Life Doesn't End With 50!

Feeling a little better about today... it's only 9:10 am and I've had my breakfast of champions, cooked my husband's lunch, and did my 20 minute run which was about 2 miles.  I need to add a mile.  Working on that!

So... I wanted to listen to Beth Moore while I was out running, but wasn't able to get it pulled up.  Next time I'll have it all figured out before I get out there.  As I pulled into the school parking lot, I noticed the lawn crew pulling in at the same time.  I mean, the school is a huge place, did they really have to start cutting where I was running.  Not really.  As I rounded the corner, the breeze swiftly blowed the scent of 'weed' into my nostrils.  I'm almost 50 years old.  I've been around the block a few times, and yes... I know what 'weed' smells like (unfortunately).  When they saw me looking I became a little afraid.  Maybe it wasn't weed.  I don't know... maybe everyone huddles in a circle to smoke cigarettes.  I was almost certain it was.

I'm not the morality police.  I mean, school is out for summer... but still... the blantant audacity of some people.  I get pulled over for not knowing my headlight is out, or because when I thought I stopped the officer said it wasn't a complete stop because I rolled.  This bothers me.  Sometimes, I think officers are looking for the obvious.  Sometimes, that's what we do as Christians too.  We look for the obvious.

Did you know sinning in your heart is just as detrimental as sinning outwardly.  We often go around making judgements of other's outward sins because they are the most obvious without addressing our own internal sin.  Just because your actions don't demonstrate sin, doesn't mean you aren't sinning in your heart and mind. (Mathew 7:1-6; Luke 6:37-42; 1 Samuel 16:7; Jeremiah 17:9-10; Luke 16:15)

Just a thought.

Stop looking for the obvious in others... and start addressing the hidden in you!  My goal for today.  Well, that revelation along with creating an itemized list of things to do today... or a scheduled list of things to do.  I can't get it all done sitting around, so I'm blocking my time out and following the outline in my book, "Oh Mother Clutter".

I'm not going to lie, day three was a bust!  I didn't maintain a schedule, ran around like a chicken with her head cut off and didn't get any REAL thing accomplished.  I can't be running for the prize THIS WAY!  The only excuse I have is I woke up with a bit of a sore throat and congestion.  I felt "OK". 

I did manage to go help a friend get a few things done.  That's me, I'd rather be helping someone else accomplish their projects than trying to tackle them on my own.  This stinks.  If this is how I'm approaching God... then it's no wonder I feel the way I do.  God comes first.  I should do all things to honor him.  

I got up, and did nothing... praying tomorrow will be better!!!!!!

My goal is to have one bible study a week.  This is my first.

Satan would like for us to not fear God.  I see in our churches today a lack of respect and fear for the God who created us.  He exists.  Just as Satan tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, he tempts us still by making us believe God isn't a force to be reckened with.  Satan lessens the power of the Almighty.  Many churches preach the Love of God, but very few actually preach to fear God.  Jesus said himself, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." in Mathew 10:28.  Doesn't this mean we should fear God over man, over Satan?  

I highly recommend reading Mathew 10 in your Bible and reflect on a few things about sin.  

Think of this... when approaching a red light you stop.  Do you stop out of fear or your love for the police?  You stop because you want to do the right thing, or more over because it's a law and it should not be broken, you're AFRAID, fearful, respectful or because you fear the police or repercussions.

Satan doesn't want us fearing God, because in fearing God we follow his law, or commands.  And by following God's law and commands, we remove the stronghold Satan has on us.

Sin is a stronghold.  Sin is what keeps us bound to ourselves, to the world.  God hates sin... and sin is what separates us from God.  YES, Jesus, God's one and only Son came and endured torment, ridicule, torture and died to release us from our sin.  Get this... HUGE statement here; God's ONE AND ONLY SON (John 1:14-18 ).  This statement signifies the IMPORTANCE of the sacrifice.  I couldn't fathom giving my children up, my only son up so that other's may be free.  The importance and significance of this statement shows the significance and importance of HIS (God's) sacrifice.  Don't you get it?  He didn't give us Jesus, a gift of LOVE, HOPE and LIFE so we could squander it away.  JESUS didn't perform miraculous miracles, heal the sick, blind, and restore people simply so we would believe.  Jesus came as the LIGHT of the world to show us the way... in all things. (John 8:11-12, Mathew 5:14)

I read Hebrews 10:26-27, I firmly believe... eventhough Christian scholars may say otherwise.  We like to believe once saved always saved... but I believe just because we know Christ exists doesn't mean we will receive salvation.  Christ came for all who should believe in him.  Our sins will keep us away from him.  He didn't come just so we could be forgiven, he came so we could become sinless... SINLESS... NO more sin.  SIN IS OUR STRONGHOLD, SIN KEEPS US FROM GOD.  And Satan would like nothing more than for us to believe we can continually, willfully, blatantly continue to sin and have a relationship with the God the Father, Christ the Son.  

