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:

31 days HS Encouragement - Body - Healthy mom

 I'm eating my vegetables and working to take better care of my body - so that I can feel better,  be an example to my children, take better care of my family, and because my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. 

I'm not focused on loosing weight so much as on improving my health. Although, that will be an added bonus! 

If you need inspiration in that area - you can check out my weekly posts here. There you will also find links and information to the other 18 bloggers participating to get fit.


 Read 10 ways to get more exercise here.  As homeschool Moms - we are "on" pretty much 24/7. If we aren't staying on top of our own health - things can go from bad to worse extremely quickly. 

Over the past few weeks - I've been changing my eating habits. A little at a time. One step at a time. Moving closer to a healthier me. In my research - I found this site where Lisa @100 Days of Real Food has broken down such a large challenge into 14 steps.  

I'm taking advantage of my new found vigor to eat healthy and exercise and incorporating it into our homeschool. It's the perfect opportunity to teach the boys more about health and nutrition. They are learning to take care of the body God gave them. 

I've found a decent site for kids to learn called Nutrition Activities for Kids - free downloads, games and more. Guidelines from the Mayo Clinic here. Our favorite, thus far is called Nutrition Interative.  

I've struggled with my health for the past 10 years, and have been homeschooling for 7 of those years. When you are not at your best, it's easy to slip into a depressed state. We've all heard of the proverbial "haggard housewife". There's a reason for that old adage.

 It happens a lot! And it's easy to slip into when you are fighting chronic pain. 

One of the "rules" I've made for myself to combat having my boys sit down to school with the creature from the black lagoon - is to go through a quick routine. It consists of face washing, hair fixing (read: quick pony tail), dressing in real clothes, and the secret weapons - lipstick and a touch of mascara! It takes all of 10 minutes to pull myself together this way; but it sets a tone for the day and shows my boys that I care about how I present myself, even to them at home. 

This week has been a rainy week. That raises my pain levels. When the pain is worse, it becomes more difficult to do the exercising and to eat right. It makes me want to reach for sugar. It keeps me from moving my body. What I'm telling you is - it was a lousy week - I didn't do so well. I have, however been drinking more water. 
We are planning and cooking our meals at home and using more whole foods. I'll take those small victories. 

This is a new day - and I am determined to do better. I need to get healthier in order to be a better mom, and to lead a better homeschool schedule. Will you pray for me this week? 

How can I pray for you? Are you a homeschool mom suffering with a chronic illness? 

 visit the other Healthy Mom bloggers for inspiration and encouragement 
on getting fit - for you, for your family, for God. 

also linking with: Miscellany Monday  Better Mom  Modest Mom  God Bumps Welcome Home  The Wellspring

Enjoy these other Healthy Mom posts- feel free to link one up:

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: 

10 ways to get more exercise - even when you don't "feel" like it!

1. Put one foot in front of the other - Simple - right? It's much more difficult when you are faced with chronic pain and struggling to get going. But, the bottom line is - if you don't at least get started - you will spiral downward. Little at a time - you must push yourself to GET MOVING! 

2. Set your mind - Decide what your overall goals will be. Pray over it and tell yourself you CAN do this. God wants us to be healthy. Place reminder cards or set an alarm on your phone to remind you. Be determined! 

3. Set small goals - After you've set your mind for the big picture - break down your plan into monthly, weekly, and daily goals to help you get there. Needing to loose 30 pounds can be daunting; but exercising 20 - 30 minutes each day is easier to wrap your head around. 

4. Bring in the reinforcements - I have struggled with this so much - I signed up for a group blogging event "Healthy Mom Series"   to surround myself with other blogger moms who are also trying to get healthier. Some of them also have chronic pain - others are just moms who want to be their best. I also started my own group on facebook of moms who have similar goals and want to do this 12 week challenge with me. I even have a couple of ladies in my area to meet with locally. Rally the troupes with people who will show you support and encouragement! 

5. A little bit can make a big difference - one of the things that has hindered me from getting started has been that I seem to think I have to set aside a big chunk of time or make a big deal out of my exercise time. This is simply not the case. Especially when getting going - even a quick walk or a short set of crunches counts for something. If we turn up the music and dance while cleaning the house - we are exercising! 3 ten minute bursts of time on the elliptical at various times during the day equal 30 minutes of great exercise. You can build up your stamina as you gain strength and get healthier! 

6. Use your passion - I'll admit I don't like "exercise" much, but I do love the outdoors. I love the beach, my shells, and photography. One of the ways I've been able to motivate myself is by heading off with the mindset that I'm off to take pictures on a walk at the beach. I just carry my phone with me and snap a few along the way. I carry a bag to pick up shells - but I don't let myself stop to pick them up until I first walk a certain distance - on my way back I can scoop up shells until my heart is content. How can you combine what you love into your exercise routine? 

7. No excuses - at any given time I can give you at least 10 reasons, off the top of my head, why it's not a good time for me to go get some exercise. Throw out the excuses or you'll be stuck! No excuses allowed - like Nike says (or did say many moons ago) "Just do it!" 

8. Work it in - if you can't get up extra early or stay up extra late to fit exercise into your day - find a way to work it in to your day. If you are stuck behind a desk - you are at least allowed breaks! If you are homeschooling your children - don't just watch them at the park or send them outside - make yoga a part of your homeschool - or walk the circle while kiddos play on the playground. When there is a will - there's a way! (see #5 about cranking up the music to dance while you clean house) 

9. Be creative - there are times when I just simply cannot take those first steps. My body just hurts too badly to get out for a walk. Sit on the heating pad and lift tiny arm weights! When I can't swim laps at the pool - I prop myself up against the side wall and do leg lifts. Your exercise doesn't have to look like everyone else's. Be careful - talk with your doctor - and find some ways to keep moving. 

10. Lean on Jesus - meditate on His Word and pray for His help. You do not walk alone! 

 ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’Isaiah 41:10

  

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?