WOW! I can't believe its been SO LONG since I have posted!! Life is sure living in my home and I'm sure yours too:) Now with the holidays are approaching...could it get any busier? I bet so! LOL
Taking time for yourself is so important. I know its good for me emotionally, physically and spiritually. Do I do this everyday? Not always, but I am more consistent then not. Definitely not perfect but giving a good effort!
With the help of my daughters, I recorded a workout you can do right from your living or family room. All you need is a couch or chair and a pillow. This workout can take anywhere from 10-30 minutes...depending on how many sets you are able to fit in. So if you are watching a show, game or have a short amount of time, give the couch potato workout a try! ENJOY!
Couch Potato Workout
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Friday, November 14, 2014
Gratitude
With Thanksgiving fast approaching, I thought I would share a wonderful devotional series from Joyce Meyer ~ The Power Of Being Thankful.
To recognize on a daily basis all the amazing things God has blessed me with it by thanking Him, I see and feel how His love for me is always present!
The Best Way to Begin in Prayer
No matter what we pray for, thanksgiving can always go with it. A good habit to develop is starting all of our prayers with thanksgiving. An example of this would be: “Thank You, Father, for all You have done in my life; You are awesome and I really love and appreciate You.”
I encourage you to examine your life, to pay attention to your thoughts and your words, and to see how much thanksgiving you express. Do you murmur and complain about things or are you thankful?
If you want a challenge, just try to get through an entire day without uttering one word of complaint. Develop an attitude of thanksgiving in every situation. In fact, just become outrageously thankful—and watch as your intimacy with God increases and He pours out greater blessings than ever before.
Prayer of Thanks: Thank You, Father, for the way You guide me in prayer. Help me to come to You in thanksgiving before I do anything else. Let gratitude be the foundation of my prayer life. I make the decision today to put aside complaining, being thankful in prayer instead.
1 Chronicles 23:30 And to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at even;
To recognize on a daily basis all the amazing things God has blessed me with it by thanking Him, I see and feel how His love for me is always present!
The Best Way to Begin in Prayer
No matter what we pray for, thanksgiving can always go with it. A good habit to develop is starting all of our prayers with thanksgiving. An example of this would be: “Thank You, Father, for all You have done in my life; You are awesome and I really love and appreciate You.”
I encourage you to examine your life, to pay attention to your thoughts and your words, and to see how much thanksgiving you express. Do you murmur and complain about things or are you thankful?
If you want a challenge, just try to get through an entire day without uttering one word of complaint. Develop an attitude of thanksgiving in every situation. In fact, just become outrageously thankful—and watch as your intimacy with God increases and He pours out greater blessings than ever before.
Prayer of Thanks: Thank You, Father, for the way You guide me in prayer. Help me to come to You in thanksgiving before I do anything else. Let gratitude be the foundation of my prayer life. I make the decision today to put aside complaining, being thankful in prayer instead.
1 Chronicles 23:30 And to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at even;
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Balanced Body Bands...Teaching Children a Balance in Life With Faith, Food and Fitness
Have you ever had a thought that you have dreamed about, then experience it come to life before you? I have seen, heard and experienced for myself the life of a busy mom. How can we be healthy with our crazy busy lifestyles, then to be examples for our children?
Well, I am NOT perfect! You can still find me having ice cream, treats and other food/drinks that are considered "not healthy". As I see it this is how my life flows, however for more times than not I am making "healthier" choices. This lifestyle has now made me an example to my children how good your body feels when you are making those healthy choices in a balanced way.
This has been a project in the works for a couple of years. I am passionate about helping others on their health journey with my focus on young adults to adults in age. Now I'm expanding my mission or "Mommies Mission, LLC" to help all ages including children. My partner in this project, Tammy Olson, has been a true blessing! We look forward to the launch of this very soon. Here is a little synopsis and cover of the book...“Alex Chan and His Balanced Body Bands” is meant to be read to your children with the hope that they too will want to be like Alex and wear the bands on their wrists. The book teaches children about the bands representing faith, food, and fitness. While you read the book with your children, teach them how the bands work. The story will help you do so!
I will keep you posted on its launch as well as an app that will be coming soon!
Holy hugs
~Deb Gray
Well, I am NOT perfect! You can still find me having ice cream, treats and other food/drinks that are considered "not healthy". As I see it this is how my life flows, however for more times than not I am making "healthier" choices. This lifestyle has now made me an example to my children how good your body feels when you are making those healthy choices in a balanced way.
This has been a project in the works for a couple of years. I am passionate about helping others on their health journey with my focus on young adults to adults in age. Now I'm expanding my mission or "Mommies Mission, LLC" to help all ages including children. My partner in this project, Tammy Olson, has been a true blessing! We look forward to the launch of this very soon. Here is a little synopsis and cover of the book...“Alex Chan and His Balanced Body Bands” is meant to be read to your children with the hope that they too will want to be like Alex and wear the bands on their wrists. The book teaches children about the bands representing faith, food, and fitness. While you read the book with your children, teach them how the bands work. The story will help you do so!
