I Moved My Blog!

Please click here to be re-directed to the new location of my blog on wordpress.com or go to bibleandbarbells.wordpress.com. 

I've received an overwhelming and positive response and it's made me so excited!  A friend and fellow blogger suggested I move to wordpress to have more options with my blog.  Be sure to follow me and thanks for stopping by!  xoxo

Amazing Friends - Amazing Opportunity - Amazing Jesus!

I had such a great weekend!  Danny goes camping twice a year with the guys so I usually plan something fun to do myself.  This year I invited my good friends Caitlin and Sara (and Sara's 8 month old, Henry) to come over for dinner and a play date on Friday night.  The kids played and my friends and I shared lots of stories and laughs.  It was so much fun!  I have such great friends.  Not to mention, they are great at giving compliments!  One of the best compliments they could have ever given me was that they wanted me to give them pointers on how to be a good housewife!  That really touched my heart!  I do take pride in my home, I keep it clean and organized, and I love it that my friends admire that.  They are the best.

Saturday was a lazy, pajama day.  It's not very often that my 7 month old and 2 year old take a nap at the same time.  I joined in and fell asleep on the couch with Joe.  It was so great.  I love to cuddle with him.  That afternoon my friend, Perla, brought over the product I ordered from her.  It's called SPARK, by Advocare, and I've been taking it since I had my son. I love it.  It gives me the natural energy that I need especially with being so busy with two little ones, working full time, and apparently being a great housewife ;)  Perla and I got to talking more about Advocare.  She was recently working at my sons daycare, she was his teacher, and she was able to quit that job and take on her Advocare business full time.  I've actually been looking for something like this.  Something that I could do that interest me.  I've had such great success with the healthy and fitness choices I've made, my body has transformed and I'm the healthiest I've ever been, and I've wanted to share my success story, help others, and invest in a product that I love.  I've been influenced by so many women through their blogs and Facebook that I wanted to pay it forward...this is why I wanted to start a blog.  I'm going to attend Ladies Alive this weekend so that I can learn everything I can about Advocare and really be able to inspire and help others with their fitness goals.  More to come on Advocare!

Sunday was yet an another amazing day.  Our church had a guest speaker, Scott Rigsby, a double amputee Ironman. His story was truly inspiring and really touched my heart.  Not only is he an Ironman, but how he came to have a relationship with Jesus Christ is what brought me to tears.  He touched me on a level that I had never experienced. In fact, as I went through the book signing line to buy his book and shake his hand, I was thinking about all the things I was going to say to him.  How he gave me such a spiritual high as well as my experience with doing an Olympic Triathlon when I was three months pregnant.  But when it was my turn in the line to chat with him, I was at a loss for words.  I was trembling all over and none of my words were coming out right.  I was so embarrassed!  The sweet man he is, came up from around the table and gave me a hug.  Ah!  I can't wait to read his book, Unthinkable.

Finally, Monday, Veteran's Day and another day packed full of God's goodness!  Of course, with my husband serving in the Marine Corps and myself in the Air Force, my kids will be instilled with those values that come with it and be taught how great our military is. So, for now, I play dress up.  Aren't they adorable?!?!

At my dentist appointment yesterday morning I shared my experience meeting Scott Rigsby.  Following that conversation, I also shared that I got to see Beth Moore in Dallas.  The event was Awaken an Evening with Priscilla Shirer, but due to unfortunate circumstances, Priscilla was not able to be there.  Much to our surprise, she sent Beth in her place and boy, the crowd went wild!  Come to find out, one of the gals (MendyKaye) that works at the dentist office was there too!  We immediately hugged...just because that's what sisters in Christ do!  We went on an on about how Beth touched us with her message about scars, then we shared about our love for Jesus and how good he is in our lives.  We continued to text each other throughout the day and MendyKaye sent me some great youtube videos with Beth Moore and Priscilla Shirer.  I listened to them off and on all day and just had such a great spiritual uplift listening to those messages.  I had told MendyKaye how it's so hard for me to find time to have my quiet time with Jesus and she reminded me that all I have to do sometimes is listen!  Listen in the car, listen while I'm cooking dinner.  She is so right.  I'm so glad Jesus brought her and I together yesterday.  Just another sign that he works in our lives in such amazing ways.  I've found a new sister and I love her already!

