Core De Force: It's the Game Changer

I am so looking forward to this program! Primarily because I want to really see more definition in my core and simply feel like "Fighting OFF the Holiday Bulge!" I want to do the holidays different this year.

Core De Force is an explosive mixed martial arts-inspired total body workout designed by Beachbody Super Trainers Joel Freeman and Jericho McMatthews to blast fat and carve your waist in just 30 days - No equipment needed.

LAUNCHING October 31st

What is Core De Force ?
CORE DE FORCE is 30 days of zero-equipment, core-defining workouts inspired by the most high-octane sport in the world – Mixed Martial Arts! If you want to slash inches from your waist and shed body fat, nothing is more effective – or addictive – than CORE DE FORCE.

Co-created by Beachbody SuperTrainers Joel Freeman and Jericho McMatthews, this 30-day program will reshape your body through a combination of MMA-inspired workouts, bodyweight training, and explosive cardio. If you’re ready to fight for the body you’ve always wanted, you won’t be disappointed!

It's also a great choice for people looking to try a workout inspired by mixed martial arts. Trainers Joel Freeman and Jericho McMatthews packed CORE DE FORCEwith Boxing, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai moves that are both effective AND empowering. Those who want to see results fast will also love the program. The high-energy mix of combinations, bodyweight training, and cardio is designed to get you into knockout shape in 30 days.

Ben S. hadn't been taking care of himself since he left the military. He was ready #HitItHard and improve his base level of fitness. In just 30 days of Core De Force, Ben lost 10 lbs! "You're led through a meticulously crafted program by not one, but two, world class trainers. I never thought I would be this fit again. I'm almost 40, but I'm in the same shape I was when I was 24!"

This program is for EVERYONE, men and women alike. I think we ALL have that troublesome mid-section! Check this out:

Lindsay H. felt tired and very unhappy with what she was seeing in the mirror. She committed to Core De Force for 60 days and lost an incredible 11 lbs. and 14 inches! "This program allowed me to achieve a level of strength I didn't know I had. I was always the tiny one who couldn't lift things. Now I feel strong all the time. I'm the tiny strong girl!"

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This program is for:

• Anyone who wants to tighten up their midsection, carve a stronger core, and sculpt total-body definition. 
• Intermediate or advanced exercisers-or graduates of INSANITY MAX:30™, TurboFire®, or P90X®
• Beginners and people who are looking for significant weight loss can follow the modifier and drop serious weight too.
• People looking to try a workout inspired by mixed martial arts.
• This program uses Boxing, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai moves that are both effective AND empowering. 
• Those who want to see results fast will also love the program. The high-energy mix of combinations, bodyweight training, and cardio is designed to get you into knockout shape in 30 days.

Check out the Video HERE

How do I get CORE DE FORCE? 

You have two options:

• Core De Force + Shakeology Challenge Packs will release on Monday, October 31, 2016. No tricks, just treating yourself to the body you deserve!
• If you are already a customer or coach on my team and want to purchase the Base Kit only, those will release on Tuesday, November 1, 2016. Please note: In order to participate in the VIP Test Group, you must be my customer and must have a current order of Shakeology, or Beachbody Performance Line on home direct. If you do not have an up-to-date order, your best option is to get the Challenge Pack on the 31st.
• Be sure to fill out the form below to be notified IMMEDIATELY on Launch Day!

What is included in the Challenge Pack?

• 10 different MMA workouts, plus 3 additional workouts with the Deluxe Kit.
• The Portion Control Eating Plan 
• 7 color-coded containers to help you with portion control (no counting calories!)
• First month supply of either Shakeology or Beachbody Performance Line products
• 30 days of Beachbody On Demand for FREE, so you can stream everything before it even arrives! Plus, hundreds of other workouts, a cooking show, recipes, and a host of other helpful materials at your fingertips
• Access to the CORE DE FORCE VIP Test Group that begins, Monday, November 7th!
• 30-day money-back guarantee. We KNOW that you will get great results when you stick with the program from Day 1 to Day 30. 
• $140 is the sale price for this entire pack!

