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Family First

I have been following Amie Heverly on Social Media for over 3 years now. We were pregnant together and she made fitness and pregnancy seem possible.  Years later I never thought that someone who inspired me on my fitness journey would be sharing her gifts on my blog.  God works things out like that sometime. I am honored to have Amie Christine to guest post today for our final Family First FaithFueled Friday!

WHAT DOES GOD PRIORITY LIST LOOK LIKE?

Over the last few years, my priorities have changed drastically.

As a single mom of three boys, I have come to cherish every single moment with my boys, the good, the bad, the great, the funny, the embarrassing, the ugly, the tears, the joy…

I have taken a step back to evaluate everything I do in life.
Funny how having kids can make you do that…

I want my children to one day to wake up and say,
I know what is right, I know what God would have me do, I know how to live healthily, I know I can do all things I set my mind to, I know that I am strong, I trust God, and I know He will carry me through…. Because MY MOM WAS THE EXAMPLE, DAY IN, AND DAY OUT!

You see, children are precious. Children absorb every little thing. Children are to be taught correctly, as a priority!

Deuteronomy 11:19-21 “You shall teach them to your children, talking about them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give them, as long as the heavens are above the earth.”

You see, not only are your words important, but your actions every day need to be with intention!
Your actions, the way you carry yourself, present yourself, speak of yourself and others, the way you interact, the way you react, your attitude, your perspective, your drive, your ambition….

IT ALL MATTERS!

How you do life, is how your kids will do life!
You may not realize it, but what you say and do actually is TRAINING your child!

We need to be more aware of the words we speak, and how we act daily, to train our children up properly.


Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

We must must be intentional in how we live out our everyday life!

We have to make these things a priority!

Ok, so…

Lets take a second to talk about priorities.

In this busy world, we live in, it is easy to get caught up in chasing our job, chasing dreams, chasing status and chasing money.

However, God calls us to have a particular order of priorities in our life.
This is
#1 God
#2 Husband/Wife
#3 Kids
#4 Work
#5 (fill in the blank)

Our world today, however, has flipped this order completely upside down. Often we put everything before family and God. When we have time, we get to church when we have time we play with the kids, when we have time we spend time with our husband or wife.

Definition of PRIORITY

plural
priorities
1. 1a (1): the quality or state of being prior (2): precedence in date or position of publication

This means that YOU MAKE IT IMPORTANT! You make it BEFORE anything else in your life.

Ok, so if God calls us to put Him first, and then our spouse, and then our children, and THEN work, this means we HAVE TO MAKE IT PRECEDENT in our life!

Our human nature will cause us to want to do everything else first. However, if we can keep to the God order, EVERYTHING else will fall into place!

Listen, in all honesty, I have had this priority list all backward a few years back. I was chasing my job because I thought this was going to be the way to make enough money to be then able to take care of my kids better. However, my family in the mix got the left over me. They had the last of the energy of me. Not only does God call us to put Him and then our family above work, but merely, I realized it was not fair of me to give my family my leftovers. And so I began placing them first. I started putting my family after time with God.

Listen, as I mentioned before, I am a single mom of three boys. It is easy to slip into the I HAVE TO WORK, “mode.” Because human nature is screaming, YOU HAVE TO WORK HARDER, WORK LONGER, because OTHERWISE, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO … pay for your house, feed your kids, take them on vacations… etc. etc.

But the truth is when we keep FAMILY first… well after God, the rest will fall into place.

When we honor God in His way, then He takes care of us, PERIOD!

So I encourage you to evaluate your priorities. Evaluate, what is indeed coming first, second and third.

God will bless you, as you honor His ways.

God first
Spouse second
Kiddos third!

FAMILY before work…. always always always!

Make the time to make them feel #1, important and loved today!

On your deathbed, you won’t wish you spent more time working; you will wish you had spent more time with those you love most!

XOXO
AMIE

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Babies christian mom Faith & Self Care Fitness Fitness and Health Self self-care Weightloss Journey

