Five on Friday

Happy Friday!

This Sunday is May 1st, which means Memorial Day is this month, which means it 's basically summer. Or if you live in Arizona like me, the heat has already arrived 

With summer coming up (AKA swim suit season), I wanted to share a few tips on how to curb those late night munchies. Because if you are anything like me, my sweet tooth definitely comes out at night!

As a health and wellness coach I get the question a lot, "how far ahead of bedtime should I stop eating?" The answer I have heard over and over again from my own trainer and mentor is three hours

So, how do you curb that sweet tooth or munchies between those three hours?

Here are FIVE of my favorite tips from my favorite trainer, mentor and friend Stephanie Grandits

1) Herbal Tea- This is my go-to! My favorite is passion tea or Oasis. There are lots of different teas out there. Find one that is non caffeinated, one you enjoy and relaxing 

2) Take a hot bath or hot shower- Relax and take your mind off your cravings 

3) Brush or whiten your teeth- When you have a fresh minty taste in your mouth, or white strips, you most likely won't want to eat something. 

4) Take Crave Check SR- This non caffeinated AdvoCare product really helps suppress your appetite. I would even recommend before dinner so you don't overeat. It will last you about six hours. (HINT: it REALLY works! So if you already do not eat much throughout the day be careful. Not eating enough can hinder results) 

5) Drink a protein shake- Having AdvoCare's Muscle Gain is a lot better than having a full AdvoCare meal replacement shake. Muscle Gain is high protein, low carbs and helps repair muscles while you sleep #winning

And..... when all else fails, just go to bed
Seriously, works 100% of the time 

Hope these help! I am off to Palm Springs with my best friend to attend Stage Coach
Country music and Sam Hunt? YES PLEASE

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Oh, and just because I live in a beautiful state, here is a picture I took tonight after my women's volleyball game

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When Comparison Truly Becomes Your Thief of Joy

It is almost midnight and I am scrolling through Facebook

Not looking for anything specific, no purpose whatsoever
Isn't that how it always is 90% of the time?

I read a blog post and I start to think about how much better it is than mine

I continue to read about her ministry and count the followers she has

I start to compare my small ministry and I lose a little piece of joy

Then I switch to Instagram and I see a "selfie" of another "friend" and her husband

I start to compare my single life and I lose a little piece of joy

Then I see I have a notification on Twitter

I scroll through the "140 characters or less" status' about vacations, weddings and new houses

I start to compare my "boring life" and I lose a little piece of joy

In the span of two minutes, I have completely convinced myself my purpose is not big enough, I don't work hard enough, I need to be skinnier, more adventurous, take more risks, buy a nicer car, and I need a husband and 2.5 kids by yesterday

This scenario didn't just happen tonight- it happens daily
Is this just me?

Why do we compare our own lives to the highlight reels of others?

Highlight reels are just that, the highlights of a person's life
In a world full of opinions and judgment, who wants to post about their struggles
Not me

This past week I could feel the comparison trap coming on and my joy being stolen little by little
I decided to fast from social media this past weekend
Not for anything else but to refocus on my own life 

And guess what? It was only two days, but it was one of the best things I have ever done

An amazing day celebrating an amazing couple

Instead of reading other people's status', I read promises of God
Instead of aimlessly scrolling through people's lives, I scrolled through my own
Instead of having the world tell me what I am NOT, I proclaimed what I AM in Christ

Chosen
Designed
Loved
Forgiven
Saved
Created for a purpose

I am not saying social media is a bad thing or you need to fast from it
But, if we don't have solid boat to ride on, then the world will easily drown us in comparison, jealousy and envy

When we lose our security in Christ, doubt can easily creep in
Why aren't you further along in life?
Why aren't you married?
Why aren't you making more?
Did God really say?
That is the enemy trying to make you believe lies of this world

Who says you need a nicer car or bigger house?
Who says that your job does not matter or not good enough?
Who says you need to be "this far along" at the age of 30?
Who says you are not good enough?
Who says?!

You know what my God says about me?

Jessie, you are exactly where you are supposed to be. You have all you need to accomplish what I have planned for you. I will complete what I started in you. I will fulfill those desires. I have bigger dreams for you then you can ever imagine. I designed YOU for a specific purpose that no one else can fill.  Look to me for purpose, not of this world. Stop striving for your life to look like someone else's. I designed you. Trust me I know exactly where you are and what you need. You are enough. 

