Kicked myself in the right gear

Here we are at the beginning of our journey.

As this year wraps up what is on your mind? Are you planning for the new year? Do you have a resolution in mind? I wanted to share with you about a lifestyle change that took place in our lives almost 3 months ago. Many of you may call it a diet, but to be honest for us it is our life now. A friend shared with me about the Whole30 program and what a difference it made in her life. To be honest when she shared about how she feels and about how good the food tastes I didn't really listen, I immediately went in game/project mode. This is something that I could challenge Jesse in and a project to keep my mind off of the rollercoaster ride of our adoption. 

 

Well the game started on October 6th the day after our anniversary. Let me just say that Jesse wasn't 100% on board because this plan does not allow food with added sugar, grains, dairy, legumes, or soy. Many people said then what do you eat???.. Salad... My response is that we eat all that you eat, but we just eat it clean and without those added items. You can only imagine that amount of preservatives and artificial flavors that are added to food. Well when you start reading labels you find out that everything has sugar added and there are alot of words that you cannot pronounce. So for 30 days I could not have any of these items and I had to watch everything I ate.

  

Steak, Sweet Potatoes, and Green Tomatoes

Coconut Flour Tortilla Tacos

I wish I could say that it was easy, but it was a challenge. Let me just tell you that I am a coffee addict and I must have tons of cream and sugar with a pinch of coffee. So weeks heading up to this plan I started decreasing my sugar in my coffee because my plan was to start taking my coffee black. So day one I brewed my first cup of black coffee. It was disgusting... It was the worst tasting thing I have ever drank.. Day two I tried unsweetened almond milk in my coffee... Blah!  I wanted another cup of black coffee. Day three I gave up and started drinking unsweetened hot tea. That wasn't too bad. So for the rest of the first week I drank hot tea. I experimented with all kinds of flavors and the desire I had to drink coffee eventually went away. Around Day 10 I decided to put unsweetened coconut milk in my coffee and you know what,it was ok. So I knew if I really needed a cup of coffee that I could just add some coconut milk it in. The desire to have coffee still wasn't there so I continued on with tea. Finally on Day 30 I needed a cup of coffee so I drank it with coconut milk and guess what I loved it. I knew at that moment that I no longer needed the sugar in my coffee to satisfy me and even today that is how I take my coffee. I share this story to help you understand to not quit. Just because something is hard at first doesn't mean that it won't ever become easy. I think this could apply to many things in my life.

Jesse said I was steaming hot! Down 30 lbs.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Well if I didn't have the strength of the Lord I would not have made it as long as I did. Day 30 was a day of rejoicing as I lost 17 lbs, Jesse lost 10 lbs, and I was cured from my digestive condition. I am also very hopeful that I have moved from pre-diabetic to non-diabetic more to come on those results. Also my skin cleared up, I have so much energy, I no longer need that afternoon cup of Joe, and I only crave fruits and veggies. This stuff really worked for us. We loved it so much that we continued eating clean after the whole 30 and only added a few items back in our diet. My pleasure food is chips and salsa so I started eating Organic Chips fried in sunflower oil with homemade salsa. Jesse added a little bread to his diet since he missed sandwiches. We are now regulars at Publix, Trader Joes, and the Turnip Truck. During Christmas when we were buying mac and cheese for the kiddos Latrell at Publix asked us what we were buying. Yes we are on a first name basis with our cashiers at Publix. 

Ok now the crazy part.. I can't believe I am going to post this picture but here are my stats. I began on October 6 at 262 lbs and here I am today weighing 230 lbs. I am so amazed at how easy this was and to know that I didn't start exercising until the week of Thanksgiving. It is amazing!

So if you are looking for a lifestyle change or even if you are looking for a quick diet, this works for you. I only say a quick diet because as soon as you do this you will not want to go back. Jesse and I kept our flour and sweeteners thinking we would use them after day 30, but those were all either donated or trashed because we no longer needed them. You will love how you feel, how you look, and how your strength is multiplied.  

The last point I want to share is about my strength and my willpower. I have completely changed and have grown up. I know you think Krista it has only been 3 months, how can that be? Well since I was so strong and made it through those headaches, the detoxing, and the cravings I am growing into a woman of Strength. I found this picture and it describes me exactly. I moved from being a woman with a strong personality to a woman of strength. I handle situations differently, I choose not to gossip, I choose not to be angry or to get my feelings hurt. I love my new life.

