30 day Shred Challenge Prizes goes like this!

I am so excited about this 30 day Shred Challenge (round 2 for me) that i am going to award YOU for it....

Here's the deal;

For you  brave ladies who dare to log your progress with pictures and stats on you blog, at the end of the 30 days i will hold a contest where YOU the audience vote the for ultimate Shredder. The winner (only those with REAL photo to show) will win a $50 dollar Visa gift card courtesy of ME!

Now wait a minute this is not over yet! I want to give someone else a chance to WIN

Here's how

If for whatever reason you don't feel comfortable showing the world your pictures but don't mind emailing them to me (for contest voting ONLY) I will choose a ultimate shredder and mail you a $25 dollar Visa gift card. *I hold all rights to choose a winner fairly*

 

Challenge starts 1/4/2010 ends 2/2/2010

Grab the Button link it to my blog and tell your friends what your going to be doing!
<a href="http://stepsof-faith.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n282/Jstar1418/untitled-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Shredbutton"></a>

Also click on the Mclinky below- Like this all participants can connect and support one another. Don't forget the daily log on my Blog Frog Community!! more info on the right column

What you Need to Start the Shred

Overall you will need a POSITIVE, DETERMINED mindset, once you have this right you are good to go...

I started with 3-5 lbs dumbbells, you can purchase pair at Walmart or Target for roughly 8.00 the cheapest.

I purchased my mat at Target on sale for $8.50 reg price 9.99

For a pair of great workout shoes my hubby bought me the Reebok Easy Tone, i wrote a review about them Here

OK That's all you need to complete the 30 day Shred..

I suggest you eaither follow the Shred diet, or moderate your food intake.. No food after 7:30pm and NO SWEETS (well at least not a lot)

Shred Challenge 1/4/2010

Shred Challenge Starts 1/4/2010

To join visit my Blog Frog Community for daily Log.

If you like to share your progress/pictures on your blog join our Mcklinky "meme"

grab the shredder button and let's go!!!

 I promise you this workout will give you the results you want if you stay with it.

If you have Comcast Level 1&2 are on for FREE

To do level 3 you will have to purchase the DVD anyways which you

can get it at Walmart or Target for $10.

Or Amazon

Through the Storm, i give you ALL Praise

Waiting on you Jesus is not easy my mind says no, is not possible, but my heart trust solemnly in you. I don't trust with my mind but with my heart. Even if you are late i will trust your answer, because you have all control. If doubt plagues me i will call out to you and you will deliver me. You've sustained me to this point, today i ask- what can i give you Jesus- what can i do for you?

and gently you whisper

Give me a UNDIVIDED HEART to worship. Give me TIME, SEEK me and i will be there.

I will my Lord, i will walk towards you more and more everyday. I know the pain i feel in my heart today, and the uncontrolled feelings that plague me are under your control, you've taken care of them. I am not able to be in your precense without wanting nothing else than to hear you speak, without crying like a newborn baby who yearns the comfort of it's mother. I need your touch, your voice to soothe my aching heart. I love you Jesus and through this storm i praise you, not because i am worthy but you are.

I want more of you,  to live in your precense. Yes i want more of you, and everyday i will be more like you. Break me jesus, Break me and build me up just like you.. Everything i am is yours...

I LOVE YOU JESUS...

THANK YOU..

Book Review; Redeeming Love

I never even considered reading a Christian fiction book prior to this book by Francine Rivers titled Redeeming Love. I din't care to read christian fiction because i felt it was a waste of time, i wanted to learn not waste my time fantasizing. One day i had this great desire to start a online book club,and went online to find a good read. I went on Amazon and found awesome reviews on his book.

Here's he outline

In this splendid retelling of the biblical story of Hosea, bestselling author Francine Rivers pens a heartbreaking romance between a prostitute and the upright and kind farmer who marries her; the story also functions as a reminder of God's unconditional love for his people. Redeeming Love opens with the Gold Rush of 1850 and its rough-and-tumble atmosphere of greed and desire. Angel, who was sold into prostitution as a child, has learned to distrust all men, who see her only as a way to satisfy their lust. When the virtuous and spiritual-minded Michael Hosea is told by God to marry this "soiled dove," he obeys, despite his misgivings. As Angel learns to love him, she begins to hope again but is soon overwhelmed by fear and returns to her old life. Rivers shines in her ability to weave together spiritual themes and sexual tension in a well-told story, a talent that has propelled her into the spotlight as one of the most popular novelists in the genre of Christian fiction. This is one of her best. --Cindy Crosby

My thought, get out and buy this book you will NOT regret it. I cried, laugh, got angry, sad .. SO AWESOME..