Monday I will be going back to social media to connect with the rest of the world
But I will hold tight to promises God has for my life, not the world
The world will not take away my joy

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." 

Romans 15:13

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Jesus Is...Christmas

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: 

He is Christ The Lord." 

Luke 2:11

Sometimes you just need to talk a walk, listen to carols and build a cross to be reminded and thankful for a God who rebuilds

Last night night I tossed and turned like a little kid again

I looked at my alarm: 2:00am, 4:00am, then finally went off at 8:00am

It wasn't because the presents or the famous monkey bread my mom makes

(ok, maybe a little)

Christmas is a time to gather with family, share memories, and yes open gifts

It didn't snow, but the second best weather is cold and crisp

But my excitement was different this year because this year was different

Not because my older brother was home for the first time in 15 years

Or that my sister now has TWO adorable nephews

Or I live in Arizona now 

It was more than the physical presence of family that made Christmas different

Today we celebrate the most important part of God's ultimate Love Story to save the world!

I dont know about you, but to me thats worth being excited about!

"He comes vulnerable because He knows the only way to intimacy with you is through vulnerability with you. You cant get to intimacy except through the door of vulnerability. So God throws open the door of this world- and enters as a baby. As the most vulnerable imaginable. Because He wants the unimaginable intimacy with you."

- Ann Voskamp 

It is almost midnight on Christmas day

The presents have all been opened, the candles have blown out

The last of the dessert is put away and the last Hallmark movie has been watched

I sit here with a nostalgic heart as I think about the past month leading up to Christmas and the excitement that builds during this magical, holiday season

I am listening to the last of the Christmas carols on the radio

It just seems like only yesterday I started listening to Christmas music

(Some people say October might be too early, but I say a month is to short)

But those nostalgic feelings and memories turn to feelings of Hope and Joy 

 I realized this past year I don't actually have to wait until Christmas to receive the gift of Christmas

We celebrate the birth of Jesus today but the gift that He brings is received all year

This past year I have opened myself up to letting Jesus take over

He has taken me on an adventure that excites me more everyday

The gift of Christmas

The past year Jesus has romanced my soul into an intimacy I have never known

The Gift of Christmas

The past year Jesus has placed dreams and passions that have set my heart on fire 

The Gift of Christmas

The past year Jesus has given me endless amounts of Grace from my mistakes

The Gift of Christmas

The past year Jesus has shown Mercy in situations I labeled impossible

The Gift of Christmas

The past year Jesus has given me friends and family that have blessed me more than I deserve 

The Gift of Christmas 

Jesus has given me Salvation

The Gift of Christmas 

Jesus is... 

The gift of salvation 

The gift of Grace 

The gift of Love 

The gift of Blessings 

The Gift of Peace 

We can receive them every single day of the year 

As you take down your last bit of christmas decorations

As you begin to reschedule your work and school schedule 

As you begin to write your resolutions and To Do lists.. 

Remember...

Peace is not ultimately a place

Peace is the ultimate Person

Jesus

The gift of Christmas
The gift of Jesus 

You don't have to wait until next christmas to receive 

Receive it today and everyday 

The magic of Christmas truly lives in our hearts 

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6

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Much to be Thankful for

My brother Jon, (far right) is home for the first time in 15 years for Thanksgiving
The four Christensen siblings together again!
Chris, Beth, Me, Jon and Beth's kids Hudson & Jace 

This year I am changed

I feel different than years past 

I know I am different

And not because I live in Arizona, but because thankfulness floods my heart, daily

That has not always been the case

I have learned that happiness is not found in things, status or comfort ood

I have learned that the only true fulfillment is my relationship with Christ 

Because of Him, I have chosen to chase my dreams over complacency  

Because of Him, I have chosen to seek joy over self pity and doubt 

Because of Him, I have so much HOPE about my future I get giddy

Because of Him, I have found more peace 

I am Thankful 

The only explanation is the fact that I have chosen to seek the Lord in my life more intentionally 

I have chosen Him to lead, to guide and move in my life than ever before

I chose Him and He has provided 

I am thankful 

I have been so overwhelmed where my life has gone, I catch myself saying "that is just crazy" 

When really it is just our God being who He is 

Loving my time with my sister! 

