Saturday, May 31, 2014

Sunday Inspiration- Drawing the Line

As I was running my 5K this morning (Saturday) this song came on and I just really started thinking through the words and their meaning.  Then this verse came to mind:

 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

As I was running (and struggling- race recap to come later) I kept thinking how this was going to be the new start that I desperately needed and that I am the one who makes my choices.  It is time to draw a line and realize that I can't do this on my own.  I can only do it with God in charge, letting go of it all and having the accountability of friends.

"this is where i draw the line 
this is the where the old me dies 
light a match, let it burn, kiss it goodbye, 
giving up what i was 
this is where i draw the line 
Another battle I've lost fighting solo 
How many times must I learn what I already know? 
Can't do this on my own 
I wasn't meant to fight alone 
So I'm lifting my hands in surrender 
Take my faults and my flaws, make me better 
Cause this is where I end: right where You begin"

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Sunday Inspiration- Trusting

While driving to Atlanta this past weekend I was listening to my music and this song came on and it started me thinking about all that I had been going through in the last few months and how through it all I still had the knowledge that He was already there (and I may have shared this song before but it's a good one)




And then I realized that this week my morning Quiet Time took me to Psalm 37.  I have read this Psalm many times before but this week I felt the need to "park" there and realized  was not an accident that I ended up there.


              There this gem:   

Delight yourself in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.
 Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him, and he will act. (4-5 ESV)


or this one: 
 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him (7a ESV)

or this one:

The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
    when he delights in his way;
 though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
    for the Lord upholds his hand. (23-24 ESV)



So, as you can see- God is really working in my heart to remind me that I need to trust, that I need to wait, and that need to just be still...







Saturday, May 24, 2014

Pure Lyft Review

*I was sent this product to review.  I received no monetary compensation and was not asked to provide a favorable review- all opinions are mine.

Through being a Sweat Pink Ambassador I have had the opportunity to try and review various products.  The most recent is a product called Pure Lyft.  The website identifies Pure Lyft as a clean caffeine.  It's made from the Green Coffee Bean extract and has 0 calories and no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives.


Pros:
- It was easy to use- you take the label off, stick it in the drink and stir
- It came in a pack of 2 (but there's a con with this too)
- One of the statements is that it leads to vibrant alertness- or that if you are looking to ease off the sodas to replace it with the Pure Lyft.  I will say that on the two days that I used this I didn't want a soda in the morning and I seemed to have a bit more energy.
-a slight taste that I experienced (but was not overwhelming)


Cons:
- The pack of 2 is 5.99
-The package is not resealable (this would be HUGE in my opinion)


Overall- it was really hard for me to form a valid opinion with just the two samples.  I think I would need to try it over a 2-3 week period and see if there was a noticeable difference.  As with anything I think it's all about consistency.  I might give a larger pack a try in the future.

If you would like to connect with Pure Lyft you can find them:
Facebook
Twitter


Friday, May 23, 2014

#spiritualwhitespace


The term whitespace is often used in art and used to describe the part of the canvas or artwork that is untouched or left "white".  Recently I was reading over at (in)courage and came across the opportunity to be a part of a blog launch team for the book Finding Spiritual Whitespace by Bonnie Gray.  I filled out the application and a couple of weeks ago I got an email that I had been accepted to participate.  The tagline is "Awakening your soul to rest".  This book could not have come at a better time for me.  I was finishing up the school year and I was exhausted and desperately needing that rest.  I read the preface and found myself in tears a few times and I knew that God had led me to reading the (in)courage blog on that particular day so that I could participate and find that rest I so desperately sought.  I will share various thoughts throughout the reading that speak to me.




Every Thursday there is a link up (yes, I know today is Friday but now that school is out I am hopefully going to be able to blog a bit more).  Anyway, yesterday's link up- we were asked to choose one of three quotes and tell how it spoke to us.  I chose this one



I honestly don't know that I could adequately express how this speaks to me but the bottom line is that this is where I am.  I am longing for rest, for a space where I can truly be, to rest, to reconnect and dream.  And then, the place to live out those dreams.  

