The Sanctuary by Ted Dekker

Vigilante priest, Danny Hansen is now serving a fifty year prison term in California for the murder of two abusive men. Filled with remorse, Danny is determined to live out his days by a code of non-violence and maneuvers deftly within a ruthless prison system. But when Renee Gilmore, the woman he loves, receives a box containing a bloody finger and draconian demands from a mysterious enemy on the outside, Danny must find a way to escape. (press release)

The Sanctuary is the second book in a series by Ted Dekker and continues with the characters of Danny Hansen and Renee Gilmore who were also the central characters for The Priest's Graveyard. I don't know if I could have gotten more out of this book if I had read the previous one, but The Sanctuary  never did fully engage my attention. It may have been the horrific action that took place that caused me to put an emotional wall up, but Mr. Dekker is very descriptive. It made it easy to visualize some of the actions taking place, and much of it was unpleasant. To be fair, though, a prison is not a happy place. I also guessed the antagonist's identity very early in the story, so there weren't really any surprises. However, I have read other of Dekker's books that held my attention, and I have no doubt that many of his fans will enjoy reading this one also.

I received an ARC (Advance Reading Copy) of this book from the publishers through Net Gallery. I was not required to give a positive review and all opinions are my own.

Domestic Violence 2

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but is something we should always remain aware of since it sometimes gets swept under the rug due to shame or guilt. Since I am the type who can get a better grasp of things I am unfamiliar with through film or books, I will once again be referring to one of my favorites: Beyond The Farthest Star. Those who have read the novel [by Bodie and Brock Thoene, based on the screenplay by Andrew Librizzi] already know the compelling characters: Jackson Tucker, the abusive father, is a heavy hitter--- of the bottle...but also his words and hands. His troubled teenaged son, Kyle, distrusts others...and the feeling is mutual by many acquainted with him.

Actor Jodie Moore who portrays Jackson in the film, said of his character: " A tenacious hard man: heartbroken, old school, and ornery come to mind. A heavy-handed disciplinarian who drinks a bit too much, with a talented adolescent son who is much like his father: Confrontational, confused and just trying to work things out the best way they can."

 Kyle (Shawn Roe) has only known anger from his father, and feels threatened when his best friend Stephen develops an interest in Anne Wells. Since he has been raised by a bully, he only knows how to strike out in anger; This is why we often see a pattern of abusive behavior continue from generation to generation. Kyle's rage and reaction over his perceived rejection from the one person he felt he could trust leads to a powerful climax in the story, and clearly demonstrates the effects of one who has been raised in an atmosphere of violence.

  
 Tyler Corie (Stephen) discusses Shawn as "Kyle" with actor/producer Benjamin Dane.


Domestic Violence can be criminal and includes physical assault (hitting, pushing, shoving, etc.), sexual abuse (unwanted or forced sexual activity), and stalking. Although emotional, psychological and financial abuse are not criminal behaviors, they ARE forms of abuse and can lead to criminal violence. If YOU are being abused or the one who is the abuser, I pray you find the courage to escape and start the journey to break this cycle in your family.

If you are in immediate danger, CALL 911

If you are being abused, please contact the hotline!!
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
TTY 1-800-787-3224.

If you are an abuser, please seek help!! There are resources available, including one called AVACA. Please either click on their website for info, or call them at 1-800-918-7990.
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DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. They do not represent or have the consent and/or knowledge of Pathlight Entertainment, Beyond The Farthest Star, or anyone connected with either.  Photos, videos, and use of the storyline were gathered from what is available online and not by the permission of any involved.

ShapelyGirls Fitness DVD: Week 3

 OCT 22 PROGRESS, STRUGGLES, and BREAKTHROUGHS POST

 Last week seemed to be more of a struggle than even the first. I had a lot going on with things I had to do, but also a lot of emotional and stressful issues I was dealing with...and not very well. So, I did not do as well as the previous week, but I didn't give up either. Monday through Friday, I did shortened versions of the dvd---sometimes until I simply had no energy left (or was interrupted again) and sometimes I did one of the pre-mix workouts. Those really are great, especially on days I just want something different. Saturday, I was at a family reunion, but did take advantage of the walking trails to get some exercise in...and a few minutes to myself; Having a reunion 2 weeks after the funeral of my aunt had many of us a bit tearful.

