Fit, Fabulous, 40's Friday!

Hi Friends, remember me?

I know, that's not me, but didn't it make you smile?

Yes, it's true! A Post!!  Happy Friday!!
I've been busy with my children and my ministry at church and God is just doing so much right now.

Here are the Cliff Notes, sad if you even know what these are!!

In July, I get a call from an old friend Tracy, out of the blue, who works at church and says, "Janet, the person we thought was going to take over our Cross Fitness class can't do it anymore.
I prayed about it and GOD brought you to mind."

What would YOU say?
Well, knowing the reputation of this woman and the sheer respect I have of her...I told her I would pray about it.
I called my husband, (who is AWESOME-by the way) and he says, "I think you should do it".
Of course, part of me was wishing he said not to, because I've never lead group instruction. I had done some personal training, a little one-on-one, and this would be a risk for me, translation: I was scared!

20 minutes later I called Tracy to tell her that I would do it.

My first class, there were probably about 12-15 people. I was super excited and was doing this for the Lord, so I just went for it.

Last Wednesday's night class had almost 80! Crazy, right?

So, back to teaching my first class, I prayed.
I prayed for music, the workout, what God wanted me to do, say, EVERYTHING!!!
What a blessing it was, and slowly the class began growing.

2 months later, I was asked to support the other fitness classes on campus- Holy Yoga, Zumba, Stetch and Strengthen, Walk & Worship, Bootcamp. I immediately started praying for these leaders, their ministries and the community we were serving and continue to serve.

I remember meeting Tracy after a few classes and just feeling very dependent on God, not knowing why He had me there.

Tracy gave me this verse:
Romans 4:1-3

It didn't make much sense to me then, but boy, it sure does now!

(Basically, this passage speaks of how if Abraham was able to do what God asked Him to do, it would be an Abraham-story, and not a God story. If I was asking God to bless the things I was planning, doing and creating, then God would not get any credit, as I was able to do these things on my own energy, strength and ability.
But because Abraham entered into what God had for him by surrendering his plans and trusting God to take him to places and do things on his own, it became a God-story.)

Back to what's happening:
The New Year hits and Pastor Rick launches his new Daniel Plan book and we have a Rally and start the bible study, "Transformed".

Pastor Rick wants to shut down all the fitness classes on campus but Tracy negotiates for us and they give us permission to keep our classes going as long as we all lead groups, at which time, Walk & Worship, Zumba and my Cross Fitness Class are all on the same night so we decide to collaborate into one tent.

We have a medium sized group but are stoked that people come and groups are formed.

Shortly after we start the study, I get a call from Mrs.A, who says that the Daniel Plan is going to make some Fitness videos and she wanted to know if that sounded interesting to me.

WHAT? Ummmmm....YES!!!!

So, she tells me that I need to make a video and submit it as an audition and since I was going to have class that night, just video tape myself....
#1- I hate watching myself on video
#2- the videos she sends me to look at as samples are totally professional
#3- I'm not a professional
#4- I haven't been trained to act
#5- Did I say, I'm not a professional?
I will post it sometime...

So, all my stuff that the devil likes to shout at me, starts coming up.
I do it anyway!!!
I send it in.

I get a call, and the producer would like to meet me in person.

Her assistant meets me and takes pictures and asks me to jog in place so she can make sure I don't look like I'm twerking or something...
I'm going to be a "cast" member in the back, but I don't care. There will be 5 of us. I'm one of them!!!

A week later I get a call from Sony (actually a woman representing Sony) asking if I'm ok with the dates, the pay and some details.

Can I just say, "WOW"? God is creating HIS story.

So here I am, I got a call today about my sizes for outfits, I have 4 clients that I train regularly and love the place I am in.

I'm blown away. This is God's story...not mine anymore.
It happened when I said, "YES", to Him, with ALL that I have....EVERYTHING.

I know being a part of Mary De Muth's  book launch a couple of years ago, helped me on my journey to handing God Everything.....THANK YOU Mary, for trusting me and just for being a bright light in this world.

I know that being a part of Deborah's bible study at The Gate also helped. I grew this last year....the process is so slow you almost can't see it, unless you LOOK BACK. Thank you Deb, and ladies from that Bible study- Connie Bear, Janet T, Sue R.



