Day 15: Survival vs Living

Action Items:

1. Spiritual Heath through Prayer & Meditation

Isaiah 58:11 (KJV) "And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not."

I had a thought today of survival versus living. Survival means the act or fact of surviving, especially under adverse or unusual circumstances. Living means active or thriving, vigorous, strong. My thought was how does one push out of near survival into living. As I meditated on this I thought about how we condition ourselves for survival instead of living. For example have you ever asked someone how they were doing and you hear responses back like "trying to keep my head above water" or "hanging in there" or "just trying to make it". This clearly shows are state of mind which manifests in our actions thus shows us mear survival. So how do we reach our living potential? By first recognizing that our basic necessities are already met we do not have to try to survive as believers when God already has us covered. There are so many scriptures that we could dialogue about on this issue however I wanted to focus in on Isaiah 58:11. This passage of scripture reminds us that Gods guidance is continual and it even touches on the fact of the droughts that we will experience. But guess what, He said he can satisfy our drought. Finally we even get some abundance in the process, our bones will be fat and He is going to water us so much so that the water supply will never fail! Whoa now who is living....I feel like running right now. No more survival for me or you if you believe it and receive it to walk in it daily. We are living healthy warriors from this moment forward in Jesus Name.

Prayer " Father in the Name of Jesus I come to you glorifying your name because you are faithful. Thank you for reminding be that Jesus came so that I might have life and life more abundantly. Forgive me where I chosen to believe the trick of the enemy that I was only capable of surviving only and not living. I choose today that I shall live and not die and declare the works of the Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen.

2. Physical Health through Exercise & Healthy Food Choices

45 mins cardio & 7 reps of 20 squats

Recipe Corner: Healthy Snack Choices

If your anything like me you always enjoy good snacks. I am the snack queen because I constantly eat to keep my metabolism high. So depending on what you want I have a few ideas listed below. Now remember just like your meals plan your snacks so you don't get unwanted additional calories.

Craving salty?

• 5 olives (any kind) (45 calories)
• 1 small Martin's pretzel (50 calories)
• 2 oz Applegate Honey and Maple Turkey Breast wrapped around 2 bread-and-butter pickles (80 calories)
• 1/4 cup hummus, 3 carrot sticks (80 calories)
• 1 Laughing Cow Light Swiss Original wedge, 3 pieces Kavli Crispy Thin (85 calories)
• One 1-oz package tuna jerky (90 calories)
• 1 oz buffalo mozzarella, 1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes (94 calories)
• 1 bag Baked! Cheetos 100 Calorie Mini Bites (100 calories)
• 15 Eden's Nori Maki Crackers rice crackers (110 calories)
• 1 cup unshelled edamame (120 calories)
• 50 Eden's Vegetable Chips (130 calories)
• One 1-oz package of Planters NUT-trition almonds (130 calories)
• 1/4 cup Trader Joe's Chili con Queso, 18 baked tortilla chips (140 calories)
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds in shell (143 calories)
• 2 pieces (30 grams) prosciutto, 4 dried figs (154 calories)
• 1 Subway Turkey Breast Wrap (190 calories)

Craving sweet?

• 1 package Original Apple Nature Valley Fruit Crisps (50 calories)
• 1 packet O'Coco's Mocha cookies (90 calories)
• 1 Jelly Belly 100-calorie pack (100 calories)
• One 100-calorie pack Trader Joe's Chocolate Graham Toucan Cookies (100 calories)
• One 100-calorie Balance Bar (100 calories)
• 1 Starbucks Mocha Frappuccino bar (120 calories)
• 1 package Back to Nature Honey Graham Sticks (120 calories)
• 1/2 banana rolled in 1 tbsp frozen semisweet chocolate chips (123 calories)
• 2 tbsp Better 'n Peanut Butter, 4 stalks celery (124 calories)
• 1 bag Orville Redenbacher's Smart Pop Butter Mini Bags topped with a spritz of butter spray and 1 tsp sugar (126 calories)
• 24 Annie's Chocolate Chip Bunny Graham cookies (140 calories)
• Half of a 1.08-oz container of M&M's Minis mixed with 1/3 cup lowfat granola (145 calories)
• 1 McDonald's Fruit 'n Yogurt Parfait (160 calories)
• 1 container Fage Greek Total 2% fat yogurt, 2 tsp honey (173 calories)

3. Relational Health

Today's focus is volunteering. Consider this as an option to add to your monthly regime. Helping others helps us not to be so self endulged and really does the heart good. If your not sure where to start google volunteer options in your community or pick a cause that is important to you. Choose to make a difference in someone else's life.

