inneractive FITCLUB

Sally's Walk

2010-01-22T23:12:00.000-08:00

Some people don't like the way...Sally walk!

Ha! It's a throwback for anyone who's a true 80s child (classes of 89-93) this was THE song at every house party, after the ball game hangouts, you name it and that song was boomin on the DJ's speakers. To this day I hear the song and my head starts bobbin' and I'm right back at the "Y"; which if you weren't at the "Y" you probably weren't in the scene of the who's who and what's what in good old Canton. Or as we liked to call it, Canton's Finest!

Brings back memories, but it also got me to thinking. What was it about Sally that got folks to the point that someone made up a rap about her, and why don't they like the way she walks.

...she don't live in manha-in' bronx queens or da island of sta-in

I mean, wow to even lay down lyrics discussing where she did and didn't live. Hmmm, did people talk about me like that? At the "Y", the popular place to be, with the popular kids, was I so popular or did I just think I was? Was my walk talked about?

Do people still talk about the way I walk. Do they notice that my stride is a little different from the woman next to me? Do they pay close attention to the fact that even though there may be others watching me, despising the way "Amia walk"; I still keep walkin'

-keep your heart pumpin' and your spirit movin'

Amia

Daniel Fast-Praying for Haiti

2010-01-18T20:04:00.000-08:00

Last week (Wednesday) we had a prayer service after the Believing God class. It was a powerful prayer service. It's such an awesome feeling to know that you know that you know that God is in control no matter what it looks like.

I had the awesome honor of praying for the nation of Haiti. What God gave me without repeating the prayer, which I can't say I remember all of it anyway, was the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37. At any rate, my study bible explained that going into the valley and breathing life was like a resurrection of the land and a reclaiming of God's covenant. Had we not already had an intense lesson on what the Covenant is, it wouldn't have made a lot of sense to me. But it does now and praise God for His Covenant promise
-keep your heart pumpin' and your spirit movin'

Amia

Day 12: The F.I.T.-ness test

2010-01-14T19:45:00.000-08:00

Daniel Fast 2010: day 12

Today was tough. Spiritually, emotionally and physically. I was drained. At first I was ready to chalk it up to PMS but there were no chocolate cravings so that wasn't it.

All day I was dragging, eyes barely open, it hurt to breathe, well not really hurt but it almost burned to breathe. Kinda reminded me of Ohio winters when its so cold your nostrils stick together if you sniff. That kind of hurt-breathing. My body ached; my head, my back, my legs. Every noise seemed exagerated and annoyingly loud. Every song on the radio made me cry, every thought that passed my mind made me tear up. I was frustrated...and the list went on, BUT GOD!

I had no idea that I was being tested. Even when I had to deal with the torment of difficult people, I was being tested.

At the end of the day, I sit here relieved its over taking a sigh of retreive when the Holy Spirit says to me "you've passed". I'm like "WUT". So we began our conversation:

"you passed your test, this was a fitness test. To see how strong you are. You say you are strong, you have placed your life, your health, your wellbeing, in my trust. You've given it to me, I've tried you and tested you and I know you are now F.I.T. to serve"

WOW! Do I get a medal or anything? Probably not, but, I PRESS ON TOWARD THE GOAL!!!!!! Toward the High Calling, which Christ has called me to! I press on! I passed this test.

Today. It felt like the long jump in a track and field tournament. I was grounded then off I ran full speed as fast as my feet could carry me, boom, I hit that landing zone, up in the air with the greatest propulsion I could muster up and I landed in the sand...here come the judges to measure my distance. How far did I jump, were my toes across the line? I don't know how far I jumped today, all I know is that I qualified for the next round!!!!!

Later in the day I ran into a familiar face from one of my very first experiences as an aerobics instructor. We chatted about how long it's been since we first met recognizably so because our daughters were just in baby carriers then. And then another God Stop ; that's those moments Beth Moore describes in the Believing God study, when God just quickly identifies Himself in an unlikely space in your life. I realized how far I'd come. I realized that over 7 years ago I stood infront of a group of hopeful moms, unsure of who I was; guiding them on a journey of finding their potential in staying healthy. I had no clue who I was yet He used me to be a light in someone's life. WOW! How great our God is that He caused me to be effective when I thought I was defective.

I am drawn to the following passage, especially when I feel like giving up and saying this is too much for me to handle.

