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Fitness Product Review: Bit Timer iPhone App

May 11, 2012 in Fitness, Reviews with 4 Comments

I recently downloaded a great new iPhone app called the Bit Timer.

It’s an interval training timer that you can set to create your own personal interval training workouts.

You choose how long to make the work per set and how long you want to rest per set and then how many times you to repeat it.

For example the setting I used in this picture is for 40/20/20 = 40 seconds of work with 20 seconds of rest, 20 times.  Using this setting I can create a quick 20 minute interval workout.

Example of a 10 minute interval workout:

40 sec. mountain climbers / rest for 20 sec.

40 sec. plank/rest for 20 sec.

40 sec. burpees/ rest for 20 sec.

40 sec. right side plank / rest 20 sec.

40 sec. kettle-bell swings / rest 20 sec.

40 sec. left side plank / rest 20 sec.

40 sec. jump squats / rest 20 sec.

40 sec. crunches / rest 20 sec.

40 sec. dumb bell press / rest 20 sec.

40 sec. bicycles (abs) / rest 20 sec

You can make your workout as long or as short as you need depending on your schedule.

I used this app a couple of days ago to plan a 30 minute workout.  I combined some cardio, abs and strength training.  I loved it!  It eliminates all the counting because you just  do the work based on the timer rather than reps.

The app cost .99 to down load.  It was the best .99 I have spent!

 

Linked with TMT  Fitness Friday

Book Review: The 12 Traits of the Greats

April 10, 2012 in Reviews with 0 Comments

The 12 Traits of the Greats

By: Dr. Dave Martin

I had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Dave Martin speak during a mid-week service at my church last year.  Although, he is a very entertaining and humorous speaker, it really wasn’t his jokes that made me remember him.  I recall being very impressed with the depth of wisdom he spoke with. Almost a year later, I ordered his most recent book, “The 12 Traits of the Greats”.  I am so glad I did.

This book dedicates each of the twelve chapters to a specific character trait that will help the reader draw out the greatness within them.

These “12 Traits” are:

Responsibility, Mindset, Passion, Imagination, Relationships, Focus, Courage, Persistence, Integrity, Adaptability, Wisdom and Generosity

Dr. Dave Martin brings both personal challenge and clarity as he teaches the importance of each of these character traits and how they build upon each other to tap into the undiscovered greatness within each of us.  He provides biblically based, practical; step by step instruction and combines that with inspirational stories of people who have attained greatness in sports, entertainment, business and history.

I found this book to be a wonderful encouragement.  At times it served as a much needed reminder and exhortation to take action.  Other times it provided guidance and clear direction to walk out the dreams that God has placed in my heart.  I know that I will return to this book frequently and continue to learn from the principles found in “The 12 Traits of the Greats”.

A few quotes from the book:

“I am convinced that one of the main reasons people fail to get what they want out of life is because they haven’t decided what they want out of life.”

“The individual who will work hard for his dreams and sacrifice for his dreams is the individual who is serious about his dreams.”

“Remember, you can’t change your life without changing your life.”

“Just as you invest time in your education and career, invest time in people”

“Procrastination is the natural assassin of opportunity and the exact opposite of courage.”

Grace for the Good Girl – Book Review

October 3, 2011 in Faith, Reviews with 2 Comments

Grace for the Good Girl  ~  letting go of the try-hard life

By: Emily P. Freeman

 

This book was everything I hoped for and so much more!  I have been reading Emily’s blog, Chatting at the Sky for a couple of years.  Her blog has become a place that I find glimpses of every day beauty.  She captures little life lessons and shares them with her lovely pictures and always finishes each post with her soft touch of truth. 

I say ‘soft touch’ of truth, but don’t underestimate the powerful truth this book brings.  Each chapter reveals truths that uncover the lies we sometimes believe.  Truth that sets us free. 

‘Grace for the Good Girl’ isn’t just for good girls, it’s for anyone who has ever tried to  find their sufficiency in self…

Anyone who has ever attempted to build their identity on acts of service, responsiblity and performance….

