BzzAgent Trying MorningStar Veggie Burger

I am a BzzAgent

One of the perks of being a BzzAgent is I get to try different products and give my opinion.

This is the latest product I tried and I must say I wasn't too thrilled to take the first bite because I'm a 'meat' person.

When I took the package out I did not like the looks of this patty. Then I opened the plastic wrap and this wonderful aroma filled my nostrils.  :-) 

I love beans and it was the aroma of spicy beans.

I used the microwave and cooked it for 2 minutes 10 seconds.

Perfect temperature

Then I proceeded to take a bite

I was afraid to use my video because I was ready to spit it out.

SURPRISE

I loved it.

It wasn't greasy like a hamburger, it had a flavor I enjoy and the texture fooled my mouth.

For me they are a little pricey but if you shop the sales and have a coupon they are well worth it.

Hunger and Thirst

Proud Of Me? You Bet Ya!

Proud Of Me? You Bet Ya!

You see the Lord has been dealing with me on my health situation. I have been doing better but I started using that as an excuse to eat this or that and some more of this. Really?!  I know better than that. I’m not improving my health and losing weight to celebrate with food and laziness. That’s going backward not forward.

One of the neat ways the Lord began to get my attention has been during the tithe at church. Yep, you heard right, the tithe messages at church.

You see our tithe messages have been on sewing up the holes in our bag and one of those holes are spending too much money at the grocery store on food we don’t really need and/or eating out more than we should.

As we advance in the tithe message we begin to see the sin of gluttony has been left out of many messages in the churches.  (for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.  Proverbs 23:21) Much like adultery, divorce, the Holy Spirit, baptism, and others truths of the Bible are being left out, after all people don’t want to hear that kind of truth they might quit coming to church or tithing. Okay that’s another blog so let me get back to ‘eating’ and my health.

In these tithe messages I began to see just how much food and flavor have control over me, more control than the Holy Spirit and that’s not a good thing. 

Then I began to see how lazy I had become and the excuses I had begun to use. 

It is too easy to fall into this pit when you don’t allow the Holy Spirit to help you. I started bringing junk food back in the house knowing I did not have good self-control and would eat it, sometimes all in one setting.

God is so good and I love the way He equips us to handle temptation. We just have to be listening and willing to obey – to trust Him for the strength.  So today the Lord spoke to my husband and me during our Bible reading and prayer time about our ‘addiction’ to food.  The Lord also spoke about our need for organization in our home. I have a confession here – the Lord has been dealing with me on this for 6 months if not longer – I have repented and that’s another blog story too  lol.

So with this information I bring it back to my blog title ‘Proud of Me? You Bet Ya’ …..

because chocolate chips cookies were calling out to me all night!

I had a meeting at church and the person having this meeting brought in pizza, potato chips and soda, and thankfully a vegetable plate; someone else brought in homemade chocolate chip cookies – did you hear what I said ‘homemade’ ! 

So my flesh was all up in this….you have to have at least one and I hear my mind already reasoning for a second and  a third because I knew if I had just one I’d eat several more. So I walked away. Okay, I walked up to it again and almost gave in the second time...almost but I didn't, I walked away again.

They had 6 or more pizzas and I did have 2 small slices – one was just cheese and the other pepperoni. But I did NOT have potato chips, soda or CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES. That is why I’m proud of me. I remembered what my husband and I talked about this morning,  it was truly from God and I resisted the temptation to give in to the food that causes high blood pressure, high cholesterol and an oversized stomach So even though the pizza was not the best choice I only had 2 pieces, water to drink and several carrots and cucumber slices.

The neatest thing about all this – my husband and I heard from God this morning and with this confirmation I was able to turn away from overeating and the temptation of homemade chocolate chip cookies. I didn’t have to unbutton my pants or come home feeling tired and bloated. I gained strength from being in God’s Word, in prayer with my husband and then in our talking about what we heard from the Lord. How awesome is our God!

Be willing to make the change God is telling you to make.

Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. Romans 12:2 Amplified

What Are You Storing Up?