1 Corinthians 8:10-15 says

(10) And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desireing to do a year ago; (11) but now you must complete the doing of it: that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have.(12)For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. (13)For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened. (14)but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack that there may be equality. (15) As it is written, "He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack"

After years of having labored with compassion to keep others fit, I know that He will do what He said He would do, when I first began this work.

No matter how I feel or how it looks I will let this scripture be my encouragement. Let it also encourage you.

So I will discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27

-keep your heart pumpin' and your spirit movin'

Amia

LifeToday Video

2010-01-08T12:11:00.001-08:00

LifeToday Video

Posted using ShareThis

Daniel Fast 2010-Recipes

2010-01-03T17:26:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

prep time: 15 minutes | cooking time: 32 minutes | makes 4 dozen cookies

These are soft out of the oven, but as they cool they are nice and chewy. They are a serious crowd pleaser, for crowds with taste buds.

Note: I use flax seeds because they make the texture a little chewier, but I've made them without and they're still good!

Equipment:
baking sheets
2 mixing bowls

Ingredients
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/3 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

2/3 cup canola oil
1/3 cup of honey
2 tablespoons sugar-free applesauce
1 cup canned pumpkin, or cooked pureed pumpkin
1 teaspoon vanilla
optional: 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds

1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
1/2 cup raisins

Directions
Preheat oven to 350. Have ready 2 greased baking sheets.

Mix together flour, oats, baking soda, salt and spices.

In a seperate bowl, mix together oil, applesauce, pumpkin and vanilla (and flax seeds if using) until very well combined. Add dry ingredients to wet in 3 batches, folding to combine. Fold in walnuts and raisins.

Drop by tablespoons onto greased cookie sheets. They don't spread very much so they can be placed only an inch apart. Flatten the tops of the cookies with a fork or with your fingers, to press into cookie shape. Bake for 16 minutes at 350. If you are using two sheets of cookies on 2 levels of your oven, rotate the sheets halfway through for even baking. You'll have enough batter for 4 trays.

Remove from oven and get cookies onto a wire rack to cool. These taste best when they've had some time to cool and set. They taste even better the next day!

-keep your heart pumpin' and your spirit movin'

Amia

When the tough get goin'

2009-12-30T17:05:00.000-08:00

There's a quote I read yesturday that has stuck with me, "The body on the couch wants to stay on the couch and it will as long as it does, but the body that begins moving, once it starts, wants to keep going"

You really don't realize how good it feels to move; whether running, walking, swimming or whatever it is you start doing; until you actually start doing it. It'll be tough to start and it might even hurt, it may even feel like you were better off staying where you were. But once you get going the results begin to outweigh the sacrifice and there's no stopping you!

The same is true in our faith walk. It hurts to start, it feels like someone made you run a marathon and you're not anywhere near the status of a wogger (that's part walker part jogger) and your body aches, you have trouble catching your breath and you're mad at the very fact that you've even decided to start this thing. BUT WHOA ONCE THE RESULTS BECOME EVIDENT!!!!!!

Let me encourage you, keep moving! Perhaps in your current fitness program you've reached a plateau; that's the point you haven't seen any difference, you've lost most of your motivation and you find cupcakes and soda are better partners than a dumbbell and 1 mile walk. Perhaps your current faith walk is just the same. With either of the two, change it up. What you've always done has reached it's max, it's time to do something different. The best way to shed off the stubborn unwanted excess is intervals, intervals are small bursts of strength training (ephesians 3:16, Joshua 1:6, Isaiah 40:31) and cardio conditioning (John 16:33, Col 1:11). And don't forget that what you are putting in your mouth is just as important as what comes out! (Proverbs 18:21)

In the matchless name of Christ I pray that you will recognize that He wants you to be ALL that He has called you to be! don't settle for status quo and oh well, go for more!

Keep movin',

OMG!!!!

-keep your heart pumpin' and your spirit movin'

Amia

Cocoons

2009-12-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

We are quickly approaching the 21 Day Transformation! I'm so excited I can hardly contain myself. This is going to be the best year ever, and what's even better than that, we are just getting started.

Over the next 21 days we will transform our bodies, minds, spirts, eating habits and relationships. My hope for you is that you are able to find happiness and wholeness. Not in a superficial "I lost 20 lbs" kind of way, but in a satisfaction of who you really are, falling in love with the reflection in the mirror. Who we are, why we are the way we are, why we attract the folks we attract, why we fail and succeed, all of these areas will FINALLY have definition and we will be able to identify the REAL YOU!

