Thursday, October 30, 2014

Lions and Tigers and...Coyotes, Oh My!


Besides the amazing sunsets, I heard Arizona has amazing hiking
I have not been yet because the weather has been so hot
However, with the weather cooling down and no Crossfit this morning I decided it was time

I pulled over to the side of the road along the first trail 
I got out of my car, my AdvoCare Spark in hand ready to take on the hike
Then I saw a dog run across the road
Wait.. thats not a dog.... 
You guys, it was a freaking coyote!

You better believe I got back in the car faster then you can blink
No way I was hiking that hill with a coyote on the lose!
So, I drove a couple miles away to another hiking trail
I saw more cars and more people along this hike so I figured it was safe
(aka coyote free) 

After halfway up the hill and after about 76476762 times of almost rolling my ankle,
I realized that my old nikes wont cut it
The rocks are brutal and everywhere and hiking boots are a must
I also realized that even though it is Oct. 30th it is still hot and I ran out of water
Oh, I have a lot to learn about hiking in Arizona

However, I now know all the hype on hiking in Arizona is true
In spite of almost becoming dehydrated, almost rolling my ankle and almost being attacked by a coyote (ok, might be exaggerating a bit)  it was still a beautiful and peaceful time 
I look forward to discovering many more hikes during my Arizona journey 



















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Monday, October 27, 2014

I am learning...



I am learning... My body is stronger than I thought. 


 Christ has paid the price for you. So use your bodies in a way that honors God.

1 Corinthians 6:20

I strive to live a life that honors God, including taking care of my body by the way I eat and exercise. The AdvoCare products and lifestyle has helped me create a healthy mindset and lifestyle on fueling my body correctly. Which then has helped create a positive and enjoyable lifestyle for exercising.

INSERT Crossfit- Since Rich Froning Jr. (the fittest man 4x) became an AdvoCare endorser and then seeing amazing results with my friends, I thought I would give it a try.  I found a Crossfit gym in Surprise that has been such a blessing. With the workouts being challenging, in a safe and effective way, combined with my AdvoCare Performance products, I see my body composition changing. I am also meeting some amazing new friends. WIN/WIN!

I am learning... God wants progress, not perfection


God’s grace has saved you because of your faith in Christ. Your salvation doesn’t come from anything you do. It is God’s gift. It is not based on anything you have done. 
No one can brag about earning it.
Ephesians 2:8-9 

 Sometimes I see the mistakes I made and it is hard for me to accept His Grace and His Mercy towards me. Lately, the enemy has done a good job at telling me that I don't have a purpose, my dreams will never happen, my mistakes are too big to overcome, and that my decision to move was wasted. In those moments, I have to intentionally stop what I am doing, be still and actively say to myself "I receive Your Grace. I receive Your Mercy."

I heard this on the radio, "You might be drowning in a certain situation, but you are not dead. You may have made a mistake, but you know Who the answer is."  I might not be in the perfect situation but I am breathing which means God still has a purpose to use me for His kingdom. 


I am learning... change is hard for me but necessary to move forward in life. 

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. 
He appointed them to be saved in keeping with his purpose.
Romans 8:28 

I have been staying at a house since July. It has become my home away from home here in Arizona. I have created a morning, afternoon and nightly routine since being there. I like the TV at a certain volume level. I like the AC at a certain temperature. I like to go to bed at a certain time. I have my clothes in piles and drawers just the way I like it. I knew this time would come that I had to move out and I am thankful for the opportunity to live there. Thankfully, I have some amazing friends who are allowing me to stay with them.


I am learning... this is just a season of my life. 


There is a time for everything. 
There’s a time for everything that is done on earth.
Ecclesiastes 3:1

Life is a series of seasons. Good, bad, waiting, running, beautiful, and just plan ugly. I know I am in another season of waiting. I find myself in such uncertain circumstances that sometimes the only thing I can do it trust God to get me through the next 2 minutes, He does, then I pray for 2 more, and He does. Minute by minute, day by day the Lord is carrying me through this season. A season of waiting and preparation, a season of transition.

