Difference Between Happiness and Joy

I used to think there was something wrong with me. I used to think I was just too badly broken...from past experiences or situations or maybe with my personality.

I couldn't understand why I would rarely feel happiness or be happy. I've come across many "happy" people and it just seemed that happiness had become of them.

But little did I know...that these people weren't happy...they were always full of joy. People who were genuinely joyful. That's why everything they seemed to touch, would grow and bloom...rather than wilt away and die. A contagious smile or feeling that you could catch from just being around them.

Why Does Our Society Strive To Avoid Offending Anyone?

Ever wonder why we are so quick to avoid offending anyone... But turn our own back on the Creator of this Universe?

Before building my relationship with God, I used to tiptoe around my and belief in Him. Fearing or being too worried that I could or would lose friends or people in my life. Their perception of me was much more important to me and the last thing I wanted to be seen was an outcast.

I put people before God and when I did that, my life was even more full of confusion, mess, and constant chaos. In a way...I lost all sense of who I was and what God's purpose was for me.

How Can I Have A Closer Relationship With God?

Ever feel like no matter what you do...it just never seems good enough?

Or maybe you feel like instead of moving closer to your idea of perfection...you find yourself moving farther and farther away from it?

I used to feel exactly like this and some days I still struggle with it. I am far from perfect...but now (more often than not) I am ok with it!

And to finally accept that was incredibly hard! Especially since I have been a perfectionist all my life...and still consider myself one. 

When you stop viewing your relationship with God merely as rules you have to follow or laws you must obey...that's when the magic happens.

What Is Shakeology?

Ever dislike the person you see in the mirror so much...that you do anything...just to try to avoid looking in them?

I have and it's definitely not the way I envisioned living my life. Waking up every day wishing, hoping, and dreaming to no longer feel unhappy and unmotivated. Feeling so disappointed in how much I had "let myself go."

You can't really tell, but I was absolutely miserable in the picture on the left. I was so depressed with how much progress I had "undone" since starting my journey in 2011 and how I had "let life get in the way." I wasn't working out every day or drinking Shakeology every day and just felt completely defeated.

What Do You Pray For?

If you and I were chatting over coffee, and I asked you if you would rather have peace or risk...what would you say? How about if I asked you if you would rather have comfort or courage? Makes you think at first. It's definitely not an easy decision...at least it never was for me.

Most of my life I have grown up in this confined little bubble, a bubble that I like to call my comfort zone. I'm a person who does not like change and I never have seen myself as a risk taker. Taking risks and stepping out of my comfort zone has always terrified me. The NOT knowing is what held me back 99% of the time. I'm super OCD when it comes to planning, scheduling, and "perfecting" everything. Instead of figuring out or asking for help on how to overcome change or things that made me feel uneasy...

How To Overcome The Fear of Failing

Do you ever feel so lost that you don't know what to do, what decision to make, what path or direction to take or go in, or who to lean on during these times? I have and to be honest, I am going through this exact season right now. This has been one absolutely challenging, yet rewarding year. A year that I have learned a lot. I have learned so much about God and my ever-changing relationship with Him.

I feel like I've been walking with my head down all month, worried I might trip or fall if I'm not careful where I step. But what I have failed to do, is look up. To look around me and to see what God is trying to tell me. It didn't hit me until the other day...and especially yesterday.

How To Run & Build Your Own Online Fitness Business

If you've been following my journey, you will see that being presented with the opportunity to run and build my own online fitness business was no accident. I truly feel it in my heart that God lead me to this.

It's been over 4 years since I started my fitness journey, one that planted the seed for any of this to happen. One that I never even knew would blossom into the most amazing experience I'd ever live. No longer just a vision, but an actual reality that I get to live daily. I am so blessed to wake up every morning with a passion burning so bright inside of me that not only challenges me, but helps me grow and become a better person each day. To know that I am making a difference in at least one person's life and giving them the life they always dreamed of. One with happiness and confidence to be proud of who they are.

The Difference Between God And Religion

One year ago, on this very weekend...we found our home here with CCV (Christ Church of the Valley). A day that I will never forget. One that I know, God was behind 100%. I honestly cannot believe it's already been one year. A whole year has passed by and yet it still feels like it was only yesterday that we were feeling extremely anxious, nervous, and excited for what this new journey would bring.

One that was never planned, thought out, or intentional. But that's how God works. Always working behind the scenes. Always methodically planning every inch and aspect of our lives. The Creator and Doer of all...even what seems as the impossible.

How We Paid Off 18k in 8 Months

Well hello there!! Wow, I can't believe it's been awhile since I have posted. Life has been way more crazier than I could have ever imagined. But absolutely REWARDING! God has truly blessed both my husband and I in so many ways over these last few months. Everything that has happened, is all because of Him.

A little over a week ago, I eagerly shared how because of God's direction and leading...we have been able to pay off 18k in 8 months. In no way was this easy or did it come natural to us. To be honest, we have made some really poor and unnecessary financial decisions in our past. Ones that we really had to buckle down and pray to God to help us find a way out...and this one was 1000 times worse.

Detoxing the Soul

It's been awhile since I have posted and I must admit, I have been battling a bit lately. Nothing that I can't overcome, but it has been effecting all areas of my life. Truth be told, I am battling some depression. If you have read my previous posts, I am very open about my bouts and moments that I have with it. I have suffered from depression since I was younger. At one point it had almost become an accessory like a purse or shoes. Everywhere I went, it would go too.

