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Happy 1 Year Anniversary

by De

Updated: January 12, 2020

1 Year Anniversary.

“A year from now you will wish you had started today.”-Anonymous

It has officially been 365 days! Today, one year ago I woke up, and I had enough! Enough excuses, enough regret, enough neglect, enough believing the lies of the enemy. I woke up, and I said I must change now! The week before I had dabbled in a fitness routine. It felt great but today last year I wanted to do more than just dabble. I wanted to commit. I wanted to commit to a healthy lifestyle. Now, if you have been following me along the last year, you know that this is not my first weight loss journey. So, what was so different this time around? I did it before so what’s the big deal. All the times before I was seeking weight loss for vanity reasons. I wanted to be a Size X, I wanted to look like so and so, I want people to see me as blah, blah, blah and honestly WHO CARES!

Who I was

I look back on the empty person I was, and I am so grateful for God’s redemption. This journey has been so much more; this has been the results of an ongoing relationship with God. That is the celebration today. I didn’t do this by myself I did this with God. There were so many days I prayed to him for His help through this journey, His self-control, His provision and His unconditional love. This was a daily intentional relationship with God to Honor My Temple. It has grown my faith in Him so much. It has defeated my anxiety, bouts of depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors. I have never felt so fulfilled in my life.

Finding Purpose

The other thing that has changed this past year is my purpose. For the last thirteen years, I have been searching, lost in this world, grasping at anything but the only thing that could fulfill me. I have tried to overcome with bad habits, smoking, drinking, partying, over training, under eating, overeating, negative self-talk, negative to other people, selfish ambition. Not one of those fruits has been of the Spirit. It wasn’t until Jesus found me in a broken place, a rock bottom, despair and anguish were my friend that He picked me up, brushed me off and kissed me and then began this year of healing. This journey has been my inside matching my outside as I yearn to know, grow and glorify Him.

1 Year Anniversary

The Last Year’s Reflection

In this last year, I have learned how to do fitness better. This journey has done so much for me and my life more than weight loss. It has improved my dependence on God, strengthened my marriage, help me find my calling and ignited a passion for teaching others how to honor their temple. It has been an incredible journey. I have had an amazing network of women and men who have cheered me on, cheered me up, prayed for me, and inspired me. I have met other peoples who like me want to teach others how to Honor their temple and glorify God!

I have been called to go to school AGAIN and get my degree in Fitness Exercise Science and an NASM certification so that I can be in the trenches walking with others and teaching them how to honor their temple with God. I created this blog “FaithFueled™” before I even knew what it means the name came to me in a dream. Here I am a year later with a precise definition.

This is the beginning of a new journey now. Can you imagine where I will be in a year, and my husband has joined me in my next Fitness Goal it’s going to be a BIG ONE? I plan on showing others the FaithFueled™ Lifestyle, which is God First! Witness through fitness; glorifying God through living a healthy lifestyle fueled by faith.

1 Year Anniversary

So, I say “Start now, a year ago you would be glad you did!” What got you started on your journey? Whether it be career, projects, weight loss whatever what got you started?

Do you want to join the FaithFueled™ Lifestyle? It’s Free! Join us! www.FaithFueledLife.com

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Yum, PattyPan

by De

Updated: June 23, 2022

7 Comments

PattyPan

Have your seen a Patty Pan before?

Have you ever tried Pattypan? It was completely foreign to me until a week ago; I received PattyPan in my Produce Co-Op, and it’s vibrant colors and cute bell-shaped immediately appealed to me. I did my usual Pinterest Research and found some recipes, but when it came down to it, I ended up mixing some things in the kitchen and coming up with a yummy dinner option. Pattypan has a lot of aliases: known as the flying saucer, cymling, scalloped, custard, or sunburst squash. It comes in a variety of colors too such as white, green and yellow. It size ranges in diameter but it typically about the size of your palm. The smaller Pattypans are more tender than, the larger, and its flavor is described as butter or olive oil like flavor. It is a distinct flavor compared to its cousin’s zucchini and yellow squash.

