A Blessed New Year!

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve! I'm really excited about it because it's my second favorite holiday (my first favorite being Thanksgiving). I am eager to embrace the new year as I reflect, and continue to be so immensely thankful, for this past year!

The best part of ringing in the new year is being able to celebrate it with friends! I am thrilled to be able to host yet another get-together in my new house. Many people will be unable to make it (most due to prior plans) but I'm very happy that there are a few that are going to share this special occasion with me!

I think that this song really captures what new year's is about. Let's give thanks for God's blessings and continue to grow in our faith! Let's enjoy food, fellowship, and great memories tomorrow and look forward to what God has in store for us!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Have a blessed and safe new year!! Be infused! God bless you!

Anticipating the New Year

Celebrating our first Christmas in our new home!

In just a few days, we will be celebrating the new year. We will think back on 2013 and look forward to 2014. For some of us, it's been a bad year; and we hope for a better one. For others, it's been a good year; and we hope it continues on. Either way, I hope we all have bigger and better things to look forward to in the coming year!

For me, this was probably a year to remember! I have had so many rough years for so long, that I don't think I remember the last time I really had a "good year". It started off a little rough, but it ended up turning out rather well in so many ways (buying a house being the biggest thing). I don't know what the new year holds for my children and I, but I have reason to believe that it will continue to build upon this past year. For the first time in I don't know when, I feel like things have finally started working out and falling into place. I couldn't be more grateful and I know that God has been the author of it all!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I really don't know what else to say other than the fact that I am hoping that all of you will have a safe and happy new year! Here's to hoping that it's a good one; and if one of your resolutions is to get fit and healthy...you know I can help you with that. I'm right there with you! Be infused! God bless you!

Healthy Pina Coladas!

The new year is fast approaching! That means it's time to make those "resolutions" to be healthy, right? That also means that you're grudgingly going to "diet" and complain about not getting to eat your favorite things anymore while munching lettuce leaves and eventually giving up after you give into a food craving. Well, it doesn't have to be that way! Not only can you reduce your cravings, lose weight, and gain energy, but you don't have to feel starved (and you can still find ways to eat what you love). How? With Shakeology! In just ONE delicious shake a day, you will get all the nutrition you need, feel satisfied, and enjoy every minute of it!  If you've read my story, you know it's true! 

Here's a treat for you; a pina colada! It's a delicious treat that is actually good for you! Who says you can't have your shake and drink it too? ;) 

Pina Colada Shakeology

1 serving Vanilla Shakeology

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup 100% pineapple juice

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Mix ingredients in a blender with ice (more or less to suit your consistency preference). 

That recipe is from my Shakeology site. However, my own version goes a little something like this: 

Melissa's Chocolatey Pina Colada

1 serving Chocolate Shakeology

1 cup vanilla almond milk

1/2 cup fresh pineapple

Shredded coconut (probably 1/3 cup? Whatever the serving size is on the package).

Mix ingredients in a blender with ice (more or less to suit your consistency preference). This is one of my favorites! It's so good (and VERY filling. You might have to adjust the ingredients to your liking).  

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you are having a good weekend! Be infused! God bless you!

Healthier Tomato Soup

Cold weather may not always be fun, but one of the few perks are the hot drinks, soups, and foods that warm you right up! Who among us doesn't love hot soup on a chilly day? I know I do!

Here's a recipe for some tomato soup that you might enjoy! Tomatoes in general have a lot of good nutrition in them, but sometimes tomato soups aren't as nutrition laden as they should be. The ingredients in this recipe definitely make it more worthwhile! :)

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you are having a great weekend and are recuperating from the holidays! New Year's is right around the corner! That means resolutions and new commitments to being healthy! I'm here for you! Be infused! God bless you!!

Do We Know?

Yesterday, I shared about our church sermon and how Christmas all boils down to "God is with us." Our pastor challenged us to stop and ponder the miracle and gift of Jesus. He mentioned this song, "Mary Did You Know?", which describes the many things that Mary must have pondered about her son. Those of us that are parents know what she must have been feeling; to hold her first born, to admire his perfect features, and to think about his life ahead. Now, imagine that that child is the Son of God. Everything is that much more magnified! Pause and think about it. Take it all in!

