It's Time to Believe

thoughts taken from Joel Osteen books

It’s time to Believe

You are closer than you think.

You may feel you have so far to go.  The truth is, you don’t know.

“I am closer than I think.   I can make this work.”

Zechariah 9:12 says that we should be prisoners of hope. God wants us to be so full of hope, so full of expectancy, that we just can’t help believe for the best.

I just can’t help it.  I know it will work out.  I know I will overcome.  It may be taking a long time, but I know this too shall pass.  It may be difficult, but I know that means I’m close to my victory.

We walk by faith, not by sight.”  That means we don’t have to see it to believe it.  It’s just the opposite.  If we believe it, then we see it.

God is a faithful God.  I will believe, knowing that my payday is on its way.

I’ve come too far to stop now.  I’ve been through too much to back down.  I realize the pressure has been turned up because I’m about to give birth to my dreams!

Yes, this is the greatest attack that I’ve ever been through, but I know it means that I’m headed for the greatest victory that I’ve ever seen.

The Creator of the universe is directing my steps.  He has me in the palm of His hands.  And even though this is difficult, I know it’s just a matter of time before it turns around.  I know my payday is coming.

God is breathing new life into my dreams.

It’s Your Time

God is in control of my life.  He knows exactly where I am.  He knows even the hidden dreams He has put in you.  He still has a way to bring them to pass.

That’s it.  I’m done being complacent.  I’m done settling for mediocrity.  I believe every dream, every promise, even the secret petitions of my heart will come to fulfillment.

I will not be defeated.  It may look impossible, but I know God can do the impossible.  I’m not worried.  I know God is my vindicator.  It may be taking a long time, but in due season I know I will reap if I just don’t give up.

God already has the right people lined up to come into your life.

You’re not working unto man, you are working unto God.

God will open up new opportunities.  He will bring the right people across your path because you’ve been faithful.  Because you’ve been a prisoner of hope, you will enter into a new season of victory.

“It’s my time to come up to a new level.  I’ve seen it happen for others, but it’s my time to see God’s blessing and favor.  It’s my time to accomplish my dreams. “

“My time is coming!”

Seizing Your God-Given Opportunities

Your job is to believe.  God’s already figured it out.  Nobody can keep you from your destiny-except you.

It’s time to believe.

God I already know You have supernatural breaks planned out for me.  You have the right people, the right opportunities, so I will not be stressed out.  I will stay in peace knowing that You will get me to my final destination.

His dream for your life is so much bigger than your own.  He has breaks lined up for you in the future, but if He told you right now, it would boggle your mind.

God has you in the palm of His hands.  God is aware of all you are facing now and all you will deal with in the future.  The good news is, He already has answers to those problems.

“For I know the plans I have for you, Plans to proper you, plans to bless you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Proverbs

‘This is my time.  I can hear the winds of God’s favor.  I will become everything God’s created me to be.”

“Father, thank you that the winds are shifting in my direction.  Thank you that the tide of this battle is turning.”

“You will not defeat me.  No weapon formed against me will ever prosper.  I have moments of favor coming my way.  I’m not only coming out, I’m coming out better off than I was before.”

If you’ll get in the flow of God, you’ll be amazed at how far you can go.  When God’s breathing in your direction, there’s a supernatural ease.  There’s a grace to do things that you couldn’t do before.

When you make a leap of faith, you will accomplish things that you never thought possible.

Every setback is simply a setup for a comeback.

Things are about to shift in your favor.  You are about to enter into an anointing of ease.

Maybe business is slow, sales are down, but I can sense increase is on its way.  I can sense this is my season of favor.  I can sense my best days are out in front of me.

Learn to walk by faith and not by sight.

When you sense it’s your season, you need to declare it.  Words have creative power.  You need to hear it, and so does the enemy.

Health is coming my way.

When you stay in faith God will cause you to hear what you need to hear.

Nothing is too hard when we believe.

Announce your faith in a new season of increase:  I can hear the sound of abundance.  I can hear the sound of health.  I can hear the sound of restoration.  I can hear the sound of promotion.  I may not be able to see it, but that’s ok.  I can sense it down inside.  I know my set time for favor is coming.  I know my hour of deliverance is on its way.  I may have a lot of turmoil, but bottom line is, I got a feeling everything is going to be all right.

When you’re in difficult times, it’s good to remind God what you’ve done.

Get rid of that negative, defeated, not-going-to-happen mentality, and put on an attitude of faith, expectancy, praise, thanksgiving.  All through the day thank God that new seasons are on their way.  Thank Him that your set time for favor is here.  Thank Him that your hour of deliverance has come.