My life brings new challenges, blessings and adventures daily  

Sometimes I wonder how I deserved such a blessed life

Then I remember that we don't deserve anything in this life

He graciously sacrificed for us on the cross so we can receive Him 

I am thankful 

God graciously gives us His Grace daily

He deeply loves and always forgives us 

He wants a relationship with us still 

We don't deserve, but He gives

Because that is who He is

He is worth all our praise and thankfulness

The whole Christensen family 2014

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November Wishes

Happy November! 

I have been listening to Christmas music since beginning of October 

But now it is TRULY the start of the holiday season- at least for me!

(cue Mariah Carey "I'll I Want For Christmas") 

This past weekend, I got to spend Halloween with my Arizona family

It was sure different to spend it in 80 degree weather than pouring down rain

But I am getting used to the fact everything is just hotter down here

I really do love Halloween but I love Thanksgiving & Christmas more 

My adorable nephews, sister and brother in law- Missed them this year!

I couldn't spend this holiday with my own nephews but thankfully I got to spend it with these cuties! 

I got super creative and was a Notre Dame football player - or something like that

 Before I share my November goals lets review my October wishes: 

OCTOBER WISHES!

1) Find a pumpkin patch!  FAIL- But I saw a bunch of cute pictures of them but never went to one. I think this was the first year I can think of I didnt go to one! Tradition will start up next year!

2) Day trip to Flagstaff, Arizona - Adding this to November wishes!

4) Help one person jumpstart their health 

and/or finance dreams through the vehicle of AdvoCare - I have THREE new people on their way to a healthier lifestyle, more energy and more control before the holiday season, starting with the AdvoCare 24 Day Challenge! 

3)  Attend a high school football game- Didn't go to a game but I found some high schools around me and drive by during a game- not the same I know!

4) Workout 4x a week- Thank you Crossfit ARMS! 

5) Update my blog 2 or more times a week- YES! Getting better every month- I think! 

6) Write five personal hand written letters - Wrote 3 though!

NOVEMBER WISHES! 

1) Focus on my eating more and fueling my body AFTER a workout

2) Find a NEW hiking trail 

3) Explore Sedona or Flagstaff

4) Research 3 non-profits and schedule a informational interview

5) Find a new holiday album  

6)  BE THANKFUL 

Happy Holidays! 

Linking up with Melyssa at Nectar Collective

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Seek more Jesus, not answers

" In his heart a man plans is course, but the Lord determines his steps"

Proverbs 16:9

I want answers!

Why did I move to Arizona?

A constant question that replays in my mind

Every. Single. Day 

When I decided to move to Arizona there was no doubt in my mind God had a plan

I knew that I was moving closer to fulfilling my dreams and deepest longings

It has been two full months since I have lived here

To be honest, I thought I would have had a purpose by now
Like yesterday 

I thought the Lord would have already opened up big doors and answered all my questions

I thought I would already be sharing with my family and friends all the amazing dreams I have accomplished!
I thought for sure Arizona is the answer to ALL my prayers!

In reality, I think I am just scared to tell them "I don't know and I don't have a plan"

Since I got to Arizona all I have been doing is seeking out answers 

Why did God make me leave my comfort and move to Arizona?

Everywhere I went I found myself asking, 

 "Is this it?"

"Is that it" 

"Why haven't I met him?"

"Did we become friends for a reason?"

"Is that the charity?"

I even found myself even trying to manipulate situations

Maybe if I just drive by there

Maybe if I just check my email one more time

Maybe if I stay a little longer he will show up

I was either trying to manipulate or bargain with God

Newsflash: God isn't into the bargaining or manipulating business

And you know what happened? I became anxious and frustrated

I was seeking the answers I thought wanted instead of just seeking Jesus

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, 

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 

Jeremiah 29:11-13

You see, God knows that my plans are so small compared to His

He knows that if I tried (Lord knows I tried!) to make my plans succeed I would fail

