Be The Best You Can Be

Family I received this Daily Word on my usual spiritual email listing. This is an original posting by Mr. Don Rice, a very anointed brother.

It really hit home for me, especially as I continue with my weight loss goals. Hope this blessed you as it did me....be encouraged all!


BE THE BEST YOU CAN BE

By: Don Rice


God has created you to live a full and healthy life. Within this full and healthy life are opportunities that will propel and promote you to new and exciting places. Each opportunity causes you to grow and expand as a person. God who has a plan for us then desires one thing from that and us is to be the best we can be.

Being the best we can be means that with consistency we give God our absolute all. We strive each day to live above the negative and the nasty by focusing on our relationship with Jesus Christ. We yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit and fulfill the mandate of Jesus Christ to obey his word and follow his teachings. Being our best is about living a life that pleases God. Be your best then. Work at life and work at satisfying God’s heart. Give your all and watch God through your life do the most amazing things. Today be the best you can be!

Read Colossians 3:17

Scared of the Scale

Hey Family,

I attended the MVP Fitness boot camp for the first time yesterday in awhile and I did pretty well. I thought I would fall out or loose my stamina but I actually kept up and feel great after wards. Going again tomorrow for the second time this week and I predict that I will succeed even more. Shout out to Coach Johnson for allowing me to come.

So i was asked by a certain person (who shall rename nameless) about if I had completed my ending weigh in (from the Get Fit 4 Christ Plan)...which I have not. See all, I have a small apprehension of the scale. YES THE SCALE YOU USE TO DETERMINE WEIGHT!!! It's not because I think I've gained...but more so of the unknown that concerns me.

Since I was asked twice before I left if I had weighed in, I decided that maybe I will go ahead and do it this weekend. I plan to let you all know what it says....major anxiety right now with that statement, but I at least owe it to those who are truly following my health journey on the results.

This week's devotional dealt with speaking positive words over your life. The brain is very powerful and sometimes we can think ourselves out of due blessings. I can not think negatively with weighing myself for I already know that the Lord has brought me threw to conquer this monster. How? Cause he said it in his word. "No weapon (food, over eating, weight, etc) shall form against me". Get my drift family...

Keep me lifted family......be blessed!!!!

Exercise Log 14

I was on it today family! Coach Johnson was able to fit me into his busy schedule and I am so appreciative. Now I don't feel like the step child of the "Get Fit 4 Christ" program. Lol.

At the studio, I did multiple circuits from his work out DVD (which can be order by clicking here). While I felt like I was in there for a long time...and the exercises kept going FOREVER...lol...I actually was not there that long. I think in total I was there for 30 minutes. In that time, I did strength training (using weights and my body), cardio and ab work. That is the type of workout I'm talking about...straight to the point.

I'm so encouraged right now since I've lost 5 lbs. I knew walking into the studio today Coach Johnson was going to want to weigh me..lol..I mentally prepared myself..but stop and remembered that God told us that "no weapon shall form against you" and so I stop worrying about if "fat/pounds" (my giants) were going to win and conquer over me today. See its a lot of mental self control too family...you have to speak positive words into existence over your life. Do not allow the status quo or your past faults keep you in bondage (mental and physical) from achieving what God has in stored.

While my joints still ache (sp), I am still pushing threw SAFELY for I believe in the power of prayer and I serve a healing God. So I guess we will see. Tomorrow is boot camp with other program participants. Keep me lifted family....

Exercise Log Day 8

I know my post from yesterday is late, but better late than ever right!!!!

Family I did it....yes I got up at 5:30 am and was early to yesterday's boot camp. I actually showed up right before Coach Johnson (sorry I had to mention it). Lol. I worked out for less than an hour and had a GREAT work out. Thank goodness for this for the rest of my day (as far as eating) was a flop. Below are the details.

+ Boot Camp = 45 minutes

+ 1 mile run = less than 10 minutes

This post is short and to the point due to my crazy schedule today. On the agenda for tonight, TaeBo's Basic Boot camp and hopefully a 25 minute run. To be conitnued....

Daily Food Journal/Exercise Log #7

Today I was really busy family so I decided to take the day off from working out. This entry will serve as both my daily food journal and exercise log.