You have the right gifts, the right talent, the right personality, the right height.  You have the courage, the strength, the ability you need.  But just as with the physical, some spiritual genes lie dormant, waiting to be activated.

Every one of us has potential waiting to be released.

You will accomplish things that you never thought possible.  You will see new talents, new levels of ability, new levels of wisdom and insight, new levels in your career, new levels of success.  Get that down on the inside.  These genes of favor, wisdom, strength, and ability will be activated.

Speak to your genes.  “I have the DNA of Almighty God.  He breathed His life into me.  I will not drag around feeling discouraged, intimidated, and inferior.  I know I’ve been equipped with everything I need.  I can do all things through Christ, and I will fulfill my God-given destiny.”

Before anybody put a curse on you God put a blessing on you.

I am a child of the Most High God.  My parents may not have given me what I needed.  Other people may have tried to push me down.  My circumstances may not have worked out.  But that will not stop me.  I know I have the DNA of Almighty God.  I know I have been preprogrammed by the Creator of the universe with everything I need.

I am strong.  I am talented.  I am creative.  I am disciplined.  I am called   I am equipped.  I am chosen.  I have it down on the inside.  I have a vision for it.  God’s DNA will overcome any negative DNA.

I have been preprogrammed for victory.  I don’t have to worry about my future. I have the right genes.  I don’t have to wonder, Am I talented enough?  Do I have what it takes:  Will I be successful?

I come from a bloodline of champions.  I am not average.  I am not mediocre.  I have the blood of a winner – the DNA of Almighty God-and He has equipped me with everything that I need.

I have seeds of greatness on the inside.  I have been preprogrammed by the Creator of the universe not to barely get by, but to leave my mark, to make a difference.

Too often I am held back because I forget who I really am- a child of the Most High God.

Nothing that my parents did or did not do can hold me back.  It may slow me down a little.  It may make it a little harder, but the bottom line is this: God’s DNA overrides any negative DNA

Before anyone could put a curse on me, God put a blessing on me.  Before I received a single negative gene, God equipped me with blessing, with favor, with talent, with creativity.  I can overcome any obstacle.

Get around people who will stir up those seeds of greatness.  Find some dreamers, people who will build me up, people who will celebrate my victories, not people who will criticize and be jealous any time I succeed.

Before anyone could put a curse on me, God put a blessing on me, and the blessing always overrides the curse.

I declare that every good thing God has put in me will come to fulfillment.  Every gift, every talent, every dream, every desire will come to pass.  I declare I will fulfill my purpose.  I will fulfill my God-given destiny and become all He has created me to be.  I declare I will overcome every obstacle.  The strongholds of the past are being broken off of me.  The negative things in my family line for generations will no longer affect me.

Dare...Boldly 2011: Muscle T-62 Hold my Hand

I am slightly unwell today.  I am taking a break today.

Also I have two sick kids.  My 14 year old daughter has bronchitis and my 11 year old son has pneumonia.  I think everyone in the family has been sick the past two weeks, except me!  Hmmm. I wonder why that is?  Except now my tummy not feeling so good.  I'll wait it out a day to see how I feel.  This morning didn't start out too good, so we'll see.

I try really hard to motivate people to get started on this journey to "amazing".  Some find a little spark and actually start...but then somewhere along the way, they stop.  I can only do so much.  Each one of us has the responsibility to change if that is what we truly desire.  No one else can motivate you enough to keep you going..that has to be done within oneself.  But it sure helps to have a support system in place that offers that support from others who have been there and know how you feel.  Sometimes the starting or taking that first step seems the hardest.  But knowing there are  others that have struggled the same and have made it is encouragement enough to start.

This is a message I got a few days ago:
"I was chatting with your brother about losing some weight and he suggested that I get in touch with you.... He said that you are so inspiring and motivating that you could help me out."
Well, isn't that the ultimate compliment from your brother.
A comment I get alot is that people say they need someone to hold their hand through this, that they need that "external" motivation.  And that is so true.  We do need that to start...until we can learn to do it on our own that hand-holding support is needed.  With the proper "care" we can do that and then slowly let go as they learn to walk on their own.
If you want someone to hold your hand for a while until you can walk on your own, then you need to get this ebook, "Why Delay Amazing"  In it you will find all you need to not only transform your body but to also transform your mind, for that is truly where the battle is.  You will get step by step guide for nutrition and exercise, from beginner to advanced.  But more important you will get what you need to make a lasting transformation, by changing the way you think. There is only thing stopping you!  YOU!  Why Delay Amazing?  

