anyone who wants to jump start their health or for someone who needs a little motivation during a lull period. So....pretty much anybody! My vegan/vegetarian friends could easily substitute different proteins for the meat. So go ahead, give it try and let me know how it goes. It worked for me!!!

Sugar Detox: Day 7

Yea!!! I finally made it to the last day...and it was definitely one the hardest days because I felt that I had come so far and had already put in so much effort that it was 'good enough.' It was hard to want to finish out the entire day and if there was a day where I 'slipped' today would have been it. (more explanations in the "Tell All" post, coming soon!)

I was tired and drained of energy most of the day; however, that was partly on me because last night (day 6) I had gone to a very intense 80 minute yoga class. I can definitely see why the plan calls for 'gentle yoga.' Not to mention, it was a later class, that meant I also got to bed a bit later. So, I would have to say that I don't think my negative experience had to do with the plan per se.

After my loving husband agreed to let me sneak in an afternoon nap, I did feel much better. However, it was still tempting to at least make it until after dinner and then dive into something that hadn't been on the menu for the week - but I didn't!

And so, I would say that I successfully (by my terms) completed this week's detox. I used the 'by my terms' in the last post as well. What I mean by that phrase is that I modified the schedule to best fit my routine. This is something I learned (and am still constantly working on) a few years ago. I used to be such a schedule Nazi that if I had a plan, I would stick to it to a T. And then I felt like a failure if I veered even the slightest. If there is one thing my husband has taught me, (and there have been many) is that "The schedule is made for you - you are not made for the schedule."

So, my next post will be all about my modifications, my results and my overall recommendation. I have to say, it feels really good to have accomplished a goal. At least for this part of my journey I can say, "I have finished the race." (ref. 2nd Timothy 4:7) Now it's time for a DANCE PARTY!

Sugar Detox: Days 4-6

So, my last post I entitled, Murphy's Law. Have you ever made a decision to complete a detox, fast, diet, etc... and it seems as if everything suddenly goes wrong all at once? Well, that seems to be my experience when I try something new - especially when it comes to starting a workout or diet program.

Spinach Soup Broth 

I have had some awesome company with me the past couple of days. An almost three year old little girl and her one year old younger brother. They stayed with us for the weekend and while I enjoyed every minute of it, part of me wanted to let that be my excuse for not following the detox completely - since life was a tad more chaotic.

For the entire detox, I have dealt with on and off sick kids; a death in the family; extra children running around, and then my computer broke down right as I started this blog. None of these things were very encouraging and the 'me' I was a few years ago would have thrown in the towel.

Spinach Soup!

But, I stuck to my guns and did successfully (by my own terms) complete the detox. I loved the days where the boys joined in, and while they did not follow the plan as I did, they were able to enjoy the best parts of it. (For example, the Lara Bars for day 3's snack! And my cucumbers!)

Yep, those are mine!

The best part about days 4-6 was that it finally felt like a routine. I had my meals planned out and I knew what to expect. This part about this particular plan really helped when things became more chaotic or my otherwise regular routine was thrown off. I enjoyed not having the stress of 'what to cook for dinner;' especially since I had already planned my family's meals to correspond with mine for the week. This did make life easier.

There were also days where the boys were sick in bed and while I never wish that upon my children, the mornings I had to myself were very peaceful. I was able to have extra prayer and devotion time and I think THAT is what helped me make it through the hectic days this week.

He stole my plate...

The patience of actually getting past the point of 'detox' was worth the headaches (literally and figuratively) and it certainly paid off in the end. But that's what being Fit for the Kingdom is all about - learning to wait on the Lord and pray through the tough times knowing that He will bring you through. This detox, as well as others that I have done, is just one way to physically manifest the Biblical principles found throughout scripture.

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith - more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire - may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ

1st Peter 1:6-7, ESV

Murphy's Law

Well, my computer completely crapped out on me. I'm in the process of getting it fixed, but will be out of the loop for a couple of days. The great news - I'm still on track for the detox! Yeah. At least I've learned enough to not give up just because I hit a road block.

Anyway, when my computer is back I will post the full update for the detox along with a detailed opinion about everything involved.

So, check back in a few days. Happy Thanksgiving, (just in case I can't get to a computer by then).

Sugar Detox: Day 2&3

So, I've done a few other 'detoxes' in the past and if you are thinking about attempting one, remember that detoxing is kind of like childbirth. The actual process kind of sucks, but once you hit that 'other side' it's completely worth the effort.

Lunch Day 2

Day 2 was REALLY hard. I woke up with the worst headache and had very low energy most of the day. This (I assume) was from a combination of the caffeine withdrawals and the beginning of a sinus winter-y head cold. Finally, around 3 pm (right after the 'lunch' for the day) I began to feel amazing.

