Faith: Let it Dig Deep

Over the last few months, I have been struggling a lot within. Doing a lot of personal inventory of my own actions, beliefs, and thoughts… I am realizing that there is little stability in this world. Even the rich will have seasons of famine. The wise will go through moments of weakness. And the simple will hit rcky paths of chaos. No matter how strong you are, how big your belief is, or how confident you stand today… Tomorrow can bring a whole new set of troubles. This is why… You need to dig deep.

Begin to dig your faith down into the deepest parts of soil by taking a couple simple steps today. 1. Get real with yourself. Get real with God. Admit the things you suck at, confess the junk you have in your heart. 2. Now that you have some empty space, don’t leave it dormant. You got to fill it with good, or it will be flooded with waste. Put on some soft soothing music, Find an encouraging scripture, quote, or verse to read and meditate on. 3. Declare freedom and success over your life like it’s nobody’s business. This is what I have found to be KEY in overcoming and fighting through the tragedies of life… PROCLAIM into your life where you want to be; where you are going… What do you have to lose??

What has been your struggles lately? What do you do to overcome? I would love to hear from you.

Open Book Post

Woah. It's been a whole long time since I have blogged. I really want to try to get this down to a routine... it not only helps me organize my thoughts, but also will hopefully share with who ever decides to read- how real my life is.

I heard a comment today that I really was not expecting. Okay, I actually have heard a lot of these lately. But someone very close to me told me this...

"You sometimes can intimidate people."

I was really shocked to hear this.. not because I really don't think this could be true- but because my heart has no desire to show to others something that is not true. I am not better than you. I actually suck at a lot of things that you are fabulous at. I guess maybe from the outside, my life may have looked put together to a certain point. Oh gosh, let me tell you that this is not true. Over the past year, I have gone through a lot of life evaluation and refining of who I am and who I want to be. And I guess because I am a pretty public person, I express it through social media. Maybe I should become more private? I don't know- but this is my opportunity to be real with you- and to tell you that... just because someone, say like myself, has a certain perception on social media- does not mean they do not have struggles or trials- just like you.

I first want to ask for forgiveness to anyone who I may have deceived- making them believe that I think I am better than another. Deep in my heart- I love people. I have a desire to reach out and help people. I want to help even just one person realize that they can make a difference in this world. I don't know how, but sometimes I guess I just can come across intimidating in the way I express that.

So- to help reveal the real me- I want to hopefully start blogging on a regular basis.

To start out- here are some things about me!

-I get out of bed as last minute as possible
- I haven't worked out in 2 weeks- simply because of being lazy.
- I wear my hair up in a bun that's not even messy cute. It's just messy
- I wash my hair on average 2 times a week. Not because my hair doesn't like it, it's because I don't make time for it!
- I love cheesecake. And chocolate. Love.
- My bed sheets need to be washed. Like a long time ago.
- my house is always a disaster
- I am disorganized, and late to pretty much everything.
- I had post partum depression
- I lose and gain weight
- I feel bad for our dog Romeo because he hardly gets attention anymore. I feel like a bad pet parent. Lol.
- I love water- if that be ocean, pool, or lakes... it's my favorite :)
- I love my husband. Sometimes he can drive me crazy. I also drive him crazy. But I am so lucky to have him. He understands me!
- I am so grateful for Jesus. If it wasn't for him in my life, my life would be no where to be found.

So who knows who is actually going to read this, but I hope the people who need to will. and I just want to end with this...

I am human. I make mistakes! I am not who I want to be, but I also believe that I am becoming a better person than who I was. So, I will not pass judgment on you, please dont pass judgment on me :)

If there is something that I say or do that doesn't quite settle with you- please come to me about it! I promise that I will listen and hear you- and I pray that I can respond in the correct way!

I would love to do lunch or coffee or even go to the park with the kids with you sometime- call me or message me! I want to get to know you! And would also love for you to get to know me :)

All I want is for Christ's love to be shown through my life, that the good people see in me... they would know that it the only good in me- is by Jesus :)

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to listen and hear from me! I would love to hear your thoughts :)

I don't have a cool or clever sign out phrase, soo...

Bye!
Brit

Fruit Cobbler

I got this recipe from the CU24 series. It can be eaten for breakfast,  a snack, or even as dessert!!

Enjoy!

Muscle Gain Fruit Cobbler
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup frozen blueberries
- 3 peach slices
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon or pumpkin spice
- 1 scoop muscle gain

Mix together and enjoy! 

An idea would be to warm up the oats and fruit before adding other ingredients!

Flank Steak with Salsa Verde

Thanks Amber for this recipe!  Looks delicious! 

Brussels Sprouts!

I have fallen in love.... With Brussels sprouts!

Here is how I make mine! Enjoy!

Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients
- a bunch of sprouts
- olive oil
- garlic
- parmesan cheese

Here is what you do
Preheat oven to 400.
Cut off ends of sprouts and peel off outside layer.
Put into baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Stirring the Brussels around to make sure they are coated.
Sprinkle with garlic and parmesan.
Bake for 35 to 45 Minutes!!

Chocolate Mug Cake! (Made out of Advocare's Meal Replacement Shake!)

Thanks Jessica for sharing this! Looks delicious, can't wait to try it!!!

Chocolate Mug Cake!

-1 packet Advocare Chocolate Meal replacement Shake
-Add enough water into it until it is brownie batter consistency
-Microwave 1 to 2 minutes!
-Add Peanutbutter on top if you want!

3 Ingredient Banana Bread Cookies, Shrimp with Avocado-Mango Salsa, and Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps!

A fellow challenger shared a few recipes with me! Here they are!!!

3 ingredient Banana Bread Cookies

Shrimp with Avocado-Mango Salsa

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Thanks Brenda!!

Sweet potato wedges

Sweet potato wedges

Peel sweet potatoes
Slice into wedges- not too thin!
Bake at 450 (or 500 if want more crispy)
Bake 30 to 45 Minutes (flip half way through)

Enjoy!

Day 1 of my 24 Day Challenge, TIPS, and Salmon/ Roasted Veggies Recipe

 Today I am feeling so incredibly blessed. Words cannot even describe how feel inside. God has restored me!

 

 For a period of time in my life (from the last semester of the nursing program Fall 2011 to this last summer) I have been in a fog. I really got burnt out and exhausted from being in school, and in result of that, I kind of shut down many areas of my life. Beforehand, I was very active in the community; youth leader at a church, had a youth and young adults ministry in the community and organized community events with my husband, volunteered with a local ministry called Rivercenter, and worked as a nursing assistant at a nursing home and then a group home. Can I say one thing? EXHAUSTED! I over ran myself! I tired! I had fallen into a depressive pit!

 

BUT God revived me! I am so glad he renewed my spirit, mind, and body! He brought something so simple and silly as Advocare into my life- from the outside, it seemed like just a way to lose weight! But instead, I was encouraged! It brought me back hope! It brought me back to Christ! I know, doesn't it sound just weird that I re-found my walk with God through a weight loss program?? But I am so glad that it did! I am so in love with my heavenly Father and how he uses the least expected things in life to bless me! Some people might be annoyed with me and how I post and talk about Advocare, but I have learned to not care! You know why? It is because I want to and AM helping others do the same thing that I did! It is a beautiful thing to share my experience with others and help them overcome not just their weight, but to gain back their confidence, self-esteem, integrity, and joy! So, ignore me if I annoy you on facebook or instagram- but there are people who NEED this and have been reaching out to me for help! SO, I will keep posting to reach out to those that are in desperate need for a change, to be renewed!

 

ANYWAY- here is my day! and Some tips!

 

Fiber Drink:

- I mix it in a disposable water bottle so I can just throw it out and not have to clean it!

- Drink down water to the bottom of the label, pour it in and shake it up!

-TIP: use cold water, orange juice, and one of my challengers is even mixing it with her spark!

 

 

 

Pouches:

- When you open pouches (Spark, Fiber Drink, Meal Replacement Shake, anything!) tear it at the perforated piece on top, and CREASE the pouch down the center to create a funnel!

**This will prevent you looking like a fool when you are pouring half your powder all over the counter!

 

Meal Replacement Shakes:

- Use cold water

- I like mixing it with 12 ounces of water (instead of 8)

- Mix in mixer bottle (I have heard to NOT put it in the blender because it gets foamy)

 

 

Food Journal:

Before Breakfast: Spark, Catalyst

Breakfast: Fiber Drink, Vanilla Shake

Snack: Apple

Lunch: Chick-fa-la Chicken Cool Wrap

Snack: Unsalted nuts and an orange

Supper: Salmon with Roasted veggies

Snack: strawberries

 

AND LOTS OF WATER!!

 



Salmon with Roasted Veggies 

 

Roasted Veggies:

Redskin potatoes, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini drizzled with olive oil

Bake at 450 for 30-40 minutes!

 

 

ENJOY!

Making goals a reality

Growing up, I was never the skinny girl. I always had extra weight that I was insecure about. In high school I tried out for the school dance team. I was in a group with 2 other girls and we had to perform a 1 minute routine in front of the dance team judges. There were a ton of girls trying out and only a few open spots for freshmen, like me. I did my best, but was very unsure I was good enough to make the team. I especially didn't think that I LOOKED good enough to get on the team. Everyone else was wearing size 1 pants, was in shape, and I was not! But fail or not, I put my whole heart into it and didn't give up. 

