Imperfect: you don't need to do it alone (Prayfit week 1)

If you didn't already know this about me, I am a Type-A personality.  I'm a little bit of a perfectionist and like to do things right, and right the first time.  I am also a multi-tasker.  That being said, I was far from perfect this week.  I was actually pretty stressed this week because of other things going on in my life.  I was trying to be all, do all for everyone and it just wasn't happening. I do things with all my heart and sometimes it gets the best of me. So, at the end of Prayfit Week One, I have to say that it's doable, but you don't need to do it alone.

For example, as a teacher, one of the best things that happened to me was getting to work with another teacher with a totally different personality than mine.  She was much more laid back and balanced my need-to-get-everything-done-yesterday mentality.  It was a perfect balance.

This week, my balance has been in my husband.  He is currently on the Prayfit diet with me, as well as an overall desire to live a healthier lifestyle.  We even started going to Kickboxing class together!  If you are desiring or in the middle of a healthy lifestyle change yourself, I encourage you to find someone to motivate and encourage you.  You can do it alone, but you don't need to.

Here's a breakdown of the week:

Pros and Cons:

I've been measuring and weighing.  So far, inch-wise is about the same, but I've lost 6 pounds!! That's my pro- for this week!

If you're thinking about Prayfit, one con is the cost.  Having bought my food for week two, I have to say that my family of four is spending about $50-$100 more than we normally do for groceries.  So, that's something to weigh in, if you're considering it.  However, my weight loss is comparable to a time when I purchased expensive health-care products to help in weight loss--so if you're comparing, it may be worth it!

Workout Schedules:

I workout about 4 days per week (one hour each of the four days): 3 hours of REFIT® and 1 hour of Kickboxing.

Food Intake:

We've been following the Prayfit Menu.  Some of it has been very tasty. There was only one dish that I couldn't eat: a tuna and olive wrap with greek yogurt.  The breakfast fruit salad pictured below was both my husband and my favorite!

Prayfit Days 2-3

It's 11:30 at night.  I'd like to say that everyone is asleep, but that's not true.  We've had a power outage tonight, so the kids are on the couch with a movie on the laptop (what did we do prior to this?) and I've continued to get what needs to be done, done.

These past two days have been super busy as I prepare for our church's upcoming Vacation Bible School.  However, tonight I was completely humbled.

I jokingly say that I'm humbled by the fact that I had a bad hair day today, after previously posting on social media the other day, that I was, in fact, having a great hair day!  The hair kharma gods are out to get me.

Except I don't believe in them.  I believe in the one true God and His Son, Jesus.  Tonight, I'm humbled by the fact that this amazing God, who created all things, cares for me and longs to know me deeply, to have a relationship with me.

I am humbled by the fact that God uses me, that I have opportunities to uplift others, and hopefully let them see Christ in me.

Tonight, after REFIT®, I spoke on putting things into perspective.  It is my perspective that God is an amazing God.  And, regardless of a good hair day, or not, God cares for me so much, that He knows the hairs on my head!!  

And here's the bonus part: He feels equally the same about you!  If you've had more than one child, you might've wondered how to share your love between them.  But, it doesn't work that way.  Your love just multiples, doubles, and grows stronger.  The same can be said for God and His everlasting love for you! 

The Prayfit diet is going great so far.  I've lost weight already and it's only been a few days.  I've been trying to only drink water, but I've "cheated" on that a bit by having a sweet tea on both days two and three! I also had a Gatorade during my workout today.

Workout schedule:

Day two: zilch

Day three: 1 hour of REFIT® (cardio/toning)

Here's the breakdown of my food:

Day 2:

Breakfast: egg and cheese on wheat bread with grapefruit

Lunch: spinach and pomegranate salad with chicken

Snack:almonds

Dinner: steak with feta cheese, spinach, sweet potato

Day 3:

Breakfast: peanut butter on wheat English muffin and bowl of berries

Lunch: turkey salad with greens, avocado, egg whites, and tomato

Snack: edamame 

Dinner: chicken and pasta

Confession: I didn't like the salad for day two, not sure if it's the pomegranate or the dressing.  However, my husband had enjoyed all meals so far, so it's probably just a personal opinion.