I'm here for you. You can always email me at fisher0331@gmail.com. For assistance with weight loss products you can visit my site at www.richfish.myitworks.com.

In His Love,

DeShawna

Day 14: Your efforts are Not In Vain

Action Items:

1. Spiritual Health Through Prayer & Meditation

1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV) "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be he steadfast unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as he know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

Sometimes in life we can begin getting discouraged because we do not see the immediate manifestation of the fruit of our efforts. There are even those moments when we begin to rationalize our decisions to continue or not continue doing the right thing because we have not experienced any change. Well today healthy warriors I want to encourage you with the scripture of the day 1 Corinthians 15:58 "...your labor is not in vain in the Lord." Don't give up and don't give in you will see and experience the fruit of what your doing in the Lord. Meditate on the fact that you are moving forward in Christ making Godly decisions for your life.

Prayer " Lord I come to you through your son Jesus. Father forgive me unbelief in you. Father please confirm with me that the decisions I have made have been Godly decisions to enhance the stewardship over this life you have giving me. Father I trust you and I choose to follow you in Jesus name. Amen.

2. Physical Health through Exercise & Healthy Food Choices

45 min cardio & 6 reps of 15 arm exercises I.e. triceps, biceps, and chest

Recipe Corner: Breakfast Option

Green Eggs & Ham

1/4 cup pancetta, diced
4 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons pesto
2 whole wheat tortillas
Salt
Fresh ground pepper

What to Do:

1. Heat a small sauté pan over low heat.
2. Add the pancetta and cook until lightly crisp, about 12-15 minutes. Set aside.
3. Meanwhile, in a medium mixing bowl, beat eggs and milk until well combined and pale yellow. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat.
5. Add egg mixture to the pan. Let the eggs cook without stirring for a minute or two.
6. As the eggs start to set, use a wooden spoon to move the eggs around the pan, forming large curds. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the eggs set to desired doneness, about 3-5 minutes.
7. Drain and discard the oil from the pancetta. Add the meat to the scrambled eggs and mix together.
8. Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto across each tortilla.  Divide the egg mixture among each tortilla, and roll burrito.

3. Relational Health

Forgiveness is key in any relationship especially to maintain it. Today's action item is release forgiveness in any area of your life that you know you need it. If your unsure that you have unforgiveness then pray to the Father He will reveal all things.

I'm here for you anytime fisher0331@gmail.com. For products to assist your healthy weight loss goals please go to www.richfish.myitworks.com.

In His Love,

DeShawna

Day 13: Think on These Things

Action Items:

1. Spiritual Health through Prayer & Meditation

Philippians 4:8 (KJV)   Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Here in the DC area our weather is expected to be 70 degrees today. Spring in in full swing and I hear on the news expect snow next week......you can imagine how I felt hearing this new as excited as I was about spring. But you know our scripture for the day reminds us what to set our thoughts on. In we can be so focused on the bad things that we think will happen in the future that we miss the great thing that's going on right now. Just like me today I could have focused on the snow in the future and missed the 70 degrees today. Lets focus our minds on those things that are pure and lovely.

Prayer " Father I come to you through your son Jesus. Honoring and worshipping you this day. Forgive me where I have been so focused on anticipating the bad that I forgot to be greatful of the good. Help me Lord to concentrate on you and all of the other beautiful things around me. I love you Lord. In Jesus Name. Amen."

2. Physical Health through Excersice & Healthy Food choices

A day of rest!!!!