Ok finally the part for you. So how does this apply to your resolutions? You may be considering eating right, you want to stop smoking, you want to be a better steward with your money, you want to volunteer more, or fill in the blank.  Well here are some tips that helped me get through the first Whole 30 and these can really apply to any resolution. 

• I found refuge in my Faith. I know not everyone reading this is a believer, but know that the Lord really helped me through my first round and I know He will not leave me during the second round.
• Make sure you do your research. This program has a book that helps with your journey and there are several items online.
• Plan...plan...plan... I will tell you this next round I will be a better planner. We did a great job with dinner, but not so good with our lunches. So I am going to make sure I have everything planned out a week in advance or maybe even the entire month. 
• Support... support...support... I joined a Facebook support group for the Whole30 and was able to ask questions, encourage others, be encouraged by others, and to get recipes.
• Oh yeah you need some good recipes.. I actually joined Pinterest just to get recipes. Feel free to follow my boards on Whole30/Paleo or even Clean Recipes I have tried. There are several cookbooks out there or recipes online.
• I made it a game. I wanted to beat Jesse so bad and it made me battle those cravings because I wasn't going to be the first one to lose. 
• Don't do it alone. Cooking was easy when I wasn't just doing it for myself. Also it is good to have a partner encouraging you along the way.
• Have fun! Be adventurous! Enjoy Food!

Time to take a break from writing to enjoy my Banana Pecan Ice Cream. Until next time....

Philippians 3:12-14 MSG

12-14 I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.

Love that will sweep you off your Feet

What are your plans for today? Do you plan to go shopping for those last minute items or are you just beginning your Christmas shopping today? Are you already in the kitchen preparing treats and goodies for your Christmas dinner or party that you plan to attend? Or are you sleeping in and trying to get caught up on your honey do list since you are off for a few days? 

Well we are already up and we have begun our busy Christmas holiday. The kids are watching a Christmas movie, we have cookies in the oven, and I snuck away from the busyness of my long list of to do items to talk to you. I feel that the Lord has given me a message to share and I just could not wait to tell it. So please take a moment from your busy schedules and read this.


This season we have blogged about our journey through the advent. We talked about hope, peace, joy, and today I want to share with you LOVE. Do you know God loves you where you are? He does not care how many gifts you have under the tree, how many casseroles you have to prepare for dinner, or the things you must complete over this holiday. He only cares for you. Jesus is our gift, but we are also a gift for God. This is the gift that keeps on giving and the gift that made ALL the difference. 


My pastor reminded us on Sunday to know love is to know God and to know God is to know love. John 3:16 tells us for God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. The Bible also tells us in Romans 3:23 for all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. So none of us are perfect. None of us are worthy. But if you confess that Jesus Christ rose from the dead and resurrected three days later for your sins then you are saved. God is speaking to you and telling you that He doesn't speak to the perfect but the imperfect. God wants you all bumps and bruises. He is here to heal you, cover you, and to Love you. Romans 10:9 says if you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord", and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. It is that easy. To know God is to know Love. Jesus was born on Christmas day so he would live a life as a sinless man and then ultimately pay the price for each of us on a hill in Calvary. So let me ask you again. What are your plans for today? Can you pencil in at the top of your list to say Thanks to Jesus for being born and for paying the price for each of us? The gift that keeps on giving and the gift that made ALL the difference.

Merry Christmas from the Aguirre's

Feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of Peace

Jesse and I teach preschoolers for Sunday School and this month we have been sharing about the birth of Jesus. Well last week we talked to them about Mary and Joseph and how the Angel of the Lord appeared with a message that Mary would be carrying God's Son, Jesus. We talked about the Inn, His birth, the manager, and we talked about the Kings. We then talked about the gifts they brought and related it to the true meaning of Christmas. At the end I asked them what gifts they wanted for Christmas. Well one said Mac & Cheese, another said a puppy, and finally one of them said they wanted a toy. I asked Mr. Jesse (as I call him to the kiddos) what he wanted for Christmas and he said he wanted clothes. And then he said Mrs. Krista what do you want for Christmas....... I really didn't have an answer and what is funny is I knew if I asked him the question that he was going to ask me the question. What do I want for Christmas?? Hmmm.... Then one of our preschoolers said you want a baby.....Wow she was right. I do want a baby and immediately tears welled up in my eyes and I said Yes I do want a baby for Christmas.