Anyone trying to ignore the pain of life and cover it up with a wink and a smile…

It’s for anyone who has ever done these things, but all the while from the bottom of your heart you long  for a truly safe place.  A place of rest, where you can be loved, healed and accepted just as you are.  I think in one area or another we all can relate to what this wonderfully written book has to offer.    

Through personal stories, Emily shares with complete vulnerability not only her own struggles with these things, but she beautifully leads the reader out of hiding and into the freedom of being truly found by our Savior.  Our safe place of grace to discover true life and identity in Christ. 

This is a quote from the book taken from chapter 15 : “Safe, even when it hurts” -  Page 177  (referring to John 12:24)  Emily writes;

“Jesus brings his people to the edge of self-sufficiency and urges us to fall to the ground in surrender.  I hold on to my kernel of wheat because with it I believe I have life.  And that hard, outer shell is like the mask I wear to make life work.  What I don’t know is that when that kernel falls to the ground and it is subjected to the elements of rain and soil and heat and light, that shell will break and burst forth with life.” 

‘Grace for the Good Girl’ is filled with many inspiring treasures of freedom found through grace.  It is a must read. 

Book Review ~ The Cause Within You

February 1, 2011 in Reviews with 9 Comments

The Cause Within You

Finding the One Great Thing

You were Created to Do in this World

by Matthew Barnett  with George Barna

Inspirational from cover to cover.  This book is a must read.  Matthew Barnett, cofounder (with his father, Pastor Tommy Barnett) of the Dream Center in Los Angeles pours out page after page of heart warming and captivating stories.  Each of them telling the testimony of ordinary people doing extraordinary things because they are devoted to the great cause God has custom designed just for them.  This book is filled with motivating quotes that are backed up with real life situations and results. 

“It doesn’t take a person with unusual ability to change the world. 

All it takes is a heart that cares, a mind that’s determined, a spirit that’s willing,

 a cause that matters, and a person to help.”  

This quote was taken from page 38.  Matthew Barnett explains that he came to Los Angeles at the age of twenty to pastor a church.  After preaching his heart out, he watched the church go from thirty-nine people to literally zero.  Late at night, feeling discouraged and unsure of his own ability to accomplish what God had called him to do, he felt God lead him to Echo Park.  He sat and witnessed the urban crime scene around him.  Police arresting criminals, drunks wandering the streets, helicopter search lights and homeless people pushing their shopping carts.  God impressed clearly upon his heart, “You build the people, I will build the church.  Serve these people.  If you reach the people nobody wants, I’ll send you the people that everybody wants.”  The excitement of a great cause welled up within him as he looked around and realized this was his congregation, they just didn’t know it yet. 

The great cause of reaching and serving people no matter what their circumstances was born in the heart of a young pastor during a moment of true discouragement and today the Dream Center is the home of hundreds of outreach ministries.  Literally thousands of people are reached every week through this amazing ministry.

On the inside cover of the book there is a quote, ‘Nearly half of all adults say they are still seeking the meaning and ultimate purpose of their life.’   If you have ever wondered what your great cause in life is, this book will be a great tool to assist you in discovering it.  Each chapter includes an outlined overview of what was learned as well as a complete discussion guide section at the back of the book.

On a personal note.  Matthew Barnett has been my pastor for almost ten years.  Our family has been making a 40 mile commute several times a week to serve under Pastor Matthew’s vision.  As I read the stories told in this book, I realized that I personally knew the people in the story.  I have seen all the amazing miracles of God with my own eyes.  After tearfully reading each page my heart was filled with even more love for my church, my pastor and the great cause of living to serve others.  I didn’t know it was possible to find more love for a cause that I have already been so passionate about for almost a decade of my life… but reading this book will truly tap into love you didn’t even know was in your heart.

I am giving away a Free copy of The Cause Within You.  To enter just leave a comment.  A winner will be randomly selected next week! 

CONGRATULATIONS TO CARLOTTA LEVY!  SHE WON A FREE COPY OF THE BOOK!

