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I am totally in love with this song! The lyrics really make you think.
I hope you enjoy it too! 
We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
And all the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things
‘Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we have faith to believe
‘Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It’s not our home
‘Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the achings of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise
Wow! So powerful! Happy Sunday everyone!
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To make a large amount in a container about this size, these are your ingredients. If you are only doing one normal sized pitcher then use 1 apple and 2-3 cinnamon sticks.
This water is easy and delicious!
Core and cut your apple(s). Add to your pitcher with cinnamon sticks.
Top with ice and fill with water. Chill in the fridge for an hour. This brings out the flavors from the apples and cinnamon. I took mine outside and let the light from the sun infuse it. Delish!
Benefits of cinnamon:
- excellent source of dietary fiber, calcium, iron, and manganese
- has anti-inflammatory properties
- boosts the activity of the brain
- helps in removing nervous tension and memory loss
- helps remove blood impurities and is often recommended for pimples
- clears colds & sinuses
- lowers cholesterol
Benefits of apples:
- low in calories
- boosts exercise endurance
- helps aid in weight loss
- lowers risk of asthma
- decreases insulin need
- cleans teeth and gums
- improves eyesight
I am now addicted to this and so are my kids. Which isn’t a bad thing!
The best deal on cinnamon sticks is this one. It ends up being about $5/lb which is cheaper than Sam’s & WalMart.
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Stupid internet. Sometimes this thing that we “have to have” makes me so mad. Deep breaths.
For right now it’s working and we have a tech coming out tomorrow to look at it. I laugh because tomorrow we are supposed to have a “snowpocalypse”. We shall see!
I’m going to get as many late posts written as I can before I lose internet juice again.
My newest news is that even though I broke up with the scale, we are now seeing each other again…occasionally. Only, and ONLY because it is part of my journey. I will not let it effect how I think my week went. I am still working my butt off. I am still sweating. I’d just like to see the numbers keep dropping. And they will, because I’m not giving up!
I am actually having fun counting calories and reading labels. I really am! It might sound crazy, which is so like me anyways, but I’m now in control of what goes in my body. I’m also in control of what I feed my family. I had to search forever just to find applesauce that didn’t have high fructose corn syrup. That’s craziness! I did finally find some. Aldi’s carries it, fyi.
I love fish and it’s so good for you too! It’s high in omega-3 fatty acids which keeps your heart and brain healthy. It’s also packed with protein, vitamins, and nutrients that can lower blood pressure and help reduce the risk of a stroke.
EAT IT!
I try to fix fish at least once a week, sometimes more. We had salmon for dinner and then I had a leftover piece on a salad for lunch the next day. I just added spinach, red onion, tomato, and low cal Italian dressing.
Tilapia broiled with lemon juice and dill, peppers sauteed in olive oil and minced garlic, served with a side of brown rice. Yummy AND healthy for about 450 calories.
Sweet tooth? This dessert will give your body a natural sugar rush without many consequences. Unless you eat 50 of each. 
At the end of week 4, my challenge group took our 30 day pictures. Here’s mine.
*POW* That’s what I’m talking about!
I can feel that there’s been a huge change in my body, but to see it makes it all better. If you’re on a weight loss journey, make sure you take before, during, and after pics. Sometimes there is huge progress that the scale doesn’t show!
The workouts were more intense and longer in week 5. It was harder, but also felt much better once it was finished!
I never said these were attractive pics.
The scale at the end of week 5 showed….
Progress. That’s all I can ask for and it also shows that my hard work is paying off. This is what keeps pushing me.
Although I am not reduced to a number on a scale.
Hot sauce is normally low in calories and carbs! Grab a bottle, read the label to double check, and bake your chicken breasts in it. Spinach, red onion, tomato, and low calorie ranch dressing. Yummo! Buffalo chicken salads.
Bake, broil, or grill. Those are your healthiest options. Here I just took chicken breast, sprayed the pan with non-stick cooking spray, sprinkled some herbs, topped with veggies, and drizzled with balsamic vinegar and a little olive oil.
Toss with lemon juice and cinnamon. Bake at 350 degrees until tender, about 15 minutes. Delicious!
Ending week 6 with a bang at….
Since these posts are all late, I’m almost through week 7. Update coming on Monday!
See ya soon!
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Every week that’s over is another notch in my belt! Including Week 3.
On to Week 4!!!
While I love updating you guys and I will continue to do so, I’m going to be doing that in a different way.
First, I am breaking up with my scale. The numbers on the scale have nothing to do with my overall progress and I’m tired of watching and counting pounds. I’m also building my muscle back up and that will not make the numbers on the scale drop. So today is my last weigh in until February 26th, the start of my 4th week in month 2.
