Bright Friday

You know, I'm not all that keen on all the Black Friday stuff. Therefore, I propose an alternative: Bright Friday! Isn't Christmas supposed to be positive and filled with good things? Isn't it supposed to be full of cheer and the spirit of generosity? Shouldn't the start of something good have a name that sounds positive rather than negative? "Black Friday" has always sounded a little gloomy and daunting to me; and for some people who have been trampled, injured, and killed in those crazy stampedes, it has definitely lived up to that title.  

I don't know about you, but standing in line to buy a bunch of stuff doesn't sound as fulfilling or appealing as standing at a kettle stand to ring the bell for charity. So, if you'd rather skip the shopping frenzy and put that generous/gifting spirit to better use, please, volunteer to bell-ring! In my county, we have very few people who have signed up for Friday. Maybe everyone is going to be too busy shopping or maybe they are just opting out of being around the chaos that day. Totally understandable. I get it. However, being that this IS a high trafficked day, it's a very CRUCIAL day to get volunteers. Filled shifts on big shopping days have a higher probability of raising more money to help local needy families; families who more than likely don't have enough money to shop on Black Friday (or even basic needs on ANY day, for that matter). Not only can they not afford gifts for under the Christmas tree, but probably not much food on their tables either.....UNLESS we can raise plenty of money to help. The many children who are hoping to receive clothing items, toys, etc. will only wake up to find those things on Christmas morning if we have the means to provide it for them. Hopefully, they'll even have more food to eat if our pantry shelves have more to offer as well. Please, ring the bell for at least an hour. Even if it's not on Friday, just pick at least ONE day! 

I know that no matter what I say, there's going to be a ton of people out shopping anyways; and that's ok. I'm not trying to condemn shopping (anyone that knows me knows that I could NEVER do that lol!). I'm just advocating a balance because even though we're all going to be shopping at some point, it's important not to lose sight of the bigger picture. I'm obviously going to have Christmas shopping to do too, though I have no "battle plan" for it. I'm just more determined than ever this year to stay focused on what matters. It's not just because I work for The Salvation Army now, but because each year I get more tired of the "hype" because I'm yearning for the "heart" of Christmas. Is it just me, or is there anyone else that feels that way too? I just want to give, not get. December the 25th is when we celebrate the birth of Christ and yet, we get all the presents? I'd rather just give to Him (and to others in TRUE need) in His name. I want to experience Christmas...for REAL! How about you? What's your reason to celebrate the season?

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I was going to take a moment to talk about the "special" Team Beachbody deals here at the end, but I really don't care anymore. You're welcome to visit www.infusion413.com to see, but if you only have time to visit just one link, pick www.registertoring.com . It's the BEST deal for you and for the people you would be helping! I truly mean that! Have a BRIGHT Friday! Be careful out there; whether you're shopping or volunteering (or both). Grab a friend (or a group of friends) and ring together! :) Be safe, stay warm, and take care of yourself! Be infused! God bless you! 

I TRIPLE DOG DARE YOU!

At this point in the year, I don't think it's uncommon to just stop and wonder where all the time went. Every year when it's about time for the holidays again, I think "is it that time again already? We just got done with that!" It just seems to get busier every year! Weren't the holidays so much simpler when we were kids and we just got to enjoy all the good stuff lol?!

The first week of November has already come and gone so quickly. Just a few more days and the month will already be half over. It's yet another one of those times where I'm like, "oh yeah, I forgot to mention this month's promos." The busier things get in my life, the less the Team Beachbody world seems to factor in for me (in more ways than one). I wish it weren't that way. I've been a coach for over four years and I'm not where I thought I'd be (again, in more ways than one). Though, as I always say, I'm not a quitter! I know I'm not the only one out there that is busy at this time of year, or with the regular stuff in life (as well as the unexpected surprises). I've never quite felt that I've had a long enough period of time to really get momentum and keep it going long-term. There have been far too many drastic life changes in my life in the time since I've started. I'm hopeful that things are finally stabilizing, but you never know lol. 

That's why I just want to encourage everyone out there to just keep enduring! Seriously! No matter what it is that you're doing, need to do, or are still AIMING to do, just be patient with yourself! No one does a perfect job at anything; and there's always the proper time and season. Even the best trainers and coaches have their slumps. No kidding! Sometimes, I see Shaun T on Facebook making the occasional post about how he's had moments of discouragement or days where he didn't "feel like it" either. We all get weary. The important thing is that we remember how to renew our strength and we do that by leaning on the Everlasting Arms! ;) Jesus is always there to INFUSE us with His strength! 

