Thursday, August 28, 2014

Be Brave. Be Strong. Don't Give Up.

My husband is a business owner.  He has been for many, many years.  We have experienced the highs and lows of being in the construction business. Lately the lows have had enormous financial repercussions that are completely out of our control, and it weighs heavily on us.

To some, being your own boss may seem easy.  You get to call the shots, take time off freely, and have some financial success. There are benefits we reap and it is rewarding most of the time, but the cost and responsibility of doing business can be a heavy burden.  Lately that burden is keeping my husband awake at night.  It causes me to be anxious for him, and for our business.  

There is no security in this life.  What I am confident in is the fact that God has never left us, nor forsaken us.  I know He is with us, even ahead of us, every step of the way.  He is always for our good although it does not always feel like it.  But, being in the Refiner's fire is better than trying to walk this out on our own.  I trust that He has great plans in store for us, and we won't always be in this trench.  


I have been wrapping the book of Psalms around me recently.  David sure experienced some highs and lows.  Yet, in it all he was honest with God about his current situation, and prayed boldly for a rescue while praising Him just the same.  I need this daily reminder that I can approach the throne boldly for God knows my heart.  I do not know what is going to happen, but I know God is in control.


Please, be encouraged today and know that God is FOR YOU! He loves you, and wants to draw you to Him in all things.  Not just the bad times, but the good times too.  

Now go. Be brave! Be Strong! Don't give up!


In His Strength,

Sandi

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Left-Over Grilled Corn & Chicken Salad


Left-overs inspired 

this delicious 

dinner tonight!









Serving size:  2

1 Grilled corn on the cob-slice the kernels off the cob & set aside
1/2 Red Pepper diced

   Chopped Basil
   Minced Garlic
   Olive Oil

1 Chicken Breast-sliced into bite-size slices

   Mixed Greens
   Cubed Watermelon
   Lite Balsamic Vinaigrette
   Salt & Pepper


In a saute pan over medium heat add a decent drizzle of olive-oil.  Add your preference of minced garlic (I just use the tip of a spoon), and basil (I buy the Trader-Joe's chopped basil that is frozen in small squares...GENIUS!)  Stir quickly then add corn and red peppers and salt/pepper to taste.  Saute for about 5 minutes.  Just enough for the flavors to come together, and the veggies stay slightly crisp.  Transfer to a plate and cool in the fridge.

In the same pan add a little more olive oil and add the chicken.  Saute just long enough to grab the flavors from the veggies.  Transfer to a small plate.

Arrange greens on a plate and top with veggies, chicken, and watermelon as desired.  Drizzle with dressing and ENJOY :)



Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Pursuing My Own Goal

Have you been stuck in a rut recently? I'm in one now in a certain area of my life.  I have a goal that I've been wanting to accomplish for over a year now, and it's just not happening.  Not because I can't, but because I'm not actively doing much to pursue it.  I have been frustrated, and today it dawned on me.  I took advice from someone in which direction I should go, and I've realized that direction isn't serving me well.  I went with it because I respect this person...and maybe, just maybe, I thought I needed their validation.

There's nothing wrong with asking for advice from those who have knowledge in an area you are interested in pursuing.  It's actually one of the smartest things you can do.  The downside of this is when you take someone's own opinions and advice and not think for yourself.  Instead you dive head first into a project or study, only to find that you are drowning because you didn't find the best path for you!

I realize that I should have used the advice, done my research, and then made the best possible choice FOR ME!  I have wasted almost a year.  This is not an excuse for not "trying harder".  I could continue with the plan I have and see what happens.  I haven't decided that yet.  But, what I have learned is to trust my instincts and not rely on my emotions of being a people pleaser.  In the end, no one is pleased.  Especially myself.  The person that gave me the advice has probably not given me a second thought since then.  Maybe Plan B will surface sometime soon. 

Thanks for listening.  I'd love to hear about your experience with this subject!

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

My Will vs. His

I am currently going through an online devotion with Good Morning Girls  called, "Why Easter Matters".  In this new season of spring, and the days inching further away from the dark, cold winter, the author touches on the comparison spiritually as it relates to death coming to life and states, "As I’ve gone to God’s Word for help and hope, He has refreshed my heart again with this truth: apart from Jesus we are deader than the longest winter: incomplete, inconsistent, and longing for a hope that neither all of our valiant efforts nor this world can provide. This is why Easter matters."