What is involved in the CORE DE FORCE VIP TEST GROUP?

• A challenge group is a place where people come together to cheer each other and work to meet their health and fitness goals TOGETHER! It's a positive, encouraging atmosphere with daily motivation and tips to keep you going!
• Everything is done through a private My Challenge Tracker app for challengers only.
• My challenge groups typically run 35 days, with the first week being all about how to get started with whole foods and taking measurements and grocery shopping lists and meal plans. You can literally "Start where you are" with my groups. No one is left out and everyone matters.
• Easily log your workouts and Shakeology daily from the touch of a button on your smart phone.
• Check in and see daily motivation from your coaches and fellow challengers
• Be one of the FIRST to complete this BRAND NEW PROGRAM and receive prizes and a chance at $500 CASH!
• Refer a buddy to the challenge for a chance to win additional portion containers to help you stay on track.

This is EXACTLY what makes us unique in the health and fitness world. No other company offers 1:1 coaching and group support like Team Beachbody. We truly care about you and want to help you reach your goals. I am with you every step of the way!

Present Over Perfect Challenge Group - Sept 19th

Life is messy and imperfect. It just is. I think that women especially, have this idea that everything and everyone needs to be taken care of and in the right place at the right time.

What about those of us who control freaks and don't want to have anyone else do anything, for fear that it would be "messed up?" Any other "freaks" with me? Holla!

What about the introvert (and extrovert) mommy out there who feels completely ALONE, even though she is around others all day long?

What if we could replace those worn down and worn out feelings with a new way of living--one of grace, space, and connection? What if we could do all that through a HEALTHY routine?

I'm excited to share with you an opportunity to join me with some other coaches on a journey of PRESENCE for 30 days. The basis for this group is a book entitled, "Present Over Perfect," by Shauna Niequist. The content of this book has really pierced our hearts and we cannot wait to share with you some truths from it. Starting on Monday, September 19, 2016, the "Present Over Perfect" Challenge Group will guide you in investing in YOU. You can determine your future, and it begins with a few small steps:

1. Join the "Present Over Perfect" Challenge Group by September 12th with a Challenge Pack.
2. Commit to participating in the group for the full 30 days, starting September 19th.
3. Pray for God to open the doors of your heart so that you can understand and apply all that He will be teaching us during this group as we change our hearts, minds, and bodies through healthy habits.

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What is this 30-day challenge group?

• Support and accountability through daily interaction with others on the same journey
• Motivation and tips on how to stay PRESENT and create a more simplistic life
• An investment in YOU and your health (Challenge Pack includes:)
  • 30 days of 30-minute exercises you can do right from home
  • 30 days of nutrition through Shakeology to keep your body on track
  • 30 days of Beachbody On Demand: FREE meal guides, streaming workouts, FIXATE Cooking Show with recipes and how-to videos to create healthy meals, and FREE 3-Week Yoga Retreat to help you slow down and be kind to your body
  • 30-day guarantee that you experience physical results and a healthier you
  • 1:1 Health and fitness coaching to keep you on track
  • Meal planning and prep tools
  • Clean eating recipe sharing
• Daily thoughts from "Present Over Perfect" (book purchase optional)

Want a taste of what is to come? Do you resonate with any of these quotes?

“Present is living with your feet firmly grounded in reality, pale and uncertain as it may seem. Present is choosing to believe that your own life is worth investing deeply in, instead of waiting for some rare miracle or fairytale. Present means we understand that the here and now is sacred, sacramental, threaded through with divinity even in its plainness. Especially in its plainness.”

“The world will tell you how to live, if you let it. Don’t let it. Take up your space. Raise your voice. Sing your song. This is your chance to make or remake a life that thrills you.”