 

Stop the Gossip Madness!

OK i hate gossip, i do because half the time they are NOT true- they are done for our pleasure at the cost of others. Lately i've been very careful what comes into my ears and out of my mouth. My new motto is "if it doesn't edify or build me or anyone else, i don't want to see it, hear it or talk about it".  I always tell my kids when they are chatting with friends on the phone or in person, "don't discuss people in a bad way, talk about places, ideas or things." but how easy is it to TELL you kids to do and  not do, when how hard is it for us to apply it in our lives. I am leaning to live by example. One way i am handleling negative talk is through the usage of phone and internet. Today i placed these labels on my phone so we are all reminded of what the Bible says about gossiping or trash talking...

I know you can't see them very well but this is what it says

James 4:11

Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.

Ephesians 4:20

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

These verses are self explanatory. My prayers are that God continues to change our heart, and that through our actions we honor Him first and learn day by day to Love one another just as Jesus loves us.

Change of Heart.

For a while now i've been really out of wacked, something like living without purpose. I been working out non stop, trying to escape reality. But after non stop prayer and a little reality check, i feel me again.

I kept saying how i knew God was in control of everything i am going through, but my actions showed otherwise. I am someone who's able to hide my emotions very easy, even to make others believe i am not someone who has anything to hide, but the truth of the matter is i am quite the opposite. I know how to turn myself on and off very easy, i don't think is a real or fake thing, but rather me letting you into my world or not.

Last week i read this passage in Matthew that changed me a lot

Metthew 25:34-46

34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, [1] you did it to me.’


41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Reading this struck my spirit heavy. I asked myself where do i fit in this, with the sheeps or the goats? I looked at myself within and not only was i acting very selfish, but i was staining my testimony in the process. I spent a lot of time dwelling on my feelings, my hurt and pain. Not only did i shutdown, i would hurt those who'd come across me as well. I hid behind the "they don't know what i am going through right now" forgetting that in life we will be faced with obstacles, we go through unimaginable pain but no matter what that is, God is in control. Today i feel this great peace in my heart. I am currently reading this book A Woman After God's Own Heart® where the author Elizabeth George shares with us the importance of constant prayer with God for anything and everything, she shares how her life was transformed through a daily moment by moment talk with God. The time you spend with God daily will reflect the life you will live. The time you spend reading verses like these in Matthew where Jesus puts aside all religiousity and deals with the heart.  I ask myself what i am doing for Christ according to these verses. WHAT?

I am enjoying this change of heart the Lord is doing in me right now. He is helping me take all focus from the things i call "problems" and showing me where my heart should be. In return He assures me i should not be worry about senseless things, for my JUST God is in CONTROL of everything.

Time to get my act Together

 I've been eating so wrong lately. Maybe is the fact i've been so stressed and overwhelmed and is causing me to emotionally eat. Something is and i need to nip it in the butt head.

I do have a plan, and i want to share it. Yesterday  i bought this;

Yes the whole Jillian Michaels package. Right now I can see all three On Demand, but i am not sure when they end and don't want any surprises.  I already have the Shred DVD, which i might just do a Giveaway with the new one i am getting soon, stay tuned for that. Today i did the Boost your Metabolism workout, it rocked. I love how it has 2 kick boxing circuits, feel like a bad ass momma, when i do them. Tonight i am going to do the No more trouble Zones workout as well, i feel as if i need to kick myself in gear. They both do cardio but the NMTZ deals with more strength then cardio. I will start this combo tonight and next Sunday will show you all pictures of this week long torture.

I am eliminating all, yes ALL sweets and plan on NOT eating anything that is not on my daily calorie goal. Moderating my food intake worked OK with the 30 day shred, i know i could of done A LOT better if i would of counted calories and now that it kicked me this far, i need to make some sacrifices to reach my goal.

Yesterday i went to dinner with my husband and he said "wow hard work pays off BIG time, you look so different" I do feel different and look different, is what strength combined with cardio does to your body, you shed the weight but also tone muscles. My butt glute has gotten the best work with these workouts. I must share that i had a pair of jeans i bought way before i got pregnant with my little O, which i had not been able to wear because they would not even go pass my thighs. Yesterday i found them and thought "what the heck let me try" and yes THEY FIT JUST RIGHT!!!  I was super excited and pleased with the way they looked, i love them.. Last week i purchased another pair i knew would not fit me, but the goal is to get in them by mid January. I am back in the zone, even though some days i might squeeze in 2 of her hour long DVD's, one in the morning and other at night which might make me pass out, i am going to stay true and focused on the plan at hand.

