31 days of Homeschool Encouragement - healthy support

Support makes all the difference.

One of the great struggles of my life is my struggle with RA. Rheumatoid Arthritis is the bane of my existence. Really.

My body hurts every day. It makes it difficult to be who I need to be for my children. It makes it hard to do my job as a homeschool mom, wife, home maker. It makes it hard to get out of bed.

(I promise to stop whining in a minute) There is a point - I'll get to it. . . . . .

I don't have the ability to just change this situation. Until God decides to heal me (and I'm believing He will) I am sort of stuck feeling this way. I will continue to suffer through this situation until it changes. There are times when this is entirely too much to handle. There are times when life is simply too hard. The pain is too great. I am not capable.

but God is capable

There are times when I feel like giving up. All too often it would be so much easier to throw in the towel. There are days when I know I cannot do it.

but God can do it.

Others don't fully understand. Even with those who care - it can be terribly isolating - because even if they care they can't fully know. They don't really know.

but God knows.

Those times - all too frequent times - when I am not able

God is able. 

I don't know your struggles. Some may be physical - fighting to get healthy - struggling to homeschool. Some of you have shared. I care - I can encourage - I can pray. But I don't really know. 

but God knows. 

He knows you. Right where you are - right now. He knows your needs - your weaknesses - the desires of your heart. He wants you to succeed with your health. He wants you to succeed in your home, homeschool, job, your marriage, your life. He loves you. 

We took a family bike ride this weekend - in an effort to improve my health by being more active - and to spend intentional quality time with the family as a whole - We jumped on our bikes and headed down the trail. When we stopped for a water break - we had some visitors. Aren't they amazing? 

It was a wild and crazy experience. It was an experience we'll never forget. Most of all - it reminded me of something important. It reminded me that His eye is on the sparrow!

 "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?

 Yet not one of them is forgotten in God's sight" 

                                                                                                                     Luke 12:6

Not one. 

is forgotten. 

in God's sight. 

No matter what your struggles are today - you are not alone. You have the love, care, and support of the Creator of the universe. You are not here by mistake. He cares for you - right now - today. 

"His eye is on the sparrow - and I know He watches over me"     (listen to the song here) 

He is watching over you

I share these things with you to encourage you. I have needed the encouragement - for our home, our school and for my health. God has been so faithful to send me what I need so that I can press on.

I'm currently on a 12 week journey with the amazing women in the link below. We are striving to improve our health. We all have different motives and goals.

Mine are pretty simple - I want to be healthier in order to live more fully for Jesus - to serve my family.
I'm eating better, drinking more water, I'm drinking ACV (apple cider vinegar) and getting more exercise.
It's a daily battle. God is blessing my efforts - little at a time I am getting on the right track to improve my health and to fight the debilitating effects of RA. It isn't easy - but with God - all things are possible!






You are welcome to link up any post to encourage others to be healthy or to share your journey:

Healthy Mom Series - getting healthier even when you don't feel like it:

September has ended and October begins. The past few weeks have been a slow, yet sure beginning towards a healthier lifestyle. I've made small changes - adding more water, green drink (Super Green), more vegetables, more protein, less sugar, fewer carbs - and more get - up - and - go! 

I've had setbacks, and bad days. I've been discouraged, and found encouragement as we've pushed and pulled each other along this journey. Thank you so much to those who have encouraged me on. I hope I've been an encouragement to you so far.

Quick TIP - The most important change I've made so far - is incorporating more exercise into each day (well, most each day). Every little bit counts after all. Moving a little is better than not at all!

This past week - my food and exercise journal: 

• Monday- I'm so enjoying my new bible studies on Monday evenings. It also allows me to hit the beach in the evening for a walk and to catch sunset. Stayed the course with healthy eating
• Tuesday- Didn't do enough exercising and movement - gave in to the pain and tirednes
• Wednesday- mild stretching - not enough water - stayed away from sugar
• Thursday- short walk - out for the evening - (lil too much sugar - it was desert and coffee with       Deb Bell)
• Friday- swimming and exercise at the pool - fruit instead of desert
• Saturday- cleaned house - (counts as my exercise for the day) overdid it a bit - drank water but also too much coke zero! (such a wimp)
• Sunday- rested most of the day - spent time outside with the boys - not enough water- tomorrow is   a new day

-printable-

Top Ten Things I'll change going into October: 

1. More water - at least 4-5 big glasses each day
2. Less sugar - nuff said
3. Longer exercise times - I've started small and need to kick it into gear
4. More frequent exercise - daily
5. Fewer coke zero's (they are bad bad bad)
6. Stay the course - using bible verses as a source of encouragement
7. More arm exercises - remembering that even when I can't walk - I can do these
8. Exercising with the boys - they will coach me along
9. Better meal planning - I've allowed this to slip away the past week and it takes it's toll
10. Drink a full glass of water before meals and snacks

How are you doing? 