Grace and peace to you, everyone! I won't be blogging again until Friday. I hope you all have a blessed Christmas and that you are blessed by the things that you ponder and know about Jesus! Be infused...and inspired! God bless you!!

Decompressing Christmas

Sander in hand and safety glasses on.
It's decompression time!

Yesterday was just one of those days where all the miscellaneous stress and busyness of the season (and life in general) finally caught up with me. I felt emotionally frazzled. Anything and everything was getting on my nerves and I really needed to take some time to decompress and channel it all into something. I had just bought an old chest of some sort (probably a toy box) and I felt like it was the perfect time to redo it. I needed to be "giving new life to old things", as Chris puts it. It's very freeing when you have a soulmate who understands and encourages you to have some "you" time. He said, "Okie dokie, my beautiful artist. You take all the art therapy you need. I totally understand the need for decompression time." So, that's what I did!

"Before"

As I mentioned, the busyness of life is stressful enough; and then you add the holidays on top of all of that. While there is usually much to enjoy about it all, it can be overwhelming. It's really important to take a timeout to just "be" and reflect. Taking a small break to breathe and decompress is vital.

It's very timely that today's sermon was about that very thing that I was doing last night. Pastor Larry Sprinkle was saying that no matter what is going on during Christmas, the four words that it all boils down to is "God is with us." Jesus, Emmanuel, was sent to us (and for us). We are not alone and God is always with us. In our busyness and in our downtime, He is there. He gives us strength and energy to endure as well as the peace and comfort to rest. He is everything we need. That is an amazing truth to take in; and something I value greatly when I have that "decompression time" because I know that God is always there to help me process things.

"After" :) 

Taking in the sermon, I thought about how true Larry's words were regarding how the Bible often says that Mary treasured and pondered all the wondrous things about Jesus in her heart. That's what we need to be doing; meditating and pondering the amazing things of Jesus in our heart and allowing it to sink in. Sometimes, you have to find fresh ways of making the "familiar" fresh again. We can easily become callused to the life-altering power of the true meaning of Christmas because we have heard the story, sung the hymns, and participated in the same traditions for so long. Therefore, we really do need to realize when we need to just hit pause on everything and take a timeout to refocus. Just like that old chest, we can find a way to give new life to old things.

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Don't miss the wonder of it all because of all the distractions. Decompress Christmas and get to the heart of it. Stop. Ponder. Listen. Ask Jesus to make His story new and fresh for you! He will do it! New life is what He's all about! Ponder the miracle of what Christmas is: a precious baby, the Son of God, resting humbly in a manger; a baby, destined to die for you. His perfect features would one day be marred by thorns, nails, and a spear. All of it was for you. If you're a parent, you can imagine how Mary must have felt; her mind totally blown away at not only the miracle of her first-born, but the fact that her son was the Son of God. Treasure and ponder that! Be infused! God bless you!

Healthy No-Bake Cookies!

Did you know that you can use Shakeology for more than just your daily dose of perfect nutrition? My Shakeology website not only has recipes for different flavorful shakes, but for delicious (and healthy) desserts! So, if you want to treat your family to something tasty AND healthy at your holiday meal, try this!

Shakeology No-Bake Cookies

1 cup Chocolate Shakeology powder
1 cup natural peanut butter
1 cup oatmeal (quick)
1/3 to 1/2 cup honey or agave nectar (to taste)

Combine ingredients in a bowl. Mix well. Roll into balls (about 1 heaping teaspoon each). Optional: Roll balls in crushed nuts, oatmeal mixed with a little cinnamon, graham cracker crumbs, or unsweetened coconut flakes.


Grace and peace to you, my friends! Enjoy your family time! I hope your holidays are safe and blessed! Be infused! God bless you!

Christmas Pita Trees!