I will never Join The Gym again!

NO way, now how...

**But first let me give you a update on day 2 of Preschool Jitters* When i picked Boy B from preschool yesterday after his morning meltdown, i was shock. I walk in the classroom, he's in line turned around touching something while talking to a kid. I loudly said "mama's here" he looked surprise and embarrassed..lol.. Then he yells real loud to all his friends "peace out home dogs" Yes, he did. I did not know what to make of it, then he says "mom i had such a awesome day" PRAISE God.. Today he walked in as if he's been there forever, no crying or fussing, big kiss goodbye and all smiles... again PRAISE GOD**

Alright, back to what i came here for, the NO more gym ordeal. OH but wait wait.. I want you guys to run over to visit one of my shred divas Rosa, who created a blog to log her shred progress, she's at A Woman With a Vision Go and cheer her on this awesome journey...

So yea, i am never going to the gym because i can get better results at home using weights and my own body to reach my desired body shape. I've worked out at the gym before and i can seriously say it took a lot more work and time to get the results i am getting now doing the shred and Jillian's other workout DVD's. Not to mention the time it takes to go and come back from the gym, ugh exhausting.

I just started combining 2 of her DVD's, i am sure i will see even better results than before. The shred is my overall favorite, and suggest everyone start with that workout before doing any of her other workouts. Not only are her other workouts intense but longer than 20 minutes, that's for sure, and you want your body to be ready to take the pressure so you don't end up discouraged..

Remember to eat in moderation, you won't get anywhere if you don't. Last but not least- don't let anyone or anything get in the way of you and your workout time. Make it sacred, must have time everyday...

Preschool Jitters

My 4 yr old started preschool today and it was not a pretty site.


I've been through this before with my other two, not really my eldest but my now 8yr old gave me a VERY hard time in preschool, kindergarten and first grade. I took him for a tour of the school last week, which was a success. He came home saying he couldn't wait to start, but after days passed he was changing his plans. He said "yup nice school, but i am not going there". I thought with this one it would be easier because he is so outgoing and friendly, but today was no different then what i went through with my other boy. I am able to talk boy B into anything easier than boy A- (boy A is my eldest and B youngest, until i get some cool blog names for them lol) Boy B was not budging about getting out the car until i gave him "the look" (you know the ones us moms use when no words need to be spoken) He walks in and stays outside of the classroom the whole time, i am standing inside talking to the teacher and waiting for him to budge. We did this for 20 minutes (i stay that long to assure him things were OK there) then i carried him into the classroom and off i went.(yea right, i stayed outside that doo for like 10min, hearing him scream) A girl passed by and said "why are you doing this to yourself"? I thought your right, as i ran out the door.



So, here i am thinking nothing but, what is he doing right now?. The teacher called about 30 min ago and said he calmed down, and is playing by himself somewhere, still not ready to socialize. I know things will get better soon, but i can't help to feel horrible right now. I can't wait to pick him up at 1 and do this all over again tomorrow...



Just hope he has a big smile on his face. This was him this morning as his sister said smile for your first day of preschool.. He hid and said "what is there to smile about" ..Oh boy.. God is in control though...

I am addicted, i am addicted HELP!

I never, ever thought i would say this but- I am soooo addicted to working out is crazy.

I've been dealing with some stuff right now that would get anyone in shut down mode, but i am pulling through because God is in control...

Even with everything going- i find workout to be such a stress reliever- i love, crave and NEED it. I also love love love Jillian Michaels SHE'S SO HARDCORE, exactly what a rough girl like me needs.

I almost quit the No More Trouble Zone yesterday, all that strength training can be tough, and this DVD does not have much cardio, but works so good. Right now as i type i am watching another DVD workout of hers called Boost your Metabolism. I feel like a junkie i want to jump up and start working out, but i will save it for later when i put everyone down. I already did the No more trouble Zone workout this morning and a little of the Shred. The combination of the NMTZ and the Boost your Metabolism should be good because one concentrates on strength and the other on cardio and strength. I will tell you all Boost Metabolism tonight, if i don't pass out first, i am tired.

My son said to me when he came home from school today "whoa, you look skinny" and walked away. With a smile on my face i ran after him and demanded him to explain himself ...lol.. He asked what is there to explain, while i asked him over and over if he was for real. Today for some reason i woke up thinner, could be day 6 of the 30 day Shred/NMTBZ- Of course... This new DVD works out so many new muscles..

Have you checked out my community yet? if not go on over to see what all my shred divas are chatting about today.

I tried, I give up for now..

