Look who's Suddenly Slim!

I know you all know my story, but here are some others you may relate to!

Dana Trant "I Lost 19 lbs!" “I lost 9 lbs and 9 inches in 10 days, 19 lbs and 19 inches in 30 days, and I have maintained my goal weight for 7 years!”
Ralph Libone "I Lost 110 lbs!" “I’ve lost 110 lbs and have gone from a 56 to a 44 pant size in just 12 months. My  health has improved dramatically and the joint pain that I experienced for many years, as a result of my excessive weight, was reduced.”
Breanne Morris "I lost 80 lbs!"  “I lost 30 lbs in only 30 days and an amazing total of 80 lbs with the Suddenly Slim Weight Loss  Program. I love the transformation it has made in my life!”

Hugh Roomes
"I Lost 220 lbs!"

“I lost 35 lbs in 30 days, 110 lbs in 6 months, and a total of 220 lbs in only 18 months.  I have learned how to eat healthy, exercise everyday and overcome my past emotional issues that kept me from achieving successful and lasting weight loss.”

Susan Owens
"I lost 129 lbs!"

 “The Suddenly Slim Weight Loss Program helped me lose a total of 129 lbs, and go from a dress size 24 to a 10/12. I now have a new lease on life. Thank you, FirstFitness Nutrition.”

Reid Kauffman

"I lost 85 lbs!"

I have not weighed less than 300 lbs in over 10 years.  In only 10 months, I lost 85 lbs, 37 total inches, and reduced my waistline from a 46 to a 38. I have been amazed at the progress I have achieved, and a permanent life transformation. Suddenly Slim is a winner!”

Doggone nail...

...what's bothering you?

Here's a story I've heard several times before and used as an illustration in a conversation yesterday. I thought it was worth sharing here. Please share your comments below!

A man walked by a house each day on his way to work and he noticed the dog lying on the front porch…whimpering and whining and wailing.

Every day, without exception, the dog would just whimper and whine and wail…

But one day, the man saw the owner of the dog on the porch and he stopped and asked, “Why is your dog always whimpering and whining and wailing?”

The man responded, “He’s lying on a nail.”

He continued to ask, “Well, why doesn’t he get up off the nail?”

The man looked down at the whining dog—still lying there—and he answered, “It doesn’t hurt bad enough.”

How many people continue to whine, refusing to get up off the nail….because it just doesn’t hurt bad enough? What nails are you laying on?

Crazy dreams...

...no limits allowed

When's the last time you let yourself dream? Not the subconscious, sleeping dream, but a REAL, on purpose dream? You may think I'm talking crazy and that dreaming is something you have no control over, but I'm talking about dreaming something for your life, in detail, on purpose, with no limits! Dreaming with no "I'm too old to start that now" or "If I wasn't married" or "If I didn't have kids" or "If I hadn't dropped out of high school or college", "If I had more money", "If I had more time"! No limits, BIG DREAMING!!

I've found that most people don't dream at all. Why? Because they're afraid and they've already made the excuses for why they can't do what they dream of doing; they're "too old", they "don't have time", they "don't have the education", they "don't have the money".

Then there are those who just dream, dream, dream and that's all they talk about! Young girls dream about getting married, having a big house, a big family with big social events. Young men dream of going to college, being successful. Then someone comes along and tells then to "get real" and they downsize their dreams based on someone else's reality.

What they (and maybe you) need is a plan! Dream, dream as BIG as you want to and then make a plan! Will a plan make a dream come true? No, you then have to put the plan into ACTION!

A dream is just a dream until you have a PLAN!
A plan is just a plan until you put some ACTION into it!

Stop being afraid to dream. Don't put limits on your dreams!

DREAM!
PLAN!
ACT!

What's your dream? What's been holding you back? What's the first step to making it your reality?

There's an app for that...

...my list

I make lists. I often lose them and forget what was on them, but I like to make them anyway!

At the end of the year I made a list of things I wanted to accomplish in 2011! Not big "Bucket List" things, just small things. I posted it online so as not to lose it, theoretically anyway. As the first month of the year begins to fade into the past, I thought I'd better check my progress. Here's what I've done so far:

1 Facial
1 week at the beach reserved
2 workouts
4 Yoga classes
11 hours alone with God
1536 ounces of water

Looks like I have some catching up to do in some areas, but I've still got 6 days!