The next couple months will be a series of transitions, but I know this isn't going to be for my whole life. I will settle down and create routine soon. I will start to see His plan unfold just the way He wants it. I will be running with the dreams He placed on my heart with abundance of the blessings I have harvested through the previous seasons. Then when He knows I am too comfortable, He will rock my world once again and a new season begins.



I am also learning...

I don't want a normal life but a beautiful, crazy and complicated one that serves and loves others

I want to create a life to be in a position to always say YES to God financially, physically and emotionally

I miss my family more every day

I want to write a book

Listening to Christmas music before Halloween calms me down

I miss the changing leaves and cold weather

How amazing and how much I love my church- City of Grace

Happiness is a choice you make daily


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Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Sometimes it's OK...


Sometimes, it's ok...

to not go to bed before 10pm

to spend the evening at Starbucks...again 

to listen to Christmas music before Halloween

that your favorite jewelry consist of charity bands

to wear the same casual outfit you wore yesterday #noshame 

to listen to a song five times in a row-  "Mercy" By Matt Redman 

to miss HOME so much you ache- especially Seattle during football season! 

to have such big dreams you can not fathom how in the world they will ever be accomplished  

to look at apartments WAY above your price range just to see what it would be like to live in a penthouse




You know what else?
It is OK not to know what tomorrow will bring
It is OK not to know where you will be in ten years 
It is OK not to know who you will marry or your "life calling" 

It is OK 
You know why?

Because He does

The one who created you, designed you and directing you
You may not know where
He does
You may not understand why
He does

In fact, you don't need to know 
He designed us not to look into the future
He designed us to live intimately with Him today
In trust that He has tomorrow
And the next day 
and forever planned out
Perfectly

I think God knows that if He told me where I was going, I would try and beat Him there
And I would

Instead He passes by me just long enough 
And I get a glance of where He is going 
I don't see the whole path, I barely see Him somedays
But I feel Him 

That quick brush against my hand deep in my soul, softly directing me
That is all I need to trust Him

We don't know what our future holds, 
but we know Who holds our future
And that brings me peace and gives me hope
I am learning every day down in Arizona that it is OK not to know and to just trust 
---------------  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him,
and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 





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Monday, October 13, 2014

Motivation Monday- Don't grow weary- KEEP GOING


Since I moved down to Arizona 
Since I have started pursuing AdvoCare
Since I started dreaming big and not looking back
I have heard people criticize and question my life
To be honest, sometimes the words cripple me 
 I freeze
I doubt
I question 
It may only be a minute or a week (refer to this POST

But then I remember that I am not living their life
My journey is between God and myself
A journey I don't quite understand at the moment
I may will stumble, fall, trip, make a bad decision and I will fail 
And they might think they are right

And after I have picked myself back up, I simply remind myself that when I fail it is not the end
It is just a small reminder that I am at least trying, moving and working towards a goal, a dream 
I am learning more than ever that most people don't try at all 

I will get back up
I will keep moving forward in the midst of fear and in the midst of doubt

I would rather fail in trying to accomplish my dream then not have a dream at all 

I always want to be a woman who dreams, trusts and then acts in faith


You can't just sit there and wait for it to come to you
Progress only happens to those who seek it our and work for it
- Robert Kiyoski 

World changers are always on the path everyone else said wouldn't work
Don't grow weary- KEEP GOING
-Sandy Krakowski 



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Friday, October 10, 2014

Five on Friday


This week's Five on Friday I am doing an AdvoCare theme
No secret that I am passionate about AdvoCare 
If you have been reading my blog for awhile you can see my passion has only grown
The supplements have changed my life and the income has increased my dreams

-------------------  

5 Reasons (out 6216355) Why I LOVE AdvoCare This Week 



You guys this stuff has changed my life! 
When my friend told me I had to give up coffee for the 24 Day Challenge I thought - no way! 
I loved my coffee
BUT since my first Spark almost two years ago, I have not had one cup of coffee! 
Spark gives me 3-5 hours of lasting energy, 21 vitamins & minerals AND its is  SO good! 
This is the best selling product by AdvoCare for a reason! 
Fruit Punch is my favorite but you can check here for other yummy flavors! 



