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Faith Journey Fitness

I am doubting my limits in 2018

I ended my 2017 pretty eventful. I have never been an athlete until recently, so I never injured myself until the middle of December. I want to say that I was doing some really cool lift or crazy feat of strength, but nope, not me I was warming up took a small hop and tore my ATF Ligament in my ankle. Oh OUCH, right?

It initially sounded worse than it felt but four weeks into recovery and yep, that bad boy hurts.  I have never been seriously injured, and I have also never been active every day, so both have had their mental ups and downs.  Reflecting can be nice because you can have a new appreciation for events, things and moments.

Putting and end to doubt

2017 was the best year that I have had in a long time and truly was for so long the year has ended, and I wished I would have done more, tried things, experienced more and limit myself less.

Last year, I ran the Tough Mudder, and I went to the race alone. Yep, I had intended to go with a team, but the only person that I kind of knew on the team couldn’t go last minute, and that left me all by myself. I wasn’t going to go for that very reason. I actually cried a little on how pathetic it was that I had no one to do the race with, but I still drove out there all alone.

By Godcidence I quickly was on a team of misfits.  We all had been left to go the race alone. Somehow, some way and stumbled upon each other and did the run as a team; we called ourselves “Team-No Team.”  I haven’t spoken to any of those people since that day, but they were part of a pivotal moment in my fitness journey.They helped me change my mindset.

That Mud Run was my beginning goal realized. When I had set out on this fitness journey, it was after I had run the Rugged Maniac at 205 lbs. 5ft 3 inches tall. I vowed to myself to run the race again in better shape, and I set out on that mission.  Then the day of the race came, and I did it alone.  It was the most empowering moment because I realized that I could do anything that I set my mind to there is nothing limiting but myself.  That day awakened a women who now see’s mountains as potential to be conquered.

Stop Limiting My Options

I couldn’t have found the Gixo app at a better time. So, I am starting the year off with one foot, can’t train like  I used to, can’t train others and I need a little motivation.  One day in a bit of pity party I decided to download the Gixo app and give it a try.  Sometimes you just need someone to tell you what to do.  I tried the Total Core class because I figured I didn’t really have to modify the instructors will for me (even better) and fell in love.

It’s just what I need right now while I am home and can’t get to a gym.  I can pick a class schedule, join others so I won’t feel so alone and real-time see and talk to the group instructor who was able to modify the moves for me.  They also made a note so now when I pop into other classes they already have some modifications for me.  It was the motivation I needed to get back to a new routine and new workout program until my ankle heals from home.

My injury is the “mountain” that I am beginning my year with and while everyone rushed to the gym January 1st, and I have to watch from the sidelines, and it stinks! But by Godcidence I was asked to participate in the Fit Approach, and Gixo App Campaign which I am absolutely in love with and I started a little early because I need to tell myself these things. I needed to remind myself that the limits that I have set are only in my head, that we can do anything that we give our heart and desire to and something that I always know to be true is that I am the daughter of a limitless King.

I am so excited to be joining forces with Sweat Pink and Gixo App to try new workouts.I am looking forward to sharing with women and remind them that we are limitless. We can do it alone, do it scared, follow our dreams, be all the things if that is what we choose to do. What we cannot do; is put the limit on our potential.

Would you join us in spreading a message of positivity, inspiration and motivation and share what or who makes you limitless this month? You can use hashtags: #IAmLimitless

But I am curious to know; How are you going to live Limitless this year and will you join us in spreading the message of our untapped ability to be limitless?

 

 

This post was written in partnership with Gixo Fit and Fit Approach “I am Limitless” Campaign. Although, I am being compensated my thoughts and opinions are my own check out my full disclosure policy 

 

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Through the Seasons

Reflecting back I realized what I’ve been through; how I got through; is why I am who I am today. When I was in school, my professor asked, “In ten years from now do you think that you are going to have the same belief system and values? Or, are you pretty much going to remain the same? Two of us said, “No” the majority of the class said, “Yes, the would have the same beliefs and values.” I was one of the two who said, “No.”

I know that I will value and believe some of the same things in 10 years, but I don’t think I could be the same. You get older, wiser, have more to value or a better definition of what it is and then I thought back to who I was ten years ago. That girl and this woman do not have the same values.

Apparently, I have a conviction and a strong belief in God now which I didn’t have before. I wasn’t always a Jesus Girl. The same enthusiasm I have for my faith I had in living in the world. I was a party girl searching for peace and comfort in all the wrong places and things. I was living daily anxious and frustrated, and then I tried something different. It happens we grow up, and we experience life and the seasons and looking back I have to say that through the seasons I have learned a few things that I will keep through the next ten years and hope to add more:

Season of Trust

There was a season that my family went through that we had nothing but to rely on and trust in God to get us through. When I say nothing, I mean that very literally “we had nothing.” Everything had been stripped from us along with our pride and humility.  I like to say, “we ran as far as the world could take us.” Living like the “Jones‘” left us at our rock bottom.  Only then did we begin to trust in God how we should with total and complete confidence because we didn’t have anything other option.