Over the weekend, I started playing with a new list-making tool, Springpad. I made a detailed task list of things I wanted to do in my house. It looked like this:

kitchen: dishes & bleach counters
de-clutter and reorganize:
desk
bathroom cabinets
hall cabinets
bedroom closets
clean bedroom
pack up all Christmas decor for storage

This took me nearly 2 days, but I crossed off each one little by little, not allowing myself to move onto another until one was done. Currently everything in my house has its place and is in it! For some of you super-efficient, over-achieving and organized folks this may seem trivial but for me it is HUGE!

The photo above is what's still on my list...

oh and I redecorated my bedroom and rearranged my reading\dressing room!

I'm taking baby-steps in the right direction rather than bouncing all over the place making a mess! I woke up this morning feeling very accomplished and inspired to make it a great day! So off I go!

What's on your list?

24,746 things on my to-do list...

...for 2011

In the spirit of "making a list", I thought I'd get a head start on the annual tradition of New Year's resolutions. But instead of dwelling on what I'm not doing well, I thought I'd make a list of all the things I could do to be a better me in 2011. While 24,746 things may seem like a lot, once you read the list I think you'll get that its not going to be too overwhelming! ;)

I guess you could say I'm resolving to take more time for myself, my husband, my family and my community. I have other things I want to focus on too, but this is the fun stuff!

1 5k
4 facials
4 trips to the beach
12 bottles of wine
12 girls days out
12 haircuts
12 massages
12 new outfits
15 pedicures and manicures
26 family nights
52 date nights
52 memory verses
52 yoga classes
52 Zumba classes
156 workouts
200 bare-feet covered
300 meals for strangers
365 hours alone with God
23,360 ounces of water

Just to clarify, these are all minimums! As far as this list is concerned, 'more is more'! ;) Don't worry I will be setting some limits for myself in other areas!

Get in Category 3...

...give!

Unless you are cut off from all forms of media, (and if you're reading this, I know you're not) you are probably in one of the following two categories:

1. Super excited that Christmas is coming, making your list, shopping, putting up your tree, planning Christmas Eve with your family, pulling out your Christmas CD collection, driving those in the next category insane!!

2. Super agitated that Thanksgiving isn't even here yet and we're already talking about Christmas, I mean Halloween wasn't over before the store had out the Christmas decor and now there are pre-Black Friday sales, c'mon!

Well, I'm here to form a third category for you!

3. Hallelujah! Christmas is coming and I am living in abundance because the Lord sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for my sins! I have more than I need and I am super excited to give back this year at Christmas!

Now, I know there are some of you out there who want to be in category 3, but don't know where to start in the "giving back". Maybe you just don't know of anyone in need or don't "trust" charitable organizations. You know, I actually have people who come to me during the holidays and ask if I know of a charity or organization they can give to at this time of year, even those who do not recognize the true meaning of Christmas (you know the part about "I am living in abundance because the Lord sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for my sins!").

Well, I'm here to help! Over the next several weeks, I intend to introduce you to some ministries and some people who I know and love who are serving others in a real and tangible way!

An article I recent read by Drs. Oz and Roizen over at Success Magazine has this to say about helping other:

Almost every study of longevity indicates one secret that makes people healthier and happier: helping others. Some research shows a 60 percent decrease in mortality figures among those who help others; they’re aided by what’s called the “helper’s high.” Specifically, it’s the dignity, the joy, the passion and the purpose of helping others that have these beneficial effects, whether you’re helping another person quit smoking, building a home for a family in need or mentoring a child at school.

So, if you want to find JOY in the season of giving and LIVE LONGER, stay tuned!

Attitude is a decision...

...rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; - Romans 12:12 (NKJV)

We've all heard it before, "Attitude is everything"; "Your attitude determines your altitude".

According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the word "attitude" means "an internal position or feeling with regard to something else." Other words often used as synonyms are: "disposition, feeling, mood, opinion, sentiment, temper, tone, perspective, frame of mind, outlook, view, or morale."