I am really looking forward to sharing more as I read (I have a few things that have already jumped out at me in the introduction alone!)

Monday, May 19, 2014

Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder Review

**I received the product in return for a review on my blog and on Amazon.  I was not required to give a positive review but to only share my experience.

A few weeks ago I received an email asking me to consider reviewing a product.  After checking into the product and seeing a few other reviews I decided to do so, in hopes I would find that this was a product that I can get behind and enjoy in the future.



I should start out by saying that I am NOT a tea drinker and have had tea maybe only once or twice.  It's just not something that I enjoy even though I want to.  I know there are health benefits to green tea but without seriously doctoring it up (which probably takes away some of those health benefits) I can't get it down.  Enter Matcha Tea from Kiss Me Organics


Some of the benefits include: increased focus, all day energy, metabolism boost, and several others.  I did see an increased focus and a metabolism boost- not so sure on the all day energy (pretty sure my sleeping habits factor into that).

Kiss Me Organics send out a 71 page digital recipe book when you place your order.  It has recipes that include everything from using it in beverages, smoothies, baking, and even dips.  I used it mainly in smoothies and my mug muffin that I make in the mornings occasionally.  I did try it in some 2 ingredient pancakes that I saw on pinterest (bananas and eggs) and it was a fail (not the match- the actual pancake).  I don't do a lattes but I may give one a try in the next week or so.

So- my thoughts-

  • I think it would take some consistent use (just like with everything) to see the results.  I will continue to use the product daily (or at least consistently once summer vacation hits) to see if those results come. 
  • It doesn't add any taste (that I could pinpoint) to the smoothies so that is a huge plus for me.  
  • It's easy to use and each recipe is written very clearly (with pictures)
  • A search on Pinterest brings up even MORE recipes that can be used.
  • SUPER FAST shipping- I ordered it on April 19th which was a Saturday and I had it in hand on April 22nd which was a Tuesday. 
The one con:
The cost- It's $25.00 for a 4 oz. bag.  I started using it about 2 weeks ago and still have quite a bit left but I only use 1 tsp a day because that's the recommended use.  I will have to evaluate at the end to see how long the bag lasted because the only place to get this particular brand is through Amazon.  

All that being said, I have enjoyed testing this product and am thankful for the opportunity to do so.  I have used the opportunity to experiment with fruit smoothies (starting with one from the recipe book called Berry Good Morning Smoothie) that have led to my mornings being a lot less rushed than before- in my book that makes this product a WIN! (and it has made me want to give green tea another try)

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Sunday Inspiration- Look Up



**there is one word that I don't like in this but the message is amazing!



Ouch!  Step away, look up, and look in the eyes of those around you.  I am guilty and going to work to change this!





Sunday, May 11, 2014

Sunday Inspiration- Mother's Day

I know that I am blessed with a mother who loves me, sees my hurts, and hears through the "I'm okay" to know that I am not.  One who knows the words to say when my heart is aching and lonely and knows when words are not what are needed.  I am blessed and I try not to take that blessing for granted.  So, on this Mother's Day my Sunday inspiration is found in one who encourages me no matter what steps I take, the one who wiped my tears and spanked my rear (sorry, had to get that rhyming in) LOL, the one who I love more now than I ever thought possible and the one who always was willing to fight the battle for me






I love you mom!

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Sunday Inspiration- Words

Ephesians 4:29 says: "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."

This past week I was the recipient of some hurtful words that caused many tears and recently I have seen more and more the impact of words in my life and the lives of others- both professionally and personally.  I have shared this video before but in light of those words I decided that maybe someone else needed to hear it as well.  Interestingly enough, I was sitting in the car listening to a song on my way to the store and this song came on right after that one- so I sat and listened to it too (and the next one which was Chris Tomlin's I will Rise and then next which was 10000 Reasons- after that I finally got out of the car LOL)

As you listen- just remember the impact that words can have