It's time for you to be the Amazing you that you already are!

Dare...Boldly 2011: Muscle T-63 the Beauty of the Storm

Today was a beautiful day.  The sun shining on the new snow and the glistening of the ice on the trees is awesome.  It almost makes the storm worth it.
It's kind of like life.  We go through the storms of life, not always knowing if we will make it through without damage of some sort.  Sometimes we are afraid of what might happen.  Are we going to survive this storm?  Sometimes it seems it gets worse before it gets better.  Sometimes the weight of the storm weighs us down...just like the ice on the branches.  But as the sun comes up and shines on that weight, it doesn't look as bad as we thought.  We get a new perspective.   We've weathered the storm, and are now stronger than ever before.  But in the wake of that storm, what seemed like a terrible thing can turn into the most wondrous beauty.  Without the storm there would not be the beauty of shining after the storm.
This is also a great analogy of transforming our minds and bodies.  We go through 12 weeks of pushing and pulling through the pain of training, even cutting calories.  Sometimes those weights can seem so heavy.  But if we push through we will make it through, stronger than ever before.  We go through a time of testing our minds to push ourselves past where we think we can bend.  Then we get to the end of our 12 week "storm" to see the beauty of what we have endured.  We come to a place of shining, the beauty after the storm.

Check out my ice storm pics on facebook

Good eats today.
Steady State cardio. 30 minutes elliptical, 10 minutes spin bike. Abs.
Today's Attitude: amazement of the beauty after the storm.
Today's Gratitude: I am grateful for the storms.  Storms show us the majesty of creation.  Storms of life that don't kill us only make us stronger.

Dare...Boldly 2011: Muscle T-64 You Want Something? Go Get It!

Don't let anybody steal your dreams! 

You want something? Go get it.  Period.




It was an interesting day here in southeast Michigan.  We had an ice storm last night into this morning(Sunday night into Monday).  Most of the evening was spent listening to the trees and branches cracking and falling to the ground.  Everything is covered in ice.  Many trees limbs came falling down.  We had a couple close calls with some big limbs.  Power outages all around the area due to tree limbs falling on power lines.  Word is that many will be without power through Thursday.  It is to be cold the next few days.  Please pray for those without power and damage to property.
Thankfully we still have our power.  Was out today cleaning up tree branches.


I took some pics today.  here are comparisons:



Either way, I am seeing positive changes in the right direction.
Just as I felt, the tummy is getting smaller.  That is the most noticeable to me.
I am feeling positive with my progress.
I weighed myself yesterday.  I am not sure where I started on January 17, but the difference from Feb.1 are also positive.  7 lbs down from Feb. 1 to Feb. 20.  I didn't take any other measurements.  maybe tomorrow.

Eats are good.  not much different than what I have been reporting.
Workout Muscle B today.  I upped nearly all weights and reps!  Still moving in the right direction there, too.

Dare...Boldly 2011: Muscle T-65 Dare to THINK Boldly!

You have a sound mind, filled with good thoughts, not thoughts of defeat. By faith, you are well able. You are anointed. You are equipped. You are empowered. When your thoughts are guided by God’s Word every day, no obstacle can come against you because your mind is programmed for victory.(Joel Osteen)

Our minds are programmed by the  thoughts we allow to enter in and stay there.  We control our thoughts by what we put into our minds, whether it be in hearing or reading or seeing.  (what are you watching on TV?  what music are you listening to?  what are you reading?  What about our conversations?)  When thoughts enter our minds that are filled with doubt and fear, you can know these are truly not our own thoughts and we need to "take every thought captive" and throw down every thought that does not encourage, or lift us up, that is not the truth.    These thoughts of fear and doubt are not TRUTH...they are lies.  We can choose to believe those lies or we can choose to take hold of the TRUTH. 
The truth is...you are able, you are anointed, you are equipped, you are empowered, you are an overcomer, you are more than a conqueror, you have a sound mind.
We must continually guard our hearts and minds against the lies that enter in our minds.  We are meant for victory.  We are meant for peace.  If we are not living in a place of peace, there are lies.  With the TRUTH comes with it PEACE.
Real Transformation starts and is a result of what is in our minds.  The truth is, real transformation is not about what is on the outside, physical stuff...the workout, the diet, external motivations...but real transformation is about renewing our minds, reframing our thoughts, changing perspective.  We have to banish the old thoughts of defeat, lies and doubt and replace them with new thoughts of victory, conquering and overcoming.

What we say means nothing unless we think it and believe it.