Before a caterpillar transitions into its cocoon it goes through a process of shedding a layer of flesh called demasking. It then resorts to the safe place of transformation, wrapped in miraculous creation as it is finds strength, beauty, purpose and new life. Consider the next 21 Days your cocoon!

Here's to a new life, new purpose, new strength, and new beauty!

for more motivation during your Daniel Fast follow me and over 50 women on the inneractive community

-keep your heart pumpin' and your spirit movin'

Amia

Due Date

2009-12-29T18:55:00.000-08:00

This week I became ridiculously frustrated. To tears. It was almost like that pregnant friend who calls and says "just get this baby out of me, I'm over it at this point" and she knows there's at least a few weeks to go.

That's the discomfort I felt inside. Having given birth to 3 fair sized munchkins myself (all C-Section I might add); my emotions were trapped in the delivery room nausea, the fear of the post op pain, and the frustration of the post baby pooch.

Now I speak of this "pain" in childbirth like humor to prove a point. This past year, coincidentally "09", felt like 9 months of incubation, trimester cycles and physical reshaping. I felt like God was creating something in me that is now ready to be birthed.

For almost 8yrs now I've had the honor and privilege to nurture the healthy lifestyles of women from every walk and life-stage. We've talked, we've squatted, we've wogged (somewhere between walking and jogging) and we've become close friends.

I've committed to becoming the trainer that everyone seeks after, the "best" instructor on the schedule, the one that simply gets what it's like no matter what it is and yet somehow I feel as though my due date keeps getting pushed back.

Since inception, inneractive FITCLUB was created with an idea that we could keep busy moms fit while keeping their schedules and commitments with their children. I knew that it was God-breathed when I came upon the scripture which now stands as a cornerstone to my training philosophy; Ephesians 3:16 "that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man."

So why am I so frustrated. Well, just as the pregger chick, I'm ready to get this thing out of me. I'm well certain it can breath on it's own, it has the legs and arms and all the appendages to move and stand and hold onto whatever is placed in its hands. Its ready, I've maintained a proper diet of the Word of God, an active lifestyle with consistent exercise in living a life of discipline and love and all things that are in the list of the fruits of the spirit, I have all the signs and symptoms of being ready to deliver! Arrrrrggggggg

But no delivery. YET! It's December 29th and I can reflect on the time I've prepared for this "birthing" and I can hope and pray that when God deems the time right for it to be presented to the world it will be beautiful. It will resemble my traits, it will have my character and personality but more important it will be evidence of His wonder and miracle in the process! Praise His Holy Name!!!!!!!!!! I am expecting!!!!!

-keep your heart pumpin' and your spirit movin'

Amia

Daniel Fast 2010

2009-12-28T13:12:00.001-08:00

Here we are in a new year, the end of a fantastic discovery about who God is, how to believe Him and discover more about who I am! In 2009 I took a stand on believing God, the enemy tried to challenge me but I won! This year I'm looking forward to what God wants to do with me, what He wants me to do for Him and who will be involved in this journey! Each year I start with a tremendous expectation, but for some reason my expectation is greater this year. I am VERY excited!

5 statements of faith

God is who He says He is
God can do What He says He can do
I am who God says I am
I can do what God says I can do
God's word is alive and living in me
I'm believing God.

so we begin the Daniel Fast and I'm ready to map out my hit list. (If you are just joining me and dont have an understanding of the fast, please read the previous post of Daniel Fast 2009)

Basically, here's what you need to know
It's not a diet! Daniel made a sincere effort to maintain his belief in God that He would never fail him and no matter what opposition he faced, no matter what compromise someone forced upon him, no matter how hot it got, he would NEVER denounce God. So for that purpose, he declared that he would deny the food everyone else ate if that meant his position on his faith proved him worthy of God's hand. This is the Daniel Fast!

Here are a few recipes I have found to assist you in what to eat.

http://inneractivefitclub.blogspot.com/2009/01/daniel-fast-recipes.html
http://www.christ-web.com/missions/farho/daniel-fast-recipes

1 cup cooked brown rice
fresh apple (cut up into bite size pieces – to taste)
raisins (to taste)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspooon 100% pure edible coconut oil

Mix all the ingredients together in a microwave-safe bowl (except the oil), heat for 2 minutes. Add oil, stir and Eat! It is delicious!

You could probably add soy milk to this, but I don’t like soy milk so I didn’t and it was just as tasty (and filling!

Finding Balance

2009-12-13T21:27:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I started having these weird dizzy spells.