“Maybe it is God calling a big cosmic time out on me; giving me a chance at a new way of living. This is what I know. I have always been a more is more person and something shifted in me this summer. Something inside me said, "No more!" No more pushing and rushing. No more cold pizza at midnight. No more flights. No more books. No more house-guests. No more all of these things. Even things I love. Things I long for. Things that make me happy. No More. Only less. Less of everything.”

“But this is what I’ve learned the hard way: what people think about you means nothing in comparison to what you believe about yourself.”

The feedback I tend to get from the people who need this the most is: "I just don't have TIME to add one more thing!" I KNOW! And THAT is exactly why I am inviting you to join me in this challenge.

I CHALLENGE you to MAKE the time for YOU.

That's right. I know it's not easy. I know you have a million plates spinning. What if you CHOOSE to take a few of those plates down for 30 days and spend 30 minutes on YOU? What would happen if you CHOOSE to take care of YOU? Maybe that means working out before the kids wake up in the morning. Maybe it means skipping one TV show before bed. Maybe that means you will have to honestly spend some time in PRAYER that God will help you make YOUR health a priority.

What would happen if you do? What will happen if you don't?

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It's time for CHANGE, my friends. It's not easy. It's not always fun. BUT--if you want to become a better YOU, it's time to believe that your own life is worth investing in!

A Piece of my Spirit Wings Painting Course : Speaking our Truth

Step 1:

With the above in mind, consider all the paintings you’ve made thus far in this course.

• What personal truths have emerged? Perhaps the truths are quite literal (Ex: I am strong, I am learning, I am brave, I am finding my way with an open heart). Perhaps the truths are less obvious yet are still expressed in your paintings’ moods and color expressions (Ex: I’m feeling bold, I love color, I don’t love painting faces, I do love painting faces). Write it ALL down. A list of words, stream of consciousness – whatever feels true – just get it down.
• I have found that my BRAVE needs to be heard for someone else to benefit. My BRAND of beautiful is something that is helpful and not unusual or different. The women/angels that have been painted all have a piece of me and they are all deep thinkers. They have a voice and a song that speaks to their hearts. They intent only good to come from their existence and strive to simply "be" for others.
• What has been the most honest painting that you’ve created? What makes it honest? What brave truths does it reveal about you, the artist? 
• My tribe one, was the most vulnerable one for me because I know others struggle and I know that I want to thrive; thus, those who struggle and end up thriving are the ones that I want to be with. They know the darkness and yet it does not consume them. They know how to turn that mess of their life into their message for others so that hope can continue on in this world.
• What has been the bravest painting you’ve created? What made it brave? How did it feel painting it?
• the trusting in His refuge and His strength was so hard to do and the most brave because I was sitting in a place of confusion and in a place of constant heaviness. The "ocean" or rain I felt was overwhelming and yet I knew that this rain would at some point lessen.
• What part of your truth have you not yet expressed creatively? For me, this answer is long. I have a lot of room to express things like my humor, my memories, my anger, my silliness.
• I've not expressed my anger, nor my humor, nor my silliness. I don't feel that this mode of expression is ready for that and that I simply need to get out the deep passion that is within me leading me to tell of the "truth" that speaks to others' hearts and how much they are worth and what this life means. I don't feel that my anger even righteous anger is really helpful to others at this time. I have opinions on political topics and on various social agendas but I don't feel that my voice would be helpful at this time. I feel like it would only add to the turmoil and negativity that this world feeds off of. I would love to show my silliness but am not quite sure how to do so yet.
• Considering your answers above, what truth has the strongest pull to be expressed in your creative journey today?
• to the young girl and woman who feels "less than" or "not enough" - you are braver than you think you are and have so much to give to our world, your gifts are special and tailored specifically to you; to the woman whose children have left the nest = your role of prayer and meaningful conversations has really just begun because now is when your children will begin to really spread those wings and see how high they can go before they fall and when they fall they need you there whether they know it or not; to the first-time mother who is struggling with identity and expectations of motherhood who needs to know that slowing down is good and that you are the best mother for your child tailor made for you in your womb or through adoption/fostering = you are right where you need to be; to the female athlete who compares herself to others' abilities and strengths = focus on what you have been given and make it the best you can; to the grandmother who isn't sure what else to give to her grandchildren = give of yourself and what legacy you desire to have whether the grandchildren are receptive or not because when you pass, their eyes will be opened to the truth that you were here for a reason and so are they.