My husband finally got home last night and as tired as I was from taking care of the kids, the dogs, and well, from all the excitement, it was so good to talk to him and share it all.  The relationship I've developed with Jesus over this past year has really brought me so much joy.  I am so blessed with my wonderful husband, healthy kids, great friends, and amazing opportunities. God is SO Good!!!!

Slow-Cooker Mexican Chicken

I LOVE recipes that are quick, easy, and healthy! Here is a meal that I can throw in the crockpot on Monday morning and eat for lunch the rest of the week. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup corn (drained)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 jalapeno
- 1 TBSP cumin
- 1 TBSP chili powder
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cups brown rice (cooked seperately)

Directions:
Add all ingredients to slow cooker (except yogurt and rice). Cook on low 8 to 10 hours. Add Greek yogurt and cook for an additional 30 minutes. Serve with brown rice.

Makes 6 servings
Nutritients: 262 calories, 29g carbs, 2g fat, 33g protein, 5g sugar

#WhoIAm

Online Bible Study:  A Confident Heart by Renee Swope

This weeks assignment:  What does God say about #WhoIAm

Why is it that the first thought to run through my head is always a negative thought?  An insecure thought?  How do I turn that around and it automatically be a positive thought?  I really need to work on this and sort of "re-train" my brain.  You would think that the one place where I would feel truly accepted would be at church, right?  Well it's not for me.  I have the most self-doubt when I walk through those doors.  I'm pretty sure this is all at the hands of Satan, never the less, he gets me every time...

It was our pastors 15th anniversary last Sunday and I was so looking forward to going to the reception and service.  My family and I have only been members of the church for a little over a year, but our pastor had such a significant impact in our spiritual lives.  I really wanted to express my gratitude.  We were ready to leave for church that morning, my husband was putting our 7 month old in the car, and I sat my 2 year old on the bed to put his shoes on then all of the sudden he got sick and threw up everywhere.  Ugh.  Poor baby was crying and looked so pitiful.  I told my husband to go ahead and go to church and I would stay back to take care of Joe.  My husband and Lexi left and about 5 minutes later Joe got sick again.  I texted my husband to stop by the store and pick up a few things on his way home.  Instead, he just turned around and came home to help me take care of Joe.  I didn't want him to miss church or the reception either.  For some reason, even though my son was sick, I had a feeling a guilt come over me.  That feeling stuck with me in my mind and my heart until Wednesday night when we went to church and I ran into our pastor.  I told him why we missed Sunday and he was so understanding.  Of course he was understanding.  Why wouldn't he be?  These thoughts of mine are all on me. 

The very same night my good old insecurities took over my mind.  We can always count on them, right?  Ugh.  So the couples in our grow group were all sitting together for dinner prior to class starting...and I got a "hello" from them, but I feel so distant from them.  I feel like they all have established relationships and I'm not a part of it.  The typical thoughts run through my head...did I do something wrong?  do they not like me?  why can't I come up with something good to say, to ask, to talk about?  Again, my negative thoughts and insecurities rule me. 

These were just two examples that happened to me this past week.  There were many more.  That's so sad to me.  I've been loving this book and relating to everything I've read, so why can't I walk in my shoes confidently on a daily basis?  I will be studying the following verses, to learn about Who I Am in Christ:

I am accepted:  I am a friend of Jesus Christ, as His disciple. ~John 15:15
I am secure:  I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances. ~Romans 8:28
I am significant:  I m a minister of reconciliation for God. ~5: 17-21

I've been reading other blogs this evening from the OBS and they've all been so uplifting and so inspiring.  I know that my post tonight has been nothing short of a downer.  This is just me...me being real and telling it like is was for me this week.  I'm working on getting better and overcoming my insecurities.  It's just going to take time.   