I did make it, and it was close. Real close. So close that the other 2 girls I auditioned with didn't make the cut. I did it! I was happy! But little did I know, this was the beginning of a long hard semester...

Practices began that next week. We were still on summer break. Practice would be all day long Monday through Friday! I could not wait for school to start because then we would only have practice 3 hours a day! It was so much work! And took up so much of my time. In the moment- it really sucked. It was torture! I would be so wore out by the end of the day, I didn't want to go hang out with friends or do anything! But it was a sacrifice I had chose to make. I wanted to be on the dance team.  I wanted to be good. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do this! 

And I did, I made it through the whole season and felt like I had accomplished something that I always dreamed about doing. There were times when I wanted to quit so bad. I'm pretty sure my mom wanted me to quit too!! But there were just a few people that encouraged me to keep pursuing it and to not give up. I look back and am so grateful that I didn't give up! 

I was reminded of this experience because of a season of life I just went through. After having Jalen, I never ever thought I would have been able to "get back where I was". I was starting to become content with how things were because I didn't think I could do anything to change it. After my pregnancy, I had developed a terrible eating habit, little motivation to workout, was just exhausted. "This is it. This is life. I will just have to deal with it"- those were my thoughts.

But boy am I sure glad I had people around me to snap me out of that!! 

My husband and friend Katie have been a huge support to me in this journey of "back to who I was". And the best part about this is. I am in better shape now than I was before I was pregnant! And even before I was married! 

It takes serious dedication. Time. Commitment. And encouragement. I have found so much joy in the accomplishments I have done for myself. Not that I want to be "better" than others, but I want to be the best that I can be. I want to be able to stay active with my kids, live a healthy life, and help others do the same! Needless to say, I am not at the end; I still have a long ways to go for where I want to be. But I will rejoice in the milestones I have hit and let that encourage me and others to keep pursuing my goals!

Here is a before and now picture of my journey. I am grateful for the support I have gotten from my family, friends, and advocare! 

And yes- I know I am white. Lol. 

Open faced Tuna Melt Sandwich

This has been my "go to" meal when I can't think of anything else to make and am crunched on time! 

It's easy and yummy!

Ingredients:

- 4 pieces whole wheat bread, toasted

- 1 tomato sliced

- 1 can tuna made up with Olive Oil Kraft Maynonaise (I use as least amout possible)

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Sprinkles of cheese 

Instructions:

- Oven to 350 degrees 

- spread thin layer of tuna mixture over toast 

- top with a couple tomato slices

- sprinkle a small amount of cheese on top 

- Bake for 5-6 minutes!

Enjoy!!

(Okay for max phase of 24 day challenge!) 

Blueberry Walnut Whole Wheat Flax Seed Pancakes for one

I was craving pancakes this morning (like every morning) and I always like to try different recipes. I don't like trying different recipes because I am this incredible chef, but rather, it's because most of the recipes I make... Don't turn out! 

BUT these ones were delicious! So here is the recipe :)

Ingredients:

- 1/2 c whole wheat 

- 1/4 c ground flax seed (optional)

- 1 egg

- 2 tsp honey 

- 1/2 tsp baking powder

- 1/4 tsp baking soda

- 1/8 tsp salt 

- 1/2 tbsp oil

- 1/4 c milk

- 1 c blueberries (optional)

- 1/2 c chopped walnuts 

Instructions: (and this is just how I do it!)

Mix all ingredients, cook over medium heat, flip after I think they should be flipped and enjoy!! 

Satisfy the crunch

Since I try not to eat "chips", every once in a while I still have the crunch craving.. I found these at Aldi's and now they are my favorite! I have tried "veggie" chips in the past but was not crazy about then. But these ones are literally dried veggies!

Enjoy!

Brit

Ps- I would say these are okay on the max phase of the 24 day challenge! 

Passion of helping people!

This last fall, I began helping individuals pursue their health and wellness goals with the help from a company called Advocare. Goals ranged from losing weight and inches, needing increased energy, wanting to change their eating habits, and wanting to tone up and improve their workout performance. I love Advocare because all of these goals can be addressed! As a result of my weight loss journey, I gained a passion to help others! So here is just a little testimonial of what others have been able to accomplish!

I will start out with myself:

- I lost 8 pounds in 24 days, and have now lost a total of 17. The weight was important to me, but I received so much more out of doing the challenge. I gained much needed energy, built a whole new eating habit that I could LIVE with, and regained my self confidence and rebuilt my self worth!