Prayfit Day 1

My husband and I are starting the PrayFit diet.  Let me preface this by saying that I am not endorsing this product, nor am I being compensated for my reflections.  My plan is to blog about this 33 day journey, much like I did when I was participating in the Advocare 24 day challenge and posted on my blog, A Proverbs 31 Challenge.  I will also continue to refer to this as my "journey", because I don't like the word diet.  We're working on a lifestyle change, not necessarily a diet.  The blog is a way to hold myself accountable for my fitness endeavors, as well as hopefully encourage you, the reader, along the way.

So, let's begin.   As I said, we are following the book, The Prayfit Diet .  In the book, Jimmy Peña explains Biblical principles about eating, as well as explaining that your "plate" should be 33% fat, 33% protein, and 33% carbohydrates.  Jimmy bases this plan around the number 33.  This is a 33 day plan.  The reason:  Jesus gave us 33 years on Earth!  How awesome is that?

I chose this plan because I'd been following the Prayfit ministries, through their devotions.  If you've followed me at all, you know that I desire to merge my faith and fitness.  I'm a REFIT® instructor.  I originally found REFIT® because of the faith-infused songs they use.  Such is similar with Prayfit ministries.

"Our health is a means of praise" ~Jimmy Peña

The Bible speaks that we shouldn't worry about what we eat or drink, because God will provide.  That doesn't mean we shouldn't care about what we eat or drink.  Our bodies are where God's spirit resides.  The body is set to hold our soul, which is what God cares about.  However, a healthier body, or temple, will help us go further for the kingdom of God.  Amen?

While looking at the spiritual side of things, I am still a very practical, logical person.  So, despite the fact that Jimmy says "health should go beyond the measuring tape".  I did, in fact, get out the measuring tape and scales.  Not so much that I'll have something to brag about at the end of 33 days (although I hope I do!), but, much like this blog, so that I have accountability to myself.

My day:

My food intake:
Breakfast: Honey Nut Oatmeal
Lunch: Baked chicken, rice, black beans, and salsa (combined all and it was great!)
Snack: (not pictured) Carrots and cottage cheese (Still not a fan of cottage cheese!)
Dinner: Turkey burger and broccoli

My workout:
One hour of REFIT®

Pros:  The book has menus and shopping lists!  Love this!
Cons:  While my family spends a lot on groceries anyway, it was still about $40 more than we usually spend per week.  But, I'm hoping that it is just because it was week one.

Freedom on the Porch

I admit to being an indoors person.  Not that I hate being outside, but I prefer air-conditioning and have to make the confession that I am just a little bit spoiled.

That being said, I spent the morning working outside, washing off my porches and picking up things around outside, the job I usually leave to my wonderful husband.  He takes care of the outside of the house; I take care of the inside of the house.  It works perfectly.  But, it was a job that needed to be done and, today, God knew that I was the one who needed to get it done, so that I could see freedom from my front porch.

So, I found myself outside.  As I sprayed down my porch, I had an overwhelming sense of humbleness, peace, and freedom come upon me.  I began to ponder about our nation's upcoming holiday.  Selfishly, I admit that the fourth of July is a day that I love...for the sole purpose of having some great food and spending time with my extended family.

Yet, as I looked out from my front porch, I saw the American flag, hanging.  As the daughter of a military father, I have always wanted the American flag to be flown at my house.  It represents my country. It represents my family.  It represents the military.  Most importantly, it represents my freedom.  Today, it represents freedom from my front porch.

I am free to love.
I am free to have the opportunity to work and help provide for my family (along with my husband).
I am free to have time to spend with my children.
I am free to go to church and praise God.

My front porch freedom didn't come easily, although I take it for granted.  It came from hard work and sacrifice.  I am humbled by the fact that I was not the one to make that sacrifice.  That sacrifice was made by our ancestors, by our military, and most important by the Son of God, who sacrificed His life for mine, so that I might have eternal freedom.

As July 4th comes upon us, let's not forget our freedoms.  Yes, it's okay to enjoy fireworks, bonfires, trips out on the lake, family reunions, or whatever you find yourself doing this holiday weekend. But, as you oooohhh and aaahhhhh over those sparkling lights, remember freedom was paid.  Freedom had and continues to have a price.  Most of us won't pay that price, but we can appreciate the sacrifice of those who did, and of the One who gave it all.