While very productive with working remotely from another location, I decided to pre pack my snacks and lunch so I can get my food in. I did miss my afternoon snack and reorganized some foods in the meals since I did not have them at the lodge I was staying at. Also, since I'm heading home tomorrow, I wanted to have one more slice of the carmel cake (to tie me over till thanksgiving, for that is when it will make its next cameo...lol). Below is a break down of what I ate today:

Breakfast
+ 2 egg white omelet
+ 1 cup spinach
+ 1 pk apple cinnamon oatmeal
+ 5 strawberries


Morning Snack
+ 1/2 cup cottage cheese
+ carrot chips
+ 1 small apple

Lunch
+ 1 salmon fillet
+ steamed asparagus

Afternoon Snack
+ none


Evening
+ Salad w/:
= 2 cups of spinach leaves
= 4 oz of canned tuna in water
= less than a 1/4 cup of cottage cheese
= less than 1/4 cup of cooked corn
= 1/4 cup of cooked broccoli
= 2 tbsp of light italian dressing
+ 1/2 cup of green beans
+ 1 generous slice of homemade carmel cake (last time of eating until thanksgiving)

Evening Snack
+ 1 small orange (since I didn't eat it at lunch)


Water Consumption = 71 oz
Vitamins = 2 Women's One A Day Multivitamin, B12 and Iron
ACV = 2 teaspoons
Alcohol = NONE

How I feel

I am actually really surprised that I am not that sore from yesterday's boot camp. Due to scheduling, I plan to participate in tomorrow's AM boot camp so I can get two sessions in before heading out. Now...lets see if I can get up tomorrow morning at 5:30 am to make it on time. Lol.

As you can see, for dinner I loaded up on the veggies and really pushed my fruit today so I could have a piece of cake. I am really trying my best to stay on the eating plan. It makes it easier if I have the food in my house, but since I'm in town on business, its difficult to stick totally with the plan. I have to admit that I am proud of myself, for I think I am doing well. This eating plan has forced me to step out of my comfort zone and eat new foods (ie sweet tomatoes and egg whites). I think this is a good start for incorporating new healthier foods into my diet. I guess we will see once its time for me to weigh in.

Like I've said before, the daily bible reading really helps to keep me grounded. When I get tempted OR my old thinking tries to come into my daily routine, I know I can turn to the Word but now I can relate and even retain what I am reading. This has been a long time goal for me and I thank God that he used those around me (and basic accessible resources) to bring me closer to him. I will admit that I get discouraged, for I feel that I'm not getting anywhere, am physically getting bigger or beat myself up for eating something on the "bad list". But you know what family, its one day at a time. I have to struggle somewhat on my journey to a healthier and more spiritual me in order to receive that great blessing (success in my goals) at the end. At times I think that we can be our own monsters/mountains with the way we think and treat ourselves.

In Luke 9:25 the word tells us "for what is a man advantaged, if he gains the whole world and lose himself or be cast away". This scripture really hit me last night as I was reading. I don't want to obtain any and everything, to in turn lose who I AM. If weight management was so easy as turning on a light, lol, what would be the lesson? What struggle is there to make me a stronger person? How can I go into battle for the Lord if I've experience no resistance? I don't want to do any and everything, in the process selling myself out and hurting others, to get what I want (success on all ends). Think about that tonight family and meditate on the scripture if you haven't read it. It will change your life.

Stay encouraged and be blessed....

Exercise Log Day 5

While I know Coach Johnson sent out the DVD work outs via you tube link, I have not had the chance to do them...yet another thing I plan to start tomorrow. Considering its the holiday, I am proud that I was able to get to the gym today. Below is a detail of what I did:

+ Warm up - Upright bike for 20 minutes (level 5-10) + 30 minutes on the ARC trainer (legs and arms moving...strides = running). This was the "fat burner setting)

+ Ab work out (laid on matt, held sisters ankles and she random threw my legs from rt/lft and center). Very difficult exercise. Did two reps of these

I plan to do better tomorrow for I will FINALLY get to attend the evening boot camp. I hear its more advance and am very excited.

How do I feel
While at times I feel at a disadvantage, I like the fact that I am altering the program as needed, as an online person. I feel I have a good work out regimen at home, so I have been incorporating that into my GF4C program as I go. Instead of complaining or looking for ways that I am NOT receiving, I'm instead given God all honor and praises that I get up every morning and can actually work out daily.

My joints have been holding up well. Considering last week I ran over 2.5 straight, I feel confident that I will be ready for the 5k on October 10th. My issues is will I be 10+ lbs lighter? At a smaller size (but still over weight) it is harder to drop pounds. I've been trying to find ways to trick my body to shock it into dropping lbs and not the muscle i've gained. I guess we will see in four more weeks if its working.

To be continued family....

9/4/09 Update

Considering I'm officially on a short vacay, I decided to update you on the day in one post. Efficient I know...lol. If you've been following along, today is the 18 hour fast, and I feel great. I was concerned about how I would feel after my run...and then at noon (for that is when I start to hit the wall), but I did very well.

While running, I was listening to the rest of Romans and was highly motivated and inspired to push threw the pain. "If God is for me, who can be against me"....one of the scriptures that was resounding through my head as I ran and listen to Paul's message to us.

I was praying, giving glory, shouting (well not to loud) as I was exercising and felt renewed once I got done. I plan to incorporate monthly fasting as way to renew and refocus from now on. I thank Coach Johnson for having me do this.

Below is my exercise and food journal for this lovely day:

Exercise:
+ 2.5 miles + at 6:30 am this morning - took me 40 minutes to do it!!!!