“An artist feels vulnerable to begin with; and yet the only answer is to recklessly discard more armor” – Eric Maisel

When we allow ourselves to be honest about where we are – creatively, emotionally, and spiritually – we begin to nurture a truth inside us that may want to be revealed. I like to think of each painting of mine as a page in my journal. Whether I’m expressing tenderness or courage or grief, it all speaks to my truth in that moment – something I’m tossing around in my heart and trying to reconcile. It is my voice, whether it’s shaking or strong.

Step 2:

With the above in mind, consider where you’re at in your life.

• Are you in a place of stability, uncertainty, savoring? Are you building toward something, or dismantling something? Are you in a quiet season of your life? A season of juggling lots of roles? Where are you? How is your heart doing? Write it all out.
• I am now in a place of savoring and simultaneously in a place of uncertainty; I am building towards something bigger within me and within my story for God's plan; last year was about dismantling the busy-ness and dismantling the "hurry now" mentality; My heart is restless for continued striving which is no different than last year except I know have the choice of where my focused time goes rather than others choosing it. My heart wants more meaning and less turmoil and drama.
• How can you begin to express your truths and your vulnerabilities in your paintings so that they become a portal to your truest of trues, your healing, your rejoice, your sacred unfolding? Perhaps it’s with more mantras, or more icons and symbols that have meaning to your journey. Perhaps it’s infusing photographs, letters, and other mementos in your work. Perhaps it’s simply writing a letter to yourself on the blank white canvas that gets covered up with paper and paint, yet the energy of your truth is expressed. Remember, infusing our work with our truths can be softly subtle or literal and loud. Either way, it empowers our creative spirits toward a certain kind of freedom that comes from telling our truth.
• watermarks of my emotions would be cool; maybe more quotes that touch my heart; praying over my paintings and prints; more symbols?!; I would love to infuse letters from my parents, grandparents and boys; WOAH writing a letter to myself!! (energy of your truth is expressed)

Step 3:

Let’s take it a step further. Call upon your highest, wisest self who is in collaboration with your angels (Holy Spirit for Kara and her truest self). When it comes to speaking your truth, what does she want to tell you? Write it all down.

My truest self wants to tell me that it is ok to wonder and to even doubt the future ahead but it is not ok to stay still and do nothing. It is not ok to sit on my gifts and to let the world go by without them. She wants me to be my bravest self willing to give what I have as I have it and not to be perfect about it. She encourages me to try regardless of perceived "failure" and to live without being paralyzed or overwhelmed. She wants me to be determined because I have been given Jesus' strength and His Holy Spirit who has immeasurable strength and perception.

If you’re struggling, consider taking certain words from your answers from Steps 1+2 and plug them into the following letter from your Angel of Truth. The idea is to help you create a more fully formed message directly from your angel (His Holy Spirit), one that you perhaps use on your painting that we’ll start creating in the next lesson.

Dear {Kara},

Your truth shines brightly. May you continue to embrace the unknown and lessons of your beautifully messy life. And may you trust that your story  and your passions will continue to serve you toward a life of whole-hearted and brave living.  You can trust your wings.

Love,

Your Angel of Truth

3-WEEK YOGA RETREAT GROUP: FREE Trial Option for 30 days

The Classes in 3 Week Yoga Retreat

Mondays are Core. The foundation of yoga starts in your core. This class focuses on exercises that engage, activate, and build awareness of these very important muscles.

Tuesdays are Stretch. This class is aimed at helping you stretch, extend, and lengthen all the muscles in your body with a variety of poses.

