From death to Life

I went to a funeral today. My lovely sister in law, Roxy, lost her grandpa this week. They have a very sweet family and oh, how hard it is to say goodbye!

But, in a way, I love funerals. I love burials and cemetaries. I do not enjoy death, but I can appreciate it. And it's rewarding to hear how a person is honored after life is gone. 

Funerals are a promising reminder that we are sent to this earth, for just a short time. We are sent here by God to do his work, and when the time comes, he takes us to be with him forever. 

I hate that death is so hard and feels so permanent. I miss the people I once had the honor of knowing and speaking with but I love the promise of what they are experiencing now!

From Ephesians 2-

6 God raised us from death to life with Christ Jesus, and he has given us a place beside Christ in heaven. 7 God did this so that in the future world he could show how truly good and kind he is to us because of what Christ Jesus has done. 8 You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God’s gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. 9 It isn’t something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about. 10 God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. That’s why he sent Christ to make us what we are.

Health and Happiness

One year ago, a weight loss challenge got presented to me at work. I knew I had some pounds to lose and I wasn't feeling to great about myself. I weighed 191 pounds. By watching my calories, I lost 6 pounds the first month. At the beginning of February, my sister-in-law convinced me to join Beachbody. By doing one of their workout videos and enjoying a Shakeology drink everyday, I quickly lost 6 more pounds.
Twelve pounds down in 12 weeks, and I didn't win the work challenge, but I continued my journey anyway...
Summertime came and my swimsuit was too big!! I had to buy new clothes. I started feeling so much better about myself- less depressed, more energy, more confidence. I was becoming a better person for my husband, my kids, and ultimately- myself. We did a lot of walking, biking and hiking over the summer.
Within 7-8 months, I had lost 30 pounds (16% of my body weight!).
I continue to workout a few times per week and drink Shakeology nearly everyday. I LOVE what Beachbody has to offer and have found my soul mate workout (TurboFire!) It's been a true lifestyle change for me. Greg and I enjoy healthy cooking. We avoid most processed junk. We definitely eat our veggies and lean meat. Now, don't get me wrong... sometimes I eat too many cookies and I love some fried onion rings every once in awhile, but ultimately we are teaching our kids how to live healthy lives: both through food and exercise. It's been a great journey.
I've gained 3-4 pounds back over the last few months (darn holidays) and now have a Carnival Caribbean Cruise to look forward to in February. My hope is to be under 160lb by then and perhaps break out an old bikini!!