It's almost time for family gatherings and Christmas dinners! That means there's food to prepare and cooking to do! I'm sure you probably have a few family favorites that you're already preparing. However, if you need some more ideas, check out this link!! Whether it's an appetizer, dessert, or main course, there are plenty of options! I think these pita trees look delicious!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope your holidays are happy, healthy, and safe! Be infused! God bless you!!

Time is Running Out for the P90X3 Deal!!

P90X3 has been flying off the shelves!! :) Have you gotten yours and taken advantage of the special deal yet? If not, you'd better! You only have until the end of the month!! Watch the video below to get a taste of what you're in for! Don't wait until it's too late!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Be infused! God bless you!

"Home" for the Holidays

Every time our worship leader shares a personal story, I always tear up. His stories always grab at my heart and resonate so deeply. Yesterday was no exception. Dennis broke the bittersweet news of his father-in-law's passing to the congregation. He mentioned that while it was sad to lose him, it is great for heaven to gain him. He said that years ago, his father-in-law spent a lot of time mentoring a young man. Sometimes, it got to the point where his wife would call the church office, ask if he was there, and then say that he needed to come home. Dennis said that his father-in-law had been at death's door for a while. Finally, God called him up and said that he needed to come home.

I was all teared up thinking about that concept; about how we are all lingering on earth fulfilling God's purpose. Then, the time comes where we get called to go to the home where we truly belong. It just overwhelms me to think about how amazing it will be!

It also blows my mind to think of Jesus being sent from that amazing home to this sinful earth; just so we could be there with Him someday. This is the season where we pause to think about all of that; to think about the hope that humbly entered this world. We watched this short video which reminds us of that simple fact. There are a lot of things that sometimes get mixed in with the Christmas story. There may be a lot of things that aren't "politically correct" in how we celebrate it, but all that truly matters is that we GET IT. We need to get the simple fact that God sent His son, Jesus, to this earth to give us hope and salvation. He was born with the sole purpose to die.....for US! Because of Jesus, we can go "home".

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope that this video fills you with hope and that you'll take joy in the fact that someday, you'll get to go "home" as well (if you've made that decision for Christ). I know that many of you are probably remembering those that have already gone home (I'm thinking of my Grandma a LOT!). You might also be greatly anticipating the joys of being "at home" with the ones you love during the holidays. Enjoy it! Celebrate life and hope with your families in this temporal home we call "earth" and look forward to the eternal one in heaven! I know I am! I may be enjoying the new house that I've been blessed with, but it will never be "home" like the place He is preparing for me! Be infused! God bless you!

All About His Business

The first piece that I did; an old end table
that Casey used for his toys.

"Your passion is giving new life to old things." This was the heart stopping sentence that brought me to tears and made me feel as if my purpose in life was put into the perfect words. This phrase was uttered by the lips of my soulmate (yes, my soulmate....we have finally found each other! More on that another time lol). We had been talking about a variety of different topics and I was sharing about how I had discovered just how much I love redoing old furniture. So, when he uttered that simple and profound sentence, I burst into tears because it hit me at the core of who I am. My heart completely melted. I was like, "Ohmiogsh! Yes! That's me! That is what I love; life, restoration, and newness!" Is it any wonder that I do? After all, isn't that what Jesus is all about? And since that's what He is all about, isn't that what WE should be about? Jesus was all about his "father's business" (Luke 2:49). If we are in Him, we are about the Father's business too; no matter what our "business" in life is. We find a way to make it about Him.

I have a lot of "business" in my life. This very blog is a big part of my Team Beachbody business. Though, more than anything, this business is ultimately about God's business. It's precisely why I have given this business back to Him and have sought to glorify God by giving Him the credit as I help others. I'm here to help; that's always been my goal! Not only do I want to help someone get into good physical shape (taking care of the bodies that God has given us) but into good spiritual shape too! It truly is my passion to help people; to help them transform into a better version of themselves. I've always been one to build up, encourage, and help fix things (broken hearts in particular). Helping someone discover the purpose and potential in themselves that God created in them is an extremely rewarding thing!!

