The Message

I follow this lady on Instagram. I don't know who she is, (creepy right?) but I came to follow her through the oh so wonderful #mugswap. 

What's a #mugswap you might ask? Only the funnest thing ever! It's basically like secret santa, only with coffee mugs. It's every August and it's wonderful. You make fun connections and get to bless someone with a coffee mug and goodies that you've picked out for them only after a tid-bit of information given to you.

So anyway, this lady. Every morning around 6:00am she posts the bible verse of the day, with a fun creative background. It's the same bible verse that everyone else who uses the YouVersion app gets, but I enjoy reading the verse of the day through her posts. She also uses 'The Message' translation. I've always heard of a 'controversy' over this particular translation of The Bible, but that's not the point. I don't personally choose to read The Message simply because I can't ever figure it out. I personally think it's just a more modern, 'book' type read of The Bible that puts passages into more applicable context. ( whoa! big words)

Today's verse reads, in my particular preferred translation of NIV:

'Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship' Romans 12:1

I even have this verse highlighted. I took this to mean, that my physical body and everything it does is to be given to God as sacrifice. Whatever my body may do or be should be acceptable by God. That THIS is a true form of worship.

Now let's look at today's verse via The Message translation:

'so here's what I want you to do. God helping you: take your everyday, ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going to work, and walking around life - and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. Don't become so well adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what He wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to it's level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, and develops well formed maturity in you.' 

I feel like this verse now has all the footnotes included that were missing before. Not only does it tell me what to do, but it also tells me how without changing the instructions or the result. 

This verse couldn't have come at a better time for me. Ya see, this past Sunday God spoke directly to me through my Pastor. He does this frequently but this past Sunday was like a big ol' bright shiny spot light right down on me. 

He talked about how to focus on the next steps in our faith. He talked about Paul's letters to the Philippians. Specifically when he sends his 'thank you note' back to them for supporting him financially through his ministry, when they had nothing to give. He specifies in Chapter 4 verses 11 - 12 saying:

'I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry. Whether living in plenty or in want'

He talked about our attitude and needing to have an attitude of contentment. 

He asked us, are we content with what we have? With what we don't have? Contentment isn't something that comes natural to us. We live in a culture that teaches us we need more, and if we work for 'it', get 'it' and have more of 'it' we will be satisfied. 

IT doesn't exist.

He talked about how we too, can learn the secret of contentment.

1. Resist Comparisons (Proverbs 14:30)

2. Be Thankful (Ecclesiastes 6:9)

3. Trust God. (1 Timothy 6:17)

 This hit home. I am the QUEEN of comparisons. It's my competitive nature, that drives me to become better than my old self and in reality, those around me. I skim over things daily that I am thankful for. I just brush it off as a part of life that is just 'given' to me and don't think that simple things like running water and the choice of food I eat is something that someone, somewhere may not have.

and Trust God. (whew!) He asked us to answer to ourselves...do we trust God? Want to know what my answer was?....

Sometimes.(!!!!!!)

Sometimes I trust God. 

I am a strong willed, independent, do it for myself kind of person. When a situation is out of my control, I find a way to change my situation to PUT it in my control. It doesn't work that way with God though. 

God used that sermon to break me. He humbled me and brought that spot light back to Him. I was a crying mess during that sermon and it's given me a lot of things to think about. 

So back to the verse this morning...

I read it and knew that it was important, and meant for me to see in The Message translation... 

Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. Embrace what He gives us, the things we need, the things we don't need, but want. Don't fit into a culture that tells us we need more, that we need 'it', that we need control. Be content in God, be content in His decisions and His timing, and live our lives as a sacrifice to Him.

Friends,

He's got this. Don't compare yourselves to others, good or bad. Be thankful for what you have and where you are in life, don't wish for more, and most importantly put your faith in Him. 

be still and know...that He is God.

xoxo,

Rachel

Healthy Habits

I'm going to admit something to you...that may shock some of you, disappoint others and really confuse most...

I thought Pinterest was a stupid idea (whew! I'm glad I finally admitted that!)

When it first came out, I couldn't grasp the concept on how it worked, and really didn't care to try. I rolled my eyes at other peoples straight obsession with pinning. I didn't make an account for the longest time, and only gave in when little posts on Facebook starting popping up saying "Natasha pinned this to her board"...I would want to see what she posted, but couldn't without having an account...(that's how they getcha!) So, finally I created one...but still refused to use it.

