tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80279433786185925842024-03-13T06:37:52.265-05:00Can We Talk?!Looking for practical solutions to change every aspect of your life? Improve relationships? Increase your faith? Live and love with purpose? Let's talk!Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-71082221687582802192011-09-25T21:51:00.003-05:002011-09-25T22:35:54.457-05:00We Are on the Move!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rfJ3NIw81tE/Tn_hKv3tXJI/AAAAAAAAASc/cb8ic3e0MqM/s1600/wemoved.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rfJ3NIw81tE/Tn_hKv3tXJI/AAAAAAAAASc/cb8ic3e0MqM/s200/wemoved.jpg" width="190px" /></a>Hi Everyone</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We moved our blog to <a href="http://4histemple.wordpress.com/"><strong><span style="color: lime;">WordPress</span></strong></a><span style="color: lime;">.</span> Come by and see our new digs and also "LIKE" our<span style="color: #660000;"> </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/4-His-Temple/221882177869882"><strong><span style="color: lime;">new facebook fan page.</span></strong> </a>(Click the links to go directly to these pages)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">God is doing great things 4 His Temple. Can't wait to see you!<br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #b45f06;">Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name!</span></em></strong></div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-86995822306964905852011-08-30T11:57:00.001-05:002011-08-30T14:33:39.197-05:00Embrace Change...30 Day Challenge Day 30 ~ Guest Blogger Josh CopelandHere we are, the last day of your 30 day challenge! Praise God! Whew! You accomplished your goal if you tried your best, learned something about yourself, developed some discipline, or developed a health and wellness plan that you can maintain in the future. These 30 days were not about dieting or focusing on 30 days of health. <strong><span style="color: #7f6000;"><em>Can We Talk?!</em></span></strong><br />
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The author of <em>Made to Crave</em>…said “Diets don’t work for me…so I’m not on a diet. I’m on a journey with Jesus to learn the fine art of self-discipline for the purpose of holiness.” I hope that you understand that these 30 days were very much a physical, emotional, and spiritual journey with Jesus to begin living a healthier life. The plan for healthy living is different for each of us. Read guest blogger Josh Copeland’s account of his journey with Jesus over the past 30 days.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kL8yruWGexM/Tl0Q879PZaI/AAAAAAAAASU/Imx9H0JyEfo/s1600/MeOnStoop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kL8yruWGexM/Tl0Q879PZaI/AAAAAAAAASU/Imx9H0JyEfo/s200/MeOnStoop.JPG" width="200" xaa="true" /></a></div>I had high hopes. When my mom presented this challenge I felt ready to dive in. I received a copy of P90X and I had big dreams of getting through these 30 days with an amazing story of how I stuck with it and made all of these improvements. I even started a week early by mistake and felt like it was a good warm up for the challenge. But then life took an unexpected turn.<br />
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I started a new job at a catering company and the hours are normally pretty stable and consistent except for the fact that I don’t know what time I have be at work for the next day until the day before. That’s normal in the corporate catering world. I did not know that this is one of the busiest times in the year for my company because of the back to school rush. So my work schedule turned upside down to the point where I was working 60 hour work weeks. I was working up to 16 hour work days which would leave me barely enough time to sleep on most days. This went on through the entire span of the challenge.<br />
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As you can imagine with barely any time to sleep on most days working out was the last thing on my mind. Of course I would get the emails and tweets my mom was sending out during the challenge but I felt that my work situation couldn’t fit in with the challenge. So since I couldn’t work out I pretty much threw my diet out of the window. I’m not even going to try to downplay my bad habits. I was popping fresh baked chocolate chip cookies in my mouth like breath mints. During this time I didn’t really have a chance to sit down and have meal so I always had to eat on the go and without any kind of plan I took whatever I could get.<br />
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You may think that because of this that I failed this challenge. But the reality about it is that through this time I learned a great deal about myself and how important it is to call on the Lord to help with the process. The mistake that we often make in dieting and our walk with God is that we get so caught up in the letter of the law that we miss the true freedom of being in the Spirit of the law.<br />
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Look at what Paul asks the Galatians when they wanted to live by the law and not by the Spirit…So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? Galatians 3:5<br />
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We have to ask ourselves this when we are taking on any challenge in our lives. Are we going to make it through a challenge because of the rules and regulations or are we going to make it through by the Spirit of God? Are we going to strive for a healthy lifestyle because we truly believe that it is what we need for our lives or are we just doing this because 4 His Temple said so? In my walk I made my health journey about the 30 days so when I couldn’t participate the way I wanted to I settled with doing just a little. Had I lived in the spirit of the challenge, which is committing to a healthy lifestyle, then I would have been intentional about planning around my circumstances instead of letting the circumstance control me.<br />
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I believe that this challenge was intended to be a starting point for a healthy life not just a healthy thirty days. Although I didn’t have any amazing before and after pictures like I imagined I was going to have on Day 1, I eventually got to the point where I didn’t gain or lose any weight during the 30 days. I spent these days adjusting to my schedule, my faults and my weaknesses, and mainly praying and asking God for help and repenting for my mistakes. He showed me things that I could do to counter my schedule and He used the Holy Spirit to convict me when I popped that third cookie of the day in my mouth. But most importantly God was there to extend His grace to me. I admitted my faults and I prayed for God to help me “want to” change at my core through my thinking, my emotional reactions, and by helping me to change my desires. I can proudly say that as of this past Monday I instituted a new life challenge.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKxh2eotqEM/Tl0TVaUc73I/AAAAAAAAASY/ITjMRSZj-fs/s1600/208372_1832975476954_1617444925_1815124_6341242_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKxh2eotqEM/Tl0TVaUc73I/AAAAAAAAASY/ITjMRSZj-fs/s200/208372_1832975476954_1617444925_1815124_6341242_n.jpg" width="200" xaa="true" /></a></div>Every morning I will wake up before work and do a short and intense cardio workout before I go to work. I always knew I NEEDED to do this but I never WANTED to do it. God is not a respecter of person to where He changes the rules just because we don’t feel like following them. The Lord wouldn’t let me snooze past my planned workout time even though my flesh didn’t want to get up. In fact I started waking up before my alarm went off. After I finished my last rep the first words out my mouth were “Thank you Lord!” Not just out of exhaustion but because He took me through a process that led me to this point that I desire more of Him and more change in myself. I know He will do the same for you if you believe that being healthy in all areas of your life is crucial.<br />
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“Faith in God does not entitle us to expect different results from doing the same old things. Embrace change and you will progress.”<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #7f6000;">Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name!</span></strong></div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-53888745584987934322011-08-25T12:38:00.000-05:002011-09-06T22:08:19.341-05:00Change Your Mind Change Your Life 30 Day Challenge Day 25<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--eW1XymT5Jg/TlaGhPJA1OI/AAAAAAAAASQ/ZZdtVf5UwNk/s1600/4+His+Temple-Original.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137px" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--eW1XymT5Jg/TlaGhPJA1OI/AAAAAAAAASQ/ZZdtVf5UwNk/s200/4+His+Temple-Original.png" width="200px" /></a></div>Well, here we are Day 25 of your 30 Day Challenge! 5 more days to go!! You've come a long way baby! (I've always wanted to say that). <strong><em><span style="color: #783f04;">Can We Talk?!</span></em></strong><br />
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I want to hear all about your successes and struggles on this journey. Some people in the community have already sent email, twitter, text, and facebook messages about their progress. What have you learned? What can you take away from this experience? Hopefully, you will plan your own 30 day challenge in the weeks and months to come until we do it again. Yes, we will do it again!<br />
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You might start a personal 30 day challenge to help you get rid of habit like smoking or drinking, help you to strengthen your marriage by being kind, loving and attentive to your mate, or help you tame your tongue by only speaking words that uplift, encourage, and empower for 30 days. Think about it, pray about it and start your own 30 day challenge. The outcome will be a<strong> BETTER YOU</strong> that glorfies the Father and only He knows who you will bless along the way.<br />
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We have been talking about eating healthy and sharing recipes during the challenge. What about people who prefer not to cook? Remember we talked about a lifestyle change and how what we decide to do, must work for our lifestyle or we can't sustain it. I was also talking to someone the other night about the cost of eating healthy. It can be expensive. I wanted to share the comments from Janice in our community. She is excited about the change she experienced during the challenge and she is eager to share it. <br />
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<em>Dear Aqua</em><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ChG2_mPCnYw/TlaGXpnTXlI/AAAAAAAAASM/K2Zi5Kyy5Bk/s1600/imagesCAEF5ECT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="40px" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ChG2_mPCnYw/TlaGXpnTXlI/AAAAAAAAASM/K2Zi5Kyy5Bk/s200/imagesCAEF5ECT.jpg" width="200px" /></a>I'm hanging in there on the 30 day challenge. I have noticed a different mindset within me as I take this walk. It took me a while to settle on what I would do for the challenge, but I finally settled on picking up my meals from My Fit Foods & exercising 5 days a week. I've fallen a few times, but that is where God gets the glory! Usually when I get off track, I enjoy the unhealthy food & find it hard to get back on track, well during the challenge, I have found that I'm enjoying unhealthy food less & less! I've been praying for God to give me a craving for healthy foods & a "want to" stick to healthy behavior. I feel that my prayers are being answered!</div><br />
My health tip for the challenge is my source for healthy meals, My Fit Foods. This is a growing chain of healthy fast food. The stores consist of large refrigerators from which you come pick healthy meals to go. Simply microwave & eat! I pick up my meals at the beginning of the week & keep them in the refrigerator. No cooking, cleaning up or heating up the kitchen for me! I actually find it to be more economical than the grocery store. Good luck to all!<br />
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Janice<br />
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<em><strong>Dear Janice</strong></em><br />
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Thank you so much friend! I am excited about what God is going to do with you and through you as you journey with Him to a healthier you! All praise be unto Him!! When we started this passion project back in March we said that to change our bodies and eating habits we have to change our mind! Old ways of thinking will keep us bound to old habits and old ways of living. God's Word tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. I'm so happy for you Jan and proud of you for sticking with it! You are well on your way sistah!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #783f04;">Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name!</span></em></strong></div><div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4</div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-76638343626795495362011-08-20T13:08:00.001-05:002011-08-21T06:46:07.163-05:00How Am I Doing? 30 Day Challenge Day 20<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-BQYzcQo3A/Tk_sgWoH5uI/AAAAAAAAASI/sfLru31Ojqw/s1600/4+His+Temple-Original.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137px" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-BQYzcQo3A/Tk_sgWoH5uI/AAAAAAAAASI/sfLru31Ojqw/s200/4+His+Temple-Original.png" width="200px" /></a></div>Can you believe it? Just 10 more days to go on your 30 Day Challenge! Stay with it. Don't give up now. Press into Jesus and press through these next 10 days fully committed to the work you started. <em><span style="color: #bf9000;"><strong>Can We Talk?! </strong></span></em></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Ask yourself...how am I doing on this challenge? Be honest! Nobody is looking but you and God. Maybe you ate something you said you wouldn't during this 30 days. Maybe you didn't wake up every morning and have that quiet time with God. Maybe you celebrated too much and gave into that piece of cake or glass of wine. Seriously, it is not the end of the world and more importantly God doesn't love you any less. </div><br />
<div></div><div></div>What I hope you get from this 30 days is that through Christ you have the strength and power to change your life. If you recognized that you overindulged, haven't been in fellowship with the Lord, or that you skipped a workout <strong>AND</strong> you sought to rectify that you are achieving success on this journey. Remember when you had no recognition. You were just eating any and everything whenever you wanted it and exercise was not even an afterthought? You prayed only on Sunday at church, but longed for a conversation with God during the week. Remember that time? Well, now it is long gone and you started a new life! You had a breakthrough. Look at you Overcomer!<br />
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<div></div><div></div>I hope that you are learning to discipline yourself spiritually, physically, and emotionally during this last 20 days to deal with what's eating you so you can deal with what and how much you are eating. Maybe you have a heatlthy diet but you just don't like exercising. I feel you. Trust me. When I first started this journey I questioned God about every session. Are you sure Lord? Now I look forward to working out (most days that is). I hope this 20 days has given you a passion for moving your body! <br />
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Let's face it folks, we are getting older and it is in our best interest to move our bodies as much as we can while we still can. The earlier we start the better. Teach your children the value of a good healthy lifestyle that includes exercise. I'm praying that the Lord will give us a long healthy active life until we meet Jesus on the other side. Hopefully, another benefit of this 30 day challenge is that your children have seen you and you are setting a good example of how to live a healthy life that honors and glorifies our God.<br />