Breakfast
+ 16 oz of 100% Pure grapefruit juice (2 fruit servings)
+ 8 oz of water


Morning Snack
+ 20 oz of water

Lunch
+ 13.5 oz of 100% Pure Apple Juice
+ 20 oz of water


Afternoon Snack
+ 1 mild cheddar (natural) cheese stick
+ 4 chips ahoy cookies

Evening
+ tostitoes tortilla chips (scoops)
+ mild salsa
+ 1 pack of twizzler nibs
+ 4 bite sized laffy taffy

Water Consumption = 80 oz
Vitamins = B12 and Iron
ACV consumed = none

Mid Day Break #2

John 18-20 The crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ

For today's mid day break, I decided to come home, fix my lunch and continue to read threw today's bible reading (see above). While I've heard the story of Jesus being crucified and arising from the dead, its always been second hand and/or through a movie interpretation. Its so much more moving to read it directly from the Word. I can feel the love that Jesus had for me and why he had to leave this earth and die for me. Knowing this, makes me want to do even better daily as I walk threw life. This is why this program is so awesome and important for me to be apart of it.

My thoughts for you this afternoon family is this, if Jesus was willing to give his life for us, and go threw all that he did with betrayal, contradictions from others and down right hatred (because he loved us)....can't we commit thy ways to the Lord and GET FIT 4 CHRIST? God has so much he wants us to accomplish while on earth, we need to be in good health to do his will. Is that not a reason to get fit, get right and get going..........reflect on this this afternoon family.....

Mid Day Break

So yesterday at lunch, I went home and did a 20 minute work out. Since today is a "break day", I actually went home, cooked a decent (healthy) lunch and continued working threw my bible assignment for the day. It was very invigorating actually. Lol.

The assignment was John 8-15 for tonight, as of right now, I've read all the way up to chapter 13. Four chapters were read this morning, one chapter at lunch and the rest will be read before I go to sleep. This technique is something I may incorporate for the rest of my time on the program, for I came back into the office, motivated, inspired and highly encouraged to conquer the rest of the day.

I want to encourage all to take time during the day, stop and pray. You would be surprised the difference it will make.

As of 3:30 pm today:
Water update = 40 oz
Fruit servings = 2
Protein = 3 servings
Veggies = 2 servings

Daily Bible Reading - IT REALLY WORKS

I first have to thank Coach Johnson for developing this program. Not only am I able to work to achieve my health goals, but I will also run a 5k and train myself to read the scripture daily. While I was already working on this individually, this program has helped to put it in gear!

Even though I just started reading the Word (in detail) daily, I had already incorporated listening to the audio bible on itunes in the morning before work. Now, I am dedicating 20-30 minutes twice a day to the Lord's word and its making a difference. How you may ask....

+ Stories that were explained or told to me second hand are now making more sense
+ There are valuable lesson that I can now directly relate to my everyday life
+ The Word has become so much easier to read and comprehend, versus having to read over and over again (KJV)
+ I have a sense of purpose more now than ever before
+ I'm not afraid to witness
(the list can go on and on really...)

I say this to you family because everyone falls short. No human is perfect at all! While I never thought I was perfect, I sometimes put myself a little higher than the norm (lol). Hate to admit it, but I did not know what I was thinking and what I was missing out on. My example is Christ, and that is who I want to live my life like. ...and I am willing to spend my ENTIRE life striving to be just that.

If your interested in following other topics I discuss outside of weight loss, please take a look at my blog "The Silky Chronicles" here on blogspot. I really hope you will follow it as well for I cover many current events, thoughts and struggles outside of health management. As always, I want to inspire you all to get up, get moving AND read the bible on a regular basis. I promise you it will change your life :)

Last Day of Freedom

The "Get Fit 4 Christ" beta test starts officially tomorrow, and I must admit that I am a little nervous. I will be on a specialized exercise program and logging everything I eat on my blog. Lol. That is going to be interesting for the WORLD will be able to see what your girl is eating on every single day. On a different note, this is probably good for me, for I will be held accountable.

The thing I really like about the rules is that everyday, is bible study reading that I must do. For my followers, I plan to attempt to recap my readings and what I've learned from the scriptures. Remember family, I am new to this, so don't be to hard on me at first. Lol.

I plan to post my detail goals for you all to see tomorrow. Tell me what you think of them...are they to lofty, not "hard" enough....weigh in on the subjects posted in this blog family...I want to hear from you...

Things i will be incorporating into my regimen daily include:
+ Drink at least 80 oz of water
+ Drink 2 teaspoons of ACV
+ Supplements include multivitamin, B12 and Biotin
+ Exercise in the morning and after work
+ Journal my food log
+ Bible readings daily for 30 minutes

My ultimate goal is to become more physically fit and to have 20lbs shredded by the time the 40 days are up. I am confident that God is with me threw all of this, and I will be victorious over this mountain.....negative thinking and over eating.