Holy hugs
~Deb Gray
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Daily Challenges
We all have daily challenges that we face. Some are "good" and some "not so good"...for me I have to remind myself that I am never alone with these challenges. There are days I get so overwhelmed with thinking, planning and worrying for what is ahead, when in reality all I need to do is slow down and live in the moment...one day at a time....
Below is a Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life ~ daily devotional
Take Challenges One Day at a Time
"I strongly urge you to face your challenges one day at a time. Looking too far down the road only tends to overwhelm us. Trusting God requires that we believe He gives us our 'daily bread'; that is, we receive what we need as we need it and usually not before.
Sometimes challenges can seem impossible and overwhelming, but God is always with us. We just need to be courageous and receive the strength He gives us. Without thinking too far in advance, we can set our minds to quickly and efficiently do the task before us today.
This principle applies to many other areas of life, getting out of debt, cleaning and organizing your house, solving marriage problems, disciplining your children, being on time for work or completing a project. Whatever you need to do in life, you can do it.
Remember, Philippians 4:13 says you are ready for anything and equal to anything because God gives you strength. Nothing is too much for you when He is on your side.
Prayer Starter: God, even when the challenges before me seem impossible, I know that I can tackle them one day at a time because You are with me. I receive Your strength today."
Below is a Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life ~ daily devotional
Take Challenges One Day at a Time
"I strongly urge you to face your challenges one day at a time. Looking too far down the road only tends to overwhelm us. Trusting God requires that we believe He gives us our 'daily bread'; that is, we receive what we need as we need it and usually not before.
Sometimes challenges can seem impossible and overwhelming, but God is always with us. We just need to be courageous and receive the strength He gives us. Without thinking too far in advance, we can set our minds to quickly and efficiently do the task before us today.
This principle applies to many other areas of life, getting out of debt, cleaning and organizing your house, solving marriage problems, disciplining your children, being on time for work or completing a project. Whatever you need to do in life, you can do it.
Remember, Philippians 4:13 says you are ready for anything and equal to anything because God gives you strength. Nothing is too much for you when He is on your side.
Prayer Starter: God, even when the challenges before me seem impossible, I know that I can tackle them one day at a time because You are with me. I receive Your strength today."
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Achieving Balance With Your Resolutions
If you are like most people, you set New Year’s
resolutions. These may include personal, finance and fitness goals. I want you
to approach this year’s resolutions by following your ABC’s: Attitude,
Believing and Consistency. Creating a balanced list will help you set and stick to your lifestyle/ health
goals. Your attitude can either be positive
or negative. In turn, your attitude
affects your emotional response, behavior and cognition.
Start on the right track....have
a positive attitude about the process and this leads to believing. When you
really believe something can be done, your mind finds ways to do it. And this
leads you to be consistent with the process. When you are consistent, your end
result and goals are achieved. If your ABC’s are in balance, I guarantee you
will succeed in achieving your resolutions.
Happy New Year!!!
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Advent Week 2 ~ PEACE
It is already here, week two of Advent ~ PEACE!
Having peace during this time of year may seem crazy or ridiculous. All the extra demands we put on ourselves can lead us to be a little less than peaceful. I do appreciate those special days when I take a step back and enjoy the moment. It might not be the perfect Hallmark moment of sitting in front of a fire and sipping hot cocoa, however having that inner peace does bring a certain calmness to stressful situations. I have to remind myself of this often....that's because I tend to be a impatient person who really has to focus on having a peaceful heart:)
The GREAT NEWS is that God has "peace instructions" for us found right in His word.
" Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present you requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7
When we focus on Him and know that He can make everything manageable, those stresses and anxieties will be left leaving us with an inner calmness and PEACE!
Having peace during this time of year may seem crazy or ridiculous. All the extra demands we put on ourselves can lead us to be a little less than peaceful. I do appreciate those special days when I take a step back and enjoy the moment. It might not be the perfect Hallmark moment of sitting in front of a fire and sipping hot cocoa, however having that inner peace does bring a certain calmness to stressful situations. I have to remind myself of this often....that's because I tend to be a impatient person who really has to focus on having a peaceful heart:)
" Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present you requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7
When we focus on Him and know that He can make everything manageable, those stresses and anxieties will be left leaving us with an inner calmness and PEACE!
Sunday, December 1, 2013
It's the 1st day of Advent....the REASON for the season
Today marks the 1st day of Advent and the anticipation for Christmas. It can be a crazy time of year, that often gets me stressed and wondering if I will get it all done. When this happens, I really try and focus on the real reason for the season...JESUS!
I love the symbolism of the Advent wreath: evergreen wreath that represents the eternity of God as the base because God is the foundation of all good. And for today, the 1st purple candle to represent HOPE.
I thought these weeks leading up the the best birthday celebration ever, I would share a great devotional I found from the amazing singer Mandisa.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
“It’s Christmas”
A.J. Gregory
"It seems the minute Halloween is over and kids are either bouncing off walls or groaning from sugar-induced stomachaches, retail stores rush into overhaul mode. Out goes decorative pumpkins, fall paper foliage, and other autumn-colored accents. In comes a blinding array of red and green product. Holiday music blares through speakers. Aisle shelves are suffocated by wrapping paper, decorations and batteries, flanked by brazen signs promising to beat competitors’ prices.