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<div></div><div></div>As I have been talking to people throughout this 30 days I have made some interesting observations about what people think about health, food, and fitness. I want to share them with you in case you hold some of these ideas too.<br />
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<div></div><ul><li> Thin does not equate to healthy. Exercise has more benefits than just weight loss.</li>
<li>You cannot out exercise a bad diet. Period. You have to add exercise to your life and you have to make some changes in food choices.</li>
<li>Vegetarian is not synonymous with healthy. </li>
<li>Just because a food package has healthy, wheat, or organic on it doesn't make it true. Read the label and ingredients.</li>
<li>There is a mountain of information and how to tips out there. Be a careful consumer. Not every diet and exercise tip is going to work for you or fit into your lifestyle. To maintain the new tip it has to work for you or you have to make changes to make it work.</li>
<li>It is implausible to believe that you will <strong>never</strong> overindulge again or have something fattening that you have given up once you start eating healthy. It is going to happen so don't beat yourself up about it. </li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>What's For Dinner? </strong><br />
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</div>Here are the recipes I promised. Also made some great fish tacos. Let me know if you want the recipe. Picture below.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6d2F7HVuk8/Tk_eV6WNtTI/AAAAAAAAAR0/Vt0hAvpXKno/s1600/2011-06-27_21-03-19_696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qaa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6d2F7HVuk8/Tk_eV6WNtTI/AAAAAAAAAR0/Vt0hAvpXKno/s1600/2011-06-27_21-03-19_696.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Praise-Worthy Pepper Crusted Tuna</strong><br />
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• ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt<br />
• ¼ teaspoon ground coriander<br />
• ¼ teaspoon paprika<br />
<div></div>• ¼ cayenne pepper<br />
<div></div>• 2 (6-oz) Ahi steak, about 1 1/2" thick <br />
<div></div>• 2 tbsp fresh coarsely ground black pepper<br />
<div></div>• Olive oil<br />
<div></div>• Field greens<br />
<div></div>• Fresh Fruit<br />
<div></div>• 2 Tbsp Salad dressing (light vinaigrette) <br />
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<div align="left">In a small bowl combine the spice mixture…combine salt, coriander, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Lightly coat fish in olive oil so that pepper and seasoning stay on the fish. Lay the tuna steaks out on a plate, and sprinkle the spice mixture evenly on both sides. Then roll the tuna in the ground pepper (coating the sides of the tuna) and gently press it in so that it adheres to the surface, being careful not to smash the flesh. Place tuna in a very hot lightly olive oil coated skillet. Cook until desired temp. 2-4 minutes of each side. Rare tuna ~ 2 mins. More medium rare ~4 mins. Add the tuna to your favorite salad combination. Here I paired the tuna with field greens, strawberries, cucumbers and red onions. </div></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPOkM1i2SGs/Tk_iDndf11I/AAAAAAAAAR8/kSaVOPqhCH8/s1600/2011-07-26_11-10-45_624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112px" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPOkM1i2SGs/Tk_iDndf11I/AAAAAAAAAR8/kSaVOPqhCH8/s200/2011-07-26_11-10-45_624.jpg" width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Heaven Oven Roasted Veggies (Before)</strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YT_Q2N5eTb8/Tk_icSRjVbI/AAAAAAAAASE/gQZjKRwI6TI/s1600/2011-07-26_12-17-55_297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112px" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YT_Q2N5eTb8/Tk_icSRjVbI/AAAAAAAAASE/gQZjKRwI6TI/s200/2011-07-26_12-17-55_297.jpg" width="200px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Heavenly Oven Roasted Veggies (After)</strong><br />
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<div align="left">Take your favorite fresh veggies, coat them lightly with olive oil, your favorite herbs, and seasonings then roast them at 450-500 degrees for 20-30 minutes. Here I used corn, asparagus, tomatoes, red onions, green beans, carrots, garlic and, red and green peppers. Vegetables should all be relatively the same size for even roasting. I seasoned with kosher salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, coriander, rosemary, thyme, and basil.</div></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-agvIxLQKEz0/Tk_hrvmMlgI/AAAAAAAAAR4/99DEQvguvR8/s1600/taco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200px" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-agvIxLQKEz0/Tk_hrvmMlgI/AAAAAAAAAR4/99DEQvguvR8/s200/taco.jpg" width="112px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Wholly Halibut Fish Taco</strong></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #783f04;">Your body is the temple of the Living God. Live well in Him.</span></em></strong></div><div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4</div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-78768372235185484592011-08-15T11:56:00.001-05:002011-08-15T13:40:22.908-05:00Get Back In The Game! 30 Day Challenge Day15 Guest Blogger ~Keda"<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Congratulations! We are at the halfway point of our 30 Day Challenge! I encourage you to dig deep and finish strong! You are not alone. He who began the work in you is faithful to complete it! Now that's good news!<em><strong> Can We Talk?!</strong></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XY_o9mwoe5k/TkV8ZY16AQI/AAAAAAAAARc/16s-O8Qrelc/s1600/031-Outtake+2-Don%2527t+Lose+Focus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160px" naa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XY_o9mwoe5k/TkV8ZY16AQI/AAAAAAAAARc/16s-O8Qrelc/s200/031-Outtake+2-Don%2527t+Lose+Focus.jpg" width="200px" /></a>As we move through this thirty days we have to make sure that we begin thinking about how we are going to maintain and modify our "how to" for the rest of our lives. I hear ya, I only signed up for 30 days...yeah yeah! Certainly if we are doing 2 a days for this thirty days it may be unrealistic to maintain that pace for the rest of our lives. So what will my exercise routine be at the end of this journey? If we are eating vegetarian, unless we convert full time,we probably will want to have some meat once the challenge is over. But what about the benefits of decreasing red meat in our diets? What about that quiet time with the Lord? It's been so fulfilling, but is waking early every morning really on my agenda? Only you can really answer these questions.<br />
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The thirty days, 10 pounds, increased energy and stamina, fitting into that inspiration dress, or rekindling of a relationship with the Father are just the beginning. If we don't think about how to maintain what we have started, then this 30 days will have been for nought. One of our community members is thinking about just that, moving forward after the 30 days. We certainly MUST celebrate the small victories, but we have to keep our eyes on the prize. Listen to what Keda offers to encourage us to start thinking beyond the 30 days. <em>Think higher, better, greater, and deeper!</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X7tm8QHy8yI/TkV8YX4w3NI/AAAAAAAAARY/-xb03uftDoo/s1600/031-Looking+Ahead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160px" naa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X7tm8QHy8yI/TkV8YX4w3NI/AAAAAAAAARY/-xb03uftDoo/s200/031-Looking+Ahead.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div>When I was a little girl, my Dad signed me up for the PeeWee Soccer League. We were a bunch of 5 and 6 year olds who had no idea what we were doing, so our games often resembled a swarm of honeybees hovering around a spherical, black and white flower, but our parents seemed to get a kick out of it. <br />
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The only game I remember of the season is the one where I magically broke out of the swarm with that black and white treasure and scored a goal. I am convinced that I had never been that excited in my entire 5-year-old life. I jumped up and down waving my arms frantically over my head in victory, scanning the crowd for my family. "Did ya see me? Did ya SEE ME? I scored a GOAL!!!" I'm sure they were excited, but their immediate response to me was, "Good job, but...<strong>GET BACK IN THE GAME!"</strong> You see, while I was busy rejoicing over my minor victory, my swarm of teammates and competitors had blazed their way to the other side of the field, leaving me behind. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zscA2eDZkyI/TkV8bE43KYI/AAAAAAAAARg/56wLwqN7aC4/s1600/056-Kick+Up+Your+Heels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125px" naa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zscA2eDZkyI/TkV8bE43KYI/AAAAAAAAARg/56wLwqN7aC4/s200/056-Kick+Up+Your+Heels.JPG" width="200px" /></a></div>This second week of the 30-Day Challenge has reminded me of my little tale of victory and defeat. I was so mentally occupied with my small victory of fitting into a dress that has hung unworn in my closet for 2 years, that I lost track of the overall goal of eating healthily, exercising to the best of my ability, and spending time with the Father to ensure my physical and spiritual success. Can't you just picture me in my dress, jumping up and down with my hands flailing over my head shouting, "Did you see me, guys? Did you see me?" Well, when you do see me, just tell me, "That's great, but...<strong>GET BACK IN THE GAME!!!"</strong><br />
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Still Journeying in Christ, Keda"<br />
<a href="http://www.papillonperspectives.showitsite.com/">Papillon - perspectives of life and love</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04;"><strong><em>Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name!</em></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-57642666561421056932011-08-11T12:43:00.000-05:002011-09-06T22:10:25.721-05:00A Journey To Healing Begins With a Single Revelation 30 Day Challenge Day 11We never know where our revelation is going to come from. Sometimes it is one obedient act in seeking God's grace, goodness, help, or mercy that will lead us to that revelation. We could be reading the Word, talking to our best friends at breakfast, or sitting in church listening to a message. God is not trying to hide anything from us. He wants us to get IT. Whatever your IT is. He wants you to know.<em> <strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">Can We Talk?!</span></strong></em><br />
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;">This week we spent some time talking about the "how to" of living healthy lives to honor God. I wanted to make sure that we also talk this week about the "want to" of living healthy and why it is so important for us to maintain this way of living for ever. Forever? Is this possible? I only signed on for 30 days! I hear ya. But, no, 30 days is only the beginning. It's the beginning of your new healthier life in Christ.</span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-znpVen8fqQg/TkQO-r8v1fI/AAAAAAAAARM/_5X5qqik4kI/s1600/imagesCABKAVA2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" naa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-znpVen8fqQg/TkQO-r8v1fI/AAAAAAAAARM/_5X5qqik4kI/s1600/imagesCABKAVA2.jpg" /></a>In the book, <a href="http://aqua-canwetalk.blogspot.com/2011/08/welcome-to-30-day-challengeday-1.html">Crave, that I mentioned at the beginning of the challenge</a>, the author is talking about defining ourselves by the numbers on a scale and she writes "Define your week by obedience, not by a number on the scale. The scale can only measure how much your body weighs. ...So I had to stop and ask myself the following questions:</div><br />
Did I overeat this week on any day? No. <br />
Did I move more and exercise regularly? Yes.<br />
Did I feel lighter than I did at this time last Wednesday? Yes.<br />
Did I eat in secret or out of anger or frustration? No.<br />
Did I feel that, at any time, I ran to food instead of to God? Nope.<br />
Before I hopped on the scale, did I think I'd had a successful, God-pleasing week? Yep!<br />
So why oh why do I get tied up in a stupid number?" <br />
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So friends as I mentioned before there are lots of ways "how to" lose weight, stay in shape, reach certain fitness and health goals, but our "want to" must come from a desire to be obedient and to please our Father. She also writes in the book "Numbers on the scale are an indication of what your body weighs, NOT an indication of your worth". I hope this helps you settle some inner feelings you might be dealing with in your own journey to a healthier you.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pna30V3mE0c/TkQUcozniaI/AAAAAAAAARU/DSeVfJtZZMA/s1600/imagesCA793MAZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149px" naa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pna30V3mE0c/TkQUcozniaI/AAAAAAAAARU/DSeVfJtZZMA/s200/imagesCA793MAZ.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Know that God loves you right where you are right now. He is not waiting to see if you can lose any weight or get through this 30 days without any mistakes before He loves you. Thank Him that! He knew you before you were born and His love for you is infinite and never failing. It is not predicated on the numbers on the scale, your waist size, or anything! Nothing can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. God just simply passionately loves you, period! I want you to love you and never let anybody make you feel that you are unworthy or unlovable because of the numbers on the scale.</div> <br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Today we have not so much of a question as a testimony and revelation from a sistah in our community who is learning some of the "how to" by calorie counting. Please remember to pray for one another as we journey together.</span><br />
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<em>Dear Aqua</em><br />
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I tried to start right today. I only have 680 calories out of 1400 for today :( <br />
Inst oatmeal 2 pks plain #cal = 220<br />
Yo crunch lowfat strawberry-banana yogurt 6oz #cal = 180<br />
Cashew pieces 2 oz #cal = 320 <br />
(220 + 180 + 320 = 720) OMG - I spent 720 cals on this food.<br />
16 oz H2O. Only 680 cals rest of day. Really an eye opener. Revelation!!! for me. WOW & OUCH.<br />
I'm learning something. Still got my training wheels on. One meal at a time.<br />
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<em>M</em><br />
<em> </em><span style="color: #eeeeee;">I am so glad that you are learning to track your calories. When we first start out it is a good idea to right them down and count them religiously. Once we get better, reach weight and fitness milestones we can eyeball the meal, add the calories then we can move to tracking which is less stringent. </span><br />
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I am also loving the revelation! You could have had more filling meals for 720 calories. Nuts in general are good for you, but make sure you don't over indulge. Have your nuts in a healthy trail mix. Add Cheerios to mix to decrease the calories even more. Try to keep your snacks at no more 200 calories.<br />
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We have to know how many calories we are consuming each day if we are going to reach our goals. If you splurge one day on a sweet treat, you should account for the splurge in your dietary totals.<br />
