Don't Forget Jesus

Don't Forget Jesus


Christmas is a special time
To reflect on Jesus Christ,
The wonder of His lowly birth
Brings meaning to our lives

There really is no other reason,
We celebrate this day,
The birth of God’s precious son
And the life, He willingly gave

But so much seems to distract us
In the busy-ness of our lives,
We lose our focus in all the happenings,
Not knowing, we leave out Christ

We lose sight of the true meaning
As we endlessly rush about
Trying to find that perfect gift,
Seems to cloud our Saviour out

We need to stop and reflect awhile
Remembering our precious Lord,
His birth, His life and sacrifice
And all that He stands for

For though the world may celebrate,
It seems though for other reasons,
Let’s keep in mind that Jesus Christ
Is the true meaning of the season.

© By M.S.Lowndes

ShapelyGirl Fitness Challenge Wrap Up

For the entire month of October I have enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the ShapelyGirl Fitness Challenge. We had to commit to working out the minimum of three days a week. Now it is time for my final review of the Let's Get Moving! Low-Impact DVD.

I am happy to report that I have successfully completed the Challenge. I had a few minor setbacks but I was able to jump back up and get back into the swing of things. I did not let those obstacles get in the way of my goal. The days I was unable to workout I still maintain my healthy eating and water intake.

There was a time when something got in the way of me working out I would not even give it a second thought or it would have taken me what would seem like for ever to start back on my workout routine. NO. I did not do that this time. I have to thank Debra Mazda for that. Her motivation and inspiration is unbelievable.

Debra truly has the passion to see women of all sizes healthy and up moving. She is living proof that you don't have to be a size 2 to be "Fit and Fabulous."
 

"Fitness Comes In Many Sizes"

Debra recommends that you watch the entire Dvd before you begin the workout. This way you will know what to expect as far as the workout routine.

I must admit I am a huge fan of the Pre-Mixes. I am so glad those were included on the Dvds. These are 19 minute workouts for days when time does not allow you to do a full workout. I like working out in the morning time but there were some mornings I just did not feel like it and I did a Pre-Mix and did a full workout in the evening.

I'm not sure why I decided to get the Low-Impact Cardio Dvd. I guess because I hadn't worked out steadily in about a month or so. It's safe to say I was a little afraid I wasn't going to be able to handle anything else I guess. It didn't take long for me to get back to where I was physically and I wanted more as far as working out. So, I had to either do the routine morning and evening or use the Dvd along with another form of fitness.

Overall, I am pleased. I accomplished my goal of getting back on and maintaining my fitness routine and also  increased my energy level.

I would recommend this Dvd because I am still using this.

For more information visit ShapelyGirl Fitness.  You will find the prices are very reasonable.
  

 

To connect with ShapelyGirl Fitness on Facebook     

To connect on Twitter with Debra Mazda

Thank you Debra for this opportunity.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

 

Fitness Friday:Weekly Recap of ShapelyGirl Fitness

I'm participating in ShapelyGirl Fitness Challenge

I wish I had better news to report for this week. I was only able to get in one workout this week. I was not feeling well and had to go to the doctor and was unable to do any fitness activity this week.
 
This will not stop me from continuing my journey of maintaining my fitness routine and living a healthier lifestyle. This is just a minor setback. I am grateful for the strength God has given me and the change in my mindset. 

I will say that although I have not been working out my eating choices have remained on the healthy side.

If you are not familiar with ShapelyGirl Fitness or the challenge I'm participating in, please click here.

I will be posting my thoughts regarding the ShapelyGirl Fitness and my weekly progress here every Friday during the month of October with the final post being November 2, 2012. Please join me if you are in need of motivation and encouragement. WE can do this TOGETHER!!! Now let’s get moving!!!

 

Fitness Friday: ShapelyGirl Fitness

I am happy to report that I have completed another week of the ShapelyGirl Fitness workout challenge.  

I have been using my ShapelyGirl’s Let’s Get Moving!  Low-Impact Cardio DVD as part of my workout routine.

http://www.debramazda.com/

ShapelyGirl Fitness™  was created by Debra Mazda M.Ed. ShapelyGirl Fitness is a Health/Wellness/Fitness company whose platform passionately believes that “FITNESS COMES IN MANY SIZES”. Debra is inspiring all women regardless of what size they are –or want to be to get up and begin moving today. Debra is living proof you don’t need to be a size 2 to be Fit & Fabulous!

