The first one should be blogging more, can I get a what what. 😉
Seriously though, I needed to start this year off with a list of things I could focus on this year, worthwhile things, a checklist of sorts. After a busy end to 2013, including a trip overseas, illness, holiday travels and celebrations, and realizing I spend way too much time watching TV and playing games on my iPad, I felt compelled to put my time in 2014 to better use by concentrating on the following:
✏️Drink more water.
You think that would be easy, but I rarely get enough water in a day.
✏️Read at least 25 new books.
I used to read like it was going out of style. I need to get back to that.
✏️Take some time to pamper me.
Skin care, kept nails, learn new makeup tips, update my wardrobe, healthy and consistent diet and exercise, floss, etc.
✏️Try something new.
This is meant to be a mindset as much as a single event. I don't want fear to hold me back. Faith in God and fear of man/circumstances can't coexist.
✏️Read the Bible chronologically.
I've never done this before. Looking forward to reading through the One Year Chronological Bible.
✏️Memorize at least 12 verses or passages of Scripture.
A spiritual discipline I need to improve at.
✏️Finish at least 1 craft project and 1 house project.
A big craft project, like the t-shirt quilt I've been planning to make for a year, or paint more canvases, etc. Our house is one giant project, but I'm going to try to get at least one solid project completed, like painting the den, or refinishing the kitchen walls.
✏️Learn and memorize at least 2 new piano pieces.
I've been horribly lax at this since college.
✏️Learn basic German.
Something I've half started and been wanting to do forever.
So there they are! The plan is to update the blog with progress of each goal throughout the year and hopefully by this time next year, they'll all be accomplished! Stay tuned!
Showing posts with label Healthy lifestyle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Healthy lifestyle. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Healthy Habit Highlight for Friday
Let's face it. You don't always have time to cook healthy meals at home. Sometimes you just have to eat out and even if you're trying to lose weight, you can be successful eating out while losing weight at the same time! So today, I'm going to highlight some of my favorite places where I've been able to eat out successfully.
Fast Food
Chick-fil-a:
One of my favorite places to grab a quick meal, Chick-fil-a has several healthy options. Some of my favorites include the Chargrilled Chicken Sandwich (290 calories, only 4 grams of fat, and 7 Weight Watchers points), the 8-count Chicken Nuggets (260 calories and 7 WW points), the Chargrilled Chicken Garden Salad (only 160 calories, 4 grams of fiber, and only 5 WW points...pair it with 2 tbsp of their Light Italian dressing for 0 WW points), and the Large Chicken Soup (220 calories and 6 WW points). Now what would Chick-fil-a be without Waffle Fries? A small Waffle Fries is 300 calories, 16 grams of fat, and 7 WW points, but as long as you budget for them, go for it! But all in moderation. *smile*
Subway:
What would the world be without the myriad of Subways that line our streets? I love Subway! There are so many healthy options and ways to get in your fruits and veggies. My go to subs are the 6-inch Black Forest Ham on 9-grain Wheat (221 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, and 7 WW points), the 6-inch Turkey Breast on 9-grain Wheat (221 calories, 3.5 grams of fat, and 7 WW points), and the 6-inch Turkey Breast and Black Forest Ham on 9-grain Wheat (221 calories, 4 grams of fat, and 7 WW points). Add cheese to any of these for only 1 WW point, and LOAD UP ON THE VEGGIES. Stay away from the mayo, vinegar and oil, ranch, etc., and opt for spicy brown mustard instead.
Cafe Style
Panera:
Panera is full of delicious breads and pastries, yes, but they also have several healthy salad and soup options. Also, you can get an apple as a side instead of chips or bread. There are so many options to choose from, that I'll only highlight one. Try a You Pick Two combo with All Natural Low Fat Chicken Noodle Soup and a Greek Salad with dressing for a total of 380 calories and 11 WW points.
Dine In
Ruby Tuesday:
On top of their fantastic, fresh Garden Bar (just avoid fatty dressings and pasta salads, etc) that comes with most of their meals, Ruby Tuesday has several meals 500 calories or less! Called their "Fit and Trim Choices", their are vegetarian, seafood, chicken, and steak options. I had the Spaghetti Squash Marinara, which was delicious and filling. I was only able to eat half of my dish, along with a salad from the Garden Bar, so I had healthy leftovers for lunch the next day! And the whole dish was only 6 WW points! Win, win!
