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

Mugswap Update

About a month ago, I signed up for a mugswap!

 ( I blogged about it as well, move on to 'Free Gifts' when you're done reading this! ) 

You might be asking yourself...'Whats a mugswap?" Well, I stumbled across this blog and saw that this wonderful lady named Kim was organizing an INTERNATIONAL mugswap. You love coffee, tea or hot chocolate? Do you LOVE funky/fancy/unique/vintage/ALL coffee mugs like me? This was the swap to get involved in.

It's a lot like secret Santa, only with complete strangers. You get your assignment, find out a little bit about your receiver and then send off your package and then patiently, (or in my case compulsively/obnoxiously stare the mailman down) wait for your own secret mug to arrive.

My package arrived a few weeks ago:

How fabulous is that!? 

My senders name is Jeniffer, from Mississippi and y'all let me tell you. She is a God send.

I think one of the reason's I've always been weary of 'blogging' is that I don't ever feel like I have a lot to say. Each week I struggle with something I consider 'worthy' of blogging. I write and re-write these things sometimes 2 or 3 times before I have the guts to press 'publish'.

But today the message for me was clear. 

The Lord is involved in my everyday life.

Maybe one of you out there needs to hear that God cares, that He really is involved in every little thing. Well I'm here today to tell you - HE IS. He cares about us and He's so invested in us. He wants to be apart of our lives, and He wants a relationship with us. So much so, that He has a hand in everything that goes on with us. 

Point in case? - #mugswap2013.

I realize that probably not everyone who signed up for the mugswap is a Christian. I also realize that out of the 800 or so people who participated, that the odds of Jeniffer becoming my mugswap sender are pretty large. (I'm super bad at math or I could give you an actual percentage). Along with the mug and sweet gifts, Jeniffer wrote me an encouraging, lovely note that has found a permanent spot on my fridge. 

This past week, while wondering what to blog about, I came home to find another note in my mailbox from Jeniffer:

Jeniffer has been following this blog, and we're friends on various social networks. She took my desire for accountability partners to heart, and has gone above and beyond to send me helpful and encouraging notes, and uplifting verses.

This note reads 'You've been in my thoughts this week, and I thought you  might need some encouragement today. First of all, you can do this. God holds each of your dreams, and He carefully chooses which to give you. He knows your heart so deeply, and He showers you with gifts'  She also wrote out:
'Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing' - Psalm 143:10

I was blown away by her. How she took the time to write me another uplifting note, and pray for me and my walk with The Lord.

I truly believe The Lord put this together. I know that He knew my heart, and my want to further my relationship with Him. I know He understood that sometimes I fall, I doubt, I fail and I stumble. He knew that I needed accountability partners, in many forms - and He gave me another one, through this mugswap.

I love having someone so far from home that I've never met, and might never get to meet, praying for me and encouraging my walk in Christ. I love getting to do the same for her. I love having a Lord who is so invested in me that He intervenes and acts on my behalf in so many ways, big and small. I love that The Lord brought the mugswap to me and that through that mugswap, He created my friendship with Jeniffer.

I believe God puts these moments in our lives so that we can make a differences in each others walks. We never know why opportunities are presented to us, or what could come of them. Whether it be a mugswap, buying someones meal in the line behind you, or just offering a helping hand or listening ear. God works in our lives in so many ways, and I'm so thankful for that. 

xoxo,
Rachel

Unexpected

Fun Fact About Rachel #93

I'm really stubborn.

(or so I'm told, :] )

I'm also really independent, and don't like admitting defeat. And if I think I'm right about something, good luck changing my mind. 

I am my father's daughter.

If you're reading this than you probably already know I've been asking for people to hold me accountable in various areas of my life. I want to be a good wife and friend. I want to be a great cook and someone who lives a healthy life. But most importantly I want to be a good Christian. 

Last week, I was unexpectedly held accountable to living a Christian lifestyle, and it shocked me. I thought to myself, what gave this person the idea that they had the right to 'be in my business' and that he needed to get over his 'holier than thou' attitude. 

I was pretty mad.

But then The Lord had His way with my stubbornness. I was praying, asking God to calm my heart in this matter and show me how I was supposed to feel, when I heard The Lord say to me ' You wanted to be held accountable...'

BAM. 

Have you ever been proven wrong to your face, and had absolutely no come back to defend yourself? That was me with The Lord's answer...I just sat there, in shame, with no argument to prove my case.

I had asked for, and even wanted people out there who cared enough to hold me to certain standards, and I go upset the first major time it happened. I felt really silly.

At that point, I thanked God for another lesson and the fact that He's so patient and forgiving of how stubborn I can be sometimes.