"but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
(renew= To make new)
"as a man thinks in his heart, so is he."

For something to be lasting, it has to start with our thoughts.


What are we letting guide our minds?  The Truth?  or the lies?
Identify the lies and replace with the Truth!

What are you thinking?

Dare...Boldly 2011: Muscle T-66 Fire it Up!

Today's Eats:  eggs/oatmeal, salmon/sweet potato, green smoothies, shredded wheat cereal, mixed nuts.
still room for improvement.

Today's Workout: HIIT Cardio/Abs

Today's Attitude:  Fired Up!

Today's Gratitude:  Skype!  lol.  How awesome is it to call someone on the other side of the world for free and not only talk to them, but to see them live on webcam!  I got to talk to a friend of mine in Australia.   I had the opportunity to chat with her last night on a video call.  How awesome is that?!  I love connecting with my friends all across the world.  Not something I ever imagined I'd ever be doing only a few years ago.

Today's Thoughts: 
I hope to get some progress pics up soon.  I have not been taking pics.  My hard drive space is getting too full and need a new hard drive.
However, I do feel like I am making changes in my physique.  The biggest thing I feel so far is my tummy feels smaller...and I also think my hips are getting smaller too.  I'll have to do some measurements and take some pics and do some comparisons to see how things are going.  I expect good things.

The book I've been reading has been firing me up. ("Sun Stand Still" by Steven Furtick)  Here are some quotes from the book that fire me up.

"We simply have not been walking in the light of what we know to be true.  I call that action step activating your audacious faith.  The minute you take one step, and then another, into these truths, your life will change.  By God's power, you'll break through into the kind of life you were created to live."

"If there is no limit to what God can do, then there is also no limit to what we can dream or pray or accomplish in his service."

"Your vision should never be limited to who you are or what you think you can do."

I don't know about you, but these quotes fire me up.  If we truly believe, the possibilities are endless!

“If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world on fire.” - St. Catherine of Siena

Dare...Boldly 2011: Muscle T-68 Dare to Pray Boldly

I don't even know where to begin.  My heart is full of so many thoughts.
My audacious faith has already been put to the test.  I have passed!  The other day I had asked for your prayers and positive thoughts for a dear friend of mine.  I had not heard from my friend since New Year's Eve and I had started becoming concerned, especially after my friend's skype account had been offline, which was unlike my friend to do.  The other day I prayed I would hear from my friend within the next few days or by the end of this week.  Today I got message from my friend.  While not a direct message, a message none the less.  And with that answered prayer my faith has increased today.  But, unfortunately, my friend is suffering deeply dealing with a very difficult situation with her ex-husband.  He has stolen her computers and basically has kicked her and her two boys out of her own home.  Needless to say, her life has been incredibly challenging, to say the least.  Your continued prayers for my friend and her two boys is so appreciated.  Pray Boldly! peace, provision, protection, redemption of what was taken. uncommon wisdom.

I'd like to share a few things I've gotten from the book I am reading, "Sun Stand Still" by Steven Furtick.

"How we think and believe has a lot to do with what becomes our reality.  Then when we act on what is not visible we create what IS visible!"~Carlos DeJesus

This comment from Carlos came to mind when I read the following in the book I'm reading:

"Accomplishing the impossible is all about seeing the invisible."

But I want to define what is faith?  strong or unshakable belief in something, especially without proof or evidence.(thefreedictionary.com)
This relates on so many levels. The same faith it takes to start a new healthy way of eating or to start a new workout program or even  to revisit a past success is the same faith it takes to pray for a friend in need.  It's the same faith that it takes to make our dreams come true.  But sometimes what comes with those dreams and prayers and starting a new lifestyle is fear and doubt.  We just don't know for sure we can accomplish those things.  We start saying things to ourselves:
"What if I can't do this?  What if I fail?"
"Maybe I'm not meant to do this?"
"Like I need one more thing to add to my list, to worry about...etc"
But here's what Steven Furtick says,
"Audacious faith does not eliminate doubt and fear.  It eclipses their power one decision at a time. 
It is not wrong to feel fear.  It is wrong to let that fear have the last word in your life.  The people who accomplish the most astounding things aren't the people who feel the least fear.  Often they are the ones who deal with the most intense fear.  But instead of letting that fear disable their dreams, they start increasing their capacity for faith."
How powerful is that?!

So here is what I am going to start doing..I'm going to increase my capacity for faith....in praying for my friend...in pushing towards my physique goals....in reaching for my dreams.  Praying, pushing and reaching are all action words -  Action words of the spirit, mind.  Faith requires Action!
I am going to Dare to Pray Boldly!  Dare to Think Boldly!  Dare to Believe Boldly!  Dare to Live Boldly!
Faith allows us to be Unstoppable!
I am Unstoppable!