I found this article from Dr. Ellen Duke in my Inbox recently:

Choose Your Attitude

Although we don't yet fully understand the mind/body connection, we do know that a positive attitude can:

• Help improve mood, self-esteem and sense of well-being

• Decrease depression, anxiety and hostility

• Lessen pain and other bodily symptoms

• Speed recovery

• Enhance immune function

• Extend longevity

We also know that to a great extent, our attitude is determined by how we decide to think about events. This "self-talk," whether positive or negative, is so powerful that it determines not just our emotions, but the condition of our physical and mental well-being as well.

Three simple action steps to help optimize your emotional health:

1. Acknowledge that you're in control. The great thing about your attitude is that it's yours. You cannot control what others say or do, but you can control how you react to it. Simply put, no one can put you in a bad mood unless you give them permission!

2. Be thankful. Put things in perspective. You are alive, something that billions of those before us cannot say. You have food, shelter and safety. Something that millions alive today do not enjoy. Appreciate your countless blessings!

3. Don't worry about the small stuff. Remember what's important, and ignore the little things. Focus on the larger picture and you'll find less frustration in your daily interactions with others. The things that matter most are your health and happiness and your family's health and happiness.

This prompted me to wonder what the Bible says about attitude, as I believe the Bible is the best and most trustworthy "self-help" book available to us all! I think Dr. Dale A. Robbins sums it up best in his article, "Check Your Attitude":

How To Develop Good Attitudes

1. Identify and Repent of Bad Attitudes

Acts 8:22 "Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you."

2. Submit Your Attitudes to God

Bring your attitudes into obedience to God’s Word. Apply discipline to your thought life — submit your thoughts to those of Christ’s. A good attitude is a matter of faith, disregarding your feelings, with a determination to embrace God’s outlook and disposition.

2 Corinthians 10:5 "casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ..."

3. Equip And Feed Your Attitudes

Dwell on the things that God’s word tells us to — those good and virtuous things. If you dwell on the negative, your attitude will reflect the same.

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy; meditate on these things."

Now, one of the best attitude quotes I've read recently, "When life gives you lemons, throw them back and demand chocolate!" Now, that's attitude!

Go out and make it great day, because, yes, the day is what you make it! may God bless you all!

Waiting for your ship to come in?