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As you move through this process you will learn more about your body and what kinds of modifications work for lifestyle. Ask God to always be your compass so that you can make good choices for your temple. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I am proud of you and thrilled for you. Press on 20 more days to change your life!<br />
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Remember that revelation without action is just information. The important step to revelation is the action applied to the information that causes you to move, change, grow and BECOME in Him!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #783f04;">Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name!</span></em></strong></div><div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4</div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-66569902721139211202011-08-09T14:56:00.000-05:002011-09-06T22:11:44.198-05:00What's For Dinner Tonight? 30 Day Challenge Day 9<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C6AH5iuVq7k/TkGIS5W96tI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/4Re2h-RC-hs/s1600/imagesCA0Q2CYR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" naa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C6AH5iuVq7k/TkGIS5W96tI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/4Re2h-RC-hs/s1600/imagesCA0Q2CYR.jpg" /></a>When we start eating healthier we have to learn how to cook our favorite foods in healthier ways. Yeah, no more ham hocks in the beans and bacon in the greens. Don't kill the messenger! Sometimes we miss the gravy and sauces that were staples in our diets and we can get bored with grilled, sauteed, pan-seared. We want something hearty. So many times, it is NOT what we are eating it is how it is prepared. <span style="color: #783f04;"><strong><em>Can We Talk?!</em></strong> </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On this journey to discovering the healthy you that has been screaming to get out, we have to change the way we think about food. I told you this before. This is not a diet, it is a way of life. So, the question is how do I incorporate the foods I like into my new way of thinking and living? Well, only you can really answer that question, because you know what you like. I will give you some observations that I discovered over the past 2 years and you can tweak them and build on them based on your lifestyle.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">You don't have to use pork fat to season your food. I know that is a tough one for some of us. But trust me, you can give this up. You can start with using smoked turkey and then gradually work your way to nothing, if that is what you desire. For the 30 Day Challenge I have been eating vegetarian and adding new fruits and veggies to my diet. I did not use any meat to season my food this time. </div><br />
I like to cook, but I don't like spending all day in the kitchen. I like meals that can be cooked quickly and easily with little effort, but at the same time I want something filling, hearty, and delicious. I discovered that the crockpot is a healthy girls' best friend! Check out these two recipes. I'm a kitchen sink or kitchen pantry sort of cook. I throw everything in pray something good comes from it. Most of time I get it right. I like trying different combinations of seasonings. Don't be afraid to experiment!<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> <strong><span style="color: #7f6000;">Believer’s Braised Kale </span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQI1ViKSGFs/TkGIfDeR93I/AAAAAAAAARI/cegShAW4zUg/s1600/2011-08-09_08-41-36_44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" naa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQI1ViKSGFs/TkGIfDeR93I/AAAAAAAAARI/cegShAW4zUg/s200/2011-08-09_08-41-36_44.jpg" width="112" /></a><strong>Ingredients</strong></div><div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></strong>• ½ cup chopped peppers (Tricolor)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">• ½ cup chopped onions</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">• ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or 2 dashes of cayenne pepper</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">• 1 tablespoon minced garlic</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">• 2 bunches of kale (cleaned and torn into pieces)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">• 2 cups low sodium chicken, beef, or vegetable stock</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">• Capful of apple cider vinegar</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">• ½ cup of red wine</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">• 2 bay leaves</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> • 3 sprigs of thyme</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Directions</strong> </div>Wash Kale in a sink of cold water, filling the sink several times until the bottom of the sink is clean. Place all ingredients in the crock pot on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. Greens should be tender. <br />
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<div><strong>Switch It Up:</strong> If you don't like Kale you can substitute any greens you like. The cooking time will decrease for greens like Swiss Chard. Mustard greens and collard greens will be about the same time.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">Spirited Spicy Navy Beans</span></strong></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b7KPJ-Zc38s/TkGIVwEF4CI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/rZJSdVDs7jk/s1600/2011-08-09_08-40-25_130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" naa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b7KPJ-Zc38s/TkGIVwEF4CI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/rZJSdVDs7jk/s200/2011-08-09_08-40-25_130.jpg" width="112" /></a><strong>Ingredients</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">• 2 cups of Navy beans rinsed and drained</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">• ½ cup chopped peppers (Tricolor)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">• ½ cup chopped onions and celery</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt</div>• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper<br />
• 2 dashes each of ground coriander, ginger, oregano, cumin, chili powder<br />
• 4 gloves of chopped garlic<br />
• 3 cups low sodium chicken stock<br />
• 2 bay leaves<br />
• 3 sprigs of thyme<br />
• 1 – 8 ounce can of chopped chipotle tomatoes<br />
<strong>Directions</strong><br />
Place all ingredients in the crock pot on low for 9-10 hours or on high for 7-8 hours. Beans should be tender and broth should start to thicken. Serve with brown rice.<br />
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<strong>Switch It Up:</strong> Don't like navy beans, try pinto beans or your favorite type of beans. Add some ground turkey, chicken, or beef to the beans. Use a smoked turkey leg to season the beans. Use tomatoes with no flavor for less heat. Add 1 cup chopped (large chunks) carrots.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">Some other observations:</span></strong><br />
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Swiss Chard reminds me of spinach in both taste and texture.<br />
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Kale doesn't remind me of anything I've ever eaten before. Except for when I was a kid eating grass. Haha! It's good though. I promise.<br />
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Eating vegetarian and getting in the proper amount of daily protein is challenging. <br />
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The first time I had vegetable stir I really missed meat. Not so much the meat itself, but the fat from the meat marrying with the veggies when cooked together.<br />
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Drinking 90 ounces of water a day is <strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">VERY</span></strong> challenging. (We'll talk about H20 consumption later)<br />
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Think you're eating healthy? Before that first bite "google" what you are eating to find out how many calories and calories from fat you will be consuming. For example...How many calories in a cup of brocolli and cheese soup from Jason's deli? or How many calories in a subway meatball sub or How many calories in a piece of fried chicken? You just might make other choices.<br />
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<div>You have recipes or observations that you would like to share? Love to share them with the community. <br />
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Ask me how to make these dishes.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-small;">Heavenly Oven Roasted Veggies</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="left" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNG1s7xGFOI/TkGIY2B3dgI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/GBdp7CuLr4U/s1600/2011-07-26_11-10-45_624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" naa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNG1s7xGFOI/TkGIY2B3dgI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/GBdp7CuLr4U/s200/2011-07-26_11-10-45_624.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before Roasting</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UmcWPuvqD74/TkGIayZSWhI/AAAAAAAAARA/fYnhWDrP6ak/s1600/2011-07-26_12-17-55_297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" naa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UmcWPuvqD74/TkGIayZSWhI/AAAAAAAAARA/fYnhWDrP6ak/s200/2011-07-26_12-17-55_297.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After Roasting</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-small;">Praise-Worthy Pepper-Crusted Tuna Salad</span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EHDrLy5NRrM/TkGIdEjx2kI/AAAAAAAAARE/gZynrQs0t4s/s1600/2011-06-27_21-03-19_696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" naa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EHDrLy5NRrM/TkGIdEjx2kI/AAAAAAAAARE/gZynrQs0t4s/s200/2011-06-27_21-03-19_696.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="color: #7f6000;"><em></em></span></strong> <strong><span style="color: #7f6000;"><em>Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name!</em></span></strong></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4</div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-79492123032454539802011-08-05T16:50:00.001-05:002011-08-05T17:20:01.841-05:00Challenge IT and IT Will Change~ 30 Day Challenge Day 5<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-27_D8g9qYBQ/TjxbbZbWL-I/AAAAAAAAAQo/yczwt-rG9k8/s1600/dessert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-27_D8g9qYBQ/TjxbbZbWL-I/AAAAAAAAAQo/yczwt-rG9k8/s1600/dessert.jpg" t$="true" /></a>Congratulations! Five days have already come and gone for your 30 Day Challenge. 25 days left to create the lifestyle you want to live for the rest of your life. A healthy life that honors our temples and our God. <strong><em><span style="color: #bf9000;">Can We Talk?! </span></em></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">These last 5 days have NOT been without challenges. I was confronted with this dessert tray at a birthday lunch. <strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">YIKES!</span></strong> I'll have one of each! No, seriously. I didn't indulge and I stayed true to my plan. I share this because the weekend is coming and it is so easy to get off course when we are celebrating. We say...I'll just have a little and start over tomorrow. 500 calories later, well you know the story. In these moments, pray and ask God for strength. Excuse yourself if you can't handle the pressure. Sometimes you are going to have to say "NO", you won't be able to leave. Challenge it and it will change!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For some Templers, Day 1 out of the gate was a struggle. Others met challenges as the week progressed. Fear not, do not be discouraged. Our bodies and our health did not get in this state overnight and it won't change overnight. I also heard some praise reports. "I lost 4lbs", "I feel great". Congratulations to them and all glory to our Father! Challenge it and it will change!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I wanted to encourage you for the weekend. Weekends can be the hardest time to stay on track with our plan. Everyone is relaxing and socializing. For so many eating goes hand and hand with this environment. And exercise is no where on the agenda. Be mindful of this trap and stay on the path this weekend. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ddDJaFFgT4I/TjxsdgvjrcI/AAAAAAAAAQw/r9LrNdd9qAc/s1600/red5.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ddDJaFFgT4I/TjxsdgvjrcI/AAAAAAAAAQw/r9LrNdd9qAc/s1600/red5.bmp" t$="true" /></a>I also wanted to share with you a tidbit of information that is important to those of you putting in extra exercise and/or eating vegetarian. Minister Ron Marshall of <a href="http://www.theonetraining.com/"><span style="color: #bf9000;">TheOne Training</span></a> challenged us to make sure that we are getting enough protein. The amount of protein we should get ranges from 40-70 grams each day depending on your gender, age and situation. <a href="http://exercise.about.com/cs/nutrition/a/protein_2.htm"><span style="color: #bf9000;">You can calculate your the amount of protein you should receive.</span></a> You can get protein from other sources besides meat.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Also if you have exercised everyday this week. Good on you! But make sure you take a day off. Sunday is a great day to worship God for your success this week, ask Him to strengthen you for the week to come, and rest in His marvelous presence.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Enjoy your weekend! A healthy lifestyle can be fun and exciting! See you Monday! Keep those journals, praise reports, and even miss steps coming in. We will pray and praise with you!<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #bf9000;">Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name!</span></em></strong></div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-25063732030270475602011-08-03T14:40:00.001-05:002011-08-03T15:04:35.312-05:00A Spiritual Journey to Wholeness 30 Day Challenge Day 3<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OWjMS_5n1_4/TjmeaUkIQEI/AAAAAAAAAQc/bg6NkNlH4YQ/s1600/imagesCAF9PZOC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="101" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OWjMS_5n1_4/TjmeaUkIQEI/AAAAAAAAAQc/bg6NkNlH4YQ/s200/imagesCAF9PZOC.jpg" t$="true" width="200" /></a></div>Twenty one people signed up for the 30 day challenge. I have been hearing from some of them by email, text, twitter, and facebook about their progress to date. I'm thrilled to hear that so many people want to gain control of their health by taking back what the enemy stole. As we move through this 30 days we must be mindful of our immediate goals and plans <strong>AND</strong> the future goals and plans that will sustain us for a life time. <em>Can We Talk?!</em> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><br />
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When God directed me to start this ministry, I was concerned that people would think the ministry was about weight loss or vanity goals. I really wanted to convey the message that this ministry is about God and His great love for His people. God cares about the intimate details of our lives and if we are living healthy we can better partner with Him for Kingdom building. It's more than about how much we weigh or can we fit into our jeans from high school. I still can't by the way. It's about living a healthy life that honors God. God cares less about if you can wear that old wedding dress from 10-15 years ago and more about you prospering and being in good health, even as your soul prospers. <br />