 

Linked to We Are THAT Family

The King’s Christmas List ~ Book Review

November 10, 2010 in Reviews with 1 Comment

 

“The King’s Christmas List”  creatively written by Eldon Johnson and beautifully illustrated by Bonnie Leick.   The story takes us on a little journey with Emma and her dog Shu- Shu after they receive a magical invitation for the king’s birthday party.  They begin their travel in carriage sent by the king with a cake to give to the king as a present and of course Emma’s treasured toy, Cherry Bear.   Along the way Emma finds various people with needs.  She discovers the gift of giving as she fills each need she finds with what she has.  This is a lovely Christmas story teaching the principles of generosity and giving to the needy. 

My children are grown up now, but I was able to share this story with my niece and my friend’s daughter.  They both enjoyed the book very much.  The story kept their attention and the incredible illustrations inspired conversation.  This book is a wonderful way to help cultivate a generous and compassionate heart within your children as the Christmas season approaches.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Thomas Nelson Publishers sent me a free copy of this book as part of their bloggers book review 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.”

Book Review ~ Out Live Your Life

September 10, 2010 in Reviews with 2 Comments

 

Out Live Your Life

You Were Made to Make a Difference

By Max Lucado

 The message of this book is clear. 

It isn’t a new message and it’s actually quite simple. 

However, it is monumental at the same time.

Step out of your own world long enough to see the need in someone else’s.

 

Poetically written in a manner only Max Lucado can write – “Out Live Your Life” challenges the reader to accept the call to make a difference in someone else’s life.  Each chapter is a lesson founded in the truth of Biblical scripture designed to challenge us to rise and meet the needs within the world around us.  The power of simple hospitality, never giving up on someone or just simply seeing someone through the eyes of Jesus – they have always been and always will be life changing, even world-changing concepts.  I couldn’t agree more with the message of this book. 

“Cut concern for the poor out of the Bible, and you cut the heart out of it.  God makes the poor his priority.  When the hungry pray, he listens.  When orphans cry, he sees.”  (quote from ‘Stand Up for the Have-Nots’ chapter)

Making a difference is a call of God upon every believer’s life.  Yet, we are encouraged to remember who it is that makes it all possible. 

“Take time to remember.  “Look at what you were when God called you” (1 Cor. 1:26 NCV)  Remember who held you in the beginning.  Remember who holds you today.”   (quote from ‘Remember Who Holds You’ chapter)

This book also provides a very useful  group discussion and action guide for each chapter. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: Thomas Nelson Publishers sent me a free copy of this book as part of their bloggers book review 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.”

Book Review ~ Permission to Speak Freely

August 20, 2010 in Reviews with 2 Comments

Permission to Speak Freely

Essays and Art on Fear, Confession and Grace

By Anne Jackson

 To simply say that I enjoyed reading this book would be an understatement.  This is a beautiful collection of captivating, honest writings and art.  The author, Anne Jackson is completely transparent and vulnerable as she shares her own personal testimony.  She openly tells the story of her journey from shame, guilt and brokeness to the discovery of freedom and healing through confession - not only to a loving, forgiving God but also confession to other people.  Her sincere humility gives others the opportunity to feel it is safe to confess as well -  The author calls this ”The Gift of Going Second”  

Two years ago, Anne posted a question on her blog  www.FlowerDust.net   She simply asked, “What is one thing you feel you can’t say in the church?”   Hundreds responded and the conversation went global.   Later, she launched www.PermissiontoSpeakFreely.com   In this book, the author shares some of the confessions that she received from the website.   She makes it clear that these confessions aren’t directed at the church saying, “Instead, I believe the confessions in this book fly as misdirected arrows, coming from hearts so wounded they desperately need grace, freedom, clarity, beauty… and hope.”  (quote from the introduction of the book)

As a pastor/mentor, I have been given the great privilege to walk the journey of spiritual freedom with many women.  We all have our own ‘messy facts’ of life to deal with.  Our stories may all be different but the steps we take to freedom are the same.  This book paints a wonderful and very practical picture of all the steps necessary to walk in freedom.  A loving God filled with grace and mercy who never gives up on us even when we want to give up on Him and ourselves.   The power of admission and confession – the importance of knowing the difference. 