My headache began to go away and I was finally getting some energy back. (All with out sugar or caffeine!) I was a bit nervous because I was heading to spend the evening at my parents house, along with having two extra kids with me for the weekend.

This is where planning was key! I made my dinner at home beforehand and prepped all my meals that I would need for the duration of the trip. It was pretty daunting to be out of the comfort of my own home, but I usually am up for a good challenge.

Pre-made Dinner Day 2

Day 3 - this is when the magic happens. I love making it to day three on a detox because you finally began to feel the results of all the hard work and effort you've put in the last two days. I woke up - headache free - and even though my loving husband made me coffee, I was able to lovingly turn him down.

Preparation is KEY

It was pretty amazing to wake up and not feel

as if I 'needed' or just had to have my morning rush. Not only was that a blessing, but for the first time in a really long time, I was able to withstand the temptations surrounding my mom's house. (The breakfast of biscuits and gravy, sausage, bacon, eggs, etc...) I was even able to icing a cake without wanting to lick all the icing off the spatula! 

It was nice to see that I can be away from home, but still meet my dietary goals. I feel as if I had more patience with my kids today and I am thinking more clearly. The test is going to come for the next 4 days, as I am not quite half way through the detox. All other detoxes I've done have only been for 3 days, so I hope I can keep this one up!

Dinner Day 3

The need to be released from certain foods is one way that I can really be in a position where I have to acknowledge that God is enough. In my own devotion yesterday, I began the Gospel of John and the verse 3:30 stood out to me. "He must increase, but I must decrease." 

I'm not talking about in physical weight, but more of an emotional decrease for the dependence on things that aren't God. I don't need caffeine every day, I don't need sugar every day. I need God everyday. Creating a dependency on Him, is worth the struggle of letting go of all other things we think we 'just can't go without.'  When we learn to lean on Him to pull us through seemingly small things (like a sugar detox) then we will have the foundation we need to trust Him with the bigger obstacles in our lives.

I'm so excited for the rest of the Detox Challenge, but also nervous. I know I have to make God my center if I am going to successfully complete this!

Sugar Detox: Day One

After completing the first day of our detox, I am definitely feeling the caffeine withdrawals from not having my morning cup(s) of coffee. Aside from the headache, I'm feeling pretty good. Nathaniel said his favorite part was the morning smoothie...even Elijah wanted in on that.

Even though I was hesitant from the combination of ingredients, I have to admit that I am looking forward to breakfast tomorrow! I will add more water, as it was a bit chunky for me, but still delicious.

As promised, Nathaniel did not have to eat the Spinach Soup, but I was a fan. I am looking forward to being past the headaches and I can tell we have long 6 days ahead of us. In summary, I'm not regretting this...yet. :)

Sugar Detox

Here we go!!! 

Alright, here's the kickoff. I'm starting a blog...enjoy! 

It's about a week before Thanksgiving. A friend was telling me about a sugar detox she tired and instantly fell in love. I had been looking for a good detox to help start the process of digging deeper into finding out what is causing some of my intestinal issues. (I was just diagnosed with IBS last week - suck!) But, at least now I have a name to associate with the stomach issues - its bitter sweet, I guess.

Anyway, as I was making a list of what I was going to need for Yuri Elkaim's  7 day sugar detox, my eight year old son was looking at the ingredients with fascination. He asked me what I was up to and when I told him that I was going to try and have no sugar the week before Thanksgiving, he was instantly hooked. (Well, maybe not instantly. He was very nervous, but I could tell he wanted in.) 

After assuring him that he didn't have to eat the Spinach Soup, he became way more excited about this than I still am, but at least now I know I don't have to go at it alone. He’s been my little buddy when it comes to some of the crazy things I've tried over the past couple of years.

Last year we did a section in our homeschooling about taking care of our bodies. My son's project was to create his own workout video. Since then we have trained for a 5K together - which he won 5th place in his division (so proud), and still workout. 

This has provided me with some wonderful conversations with my son about God's love, patience, and endurance for us; therefore, we need to execute endurance, patience and love on others - even if his younger brother just threw his legos across the room. 

Morning smoothie bags - prepped and ready to go

I believe Biblically founded principles such as discipline, patience, suffering (joyfully), and endurance can be executed and physically manifested by taking care of our bodies through our eating habits and exercise. For my kids, I am able to teach them about these principles by associating a physical way to carry them out.  

We're kicking off the week before Thanksgiving with our sugar detox. We started the evening by talking about the list of ingredients and how they are all ‘naturally occurring,’ or God created foods. This week is assured to have some great life lessons associated with it and I am so excited to share those here.

 Check back for our updates throughout the week. I know prayer is the only way I will be able to survive this, but with God ALL things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)