5 Habits Mom’s do to derail progress

mistake

I made a delicious, nutritious, and fat loss friendly meal for breakfast. Nothing extravagant Apple Chai (Sugar Free) Oatmeal and Hard boiled Eggs.  Something very simple after an intense workout. Ate my serving, that was measured out and a perfect portion, then I did the unthinkable. A habit that I have had since my lil diva’s started eating table food. I am usually mindful but you know how things go, sometimes you slip back into old habits. So, what did I do that is so heinous? As I am clearing the table, I…..yes, I did it. I scarfed down the leftover food from my littlest diva’s plate. (The horror-insert scared emoji here) I went from being completely satisfied with my meal, portion, and calories being in a healthy range. To the feeling of being stuffed and adding probably a good 100-200 calories extra to my meal, (maybe less) which I can’t totally calculate because I didn’t measure out my child’s leftovers. Now, am I going to totally freak out and do more pushups, jumping jacks, and burpees. Um, no I am way to worn out for that. Thank God there is such a thing as grace. But, I am going to be mindful that these bad habits although innocent is little things that make it harder for me to get to my goal. A healthier, physically fit body. That I work very hard on 30 minutes a day 4 days a week. While doing dishes I was thinking, “I know other mother’s do the same thing but I wonder how many innocent habits do we do that hamper our progress?” I came up with five and I would love for you to add more that I don’t think about and maybe not even aware of that these little nuances exist. Pointing them out will help us to stay focused and not derail our hard efforts. Time and pushups are very valuable things to me and if I can reduce both that is a good thing.

Derail

5 Habits Mom do to derail progress

  1. Eating remaining food off your children’s plate. Let’s start with today’s offender. I try to be mindful of this but being the overseer of our food budget and working hard to provided nutritious meals for my family. When I see perfectly good food on its way to the trash my first instinct is to just eat it. You know the saying, “there are poor children starving in Africa.” My instinct to save the waste is counterproductive to my goal to live a healthier lifestyle. Those little bit of calories can add up, considering you feed your children 3-5 times a day. A great solution is to serve your children less. They can always get more and that way they are not wasting as much food and you are not adding to your daily intake by saving food from the trash.
  2. Not sitting down to eat. Again, most of these are just going to be my confession. Up until recently especially in the morning before school. I would eat on the go and have my children sit at the table for breakfast, lunch and I usually sit down during dinner. But, sometimes I am trying to throw something in my mouth and tackle, chores, phone calls, or something while I have them sitting there quietly (somewhat) eating a meal. This too allows you to make poor food choices, portion control and just add unnecessary stress. Sit down, chill, enjoy the meal you have prepared and take a little time out in your day to talk with your children. Teaching moments of “abc’s” or just to sit for 10-20 minutes. This can help reduce your stress which helps reduce your cortisol so, it’s a triple win; Stress reducer, nourishment and calorie control.
  3. Don’t drink enough water. I am in that weird mom stage, I am either on the go with my two older school age children or I am on alert with a very curious toddler. Regardless, I am not attentive to my own needs most of the time. Somedays, I am just on auto pilot getting through the to-do’s of the day. We are supposed to drink half our weight in ounces of water. If I am conscious I am doing that but that requires lots of fill ups and lots of pit stops, if you know what I am saying. But, proper hydration is key to good nutrition so it is something that must be added to the to-do list until, it becomes a great habit.
  4. Don’t make time to workout. Again, this was a mistake of mine. So, beginning of 2015 I had the best intentions. Gym membership, resolution motivation and a 6 month old baby and two active lil school aged divas. My husband works most of the time so, although I intentionally signed up with a 24-hour gym I never seemed to make it in there at all within 24-hours. I am just hanging on by a prayer after 8 pm when my husband usually comes home during basketball season, so night time workout don’t work. Although, I get up at five in the morning for devotion. The idea of getting up at 4 am to devote and then workout seemed like pure insanity to me. I think it would be safe to say that as a mother we do not always prioritize ourselves in life. That is a mistake. We need to take care of ourselves. Physical inactivity leads to so many things that cause us to poorly do our job. Small things like lack in energy, poor immune system; To big things like stroke, obesity, diabetes and other life threatening ailments. We must be active for at least 150 hours per week according to the American Center for Disease Control, however you break that down in your week. It’s a must! So, not adding your time to devote (I find that essential in self-care and honoring your temple) and exercise is a major no, no to weight loss and a healthy lifestyle.

Deuteronomy316

5. Rely on your self.

How do you do better?

The second best thing I ever did for myself was canceled my gym membership, invested in weights and found an awesome workout that could be done in less than 30 minutes.  It has double the benefits of going to the gym, an hour of cardio, or an hour workout DVD. If you have an hour of to devote to working out make sure you schedule it in and pop in that DVD. Whatever you do get your 150 hours a week in any way that you can. With kids, without kids but just honor your temple with intentionally avoiding habits and mistakes that you have become accustomed to. I know that I am doing it and although the journey is not as fast as I like, “if I stop now, I will soon be back where I started, 40 pounds heavier, 56 more inches wider. And when I started, I was desperately wishing I could be where I am now.”