It is entirely possible to eat well when you eat out. By making smart choices, checking nutritional information on a restaurant's website beforehand (if possible), and having a game plan/strategy before you step foot in the restaurant, you can enjoy a meal out without blowing your diet!
Fast Food
Chick-fil-a:
One of my favorite places to grab a quick meal, Chick-fil-a has several healthy options. Some of my favorites include the Chargrilled Chicken Sandwich (290 calories, only 4 grams of fat, and 7 Weight Watchers points), the 8-count Chicken Nuggets (260 calories and 7 WW points), the Chargrilled Chicken Garden Salad (only 160 calories, 4 grams of fiber, and only 5 WW points...pair it with 2 tbsp of their Light Italian dressing for 0 WW points), and the Large Chicken Soup (220 calories and 6 WW points). Now what would Chick-fil-a be without Waffle Fries? A small Waffle Fries is 300 calories, 16 grams of fat, and 7 WW points, but as long as you budget for them, go for it! But all in moderation. *smile*
Subway:
What would the world be without the myriad of Subways that line our streets? I love Subway! There are so many healthy options and ways to get in your fruits and veggies. My go to subs are the 6-inch Black Forest Ham on 9-grain Wheat (221 calories, 4.5 grams of fat, and 7 WW points), the 6-inch Turkey Breast on 9-grain Wheat (221 calories, 3.5 grams of fat, and 7 WW points), and the 6-inch Turkey Breast and Black Forest Ham on 9-grain Wheat (221 calories, 4 grams of fat, and 7 WW points). Add cheese to any of these for only 1 WW point, and LOAD UP ON THE VEGGIES. Stay away from the mayo, vinegar and oil, ranch, etc., and opt for spicy brown mustard instead.
Cafe Style
Panera:
Panera is full of delicious breads and pastries, yes, but they also have several healthy salad and soup options. Also, you can get an apple as a side instead of chips or bread. There are so many options to choose from, that I'll only highlight one. Try a You Pick Two combo with All Natural Low Fat Chicken Noodle Soup and a Greek Salad with dressing for a total of 380 calories and 11 WW points.
Dine In
Ruby Tuesday:
On top of their fantastic, fresh Garden Bar (just avoid fatty dressings and pasta salads, etc) that comes with most of their meals, Ruby Tuesday has several meals 500 calories or less! Called their "Fit and Trim Choices", their are vegetarian, seafood, chicken, and steak options. I had the Spaghetti Squash Marinara, which was delicious and filling. I was only able to eat half of my dish, along with a salad from the Garden Bar, so I had healthy leftovers for lunch the next day! And the whole dish was only 6 WW points! Win, win!
It is entirely possible to eat well when you eat out. By making smart choices, checking nutritional information on a restaurant's website beforehand (if possible), and having a game plan/strategy before you step foot in the restaurant, you can enjoy a meal out without blowing your diet!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Think You Can't Eat Chocolate? Think Again!
Chocolate. What would our lives be without it?
One of the things I love about Weight Watchers is the freedom to really eat what you want even though you're on a "diet". Weight Watchers is all about budgeting your points to eat the things you love and still lose weight. It gives you the freedom to eat chocolate and desserts, even if those things are higher in point value. To balance my sweet tooth and need to spend my points wisely, I've found some delicious desserts that are lower in point value while still packing that beloved chocolatey taste.
Skinny Cow Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Sandwich
Only 4 WW points per sandwich AND a good source of calcium and fiber!
Jell-O Sugar Free Pudding Snacks
Only 2 WW points per cup! This is a great way to get that chocolatey taste without all the calories and sugar. Try dipping fresh strawberries in the pudding for a fondue-inspired dessert! Or, if you're a caramel fan like me, try the Dulce de Leche flavor!
Breyers Fat Free Smooth and Dreamy French Chocolate Ice Cream
Only 2 WW points per half cup serving! I was skeptical at first of the taste and texture of this ice cream, but you would never know it was fat free! Try pairing it with their Fat Free Strawberry flavor for a delicious combination.
Newton's Fruit Thins Chocolate Raspberry Cookies
4 WW points for 3 cookies! These are crunchy, delicious, and make you feel like you can eat a lot for a little. Try their other delicious flavors like Cranberry Citrus Oat and Blueberry Brown Sugar.
It is doable, people, to eat what you love and still lose weight! It's doable to choose smarter options and get more bang for your buck!
Enjoy your weekend, and happy chocolate consuming!