So many ways to cook a PattyPan

When preparing it does not need to be peeled. There are some ways you can make it: you can slice it, cube it, shred it and cook it. It can also be served raw like you would serve any other summer squash, it’s so cute though it’s good to accentuate its true form when cooking it there is no wrong way to prepare it. It can be braised, steamed, roasted, or grilled whole. Hollow it out like I did for this recipe and stuff it with anything your heart desires. You can even use it for soup bowls if you like, slice it horizontally and make pizza. There are so many options for PattyPan, and it goes great with any flavor combination because of it’s flavor.

PattyPan.

Getting the Girls on board

My girls love taco’s so I figured to get the to try something new it need two things taco meat and cheese. I always add lots of vegetable for fillers in my taco meat: carrots, onion, garlic, peppers, black beans and this time I scooped out the Patty Pan chopped it up and added it to the mix. It was very easy to make and came out with lots of flavors. The only problem I have now is finding more Pattypan. My family loved it; it had a distinct flavor which I don’t find with summer squashes. Winter squashes tend to have unique characters. Summer squash usually takes on the flavor of whatever it is cooked with, for example, garlic or onion, etc. It also seemed more dense than your typical yellow squash or zucchini. Do you have a favorite summer squash recipe?

Yum

Yum, PattyPan

Ingredients

1 lb. of ground turkey
2 tbsp of Olive oil
1 medium onion
2 cloves of garlic
2 jalapeno peppers seeded
1/2 red pepper
1 carrot finely grated
8 oz. of mozzarella cheese
2-3 tbsp of Taco Seasoning

Instructions

Preheat Oven 305 degrees
Cut top of PattyPan about 1/4 down
Scoop out bottom half of Patty Pan and chop
Saute olive oil, onions, garlic,pattypan, jalapeno for 2 minutes add ground turkey
Brown ground turkey
Add remaining ingredients except cheese and let cook for 10 minutes.
Remove Taco Meat from Pan and add Mozzarella Cheese
Put Meat inside Patty Pan and Sprinkle cheese on top
Replace Patty Pan top and place in Roasting Pan
Bake for 20-30minutes
Remove from oven let cool for 10 minutes
Enjoy!

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https://faithfueledmoms.com/yum-pattypan/

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What About Me (time)?

by De

Updated: January 12, 2020

16 Comments

1 Timothy 4:8
For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

As a Mom of three little diva’s (Divine, Inspirational, Virtuous, Anointed). I find that daily “Me” time with the Lord is essential to raising them, but short little momcation is a bonus. I used to fill every aspect of the day to managing my household. My only break would be a few necessary bathroom breaks, a quick shower or maybe five hours of sleep that I would get each night. That would leave me spent, stressed, resentful and often a “not nice” mommy often.

Mommy time

My middle daughter often says “What-about-me;” it’s one word for her. Anytime her sister gets something, does something, or goes somewhere; My Lailah pipes up, “Whataboutme?”. During a particular day, where many prayers of patience and wisdom were said, it dawned on me. “Whataboutme”? When do I get me time? What would I do with it? What do I need from it? I need some peace, serenity, clarity and sometimes guidance in my life. Where can I find that for free (therapy is not cheap)? Time with God.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

After rearranging my days, waking up a little earlier. I now start my day off devoting to the Lord for 30 minutes, if I am lucky an hour. The results are amazing. I began reading a chapter of Proverbs and reflecting. Then, I started buying women’s book Bible studies and doing those. Then I graduated to inductively studying books of the Bible. Every morning I retreat to my space on my back porch early in the morning when it’s just me and the birds chirping. There I get exclusive “Me” time with my Father. Pure soul contentedness when I take the time to devote with Jesus gives me the peace the I need to overcome the daily annoyance of mommyhood.

Mommy.time

Psalm 95:6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;

We are taught to spend time in our Bible daily, but when I devote for 30 minutes in the morning somehow, it gives me the tools to use later that day. Sometimes it is exactly what I need other times it is exactly what I am going to need.

2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his glory and goodness.

Now, I don’t feel so warned down, short tempered I can show people and especially my children in the most pivotal moments. I feel like I am a priority in my families life even though sometimes they don’t express their appreciation because I know I am a child of God’s and His priority. That 30 minutes a day fills me up so I can tackle the next 16 hours of hard labor as a little diva’s household manager.

