tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55827743530937398792024-03-14T00:09:27.309-05:00Rashel's RunSharing my race of life in faith, fitness, food and family ~ 1 Cor 9:24-27Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.comBlogger425125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-36721851998605886402016-01-30T21:42:00.000-06:002016-12-01T18:16:44.675-06:00Closing this Blog for a New BeginningAfter much consideration and prayer, I have decided to close this blog. Trust me, I did not make this decision lightly. I started this blog over 8 years ago, but I believe the Lord has a new plan for me. One that includes starting a brand new blog and I sincerely hope you will follow me there. My prayer is that I will be encouraging women to embrace their real and learning to love themselves and families just as they are.<br />
<br />
I am so thankful for each one of you that has visited this blog and I hope you will come visit me in my new home. I will be leaving this blog up, because there are so many pins attached to it and still some great info here. I won't be moving everything over, I don't feel that is what God would have me to do. So, everything will still be here, but I will be closing comments soon as my focus and time will be going to setting up my new blog.<br />
<br />
I am super excited about what God has planned for me and my blog and my readers! I hope to see you there!<br />
<br />
Come join me over at <a href="http://whewtribe.blogspot.com/2016/12/why-whew-tribe.html" target="_blank">WHEW Tribe!</a><br />
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Blessings to you my sweet friends!<br />
RashelAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-54156100030592425012016-01-28T08:00:00.000-06:002016-01-28T08:00:08.808-06:00Lessons From the TrampolineI heard it over and over....and over.....and over...<br />
<br />
"Will you come jump with me?"<br />
<br />
-- it's too cold<br />
<br />
"Now will you come jump with me, it isn't cold?"<br />
<br />
--no, I'm busy<br />
<br />
"Mom, will you come jump with me?"<br />
<br />
-- I just don't want to jump.<br />
<br />
Finally, it slapped me upside the head that my attitude was HORRIBLE! All she wanted was for me to come play with her. Even if I jumped for 5 jumps and then just sat there, she would be happy. Finally,<br />
<br />
"Mom, will you come jump with me?"<br />
<br />
--I really am in the middle of this, I will, but let me finish. A little later, right after I emptied my bladder - that is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. I said okay, come on, let's go jump. She dropped what she was doing and came running, hollaring at her brother to come too. "Come on, she won't jump long!" So true, she knows me. I just really don't like jumping for very long. Did I mention the bladder thing?<br />
<br />
We jumped and jumped. They did flips, I said no way. She fell flat on her back and bounced back up to her feet and said "now you do it". I said I can't! This kept going. They would do something I thought was crazy and then want me to do it, I would say, "I can't." I'M 42!!<br />
<br />
Then I got slapped upside the head again (not literally) why do I keep saying I can't. I haven't even tried. Is that what I want them to learn? What difference does my age matter? It's not like I'm 92!!<br />
<br />
So I tried. I tried to land flat on my back, but seriously it was hard. I could not let myself just fall back without bracing myself, which made it hurt worse. I did keep trying and she kept laughing!<br />
<br />
Then something happened and they thought it would be hilarious to play "don't crack the egg" with me as the egg.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrriGbjTQByR4aHof822mSyqy176inxC_gRkI7zkyxmX_bOwu4jYjxt6OjJaATDee5WdyKpTOj6PPxaN7DRJirYIiNxoIV6Lz9aLqiUoNuYYe3d_oczj8zGEJLlXqnvSniq4D6CJ2VeDjB/s1600/tramp1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrriGbjTQByR4aHof822mSyqy176inxC_gRkI7zkyxmX_bOwu4jYjxt6OjJaATDee5WdyKpTOj6PPxaN7DRJirYIiNxoIV6Lz9aLqiUoNuYYe3d_oczj8zGEJLlXqnvSniq4D6CJ2VeDjB/s320/tramp1.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>
This is where one person lays in the middle of the trampoline in a fetal position, holding their legs and the others bounce you. The "egg" tries not to let go of their legs, which would mean they got cracked. They bounced me and I screamed. Seriously, I screamed. I closed my eyes because if I kept them open, I screamed more - it was too scary. They thought it was hilarious. I would scream and they would laugh.<br />
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Then it was time to play follow the leader and I was leader because seriously, I cannot do half what they can do. I did corny things, but they played along. Then, I let them each have one time as a leader and I TRIED to do what they did. They laughed again.<br />
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Finally, it was time for me to get off. We've already discussed the why's of this. By the way, I may not be able to walk tomorrow, because that really is a workout!<br />
<br />
My lessons for the day-<br />
1. I had fun jumping on the trampoline, I should do it more often instead of automatically saying no. Plus it counts for exercise.<br />
2. Stop saying "I can't" and just try! Who knows, maybe you can!<br />
3. My children love when I play with them - okay, I already knew this one!<br />
4. It does crazy things to my hair.<br />
<br />
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Blessings my friends,<br />
RashelAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-67830564129822088132016-01-27T16:25:00.001-06:002016-01-27T16:25:36.653-06:00How God Taught Me to Trust Him in All Things Part 2<div class="MsoNormal">
I promised you the rest of the story about my son and the
lessons God taught me ~ here it is:</div>
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(if you want to read the first part of this story, go <a href="http://awomanswalk.blogspot.com/2016/01/how-god-taught-me-to-trust-him-in-all.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</div>
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Allow me to set the stage for a moment, we had recently
changed churches and were about to join this new church. Now, in this
particular church you had to be baptized in this church or in a church of the
same denomination and bring a letter of referral. We had neither as we came
from a nondenominational church. Although three of the six of us had been saved
and baptized previously, it was not in this church. After much discussion, we
decided we would be baptized into the church. In the meantime, my daughter
accepted Christ and was ready to be baptized for the first time. My middle and
youngest sons both decided they were also ready to be saved and baptized; all
six of us were baptized into the church at the same time. Now, I’m just going
to leave that like it is, because I have no desire to start a debate about
different denominations right now, or about whether this practice is right or
wrong. I will say that if we had the chance to do it over – it wouldn’t happen.
</div>
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The only reason I told you all of that was so that you would
understand the rest of this story. You see my son went through the motions
then, but fast forward several years and I start getting nudges from the Holy
Spirit that I’m just really not sure my son is truly saved. It wasn’t because
he was a bad kid, he’s not. It wasn’t because he was doing horrible things, he
wasn’t. I just started noticing things like he wasn’t reading scripture verses
I was sending him daily, he was very defensive about certain things and he didn’t
seem to be convicted by scripture in areas of his life. </div>
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We go to church as often as we can, we attend a weekly
family bible study group and we go to a week long bible camp every year. He
participates in and seems to enjoy all of these things. We pray at every meal,
we discuss God often; we thank Him and pray to Him – all the time. He is a very
huge part of our lives. </div>
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So, when God started speaking to me and telling me to
ask my son about it, I didn’t want to. I was afraid he would be offended that I
would dare think such a thing. But God didn’t let up, so I obeyed.</div>
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I went into his room while he was working on school work and
sat down on his bed. I said, “I want to ask you something and I need you to
tell me the truth.” Of course he said, “That depends on the question.” Yeah, he’s
16. I said, “Have you ever given your
life to Christ?” He paused, quiet for a moment, thinking and said, “I don’t
know.” Silence.</div>
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Ugh, my fear was true. </div>
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I wanted to cry, but I tried hard not
to. </div>
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I asked him more questions, and we talked about what it all meant. I asked
if he wanted to give his life to Christ. His reply, “I don’t know.” WHAT?!! </div>
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Why? Why wouldn’t you want to?</div>
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I did not understand and he
couldn’t tell me. We kept talking. I kept asking him if he believed in God, in
Jesus, in the Bible and he answered yes to everything. He knew it was all true,
but he still didn’t know if he wanted to. </div>
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I.DON’T.UNDERSTAND.</div>
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I told him that. I said, “I just don’t understand how you
can believe it all, how you can know heaven and hell are real and not know if
you want to give your life to Christ.” I told him, “The scripture says if you
are not for him then you are against him. There is no middle ground.” We talked
about it all, about how much God loved him and Jesus dying for him. He couldn’t
tell me why and I couldn’t understand.</div>
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I left his room, went to mine, fell on my bed and bawled. I
wondered if I had done something to turn him away from God. So many things went
through my mind; I can’t even begin to list them all. Mostly I was sad and just
didn’t understand. I prayed and prayed and then I remembered. God reminded me
to trust Him – to trust Him in ALL things and I knew why He had been drilling
it into my head the last week. </div>
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Here is what I wrote in my journal: “I cannot dwell on this.
I have to give it to God and trust Him. He loves my son and wants this more
than I do… It is hard not to worry about this, but that will do no good – I must
give it to God –He’s got this.”</div>
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I kept praying. I prayed off and on all day. We had our
second night of revival at church that night and you better believe I was
praying hard that he would accept Christ that night. He didn’t. I kept trusting
God. I was reminded that God said, “I’ve got this.”</div>
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The next morning I was having my quiet time and praying
about it again, because believe me it never left my mind. God reminded me of
Mark 9:29: And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but
prayer and fasting”. I needed to pray AND fast! Then, I needed to lay hands on
my son and pray over him. So, that morning I fasted and prayed. I had
determined to fast until dinner time, only having liquids, but right before
lunch time God said it was time to go pray. I had been talking to God all day,
checking in with Him to see what He would have me do. (I need to add a side
note here- I have been baptized in the Holy Spirit and believe in speaking in
tongues and the powers of the Holy Spirit).