Do you have any tips or tricks to encourage others to stay the course? (especially those with chronic pain)

Check in with the rest of the participants and feel free to link up your posts from the series or to encourage:

I'm also linking with 3 in 30 - where setting small goals and encouragement is a priority! 
And these fine blogs: Thursday Quick Tip  Top Ten Tues   What Works Wed   Works-4-Me  Fresh Brew

Link up here:

Healthy mom series - Printable goal chart with inspirational scripture

I'm on a quest to get healthier! Over the course of a 12 week period, which began September 10th, I am joining forces with 18 other bloggers to get fit and healthy. I'm so thankful to have some of you joining along with me - your encouragement and support is making a difference. Thank you! I hope the following printable will encourage you this week. Scripture, a place to write out your goals, and an exercise schedule: 

(printable pdf)

My report: 

Week 3 and I'm on the move. I did more walking last week than I managed this week - but I'm still getting more exercise than before - and for me that is what it's all about - making healthy changes in my life! 

Monday - beach walk 

Tuesday - evening walk 

Wednesday - stretching 

Thursday - off 

Friday - swimming and pool exercises 

Saturday - off 

Sunday - arms, stretching, calisthenics 

I'm eating less bread and sugary snacks. I'm eating more fruit and veggies. 

I'm still not drinking enough water - but this is my week! 

My goals and plan this next week: 

I have essential oils called Citrus Fresh from my friend Carrie @YoungLivingOilLady  which I plan to use daily. It will help me reach for fresh water, instead of coke zero (I know - it's bad) Cutting that out of my diet completely is one of my goals during this 12 week process.

Drink 4-5 big glasses water daily and green tea - working to replace that soda

Green drink 3-4 days 

Exercise 4-5 days 

I am using scripture to inspire progress and my little support group! 

Encouragement/Quick tip: 

Click the pdf printable verse above to print scripture for your fridge (or binder) 

I have included a place to chart your goals and a table to plan your workouts for the week! 

Remember WHY you want to be healthier. Personally, I want to feel better so that I can do and be more of who God wants me to be. I can serve Him and serve my family better, when I feel the best I am able. 

Write out your reason on your goal sheet with the inspirational scripture for the week & keep it handy.

I'm praying my way through this and praying for each of you who are joining me. Please let me know if you are participating - especially if we haven't touched base yet. 

This is week 3 and we are going through 12 - still time to jump on the healthy band wagon! 

Be sure to visit the other bloggers who are on the crusade to get healthy with us: 

linking with:

Thursday Quick Tip  Top Ten Tues   What Works Wed   Works-4-Me  HealthyMomSeries

Link up your healthy mom series post below if you'd like: 

Healthy Mom - Week #2

Goals:  Moving my body despite Rheumatoid arthritis pain

Drink more water 

eat less wheat and sugar - low carb

Exercise: walk, swim, bike, light weights, yoga - just get moving! 

We are all about getting out into nature to explore God’s creation. I’ve allowed pain from RA to keep me from moving my body like I’m supposed to. Although I’ve continued with our adventures – I’ve allowed myself to sit by on the sidelines. The past 2 years, I’ve gained weight and slowed down. It’s a vicious cycle and I’ve decided enough is enough. I’m going to keep my focus on getting healthier for God and family during this series instead of worrying about the scale. By eating better, cutting out sugar, eating higher protein, lower carbs and drinking the water I know my body needs–I will begin to feel better and the weight will follow the health. It’s a struggle for those who fight pain every day to keep moving. I've recently lost these battles, but I’m determined not to loose the war.