I also know that my church and Pastor helped....a lot....and
spending time in God's word, the Bible, helped the MOST!

So, this is a small part, but the cool thing is that a year ago, I could not have ever guessed my life would look like it does, but God knew.
He was waiting for me to give my life to Him so He could use it.

I'll be posting my exciting ventures while in rehearsal and the filming, if I can.
Stay tuned!

Oh, and here is my Cross Fit Devotional and Recipe for the week:
Inspired by the Bible Study I'm currently doing, "Faithful,Abundant and True",
Speaker of the week: Priscilla Shirer

Verse:”The disciples believed in Him”  John 2:11 (NASB) 

This passage tells of the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine. His disciples were there, they saw the whole thing, and it tells us of their reactions to what they saw- The disciples believed – only after they saw this miracle.

It tells us that it is possible to be a disciple and still not believe God.

You can pray, talk with God, serve Him and walk with Him, but still not trust God with your life.

I can relate to this story. For years, I had lived as a Christian, going to church, praying, having a very deep relationship with Christ, however, I wasn’t trusting HIM with my WHOLE LIFE, and it showed up when I went through my father’s death. I fell into depression and sin, and was in the biggest pit in my life. I was even contemplating leaving my husband.  I was angry at God even though at the time I would not admit it. Luckily, HE gave me enough sense to seek counseling and go to my small group of women prayer warriors, who prayed for my heart to change when I couldn’t pray for that myself. Through my husband’s unconditional love and forgiveness, and a lot of time….I was able to see what I had become and that I was holding back from God.  I questioned, “how could this happen to me, I’m a Christian?”, but I realized that although I had asked God to come into my heart, I didn’t allow HIM to have ALL OF IT,  just MOST of it.

That changed when I surrendered ALL of my control and MY entire life to loving and serving Christ. I stopped asking God to bless my life and the things I wanted and started asking God for guidance and to seek His journey instead of asking Him to bless mine.

Think: What is the difference between belief and trust?

Ask: Am I trusting God with my life? With EVERYTHING?

Look: Where am I still trying to control my life and even my spiritual life?

Pray: Father, Thank you for all that you have given to me. Help me to see where I am still trying to control this life you have blessed me with and help me to be courageous in having YOU control it ALL. 
Help me to be obedient in where you will guide me, 
help me to be brave when I know I should do what you want me to do and 
help me to hear your voice above the noise and chaos of my life.
I love you, Father, and want to surrender EVERYTHING, all of my life to you.

In Jesus’ name- Amen

Oh, and a healthy, yummy recipe from http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/

Chocolate Chip Quinoa Cookies

Category: Healthy Cookie Recipes  

▪                1/2 cup minus 1 tbsp quinoa flour (52g)

▪                1/4 tsp baking soda

▪                1/8 tsp salt

▪                2 packed tbsp brown sugar or coconut sugar (22g)

▪                2 tbsp white sugar or xylitol (20g)

▪                2-4 tbsp chocolate chips, optional

▪                up to 2 tbsp milk of choice, as needed

▪                1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

▪                1 tbsp plus 1 tsp vegetable or coconut oil (15g)

Go to her website for instructions! She Rocks!!!

Be blessed and covered in love~

Motivational Monday

Just Because We CAN Do Something Doesn't Mean We Should....

I have been having the BEST time this summer, 
how about you?

 I wanted to share with you about my new opportunity to serve my church.

I was asked to teach a Cross Fitness class on our church campus every Wednesday night and 

I am absolutely having a blast! 

Since my usual speaking/teaching ministry during the year is through the school year, 

and my summer is free, I thought I would say "Yes" to this.

The first night was great- there were about 12 or so people who showed up and then the following week, it was about the same.

This week we had a large group, very mixed, FUN group!

Thank you all for coming!

Here are some pics-

Fitness seems to be the new buzzword and people are becoming so much more aware of their health!

Many of us are getting fit in the area by taking some of the classes at Saddleback,

shoot, they offer something everyday- 

Yoga on Mondays and Wednesday mornings,
 Zumba on Tuesday nights, 
MY CLASS "The Cross Fitness" class on Wednesday nights, 
Cardio Kick-boxing on Thursday nights 
and I''m not sure what is on Fridays, 
but on Saturday mornings there is another Boot Camp taught by Tony Lattimore- 

ALL FOR FREEEEEEEE!!!