At one point He reminded me to pray in tongues over my son and I
promised I would, even though I still am not comfortable exercising that gift
in front of others. (He is working on me in that area). </div>
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My other children were all outside and my son was in his
room, so I went in there and knelt down by his bed. I said I am not going to
ask you more questions, but I want to pray for you. He stopped what he was
working on and let me pray for him. I put both my hands on him and prayed
aloud, I rebuked Satan and then I spoke in tongues over him. I finished, got
up, went to my room and thanked God. I chose to believe that He would answer my
prayers and I gave it to Him. I trusted Him.</div>
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That night was the third and last night of revival. My son
was sitting at the end of the row with my two other sons between us. Every time
the teacher said something I thought might spark in my son, I prayed for him
but I was no longer worried. At the end of service, the teacher had us bow our
heads and asked if anyone wanted to give their life to Christ – I thought I saw
the shadow on the floor of my son’s hand going up. I smiled and praised God,
believing He had answered my prayer. There was much more praying before the
service was actually over and I was able to talk to my son. I wanted to ask him
and know for sure. I walked over to him and he said “No hugs.” That is just
like him, a 16 year old boy that does not want his mother hugging him, especially
in front of everyone. But, he said, “You can cry now.” He knows me so well! I
did. One of our friends was sitting right by us and hugged me since my son
wouldn’t and I just bawled. I’m a crier. I admit it. </div>
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Later some of us were in the front of the church, praying
and talking and I noticed the teacher, our pastor, my husband and my son were
all standing there. They were praying for him and he was smiling. They called
me over to make sure I knew what had happened, I said yes and then I hugged
him. I told him I didn’t care, I was hugging him anyway! He just gave me that
half smile and let me. Thank you Jesus for answered prayers and hearts given to
you!</div>
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I was literally shaking with excitement for awhile after the
service. The power of the Holy Spirit is a mighty thing.</div>
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Now, I want you to understand that I didn’t tell you any of
this so that you would think I have magical praying powers, God did the work. I
give all glory to Him! I do, however, hope you understand how important it is
for us to pray and then believe God will answer those prayers. We must trust
Him and take Him at His word. We must cling to the scriptures and the truth in
them. We need to listen for God’s voice and then obey Him. That is one of the
lessons I learned through this.</div>
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Another thing God showed me was that I hadn’t truly had a
heart for the lost until now. Until I had the fear of my son not going to
heaven, I didn’t have the compassion for lost like I should. God opened my
heart to them in a way he probably couldn’t have any other way. </div>
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I pray you have been blessed by this story and I pray you
have been encouraged to listen for God’s voice and then obey him, in all
things.</div>
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Blessings,</div>
<br />
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Rashel</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-19583335529764215242016-01-27T16:16:00.001-06:002016-01-27T16:26:53.957-06:00How God Taught Me to Trust Him in All Things Part 1<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Do you ever have
those times that you just know God is trying to show you something, trying to
teach you a lesson? Just recently this happened with me, again. It seemed like
everywhere I turned, He was showing me what His word says about worrying versus
trusting God. At first, I just felt Him nudging me that way, putting it on my
heart - all the aspects of trusting God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">My heart had really
been burdened about being real and open with others, just being myself and not
worrying about what the world thought. You already know this if you've read
some of my most recent posts. Well, in preparation for our church's upcoming IF
gathering I decided to pick up a book by one of the speakers and read it as a
way to get fired up and ready. The Lord directed me to Jen Hatmaker's book
"For the Love" and I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love
this book! I really need to do a review post about it soon. Anyway, I was
talking to one of the other coordinators for our event and she said she was
reading the same book! We had both picked it up and started reading it about
the same time, not knowing the other one was doing the same thing. I love when
God does little things like that! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Then, my daughter and
I were asked to provide childcare at a local church during a Friday morning
women's bible study. This was the first time childcare was to be provided, so
we knew there was a chance we wouldn't have any children this time. We figured
we would just go back home if no one showed up, but one of the lovely ladies
leading the study gave us the book as a thank you for being there and asked us
to sit in on the study if no one arrived. Sure enough, no one showed up and we
stayed for the study. It is a 12 week study on calming your anxious heart, not
worrying but instead, trusting God. A lot of it lined up with what I had been
reading in "For the Love"!! Okay Lord, I think you are hinting at
something.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">The next evening we
had our regular weekly home bible study group, we call it fellowship. It is
just a group of us that get together each week at someone's home, eat dinner
and one of us leads a bible study (occasionally we watch a movie or have game
night). Guess what the bible study was about?! Yep, worry. I was thinking, okay
Lord, I get it, you are definitely trying to get my attention on this. The
funny thing is that I honestly didn't think I worried that much. I mean yeah, I
do the normal mom worry about her children when they go somewhere, etc., but I
thought I had really grown in the area of not worrying over the past few years.
Obviously, God thought I needed a little refresher course!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">In my little bitty
scope of the world, I'm thinking God is trying to teach me not to worry about
my family and what may or may not happen to them. Stop thinking I need to pray
"please keep them safe Lord" every time one of my teenage sons drives
off. Or "please return him home to us this evening Lord" when my husband
leaves for work. Now, let me stop for a minute and say that within the last few
months in our community that we have had two young women lose their husbands
and suddenly become widows, as well as a young 15 year old girl being killed in
a car accident. It really makes you stop and think just how suddenly loved ones
can be taken from us - so I'm sure I had been praying those little prayers for
safety much more frequently the last couple months. This was the lesson I
thought I was supposed to be learning, "Stop worrying about them. Even if
something were to happen, I am here for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">"Do not be
anxious, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let
your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I was wrong. God was
preparing me for something else, something that completely changed my
perspective.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">But God knew. He knew
I needed to be grounded in this lesson of trusting God before I discovered...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">my 16 year old had
not given his life to Christ like we thought, and what was worse was that he
wasn't sure he wanted to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Heartbreak. What?
Why? I don't understand! At all!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I cried. I prayed. I
asked my son questions he couldn't answer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">My prayer went from
"God, please keep him safe" to "God, please don't let him die
before He accepts you as his Savior". <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Desperate prayers.
More desperate than I have ever felt. Ever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Never in my life had
I wanted something for someone so badly. Never had I felt so much urgency for
the lost. Never had I understood more clearly how desperately God wants his
children to accept him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">God didn't just want
me to learn to trust Him in all things, He wanted me to learn compassion for
the lost. To feel the urgency of sharing the gospel with others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I will share the rest
of this story in my next post, because I want to share the details of it and
this post is already getting rather wordy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">However, I won't
leave you hanging ~ praise God, my son did give his life to Christ! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">I hope you will click
over to the next post as I continue the story and share how it happened and what God taught me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Blessings my friends,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Rashel<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Part 2 is<a href="http://awomanswalk.blogspot.com/2016/01/how-god-taught-me-to-trust-him-in-all_27.html" target="_blank"> here</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-14493406901584610812016-01-23T08:47:00.000-06:002016-01-23T08:49:48.687-06:00Examples of Real vs. PerfectYesterday I wrote about being ourselves instead of searching for that perfect way. So today I thought I would share a few examples of real vs "perfect".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_z9Fl-2ss0VFiZvq0jZt9JEdE-eaRgFDLLYOAMFZKPxGjbW2uxguQe1D_d63yKX6hTA7ofXsal5S-NschspBJ1oMMDYqvtLNDBkRsA2z-6vhS__5yc8tLJ0uFi2ARIzeX6Z_vllbh1KNM/s1600/real.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_z9Fl-2ss0VFiZvq0jZt9JEdE-eaRgFDLLYOAMFZKPxGjbW2uxguQe1D_d63yKX6hTA7ofXsal5S-NschspBJ1oMMDYqvtLNDBkRsA2z-6vhS__5yc8tLJ0uFi2ARIzeX6Z_vllbh1KNM/s320/real.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Dishes in the sink because I chose to watch a movie after dinner with my family<br />
........vs....... your sink should always be empty and sparkling<br />
<br />
Blankets strewn across the living room this morning because of watching above said movie<br />
......vs........ always tidy up the house before bedtime, nothing should be out of place<br />
<br />
Frozen pizza for lunch because I didn't want to cook after grocery shopping<br />
......vs......... if you feed your family processed foods, you are poisoning them.<br />
<br />
Ponytail, no makeup and yoga pants on when my hubby walks in the door<br />
......vs....... you should always freshen your makeup and fix your hair just before your husband arrives home.<br />
<br />
Writing my name in the dust on my coffee table<br />
......vs........ today is Tuesday, let's dust the entire house.<br />
<br />
Talking to God while washing the dishes<br />
.....vs........we should rise an hour before our family and spend quiet time with God.<br />
<br />
Come on in, make yourself at home, oh let me move that blanket out of your way<br />
......vs...... I can't have people over unless my house is spotless.<br />
<br />
Taking my neighbor a tater tot casserole when they had a bad day<br />
.....vs...... I must fix a three course meal in order to bless someone.<br />
<br />
Pepsi, a bag of chips and some french onion dip while cleaning my house because that is a real thing<br />
.......vs........ I must never put junk in my mouth if I want to be healthy and a good fitness example to others.<br />
<br />
Saying I'm sorry when I lose my temper and yell at my children<br />
..........vs........We must be perfect examples of Christ, maintaining self control in all areas at all times.<br />
<br />
Popcorn, blankets and movies all day with my family - maybe even ordering pizza so I don't have to cook<br />
.......vs........We must never be lazy, always busy with our hands.<br />
<br />
These are just a few examples of my real life. Yep, they've all happened at one time or another. I tried to use some extreme perfects just to make a point, but please know that if you do any of the "perfect" things because that is how you like it, GREAT!! I just don't want us believing we are any less of a wife, mother or person because we don't do them. Remember, it is all about finding what works for us and our own families, not trying to live up to some standard "they" set for us - whoever "they" are.<br />
<br />