Recipe Corner: (lunch or dinner option)

Summer Salad

Ingredients:2 15 oz. cans organic chickpeas (garbanzo beans)2 15 oz. cans organic black-eyed peas2 15 oz. cans organic artichoke hearts4 large organic tomatoes½ large organic onion6 large fresh organic garlic cloves¼ cup organic olive oil½ cup organic balsamic vinegarA few pinches of dried organic parsleyFresh ground salt and pepper to taste

3. Relational Health

Get Organized. Start somewhere like one room in your home or maybe your closet or your office. Just choose one option.  

Remember I am always here for you. For products to assist in weightloss please visit my website at www.richfish.myitworks.com.

In His Love,

DeShawna

Day 12: Featured Guest Mrs. Crystal Miamba

Good Morning Warriors! Today as lead by the Lord we are going to do our blog a little bit different. I believe that along the way we need some encouragement to keep on keeping on. So today I have asked my sister in the Lord Crystal Miamba to be a featured guest. Ladies and gents its not easy telling your story so I thank her for being willing to share to encourage someone else. I pray that her story will help to encourage and transform your life in Jesus Name! Without further due the beautiful & powerful Mrs. Crystal Miamba. 

First of all I just want to acknowledge The Heavenly Father who is my life and my source. I also want to greet all of my brother and sisters today. I may or may not know you but we are all connected and we all need one another.
When Minister DeShawna asked me to do this blog I was much honored. I have known her for several years and know her to be a woman of integrity and have seen God move mightily in her life. Initially, I didn't know exactly how to approach this topic of living a healthy lifestyle. There are many different angles all of which are valid and all of which will improve our quality of life if we endeavor to act upon them. When I think about my life, however, I know that any improvements I have made or any success I have is as result of God. Therefore, my approach will always be God-centric.
One of my favorite scriptures in the bible is 3 John 1:2, which says
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
This passage of scripture is not just the words of the Apostle John but they are the expressed heart of the Father. Any good father wants his children to be prosperous, healthy, and to have soul prosperity. As you read on, John begins to talk about walking in the truth. Again you see hear that the heart of the father is for his children to walk in the truth.
The word of God gives us a very simple formula to living a happy and healthy life. Your body will only be as healthy as your soul is and your soul will only be healthy if you walk in the truth. When we have a revelation of these key components our natural bodies will reflect that.
I know that the word is true and I know that it works because it worked for me. I have struggled with body weight for all of my adult life. When I was child I was a normal weight because my loving mother ensured that I ate healthy and balanced meals. As I grew older and began to live on my own then I steadily gained weight.
In college I picked up the freshmen 15 plus an additional 20 pounds. When I graduated from college I noticed that every year I was 10 pounds heavier than the prior year. When I had my son I really packed on the weight until I found myself at 300 pounds at 5 foot two.

In the winter of 2011 there were three memorable events that occurred, which all culminated into the act of me making a decision to change my lifestyle.The first came when my husband and I went to a friend’s birthday party and I wore a turquoises dress and was photographed in this dress. I knew that I was over weight but I was in denial about how much weight I had actually gained and how dangerous this excess weight was. When I saw the pictures that were taken of me I was shocked out how overweight I really was. I was living a lie. I did not want to face the truths Seeing those pictures was like me coming face to face with the truth.
The Lord then used my natural father to reiterate the truth. I was at home minding my own business when I get a call from my dad. He and I talk often so it wasn't out of the ordinary. We had our normal conversation and then out of the blue my dad says, “Crystal, I love you. You are my only daughter, but you absolutely need to lose weight or you are going to have some serious health problems in the future.” Again the truth hit me like a ton of bricks. Sometimes walking in the truth is a very painful process.
Finally, God Himself spoke to me and told me that I was abusing His temple. He then began to remind me of certain painful events in my life and different times of trauma and I was like why are you bringing up these painful memories. He then showed me that each of my 10 pound gains was almost always correlated to a painful memory or a time of stress. He began to show me a pattern of destruction that was in my life.
I did not really have a body weight problem, this was just a symptom. My soul was sick. The soul consists of the mind, the will, and the emotions. God began to reveal to me that I was an emotional eater. I used food to medicate myself so that I could numb out the pain of the past. He showed me that I had a great fear of rejection and therefore was rejecting myself. My body had become the grand canyon of emotional distress. I had layers and layers of pain all reflected by excess body weight.
Thankfully, God didn't just stop at showing me the problem. He began to heal me of each memory and pour life into each wound. I began to have a greater revelation of His love and realize that when I had problems and stress that I could go to Him.
After I went through this painstaking process of walking in the truth and allowing God to heal my soul, I was then in a place where I could make the right decision to start on the path of eating healthy and exercising. I started this journey on April 27, 2011 and from that time until today March 21, 2014 I have lost over 155 pounds.
Brothers and sisters, sometimes our hormones are out of balance. Sometimes our metabolism may be off kilter. I would argue, however, that the main reason people find themselves out of shape an over weight is because emotional imbalances.
 When I began my journey, I was a 300 pound wounded woman. I was living a lie and I was not healthy. With the help and the grace of God I am now 145 pounds and I am healthy, am in good health even as my soul prospers. I still have goals to attain and I am ever-seeking for improvement but when I am down and when I need shelter  I go to God rather than food.
I pray that what I have said herein will help someone else in the same predicament as I am in. Prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers

Crystal Miamba

Day 11: Spring Forward

Action Items: 

1. Spiritual health through Prayer & Meditation

Psalm 51:8 "Make me hear joy and gladness" (NKJV)

If your anything like me you have been anticipating spring. Checking out the window seeing if things are changing. Watching the calendar counting down to March 20, 2014. Or maybe not (LOL). I love the spring time because I get to see one of God's best creations, in my opinion , all over the place. You guessed it FLOWERS!!!! Flowers give me life they remind me of seed time and harvest time. They remind me of the many colors of the world and different smells that God has created. They remind me that we are all different shapes, sizes, location and many other ways. Today we are asking God to help us 'hear joy and gladness" as we are springing forward into this new lifestyle. You know I'm a firm believer that when you feel better, you look better and you perform better. So as we are appreciating the change of the season lets appreciate the change in our lives and spring forward into the people that God has called us to be.

Prayer "Lord I come to you in the name of Jesus. Thanking you and honoring you because you are amazing. Thank you for another new season not only naturally but spiritually. I'm asking you to seal my heart with knowing that you will make me hear joy and gladness no matter what things may appear to be. I love you. I trust you. I choose to follow you. In Jesus Name."  

2. Physical Health through Exercise & Healthy Food Choices

Let get moving outside!!! Run/Walk 45 mins plus back on legs 6 reps of 15 squats

Recipe Corner: (Dinner Option)

Salmon with Brown Sugar and Mustard Glaze

3 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon finely grated ginger
Vegetable oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 salmon fillets, 6 ounces each
Directions
On the side burner, melt the brown sugar, honey and butter in a small saute pan over medium-high heat. Remove from the heat and whisk in the mustard, soy sauce, olive oil and ginger. Let cool.

Preheat grill to medium heat. Brush salmon with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Place the salmon skin side down on the grill. Coat the flesh of the salmon fillets with the brown sugar mixture. Grill for 6 to 8 minutes to medium doneness, turning once after 5 to 6 minutes.

3. Relational Health 

Consider your circle. Do the people you hang around encourage you to be a better you? When you have conversations with them to you feel enlightened? Do you challenge each other to do things that you typically would not do that is healthy for your life? Do they congratulate you when great things are going on in your life? These are just a few questions to determine if those around you are adding or taking away from your healthy lifestyle. This is all apart of being healthy is having healthy relationships. 

*Special Note: Please invite your friends and family to the blog tomorrow 3/21/14 we have a special guest featuring tomorrow. Mrs. Crystal Miamba!!!!

Reminder I am always here for you. If you have questions or comments please email me at fisher0331@gmail.com. For products to assist in your weight loss please visit my website at www.richfish.myitworks.com.

In His Love, 

DeShawna 

Day 10: Make it Last

Action Items: 

1. Spiritual Health through Prayer & Meditation

1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT) "Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you must do all for the glory of God."