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One of the community members who signed up for the 30 Day Challenge sent me her prayer request and she wanted someone to hold her accountable. This is her email to me and my response to her. I hope that you are encouraged, enlightened, and empowered by her plan, message, and commitment to God. I think she does a really good job of conveying the message I described above. Glory and honor is due Him. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>Dear Aqua</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em></em><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n_edpBBDk-g/TjmhzvEHbTI/AAAAAAAAAQk/s_l_Rrq0ONk/s1600/imagesCA2GH7WV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n_edpBBDk-g/TjmhzvEHbTI/AAAAAAAAAQk/s_l_Rrq0ONk/s1600/imagesCA2GH7WV.jpg" t$="true" /></a>My challenge is spiritual & physical. My plan is to wake up 30 minutes earlier than I normally would & have a real intimate time with the Lord. I'm also challenging myself to start reading my bible plan everyday. I'm challenging myself to eat more fruits & veggies. No sweets, no added salt, no sodas, fast food, fried foods or STARBUCKS (YIKES). My exercise plan is the same but I will add arms & abs to my workout. I'm gonna fast on Wednesday's from 6-6. I will email you my stats nightly to make sure I'm on point.</div><br />
I'm ready...got my mind right...Thanks for doing this... Not only will I come out of this physically healthier but my spirit is gonna be on <span style="color: #bf9000;"><strong>FIRE</strong></span> 4HisTemple.<br />
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<em>Dear J </em><br />
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Sis!! Oh my God! You get it! You get #4HisTemple. Can't wait to see what God is going to do to you and through you. You know I have to share this email in a blog post. I want the community to see it's more than weight loss. It's a spiritual journey. Will be lifting you up each day. The enemy is coming hard after you now that you have made the decision to change. But you know this already. Stand firm. If you get knocked down, miss a day morning worship, eat something off your plan. Repent and start over the next day. I look forward to your updates and helping you stay on target. What's time do you need to get up? <br />
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Asking the Lord to be near you, guide you, hold you, lift you, protect you, motivate you, and give you the strength to help others when it is all over. The next 30 days are a new beginning for anyone committed and taking this challenge seriously. Wow! I love you! <br />
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Stay on the path Templers! God has so much in store for you if you commit and endure this 30 days of sanctification.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #bf9000;"><strong>Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name!</strong></span></em></div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-5808212629086571022011-08-01T13:25:00.002-05:002011-08-01T16:25:33.950-05:00Welcome to the 30 Day Challenge~Day 1<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCH25qLp0v0/TimCleXmZ-I/AAAAAAAAAQM/LSjhXEg4qvI/s1600/4+His+Temple-Original.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCH25qLp0v0/TimCleXmZ-I/AAAAAAAAAQM/LSjhXEg4qvI/s200/4+His+Temple-Original.png" t$="true" width="200" /></a>Congratulations to the 17 people who committed to starting the 30 Day Challenge today! Today is the first <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCH25qLp0v0/TimCleXmZ-I/AAAAAAAAAQM/LSjhXEg4qvI/s1600/4+His+Temple-Original.png"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span></a></span>day of the rest of your life! Sound too good to be true? <em>Can We Talk?!</em> If you commit yourself fully to the next 30 days your life will never be the same. That's a promise. No matter the workout routine or eating plan you decided upon, if you submit those plans to the Lord, surrender your will to His, and allow Him to minister to you daily you will surely be VICTORIOUS on August 31. </div></div><br />
Remember I said this was going to be a spiritual journey. Don't try to walk this journey alone with just YOUR willpower. You will fail. If we could have done it with willpower we would have already conquered the demons that contribute to our unhealthy lifestyles. Years of feeding our flesh whatever it wanted whenever it wanted it, slothfulness, and allowing the flesh to control our thinking and our appetites.<br />
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As you eat ask God to give you the desire for the foods you are eating. As you exercise ask God to give you a passion for exercising, give you strength for that workout day and ask Him to guide you to the right exercises for where you are right now. Seek council.<br />
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Now that you have made this decision Satan is coming in like a flood. That's no surprise. All the excuses of why you cannot do it now will come up. Remember that "it easier to make excuses than to change." Obstacles are going to get in your way. Cravings will seemingly come from nowhere to overwhelm you. <strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">BUT GOD and His grace!</span></strong> If you slip one day, don't quit! Start over immediately. Don't start over everyday for 30 days though, you might need to reevaluate your commitment and resolve to change.<br />
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We are putting Satan on notice today! He has no authority and we will no longer work with Him to destroy our lives. Healing begins today for you and for your family! The curse of unhealthy living is broken today!!<br />
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My good friend gave me a book for my birthday that she hoped would help with 4 His Temple Ministries. I will share some excerpts from the book over the next 30 days because I think the book is powerful and God breathed. The name of the book is <em>Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire With God, Not Food</em> by Lysa TerKeurst. I hope some of it resonates with you so that you can receive revelation, power, and healing on this 30 day journey.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SMd7q-0c4Po/TjZA6R61SAI/AAAAAAAAAQY/KcHFQSaPSEs/s1600/made-to-crave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SMd7q-0c4Po/TjZA6R61SAI/AAAAAAAAAQY/KcHFQSaPSEs/s200/made-to-crave.jpg" t$="true" width="124" /></a><strong>"Spiritually.</strong> I had to ask God to give me the desire to be healthy. I knew a vanity-seeking "want to" would never last. Shallow desires produce only shallow efforts. I had to seek a spiritual "want to" empowered by God Himself. So, I asked. I begged, actually. I cried out to God. And day by day, God gave me just enough "want to" laced with His strength, to be satisfied by healthy choices. God also settled in my heart that this is an issue of great spiritual importance. ...I can honestly say that this is one of the most significant spiritual journeys I've ever dared to take with God. I hope you soon say the same thing"</div><br />
I thank God for this ministry because I know that lives are being changed and I thank God for you and pray that you will be empowered to help someone else on this journey. Please feel free to share your successes and your struggles with us as we travel this journey together. If you would like to guest blog or just share with the community your plans for the next 30 days, please email me. <a href="mailto:DearAqua4HisTemple@gmail.com"><span style="color: #bf9000;">DearAqua4HisTemple@gmail.com</span></a><span style="color: #bf9000;"> </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><em><strong>Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name!</strong></em></span></div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-66808801560391989692011-07-29T14:26:00.001-05:002011-07-30T09:31:04.356-05:00Ready, Set, Go! 30 Day Challenge<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCH25qLp0v0/TimCleXmZ-I/AAAAAAAAAQM/LSjhXEg4qvI/s1600/4+His+Temple-Original.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" id="_x0000_i1025" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCH25qLp0v0/TimCleXmZ-I/AAAAAAAAAQM/LSjhXEg4qvI/s200/4+His+Temple-Original.png" t$="true" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCH25qLp0v0/TimCleXmZ-I/AAAAAAAAAQM/LSjhXEg4qvI/s1600/4+His+Temple-Original.png"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span></a></span>We have just 2.5 days left before we begin the 30 Day Challenge. If you have not decided to join us yet it is still <em>not to late</em> to set your heart and mind right to do something that could change your life. That's not hyperbole folks. This challenge could be the beginning of how you think, eat, and live for the rest of your life. <em>Can We Talk?! </em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This challenge is not about weight loss. Weight loss is a byproduct of the process of living a healthy life that honors and glorifies God, caring for the temple that He gave us. During this 30 days we want you to deal with and get in touch with what's <strong><span style="color: #f1c232;">eating you</span></strong> so you can address what, why, and how much you are eating. We want you to learn to love exercise! This is going to be a spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional journey. <strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">Are you ready? </span></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As I told you last week, you won't be alone. I've already heard from 13 people who are ready, willing, and able to face this challenge head on. Some have already started! 11 women and 2 men have said...enough is enough! I want my life, health, and strength back. I want to be more available to God, my family, and my community. The enemy has been winning this war long enough! </div><br />
We are going into this challenge with God at the center of every food and exercise choice we make. I will be praying for you daily. I'm asking you to also pray for the 4 His Temple community of believers who are taking the challenge. Pray before you eat and exercise and any time you feel powerless to go on. You cannot do this without God. Give us 30 days to plant and water seeds that will motivate, inspire, and change your mind about living a healthy life that pleases God. Many unbelievers are getting healthy and changing their lives, surely the people of God have the POWER through Him to do the same.<br />
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We haven't named one specific diet or exercise program that we want everyone to do for this 30 days because we are all different and respond differently to changes in our eating habits and workout routines. Remember this is a move to a lifestyle change, so we don't recommend fad diets. You have to do something that will work for you, that you will continue doing for 30 days, <strong>AND</strong> that will motivate you to keep moving forward once the challenge is over. <br />
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I do want to share with you what some of the 13 say they are going to do for 30 days to get you thinking and get you started. There are many "how to" or ways to get started. What we want to do is help you have the desire to or the "want to" to change your life. I am available to help you map out something that works for you based on where you are right now. <strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">Set!</span></strong><br />
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Here is what the community is doing.<br />
<ul><li>P90X</li>
<li>Insanity</li>
<li>Ripped in 30</li>
</ul><em>(You cannot go from couch potato to the 3 above) I use the term affectionately, because I was one.</em><br />
<ul><li>No meat for 30 days </li>
</ul><em>(Please remember you still need to get in enough protein from other sources if you don't eat meat)</em><br />
<ul><li>2 a days </li>
</ul><em>(2 workouts per day for 30 days, make sure you take a break to give your body time to rest and rebuild)</em><br />
<ul><li>Adding new fruits and veggies to the diet</li>
<li>Adding more exercise days to current routine</li>
<li>Tracking calories in a journal</li>
<li>Schedule workouts on a calendar with a reminder</li>
</ul>We will also have guest bloggers who are taking the challenge who will be sending out encouragement, inspiration, and information to keep you on track. We'll blog often but not everyday. We want you to have to time to meditate on, digest, and incorporate what you read. If you are interested in being a guest blogger to share your experiences, your decision to join the 30 day challenge, provide tips and tricks to stay motivated, share recipes, successes or even miss steps, please email me <a href="mailto:DearAqua4HisTemple@gmail.com"><span style="color: #bf9000;">DearAqua4HisTemple@gmail.com</span></a><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XSxr_Z6QsP8/TjMHtyQl_pI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/uiZfujSfK-g/s1600/changeyourlife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XSxr_Z6QsP8/TjMHtyQl_pI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/uiZfujSfK-g/s1600/changeyourlife.jpg" t$="true" /></a>The one thing that I am asking that we all do is to be mindful of the diet and health killers and refrain from them for at least 30 days. NO SMOKING, NO ALCOHOL, NO FAST FOOD, NO SWEETS, NO SODA. You might be surprised that you don't go back to them once the challenge is over. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you would like to join and wish to be added to the daily prayer list, please send me your name and specific requests. Invite a friend to join you so that you can have an accountability partner. <strong><span style="color: #7f6000;">Go!</span></strong></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <em><strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name!</span></strong></em></div><div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4</div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-11930669885108082872011-07-22T09:15:00.001-05:002011-07-23T07:55:57.298-05:004 His Temple 30 Day Challenge<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCH25qLp0v0/TimCleXmZ-I/AAAAAAAAAQM/LSjhXEg4qvI/s1600/4+His+Temple-Original.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCH25qLp0v0/TimCleXmZ-I/AAAAAAAAAQM/LSjhXEg4qvI/s200/4+His+Temple-Original.png" t$="true" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Are you in diet and exercise rut? Have you failed to get off the couch and get started although you have a desire to do so? Is your regular routine failing to give you the results you once realized? <em>Can We Talk?! </em></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On this journey our bodies will reach <a href="http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/stuck-on-a-plateau"><span style="color: #f1c232;">plateaus</span></a><span style="color: #f1c232;">.</span> During this time the body is saying "you are going to the gym three days a week, you are eating 1800 calories a day, OK, I can adjust to that". Ever heard your body say that? Ha..probably not. But trust me your body has figured out and adjusted to your current strategy and no longer responds to that regime. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Often times we need to change up our regular routine because our bodies have gotten accustomed to the demands of that routine. We also may not be as diligent as we were when we first started losing weight and see results. We need to kick start our new routine by increasing intensity and refocusing our diet. <br />
