goals and sacrifices for 2014

I have decided not to make any resolutions this year, but rather make some goals. Now, some may argue that those are the same thing, but I disagree. So, I am making goals, not resolutions.

Goal #1
Read my Bible and have a devotional time with the Lord daily.

Goal #2
I would love to make a goal to workout at least five times a week. Any type of workout really, but I would like to focus on some toning workouts to firm up all the flab.

Goal #3
To complete the 12-week transformation plan through Take Shape For Life. I am really excited about this actually and can't wait to see what the end result will be. You can sign up as well by visiting this link...the prize is pretty great and a great incentive.

Goal #4
Hit my goal weight of 105 (or so) pounds by the end of the year.

Goal #5
To become more confident in everything I do...whether it be speaking in front of a large crowd or sharing my faith with others or just being confident in who I am.

Goal #6
Be the best maid of honor ever for my sister who is getting married in May.

Sacrifice
This morning while eating a apple cinnamon mug muffin, my parents and I were doing a Bible together and the topic of sacrifice kept coming up and so we each prayed about what the Lord would have us sacrifice to Him this year. For me? It's a husband. I know it sounds superficial, but being married and starting a family consumes my thoughts at times. I must think about the Lord more than any other thing and a future life was clouding my thoughts for the Lord. So that is my sacrifice this year.

I just love that quote and really hope to apply it my life starting this very instant. So, Lord, I do pray that you would help me to become so lost in You and Your Word this year. Amen!

Breakfast
As I mentioned earlier, I ate an apple cinnamon oatmeal muffin while reading the Word with the parents.

Morning Snack
A little while later I made and drank a dark chocolate shake.

Workout
Going with my goal for this year, I worked out for about 30 minutes...all toning exercises. It was a quick and enjoyable workout. I look forward to how I will feel in a few weeks.

Lunch
After my workout I took a quick shower and made myself a classic lunch: a chicken burger on a bed of lettuce topped with light mozzarella cheese and light Italian dressing.

Afternoon Snack
I went to see Saving Mr. Banks and ate my next snack during the middle of it...but I was prepared! I cut a smores crunch bar up and brought it with me. Perfect, quiet, and discreet snack. PS...the movie was amazing and I highly encourage you to go see it.

Dinner
For dinner, I made a chai latte and relaxed for the remainder of the night.

Dessert
To end day one of the new year, I made a brownie soft bake. Perfect ending to a lovely day.

Also, next Saturday, there is a Take Shape for Life event taking place at Vanguard University! More details to come!

xoxo,
Toni

christmas confessions and happy new year!

I have a lot to tell you...well, I have a lot to confess to you really. This past Christmas holiday took me for a spin down an endless food frenzy. I went off plan for about nine days and while it was fun for the time being, I hated the way I woke up the next morning and how I felt all day...it was like a sugar hangover. However, I still found myself going back to eating off plan by the end of the day...I was back to my old way of thinking and eating. I am sure I would have been back at my starting weight in a matter of weeks if I kept up this lifestyle.

BUT...thankfully I was able to turn it around. My mom (my main supporter in my house) instructed me to step on the scale and face the damage. It was the only way to really move forward. So, I stepped on the scale and cringed at the number staring back at me...I gained 12 pounds in only a matter of days. So that was it. No more...it just wasn't worth it. And you know, to tell you the truth, I missed being on the program. I missed the food and the structure of it. I felt kind of lost with my meals and snacks during those nine days.

With that said, I am looking forward and not behind at my mistakes. I won't lie...I was pretty hard on myself and kept playing the "what if" game in my mind...but what is done is done. There is no turning back...only moving forward...one step at a time.

So...who is ready for a New Year!? I know I am! It's a fresh start. A blank canvas. All those things that happened in 2013 (both good and bad) are gone. Those days are never coming back. So let's put those mistakes behind us and move forward...welcoming 2014 with open arms.

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead" (Philippians 3:13). 

xoxo,

Toni 

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Moving-Forward#sthash.UoFJ5IsP.dpuf

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Moving-Forward#sthash.UoFJ5IsP.dpuf