I want us to live in grace and freedom. I want us to relax and enjoy life, to love others and let go of trying to be perfect. Just. be. you. If that means having a spotless house, awesome - just don't expect that if you come visit me. ;)<br />
<br />
Blessings my friends,<br />
Rashel<br />
<br />
To read the post that inspired this post, click<a href="http://awomanswalk.blogspot.com/2016/01/examples-of-real-vs-perfect.html" target="_blank"> here.</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-67986196181421901022016-01-22T18:45:00.001-06:002016-01-23T11:20:17.335-06:00There is No Perfect Way<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There is so
much I want to write, so much on my heart, that I don’t really know what to
say. It’s as if I have no words to accurately describe the emotion in my heart
and mind. I feel as if I can’t express it adequately – but I will try, because
it is so important, so vital.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I see so
many women struggling in life – struggling in every area of life: marriage,
motherhood, homemaking, business woman, child of God, everything. They seem to
be always searching for the answers, for someone to tell them who they are
supposed to be, what they are supposed to do and how to do it. They are always
seeking the right way, the perfect way. They never feel as if they are doing
good enough or even if <b>they </b>are
enough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That’s why
there are so many articles like “The 10 things you must do for a clean house”, “the
best way to improve your marriage”, or “top 5 ways to train your child”. There
is always someone willing to tell us the “best way”, because there are so many
of us searching for that “best way.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I know,
because I have been there. I have felt like I wasn’t doing enough, like I was
failing at so many things. Sometimes at everything. I have felt like I was the
only one that didn’t have it all together. I felt like a failure and I felt
alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dear sister,
let me tell you right now – YOU ARE ENOUGH. You don’t need to keep searching
for the perfect way. There is no perfect way. There’s just not! No matter what
you are doing, there is no perfect way to do it. There is no best way. There
are so many ways, because there are so many of us. We are all different –
praise God! Our families are all different. Our homes, our lifestyles, our
careers, our hobbies – they are all different. And do you know what, God
created us that way. He wants us to be different. He wants us to find our own
way. He wants us to be ourselves. Yes, ourselves. You be you and I’ll be me. I’ll
keep my house clean the way I want, and you keep your house clean the way you
want. How does that sound? Sounds kind of freeing doesn’t it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKLFD_b6cVvJ1nUe1Jn_S6yGzmsv_hnEcmBFhoDGjBdxXSo54YCuaCy9xDdCZfoHO-wRAbEKtX9RL7spjGSTNG-zc388LNQ0UBuKkVDsCXrYoQ0h0XWf5HAXQaXvxgdDkSmByvxGO47kz/s1600/freedom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKLFD_b6cVvJ1nUe1Jn_S6yGzmsv_hnEcmBFhoDGjBdxXSo54YCuaCy9xDdCZfoHO-wRAbEKtX9RL7spjGSTNG-zc388LNQ0UBuKkVDsCXrYoQ0h0XWf5HAXQaXvxgdDkSmByvxGO47kz/s320/freedom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let me tell
you a secret, it is. It is such freedom to just be myself. God is teaching me
this lesson. I wish I could say He has <i>taught
</i>me this lesson, but I’m a little stubborn and I still need reminding – <b>often</b>.
Sweet child of God, He wants you to learn it too. He loves you. He made
you. He made you who you are. He doesn’t make mistakes. He doesn’t make flaws,
you are perfect in His sight. You are perfectly you. Soak that in for a moment.
Reread it if you need to. I’ll wait….. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I want you
to really, really get this. You are enough just the way you are. You are the
best mom for your children, the best wife for your husband, and the best keeper
of your home. Stop tearing yourself down and stop comparing yourself to others.
Just. STOP. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes, strive
to be better…in Christ. Never stop growing in Christ. Always seek to be more
like Him. But for the love of all things, stop trying to be like Mrs. Perfect
across the road (or probably more like across the blog). When your heart is
focused on Christ, when you are drawing nearer to Him, the rest will fall into
place. Trust me, it just will.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When you
learn that it is okay to be you, to be real, you can’t even imagine the
blessing it is. Others will be drawn to you, because they will see that you are
real, that you are honest. They will feel free to be real too. They won’t feel
judged, they will feel loved. Do you know why? Because once you accept
yourself, you are free to accept others just as they are too. You won’t judge
them anymore, because you’ll know that just like you, they aren’t perfect. None
of us are. (except in God's eyes)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My prayer is
that we will learn to live in the freedom of Christ. The freedom of knowing
that we are His and <b>nothing</b> will ever lessen His love for us. The freedom of
being who He created us to be. Let’s lay down the bonds of comparison and guilt
and instead, live in the freedom and grace of being a child of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If all of those
how to articles help you draw closer to God and be a better wife or mom, then
by all means let God use them to speak to you. But for goodness sake, do not
buy into the lie that we all have to do it (whatever it is) the same way,
because we don’t. Read posts and be encouraged, learn different ways of doing
things and find what works best for you and your family, but blow the chaff
away and let it go. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I pray you
have been encouraged to be yourself, to be free.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blessings,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Rashel<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To see my next post for practical examples of this, go <a href="http://awomanswalk.blogspot.com/2016/01/examples-of-real-vs-perfect.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">**be sure to see my link ups page to see which party this post might be linked to</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-23921237727872402992016-01-18T14:11:00.001-06:002016-01-18T14:11:40.164-06:00Healthy Instant Breakfast Shake:THM FPI'm not really a breakfast eater, I could go for a few hours after I get up with nothing but a couple cups of coffee. However, I know that really isn't good for me. So I started thinking about what I could do to get some nourishment without having to eat much. I thought about having muffins ready, or something similar but it really isn't about making breakfast. It's that I really just don't feel like eating right away. Unlike my 18 year old son who has always thought he needed to eat immediately upon getting out of bed - like I'm going to starve if I don't have three bowls of cereal NOW! Not me.<br />
<br />
I used to drink Carnation instant breakfasts years and years ago and more recently I drank a healthier version of that type of shake, but those have so many unwanted ingredients in them that I just don't want to consume those anymore. So I decided it was time to come up with my own <a href="https://store.trimhealthymama.com/#_l_k3" target="_blank">Trim Healthy Mama</a> version.<br />
<br />
I wanted something I could mix up in a shaker bottle without needing a blender and that had enough protein in it to keep me nourished for awhile - until I was ready to eat.<br />
<br />
Introducing the Healthy Instant Breakfast Shake:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeX4MIM1gUrnJdx26QLah9QbPx_Z264qYdvwagVtSaeZevdjjYc3e5JeEtFaR1sPx5cODNKwFUr6fvWgeaENqc28kiDqsNU5tPRJkW9k6P0AOznEmLaRseYDWkSt_Wgvzyeh8sFx45msB/s1600/2016-01-18_13.26.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIeX4MIM1gUrnJdx26QLah9QbPx_Z264qYdvwagVtSaeZevdjjYc3e5JeEtFaR1sPx5cODNKwFUr6fvWgeaENqc28kiDqsNU5tPRJkW9k6P0AOznEmLaRseYDWkSt_Wgvzyeh8sFx45msB/s400/2016-01-18_13.26.38.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
<br />
Combine the following in a shaker bottle (with the little wire ball thing inside)<br />
8 oz unsweetened almond milk<br />
2 tsp<a href="https://store.trimhealthymama.com/#_l_k3" target="_blank"> integral collagen</a><br />
1 scoop <a href="https://store.trimhealthymama.com/#_l_k3" target="_blank">Trim Healthy Mama protein powder</a> (my absolute favorite protein powder)<br />
pinch of sea salt<br />
1/4 tsp <a href="https://store.trimhealthymama.com/#_l_k3" target="_blank">lecithin</a><br />
1 doonk stevia, I use <a href="https://store.trimhealthymama.com/#_l_k3" target="_blank">Trim Healthy Mama</a> brand<br />
<br />
Then shake, shake, shake and enjoy!<br />
I estimate this has about 25g of protein and it is an FP for THM followers.<br />
You could use water but I really like the creaminess and flavor the almond milk gives plus a few extra nutrition benefits.<br />
<br />
I've found that I can have one of these and not be hungry until lunch time, although I don't think it would be wise to do that every day. You can also pair this with some fruit for a THM E meal. Or add it to an S meal that is light on protein.<br />
<br />
I'm still experimenting with other flavors such as chocolate, peanut butter and caramel. I like it just the way it is, but I know others would like flavor options. If you experiment with flavors, please comment below and let us know what works for you!<br />
<br />
To make it super easy, mix up several containers of the dry ingredients ahead of time and they will be ready to just add to the almond milk and go!<br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
Rashel<br />
<br />
*This post contains affiliate links.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-24823407946587066422016-01-14T17:49:00.002-06:002016-01-14T17:49:56.685-06:00Keeping My Priorities Straight Every Day<div style="text-align: center;">
I just had to pop on here real quick and share my new to do list with you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have been looking for what "plan" would work best for keeping my home, but nothing has really stuck with me and worked for me so far.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our daily schedule is rarely the same every day, so it can be hard to follow a "plan". My husband's days off change and now two of my boys are working and their days change as well. So, I need a really flexible schedule. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Also, things come up that need my attention and if it isn't "worked into my schedule" it can end up throwing my whole day off. I've been praying about what is important to me and what really needs to be priority in my home. I should also say that when I follow someone else's plan, I tend to compare myself to that person or compare my home to theirs - and comparison is never good for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another thing is that keeping my home spotless really isn't a priority for me. I become too easily obsessed with keeping a clean home and neglect what is really important. Or worse, I become really irritable with my family when they mess up "my" clean home. That is really bad! I've learned that having my home picked up is good enough for us. I like things in order and don't like a lot of clutter, but we live in our home and if blankets are left out on the couch because we like to snuggle in them- it's okay with me. There are usually books all over the kitchen table because we homeschool. There are always cups on the table or counter because there are 6 of us and we use the same cup all day. My point is that rarely is everything put up all at once and almost always you can write you name in the dust on my end tables - even an hour after I dust! I think that is just part of country living. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I need relaxed and I need to keep my priorities straight. I can look at my floors and know when they need swept or mopped, I don't really need someone to tell me when to do that. So, I prayed about it and thought about it. Here is what I came up with.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQQC0UFoL4BPBVrVte_bsEI5xCNhlVBo02PARKHEpm86fdkHmI55ROdyygVjssPOsG5yrlhUkL5L9axDvR2Y8PTVmUHGaQ29YzQAeMaeLeDy7AvTSVMauY4U6SbU17b_xgaHtbIoc4ClV/s1600/2016-01-14_17.05.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQQC0UFoL4BPBVrVte_bsEI5xCNhlVBo02PARKHEpm86fdkHmI55ROdyygVjssPOsG5yrlhUkL5L9axDvR2Y8PTVmUHGaQ29YzQAeMaeLeDy7AvTSVMauY4U6SbU17b_xgaHtbIoc4ClV/s400/2016-01-14_17.05.13.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
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I'm not going to follow a plan. I'm not going to follow a daily schedule, or even a weekly schedule. Each day (or night before) I'm going to make out my to do list of what needs done that day, knowing what else I have going on that day and what I have time for. </div>
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And to keep my priorities straight, that is how my list is typed out.</div>