UGh... I seriously thought i could design my blog on my own, but goodness so annoying! No more of that until i am able to afford a designer..

Any who.. Moving on...

I want to show you guys some of my awesomest ornaments. Over here at the DLC's we try to do Christmas for what it really is, "Jesus Birth". It might of not been in December, but December works for us...

I ordered these ornaments last year from www.orientaltrading.com I wish i would of order more this year, but how i feel this year is another story i plan on sharing later...

The Nativity represents the place of Jesus Birth- Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

This is a Chrystal clear cross with some gold trimming- Represents the Sacrifice Jesus made for you and I.

The white Dove is a symbol of the Holy spirit, which lives in all who in Him believe.

Ah and of course The Bible, The Word of God...

These are just cute- with inspirational quotes...

I hope you enjoyed them as much as i LOVE them.. God Bless

Monday Shredded update

Want to say before hand that, i am not feeling OK to make this a long post, but i wanted to update you guys on my round 2 30 day shred...

Today is day 4 of the 30 day shred round 2 for me, before i started this workout i thought i was going to need 5lbs weights- because i wanted to increase my resistance. The No more Trouble Zone changed that real quick. That workout program is NO JOKE. Is like 40 minutes of craziness, but I've lost 2 pounds in 4 days with it and i am sore all over again... I Love/Hate it.

I haven't been using my elliptical for 3 days now, after the shred and the NMTZ i am totally worn out.. I think i am going to do the Shred in the morning and the elliptical at night, we will see.

I've got my girls at my Blog Frog Community hanging strong with me.. Come check us out..

God Bless.. (homework with kiddos awaits)

Can't get enough of this!

I hope you don't think i am a exercising guru or something like that.. HA! I am far from that.

Prior to my elliptical purchase i worked out here and there at the gym, never EVER motivated or happy doing it. The shred was heaven sent because, 1. i hate working out 2. I didn't have time to work because i hated it, the shred made it all fun 3. is easy and simple to follow and 4. it delivers results FAST.

Starting the shred today all over again brought some strange joy to my life...lol.. I am so serious. I also did her other workout No more trouble Zones and ohhh child, what was i thinking. It target spots i never even thought existed, seriously! I managed to do them ONLY because i had already done the shred for 30 days if not, good lord i would of been in trouble. OK i must confess, i need to confess i can't go on if i don't confess... I know i told you guys i would take yesterday off to rest, uhmm i wanted to, i really did. At 10pm last night i was so AWAKE, and my body was calling for pain (my muscles really) I did the No More Trouble Zones yesterday, i didn't do the shred though. I couldn't help it, i needed to let some steam out, i was super annoyed at something and after the workout i felt like a champ (the shred will do that to you). Today i woke up so sore, which means i worked muscles the shred didn't get to- I really suggest this workout after the 30 day shred. After the shred and this workout today, i am beat, but feel so good.

I sharing some of the goodies i eat, which are healthy and yummy..This cereal is my favorite, i eat it for breakfast almost every morning- with skim milk of course

I also love these, not only are they healthy but filling...They have them in different flavors like Apple, Peanut butter and Oats and Honey.

Ok that's it for now.. If you like to join me and my girls on this shred adventure make sure you visit my Blog Frog Shred Community

30 day Shred starts tomorrow!

DId i tell you i am starting the 30 day shred tomorrow again? Well, yes i am ..And i am asking you to join in with me..


Visit my Blog Frog Community for more details..

I took today off and i am dying to get back to it... Why rest when there's work to be done. (don't mind me i am a shred junkie now)

Day 30 of the Shred, I DID IT

OK i completed 30 days of workout,with one day off due to injury.

Here's my stats.

Starting weight 182

Ending weight 172

10 pounds

Chest- 2 inches

Waist- 2 1/2

2 jean sizes AMAZING!!!

I don't see much change from day 20-30 but i have lost 2 pounds since and even though the pics don't show it, there's change... I almost didn't take any pictures today because is that time of the month and i am sooo bloated (NOT FAIR) (but i had to show you guys something) Oh and my son broke my bathroom mirror (thanks son of mine) I am going to take some real pics on Monday..

Before

Day 20

Day 30 Whack pics ! My son broke my bath mirror

OK ladies, so what happens after the 30 day shred... Here's what i plan on doing..

I am taking tomorrow off, and starting all over again. Yes i am on it again...I am going to do the No more trouble zones for 30 days. Some of you who asked me to join you again for 30 days, here we gooo let's do this... Let's meet every day at my community- Is the Blog Frog community on the right side of my blog >>>right there

Let's hold each other accountable on this.. Let's introduce ourselves and DO THIS THANG!