Strongholds are something we fight against... every day, every second of each day, every breath.  Sin we fight.  Although we stumble, fall and trip over our sin... we keep our eyes on the prize and we FIGHT consistently, constantly, and willfully against it!  1 Corinthians 9:23-25; Phillipians 3:14

Believing in Christ is more than knowing He exists.  Satan knows Christ exists and throws stumbling blocks in our paths daily to keep us from Him. Fearing God keeps us accountable... respectful... in check.  God loves us as any parent loves their child.  I want my children to be afraid of being disciplined, because the 'fear' of being disciplined is what keeps them in check, just as fear of God's wrath keeps us in check.

The gift of Christ was to free us from our sin... and so we may become sinless as we grow in our relationship with Him.  Anything we put before God/Christ is an idol (sin).  If you love your sin more than you love Christ... are you saved?  Romans 6:6.  Do not be a slave to your sin, but be free from it.  

John 8:11 "... Now go, and sin no more." 

Ref:  http://www.christiantribune.com/Documents/Bible_Studies/Sin_what_is_it_part_1_2.htm

OK... Eating my breakfast of champs:  Steamed oatmeal, teaspoon of crunchy peanut butter and a teaspoon brown sugar.  This is my energy meal.  For the rest of the day I will be consuming proteins, natural fruits and vegetables.  NO ALCOHOL.  I am still drinking coffee.  One of my goals is to turn from the Coffee to Green Tea.  This Seven Weeks is going to be a process of cumulative effort.  Taking a slow entry adding or removing one stumbling block at a time.  My main suggestion is for you all to drink plenty of water, stay hydrated and stove off hunger at the same time.

Although I read the bible yesterday, I spent most of the day taking care of family needs and registering for school.  YES!  I'm going back to college to complete a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education.  This is a new task, daunting possible, but doable.  Baby steps... baby steps.

If you are interested in joining in my jouney... here's what I'm doing and why.

I worked from my home for seven years as a family child care provider, for five of those years I was a home schooling mom.  We didn't have curriculum because we couldn't afford it.  Thankfully with several donated resources and our local library, we were able to create our own well rounded curriculum.  Our curriculum was Bible/Christ centered.  As a stay at home mom/family child care provider, I wasn't in the 'real' world. This was a good thing as this time away from the hoopla gave me the opportunity to develop and grow closer to God.  It gave the opportunity for me to receive the true Gospel of Christ from His teachings, and not the watered down version of the world.

For those who have never stepped away from worldly... it's difficult to understand.  It's difficult to understand because you are IN the world and OF the world.  Stepping away from the world... that's God's goal for us.  When we step away, then He can enter therein.  He isn't of the world, and we should aspire to be not of this world as well.  (Ref. Romans 12:2, John 17:16, John 8:23, John 15:19, John 17:14).  Not making a whole lot of sense. Like the saying goes, "You had to be there to understand.".

So my Seven Week journey is an attempt for me to be away from Worldly things.  It's an attempt to renew my relationship with God, my outlook and my life so it's more reflective of what God wants, and less about what the world wants.  It's a journey to bring my children closer to God through service, prayer, and learning to run... as if to win... towards the Father... in all things, all aspects, all relationships, all tasks.

This is Cross Fit.  

My health, my mental well being, my spiritual well being are taken into account.  I want to be healthy for my family.  I want to be healthy to serve others, I want to be healthy physically, mentally and spiritually.  Our body is our temple/Tabernacle, and if you've ever read Exodus, you see the PRECISE instruction God gives to Moses about building a Tabernacle (Dwelling Place of God).  We are to respect our bodies, and follow the instructions God gives in how we treat our bodies.  Our whole person is a temple in which we should nourish, take care of, respect and be thankful for, even when it doesn't always look, feel, cooperate the way we would like.  Our appearances (again, mental, physical, spiritual) should in all aspects reflect God/Christ who dwells within.