Okay healthy warriors today I want to focus on making your healthy decision last. I know that we have all committed to 30 days to get us started however I want us to really take this healthy habits in to make a lasting change. None of us are perfect so making sure we maintain take some planning on our part, especially with our involved lives. Start thinking and planning now. Remember this is a lifestyle and in my opinion a very fun one. If your not feeling as excited as I am right now just wait to you start feeling and looking better. It gets contagious. God is very practical in His teachings so I just had to share 1 Corinthians 10:31 because it lets us know that God is concerned about what we eat and drink and He desires for us to do all things to His Glory. One may ask how do I eat and drink for  God's glory by making choices that will take care of your temple. Start your planning now!

Today's Prayer " Lord I come to you in Jesus Names honoring you and worshiping you. I ask that you would for give me for the poor decisions I have made concerning my eating and my health. Restore me Lord and help me to create a healthy lifestyle that I can maintain. I need your strength and encouragement to help me along the way. I trust your lead. In Jesus name. Amen" 

2. Physical Health through Exercise & Healthy Food Choices

45 Mins Cardio & Arm Focus 6  reps of 10 with light weights i.e. triceps, biceps, and chest  

Recipe Corner: Dinner Option 

Roasted Brussels Sprouts 

Brussel Sprouts 

Olive Oil 

Garlic

Pepper 

Salt

Cut Ends of Sprouts and make sure there are no dark or spotter leaves

Season add oil, place on a pan, Preheat oven 400, Roast for 20-30 mins 

Serve!

3. Relational Health 

Get some sleep! Sleep is a vital part of our health and when we sleep well we feel so much better. If you are used to going to bed late all the time make an effort to get in the bed earlier so you will feel refreshed in the morning!

Remember I am always here for you. I accept questions or comments. If you need me email me at fisher0331@gmail.com. For natural products to help assist you in your weight loss and healthy habit changes please visit my website at www.richfish.myitworks.com.

In His Love, 

DeShawna 

Day 9: Better Late Than Never

Action Items: 

1. Spiritual Health through Prayer & Meditation 

Philippians 3:14 "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus"

Wow so if you all are anything like me you like to be in control of whats going on in your life. Well note to self we are not in control God is. Imagine me freaking out because I had my entire day planned out and the first thing I do in the morning is prayer & study and the next step of commitment is the blog. Well needless to say God had a different plan. I am excited to report that I did not let it overwhelm me I went with what he wanted me to do. Ha! My Father in heaven is so amazing because he made me go through the lesson he wanted me to share. It is never too late to complete your assignment. Sometimes we think we are behind and not doing the things we need to do. Now lets be clear you know you when your being lazy that is not what I am talking about. I am referring to when we have an agenda and it just seems as though no matter how hard you try it just is not working out in the order you intended. Well ladies and gents today was that day for me and I am so relived that God took control and taught me a lesson in the process. So the lesson is this release your agenda to God and "press toward the mark for the prize" the mark may sometimes remain the same its just that your not getting there the way you thought. I'm just so excited that we have such liberty in Christ and we do not have to be the boss. This just reminded me of one of my best girlfriends Alexis Joi she tells me all the time "I did not sign up to be an adult". I use to laugh it off and tell her how funny she is but in fact she is TOTALLY RIGHT!!! We should have a childlike faith and trust our father. He is the parent and we are the children.

Prayer: "Lord I submit myself to you and surrender my schedule for your, forgive me when I try to take control. I acknowledge that you are in complete control over me. I choose to press on as I follow you to reap the victories and learn the lessons you are teaching me daily. I love you Lord. In Jesus Name."

2. Physical Health through Exercise & Healthy Food Choices

45 Mins Cardio of your choice & Squats 5 reps of 15

Recipe Corner: Breakfast Option

Broccoli, Tomato & Cheese Omelette

3 Large Eggs
1 Large Eggs White
1 Tbs Milk
Pinch of Salt
1 cup cooked chopped broccoli
1 large roma tomato, sliced
1/2 cup coarsely grated reduced-fat swiss-style cheese

3. Relational Health 

Schedule some personal time for yourself. Choose one thing that you love to do and pencil it in. Its all about you!


Remember I am here for you. Questions of comments please email me at fisher0331@gmail.com. For weight loss products please visit my website at www.richfish.myitworks.com.

In His Love,
DeShawna