The old end table; made "new"! :) 

How about you? How have you made the "father's business" YOUR business? In what way are you serving others? Whatever you do for someone in His name, it is done unto the Lord (John 14:13-14). Jesus is all about restoration; making the old new again. In Him, we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). We need to exude that newness of life so that others will be drawn to it and want it as well.

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I encourage you to be about HIS business by making all of "your" business centered around Him! Be infused! God bless you!

Got Nog?

At this time of year, egg nog is a well-known seasonal favorite. It's also very well-known for its calories. One glass of egg nog can have over 200 calories in it! Yeah, that's a lot of calories for a drink, isn't it?

Once again, Shakeology provides a way you can have your nog and drink it too lol! Just like the pumpkin and gingerbread recipes that I shared, there is also a Shakeology recipe that can help you get your egg nog fix. The best part being, you get EXCELLENT nutrition and more bang for you buck when it comes to calorie intake!

Vanilla Nog

1 serving Vanilla Shakeology
1 cup skim milk
1 tsp. rum extract
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

Mix all ingredients in a blender with ice (more or less to suit your shake consistency preference).


Grace and peace to you, my friends! For all those that are snowed in (or daring to venture out in it) stay warm and be safe! Be infused! God bless you!

Creamy Red Potatoes

Tonight, I made something that I haven't made in a while. I got this recipe from a friend several years ago. It's creamy red potatoes (and it's delish!). It's really easy too! It's a crock pot recipe! It goes great with some broiled or grilled chicken!

Creamy Red Potatoes

2 lbs. small red potatoes
1 can Campbell's condensed cream of potato soup
1 pkg. low-fat cream cheese
1 envelope ranch dressing mix

Wash and scrub potatoes with a vegetable brush. Cut into quarters and place them in the crock pot. In a mixing bowl, mix together other ingredients and then stir them into the potatoes. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours. Makes 4-6 servings.


Grace and peace to you, my friends!! I hope you have a great weekend! Stay safe if you are out on the roads in the snow! Be infused! God bless you!

"Bring It" for 30 Minutes!

It's here, everyone!! Many of you have been waiting for P90X3 and now, you can finally get it!! Last week, I even mentioned the special deal that they're having on the challenge packs (the program PLUS Shakeology). Click here to get it! Don't miss this one, peeps! As popular as this program is, it could sell out pretty fast! You don't want to be stuck with all of those holiday pounds again, do you? That's why you need P90X3.....awesome results in just 30 minutes a day! :)

Grace and peace to you, my friends!! Don't wait to jump on this offer! It expires on December 31st!! Be infused!! God bless you!!

Scaling Back

Due to to the lack of feedback, and the need to scale back, I'm going to discontinue Tuesday and Thursday blogging. As with so many things, sometimes less is more anyways. Media Monday, Workout Wednesday, Food Fridays, Shakeology Saturdays, and Spiritual Sundays will still continue as normal. There might be times where I even miss those days too, but I'll try to keep up on it.

Grace and peace to you, my friends. I really would appreciate your feedback. The whole reason I started this blog was to help people as well as get people talking/engaged with one another too. Blogging each day has been a passionate commitment of mine and it DOES take a decent amount of time and effort. I am happy to do it, but I need to know what you need! Be infused! God bless you!

Live to Love and Love Living!

Love definitely makes you feel empowered. Love makes you sing. Love envelopes you; swallows you up. You feel it coursing through your veins. It's embedded into your soul. You pursue love and it pursues you. It's a unique song. 

To know love is to know God, because God is love (1 John 4:8). When you experience His presence and sense that amazing love He has for you, you can't help but feel lost in it. Blissful. Content. Perfect. You ponder it and meditate on it. You think about the very essence of it. 

Paul says that love is patient, kind, and unfailing; that it hopes, protect, and perseveres (1 Corinthians 13). It's pure, unselfish, and forgiving. Love casts aside all pride, anger, and jealousy. Love, real love, is TRUTH and joy. 

Those verses are always rooted deep into my heart. Whenever I think about what love is, or how to love others, I measure it by those verses. Does my love look like that? Is God at the heart of it? Is it virtuous? Is it good? Is it truthful, patient, kind, and unselfish? How strong is the love in my heart? I want it to be genuine; fueled by God, for He IS love. He enables me to love.