 Debra Mazda is good at encouraging others on the dvd to keep moving, so I did keep that in mind throughout the days I didn't want to do anything. Sunday was the only day I did nothing, but had a bit of an upset stomach, and exercise did not seem advisable. Today I read Debra's story on her blog: Fitness Comes In Many Sizes! and highly recommend it to others. Also check out ShapelyGirl Fitness on Facebook to find out more about Debra and the ShapelyGirl Fitness program and products.

Disclaimer: I was given a copy of Walking Fit and Fabulous by #ShapelyGirl Fitness. I was not required to write a positive review. I am on the #CWAReviewCrew.

Andrew Librizzi

Beyond The Farthest Star's Andrew Librizzi is a talented  playwright, director, and producer who is dedicated to putting out a film of the highest quality. The feedback from those who have been privileged to see an advanced screening of BTFS have given the film very high praise, so I have no doubt that his standards of excellence are worth the wait. The few snippets the rest of us have seen have merely whetted my appetite for more, but I know it will be better to see the film as Andy envisions it. Getting a chance to read the novel (based on the screenplay) written by Bodie and Brock Thoene has helped. Since I have seen few films and books that were identical, reading the book did not spoil the film for me at all. It is going to be amazing to see these characters come to life on screen, and there are some outstanding actors in these roles.

Andy and actor/producer Benjamin Dane discuss BTFS during a T*CHAT:

Andy has also written and directed several corporate projects, plus has several  films and plays to his credit. His first (award winning) film was Holding On  in 1992. In 2009, his short film Still Born had multiple nominations and 2 wins at the 168 Film Project. One of the first  High Definition Television pilots, Texas Tales and Legends , was directed and edited by Andy...and was hosted by none other than Barry Corbin. In 1995, Mr. Librizzi established the Desert Bloom Theatre  in Dallas, and the list of his plays include The Boxer's Garden and Peanut Butter and Tofu on Jewish Rye. Another of his plays, The First Church Of Texaco  had a very successful run in 2013 at the A. D. Players Theater which is located in Houston, TX

• Reserve your Tickets on Seatzy 
• Like BTFS on Facebook 
• Beyond The Farthest Star on IMDb 
• Beyond The Farthest Star website 
• Follow @beyondmovie on Twitter 
• Subscribe to the BTFS YouTube Channel

 
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 Coming to Select Theaters Oct. 18, 2013

View the BTFS trailer here.

What Is Seatzy?

ShapelyGirls Fitness DVD: Week 2

OCT 15th PROGRESS, STRUGGLES, and BREAKTHROUGHS POST:

 SUCCESS!! On Monday I got through the entire  Debra Mazda ShapelyGirl dvd I am reviewing without stopping!! I may not have done every move the ladies on the video were doing...but I kept moving and doing my best. I proved to myself that I can do it.

Tuesdays are busy for me because I volunteer at a local ministry all morning, and it frequently keeps me on my feet.  However, I did do the 32 minute bonus video that afternoon.

Another terrific day on Wednesday! I was eating right and did the entire work-out...albeit I am still having to do some modifications. At least I kept marching when I didn't think I could do the rest.

By noon on Thursday, I wasn't sure, but suspected an alien had taken over. Instead of thinking how much I deserved a day off...esp with a dreaded trip to the grocery store looming...I was getting annoyed with people who interrupted me because I was actually looking forward to exercising!!  I got about 40 minutes in...and felt refreshed!!

...Then came Friday! 
Between having to take allergy meds during the night and waking up (barely) to a heavy rain, I got up long enough to eat, take regular medication...and crawled back into bed until noon. I basically accomplished nothing except sleeping and eating junk I shouldn't.

Saturday was... better. I ate a bit healthier, but I managed to put off the dvd until late....and I only did 20 minutes. I consoled myself with the thought that I had at least done something...before crawling into bed with a book at 9:30. I decided in the infamous words of Scarlett O'Hara,  "Tomorrow is another day!"

Today wasn't a drastic improvement, but it was an improvement. I did 20 minutes of Walking Fit And Fabulous Workout and was starting to feel fatigued, but for the psychological gratification and motivation I needed, I switched over to the 12 minute work-out.