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I have been at the same weight for more than six months, in fact I gained eight pounds. I know what you are thinking eight pounds that is no big deal. But if you are trying lose weight or maintain what you have already accomplished AND you are putting in the work, it is something that you should keep an eye on. Eight pounds can quickly lead to 10 to 15 to 20. You see where I am going here.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_gWpT7gt0f0/TimAcS3AAVI/AAAAAAAAAQI/0XrqwJnlbDY/s1600/30daychallenge.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_gWpT7gt0f0/TimAcS3AAVI/AAAAAAAAAQI/0XrqwJnlbDY/s1600/30daychallenge.bmp" t$="true" /></a>So why am I telling you all this? Ha, I'm glad you asked. On August 1 we will start our first 4 His Temple 30 Day Challenge. For this 30 days we are asking you to recommit yourself (or commit yourself) to spicing up your workout and diet to get the results you desire. In some cases, get the results the doctor ordered. I've heard some of you say "my doctor told me to lose 10 to 50 pounds". You won't lose 50 pounds in 30 days, but what you will do is refocus yourself and make your choices (food and exercise) work for you. This 30 days can help you establish or reestablish a lifestyle of healthy living. <strong>Are you in?</strong></div></div><br />
So here is the plan for 30 days. Add some exercise to your current level of activity. I heard the other day that working out twice a day turns your body into a fat burning machine. You like that! Boosts your metabolism. Just 20 minutes twice daily for 30 days. You can do that. Yes, you can. Stop thinking of excuses and obstacles. You won't be doing this alone.<br />
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Depending on your current fitness level, one good program is <a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=jillian+michaels+30+day+shred&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=&rlz=1I7ADSA_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=13957019723249466887&sa=X&ei=8X0pTv_tPIaFtgeC09DXAg&ved=0CDwQ8wIwAQ#"><span style="color: #bf9000;">Jill Micheal's 30 Day Shred.</span></a> I am going to try <a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=jillian+michaels+ripped+in+30&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=&rlz=1I7ADSA_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=7195094724268819343&sa=X&ei=Jn4pTvGfGcHAtgfMkanXAg&ved=0CDYQ8wIwAQ#"><span style="color: #bf9000;">Jill Micheal's Ripped in 30.</span></a> <strong>Taking off Sunday each week.</strong> One person in our community and her husband are going to start P90X. What are you going to do? Let us know so that we can share.<br />
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OK, you can't leave out your diet in this plan. Really commit to eating the amount of calories and portions that are right for you. Also for your diet...NO SMOKING, NO ALCOHOL, NO FAST FOOD, NO SWEETS, NO SODA and increase your H2O intake. C'mon it's just 30 days! <em>You mean you can't bring your flesh under submission for 30 days? Seriously?! You won't be alone. We will be there and God is our present help. </em><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you are joining the challenge, please send me your name and prayer requests. If you need help deciding what to do for 30 days I will be more than happy to chat with you one on one. Just email me at <a href="mailto:DearAqua4HisTemple@gmail.com">DearAqua4HisTemple@gmail.com</a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So join the challenge, dare I ask the question? What have you got to lose? Think about it!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #bf9000;">Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name!</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4</div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-77269645218880604162011-07-07T09:50:00.001-05:002011-07-07T20:30:40.747-05:00How Low Can You Go?Hello Temple Lovers <br />
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I pray that you are maintaining your new healthy lifestyles and that you are sharing your results with others; encouraging them to join you on this journey. We have started a movement of healthy living among the people of God that inspires us all to <strong>LIVE</strong> better, <strong>DO</strong> better, and <strong>BE</strong> better for His glory.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--L7-OxMZ8T0/ThVHmdxzmjI/AAAAAAAAAQA/Fak8rufpeu8/s1600/imagesCAP2XVDA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" m$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--L7-OxMZ8T0/ThVHmdxzmjI/AAAAAAAAAQA/Fak8rufpeu8/s200/imagesCAP2XVDA.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Today we have a question from twitter. If you have a twitter account <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/Favored1Aqua"><span style="color: #bf9000;">follow me there</span></a> as I tweet about everything temple related. We provide encouragement and support and we also share tips and tricks to help you stay motivated and committed to your lifestyle. If you look to the right of this post you can see the twitter feed to see what kinds of information we post. If you have a twitter account, you can search the hashtag #4HisTemple.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you are having trouble with your workout don't give up. You can always modify the exercise or do some alternate exercise. You may have to seek medical advice during the workout regime if you are having pain or problems that trouble you. If you have <a href="http://aqua-canwetalk.blogspot.com/2011/03/exercise-and-injurywhat-can-i-do.html"><span style="color: #bf9000;">preexisting injury</span></a> or you haven't worked out in a while you may want to see a physician before beginning your workout.</div><br />
<em>Dear Aqua</em><br />
<br />
I am doing <a href="http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=jillian+michaels+30+day+shred&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&rlz=1I7ADBR_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=13957019723249466887&sa=X&ei=6h0VTuWZIZCugQe13-AS&ved=0CCwQ8wIwAQ#"><span style="color: #bf9000;">Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred.</span></a> I am on Level 2 and the exercises are high impact on the knees. I am doing squat thrusts, plank jacks, rock star jumps, and lunges...Sheesh! My knee is starting to hurt from the workouts. No idea what I'm doing wrong. Suggestions?<br />
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<em>Dear K</em> <br />
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Let me ask a few questions and respond at the same time. I completed the 30 Day Shred three times when I first started working out and I highly recommend it to jump start a regular work-out regime or it is great to help you get back on track if you fall off your regime. I also had problems with my knees during Level 2 because of some old injuries from playing volleyball in high school. Even now, some days I have to do alternate exercises instead of the high knee impact exercises such as lunges. Other days I can do these exercises with just a little modification. <br />
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1) Do you have any history of knee pain? Previous knee injury can be a sign that you will have problems when you start working those knees on a regular basis during exercise. <br />
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2) Are you stretching and warming up before your workouts? Stretching is crucial before we exercise. A good warm-up helps increase performance, minimize injuries, facilitate recovery, and decrease pain. A good warm-up can be 5-15 minutes depending on the exercises you are planning.<br />
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3) Have you tried modifying the workout? Try modifying the workouts by decreasing the impact on the knees. Don't jump as high, don't go as low, and make sure that your landings are soft. Don't slam down at the knee. If you cannot tolerate the pain and the pain does not ease with warm-up and modification go on to Level 3. Don't force it. There is less impact on the knees in Level 3. The downside is that Level 3 is tough and you will have to do it for more than 10 days.<br />
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4) Are you drinking enough water? Increase your fluid intake. Drink more water before, during, and after your exercise. Water intake is important for many reasons and there are many health benefits from keeping your body well hydrated. The joints and cartilage in the knees require good lubrication to decrease friction and ensuing pain.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DrMGtllNS78/ThXCAQH2tgI/AAAAAAAAAQE/623oOKOjhD8/s1600/untitled.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DrMGtllNS78/ThXCAQH2tgI/AAAAAAAAAQE/623oOKOjhD8/s200/untitled.bmp" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">5) How is your posture and form? Make sure that you have correct posture and form when doing these exercises. For example, when you lunge you want to see your toes in the front as you bend your knee. If your front knee extends over your toes, your form is incorrect and you can cause damage to your knees.<br />
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6) Is there swelling? Have you taken anything for the pain? Finally, as a last resort you might need to use heat or ice (if swelling is present) and a pain reliever.</div><br />
Certainly you could have more serious knee pain, but based on our communication I don't think that is the case. Should you believe that your pain is more serious please see a doctor. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name!</span></strong></em></div><div style="clear: both; font-size: xx-small; text-align: center;">Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.2</div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-91837210640275834822011-06-30T11:27:00.006-05:002011-07-02T20:05:53.320-05:00Urgent Opportunites to Serve <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h8NwyHMFiKc/TgyfYOpiXTI/AAAAAAAAAP0/t03IQycoKv0/s1600/6027097_950bb5e837_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h8NwyHMFiKc/TgyfYOpiXTI/AAAAAAAAAP0/t03IQycoKv0/s200/6027097_950bb5e837_m.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Our ministry mission is encouraging, supporting, and advocating for healthy living to the glory and honor of God. We believe that through these lives surrendered to God we will allow Him to use us in a greater way to build up His Kingdom. One of the ways we pray that you will do this is through serving the community. <em>Can We Talk?!</em><br />
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As our lives and health improves we pray that you will see a need and seek God's guidance on how to meet that need. Sometimes God directs us to pray for the need. Other times He directs us to get involved. 4 His Temple Ministries is hoping that you will join us in meeting two urgent needs if you live in the Houston area. <br />
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First, <a href="https://breadoflifeinc.org/">The Bread of Life</a> contacted Kristen Tucker, Outreach Coordinator for <a href="http://hope%20church%20pearland/">Hope Church Pearland</a> and asked for some help. Most of you know that Hope Church partners regularly with the Bread of Life to meet the needs of the homeless in our community. Please see Kristen's note below and contact her directly to help.<br />
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<strong><u>Note from Kristen</u></strong><br />
I was contacted by the Bread of Life today and they are in need of <strong>help for breakfast this Saturday, July 2, 2011 from 7:30-8:30 am.</strong> Please forward this to all and if you could respond by the end of Thursday to ktuck7@aol.com or 713-689-0593 that would be excellent. I hope that we can help them out this weekend.<br />
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Then, the <a href="http://www.sohmission.org/NetCommunity//">Star of Hope</a> has urgent needs for toilet paper and diapers (sizes 4, 5, 6, 2T-6T). 4 His Temple Ministries will have ongoing drives for the Star of Hope in the future, but we want to meet this urgent need ASAP. Please contact <a href="mailto:DearAqua4HisTemple@gmail.com"><span style="color: #bf9000;">me</span></a> to make arrangements to pick-up of your donation.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B27clO1N21k/TgzXpGI3R1I/AAAAAAAAAP4/otK6Lrr0EC8/s1600/imagesCAQ4YRZM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B27clO1N21k/TgzXpGI3R1I/AAAAAAAAAP4/otK6Lrr0EC8/s200/imagesCAQ4YRZM.jpg" width="200" /></a>Our brothers and sisters who are without homes would love an opportunity to live healthier lives, but for now some are without even the basics necessities. They need to know the love of Christ and that someone like you cares. Please take just a minute to pray and help.<br />
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For those of you who do not live in the Houston area, we challenge you to find some community work in your area for the month of July. Please share with us what you have done to make a difference.</div><br />
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">If <strong>WE BELIEVE</strong> that ours are the HANDS of God we will EXTEND THEM, if ours are the FEET of God we will GO, and if ours is the Heart of God we will LOVE. Bless you!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #7f6000;"><strong>Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name!</strong></span></em></div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-11513137347791326042011-06-27T16:16:00.000-05:002011-06-27T18:03:23.677-05:00Food for Thought for the World Traveler<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MvR-g-uIxBM/Tgjo7gsZE5I/AAAAAAAAAPw/J8OoIJ7Ke44/s1600/45C09E6D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MvR-g-uIxBM/Tgjo7gsZE5I/AAAAAAAAAPw/J8OoIJ7Ke44/s200/45C09E6D.jpg" width="200px" /></a>Summer is the time for vacation and travel. Did you know that you can stay on track with your new lifestyle of healthy eating and exercise with some simple planning and thought? <em>Can We Talk?!</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br />
Today we have question generated from our last post <a href="http://aqua-canwetalk.blogspot.com/2011/06/stay-on-path.html"><span style="color: #bf9000;">Stay on the Path</span></a><span style="color: #bf9000;">.</span> This question was related to food, but staying on the path applies to all the paths in our lives that God has set before us. Got questions? <a href="mailto:DearAqua4HisTemple@gmail.com"><span style="color: #b45f06;">I would love to answer them!</span></a> Enjoy!<em></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>Dear Aqua </em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I stayed off course when I was on vacation. This has always been a struggle for me, since I have been traveling a lot. I got tempted to try all these pastries/ foods and I kept thinking to myself that this is only "temporary". When I got back from vacation recently, I still have that left over feeling that I still carried on, until I had a reality check from my friend. Now I am getting it together again, trying to stay on course. Any advise on how to stay on track while on vacation, especially out of the country? L<br />
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<em>Dear L</em><br />
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I don't think traveling abroad makes it more difficult to stay on the path, <strong>UNLESS </strong>we have not yet learned to discipline ourselves fully before leaving home. <em>Ouch, I know!</em> We have to learn how to incorporate our healthy living into all the activities of our lives, including traveling, eating out at restaurants, and holidays.<br />
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Remember this is a lifestyle change, so our healthy living fits into our life. We shouldn't pick it up and put it down when it is convenient for us. Although, when we are first starting out that is exactly what we do. Eventually, this new life should become part of who we are as a person. For example, a vegetarian won't eat meat just because they traveled to a country that has the best Kobe beef. <br />
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When most people travel of course they want to have the full experience of being on vacation, which often includes tasting the local food. The key is tasting and not indulging in such a way that it creates the slippery slope that you described. What I mean is that you are on holiday for three weeks and for that time, you eat whatever you want whenever you want and how much of it you want. That's never a good situation. That's not good when you are at home or on vacation. Most often when you return home you find it difficult to find your center again and get back on track. The calories and the pounds add up very quickly.</div><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br />