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1. God</div>
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2. Husband</div>
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3. Children</div>
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4. Home</div>
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5. Other</div>
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For example, under husband I might have iron shirts or do laundry if he's out of socks. Under God would be pray, read or devotion time. For my children it might be fixing their favorite snacks, checking their school or chores. You get the idea. </div>
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I think with it listed out this way it will help me remember what is most important and make sure I get those tasks done first each day. It also allows me to look at my home and see what needs done most, not just what is "scheduled to be done that day."</div>
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I know some need more structure than this, that's awesome. God made us all different. We just need to find what works for us and our own families, not try to fit someone else's mold. </div>
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Your priorities may be different than mine, so you could make you own priority to do list. Only you can decide what's most important in your home. I just typed it up using Microsoft word and made it two columns on the page and cut it in half. I have it on a clipboard for sturdiness. If this is something you want to try, do it however works for you. You can just grab a blank piece of paper and pencil and write it out. Whatever you want! </div>
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My hope is that someone else will be encouraged by this and remember to keep their priorities straight each day.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-90589928604335002602016-01-14T08:00:00.000-06:002016-01-14T08:00:18.653-06:00My Absolute Favorite Tool for Staying on Plan<div style="text-align: center;">
Today I want to share with you one of my very favorite tools for helping me stay accountable on</div>
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<a href="https://store.trimhealthymama.com/#_l_k3" target="_blank">Trim Healthy Mama</a>!</div>
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Let's face it, no matter how much I LOVE following this plan, sometimes it can be hard- especially at holidays, special events, when hubby brings home chocolate or because it's Monday!</div>
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Eating healthy can sometimes be hard no matter what plan you are following and no matter how much you LOVE that plan!</div>
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Am I right?</div>
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Yep, I'm right!</div>
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Oh! And what if you are the ONLY person in your household that gives a second thought to what goes in your mouth? That can make it even harder. </div>
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Accountability helps.</div>
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Friends that are eating the same way as you helps.</div>
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Seeing ideas and getting recipes helps.</div>
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We can all use help.</div>
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So, I'm sharing with you one of my absolute favorite apps ever!</div>
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Seriously. I don't want to be without it. Ever.</div>
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<a href="http://www.twogrand.com/" target="_blank">YouFood</a></div>
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I'm not kidding. I get nothing for telling you about this app. I just want you to experience it and to love it like I do.</div>
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Here, I'll give you a sneak peak.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JGGtAvQ9kS-cnr5p4KGLT0avGRVRi0GRE2NZDrRdVlDtz6BhDuiD0N-kTPT5bWJ89vZiFjKI7SHJzxEm7R33dMdtdOeXDat3LkPi6NAo9HPlmpPt5943zkFuikfgIWX_nfznaLWGfCou/s1600/Screenshot_2016-01-13-15-31-51.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0JGGtAvQ9kS-cnr5p4KGLT0avGRVRi0GRE2NZDrRdVlDtz6BhDuiD0N-kTPT5bWJ89vZiFjKI7SHJzxEm7R33dMdtdOeXDat3LkPi6NAo9HPlmpPt5943zkFuikfgIWX_nfznaLWGfCou/s400/Screenshot_2016-01-13-15-31-51.png" width="223" /></a></div>
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This picture is a screenshot of my posts on Jan. 5. Here's what ya do-</div>
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you take a picture of everything you eat and log it in this app. </div>
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How many times have you heard that the key to being healthy or losing weight is to log your food? Can I be honest, I hate logging my food - well, I did. Before I found YouFood.</div>
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You just snap a picture of your food and post it, and you can add a description if you want. </div>
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Super simple.</div>
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I can log food, exercise, tips, encouraging thoughts, whatever!</div>
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AND THERE'S MORE!</div>
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Oh I just reminded myself of an infomercial - yikes!</div>
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You can follow other YouFoodies that follow the same plan as you, like <a href="https://store.trimhealthymama.com/#_l_k3" target="_blank">Trim Healthy Mama</a> or those with the same interests - running, large families, etc. There are so many interests and food plans on there I'm sure you will find what suits you. When you follow someone their posts show up in your feed and you see what they are eating/doing - I have gotten so many great ideas and recipes this way it is unreal!</div>
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And do you know what you can do when someone shares a recipe you love? You can save it in your "fridge"! Oh yes, a fridge. My fridge has multiple compartments - you decide how many and how to label them. It makes it so easy to keep track of foods you like and want to try.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQD8h_7L3OYVFjl5J4g3K5Em8lzP4N0_-LQSu3YVGQ3M4AnIdTsMJkWwjuerrme5CzSlaNivrqsw5zugd9k_SCFOfAWwFOsxR21oxbDj1SQSo33FvsLtyAll_Ge2qiuhILamKcZPlSgknH/s1600/Screenshot_2016-01-13-15-31-02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQD8h_7L3OYVFjl5J4g3K5Em8lzP4N0_-LQSu3YVGQ3M4AnIdTsMJkWwjuerrme5CzSlaNivrqsw5zugd9k_SCFOfAWwFOsxR21oxbDj1SQSo33FvsLtyAll_Ge2qiuhILamKcZPlSgknH/s320/Screenshot_2016-01-13-15-31-02.png" width="179" /></a></div>
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Here is just a little snippet of my fridge.</div>
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BUT WAIT...there's more!</div>
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(I couldn't resist a little more infomercial)</div>
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The best thing about this app is the community of friends I have on there. I never dreamed I would make such great friends through an app. They encourage me, lift me up, pray with me, keep me accountable and inspire me. You probably can't understand it until you've experienced it, but it is amazing! </div>
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So what are you waiting for? Go check it out! </div>
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Look me up @RashelTHM </div>
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Let me know you are coming from my blog and I'll be sure to follow you back - unless of course you want to keep your profile private. That is an option too and then no one sees your log but you. It is still a great way to track your food!</div>
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Go! Now!</div>
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Blessings my friends,</div>
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Rashel</div>
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*This post may contain affiliate links.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-28946664330426615902016-01-13T14:17:00.000-06:002016-01-13T17:45:57.288-06:00A Romans 12 Christian<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">As I was spending time in prayer God led me to these verses in Romans:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” Romans 12:9-18<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I started thinking about how our family would be if we fully lived out these verses, can you imagine?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhcouuIO_wnVXPZP1VVWfz5BPc9-XtbIC0RWioqGWLGxKUHdNyiCYgK64yxvcqxR9rNnqqFVBQpDu1iJObqC97pU4iYxWxj17cG-YC5YnJ-TYHPNE6xSv2BVoXSRsYxnck8xcgdh9b-Yt/s1600/Epinkflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhcouuIO_wnVXPZP1VVWfz5BPc9-XtbIC0RWioqGWLGxKUHdNyiCYgK64yxvcqxR9rNnqqFVBQpDu1iJObqC97pU4iYxWxj17cG-YC5YnJ-TYHPNE6xSv2BVoXSRsYxnck8xcgdh9b-Yt/s320/Epinkflower.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Yes, we love each other, but what if we REALLY loved each other – as God’s word says. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">If we loved unconditionally, always putting others first, never trying to get our own way, never irritable but always patient and always kind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">What if we hated what was wrong? If we hated anger or jealousy, would we partake in it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">What if we truly honored each other? Honoring, putting others before ourselves, respecting them and their wishes. Perhaps serving them with no thought of the cost to us nor thinking they should be serving us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Serving the Lord by serving our family <b>enthusiastically</b>, what a picture that is. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Always ready to help – and eager to do so. Never cursing others, but blessing instead – even our enemies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">What if we sought to live in harmony with each other? To me, harmony paints a picture of beauty and of sweet sound, not just the absence of quarrels. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">What if we lived our lives so that everyone could see we were honorable? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I pray that we are. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I wish that we were a perfect picture of Romans 12, but we aren’t. I pray that we are striving to become more like this picture of true Christians. Oh how I pray that is our goal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I was reminded that as the Mom of this family, often times I set the tone in our home. I must be all of these things if I expect my family to be them. I can’t ask them to be something I’m not willing to be. I am the example they look to. I am the one guiding them and setting the standard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Am I serving enthusiastically?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Am I truly loving them?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Am I honoring them?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I could go on and on with these verses, but I know you get the idea. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I printed these verses out and put them on the front of our fridge. I want to see them every day. I want to be reminded of how I am to be as a child of the King. I want to learn to fully live out these verses and be that example to my family. I want to live so that others can see I am honorable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I want to live so that others see Jesus in me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I encourage you to study these verses, meditate on them and pray over them. Pray them for yourself and for your family. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Let’s strive to become a Romans 12 Christian.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Blessings,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Rashel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-61203378392894788962016-01-07T21:03:00.000-06:002016-01-07T21:03:04.065-06:00It's ALL About Grace<div style="text-align: center;">
It's true!</div>
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It is ALL about grace.</div>
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Everything.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88gXIZtVeZGT44vAERis6TDwHJw-VcUcNGSAIPkT8XVXS7OBCVRa1iTl6CLg6cSR4cbDAFwPWnCPtbyAJN3a9mRmSdUSRMgEMmQa2HplawhHX7WpeGEN4ZkR3AP6B7-QpkaVJIv7QjVm1/s1600/2016-01-07_20.35.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88gXIZtVeZGT44vAERis6TDwHJw-VcUcNGSAIPkT8XVXS7OBCVRa1iTl6CLg6cSR4cbDAFwPWnCPtbyAJN3a9mRmSdUSRMgEMmQa2HplawhHX7WpeGEN4ZkR3AP6B7-QpkaVJIv7QjVm1/s400/2016-01-07_20.35.12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our interaction with others- whether in person or online, whether it is a friend or a clerk at the store.</div>