Austin’s Steak House
2101 W. Hill Ave.
(I-75, Exit 16)
Valdosta, Georgia

Introducing the Biggest Weight Loss, Energy & Rehydration Breakthrough in Over 20 Years!

~~~LIMITED SEATING, RESERVE TODAY~~~

We're LOOKING FOR SERIOUS MINDED INDIVIDUALS who want to earn what they are worth and be one of our up-and-coming leaders!

• Lose up to 30 lbs in 30 days!
• Brand new, Sugar Free Energy Drink!
• An Exclusive Product – No Competition, Nothing Compares to this!
• Innovative 3 Day Sample Program – Gets Immediate Results
• You can earn up to $500, $5,000 or even $10,000 per month
• Drive a Mercedes
• Be Your Own Boss – Set Your Own Hours
• Live Life on Your Terms

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS:
Marcia Mathis, Crown Presidential Director
Pollie Lawhon, Crown Presidential Director
Bob & Carol Brown, Diamond Presidential Directors
Charles & Diane Miller, Diamond Presidential Directors
Walt & Pat Byrd, Diamond Presidential Directors

*Morning Session - Business Opportunity Invitation
*Lunch
*Afternoon Session - In-depth Product Training

Just $5 - includes training and handouts. Lunch is Dutch Treat from the menu and is approximately $6-8 per person.

Please email Amy Polk at: amympolk@gmail.com no later than Thursday, June 17th that you will or will not be attending. You will pay your $5 Registration at the door.

When you RSVP to this invite on Facebook as 'Attending' or 'Maybe', you will get a follow-up email or call to confirm. We need to know you are attending to make sure we have enough materials, resources and room!

10 Principles of Prosperity

Last night, I witnessed what I consider to be one of the greatest honors in my lifetime. Our oldest daughter was baptized! I can just imagine the joy and a host of angels singing in heaven, rejoicing that another soul has been dedicated to our Lord! I can remember the feeling of relief and security I, myself, felt at the time of my own baptism and I am overjoyed that she is now feeling these same things! She will be on a journey of joy, but it will not be unclouded by temptation from Satan. It may be that he chooses to work harder in her life now than ever before, but now she has the power & the authority of Jesus Christ as her weapon! Praise God!

I wanted to share part of the sermon that the minister shared last night because it was a great message. He pointed out that we all struggle with some form of addiction, maybe we don't see it as such, but do all have something that adversely affects us. Consider this as the definition for addiction and I believe you will be able to point out at least one in your life:

"An addiction is a persistent behavioral pattern marked by physical and/or psychological dependency and tolerance that causes significant disruption and negatively impacts the quality of life"

The 10 Principles of Prosperity

Understanding the 10 principles of prosperity and applying them to your life are the first steps in your recovery from addiction.

1. If God’s against it, so am I.

• Galatians 5:19-24

2. Every sin has its origin in your heart.

• Jeremiah 17:9; Proverbs 4:23; Romans 13:14

3. It is easier to keep the heart clean than it is to clean it after it has been defiled.

• Proverbs 22:3; Proverbs 6:27-28

4. You cannot fight a fleshly appetite by indulging in it.

• Ecclesiastes 5:10; James 1:14-15

5. Small compromises lead to great disasters.

• Luke 16:10; Matthew 6:24; Romans 6:16

6. Those who do not love the Lord will not help us serve the Lord.

• John 5:18-20; Proverbs 25:15-16

7. Our sinful habits do hurt those who follow us.

• Romans 14:7; 1 Corinthians 10:23, 24

8. It is not possible to fight a fleshly temptation with fleshly weapons.

• II Corinthians 10:3-5; I John 4:4

9. We lose our freedom to choose when we give in to temptation. The consequences of our choices are inevitable, incalculable, and up to God.

• Proverbs 5:22; Proverbs 20:17; Proverbs 9:17-18

10. God balances guilt with blame. Accept the blame for your actions, and God will remove the guilt.

• John 1:9

My life has been touched by addiction in many ways, my own and those of loved ones. You can be delivered from these strongholds in your life. Prayer is a powerful thing and that's where it starts.

---
Resources found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addiction and http://www.ruhammond.com/_mgxroot/page_10766.html

Blessed in Business...

"...for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:14-16 NIV

Wow! This is a busy and exciting month for us! Our business has been truly blessed. We had our best month ever in March and our team is really growing. We are helping more people help more people and that is truly what this is all about for us!

Here's what we'll be doing this month. We'd love for you to join us!

10 Day Challenge

• APRIL 9th - 18th
• You Can Correct 5 Major Body Chemistry Issues In 10 Days:
  1. Blood Sugar
  2. Toxicity Level
  3. Bacteria and Parasites
  4. Body pH Levels
  5. Burn that Fat

Jason & I want you to join us for a 10 Day Challenge!

Jason wants to lose a few more pounds before he hits the gym again! I want to cleanse and detoxify my body after four months of eating things I know aren't healthy! BUT MOST OF ALL WE WANT TO HELP AND ENCOURAGE YOU!

The Challenge begins on Friday, April 9th and runs for 10 days, ending on April 18th. Everyone who participates in the Challenge will be registered to win a FREE Box of our NEW SPN Energy!

Annual Strawberry Festival

• APRIL 17th & 18th
  
• 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  
• 100 W Call Street
  
  Starke, FL

The 12th Annual Bradford County Strawberry Festival will be held in the Historic Downtown Area of Starke, Florida on April 17 & 18, 2010.