The advice I would give to travelers is:<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">1) As much as possible stick to your regular eating habits. Plan, plan, and plan some more.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rv2iooLL8dY/TgjnxOEOqiI/AAAAAAAAAPs/EusZ2GCgYEA/s1600/i_love_traveling_dog_shirt-p15512838728789584522l08_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rv2iooLL8dY/TgjnxOEOqiI/AAAAAAAAAPs/EusZ2GCgYEA/s200/i_love_traveling_dog_shirt-p15512838728789584522l08_400.jpg" width="200px" /></a>2) Have bites and tastes of the foods you want to try. Remember you don't have to eat it ALL. EVER.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">3) Portion control is key. Have a little, don't overindulge.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">4) Don't make the whole trip about food. Find other ways to create memories.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">5) When you plan your trip also plan how/where you are going to get in your exercise.</div>6) Avoid trigger foods. Foods that once you eat them they trigger you to overindulge and keep eating once the vacation is over. Sweets, carbs, and fast foods are trigger foods for some people.<br />
7) Above all else...<strong><em>Have a great time!</em></strong> Your lifestyle of healthy eating and exercise should be something that you enjoy and it should not put a damper on your vacation or the vacation of others. No one wants to hear us complain about what we cannot eat for the duration of a vacation. Keep it simple. <br />
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To stay on the path of healthy eating and exercise we are going to have to have to learn to love the food we eat and learn to love exercising. Yes, I said it! Learn to love exercise! If we don't we won't be able to maintain the lifestyle change. If the change is always a burden it simply won't last. <br />
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I would also add this note for diabetics. There are certain foods you must avoid at all times and other times you can make substitutions. If you are following a diabetic diet you know this already. You should stick very strictly to the foods that help you maintain good consistent blood sugars levels, which we will give you the best opportunity for healthy outcomes.<br />
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I hope this helps for your next vacation. Bon voyage!<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Congratulations again to Al Austin! She was the 1000th guest to the blog last month and won a $25.00 Shell gas card.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vnCgfRvYoUs/TgNHWfN0PjI/AAAAAAAAAPk/FG2EtI9re1Q/s1600/IMG_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133px" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vnCgfRvYoUs/TgNHWfN0PjI/AAAAAAAAAPk/FG2EtI9re1Q/s200/IMG_0131.JPG" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="200px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #b45f06;">Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name!</span></em></strong></div><div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.2</div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-79981783181743552602011-06-22T13:53:00.000-05:002011-06-23T07:50:13.049-05:00Stay on the Path<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7MiBSPdWRzs/TgI3cg5xuKI/AAAAAAAAAPY/G7yfD_TiAs8/s1600/imagesCATNL05Y.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7MiBSPdWRzs/TgI3cg5xuKI/AAAAAAAAAPY/G7yfD_TiAs8/s1600/imagesCATNL05Y.jpg" /></a></div>Nearly everyday on my evening cardio walks in my neighborhood I encounter this cute older couple. We smile, wave, and I mouth hello because I am wearing headphones, I'm not sure what their saying to me. One day as we meet, I am prepared for the regular routine...a smile, a wave, and a semi- silent hello. But something is different this time. This time they are trying to get my attention. This time they are trying to stop me.<br />
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I pull my earpiece out of my ear and they frantically in unison ask me.."which way are you going?" As I stand there with a puzzled look on my face they say in unison again "stay on the path", as if they had discussed and planned what they would say to the next passerby. Now I can imagine them warning everyone they encountered in this way. The man says "we just saw two copperheads but you will be alright if you stay on the path". Snakes on the walking trail, huh? I must admit that I was a little frightened to continue my walk, but I believed that the couple wouldn't steer me wrong and I would be alright if I listened and stayed on the path. I <strong>SURE</strong> hope you already know where I'm going with this! <em>Can We Talk?! </em><br />
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When we stay on the path God set before us EVERYTHING is going to work out for our good. Everything won't be roses and sunshine, I would be leading you astray if I told you that you won't have trouble on the path. What I will tell you is this: When trouble comes God is our ever present help (Psalm 46:1). He promises never to leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). What is on the path is much more satisfying than going off road. You will be tempted to leave the path, don't!! Protection and provision are on the path. Wisdom and instruction are on the path.<br />
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After Jesus' death and resurrection He instructed the disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they received the gift of the Holy Spirit. The disciples decided to stray from that path. They went fishing in Galilee. When Jesus called some of the disciples, they were indeed fishermen. The disciples decided to go back to what they were comfortable doing prior to meeting Jesus, back to the familiar. Remember Jesus tells these disciples that He would make them fishers of men, not fisherman. Fishing was a skill they already possessed.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HsHr_GA-Hgs/TgI4vaGViWI/AAAAAAAAAPc/lSDwairF848/s1600/Please%252520Stay%252520on%252520the%252520Path.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HsHr_GA-Hgs/TgI4vaGViWI/AAAAAAAAAPc/lSDwairF848/s200/Please%252520Stay%252520on%252520the%252520Path.jpg" width="200" /></a>God is trying to do a new thing in us, but we have to decide to stay on the path set before us to receive the new. What path has God set before you? Finishing a degree, getting your health back through diet and exercise, starting a ministry or a business, living a righteous life, or living a single celibate pure life that honors Him. Stay on the path. It won't always be easy, it won't always feel good or right. Obedience to God has a way of causing the flesh to rise up in revolt. But Jesus is present on the path to lead, guide, protect, dry tears, and comfort hearts. He will strengthen and empower you in times of darkness, silence, and uncertainty.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>As we continue this faith walk to healthy living we have to stay on the path. Many of us did not grow up with fruits and vegetables as our main source of nutrition. We didn't learn calorie tracking and portion control. And regular exercise, forget about it! On this journey there will be times you want to quit, going back to the familiar. You will want to eat something that intellectually you know is not good for you. You'll want to smoke one last cigarette, drink another soda, or ditch that exercise class. Stay on the path. There are many more pitfalls off road than on the path.<br />
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The disciples got off course but once they encountered Jesus they quickly got back on track. They knew that returning to their old lifestyles was not the newness that Jesus had called them to as followers. Fishing may have helped them make a living and filled their bellies, but fishing was not going to further the Kingdom of God and this was their assignment.<br />
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After walking several hundred yards past my neighbors I completely forget about the snakes that were off the path. I was on the path focused on what was available to me there and I knew I was safe. Are you off course? What do you need to get back on the path God has set before you? How can your path and your testimony be used to advance the Kingdom?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #bf9000;">Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name!</span></em></strong></div><div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.2</div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-49761958648667646832011-06-14T12:44:00.000-05:002011-06-28T00:07:37.568-05:00Standing Under the Weight of Waiting<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0bq6MFud5LQ/TfePSVD8-8I/AAAAAAAAAPQ/uJMM1BPKxnw/s1600/Big+Red+Chair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0bq6MFud5LQ/TfePSVD8-8I/AAAAAAAAAPQ/uJMM1BPKxnw/s200/Big+Red+Chair.JPG" t8="true" width="198" /></a></div>Are you in a season of waiting? Or as I know it now to be a season of preparation and transformation. Ever asked yourself or more to the point asked God what is this waiting all about? <em>Can We Talk?! </em><br />
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When God has us in a season of waiting don't let Satan fool you. Something is happening. God is faithful to complete the work He began in us. Besides the work God is doing to work out the situation for our good, God is also busy at work...working in and on us. <a href="http://aqua-canwetalk.blogspot.com/2009/09/from-palace-to-pit.html"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Remember the story of Joseph.</span></a> <br />
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Often, manifestation of the promise is secondary to the work God needs to do in us. Secondary to our spiritual maturity and growth. If God gave us gifts and blessings that we were not spiritually ready to receive we would most likely squander them. Take heart, there is good news in the waiting.<br />
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Some promises that we are waiting on the Lord to fulfill will not manifest until we prepare and transform. If we are fighting the preparation and the transformation process, we are prolonging our waiting season and delaying our blessings. As we wait, God will change us and our perspective about the situation. He may even shift our priorities and our needs. Have you ever waited on hold on a telephone call for so long that you forgot who you called? God can also do that in your season of waiting. He can, if we surrender our will to His make the experience of waiting so peaceful that we forget about the waiting and the waiting becomes secondary to the time we spend with Him growing and changing. We might even find that what we so desperately <strong>WANTED</strong> God to do we no longer <strong>NEED</strong> God to do. Can I get an "Amen" for unanswered prayers?<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9mdn-Wto_o/Tfea-9dJlBI/AAAAAAAAAPU/EHsl8d7ZvSg/s1600/psalm_46_10_fancy-writing1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9mdn-Wto_o/Tfea-9dJlBI/AAAAAAAAAPU/EHsl8d7ZvSg/s200/psalm_46_10_fancy-writing1.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a>Don't be discouraged, but you have to hear this...sometimes we may have to wait on the Lord' s promises to manifest for a long long time. I have been in a season of preparation for 5 years now. I have to admit that the first couple of years were tense and anxious times. I did not want to wait. I wanted God to fulfill the promise He spoke to me. I focused on the waiting which made the waiting miserable. God is productive in our waiting process and we should be productive as well. This revelation makes new seasons of waiting more bearable and more constructive. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">What are you DOING while you wait? Just think...God may be preparing that husband or wife, moving obstacles out of your way, raising up ministry partners, creating that job or preparing the hearts and minds of those you might be called to minister to or lead. Are you ready to receive any of these? There is good news in the waiting folks!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Now I wait in still attentiveness for the Lord's will for my life. I know that He knows what is best for me and He has my best interest in His heart. Yours too is in His heart beloved! As I wait God is developing my patience, humility, and my character. He is deepening my dependence on Him. I really don't think about the waiting like I used to unless someone talks about their own waiting, which is what inspired this blog. Otherwise, I am content in my season, knowing full well that God can and will come through. When He is ready and when I am ready. In the meantime, I am busy doing what He called me to do and preparing to receive the promise.<br />
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So we wait in<em> still attentiveness</em> for the Lord to fulfill His promise to us and in us. <a href="http://youtu.be/ndaAjkJU2DY"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Be. Still. Know.</span></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #bf9000;">Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name! </span></em></strong></div><div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.2</div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-74835493789239449552011-06-06T13:41:00.000-05:002011-06-06T13:41:10.783-05:00Guess Whose Been Cooking?I wanted to share with you an email from a community member. I hope this post encourages you and motivates you to keep living well in His name. Her email is a prime example of how we have to change our minds before we change our lives.<em> Can We Talk?!</em> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dy_YFGeDlX8/Te0bNd5xnHI/AAAAAAAAAN4/BdC8qE21IjM/s1600/cooking.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dy_YFGeDlX8/Te0bNd5xnHI/AAAAAAAAAN4/BdC8qE21IjM/s200/cooking.bmp" t8="true" width="199px" /></a></div>A life of healthy eating and exercise requires a lifestyle change and discipline. Plain and simple. She was someone who did not like cooking. Now she is cooking, <em>tracking</em> calories, and exercising. <a href="http://aqua-canwetalk.blogspot.com/2011/03/im-full-now-what.html"><span style="color: #bf9000;">Planning ahead</span></a> is another key to consistency in healthy living. She is also including her children in her workout program. Having a workout partner helps you stay on track, motivated, and provides support and accountability.<br />
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If you have encouragement, recipes or testimony for others in our community please <a href="mailto:DearAqua4HisTemple@gmail.com"><span style="color: #bf9000;">email me.</span></a> I would love to hear about your progress. Having trouble staying focused, we want to help. Got questions? <a href="mailto:DearAqua4HisTemple@gmailc.om"><span style="color: #bf9000;">Email us</span></a> Enjoy and be encouraged! <br />
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<em>Dear Aqua </em><br />
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Guess who's been cooking (trying anyway)??? Cooked my lunch for tomorrow...Sweet chili shrimp w/ brown rice plus a banana for my desert...435 calories<br />
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For breakfast...my rendition of Starbucks protein plate...1 hard boiled egg, 1/4 of a granny smith apple w/ 1 tbsp of Jif omega-3 peanut butter, and 1/2 of a fiber one oats and strawberry with almonds bar...255 calories<br />
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Planned my dinner also...Marinated grilled salmon fillet and baked sweet potato slices with 1 tbsp of smart balance olive oil spread and a dash of cinnamon...380 calories<br />