2)  Oasis

Stressed? No problem! 
Oasis contains a combination of super fruits known for their antioxidants that 
helps your body adapt to physical and other sources of stress
When life gets stressful Oasis is my nighttime comfort
I drink it extra hot before bedtime to wind down..
...and good night! 


3) Healthy Lifestyle

Yes, AdvoCare has over 70 products
Yes, AdvoCare has world-class endorsers, doctors and a sports advisory board
Yes, AdvoCare products are safe for ALL NCAA, Pro and Olympian athletes

But it is SO much more

Even as a NCAA student-athlete I never knew how to eat clean
I didn't know how to fuel my body correctly
I drank Redbull at halftime for goodness sake- YUK!

After I graduated I was lost on what to do and discouraged!
Thankfully, AdvoCare does more than sell products to achieve goals
It teaches how to properly eat right to sustain a healthy and balance lifestyle 

Finally, I learned how to eat right
I learned how to fuel my body correctly to optimize my workouts
A healthy lifetime habit



4) Amazing New Friends


AdvoCare is all about relationships
Finding what the goals and desires of the ones you are helping
You get rewarded in this company for helping others win- so cool!
Through this philosophy I have made many new friends along the way
I have an amazing team I am coaching to achieve their fitness goals & financial dreams 



5) I get to dream BIG!

I was SO passionate about what these products were doing in my life I had to share it with my friends and family and because AdvoCare can only be purchased through a distributor, 
the business of AdvoCare just fell into my lap . I saw the business potential right away!

The founder of AdvoCare wanted a company that ordinary people could live extraordinary lives
I have already replaced my full-time income, at my old job, with AdvoCare 
That is only a year and a half of working 5-10 hours/wk  

I never set out to be a "vitamin" distributor
I did set out to impact people and I am doing that daily

You know what  else AdvoCare has done for me?
I got permission to DREAM BIG

My first paycheck was $150
Now, I am on my way to becoming debt free 
I paid cash for my mission trip to Africa
And I was able to move to Phoenix on a leap of faith
And I get to chose what dreams I want to accomplish

What are some of your dreams?





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Wednesday, October 8, 2014

No, I am not a senior citizen


A friend of mine so kindly pointed out to me today, that just because I live in a senior citizen community, doesn't mean I need to act like one (Don't worry, no offense taken) 

Another night and I am found at Starbucks
The barista even mentioned, "You are here almost every night!"
Yes, I know I don't have much of a social life lately
My idea of going out these days consist of Chiptole and a Netflix movie 
Or stopping by the local ball fields and watching some nightly baseball games 
Which was surprisingly calming and I witnessed the most beautiful sunset 

But you know what? I am completely ok with that
I wrote in this THIS post that I dont know why I am down in Arizona
Most days I dont even know what to do when I wake up

Some weeks I feel lost and unmotivated 
Other weeks I am filled with vision and purpose 
Last week of one of those weeks I was filled with purpose and hope 
I felt the Lord telling me some dreams to pursue 
All I wanted to do was write and dream
I was one fire and I felt the Lord leading me, reminding me He is in control

However, this week was one of those weeks I feel more lost
  I find myself a little confused and questioning again 
Are you sure Lord? How is this going to happen? 
I am reminded that sometimes the world wont always agree with my dreams
The world doesn't care how I am feeling or "what the Lord told me"
The world might laugh and think I am losing my mind

However, even in the midst of a hard week I still feel at peace
I am at peace that I moved to Arizona
 I am at peace where I am headed- even if I dont know where
I am at peace that I am in a season of restoring, dreaming and preparing

I am aware that every week is not going to be easy and consumed with purpose
But I do know Who is in control of my life 
I know that God's plan is bigger than my pity parties 
I know the "plan for my life is filled with hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11 
I do know that "His plan will be better than I can ever imagine" Ephesians 3:20 

And when I need it the most, I am reminded again in a song, a bible verse, a phone call or text, a sermon at church,  to never lose the Wonder of His mercy 
I am reminded again of that dream He has placed deep within me and I keep going








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Monday, October 6, 2014

No more Mondays & October wishes!