One of the areas largest downtown street festivals celebrating our local succulent strawberries. Lots of games, prizes, food, music, antique cars, vendors and of course STRAWBERRIES! Come and enjoy with your family and see why they say the berries around here are "the sweetest this side of heaven!"

My team will be there offering 3 Day Weight Loss Samples for just $5! You can lose 3 lbs or more in just 3 days! Come by and see us!

Business Opportunity Invitation

• APRIL 30th - MAY 2nd
• Spring Hill, FL
  
• Featuring:
  * Crown Presidential Directors: Matthew & Debra Phillips
  * Diamond Presidential Directors: Cheryl & Paul Vanscoter
• 20 year old company
• Check back for more details

This is an event for serious entrepreneurs looking to change their own lives and the lives of others! If you would like to start making $300-500 or more a month part-time while helping others lose weight and improve their health, please consider joining us in Spring Hill at the end of the month.

Friday, will be the Business Opportunity Invitation Event - This is an opportunity for prospective business partners to learn more about FirstFitness & how to become a part of this revolutionary company! You'll learn how our products and income opportunity are changing the lives of so many people!

Saturday, will be a day of Intense Business Training for all distributors - FREE - 9am -2pm with the top leaders in FirstFitness!

"I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest- and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man." - Proverbs 24:30-34

Viva Las Vegas

In case you haven't heard, I'm going to Las Vegas next week! I am so excited!

I qualified for this trip with FirstFitness! I keep saying I won it, but the truth is I earned it. Winning would mean I got lucky and my name was pulled out of a hat. In actuality, the company offered this trip as an incentive, they gave me the qualification requirements up front and I did what it took to meet them! (Yay me!)

I'll tell you a secret, I never imagined in a million years that I could do it! I didn't even get started good until three months after the contest started. I mean I knew they offered DreamVacations, but I never thought they would actually be attainable, especially for someone like me, new to the company...

Now, in 5 days, I'll be flying out to Vegas with my friend and mentor, Carol Brown.

We'll be staying at the Mirage, attending some Leadership Training with FirstFitness' Top Earners and our Medical Advisory team. I'll get to be a part of a special Business Boot Camp session with $11 million earner, FirstFitness Crown Presidential Director, Dr. Eileen Silva! We'll attend Mystère Cirque du Soleil at Treasure Island. We'll tour one of our manufacturing facilities to see how our Reneu and delicious BodyFx shakes are made! The best part...all this on FirstFitness' dime! What a blessing!

Next up, a 7 day Western Caribbean Cruise! That's in September and its not too late for you to get in on it! Just ask me how!

Can you help me?

...I'll give you a FREE 30-Day Cleanse & Burn!

As I mentioned in a previous post, things have just taken off in my FirstFitness business and it has been a real blessing to me and my family. I have been in the top 3 for New Directors nationwide for the last 3 months, #6 for team building last month and have even earned a trip to Las Vegas next month!! (Yay me!)

I am currently looking to build my business and earn a 7-day Western Caribbean Cruise for 2 and qualify to drive a free Mercedes Benz provided by the company!! I know that sounds crazy but it's true!

To reach these two goals, I seriously need your help! I am looking to hold 10 Product Tastings between now and March 1st.

A Product Tasting is a very simple gathering of 8 or more friends and family who might be interested in improving their health by losing weight and increasing their energy. I simply need you to invite your friends and I will do the rest!

In exchange for your willingness to help me, I will give you a FREE 30-Day Xtreme Cleanse & Burn program, which is $82.90 in absolutely FREE product!!

Additionally, when you schedule a tasting, you will get a FREE 3-Day Weight Loss Sample!

If you can help me, please call me or email me ASAP! I promise you will not regret it and your friends & family will love you for introducing them to these FABULOUS products!

Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit. - 3 John 1:2

Why am I doing this?

For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephesians 2:10

For the last several months, I have been asking myself this question. Why am I so driven to work this FirstFitness business? Is it the money? Is it the car? Is it the promise of better health for myself and others? What is it that is pushing me? Is it of God or is it of the world?

I've always had a general interest in health and wellness, but its never been a passion. My passion over the last 5 years has evolved from wanting to climb the corporate\career ladder, make a good paycheck, and be successful in the eyes of others to wanting to do mission work, helping those who can't help themselves, those who are less fortunate than me, and to spread the Word to the Nations... Over the last week or two, I have really been in prayer seeking God as to the reason for my drive and success with FirstFitness since I didn't really think it was inline with my passion.

He has revealed to me that it is a company full of Christian leaders and distributors. He has opened my eyes to the fact that our bodies are just a shell that He has provided us to walk around in here on earth. It is just a shell until we invite the Holy Spirit to live within us and make us whole. The shell then becomes a temple! A temple of the Holy Spirit! A place for our Savior to dwell on earth with us as we do the works He has prepared for us. Taking care of our bodies and keeping our temples clean is a way we can honor God.