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope that these words, verses, and this song will empower and motivate you to love! At this time of year, people seem more inclined to act in love. We feel generous and compassionate; wanting to bless others' lives during the holiday season. Though, we must remember, love shouldn't just be a seasonal thing. It's God's greatest command (Matthew 22:36-40). Live to love and you'll LOVE living! Be infused (with God's love)! God bless you!

Having a Content Heart

A while back, I was reading about contentment in a Joyce Meyer devotional. She said: "There's nobody happier than a truly thankful person, a truly content person. The word content means 'being satisfied' to the point where nothing disturbs you no matter what's going on, but not satisfied to the point that you never want any change." Additionally, she also mentioned that, "contentment is not about fame or being well-known, how much money you have, your position at work or your social circle. It's not found in your level of education or what side of the tracks you were born on. Contentment is a heart attitude."

Content and blissfully happy!! 

I couldn't agree more! Contentment isn't about a feeling, it's about a way of being. Contentment is a result of thankfulness. When you're thankful, you really can be satisfied in whatever stage you are at in your life because you have a joy in your heart that can't be altered no matter what is going
on in your life.

I just felt like today was the day to share those quotes about contentment. I have been reflecting so much about how different and amazing this year has been. Even as I look on the terrible years before that, I can still say that overall, I have always been content because I've had the peace of God inside my heart no matter what. There have been lots of moments of extreme pain, loss, and sadness, but the love of God has sustained me and infused me with strength. Remember these verses:

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:12-13

Grace and peace to you, my friends! May you all be blessed with a heart of contentment! Thanksgiving is the key! God will infuse you and give you all you need! Be infused! God bless you!

Gingerbread Cookie Shakeology

A couple weeks ago, I posted a recipe for Pumpkin Pie Shakeology. :) I hope you enjoyed it because I have another great recipe for you! It features another favorite seasonal flavor: gingerbread!

Gingerbread Cookie Shakeology

1 serving Greenberry Shakeology

1.5 cups ice

1-1.5 cups almond milk

1/2 medium banana

1 Tbsp. sunflower butter

1.5 tsp. cinnamon

Mix all ingredients in a blender. Add more or less ice as needed for your consistency preference! For more recipes, and to place your order, click here!


Grace and peace to you, my friends!! I hope you're having a great weekend! Be infused! God bless you!

Italian Chicken

I love chicken! I also love Italian food! What better combination than Italian Chicken?!! This look so delicious! Chicken is a high-protein food (which you need to build muscle) so eat up!! :)

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Have a great weekend! Please, check out yesterday's blog and give me some ideas of what else I can do on this blog to help you with what you need! I sure would appreciate your input! Be infused! God bless you!

Help Me Out!

It's Thursday. Well, almost Friday as I type this. I have been so preoccupied today! Plus, it seems that Tuesday and Thursday content is more difficult for me to come up with sometimes.

When I decided on the structure of this blog, I assigned different things to different days. Tuesdays and Thursdays are pretty similar, so I might need to change Thursdays to something else. Instead of q&a Thursday, what else could I have? I guess that's today's question lol!! Do any of you have an answer for me? What would you like me to blog about? What would help you the most? On Mondays, I share media; usually videos/songs that are motivating, inspirational, or fun. Tuesdays is "tips and tools" to help you out. Wednesdays, I share about workouts and fitness and such. Thursdays...yeah...q&a. Then, we have "Food Fridays" (which seem to get the most attention). Then, we have Shakeology Saturdays and Spiritual Sundays. What else does this blog need? Let me know because this blog is here for YOU!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! My goal is to best help YOU! Let me know how I can serve you best! Be infused! God bless you! 

P90X3 is Arriving!!