Or worse, I would succeed, then become complacent

I would stop seeking Him and stop dreaming

I knew I needed a different approach to this whole Arizona thing

This past week has been a week of reflecting and seeking Him more

More time in the Word and less in the world 

More time trusting Him and less trusting myself 

More time drawing closer to Him and not the TV

And a funny thing happened, I felt a weight be lifted off

I felt my dreams reignited in my heart

I have realized the past two months that God just wants me to seek Him 

No bargains, no strings attached, no manipulation

Stop searching for answers and search more of Him

To use this time to draw closer, learn more, and grow in my Trust 

I will continue to open my heart and mind to the Lords plan

I will continue to enjoy my new friends and new life in Arizona

When I stop to really reflect the Lord has blessed me more than I deserve down here 

I thought Arizona was the answer to ALL my dreams and prayers

But now I know that Arizona is just one part of Lords big adventure for me

I have no doubt that what has been placed on my heart will come into fruition in time 

There is no urgency to dreams when the Lord is in control

I am about to do something new

It is beginning to happen even now
    Don’t you see it coming?
I am going to make a way for you to go through the desert

Isaiah 43:19 

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"Blogger in progress"

I am a "blogger in progress"

I had planned on on blogging about five things about my week on Friday

I also had this grand plan on blogging every Monday, Wednesday, Friday

That has not happened

However, this morning I woke up to major rain in Arizona

I mean like record breaking rain fall

Schools cancelled, business closed

It is quite amusing to me, being from Seattle, that rain was the issue shutting down the city

But I also know that Arizona isn't as equipped as Seattle is to handle all the downfall

Nonetheless, the news told us to stay inside 

I couldnt resist a cuddling up with the sound of rain pouring down

It finally felt like a fall day and I truly felt at home 

So I decided to blog!

Here is my Five on Friday...or Monday 

1) Seattle Seahawks Thursday Night Football 

Can you say Superbowl bound... AGAIN!

I absolutely love my Seahawks and it was so fun to watch them even from Arizona

2) It is fall! 

Well, almost

Technically the first day of fall isnt until later this month

And it is 90 degrees outside

But nothing will stop me some putting up some decorations 

And light some yummy candles 

HERE is a fall post I wrote last year that shows the beauty of fall in Seattle

And another one HERE referencing His Grace and fall 

3) Will you be my bridesmaid?

One of my oldest and most cherished friends is getting married next July

She ask her bridesmaids in the most adorable way!

I am so honored and excited to be a part of her big day

Thank you Lisa!

4) Answered prayers

Do you ever feel like your prayers are not being heard?

I have been feeling like that lately

You see, I have BIG dreams and prayers that seem impossible

I know God is working on my behalf to answer those

Arizona was an answered prayer and stepping closer to those

But there is one prayer that I have been circling for almost three years now

Somedays are easier than others to keep the faith and hope

These Bible verses came at exactly the right time

Isn't that always how God works?

He reminded me that He hears every prayer

Every cry out, every praise

"For every one prayer, the Lord is working out 10,000 things on our behalf to make it happen"

- Christine Caine 

He hears

He knows

He will answer

5) Dreaming of Africa 

Something about maps and the world makes my heart giddy

My trip to Ethiopia only ignited my passion 

I hope that my life will forever be a life of giving and serving 

Excited to see where I can go next 

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Family That Plays Together...Stays Together

"But as for me and my household, 

we will serve the LORD."

Joshua 24:15 

Before I left to Arizona we had a small get together with our family

There was nothing I wanted to do more before I left then spend sometime with family

Of course most these pictures are of Jace and Hudson- my most adorable nephews

ok mostly Jace but Hudson was sleeping half the time

What can I say, I am a proud auntie!

Baby Hudson and my brother in law Kevin

Oh hey blue eyes!

Ohhh that red little face gets me every time!

I made this sign last year for my place but I could not take it to Arizona so my mom put it outside by the garden

Selfie with my little buddy 

Cant handle this cuteness!

Gramps and cousin- My grandpa said if he was younger he would come live with me. So sweet!

Jace, Sister Beth, aunte Jan, cousin Rylee

My brother Chris keepin' it simple

sister selfie with Hudson just chillin'

Brother Chris, Jace- yes he is picking his nose, sister Beth, me, brother-in-law Kevin, and baby Hudson

My family is one of my biggest blessings

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