Today's Eats: 2 green smoothies, salmon/sweet potato, chicken/spinach wrap, protein drink, eggs/oatmeal

Today's Workout:  steady state cardio/ Abs

Today's Attitude:  overwhelmed

Today's Gratitude:  Audacious faith does not eliminate doubt and fear.  It eclipses their power one decision at a time.  I have the strength to keep on making decisions one at a time to eliminate fear and doubt.

Today's Song: Jesus Take the Wheel by Carrie Underwood.  The ultimate in faith...having faith that He is in control over all.

Dare...Boldly 2011: Muscle T-69 Reframe your thoughts

Today's Eats: eggs/oatmeal,  2 green smoothies, salmon/sweet potato,  brownie(opps, but I can't lie)
not enough, but with little sleep last night, I took a long nap today.

Today's Workout:  HIIT only. I must say I was not really wanting to do this.  I had gotten little sleep last night and had taken a nap today to compensate.  It was quite late, but I did it anyways. 

Today's Attitude:  Hopeful

Today's Gratitude:  I have the health to be able to go out and get a second(part-time) job and help support my family needs.

Today's Thoughts:  Reframe.  Today I am learning to truly reframe my thoughts.  What can start out as a "negative" situation, we can always reframe into a positive.
The thought of having to get another job has been "weighing" on me for a few months.  I have put off the idea of having to do so.  But the need necessitates that I do it now.  While I can easily think, "crap, I don't want to do this. " which I have been thinking this way, I can reframe it by saying, " I am able to do this, because I have great health and am full of energy.  It will help lessen the financial stress levels at home.  Plus not only will it help with expenses at home, I will now be able to save for my trip to Oz!"
Dare I ask for more prayers?  Yes!  I dare to ask boldlly!  I dare to pray boldly!  David(my husband) has applied for s.s. disability.  We are praying for a "one and done" approval.  If he is approved (hopefully by April/May) then I will not have to continue working a second job....plus, the retroactive pay he would receive would be plenty enough for me to pay for my trip.  But either way, I know the Lord will provide and I know He will help me to reframe my thoughts and no matter what, it will all be to His glory.

Today's Song: "Amazing Grace"  Just wanted to share, since this version sung by Leann Rimes is so beautiful.


In the stress of life sometimes a nice calming song is what is needed.  and no better song than Amazing Grace. 

Dare...Boldly 2011: Muscle T-70

I have changed my countdown time to put a sense of urgency on this current muscle building phase.

Today's Eats: green smoothie, cereal, eggs/oatmeal, protein shake, protein shake, mixed nuts. As per Elaine's blog...not nearly enough veggies nor greens. This will change! Surely today's food intake has affected today's workout.

Today's Workout: Muscle C. increased some, some stayed the same, some not as much. did the best I could for today.

Today's Attitude: concerned. I have a very dear friend I am concerned about. your thoughts and prayers would be so appreciated.

Today's Gratitude:  I am grateful for Peace in spite of the trials we may endure. It is not always easy, but we can be at Peace when we seek it...Knowing there is a Higher Power at work doing what we can not do.

Today's Thoughts: With a less than stellar past few days, I need to remind myself of my 2011 Mission. "Dare...Boldly!"
Dare to Think Boldly! Dare to Pray Boldly! Dare to Believe Boldly! Dare to Dream Boldly! Dare to Live Boldly!
Is it time to put the "Audacious Faith" to a test?
"Whatever your dreams are, know this: God wants to do more. He wants to see the dreams He's given you come to pass. You’re not going to just accomplish what’s in your heart but instead surpass anything you've ever imagined.
Remember to keep a God-sized vision in front of you. God can give you one idea that will take you to a new level. Dare to believe for His limitless favor today.You haven’t touched the surface of what God has in store for you. You may have walked in a measure of that blessing, but there's more to come. God has opportunities in your future that are going to amaze you!"(Joel Osteen)

Boldness is not arrogance, it is total trust.

Dare...Boldly 2011: T-169: Audacity!

Today's Eats:  all good.  eggs/oatmeal, green smoothie, chicken/spinach wraps, protein drink, ending night with organic popcorn.

Today's Workout:  Muscle B.  still going higher with either reps or weight.  Feeling strong.

Today's Attitude:  uplifted

Today's Gratitude:  I am so grateful that I am a source of inspiration and can provide motivation and accountability to those around me who desire a change in their life.