The best thing that I did to help me see my mistakes and have strength to change them was bring my goal to live better and healthier to God.  After trying too long and too hard I gave it to Him and He has helped me overcome so much. Even though old ugly habits will rear there heads. I was able to instantly recognize it and now will make a conscious effort to overcome it.

Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The Lord your God will goes ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

I know I am not crossing a river to go into warfare but I am going into battle with my own sinful nature. And the ways that I have become accustomed and where I am trying to do better in my life. So, get out there and honor your temple better.  What mistakes or habits do you have that are derailing you from honoring your temple better?

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Growing Faith Muscles

 

FaithFueled Friday

Changing old habits

When I first came back to Christ, I was a stressed, worried mess. I worried about everything I had no control over, (which is everything) making myself physically sick. It may even have been the cause of me losing one of my twins in my last pregnancy. I would go over scenarios over and over again in my mind, making things worse each time. Then, after speaking with an excellent friend and mentor about my constant anxiety; She suggested a “God Box.” A “God box” is to place all my worries. First, I would write down my issues, pray, and then deposit it in the box. Anytime I began to worry, or what she likes to call “mentally masturbate” (that’s why I love her so) I would look at my box and acknowledge that I had already given it to God.

Matthew 6:34 (NIV) 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Growing Faith Muscles

This small gesture brought me great peace. At the time it was hard for me to trust completely in the Lord. I still sometimes struggle with this. In the world, you are so used to leaning on yourself for solutions when problems arise. In Christ, He will carry your burdens (Who does that? Not your fellow man!) which are something I am not used too. Breaking old habits is hard. Being a child of God, is just that, a child where you must learn new skills.

Matthew 11:28 (NIV) “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

Pumping My Muscles

Faith, Grace, and Mercy seem to be a like a muscle you need to grow; You must continually exercise it to see results. My friend’s suggestion of a “God Box”, which I now call my “prayer box” was exactly what I needed to increase my faith and truly understand God’s grace. Constructing my first box was simple. I took a tissue box covered it in shimmery paper and cut a hole in the top. All my worries were placed in it. I would still worry; it wasn’t an instant fix, but instead of continually going over the scenarios the box reminded me to pray.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus

 

GrowingYourFaithMuscle

Seeing Results

Eventually, my stomach subsided, things began to get better, prayers were being answered, and I wasn’t worrying.  Months went by, and I continued to exercise my new coping mechanism. One day, in the midst of prayer, God told me to open the box.  First, I didn’t realize how much stuff I worried about.  Secondly, I didn’t know how many prayers God had answered in less than three months.  His grace and mercy brought to fruition in my life.  Rewind two years later, prayer (and of course God) has changed my life, health, and stress.  I still break out the box when I need to release my burdens. I also use it to praise Him when I open it up to see all the things that he has done for me. If only I knew of His sovereignty sooner (not just in theory but actual application) in my adult life.

GrowingYourFaithMuscle.

How do you handle your stress? How do you strengthen your faith?

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Faith & Self Care Faith Journey Fitness Fitness and Health

So Much More

FaithFueled Friday

Honoring Your Temple is Not Just about Weight Loss

In my opinion honoring your temple is not just about weight loss, eating right and exercise. It is about taking care of the body God gave you spiritually, mentally and physically. It has come to my attention that I have been misrepresenting myself. I have showcased the physical worship of God and not the mental and spiritual. Partially because I’ve been on a weight loss journey; I am passionate about healthy, and fitness, and I have been sharing my journey on social media and through this blog. I have not been so public about the personal journey that I have been on in the last few years. The mental and spiritual journey I have kept to myself because I do them in my quiet private time but I find that it is equal, if not greater than my worship of God through physical activity.

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:6

 Mommy.time

Using our talents to spread His word

I believe our purpose is to spread the gospel, and there are so many ways we can do that.  We all have our strengths, and I have recently reconnected my love of fitness, nutrition, and health.  I have found that I love to inspire and motivate others through fitness, but there is so much more to me too.

“It would be a shame to be fit for this world but be unfit for the King.”

I believe that physical fitness is important, but a relationship with God and knowledge of His word is more important.

Honoring your temple includes:

Things you watch;

Romans 12:2 – And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God

The things that you say,

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear,

The way you treat others,

Luke 6:31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

 Among other things.

Worshiping God is done in many forms: dance, song, written, fitness for example but one is no more important than the other.  It is your way of bringing glory to the Lord.