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body,” -1 Corinthians 6:19-20

First Corinthians 8:6 says that God created us to live for Him He’s given us the gift of life and He wants us to enjoy it! I am having a great time meeting people and helping them reach their weight loss and healthy-living goals! Because this is a Christian-based company, I get to share the Word with the people that I meet. Maybe this does line up just right with my passion and my purpose! I'm going to forge forward trying to be a blessing to everyone I encounter, being the body of Christ!

So many things, so few minutes...

...how many of you have said that in the last 18 days?

Since Thanksgiving, I've wanted to tell you all what I'm thankful for and then came my 5 year wedding anniversary and I wanted to tell you how my marriage brought me closer to God and now we are fast approaching the day we celebrate "the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us"! Hallelujah!

So, here goes, better late than never, right?

Thanksgiving
The day came and went but not without many reflections of things that I am most thankful for. I am most thankful for God's Grace! Though I do not deserve it and could never earn it, it is mine and it offers me eternity in heaven.

Next, I am very thankful for an amazing husband who longs to make me happy, his family who supports me in all that I do, my own family who loves God and each other no matter what. Thankful for step-children who have accepted me and made me feel loved and allowed me to love them like my own.

Thankful for a job that puts a roof over our heads and food on the table. Thankful for FirstFitness, products that have helped me and so many others feel great and live healthier, not to mention the extra cash that has provided little extras for Jason and me.

Thankful for my church family who are faithful, giving and 100% genuine! Thankful for the joy that I feel every day! Thankful for the men and women that have fought for my freedoms and the freedoms of all God's children. Thankful for men and women who have committed their lives to sharing the Gospel, giving others hope, peace and love.

I could probably go on and on for pages, but these are the things that surface immediately when I want to give thanks.

December 11, 2004
The day I said, "I do" and "I will"! It was 53 degrees and the wind was whipping like crazy. Our wedding was outside at Stephen Foster Memorial and had been put together in just 2 months. My dear Aunt Judy and my mom slaved over the details non-stop from October 1st right up until the very minute the ceremony started. It was beautiful.

Now, 5 years later, Jason and I are finally getting it figured out! It hasn't been all fun and games. There have been tough times, there have been fusses about the silliest of things and the most serious of things. All in all, the good far outweighs the bad. We've grown so much, individually and together.

Until Jason, I was wandering around lost, searching, longing for that forever kind of love. I think we both were. Together, Jason and I were able to turn back to God and get rooted in Him! We made a commitment to build our marriage on the solid foundation of our faith. To put God first, to be active in our church and to teach our children the importance of these things, not by telling them, but by showing them. I don't know that I would have ever been strong enough to leave my old life behind and walk with God in such a way with out Jason by my side.

Jason, you are my soul mate! You were my windshield wipers in the blinding storm I had driven myself into! Thank you for showing me the way! Like Jerry said, "I love you. You... complete me."

Next up - Christmas
What a glorious way to end the year? Reflecting on our Savior's coming! My prayer for you all is that you celebrate this above and beyond any other thing this "holiday" season! The fact that God loves you so much He sent His one and only son to live on Earth and to eventually suffer and die so that you may know His love for you, that my friend, is worth celebrating and celebrating abundantly. Don't get all "wrapped" up in the shopping and the presents and the events! Celebrate the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ! Recognize that you are loved by the Highest, Mightiest, Most Powerful of all and share His Love with someone every day!!!

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." - John 1:14

I'm not who I was...

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

This morning I stopped at the store on the way to work. I was wearing my new tee from the Follow You concert this weekend. The man behind the counter asked, "Who were you?". I was a little uncertain how to answer him. I simply replied, "well, I was lost." As I journeyed on to work, for the next 45 minutes, I thought about how to better answer that question. So here goes:

I was lost.
I was lonely.
I was dishonest.
I was confused.
I was selfish.
I was unhealthy.
I was misled.
I was misleading.
I was world-minded.
I was ambitious for worldly things.
I was superstitious.
I was judgmental.
I was hard-hearted.
I was seeking.
I was superficial.
I was materialistic.
I was greedy.
I was jealous.
I was scared.
I was unfocused.
I was tolerant.
I was negative.
I was desperate.
I was angry.
I was victimized.
I was cheated.
I was deserving.
I was careless.
I was uncommitted.
I was irresponsible.
I was unreliable.
I was conceited.
I was comfortable.
I was uninformed.
I was sad.
I was unforgiving.
I was settling.
I was hurting.
I was hiding.
I was ashamed.

I am still some of these things.
But I'm not who I was.