I know that sounds odd, but I needed the sense of accomplishment! LOL! It beat the temptation to swoon into a maudlin fit of depression in the nearest chair!! The important thing is that I am moving forward. I'm not going to beat myself up if I have a bad day...but I will make sure I head into the right direction the next day. For me, this is more about changing a lifetime of unhealthy habits and improving my health. Losing weight is a must, but I have very realistic goals in mind. I'm too young to stay in my current shape, but too old to care about the opinions of pop culture. :) 

                                                                                                                 Disclaimer: I was given a copy of Walking Fit and Fabulous by ShapelyGirl Fitness. I was not required to write a positive review.

Grace by Max Lucado

Grace.

We talk as though we understand the term. The bank gives us a "grace" period. The seedy politician falls from "grace." Musicians speak of a "grace" note. We describe an actress as "gracious," a dancer as "graceful." We use the word for hospitals, baby girls, kings, and pre-meal prayers. We talk as though we know what "grace" means.

Grace is also the title of Max Lucado's latest best-seller. I have been a fan of his writing for many years, so I knew to expect a book that would touch my heart and deepen my understanding of a topic that some find difficult to understand. This isn't my favorite of his many books, but I was by no means disappointed. In fact, once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. Max has a way of simplifying a topic in a way that makes it easier to understand, and punctuates his illustrations with anecdotal material that further illuminates.  





Grace is defined as the love and mercy given to us by God because God wants us to have it, not because of anything we have done to earn it. But that is still hard for some of us to understand, especially if you were raised that good behavior is rewarded. So, I really love the subtitle of the book: "More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine". Max stresses the point that we are adopted into God's family and accepted...despite our faults. One story in particular stood out to me about a child who was separated from her family, yet reunited with them years later. We may wander, but God's grace calls us back Home to Him. His love and mercy give us a strength we wouldn't have on our own.

In summary, this isn't my favorite, but it is a good solid book that I would recommend to anyone. His style is very appealing to one who wants a basic grasp and a down-to-earth look at grace (or any of his other topics). Also, I love that he includes a Reader's Guide in this book (as usual) for those who want to do a more indepth study.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Stressed-Less Living by Tracie Miles

Stressed-Less Living: Finding God's Peace In Your Chaotic World by Tracie Miles is a book that leads the reader to Scripture for help in overcoming anxiety, fear, and insecurities that threaten to overwhelm her daily. Taking the leap of faith and fully trusting God can be scary, but it has been proven over and over that He is with us each step of our journey. However, we do sometimes need those reminders when others, and even we ourselves, tell us that we are responsible for taking care of everything. We can learn to "not only strive, but thrive in spite of it through faith in the promises of God." As a former 'stress-aholic', Tracie can certainly speak with authority on the topic of letting stress consume your life. While trying to juggle the needs of herself, her husband and children, a corporate job, church activities, and a myriad of other duties connected with her life, stress was getting the best of her. This book is about how she made the decision to trust God in her circumstances.

There was much to learn from this book, and I needed several of these reminders of what I already know. One sentence that I need to be reminded of frequently is, "if the devil can't hinder our relationship with God by making us immoral, he will simply make us busy." That is a trap I find myself falling into, no matter what stage of life I am in. Distractions often begin first thing in the morning, and before I know it, I can barely hold my eyes open...and realize that I barely spent any time with God. Or, I may have spent time discussing my needs or even the needs of others, but did I just rest in His presence? I am getting better, but old habits are hard to break. I love the questions she asks at the end of each chapter, but the Scripture she lists are an even greater treasure. Speaking of that, she told one story that gave me an idea of a perfect gift for myself and for friends. The book is worth it just for that idea alone, but this still one I recommend for anyone who is dealing with anxiety and worries.

Leafwood Publishers generously not only sent me a copy to review, but also sent 2 copies for me to giveaway!! All they asked in return is that I give a fair and honest review of their book. So, please enter the Rafflecopter contest (not affiliated with Facebook, btw) below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Read When Stress Is Your Biggest Giant.
Tracie's website: Stressed-less Living
 Follow Tracie on Twitter

Tracie Miles is a national speaker with Proverbs 31 Ministries and a contributing author to the Proverbs 31 Encouragement For Today devotions and the P31 Woman Magazine. She has a passion to help others discover the peace God can infuse into our lives, even when circumstances are less-than-peaceful. Tracie lives in North Carolina with her husband and 3 children.

