A Grace FULL Life

We live in a society that is all about rewarding performance. Work hard and "earn" it. Of course, that's not always a BAD thing. After all, God discourages idleness (Proverbs 19:15). However, we sometimes try too hard or take it too far. This is particularly true in the case of God's grace. It's hard for us to understand because accepting God's love and free gift of salvation doesn't compute. We think we have to "earn" our right to heaven by doing the right things, following all the rules, and living up to an impossible standard of perfection.

God's Word says that it's our faith in the GRACE of God that saves us, not our works (Galatians 2:16, Ephesians 2:8-9). Grace has nothing to do with US and EVERYTHING to do with HIM. It's all about the cross; His sacrifice, His blood. If we could save ourselves through our own works, then Christ died for nothing and we would need no Savior (Galatians 2:21). Do we "deserve" it? No. Does He give it anyways? Yes! Why? Because He loves us; He's a compassionate and gracious God (Psalm 86:15) and His thoughts towards us outnumber the sand!

Our pastor, Larry Sprinkle, listed three ways that God's grace will benefit our lives:

1. God's saving grace removes guilt. - Through the blood of Christ, we are forgiven (Ephesians 1:7-8, 1 John 1:9). His abounding grace cleanses us of our sin and He removes them as far as the east is from the west. Think about how far removed that is. Not across the street. Not in the next state. From the furthest east to the furthest west (Psalm 103:11-12). It's gone; like that Casting Crowns song (this YouTube video I found is amazing!).

2. God's strengthening grace reshapes our lives. - His grace gives us strength and sustains us! It fuels us and brings confidence and peace to our hearts that is indescribable! Only God can do that! No amount of self-help from any guru or "enlightenment" can ever compare to God's grace! (Hebrews 13:9).

3. God's sustaining grace removes our hurt. - This is a big one for all of us because everyone gets wounded from time to time. His grace covers us; we are weak but He is strong (2 Corinthians 12:9). We just need to allow Him to heal our hearts or the wounds will fester and poison us; resulting in becoming toxic to ourselves and others (Hebrews 12:15). Don't be bitter, be BETTER!

GRACE and peace to you, my friends! In closing, watch the video below by "The Skit Guys". It was featured in church and I have also posted about them before (I just can't find the post for some reason lol). They have a real talent for illustrating Biblical concepts! Lay down your pride, surrender, and accept from God what you can't attain on your own. Be infused...with STRENGTH and GRACE! God bless you!

As Innumerable as the Sand...

It's always great when someone gives you a wonderful analogy to wow you and boggle your brain! Today, in worship service, our stand-in for our regular worship leader presented us with some great food for thought. Sand. Yes, sand....like the beaches of warmer places (Spring, where are you...really?). He showed us a big cup full of sand; explaining that he attempted to count a few grains (about a pinch). He asked us to imagine how many pinches of sand might be in that container and gave us a few ballpark figures. Obviously, there's no way to count all the grains of sand; nor all the grains of sand on one beach, many beaches, the ocean floor, or the dessert. But my goodness, it's astounding to think of!

Now, consider this verse that  he referenced to us. It's in Psalm 139:18 (the whole Psalm is really amazing, by the way): "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee." God has that many thoughts toward us; about me, about YOU, about every single person! Innumerable! Indescribable! Can we even think even a fraction of that many amazing thoughts about ourselves (or about any person) in one day or  even a lifetime? THAT is how extravagant He is and how GREAT His love towards us is! It's hard to fathom, yet it just makes you feel so awed and favored by the Creator of the universe when you think about it!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! You are loved; by the God of all creation! He is crazy about you and sent His son to die for you; taking the place of your sins and eternal separation from Him so He wouldn't have to be without you for eternity (so long as you freely choose to accept His sacrifice and want to be with Him - love always gives a choice). Think about that this week! Be infused! God bless you!