Looking back it was that “Fix it Jesus” mentality like, “Okay, Lord I’ve done everything that I could do. I’ve messed everything up, and I could use your help to bail me out.” Like the kind, good Father that He is He not only delivered us but that reliance and trust in Him brought my family into an intimate relationship with God. It was when we became FaithFueled.

Season of Be Still

Through God’s mercy we began to rebound, but then God started to prune another area in my temple; obedience.  God sat me down, shut me up, and through devotion, Bible study, prayer, and worship taught me to wait on God.Through much persistence, God asked me to “Be Still.” I was speaking with a good friend one day, and she said something that made me think of this season.

Before Jesus kept the 12 disciples very close to Him before He would be crucified and then send them out into the world to evangelize.  During my season of stillness, all I had was to take care of my family and dive headfirst into the Word. I studied inductively, attended Bible Study I submerged myself in the Word and learned so much about “learning the Bible.” It is now how I study daily, and I feel crucial in my daily walk with God.  I look back on those two years and remember being ungrateful for the season of rest and God continually reminding me it was but a moment.  Hindsight 20/20 because I don’t think I’d have the stamina for that season. It’s also when I was very depressed and abused food for comfort. Then I learned about prayer.

Season of Prayer

Everyone knows how to pray.  There’s all kind of prayers: rehearsed prayers you say for grace or your kids know, “fix it Jesus” prayers, “genie” prayers, and then there’s prayer.  Having an intimate conversation opening your heart to God with your gratitude and appeal. At the time, of course, I didn’t realize the power of prayer.  I knew praying was talking to God but until I started journaling, researching and doing some heavy praying; it’s all that people say and more.  Like anything you have to practice the skill often and do it often in this case-pray often or (“Pray without ceasing,” 1 Thess 5;16)

I used to be one of those people who say, I’m praying for you and honestly, didn’t always do it. Then I started reading, praying and reading more and praying more and learned. Praying for someone is the easier yet most powerful thing you can do for a person.

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:22

Now, if I say I am praying for you if I don’t do it that moment which I usually do because it only takes a moment. We waste our time on so many other things taking 2-3 minutes to pray for a friend, family, peace; strength isn’t much.  When you journal or track them and realize that God is busier than you think because He does answer.  I have a journal and a prayer box.

Boxing it all Up

My journal idea came from a friend, Antracia Mooring who writes on her blog Unfolding Words.  I adopted the approach and journal often, (not daily I’m working on that” and looking back on answered prayers is such an uplifting feeling.  Then my prayer box came from a friend and mentored introduced me to the idea of putting my prayers in a box and then giving it to God.  Well, I went through that box, and the amount of answered prayers was so confirming. All but one had been answered at the moment and some I had forgotten.  It made me appreciate my season even more.

 

I think God likes to surprise us like we want to give to do for our kids or loved ones.  We do those things for the look of excitement on their face and the joy.  When we’re blessed with an answered prayer, I don’t know about you, but I jump around dancing and singing like a child who just got a surprise.  Its unexpected out of the blue and nothing that I have expected that’s when I know, “Yep, God that was you and thank you!” I have grown in patience and intimacy with God through this season and continue to glean from it.

Season of Focus & Legacy

I am now in a season of focus it’s what was my “word” for 2016 and has carried on into 2017. With all that has fone on this year (College, Started working after 12 years of staying at home, three daughters and Prepping for my first Figure Competition). I need to remember moment by moment to focus on God first and foremost and let Him lead me through the rest. This year in prayer and different conversations and signs the word “legacy” has presented itself.  With all life busyness, I don’t have much hindsight about this season as of yet, but I have been learning some new “skills” for strengthening my focus and will probably be sharing my journey. Regardless of what season looks like; doing life with God has made it worth every trial and triumph.

“Set your eyes on the things above and not the things of this earth.” Colossians 3:2

When looking back do you see a theme to your seasons in life?

 

Original Post 1.16.17 updated

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Faith & Self Care Faith Journey Fitness Fitness and Health Weightloss Journey

Not an Overnight Success: 7 things I’ve learned on my journey to lose 80 lbs.

I can’t believe that it has been another year. It seems both fast and long. For last years anniversary post check it out here! Two years seem like a long time but looking back it has flown. I started this blog three years ago as a Christian Mom Blog I didn’t know what I was doing then, and I still don’t know what “Christian Mom Blog” means but it has evolved over the last two years it has become a faith and fitness blog.