This week: 

     Monday- perfect food green drink, water, low carb, walk on beach 

     Tuesday- water, low carb, crunches 

     Wednesday- water, low carb, walk on beach 

     Thursday- water, low-ish carbs, walking and biking on our adventure - see here

     Friday- water, low carb , short walk 

     Saturday- water, low carb -ish 

     Sunday- water, low carb-ish , church and rest 

How did you do this week? 

Goals for improvement: 

Green drink at least every other day - more salad to help me stay off other carbs - more exercise- walking and stretching - stretching and movement even when walking isn't possible

Please feel free to share your goals for the week below or by linking up a post! 

Follow my Pinterest board and the group board for more recipes and tips: 

My Healthy Mom Series Board                                                       Group Board: 

                                              

Check out this Menu planner from my friend Honey: 

Isaiah 41:10  fear not, for I am with you;  be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

also linking with: 3 in 30   

Healthy Mom - Week #1 - my plan

Eating/Exercise Plan:  Moving my body despite Rheumatoid arthritis pain, Low Carb

We are all about getting out into nature to explore God’s creation. I’ve allowed pain from RA to keep me from moving my body like I’m supposed to. Although I’ve continued with our adventures – I’ve allowed myself to sit by on the sidelines. The past 2 years, I’ve gained weight and slowed down. It’s a vicious cycle and I’ve decided enough is enough. I’m going to keep my focus on getting healthier for God and family during this series instead of worrying about the scale. By eating better, cutting out sugar, eating higher protein, lower carbs and drinking the water I know my body needs–I will begin to feel better and the weight will follow the health. It’s a struggle for those who fight pain every day to keep moving. I've recently lost these battles, but I’m determined not to loose the war.

I've loaded the fridge with protein and veggies to get me started. I am determined to do some form of exercise each day - If I'm unable to swim or walk - I will do arm weights while sitting on the heating pad! 

Water - Water - Water is the plan to help me flush out toxins as I begin this journey. I have Citrus Fresh essential oils from my good friend Carrie @YoungLivingOilLady  and Lavender oil to rub on swollen,

painful joints to help me keep going. 

Instead of going cold turkey on the wheat and sugar- I am using organic spelt berries & grinding then to retain the nutrients and healthy benefits. I'll be mixing my own. Recipes shared on my pin board below and on my Kids in the Kitchen post each week. 

Speaking of kids - my 3 boys will be encouraging me on this journey. We may even do some family yoga! 

I want to be a good example to them and simply want to enjoy time in the great outdoors with them. 

Most of all - 

I want my body functioning at it's best highest level in order to serve them and my Lord better! 

Follow my Pinterest board and the group board for more recipes and tips: 

My Healthy Mom Series Board                                                       Group Board: 

                                              

Isaiah 41:10  fear not, for I am with you;  be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

If you are a part of my personal 12 Week group - or have healthy tips to share - or want to join me- leave a comment and feel free to link up a post below - you don't have to blog it to participate - I have a private fb group where we are encouraging and sharing our journey - Several friends who also suffer chronic pain are joining me as we work hard to get healthier! Please  Pray for us! 

My friend Hyacynth @UndercoverMother is helping to mentor our group - you don't want to miss her "Prescription to Success" article - linked below!

Get Healthy - Series

We are all about getting out into nature to explore God's creation. 

I've allowed pain from RA to keep me from moving my body like I'm supposed to. Although I've continued with our adventures - I've allowed myself to sit by on the sidelines. The past 2 years, I've gained weight and slowed down.

 It's a vicious cycle and I've decided enough is enough. 

I'm going to keep my focus on getting healthier for God and family during this series instead of worrying about the scale. By eating better, cutting out sugar, eating higher protein, lower carbs and drinking the water I know my body needs - I will begin to feel better and the weight will follow the health. 

It's a struggle for those who fight pain every day to keep moving.

 I have recently lost these battles, but I'm determined not to loose the war! 

I'll be posting here each Monday on my progress and with encouragement for those who are battling with me. If you'd like to join in - just let me know in the comments or private message. 

We begin September 10th - so make your plan and get ready to roll

There are 17 other bloggers participating in this series as we work to improve our health, find encouragement, accountability, and encourage others. I want to be a good example to my children and show them good habits. I want to be "in the game" and not just on the sidelines shooting pictures. I want to be my best and to improve my health by allowing my body to function at it's best, highest level. 

 I always do better when I have a focus outside of myself to achieve a goal. How about you?