At first I chalked it up to the sleepless nights of nothingness like blogging at 12:28am! But with a quiet house and Christmas music, what else is there to do? I laugh as I fight the heaviness in my eyes...anyway, so these "spells" started hitting me very randomly but almost certainly and severely might I add. My husband even chuckled at one episode and responded by calling me "dopsy" which was the name I inherited during pregnancy because I tripped over shoes, rug corners and even air at times.

But these episodes were weird because I would be standing in one place and all of a sudden feel like I was falling. Knowing that it wasn't right I started combing my daily routines for possible causes and solutions. One friend suggested improper diet and lack of sleep, well, now there's a clever thought...it's beginning to look alot like Christmas so....yeah, does that mean Ima be dizzy for the next few weeks? NO! I refused that one.

So began the self diagnosis.

Rx #1-Equilibrium, maybe too much cold damp air on my head when I leave the gym after teaching a class. hmmm, maybe but there wasn't any pain or drainage (I'd apologize for using graphic descriptives but we are all moms-those words don't offend us).

Rx #2-Lack of sleep-uh, nope been there, havn't done that, need to do that but yep still not happenin'---scratch that

Rx #3-Balance-hey, I was reading somewhere that pre-menopasal symptoms are weird and unexplainable. And with all the unexplainable random crying I've been doing, that could be it. After all, I USE TO be the queen of planks and Core training. Though, I've slacked on doing it myself I delight myself making my clients do planks til they despise me :-)...but for now, that wasn't it either.

Ok, stay with me on this one...maybe it's internal, like deeper than the belly button to spine issue.

Here was my Ah-Ha (sorry Oprah) moment...I remembered reading in one of my FAVORITE books "Captivating: unveiling the mystery of a woman's soul" By Stasi Eldredge; that dizzy spells might be a form of your spirit being out of balance.

Now, I'm not trying to get all woo-y but it kinda made sense. If my spirit was happy one day, sad the next, I'd call that out of balance. But anyway so I pulled out the book for clarity. It made perfect sense.

I'm 10 weeks in the heart of a bible study I'm doing called "Believing God" this study has really helped me know that I can pray and ask God for the smallest or grandest things. It's really increased my faith and understanding of what God wants to bless me with. One of the key principals is to not grow weary in doing what's right and to stand firm because God will never fail me. STAND FIRM!

That was in! Because I decided to take a STAND on believing God is bigger than I've always imagined Him; that whether my prayers are for more time in a day or a miraculous healing or motivation to get in a workout and eat right, because I decided that "ain't nuttin gonna break my stride" there were negative forces tryin' to slow me down! (One of my faves again)

So I up-ed my prayers. I prayed for balance! I prayed for CORE STRENGTH! Ha! Core Strength, how many times have I explained to people the difference between CORE STRENGTH and 6 Pack Abs?

Core Strength is that deep underlying muscle support that keeps everything that's vital to you staying alive, well protected and it keeps your spine in tact so that you can STAND tall and keep your BALANCE.

So that's it, my balance was being challenged. So how do you regain your balance? Focus!...What was I so focused on that it had me dizzy, feeling like I was about to fall over? Have you felt that? Out of control maybe, unstable, waivering on decisions, a little off? What's got your focus?

The Gold's Gym 12 Days of Fitness Workout | Golds Gym

2009-12-01T15:42:00.001-08:00

The Gold's Gym 12 Days of Fitness Workout | Golds Gym

Posted using ShareThis

"That's not my message"

2009-11-29T19:45:00.000-08:00

Today we had an amazing service in church. It was "bring a friend day" but better than that, the College & career and youth hosted the entire service including the message. One of our (I say our, taking great pride in the opportunity to teach this young man); one of our highschool students talked about finding your own faith. He said we can't ride to heaven on anyone else's faith. When we get there, we can't simply say oh I'm with them (grandma's faith, mom & dad's faith, the girl in the cubicle next to me, etc.) "them" just isn't listed in the lambs book of life, the names that ARE recorded are specific! So he goes on to talk about our own individual faith is based on our understanding and desire to have a covenant with the Lord. He joking said, "if you're wondering what the covenant is, well that's not my message, that's Pastor's message so you need to come hear what he has to say"

Then it clicked! That's not my message. I can only do, teach, speak and convey what God has sent me to do. I can't run bootcamps because He didn't send me to teach bootcamps. I can't have these fat-loss tremendous "biggest loser style weight loss results" with hundreds of participants at once, that's not my message. My message is on connecting people. Getting people to realize that they are not alone, getting folks outside of their little shell of hybernation and isolation to realize that there are others available and willing to help them walk out whatever they are in. My call may be in fitness, but its the gathering of groups. It's group therapy! I get them in, I give them what they need, they tell others, they have what they need (rehabilitated) and they move on, making room for the next person. I can't hold onto anyone or any place. I can only move when He tells me to move, plant where He tells me to plant and tend to the field He tells me to tend to.