When Stress Is Your Biggest Giant - Tracie Miles

"When Stress Is Your Biggest Giant ~Or~ God Is Bigger Than You Think" by [guest blogger] Tracie Miles.


Our problems and out stress can sometimes seem so much bigger than we can handle, especially when we are not only facing one giant problem, but many. You may be facing a major giant right now--being in a personal relationship that has suffered many blows, a marriage that is crumbling more and more every day, a spouse addicted to pornography, a friend or family member held hostage by substance abuse, an inability to find employment despite daily efforts for months, home foreclosure, difficult bosses, harassing credit and collection phone calls, tragic accidents, chronic or terminal illness, family problems, sexual abuse, or worse.

Sometimes even our greatest efforts to manage our stress can seem futile when our giants seem too huge to overcome. Instead of seeing progress, we feel like we are beating our head against the wall, over and over, becoming more stressed out as the reality sinks in that we cannot change the situations that are stressing us, no matter how badly we wish we could.
Ever been there? I know I have.

I used to wake up every morning and start thinking about all the stressful things I had to do face that day. I would give myself a pep talk to pre empt negativity: Today I will not allow things, circumstances, or people to push me over the edge. No matter what, I commit to maintaining my temper, my poise, and my attitude. I will trust God to be my portion and walk in his ways.

However, within two hours, that heart-felt commitment would become a distant memory as I jumped head first into the day and got sucked deeper and deeper into all of my problems. In fact, on some days, it seemed like life had a chokehold on me and no matter what I did, I couldn't pry its ugly fingers from around my jugular.

By the grace of God alone, I feel so blessed to have discovered years ago that life does not have to be that way and that God never intended for it to be. He never intended for us to live lives of despair, stress, and dread. He never meant for us to be so bogged down with worry and stress that we would dread getting up in the morning; although this type of living became a reality when sin came into his perfect world. But God is still God. We cannot escape our life, but he is our escape from stress.

Overcoming your stress begins with recognizing the fact that no matter what problems are causing you stress and anxiety, God IS BIGGER. Yes, he is bigger than the issue you are thinking about right now. He is bigger than the hopelessness that seems to be engulfing your every breath.  He is bigger than the greatest fears you hold in your heart. He is bigger than the unrelenting stress that plagues your heart as you try to juggle all of the demands for your time and attention throughout the day. He is bigger than your biggest challenge, whatever it may be.

As we become more mature in faith, learning to trust that God is capable of all things, we will see God as bigger and bigger every time we encounter him. God is, and was, and always will be the same, but as we give him sovereignty over our hearts, our awe of him increases.

You see, each time he intervenes in our lives, we witness his power and our view of him grows. Once we allow ourselves to grasp how big God really is, we can learn to put aside worry and stress and learn to rest in knowing that he can handle our problems---leaving no need for us to destroy ourselves stressing over them.

One of the biggest mistakes Christians make is seeing the giants in our lives as so huge that we lose sight of the fact that God is bigger. But God's desire is that with every new circumstance we face, we see not only the giant, but an opportunity to discover what he is capable of handling, and just how big he really is. And to discover that in Him, we can be less stressed.

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Tracie Miles is a national speaker with Proverbs 31 Ministries and the author of Stressed-Less Living: Finding God's Peace In Your Chaotic World. She is a contributing author to the Proverbs 31 Encouragement For Today devotions and the P31 Woman Magazine. She considers herself the poster child for stress recovery, and has a passion to help others discover the peace God can infuse into our lives, even when circumstances are less-than-peaceful. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and 3 children.
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Goodbye Bacon

Since I am working on that ShapelyGirl Fitness dvd, I need to work on healthier eating too. This is also about discipline. (Yuck!) Sweet stuff is good, but my weakness is more for salty foods. No promises that I will stay away from pork forever, but I am going to TRY to avoid pig-related products for the rest of October. Well, except for pigskin--I can't give up football! (ROLL TIDE!!) LOL!

                           Good-bye bacon...for now!!

(A little melodramatic? HA!)
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Bacon's response?