So this past Sunday at church, our pastor was speaking on being All In for Christ. That we as Christians, and a church live such passionate, Christ centered lives, that it starts to change the city we live in and those around us to where everyone in our town is a follower of Jesus Christ. 

His sermon got me thinking about being all in. I found myself asking if I was really all in? If I had put all I had out there for Jesus, and didn't look back? If I was one of the people that lived that passionate and Christ centered life that he was talking about?
 I knew the answer, and it wasn't what I had expected.
It made me think of how far I've come, and how far I still have to go in my walk with The Lord. But I do still struggle with putting it all out there, and being all in. I still give in to temptation and fall over my own selfish desires. It's taken me a while to realize, that it isn't just an over night change. It's being broken, it's being proven wrong, and it's asking for help.

Today I am thankful for unexpected accountability partners. I'm thankful for unexpected answers. I'm thankful for His patience with me, and His willingness to put up with my stubbornness. I'm especially thankful for a God that calls me out and proves me wrong, and still loves me. 

I pray today friends, that not only I would give it my all, but that you will too. Let's put all we have in our Lord, and live the lives that He's called us to live.

'Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

-Romans 12:2

xoxo,

Rachel.

I know this is Love.

It's been almost 2 weeks since I've posted. 

Oops....I let life get a hold of me - where are my accountability partners?!?

...kidding :)

I think I've been avoiding writing this post, because I knew what The Lord had put on my heart to talk about, and it's not an easy topic for me.

My Testimony.

I grew up in an ELCA Lutheran Church, where my parents were both active members of the congregation. My Mom was the Music Director, and my Dad a member of the choir, and church council. It wasn't unusual for us to spend each Sunday morning, afternoon and Wednesday evening at church for various activities, and events. 

I eventually stopped going to church regularly after high school. I never really felt 'at home' in the church my parents chose to attend, and didn't make it a priority to find one where I did. 

Throughout college I hit a serious stage of rebellion, where I got drunk, did drugs and slept with men who did not love or respect me. I was searching for some deep meaning in life that I thought I could find through all of these things. I tried to go back to my parents church periodically, but still found it boring and dull. I just wrote it all off as 'not for me'.

Towards the end of college I was in a bad place.  I had turned into someone a younger version of me wouldn't know, or like. I didn't take my responsibilities, school, job or life seriously. My life consisted of work, party, sleep, class, repeat. I was unhappy with who I was, the people around me and the things I was a part of. I needed something more.

Rewind a little:

I met my husband in the summer of 2008 where we both worked at the YMCA. I was a lifeguard and he was a camp counselor, (cute right? summer love...) We went out a few times, hung out in groups of friends, but ultimately it didn't work out. We parted as friends, with no intentions of pursuing a relationship further.

Fast-Forward to 2011:

I'm working at my job as a waitress, shortly after making a serious decision to change my ways and I see him, sitting in the bar giving me this 'hey come talk to me' look. I was not looking for any attention, I wanted to be left alone to get out of this mess I was in and to figure out what my life meant. But little did I know The Lord had different plans for us.

I 100% truly believe God gave me my husband. He sent him to me when He knew exactly what I needed. 

Christ brought Austin to me, and Austin brought me to Christ. 

Austin was involved in the children's ministry at a local church plant, leading the service for the children on Sunday mornings as well as youth events on Wednesday evenings. His love for The Lord was one of the first things I noticed about him. Soon we were attending church together on a regular basis, and I found myself digging out my old bible to find what I had been looking for, for so long.

After about a year together, Austin and I found a new church that we both really enjoyed going to together. My desire to know Christ more was emerging slowly, but surely. We both got into serving at our new church to get more involved, and making steps together as a couple to draw closer to Christ, only deepened my individual want and need for more of Christ. In August of 2012 I made the decision to fully commit my life to Christ.

and it's been the best decision I've ever made.

I wake up really early sometimes, and quietly sit in God's presence. I love reading His word early in the morning when my house is quiet and still. It's like I have The Lord all to myself, and we get to talk about everything. I share with Him that I still struggle with who I used to be. I still stumble, I still don't feel good enough sometimes.

But then I remember Isaiah 43 - 
'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine'

and 

' I am redeemed. You set me free. So I'll shake off these heavy chains, and wipe away every stain. I'm not who I used to be. I am redeemed.'
-Big Daddy Weave

I asked God quite frequently to continue to give me faith. To trust Him.To  learn to love who I am.

'Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!'
- 2 Corinthians 5:17


I'm a sinner. I get caught up in life. I'm broken. But the great thing about God that I've learned is He takes all my mess, and makes it beautiful. He is jealous for me. He loves me, and His love is great.


When I look at Austin, my heart fills up with so much joy and I smile to myself and think 'I know this is love'

and when I read God's word, worship His name at church and listen to His music, my heart fills up with so much joy and I smile to myself and think

'I know this is love'

xoxo,

Rachel.