My harvest comes! Until then, I will continue to plant, plow and praise!

Thanks Giving!

2009-11-26T13:32:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving, or as i've so cordially been exposed to in the great southern hospitality dialect, Happy THAYNKS giving as to imply there's another option of givin'. but truthfully there is...there's begrudging givin, regretful giving, obligatory givin, and I'm almost certain the proverbial recompense giving. but today I'm talking about THANKS GIVING!

And so I'm giving thanks for everything and everyone in my life. Every up and down every coming and going and loss and gain every lesson learned every once of wisdom I've gained. For everything I give thanks! I've realized if I never would have experienced some of the moments in my life I would not be who I am today. I Thank God because He has ALWAYS been with me through it all even when I didn't know He was.

Five Most Important Values for Moms

2009-11-20T06:09:00.000-08:00

Parents' Magazine "What Do Moms Want" Survey 2009 recently released this Top 5 list of values from moms regarding what they want most for their children.

* HONESTY
* SELF-ESTEEM
* KINDNESS
* SELF-RELIANCE
* CONCERN FOR OTHERS

70% of the parents said they want to instill Self-Esteem in their children. Start with books which model behavior for your kids. Connect with your child.Become the role model "Not a do as I say, not as I do" parent.

Parents' Magazine Editor spoke on the Today Show regarding the key "leadership skills" parents need to exemplify:

* Generosity and Sharing
* Gratitude
* Perseverance
* Stand Up For What Is Important

Here are a few great reading resources for your parenting journey:

First Things First: The Rules of Being a Warner
Kurt and Brenda Warner

Together theyre the parents of seven, going into their 12th year of marriage, and founders of a foundation that helps disadvantaged children and families. Their formula for success? They put First Things Firstfamily, faith, and giving to othersits their family motto, and it drives everything they do. First Things First is an honest, insightful, and entertaining look at life inside the Warner household. Kurt and Brenda speak candidly about their marriage, the values they are working to instill in their kids, things theyve done right, mistakes theyve made, the importance of giving back, and the legacy they hope to leave behind.

Great Gift Idea

Parenting with Love and Logic
Foster Cline, Jim Fay

Parenting with Love and Logic shows you how to parent effectively without anger, threats, nagging, or power struggles while teaching your children responsibility.

Gifts of Love

What Every Child Needs

Elisa Morgan

Written in a warm, nurturing style, this book details the nine kinds of love every child needs: security, affirmation, family, respect, play, guidance, discipline, independence and hope.

Loving Your Child

Discipline

2009-11-20T04:43:00.000-08:00

Not the best word this time of year, it almost conjures up a roaring, raging Bah Humbug. Running errands the other day I drove past a church sign that read "From Humbug to Halleluah" and it listed the service times. I chuckled then it hit me, that takes discipline. Discipline to be in a humbug state of mind and the like to change your mind to halleluh on top of the fact that you gotta get to service on time!

This time of year as we strategize our diet sabotage, Year long Christmas Lists and "what'll I'll do in January" plans, discipline comes in all shapes sizes, and pretty packages.

Everything smells so good, I mean sooooo good. Although, the cinnamon scented pine cones I brought home weren't considered as much when the smell about smacked my husband in the face when he walked in the house. Oops! Too much of a good thing is never right! And everything looks so pretty I just wanna buy it all!

Anyway, back to the discipline. I've about made my way down the list of simple Christmas gifts for my kids and my husband, I've planned and prepared a pre-thanksgiving apetizer/dessert party, packaged cookie jar gifts for the kids teachers, launched the new dance studio kick-off class and yet I can't help but feel a sense of rebellion from discipline. I stepped on the scale with one eye open and hands on my hips reciting the words, whatever it's just a number only to glance down and stomp across the bathroom in defeat recalculating the lack of discipline and countless stops in the fast food drive through. With Thanksgiving only a few days away I again, recall my lack of discipline and wonder why noone held me accountable; I should be lacing up for the Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon! Why didn't anyone stop me, why wasn't anyone checking to see if I was running, why, why why...because I was just flat out too wise for my own good...