I was saved
by the power of God's grace.

Who Am I?

That the Lord of all the earth would care...

On a daily basis I see and hear about and talk to people who are struggling. Not because I work with the needy or the homeless, but because they are my family and my friends. I know people struggling with divorce, making the light bill, the house payment, getting to and from work, to find work, providing for their children. People who are lonely or have lost their dearest and closest friends. Every morning and afternoon I pass by a community of homeless people. All of this makes me realize how blessed I am. But then I start to feel guilty.

As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one;" - Romans 3:10 (NIV)

Why is it them and not me? Who Am I? I am no better than any one of these people, neither my friends, my family nor these complete strangers who sleep on the sidewalks. I have done nothing better than any other person, often I know I have done worse in my lifetime. Yet, so many blessings have been poured upon me.

Have there been times when I've struggled? Sure, in some sense. But I've never known hunger or failed health or poverty. Most of my struggles have been self induced. But these people I know and see struggling are doing everything they can to survive or to find peace.

You know, I get that life's just not fair and I thank God for that. If life were fair, we'd all be in big trouble. The Bible says our good deeds are like dirty rags in God's sight and there is no one who does right, not one.

"All of us have become like one who is unclean,
and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;
we all shrivel up like a leaf,
and like the wind our sins sweep us away". - Isaiah 64:6

If you're reading this, I'm asking you to pray. Pray for your friends, your neighbors and even the complete strangers who are struggling to make ends meet in today's world; those who have made the wrong choices and can't find their way out of the hole they've dug for themselves; those who are lonely and grieving. There's a world of sadness out there, changing it starts with prayer.

Amazing God!

actions speak louder than words

When I look back at my life, just my adult life, the part I was responsible for, I am so truly amazed at the difference God has made in me.

From the age of 18-28, my life was a whirlwind of wild and crazy events. When I look back, I can see them as dumb, careless, irresponsible, havoc-reaking events. Things that held me back, weighed me down and kept me running in circles. Yet, these things shaped the person I am today. Even then, God had a plan for me.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. " - Jeremiah 29:11

Part of this twisting and turning in the way of the world, landed me in Tallahassee for about 10 months as I pursued dreams of becoming the "IT Expert" I am today. Landing there, I fell into a group of ambitious, young singles running in the same circles as me. Yippee!

I don't want to speak for them, but you know what they say, "actions speak louder than words". At this point in our young lives, our actions spoke very little of our concern for our own salvation, much less that of others.

"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise." - Psalm 51:12-15

Fast-forward - now, here we are, exactly eight years later. I, with my church, am collecting Underwear for Africa. Two of my dear friends from Tallahassee, whom I am very proud of, will deliver them to Lesotho next month as they share the Word of God with the Basotho people!

What an amazing journey! What an amazing God!

Success...

"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." - Proverbs 16:3

I often feel successful in the smallest of accomplishments. (I wonder what that means about me, something I'm sure.)

Most recently, my feeling of success has been with my FirstFitness endeavors. I had my first Weight Loss and Wellness Session earlier this week. My goal was to raise awareness about wellness and to become a Director with the company. I was really nervous about even sending out the invitations; I was worried that people would reject me, think I just wanted to sell them something, and just not show up. Finally, about 3 o'clock Monday afternoon, completely frazzled, I said, "Okay God, this is Yours, do with it what You will."

I count it as a HUGE success overall, (of course that's how God works when you let Him). There were 7 people in attendance, all were family or church family. I am so excited to get them thinking about their health and to help them just feel better and be healthier. That alone is success enough for me. However, in doing so, I did become a Director with the company! (Yay me!)

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." - Albert Schweitzer

You know, I just fell into this business (accidentally or perhaps by Divine intervention? time will tell...). I never intended to sell weight loss and wellness products. I only signed up as a distributor because there was a special promotion and I would save $20 on my 30-Day program. I had no idea that it would be so fun and rewarding!

First, I lost 20 lbs and feel better than I have in 10 years! (Yay me again!) I've been able to share this experience with family and friends and have helped them drop over 100 extra pounds so far (Yay y'all!). I've met some great new people who have taught me a lot. The $1000 I've made\saved is just icing on the c a ... errr... shall I say butter on the whole grain toast!

"But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today." - Deuteronomy 8:18"

Thanks to those of you who were there on Monday, contributing to my success! If you wanted to be there and couldn't, just let me know and we'll schedule another one... I'm here to help your health!