The Health and Weight-Loss Secret

It's been almost a month now since I've been on Shakeology again. Since my own personal reboot, I have noticed some positive changes in myself! I have lost several pounds and have been happily experiencing the rejuvenating effects of my "magic flower". My chronic fatigue, aches and pains, allergies, and digestive issues are continually fading as my body welcomes the complete nutrition of Shakeology and my energy and endurance levels increase. My sometimes overwhelming urges to eat (including food cravings and sweet tooth) are also disappearing once again. I feel stabilized, self-controlled, and able to just enjoy food when I'm actually hungry rather than just eating whenever I feel like it due to random desires to eat. Words just can't express the difference that I feel in myself; mentally, emotionally, and physically. Shakeololgy is just too easy! If there ever was a a health and weight-loss secret (or secret weapon) THIS is it! Of course, this is one secret that is meant to be shared! I'm not tight lipped about it lol!

As if that weren't enough, getting back into the workout groove is helping a lot as well! I have just finished my third week of Les Mills Combat (which is still on sale until the end of the month). I'm building strength, endurance, and becoming more fit; and LOVING IT! With prayer, the nutrition in Shakeology, and the aid of some Results and Recovery Formula, I'm persevering through these intense workouts! All glory to God because through Him, I'm accomplishing what I need to do! Believe me, there are MANY days where I just want to skip working out or mixing up Shakeology because I don't "feel like it". Then, I just pray and ask for the wisdom and strength to make the right choices and "stay with the fight" (and He provides it)!

Personal success makes me all the more driven to keep pressing onward toward the prize of a healthier life. It also further motivates me to share it with others! By now, most people have heard me talk about Team Beachbody programs and Shakeology so much that they are probably sick of it. Understandable. It's hard not to sound like a broken record, but I don't know anyone who can shut up about something that they're truly passionate about!! When you find something that works, you can't help but spread the word and hope to help someone else that wants to accomplish that same goal! THAT is why I do what I do; for me, and for YOU! I continue to do the programs, drink Shakeology, and be a Team Beachbody coach because I wouldn't stand behind someone or something that I didn't believe in or have personal experience with. Just like my faith in Christ, I want to keep putting all of this out there for people to see so that their lives can be just as blessed! Reaching my goals (and encouraging/helping others to reach theirs) is the ultimate satisfaction; more than any commission I earn. It's PRICELESS! Anyone who knows me knows my heart and that I yearn to be supportive and motivate others to success!


Grace and peace to you, my friends! I really hope that anyone who reads this will know that anything is possible through Christ! What He does in me (and what can be done through Him) can happen for you too! I would LOVE to be your coach and help you experience your own success story! Join Infusion 413! It's FREE! Click here and sign up at the top of this page and we'll work together on making a plan for success! I can't wait to have you on my team! Also, don't forget that if you refer someone else to the team (and they join) you'll be entered into my $25.00 Team Beachbody e-gift card drawing! You'll also get entries if you make a Shakeology purchase. Remember, you have a few options for purchasing Shakeology (and getting it at a discounted price if you become a coach). Please read this post for more information on the drawing (you only have until the end of the month to enter! That's just a few days away!). Contact me if you ever have any questions! Be infused! God bless you!

Strawberry Shortcake on a Stick!

I am SO GLAD that Winter is melting away and the warmer temperatures are on the horizon! It's SPRING and Summer is soon to follow! That means summer foods, cookouts, and enjoying the outdoors! That's why, when I saw this recipe, I just couldn't wait to share it because it just made me think of all those "warm" thoughts! This is definitely a simple, sweet, and low-calorie appetizer idea for whenever it's time for those cookouts and get-togethers! Who doesn't love strawberry shortcake?! It's always been a fave of mine! Now, you can have it....on a STICK! SWEET! :)

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Have a great weekend! Be infused! God bless you!

BIG NEWS: NEW Program AND Health Insurance for You and Your Family!

I have got GREAT NEWS to share! If you haven't heard already, Chalene Johnson (creator of Turbo Jam, Turbo Fire, and ChaLean Extreme) is about ready to release a NEW workout program called Piyo!! If you are a Chalene fan like I am, I know you'll be excited to see what she has in store for us! This program is cardio, strength, and flexibility all in one! It is inspired by a combination of yoga and pilates and aims to create lean muscle and burn a LOT of calories! The best part is, there are NO WEIGHTS or jumpy stuff; just your own body weight resistance! That's what I'm talking about!! I'm excited; how about you?! Undoubtedly, a LOT of people are going to be antsy to purchase this program! I fully expect to see it sell out as quickly as the 21 Day Fix did last month (it's available to order now, but popular demand is still causing shipment delays. Yeah, it's that hot of a seller!). Make sure you're the FIRST to know when PiYo is released so you can get your program before it sells out! Click here to be put on the notification list and to watch a short video preview of the program! It looks so awesome!