This week I decided to begin my workout week on Sunday evening. I must say this week has been so much better than the last. I have noticed I am returning back to my normal energy level. I was able to workout with the Dvd plus get in some extra workouts. 


I will be posting my thoughts regarding the ShapelyGirl Fitness and my weekly progress here every Friday during the month of October with the final post being November 2, 2012. Please join me if you are in need of motivation and encouragement. WE can do this TOGETHER!!!

I want to thank Debra Mazda once again for this opportunity. You have put me back on my fitness routine and I am determined to maintain this journey.

 
Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Review: Everyday Matters Bible for Women

LLC Hendrickson Publishers Marketing| Everyday Matters Bible for Women ISBN-10: 1598567055 |ISBN-13: 978-1598567052 | Format: Hard Cover | Pages: 1603

I will be sharing with you my review on the Everyday Matters Bible for Women New Living Translation (NLT)


I know you're probably wondering how someone can review a bible. Well, I'm not reviewing God's word because we all know that can NEVER happen. I will be reviewing the other aspects of the bible itself.

I was so excited for the opportunity to be reviewing the bible that I was watching the mail very carefully. Some might have considered it stalking. I was just anxiously waiting for its arrival. I mean seriously! Look at the photo. I was curious to see how the bible looked in person. You know how it is when you see a picture of something and are expecting one thing and end up with a big disappointment.

Once, I finally received my package I could not wait to get inside. As soon as I opened the box, I immediately began smiling. It was so pretty and the colors were so vibrant. You don't even  have to worry about losing your place while reading because there is a red ribbon attached.

 

Every discipline is explored in four ways 
• Everyday Matters. Two-page articles introduce major themes and focus on an essential part of understanding and practicing a discipline.
• Everyday Profiles. Profiles of twenty-five Biblical women highlight a particular discipline.
• Everyday Q & A’s. Short articles delve into a difficult aspect of the spiritual practice and offer practical help on incorporating the discipline into your daily life.
• Everyday Reflections. Selections illustrate ways to personalize and apply God’s Word to your own situation.

More than 300 articles and features by more than 140 of today’s most well-known Christian leaders and writers, including: Kay Warren, Priscilla Shirer, Elisa Morgan, Nancy & John Ortberg, Richard Foster, Liz Curtis Higgs, and Lauren Winner.

Special Features include . . . 
• 4-color throughout
• Color-coded icons identify each Spiritual Discipline addressed in contributors’ material
• How to Use This Bible in a Small Group Study
• Index of Spiritual Practices
• Resources for further reading

There were a few things I was not to pleased with but they did not take away from the bible itself.

• No Concordance.
• Pages are extremely thin.
• The names of the books are written big and bold on the Introduction and first page but are written lengthwise in light colored ink making it difficult to locate the correct books.

Overall, I am happy with this bible and I would definitely recommend it to anyone to use for referencing purposes. 

Everyday Matters on Publisher’s Website: http://www.hendrickson.com

Everyday Matters on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EverydayMattersBible

Everyday Matters on Twitter: https://twitter.com/bibleforwomen

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

Fitness Friday: Week 1 ShapelyGirl Fitness

I have completed my first week of working out with the ShapelyGirl Fitness Dvd. As part of the challenge,  I have committed to working out the minimum of three days a week.

I was used to working out with fitness dvd's but I had gotten out of my routine of being consistent. So, I was definitely wondering how I was going to achieve this first workout.

 I had planned to begin working out Monday morning but things happen and I wasn't able to so I had to work out during the evening. I prefer to do my workouts early because I feel it helps me to begin my day but there are times when I have to make an adjustment. I was determined to get my workout in for the day so, I had to do it that evening. Once, I turned the dvd on, there was no stopping. I had finally started working out and nobody was there to witness if I was unable to keep up but the dog (and she was watching).

I was so proud of myself  because I managed to complete the entire workout without having to stop. Of course, there were moments when I wanted to stop and get some water but I chose to continue. After completing the workout, I was TIRED but it felt so good. I wanted to just fall out on the floor but if I did I knew that is where I would have been until my husband returned home. I know it's sad but oh so true! I was sweating so bad I had to get in the shower immediately.

