Author Archives:

It’s In The Bag: Papain & Bromelain

Papain and Bromelain.  If you are unfamiliar with what this is that is okay! Papain and Bromelain are enzymes and extracts from fruits you are familiar with (Papayas and Pineapples) and are used to provide key digestive enzymes in Shakeology…which is why this post is titled “It’s In The Bag!”

Digestive Enzymes are from plant sources that help your body break down food into its individual components, making nutrients easier to absorb. Cooking can destroy foods natural enzymes, so there is a good chance you are not getting enough of these enzymes in your diet!

Papain

Papain: A protein cleaving enzyme derived from papayas, and believed to be originated in Tropical America.

* Used as a digestive aid

* Helps promote the body’s natural inflammatory response.

* Aids in helping the body dispose of excessive fluid following injury

 

bromelain-bsp

Bromelain: A mixture of enzymes found in Pineapples

*Helps with the digestion of protein.

*Contains natural inflammatory properties.

Obviously, you can find pineapple and papayas in season at your local grocery story, juice and/or blend  to get the benefits. It is also found in your bag of Shakeology in flavors of Chocolate, Greenberry, Vegan Chocolate and Vegan Tropical Strawberry. You can go here for a complete nutrient profile on Shakeology.

I have been drinking Shakeology for a year and a half now, and I have to say I can’t imagine my house without it now, even though I was a relatively healthy eater before!

Did you know: Shakeology has a 30 day bottom of the bag money back guarantee?  That means if you aren’t 100% satisfied, you can mail back the empty back for a complete refund. So you really don’t have anything to lose….except maybe a little weight!

You can grab your bag here.

Happy Birthday Disneyland Style

On Saturday my sweet baby girl turned 7.

SEVEN!

So naturally, we headed over to Disneyland to celebrate.  We have been planning this trip forever and it was seriously one of the best days we have ever had.

happy birthday Madi

It was so neat because my In-laws, my Niece and my sister and her husband were able to join us on our adventure.  Seriously.

Best. Day. Ever! (Name that Disney movie *smile*)

Sean and madi disneyland

Sean’s pose. Need I say more?

Disneyland

We were pleasantly surprised that while there were a ton of folks there, it wasn’t annoyingly busy like in past trips.  Watching their little faces light up as they met Mickey, went on their favorite rides, saw their favorite movie characters and showed Gramie and Papa everything they could, so magical. I understand why they call it “The Happiest Place on Earth.”

So thankful we could do this for Madison. So going back really soon!

Happy Wednesday!

Tiff~

Sunday Worship

Normally for this series I just post a scripture.

But today, I really wanted to share with you a message of second chances. One that blew me away and made me understand even more that no matter where I am, where I have come from or what I have done, God loves me.

And gave everything for me.

Last week, Annie Lobert shared her personal story with all of us and I wanted to share it with all of you.

Blessings,

Tiff

I’m In It To End It

end it movement

When people hear of sex trafficking or any type of slavery, we mostly think it happens just in third world countries. That it can’t possibly happen here in the States.

Guess what. You would be wrong. Dead wrong.

In fact, as many as 17,500 people are trafficked in the United States annually. That is about 48 people a day. A DAY!

And let’s not forget that there are nearly 27 million slaves worldwide.

This can’t just end in our lifetime. This must end FOREVER.

Will you join me?

Mark a red x on your hand, but don’t just stop there. Let’s do something together.  While these x’s will create a conversation and shine a light, we must create action steps to stop this for good.

So join us. If you are on Instagram or twitter, use the hashtag #enditmovement.

To learn more about trafficking and get more stats and how you can get involved, you can check out www.thea21campaign.org or http://enditmovement.com.

We must put a stop to it.

Be Intentional Friday

Martha

 

How many of you constantly have a running to do list in your head?

I do.  It seems like that list never gets smaller either.  After I have finished with one task, it is time to tackle another while simultaneously adding an extra thing to my plate.

It is a never ending battle of balance and the need to cross things off my list.

To feel accomplished. To justify how I used my time to the world.

I read Luke 10:38-42 this morning for my devotions.  And naturally, it was about Mary and Martha. Two sisters. Both who loved Jesus. But made very different choices in His presence.

Martha slaved away, trying to make everything perfect for Him and for the guests who would be in her home. She wanted to best food, the best plates, the best of everything. I don’t believe it was so she could show off. But because she genuinely wanted to serve Him and this was what she was good at. Hospitality was her thing!

Mary. Ah Mary. We all know those people.  The ones who know and see all the work that has to be done but chooses to do something different. I believe Mary loved her sister. And Mary wanted to help her sister. But she couldn’t help but be captivated by His presence and just sit. At His feet. And take in His words.  She would do her chores eventually. But she wanted to be near Him more than she wanted to impress Him.

How I am so like Martha and not Mary!  How often do I find myself running around like a chicken with my head cut off in order to meet the demands of my day and in the corner of my eye, by my favorite spot in the house is His word. Beckoning me to just sit. And drink Him in.