"A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice." -Bill Cosby.... Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. -Proverbs 12:1

Lord have mercy let me accept when I'm stupid, too stupid to get my act together and heed the advice I give to others to get it together.

Enjoying the Holidays Guilt-Free

2009-11-12T15:41:00.000-08:00

It’s that time of the year again when most Americans are bound to gain an extra three to seven pounds of weight.

Let’s face it: Trying to eliminate such family traditions as turkey, stuffing, candied sweet potatoes and pecan pie on Thanksgiving is hardly practical.

And that’s just the beginning of weeks of traditional Holiday treats in the office, at cocktail parties and feasts shared with family and friends.

So why not develop a game plan early to avoid the weight gain and start the New Year healthy?

If you follow these few simple tips provided by health and fitness professionals and two working women, who are determined to keep their weight loss success on track during the Holiday season, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy and happy beginning in 2010.

Enjoying the Holidays Guilt-Free

To Be: Patient

2009-02-24T21:42:00.000-08:00

To Be: Patient

patient: 1. bearing or enduring pain, difficulty, provocation, or annoyance with calmness. 2. tolerant; understanding. 3. capable of calmly awaiting an outcome or a result; not hasty or impulsive.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)

In our fast-food eating, cell-phone toting, on-demand watching culture we aren’t asked to wait for much, are we? Most of our needs can be met in mere minutes. This is wonderful and convenient, until we smack up against a need or want that can’t be met with the click of a mouse, pop of a pill, or ding of a microwave.

When people don’t act according to our plan or events don’t happen according to our timetable, we realize how easy it is to lose our patience. Sometimes our fallen world forces us to wait for good things—and our heart aches as we try our best to be patient.

Worst Supermarket Foods

2009-01-31T18:20:00.000-08:00

From the produce section to the frozen-food aisle, the modern-day market is loaded with 50,000 food choices, all vying for your hard-earned money. That's why we created the Eat This, Not That! Supermarket Survival Guide, the brand-new follow-up to our national bestselling nutrition books that will help you cut through marketing mysteries and food-label lies in order to make the smart choices that lead to fast and permanent weight loss for you and your loved ones. Full Story

are you hungry?

2009-01-26T10:49:00.000-08:00

To transform your life you must begin with changing your mind. (Romans 12)

Did you know that we can and will only do what we have convinced ourselves we can do. In regard to keeping yourself healthy and fit have you done everything you can do to keep yourself healthy and fit? Seriously? Or has it been more of a self-gratification, I can and i will when i feel like it?

Have you taken advantage of the opportunity to be fit physically and spiritually but found that your emotional wellness was ready to be checked into the intensive care unit? Or found yourself physically and emotionally well but spiritually dry?

Very rarely do I reference Oprah; but it's worth it this time around because she hit a strong point today in her mission to FINALLY combat her weight issues. What she has discovered is that it's not weight or food that she has an issue with, it's that she's hungry not for food but for love and she turns to food to find her satisfaction. My question to you is, are you hungry?

At the point you realize that you can't do it, or you feel like you've lost control; what do you turn to in order to regain control?

With everything that you have been able to do for yourself, with yourself and to yourself, is there any possibility that you can't do everything BY yourself?

Take a moment and confront yourself and see if there is anything that might be keeping you from being the healthiest you CAN be. (Search me Lord, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23-24)

In order to be healthy, it must be in mind, body and spirit without the balance in all three areas, it's simply unhealthy! You've decided to do an amazing thing for YOU and you can do it! This is the way, walk in it (Isaiah 30:21).

Who do you think you are?

2009-01-23T08:10:00.001-08:00

I've heard people say they have their "church friends" and their 'other' friends or their church life and their other life...I kinda raise an eyebrow to that cuz it's kinda like living a double life. It's as if there's some kind of seperation between the 'church-you' and the 'other-you'.

So it naturally leads me to question and ponder, does the church-you smile, worship, say a million thank-you's, laugh, cry at the tender moments, repent, do all the kind-hearted wonderful things about life? Does the other-her do all the same? So then what's the difference?

If the church-you is at walmart and runs into an-'other' friend but church-you is dressed in 'church' clothing does church-you morph into Suzie Liesalot; sorry 'other-you; or play the wolf in sheeps clothing or completely dip down the frozen foods isle in hopes that the 'other' friends don't recognize them?