There are still days I am holding on by a prayer (because divas’ can be divas sometimes). Stressful days are less frequent, and I now can show grace. Each morning I am reminded of His grace.

I can show unconditional love and patience with my husband because of the unconditional love and patience God shows my family and me every day. All because I give myself a little me time every day. I feel when honoring your temple it doesn’t mean just to eat right and physical activity. It’s also your mind and your spirit which is an important part of who you are. Those things need nurturing and exercise too.

Mommy.time

Colossians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

How do you deal with parenthood stress? Do you get me time and how do you like to spend it?

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I’m Back-Running in the Super Run Philadelphia

by De

Updated: January 12, 2020

11 Comments

TheSuperRunWorkoutWednesday

I DID IT! I also had a blast doing it. I ran my first 5k in 9 months. I used to run 5ks on a regular basis about three years ago but after having my last daughter and life running took a back seat. I miss it so much; I didn’t realize until I barely trained for this 5k. I have to admit I did not train well, but I liked to think that my weekly HIIT and Tabata gave me the endurance I needed to run the race mostly. I did stop twice to walk but picked back up very quickly and surprised myself with an almost 39 minute 5k. Now, I will admit it was my worst time so far but having ran a 1 mile twice before and did almost zero cardio in over 11 months I think I did awesome and even if I didn’t the experience was great.

The Super Run

The Real Results of a 5k

The Super Run is a 5k run for charity where you get to dress up like Super Heroes and run through the Philadelphia Navy Yard. My family came, and it was a great inspiration for young and old. This race was the first that my husband attended, and I have done at least 8 or 9, he isn’t a long distance runner, but he said the atmosphere was motivating. My 12-year-old daughter who was supposed to run with me but then once she realized it was over 3 miles bailed on me now wants to run a 5k with me. The memories that are going to create is worth it alone, and my little ones had a blast bouncing in the bounce house.

The SuperRun

The Playlist

All week I had meant to create a playlist for the run. I have to have music when I run long distance, and I just go into the mental head space you need to accomplish feats you don’t usually accomplish. I bought new headphones because I don’t know about you but we have about 5 or 6 pairs of headphones and only one side works on all. Got me a new armband for my phone I was ready, but I had forgotten to make a playlist. Music is critical for running. I knew it was going to take me at least 40 minutes that was my goal, hindsight I was just shy of my goal, Godcidental? I think not. The morning of the race I got up early like I always do, did my devotional, got two divas and myself ready for the 5k run. Made breakfast for the crew and jumped in the car to be there ready to run and on time. As soon as I got over the bridge heading into Philadelphia, I realized my one to-do that I had put off all week did not get done. So, I pieced together what I later found out was the most motivating inspirational playlist I’ve ever created. No need to skip a song or anything every time I need something to pick me up to keep my pace, tell me that I was strong and I could do it or just glorify God for getting to my place it played as if I had planned it out just perfectly. My haphazardness worked in my favor.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

The Experience

I know I already told you that we got to dress up like Super Heroes and run through the streets but did I tell you that we got a cape too! That was great feeling the cape wisping at your back as you struggled (I struggled to get to the 2-mile mark) and like everything that I do God was real with me. I prayed the morning of the race and right before it started, asking God to give me the endurance, strength and determination to finish strong and of course, he did even better. I hit the 2-mile mark, and I thought I can just stop for a minute I was listening to my “Gangsta” Christian Rap music and the song, my new motivation song started blasting in my ears “Be Relentless,” By Vicktory & R4. Now just listening to the words motivated me to slow my pace but keep moving forward. I knew I had to get just a little bit further, and I would get there and become relentless and push a little bit further. I think that is another thing I miss about running pushing yourself past the limit you set for yourself. I ran differently than I every have I ran with God. When I felt out of breath, I prayed for inspiration, strength and endurance. I used to run as a form of meditation, this time, it was a kind of devotion.