Life: Over-easy

I had my eggs over-easy this morning.  That got me thinking to how life is over-easy, perfect on the outside, yet a little runny on the inside.  As individuals, it is so "easy" to make life seem perfect on the outside.  The way we present ourselves on social media is only what we want the world to see...we chose what to post and what filters to add and can even choose who sees those posts.  Yet, just like the over-easy egg, if you poke us, you'll often find a runny mess.

Yep, that's true.  Take the post perfect person you know.  The one you may compare yourself to, be jealous of, or aim to be like.  Guess what?  If you poke them, they're a little bit runny and imperfect on the inside too.

So, why do we constantly compare ourselves to others?  Declare today to stop right now.  Give yourself a break!  Stop comparing your "insides" to someone else's "outsides", as I read the other day.  Take back your life.  It's your life.  Not your life as it compares to someone else's life.  You are enough.  You are perfect the way you are.  You are able to make changes in your life, because they are the changes you want to make.  You are beautiful.  You are created in the image of God.

You are not called to be like anyone else.  You are not even called to be like Christians.  You are called to be like God.  "So God created mankind in His own image" (Gen 1:27).  Yes, you are enough.  You are "fearfully and wonderfully made" (Psalms 139:14).

So, be like the over-easy egg, in all its runniness glory.  Let's talk about that runny part, the part of life that we seldom show people.  Let's look at that egg.  The yolk is actually the most nutritional part of the egg.  We've been bombarded with fitness fanatics that say "egg whites only".  Yet, the yolk contains most of the vitamins and minerals of the egg!  Egg yolks are known to help with cardiovascular health, metabolic health, and memory and cognitive function!

So, embrace your over-easy life! All of it!  That runny yolk of your life is what makes you, you! 

Courageous Faith

Faith is part of the six-folds.

Without faith, I am nothing.  I have faith in God.  I have faith in Jesus Christ.  I have faith in my husband, and often put faith in my job and other members of my family.  I have to admit, though, it's really hard to have faith in this world. In fact, sometimes I fear this world and what it has become.   As a mother, it scares me to the point that I want to be an overprotective Mama Bear and wrap my kids in bubble wrap.

It scares me to think in a world that teaches tolerance, that my children will grow up in a world where shades of gray are okay, and no, I'm not talking about some movie or book.  There are things in this world that are black or white, right or wrong, and as a Godly woman, it is my job to teach those things to my children. 

But, let's talk about the other side of this.  Judgment.  See, Christians spew so much judgment that it is seldom seen in the eyes of love.  Many are too busy showing what they are against, that no one knows what they are for.  Being a Christian should not and does not equal hate.  Yes, Jesus got angry and flipped the tables at the synagogue.  But, the Jesus that I read about spent more time with the sinners than He did with the "church folk".

I am reminded of this story.  Jesus was sitting, teaching, like He is often found doing in the New Testament, when the scribes and Pharisees (church "leaders" back in the day), brought a woman to Him.  This woman had committed adultery and, under the law at that time, was to be stoned to death.  According to John 8:6, the scribes and Pharisees brought her to Jesus, in order to tempt Him.  The NIV version says that they were using her "as a trap", so that they could bring accusations against Jesus.  They want to provoke Him enough, that He would condemn her and judge her.  Jesus, as the Son of God, probably could have.  But, instead, He wrote in the sand.  No one really knew what He wrote, but He said "You who is without sin be the first to cast a stone".  One by one, the crowd dropped their stones and walked away.  They didn't condemn her, neither did Jesus.  Jesus showed love, and He loved radically.

So, in this world, I can teach my children right and wrong, but I can also teach them to authentically love people.  And, maybe through courageous faith and walking in His grace, we--my children, You, me--We will all find this world a little less fearful.

Unexpected friendships

Have you ever found yourself in a place where you had an unexpected relationship?   That doesn't happen often, as the very heart of the strength of any relationship is the fact that it usually takes work.

A few months ago, I found myself sitting in a training.  Being an elementary school teacher, I'd done plenty of trainings for a variety of things.  So, nothing new, right?

