Rain for the Soul

Austin has been in a drought.  No rain for the thirsty plants in months.  And this weekend, the skies opened up and poured for several days, quenching their thirst for water, refreshing the parched grass, rinsing off the dust and dirt, giving life once again!

My life has been like that these last few months…an unexpected drought where I really needed His love and assurance to water my soul and reassure me that no matter the outcome, I could trust in Him.

What Happened?

–Unusual find during a routine mammogram check up.  Breast cancer found in July through a biopsy.  Anxiety and peace all at once, knowing God is in control yet uncertain of the future.  Double mastectomy with breast reconstruction.  Healing.  Joys through the tears and pain.  Thankfulness that the doctors caught it early.  Relief as I learn chemo or radiation would be of no benefit.  Trust as we determine to use natural supplements to boost my immune system and keep further cancer at bay.  Immense gratitude for the outpouring of friends and family; people showing a heart like His.

Some days His rain came as a mist, some days His rain came pouring, and as it did, the Lord drew me close to Him.  My perspective shifted.  In the blink of an eye, I was on an operating table for CANCER!  Healthy me!  And you know what?  All those hugs from my kids, the way I see my patient, amazing, compassionate husband, the beauty of the flower, a smile from a friend…maybe taken for granted before, but not now.

What drought might you be in?  Have you prayed for His rain to clean your heart and draw you close to Him?  Prayed for wisdom in what He desires to teach you through this?  If you’re waiting, learn while you wait.  And ultimately you will bloom, seeing the blessings from your trials, develop deeper roots, and shine that love into others.

Swim Meet-Personal Best Win Win Win?

My 10 year old, preparing to swim!

If you have kids on swim team, then you know the drill for Saturday meets:  Up at 5:30, quickly make sandwiches, wash some grapes, grab some coffee & head out the door (without forgetting your kids!)

We are blessed to have 3 on swim team this year, which makes it so very fun!  As timers (great volunteer position!), my husband and I love to watch ALL the swimmers.  From the little bitties to the 18 year old amazing athletes!

This morning a 9 year old girl asked me a question, “Excuse me, Ma’am.  Do you think we should swim to have fun, get stronger and be better swimmers or swim to WIN!?”  Great question.  I answered that with, “Well, I think it’s GREAT to have fun while swimming, always swim to your best ability, and if you win, that’s an added bonus!”  To this she replied, “Yes, I think so, too…my Dad says I need to ‘Win Win Win’ though!”  And she smiled…

Competition is excellent, and challenging our kids is our job.  Hopefully the Dad also encouraged this precious young lady to do her best as well & loved on her whether she won or lost.

~Just thought I would share this with you all as an encouragement & reminder for me as much as you in this competitive world to continue to love & inspire our kids to do their best, & loving on them no matter the outcome!

May you be blessed today!

Lose Weight! Satiate Your Appetite!

Diets?  Fasting?  Hunger Pains?  Lose weight the right way while getting the nutrients you need!  Many people have had great success with the incredible, all natural, delicious product my company has the proprietary rights to, and I would love for you to be a success story, too!

Our bodies crave fruits & veggies, and this all natural drink not only has the equivalent of 21 servings of fruits and vegetables per 3 ounces, it also has the amazingly anti-oxidant enriched berry around the coffee bean as its flagship ingredient.  (Don’t worry, though–no caffeine in this berry!)

So how will this help you? It is recommended to drink 3 ounces per day as a supplement to keep you healthy, boost your immune system, aid in any gastrointestinal issues, and so much more.  If your intent is to lose weight, simply drink 1 ounce 3 times per day–30 minutes prior to each meal.  From my own personal use as well as the testimonials of others, your body will feel much more satiated and your desire for food will decrease.  Your cravings for sweets will also diminish as you are satisfying that sweet tooth with the nutrition your body uses for its fuel.

Give it a go!  Would love to visit with you more, 512.775.4834 or go to my website to order:  www.sozolife.com/sozofine

Wishing you the best health possible!

Erin

BreakFast: Prepare for the Day!!

Have you evaluated the name itself, “Break-Fast?”  When we come to the table in the morning, we are breaking the fast we had for the past 8 or 9 hours while sleeping.

When I googled “The Importance of Breakfast,” 8+ million results showed up!  So I am not alone in believing that breakfast is important.  One such article is from the following:

Nancy Schmieder works with the Better Living Ministries in Wayland , NY as a Certified Lifestyle Consultant and Specialist, and her blog can be found at http://www.beyondthebend.com/health/breakfast.htm  ~Nancy gives some excellent ideas on WHY to eat breakfast, the consequences of NOT eating breakfast, and ideas for breakfast.

So I need to write about something different.

Preparing your MIND for breakfast.

You may think that you do not have time for breakfast, but let’s be honest, where are your priorities?  On your mascara and lipstick?  Picking out the right jewelry for the day?  Ironing your clothes?  Sleeping that extra 20 minutes because you didn’t get to sleep on time while piddling on the internet?  If you are reading this, then chances are you know that truly, there is no such thing as “not having time.”  There is only “I did not MAKE the time.”

In your mind, prepare yourself for morning before you ever go to sleep at night.  Decide that you will not be rushed in the morning, and due to all the important reasons you can find on the internet about the importance of breakfast such as more alertness, more energy, better focus, better balance within your system, and many other great reasons.

DO NOT MISS THIS IMPORTANT MEAL!!

What do I eat for breakfast?

* SoZo First EVERY DAY!  Based on the red berry around the coffeebean, this provides an abundance of antioxidants in its blend of fruits & vegetables

* Cinnamon Raisin Bagel from Alvarado Street Bakery is one of my favorites (in the Frozen Section).  Tastes delicious without any topping!!  Other favorites include Flax Oatmeal or cereals without added sugars, fat or preservatives.  All natural yogurt with cereal is also yummy!!

* SoZo Coffee! Yes, healthy, smooth, delicious coffee with 100% Colombian Arabica Coffee Beans.  Infused with the berry of the coffee as well.

And again, prepare your mind the night before, “Woo Hoo!!  I GET to eat breakfast in the morning!” and PLAN for breakfast.

Would love to hear about your favorite breakfast items!

Create the Healthy Future You Want to Live Into.

Tags: Breakfast, importance of healthy breakfast, prepare mind for breakfast