Wednesdays are Balance. Challenge yourself with a series of different postures that engage the core and help you develop better balance inside and out.

Thursdays are Flow. In this class you’ll put together everything you’ve learned so far and connect it with your breathing in a nonstop “flowing” format. This is Vinyasa Flow, Beachbody-style.

Fridays are Flow to Go, a shorter, more advanced version of Thursday’s class that features a little less cueing.

Saturdays are Relax. Faith helps you unwind from your week with this relaxing class.

Sundays are Take 10. These are short, 10-minute classes that will help you wake up, wind down, or work those abs. Pick one or do all three.

Check Out the official blog post HERE: my coach ID is 1144609 if you are interested in signing up for your FREE 30-day Trial of Beachbody on Demand! Begins September 1st! ONE PERSON WILL RECEIVE FREE PORTION CONTROL CONTAINERS in a drawing.

To enter the drawing you must tag 5 people in the MADE TO CRAVE facebook LIKE page comments for them to be in the group.)

3 Tips to Stay Committed to your Goals

Committing wholeheartedly to your health is not easy. There are times when you’ll experience temporary physical, psychological, or emotional discomfort. We all struggle to eat healthy when you have a late night craving (trust me, I’ve been there with cereal and chocolate WAY TOO MANY TIMES). In these moments of decision, it’s only natural to want to waver on your commitment to the goals you set. But committing to your plan makes it possible to admire yourself both inside and out. You’ll stand more confidently. You’ll discover your true sense of well-being, purpose, and personal worth. You’ll feel grounded, energized, and intact. You’ll simply be happier in mind, body, and spirit. You can begin to measure your commitment by your obedience to God and love for yourself and not by a number on the scale.

Here are three ways to help you stay committed to achieving your goals that can help you stay strong when you’re struggling:

1. Post your goals on your bathroom mirror or have a trusted friend text you each morning with your goal.
Posting your short-term daily goals in a place where you automatically see them each day will help you to stay focused, motivated, and committed to staying on task. Your bathroom mirror is the perfect place because you’ll see your goals first thing in the morning and right before you go to sleep at night. 

2. Prepare daily for “what-ifs” and allow yourself grace if major unexpected things happen.
Before your day begins, ask yourself if there are any challenges that may interfere with your daily goals. For example, what if you get called in to a last-minute lunch meeting? What if your child asks you to play during the time you blocked off for training? What if you’re going out to celebrate a friend’s birthday? For each what-if make a plan to cope with the challenge while still staying committed to your fitness and nutrition. Of course, there are plenty of uncontrollable distractions, but strategizing on how to cope with your most common challenges will set you up to deal with anything that happens during you day.

3. Journal your daily effort - track your thoughts or portion control containers in an app.
There is no doubt that tracking your nutrition and fitness improves your chances of achieving your goals. Keeping a journal and answering this question will be helpful: Did I exert every ounce of effort to achieving my goals today? If your answer is yes, great! If your answer is no, write down one thing you can do tomorrow to be better than you were today. Be real with yourself and ask God to help you with these goals.

What are your tips and tricks to staying committed to reaching your goals?

Adapted from http://www.teambeachbody.com/teambeachbodyblog/beachbody-programs/motivation/3-tips-stay-committed-goals/

Develop SMART Goals - I'm progressing

Develop S.M.A.R.T. Goals that will help you work towards your desired direction:

S - specific, significant, stretching.
M - measurable, meaningful, motivational.
A - agreed upon, attainable, achievable, acceptable, action-oriented.
R - realistic, relevant, reasonable, rewarding, results-oriented
T - time-based, time-bound, timely, tangible, trackable
   

Now place whatever it is you want to accomplish above these letters and begin to tackle that goal! Forget about the fear of failure and begin to take steps towards it.