One of the things I love about Weight Watchers is the freedom to really eat what you want even though you're on a "diet". Weight Watchers is all about budgeting your points to eat the things you love and still lose weight. It gives you the freedom to eat chocolate and desserts, even if those things are higher in point value. To balance my sweet tooth and need to spend my points wisely, I've found some delicious desserts that are lower in point value while still packing that beloved chocolatey taste.
Only 4 WW points per sandwich AND a good source of calcium and fiber!
Only 2 WW points per cup! This is a great way to get that chocolatey taste without all the calories and sugar. Try dipping fresh strawberries in the pudding for a fondue-inspired dessert! Or, if you're a caramel fan like me, try the Dulce de Leche flavor!
Only 2 WW points per half cup serving! I was skeptical at first of the taste and texture of this ice cream, but you would never know it was fat free! Try pairing it with their Fat Free Strawberry flavor for a delicious combination.
4 WW points for 3 cookies! These are crunchy, delicious, and make you feel like you can eat a lot for a little. Try their other delicious flavors like Cranberry Citrus Oat and Blueberry Brown Sugar.
It is doable, people, to eat what you love and still lose weight! It's doable to choose smarter options and get more bang for your buck!
Enjoy your weekend, and happy chocolate consuming!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Biblical Motivation for Weight Loss
Happy Friday all!
To those of you who are watching your waistlines, like I am, I want to share some verses from Romans my mom shared with me when I began my weight loss journey. I have read these verses several times before, but never in the light of working out and eating right.
To those of you who are watching your waistlines, like I am, I want to share some verses from Romans my mom shared with me when I began my weight loss journey. I have read these verses several times before, but never in the light of working out and eating right.
"So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh - for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!'"
Romans 8:12-15
As a Christian, this is really the motivation behind why I want to lose weight. It's not so that I'll look skinnier, fit into smaller sized clothes, or be able to run a marathon. It's ultimately about putting to death the deeds of the flesh - essentially saying "no" to giving in to the wants of my flesh and saying "yes" to the self-control of the Holy Spirit. Another passage comes to mind.
"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food, but God will do away with both of them. Yet the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body...Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body."
1 Corinthians 6:12-13, 19-20
As believers saved by the power of Christ, we should never become controlled by our appetites, and this includes our appetites for food. God has richly blessed us with all things that we need for life and godliness, including food, but we should never let food become an idol in our lives. Our flesh desperately wants to gain control over us in any way possible. Have you ever considered that overeating and laziness could be considered disobedience to God? I'm not saying that you can never eat chocolate again or that you can't sit on the couch and watch TV (which is actually what I'm doing as I write this), but I'm encouraging you to think about eating right and exercising as obedience to God.
Be careful to avoid extremes. Just as we can go overboard with how much we eat, we can go overboard with how little we eat. Don't take this as me saying you should never eat again and exercise yourself to exhaustion. That's called an eating disorder and you need to get help if you find yourself in that boat.
All I'm saying is that, as I've gone through almost 2 months now of a healthy diet and regular exercise, I've begun to look at it with more spiritual eyes. I'm learning to gain self-control over my body and mind. I'm learning to eat with balance and moderation, instead of eating according to feelings. I'm learning to make myself exercise even when I don't feel like it. And what I'm learning in this area of my life, transfers to other areas of my life as well. I'm learning to be more disciplined with my sleep schedule, with my housework, with things like blogging and journaling, etc.
Let me encourage you, if I can do and learn all this, so can you. But more importantly, if you are a child of God and have the Holy Spirit inside of you, then by His mighty power, you can succeed in disciplining your mind and body, in caring for His temple, in glorifying God with your body, in mortifying the deeds of the flesh.
Don't let food be your master. Don't return to a spirit of slavery. You have been bought with a price, and with that purchase you have received ALL the power you need to succeed. Therefore, glorify God with your body!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Recipe Reviews
Since starting on Weight Watchers, I've been trying my hand at several new recipes. Filling, yet healthy and low calorie recipes. Cooking Light has been a fantastic resource for me. I'd like to share with you some of my favorites from the past few weeks.
Spinach, Pasta, and Pea Soup
Only 7 WW points for 1 and 3/4 cups of soup! The chickpeas and spinach make this dish super filling, even though it's vegetarian. Delicious, warm soup for these cold winter days!