Kyle Sherman: Hear Me cd

October 9, 2012 is the release date for HEAR ME  BY Kyle Sherman and I have 2 words for everyone: BUY IT!! I admit that when I was offered the chance to review it, the description sounded good, but I was so swamped that it shifted to the back of my mind. Then, due to the hospitalization and ultimate death of a beloved relative, writing reviews left my mind. A few days ago, I saw the cd sitting there and knew I needed to fulfill my obligation. I was ministered to through this cd so deeply I knew it was a "God-thing" that it arrived when it did. There were songs that soothed me and songs that rocked, but all appealed to me. I have listened to the entire cd several times over the past few days, and know that will be placed with my other favorites. My taste is music is very eclectic, and there are several styles here that appeal to me.

Here is The Greatest Tear from the cd:

Texas native, Kyle Sherman, is signed to a new label, RayLynn Records. For those of you familiar with Lifechurch.TV, Kyle was a full-time worship leader at their campus in Fort Worth, TX, under renowned pastor/author Craig Groeschel. I know I am expecting to hear a lot more from him in the future and am definitely a fan. His various links, so you can learn more about him are listed below:

Website: http://www.kyleshermanmusic.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kyleshermanmusic

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KyleShermanTX

YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/RayLynnRecords

Once again, I can also offer a GIVEAWAY!! Enter the contest to win a copy of your own!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

  "Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

ShapelyGirl Fitness: Week 1

OCT 8th PROGRESS, STRUGGLES, and BREAKTHROUGHS POST:

 Last Monday morning, I woke up with plans to start this week right and exercise my spirit, body, and mind: a new week, a new beginning. I turned on my computer to go to my daily devotion email, and saw that I had several FB messages from family members. The news that my aunt who has always been a 2nd mom to me was in a coma due to a ruptured brain aneurysm pushed all thoughts of anything else from my mind. Between numerous phone calls, setting up a message center for family to communicate on Facebook (and doing most of the updates), a couple of trips to the hospital, Aunt Sula passing away on Thursday, and the funeral...and a week that already was filled to the brim with other concerns...this has been challenging!

Needless to say, much of last week is a blur. However, I did at least part of the workout dvd 4 times last week. I am so horribly out of condition that I expected to struggle, but the emotional toil hit me even harder than expected. Some days I only did 15-20 minutes or used one of the shorter workouts. Right now I cannot do all on the tapes, but I keep trying. There were also a couple of those days when I would sit for a couple of minutes, and then get started back. But, I felt encouraged to keep going by Debra Mazda and the other ladies. In the past, I would have simply tossed this aside...and grabbed something to eat while bemoaning my inability to do this. Not only did I keep "stress eating" under the control much better, but I was able to bypass the temptation a few times and did part of the workout instead. I even lost 2.5 lbs this week.

 Sat. night I heard a message on Discipline by Ed Young Jr. A lot of what he said struck a chord, including, "you determine in advance that you are going to do it. No matter what. That works in everything. Your walk with the Lord, health, etc..." It is vital to make a plan...and stick with it! At the church I attend, the message was on JOY but this verse leaped off the page to me: "Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things." ~ Philippians 3:19 (emphasis mine) How often have I been guilty of letting my thoughts slide to wondering what I will have for lunch...while listening to the sermon?  OUCH! I need discipline!!

However, I also thrive on humor. A friend who is encouraging and praying for me through this knew I was in desperate need of a laugh last night (and that I often have a cup of coffee in my hand!), and sent me this cartoon. So, it has been a week of sorrow, pain, and loss, but also a week of wisdom from the Word and pastors, encouragement from family and friends, and a new determination to press forward. I have the peace of knowing that my aunt loved and served Jesus Christ and that I will see her and other family members again when I go Home. Tears and laughter (sometimes at the same time) have been a major part of week one...but I have survived and will continue moving...

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.  #cwareviewcrew #ShapelyGirl Fitness

She's Got Issues by Nicole Unice

In She's Got Issues, counselor and mom Nicole Unice takes a look at five (and a half) common issues:  control, insecurity, comparison, fear, and anger (along with its cousin, unforgiveness). She says that all women struggle with at least one of these problems and some of us deal with more than one of them. I know I have them all, although some are not as big of a deal as others. I enjoyed the way she has a couple of chapters to dig more indepth with each category, and that she includes quizzes and other personal assessment tools. Some of the personal stories made me chuckle, and a few made me cringe...when I recognized my own behavior.