UNTIL - like 2 weeks ago. 

It's tons of fun (which I know you already knew) and hubs is happy because it's like new food heaven in our kitchen...'Hey babe, I found a recipe on Pinterest...we're gonna have [insert some delicious sounding meal here]....' 

No complaints from the Husband department. 

One of these days when I get around to remembering to take pictures of my food as I cook it, I'll provide some insight on my adventure into eating healthier...until then, enjoy an empty recipe tab above :)
I've started to follow all kinds of boards...clothes, desserts, DIY, home decorating, desserts, yoga, desserts, running.....desserts. You get the idea. Also weightloss! I saw a pin that said '15 habits of people who lost 30 lbs and kept it off'....that intrigued me. (with all those dessert pins I need as many tips as I can get.)
You can follow that link to read the whole things but I wanted to share some of the ones I deemed as most important, as well as some biblical references to focus on:

Develop routines and make it your lifestyle.
I am not on a 'diet'..I may have been when I first started losing weight, but now it's how I choose to live my life. I make conscious decisions on how I treat my body, with food & exercise. I incorporate healthy choices into everything I do. My body is here to glorify God, and I try my best to treat it accordingly. 

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God' 1Corinthians 10:31

Eat clean (er) foods & Cook at home
I think these two go hand in hand. If you cook at home, you're more likely eating cleaner food just by default. You know what goes into what you're cooking. You can limit the amount of 'unhealthier' choices at home, than you can in a drive through or at a restaurant. Eat your colors.

While the Bible doesn't provide a specific way of eating, it does stress importance on a balance between healthy choices and enjoying 'richer' foods. (source)

Have an accountability system
This one is so important!! I could have never gotten down 40lbs without hubs & my friends and family. They encouraged me, helped me find new recipes, they didn't tempt me. They knew this was important to me. But also, they understood and put me back on track when I did lose sight. I would ask friends to meet me at the gym before or after work. Knowing I had someone counting on me to show up, made me actually show up. Accountability is so important in many aspects of life - especially maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
 

Practice portion control.
This should be pretty self explanatory. Everything is okay in portion. It definitely takes some serious self control and having that accountability when it comes to portion control. I would use smaller plates so you can only fit so much. Also, I would practice putting my fork down in between bites and drink some water. You'll be surprised at how fast you get full doing this.

'You were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies' 1Corinthians 6:20  

Prioritize exercise
It's not about having time...it's about making time. Do squats while you dry your hair. Jog in place while you watch tv, take your dog for a walk. Meet up with a friend & take an aerobics class. Practice yoga. 30 minutes a day is all it takes. 

'I can do all this through Him who gives me strength' Philippians 4:13
 
Meal plan along with preparing meals and snacks ahead of time.
This one will cut down on the guess work. We meal plan on Sunday's. We would grocery shop according to our list. This not only cuts back on having junk food in the house, but it saves you tons of money. I'd always make more than needed, so we could have leftovers for lunch. Let me be the first to tell you - unless you're an amazing chef who has tons of time on your hands, this part isn't glamorous. Sometimes I'll just take left over grilled chicken, and put some salsa on it and call it a meal. Other times I'd each spinach and a rice cake because it's what I planned for. Knowing what you're going to be eating and planning for it keeps you away from those drive throughs and last minute desperate starvation decisions. 

'For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap' Galatians 6:7
 
Give yourself grace.
I added this one. 
Ya'll we have to give ourselves grace. We have to be willing to understand that we are sinners. We will fall short. But here's a secret....it's okay! Have some ice cream with your kids, enjoy a good meal with your friends...eat a cupcake on a Tuesday because you feel like it. It. Is. Okay.
My pal Sydney wrote a blog that really got to me yesterday
(check it out here)
We (myself included) focus so much on our outward beauty. We're concerned with our weight, how flat our stomach is, where our clothes come from. Friends! It doesn't matter! We are to live our lives to be filled with Christ, not filled with ourselves.Try your hardest, stay active, eat clean, reward yourself and do it all for the glory of God!