As if that weren't big enough news, Team Beachbody just announced that coaches and their families now have health insurance options! No kidding! So, if you were ever thinking about becoming a coach, here is an extra incentive! It's extremely fulfilling and rewarding to be a coach because you get to help others; the rest of it (the 25% discount on products/supplements, the commissions, bonuses, and now health insurance) is just icing on the cake! Click here to learn more about the health insurance option and then contact me about signing up as a coach! Why hesitate?! Coaching has countless benefits for you, your family, and those you will be inspiring! What are you waiting for?! This will change your life!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you're having a great week! I know I am! Today is my son's 11th birthday and we have a lot of celebrating to do (as you read this, I'm probably at Chuck E. Cheese. Yeah, pray for me lol!). I'm SO PROUD that God blessed me with him! He is an inspiration to me because he doesn't let his hearing impairment, autism, or anything stop him from continuing to learn, grow, and be the best he can be! I am honored to be his mother and can only hope that I can be the best Mommy I can be for him! Happy birthday, Casey! I love you SO MUCH! I hope you (and everyone else that's reading) will continue to BE INFUSED with the love and strength of Christ! God bless us all!

In-Shell Egg Scramble!

I found a really interesting video for media Monday. Here, you can see how to scramble an egg inside its shell before you boil it. Just thought it was interesting to see and to eat it this way (especially if you don't like hard boiled eggs the traditional way). Eggs are full of protein (as you know) and protein is good for building muscles. Eggs are pretty good for you; I blogged about it before. 

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you have an eggciting week (sorry, couldn't resist lol). Be infused! God bless you! 

What is Your Life Blood?

There were a lot of things that I was considering blogging today. They were things regarding today's sermon which was given by three of the church elders in the absence of our pastor today. I haven't had the time to process it all, or organize them into a blog the way I would like, but it has definitely been on my heart all day. It was all about being close to God; thinking about when we were closest as well as furthest away. It's something that I have thought about a lot when evaluating my spiritual walk. They were talking about how when we are distant from him, it's because our E.G.O. has gotten in the way which stands for "Edging God Out". It's definitely true because when we aren't close to Him and depending on Him, it means that we have become too self-sufficient and full of pride to "need" Him. We take care of ourselves and whatever else is going on in our lives so much that we forget our priorities.

I just kept thinking about how everything they were saying was what I have been pondering for so long. I struggle so much to balance it all. I need to find a way to build more "God time" into my day the way that I do everything else. I don't want life to be so jam packed that I feel like I have to pencil Him into my schedule. I always have an awareness of Him being with me no matter how busy I am (and pray in my heart throughout the day) but I know I need some very focused time with Him as well. I know it definitely needs to be the first priority of the day (now, to start implementing that into my "I'm not a morning person" routine lol). I can make it a habit just like anything else if I would focus and do it! After all, being spiritually healthy is the most important thing there is because it will transcend into other ares of my health and life.

Life. That was the other thing I was thinking about today as we were singing the songs about the blood of Jesus. The blood of Jesus is everything. His blood was His life being given out for us. LIFE is IN the blood. That's why when a person bleeds until they bleed no more, they die. That's also why we sometimes refer to things metaphorically as being one's "life blood". For what or whom do you bleed for? Is it a sports team? Your job? A person? A hobby or addiction? Drugs or alcohol that courses through the blood in your veins? What gets your blood pumping? What has become the "life blood" that you can't live without? If one can't look at their life (and where all their time, energy, and resources are spent) and say "Jesus", those other things are going to bleed us to death. That's what the world does and is: death.