Because His love is:
Complete.
Consistent.
Unfailing.
Abundant.
Sure.


The assignment was to make a list of things in my life that I'm tempted to rely on rather than Jesus.  Let me just say that this list took about 2 seconds to create.  I think it came to me so quickly because I'm constantly aware of my weaknesses and tend to give them un-do power all too often.  Here is my list:
  1. My to-do list=control.
  2. The clock...although I'm a procrastinator and don't always use my time well.
  3. Facebook for connection, distraction, and to fill time.
  4. What other people think of me/approval.


Wow. Can I admit that this quote makes me feel uncomfortable?  When I rely on my own ways I don't feel, complete, consistent, unfailing, abundant, or sure, but I do have a false sense of being in control.   Now, I'm not saying there is anything wrong with being organized and staying on task or connecting with friends through social media.  What I'm getting at is I've made these things more of an idol than I care to admit, and fail everyday at being mindful of the steps God has prepared for me.  This is why it is so important for me to START my day in the Word.  I've neglected that recently as well.  Time to get back on track.

Interestingly enough, today's devotion in "Jesus Calling" reminded me to talk with God about every aspect of my day, including my feelings.  I am not to control or fix everything around me.  It also says to not let my to-do list become an idol directing my life.  A successful day is one in which I've stayed in contact with God throughout the day, allowing him to direct my ways.

Prov 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. 

1 Thess 5:17 - Pray continually

If you were to make a list, what would it look like? Would you like to join me in the "Good Morning Girls" journey? Just click on this link and get started with me!

Thursday, February 27, 2014

21 Reasons to try the 21 Day Fix



Need a reason to try Beachbody’s 21 Day Fix? How about 21 reasons? Using simple portion control and effective 30-minute workouts, The 21 Day Fix is designed for real people trying to lead a healthy lifestyle in the real world. Read on to learn why you don’t want to miss out on Beachbody’s newest program!

21 Day Fix is the first Beachbody program to place equal emphasis on nutrition and exercise. It’s simple. It’s straightforward. And it was created with two main goals in mind: to help you lose weight and get fit—fast.
If that doesn’t hook you, we have 21 more reasons to love the newest addition to the Beachbody family:
1. Rapid Results in just three weeks - Who says you have to bust your butt all spring to get a bathing-suit-ready body? 21 Day Fix is designed to help you lose up to 15 pounds in just 21 days. Slim down and tone up in under a month!
2. No room for nonsense – The most simplistic Beachbody program ever, 21 Day Fix is designed for actual people who don’t have time for complicated food math, or lengthy exercise regimens. Using portion control and effective 30-minute workouts, this program is easy to get on and stay on—even after your 21 days!
3. Shakeology’s new best friend- Already a Shakeology lover? You don’t have to miss out on your daily dose of dense nutrition with this program. It’s integrated right into the meal plan!
4. Give calorie counting the boot – Say goodbye to the labors of counting calories. Complete with seven food-storage containers specifically designed to measure correct food portions, this program let’s you ditch the calculator so you can spend more time enjoying your food!
5. Save BIG on the Challenge Pack Promotion – Save $20 off your Challenge Pack when you buy in February. Our Challenge Pack is reduced from $160 to $140 and makes a perfect Valentine’s Day gift for yourself and your loved ones!
6. Eat what you want - Lose weight by eating the right serving sizes—not by eliminating your favorite foods. Finally, a fitness program where you can have your wine and chocolate, and eat it, too!
7. FREE shipping for the month of February (Base Kit) – Need we say more? Rescue your waistline and your pocketbook by taking advantage of this limited-time, free-shipping offer.
8. Easy-to-follow workouts – Fitness trainer Autumn Calabrese’s 30-minute, total-body workouts have no complicated dances moves or choreography, so people at any fitness level can start the program and wind up a workout champion! 
9. Modification for every move - Autumn’s workouts are designed to get your body moving while keeping you injury free. Whether you’re ready to push harder or need a modification, she provides the option you need so you get the workout you want.
10. No complicated recipes or weird food ingredients – 21 Day Fix is designed to help you make smarter choices about real food—none of that funky stuff you have to buy at a health food store. By eating your food in a smart way, you’ll set the routine for healthy eating habits that are sustainable for life.
11. A trainer you can relate to - A single mom, Autumn understands that real people don’t have time for complicated fitness and diet regimens. Workout with a trainer who understands what will work out for you.