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight - 1Peter 3:3-4

In all your ways, submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:6

Now...get up and go for a run :)

xoxo,
Rachel 

committed to prayer

Let me just start by saying...I really stink at blogging.

I always have such good intentions - whether anyone actually reads what I write, is beside the point - I long to be one of those cute, pinterest posting, recipe sharing, inspirational blogs you come across while using stumbleupon.com...

Apparently, unless I up my game a little, this isn't going to happen.

But that's okay!

Let me tell you friends - Our God is great! 

Some of you may already know this, where as others don't agree. But let me tell you why I know He is.

A few months ago I was having a really hard time at my job. I was frustrated for various reasons, but I liked the work and I knew I was working for a great company. My husband and I talked about it and we decided to pray for guidance. We went to The Lord in prayer and said show us, lead us, guide us. If this is the place for me that He would take my frustrations and worries from me and that I would be content. 

All while this was happening a few other things were going on at the same time:
First:
A few miles down the road my mother in law was talking to a client of hers, (she owns her own hair salon) she told me they had just sort of stumbled into a conversation about work, when the woman shared with her that she's been wanting to hire someone for her company, but not really felt like it was the right timing. That she had been praying about advertising for this position but didn't feel that was right path to take. She started describing the position to my mother-in-law who told her that it sounded like something I may like to do, so she gave her my number. 
Also:

Our pastor preached on prayer the next Sunday. He said alot of things during this sermon that stuck with me, but one in particular was that 'we are ordinary people who can pray to an extraordinary God. That we have full access to God anytime we want. 
Ephesians 3:20 says 'He can do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine.' (paraphrase) 
Our pastor asked if you really believe that He can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine? Do you? We need to believe that God answers prayers. He is listening and He hears you. Sometimes the answer is yes, and sometimes it's no...but he always answers.

He also said to get specific - to go to God and pray very specific prayers. ( I about have to pray for specific things, I ask God for Him to make it really obvious for me because I'm a pretty oblivious person. If you ever get the chance, ask Austin about the time I walked past a bouquet of flowers about 20 times before he finally pointed them out to me) 

The following Monday hubs and I were sitting at the table for dinner, discussing our day. I expressed to him how I really hoped the lady his mom gave my number to called me. He suggested I give his mom a call and ask for her number instead. I instinctively said no, that I've prayed about this and I trust that if this is what God wants, she'll call me. He agreed and we left it at that...I kid you not, 10 minutes later my phone rang - and it was her! She invited me to come for a introduction interview that upcoming Friday!
All week long that week, we prayed HARD, and very very specific prayers. We knew that if I chose to change jobs a specific amount of money had to be there, that they would understand wanting to work a 2 week notice, we prayed that if God wanted something different for me that it would be easy, that all the doors would be open. 
When I went for that introduction interview, everything we prayed for - happened. Every specific prayer we prayed, was granted. 
I was floored. I had an overwhelming feeling that I was taken care of. That's what God wants - for us to let Him take care of us. After all, He is our Father.

Ya'll - it's SO EASY to think to ourselves 'I got this, I don't need any help' (that's me in a nut shell  **insert Miss Independent lyrics**) But let me say - it's so much easier to give it to God and not worry with it anymore. Trust that He is for you. He wants you to come to Him with everything. Every request, every situation, every fear, every worry, every good news! He wants us to trust Him, confide in Him, and talk to Him. 

Our God is great and 'every good and perfect gift comes from Him' (James 1:17, again paraphrased).
I encourage anyone reading this to know, God is for you, and He wants to hear from you. Commit to praying and conversing with your Father in all situations- even if you haven't in a really, really long time. 
Why not now? He's ready for you, just like He always has been.

xoxo,
Rachel

My fitness journey

I've decided to focus my blog on my faith and walk in Christ, as well as encourage and inspire others in their walk in faith, as well as in health and fitness.

First let me say this...I am NOT in anyway a trainer, nutritionist or certified professional of any form in regards to health and fitness. My journey and my plan works for me.

Before starting any weight loss plan, or physical activity program, I encourage everyone to discuss with their physician to see what is safe and effective for you!

I've had a lot of people ask me how and why I started and I thought it would be a good way to share - to be completely transparent about my struggles and success.