STRUGGLE to PERSISTENCE to FREEDOM

Read this post while listening to: 3055 by Olafur Arnalds on Made In Iceland 1 (thank you Pandora) because that is what I'm listening to as I write.

Why? because this is raw and cool and real. If I would have told myself even 2 years ago or a year ago that I would be where I am at in life I would have laughed and said, "well, that's nice but I don't understand how all of that is going to happen! So I'll just keep running because that is what I know how to do."

Jump to November 7, 2015 and running my fastest marathon 3:53 which was pretty cool and took a lot of heart and training and an entire focus on God's mission in my life. Scripture listening, crazy mileage training and I finished it under my goal time. I didn't believe but others did and told me. I didn't believe but God did and He knew. He was preparing me to begin to believe other bigger things. Like that I could be the mother to my boys I had hoped to be and not so distracted or chasing after professional endeavors with my passion. That I could be passionate about them while not losing my own dreams.

I toned up a little while running all those miles but still continued to struggle to keep my appetite and cravings in check. Fast forward to June 1, 2016. After realizing that God was asking me to do something I clearly had a hesitance towards: I decided to BELIEVE HIM and not care so much about the perceptions of others.

He has called me to focus on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. I just needed additional tools. He has used a partnership with Beachbody (fitness programs, nutrition and accountability) and drinking a superfood shake to alter my perception of myself and of portion control. He has removed 10 lbs from my body of STRUGGLE through obedience and given me confidence in CHOICE over my cravings and helped to take some of them away. He helped me pursue PERSISTENCE and not perfection. AND THE MOST FANTASTIC PART OF THIS...He prepared me to HELP others through my own struggle. It's not about the money and selling, it's not about the #'s but it is about heart and it is about releasing strongholds. This is not something I take lightly.

So yes I may invite you to something but that is only because I feel LED and because there is something in you that made me think "yes, I'd love for them to realize a dream and to believe they can do it with God's help." It's about FREEDOM.

I truly am seeking my tribe - those that have struggled and want to stop surviving and THRIVE. I care not only about you physically (let's get healthy), BUT ALSO emotionally (let's smash depression/anxiety), mentally (let's squash negative scripts we tell ourselves) and spiritually (let's hold fast to the faith that God is working for our good and we desire Him). #madeformore #graceanddetermination I think I need another page to express gratitude for this journey. I will fall AND I will get back up. #getreadyforchallengegroupswithmeat!!! If you are triggered by this post then that means God may be stirring something in you to face a fear. We are skeptical because we are UNCERTAIN. I'm finding my Beautiful and I LIKE MY BEAUTIFUL. Be Blessed.

We can Believe that He is with Us

No matter your trial, no matter your feelings, no matter your struggles. He is with us!

Choose...

Play = discovery:

Choosing Joy:

Choose What Delights Your Soul:

I'M OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE!

I have always been against any kind of weight loss shake or supplements because it was deemed as "weight loss" and I have bad memories of family members trying all kinds of programs or shakes to lose weight and feel better. Hence, my hesitancy to ever becoming involved in a fitness program including a shake. I've steared clear all these years and knew my motives would not have been healthy if I did it. I would have abused it and taken it to either a strict level or I would have "failed" in my eyes and been worse off. It has been a year as I have witnessed the growth of my friend Rachel and her pursuit as a Beachbody coach. For the record I'm still allergic to the "beachbody" words because I do not feel that I am in this to have a "beach model body". I do not believe that is realistic nor will I place myself in a position to go extreme as I've wanted in the past.

My inner self and heart has changed over the years and I simply desire to be the healthiest I can be for myself, as a daughter of God and who He desires for me to become and for my family. I want to be the wife who can do the activities with her husband, the mom who can chase her boys and give them "competition" as they get older and the friend who can walk alongside and show love and empathy. I am my best self when I am physically sweating every day and I am my best mental self when I have exerted myself and pushed my limits. I am kinder, listen longer, think deeper and give love more. I want that for this world. I want for others to also desire this. We are all made for such much more!! Thus, I signed up to be a coach with this fitness system called Beachbody and primarily I am here to help others...here to reach places I never thought I might reach and to work on nutrition because my Lord knows I have struggled with the sugar/carb cycle for a lot of years. I'm ALL IN for what God's desire for my life and I want to help.