As I was sitting in church today, something amazing happened. One of our several incredible pastors said something that struck me so hard. I felt completely winded, immobilized, and slowly as if my body had broken and shattered into millions of pieces. Tears streamed down my face so fast I couldn't even hide them from those around me.

Hypothyroidism & Food

It's been two months since visiting the specialist about my hypothyroidism. Something that hasn't left my mind. I'll admit, it was a rather defeating moment for me after realizing that I was not going to get the answers that I truly wanted and felt I deserved. When you feel as all hope is lost...you feel confused, hurt, sadness, anger, and you even may want to give up. I've never been a quitter, but that thought had crossed my mind a few times. But then, I decided that all I needed was God and to become informed on my own.

I started doing my own research. It was more overwhelming than I ever expected. So many sources, so many different pieces of information. But I didn't allow that to stop me, day after day...and night after night...I kept searching for answers. Truth is, prayer is what helped me through all of this. See, no matter how down you are or how alone you feel, God is always there for us.

This Is What Living Feels Like

Exactly one week ago I sat in this room packed with 1,500 other people waiting for an experience of a lifetime. Music blaring, lights glowing, and the excitement that you could literally feel from everyone who was there. It was electrifying. I still get butterflies when I think about how I sat there and watched my life on play-back...every single event, every single memory, experience, situation, feeling...to how I got to sit in that exact seat and wait for what was about to happen in the next 3 days.

I truly believe that nothing is coincidental. That every single thing has purpose, reason, and rhyme to it.

How To Become A #Girlboss

It's amazing how fast time can pass by without you even fully realizing it. It's also incredible to see how much can change over the course of time...whether it's a short amount or not. Today marks 3 years since I first discovered Beachbody's coaching opportunity. Beachbody changed my life the year before when I first started my fitness journey in April of 2011. I had been praying for some relief and help to overcome my terrible post-partum depression. And after seeing the Turbo Fire infomercial so many times...I felt this was my answer. Since then, I have fallen more and more in love with this company, what it represents, and its mission...especially with what it has done for me and many others in my life.

DIY Coffee Sugar Scrub Recipe

So, other than being a full-time mom and wife & business owner and entrepreneur...I really love all things DIY! Thanks to Pinterest, I have started realizing the true benefits of making my own things and how much healthier it is. First of all, I love that I know what exactly goes into whatever I'm making. I know the ingredients that I am using and they aren't filled with toxic chemicals. It does take some time, but it's worth it to me.

I am working on several DIY beauty/health products at the moment, but let's start with my number 1 and absolutely must go-to! DIY Coffee Sugar Scrub! I love, love, love this scrub! I use it for my face! I also use it for my legs, hands, arm, tummy, thighs, feet, and even my booty! Coffee has many amazing properties and it helps tighten and firm.

3 Tips For Buying Groceries

So curious me, I decided to ask a question on my Facebook, that I honestly had no idea it would explode as much as it did! So let me ask you, on average, how much do you spend on groceries monthly (excluding toiletries)?

The answers I got, completely blew me away. I mean, I know groceries can be expensive, but it's definitely doable when you stick to these 3 simple tips! After asking, I received many Facebook messages asking me to write a detailed post about how my family grocery shops.

How Much Sun Do I Need?

So, I know that probably sounds like an odd question to ask. But in all seriousness, how much sun do you get? Do you get sun daily, weekly, once in a while, or seldom? For me, it is seldom...or at least it was. And even that's funny to admit, because I live in sunny Arizona! But the reality is, I didn't and sometimes still do not get enough sun.

There were times where I'd go weeks without getting sun, but often times it was days. I am a stay-at-home mom and Aiden and I stay inside the house for 5 days a week. We work out and have activity play inside...so that wasn't really an issue.

Do You Want A Fresh Start?

As my husband and I are sitting in church, waiting for service to start...I can't help but have a million ideas spruce up in my mind. This actually tends to happen every Sunday. God and I share some alone and personal time and I talk and thank Him for all of the work that He has done in my life recently. I share some ideas and goals with Him and ask for His guidance. There are times that I have no idea what God is planning for me next and then BAM! A dream and new idea is born.

All It Takes Is A Little Sparkle

Faith can be a tricky thing. And for some, they aren't exactly sure what or whom to place their faith in. I know, I have had my moments of struggle. There were times of doubt and insecurity...and the not being able to understand, "why this was happening to me?" It's definitely not the easiest thing to admit, but I know we have all thought and felt that at least once in our lives.

Living Out God's Dream

Today has been nothing short of amazing. I know I tend to use and perhaps overuse that word...but it really was. Today was Beachbody's first Super Saturday for the year and words cannot describe the energy, love, passion, and servanthood that you could feel vibrating throughout the room. Everyone has a story and today was the perfect depiction of that.

As I sat there listening to these stories, I couldn't help but share a conversation with God. I thanked Him for giving Jeremy and I this incredible opportunity that I would never have ever imagined.

Why Keeping The Faith Is Important

Yesterday's church service was one of the most powerful services I have heard since first attending CCV. It was very emotional and spoke volumes to me. I couldn't help but feel that God was speaking to me through our Pastor. It's amazing when you feel that strong presence and know it is our Lord doing and working in amazing ways to get to you. It's moments like these that I truly try to hold onto with all my might. I'm at a loss of words for how wonderful it feels to get that connection with God...but it's one of the best experiences ever.

I have been reading this phenomenal book that I was given to as a Christmas present from one of my best friends. It's called, "The Shack." This book has completely transformed me in ways I never imagined (more on this in another post), but everything I have been reading about in these last few chapters was reinforced during the Sermon.