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GRACE.</div>
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Our faith - that is an obvious one right. God shows us more grace and mercy than we know, more than we can even imagine. </div>
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GRACE.</div>
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Our family - hopefully we extend grace to each other as we are all growing and learning.</div>
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GRACE.</div>
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But what about ourselves. Do we show ourselves</div>
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grace?</div>
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What about our journey to better health? Do we allow ourselves grace?</div>
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We can be so hard on ourselves, our biggest critics and the first ones to condemn ourselves when we mess up. In any area of our lives. Why? </div>
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Why do we do that?</div>
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God doesn't condemn us or criticize us. </div>
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He shows us GRACE.</div>
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Those that love us don't condemn us when we mess up. They encourage us and extend us grace. When our accountability buddy has a bad day and makes a bad food choice, we don't belittle them and make them feel worse. We show them grace and understanding.</div>
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We need to learn to show ourselves grace. We are going to mess up and we are going to make mistakes, it is just life. Why would we expect to be perfect? There is only one that is perfect. Jesus.</div>
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We may lose our temper toward our children. We may disrespect our husband. We might just eat that candy bar! </div>
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We are going to have times when we don't do the right thing. As long as we are striving to be better, trying to make progress and learning from our mistakes, it's okay.</div>
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It's. Okay.</div>
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Grace.</div>
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Allow yourself grace. Show yourself the grace you show to others and then try to do better next time. It's all about progress not perfection. </div>
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It's all about grace.</div>
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Blessings,</div>
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Rashel</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-74777946765602866342015-12-17T18:49:00.001-06:002016-01-28T17:41:15.118-06:00Glazed Pecans<div style="text-align: center;">
These are one of my husband's favorite treats! </div>
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He can't eat just one...handful...he always goes back for more.</div>
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They are rather addicting, so consider yourself warned.</div>
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The recipe I made was using white sugar, because that is how hubby likes them -</div>
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but you could easily substitute xylitol or erythritol.</div>
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I hope you enjoy them as much as my family does. </div>
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Remember, they make fabulous gifts!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3S0463J8gr6nJHZ9an87RgI3HW2sRYYtZByYJSNqIdAFrw3vHffWd2md2wYH8vrlVONQCy75E7gF3fwJzVRhEf8TqmALxWgFzIOA1VtGWhcoarh-GUlSp3mHaSfpj8SoVGE6S6Zqeegk/s1600/pecan+bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3S0463J8gr6nJHZ9an87RgI3HW2sRYYtZByYJSNqIdAFrw3vHffWd2md2wYH8vrlVONQCy75E7gF3fwJzVRhEf8TqmALxWgFzIOA1VtGWhcoarh-GUlSp3mHaSfpj8SoVGE6S6Zqeegk/s400/pecan+bowl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I started with 1lb of pecans</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qaqcALp3q0oQzfT0IyI5zp69dAzYsc3IBnMeg68vIFbYhPwkwVJtuwEgEIsJUJHvYzNUS4U86s-4lKYrthZOB_XJAu3Aibq2jDgen73R5T6-FAqSZX3Qq9Mjk3A19LFYtZyDY_-KqNgz/s1600/pecan+whites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5qaqcALp3q0oQzfT0IyI5zp69dAzYsc3IBnMeg68vIFbYhPwkwVJtuwEgEIsJUJHvYzNUS4U86s-4lKYrthZOB_XJAu3Aibq2jDgen73R5T6-FAqSZX3Qq9Mjk3A19LFYtZyDY_-KqNgz/s400/pecan+whites.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I mixed 3 Tbsp of egg whites with 1 Tbsp of water until frothy, then poured it over the pecans and mixed well so that all the pecans were coated.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dmgC9jCCHHacvtWFzkcyub7jBhakMXok4UdjO7umzE99uBsT_hWFWZ2QzOdU7WaZxkzwJz32p46uEf6_SbJioQgEJRz6UBLZY1AOeDL-giOCHtyH4PkzU97uB-spuYnQpcX1UPzNnaDg/s1600/pec+cin+sug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dmgC9jCCHHacvtWFzkcyub7jBhakMXok4UdjO7umzE99uBsT_hWFWZ2QzOdU7WaZxkzwJz32p46uEf6_SbJioQgEJRz6UBLZY1AOeDL-giOCHtyH4PkzU97uB-spuYnQpcX1UPzNnaDg/s400/pec+cin+sug.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I mixed 3/4 cup of sugar with 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 tsp salt and then poured this onto the pecans.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCO8aB2YeL5CM-K6Tbe8-TEKccneReNR66LIohp-UaKqXI9Z4PZTro1PnBN4XMRJ8ppfbzUYNsra2ES4QKMBp6se0DvHmsrHjUXg33VUTOQQUiGLlN9fBYyja8DI5Iv1moD9shK8bEld74/s1600/pecan+stir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCO8aB2YeL5CM-K6Tbe8-TEKccneReNR66LIohp-UaKqXI9Z4PZTro1PnBN4XMRJ8ppfbzUYNsra2ES4QKMBp6se0DvHmsrHjUXg33VUTOQQUiGLlN9fBYyja8DI5Iv1moD9shK8bEld74/s400/pecan+stir.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Stir well so that all the pecans are nicely coated with the sugar mixture.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCsJDOKpOHy4VIrpgTikCMESaqEuGX_Q7UwWCs6qcf75FHyPWDiftb7S-2NIrGUeexZuWDKKk7BHbgTILYpHmM4XLNDe7IUg6tecoAfnYkWgB1rIvdY77K3-if9IRhuNdT3r_wWc9Ic_p/s1600/pecan+pan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCsJDOKpOHy4VIrpgTikCMESaqEuGX_Q7UwWCs6qcf75FHyPWDiftb7S-2NIrGUeexZuWDKKk7BHbgTILYpHmM4XLNDe7IUg6tecoAfnYkWgB1rIvdY77K3-if9IRhuNdT3r_wWc9Ic_p/s400/pecan+pan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dump them onto a bar pan lined with parchment paper and spread into a single layer, or as close as you can get to it. Then bake at 250 for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIT3up6w-XtcYsn0YI4xAc5u3qdput0AfI21Bac3RVQz2-_papVEk3Ix6Q20HtOaDQgQEfueK3znMbCEO5uzwZIkQ-6noYAdIPfvOVxpZAT2p7LcNl3Zwx5ycyRcTd6lUf8TRk6n1HlRI3/s1600/pecan+gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIT3up6w-XtcYsn0YI4xAc5u3qdput0AfI21Bac3RVQz2-_papVEk3Ix6Q20HtOaDQgQEfueK3znMbCEO5uzwZIkQ-6noYAdIPfvOVxpZAT2p7LcNl3Zwx5ycyRcTd6lUf8TRk6n1HlRI3/s400/pecan+gift.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then you can enjoy them warm out of the oven, save them for later or package them up for a special homemade gift!</div>
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<b><u>Glazed Pecans</u></b></div>
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3 Tbsp egg whites</div>
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1 Tbsp water</div>
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Mix until frothy and then pour over</div>
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3 Cups of pecans</div>
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Stir until all pecans are coated</div>
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Mix together:</div>
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3/4 cup sugar (xylitol or <a href="https://store.trimhealthymama.com/#_l_k3" target="_blank">erythrito</a>l for THM)</div>
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1 1/2 tsp cinnamon</div>
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1 tsp salt</div>
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Then pour the sugar mixture over the coated pecans and stir until well mixed.</div>
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Pour onto a bar pan lined with parchment paper and spread out as much as possible.</div>
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Bake at 250 for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes.</div>
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Store in an airtight container - if you have any left after taste testing!</div>
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(For <a href="https://store.trimhealthymama.com/#_l_k3" target="_blank">Trim Healthy Mamas</a>, use your sugar substitute and these are an S snack)</div>
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Blessings,</div>
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Rashel</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-32865169674891883152015-12-08T14:50:00.001-06:002015-12-08T14:50:29.611-06:00Choosing to Let Go of the Guilt<div style="text-align: center;">
Have I mentioned that I committed to run a 10k in April? </div>
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Well, I did. I was planning to run the 5k and a friend talked me into doing the 10k - I'm excited and nervous all at the same time!</div>
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This all happened several months ago and I started using a 10k app on my phone to train. Everything was going great, I was making progress and knew I had several weeks beyond the app to improve my time before the actual race.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVS4E-rAf0UnlDqo6OGgADbxcvmLBpmzDHH9g9xx2pmSfdEXutoHN0z8AeGJgPZL4l14JOxm3OHVV_BY180C61KHbVnBLiuGzfhOZTGJSo64LTfM60JP515T0yi0S_woKaW-LqEkgQpIC/s1600/IMG_20151208_141419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVS4E-rAf0UnlDqo6OGgADbxcvmLBpmzDHH9g9xx2pmSfdEXutoHN0z8AeGJgPZL4l14JOxm3OHVV_BY180C61KHbVnBLiuGzfhOZTGJSo64LTfM60JP515T0yi0S_woKaW-LqEkgQpIC/s320/IMG_20151208_141419.JPG" width="220" /></a></div>
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Well, then I went on vacation the first part of November and even though I ran one day while we were there, that was the last day I ran for awhile. Not because I got injured, but because I got lazy! </div>
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Ugh! I took several weeks off from running. I don't know why, other than laziness. I got mad at myself for taking so much time off and losing some of my endurance, but getting mad didn't help anything.</div>
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I finally got back into training and even though I had to back up where I was on the app, I've decided it is okay. At least I am running again. Yes, I am not as far a long as I was, but I am further than I was last year at this time. </div>
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You see last year when we went on vacation I got completely off track with my eating and exercising - but it lasted 4 months! I was determined not to do that again!</div>
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I did good with my eating this year and even though I had some off plan foods while on vacation, I got right back on track when we got home!</div>
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I keep telling myself that yes, I stopped running for a month, but at least it wasn't 4 months! It wasn't even 2 months! Progress is what matters right? </div>
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Well, I am making progress and learning from the mistakes I've made in the past. I'm not going to let myself feel guilty about the time I wasn't running, I'm just going to determine to learn from that and remember it next time I think I don't want to run. </div>
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My point - most of us mess up at some time in our lives, what matters is that we learn from it and do better next time. Living in guilt and shame doesn't help anything and that is not what God intends for us. Those feelings are from Satan and I refuse to let him get a foothold in my life.</div>
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I choose to believe what is real, honorable and true. I am a child of the King and He loves me even when I mess up. He just wants me to get back up and go again. No guilt. No shame. No condemnation. </div>
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Just love and encouragement.</div>
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So if you have fallen off track with your eating, or gotten out of the habit of exercising or maybe something in your spiritual walk is lacking - just jump back up and get going again. It's okay!</div>
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Babysteps are better than no steps.</div>
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Blessings my friends,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rashel</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-74621203336767502582015-12-07T12:01:00.001-06:002015-12-07T12:01:30.037-06:00Relearning to Fly<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm sure many of you are familiar with FlyLady, but if you aren't </div>