Chicken and Herb White Pizza
1/6 of this filling, delicious pizza is only 9 WW points. Plus you'll have lots of leftovers for future meals and, if you use a rotisserie chicken, you can use half of the meat for the pizza and use the rest for another meal.
Pork Chops with Caribbean Rub and Mango Salsa
This is one of my favorite recipes of the new ones I've tried. A whole 6-oz chop and 1/4 cup of salsa is only 5 WW points! Plus, it's super flavorful, delicious, and your kitchen will smell wonderful. Pair this with some fresh green beans or a spinach salad for a filling, low point/calorie meal.
Linguine with Easy Meat Sauce
If you're looking for a quick dinner or to use up that last little bit of ground beef you found in the back of your freezer, then look no further for a delicious, flavorful, and filling meal. At only 8 WW points a serving, this recipe literally took me 15 minutes to make. Heat up some frozen or canned veggies in the microwave and you have yourself a fast and easy meal. I didn't have linguine, so I used sea shell pasta instead, but any kind of pasta will work for this recipe.
Classic Meat Loaf
If you're looking for a lightened-up meatloaf recipe, this one does pretty well. At only 7 WW points for TWO slices of meatloaf, you get a lot of bang for your buck. Not the moistest meatloaf I've ever had, but this meatloaf was still able to pack a flavorful punch and, paired with some 0 point veggies, I was able to eat a lot for a little. I used regular breadcrumbs instead of panko.
Cheesy Potato Soup
Another delicious, warm soup for winter nights. 6 WW points for 1 cup. Easy to make with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Serve with homemade whole wheat bread for a satisfying supper.
Maple-Mustard Glazed Chicken
This recipe is so delicious and easy to make ahead of time. 6 WW points for a 6-oz chicken breast. Really flavorful and easy to pair with some fresh or frozen veggies for a relatively quick and easy meal.
Chicken Enchiladas
This recipe is much more hands on, but the end result is incredibly worth it. These enchiladas were so flavorful from the poached chicken to the cream cheese to all the fresh veggies. 7 WW points for 2 enchiladas. If you're feeling up to a challenge, then make this recipe. Everyone will thank you for it!
*If you have leftover liquid after you've poached the chicken and made the sauce, hang onto it and try my Mexican Vegetable Tortilla Soup. This recipe was basically born from ingredients in my fridge I needed to use up!
Start with the reserved cooking liquid/remaining sauce or:
4 c water
2 c fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
1 c salsa verde
1 jalapeno pepper, halved
1/4 c regular whipping cream
Combine water, chicken broth, salsa verde, and jalapeno in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over med-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 min. Reduce heat to low; stir in cream. Remove jalapeno and discard.
Then add your veggies. You can follow what I did or create your own combination.
5 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 med onion, chopped
1/2 bunch of broccoli, cut into florets
1/2 zucchini, chopped
2 each mini red, yellow, and orange sweet bell peppers, chopped
1 can of diced tomatoes, undrained
1 T olive oil
In a large skillet, heat oil. Add onion and garlic, saute till soft. Add broccoli, zucchini, and peppers; cook 5 min. Add tomatoes and broth.
Next, add in your spices. Play around with this to get the flavor/spicy level you like best.
1/4 c chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 t ground cumin, or to taste
1/8 t chili powder, or to taste
Add to veggies and broth; cover and simmer 10 min.
While the soup is heating thoroughly, make the topping.
8-12 corn tortillas, cut into strips and baked at 350 degrees for about 10 min
1/2 c lowfat Mexican blend shredded cheese
Divide soup evenly between 4 bowls. Sprinkle each bowl with a fourth of the toasted tortilla strips and 2 T of cheese. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
Serves: 4 (1 1/2 c and 1/4 topping)
WW points: 7
Bon appetit!
Spinach, Pasta, and Pea Soup
Only 7 WW points for 1 and 3/4 cups of soup! The chickpeas and spinach make this dish super filling, even though it's vegetarian. Delicious, warm soup for these cold winter days!
Chicken and Herb White Pizza
1/6 of this filling, delicious pizza is only 9 WW points. Plus you'll have lots of leftovers for future meals and, if you use a rotisserie chicken, you can use half of the meat for the pizza and use the rest for another meal.
Pork Chops with Caribbean Rub and Mango Salsa
This is one of my favorite recipes of the new ones I've tried. A whole 6-oz chop and 1/4 cup of salsa is only 5 WW points! Plus, it's super flavorful, delicious, and your kitchen will smell wonderful. Pair this with some fresh green beans or a spinach salad for a filling, low point/calorie meal.