Second, I’m not going to post EVERYTHING that I eat. This is really only because I am a creature of repetition. I have been on the same snacks and lunches that I know I like. I’m not going to make you read all of the same things. So I will only throw in new meals and snacks that I try. That will take up less room and time.
Third, I’m also only taking my measurements once a month. Again, I don’t need to obsess with the numbers on the tape. I can’t go wrong with eating healthy and working out regularly. The rest will come when it comes.
Man do I feel a lot better now that’s off my chest!
Food:
One of my lunches was a roast beef sandwich. Whole wheat bread, 2 oz. roast beef, spinach leaves, a teaspoon of dijon mustard, slice of swiss, and sliced tomato. Served with a cup of vegetable soup (about 80 calories per cup).
Tuesday night we had baked turkey breast (turkey breast tenderloin from Aldi’s), peppers (sauteed in olive oil and garlic), garlic roast potatoes, and nonfat yogurt with strawberries.
Garlic spinach. Mmmmm, yummy. Try to sautee all your vegetables in olive oil (a healthy fat) and garlic.
Monday night we had stuffed peppers! Not my old recipe, but the healthier version with egg whites, lean hamburger, onion, celery, parsley, basil, pepper, and fat-free chicken broth. Served with wild rice. It was sooooo tasty!
Now time for the numbers (which I’m starting to despise)!
*drum roll please*
I’m down another pound! Woohooo!
And the measurements:
Last week Chest 45 inches……….This week Chest 44 inches
Last week Right Arm 13 inches……….This week Right Arm 13 inches
Last week Left Arm 13 inches……….This week Left Arm 13 inches
Last week Waist 43.5 inches……….This week Waist 43.5 inches
Last week Hips 48.5 inches……….This week Hips 48 inches
Last week Right Thigh 25 inches……..This week Right Thigh 25 inches
Last week Left Thigh 25 inches……..This week Left Thigh 25 inches
So all together I lost 1 more pound and 1.5 inches!
That’s a 3 week total of 9 1/2 pounds and 13 1/2 inches.
Go Mama! Go Mama! Go Mama! Go Mama!
This next week the workouts are longer and I’m upping my water intake to 128 oz instead of the 64. Let’s get it in!
Have a great week guys!
Shakeology
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Week 2 down!
After my body got over the initial shock, I believe it has adjusted quite nicely. Being sore is down to a minimum, even with adding weights and “booty bands”. Whatever sore is there, is a good kind of sore.
Workouts this week totaled 295 minutes.
I’ll go right into the meal plans and workout plans so that we can get to the weight and measurements.
Monday: Jan. 14, 2013
Breakfast:
Shakeology shake
Snack 1:
hard boiled egg
1/2 banana
16.9 oz. water
Lunch:
I missed lunch and was starving. This won’t happen again! Lesson learned.
Snack 2:
1 Atkins Chocolate Decadence Bar
16.9 oz. water
Dinner:
Pork chop, light Sesame Ginger dressing; broiled
sliced apples, lemon juice, cinnamon; baked
mixed green & spinach salad, grapes, cheese, low cal dressing
16.9 oz.water
WORKOUT: Rest day
Tuesday: Jan. 15, 2012
Breakfast:
Shakeology shake
Snack 1:
imitation crab, mayo, dill weed; mixed together
celery stalks
16.9 oz. water
Lunch:
tuna, tomatoes, olives, olive oil, vinegar; mixed
on top of romaine
1 cup grapes
16.9 oz. water
Snack 2:
cheddar cheese, oregano, wheat wheat tortilla; melted under broiler
16.9 oz. water
Dinner:
turkey sausage, non-stick cooking spray; cooked through
red, green, orange peppers, onions, olive oil, garlic; sauteed
mixed greens, low cal dressing
5 strawberries
16.9 oz.water
WOKROUT: Sculpt DVD 50 minutes
Journal entry: Oh Lord does that Sculpt hit spots that need to be worked. Owwwweeee!
Wednesday: Jan. 16, 2013
Breakfast
Shakeology shake
Snack 1:
cottage cheese & blackberries
16.9 oz. water
Lunch:
chicken, black beans, corn, bbq sauce, sourcream, olive oil; heated through
1/2 tomato; chopped
lettuce leaf
whole wheat tortilla; all wrapped together
16.9 oz. water
Snack 2:
no snack (again, a mistake that won’t happen)
Journal entry: It’s been hard for me to get the last snack in before dinner with all the after school chaos. I might move the last snack to after dinner.