Grace and peace to you, my friends. I'm deeply pondering the things that I've mentioned and I hope that you are too. It's worth meditating on because God should be our focus and life blood. Every day, we go through our routines and life has its demands, but if we don't discipline ourselves to be consumed with the right life blood, the bad blood will drain the life out of us! So, more than ever, we truly need to remember what it means to "be infused" with Christ. I say it at the close of each post; not just because it's tied in with the name and meaning of Infusion 413, but because it really is important to BE INFUSED with the Holy Spirit. Here's to hoping we can all truly ponder that more and live it out! So, yes, be infused! God bless you!

Neopolitan Shakeology

Well, it's been a fun and eventful weekend. I'm tired lol! All the more reason I make sure that I drink my shakeology every day. If I weren't, I wouldn't have any energy and endurance at all. I can definitely feel it coming back since I've been consistent on it again! It's a BIG help!

I look forward to getting my daily fix of shakeology. What makes it all the more enjoyable is figuring out new ways to vary it up. The shake concoction that I recently tried was at the suggestion of my own coach (Dana). She said to mix half a scoop of chocolate with half a scoop of strawberry with some ice and vanilla almond milk. MAN, that was GOOD! Tasted like neopolitan ice cream! So, here is that simple recipe for you:

Neopolitan Shakeology

1/2 scoop chocolate Shakeology
1/2 scoop strawberry Shakeology
1 cup vanilla almond milk

Mix all ingredients in a blender with desired amount of ice to suit your consistency preference. Add LOTS of ice to REALLY thicken it and make it taste like ice cream!


Grace and peace to you, my friends! Don't forget, you only have 9 more days to be a part of my $25.00 gift card drawing!! Be infused! God bless you!

Chicken Broccoli Tetrazzini!

When I was thinking of a recipe to share last week, I asked my boyfriend what a good idea would be. He said something "meaty" and "hearty" since it's cold outside. Actually, I think that is the typical response for a guy no matter what the weather is lol.

Well, for a nice hearty meal, no matter the weather (or gender), maybe this one would be worth a try! Chicken Broccoli Tetrazzini sounds very filling to me! You have your protein filled meat, veggies, and pasta. I think everyone in the family will get a nice serving of this to satisfy them!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you have a safe and fun weekend! Be infused! God bless you!

Quick Update

I am almost done with my second week of Les Mills Combat. It's going pretty good; sore, but good. ;) I am enjoying it for the most part and I've got Results and Recovery Formula (and Shakeology...of course!) to get me through; and a lot of prayer lol. It's still not too late to take advantage of the March promotions! You can join me in Combat! :)

The other thing that I wanted to mention is that now through the end of March, you can try a 30-day bottle of the ActiVit Multivitamins. All you pay is $4.95 shipping and handling! So, if you've ever thought about trying ActiVit, now is the time to do it!


Grace and peace to you, my friends! That's all I really have for today. My only other reminder is about my $25.00 e-gift card drawing. Read my post about how to enter! :) Be infused! God bless you! 

Fun St. Patrick's Day Videos!

St. Patrick's Day, 2012

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! As I mentioned yesterday, I hope you're taking a few moments to remember and appreciate the deep spiritual meaning behind today. It really is something worth reflecting on! For a fun and fresh reminder of what that is, please watch video #1 at the end of this post! It's the hilarious (but informative) Veggie Tales version of who St. Patrick was, what he did, and the meaning of the shamrock.

St. Patrick's Day, 2011

As serious as this day is, I am not a buzz kill by any means (you're talking to the chick who LOVES dress up days!). I have been dressed up in all sorts of St. Patrick's day attire in years past (see photos lol). I am definitely not opposed to some St. Patrick's day fun! So, if you are wanting a good laugh, make sure you watch video #2! Tony Horton (creator of the P90X programs) mixes up some greenberry Shakeology while donning some special St. Patrick's attire; and attempting to speak with an Irish accent. I got a good laugh out of it lol!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you are having a meaningful and fun St. Patrick's Day! I hope that if you're drinking something green, it's Shakeology (clearly more healthy, and won't be a choice you'll later regret!). I also hope that you'll WIN a little green to spend in the Team Beachbody store! Be infused! God bless you!

