Therefore encourage one another and edify one another, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Friday, September 28, 2012

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.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Perseverance of a Teen



I heard a very touching story the other day which had my emotions all over the place. To hear of a child who has been on her own since leaving home at the age of 15 years old was shocking in and of itself. My heart immediately went out to her. Several things begin to go through my mind. First of all, I wondered what had made this child leave home with nowhere to go at such a young age. I was terrified of all of the things that could have happened to her. 

As I continued to listen to her story, I was becoming more emotional just as I am at this very moment. I continued to sit and listen wondering and praying this child would not endure anymore hardship and pain. I managed to zone back in and hear she continued to go to school and work. Of course, it brought a smile to my face to see she was determined not to let her circumstances hinder her future. I was even happier when I was told during her senior year of high school, she decided to enter into nursing school. 

When the young lady's last semester of high school came around, she began to lose faith and wanted to give up and quit school. My heart sank once again because I know things have been difficult for her to say the least. Thankfully, she had someone there to motivate her and remind her how far she has come  to give up now. Praise God she recently graduated high school and now has two semesters remaining of nursing school!!! 

Yes, there were tough times and she had moments when she was tired but she persevered. Glory to God!

I am so proud of her!!!

Now, tell me if this is not enough to motivate you!

I am praying for this young lady and I ask for you to please include her in your prayers. 

Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4 



Saturday, September 1, 2012

September (SIS) Sister in The Spotlight: Deaquelynn Williams


Deaquelynn Williams

 

 
Deaquelynn Williams is a humanitarian, life coach, author, Bible teacher, inspirational speaker and a social entrepreneur. In addition to founding Quelynn, Inc. she is also founder and executive director of A Light in the Dark Outreach, an organization that provides resources and programs for the homeless and youth.
Besides being a vision and life coach, Deaquelynn also loves teaching teen girls through her program mPOWERd 4 LIFE Girls Network; where she facilitates free monthly intensives for girls of all ages teaching social manners, etiquette, and abstinence with a focus on esteem-building workshops and performing arts.
In addition to serving her community through her organizations, Deaquelynn has served as focus group facilitator for the Sickle Cell Clinic Transition Group at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. She is the co-founder of Talitha Cumi Mentoring Program for girls; and currently she facilitates empowerment sessions at various shelters in the Greater Birmingham, Alabama Community.
·      
     Please share with us when and why you decided to begin Quelynn, Inc.

Quelynn, Inc. in the business/ministry that God gave me in 2005 after I prayed and asked Him for a business that would serve Him and allow me to generate an income. Through Quelynn, Inc., I have been blessed to help women all over the world to grow in their relationship with God, build what I like to call “GODfidence”, start their own businesses, and even become women of virtue as prescribed in Proverbs 31.

I decided to start Quelynn, Inc. after I wrote a booklet entitled, “The Meeting of Success” teaching seven keys to obtaining success from defining one’s personal definition of success to writing their vision and implementing strategies and action steps to their journey of success.
·         
     What is the Mission of your ministry?

The mission of Quelynn, Inc. is to catapult women to their wealthy place through spiritual empowerment, vision development and personal enhancement coaching and training that builds their confidence, ignites their passion and defines their purpose.
·         
     In the beginning, was it a difficult for you sharing your personal testimonies or translating your thoughts in an open forum? If so, how did you overcome?

Yes, it was extremely difficult. I recall the Lord telling me to share my first personal testimony of overcoming a bitter divorce at a women’s conference I hosted in 2003. I begged God not to put that burden on me, but eventually I obeyed. When I shared that testimony I literally cried from beginning to end. It was a struggle to be so open and raw about my personal experience. However, it was through my obedience, that God set me free from being ashamed of my past and my testimonies. Although I was free of the shame, it was still difficult to speak of at first but the more I shared the easier it became and now I’m able to share with ease knowing that my story helps others to overcome.
·         
      Tell us a little more about mPOWERd 4 LIFE Girls Network Ministry.

mPOWERd 4 LIFE GirlsNetwork was birth out of my desire to help young ladies not to go down the same path I chose of promiscuity. It started hosting girl conferences, retreats, monthly sessions to now having virtual internet classes. Through mPOWERd 4 LIFE I teach young ladies to value their virtue while incorporating life skills, esteem building, and even abstinence.
·         
      Is there anything else you would like to say to the readers?

Yes. Don’t look to media and the images they portray as women as the standard because it’s not. As women of God (of all ages) remember above all that you represent your Heavenly Father in all aspects of your life from your inner beauty to your outer appearance and how you interact with others. Always be mindful of this and present yourself accordingly. Remember, as daughters of the Most High God, we are supposed to be world transformers and not world conformers. Regardless of what images are be portrayed on television, we have to choose to be better.
·       
     Before we close, will you share with us your favorite scripture?

The very first Scripture that ministered to my heart and changed my life was Matthew 5:16 which says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” From that, my prayer has always been, “Lord, let me be a light so that You may be glorified through my life.”

To find more information regarding either ministry or to connect with Deaquelynn Williams, visit her websites below.

Quelynn.Inc.

mPOWERd 4 LIFE Girls Network

Thank you so much Deaquelynn for sharing with us. May the Lord bless you above and beyond what you ask, think or imagine.