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 

Read more »

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 

1) Spark

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?

Read more »

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

Read more »

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

Read more »

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!

Read more »

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

Read more »

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 

Read more »

Guest Post- Distractions and Joy

Happy Friday!

I am so excited to introduce my first guest blogger on Enjoying the Journey!

I met Ginny about two years ago in Seattle

One of my good friends connected us through a bible study Ginny was leading

I instantly was drawn to Ginny's heart and deep faith

I love her heart to serve others through prayer and encouragement 

I have been a recipient of her amazing gifts and we have stayed in touch 

She also has a heart to write and I cant wait to share her first blog post!

I love this post and I read it at a perfect time in my life

I think we can all relate to this post by Ginny 

Such a good reminder to be aware of the distractions in our life

--------------------------- 

Distractions and JOY

I took a float trip down the Yakima River on a gorgeous end of summer day in Washington State.  Nothing could mar the day but I had one little problem.  

My ‘waterproof’ bag-where I stowed my iphone wasn’t waterproof.  

That led to the experience of fewer distractions! 

My phone was dead and it took almost a week to get the new improved iphone5c to replace it.

Distractions, how I love them.  

I love Instagram, and photos of every kind. 

Facebook and every video, every witty, cool blog about life with kids or being a woman of faith or a styling woman of this century.  

But now I had that antsy feeling that I was cut off.  

I really did now have time to do my house chores.  

To think about making appointments I have put off for like two years.  

I wanted my distractions via my phone to well, distract me!

Yet, lately I have been plagued by the nagging feeling that my distractions are well too distracting!  Unease and boredom are not really addressed by said posts about ‘Kid President’ (one of my favorites!)

So I have been trying to think deeper about this conundrum.  

Why are they so fun yet so unsatisfying? 

I love to learn new things, but I have a utilitarian bent that tells me I need to use what I have learned! So how do I USE those videos?  

More anstiness!  Grrrr.

I think I am really on a search for JOY.

Searching but not really locating it in my current moment of understanding my ‘worldview’. 

I got challenged and it helped me, so that is what I want to share.  

The big question I decided to think about was, get ready; Suffering!  

OK no one likes that word!!

 In fact, whole world views that are pretty popular say that all suffering in this world is really an illusion.  

That actually you can just think your way out of it.  

If you think about things in the right way, you won’t hurt!  

Sound pretty good?  I don’t want to hurt, so let me try it!  

OK, my friend for 13 years decided to leave the church we have gone to together that long.  

OUCH.  

OK, I don’t want to suffer.  I ponder my problem: 

I know!  She is ‘shallow’ and so I can’t really care about that part of her life, we can be friends, but we won’t talk about her thoughts on this part of life anymore.  Whew!  I don’t hurt anymore!  I can little by little dismiss her and the area of our lack of agreement!  We get together still; and now it’s been 7 years and guess what?  We aren’t really close any more.  But, inside I have told myself, I just can’t hurt about this, after all it was a personal decision and she gets to do whatever she wants, so stay in the present moment, don’t think about the future== it doesn’t matter to me.  I will forget the past, forget the future and just have a good time with her when we get together.  

Boom!  No pain!  I just don’t care. What-Ever! 

Only problem is that just rethinking this doesn’t really change the reality of my loss of this friendship.  It is real and while I am told I ‘need to let others do what is right for them’  if I haven’t faced the reality of this, pretending it’s no big deal.  

Consequence; that friendship is in trouble.-there is real loss and real suffering involved and I haven’t avoided anything because the way I dealt with it was not about reality. 
But majoring in the un real life is pretty much I am really good at. 

  I can fill up my day with stuff that just keeps me ‘off base’ and I just move ON. Distractions.  

No BIG DEAL!  What really is important because life sucks and I don’t control that so I need to just ENJOY life! Laugh, drink coffee! Take photos of pretty flowers, kitties and doggies! 

Maybe we are all doing that because the ‘quotient’ of prickly painful unresolved situations is getting rather full in our lives.  

Maybe there is a back log of situations where we have put off saying the hard thing in a friendship, or a marriage or to a brother or sister.  

Maybe we are just trying to medicate and distract ourselves.  In the meantime; what is going by that can’t be fixed by time passing?

How do you feel about things that cause you to ‘suffer’?  

Do you think, deep down in side that you have done so many right things that you DO NOT DESERVE to feel this way?  

That you deserve the break time, the zone out distractibility time?

OK is there another way? What about dignifying reality.  

Life on earth has suffering in it.  FACE THIS.  IF I stare into the mirror of reality, eventually I will stop lying to myself and face it.  Maybe it will rock my world.  Maybe my world needs to be rocked.  Philip Yancey wrote a book that has a title I just love 

“The truth will set you free but first it will make you miserable!

So what is the truth that I am avoiding by my distractions?  

First of all, I avoided writing this blog, for like months!!!

But, I am avoiding going to another state to visit my brother who is having a health challenge.  

I am avoiding making some preventive screening appointments.  

I am avoiding how old I REALLY am going to be at my NEXT birthday!!! 

What about you?  

Are you distracting yourself from anything?  

Does the nagging creepy feeling peek through anyway at times after you spent an hour on FB or XBOX or Pinterest?  

Are you distracting yourself? 

True story: The pharmacist just asked me today: Have you had a Flu Shoot this year?  
WHAT I THOUGHT, I WASN’T PLANNING ABOUT THINKING ABOUT THAT TODAY!!!   

‘No ‘ I said meekly.  “Want to take care of this right now???? She asked.  NO I thought , but because I had been thinking about writing this article instead out loud I said.  YES, I have been meaning to get one, why not now! (will it hurt?)

OK, so I now not only got that shot but another one that is good for me.  

You know what ? I actually feel pretty good about me.  

In fact, I think I have a tiny bit of JOY in there!  

I am a tiny bit proud of myself. 

Hey, what about you?  Where are you at on distractions?  Where are you avoiding Suffering?  

Where are you on JOY?

Let me know!

CONNECT with Ginny on EMAIL

Ginny loves to encourage others.  

She has been married for 43 years, has two sons, two daughters in love and 6 grandchildren. 

Trained as a Health Educator, she and her husband have a company that trains Health Promotion and Wellness Program professionals. One of her favorite roles was as a telephonic coach for individuals who want to make a health behavior change. Knowing how powerful words are she loves audio books, reading, singing and prayer.  She has been a Prayer Coordinator for Church Awakening, a WA State prayer network, for 10 years.  

She has led many small groups and classes on motivational topics.

Read more »