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you should really check out her website.</div>
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Www.flylady.net</div>
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I've used her system in the past and I know that it really does work for me. I'm not sure why I quit doing it and I don't even remember when I quit doing it. I wish I would have kept it up, but oh well. </div>
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I'm restarting.</div>
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I spent Saturday reading parts of her website for reminders and then I sat down and wrote out my routines, my daily schedule and what I needed to do each week. It really helps me to have a plan. </div>
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I always think to myself, oh I'll just look around and see what needs done each day and do it. Sounds simple. Sounds like it should work.</div>
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Um. Nope. </div>
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It doesn't work for me. </div>
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I get way to sidetracked and do things I WANT to do instead of things I NEED to do.</div>
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Not good.</div>
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So this is my first official day Flying and so far, it is going great.</div>
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I feel like I have gotten more accomplished already today (it's only noon) than I have been in a whole day. </div>
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Of course, it could be that I have a better attitude about things, or that I am feeling optimistic. </div>
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I don't know.</div>
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I don't really care either.</div>
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As long as things are getting done and my attitude is positive, it's a good thing.</div>
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Yeah, I know. It's only the first day. </div>
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My problem is always follow through. </div>
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That is one reason I'm posting about this.</div>
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Accountability.</div>
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If I tell all of you I'm doing it, then I better be doing it!</div>
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We'll see how the rest of the week goes and I'll try to update here or on my facebook page.</div>
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So, do you Fly?</div>
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Have a blessed day,</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Rashel</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-13849319361187583302015-11-23T15:01:00.000-06:002015-11-23T15:01:30.377-06:00Just an Ordinary Day<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi my friends! It's just an ordinary day around here-</div>
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Dish washer loaded and ran, waiting to be unloaded</div>
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The rest of the dishes handwashed and put away</div>
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A load of towels almost ready for the dryer</div>
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Read science to two of my children</div>
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Started two experiments for biology</div>
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Started my grocery list</div>
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Made a plan of what I need to cook/when for Thanksgiving</div>
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Cleaned out leftovers from the fridge (which means more dishes to wash)</div>
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Got meat thawing for supper (Pearl's chili is on the menu)</div>
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The house is quiet as all my children are trying to finish up school by tomorrow so they can have a few extra days off for the holiday.</div>
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Today is much warmer than the last few days and the sun coming in the windows in addition to the quiet house are really making me want a nap!</div>
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I better get up and moving.</div>
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The washer just stopped so I guess it's time to reboot and get them in the dryer.</div>
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I also keep checking out my window, my THM order is scheduled to be delivered today :)</div>
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I hope you all are having a wonderful day! </div>
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Even the ordinary days can be wonderful.</div>
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Blessings,</div>
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Rashel</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-6332389217527318462015-11-09T09:41:00.000-06:002015-11-09T09:41:21.579-06:00Don't Give Up<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't mind allowing myself some off plan meals or snacks from time to time, honestly I don't. I believe in food freedom and not becoming a slave to the way I eat. I think the occasional special treat is great. </div>
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But I have to be careful.</div>
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Not because it messes with my weight, one treat is not going to mess with my weight. </div>
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I have to be careful because some off plan foods trigger cravings for more off plan foods and it can quickly spiral out of control.</div>
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If I allow sugar back into my diet, it can easily become ugly. Sugar makes me crave more sugar!</div>
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It's like a drug and I feel like I lose control. Honestly, that is how it makes me feel. No. Control.</div>
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I allowed an off plan lunch last Thursday, then I taste tested a cheesecake I was trying for a catering job. Friday evening was a family gathering and I allowed more cheats. </div>
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Then Saturday was bible study and I ate off plan again.</div>
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Sunday my cravings were horrible! Then the family decided to order pizza for dinner. Not. Good.</div>
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You know the funny thing is that these "special" occasions happen all the time and when I have the correct mindset it is no problem at all for me to stay on plan. But if I get in the mindset of "oh it's okay, I'll just get back on track tomorrow" or worse the "I really don't care today" mode - it is just ugly.</div>
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Really ugly!</div>
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Now, I know that my hormones fluctuate and they really do effect my appetite, but that is no excuse for me to lose control. </div>
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Self control is a fruit of the Spirit, even when the hormones rage. </div>
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Today my mindset is back in the right place. I'm ready to get back on plan. Thanks to prayers from my friends and from myself, God is helping me. </div>
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I'm not down about this weekend. I'm not even going to get upset with myself.</div>
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It happens. It isn't the first time I've done this and since this is a lifelong journey, it probably won't be the last.</div>
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The main thing is that I get myself back on track and not give up just because I had a bad weekend. That's what happens with diets, not with a lifestyle of eating. </div>
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I say all of this to encourage you if you have these times of splurges and off plan eating. Don't let it derail you. Don't let it take your focus off of the bigger picture.</div>
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You didn't ruin anything. Yeah, you might have slowed your weight loss, but you didn't completely ruin it. </div>
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You just get back on track. </div>
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You do your best and you take one day at a time if you have to.</div>
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Don't give up.</div>
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No matter how many times you mess up.</div>
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Don't quit.</div>
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You are worth the effort. </div>
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Don't feel guilty, that is from Satan.</div>
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Just learn from the situation and move on. </div>
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There is no guilt, no condemnation.</div>
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You are human, we mess up. No one is perfect.</div>
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You are beautiful.</div>
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You are loved.</div>
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You are worth the effort.</div>
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Be blessed my friends and if you stumble, just get back up. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Rashel ♥</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-2052588660876589652015-11-03T13:41:00.002-06:002015-11-03T13:41:52.713-06:00It's What We Do That Matters<div style="text-align: center;">
Normally when I run, I listen to my Christian exercise playlist; it's just upbeat music that keeps me going and I love it. </div>
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One of the songs has a line that says, "It doesn't matter how you feel, it's what you do that matters."</div>
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I. Love. That. Line.</div>
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It keeps me going when I really feel like quitting.</div>
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It makes me push through how I feel and instead, dig deep into what I can actually DO. </div>
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Because what I FEEL I can do and what I can ACTUALLY do are two different things. Totally. Different.</div>
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But that line doesn't speak to me just about exercising, it speaks to my life.</div>
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It doesn't matter how I feel. It's what I do that matters.</div>
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I might feel angry - but what am I going to do about it?</div>
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I might feel hurt - but how am I going to respond?</div>
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I might feel frustrated - but does that mean I lose my temper?</div>
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We can feel lots of things. </div>
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That doesn't mean we have to act on them. </div>
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My feelings can get me in trouble, they can cause me to focus on myself and my rights, instead of on God's ways.</div>
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My feelings are fleeting with the moment and my circumstances, but I must focus on the truth that is never changing. </div>
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I pray we all would respond and act based on the truth, not on our feelings in that moment.</div>
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I pray we would fill our hearts with the Word of Truth, that it would speak to us in those moments.</div>
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I pray we remember that it's what we DO that matters.</div>
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What we do is what others see and that is how they will see our Christ in us.</div>
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Blessings my friends,</div>
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Rashel</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-71506524455455237662015-10-26T10:35:00.000-05:002015-10-26T10:35:09.993-05:00Ironing, my least favorite chore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Good Monday morning friends!</div>
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I hope you are having a great day so far. </div>