12. All of these testimonials are amazing reasons:
Chelsea O. – Lost 10 lbs. & 14 “Finishing the Fix, I don’t think I have ever felt this healthy, this strong, this accomplished in my entire life. I’m going to look my best on my wedding day and that is the biggest gift I could have ever received.”
13. Neil B. – Lost 11 lbs. & 9″ “I went from 168 to 157. To be able to do that in 21 days was amazing. I feel light. I feel fresh. I feel renewed. The 21 Day Fix, it’s my new secret weapon.”
14. Mary C. – Lost 64 lbs. & 57” “The way I look and the energy I have is just fantastic. I feel like I’m at least 20 years younger. It’s never too late to lose the weight. 21 Day Fix has definitely changed my life.”
15. Deon C – Lost 111 lbs. & 58” “After completing the 21 Day Fix and achieving my results, I will continue to do the 21 Day Fix for as long as I live. I’m not stopping. It changed my life. It saved my life.”
16. Beachbody Co-founder and CEO, Carl Daikeler, even got amazing results! – Lost 12 lbs. “I was blown away at my 12-lb. weight loss and visible transformation in 21 days!”
17. Restaurant guide included – There’s no need to give up your social life in the name of weight loss. Using the 21 Day Fix Restaurant Guide, you’ll learn how to make smart choices while dining out with friends and family.
18. 21 days to a free t-shirt – Enter The Beachbody Challenge to get a free t-shirt and a chance to win up to $100,000! A shot at big money prizes and an ability to wear your hard-earned effort (literally) on your sleeve? Don’t pass this opportunity up.
19. Containers are perfect for meals on-the-go – Don’t let travel get in the way of your healthy eating. Your seven, perfectly portioned food containers are BPA free, DEHP free, top-rack dishwasher safe, and microwaveable, making them perfect to take to work or on your next vacation.
20. Keep cooking for your family – Unlike other diet plans that have you eating pre- packaged meals or unpalatable dishes, 21 Day Fix let’s you eat real food, including the recipes you cook for your family. As long as your portions fit in your containers, you can still enjoy chowing down with the people you love.
21. Stay on track with the post-FIX maintenance guide – The hardest part about getting fit is staying fit. With the 21 Day Fix maintenance guide, you’ll be able to keep those hard earned results long after bathing suit season is over. 
The ladies currently in my challenge group for the 21 Day Fix are loving the results, and the simplicity of the program.  One of them just posted yesterday that she lost 6 lbs. in the first week!!!
For more info log on to my website or leave me a message below. 

Monday, February 17, 2014

Random Info


This will be short and sweet.  Have you seen them? Do you use them? I discovered these back in 2008 when a family we were going to visit in South Africa asked me to bring them some because they couldn't get them there.

They've been in the back of my mind ever since, but to be honest, I was stubborn and spoiled with the thought of soft, fluffy, great smelling laundry.  Then one day, not-too-long-ago, I realized I was kinda tired of buying more fabric softener given we do A LOT of laundry with 6 people in the family.  So, I thought I'd give them a try.

Huh, not bad! Now there has been some static cling and there isn't that fresh-out-of-the-dryer smell, but these are great! I am not spending as much money (I do have a box of sheets for time to time) because these are reusable!

So, that's all for now. Just thought I'd share :)


Thursday, February 6, 2014

Who Does God Say That I Am?


"What you say about yourself means nothing in God's work.  It's what God says about you that makes a difference."  
2 Corinthians 10:18


So, I got to thinking, "Who does God say that I am?" This is what I found:


  • A child of God (John 1:12)
  • A friend of Jesus (John 15:15)
  • A temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19)
  • A new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17)
  • Righteous in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21)
  • Loved and Chosen (1 Thessalonians 1:4)
  • Blessed with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3)
  • Redeemed and Forgiven (Ephesians 1:7)
  • Seated in the heavenly places with Christ (Ephesians 2:6)
  • God's workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)

That's a pretty awesome list to read.  And it's true.  I just have to remind myself often and believe it.  I can get so caught up in thoughts about myself, especially negative ones, and I get fairly discouraged and lose any ambition or positive thoughts about what He's called me to do.  I can do anything through Him!  

Let's not forget it friends.  When you are feeling low just refer to this list and let it wash over you with grace and truth.

Love,

Sandi
Daughter of the King