August 4, 2015

Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us. Isaiah 8:10

Two years today after trying on my own to figure out this daunting weight loss thing joined an online exercise program   It was exactly what I needed to get started a plan and some guidance. She also encouraged her members to take pictures to show progress, and I am grateful for those to look back at and see my progress. I would have never thought to do that. At the time I hated the idea, and the cost of a gym so, at home workouts worked for me. I also said that I would “never work out at a gym again,” haha.

Fast Forward

Fast forward two years and what I thought was going to be a temporary fix; I was going to get real skinny quick. Little did I know not only was I going to “get skinny” but it was going to be a roller coaster of highs and lows expectations and disappointments and an internal journey as well. It hasn’t all been bad.

Blessed through the Journey

This has also given me the opportunity to have fun adventures like working out with celebrity trainers and trying all kinds of new equipment, supplements, and tools.

 

Never Say Never

I am teaching group fitness classes at 5 am in the morning which I never imagined I would be up and moving at 5 am much less teaching other people too. I told my friend who kept referring me that I would never do group fitness and now that I have I absolutely love it.

A passion ignited

I am 10 weeks away from obtaining my degree in Fitness and Exercise Science, and I am working at an amazing gym (which I also said that I would never do; “work at a gym)”. I am learning so much from a great group of passionate trainers.

FaithFueled is a Lifestyle

Honoring my temple has now become my way of life how I live my life. The choices I make how I plan my day involves my mental space, health, exercise and healthy eating.

More than just a weight loss journey

I started on Periscope and Instagram just sharing about my journey which turned into a 30-day personal prayer challenge that I gave myself to honor my temple.  Those 30 days completely changed my perspective of how I can use God in my life. I had always put boundaries and limits on what I could pray.

Change in Purpose

I didn’t think God cared if I wanted to be skinny or not but through my prayers and devotion my want to be skinny changed for want to be healthy both including spiritually, physically and medically.  It gave me a passion for honoring my temple meaning what I put into it, how I treat it, who I involve in my emotional life and I went to the Bible for the lead in everything.

Stronger Together

I had a relationship with Christ before this journey but the peace I and intimacy that I never knew I craved has been met and continues to grow through this journey. When you turn to God for the little things you begin to turn to Him for everything and having a daily passionate relationship with God has been more fulfilling than being skinny or lifting a weight. The most exciting part of this journey is that I pray every day that I can be a light and bring glory to God through all that I do.

Humbled to be used

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

God has shown me in the last two year many women and some men that I have inspired through my journey. I am humbled and honored to serve God through fitness. It is amazing that in two years I have been able to change and transform and it is really truly because of God that I am where I am today. So, today I am celebrating the day that literally changed the course of my life. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today. So, this is my physical change in the last two years Year to date, but I don’t think you can take a picture for the internal change this experience has had on my family and myself.

The things I have learned in two years

  1. Give it to God first don’t try to do it yourself you’ll save time and stress.
  2. Be consistent even if you don’t see progress.
  3. If it isn’t working try something different you don’t have to stick with the thing you started.
  4. Yes, food is important not only what you eat but how and when you eat it!
  5. Discipline is needed and accountability
  6. Regardless what stage you’re at love and appreciate where you are right now while you are working towards what you want and always remember your Why!
  7. The only fix is your mindset that quick and easy doesn’t cut it hard work is worth the reward.

What’s Next?

I now have a new goal to compete in a Fitness competition.  Similar to weight loss, the mental is hard, the workouts are hard, and the food is the worse. I want to quit from day to day, and the highs and lows are the same but I know I have the victory. It will take more time than I want but I will get there just like I got here.

Work in Progress

There is a lot I still have yet to learn and work on if not physically then spiritually and emotionally. By no means am I even finished I like to think of it as just getting started on the next chapter, and I am excited to see what is written. If I could leave anyone with any advice is if you haven’t started, start today because it’s just another step closer to your goals. Remember it takes time so give yourself

time!

How can I help you start your journey or encourage you?

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Progress in Action

When was the last time you admired yourself in the mirror? When have you showed your self love? Gazed in the mirror and saw God’s beautiful creation. I find that we use the mirror incorrectly. Instead of finding why we are special we are critiquing why we don’t live up to some fictionalized standard. It is so easy to get overly critical of our appearance, character, actions, and habits; Especially when we are not meeting our expectations of what we should.

self love

My Mirror Avoidance

Throughout my weight loss journey, my vanity and worldly views would steal my joy.  Looking back now that I am mental, spiritually and physically happy I realize this is a big problem for lots of people.  Hindsight is always crystal clear.  I would consider myself pretty confident, but I let the enemies whispers of self-hate and conditional love ring in my ear.  Believing these lies just didn’t feel right.