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Mondays seem to be a day of catching up and getting back into routine for us. My children are busy working on school, except the oldest. He is already gone to work for the day. </div>
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Today I need to get laundry washed and hung out on the line; gotta get it done today before the rain moves in. </div>
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In addition to that and just regular chores, dinner, etc, I need to get some ironing done. It is one of my least favorite chores, but hubby really prefers his shirts less wrinkly. 😊</div>
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So, I'm going to go tackle that first and get it out of the way!</div>
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I do have turkey breast thawing for dinner and looked up some ideas for a THM dessert tonight. Hubby really likes berry cobbler, so I'm going to try to THMify one for us. I'll let you know how it turns out.</div>
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Have a blessed day my friends! Feel free to comment and let me know what your least favorite chore is!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-9653761786094309512015-10-25T10:31:00.001-05:002015-10-25T10:31:43.547-05:00My Unhealthy Indulgence<div style="text-align: center;">
In keeping with being real, I thought I should share with you what my unhealthy indulgence is. </div>
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Yes, I'm a trim healthy mama, I have been for two years! </div>
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And I LOVE it! </div>
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I honestly don't see myself going back to my old way of eating. I feel so much healthier and vibrant eating this way that I have no desire to go back to my old "S.A.D." ways.</div>
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However, I do have one unhealthy indulgence I allow myself.</div>
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I could justify it and say "It could be much worse"<br />
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but I won't...it is what it is..<br />
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<br />
<a name='more'></a>I enjoy pop, soda, soda pop - whatever you want to call it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJp8AdLJfymK3eeo7O1snZyVDfnZNdjMqxknFY2s1mwU-rYcLvTQ1vQnl-UbET40HXm3GWBZVL9wEU11YePv2Fscdj8j2ZEuFzuuOmhbw_ApBd-FZAyXbDEtqtwG8_DXSd0hlFBSRuTX9a/s1600/20151025_100714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJp8AdLJfymK3eeo7O1snZyVDfnZNdjMqxknFY2s1mwU-rYcLvTQ1vQnl-UbET40HXm3GWBZVL9wEU11YePv2Fscdj8j2ZEuFzuuOmhbw_ApBd-FZAyXbDEtqtwG8_DXSd0hlFBSRuTX9a/s320/20151025_100714.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I now drink diet sodas, coke zero or pepsi max when I indulge to avoid the sugar load, but I know they are still unhealthy.<br />
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Now before you think I have a serious addiction, I do drink them only occasionally. In fact I can go weeks without one, then the next week I might have a couple. It really varies, BUT I don't drink them every day. Not even every other day.<br />
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It's just one of those personal choices I've decided I'm okay with.<br />
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I think we all have those - if we're really honest.<br />
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Oh and do you know when I REALLY crave a pop?<br />
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When I'm cleaning house!<br />
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It used to be my habit to have pepsi, chips and dip while cleaning house - at least I've traded Ruffles for lavash chips and french onion dip for THM ranch dip!<br />
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I hope you have a fabulous day!<br />
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I'm going back to cleaning house now. Tonight we are hosting our bible study group, so I need to get a few things done.<br />
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Blessings my friends,<br />
Rashel</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-37519561299985860432015-10-24T09:03:00.001-05:002015-10-24T09:11:12.974-05:00They Need Real<div dir="ltr">
As I was having my quiet time with God today, I could feel Him pulling at me. I knew He had something for me, I just had to prepare my heart to listen.</div>
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I struggled. I waited. I prayed. I sang. I listened...</div>
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"They need real."</div>
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That's what I heard.</div>
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I felt this- stop trying to be the best or what you think they want or even like others that have great success. </div>
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There's enough of those.</div>
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"They need real."</div>
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"That's why I didn't let you change your entire blog or delete old posts - it's you. </div>
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It's how I've changed you. It's real."</div>
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They need to see my struggles. They need to see my mess. They need to see my successes. They need to see me.</div>
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Just me.</div>
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The real me.</div>
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The every day me.</div>
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Somebody needs me - needs me to just be me.</div>
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I don't have to have it all figured out. I just have to be me. Learning. Changing. Living. Loving. Laughing. Struggling. Messing up. Forgiving.</div>
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My every day messy life.</div>
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The real me.</div>
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I change my ways with the seasons. It's okay. It's okay to always be striving to be better, to never be content with stagnant.</div>
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It's okay.. to..just..be..me!</div>
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Thank you Lord!</div>
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I haven't been inspired to blog in months. Now I know why. I was trying to make this blog mine, not His. I had my own ideas of what it should be. But His ways are better. Infinitely better.</div>
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I thought because I didn't have the best recipes, the best ideas and certainly not the best pictures - that "they" -you- wouldn't be interested. But God says that someone out there just needs me to be me. To be real. So that's what I'll post. I'll post my every day real. Some days will be boring- let me just get that out there right now. Some days I'm lucky to get chores and school work done. But it's real and it's my life.</div>
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But you know what?</div>
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I love my life!</div>
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Blessings my friends,<br />
Rashel </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwiBJXVveuUzsf8_hMYHyohtl1Cbs9IngXHmhCYajongYDmUMj01-dtiKGX5gmKJyWkcvR5bi-sqDZSHwog-368zXTxWRvCdQuth7Fg5Lho2ZpXs_SFbs33xc9etB4aK0jBCHwFeoZ-spL/s1600/Fotor_144569446797472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwiBJXVveuUzsf8_hMYHyohtl1Cbs9IngXHmhCYajongYDmUMj01-dtiKGX5gmKJyWkcvR5bi-sqDZSHwog-368zXTxWRvCdQuth7Fg5Lho2ZpXs_SFbs33xc9etB4aK0jBCHwFeoZ-spL/s400/Fotor_144569446797472.jpg" width="391" /> </a> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-32001317925358324412015-09-09T11:31:00.000-05:002016-01-28T17:41:49.087-06:00Rashel's Cookies<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel the need to explain why I titled this post Rashel's Cookies - </div>
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I found a cookie recipe on the back of my almond flour bag and decided to try it last week, OH MY WORD!! They turned out to be the best cookies I have had that follow the Trim Healthy Mama plan. EVER!</div>
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I posted a picture and the recipe on YouFood and they quickly became known as Rashel's Cookies! So, there ya go - why I titled my post that way.</div>
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I did NOT come up with this recipe. I tried to find it online and just link it for you, but I couldn't. </div>
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My brand of almond flour is Baker's Corner and I get it at Aldi.</div>
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I give ALL credit to them! </div>
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But I just had to share this recipe with you, because it is FABULOUS and every one needs to have a great, healthy cookie recipe.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMpAfpYumg-gSurZttE0hUo-ZjVbFx9Zt2ciafOPGK3JYRAawKHY50SslH8GdYiFoIs8uyaRD1LJ-HWjUpzLCHstS1AyFhfxOy9AA_k7PUWTrreIfmgu5f6z2YPRA4B8vz_wnegzn16PQ/s1600/Fotor_144181574746473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMpAfpYumg-gSurZttE0hUo-ZjVbFx9Zt2ciafOPGK3JYRAawKHY50SslH8GdYiFoIs8uyaRD1LJ-HWjUpzLCHstS1AyFhfxOy9AA_k7PUWTrreIfmgu5f6z2YPRA4B8vz_wnegzn16PQ/s400/Fotor_144181574746473.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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2 cups almond flour</div>
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1/2 cup butter, softened</div>
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1/3 cup <a href="https://store.trimhealthymama.com/#_l_k3" target="_blank">erythritol</a> (original recipe called for sugar)</div>
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1 large egg</div>
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1/2 tsp baking soda</div>
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Pinch of salt</div>
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1 Tbsp vanilla</div>
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1 cup sugar free chocolate chips (original recipe called for dark choc chips)</div>
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Preheat oven to 350. </div>
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Mix the almond flour, baking soda, erythritol and salt in a bowl. </div>
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Add the softened butter and mix until blended. </div>
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Add the egg and mix well. </div>
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Fold in the chocolate chips until incorporated. </div>
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Form dough into tablespoon sized balls and bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. </div>
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These are sooo yummy!!</div>
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Enjoy,</div>
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Rashel</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-50853096316819837812015-09-06T07:49:00.000-05:002016-01-28T17:42:14.002-06:00Green Bean Casserole THM-S<div style="text-align: center;">
Green Bean Casserole</div>
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A <a href="https://store.trimhealthymama.com/#_l_k3" target="_blank">Trim Healthy Mama</a> S side dish</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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1 onion, sliced</div>
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Coconut oil for frying</div>
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4 - 14oz cans of green beans, drain only 3 of the cans</div>
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1-2 Tbsp bacon grease (or coconut oil)</div>
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Salt and pepper</div>
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1/4 c butter</div>
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3/4 cup heavy whipping cream</div>
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1- 4 oz can of mushrooms, drained and minced finely</div>
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Heat coconut oil in a medium skillet over medium to medium high heat. Once it is hot, carefully drop onion slices into the oil. Only do enough at a time that they make a single layer in the oil. If the oil is hot enough, the onion should float right back to the top. Fry until the onion is a golden to dark brown. You don't want them burnt, but you want them fried. Spoon out and drain on paper towel when done. Repeat until all onion slices are done, then set them aside. Remove this skillet to the side.</div>
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Preheat oven to 350.</div>