Wrong!  This training was so that I could become a REFIT® instructor.  I found REFIT® a little over 2 years ago, via YouTube, as I was looking for ways to become a healthier me.  Being a Christian and a lover of music, REFIT® spoke to me.  This uncoordinated, introverted person would workout to REFIT®, a cardio-dance workout, daily in the privacy of her own home. 

Fast-forward about a year and a half, and there I was, sitting in a training with the REFIT® founders (insert "EEK!" here), readying myself to become a fitness instructor!  Me, the girl who was a wallflower at school dances.  Me, the girl who was voted "Most Bashful" in her Senior class.  Me, the introverted girl.  Me, the girl who got a "C" in wellness class in college, simply  because she didn't show up. 

Yeah, that's me!  I am now a REFIT® instructor and I love it.  I am enough!

At that same training was a woman that I only knew through my blog and through acquaintances.  Yet, through God's timing (and REFIT®), I found myself in an unexpected friendship.  It wasn't like teenage years or even in early adult years, I wasn't looking for a new friendship.  I had(have) friends.  I was just looking to more forward in my fitness.

But, here's the thing.  God delights Himself in His people.  I have no doubt that God plans relationships for everyone: marriages, work-relationships, and even unexpected friendships.

In the book of Ruth, Naomi (who just so happens to be my late-Mamaw's name) finds herself as an unexpected widow.  She finds an unexpected friendship in her daughter-in-law, Ruth.  Ruth refuses to leave her mother-in-law's side:

"Don't urge me to leave you or turn my back on you.  Where you go, I will go.  Where you stay, I will stay.  Your people will be my people.  Your God will be my God" ~Ruth 1:16

Just like Naomi found herself with Ruth, I found myself in an unexpected friendship. 

So, if you've never stepped out of your comfort zone, I encourage you to do so.  In moving forward in life, my out-of-comfort level provided the opportunity for new friendships.  Take a chance.  Take a chance on yourself.  Take a chance on people and you just might find yourself in unexpected friendships, as well.

Be blessed.

Six Folds: a new beginning

My name is Julie Lewis.  In no particular order:  I am a teacher, REFIT® instructor, mother, daughter, child of God, wife, minister, reading-fanatic, and overall crazy multi-tasking, organizing woman.  I love God with all my heart and soul.  I love my family and am an advocate for all things related to family and faith.   I am a multi-tasker by heart and I cannot change.  You won't find me sitting still.  I love my kids, but sometimes get cranky with them for no particular reason.  I love my husband, and, to this day, am amazed by our relationship.  There you have it.  I am me.  And, I am enough.

I am a Proverbs 31 woman.  Yes, you heard it right.  Proverbs 31.  In fact, this is the first blog post under my new blog: Six Folds!  I was a previous blogger of aproverbs31challenge.blogspot.com .  Why the change?  I feel like I'm growing as an individual.  Growing in life.  So, I'm going to blog about my life as it falls into one of six folds:

1. Faith--First and foremost, I am a Christian and child of God.  Am I perfect? Far from it....but that's the beauty of Christ.  So, I will be blogging about my spiritual walk.

2.  Family--I come from a big family.  But, I also hope that my love for the family (not just mine) is embedded into what I post.

3.  Friendships--By nature, I am shy and an introvert. People find this funny because I deal with people all the time, as a fitness instructor, teacher, and minister. I don't make friends easily, because of this shyness (though it has gotten better over the years---just ask my parents!).  Once I make friends, I don't let go easily.  I value people.  I value friendships.

4.  Food--My husband is an awesome cook (by hobby, not job) and has recently started his own local television show.  We LOVE food, but also have a desire to live a healthier lifestyle.  I'll be posting about food, recipes, etc.

5.  Fitness--If you would have told me that I would be a fitness instructor, I wouldn't have believed you.  I hated working out and exercising when I was younger.  HATED IT.  But, I am a certified REFIT® instructor.  Check them out at refitrev.com.  I adore this company and everything it stands for.  So, I'm positive that you'll hear me talk about REFIT®.

6. Fun--Life is what you make of it.  So, why not make it fun?


I hope that you'll continue with me on this six-fold journey!  Be blessed!