Dinner:
flank steak, low cal marinade; broiled
broccoli; steamed
white rice
16.9 oz. water
WORKOUT: Cardio Axe DVD 30 minutes
High & Tight DVD 35 minutes
Journal entry: The ankle weights/dumb bells/”booty straps” sure make a HUGE difference. I’m dripping with sweat. Thank God for showers. Amen.
Thursday: Jan. 17, 2013
Breakfast
Shakeology shake
Snack 1:
cottage cheese & strawberries
Journal entry: If you can’t tell, cottage cheese is a favorite of mine. The berries are just an added bonus.
Lunch:
spinach, red onion, chicken, mandarin oranges, low cal dressing
Journal entry: This lunch is also a new favorite of mine. Plus it is soooo easy to throw together. I will definitely be doing this lunch more often!
Snack 2:
roast beef, cheddar cheese, garlic & chive pita crackers
Dinner:
Cherry Street Bar & Grill
Tilapia, steamed broccoli & a small salad
12 oz. water
Journal entry: Jake & I ate out tonight after John’s show choir concert. I think I did pretty good! Normally, I’d have a spinach artichoke dip for an appetizer. Then a meal. Tonight, no appetizer. Just my salad first. I will have to ask for any sauces on the side. I believe there was butter or something like that on the broccoli. Thank God it wasn’t dripping in it! I also didn’t finish all of the fish. It was delicious but the portion was gigantic. So I brought it home. I can’t tell you the last time that I didn’t stuff myself just to finish my plate. Victory for me!!!
WORKOUT: Sculpt DVD 50 minutes
Friday: Jan. 18, 2013
Breakfast:
Shakeology shake
Snack 1:
roast beef, cheddar cheese, garlic & chive pita crackers
16.9 oz. water
Lunch:
spinach, red onion, chicken, mandarin oranges, low cal dressing
16.9 oz. water
Journal entry: Yes, I did the same snack and lunch. They are delicious!
Snack 2:
1 Atkins Chocolate Decadence Bar
16.9 oz. water
Dinner:
steak strips, soy sauce, honey, garlic, onions,red/green/yellow peppers; sauteed
white rice
kiwi & strawberries
16.9 oz. water
WORKOUT: Cardio Axe DVD 30 minutes
Bum Bum DVD 35 minutes
Journal Entry: I’m becoming better at the moves. I remember them and when they come in to the DVD. But I’m great at the foot moves until they add the arms. Then I’m a hot mess.
Saturday: Jan. 19, 2013
Breakfast:
Shakeology shake
Snack 1:
turkey, mayo, tomato; wrapped in lettuce leaf
6 baby carrots
16.9 oz. water
Lunch:
spinach, red onion, chicken, mandarin oranges, low cal dressing
16.9 oz. water
Snack 2:
10 garlic & chive pita crackers
16.9 oz. water
Dinner:
flounder, lemon juice, dill; broiled
spinach, garlic, olive oil; sauteed
10 garlic & chive pita chips
16.9 oz. water
WORKOUT: Sculpt DVD 50 minutes
Sunday: Jan. 20, 2013
Breakfast:
Shakeology shake
Snack 1:
cottage cheese & blackberries
Lunch:
spinach, red onion, chicken, mandarin oranges, low cal dressing
16.9 oz. water
Journal entry: I’m sorry. I’m addicted to this salad. Plus, it’s soooo good for you.
Snack 2:
3 oz. cheddar cheese
16.9 oz. water
Dinner:
salmon, lemon juice, dill; broiled
brown rice
tomatoes, basil, olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, salt; marinated
16.9 oz. water
WORKOUT: Cardio Axe 30 minutes
High & Tight 35 minutes
Measurements:
Last week Chest 45 .5 inches……….This week Chest 45 inches
Last week Right Arm 13.5 inches……….This week Right Arm 13 inches
Last week Left Arm 13.5 inches……….This week Left Arm 13 inches
Last week Waist 45 inches……….This week Waist 43.5 inches
Last week Hips 49 inches……….This week Hips 48.5 inches
Last week Right Thigh 23 inches……..This week Right Thigh 25 inches
Last week Left Thigh 23.5 inches……..This week Left Thigh 25 inches
(The thighs have been a weird measurement both weeks. Today I measured 6 inches up from my knee and will do so each week for more accurate results.)
But I still lost another 3.5 inches!!!
That’s a total of 12 inches in 2 weeks. Holy crap!!!
And *drum roll*
And yes, I’m addicted to my pj pants. Don’t judge me.
It’s only 1 pound but I’ll take it! It’s still a great accomplishment.
8.5 pounds and 12 inches for 2 weeks. Not shabby at all.
I can’t wait to see what next week will bring!
For more info on how you can join me, follow one of the links below or email me at heather10282003@yahoo.com
The Ultimate Rest
Shakeology
Beachbody
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