Mondays were the worst for me
The start of a long work week ahead 
I dreaded them!
Five more days until the weekend, til freedom
I really did love parts of my job up in Seattle
But during those six years I found myself longing for the weekends
Which was ironic since I worked athletic events on Saturdays 
I was always waiting for my next vacation
Which I will tell you was not every often 
Mondays only stood in my way of the the freedom I longed for 

 That was my old life
The Lord has completely re-routed me on a path I never imagined 
To read more of my story from Seattle to Arizona read this POST 
Because of a decision to pursue a business called AdvoCare two years ago, it has allowed me to help others achieve their health, wellness and fitness goals while working from home during this season of my life 

So, yes, today is Monday but I am not at a job
I am not at an office working eight hours 
In fact, I am at a local Starbucks, my home office

I am definitely at a much needed rest, refuel, and dream bigger stage in my life
It has been one of the biggest blessings 
Everyday is a Saturday to me 




OCTOBER WISHES!
Linking up with Melyssa at Nectar Collective

1) Find a pumpkin patch! 
Do they even have those in Arizona?
I will be missing our annual family visit in Seattle this year so I need to keep the tradition going! 

2) Day trip to Flagstaff, Arizona
I hear it gets cold and leaves change up there
I need to somehow get my fall fix!

4) Help one person jumpstart their health and/or finance dreams through the vehicle of AdvoCare 

 I shared a little bit about the life AdvoCare has helped me create and I love helping others achieve a life of freedom too! 

Do you need to lose weight, gain muscle or better your overall health?
Could you use an extra $100, $500, $1000 or more per month?
Do you love what you do?
Do you see yourself doing it forever?


3)  Attend a high school football game
Who doesn't like Friday Night Lights?

4) Workout 4x a week- thankfully I found an amazing workout I love! 

5) Update my blog 2 or more times a week  

6) Write five personal hand written letters 


What are you October wishes?
Linking up with Melyssa at Nectar Collective

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Saturday, October 4, 2014

Thoughts this Saturday


Happy Saturday!

I took the morning off of my normal workout- Crossfit- see below 
I decided I should do a sprint track workout
It has been colder in the mornings now since October hit so it wouldn't be too hot
or so I thought
I haven't explored the area I live in very much so I thought this would be a good chance for me
I looked up a local high school and decided I would head to their track
Accept, it was locked
And I mean no way I was going to climb through, above or around this gate

Option B- I would look to see if there was a community track
No such luck, however, I did run into a massive park with little kids playing football
I thought it would be a nice activity to get out and watch them for a bit
I parked and walked outside to the sideline to cheer for the kids I don't know
I was dressed in black tank top and black shorts I started to get really hot
Geez, it is October how hot could it be?!
Well, it is still 90 degrees outside and wearing all black doesn't really cool me down
After about two minutes I decided that was all I could take

Moral of the story: It is still hot in Arizona in October

I decided it was Gods was of saying not to workout and go write
Cant argue with God, so here I am at my Starbucks in air conditioning 
Wearing yet again all black nike pants and a black long sleeve
I guess I will never learn


1) Writing has been my therapeutic activity lately
I love writing for my blog but I have also felt the Lord placing another big dream on my heart
  Literally every waking moment all I want to do is go Starbucks and write
I really do not know how or when God will fulfill this dream but I have been reminded lately,
 that impossible is Gods starting point

Even if people dont read it- write anyway
Even if it wont get published- write anyway  

2) Crossfit workout
I never thought about doing it until I got down to Arizona
And guess what? I absolutely LOVE it! 
I have made some new amazing friends and found a workout I enjoy

3) Just another beautiful sunset in Arizona
They take my breath away every single night
I wrote about what I love about Arizona in this POST 

4) Inspiring quote by Christine Caine
I just finished her book Unstoppable and now reading Undaunted
She is one of the most inspiring women I know
She encourages me to not be daunted by my human limitations but look to Gods strength
Every one of us have a story to share
 I don't always know where I am going, what God is up too, or if I am doing it right, but I can be encouraged that one day my story will become a beautiful testimony

5) Lean by Halloween- AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge
We had amazing success with our "Lean out by Labor Day" group
Whether you want to lose weight, gain muscle or overall wellness, 
the 24 Day Challenge helps jumpstart your body to reach your goals!
Join us in this month to help create a healthier lifestyle going into the holidays! 
If you want to join us I would love to help you get started! 

