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

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 :)

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!

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!

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. 

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 :)

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

20 Super Low Cal Snacks for Superbowl

Super Bowl Sunday is the first real challenge to your New Year's Resolutions. It's the day when it's normal to chow down on fried foods smothered in cheese and bacon...and then wash it with a few beers.

In fact, Americans consume more calories on Super Bowl Sunday than any other day of the year and it’s easy to eat an entire day’s worth of calories before kickoff. We don't expect you to avoid every tempting platter of appetizers, but to help minimize the post-game belt loosening, we've assembled 20 healthy snack recipes, all under 260 calories per serving! 

Rooting for the Seattle Seahawks to score their first Super Bowl win? Try these recipes inspired by the Emerald City's love of salmon and coffee.

Teriyaki Salmon Bites (147 calories)


Flourless Espresso Brownies (160 calories)



Want Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos to take home the Vince Lombardi Trophy? We've got you covered with Mini Denver Quiches and Southwestern Salad!

Mini Denver Quiches (73 calories)


Southwestern Salad (157 calories)



Wow your friends with these lighter versions of Super Bowl favorites that we promise are every bit as delicious as the originals!

Buffalo Chicken Tenders (158 calories)


Nachos (258 calories)


Chili Sweet Potato Batons (135 calories)


French Onion Dip (50 calories)


Artichoke Pizza (242 calories)


Baked Chicken Drummettes (67 calories)


Guacamole (139 calories)


Habanero Chili (231 calories)


Chunky Salsa (47 calories)


Tomato-Thyme Pita Crisps (120 calories)


Yolkless Deviled Eggs (59 calories)


Kale Chips (51 calories)


Classic Hummus (104 calories)


Spinach Dip (47 calories)


Chicken Satay with Peanut Dipping Sauce (253 calories)


Raw Vegetables with Dipping Sauce (56 calories)


Which of these recipes are you going to make? Tell us below!

Do You Raise an Eyebrow?

When you hear me say I am a Beachbody Coach does that cause you to raise an eyebrow?  (I can't do that by the way, raise one eyebrow. I have always wished I could. Random fact. You're welcome). I digress, anyway, I was reading in Success From Home magazine and came across this 10 point outline and thought, "YES, this is why!" So I thought I'd share it with you:

Top 10 Reasons Why

Team Beachbody Coaches Succeed

1. We are doing something we love to do.
2. We are able to promote world-class brands that people are already familiar with.
3. We are doing something we can take pride in, because we know we are making a difference in people's lives.
4. We are part of a company that has a lot of momentum.
5. We have all the tools and training that empower us to be successful from Day One.
6. We have powerful leadership.  We know there is an upline of success eager to engage with their organization.
7. Because the Team Beachbody program is based on exercise and proper nutrition, coaches know the program offers genuine results.
8. We are part of something exciting and successful that other people want to be part of.
9. We know the program offers emotional, mental, and spiritual results, in addition to physical results.
10. We pride ourselves on being part of a high-integrity company.

This year is about me reaching for new goals in the face of my own silly fears.  I have said it before and I'll say it again.  Personal development has been key in my progress thus far.  It is something leadership in Team Beachbody teaches and believes in.  In the same magazine I mentioned above I read this:

"At Team Beachbody, everyone is always a work in progress, and no one ever becomes a finished product.  When you're through changing, you're through.  That's why we believe in the continuous process of learning and growth.  In this industry, most people don't have the opportunity to learn about human behavior, leadership and potential.  Creating transformation within oneself, whether it's physical, or emotional, or spiritual, is fundamental in this business.  You cannot lead other people beyond your ability to lead yourself, so through personal development you can learn to lead others at a higher level." -Jeff Hill, Sr. VP of Global Sales

I've still got a lot to learn about being the best coach I can be to my team and those who trust me to be part of their health and fitness journey.  I'm excited about what the future holds, and I'm trying to become comfortable with being uncomfortable! 

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

The most wonderful time of the year.  It really should be, but it seems to spiral out of control.  Every December 1st I have visions of twinkling lights, a beautiful tree decorated in my window, fireplace aglow and Christmas music playing while I sip hot cocoa just admiring the peaceful view. 

But then something happens.  The calendar fills up…with good things of course! Parties, recitals, out of town guests, baking, cooking, shopping, planning, and wrapping.  All the while having to keep up on our daily responsibilities of home and work and family.  No wonder it gets crazy right out of the December 1st gate!  

I caught myself feeling pretty depressed from it all, and I had to stop.  Stop the thoughts and plans for a moment.  What in the world do I have to be depressed about? Right at this moment Christmas music is playing, the snow is falling and I am content.  I have more than I need, and that is enough.  There are others in my own little community that have hardships greater than mine, so I will not stress about my own small world.  I will focus on the good that each day brings. I will seek ways to make someone else smile.  Supposedly you use more muscles to frown than smile. This is the one time I will support the thought of using less muscle to do something!  

What can you do to be someone's smile today? It really doesn't take much from what I've learned.  I was at Costco yesterday and just about fit to be tied.  So many people! It was Thursday for crying out loud, but felt like a Saturday there! I kept finding myself completely annoyed and had to remind myself over and over again to smile. No one around me deserved to see a grumpy look on my face! There were plenty of those to go around as it was.  Guess what happens when you smile at someone else? THEY SMILE BACK! That's all. Maybe for a moment that person you show kindness to needed it to get through the rest of their day.  I just tell myself, "It's not about you".

 So, my hope for you today is be someone's reason to smile :) 

Team Beachbody Black Friday Sale Items

Guess what? Team Beachbody is starting their Black Friday sales TODAY!!! Check out the offers below.  Is there anything you've been wanting to try, but just haven't committed to it? 

