Recapping

I returned home Monday evening, got bitten by a cold bug, but have been going nonstop since returning. I was happy to get away for the weekend, in order to learn, grow, and set some goals for myself and my AdvoCare business. They have a great new program/contest going on right now, that is truly amazing. AdvoCare has even stepped it up with their Distributor kits which now include:

• Six bottles of AdvoCare Slam®
• Six bottles of AdvoCare® Slim™
• Ten packets of AdvoCare Spark
• The Getting Started with AdvoCare Distributor Workbook
• A set of 10 Retail Receipts
• The Solutions for Your Success DVD
• Impact Magazine
• Ten Essentials Brochures
• Ten Opportunity brochures

WOW! I certainly wish that had been available when I signed up! Oh well, it's nice to be a part of a company that is always seeking ways to improve and make their distributors successful. I was so fired up after the weekend, I met a lady in the airport and spoke to her about AdvoCare and how AdvoCare products can help her meet her goals. Putting into action what was learned, isn't that the point? I also had some meetings with some folks throughout the week, and am hosting a mixer tomorrow. I'm definitely excited about the upcoming year with AdvoCare!

In addition to the great Success School I attended, I was able to stay with some friends Sunday night. Since I last saw them, the number of kids they have has doubled, and they have decided to move to Africa for at least three years. I'm consistently blown away by these two, their commitment to one another, their family, and going wherever God leads them. Nothing extraordinary happened, but I was able to just sit and enjoy time with them, and their children. They will be flying out the first of April (I think), so I'm thankful for the time I had with them. It was a great way to cap off such a great weekend.

Upon my return, I found my husband and my daughter happy as can be, and it appears they rather enjoyed their weekend together. I got to get out and allow my mind to be 100% focused on something, without distraction, and Andy was able to spend lots of quality time with our kiddo. They even made it to church! I am so glad everything went so well because, I'm already signed up for AdvoCare Success School in August! *smile*

Word Filled Wednesday

Sweet heart
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Psalm 13:5:
But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.

May your heart, today, be filled with God's joy and peace. Let us rejoice in His love for us, in his everlasting, constant, perfect care of us. Trust in Him for all things, praise His holy name! God is good, very good indeed.

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit the 160 acre woods.

What a weekend

I have been in Texas since Friday, alone, no one with me. No stroller, no diaper bag, no baby to care for. Just, me. It's been a great weekend of learning, excitement and goal setting. I ventured west for AdvoCare Success School, and am now praising God I did. I will be blogging later about what is coming with AdvoCare, great programs, amazing incentives, and incredible opportunities. For now, I am going to enjoy my remaining few hours visiting some friends (who will be moving to Africa in April) and my lack of responsibilities. More to come, but until then, peace my friends!

Word Filled Wednesday

Little feet
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Mark 10:14:
But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, "Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

We can learn so much from children. They are absolutely incredible in their innocence and enthusiasm for life. I love watching my daughter as she explores the world, as she openly expresses her need for me. She does not allow pride to interfere with her need for help, she simply lets me know.

Children, so wonderfully simplistic, yet they also seem to have a great understanding of the value of things. Need a glimpse of God? Spend some time with a child, and just watch.

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit the 160 acre woods.

For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Galations 3:27)

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, I had the opportunity to train a young girl, in my home. Three days a week, after school, she would arrive at my house and I would have her doing workouts that had her (often) rolling her eyes at me. A young, 15 year old girl, working to improve her physical body as God was working on her spirit and mind. She is a precious, amazing young girl, who, you could say life has not always allowed to simply be a young girl. She is continually faced with situations that make my head spin, but since the day she fell in love with her Savior, the way she is handling each obstacle is stunningly beautiful.

This past Sunday, she was baptized. We were dealing with a sick kid in our house, so I told her I may not make it the next morning. However, my husband, being the wonderful man he is, told me I should go to my Sunday morning class and stay for my young friend's baptism. I'm so thankful he made that suggestion, so thankful to have been a witness to it. And when she saw me and exclaimed, "You came!" with a huge smile spread across her face, I knew it had been the right decision.

This girl is on fire, telling friends about how God has changed her, and more than willing to counsel others. She loves to serve the poor and the homeless, she's praying fervently for healing for herself and others. This girl? She's making a difference, right where she's at.

St. Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day friends! Hope you all are having a great day, a restful day, and a day filled with joy and laughter. How do we celebrate in our house? Well, we really don't. We traded cards, I went walking with a group of friends (half marathon training) then ran some errands, we worked on our budget. If that doesn't say romance, I don't know what does! *smile*

Oh well, to each their own. I for one have never found this day to be very important. There are 364 other days on the calendar I need to hear my husband say he loves me (and I do). If it were only on today? We'd be in trouble. But, that's just my thought on the matter. Some folks like to go all out. And to you I say, enjoy. As for me and my house? We're just going to sit back and enjoy this day, just like every other Saturday.

Only because of love

The last few days have been a bit more eventful than I like the last few days. Little one came down with a stomach virus, a wonderful, sensational, 24 hour stomach virus. Wednesday involved three changes of clothes (for both of us), four loads of laundry, resolve carpet/upholstery cleaner, pedialyte, tylenol, and lots of holding. We seem to be blessed with a girl who, like Mommy, seems to "sleep it off." I was warned by our nurse that we may be in for a long evening, I thanked her, she laughed. My poor baby would try to eat, want to eat, then would grab onto me, look at me with the saddest, most pitiful look you have ever seen, and proceed to empty the contents of her stomach all over herself, me, the carpet, and the couches. Once everything was out, she would then lean into me to lay her head on my shoulder. Nothing like being covered in thrown-up formula or oatmeal with a baby trying to cuddle. Ah, parenthood, ain't it grand?

Word Filled Wednesday

2 Samuel 22:50:

"Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the nations, And I will sing praises to Your name."

2 Samuel 22 is David's song of deliverance after being delivered from his enemies, and Saul. I think back on my life, on situations God kept me out of, and those He moved me away from. I too want to sing praises to my Deliverer! Alas, this is unfortunate for those standing nearby since singing is not a gift I have been given. But, I am thankful that God hears the melody of my heart...and doesn't really care if I'm off key or not! Sing His praises today!

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit the 160 acre woods.

Are we there yet?

Today was, by far, the toughest workout we have endured since beginning these 5am workouts. I was not sure we were going to make it through the entire hour, that is for sure. Whew! But, we did. Hooray!

Let's review:
A total of :
* 1.25 miles run - including stairs, interspesced with:
* 75 jumping jacks
* 75 push-ups
* 75 leg lifts
* 75 sit-ups
* 78 "burpees" (aka: up/downs)
* 78 mountain climbers

Volleyball tonight should be a blast, really. Well, if I can move my arms that is.

Fun visit with a great friend

My wonderful friend Jami came to visit us this past weekend. As expected, we had a great time and shared many laughs. Here's some of the fun through photos:

We came here to chat and goof off for a bit.

I couldn't help but notice the bright blue swing.
We took a picture on the swing, and went blind because the sun was directly in our eyes. But, that moment resulted in hysterical laughter which led to many tears.

We played checkers, and when I say she beat me...that's a vast understatement.

I was going to go play the piano, then I remembered I can't play. Bummer.

Body = Temple

Galatians 6:7:
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17:
16 Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
17 If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are.

Each week, as Carter is speaking during our Sunday morning class time, there is always something he says that feels as if God is nudging me in the ribs and saying, "ahem, got that?" I love it! The one that got me this week came out of a discussion concerning Galatians 6:7. Carter made a point that the process starts with the "tilling." You can't sow until the land is tilled. This is the time God speaks, changes, and grows us up. This is the place where our thought processes lie. Not reaping what you want? Go back to the tilling. Start again, start over, and change it up. I love the fact we can always start again. What a relief to know that I am not stuck where I currently am, but always have the opportunity, and grace, for a restart.

Another thing he said that turned on a lightbulb stemmed from discussing energy balance and what is needed for weight loss and maintenance. He gave the science behind calories, how they are used, etc, and stated it's just a math equation. He went on to say, "take the personal pain out of the equation; change the equation and do the math differently." Many times, especially in women, there is a sense of failure or "I'm not good enough" when we aren't at whatever weight we think we should be. Not looking as good as society says you want? Clearly, there is something wrong with us. What a lie, a subtle deception that is certainly not from our Maker. The workouts challenge my body, that is certain, but our Sunday morning class time? My mind is certainly being challenged.

On a side note, this blog post seems to have caused a bit of a stir. Therefore, I would like to clarify some things.