6) Long sleeve weather- well, morning and evenings that is 
Unlike Seattle that is already rainy and averages 70
The mornings and evenings down here it has got as cool as 65 degrees!
I can not wait for when It becomes below 80 degrees during the day 
Nonetheless, I am loving this Arizona journey and I will continue to appreciate the heat ...
... for now

Have a great Saturday!






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Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Falling In Love




First off Happy first day of October! 
Seriously, where did September go?
No, wait, where did summer go?!
I find myself saying that every time this time of year 
I think it went by faster this year for me because of so much change 

Nonetheless, the Fall season is one of my most favorite times of the year 
This year will obviously be different now since I wont be in Seattle
Good thing I have my pumpkin spice candle burning and my siblings to send me pictures 

I have been living in Arizona for over two months now
I have really love it
In fact, I love it so much it almost scares me
I never, ever imagined living away from my family
Seattle was far enough (an hour away) much less another state







I should not be that surprised since I believe this whole move was Gods idea
However, I didn't expect to be at such peace or to fall in love with Arizona
Though my last couple posts have been about some frustrations, 
I do know that God truly has blessed me more than I ever imagined down here

I wanted to write about some of the things I have been loving about Arizona
My new home...for now

- The monsoons- I thought I have seen rain living in Seattle. I was wrong. I guess this summer  has been one of the worst seasons for monsoons in Arizona. To me it didn't seem like that much rain, I mean I am from SEATTLE! However, since Arizona is not made for rain, the ground does not absorb it therefore, it would flood pretty bad....which means I never left the house.
That was ok with me, I would just go outside watch and listen
It feels like home

- The AMAZING sunsets- OH.MY.GOSH. Yu know, I love my Seattle sunsets don't get me wrong, but the Arizona sunsets literally take my breathe away- every single night.

- The desert is actually a beautiful landscape. I swore I would never see any place more beautiful than the northwest. That was until I moved. I have driven ALOT since I have been here
I have tried to take different routes places so I could experience Arizona
I have come to conclusion that I really do love the desert scenery

- The sun- ALL the time. I moved right in the middle of summer. I was literally thrown into the fire. It was around 110 degrees average this summer. Everyone kept telling me to wait it got better. I could not possibly comprehend it would get cooler. But now the mornings and evenings are cooling down and I finally get to be outside longer than 5 minutes.
It feels amazing.

- The lightening storms- nothing is like the storms down here

- Grand Canyon/Sedona- I haven't been to these places yet, but I plan on taking a day or two and exploring the area.

- My new church- City of Grace in Scottsdale. I feel at home. When I first decided I was moving down to Arizona I had another church in mind. I went there a couple times but then I don't even remember how I found City of Grace and I fell in love. It has been the biggest blessing since being down here. I have met amazing group of women, a church I can believe in, support and donate my time, money and worship.

- I have friends! I have been very blessed by the people the Lord has placed in my life
Since moving here I have had to step out of my comfort zone often to meet new people
It has been worth it



These are just a few of reasons how I fell in love with Arizona
Sometimes I cant tell if I actually really love Arizona or if I just really love my new life

I will miss fall in Seattle
I will miss the changing of the leaves and their vibrant colors
I will miss going to the pumpkin patch with my family and nephews
I will miss the crisp, cold air
I will miss wearing boots and scarves daily

Even though I may have to drive longer to see the changing of the leaves
I am looking forward to fall in Arizona
I truly feel God is transforming my heart and preparing it for a radical new season
New home
New comfort
New and bigger dreams
New platform
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