Anyhow, this week I was thinking about The Cross Fitness Class and how hard we all worked,
 and that if we only work out and don't change our eating, 

we may get stronger and have more endurance,
 but it is the food that is the BIG game changer.

I've also had a couple of the gals ask me about food /snacks and there are so many ideas in my head about where to start, that I decided to make a list of flat out "NO's".

Absolute NO's.....

If you want to change your body, you will have to change what you feed it- 

To change what you feed it, 
your desire to change must outweigh your desire to stay the same, 

or the desire for comfort-

I get it- 

we eat what we like, 

but IF you want to make some changes and to want lose some of the reason you may have high blood pressure, or shortness of breath, or get taken off some of that medication, or you just want to lose some body fat, you have got to make a decision that you are going to say "NO!"
You will have to say, "NO"  to some of the things you used to say "yes" to.

And the funny thing- 

 I wonder why there has to be a LAW to have people wear a seat belt.

Why wouldn't you if you know it would potentially save your life if you were in an accident?

Why would you smoke if you know it causes lung cancer not only in you, 

but in anyone that breathes your smoke?

Why do I eat fried food when the oil and fat outweigh any benefit to eating that food?

Because WE want to, and we CAN, and we have NO reason NOT to.....

No one is going to stop you from buying that "ka-ka", 

it is all about money.

You eat poorly, you keep the fast food restaurants, doctors and pharmacies in business.

I hope this makes you mad,

mad enough to do something about it-

I got that mad.

I care about my body, my children's bodies, my husband's body, 
so I decided to make some adjustments to what I provide in my home. 

 I am responsible for 99% of what my family eats and so are you- so think about that.....

if your child is overweight,

 think about what is in your cupboards. 

What YOU have put in YOUR cupboards and YOUR family are feeding themselves with....
There is a battle going on!

Enough of my mini-rant-  

Top 10 Edibles You Should Say "NO" To:

1. High Fructose Corn Syrup - this is bad stuff
2. Fried Foods- they make them taste good with all the bad stuff
3. Sugar-white sugar is so bad- all candy, etc.
4. Corn- yes- look into it- corn turns into some kind of poison in your body!
5. Soda- ALL soda, diet, too.
6.White Flour- anything that has flour in it!( breads, cakes, pastries, donuts, crackers)
7. Hydrogenated oil- use coconut oil
8. Margarine 
9.Fatty beef- go for lean turkey or chicken
10. Ice Cream- change it for a Skinny Cow or Non-fat chocolate pudding w/whipped cream!
11. Potato chips (or corn chips)- too much salt, and yes, I DO know how good these bad boys taste!

12. GMO's - genetically manufactured organisms, it even sounds gross. Yes, they are added into so many foods that what we are eating today is drastically different than the food we used to eat.

Here are some things you should say "YES" To:

1. Blueberries- ALL berries!!
2. ALL green leafies- letttuce, romaine, kale,  not too much dressing but enough to make them edible!
3.Salmon/tuna
4. Nuts (almonds & walnuts are the best) in moderation
5. Water, lots and lots- add lemon, orange to add to the enjoyment!
6. Chia seed or Flax seed 
7. Wheat flour
8. Brown rice or even better, Quinoa - soooo good!
9.Protein Bars- always have one in your purse of bag in case of an emergency
10. Greek Yogurt- yum! It has protein in it, too!
11. Oatmeal- I eat this with Chia/blueberries EVERY morning!
12. Protein shakes- I drink a shake every morning and after every workout! (feeds your muscles!)
13. Pop chips, Rice chips as an alternative to potato chips/corn chips

I'm doing a study on Nehemiah and in the chapter we are studying, Nehemiah had a job that provided food and drink that the King was accessible to - but because his people were having to suffer so the King could have all he had, 

Nehemiah decided he wouldn't eat the food the King ate or drink what the King drank. 

He would eat what his people were eating.

Just because he COULD indulge didn't mean he HAD TO.

We eat so much that we don't NEED- I'll be the first to admit it.

A box of Hot Tamales is $1.00, not a lot of money for something that gives me pleasure. 