I know there are a lot of items and information listed below so please ask if you have any questions.

Head over to my website to place your order. Last year some of the Black Friday items offered sold out in less than 24 hours so don't wait!

What You'll Get with TurboFire Deluxe DVDs (the number in each title designates the class length):

Fire 60 Class
Add variety to your schedule with Chalene's longest Fire HIIT Class. This one will have you HIITing it 4 times with Turbo Tracks to motivate you along the way.

HIIT 30 Class
Get through your longest HIIT Class and the AfterBurn Effect will be working overtime.

Upper 20 Class
Sculpt your arms and reshape your entire upper body.

Lower 20 Class
Tone your inner and outer thighs, hips, and booty.

Abs 10 Class
Get tight, flat abs in no time with this short, efficient core workout.

Stretch 10 Class
Increase your flexibility, reduce soreness, and lengthen your hardworking muscles by warming down after your HIIT and Fire classes.

TurboTracker Journal
The TurboTracker food and fitness journal is a fabulous tool to get you started on the right foot. It's packed with lots of useful information to guide you through your goals, track your habits, and keep you motivated.

What You'll Get with TurboFire: The Complete System (the number in each title designates the class length):

•    Get Fired Up: Chalene guides you through the program to help you get the best results.

•    Fire 30 Class/Stretch 10 Class: Throw smoking-hot hooks and make big leaps to the bass of "Give Up the Funk."

•    HIIT 15 Class/Stretch 10 Class: Dial it up for your first High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) class.

•    Fire 55 EZ Class/Stretch 10 Class: Don't let EZ fool you—you'll be sweating to "Dazzey Dukes."

•    Core 20 Class/Stretch 40 Class/Stretch 10 Class: Chalene's most popular class targets your tummy with moves that deliver incredible abs.

•    Fire 45 Class/Stretch 10 Class: Kick, dance, and punch your way into shape to the beat of "Wiggle It."

•    HIIT 20 Class/Stretch 10 Class: "Turn This Mutha Out" with 7 sizzling Fire Drills in 20 minutes.

•    Fire 45 EZ Class/Stretch 10 Class: Take a break from the Fire Drills—but not the fire—as you sweat to "In the Ayer."

•    HIIT 25 Class/Stretch 10 Class: Here's 25 minutes of your most intense Fire Drills yet with Chalene.

•    Sculpt 30 Class/Tone 30 Class: Develop shapely muscles with Chalene's challenging resistance classes.

Stretch 40 Class/Stretch 10 Class: Increase your flexibility and lengthen your muscles for a long, lean look.

 

INSANITY: THE ASYLUM® Base Kit + FREE Chin-Up Bar

Winning the game, the race, the match starts now with the INSANITY: THE ASYLUM workout program. Former track-and-field star Shaun T will push you to Dig Deeper^® than ever with sports-specific training and drills inspired by pro athletes. During this 30-day program, he'll push you to build your speed, coordination, agility, strength, and power. So on game day, you'll have the unbeatable athletic edge.

P90X® DVD Package + FREE Chin-Up Bar

Get Absolutely Ripped in Just 90 Days P90X includes 12 sweat-inducing, muscle-pumping workouts, designed to transform your body from regular to ripped in just 90 days. The secret is an advanced training technique called Muscle Confusion™, which accelerates your results by constantly introducing new moves and routines so your body never plateaus

Crank out a few extra reps and speed up your recovery.

With M.A.X. Creatine, you get high-grade pure creatine monohydrate—without fillers, preservatives, or untested ingredients. Use daily to help build strength, with increased energy and stamina.

Derm Exclusive® Micro Peel Resurfacing Pads

Dual-action pads and naturally derived acids exfoliate your skin two ways to help reveal a smoother, more youthful complexion. Formulated for maximum effectiveness and minimal irritation, Micro Peel Resurfacing Pads also clean and help shrink the look of pores as moisturizing ingredients calm skin.

Derm Exclusive® Intensive Repair Serum (1 oz.)

Like a photofacial, this lightweight but powerful formula treats dark spots and uneven texture. It helps speed recovery from past damage and restores skin's luminosity.

Derm Exclusive® Collagen Lift Moisturizer (1 oz.)

Get back youthful-looking bounce and elasticity by stimulating your skin to produce new collagen, as if you had a laser firming treatment. Advanced peptides firm, lift, and hydrate sagging skin, especially around the delicate eye area, while retinol helps increase skin's natural cell turnover and promotes collagen production.

Energy and Endurance® Pre-Workout Formula

This powerful supplement is scientifically formulated to help improve your energy, endurance, strength, and focus, so you can maximize every minute of your Beachbody® workout and get your best results.*

Tai Cheng® Special Offer

12 workout DVDs, plus a Master Scroll DVD:

•    Master Scroll DVD: Learn everything you need to master Tai Cheng. Dr. Cheng breaks down each of the 18 Tai Cheng moves so you can watch exactly how each move is done and be ready to learn them from Day 1!

•    DVDs 1–3: You'll learn 6 Tai Chi moves, combining them into a fluid routine that builds strength, increases your overall range of motion, and helps reduce pain.

•    DVDs 4–6: Dr. Cheng teaches you 6 new moves to help increase your energy; burn off excess fat; and build greater stability, strength, and balance.

•    DVDs 7–9: You'll be introduced to the final 6 moves that you'll need to learn on your way to becoming a Tai Chi Master.

•    DVDs 10–12: The last 3 discs will guide you through performing all 18 moves, in a powerful, yet graceful health-boosting routine.

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST:

Hip Hop ABS

Step with 4 risers Jump Mat   Beachbody Squishy Ball Stability Ball and Medicine Ball Combo Pack