Luke: lost 13lb in 24 days

JV: 6 pounds, 5.5 inches

KN: 10 pounds

AR: 4 pounds, 10 inches

NR: 10 pounds

DJ: 12 pounds

MB: 4lbs (10 days)

BK: 7 pounds, 10.5 inches

BN: 10 pounds, 6.4 inches

GB 2 pounds (10 days)

EH: 8 pounds (10 days)

KP: 6 pounds (10 days)

JP: 6 pounds (10 days)

BP: 4 pounds (10 days)

Most of the people above have also reported: decreased cravings for unhealthy foods, feel less bloated, clothes fitting more loose, got rid of mid morning/mid afternoon slumps, cut out up to 2 pots of coffee a day, increased energy level, a new attitude about healthy eating! ALL have learned to eat and choose wiser choices of foods and ALL have said their overall health has improved! 

I have a few missing and some a lot still in the middle! Cant wait to see how these numbers will continue to grow! 

As Luke and I were talking about WHY we decided to get involved with Advocare, we determined that THIS was our purpose. And has now become our mission statement:

To honor God in everything we do.

(and) 

To build champions who will fight together TODAY for victory over our mind, family, and finances.

Advocare is a company that not only has brought freedom to people in an avenue of losing weight, but has created a way for individuals to see WORTH in themselves! It has given people an opportunity to DREAM again and to realize that there is MORE to life than just "to live"!

If you are wanting to know more about how you CAN transform your body, mind, soul, family, or finances- I would love to help guide you in becoming a CHAMPION!

God Bless!
Brit

www.ChampionsMN.com

 

Tomato Basil Chicken Stew and Roasted Chicken and Veggies!

So I am trying to be better at posting things that I have been making/eating for my 24 day challengers.

Here are a couple recipes I made- they are delicious! Links provided below the picture. Enjoy!

http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/tomato-basil-chicken-stew/#_a5y_p=1033482

http://www.wishfulchef.com/chicken-roasted-on-a-bed-of-vegetables/

From a new mom to the other new moms!

It's been a while since I have blogged a heart post, this is one thing this year that I want to get better at. But I have been wanting to write something. Something from my heart and it has been on my heart to share!

Over the last 8+ months, my life has COMPLETELY flipped. Literally- one day all of a sudden God picked me up by my foot and I suddenly was jolted upside down. My arms are hanging down toward the ground. Everything in my pockets came falling out and dropped to the floor. And here I am, looking dumbfounded. 

May 5th, 2013 our lives changed forever. I knew that my life wouldn't be the same after this day- but had no idea to what extent. Yup. Things changed alright. Mindset changed. Sleep changed (or just went away). If you haven't figured out yet what happened- my WHOLE life changed. We had a baby. 

It was amazing. The love that we have for this child is unreal. He is seriously amazing. Both Luke and I cannot get enough of him! It is great being a parent to our J, but as much as I am in love with being a mom, it was a huge adjustment for me. 

My attention focus shifted from what our "wants" were, to my needs being thrown out the window of a 100 story building and then shattering at the bottom. No matter how much of a selfless person that you are, you will still be devastated when everyone's attention (aka the ones that fill your "needs" tank the most) drastically switches from the cute, puffy pregnant lady, to a beautiful baby.  It's just the honest truth people. 

At the time: I had family and friends support. I wasn't attending a single church but still had so many individuals that offered meals, bought outfits, and came to watch J so I could shower and nap. (The two most precious things now). I felt so blessed by these people, their help was outstanding and was much needed. But I still felt so empty inside. 

Do any other mother's resignate with what I am saying?? Seriously- I know I am not alone on this! 

BUT in the mist of these lost feelings and desperation to just rest, CHRIST reaches in and sustained me. He reminded me, in the deepest darkest times of those first months, you have to take it day by day. Hour by hour. Sometimes, minute to minute of just hanging in there and doing what you need to do. Your "doing" changes. Before, you "do" dishes, work, cook, think about what to wear, where to go, how I should do my hair and if I should get out of bed or sleep another hour on a day off... Those were the days! Now I consider it an accomplishment if I can brush my teeth before noon, remember to let the dog out, and get the baby out of PJ's that day. Oh how things change! But you know what? As much as it pains perfectionists to give it up- you gotta let things go! It's essential to let go of the expectation that you will have your life put back together again. You won't. Well- it doesn't look anywhere near in my future anyway! But I'm okay with that! 

I have learned to be content with my life as long as these few things are done: 

- I ask God to guide me and give me peace daily

- I get the baby fed and diaper changed

- I remember that my husband is my best friend and not a dart board ;) and keep trusting that he will catch on to the extent of sacrifice I made- someday! 

To new moms, when you feel like you are drowning and all hope is lost- please reach out and ask for help! Know that you are not alone!! What you are feeling, most moms have gone through! You are not alone! God has given you such a beautiful gift, embrace it, which I know you will- but remember, to reach out for peace and wisdom from HIM. 

Love you ladies! Welcome into such a wonderful thing called being a mother :)