 

Clean Breakfast Tacos

I have to eat breakfast! It gives me the boost I need in the morning to be productive. I like to switch it up week to week so that I don't get bored, plus my tastebuds thank me when I introduce something new. This combination of eggs and peppers is so yummy. I hope you enjoy!

Ingredients:
- 3 whole eggs
- 1/2 cup egg whites
- 1/4 onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 3 slices of turkey bacon (cooked and diced)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- salt and pepper
- hot sauce for extra flavor

Directions:
1.  Heat oil in a medium skillet and add onions and peppers.  Saute for about 5 minutes.  Season with cumin, salt, and pepper.
2.  Add eggs and scramble everything together.  Just before eggs are fully cooked, add cilantro and combine.
3.  Serve with a dash of hot sauce.

Makes 3 servings
Nutritients:  292 calories, 28g carbs, 12g fat, 18g protein, 6g sugar

Jamie Eason's Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

These turkey muffins are a good afternoon snack (Meal 4).  Make a batch at the beginning of the week and grab a couple on the go.  May be served hot or cold. 

Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 3 egg whites
- 1 cup quick cooking oats
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp chipotle pepper spice
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 diced onion
- 2 diced celery stalks

Directions:
1.  Pre heat oven to 375 and spray cookie sheet with cooking spray.
2.  Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl until well combined.  Roll the mixture into balls (makes 12 balls) and place on the cookie sheet.
3.  Bake for 40 minutes or until cooked through.

Makes 12 muffins
Nutrients per muffin:  121 calories, 6.4g carbs, 1.5g fat, 19.6g protein

#MovingForward

Online Bible Study:  A Confident Heart by Renee Swope

This weeks assignment:  Share a #MovingForward story...

About two years ago I got a devastating call from my mom.  We argued, then her last words to me were, "I'm gracefully bowing out as your mother".  This was by far, over everything devastating that I had ever been through, my all time moment of brokenness.  I had just had a child of my own two months before.  My mom was there for the birth of my son and, without going into all the details, it's fair to say that my hospital experience was not a good one.  What was supposed to be the most precious moment of my life became just the opposite.  My mom shared with me afterwards (in the phone calls to come) that she felt the same.  Like always, there are two sides to every story.  Words were said, feelings were hurt, and ultimately it was the last straw and the end to our relationship. 

Prior to that devastating phone conversation, I had written my mom a letter.  I felt like I had to get all my thoughts down on paper.  I didn't want to just send her a letter though.  I wanted to actually talk to her in person.  I wanted to make sure she knew how much I loved her but that there were things that bothered me about the hospital visit as well as things that we had been through in the past.  My husband, new born son, and I went to her house one day so I could read her the letter.  I got everything off my chest that day, then we hugged, visited for a little longer, then  my family and I left.  I heard from my sisters later that day that my mom shared the letter with them as soon as we had left.  She told them how upset she was with what I had said.  I was really saddened to hear this because that was not the reaction she had given me.  Nor was it ever my intent to make her upset.  My intent was to get some things off my chest and find a way we could start over and try to build a healthy relationship.  The letter ended up being very hurtful in her eyes.  So hurtful that she didn't even want to be my mother anymore.

Over these last two years I've texted and called her in an attempt to mend things.  I also saw her once at my sisters high school graduation and I apologized to her in person.  However, none of those attempts have been received.  I've thought long and about this and I've prayed over and over.  I've hoped that God would give me a sign or tell me what I should do to make this right. 

These last two years have been tough.  I went through mourning the loss of her.  My poor husband has had to listen to me cry and vent about it too many times.  Even to this day, I get very sad and I miss her, but God has been working on my heart.  My faith in Him has grown even stronger as little by little I have grown stronger.  He has given me the strength to pick myself up and #MoveForward.  I still have hope that one day our relationship can be mended and we will be a part of each others lives, but until then, I will have to keep moving forward.  It's so important for me not to live in the past or dwell on what has happened.  Doing that would never make anything better.  In fact, it would just hinder my spirit and ability to be a happy person, a good wife, a better mom.  So I will continue to hope in the Lord, have faith in Him, and #MoveForward!!!