Alright, peeps! I told you I would let you know when P90X3 was going to be released! Now, it's finally time!! In less than a week, you will be able to order it!! Oh, and that's not even the best part! From December 10th to the 31st, Team Beachbody will be offering P90X3 plus Shakeology (a challenge pack) for a special price of $180 (regular price is $205). You'll also get an exclusive P90X3 hat as a bonus! Pretty cool!! Though, you'll have to act fast because this deal is LIMITED; and with it being a new program, it is likely that it could sell out quickly. This is one of Team Beachbody's top selling programs so there will be LOTS of people who are eager to try Tony Horton's next level!!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Be sure to order by the 15th if you want your order to arrive by Christmas (would make a great gift!). Get ready to "bring it"!! Be infused! God bless you!

Fixing Forgetfulness

Forgetfulness. I'm finding that it is becoming more and more of a problem for me. Just yesterday, I forgot to post my daily blog! It wasn't until late today that I realized that I had forgotten and it irked me to no end! I've done this a few times now.

Don't you just hate it when you forget things (especially if it's REALLY important)? Fortunately, forgetting to post a blog isn't nearly as bad as when you forget something bigger like an appointment, a meeting, or some other kind of event or commitment where forgetting would be a BIG mistake! 

So, what's the best way to remember to do things? Well, there's a lot of different ways to accomplish this! Probably the most common thing to do is write things down. I am the type that always thinks I'll remember something (like when I go shopping) and then I end up forgetting the very thing I went in there for! My short term memory isn't that great (though, I know my friends and family will say that my long term memory is really good considering I remember insignificant crap that everyone else forgets about lol). Here are a few things I use when I have to write things down: 

• Dry erase board on the fridge
• My planner (I keep this with me in my purse)
• Phone apps (my favorite for grocery shopping is the Out of Milk app)

Other things that you can do is follow a routine. Sometimes, that can be the best help in remembering things when you create good habits and stay in a rhythm. Additionally, keep your mind sharp by exercising it (it needs it as much as the rest of your body does). Read or play games like sudoku, crossword puzzles, etc. Not many things in life can be entertaining AND beneficial lol. Games like those definitely can be; and so can reading for pleasure and learning!

One last thing I can recommend to boost your mental clarity is nutrition and exercise. Having the endorphin boost and the right fuel makes a BIG difference! An easy way to get it is through Shakeology (yeah, you knew I was going to say that, right lol?). Well, it's true! My mind and body is a LOT better functioning when I'm drinking it! No kidding! 

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope these tips are helpful! And now, because I "forgot" media Monday yesterday, here's a sweet little video; just for fun! Be glad you're not Lucy from "50 First Dates" who can't help but be forgetful! Though, I'd say her life still turned out pretty good! That movie is so sweet! I love it! Be infused! God bless you!! 

The Never-ending Thanksgiving

Today is December 1st. Shopping season has officially kicked off with Black Friday and all its deals. People are putting up their Christmas trees and soon, another year will officially wrap up. I don't know about you, but my own heart echoed my pastor's statement this morning when he talked about not wanting Thanksgiving to end yet! I'm not talking about having a never ending turkey feast or anything. I'm talking about the whole essence of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I feel like it puts a lot of things in perspective and generally helps people to remember to have an attitude of gratitude. It's a shame that that spirit doesn't always continue year round. People are far too selfish and negative these days.

I was so blessed by the message at church today. Our pastor always has such a great heart behind every sermon. He encouraged us to be thankful for everything and for one another. And, like the message in the video that they showed, to remember that no matter how "messy" life gets, God is good! Watch this video! It's very touching (and quite hilarious as well lol).

My life has really been "messy" in these past three years. Those of you closest to me know what I'm talking about. Now, I feel like God has truly been putting things back in order. Sometimes, we are the most thankful after overcoming the most pain. I look back on all that I've been through and I just marvel at where I am now. I am in awe of it all and what God has, is, and will continue to do in my life. It increases my thankfulness to Him more and more all the time! I just can't get over it! He's done so much for me and is teaching me so many things! Thank you, Jesus! Thank you!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you have had a great week! Carry that spirit of thankfulness with you each and every day! Express it to God for all He has done for you! Make it your first item of business in your prayers; thank Him for all He has done/given before you ask for more! Let Thanksgiving be never-ending in your life! Be infused! God bless you!