When I blog like this, I remember how much I miss blogging on a regular basis; and not particularly regarding the fitness stuff. Not that this blog doesn't matter to me (it does) but what has always mattered most was the spiritual aspect of things. I've always included in with the fitness stuff too, but even when all the fitness and Beachbody stuff goes on my back burner, my faith does not. So, it's more than likely that this blog (and my coaching in general) is just going to continue to be one of those facets of me that is going to be more in the background rather than the forefront (at least for a while). Right now, I'm still focused on continuing to adjust to all the new changes of the past few months (as well as getting through the holidays). So, my posts will be short and sweet for a while; unless they're on my other blog. My heart is with my family as well as the mission of my new job (which is focused on helping people in need and especially right now at Christmas). I hope you'll read my posts and support my efforts as I keep you updated on that! ;)

"I TRIPLE DOG DARE YOU!"
- from the movie "A Christmas Story"

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Watch the video below if you want to learn more about this month's Beachbody specials. It's Piyo (one of the programs I've ben "aiming to" do myself and haven't gotten around to). I hear nothing but good things about it; and I LOVE Chalene! I'll make my booty do it if yours does lol. If someone buys a Piyo Challenge Pack or a Piyo Kickstart and Shakeology Challenge Pack, I will too and I'll start gettin' r done again lol. And if Piyo isn't your thing, there's the Les Mills Combat, Pump, and Ultimate Reset Challenge Packs which are on special too. Actually, if I sell ANY challenge pack of any program this month, I'll do it lol! This is your chance to kind of coach your coach. ;) If not, well, I'll probably just keep putting it off until after the holidays. Can you MAKE ME workout?! ;) I'm curious and wondering if anyone will, but I'm betting that I'll probably be off the hook this time because no one will want to take the challenge with me and make me work my butt off (literally lol) before Christmas! Is someone going to prove me wrong? I TRIPLE DOG DARE YOU!!! ;) Be infused! God bless you! 

Our October Blessings!

There are only ten more days until Halloween. The kids' costumes have been picked out and ordered and we are looking forward to taking them out to get candy. I'm just hoping it won't be cold and/or rainy! It's been horrible weather for it the past few years! Irregardless, we'll still be going and making new family memories! This will be our first Halloween together!

Speaking of new things, there are a few other new things that are happening right now. It's been keeping me so preoccupied that I completely forgot to post this month's promotions (sorry about that!). Before I tell you what's going on with the fitness stuff, I'll just fill you in on the two big blessings that have been taking up my time.

The first one is the sale of my house (yes, finally!). It's very bittersweet. While we are very glad to finally get it sold (which will free up our budget, bless us with a profit, and take a load off of our minds) it's also sort of sad for me. As you might remember, I bought the house last year and my parents and I went to work on updating/improving the inside. The house not only reflects my personal taste, but it meant so much to me to be able to live close to my Dad and to have been able to get the house as a single mom. It was a milestone for me. I barely had any time to really savor it before God surprised me with Chris and things began moving me in a different direction (both literally and figuratively). The merging of our two lives meant trusting that God would provide for us as well as bring a new job opportunity my way. It's been a little unsettling to have to wait for the house to sell as well as a new job.

That's my other great news! :) It took three tries, but I finally ended up with the right job! It was almost like "The Three Bears" story in which the previous two jobs/interviews had a lot to offer, but only the third one was "just right" for me. God always knows best and I'm glad that He didn't allow me to have the jobs that I felt were right. He knew what the perfect fit would be for me (and when) and no matter how disappointed I felt in missing out on the first two, I knew that that only meant that God had something better. :) I am so thankful to God, and to The Salvation Army, for giving me the opportunity to work and serve the organization! It is an honor and a joy to be part of a team of people with big hearts and big faith! I am enjoying the learning process and looking forward to using my gifts and skills to help people!

Of course, one of my gifts is being able to connect with people, so I'm hoping that I will be able to enlist the help (as well as donations) from my big hearted family, friends, and readers of my blogs! ;) The organization can't exist without YOUR time and gifts. It is because of YOU that The Salvation Army can continue to have the means to feed, clothe, and give assistance to those that might otherwise not have basic needs. Please, prayerfully consider how you can get involved; whether it's through a donation of any amount or volunteering your time (we need individuals, families, groups, church congregations, etc. to start signing up for bell ringing! Click here to sign up to be a bell ringer!). These last few months of the year are busy for everyone. The holidays can be a hard time of year for various reasons. What better way to show your Christmas spirit and spread, peace, joy, and hope to others than by spending at least one hour of your time ringing that bell and encouraging people to donate their spare change for those in need?! C'mon, you can do it! One hour will bless you AND others. Get your spouse, kids, or church involved too! :) You'll be glad you did!

Ok, so I've been so busy talking about the Lord's business here that I nearly forgot about my own business. It pales in comparison, but since I need to finally clue you in, I'll throw it in here at the end lol. You've got a little over a week left to take advantage of the following deals: the new P90X challenge pack and the Ultimate Reset challenge pack. Additionally, they are offering up to 50% savings (yeah, I know, right?!) on Les Mills Pump and Les Mills Combat challenge packs, programs, and accessories! Now THAT'S a deal! I LOVED doing Les Mills Combat! I got three words for that: Fun. Fit. Fierce! It was enjoyable, got me results, and I felt super tough (how can you not when you're doing boxing and martial arts mooves?!). Get it while the getting is good! You won't regret it!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Thank you so much for reading! Also, a big thank you to all who have supported and prayed for my family and I. We couldn't have made it without you! We appreciate everyone's encouragement and prayers! Be infused! God bless you!