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I have planned a healthy mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack totaling....174 calories.....For a total of 1244 calories. After my workout I will earn 293 calories...A protein muscle recovery shake and the other half of my fiber one bar will be 290 calories. If I stick to this workout plan and eating plan I will lose 5.8 lbs in 5 weeks.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uwfIHX9FMcU/Te0cMxDWqkI/AAAAAAAAAN8/-pKxFKnDR5o/s1600/cooking2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uwfIHX9FMcU/Te0cMxDWqkI/AAAAAAAAAN8/-pKxFKnDR5o/s1600/cooking2.jpg" t8="true" /></a>Thanks for telling me about the <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/"><span style="color: #b45f06;">myfitnesspal</span></a>...it's the greatest. Got my son working out with me. <em>We pray before each workout.</em> He's trying to get in better shape before summer...he pushes me on the days I don't feel like it & I push him on the days he don't feel like it....and on the days that neither one of us feel like it...the Holy Spirit is pushing us...pray for us. And post more recipes...I kinda like cooking...</div><br />
Luv ya...and keep on being a blessing! J <br />
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<em>Dear J</em> <br />
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This brings me great joy! Great joy! I am praying for you and your family. Love, love the calorie tracking. It is major to stay on target. And look at you and your baby....see what an impact <strong>YOU</strong> have on others! What a great legacy!! <br />
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I know this is just a snapshot, but looks like you need to add some plants to your diet. Remember your fruits and veggies! Make it easy on yourself and prepare lunch for the whole week. When I am really on my game, I cook 2 meals on Saturday or Sunday to last me for lunch and dinner for the week. Get those small containers and store it in fridge in servings that are ready to take, heat, and eat. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #bf9000;">Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name! </span></em></strong></div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-7488968833812705602011-06-02T10:09:00.001-05:002011-06-03T22:08:21.323-05:00A Gift!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">None of us should live our lives to receive accolades from people. If we do, that in fact may be our only reward. People can give you great praise one minute, but that praise may not amount to much of anything later. Jesus received <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+21&version=MSG"><span style="color: yellow;">a royal welcome</span></a> when he entered Jerusalem, the people were hailing "Hosanna in the highest, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" and five days later those same people were shouting "Crucify him". </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FXEpaDLgfoA/TeehF10vraI/AAAAAAAAAN0/n2KhoRn7nlM/s1600/gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FXEpaDLgfoA/TeehF10vraI/AAAAAAAAAN0/n2KhoRn7nlM/s200/gift.jpg" t8="true" width="200" /></a>As believers our goal is to live and die for Jesus on this of eternity and our reward is heaven on the other side. Occasionally, we receive the gift of knowing that we have touched the lives of others. We've made a difference, instead of making a mess. Sometimes after a loved one goes on to be with the Lord the family receives that gift. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>In the wake of my brother's home going, I want to share with you something that a friend/customer of his took the time to write and send to the Galveston Daily News. He didn't write it because Nelson died, he wrote it because Nelson lived. What a gift. <br />
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<em>Letters for May 26, 2011</em><br />
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Gentleman Cab Driver Will Be Missed<br />
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On May 16, I called for Yellow Cab to take me several places as my car was in the shop. Upon returning home, I realized that I needed a bag of ice. I called Yellow Cab and asked if my old friend “Nelson” was anywhere on the East End, and if so, could he pick me up a bag of ice and deliver it to the Galveston Yacht Basin? He did so. We talked for quite a while, as I had known him for years.<br />
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That Monday was his 58th birthday. Grateful, I gave him a gracious tip. The next day, I called for his services again. I was informed that he had died from a heart attack. He was buried May 24 in early morning services at Shiloh A.M.E. Methodist on 29th Street.<br />
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What I share here is not an obituary. It is due tribute and recognition. Nelson Holloway was in fact a friend to every hotelier, restaurateur and bar owner on this island, as he could be counted on to deliver your patrons, customers and guests home or to their hotel room alive, with their purses, wallets, keys and dignity.<br />
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During the years, I have in one way or another placed many fares in his care. Once, he even made certain I was home safe and secure, delivered to my boat after a long night out.<br />
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We might all take it for granted, but in a tourist town, not unlike New York City, cab drivers are an important part of the overall experience and essential. Nelson Holloway was exemplary in his performance.<br />
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They may not yet realize it, but every hotel, restaurant and bar on Galveston Island will come to miss him, as I do already.<br />
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Michael A. Basham <br />
Galveston<br />
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Are we living a life that glorifies God as well as a life that leaves an imprint on the hearts of the people we encounter? The <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5:16&version=KJ21"><span style="color: yellow;">Word </span></a>says...Let your light so shine before men that they might see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Let's live a life that pleases God <strong>AND</strong> a life that leaves people better than they were before they encountered us. The Jesus in us may be the only Jesus some people ever get to see. Jesus commands us to love one another. If someone were to write a letter to your local newspaper about you, what would it say? <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><em><strong>Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name!</strong></em></span></div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-22224384462332451622011-05-29T21:52:00.005-05:002011-06-03T22:12:31.360-05:00When Darkness Falls God is Still Good and Still God<div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This past week my brother-in-law of more than 30 years, Nelson was laid to rest after suffering a heart attack. He was on the road to a lifestyle change of healthy eating and exercise, but he was not able to undo years of unhealthy living. This <a href="http://aqua-canwetalk.blogspot.com/2011/03/passion-project-4-his-temple.html"><span style="color: yellow;">passion project</span></a> is even more dedicated to helping and supporting believers in their journey of eating and living well to the glory and honor of God. We are desperate and committed to continuing the work of this ministry and to gain ground on the epidemic of obesity and it's health complications. </div><div align="left"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OuLIdMcmpqM/TeHWirJOlII/AAAAAAAAANw/5nqsvx3xwdE/s1600/imagesCAB3F8H8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OuLIdMcmpqM/TeHWirJOlII/AAAAAAAAANw/5nqsvx3xwdE/s200/imagesCAB3F8H8.jpg" t8="true" width="168" /></a></div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As a family of believers, we found comfort in knowing that my brother was a believer. Darkness can never overcome the light. We understand that <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2015&version=NCV"><span style="color: yellow;">death can have no victory</span></a> in the lives of believers. Some of you may also be mourning the loss of a loved one. I wanted to share with you something that I wrote for my brother's funeral service. I hope that you find comfort in knowing that death is not final and mourning is a natural process. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">God doesn't waste anything. He is able to use everything that we go through to bless us and to bless others through our testimony. We will not allow Nelson's death to be in vain. I pray that it causes some of you to commit to a healthy lifestyle with your whole hearts and I hope that it will jolt some of you into getting started today. Your response and commitment are necessary and the need is urgent. We really cannot afford to wait. Please make a change today, putting this change at the top of your priorities. We can do this with God's guidance, power, and grace.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Thank you and bless you for reading, commenting, and sharing. </div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><strong>This Time</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Visiting death again. Storm raging. Sorrow palpable.<br />
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The world's truth we must all pass from This life to This death.<br />
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The Kingdom's truth we will live forever in eternity with Him. <strong>Comfort.</strong><br />
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This time we rest with an unrelenting and unwavering assurance that God is in control. <strong>Sovereignty.</strong><br />
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This time death and hell can have no victory. <strong>Faith.</strong><br />
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This time the man. Son. Father. Husband. Brother. Uncle. Nephew. Cousin. Friend<br />
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Knows the One who conquered death, hell, and grave. <strong>Victory.</strong><br />
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Griped with grief. Screams into deafening silence. Barely breathing, our tears fall and our hearts break. <br />
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This time our souls cry out to a loving merciful God. <strong>Dependence.</strong> He is present. He is listening. <br />
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This time in This pain we know victory. <strong>Assurance.</strong><br />
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Victory and peace pursued, captured, and apprehended because Jesus is present This time. <strong>Love.</strong><br />
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Grace keeps us. Faith sustains us. Love lifts us. Heaven is near. Heaven is felt This time.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">This blog is dedicated to my brother, Nelson "Tank" Holloway (1953-2011)</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rTbq42nLz0A/TeG9q4L4fCI/AAAAAAAAANs/y3KU-p2QuW8/s1600/Nelson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rTbq42nLz0A/TeG9q4L4fCI/AAAAAAAAANs/y3KU-p2QuW8/s1600/Nelson.jpg" t8="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #bf9000;">Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name!</span></em></strong> </div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-67744794711073644142011-05-07T13:53:00.001-05:002011-06-03T22:14:58.935-05:00Mother Daughter RelationshipsGod day Conquerors <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AYINo-4fFOA/TcWMzcEtpDI/AAAAAAAAANg/GRc4-ImUop0/s1600/Happy_Mothers_Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AYINo-4fFOA/TcWMzcEtpDI/AAAAAAAAANg/GRc4-ImUop0/s200/Happy_Mothers_Day.jpg" width="200" /></a>It's Mother's Day weekend and many of us will be celebrating and honoring our mothers and those who mothered us with heartfelt prayers, cards, flowers, candy, and well wishes. Some of us won't be partaking in these celebrations because possibly our mother or mother figures have gone on to be with the Lord or we have strained and estranged relationships with our mothers. For those of you in both of these situations I pray God's love and comfort on you. God can comfort your heart and give you peace as you deal with your lose and separation. Aside from this, mother-daughter relationships can be quite complex. <em>Can We Talk?!</em></div><br />
Mothering is a big responsibility. There is no mother test or license required before a woman can become a mother. Think about it, the moment a child is born the mother is also born. I believe that <em>most </em>mother's do the best they can with what they have and what they know. If they knew better, prayerfully they would have done better. God's grace is sufficient to cover all the heartaches, pains, and bitterness birthed through our perceptions of neglect, distance, and lack of love from our mothers.<br />
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I thank God for each of you who had and have great relationships with your moms. You are a blessed! That is not every one's reality. Some of us have challenging relationships with our mothers as a result of generations of unresolved mother-daughter conflict. Often we are attempting to heal old wounds that predate our present relationships. We should be attempting to heal these wounds or we are destined to pass these issues on to our own daughters, to their daughters and generations to follow. This is the way of generational curses. Think back within your own genealogy, how did your mother and her mother communicate and get along? Does that explain some of your own mother-daughter woes?<br />
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We don't get to choose our mothers. God did the choosing for us before we knew Him. Because we know that God does not make mistakes, we have to play the hand we are dealt. Good, bad or indifferent our mothers are still...our mothers. We have to <strong>choose</strong> to work through our issues in these relationships if we want to be healed and see change for future generations.<br />
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Yes, it takes time, courage, effort, energy, grace, prayer, and love. If we have unresolved issues with our mothers we have to confront them and address them sometimes day by day if we are going to be all that God calls us to be and if our families are going to live out their purposes in Him. <br />
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For those of you who still have young daughters that you are raising, I pray that you are taking every opportunity to nurture your relationships. Pour love into your daughters and show them what it means to be godly. Talk with them. LISTEN. Guide them. Hug them! Don't settle for relationships like your own relationship with your mother. No matter how good you think it was...make it better by God's power. Creating healthier relationships takes work and commitment.<br />
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For those of you who are estranged from your mothers. <a href="http://aqua-canwetalk.blogspot.com/2010/01/red-hot-smoldering-unforgiveness.html"><span style="color: yellow;">Forgiveness</span></a> is the key to a healthier you and healthy-loving relationships with your families and others. Creating healthier people also requires work and commitment. God can walk with us, but WE have to do the work.<br />
