2015- Dream Big!

The fireworks went off, the champagne was toasted. You may or may not have made New Years resolutions. Maybe you know that your resolutions will only last a few hours, days, or even a month of two before it becomes just a thought, or a wish. But, I want you to dream big this year! I know I am! I have a lot in store this year and I can't wait to make this year....the best ever! Let's make it happen! No matter how big or how small your dream.....Make this year YOUR year! Happy 2015! Glad you are here!

Need help coming up with a resolution that you will be able to keep the whole year through? Comment below and I'll help you!

What a Number Really Means

You may have heard people say, "You're only as old as you feel" or "age is just a number." But, today, for me, my age means so much more than just a number.

You see, when I was half the age I am now, I remember sitting with my best friend on the volleyball court stretching before practice and games talking about what our lives would be like when we were the number on our jerseys. When we were 17, the number 34 seemed soooo far away. It seemed like when we became 34, we would have everything we ever wanted.

I remember saying that when I turned 34, I would be married, have a career teaching, and I would have two children. I described the new car I would be driving (a convertible of course!), and the dream home I would be living in. I planned to live in the same town I grew up in.

A lot has happened in those 17 years and it has happened sooooo fast! I don't live in the fancy house of my dreams; my car isn't new nor a convertible; I never married nor do I have two children, and I don't live in the same town I grew up in; I moved away to follow my teaching dreams.

It's funny how conversations stick with you over the years. You have dreams, hopes, and ambitions, and you can be so focused on achieving them, and then when they don't pan out as planned, especially over the years, it can be really disappointing.

I've accomplished a lot over 34 years, and maybe I don't have everything  I've ever wished for or wanted. Maybe it just wasn't meant to be.

But what I do have, is family and friends in my hometown that love me for "me", and I have friends who have become like family to me where we live now. I also have my health, a car to drive, and a roof over my head, a job that I love, a church that is like a family to me, and a new positive outlook on life. For all of these things, I'm truly grateful.

I'm excited to see what the next 17 or 34 years will bring......and it will absolutely go by just as fast, and quite possibly even faster than these years have gone by.......

Maybe some day I'll get the dream house, new car, ring, or another child. But, I'm ok right now at the number I couldn't wait to be......34! Happy birthday to me! :) 

Our Elf on the Shelf Taught us a Lesson!

I don't know about you, but I have a hard time coming up with mischief our Elf on the Shelf is getting herself into.

Today, she taught us a lesson.

The letter she wrote says:

"I heard you've been going to church and I'm so proud of you!
I've been so busy with Santa, but I want to go too!

I packed myself up in your bag with your bible as well.
But, it's our little secret, so please don't run and tell.

I don't want others at church to make a big deal.
But I know just like you that Jesus is real.

Just remember no matter how busy you get
Make time for church and family; just don't forget!

Jesus is our Savior and he does forgive
If you believe in him, then you will forever live."

Just had to share the lesson our Elf taught us and I hope you have a blessed Sunday! Let's not forget the reason for the season....at any age!

© 7 December 2014 JF
#inshapeforever 

Turning Thanksgiving Leftovers into a Healthy Lunch

Let's face it, the majority of us have a refrigerator full of calorie packed, fat-laden leftover which we don't want to waste! Here's one way I've turned my leftovers into a healthier lunch!

Fresh spinach
Hard boiled egg
Corn
Dried cranberries
Ham (or turkey)
Black pepper
Balsamic vinegar

I'm thinking that turkey noodle soup may be in the works.....

How do you use your leftovers?   

Finding the Right Church for YOU

I started attending a local church that ran a series on marriage. They currently are running a series on childrearing, and I have to be honest, it's hitting me hard. I've visited lots of local churches trying to find the one that most resembles the ones I attended back "home."

I grew up in a household in which my mother was Catholic and my father was Methodist. I was baptised Catholic but confirmed Methodist. I grew up attending a large church in which there was definitely a "family" feeling.....or connectedness. Families knew my family, and I gained friends that I still are in contact with today. That "feeling" or "connectedness"   was what I was looking for.... something that I wanted my own child to experience.

After I moved away from "home", I attended larger churches that were Catholic....or Methodist.....but the one I fell in love with is neither of the two.

It's actually the small church that I lived right beside when I lived in the neighboring apartment building. I never went on a Sunday for many years because I never thought of myself as a "Baptist". I was actually kind of afraid that by attending a church which was different than what I was used to would mean I was turning away from my roots.  I wondered if this would displease God? Would I be judged because I'm supposed to be Catholic....or Methodist....would I have to fit into a stereotype?     

It all started when a friend invited my daughter to attend Vacation Bible School at the Baptist church, I remember thanking her for the invitation but saying, "Thanks, but we're not Baptist." She replied, "EVERYONE is welcome to attend."  So we would attend the VBS every summer.... and then we started attending their Wednesday small groups and community meals intermittently....then we started attending Sunday mornings sporadically....until it became clear....The reason that connectedness was missing wasn't because it wasn't there....it was because I wasn't......my family wasn't....I wasn't helping to create that feeling by sleeping in.....or making excuses.

I still love my church back home, and there will always be a place in my heart for my family there, and I can have that no matter where I live. So, don't be afraid to attend that church that you're not really sure about, or you have questions about...or you feel like it's different than what you've been accustomed to.