Finding God in the Moment

I am horrible at scripture memorization. I do not do well with memorizing words, numbers I am great, words, quotes, scripture not so much but I can remember the passage very well and then read it. During my run two verse came to mind exactly right one I have been trying to memorize since the beginning of the year. It is my Bible verse for the year and every time I thought I could do no more it popped in my head encouraging me to focus on the task ahead and God,

Proverbs 4:25-27

²⁵Look straight ahead,
    and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
²⁶Mark out a straight path for your feet;
    stay on the safe path.
²⁷Don’t get sidetracked;
    keep your feet from following evil.

TheSuper Run.

As my feet pound and my heart race this verse kept repeating itself in my head. I wasn’t willing to give up as quickly as I thought with God being on my cheer wagon pushing me and cheering me on. Another verse came up at the end of the race. I had a strong finish I sprinted faster and harder than I have ever sprinted, I just wanted it to be over and the fastest way to get there were my feet, so I booked it. When I passed the finish line I didn’t know if I was going to puke or pee (I know too much info but its the truth). When I caught my breath, and my daughter came running towards me to congratulate me and clear as day I heard:

Isaiah 40:31 But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

I am not sure if that was a coincidence since I had looked it up early in my devotion that morning or Godcidence because I did feel like I was going to faint but it’s exactly what I needed and a memorable way to finish the race. Until this year, I have never used my faith to help me with my workout, but I have found lots of different instances where I felt connected to God through working out, fitness and achieving goals. Someone asked me recently if I think that faith could be a part of fitness, and I believe that they are not only connected they are now inseparable for me.

Have you ever pushed yourself past the limit? What helped you motivate yourself?

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Idolizing Success

by De

Updated: January 12, 2020

15 Comments

FaithFueled Friday

Psalm 31:6 (NIV) I hate those who cling to worthless idols; as for me, I trust in the Lord.

Idols

Chasing the impossible dream

Did you ever have to read the poem, A Dream Deferred by Langston Hughes? I loved it; I used to think of it when things would go wrong in business. It now has new meaning. I used to be an Entrepreneur I was so obsessed with the “Success” of my business; fulfilling my dream. At the time, I had two little girls 10 and 6 and one on the way. I don’t know if it was the pregnancy hormones, but I was on a mission to put my business on a stable platform before I had my baby. My need to succeed placed on any other priority. I relentlessly pursued every opportunity right or wrong. Looking back I have realized; my business never would be successful because God was not in the equation. I did not commission Him to help me reach my goals. I took it on my shoulders to carry that burden and became weak. Spending wasted ours chasing money and success.

Ecclesiastes 1:14 (NIV) I have seen all thins that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

Idol

Flaws in the dream process

Now, the poem has new meaning. What happens to a dream deferred? It remains, it’s not going anywhere sometimes it needs to rest and placed for a later time. Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? It all depends on where your heart is. My heart now belongs entirely to God any dream that doesn’t glorify him has shriveled and died. I have new ideas that I am finding out can incorporate some of the old thoughts but unless it’s foundation is placed in the Lord it’s on shaky grounds. Or fester like a sore and then run? It did rot, I thought about “What will people think?” “What about all that energy I put into it?,”What about others who can obtain their dreams?” at one point all sore points but I have now found contentment in God and those wounds have healed.

idol.

Gaining the focus I need

Does it stink like rotten meat? Not anymore that has been thrown away. There is a new dream, one that involves God who can make it better than anything I could have done on my own. Or crust and sugar over– like a syrupy sweet? The peace I have, the lack of angst, the new focus is so much more pleasing. I sit back and look at those who I used to run with towards the shiny gold medal. I see the error of our ways and rather than be sore or smell the agony of defeat, I feel contentment. That is so much sweeter than being in the rat race. Maybe it just sags like a heavy load? Not for me I have someone to help me carry that burden, someone to give my yoke to so that I can be free from burdens. Or does it explode? Only through his grace has my business taken on new heights. The delivery has changed, but it is far exceeding anything that I could have done on my own. All because I put my idol of “success” away and leaned and relied on God. Is there something that you are making a priority over God? Is there something that you’ve done a priority and want to give it over to him now? Either way, what were your results?

Philippians 3:12-14 (12) Not that i have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. (13) Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But on thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, (14) I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

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