Our to do lists are not bad. We absolutely should be good stewards of our time and tend to our responsibilities. But Jesus said it perfectly to frazzled Martha.  As I share this Scripture, put your own name in place of Martha’s like I have done for me:

“But the Lord answered her, ‘Tiffany, Tiffany, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 ESV

One thing is most important. And when we choose that one thing, it will not be taken from us.  We can never say it was not time well spent. Because time with our Lord is precious.

Have a blessed Friday, friends.

Tiff~

Forgive Me But I have a Slight Pet Peeve

Being in ministry with my husband, you see and hear a lot of crazy things.

You get criticized for a lot of different topics:

*People think the music is too loud.

*That you have instruments used during worship (seriously)

*You have a youth group

*You don’t have a youth group

*You don’t go deep enough into the Word

*You are too serious in the Word and not topical enough

*The church is too big (seeker friendly)

*The church isn’t big/cool enough

I honestly could go on and on.  But I won’t.  But today, I have to get something off my chest after I read some pretty disturbing comments on facebook.

On Sunday we are having an incredible guest speaker named Annie Loebert whose story is incredible.  I want you all to hear it so if you are local, you need to come out to Illuminate and hear her. A former prostitute has discovered just how much God loves her and is now reaching out to other prostitutes to offer them the grace and compassion God offered her. Read more about her ministry here.

What has disappointed me today though is that people feel the need to criticize the name of her organization.  These Christians feel the need to offer input on her creativity (or lack thereof according to them).  How the name of her organization is insulting, not clever and not helpful.

Excuse me.

Of all the things we can comment on, THAT is what you choose to comment about? Honestly.  I realize that this calls people out but honestly, I think more Christians need to look Christians in the eye who complain about non kingdom issues and tell them to be quiet.

I have often found that those who criticize the church the most are those within the church walls. Those who pride themselves on being believers in the kingdom but DO NOTHING to serve and minister within the kingdom.

They just like to talk. A lot.

But is picking on the name of an organization really going to further the cause of Jesus Christ? And even if the name isn’t the best (according to you), the ministry isn’t for you!

It’s not about YOU!

I love ministry. I am thankful that God has allowed me to minister to His children, even with a past like mine.  But that is the beauty of God giving His children second, third and even fourth chances.  We get to tell everyone we know about what He has done for us. He cares less about the naming of churches and organizations and more about whether or not we are willing vessels to be used for His service.

It is something I see within the church that really makes me so upset that I have to bite my tongue and walk away.  I hate the bickering over things that are so trivial.  So please.

Just Stop.

Tiff~

Will Exercise Affect Nursing Moms?

Many moms have this question and it really is a good one. The myth out there is that if you exercise hard, your milk supply will be affected.

But know that this myth is just that…..a myth.

Exercise post partum has so many benefits for you and for your baby. The important thing to do when you are nursing and exercising is to watch your baby and pay close attention to your nutrition and get enough calories in to keep milk supply flowing. Also, stay HYDRATED!  Lots of WATER!

According to this article from Livestrong, here are a few benefits that you should really think about if you are on the fence about working out right now as a new mom:

1. Help you lose pregnancy weight. This is a no brainer ;) .

2. Women who get regular exercise are less likely to suffer from post partum depression. We all know there are a few cases where medical intervention is needed, but for most of us who get a little blue after birthing our babies exercise and a healthy nutritious diet will help reduce the risk dramatically.

Feel free to check out the article and then get moving! Your body and baby will thank you!

Tiff~

Getting Your Kids to Love God’s Word

Let me be honest and admit that sometimes, it is hard to get our kids to do the things we want them to do.

Like eat veggies. Especially if it is a relatively new habit for you. Hard. Lots of tears.

Going to bed at a decent hour. Enough said.

In our house, Dan and I realize the importance of teaching our kids about Jesus, about God’s word and to know it well so that they can apply it to their lives in whatever situation they may face at whatever age. It isn’t easy, but it is definitely something we have chosen to be very intentional about, especially now that our kids are getting older.

We can’t expect our youth pastors to do the work for us. They are a great help, but they will be the first to tell you that the responsibility is on you…the parent!

Here are a couple of things Dan and I do regularly with our children.

1. Bedtime is always bible study time. Dan loves reading the bible to Madison and Sean. We have done this since they were babies and they are more knowledgeable about certain stories than adults.  That is fruit that we are seeing because of obedience….not because we are good bible study teachers.

2.  My Place With Jesus.  A friend recently showed me this website on Facebook and I jumped on to check it out. It is a great interactive activity kids can use on the computer with your permission and they are taught stories and take a quiz to see how well they paid attention.  Madi and Sean ask to do this every day.

3. The Dig For Kids.  This site I jus discovered today thanks to The Good Morning Girls study I started today.  Since I will be going through the book of Luke, this site has 2 e-books that can have your children go through Luke with you.  I love this so much and am seriously considering asking Dan if I can grab them. They also come in paperback if you prefer holding a book.

4. Go through the S.O.A.P process with your children with the verses they bring home from Sunday school. My kids get bible verses every week. So instead of just asking them what they learned, look at the scripture cards they received, open your Bible together and do S.O.A.P. (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer). I promise you will all learn a lot more when you discover His word together and discuss how you can apply His word to your family.

Those are just a few small ways you can teach your kids and get involved.

How do you teach your kids His word?  Would love to hear!

Tiff