Don't sell yourself short because God never will!  

FREE Planks and Thanks Starts Soon!

I am SUPER excited to co-host my very own FREE challenge group!

I am excited to put into action my plan to get in shape forever and encourage you to join. The reason why this group is perfect is because ANYONE can join.

I mean ANYONE because even if you can't participate in the physical part, ANYONE and EVERYONE can participate in the thankful part.

That's right- WE all have somethings...... a lot of things to be thankful for! I can't wait for you to join, so don't delay.....head on over to my FB group and RSVP YES! ASAP. Groups starts November 1st and runs through the 30th! 

https://www.facebook.com/freezeframe34

Don't be a turkey....Be thankful!



#PlanksandThanks
#EveryonesInvited
#DoItForYou
#YouGottaStartSomeWhere
#WhyNotNow

Day 30- Half Way There!

I'm at Day 30 of my 60 day challenge to post everyday to my FaceBook page. If you haven't checked it out yet, you better hurry before it's over! Hope to see you there!

https://www.facebook.com/freezeframe34

Follow me on FB!

Day #1
Don't be a chicken....Be open about your goals!

I know it can be a little intimidating and sometimes downright embarrassing to be open and honest about your goals especially if they include losing weight.

But, you not only need to be honest with yourself about where you are starting from and where you want to go, but you definitely need to communicate with a medical professional before starting a new workout regime, diet, or weight loss endeavor.

Also, be mindful that not everything you read, try, or hear is going to help you achieve your goals. Everyone is different.

However, everyone is capable of achieving their goals, if you don't lose focus; don't give up; don't get discouraged, and most importantly, never stop trying!

So, no matter where you are starting from....no matter where you want to go......There are lots of ways to get there; just find the plan that works for you! 

60 Days!

I'm excited to announce I will be posting for a straight 60 days on my Facebook page- In Shape Forever! I invite you to like my page and follow along for some inspiration, motivation, recipes, blog posts, and most importantly sharing! I am not asking you to do anything you don't want to do, so contribute as much as you like, or just sit back and soak it all in!  Whether you want to take baby steps, or you want to hit the ground running on your quest to be In Shape Forever....there will be something for everyone. Feel free to contact me if there is anything in particular you would like to see! Hope to see you there!

Letting Go of Control Does Not Equal Out-of-Control!

I find it amazing how much I've changed over the past few years. Some changes have been great, others not so great, some have been by planned and executed perfectly while others....well, not so much.

I went from not really controlling or feeling the need to control anything and just going with the flow to the exact opposite. Not only wanting, but feeling the need to control all aspects of my life and the others around me.

It's not really a great feeling, and I much rather want to feel calm. That's not to say that I won't stand up for myself and fight for what is right, but it does mean that by not controlling everything, I can regain my life back.

I can be happy to plan out events, but then also be happy when events don't go as planned.

I can be happy to let go of control and put that in God's hands, and be happy with the end result.

I can understand that letting go of control does NOT mean that I'm out-of-control and that makes me VERY happy :) 

How do you balance your wanting/needing control and not letting it consume your life? ......Just let it go.....and enjoy your life ;)

Working Out- Outside!

Usually when I drop my child off at a function, I spend the time running errands. I decided to change it up this time and spent the time working out. Nothing beats the sound of water splashing, feeling the breeze from the trees, watching the clouds move by! While some others were sitting in their cars waiting for the time to pass by, I was doing situps, leg lifts, and burning some calories doing planks. I'm so glad I took the time to reconnect with nature. Best part is, the workout was totally free. Being outside can soothe the soul. Best of luck with your next workout. Don't be afraid to try something outside....who cares who is watching! 

My Apologies- Confessions of an Inspiring Blogger

I admit it - I hopped on the bandwagon......and I am sorry!

I decided to start a fitness blog knowing that it wasn't going to be easy!

But nothing "BIG" happens when we give up easily!

This is what I know:
 I am not famous!
 I don't endorse products I have never used!
 No one famous is endorsing me! 
I am fully confident that ANYONE can achieve their goals (physical, mental, spiritual, or otherwise)  without spending a fortune.

The truth is:
  I "started" a blog, and I am devoted to "finishing" it.
 I took a hiatus to really reflect on what I wanted.....instead of what I thought everyone was looking for.

What I realized:
 It isn't really the old adage, "The customer is always right."
 If I only get one person to visit my page, and I can motivate someone....than that is a success for me! I'm no longer worried that I won't get any likes, shares, or comments.
Fitness blogs are a dime a dozen. I know because I've visited plenty! 


Who I am: 
I am just an average law-abiding citizen who works hard and helps support a family. I've gained and lost weight....and gained it back. I was waiting to drop an amazing amount of weight.....to look and feel amazing.

But, I'm not there yet.......

And I'm not going to lie......I've been hurt.....but I have been healed......I've been betrayed.....and I have betrayed others.....I have been forgiven.......and forgave others........I've been lost......and I have been found......I have been depressed.....but I have experienced so much joy and happiness.

I don't want anyone to follow me just because I look a certain way. I want people to follow me because I inspire them.....and they inspire me......They trust me......and I trust them......

I am ready to do this.....Let's get this blog started......

 YEA!