A God of Hope

It's one of those verses you hear thrown around pretty often.

Most of the time, I have heard this verse used as a way for someone to offer hope to a person who is experiencing a hard time.  I've even heard it used as an argument for how the hard time you're going through couldn't possibly have come from God. I mean, He says he has plans not to harm you, right?


It's actually interesting hearing this verse in the context of the rest of the story. To summarize, this is a time of disobedience in God's people and he is telling them, through one of the prophets, that they are about to be deported and taken from the country he had given them. Doesn't sound too promising, right? But he lets them know that after 70 years of exile, he will bring them back. He assures them of this by telling them the verse above. "I know the plans I have for you."


I think it's ok to have hope for things to turn positive, but sometimes we can get a bit caught by false reassurances and find ourselves struggling when we're going through those times of life that feel like never ending trials. When you feel like you just stood up from the last wave, only to be knocked down again. Then you think, "God, I thought your plan is to make me prosper. What gives?" and you search for anything that might offer you hope for an end to the struggle.


It can be hard to trust God's plan when it seems like the hard times just won't quit. It can be easy to wonder and maybe even question God in those times. We want to believe that this verse is telling us there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel, but what happens if that light still hasn't shown?


God doesn't promise us that we will see happy times ahead in this life. He doesn't promise that the struggle you're going through will even come to an end while on earth. We seem to want our lives to be all flowers and sunshine, and when it's not, we feel like God's not being "fair" or "good" to us.


I want to challenge you not to let these verses lead you to questioning God's goodness if things aren't going the way you think they should.


Instead, I want you to see 3 very important things I believe God wants us to have: patience, trust, and hope.


- Patience in God's plan and knowing that his timing is not always in line with our timing.

- Trust that God's plan is better than our own. He created every detail of our lives and knows what is the absolute best for us. We only have to follow him and let him show us the way.

- Hope that even if we are not seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, if we are living in Him we know that we will have the ultimate prize of Heaven after this life is over.


God doesn't want us to be so attached to our time on earth that we forget the beauty that is in our future. If you are going through a time of struggle (and we all have, or will at some point), keep reminding yourself that what he has in store for us for eternity will be perfect.

I'm Just Not A Runner!

I've been doing a lot of reading and studying on how our thoughts can effect our overall lives.  I want to share a short takeaway I had from the book The Best Yes by Lysa Terkeurst.  I recently finished the book and have been looking back through some of the notes I took while reading it so I can remember some of the "highlights."

One of the things she talked about was the idea of having a fixed mindset versus a growth mindset.  Basically, a fixed mindset is one that decides you are the way you are.  No action that you take can change the outcome because you have certain skills and abilities that cannot change.  A growth mindset says you can positively change by working to improve.  This mindset focuses on using your circumstances and efforts to always be moving forward.  Even your "setbacks" and struggles can help you move forward by helping you learn and grow.  You are not stuck unless you choose to be stuck.

The fixed mindset is a dangerous one to hold onto.

This mindset can, and most likely will, hold you back from making progress in certain areas.  For example, I used to have a fixed mindset when it came to my fitness level.  I believed that I had certain abilities that would never improve, no matter how much work I put into it.

"I'm just not a runner."  "I don't have the endurance."  "My legs can't jump that high."

These are all things I have said out loud and used to say continuously in my mind.  As soon as I made that decision that I didn't have the endurance to run a mile, I never had the drive inside of me to push myself to that mile.  As a result, I would end up needing to walk for part of it every time I tried running a mile.  My inner dialogue was telling me I couldn't make it, so I would just give up and not make it.

Just a few years ago, I decided to challenge that mindset and see what I could actually accomplish.  It all started because I got married to a man that hiked mountains as a hobby.  I never in my wildest dreams would have seen myself someday hiking up actual mountains.  I mean, I'm a Nebraska girl!  Not exactly mountain territory.  I quickly realized that if I wanted to spend much time with him during the summer, I had to go hiking.

I spent an entire summer making it a short distance up the mountain, then spending hours waiting, sitting off to the side of the trail reading a book while he finished the hike up and back to me (or hiking back to the car alone).  While I absolutely love reading a good book on the side of a peaceful mountain, I decided I really wanted to see if I could make it.  I decided that if I worked hard, maybe I could actually improve enough to summit a mountain.  And guess what… I was right!  Once I decided that I could have that potential somewhere in me, I started pushing myself harder and by the next summer I was able to make it!  (Soon after this, I decided I wanted to "be a runner", so I spent an entire summer going for a run first thing in the morning.  The first day I ran an entire mile without stopping to walk was pretty amazing.  Then came the point where I could run 3 miles without stopping to walk!)

This change in my mindset has led to many different challenges I've given myself: run 3 miles, finish a workout program, do 10 pushups on my toes.  I hear some people talking about how they'd like to get back to the shape they were in during high school.  I say, no thanks!  There's no way I could've run 3 miles in high school!  I'm pretty happy with the new me that just keeps working to improve.

So, if you were to take one thing with you from this lesson, what would it be?