1. Eating meat is not ungodly, sinful, or any other such silliness.
2. Carter never said we should never eat meat (in fact, he eats it).
3. The old Testament was referenced during this discussion, but because Jesus came along, we are under the New law.
4. If God made it, it is going to be healthier. He created our bodies, therefore, it also goes to say that our bodies are equipped to process the foods He has made as well.
5. I am being challenged to think of eating as a way to serve God since food is for energy, and more energy = more excitement in whatever I am doing.
6. I am retelling a class discussion, which is important to keep in mind. I do not care to write posts that will take half a day to read because I feel like I have to include every little detail because people make incorrect inferences.
7. Take it at face value. I'm excited about how God is challenging me, physically, mentally, and spiritually. If God is not calling you to the same things, that is OK. I am not trying to force what He is telling me on anyone. We must each be go as we feel led.
8. I am sharing this information because health is a big topic right now, and I'm excited about what I am learning.

Did ya have to?

John 10:10:

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."

3 John 1:2:

Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.

1 Corinthians 10:31:

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Part of the early morning beat-downs includes a class on Sunday mornings prior to church. I have actually enjoyed the information shared thus far, and love applying (or trying, though many times failing) it throughout the week. This past week? We discussed...drum roll please...nutrition. The above verses were used, but let's focus on that last one, 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Carter had the audacity, audacity I tell you, to ask, "are you mocking God when you bless your food? Are you glorifying God or mocking him when you eat? It has to be one or the other." Ew, ouch, wow, ack! I think I turned to a friend and said, "He just had to say that, just had to. Didn't he?" That last question he asked, that is the one that wound up and socked me full force in my sometimes overfed gut. Ouch. And while dueling with my hormones this week, as I reached for something low on nutritional value, all I heard was, "are you glorifying God or mocking Him?" UGH! In the midst of my funk one day, I responded, "mocking, alright? MOCKING!!!!!" At least I was honest....right?

Carter went on to say that we were intended to eat:

• Herb bearing seed and fruit
• Fruits, grains, nuts, legumes, beans
• Vegetables

And did you know that fruits are the product of the blossom of the plant, and vegetables are the leaves? Well, now you do. He said that of all the Christian sects, 7th Day Adventists are the healthiest. They, unlike evangelical "let's have a potluck whenever we can, eat way too much, and call it fellowship" churches, the 7th Day Adventists follow a vegetarian diet. In addition, individuals with MS have even seen a decrease in symptoms when following a vegetarian diet. I don't have MS, I'm not a 7th Day Adventist, but I am feeling called to better care for my body, to serve God better, my family better, and to simply be better. What's a girl to do?

I headed over to Amazon (the online place I love) to find vegetarian cookbooks, mainly, ones that utilize the crockpot. I found 3, and ordered all of them. Now, I'm anxiously awaiting their arrival. My husband and I have decided we will make some changes, how extreme I am not sure. However, our church is doing a "Daniel fast" (fruits and veggies) February 15-21, so that too will serve as a good introduction to this change. In addition to the fast, of course, we are being asked to pray on certain topics as well as those God reveals to us.

As much as I love these crazy workouts, it is the Sunday morning class I need. I need him up there, speaking truth, backing it with scripture, and even being bold enough to ask, "are you glorifying God when you eat?" Ouch, that question still stings. But, I'm working on it, I'm working on it. One day at a time, I'm working on it.

And, now that you have read this, and have been given this information as well, feel free to leave your comments sharing how you wish I had never published this blog post. Trust me, I'll understand.

Finding the Pieces

This entire week, I felt like a puzzle, with missing pieces. No matter what was going on, I have felt disjointed, annoyed, discontent, unsatisfied, and completely, terribly, blah. Positive, I know. But alas, that is also, very much the truth. I tried a variety of things to pull myself out of my funk, but nothing seemed to work. Marriages in trouble, friends lost their unborn baby, I have been failing at getting my eating controlled like I'd like, and so much more, it all became overwhelming, and unending. However, (oh come on, you knew a "however" was on its way), this morning I attended day one of ATI (Apollos Institute Training) New Testament class. During the opening prayer, my heart and my spirit, and even my mind quieted.

Our first discussion centered around a quote by Ravi Zacharias which reads, "Jesus did not come to make bad people good. He came to make the dead come alive." Ah, wonderful. We then went into the intertestamental period of the Bible. What's that? You know, the blank page that sits between Malachi and Matthew. 400 years passed between these two books, yet nothing is written about them. Was God silent? Did He stop caring? What in the world was going on in the world? Enter: Alexander the Great and hellenism. Oh yes, the perfect set up for the transmission of the Gospel. And even better was the question, "why does this period matter?" The answer? Because, it can help answer, "Where was God when..." An important time, not documented in the Bible (which is not inexhaustive anyway), that bridges the Old Testament and the New Testament. What happens during these 400 years actually helps set the stage for Christ, and explains the transitions that took place.