Linguine with Easy Meat Sauce
If you're looking for a quick dinner or to use up that last little bit of ground beef you found in the back of your freezer, then look no further for a delicious, flavorful, and filling meal. At only 8 WW points a serving, this recipe literally took me 15 minutes to make. Heat up some frozen or canned veggies in the microwave and you have yourself a fast and easy meal. I didn't have linguine, so I used sea shell pasta instead, but any kind of pasta will work for this recipe.
Classic Meat Loaf
If you're looking for a lightened-up meatloaf recipe, this one does pretty well. At only 7 WW points for TWO slices of meatloaf, you get a lot of bang for your buck. Not the moistest meatloaf I've ever had, but this meatloaf was still able to pack a flavorful punch and, paired with some 0 point veggies, I was able to eat a lot for a little. I used regular breadcrumbs instead of panko.
Cheesy Potato Soup
Another delicious, warm soup for winter nights. 6 WW points for 1 cup. Easy to make with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Serve with homemade whole wheat bread for a satisfying supper.
Maple-Mustard Glazed Chicken
This recipe is so delicious and easy to make ahead of time. 6 WW points for a 6-oz chicken breast. Really flavorful and easy to pair with some fresh or frozen veggies for a relatively quick and easy meal.
Chicken Enchiladas
This recipe is much more hands on, but the end result is incredibly worth it. These enchiladas were so flavorful from the poached chicken to the cream cheese to all the fresh veggies. 7 WW points for 2 enchiladas. If you're feeling up to a challenge, then make this recipe. Everyone will thank you for it!
*If you have leftover liquid after you've poached the chicken and made the sauce, hang onto it and try my Mexican Vegetable Tortilla Soup. This recipe was basically born from ingredients in my fridge I needed to use up!
Start with the reserved cooking liquid/remaining sauce or:
4 c water
2 c fat-free, lower-sodium chicken broth
1 c salsa verde
1 jalapeno pepper, halved
1/4 c regular whipping cream
Combine water, chicken broth, salsa verde, and jalapeno in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over med-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 min. Reduce heat to low; stir in cream. Remove jalapeno and discard.
Then add your veggies. You can follow what I did or create your own combination.
5 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 med onion, chopped
1/2 bunch of broccoli, cut into florets
1/2 zucchini, chopped
2 each mini red, yellow, and orange sweet bell peppers, chopped
1 can of diced tomatoes, undrained
1 T olive oil
In a large skillet, heat oil. Add onion and garlic, saute till soft. Add broccoli, zucchini, and peppers; cook 5 min. Add tomatoes and broth.
Next, add in your spices. Play around with this to get the flavor/spicy level you like best.
1/4 c chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 t ground cumin, or to taste
1/8 t chili powder, or to taste
Add to veggies and broth; cover and simmer 10 min.
While the soup is heating thoroughly, make the topping.
8-12 corn tortillas, cut into strips and baked at 350 degrees for about 10 min
1/2 c lowfat Mexican blend shredded cheese
Divide soup evenly between 4 bowls. Sprinkle each bowl with a fourth of the toasted tortilla strips and 2 T of cheese. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
Serves: 4 (1 1/2 c and 1/4 topping)
WW points: 7
Bon appetit!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Opening Remarks
This first post will be mostly random, jumbled thoughts that all encapsulate a part of who I am. So welcome to a Friday afternoon journey through my brain!
First off, I think you should know that I'm a piano teacher. I have 20 students in total, mostly beginners, and they are all awesome. I love my job because it doesn't really feel like a job, I'm using my college degree (shockers!), and I always have a funny story to tell. Always. Watch for a post soon with several of my favorite stories.
Secondly, I'm on a journey this year to lose weight. Most people would probably not classify me as overweight, but ideally, I have around 60 pounds to lose. So I decided the week of Christmas to join Weight Watchers and quit putting it off. I'm tired of feeling tired and clothes not fitting. To date, I have lost 11 pounds! I know it may not seem like much, especially if you're a fan of The Biggest Loser, but I feel great! I'm well on my way and now I'm addicted to a healthy lifestyle.
Thirdly, I love to cook, especially now since I am trying to eat healthier. One of my favorite resources is Cooking Light. I made a recipe last night that took only 20 minutes or less! So eating right can be easy and quick and Cooking Light is a huge help. Watch for a post later on recipes I've tried lately.