Green Faith

Tomorrow is St. Patrick's day. It's yet another holiday with wonderful spiritual meaning behind it that has been corrupted and commercialized by modern society. I have written about it before regarding St. Patrick's day (as well as Christmas).

I don't know about you, but don't you get tired of all the hype and commercialism that comes with every holiday? Wouldn't it be GREAT if it were easier to focus on the essence of what we were celebrating without the bombardment of advertising and alternate meanings for what we are supposed to be concentrating on?

There's no way we can block it all out (and I'm not saying all the novelty things are 100% bad either). Though, I guess the only thing we can do is to make sure we take the time to celebrate holidays like St. Patrick's day, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and the upcoming Easter holiday, in ways that matter. We can educate ourselves and our children about the real reasons we celebrate these holidays and just take some time to meditate on the real reasons for their existence. Holidays are created as a way to observe and celebrate special things that deserve to be remembered. All of the above mentioned holidays are rooted in Christian faith. It's very important as believers to refresh our hearts and minds with the reasons why we believe what we believe and not get lost in the worldly mess of it all. Go ahead. Eat or drink something green, but remember that the green stands for Ireland's people; the people that St. Patrick was passionate about witnessing to so that their souls might be saved. Decorate with shamrocks and remember that St. Patrick used them to illustrate to the pagans what the trinity was all about. Think about all the important reminders of faith that you might ordinarily overlook and cherish the heritage behind it!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you have a blessed day tomorrow and that all the green will also remind you of the green grass that is surely on its way when Spring arrives! It's a celebration of faith and new life! It's wonderful! Let your faith be renewed as you go green! ;) Be infused! God bless you!

Infusion 413's Special $25 Gift Card Drawing!

Did you know that Shakeology has now been around for FIVE YEARS now? Isn't that awesome?! Happy birthday, Shakeology! May you continue to make this world a healthier and tastier place!

I remember when I first tried Shakeology; I was hooked! It's amazing stuff; over 70 ingredients packed into one tasty meal replacement shake! My favorite flavor, as you might recall, is CHOCOLATE (big surprise, huh lol?). Though, I am VERY eager to try the NEW strawberry flavor (my order should arrive any time now!). If you haven't tried Shakeology for yourself yet, what are you waiting for?! :) Do you remember my Shakeology post featuring Master Yoda lol? Yeah, take a look at that one and then give me a reason why you haven't ordered some! You may also notice that I updated the part of that post concerning the Shakeology Sampler because it NOW includes a serving of the new strawberry! Yep, you get to try chocolate, vanilla, greenberry, AND strawberry all in one convenient sampler! It's only $19.95! Why not?! :)

Here's one more reason for you to try Shakeology. In honor of Shakeology's birthday, I want to have a special drawing! If you would like to win a $25.00 Team Beachbody e-gift card to use in the Team Beachbody store (subject to Team Beachbody's gift card terms and conditions) this is what you need to do:

1. Make sure you have a FREE Team Beachbody account with me! If you already do, great! If not (and you don't already have a coach) you can sign up for FREE by clicking "not a member?" at the top of my profile page.

2. After officially joining my team, visit my page and click "shop" to place a Shakeology order. If you buy the sampler, bag, or box of Shakeology, you will get one entry into my drawing. If you buy Shakeology on home direct (monthly auto shipment) you'll get TWO entries! I will also give you another entry if you refer a friend to me and they join my team (if they place a Shakeology order, I will give you another entry for that too; plus they'll be getting their entries as well!). If you are currently on Shakeoloyg HD with me, you've already got two entries in the drawing (THANK YOU for being a loyal team member and Shakeology customer!).

That's all there is to it! This special offer is valid from today until March 31st! When March ends, I will compile the entries and make a video in which I draw a name and announce the winner of the e-gift card (I'll post the video here on my blog and on my Infusion 413 YouTube channel). The winner must have a valid email address so the e-gift card can be sent to them. I haven't determined an official date of when I will make/post the video, but it will probably be sometime within that first week of April.

Grace and peace to you, my friends! THANK YOU for allowing me to be your coach and for being on Team Infusion 413! I appreciate it so much! I'm really excited about offering this drawing! I hope you are too! No matter what, you'll definitely win big when you start drinking Shakeology! :) Be infused! God bless you!