Our church encourages the 'family' to share on Sunday mornings, this was my Sunday. It's just a small portion of where I've come from and the grace of God in my - in our lives!

Workout Plan for Turbo Jam Beginners

I started getting off my butt when I found Turbo Jam and it has made an amazing difference. I now have  Body Gospel and for Christmas my husband bought me Rockin Body (which I started the New Year with) I love it!!

Anyway I have had several requests for the workout schedule for Turbo Jam. So I'm putting it on my blog so people can use the link and share when others ask them where to find it.

I have some suggestions at the end that did not come with their plan. I'm 57 years young and it worked for me!! Still working on limbering up but the cardio dancing - woo hoo - love it.

Turbo Jam Schedule

Week 1 

Monday - Learn & Burn 

Tuesday - Learn & Burn 

Wednesday - 20 Minute 

Thursday - 20 Minute 

Friday - Rest 

Saturday - Rest 

Sunday - Rest 

Week 2 

Monday - 20 Minute 

Tuesday - 20 Minute & Ab Jam 

Wednesday - Cardio Party 

Thursday - 20 Minute & Ab Jam 

Friday - 20 Minute 

Saturday - Rest 

Sunday - Rest 

Week 3 

Monday - 20 Minute & Ab Jam 

Tuesday - Cardio Party 

Wednesday - Turbo Sculpt & Ab Jam 

Thursday - Cardio Party 

Friday - 20 Minute & Ab Jam 

Saturday - Rest 

Sunday - Rest 

Week 4 

Monday - Cardio Party 

Tuesday - Turbo Sculpt & Ab Jam 

Wednesday - 20 Minute 

Thursday - Cardio Party 

Friday - Turbo Sculpt & Ab Jam 

Saturday - Rest 

Sunday - Rest 

I recommend walking on the days they call for rest, even if it's only for 5 minutes to start (depends on where you are at in conditioning) work up to 30 minutes or more by week 4. 

I found it kept my body from getting stiff and my knees did not hurt.

I also recommend doing weights and/or the Turbo Sculpt three times a week - when you are ready. I like to do Turbo Sculpt and take a walk later in the evening.

Make sure you have water available and don't hesitate to stop and rest when you need to, it's okay! You will do more and more with each passing day. 

Hope this helps!!

Blessings on your journey to a healthier you!!

This is an Awesome Magazine!

You will find lots of great recipes and crafts, stories and poems, and inspirational articles in this issue of Ruby.

Open publication - Free publishing - More christian life

A Gift for My Granddaughter

A Gift for My Granddaughter

You turn two years old today (yayyy!!) and even though we will not get to be a part of the celebration with you and your family, you are still here in our hearts and we imagine what we would do to celebrate it with you. I’ve walked isles of toys and clothes and imagined buying them for you. I guess I’m just saving money for the day you will enter our lives again. J  Will you ask for a pony?

Here is one of the gifts I would have liked to give you

You were born with problems, there were tubes and monitors on you from birth, surgery the next day but here you are 2 today!

You weighted 5.9 oz and you were 20” long –  even with all those tubes you were the most beautiful baby I’d ever seen…..but then again so was your mom and your Aunt  lol – our family just can’t help having beautiful babies!

How grateful we are to God.   Savannah you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Do you still have the quilt we had made for you?

           

Your Grandpa Rob, and Aunt Lena and I love you with all our hearts. We think of you and your mom and dad daily and lift up prayers.

These quotes make me think of you -

‘A granddaughter is a gift from above ... one to cherish and to love.”  Author Unknown

“Grandchildren are the dots that connect the lines from generation to generation.”  Lois Wyse

"As a reward for being a great mother  you become a grandma and when you have great grandchildren that's because you are a great grandma!!"

"Grandchildren are a grandparent's link to the future, and grandparents are the child's link to the past." Author: Unknown

I can tell you my sweet Granddaughter that your mommy was a joy to raise.  Aunt Lena and I enjoyed every moment we had with her. There were sibling squabbles but that’s normal, forgiveness came and off they went.