Today's Thoughts:  Many times I have wondered if I am doing what I should be doing in life.  And I have often wondered why we have to go through some tough things in life(illness, death, relationship issues, financial woes,etc).  But I am learning that 'God gives people the exact experiences He wants them to have in order to shape the specific destiny He's designed for them.'(Steven Furtick)
I believe when you have dreams and goals that have a greater purpose than just ourselves that sometimes there are signs that show you that you are on the right track.  I think we receive those signs all along, we just don't recognize them until we look back or they are so obvious they just jump right in your face.  I feel like I am seeing both such kinds of signs.  This is how we know we are walking in our Divine Destiny.
One such recent sign for me is confirmation of this years theme of "Dare....Boldly"  I came up with this thought back on January 11.  My thoughts were, "what if I decide to dare to think, pray, dream, believe, and live boldly for my dreams and goals?  What if I dare boldly to go beyond where I previously tought I could go in my physique, in inspiring other people, in doing things and going places I never dreamed?  Am I on the right track with all this "daring...boldly" stuff?"
Today a confirmation for me for "Daring....Boldly" I found in a book, "Sun Stand Still" by Steven Furtick.  In it, he talks about having an audacious faith.  What happens when you dare to ask God for the impossible?
What does that mean?

Audacity:  Boldness or daring, especially with confident disregard for personal comfort [or] conventional thought.

There it is!!!  right there in the definition...boldness and daring!
Right there in his book are the very thoughts I have been having and sharing with you all in my blogs.  He talks about a "Higher Level,"  which is very close to what I have been sharing.
Here's what he says,
"You are about to discover what happens when you dare to believe God for the impossible, ask God for the impossible-then act in audacious faith for his glory.  You're about to discover that faith is not a drug to sedate you through a life you hate.  It's a force to transport you to another realm of reality." (the words in bold highlight what my thoughts have been in my blog posts)  To live with audacious faith will never be the easiest way to live, and actually it  seems downright intimidating.  But what an exciting way to live. "Do not be afraid.  What can mere man do to me?"
This "Daring ...boldly"  for me has not happened just over night.  It has taken me several years of going through life and learning to believe in myself.  Learning to believe I have a "voice."  I have come to learn that what I thought was about me and my goals really is not about me at all.  Our True Destiny is not about  "ME" but about how we can serve others.  It's about touching the next person..and the next...and the next.
With that, my brother , Scott, has referred one of his friends from high school to me today. So that makes three people in the past two weeks who have sought me out for support/help/accountability.

When you start to "Dare to think, pray, ask, dream, believe, live Boldly"...when you start living with Audacity, doors will start to open up you never could have opened yourself.  And this is only the beginning!

I am Unstoppable!



Today's Scripture: 
“Sun, stand still over Gibeon,
   and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.
So the sun stood still,
   and the moon stopped,
   till the nation avenged itself on its enemies,    as it is written in the Book of Jashar.
   The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day."
~Joshua 10:12-13 (NIV)

P.S. no pics.

Dare...Boldly 2011: T-171: Driving Force

Today's Eats: 3 green smoothies, homemade meatball "sub", eggs/oatmeal, protein drink, mixed nuts(snacked on through out the day).

Today's Workout:  Muscle A.  pushing it hard.  Still increasing either weights or reps on all movements.  I was still feeling the affects of Sunday's workout.  Now have the wonderful deep tissue worked muscle feel. love it.

Today's Attitude:  Determined.

Today's Gratitude:  Inner Drive.  I am thankful that I have an inner drive that propels me towards my goals.

Today's Thoughts:  Driving Force(The impetus, power, or energy behind something in motion),...Inner Drive...Determination.
Some days I do not "feel" this drive, but it is always there and if I can focus in on it, I can pull it out!  It is a truth that tells me if I can ask believing with faith in my dreams with all my heart, without doubt, I am able to use that Power within to accomplish immeasurably more than I could ever ask or imagine.  Nothing will be impossible.
I just need to take that first step of faith.
I also believe there are people in our lives who have a "powerful effect or influence"(force) on us to move in a certain direction, as in towards our dreams.  People that believe in you.  People who will support you and encourage you to keep going after your goals.
I also believe events in our lives can have this same "powerful effect or influence"(force).  As in training for a competition, or a photo shoot.
You put these "forces" together, both internal and external, and you have the makings of doing the impossible...of being Unstoppable.
It is that drive that propels you forward, overcoming obstacles in the way to our goal.  It is that drive that says, "Never Give Up!"