But as  got to thinking about that- I realized that the pleasure I receive is temporary- 

it provides me with no real nutritional value and cost me a dollar. 

Do I NEED my Hot Tamales? 

Maybe once a month I can justify it (during that time), but really, no, I don't.  

So I reaaaaaallllly try to only eat them when someone gives them to me, 

which is usually a gift.

So what about you? 

What do you think you might need to say "NO" to today- 

just one item on this list will get you started.

 Stick with that for a week and see what happens.

Then add another- this is a list that my family sticks to pretty good,

 but I am by all means NOT a legalist when it comes to life. 

When we are at a party, the kids can drink soda, but it is not an everyday thing- 

fried foods maybe once every two weeks, if that.

If I can do it- so can you.

I grew up in a home where there were chips in the cupboard and snacks all around!

I've had to change what I put into my cupboards so that I can change what goes into the mouths of the people I love!

Here is my prayer for you:

Father God,

Thank you for this reader and friend!

Thank you for his/her body, mind and spirit.

Lord, 

we come to you today to ask for your wisdom, for your power and your spirit of discipline that you freely share with us when we believe.

I ask that this reader would feel convicted today to "give up" something that he/she has been eating 

that is not edifying to the body you have given him/her.

I pray that your Sprit would move him/her to release the selfish desire to fill him/herself with something that is not healthy or beneficial to his/her body,

but would choose to feed his/her body with

only foods that are nutritious and beneficial to his/her body.

I ask this in Jesus' Holy name!

Amen!

Think about it-

What will you give up this week?

What can you really live without?

Is God prompting you to give up something you don't need?

Would love to hear your thoughts!

Have a blessed day!

Fit, Fabulous, 40's, Friday

YAY!

Good morning!

Hope you are as excited as I am today!

Yesterday the topic of "Change" and "Being Uncomfortable" came up at least 3 times, 

and all

in regards to exercise and fitness.

This beautiful blonde in my bible study asked what kinds of workouts I did. 

She noticed my arms and thought that I looked fit.

Now, I'm going to let you in on a secret-

every week that I saw her, I thought,

"She's so pretty and lean."

She runs.

She runs with a few of the gals that I know-

I used to call them the "Skinny blonde girls" at the gym,

because everyone gets a nickname there,

 right?

(I'm not proud that I do that, but it is the way I recognize the regulars at the gym

and in my mind, I am secretly saying "hello" to them.

Here are just a few of mine,

"Thunder Thighs"-a man, believe it or not!

The Hispanic Running Man

The Hat Girl

The Future Fitness Competitor...

I can only imagine what people are labeling me- 

The Loud Asian Girl/Lady

The Girl that Laughs Loud)

Getting back to the question that the pretty blonde asked me,

"What do you do?"

(I've been asked that quite a few times before- at the market (Tara),  Target, the gym, etc)

Before I could respond, she said,

"You lift weights, huh?"

I said,

"Yes, I do! I do cardio, too and have been focusing on it more because summer is coming".

So, what does that have to do with change?

I am really making an effort to change up my routine.

I think I may be in a rut.

 

Are you?

I like the idea of knowing what I"m doing each day of the week,

which body part I'm working, cardio, etc.

It's predictable.

Safe.

I KNOW it and I like it that way!

However,

my body is not responding to my work out the way it did years ago.

In fact, 

I put on a few L.B.s

and THAT, I don't like.

Oh, and summer, bathing suits, shorts...skin...

so,

I'm forcing myself to rev up the cardio and yes, I'm changing my workout a bit.

I want it more than the fear of being uncomfortable...

Whenever there is change you can expect some uncomfortableness. 

Is that even a word?

And yes,

So here I am,

making some changes.

Jillian Michaels says, "Get comfortable with being uncomfortable".

So,

I've been running more and believe it or not,

I'm changing up my routine.

Here are five ways you can change your routine:

1. Reverse the order of your routine

Your body gets used to the same routine, same order, same weight, etc. 

Go backwards!

2. Add one new machine or exercise to what you already do

ASK someone (who seems legit, errr, knowledgable, a trainer or google) for a new exercise to add to what you are already working on.

3. Focus on FORM over FUNCTION

Do your routine super slow, focusing on the muscle,

technique, technique, technique!