Processing Sacred in the Ordinary Moments

Consider your everyday, ordinary life. Consider Buechner’s message: “Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery it is. In the boredom and pain of it, no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it, because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace.” 

• How can you listen to your life? How DO you listen to your life? Stopping, pausing, pacing my mind to consider what is in this very moment. I currently listen through quiet moments. Early morning standing for a brief moment in the drive way before I go in and get ready for my day after my run or workout class. I listen through my commute to work sometimes in silence and sometimes with K-LOVE or AIR1. I stare at my boys while they begin to go to sleep and remember those early days or no sleep but lots of love-this also includes some of the struggles I had during those times too.
• What do you hear? What do you want to hear? I hear clocks often, birds, tasks being done by neighbors when I'm home, I hear air circulating in the hospital and overhead announcements, I hear babies crying and sometimes complete silence except for monitors while in the NICU. I hear life all around me and sometimes I also hear death which ironically feels very deafening and intense at times...but later blends into peace. I WANT to hear encouragement, I WANT to hear building up of others, I want to hear my own thoughts building me up and pressing me forward. I WANT to hear ocean sounds, water, the birds, natural sounds from our earth. I want to hear His spirit in my thoughts expressing to me which way to go or how to think.
• What do you already notice, and what do you want to see more of? I notice that the more hurried I am, the less observant I am. The more sacred I consider my time, the more meaningful my conversations become and I am gentler with myself and others. I want to see more understanding. I want to see more outdoors. I want to see more support.
• How can you begin to dive deeper into noticing the sacred in your ordinary? Perhaps you’re quite good at noticing the details and recognizing them as sacred. How can you develop this practice further? Are there patterns to what you’re noticing? Are you noticing them at a specific time of need, of joy, of tenderness? De-cluttering to allow more space for movement and more space for less distractions. Intentionally focusing on one thing at a time rather than multitasking with 7 things. It is most difficult for me to notice the sacred when I am stressed. I go tunnel-vision and struggle to recalibrate. I am noticing that it is all within my perspective and that my perspective can shift.
• How do you feel in those moments of noticing? I feel more at peace and content when I notice. I realize the importance of pausing or sitting a little longer in the moment. I don't jump to the next thing and just 'am'.
• When you scan your ordinary life, what objects, numbers, signs do you seem to notice? I mostly notice butterflies, wings, owls, occasionally the number 7 but I'm not completely buying into it meaning something every-single-time, when I see turquoise I get very excited!
• What do you think your angles are trying to communicate with you? Are they messages of hope? Confirmation that you are on the right path? That you are loved? That they are simply with you? I am not sure and I have not fully explored this concept. I desire to sift through this subject more from a Biblical point of view to dissect if this is something I believe. I have always considered it to be the Holy Spirit within me (God's Spirit) but I do know that angels exist. I'm just not sure what role they would have in communicating with me.
If there was an angel of Finding the Sacred in the Ordinary and she was trying to tell you one deeply important message, what would it be? If I have this type of angel who is with me then I would surmise she would be telling me to "cherish your quiet moments and simply listen, realize 'you are enough' and loved.
Hello Intention!

Play = discovery

Choosing Joy

I am a Renegade

ren·e·gade

ˈrenəˌɡād/

 noun

1. 1. an individual who rejects conventional behavior

   
   

   
   

I no longer want to conform to the 'American Dream' and the haste and hurriedness that this culture proclaims as successful and beneficial. I see only unfulfilled hearts that long for space to think and to experience. I no longer want to feel like my principles and what I believe in is "untolerable" and that I'm a bigot because I believe something different than someone else. I no longer feel bound to believe that I am suppose to look like the magazine covers and if I don't, that I have somehow failed. I no longer want to sit in silence working to love the unlovable while inconsiderate loud-mouth people (who like their comfort zones) bash another's life because someone is at a different place or season in life than they are--or that their struggles are soley by choice with intention. I no longer want to believe that the education I received is the ONLY avenue for change.