Speaking of which, is there a church God and an-'other' god to play along with this charade? If the other-you goes to the god with a request that was intended for the Church God what happens then? Hmmm...kinda makes you wonder (James 1:8)

Confrontation

2009-01-20T07:21:00.000-08:00

kuhn-fruhnt (con-together; fruhnt-forehead)

1.to face in hostility or defiance; oppose:
2. to present for acknowledgment, contradiction, etc.; set face to face:
3. to stand or come in front of; stand or meet facing:
4. to be in one's way: the numerous obstacles that still confronted him.
5. to bring together for examination or comparison

Confrontation is a touchy subject. For the person that enjoys the smell of the fight, confrontation is like a breath of fresh air. For the personality type that confrontation creates a shut down of communication, emotion and self-confidence; it feels like suicide.

I'm compelled to consider my obligation to step up face to face with the things that force me to die to myself. To face the hidden demons that prevent me from becoming who I am destined to be, the soft spoken voices of condemnation and accusation, the pleasures of self-fulfilling temptations and the ease of omission which tangles a deceptive make-believe. To recognize the opportunities: to have, do, see, touch, feel, smell, taste, enjoy; recognize that while good in the moment, terminal conclusions await my vulnerability.

Bring me to myself-a face to face defiance of the immediate things that hinder me. Even if it be myself. Bring me to a place of recognizing that life has more to offer than the immediacy I've been conditioned to desire. Bring me to a place of surrender and sloughing, a revolutionary unveiling of a woman I never knew. Bring me to a reflection of the sacrifice, slander and slaughter made for my identification. Bring me to the recognition of my hands, my feet, my voice, my stature, my vision, my breath.

Cronfront me Lord you knew me before, now and what is to come, show me the things that you don't recognize and rid them from me so that I might be a reflection of your image.

Daniel Fast '09 Cont'd

2009-01-07T11:49:00.000-08:00

It's day 4 of the fast, my body has gotten used to the eating, my temptations not so much. I was running errands today and was craving McDonald's fries like nobody's business then I realized that I really wasn't hungry just craving. And while the perfect thing to say right now would be that I began to pray, I did but in a selfish way.

I started praying for the stuff that I want in my life, in a woe is me kindof way. I then recalled when Pastor helped us understand that in 2009 God has completed His dealings with man on a natural level and is now going to deal with us on a spiritul level.

My spirit began to grieve at this point. I realized this fast is not about the list of things that I need, that I've been praying for or hoping for. I realized that it's about what He wants in my life.

He wants me to want Him, to have a hunger that cannot be filled by stuff, acheivements, recognition, titles or even fulness of spirit. Although He wants me to prosper even as my soul prospers, He wants ALL of me FIRST!

Daniel Fast Food Guidelines

2009-01-02T11:18:00.000-08:00

Food Guidelines for a Daniel Fast
Fasting and Your Health
If you are in poor health or have concerns about your physical ability to fast, please consult a physician before beginning your first fast. There are different types of fasts recommended on these pages. Your doctor can provide advice on how you can participate on this First Fruits Fast in a way that is healthy for you.

Foods You May Eat:

Whole Grains:
Brown Rice, Oats, Barley

Legumes:
Dried Beans, Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Lentils, Black Eyed Peas

Fruits:
Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Cranberries, Oats, Figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Guava, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Papayas, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tangelos, Tangerines, Watermelon

Vegetables:
Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Peppers, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Gingerroot, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens, Okra, Onions, Parsley, Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabagas, Scallions, Spinach, Sprouts, Squashes, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress, Yams, Zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you not allergic to soy.

Liquids:
Spring Water, Distilled Water, 100% All-Natural Fruit Juices, 100% All Natural Vegetable Juices. You may also drink protein drinks.

Others:
Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts, corn tortillas

Foods to Avoid:

Meat (including but not limited to beef, pork, fish, chicken, veal, all meats)
White Rice
Fried Foods
Caffeine
Carbonated Beverages
Foods Containing Preservatives or Additives
Refined Sugar
Sugar Substitutes
White Flour and All Products Using It
Margarine, Shortening, High Fat Products
All Dairy Products

Remember:

The Daniel Fast will lead to spiritual insight. "to those four young men God gave knowledge".
The Daniel Fast is longer than one day. These young men fasted for ten days.
The Daniel Fast is a partial fast. They ate, but only vegetables and water.
The Daniel Fast requires abstinence from party or junk foods.
There is no indication that they ever began to eat the king's food.