Chicken Pot "Pi Day"!

In case you didn't know, it's "Pi Day"! Pi, of course, is the infamously long and mysterious number that begins with 3.14 (and today is March 14th). So, I guess it's only fitting to post a pie recipe today!

As you can see, even the Swedish Chef is taking Pi Day and incorporating it into one of his crazy concoctions (I saw this picture and couldn't resist!). There are LOTS of things you could make for today! I found a link with a bunch of Pi Day recipes. Here is one for a healthier version of chicken pot pie; or "pot pi". ;)

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you're having a great Pi Day! Have a wonderful weekend as well! Be infused! God bless you!

Getting Geared Up!

When it comes to working out, it's essential to have the basics in order to get moving. Workout clothes, supportive shoes, and a water bottle are absolute "must haves". Sometimes, you might even get some other extras like a music player to listen to while you run, a heart rate monitor to track time/calories burned/etc., or equipment of some kind. Whatever it is that you need, it all helps you attain your fitness goals!

This is why Team Beachbody has added several new choices to their men's/women's apparel line (including Shakeology, Focus T25, and P90X3 shirts!) as well as HUGE savings on their stability ball, stability ball/medicine ball combo, and the Tai Cheng Rumble Roller. Click on any of those links to view the product or visit www.infusion413.com and click on "shop" to browse the store for whatever you may need (including Shakeology shaker cups)!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Remember, you can always get a FREE T-SHIRT every time you complete a Team Beachbody program (and be entered to win cash and prizes too!). Simply sign-in to your account (sign up for FREE if you don't already have one) and click on the "Beachbody Challenge" tab at the
top to submit your "before" & "after" photos and they will mail you the corresponding t-shirt of the program you've completed! Yep, it's that easy! I got one for completing Focus T25! Once I complete Les Mills Combat, I'll get a shirt for that one too! All I have to do is "Stay with the fight" (as they say in the workouts). I'm really sore after these first few days of the program, but I'm going to keep pushing through! I got my Shakeology and my Results and Recovery Formula (and the amazing power of prayer) to get me through! I'll make it by the grace of God! ;) Be infused! God bless you!

Gianna's Workout Video

It's always heartwarming to me when my kids want to copy something I'm doing (well, assuming that it's a good thing lol). Exercise is one of those good habits that I have always hoped my kids would take an interest in. Casey doesn't usually seem enthralled with it, but Gianna sure is! In fact, today, she asked to do "Rockin' Body". I had just finished my second day of Les Mills Combat and she begged me to let her do a workout. So, I put the DVD in for her. She really enjoys it because she's worked out with me to that program before (it's one of my favorites).

While she was working out, I decided to record her a little bit because it was just so cute to watch her! I hope you enjoy it as well! If you're interested in the program, it's one of the cheaper ones that Team Beachbody offers ($19.95 plus s&h)! As you can see, it's fun and easy enough for a child to enjoy! ;) Oh, and in case you didn't know about this one, Shaun T also has a special workout DVD just for kids! Click here to purchase Shaun T's Fit Kids Club!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you have a great week! Be infused! God bless you! 

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Family, Friends, and Faith

It's been quite a busy week! I feel like every day was jam packed with something! Sometimes, it just seems like a blur after you sit down to think about it!

I really don't have anything to say or share today. I almost forgot to post at alll even though Sundays are the days I usually like blogging the most. They are my more "personal" posts and a break to focus on spiritual wellness which is the most important aspect of one's overall wellness. I guess if there would be anything I would want to share, it's just that reminder to enjoy life and what's most important; as well as taking the time to rest. I finally feel a little more rested up after such an exhausting week (even though I just started Les Mills Combat TODAY lol) and I also felt rejuvenated after some unexpected family time with my parents and some extended family. It was wonderful to be able to do that today and to get a pleasant start to a new week!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you can take some time to relax as well as enjoy all the wonderful and most important things in life; family, friends, and faith. That was one thing my family always does so well when we get together; we laugh, share stories and memories, and talk about important things. Never underestimate the power of those simple things that mean so much! Be infused! God bless you!