"I will believe in my future I do not see.
That is faith.
I have faith in my future.
Faith has no limits.
I will expect miracles in my life,
because faith produces them every day."

Dare...Boldly 2011: T-172: Transform

Today's Eats:  all good, so far today:  green smoothie, chili, homemade meatball "sub".  Made up some chicken for chicken/spinach wraps.

Today's Workout:  HIIT and Abs.  yesterday I did do Muscle C as planned.  It was good!!  I did Bulgarian split squats in place of leg press(which I can't do at home)  Those are tough.

Today's Attitude:  overall is good!  but have my moments.

Today's Gratitude:  I am grateful for the ability to think.  I have the ability to control my thoughts.  I have the ability to control my attitude with my thoughts.

Today's Thoughts:  So here in this part of my blog I focus on my thoughts.  What is it that I can share of my thoughts that might inspire you?  What is it that I can share to inspire myself?!  What thoughts can I choose to write here that will propel me towards my dreams and goals, despite what my circumstances may say right now? 

I guess we should look at the word “inspire”- what does it really mean? 

in-spire  to breathe: see SPIRIT]]   1 orig., a) to breathe or blow upon or into   b) to infuse (life, etc. into ) by breathing   2 to draw (air) into the lungs; inhale   3 to have an animating effect upon; influence or impel; esp., to stimulate or impel to some creative or effective effort   4 to cause, guide, communicate, or motivate as by divine or supernatural influence   5 to arouse or produce (a thought or feeling) [kindness inspires  love]   6 to affect with a specified feeling or thought [to inspire  someone with fear]   7 to occasion, cause, or produce   8 to prompt, or cause to be written or said, by influence [to inspire  a rumor] --vi.    1 to inhale   2 to give inspiration

 

So- truth be known inspiration has its root meaning in things with spiritual significance.  Wow – did anyone see that one coming?

So now to reframe my  question I would have to say, “What can I say that would be inspiring?”  How could I encourage others with something that would have a lasting motivational significance?

If we let our current circumstances dictate our thoughts and actions, then we are on a road that would lead us away from our goals, I'd say.  So to rise above our circumstances we need to gain control of the thoughts we have that may be untrue or empty values or false perceptions.  Negative thoughts can enter our minds at any time – especially at moments of weakness and if we let them stay there they will eventually tear us down.  So instead we need to change those thought patterns to line up with the Truth of who we are...not what the negative thoughts wants us to think.   It’s great to clean out the fridge and get rid of the junk food in the pantry. But what about the junk food in your head?  My source of inspiration is the Good Book and Ephesians 4:23 says, “Be made new in the attitude of your minds” (NIV).  Isn’t that a great idea?
How do we do this?  We need to transform our minds.  And most of us who are Transformers have discovered that true and lasting change starts from the inside out.

Transform. Transform means “to change the condition, function, nature, character or personality” of something. It means changing from the inside out.   Again in the Good Book we read that the great teacher, Paul says to transform yourself not by trying to be like everybody else, but by renewing your mind, by changing the way you think.

How do we change our thoughts?  It is in our human nature to have negative thoughts.  But we can choose our thoughts – we really can- So, when a negative thought full of things that are not true about us enters our mind, we can and have the power to change that thought into right thinking filled with truth.  With the truth always comes peace.

I'd also like to add that Carlos' continued guidance and wisdom is always much appreciated.

Dare...Boldly 2011: T-175: Inspiration to Action

Today's Eats: Not 100%. no excuses.  but must take responsibility.Every choice DOES matter. I commit to do better tomorrow.  Every choice will either take me closer to my goal or take me farther away...every choice!

Today's Workout: Steady state Cardio, 40 minutes.

Today's Attitude:  Humble. (see today's thoughts)

Today's Gratitude:  Persistence.  I am grateful for persistence in my efforts to never give up, my persistence to keep pressing on, my persistence to keep coming back after seeming setbacks.  I am learning to change my perspective on "setbacks."  In reflection of these past four years of my journey, I can look back and see that any "setbacks" I had were not really setbacks at all, but times of tremendous personal growth, a time of gaining inner Strength.  Strength needed to conquer the next "mission."  Strength to keep pressing on.  Persist...Never Give Up!

Today's Thoughts:  Today I want to celebrate "touching just one more life".  There is a gal at work who has seen me shrink over the past four years and has seen me keep the weight off.  I know I have inspired her before and she lost about 40 lbs.  She has put some of that back on.  Her business is going to be starting a "weight loss challenge" and she came looking for me today!!  She says she wants me to "help" hold her accountable.  She knows that I know what it takes and she wanted to get my "opinion" and to also "do" this with her.  It touches my heart so much to know I am inspiring not just you all, whom I have never met in person, but to inspire someone right here in my own "back yard".    It's one thing to inspire someone at an emotional level, but it means so much more to know that you inspire someone to action!  As far as I am concerned inspiration doesn't mean any thing until you put action to the inspiration.