Now for the sad part. I have always had trouble with my knee which is one of the reasons why it has been difficult for me to stay consistent with working out. It was difficult for me to walk on it the rest of the night so, I knew I would be taking the next day off  from working out to give my knee a break.

So, I'm thinking since I had the one day of rest I should be ready to get back to working out. My knee is still sore! Now I'm thinking. What should I do? I don't want to be in worse pain but I also don't want to stop when I just started. My motivation is high and  I want it to remain this way. I am determined to get my energy level back to where it used to be. All of these different thoughts were going through my mind.

I did manage to workout two mornings before my daughter and I began school. To my surprise, she worked out with me. I wasn't sure how she was going to be able to handle her school work after the workout but she did well.This time the workouts were not as bad. I guess because I knew not to push myself as hard as I did the first time. Not to mention, the pain in the knee would not allow me to do too much extra pushing anyway.



On my last day of working out, I decided to do the 19 minute workout since my knee was still hurting. I was really afraid to do the entire workout. Moving some is better than nothing at all. I didn't want to push it because if I did I would not be able to work out at all.

I do plan to workout on Saturday!!!

If you are not familiar with ShapelyGirl Fitness or the challenge I'm participating in, please click here.

You will also learn about the Debra Mazda the Founder as well as which DVD I'm using.


Don't forget to join me back here every Friday for the month of October for my progress regarding the ShapelyGirl Fitness.

Healthy Lunch Under 400 Calories: Tuscan Tuna Wrap

Tuscan Tuna Wrap 

Ingredients:

 3 ounces light tuna, drained 

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 

1/2 lemon, juiced 

1 tablespoon olive oil 

1/2 cup diced tomatoes

 Dash of salt and pepper 

2 whole-grain tortillas 

1/2 cup baby spinach 

Make it: Combine tuna with parsley,

 lemon, oil, tomatoes, salt, and pepper.

 Wrap in tortillas and top with spinach.

Please let me know if you try this recipe or if you have any healthy recipes you would like to share.

This recipe was found online at Fitness Magazine

*Photo Courtesy of Chris Gallo

Fitness Friday Begins with ShapelyGirl Fitness

When I was first presented with the opportunity to be a part of a fitness review group, I thought it would be fantastic. This would allow all the ladies to encourage and support one another. Then I began thinking, what if I would not be able to keep up? I quickly realized that was the enemy trying to put fear in my way of reaching my goals. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 I decided to sign up and was super excited to be chosen to become a part of the ShapelyGirl Fitness Review Crew.  

I know you are probably wondering what ShapelyGirl Fitness is and why I wanted to be connected to this particular fitness review. ShapelyGirl Fitness™ was created by Debra Mazda M.Ed. ShapelyGirl Fitness is a Health/Wellness/Fitness company whose platform passionately believes that “FITNESS COMES IN MANY SIZES”. Debra is inspiring all women regardless of what size they are –or want to be to get up and begin moving today. Debra is living proof you don’t need to be a size 2 to be Fit & Fabulous!

What is a ShapelyGirl?

At her most confident, she’s passionate, positive, and confident with her shapely figure. She is moving forward to better health because she is secure in her body and knows that fitness comes in many sizes.

First of all, I want to say losing weight is different for each individual. It was a very difficult process (some health issues) for me until I changed my eating habits and my way of thinking. Once my mentality changed, I began losing weight but I have also been losing my motivation and consistency. It is so easy to lose focus and for me to get back on track is extremely difficult. Some can lose faster than others. Yes, losing some weight is good but my main goal is to be healthy and to revive my energy. I realized before signing up with this crew that part of the stipulations were you have to be committed to working out the minimum of three days a week. I knew if I obligated myself to something I would remain through the entire program.

I will be using ShapelyGirl’s Let’s Get Moving!  Low-Impact Cardio DVD as my workout routine.

Joining forces with ladies, who are determined to make some lifestyle changes through fitness, was enticing to me because I had already begun making changes myself and to have them there to help encourage and motivate me to STAY ON TRACK is great. There is nothing like having some praying sisters who have been where you are/ or walking the path with you. 

By the end of this review, my goal is to have lost some inches, gained my energy and no more restless nights. 

I will be posting my thoughts regarding the ShapelyGirl Fitness and my weekly progress here every Friday during the month of October with the final post being November 2, 2012. Please join me if you are in need of motivation and encouragement. WE can do this TOGETHER!!! Now let’s get moving!!!

 

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.