There is a dvd group experience that goes along with the book to make this an excellent small group Ladies Bible Study. I also found a Participation Guide online. So with these tools, along with your Bible, a journal, and a pen...you are all set up to begin to confront the issues that are holding you back in your relationship with God, others, and with yourself. Naturally, she doesn't promise that we will resolve all, or become little robots (no visions of becoming like The Stepford Wives, please), but Nicole does help you discover renovate and refine the person you are.

In compliance with the Federal Trade Commission, I want to say that I received complimentary copies of the materials used for this review from Tyndale House Publishers. I was not required to make a favorable review, but only asked for my opinion.

This Is Your Kingdom Come Now

This latest release from Vineyard Worship is called This Is Your Kingdom Come Now. It features worship leader and songwriter Casey Corum and was recorded at Corum's home church near Houston, TX. Some of the other voices on this cd are Torri Baker (Vineyard Church - Columbus, Ohio) and Crispin Schroeder (Northshore Vineyard - Covington, Louisiana), as well as a 17-voice gospel choir. Rhythm and Blues, gospel, and rock are fused together to create an album that is unmistakably a Vineyard worship experience of joy, worship, and intimacy with God.

Starting with a rocking "Love Has Rescued Me' the beat continues with  "Heaven Come Down" and "Where The Mercy Falls". The music next slows down in the soothing, "Peace" before moving into my personal favorite on the album, "How I Love Your Ways". I also love to hear a much loved psalm, "Psalm 92" set to music. There are too many good songs on here, and I know I am leaving out some great ones. This has been one of my favorites of the Vineyard Worship cds. To find out more, click on the various links included.

Website: http://www.vineyardworship.com

Website: http://caseycorum.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverVineyard

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vineyardmusic

YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/vineyardmusic/featured

However, there is an opportunity for someone to win a physical copy of the album!! Enter the Rafflecopter contest below:

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

ShapelyGirl Fitness

I am going to be starting something new to see if I can get a bit more discipline in my life. For the next month, I will be part of a group that is reviewing a series of work-out videos. We each got to choose the one that most interested us, and will be doing a blog each Monday through-out October. To say that I am twice the woman I should be is no exaggeration, but it is time to make a change. My goal is to get into better shape for the sake of my health. I have numerous health issues and regular exercise is one of the best ways to help manage them.

After looking over the choices, I wanted to select something that was reasonable for me. It is so easy to get "on fire" for a new idea, just to become discouraged at the huge difference between your hopes and visualization of what you plan to accomplish and the reality of just how much work is ahead of you. I admit that I hesitated in even applying for this, but was encouraged by Debra's philosophy and one comment in particular caught my eye. "Many years ago, I would eat all day long. I was depressed and extremely overweight. By moving and breathing I started to feel better physically and mentally. Once I was feeling better, I could make better choices in my eating - and in my life."  I know firsthand that this is true, but I also know me! I need commitment, accountability, and knowing that this is a group effort. I can't give up with all of these other ladies working so diligently. (yes, I am competitive. LOL! This isn't about who does the best; I am cheering them all on!! For me, it is about sticking with the program--- just like the others.)

This is also not just about what I can accomplish. I have a very good friend who has promised to pray for me daily, the support of the others who are taking the ShapelyGirl Fitness™  challenge, and I am relying heavily upon a favorite promise found in Isaiah 41:10. Fear may seem to be an exaggeration, but it is something I face: fear of failure to complete this, fear of starting something new, fear of slowly becoming more honest and vulnerable...the list goes on!! It took 50+ years for me to get into the shape I am, but my goal is to actively strive to be more healthy in body, spirit, and mind. Now I am not prepared at this time to give details other than I need to lose a minimum of half my body weight. I am also literally bigger around than I am tall!! However, instead of becoming overwhelmed at how far I need to go, I prefer to see what I can accomplish within a month of making healthy choices.

Debra Mazda's products are available at Shapelygirl Fitness Follow Debra Mazda on Twitter @DebraMazda or "Like" ShapelyGirl Fitness on Facebook.

I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.  #cwareviewcrew




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