 So I know one day you will get to hear about their adventures and how people always thought they were best-friends before they knew they were sisters.

 I’m so grateful to God for making me Lena and Amanda’s mommy and blessing me with a wonderful husband (your Grandpa) because you were born out of this love too. 

You are loved so very much! 

Hugs, tickles and kisses to my little Savannah.

We love cats and your Aunt loves butterflies so here’s a Birthday wish from all of us!!

My beautiful Savannah – HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!

Here’s your cake. I know they had your room decorated in frogs, hope you like it!!!

Life or Death?

For the longest time I chose death and didn't even realize I was doing it !!!

It's That Time of Year Again Food Everywhere!

The holiday's are fast approaching and you know what that means - 

lot's of places to go, not enough time to cook right and even better--

families get together and have all that once a year yummy food! 

So don't wait for New Years to begin that healthy eating, exercise resolution. 

Start NOW so you can enjoy some of that yummy food guilt free.

I would start with the shake - 30 day money back guarantee, but you ask

 anyone that knew me a year ago - the change has been amazing.

 No caffeine jitters just good energy and cravings for sweets - GONE! 

http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/BLESSEDANDFIT

Then find a workout you like (I love Turbo Jam because of the music, 

gets me up and off my butt ;-) plus I love to dance)

I feel better at 57 years of age than I did when I was 40!

http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/BLESSEDANDFIT

Let me know if I can help in anyway - I don't have a 'fit' club or area except 

for my body and I will share all I've been through if it will help you.

YOU have to desire to be healthy, no one will get you there, no magic pills,

 no magic exercise - it's YOU.....but these are some aids that will

make it fun and help!

Have an awesome week!!!!

http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/BLESSEDANDFIT

www.beachbodycoach.com

THIS IS THE NEXT ONE I'M GETTING !!  LIKE I SAID I LOVE TO DANCE

Coupon for Fruit Naturals

You'll want to drink every last drop out of these fruit cup^{® snacks}

Picked at their ripest, the perfectly prepared fruit swims in 

100% fruit juice packed with vitamin C.

FruitNaturalsCoupon

Just wanted to pass on a good coupon!

Lies

This is an older video but after listening to it again I've decided to repost it.
God was truly speaking to me that day!

Blessed When Insulted?

Blessed when I'm insulted, persecuted and falsely accused? Now that's something to think about.

Salsa Recipe

Here is a recipe I will def be trying! We have tomatoes and hot peppers in our garden this year just for Salsa making !!

Fire-Roasted Salsa

From EatingWell

About 2 cups

Active Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 2 large ripe tomatoes (see Canned-tomato Variation)
• 1 large jalapeño pepper
• 2 small cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/2-1 teaspoon salt

PREPARATION

1. Preheat grill to high (or preheat broiler).
2. Grill tomatoes and jalapeño, turning frequently, until charred, 10 minutes for the tomatoes, about 5 minutes for the jalapeño. (To broil, place on a baking sheet and broil about 4 inches from the heat, turning once or twice, until charred, 8 to 10 minutes total.)
3. When cool enough to handle, core the tomatoes and remove the stem from the jalapeño. Place in a food processor along with garlic; pulse to form a chunky mixture. Season with salt to taste.

TIPS & NOTES

• Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

• Canned-tomato Variation: No fresh tomatoes? Drain two 14-ounce cans of fire-roasted tomatoes. Roast jalapeño in a small dry skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until soft and blackened in spots, 10 to 15 minutes. Pulse the drained tomatoes, jalapeño and garlic in a food processor until chunky.

NUTRITION

Per 1/4-cup serving: 10 calories; 0 g fat ( 0 g sat , 0 g mono ); 0 mg cholesterol; 2 g carbohydrates; 0 gadded sugars; 0 g protein; 1 g fiber; 148 mg sodium; 115 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (16% daily value).

Carbohydrate Servings: 0

Visit www.eatingwell.com for more recipes

Do you have a favorite Salsa Recipe? 