I've always struggled with my size - I'm 5'8 with broad shoulders, 'big bones' and thick leg muscles. "Athletic" is what my body type was referred to as a kid.
Growing up, I was bigger than most of my friends. I remember getting to middle school and having to do those awkward physical exams for PE - I remember weighing more than the other kids. I never really let my size bother me though. I was pretty confident in who I was. I played volleyball, and tennis and was on the track team. Although I wasn't the best in any of those sports, I stuck with them and enjoyed playing. After high school I gave up playing sports and didn't stay active during college.
I put on a good 20 pounds after high school and refused to acknowledge it. I avoided scales and taught myself to think 'it's how you feel, not how much you weigh' (Which I still 100% agree with!) But I was super unhealthy. I would eat whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted and paid no attention to what I put in my body.
I took notice of my habits and unhealthy way of eating around December of 2013. I knew some girlfriends who had some success with Weight Watchers, so I gave it a try. Around that time I also picked up my 2nd job of teaching swim lessons at a locally owned gym. I started swimming and running regularly as well as following a strict, strict diet on the WW plan.
I lost 40 pounds in 5 months:

(left: Summer 2013. right: May 2014)

I learned to love eating vegetables. I gave up breads. pastas and cheese (and wine....periodically :) ). I ate alot of protein and vegetables. I found new recipes and did a ton of meal prep. I would still reward myself with sweets & chocolate as well.

If anyone knows about Weight Watchers, it's all about portion size and what's 'worth' eating verses what isn't. I quickly learned I could eat pizza, pasta & burgers...but I couldn't eat a lot of them. What one slice of pizza would 'cost' in the WW world, I could eat 2 cups of spinach, a 5oz chicken breast, 2 hard boiled eggs and some dressing. SO much more food.

It just made sense to me, and it worked.

I struggled, and gave in to craving every now and then. But I would always get back on track, focusing on my workouts, and putting fuel into my body.

My fitness journey has done more for me than just losing weight and getting in shape. I've had the opportunity to meet new people who have encouraged and inspired me to push forward and keep going. I've drawn closer to God by giving praise to Him for allowing me to have the strength and courage to continue, when really all I wanted to do was quit. I've found fun new ways to stay active and push myself. I've signed up for more races and even am participating in my first triathlon in September. 

Most importantly I want to encourage others to believe in themselves. To truly believe in yourselves and know that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are strong and you can do it!

I'll be here to provide encouragement, ideas and tips and recipes along the way!

Here's to you!

xoxo,

Rachel 

Hiatus...OVER!

the definition of Hiatus courtesy of google:  

a pause or gap in a sequence, series, or process.

I'm not sure how long a 'typical' hiatus lasts, but mine was close to a year! (oops!)

Alot has been going on since my last post. I started a new job, spent my first holiday season as a married lady, picked up a second job, started focusing majorly on my health and fitness, went to Texas...and Massachusetts, turned 27. 

See? All kinds of stuff going on.

I wanted to start my blog back up for a few reasons.

First being, I started this blog to bring glory to Christ and make His name famous, and I want to continue that work. 

Secondly, as previously stated I've taken a major turn to focus on my health and fitness and I've found that reading other fitness/health related blogs are helpful, encouraging and have wonderful tips and ideas. I can only hope that my rambling will brighten someone's day with a positive thought or motivation. 

And lastly, it's sort of like a diary that you're willing to share with the world. and lets be honest...what girl doesn't like having a diary? 

Psalm 46:10 says this

'Be still, and know that I am God'

Life can get the best of us, and sometimes it's very very hard to slow down, take a breath and remember to be still. 

But that's what Christ calls us to do - be still. 

I've learned along my walk that God loves when we give everything to Him, and say Lord, you've got this under control. We have no need to worry, stress or try to take it on ourselves - He's taking care of everything for us. Although this is SO hard, especially for people like me who have to have control and get things done - when we put our faith in Him we are rewarded in ways beyond anything we could have hoped. 

I want to get better at being still. I want to commit to spending time daily with Christ while sitting still at the foot of the cross. Not in the car, while I'm drying my hair or wherever else I can fit that time in my day, I want to make the time to sit with Him and listen. It's not really asking that much, if you think about what He's done for me.

Join me friends! Let's commit to sit down daily and spend time with our Father.

xoxo,

Rachel