4. Workout with someone

Working out with someone is great to change things up, 

you will get new ideas and inspiration.

5.Double your cardio or try a new machine

I am an advocate for cardio!

Go for a run OUTside, or do some sprints in the gym, or high legs or Killers-

 If you are working hard through your weight workout, 

you will keep your heart rate up, but there are very few who do-

(because of chatting, not going heavy enough, etc)

So,

DO CARDIO-

it is good for you!

6. **Here is an extra one-**

TRY a new class!

I just started teaching a Fit Camp @ Saddleback Church on Wednesday nights for FREEEEEEE-

the church also has Zumba on Tuesday nights and Cardio Kickboxing on Thursday nights

 (if you are local)as part of the Daniel Plan!

Come on out!!

What do you want to try this next week?

How will you change your routine?

Maybe you need to start one?

Need suggestions? Email me!

Just GET MOVING!!

Have a blessed day!

Fit, Fabulous, 40's Friday

Choices & Smoothies

"I like to eat my calories" is one of my favorite sayings.

In fact, if you have ever been out with me

or give me the opportunity to eat something vs. drink something, 

I will choose to eat or chew food 99% of the time. 

Usually something along these lines..if possible.

or

 or

or

Lots of choices, but notice any similarities?

Ha, ha!

Ahem, that is just ME.

I do occasionally drink smoothies.

Again, not my favorite, 

but it is nice to change things up a little.

One of the gals I am working with on nutrition likes smoothies for breakfast and her mother asked for some recipes so I thought I would share them with you.

They are healthy, easy and there are a variety of choices!

They are also great for meal replacement or as a healthy snack.

WAAAAY better choice than eating cookies, crackers, popcorn, etc.

Start with any kind of blender:

I got one of these guys for Christmas.

 

1. Start out with a liquid.

Water, coconut water, almond milk, soy milk, etc. I usually add about 1/4-1/2 cup

I just use water, easy!

2. Add a scoop of protein, or eggs or egg whites.

1/2 of a scoop for the kids- 

we use this from GNC

 I thought I would try a new flavor- LOVE it, but very expensive!

 or you can get a less expensive one from the market

3. Add fruits

I cut up pieces of fruit and freeze them so it makes a nice cold drink, 

and it is super convenient to have it all ready.

Bananas, blackberries, strawberries,pineapple and blueberries.

You can add whichever you like!

Approx. 1/2 cup

4. Add vegetables

I use spinach 95% of the time, again, EASY!

The rule of thumb is that the veggies take up 1/2 of the cup-

also, you'll know if you need to add more next time depending on the color of the smoothie.

If it isn't green, you don't have enough!

 Found this on Pinterest: 

you can click and visit my Pinterest page under 

"Cleanish Eating"for other ideas/recipes

5. Add nuts or supplements,

chia or flax seed or even oatmeal! 

I would recommend 1/2 cup of oatmeal 

if you find yourself hungry within the hour of drinking one!

(Meagan :-))

The choices are endless!!! 

Here are some other options for you -

One from one of my favorite blogs: StuftMama

Lazy Mama Mocha Spinach Smoothie

1 frozen banana

handful fresh spinach

1 scoop protein powder (I used Designer Whey Vanilla Almond)

2 tablespoons cocoa powder (I used my favorite cocoa powder)

1 tablespoon instant espresso

1 1/4 cup milk or non dairy alternative (I used unsweetened almond milk)

These are from BodyBuilding.com where this link will take you right to the page.

Berry Good Shake

Ingredients

• 2 scoops of raspberry yogurt and protein powder
• 4 strawberries
• 15 blueberries
• 16 ounces of nonfat milk
• 1/2 cup of ice cubes

Banana Protein Shake

Ingredients

• 30g protein powder (plain or vanilla)
• 8 oz light soy milk
• 1 tbsp linseed, soy and almond mixture
• 1 tsp golden syrup
• Few drops vanilla essence/extract
• 3-4 cubes ice
• 1 tbsp low fat natural yogurt (optional depending on diet)

I hope these recipes and tips helped!!

REMBER:

"And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change

and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 18:3 (NIV)

TRY something new, CHOOSE to make a small change and then TRUST the process!!

What NEW THING are you going to TRY today?

Love ya!