Your mind is a powerful thing!  Use it to better yourself, not limit yourself.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup

This is definitely my go-to dinner when I'm out of ideas.  It also works great for when company is coming over and you don't want to spend all day preparing dinner! Eat it as is for a soup or with some tortilla chips as more of a dip.  Either way, it's yummy every time!

What you need:
1 chicken breast
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cans of tomatoes 
2 cans of beans (tonight I used black beans and kidney beans)
1 can of corn
add a bit of cooked rice 
1 Tbsp cumin
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt. 

What to do:
Throw all ingredients into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.  Shred the chicken after it's cooked and enjoy! 

* Note: I tend to make mine as more of a dip for tortilla chips. If you want yours more in the "soup" category, just add a couple cups of water in the beginning.

Trusting God

  I just finished reading through the story of Gideon in the Bible, and what a powerful story it is!

  Gideon is a regular man, clearly lacking in some self-confidence, when God comes to him to lead the Israelites out of the hands of the Midianites.  He says to God, "But Lord, how can I save Israel?  My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family."  Gideon then goes on to ask for multiple signs that it is really God speaking to him and that he is really supposed to do this.  God goes along with this and finally convinces Gideon to go.  Then as he is preparing his army, God has him send men home until he is left with only 300 to fight!  But Gideon has faith that he will be protected and that God is going to fight for him, and he ends up being victorious.

  Do you ever have doubts that you are strong enough to get through the tough situation you're in?  Do you lack confidence to stand firm in what you know is right?  I have good news!

God's strength is made known in our weakness.

  Let your confidence be in His strength, not in your own.  Trust that He has a plan for your life and that He loves and cares for you, whatever situation you may be going through.  Find your confidence in the fact that God's plan for your life is good.  He only needs you to follow Him.

And if you haven't already, read Judges 6 & 7 and see how Gideon was able to put his trust fully in God.

Banana Pancakes

I just tried a new recipe I saw online to make tonight as breakfast for dinner. If you've never tried these, you should! I was nervous about the consistency of them, but they really turned out like pancakes! I was impressed! Super easy, healthy, and my husband said, "You're never making regular pancakes again" because these were so good. I'd say it was a win! :)    

*** If you're following the 21 Day Fix eating plan, these pancakes (not including the optional toppings) would use 1 YELLOW, 1 RED, and 1 PURPLE container for the whole recipe.

 What you need:

1 banana

2 eggs

1/3 cup oats

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp vanilla

What to do:
   - Mash ripe banana well.
   - Whisk in eggs.
   - Stir in other ingredients thoroughly.
**I used instant oats and blended them in my food processor until they were almost a powder.
   - Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto frying pan or griddle.

    - Cook about 1 minute on each side.
   
***optional toppings: fresh fruit, drizzle a bit of syrup, peanut butter with bit of honey

Mixed Veggies & Rice

This recipe is about the quickest, easiest meal I know how to make.  It's a nice light lunch option, but quite filling.  I usually use whatever veggies I happen to have in the freezer, and I tend to make this meal when I have some leftover rice from previous dinners.  If I have any leftover cooked meats, I sometimes add those, too.

What you need:
  Frozen Mixed Vegetables
  Rice
  Your choice of meat
  Creole Seasoning
  Salt
  Pepper

What to do:
  ~ Make rice according to directions on package.

~ Put all the vegetables in a skillet or small saucepan with about 1 tablespoon of water.  Cook till veggies are soft.

  ~ Add your choice of meat (I've used chicken, beef, sausage, or ham).

  ~ Season with Creole, salt, pepper to taste.

Piyo Update

Hey everyone!  I just wanted to give a quick update on how Piyo is going.  I started the program about 2 1/2 weeks ago with my husband.  We've been getting up every morning before he leaves for work and doing our workout for the day.  I LOVE starting the day with a good workout (even though some mornings I don't feel like I have the strength to actually finish it!).  It gives me energy to get the day going, helps me start right away thinking about how to stay on track for the day, and is giving my husband and I a little extra time together before he leaves for the day. 

So, I don't want to post any pictures just yet, but I did take a before picture when we first started, and I'm pretty excited about what my progress and after pictures will show.  I can already tell in just a couple weeks that there is more definition in my arms (which has always been a struggle for me), my legs are a bit smaller, and I'm feeling stronger!  I really struggled with all the tricep pushups Chalene has you do in the Piyo videos (she must LOVE tricep pushups! haha), but I'm finally getting to a point where I can finish the whole set of pushups with her and I don't feel like collapsing on the floor!  Yay!

I'm planning on taking some progress pictures at about 30 days, so we'll see how much of a difference actually shows up there.  But until then, I'll just celebrate all the non-scale victories that are coming up!

What is a fitness coach?

Do you like improving yourself?  Do you like helping others?  Could you use a little motivation to stay on a healthy track?  

Then you have come to the right place!

  I have been a Beachbody coach for over 2 years now, and as a coach, my primary job is to provide you with the motivation and tools YOU need to live a healthier lifestyle.  I provide fitness accountability groups that are filled with other people who have goals they're trying to reach and want to help you reach yours!