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In a separate, large skillet, on medium high heat, empty your green beans (remember 3 of the cans should be drained), add your bacon grease (or oil) and salt and pepper to taste. Cook these uncovered until all the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally. It will take 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of skillet and your heat. Once the liquid is gone, dump the green beans into whatever bowl you will be baking/serving them in. Turn your stove down to medium heat and leave your skillet on the heat. Immediately add your butter, cream and mushrooms. Stir constantly until it has started to thicken, it should make tracks in the skillet when you pull your spoon through. Just be careful not to scorch it. When thickened, turn heat off, remove from stove and dump the green beans back into the skillet. Stir until all beans are coated with sauce, add more salt and pepper if you need to and then pour back into your serving dish. Top with your fried onions and bake at 350 for 30 minutes.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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*I know many people frown on bacon grease which is why I said you can use coconut oil, but the grease gives an amazing flavor to the beans. </div>
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This is how I always fix our green beans. When I am fixing them as a side dish, I let them cook past when the liquid evaporates and they brown a little in the pan. Delish!!</div>
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I will definitely be taking this to Thanksgiving dinner to replace the unhealthy version!</div>
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Blessings,</div>
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Rashel </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-6253907656684254702015-08-27T17:55:00.002-05:002016-01-28T17:33:44.253-06:00Chocolate Cheesecake Tartlets - THM S<div style="text-align: center;">
I was inspired yesterday by a <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.twogrand.twogrand&hl=en&referrer=utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_term%3Dyoufood+two+grand&pcampaignid=APPU_1_d3_fVbjCDYqhyQT35aPQBg" target="_blank">YouFood</a> friend to get creative and make something yummy that follows the <a href="http://www.trimhealthymama.com/" target="_blank">Trim Healthy Mama</a> plan.<br />
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So today I had some time and decided I would try to make chocolate cheesecake tartlets. I started by using my favorite pie crust recipe from <a href="http://elanaspantry.com/paleo-pie-crust/" target="_blank">Elana's Pantry</a>. It is super yummy and super easy, which makes it super duper right?<br />
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Okay, I'll just leave that alone.</div>
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I mixed up a batch of pie crust, divided it into 24 pieces and pushed each piece into my mini muffin pan that was waiting with liners in it.<br />
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I baked them for about 8 minutes, until edges were lightly browned. I then set them aside to cool.<br />
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Next I made a batch of whipped topping using heavy whipping cream, you can see how I do that <a href="http://awomanswalk.blogspot.com/2013/08/homemade-cool-whip-thm-s.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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I put it in the fridge to stay cool.</div>
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Heat up your coconut oil and mix in the cocoa. </div>
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Put the cocoa mixture into your mixing bowl with your softened cream cheese and sweet blend and mix with the paddle until thoroughly combined and smooth.</div>
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Then fold in two cups of your whipped cream, gently until well combined. Place it back in the fridge to set up a little.<br />
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Then I mixed up a batch of ooey, gooey, yummy caramel sauce. Oh my word I love this stuff!!</div>
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I'm talking I could just eat it out of the jar with a spoon. Or in my coffee. Or with skinny chocolate. Or off a spoon, did I say that already. Yes. It. Is. GOOD!</div>
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You can find the recipe I use <a href="http://simplyhealthyhome.com/trim-healthy-mama-caramel-sauce/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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I also put it in the fridge to cool.</div>
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When everything is cooled and you are ready it is time for the fun part. Assembling.</div>
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Just take a crust, top with a small scoop of the chocolate cheesecake, follow with a nice dollop of whipped cream and a generous drizzle of caramel yumminess.<br />
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Then savor each bite, both of them - because these are tartlets. Think small. </div>
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Then think these are small... and on plan.... so I can have another one. </div>
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Oh yeah!</div>
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Chocolate Cheesecake Filling:</div>
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8 oz softened cream cheese</div>
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6 Tbsp cocoa</div>
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2 Tbsp coconut oil</div>
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2 Tbsp <a href="https://store.trimhealthymama.com/#_l_k3" target="_blank">sweet blend</a><br />
2 cups whipped cream<br />
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I apologize for not having more pictures, my computer is really acting up and it took way too long just to get these loaded. I will try to edit this post another time and add more photos.<br />
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I hope you enjoy them!<br />
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These are a Trim Healthy Mama S dessert.<br />
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Blessings,<br />
Rashel<br />
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I think this would also be great as a regular pie! The tartlets are nice to take to a potluck or dinner though.<br />
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*Next time I think I am going to make the crusts thinner.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-60399785541676396152015-08-10T10:45:00.001-05:002015-08-10T10:51:06.166-05:00My Facebook Page<p dir="ltr">I just wanted to let you all know that while I may not be very consistent blogging on here, my Facebook page is much more active. It takes a lot less time to post a quick note on there compared to here and let's face it, we are all pretty busy - so I know you understand where I'm coming from.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This week I'm sharing some tips about how I make Trim Healthy Mama work for me so be sure to check out my page on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RashelsRun?_rdr=p">Facebook.</a> I also love the interaction there, I love hearing from all of you and getting to know you a little better on there. I look forward to seeing you all there!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Blessings,<br>
Rashel</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFA5o_CCI4B-g3_Awem0zCDUi-ySTw0q80wYK1GF2LpI2cBsYghjxRGHcrdDd6lMKlsqNmvHM6T3WdLhNks-9WJXZ7fp8CxcAhyphenhypheniCMFRs0tt5Vkux0VpXK08Kezw2ipZaWO7SQ6sS6XUC-/s1600/e101388ed7e7c17653b403d7941ae598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFA5o_CCI4B-g3_Awem0zCDUi-ySTw0q80wYK1GF2LpI2cBsYghjxRGHcrdDd6lMKlsqNmvHM6T3WdLhNks-9WJXZ7fp8CxcAhyphenhypheniCMFRs0tt5Vkux0VpXK08Kezw2ipZaWO7SQ6sS6XUC-/s640/e101388ed7e7c17653b403d7941ae598.jpg"> </a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07453870351365234539noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5582774353093739879.post-70135605319234095542015-08-01T15:39:00.001-05:002015-08-01T16:16:39.733-05:00Increasing My Running Speed and Endurance<div dir="ltr">
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When I started running I used the Couch to 5K app and I really enjoyed it- for awhile. However, once I reached a certain point it was moving too fast for me and I couldn't keep up with the daily goals. I kept running, sometimes using previous days on the app and sometimes just making up my own goal that day. But I wasn't seeing much improvement in my 5k times and knew I needed to do something different.</div>
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That is when I really started researching what others do to increase their speed and endurance and I found out there is a vast amount of information on the internet about the subject. I read and read, then I asked questions on the THM runners facebook group. (They are so supportive and helpful!) </div>
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I learned enough to come up with my own plan and it has helped me tremendously! I thought I would share what I do each week, but then I highly encourage you to do some reading on your own and find out what works for you. Just because this works for me, it may not be the best for you. Also remember that I am not a professional, I am just sharing what I do. </div>
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I learned that Jeff Galloway teaches to run for a certain amount of time, then walk for a set amount of time and alternate this throughout your run. He says it increases your speed no matter your level. You can read about it <a href="http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/run-walk/">here.</a></div>
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I also read about doing one day of sprint intervals to increase your speed, you can google that and find a wealth of sources. Then the other thing I learned is that I should do one long run a week, increasing my distance just slightly every week or every other week. </div>
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Then after learning what I could and deciding to incorporate some of these things, I wrote down what my goals were. What did I want my 5k time to be and what would that mean my average pace had to be? How long did I want to run at one time and by what date did I want to achieve my goals? I came up with some attainable goals, counted how many weeks I had until my goal date and broke my big goals down into weekly goals. </div>
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I used my current pace and my goal pace to determine how much faster I would need to be to gradually reach my goal and broke that down into the number of weeks I had. I did the same thing with my endurance goal. I knew how long I could run at the start and what my goal was, figured the difference and divided that by the number of weeks I had. Then I printed a blank calendar and wrote down my goals for each week and what I needed to do each day to reach that goal.</div>
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For example, I run three days a week. On my first run day, I run as long as I can my first mile, aiming to reach my set goal for that week. After that I alternate running/walking intervals for the rest of the 3 miles. On my second run day, I run the first mile and then do sprint intervals for my second mile. I will sprint 30 seconds, walk for 60-90 seconds and sprint again, continuing this for the entire second mile. My third mile on this day is walking/jogging intervals. My third run day is my day to increase my distance. Again, my first mile is running as long as I can, aiming for my time goal, then I alternate walking/running until I reach my distance goal for that week.</div>
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Does that make sense? I tried to explain it best I could, but if you have questions just ask.</div>
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I also decided I wanted to work on toning my arms, so on my off run days I do arm weight exercises. I found some online and made my own workout to follow.</div>
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Six days a week I do push ups and a plank. I add one push up each day and I add time to my plank every other day. These are also written on my monthly calendar so I know what I am supposed to be doing each day. The planks are great for my core which also helps my running, bonus!!</div>
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I highly encourage you to set goals and then break them down into attainable weekly goals. If you don't know what your are working for, how will you know when you achieve it? It is so motivating to know what your goal is and then to REACH it!!</div>
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This week, praise God, I surpassed both of my running goals!! That felt amazing!</div>
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