I'm not going to preach!  OK... maybe a little.  Your decisions are yours.  I DO want to encourage you to read your Bible and find out what the Gospel REALLY says.  Old sayings like, "Cleanliness is next to Godliness.", "Tattoos are sin.", "Drinking is a sin"... "God shuts one door and opens another"... all those are myths, false teachings.  If you find these verses in the Bible, please let me know and explain your position.  The Bible is received as truths from God... so if it doesn't say it, it's not truth... if it's not in there, it's not the Gospel.  (Ref. Revelation 22:19, Deuteronomy 4:2, Deuteronomy 12:32).

Get your GO on!  Read the word... drink your coffee... start your Seven Week Journey to becoming Cross Fit!  

Additional References:  Proverbs 3:1-2, 8; Ecclesiastes 12:13; Exodus 15:26; 3 John 1:2; 1 Corinthians 6:20; Timothy 4:8

God bless!!!!!

Good Morning!  It's approximately 7:30 am and I'm getting ready to begin my Seven Week Journey to being Cross Fit!  I'm dealing with mixed emotions.  The purpose of my journey is to become physically, emotionally, and spiritually fit.  The first thing I did this morning was prepare my breakfast.  I had a bowl of steamed old fashioned oats, tablespoon crunchy peanut butter, and a teaspoon of brown sugar; cup of coffee and water.

What am I reading?  I'm reading this morning in the book of Galatians.  I want to be a winner!  I want to run a good race!  In order to do this, I must study, exercise, and implement what I learn.  In this case, or in Galatians 1:9-10 the Bible tells us "...If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you embraced, let him be under a divine curse! Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."  I

This is something I want to be very sure in.  I escaped the world when I stayed home for five years to homeschool my children, and I want to not be of the world, yet in the world and tell the true Gospel of Jesus.  

In about 20 minutes I'm heading out to the track for my morning run.  Depending on my stamina, I may go directly to my cross fit workout.  If not, It will get done at some point today.  

I will be back to share how I feel about my run, and about what God's doing for me today.  I generally do my best thinking when I'm away from the noise, sounds, activity of the beginning day.

Getting my house in order!  Be back soon to share!

God bless,

Sam

So... the doctor says I'm healthy.  I guess I have no more excuses.  This coming week will be my last week of work before beginning summer break.

I'm planning on taking all the pictures I can this week.  Not only of me, but of my home, my family and everything else here on earth of some significant value.  I'm researching, reading and dedicated to 'winning' this time... "WINNING".  

I will be blogging every (almost) day as I conclude a portion of my journey.  These may not be all informative posts, but they will be indicative of what I'm doing, and any progress I have made.  LORD, give me strength as I run, fight, press on as steadfastly as possible into your arms!  I know through you, LORD, winning this prize is possible... as you ARE the source of my strength, and YOU are the reason I run, and press on!

Let the RACE to being soulfully, physically and mentally CROSS Fit begin! 

God bless,

Sam

I'm back.  Yes, I'm going to try once again to maintain a level of commitment to this thing I call life.  I have a doctors appointment for the first time in eight years and I'm going to find out once and for all, 'what is wrong with me'.

In the past two years, many changes have taken place.  I decided to stop homeschooling my children, and went into the public work force.  Public school system that is.  I work at a public school in a lottery funded prek class.  I have 22 preschool aged children in my classroom, and YES, I am able to maintain my sanity.  Who knew... it IS possible.

I didn't realize how much those ladies in the school system ate.  I'm not sure what these ladies are doing with it all.  Could be because all of them are half my age, but you wouldn't know they ate like they did... except for the fact I'm there to witness it.  As they go on eating and about their business... I seem to be the only one gaining.  Shew, and have I gained.

Ok... that's not completely true.  There are maybe 15 women out of the entire school who are struggling like I.  Most of them mothers, or genetically inclined to be heavier than most.  It doesn't seem fair.  

Here's the second stage of my journey.  I'm 47 (sorta) and I am having a difficult go at losing my body fat.  My husband makes it look easy (he's seven years younger).  So yes, it is easier for him, he hasn't quite reached 'old' yet.  Just wait!  He will.  As for now, he's telling me, "Just do this, and Just do that."  Really?  If it was as easy as "just doing something" then I'd be Tosca Reno.  Right?  

I do watch what I eat, I do go without, I do exercise, I do all these things... yet NOTHING seems to be DOING anything back.  Are you with me?