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As we reflect on Mother's Day and what it means to us remember that none of us was ever placed on this earth just for ourselves...to satisfy our own needs, to minister to ourselves, to bring joy and happiness to ourselves. Each of us was created for a purpose; that purpose is outside of ourselves and has to do with serving, choosing, and loving God in everything we do. By His power give a little of yourself this weekend, wherever God guides you, even if it is not reciprocated.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><strong><em>Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name!</em></strong></span></div><div style="clear: both; font-size: xx-small; text-align: center;">Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8</div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-33868989232588221722011-05-02T14:35:00.054-05:002011-06-03T22:16:42.223-05:00Speaking of Royalty<span style="color: #ffd966;">God day Royalty!</span><br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tTRjuMnuSxM/Tb4biLjY_bI/AAAAAAAAANc/CpF3-GUpZRo/s1600/crown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tTRjuMnuSxM/Tb4biLjY_bI/AAAAAAAAANc/CpF3-GUpZRo/s1600/crown.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color: #ffd966;">When we first started this passion project we said that we would talk about everything related to what we feed our temples. Not only do we have to be fully aware of the natural food, but the spiritual food is as important to our overall healing, health and well-being. <em>Can We Talk?!</em></span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966;">This past week the world stood still <em>(almost literally)</em> as a prince married his princess. For those of you who know me, you know that I do not follow pop culture and celebrities. I did not follow any of the wedding news nor did I watch the royal wedding on television. It was 3 in the morning for goodness sakes! A girl needs her beauty rest. What was funny about this week is that my sister, <em>(you have to know her to laugh at this)</em> sends me a text at 0430 in the morning saying "text me when you get here, I saved you a seat at the Abbey". She wakes at 3AM EVERY morning.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966;">What was not funny this week was watching the comments and commentary about the royal wedding from lips of faithful believers. I heard an onslaught of negative and critical comments from the bride's make-up to the best man's paternity. Oh my! What does THAT have to do with the wedding? As faithful believers we <strong>MUST</strong> have the eyes of God. We must see everything through the eyes of God and through the blood of Jesus Christ. We cannot look upon a beautiful event such as this <em>(I'm told it was beautiful)</em> and focus only on the negative. How can we behold such beauty and speak so critically? It's a </span><span style="color: #ffd966;"><a href="http://aqua-canwetalk.blogspot.com/2009/06/power-of-tongue-heart-issue.html">heart issue.</a></span><span style="color: #ffd966;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966;">When we accept the sacrifice of Jesus Christ we are adopted into God's family as royalty. We are royalty and we should speak like royalty. How can we look upon the beauty of this wedding, where our Father and King was represented and not just be filled with joy? How could our eyes not be fixed on the wonder and beauty of <strong>His Majesty?</strong> It's a </span><span style="color: #ffd966;"><a href="http://aqua-canwetalk.blogspot.com/2009/06/power-of-tongue-heart-issue.html">heart issue</a>.</span><span style="color: #ffd966;"> The Word of God says that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. We need heart transplants. I know a God surgeon!</span></div><br />
<span style="color: #ffd966;">The royal couple offered this prayer to God. </span><br />
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<em><span style="color: #ffd966;">"God our Father, we thank you for our families; for the love that we share and for the joy of our marriage. In the busyness of each day keep our eyes fixed on what is real and important in life and help us to be generous with our time and love and energy. Strengthened by our union help us to serve and comfort those who suffer. We ask this in the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Amen".</span></em><br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966;">I know what you are probably thinking. Why are YOU NOW judging those who made the comments? A few years ago, I was convicted of having a critical spirit. I am being healed everyday so, the answer is I recognized my old self in these comments. I'm super-sensitized to critical comments, it's part of my healing process. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966;">Before I always had to pick apart everything and everyone because nothing was ever good enough. Maybe I didn't feel good enough? What is certain is that I was looking through foggy dirty lenses, not through the eyes of God. I saw everything through own my pain, my past, and my life experiences. Good or bad. God wanted to heal that pain so I could see the beauty of His people and His world, making me more useful for Kingdom building. He wants to do the same for you. I meditated on this scripture to begin the healing process. When negative thoughts creep into your mind start reciting this scripture. Take those thoughts captive and begin to speak words that edify, support, and encourage. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966;">Philippians 4:8 Brothers and sisters, think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966;">The Message says it this way...Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966;">S</span><span style="color: #ffd966;">ome of you will read this post and think, that's not me. I'm not critical, negative, or judgmental. Others will read it and be convicted, not by my words, but by the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in you. </span><strong><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="color: #b45f06;">Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name! </span></strong></em></div><div style="clear: both; font-size: xx-small; text-align: center;">Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8</div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-74942442023456598942011-04-26T15:19:00.019-05:002011-04-27T14:13:45.945-05:00Holiday Eating Caution<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gKA4dusMiHs/Tbchf--IEUI/AAAAAAAAANY/vI_T0N0Zvno/s1600/resurrection-jesus-christ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 121px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 142px;"><img border="0" height="200" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gKA4dusMiHs/Tbchf--IEUI/AAAAAAAAANY/vI_T0N0Zvno/s200/resurrection-jesus-christ.jpg" width="141" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gKA4dusMiHs/Tbchf--IEUI/AAAAAAAAANY/vI_T0N0Zvno/s1600/resurrection-jesus-christ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 151px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 123px;"><span style="color: black;"></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hello Conquerors!</span></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Last week we celebrated the resurrection of our risen Savior! I pray that your Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday were all that you wanted and needed. We know as faithful believers that we could not have the power and glory of the Resurrection without the sorrow and pain of the Crucifixion. Jesus came to die. We thank God for this sacrifice and we are grateful that death was not the final answer. He got up with all power, might, dominion, and sovereignty in His hands. He holds the keys to hell, death, and the grave. He is alive and He lives in us! Glory to God! </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">As we continue on our journey to caring for our temples we must be mindful of the snares and pitfalls of holiday eating. For me staying on track with my diet becomes more difficult on holidays because food can be the center of many of our celebrations. Once I get off track after a day or two of partaking in the holiday fare, I find myself on a slippery slope of undisciplined and unplanned eating. <strong>Does this happen to you?</strong></span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">First we have to be aware of the issue. <em>(OK, I just told you, were you listening?). </em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">Holiday </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">eating can be a danger to staying on track with your new healthier lifestyle. The danger lies in the amount of food, sometimes the preparation of the food, and in the fact that we often choose to forgo exercise during the holiday. </span></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ILOh0Sr1dBY/Tbcg3TL83cI/AAAAAAAAANU/d2mMXIflEKM/s1600/eatingholiday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ILOh0Sr1dBY/Tbcg3TL83cI/AAAAAAAAANU/d2mMXIflEKM/s1600/eatingholiday.jpg" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">Secondly, we have to come up with a plan to enjoy our favorite foods in moderation. Listen, I eat the foods that I like, I just don't eat as much and I try to prepare my favs in a healthier way. If I am not the chef I just keep the portions small. Try not to make a big deal out of what you can and cannot eat, being picky can take all the joy of sharing a meal together. Make the fellowship the most important part of your gathering, not food.</span></div><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">Thirdly, be prepared to start your healthy eating routine immediately after the holiday is over. Stock the fridge with the food you routinely eat. Prepare a healthy meal and have it ready. Skip the take home plates or as my family calls them "to go CARTS". What?! You need a cart to take the leftover food home? These yummy treats keep us off track well after the holiday is but a distant memory. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">Lastly, enjoy yourself! Enjoy your time with friends and family as you celebrate, fully committing to enjoying the food you are eating without feelings of guilt, shame, or defeat. We are not defeated because we get off track. We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus who loves us. God wants us to live in health and abundance, not in guilt and shame. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I speak God's blessings over you, your family, your journey in Him to a healthier temple. Whatever you need, God will supply it according to His great love and abundant riches. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><em><strong><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name! </span></strong></em></div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-49856982675074008622011-04-16T15:12:00.003-05:002011-06-03T22:20:26.756-05:00News You Can Use<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EM3dDu_ipso/Tan1W7x_dOI/AAAAAAAAANQ/zgLMboxWwJc/s1600/imagesCABDYFJH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EM3dDu_ipso/Tan1W7x_dOI/AAAAAAAAANQ/zgLMboxWwJc/s1600/imagesCABDYFJH.jpg" /></a></div>I received a startling, but affirming tweet the other day about a <a href="http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/metrogrades-fattest-cities/"><span style="color: yellow;">report in Men's Health Magazine.</span></a> Houston is the 9th fattest city in America and Texas has 5 cites on the list. You may have already heard about this and said...so what? I live in Pearland, LaMarque or League City, not Houston. <em>Can We Talk?! </em><em> </em><br />
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What is happening in the world as a result of our uncontrolled appetites and flesh feeding frenzy should be a concern for everyone. It is a concern for this passion project because I know that many of you, your families, friends, and communities are affected by this epidemic. We are eating are ourselves to death! As a society, we are fatter than we have ever been in history. People are dying from <a href="http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/obesity-health-risks"><span style="color: yellow;">weight related health issues</span></a><span style="color: yellow;">,</span> which touches us all and should concern us all. <br />
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Certainly, we have to examine and determine the worthiness of the information before we go out and make changes in our lives based on that information. Examine how (criteria) the information was gathered for the report and determine the actions you need to take for you and your family. <br />
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<strong>WE</strong> already know that we need to live healthier lives. We really don't need the report to tell us that. God has already spoken and I pray that as you are reading this you thinking of new ways to improve on what you are already doing for your temple...to the delight of God, I might add! <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I wanted to share this with you so that you know that we are on the track and to encourage you to press forward, incorporating more healthy lifestyle changes into your daily routines. Still drinking soda? Give it up! There is no nutritional value in soda. Check out the <a href="http://youtu.be/yKZ2ZqBYlrI"><span style="color: yellow;">sugar content of your cola.</span></a> Not to pick on the soda drinkers...Are you smoking, a fast food junky, or sedentary? Make some changes that can impact the rest of your life and bless generations to come. We will be blessed, our children will be blessed, and our children's children will be blessed if we follow God's leading, choosing Him. That is His promise!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you haven't gotten started with your health and fitness lifestyle yet or you are having trouble with consistency <a href="mailto:DearAqua4HisTemple@gmail.com"><span style="color: yellow;">email me.</span></a> Remember to send your temple related questions and comments. Let's talk and pray about how to stay faithful to this journey through the power of God. I am passionate and committed to seeing you live your best and blessed life...a healthier life to the glory and honor of God.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><em>Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name!</em></span> </strong> </div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027943378618592584.post-85855689546654028552011-04-06T11:52:00.004-05:002011-04-12T12:31:07.180-05:00Your True Identity in Him!!Hello Temple Lovers!<br />
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<img class="rg_i" data-src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR9cXwV6W6fGyK5MSfqlfEfYYbR0eCwm8OjXqUKJ2AIG_Azsmyvlw" data-sz="f" height="112" name="JQPc-AP-r4ZUgM:" onload="this.style.display='inline';google.stb.csi.onTbn(0, this)" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR9cXwV6W6fGyK5MSfqlfEfYYbR0eCwm8OjXqUKJ2AIG_Azsmyvlw" style="display: inline; height: 112px; width: 83px;" width="83" /> One of my twitter friends posted this video this morning. <a href="http://stickyjesus.com/2011/04/your-true-identity-in-christ-do-you-get-really-get-it/">StickyJesus.com</a> <em>(click to see)</em> I have been so moved by it that I have viewed it several times and I wanted to make sure that you also see this. God loves you!<br />
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As we continue our journey to health and wellness through Christ Jesus and as we seek to care for these temples that He has given us, remember that you are beautiful and accepted <strong>TODAY.</strong> Let's not get so bogged down with where we want to be that we cannot celebrate our accomplishments and His love for us today! <br />
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Love the body that you are in <strong>NOW.</strong> Love the person created by Christ Jesus <strong>NOW</strong>. You are His child...loved, sealed, redeemed, chosen, healed, and anointed!! You are one with Him. Have a great day! <br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #7f6000;">Your body is the temple of the Living God! Live Well in His Name!</span></em></strong></div>Aquahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13992084021644434329noreply@blogger.com0