“…there is a difference between admission and confession… Admission is just sharing something that’s wrong so you can get it off you chest.  Confession, on the other hand, is the beginning of transformation.”  (quote from page 123)

So often I have said there are the facts in our life and then there is the truth.  First, get the facts out into the light, then allow the truth of God to bring the freedom.  I applaud Anne Jackson, not only for her willingness to publicly display her own personal facts but also for her bravery to allow the amazing truth of the Word of God lead her and all the rest of us on our road to freedom.

My closing comments for this book review -  Read. This. Book. 

 

Disclosure:  I purchased this book at retail price from Amazon.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review~ Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go

April 23, 2010 in Reviews with 2 Comments

Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go

By Lucille O’Neal

This book is enjoyable to read and encouraging to the heart.  It is Lucille O’Neal’s first book.  The first of many more to come I am certain.  I found it hard to put this book down and appreciated the honesty of the author as she told her story.   I was so involved with the journey of this amazing women’s life that I actually forgot momentarily that she is the mother of NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal.  This book is much more than a few stories of the mother of a famous basketball player. It is a testimony of a beautiful woman walking from insecurity, fear and little confidence (which she calls “Mental Welfare”) into a purpose driven, confident, successful life (which she calls “Mental Wealth”)  

From a state of Mental Welfare to a state of Mental Wealth.  Although, obviously Lucille O’Neal has experienced financial blessings in her life, this book is about something far more powerful than money.  It’s about adopting a “can-do attitude” through faith in God, discovering your dreams, walking with courage to realize those dreams.   The following is a quote from page 223:

“You can give all the excuses you want, but this does not clear you of accepting responsibility for yourself and your actions.  Be honest and true to yourself, and if you feel that your life is not going in the direction you’d like it to… take responsibility to change it!”

In this book Lucille O’Neal shares candidly about each season of her life; the ups and the downs.  I respect her willingness to “keep it real” with the readers.  She is brutally honest about herself; the good and the bad and  through it all God is faithful.  That is a message of hope for us all… A faithful God who loves us through all the seasons of our life. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: Thomas Nelson Publishers sent me a free copy of this book as part of their bloggers book review 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.”

Book Review: Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God

March 28, 2010 in Reviews with 0 Comments

 

 

Beautiful Things Happen When a Woman Trusts God 

By: Sheila Walsh

 

The first two words that come to mind when describing this book are wonderful and inspiring. This is the first time I have read a book written by Sheila Walsh.  I was inspired by the author’s personal transparency as she described her own struggles and the spiritual freedom she has found by trusting in God.  Her testimony paints a beautiful picture of God’s unfailing love and faithful companionship. Each chapter takes the reader on a faith building journey as the author leads us through stories of Bible characters. Sheila Walsh combines the depth of each scripture with an insightful life application perspective to each of the Bible stories allowing the reader to learn lessons in trust from each Bible character in a personal way.  The theme I noticed through out the book is that true security is only found in complete surrender to God. The following is a quote from page 111.

“The more in love we are with our Father, the clearer we see that reaching out with his love, even when it makes us uncomfortable or we’re unsure about what we’re to do and what God will do, is the only way to live.”

This book also includes an in-depth Bible study that can be used for individuals and small groups. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: Thomas Nelson Publishers sent me a free copy of this book as part of their bloggers book review 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.”

Tuesday’s Tips ~ Skinny Chicks Don’t Eat Salads

January 19, 2010 in Fitness, Reviews with 0 Comments

CHRISTINE AVANTI

Top Los Angeles nutritionist and Author of  Skinny Chicks Don’t Eat Salads (don’t you just LOVE that title) will be at the Forever 31 Club meeting TONIGHT!  Tuesday, January 19th at the Angelus Temple in Los Angeles.  If you are in the LA area you don’t want to miss this opportunity to learn some great nutritional tips from Christine.  If you can’t make it to the meeting, take the time to check out some of the resources on her web site ~ www.christineavanti.com

I met Christine at the Dream Center a while ago.  She has a wonderful heart for people and for all the outreach ministries that the DC provides. 

I plan on buying her book tonight!  I have checked out her web site.  Lots of great facts and info.  The one thing that you will find on Christine’s site that you will probably never find on any other nutritionist’s site is a Fast Food recommendation guide.  Christine not only provides a list of nutritional facts for many of the top fast food places, she also gives suggestions on which items to select from the menu and the ones to avoid.

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