This time around i plan on getting a little more strict on my food intake...I am still going to post my progress here, not everyday like i used to but every Monday. I will log in daily at my community though...

What you say you joining me?

Did i do ok on this shred thing?

Day 29 of the Shred

One more day....

If you think level 2 has too many planks, wait until you hit level 3- it is plank land. My right hand hurts from something i did to it the day before yesterday. I am feeling tired and worn out, i can't wait for those 2 days off i so desperately need.

My husband watched me do level 3 yesterday (which i kept telling to LEAVE) he asked "how in the world you did this workout for 29 (soon to be 30) days straight, i am very impress these moves are no joke. And they are but once you do them over and over they get easier.

I notice i have to increase my resistance soon, my 3lbs weights need to be upgraded for 5lbs ones. I don't have a six pack yet (i think in 2 months i will) I had a baby 7 months ago and let's just say it's needs a lot more shrinking to do, but the results so far are awesome. I think because I've so anxious lately, i have not cared about what i put in my mouth, i haven't been eating too much but rather very poorly (like the boneless wings with fries i ate the other night) *shake my head*

I am so sad day 30 is tomorrow, even if i start over is not the same like the first 30 days. I mean i am super excited i am done, but i need to stay motivated for 2 more months, and i am already feeling bummed.. I need to STAY MOTIVATED (I most likely will because i am not turning back, but i can't help how i feel)

What ever happened with all those ladies who started the shred with me?


"

Relieve from a sad heart.

That's right! NO MORE.

This morning i could barely open my eyes, i was or should i say am so tired. Driving back from dropping my little ones at school, i almost fell asleep at the wheel, something I've never experienced. I seriously need to go to bed at a decent time.

Last night while laying in my bed unable to shut the noise in my head, i was determined to get my priorities in line with God's will. Lately I've been slacking on my time with God, I've been preoccupied with non sense that should never take God's place in my life. As a result, I've experienced some sadness and worries.

I am sad because for some reason or another humans ultimately let us down. Have you ever felt used? yeah, and abused like a old rag, well sometimes i feel like that. Or better yet unappreciated, have you ever felt like that? I found myself dwelling on these feelings recently and yesterday i was so upset with myself for setting my hope and trust on others instead of seeking counsel and comfort from God at all time for everything. I know sometimes things happen so we grow, but the bad taste you get from it to me, is unnecessary. Let me tell you a little something about me, i am such a goof for love is crazy. I want everyone and everything to always be good. I am quick to forgive and forget, and i love me like that. i just have to stop letting people take advantage of that. Is easy for someone to open themselves to you when they are going through trials, but the minute the storm pass they forget where they stood not to long ago. They are quick to forget who was there suffering, praying, laughing with them and sometimes they act like they never knew you. Now ask yourself this question, when you are helping someone are you doing it for human recognition or for God to be glorified (uhm this one makes one think). See, i was hurt because i let God use me and in the end He got the glory, while i got the boot. But the boot from who God? nope, humans yes. So i ask what really matters?

ANSWER; God's will to be done and for HIM to get all glory and honor.

today i set my priorities straight and say

Lord here i am, use me again in anything you need... Sometimes i will not understand it, yet in due time you reveal it all to those who love and seek you. Help me understand i am not here to please people but you. And even if they never acknowledge what you do for them, you do, and that is all that matters.

Day 28 of the Shred, I've been

Eating so wrong lately.

I'm nervous about pictures on Wednesday as if i am doing the weight in at the biggest loser show. I've been working out so hard these pass few days, but the eating part has been horrible for some reason. Tomorrow i am back to moderating my food intake..

I am finally starting to loose weight, after days of building muscles... I feel so different..

Are you ladies staying faithful to the shred?

2 more days to goooo WOW!!!!

Day 27 of the Shred, Reflecting

Level 3 is so much better now, my endurance to this level is stronger. I can't believe i am on day 27, i never thought i would be able to work out 3 days in a row, let alone 27. Today i did level 2 and 3. I've never sweat so much in my life, it felt so good, is like my body craves the torture.

Something important for those who are thinking about starting this workout is, you have to set your mind with the desire you have to loose the extra pounds. If your mindset is weak you will not succeed, because thre will be days when you don't want to workout, but how bad you want it?

Today i started my workout at 9 pm- I remembered how horrible yesterday's workout was, and i didn't want to repeat it. I cleared my thoughts and began the workout with a strong and positive mindset, in result, today's performance was the best out of any of the other.

So, you say you are overweight and need to loose the extra pounds. My question is what are you going to do about it?

Dream?

Wish?

Or get your mind right?