Psalms 139:14, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”

self love

Has this always been?

I am the oldest of six children in a blended family; four girls and two boys. My mother was a great example of loving who you are for what you are. I always remember her encouraging us to love ourselves. Physically I have always been thin, physically active, overachiever who did not shy away from anything.

When I got pregnant with my first daughter, I gained 95 pounds; who knew eating for two was just an expression? (Not I) It took me a while, but I lost the weight and got back to myself. Then, I had my second daughter elated and educated I tried not to make the same mistakes. Eighty-five pounds later I got back on that horse again and worked off the weight. Next, was baby girl number 3; I was determined to gain the recommended weight, walked, ate right and I did a little better only a measly 75 pounds.

This time around getting back on that horse has not been a smooth ride. When I reached a year postpartum, I was still carrying that baby (weight), still exercising, eating right but to no results. So, like most overachievers for the and last year I have been working harder and beating myself up for only losing 5 pounds or whatever number.

1 Thessalonian 1:1 To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power

self love

Going back to bad habits
Then, I did the obvious but sometimes second nature to me. I have the bad habit of thinking I can solve problems on my own.  I prayed about it; it’s funny how I know I have no control yet, I still think I have some control. After praying daily for God’s guidance and strength, he answered almost immediately and led me to people who could help me, Scriptures that could encourage me, and a devotional that could guide me.  Just add the personal trainer to the list of the alpha and omega. It took me six months till I felt myself coming back.

Psalm 30:1-2 I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me.2 Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.

 

Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) “Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.”

Getting over self made hangups

I think my biggest issue I have and am constantly needed reminders and refocus is asking God for help in everything. Remembering how much He loves me for who I am right now today and not who I will be in the future. He doesn’t stop loving me because of what I did in the past, what I look like today. Even the small insignificant things that I feel wouldn’t matter to Him I must come to Him. If they matter to me, they matter to Him, and I should seek Him in all things. Once I got over my insecurities, relied on God’s strength and had faith in His sovereignty; my life became better, my mind got better, my insecurities dissipate, and I now can shine His light to others who felt as I once did. I now want to invite the love of Jesus to others and share the gift of self-love that He has given me.

What do you see in your mirror’s reflection? How can God help you know what you are looking?

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Understanding God’s Love

Psalm 127:3 (NIV) “Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.”

He Gives Us Real-Life Examples

Sometimes, I wonder does God give us children to understand His frustrations, unconditional love, empathy, and desire for more than we want for ourselves. I can remember my mother telling me, “I can’t wait till you have children of your own.” Of course, it wasn’t until I had children of my own; I could understand her perspective.

Reminders in the Word

When reading the word, I sometimes relate to motherhood. It is something that is a part of my identity and that I can easily relate and understand. For example, my children’s selective hearing. I will tell my daughter specific instructions, at which she will do something entirely different or my favorite, nothing at all. Then, it ends up messed up, and I either have to help her or tell her again. Then by “GODcidence”, I am reading Jonah how God told him to flee Ninevah.

[“Cliff Notes” version, although Jonah is a very short yet powerful chapter in the Bible] He does his own thing deliberately disobeying God and sets out for Tarshish (for those new to the story which is thousands of miles in a different direction). Jonah ends up in the belly of a big fish (aka whale). God the Father delivers Jonah and again tells his hard headed child to go to Ninevah and deliver a message.

Jonah 3:1-2 (NIV) “Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”

As I am reading this, of course, I think “man Jonah sounds like my daughters’.” There is a difference, though; our God has so much more compassion and patience than I. He is slow to anger (which I am working/praying on).

More than I deserve

Jonah 4:2, 4-5 (NIV) 2 “He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.

4 But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”5 Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city.”

It even angered Jonah to think after all he had done God still provided. Even though Jonah had no right to be angry, God still provided Him shade from the sun. Just like when my twelve-year-old gets mad at me for doing what’s right for her but not the way she wanted me to. Doesn’t make me stop loving or caring for her. I am her mother, who still loves her and will always do anything to provide.I sometimes sit back thinking I am so undeserving of His grace. God reminds me of the grace and unconditional love through my girls. Comparing God’s love to a mother’s love is the only way I can make sense of His unwavering love.

None Like Him

Now, I know the story of Jonah is not about how to love your children, rather obey the Lord and to forgive everyone. Comparing it to my kids helps me gain perspective. (Since, coming back to my faith I have found several different applications of the story of Jonah.) There is no man that would give their Son for me much like how I would give up everything for my girls, (which “Godcidentally” God has given me them too). I am grateful for my Heavenly Father’s unconditional love and although sometimes I feel I am not worth it or don’t like how things are done. At the end of the day, He loves me for who I am, and that will never change.

What helps you understand God’s love?

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