Sample Meal Plan

Breakfast

Sliced fruit

Hot whole-grain cereal with raisins and nuts

Juice

Lunch

Hearty Layered Salad and Greek Vegetable Stew

Dinner

Vegetarian Chili and a Green Salad with dressing

Lentil Soup and a Green Salad with dressing

Snacks

Sliced vegetables with hummus

Sliced vegetables with white bean dip

Raw almonds or other nuts

Sliced fruit and nuts

Daniel Fast - Understanding

2009-01-02T11:15:00.000-08:00

Step 1: Be Specific
Daniel was not vague in his objection to the Babylonian diet. He defined the problem immediately.
The king's food was against dietary laws.
Daniel and his friends had vowed against wine.
The king's food had been offered up to idols/demons.

Step 2: Fast as a Spiritual Commitment
The Daniel Fast involves a spiritual commitment to God. "Daniel proposed in his heart that he would not defile himself" (Daniel 1:8).

Step 3: Reflect Inner Desire by Outer Discipline
Many people have an inner desire for better health, but they can't discipline themselves to avoid junk food, and other foods that are not good for their health. The physical health you seek from God may be more than an answer to prayer. Your physical health can be linked to any of the following factors:
Your food choices.
The level of your spiritual commitment as reflected in constant prayer during the fast.
Your time commitment. If you determine to fast for a certain time, keep it. For example, if you determine to fast 10 days, don't stop on Day 9.

THIS PARTICULAR FAST IS FOR 21 DAYS

Your testimony commitment. Your fast is a statement of faith to God that you want Him to heal your body, and faith is foundational to the Daniel Fast.

Step 4: Pray to Perceive Sin's Role in Poor Health
Notice James 5:13-16:
Sin is something related to the cause of sickness.
Lack of health/healing may be the result of spiritual rebellion.
Lack of health/healing may be due to sin of wrong intake, i.e. drugs, pornography.
Repentance is linked to health according to James.
Elders have a role in healing both spiritual and physical health.
Sick people must desire to be well
The anointing oil could mean Medicine for healing, Symbolic of the Holy Spirit, or
It could be baptism
Prayer alone may not gain healing, faith is the major factor.
In Greek there are several words for "sick". James uses "Kanino", which not only includes disease, but also means weak or weary.
Attitude is important. James said, "are there any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms."

Step 5: Fast as a Statement of Faith to Others
Daniel was making a statement of faith when he asked for only vegetables to eat and water to drink, then dared the overseer to compare the appearance of the four sons of Israel with the young men who ate the king's food.

Step 6: Learn the Effects of the Food You Eat
Why are some foods good for us, and other foods not? What does certain food do to your body? If we really knew, there would likely be some things we would never eat again.

Step 7: Yield All Results to God
Daniel said, "as you see fit, deal with your servants" (Dan. 1:13).
source:http://www.jentezenfranklin.org/fasting/danielfast.php

Daniel Fast 2009

2009-01-02T11:04:00.001-08:00

For the past 3 years my husband and I have dedicated the beginning of our year toward a spiritual fast following the biblical direction of the book of Daniel. We've seen miraculous healings, financial blessings, refocus on our relationship with The Lord and a better understanding of HIS PURPOSE. There are countless resources available on the internet and in bookstores that explain how to fast, why to fast, etc. but I've taken some time to pull together a few here to make it as simple as possible.

Let's start with WHY:

When you give God your first through fasting, prayer and giving at the beginning of the year, you set the course for the entire year.

Why should I fast?

Are you in need of healing or a miracle?
Do you need the tender touch of God in your life?
Is there a dream inside you that only He can make possible?
Are you in need of a fresh encounter?
Do you desire a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord?
Are you ready to have heightened sensitivity to the desires of God?
Do you need to break away from bondages that have been holding you hostage?
Is there a friend or loved one that needs Salvation?
Do you desire to know God's will for your life?

seek the Lord in prayer and let your decisions about your fast come from Him. Ask the Lord to show you areas to target during your time of fasting and prayer. As we pray and seek God and give Him our best at the first of the year, He will bless our ENTIRE year (Matthew 6:33)!

HOW YOU FAST:

The type of fast you choose is between you and the Lord, He will honor your BEST sacrifice. Resource (http://www.jentezenfranklin.org/fasting/typesoffasts.php)

Throughout the year my husband and I dedicate one day per week to meditate and focus on God's Word and we use a partial fast (sun up to sun down) however, for the first part of the year we focus on the Daniel Fast.

The Daniel Fast
Eat no meat, no sweets and no bread. Drink water and juice. Eat fruits and vegetables.

Details on the next blog.