My brain is exploding with revelation, with learning, and with excitement. My thirst is being quenched, my hunger satisfied. That missing piece of the puzzle? It's been found and placed appropriately.

And with that, I will spend my evening soaking up time with my husband and daughter, and my God. We will head out to dinner, possibly pop in to say hello to my volleyball buddies, then return home, to be, just be; to allow life to slow down, if only for a moment, to soak in this place where He has me, and to thank Him for the excitement filling me, the sense of excitement and expectation that only comes with drawing nearer to Him.

Conflict - by Gary Smalley

A friend of mine sent me the following. I liked it so much, I wanted to pass it on. Enjoy.

Conflict in Marriage
by Gary Smalley (conflict is normal)

In conflict, keep anger level low and honor level high. Often people act like singles in marriage, using words of "me, my, mine, I" instead of "us and we". It will occur during conflict about the ordinary things... money, sex, kids, in-laws, job, car, etc. When someone approaches an argument as a single, they try to win their position which interferes with intimacy.

"All arguments are doorways to intimacy."

The disease is anger.

4 germs or infections that lead to the disease.(what to avoid)
1. Withdrawal:
one mate will withdraw when too many words are used; men don't like to fight without rules but that usually doesn't bother a woman;
2. Escalation:
When escalation occurs, you start saying things you don't mean which leads to anger; a man's heart rate goes up twice as fast as a woman; when it hits 100bpm, he can't continue rationally in an argument so he'll withdraw or become abusive in speech or action.
3. Belittle:
Cutting down or demeaning mate; one comes across as superior, using words to gain power or push down; words or attitudes can damage;
4. Seeing more negative traits than what is really there:
Once you become aware of things that bother you, those traits begin to exaggerate; it's called selective perception;
i.e. if you're thinking about buying a VW bug, you begin to see them everywhere. You've just become more aware of them.

3 Antibiotics against germs in conflict:
1. Develop Skill of Honor:
see mate as valuable-make a list of positive traits-tell them verbally &/or in writing why you value them
2. LUV talk
Listen-Understand-Validate
Rather than thinking of your next response, listen to what they are saying. Repeat it back to clarify you heard them correctly. Then affirm, validate their position. (not time to share your opinion) Hopefully, your mate learn to reciprocate with LUV talk so you can be heard, listened to and validated.
3. Meet their Needs:
Most arguments stem from unmet needs or perceived unmet emotional or relational needs of one mate. It probably has little to do w/ the actual subject of your argument. Gary's mate needs things to be in order, she wants precision; he needs to talk and have fun. Find a way that will put your mate more at ease. How can you serve and meet their needs today?

• spend 20 minutes a day attending to the other's needs
• call for a time out if a "germ" is detected; choose to not let anger rise; find a way to honor and be honored;-find mentor's, other couples to help you work through problems; they are your "911" friends;

Word Filled Wednesday

Let your light shine
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Matthew 5:16:

"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

May your light shine so brightly that the world is blinded by its beauty today. Shine on friends, shine on.

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit the 160 acre woods.

This that and some coolness

Today, our little one is 9 months old. WOW! Time is flying. I cannot believe her first birthday is just 3 months away. At her last check-up (6 mos) she weighed 17 lbs., 2.5 ounces, and was 26 inches inches long. She is now 20 1/4 lbs and is 27 1/4 inches long. Whew, big girl. And, she's one funny little girl.

Saturday, while I headed out to do an open house for AdvoCare, Andy stayed home with little one all day. This was the first time it's been just the two of them for the entire day. I must say, I believe they both enjoyed it. Later this month, I will be heading out of town for four days, and after Saturday, I think Andy is more comfortable with being here with our girl. They will have a blast, I am sure.

And the cool story of the last few days? My mother, who is, well, 24 years older than me, challenged one of her students to a push-up contest. He made some comments about how when she works out she probably doesn't lift much, she's a bit stubborn and ornery (family trait), and the contest ensued. My mom? She whooped his hiney by busting out 35 military style push-ups. That's my mom, I'm so proud.

A more though provoking post to come later. Until then, enjoy.