Why?

Have you really taken the time to ask yourself WHY?

Why do I want to lose weight?

Why do I want to quit smoking?

Why do I want to begin a ministry?

Why do I want to get out of debt?

Why do I want to ........

I know when I answered these questions from a 'me' standpoint - because I want to look good in a certain dress.....because I want to smell better.....basically selfish reasons, temporary reasons.

the I kept me from being successful, the motivation just wasn't there so the laziness and reasons why I shouldn't or can't do it weighed heavily on me. That was uncomfortable so I quit trying.

When I asked myself if this is something God wanted me to do, had a confirmation - then I would ask those why questions again.

So now I ask from a spiritual standpoint, from what God's word says - and I'm more motivated than I have ever been!

I want to be healthy because God made my

body and His spirt lives in me.

I need to be healthy so I can do

Kingdom work.

I want my body to function the way

He created it to function.

I know that stopping the cigarette addiction

will improve my health in many ways.

I want to be debt free so I can start a ministry,

give to missions, enjoy life and

be a blessing.

There is so much to be said about having a desire to accomplish something and moving forward because you know it's Gods will for you. He will equip you. We have to do our part, we can't just sit and say okay, you can start taking this extra weight off of me anytime now God......

No, we have to get up and do what we can. If you can only do 3 minutes on a treadmill or 5 minutes of a workout - do it! As you obey and draw upon the strength of the Lord you will begin to see that move up to 7 minutes then 10 minutes - it keeps going up until you reach a good workout schedule.

I heard part of an awesome sermon that I found interesting. The pastor was talking about passing the offering basket, instead of using the excuse of not being able to quit smoking - put those cigarettes in the basket and say, this is my offering I release my addiction to You, Lord. That's a good first step to take.

I have tried for years to get back into an exercise program and a better way of eating. I failed more times than I care to count. Yes I did lose weight and did ok for awhile but then I would get lazy, not see my goal anymore and the weight came back plus more!

About 6 or 7 months ago I heard (in my spirit) the Lord calling me to get healthy, to be prepared for things to come. Whether that is traveling with my husband as he begins to write music again or in some other ministry, I want to be ready. I have a goal and I have the Lord's promise that He will help me and He has! I have gone from the 3 minutes to 30 minutes on an elliptical. I have found a DVD I look forward to exercising to.

Has every day been easy? NOPE but I now take the time to seek God and see if it's truly a day my body needs rest or if it's a lie. I'm retraining my mind to not fall into the pit of thinking about how bad I feel to - this will pass, I'm feeling better and will feel better when I get some kind of exercise in. I have found that most days all I needed was to get up and get moving.

No more excuses! You can change what you know needs to be changed in your life. My pity party is over!

With Great Excitement I Enter This New Year

This is going to be the best year ever!

My husband and I are more committed than ever to get fit not just lose weight.

I have been working out and have made some other changes in the past 5 months with some great results but I want more!!

I'm on a journey to be organized and have started a 30 day accountability class. This is really a jump out of my comfort zone but one that must be accomplished.

After celebrating the holidays and beginning to feel the old backache, tiredness and just general funk we began to talk about 'traditions'.

We have fallen for the 'holidays mean lots of junk food you must eat and go ahead have another plate and another'. Well not anymore, we are starting new traditions. Why should we do so well most the year just to fall back into bad habits and the feeling of ick?

So I will up my workouts, mix them up for excitement and start tracking what I eat. (someone kick me if I don't do this!! no wait, give me the Gibbs head slap, that's safer lol)

My husband and I want to be ready for the call God has on our life at this time and we know we must have energy and flexibility.

There is a call for him to write and produce music, so he now has a studio in our home, 3 songs waiting for a copyright. He is also acting in Independent films and I go around for support and extra help. It has been fun!! Two movies due out this year.

Then there's our Pastor(s) wanting me to step up and begin teaching a class and sharing during Discipleship, to encourage the younger women.

So here we go....our journey begins and it's going to be full of joy!