My First Shakeology Video!

Guess what?! I made my first Shakeology video! I've always wanted to do a sort of "demonstration" video where I mix up some Shakeology using some fave recipes/ingredients! Now, I've finally done it! Hopefully, I'll get around to making more of these (and other videos) in the future for you! Let me know if you like it!

In this video, I'm mixing up some iced mocha Shakeology! I LOVE how Shakeology tastes great AND is great FOR you! The fun part is always coming up with new ways to make new versions of it by adding a few "extras" here and there! This time, it's some iced coffee and a touch of almond milk! In the future, I'll try to find a better spot to film the video and keep my voice at a consistent volume level. The video is posted below! :)

Grace and peace to you, my friends! As always, I would love to read your comments and hear your feedback! Let me know if you have any questions! Be infused! God bless you!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Chicken Piccata!

I found today's food Friday recipe via the Turbo Fire page on Facebook. :) Team Beachbody programs typically come with an eating plan/recipe book of some sort. It's always nice to take the guesswork out of dieting and food preparation! :) Anyways, here is today's recipe suggestion: Chicken Piccata!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you have a safe and blessed weekend! Be infused! God bless you!

March is PACKED!

Well, it's March already! Eager for Spring? I know I am! I know everyone is tired of Winter, to say the least! It won't be long now! Spring starts on the 20th which means warmer weather is sure to follow! Then, SUMMERTIME!! :)

NOW is the time to not only start Spring cleaning our homes, but ourselves as well (from the inside out!). If we want to be healthy, active, and energetic for warmer weather activities, we need to prepare! That's probably why Team Beachbody has packed March full of deals; literally!! THREE CHALLENGE PACKS (fitness program PLUS Shakeology) are on sale THIS MONTH! Yep, THREE!! :) The first one you already know about; Les Mills Combat. It's the program that I am gearing up to start soon (and hoping I will have some peeps contact me and tell me they are going to join me!!). They have also decided to offer the Les Mills Pump challenge pack at a HUGE discount (and this program INCLUDES the weights and only three times a week)! You will save $140 off of this one! Yeah, that's kind of a big deal right there! Last but not least, a major savings of $85.00 on the Ultimate Reset challenge pack! If you ever just wished you could cleanse out your body and start fresh (and without totally ravaging it in order to do it) this is the perfect safe solution! Click here to visit my site and learn more about it!

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you are as excited as I am about these incredible deals! I'm looking forward to starting Combat! Who's with me?! I got my program, my Shakeology, and even my Results and Recovery Formula to help me build muscle and cut down on soreness. I'm set! I hope you are too! Contact me if you have any questions! Be infused! God bless you!

Shaun T Makes a Visit to Oz!

It's time for a media Monday...on a Tuesday. Technical difficulties kept me from posting yesterday (I just might have spilled something on my lap top which caused it to go schizo on me). Anyways, I was really wanting to share a video clip from the Dr. Oz show yesterday. I am not an avid watcher of the show, but when Team Beachbody trainer, Shaun T, said he was going to be on it, I made sure to watch! Click on this link to watch/do a five minute fat blaster workout with Shaun T; which is based on his phenomenal program Focus T25 (which you've heard me rave about!).

Grace and peace to you, my friends! If you're ready to get focused and fit in just 25 minutes a day, click here! You won't regret it! Don't forget, I'm also looking for people to join my challenge group! Whether you want to do Les Mills Combat with me, or something else, I would love to add you to my team and to the group so we can all workout/support each other together! Just ask me how! Be infused! God bless you!

Integrity: Maintaining Yours When People Lose Theirs

"Know that the world is full of ugly, but beauty too. Don't let the bad in people override the good, the evil override the miracles. Above all, there is always love and love never fails." 

- Jama Smith. 