   I have grown so much in my fitness journey since starting with Beachbody, and I want to share that success with you!

   Send me a message and follow me on Facebook!  I'd love to talk with you about how we can help each other reach our goals!

Talents

One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. (Proverbs 11:24 NIV)

This passage got me thinking about the talents and abilities that I have. I'll be the first to admit that sometimes I'm a bit self-conscious when it comes to sharing my talents with others, and often times, that keeps me from sharing. But when I withhold my talents, I'm not just keeping them from other people. I'm holding back from using what God has given me. It's important to reflect every so often and ask yourself 'Am I doing what I can for God? Am I using the talents He has given me to bring glory to Him?' 

Maybe the first step should be doing some serious reflection on what talents you have been given. Are you creative? Artistic? A good listener? A good talker? Patient? A hard worker?  We all need to take some time to figure out what we're good at and find ways that we can use those abilities for God. If you give freely, even of your talents and skills, you will gain even more.

Prayer For Today:

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalm 25:4-5 NIV)

Workout Buddy

Anyone else have a super awesome buddy to workout with? Mine is about 2 1/2 feet tall, a little uncoordinated, and the cutest workout buddy ever!  She loves to pull out the yoga mat and "workout" while I do my videos.  It sure helps to have some entertainment while getting in some exercise :)

I truly believe that if your kids see you with healthy habits, they'll be so much more likely to develop those same habits themselves.  I've been working out with my little one around since the day she was born (ok, maybe not quite that early), and she just keeps being more and more interested in what I'm doing.  Now she's getting old enough to almost join in on some of the workouts... especially the yoga poses.  She loves "downward facing dog" and is great at "child's pose" (go figure!)  She even comes and "stretches" with me when she sees I'm done with the workout.  If you're having trouble finding the motivation to get in your daily exercise, think about who's watching you and what habits you want them to grow up with.  If you enjoy being healthy, chances are they will, too!

21 Day Fix Before & After

Hey guys!  I just finished up my last day of workouts for the 21 Day Fix.  I'll be honest, I didn't actually follow the specific meal plan that's provided, but I've been really making a conscious effort over the past 3 weeks to watch what I eat (and drink).  I've been trying to focus on just having more meat and veggies overall, and pretty much only drinking water throughout the day... and of course my daily Shakeology.  So anyway, here are my results after 21 days of awesome workouts and eating healthier.  I really do feel better and LOVE that my clothes are fitting so much better in just 3 weeks!

If you're interested in finding the right fitness program for you or just want some accountability in sticking to your own goals, let's talk!

Friend me on Facebook , or shoot me an email at camillaspong@gmail.com 

I'd love to hear from you and help you reach your goals!

Shakeology No Bake Cookies

(taken from www.teambeachbody.com)

What you need:
1 cup oats
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1 scoop Chocolate Shakeology
(I also like to use Vanilla Shakeology and add 1/2 tsp of cocoa powder)


Directions:
    1. Combine oats, peanut butter, honey, Shakeology in a medium sized bowl.
    2. Roll into 24 balls.

**Best if served after allowing to chill in the fridge for a few minutes.

Asparagus & Carrots

What you need:
Asparagus
Carrots
Oil
Garlic Powder
Salt

What to do:
   1. Hold asparagus spear at each end and bend until it snaps.  Throw out the bottom end.
   2. Cut the top portion of the asparagus into pieces about 2-3 inches long.
   3. Cut the carrots into thin slices.
   4. Heat oil in a pan, add asparagus and carrots and cook for 3-5 minutes (depending on how thick the asparagus spears are).  I usually like to test a larger piece of the asparagus before I declare it to be done.  I like mine to be cooked so that it's a little bit crunchy still, and not yet to the stringy stage.
   5. At about 2-3 minutes, add just a bit of the garlic powder and salt, to taste.

What Am I Giving?

 "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand."
1 Chronicles 29:14

That is what King David said in his praise to God as he and the people are preparing for the building of the temple.  Right before this there is a list of all the things David himself has given to be used for the temple, and it says the people all gave generously as well.  Wouldn't it have been so easy for them all to get caught up in the fact that they were being so generous in their giving?  I know it's hard for me to not think about how great and helpful I am when I make a donation or provide a service.  But then the focus is on ME.  How would my life change if I was able to see my service in the same light as David?  Who am I that I should be able to give as generously as this?  Who am I that I have been given these talents to share with others?

I want to have a heart that is always willing and always looking to God and how I can serve Him.  Everything comes from Him, and anything I do or give is just my way to give back what he has given to me.  He deserves every ounce of praise, not me.

Prayer for today:
O Lord, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep this desire in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you. 

Kale Chips

What you need:
1 large bowl of kale
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp salt

Directions:
~ Tear the kale into bite size pieces.
~ Toss the oil in with the kale, then toss it all together with the salt. 
~ Spread evenly on a baking sheet (I very lightly spray the sheet first). 
~ Bake at 350º for 8 minutes. Super easy and super healthy! 

**For an even healthier version, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.