What is Peace to me? Well I always think of peace when I think of Silent Night. This song reminds me to be calm, to be still, and to be the light as God is the light. John 14:27 says "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Psalm 46:10 says "Be still and know that I am God." These verses always give me a sense of calmness and I can feel the Holy Spirit wrapping His arms around me. So as I was reminded that day in Sunday School of my hearts most deepest desire, I was also reminded of God's peace within me. As Christ adopted me 20 years ago He even at that time was wrapping His arms around me. He loved me before I knew who He was, He shielded me from harm, and He took away all of my fear. You see God has shown me over these past 20 years what it is to be a parent. I have already began loving this little one before I even know them, I will shield them from all harm, and I will let them know to never be afraid.

Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright. Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child. Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.

Jumping for Joy

What is joy? It's funny when you start to think about the joy we have in our lives and how we easily mistake our happiness for joy. Is joy the type of job we have, our social status, our bank statement or even our friends? Or is true joy knowing that only by grace and by grace alone that we are able to know how blessed we are for having Jesus Christ in our hearts. 

Joy comes from God....

Joy was born in the person of Jesus Christ....

And we are called to spread the Gospel and to bring the message of JOY to others.

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.- Luke 2:10-11 NIV

Lately I have sensed the urgency to spread the joy that I have had in my heart. I have had to step back from the busyness of my schedule and had to make time to share with others. I had this chance this past Saturday as I joined a friend on a day trip to Memphis to help hand out clothes, food, and Bibles. We went out early on Saturday morning with 30 bags. Each bag had nonperishable foods, water, socks, gloves, and some hygiene supplies, we even had men's clothing and about 270 Bibles. We set out to share God’s joy and His word to everyone or anyone. We first began by driving around the south side of Memphis. We would stop people in the middle of the street and ask if they wanted to be blessed. Most of people looked at us like we were crazy. But once they understood our intentions they came around. Every bag came with a Bible and an instant prayer. It's interesting to see people's reaction to two guys just driving around handing our bags and praying for people. 

I would never forget this one lady name Linda. As we stopped she came over and asked what we were doing, I immediately said we are handing out blessings and prayers. She accepted the blessing and I handed her a bag of items and then I handed her a little Bible. Her face immediately lit up. She asked if she could really keep the bible, I said yes. She began to tear up, I then asked her if I could pray for her and if she had any prayer request, she became overwhelmed with joy. Asking me why I am doing this? Why would I come all the way from Nashville to Memphis just to hand out bibles? I told her it's because Jesus loves us so much and I wanted to share His love and joy with others. So we began to pray... After about 2-3 minutes of prayer I looked at my friend Linda, she was so moved that she began to cry. She admitted that she needed something special that day.

What about JOY now? Are you being challenged? Go out share your joy with others. 

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.- Matthew 5:14-16

I Hope the Shoe fits

For all of you who know me and how Grinch like I am around the holidays would be so surprised to know that our tree made an appearance right after Thanksgiving this year. I guess you could say that maybe I am changing.There is something to be said about preparing for motherhood and for this little one to come. Talking with my sister earlier as they were hanging up all the handmade ornaments that she has already collected and waiting to see what this year's ornament may be gave me a great sense of Hope. 

My pastor asked this Sunday what does hope mean? I didn't answer aloud but the first thing that came to my mind was expecting and then of course expecting a child and then I hope we have a baby soon. Yes I sometimes have ADD and I totally lost it and went there. But then he started talking about what do you think Mary thought of when she found out she was pregnant and that her baby boy would be the Messiah. Wow I was given chills. I put myself in Mary's shoes for a moment. A huge honor but also a great task that she had in front of her. What a woman of great love, strength, and faithfulness. I hope that I can be this strong and loving when my call comes. 

This advent season I would like to share my journey through life and through adoption. If I look back over my life I can see that by having Hope I was able to get through many situations. Romans 12:12 NIrV tells us that When you have hope, be joyful. When you suffer, be patient. When you pray, be faithful. What a powerful message here of truth, faithfulness, and power. God is going to be with you at all times just keep hoping, be patient, and keep praying. 

Here are some of my hopes:

• I hope and pray that I will be a good mom to this little one.
• I hope this little one comes soon.
• I hope that those overseas fighting and defending will return safely and soon.
• I hope that they find a cure for all cancers and for all diseases.
• I hope that all food and water will be clean and that no one will ever go hungry again.
• I hope that Human Trafficking ends.
• I hope all members of my family accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior.

Some people think I am very optimistic, I like to think I am a dreamer. I also know that dreams do come true. So what are some of your hopes and dreams? What are you expecting?