Where am I going with this rant?  Well... sitting here thinking about my doctor's appointment.  There's no telling what this doctor is going to tell me.  She'll probably give me a list of foods, stay away from this, don't eat that.  Exercise.

"UM, HELLO... anybody listening?"

I'm already doing that.  I hope she can tell me something NEW or give me some REAL insight into what is going on.  I eat healthy.  I stay away from junk.  Just because I'm around it all day doesn't mean I indulge in it.  AND, on top of that... it just isn't fair that I gain the weight and all the skinny girls over there make gluttons of themselves and don't gain an ounce.  I simply want in on their secret.  That's all.

If you can't give me THAT... then please, don't tell me what I can and cannot do... because I already "do-do" that.  Get it?  It's crap.  Make sense?

My NEW journey.  I found this thing called TotalC25K.  It's a running program on my phone, and I've been doing it three days a week.  PLUS, I've been trying to work out with weights.  I hate weights.  They are taxing, and I worry if I'm doing it right.

On top of exercising, running 2-3 days a week I'm standing on my feet all day with 22 four and five year olds.  I am somewhat active.  Every other day, when I'm in gym with the kids, I shoot basketball, and play with the children.  I'm moving around.  I am... I really am.

Here's my plan... I found a book on cutting carbs, a DVD on becoming ripped.  I'm going to hook into the regime and not break from it, just to see what happens.  BUT FIRST, I'm going to see what the doctor says.  I'm going to see if I can implement any of the advice this doctor has and JUST see what happens.

In the meantime, I'll continue to do the TotalC25K so I can run that dam run which I've been saying for the past 5-10 years I was going to run.  It comes along the same time each year, in May.  YES, it's Dam Run... to be precise it's The Hartwell Dam Run.  AND YES... we actually run across a dam.

Have a super pleasing Day.  The riches in life are found in LOVE.  Love is found within yourself, and seeing what God sees in you.  No matter your size, shape, age, financial situation... He loves you, and always will.  I know this to be true, and knowing this gets me through the day.

Love,

Sam

Mathew 6:21 "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." NIV

I was looking at some of the links I'm affiliated with, when I came to the DERMSTORE link. I was excited to find an article there on Glycolic Acid. I have been using GLYCOLIC ACID for years. I began using it early in my twenties because I had oily skin, and the use of this product helped to remove surface oils and dirt. Because of my extremely (inherited) oily skin, I also had LARGER than normal pores. Well, there's nothing I can do about the size of my pores, but I did find with regular use of an exfoliant, such as Glycolic Acid, the size of my pores did reduce somewhat. Here's what I read about Glycolic Acid from the DERMSTORE link:

 "Glycolic acid is the most active and beneficial of the Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids (AHA) used in skin care and is derived from sugar cane. Studies have shown glycolic acid to be the most effective fruit acid for cosmetic application. It has the smallest molecular structure of all AHAs, thus possesses the greatest penetration potential. Inside the cell, it stimulates the collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis, improving the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and other forms of sun damage. Due to this unique mechanism of action, glycolic acid has also been found to be beneficial for the management of conditions involving hyperkeratinization, i.e., psoriasis, ichthyosis, acne, dry skin, etc. Anyone suffering from these skin disorders would benefit greatly from the use of glycolic acid. It’s a fundamental part of a skin care maintenance program that will keep your skin healthy throughout the years."  Dermstore  (Glycolic Cleanser (8 fl oz.)

Glycolic Acid Serum

REV UP ROMANCE IN YOUR MARRIAGE!!! YAYHOO!

I was checking out some things online, and I came across this valuable bit of information on how to improve "certain" relations in your MARRIAGE! OK... well, I found this a bit intriguing, and couldn't go away without sharing. I know, I know... some of you don't need to know, but read on... anyways! The info is straight from "Botanics Choice"!!!!

8 Herbs to Rev Up Romance

Most health care practicioners agree that a satisfying sex life is important to your overall well being. Yet for many of us, whether it's daily stress, aging, or medication, our libidos may be waning. If you'd like to reignite the passion, naturally - and discreetly - here are a few herbs that can help.

Herbs for women's sexual enhancement:

To enhance desire...

DHEA - dehydroepiandrosterone

DHEA is a "pre-hormone" that sets off a chain reaction for other hormones in your body. Often called the "Hormone of Youth," DHEA is the most prevalent hormone created by the adrenal glands. By the time we turn 50, most of us will only produce 30 percent of what we used to. Today's herbalists believe DHEA helps boost energy and ease mental stress, thus paving the way for increased desire.