The above quote comes from a dear friend of mine who had posted these wise words of advice in a recent Facebook post. Jama's words couldn't have been more timely because in the past couple days, I have been needing to mediate on those nuggets of truth in order to attempt to cope with some rather unsettling behavior and underhanded actions of a couple people. It seems that no matter how cruel, competitive, and wicked this world is becoming day by day, there still exists that sweet, naive little girl inside of me that is always amazed that someone could behave so nastily and immaturely. It doesn't matter that I have had tons of experience by now in dealing with people who have no character or integrity (or the ones that appear to have some and then flip a switch and show me that they don't). Deep down, I always believe that people are generally decent, grew up with some kind of basic faith and/or manners, and would treat others the way they would want to be treated. Sadly, that's not always the case.

Of course, there are a lot of emotions that one feels when someone purposely hurts you, betrays you, and then happily twists the knife some more for their sick satisfaction. Sometimes, the sweet little girl inside doesn't always want to play nice. The anger can sometimes make you want to fight back in a way that would hurt the one that would hurt you. However, I am incredibly blessed by the fact that faith and experience has taught me that reacting in anger and matching the perpetrator's cruelty isn't only ineffective and fruitless, it damages your own integrity and character. That is something that I am never willing to sacrifice. As Jama said, it's important not to let the bad in people override the good; whether it be in the world around you or in yourself. People who exude maliciousness and seek to be abrasive, toxic, and cruel aren't people you want to emulate. I would never want to mirror someone's ugly heart just because they have sought to poison me with their venom. Instead, I choose to stay true to one of the highest compliments that someone has ever given me (which, ironically, came from Jama) and it was when she remarked that I was one of the most forgiving people she knew. How humbling! Yes, that's the person I strive to be; and praise God, it can be seen by others! It makes me want to work all the harder to retain that virtue! Evil comes easily (because we have a sin nature) but CHARACTER has to be taught and developed. There's no way I'm going to let anyone hit my "reset" button to go back to any sort of "default" setting. I have learned and grown too much to ever be a person like them or a person like who I was.


I continue to compose these blog posts for so many reasons (and this makes post #200 already! Yay!). I don't do it simply because a lot of Team Beachbody coaches do it. I do it because I truly have a heart for people and a desire to help. Anyone that knows me know that to be a fact. So, I share with you what I have shared today as a reaffirmation of the kind of person I am and the kind of business that I run. Infusion 413 has heart, character, and integrity at its core because God is the foundation of who I am, the motivation for why I do what I do, and how I conduct this business (as well as my life). It is my hope that people will see that I'm genuine and caring and that the mission of Infusion 413 is something they would proudly want to be a part of (because I'm certainly happy and grateful for every single person who choose to be a part of my team and allows me to be their coach!).

Grace and peace to you, my friends! Remember, we all get hurt, double-crossed, bullied, and used in our lives. However, we should continue to cling to what is good and not let evil corrupt or change us (and, actually, allow the pain to help us grow instead). All things will work out for good according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Continue to act in love no matter what because love really does conquer all and cover a multitude of sins. Evil isn't conquered by evil; it's overcome by GOOD (Romans 12:21). Rest assured, God is JUST and HE is the avenger and equalizer; not us. He's not mocked and everyone reaps what they sow (Galatians 6:7). Keep living a life of love! Know what love is and isn't and how to "fight fair" when you've been hurt (I just posted about that a while back lol). Stick to God's Word as the blueprint for your life and you'll succeed! Be infused! God bless you!

Melissa Rebooted!

Some time ago, I had blogged about how rotten it felt to be without my "magic flower". It may seem a little extreme to think of Shakeology that way, but I'm not kidding, it REALLY does SO MUCH! Now, it's day two of having it back again. I am really looking forward to feeling energetic, healthy, regular, having less pain, reduced cravings, minimized allergies, better skin, losing weight, and just being in all-around AMAZING condition! 

I know I had once said that when it comes to Shakeology, you can't afford NOT to have it! It's still 100% true. If you reconfigure and make room in your finances, it can work! :) Now that all the house stuff is taken care of (and the holidays are over) it's more doable; even for a single Mom like me. ;) Which is good because I'll need all the nutrition, energy, and endurance possible so I can start Les Mills Combat! I'm really excited about having a sort of "reboot" right now! Anyone else want to join me? :) 

Grace and peace to you, my friends! I hope you too will find a way to get your shake on! ;) Try it! I mean, DO IT....."there is no try!" ;) Be infused! God bless you!