I AM Unstoppable!

Dare...Boldly 2011: T-178: Who's ready for Spring?

Today's Eats:  ditto from yesterday.

Today's workout: HIIT and Abs.  Also my dad did his first workout today.  I walked him through it.  I think he is surprised how "weak" he is.  We took "before" pics...and measurements.  So he is on his way.  Will keep you updated as to his progress.

Today's Attitude:  Peaceful.  Proud of my dad for Starting his program...even though I had to "push" him out the door to get it done! lol.

Today's Gratitude:  It might seem kind of silly, but I am grateful for the internet.  Never in my life would I have been able to meet such awesome, loving, caring people from across the globe.  My world has been expanded to all corners of the earth....from Australia, Mexico, Spain, UK, South Africa, etc. and of course, all over the USA!  You all have become dear friends to me.  Four years ago when I started blogging I never imagined "meeting" such awesome people from across the world.  Boy, am I glad I stuck with it.

Today's Thoughts:  The big snow storm is the talk of the web in the USA right now.  I am so ready to set the world on fire...and I'm ready for winter to be done!!  Anyone else with me? LOL.  A greater part of the USA is under snow today and into Wednesday.  As I sit here writing this I can hear the wind blowing and can only imagine what the snow is doing.  If work is closed down, you can bet we will be going sledding!  As with most of us in the wake of this storm, we are looking to get around 10-12 inches.  That should be enough for some good sledding!  What a nice way to bring in February!  NOT! lol.  I hope you all are warm and safe....From Texas to Chicago up to the Northeast.

Dare...Boldly 2011: T-179: Set the World on Fire

Today's eats:  green smoothies, chili, chicken/spinach wrap, protein drink

Today's Workout:  Muscle A.  Again I am increasing my weights and reps on nearly all my exercises.  I was a little bit concerned that I didn't get enough calories for energy for my late night workout, but apparently I did just fine.
I am nearly at my max weight in leg extensions as I was at the end of my Muscle mission ending last Feb 2010.  Even with some inconsistencies from this past year, I have not lost much strength.

Today's Attitude:  I am Optimistic.  I am feeling positive about my mission.  I am feeling positive about some internal growth I am experiencing.

Today's Gratitude:  Today I am grateful for Adam Waters.  It was four years ago December 2006 that I found him in his first mission documenting on his blog where he was posting daily pics documenting his physique transformation.  He was putting himself out there.  I followed his journey for quite some time before I actually started leaving him comments.  It was by his encouragement that I started my own blog on the internet.  By that time, I had lost nearly 45 lbs on my own.  Without knowing it at the time, that was when the true testament to being accountable to a "community" was put into full affect for me.  From that point on, I just couldn't quit.  For some reason, a community with Adam just fit for me.  He became like a little brother to me, eventhough I didn't really know him.  The dream of a "shreddersphere" wasn't even on the radar(at least for me).  And it was in that shreddersphere that my life has been touched and forever impacted by many wonderful people.  People I never would have "met" if it weren't for that "sphere."   We were touching each other's lives and it all started with a guy who wanted to transform his physique.  And for that, I am grateful. (by the way, Feb. 1 is  Adam's birthday)

Today's Thoughts:  I read a quote on facebook,
"If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world on fire."  ~ St. Catherine of Siena
This really makes me think.  If we are not yet blazing a trail, then we are not yet what we should be.  What will it take to get there?  What dreams do we still have yet within us that will ignite our worlds?  Dare I be so bold as to get fired up about my dreams and move forward with reckless abandon?
Truly the questions to ask are, "Do I think I can?  Do I believe I can?"
Our actions do truly start with what we truly think and believe in our hearts.  Our actions and life are a true reflection of what we are truly thinking.


As you think, that is who you are.
Change what you are thinking and change who you become.
The Mind Of A Champion

How we think has a direct effect in what we believe
And what we believe determines what we do (We act on what we believe)
And what we do has a direct result in what shows up in our lives
If you don’t believe it – you are not even going to try it

If anyone can influence the way you think – they can influence the way you behave (and that without force)
And every champion knows that we can become what we think. Much of what we do is as a result of thought.
~Carlos DeJesus ~ 1985 Winner – Professional Natural Mr. World