HonorYourTemple

 Misrepresenting my purpose

It has been brought to my attention that I was misrepresenting my beliefs on honoring your temple. August 1st, I will begin my third prayer channel this year, and I have invited the public to join me this time. I put an invitation on Instagram to join, and women commented, that she thought “honoring your temple” was to keep clear of a worldly desire not just physical fitness and that if she joined that would be her focus. Those who know me personally, know my heart but because I am a fitness blogger; I enjoy fitness and nutrition, and I talk, post and share about it daily but that is not solely where my heart lies. Nor is it the sole intention of my Honor Your Temple prayer challenge but if you do not know me personally, never experienced my prayer challenge it would be safe to assume that physical fitness and proper nutrition is my focus in my prayer challenge.

Honor Your Temple

What’s my point?

So, this prompted me to write this post to let everyone know that there is no one way to honor your temple there are many and your relationship with God is the ultimate honor and my intention and purpose to share. We are here to spread the gospel. However, you choose to do so and connects you with God. Treat your body with respect other than salvation it is one of our greatest gifts. What do you believe is important when honoring your temple? Is it one particular thing or several things?

If you’re interested in joining my 30 Day FREE (I would never charge someone to pray) Honor Your Temple Prayer Challenge, please join us at www.FaithFueledFitness.org

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christian mom Family Fitness Fitness and Health Weightloss Journey

Overweight Physically & Underweight Spiritually

weight loss

First posted 12/2/2015

Embarking on a weight loss journey

God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though He is not far from any one of us, Acts 17:27

Weight loss is a journey. What happens to you when you realized the reason you are overweight physically and underweight spiritually? You do something about it. About 4 months ago, I got fed up with my physical appearance and embarked on a weight loss journey.  The first month was easy mentally. I hired a virtual trainer, I was seeing results and was happy to find something that worked.  Then, the next month came and that beginning puppy love started to wear off.  I had more than being physically overweight to deal with; which is often the case when losing weight.  I had the easy part handled what, when, who and where to do it.  It was the why, that I need to work on.

What is my Why?

That’s when personal reflection came in.  If I was to lose the ideal weight and achieve the body I wanted. What would it be for? There comes a point in your life especially when you’re on a spiritual journey that you need more than just outward appearances to fulfill you.  What do you do, when you’re overweight physically and underweight spiritually?  You tear down walls and rebuild from the foundation.  I achieved this by figuring out my why?

why

 

To submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. 1 Corinthians 16:11

There are the obvious, family and faith? I have 3 little girls that I have the responsibility of teaching how to be women and they are watching my every move. I want to teach them to honor their temple and be different in this world; Honoring and serving God.  I am also trying to be the best that I can be for my husband as God says to do.

Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God. 1 Chronicles 22:19a

Underweight Spiritually

I needed to rebuild my foundation so, my second month I took time out daily to Honor My temple through prayer and challenge myself.  Every day, this prayer challenge created a relationship with God and His word when it pertained to my issues with, exercise, nutrition and faith.  It was an amazing opportunity that helped me clearly define my why? The Bible is the most detailed instruction manual for life.  When women look into God’s word they often go to Proverbs 31 description of a worthy women.  So, after 30 days of personal reflection I went to trusty old Proverbs 31 to see if my why aligned with “Women of Noble Character.”

She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:28-30

weightloss

 

3 Reasons: Why my weight loss is more than appearance

These verses encompass everything I care about.  My faith, my husband, and my children. Breaking these verses down gives me the definition I was looking for in my why, much like my workout plan and nutrition.

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:30

  1. My faith

I interpret this verse as: A loving admiration for God that includes obedience to God and the commands His word.”  As a Christian women that is something that I want to be synonymous with me.

her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
Proverbs 31:28b-29

  1. My husband

Her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

Her children arise and call her blessed;

Proverbs 31:28a

  1. My Children

My daughter’s ages right now are pivotal in their own right. I have an 11 year old, who is on the cusp of teenage years and womanhood.  A seven year old, who is starting to come into her own.  A 16 month old, who is discovering this world and picking up on social cues. All of them no matter what they’re age continues to look to me to shape their ideas and role as a woman in this world. I strive to teach them how to be a light for God and noble.

Tapping to my why gives me more than the motivation that I need to achieve my weight loss goal. It also gives me a satisfaction that is better than any adrenaline high and keeps me committed to my faith, husband and children.  Some days I may be tired, have nutritional blunders but at the beginning and end of each day. I am praising God for giving me a temple to honor and doing my best to do just that. How are you honoring your temple?

 

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