Fourthly, I sponsor a child through Compassion International. Safyatou is my second child to sponsor. She is 7 years old and lives in Burkina Faso. My first child, Priscilla from Ghana, moved out of the reach of Compassion's centers earlier this year. My husband and I got involved with Compassion in the fall of 2010. I'd always heard about Compassion and the child sponsorship program, but was never really in a place where I could participate financially. However, in Fall 2010, we felt like God had blessed us richly and we needed to bless others. Sponsoring Priscilla and Safyatou through Compassion has been one of the biggest blessings of my life. The relational, personal aspect of the program is what I love the most. Handwritten letters always bring a huge smile to my face and the opportunity to be able to encourage and love on these kids is like no other ministry I've personally experienced. Not only are we showing them we care through our words, but we're backing that up with caring for their physical needs. I think it's the model of ministry that Christ set for us in the Gospels. If you've never been involved with Compassion, I urge you to start now. I wasn't sure at the beginning if we could manage the monthly financial commitment, but God keeps on providing, so we keep on giving. He will provide for you too. The impact you can make on a child's life is huge and you never know if you will be the one to change their lives forever. If you haven't watched this video before, get your tissues, watch, and then go sponsor a child. You won't regret it.
Finally, for those who don't know me, to fill in the most important gaps about me, I'm married to my best friend and the most precious man in the entire universe, David, I am a redeemed follower of the King, Jesus Christ, I have a wonderful family, and I love my 6 month old kitten, Callie. This blog will be filled with stories and thoughts about all these things, and I hope you enjoy reading, because I certainly enjoy writing! Check out my links below, especially my other blog that I write with my husband, The Marriage Files.
Thanks for reading, and until next time, TGIF!!
First off, I think you should know that I'm a piano teacher. I have 20 students in total, mostly beginners, and they are all awesome. I love my job because it doesn't really feel like a job, I'm using my college degree (shockers!), and I always have a funny story to tell. Always. Watch for a post soon with several of my favorite stories.
Secondly, I'm on a journey this year to lose weight. Most people would probably not classify me as overweight, but ideally, I have around 60 pounds to lose. So I decided the week of Christmas to join Weight Watchers and quit putting it off. I'm tired of feeling tired and clothes not fitting. To date, I have lost 11 pounds! I know it may not seem like much, especially if you're a fan of The Biggest Loser, but I feel great! I'm well on my way and now I'm addicted to a healthy lifestyle.
Thirdly, I love to cook, especially now since I am trying to eat healthier. One of my favorite resources is Cooking Light. I made a recipe last night that took only 20 minutes or less! So eating right can be easy and quick and Cooking Light is a huge help. Watch for a post later on recipes I've tried lately.
Fourthly, I sponsor a child through Compassion International. Safyatou is my second child to sponsor. She is 7 years old and lives in Burkina Faso. My first child, Priscilla from Ghana, moved out of the reach of Compassion's centers earlier this year. My husband and I got involved with Compassion in the fall of 2010. I'd always heard about Compassion and the child sponsorship program, but was never really in a place where I could participate financially. However, in Fall 2010, we felt like God had blessed us richly and we needed to bless others. Sponsoring Priscilla and Safyatou through Compassion has been one of the biggest blessings of my life. The relational, personal aspect of the program is what I love the most. Handwritten letters always bring a huge smile to my face and the opportunity to be able to encourage and love on these kids is like no other ministry I've personally experienced. Not only are we showing them we care through our words, but we're backing that up with caring for their physical needs. I think it's the model of ministry that Christ set for us in the Gospels. If you've never been involved with Compassion, I urge you to start now. I wasn't sure at the beginning if we could manage the monthly financial commitment, but God keeps on providing, so we keep on giving. He will provide for you too. The impact you can make on a child's life is huge and you never know if you will be the one to change their lives forever. If you haven't watched this video before, get your tissues, watch, and then go sponsor a child. You won't regret it.
Finally, for those who don't know me, to fill in the most important gaps about me, I'm married to my best friend and the most precious man in the entire universe, David, I am a redeemed follower of the King, Jesus Christ, I have a wonderful family, and I love my 6 month old kitten, Callie. This blog will be filled with stories and thoughts about all these things, and I hope you enjoy reading, because I certainly enjoy writing! Check out my links below, especially my other blog that I write with my husband, The Marriage Files.
Thanks for reading, and until next time, TGIF!!
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