I believe that ordinary, regular people can impact others for the good. I believe that a smile is worth much more than a stare or a whisper. I believe that I am no better than another person. I believe that others' struggles may be more than they can handle and that I need to give grace and love. I believe that God made my body as it is and that I am responsible to care for it and put into it what is needed AND NOT what is always wanted. I believe that my education is helpful and that my experience in life is of even more value. I believe that we are all to thrive and not just to survive. I believe that we will all be held accountable for our motives and actions in this life. I believe that although I don't like the selection for this year's presidential election, that I am to pray for my leaders and hold them accountable to what they say they will or will not do. I believe that pessimism and cynicsm are toxic to one's health but that sarcasm can be healthy and fun if not directed at someone. Lastly, I believe that I am not alone and that others feel this way too but simply may not say anything because of others' perceptions. 

I have many friends from many different backgrounds who have views that I wholey disagree with; however, if you need a meal, a prayer, help of some sort I am willing to be present. Our differences do NOT have to be at the center of our relationships. Love and grace are to be...it's that simple. We can dialogue about it and be respectful.

Transition :: Change, it's what's for Dinner

IT'S BEEN 8 WEEKS! –I transitioned to part-time about 8 weeks ago and it's been very good, HARD, yet very good. Any change in life is hard and full of uncertainties and I'm still navigating these uncertainties. But the even little-bit-more space in my head to create and think about doing something other than exercise, work, food, wash, homework, bed-time AND repeat has been very healthy. God has shown me weaknesses I've known that I have had but haven't had to exactly face yet and now He has me ready to face them. He has me ready to move forward and to trust and to BELIEVE that He is good and HE IS ABLE.  –It's no secret that I struggle with depression and this past year's burn-out moved me deceptively into a functional-yet-paralyzing depression; whereby, it was hard to concentrate, focus on one thing at a time, my thoughts raced, my anxiety over the littlest things was hightened and my overall sense of well-being was depleted. I LOVE what I get to do at the hospital (Perinatal ICU & Neonatal ICU Social Worker) and the sacred moments I encounter daily; however, I was no longer able to give of myself to my loved ones outside of work. I still believe that this work is what I am called to do BUT I know there is so much MORE He has in store for me. I know that painting is suppose to blossom into helping others and guiding them through hard times. I know that running and fitness in my life is to take on a life of its own to help others to move forward. I know that this life is NOT my own. –I am learning that what I am learning right now is preparing me for next steps and I need to share this. MY MESS IS MY MESSAGE. I struggle like everyone else does; yet I want to strive and overcome and trust and persevere. Darkness has a purpose in my life and His light is suppose to come out of it and not for my glory but for God's. I wish so many of my friends could understand this but they continue to chase meaningless things. I don't want to chase meaningless things. A LITTLE OF WHAT’S HAPPENING... –So many springtime colors around here!! Birds hatching and their mothers feeding them in their nests, in our yard! –Enjoying the sunshine - I don't ever want to take that for granted. –Beginning the process of dreaming about Redecorating and repurposing and re-falling-in-love with my home... –The boys are growing, growing, growing. My patience has increased with not being so rushed all the time. And I'm slower to anger (check with me tomorrow to see if this still stands *wink*). –Being able to do more things so that Mark doesn't have to carry almost the entire load like he was before. Watching him begin to pursue some new things for himself –Pursuing self-development again and recalibrating goals –ABOUT TO JUMP OFF THE ADOPTION CLIFF!!!! Ah our electronic Profile is ready, we have Profile books sent to the Adoption Agency to submit to birthmothers when we choose AND this is crazy talk people!!