Free Gifts

Fun Fact about Rachel #83:

I love coffee...a lot.

I also love coffee mugs. So much so that my husband asked me to pick which ones I loved most, and then move the others into the attic because we were running out of room.

When I came across this blog and read about a mugswap, I signed up instantly! I received my assignment earlier this week, (the person I'm to buy a mug for, a little bit about her likes and style and her mailing information.) How fun is that!?

Today I found the perfect mug for her:

I hope when (and if) she sees this post, that she'll know how excited I am for her to have this mug.

I've been doing a lot of soul searching lately. I've had this deep desire to expand my relationship with Christ. I'm eager to know my purpose, and how God wants me used to do His will. I want to boldly share my faith in Jesus because I want others to know the amazing love of Christ. I want every person I come into contact with to know Him intimately.


So I've been reading through Ephesians this week. 

My church Vintage City, is in a series called 'Identity' discussing who we are, who we used to be, and who we are in Christ. 

I think Ephesians 1 does a great job of helping me understand who God says I am.

• You are chosen (v. 4).
• He has made you holy and blameless.
• You are adopted as children through Jesus Christ (v.5)

It's hard sometimes to read these promises and feel worthy. I always feel like I can do better, I can be better.

 Paul warms my heart in verses 17-19:

'I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.'

I pray this prayer often. Not only for myself but for so many others too. My heart sometimes feels like its busting with love for Christ, so much so that I want everyone else to have that same feeling.

Ephesians 2 I think, does a good job of telling us who we were. Paul describes it for us:

 'All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath' (v.3)

This is what it is without God, we have no hope of saving ourselves.

But then...
'But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions -- it is by grace you have been saved' (v. 4-5)

'For by grace I have been saved through faith. And this is not my own doing; it is the gift of God' (v.8)

It's a gift, simple as that. The gift of grace.  
I'd like to think that God feels the same way about us accepting Him and His grace the same way I do about my mugswap buddy getting her mug. 

I hope she'll know how excited I am for her to have this gift. 

God feels the same way about our relationship with Him. When we feel His love, that we will know how excited He is for us, and wants to give us the gift of grace.

Luke 8

Fun Fact about Rachel #283:

I really do not like rain.

It irritates me, my pants get all wet, I always always forget my umbrella, and my hair has a vendetta against the rain. So I get to suffer the embarrassment that is my hair on any day there is a slight amount of moisture in the air. So with that being said, has anyone else noticed that it's rained like...all year? Ugh. It rained on my birthday...at the beach, it rained on my wedding day...and it rained on my honeymoon. I really really do not like rain.

I was probably around 17 before I figured out that the world did not revolve around me ( !?!?! I KNOW, I was surprised too.) So just because I don't like rain, obviously doesn't mean The Lord is going to command the heavens close up and quit raining, simply because I want it to.

Hubs and I have been working our way through the Gospels. We've started on Luke and came across chapter 8 yesterday. 

There is SO MUCH in this chapter I think worthy of study. I spent an entire day reflecting on the first 15 verses ( The Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed - it'll make you think! )

But what stuck out to me most yesterday was when Jesus Calms the Storm:

One day Jesus said to his disciples, "Let's cross to the other side of the lake." So they go into a boat and started out. As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, "Master, Master, we're going to drown!" When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. Then he asked them, "Where is your faith?" The disciples were terrified and amazed. 'Who is this man?' they asked each other. 'When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!' 

- Luke 8:22-25

I would have been one of those disciples freaking out. I think The Lord pointed this out to me and had it sit on my heart so heavy, as to ask me where my faith was? 

See, I'm currently 'mid-storm' with a certain situation in my life. The figurative waters are rising, the waves are high, and sometimes I get really afraid that I'm going to drown. I've tried and tried to do everything in my ability to survive this storm, but it's too big, too strong and I'm freaking out. 

Have you ever read a passage in the bible, and instantly thought, "I was supposed to read that" well, that was me yesterday morning. I knew The Lord was speaking to me through Luke. Where is my faith? Have I fully given this problem to God, and let Him take control?

I love how the passage says 'the storm stopped, and all was calm'. Even though I don't care for rain, how beautiful is everything after it stops? The sky is always bluer than before, the suns a little warmer, everything is greener, and everything does seem calm. I think that's how 'storms' in our lives are, and sometimes when it rains it pours and everything goes wrong all at once. But how great is it when we give those storms to The Lord, and have the faith that with Him, we'll be fine. We can count on Him, to calm the waves and know that everything will be beautiful in the end. For me, the storms and rain are worth it.

xoxo,

Rachel

Currently listening to: Hillsong United Pandora Radio. (it's a good one :) )