To some, it can be groan worthy. Seeing Christmas décor plastered all over stores brings with it a sense of doom. It’s easy to envision long lines at the check out counter, unbearable traffic, the hassle of battling crowds for the perfect gift, and rising credit card bills.
And it’s just as easy to brush past the magic. The wonder. The joy. The miracle. The celebration.
Let’s not forget
In the middle of the craziness
Remember this
Jesus is the reason
For this time of the year
Every year we are warned against the sins of commercialism. We are told to stop focusing on presents, decorating, and spending money. Point taken. But it can be tempting to get distracted by the warnings ad nauseam and miss out on the joys of celebrating.
Heaven and earth proclaim
Come on, let’s celebrate
It’s Christmas
Think about this. Jesus wasn’t born in the best of circumstances. The political rule was like a dictatorship. Most people were struggling to get by financially. The folks who were waiting for Jesus expected nothing less than a Rambo-like warrior. So Jesus shows up in the midst of shaky times, deflating some expectations, and with barnyard animals and the stench of manure accompanying his teenage mom in labor. Not the best kind of set up for a promised Messiah.
But wait. It was time to celebrate!
Heaven rejoiced. Angels whooped and hollered, shouting out praises. The angel of the Lord appeared to unassuming shepherds and said, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people” (Luke 2:10 NLT). Good news and great joy! Then a host of other angels came on the scene and joined the festivities shouting, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth” (Luke 2:14 NLT). It was a time of worship. Praise. Thanksgiving. Celebration.
So instead of feeling condemned, annoyed, or frustrated by overzealous retailers, mad shoppers, or Bah Humbug-ers, celebrate! Celebrate Christmas with a spirit of adoration and joy. Celebrate by stringing up twinkling lights on your front door. Celebrate by humming the tunes of Nat King Cole and “Silent Night.” Celebrate by giving to those in need.
If you need to, dial back your trips to the mall and spending habits. And, of course, keep your perspective in check. But don’t let the grumblings of commercialism keep you from celebrating the One who came to give you the greatest gift—eternal life."
I love the symbolism of the Advent wreath: evergreen wreath that represents the eternity of God as the base because God is the foundation of all good. And for today, the 1st purple candle to represent HOPE.
I thought these weeks leading up the the best birthday celebration ever, I would share a great devotional I found from the amazing singer Mandisa.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
“It’s Christmas”
A.J. Gregory
"It seems the minute Halloween is over and kids are either bouncing off walls or groaning from sugar-induced stomachaches, retail stores rush into overhaul mode. Out goes decorative pumpkins, fall paper foliage, and other autumn-colored accents. In comes a blinding array of red and green product. Holiday music blares through speakers. Aisle shelves are suffocated by wrapping paper, decorations and batteries, flanked by brazen signs promising to beat competitors’ prices.
To some, it can be groan worthy. Seeing Christmas décor plastered all over stores brings with it a sense of doom. It’s easy to envision long lines at the check out counter, unbearable traffic, the hassle of battling crowds for the perfect gift, and rising credit card bills.
And it’s just as easy to brush past the magic. The wonder. The joy. The miracle. The celebration.
Let’s not forget
In the middle of the craziness
Remember this
Jesus is the reason
For this time of the year
Every year we are warned against the sins of commercialism. We are told to stop focusing on presents, decorating, and spending money. Point taken. But it can be tempting to get distracted by the warnings ad nauseam and miss out on the joys of celebrating.
Heaven and earth proclaim
Come on, let’s celebrate
It’s Christmas
Think about this. Jesus wasn’t born in the best of circumstances. The political rule was like a dictatorship. Most people were struggling to get by financially. The folks who were waiting for Jesus expected nothing less than a Rambo-like warrior. So Jesus shows up in the midst of shaky times, deflating some expectations, and with barnyard animals and the stench of manure accompanying his teenage mom in labor. Not the best kind of set up for a promised Messiah.
But wait. It was time to celebrate!
Heaven rejoiced. Angels whooped and hollered, shouting out praises. The angel of the Lord appeared to unassuming shepherds and said, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people” (Luke 2:10 NLT). Good news and great joy! Then a host of other angels came on the scene and joined the festivities shouting, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth” (Luke 2:14 NLT). It was a time of worship. Praise. Thanksgiving. Celebration.
So instead of feeling condemned, annoyed, or frustrated by overzealous retailers, mad shoppers, or Bah Humbug-ers, celebrate! Celebrate Christmas with a spirit of adoration and joy. Celebrate by stringing up twinkling lights on your front door. Celebrate by humming the tunes of Nat King Cole and “Silent Night.” Celebrate by giving to those in need.
If you need to, dial back your trips to the mall and spending habits. And, of course, keep your perspective in check. But don’t let the grumblings of commercialism keep you from celebrating the One who came to give you the greatest gift—eternal life."
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