To promote physical enjoyment...

Ginkgo Biloba

One of the oldest types of trees, Ginkgo has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Today Ginkgo Biloba leaf, which is often taken in tablet, capsule or tea form, is well known for its memory enhancing benefits, however, it also improves blood circulation (everywhere!), which is essential for healthy, comfortable sex. HA! I thought it was for memory... !

To reignite the passion...

Damiana leaf - Turnera diffusa

This shrub, which produces a fragrant chamomile-like scented flower, is native to Central and South America. For centuries the indigenous people used the leaves for its romance-enhancing qualities. In a tea or freeze dried capsules, Damiana lifts mood, eases anxiety and stimulates the delivery of oxygen to key areas of the body for increased pleasure.

To foster hormonal balance...

Wild Yam - Dioscorea villosa

From the eastern part of North America, Wild Yam, a creeping vine, is believed to benefit the female cycle and promote hormonal balance. It's typically found in a cream that's massages into the soft areas of the body - inner arms, stomach, and breasts. Ideal for women of a certain age with fluctuating hormonal issues.

Herbs for men's sexual enhancement:

To enhance desire...

Horny goat weed - Epimedium grandiflorum

This traditional Chinese herb with the curious name has been used for 2000 years. In recent years it's been gaining popularity around the world to boost desire and energy.

To promote virility...

Tribulus Terrestris

This flowering plant is native to the warm climates of southern Europe and Africa and has been used in traditional medicine in China and India for centuries. In the last few decades, it has been used as a natural remedy for renewing desire and virility.

To protect your prostate...

Saw Palmetto

Chances are good you've heard about saw palmetto as the "gold standard" for prostate health. Saw Palmetto comes from a small palm tree in the Southeastern U.S. and is so popular that men spend more than $140 million a year on saw palmetto supplements. That's because saw palmetto helps keep your prostate healthy, which is vital for overall performance.

To enhance quality of sex...

Yohimbe - Pausinystalia yohimbe

Native to Africa, the yohimbe tree is a tall evergreen. Its bark contains a compound called yohimbine that is believed to support male sexual health. It boosts libido and blood flow while enhancing the quality of sex.

In addition to the individual herbs above, there are some unique herbal formulas from Botanic Choice that combine several of these herbs together so you don't have to take multiple single herbs.

For women, try Passion-Ess it contains DHEA, Ginkgo Biloba, Maca (another great herb for both sexes), and five other libido-enhancing nutrients specific to women's needs.

For men, Black Stallion is a one-of-a-kind blend with Saw Palmetto, Yohimbe, Maca, Tribulus Terrestris and four more natural performance boosters.

You don't have to live with a low libido. Add more romance to your life and life to your romance with natural solutions from Botanic Choice.

According to E.L.F. Cosmetics, there's six different ways you can eliminate dark circles:

1. Get a good NIGHTS sleep! Don't feel guilty about it EITHER!
2. The old "Cucumber" on the eye will do. Cucumbers have a naturally cooling affect. If you've ever eaten cucumber, you'll notice the cool taste, and feel.
3. ALWAYS, and I can't stress this enough, ALWAYS use sunscreen every day, and moisturizer at night.... especially a good under eye cream!!!!
4. Drink plenty of H20 - WATER! Nothing better than that good stuff to hydrate the skin!
5. Apply cold compresses (cotton balls soaked in milk, cold eye packs, tea bags, cold compresses... NOT ICE).
6. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables: Iron deficiency can also cause dark circles around the eyes. If you think you may be iron deficient, please check with your doctor. There could be an underlying cause.

As always, before taking supplements, check with your doctor. This list has been modified from the E.L.F. Website!

My problem with dark circles isn't one of vitamin, or sleep deprivation, it's because I can't keep my shadow on my lid while applying it. I found this cool site that will hook you up with some "shadow shields". The shields prevent shadow from falling to your lower lid, so you don't have an eye shadow...shadow and an appearance of darkness, and smudges under the eye.! Check it out:  Shadow Shields

Either way, having undereye darkness makes you look tired, and over worked.  Look your best by doing all you can to prevent them.  For more tools and cosmetic tricks, visit my affiliate e.l.f. cosmetics site!  They provide free tips, videos and suggestions for current trends.

"e.l.f. let's you crazy without going broke"  Oprah Magazine