Trader Joes Pumpkin Bread

 Every Fall I always start my baking season with Trader Joes Pumpkin Bread.  It's so tasty, easy to make and Coach Alex really loves it.  One of the sweet things I like to do for him.  This past weekend he worked late so I waited for him before I took the first bite. 

The ingridents are minimal and takes about 15 minutes to prepare.  The only thing I switched up was the vegetable oil and replaced with coconut oil.   There's no high fructose sugar or hidden chemicals.  I like to say this bread is 21 DAY APPROVED!  It would be considered a YELLOW container. 

After you mix ingridents (water, two eggs, coconut oil and pumpkin mix), bake at 350 degrees for 60 minutes.   Trust me, it's WORTH THE WAIT!   The bonus is your kitchen will smell DELISH! 

Even Maximus approved

As you can see if you are following me on Instagram or FB (FitnessCoachAngela) I like to keep our meals simple.  I'm a busy  mom and I don't have plenty of time to spend in the kitchen.  Eating healthy does not have to be extememe or boring.  Learn how to read labels and swap out things.  For instance instead of vegetable oil use coconut oil.  Instead of white flour use whole wheat.  Instead of regular milk use almond milk.  

Stay tuned for our Turkey Meat Chili recipe.

Strong & Fearless ❤️

Thunder in the Bay

Last night I attended my church's yearly conference: Thunder in the Bay.  It was POWERFUL!  The message from our Pastor was a game changer.  I never knew how IMPORTANT worship is.  He really nailed every importance down of Worship. 

Then I read my devotional study this morning and it was aligned with last night message.  

Worship - Discipline - Self Control

These are very important factors in my life.  If I'm not on track then I know exactly what will happen....I'll stumble.  I'll get caught up in the worlds thinking and I start to feel defeated.  It's my own fault. 

Apart from me you can do nothing - John 15:15

He makes things new everyday.  But what am I going to do with it?  Am I going to play the victim? Am I going to have self control?  We can all make changes and developing new habits that will bring us the life we desire.  It's going to take work!  Nothing is handed to us.  We have to stop thinking "we deserve it all"!   

What we do need is HAPPINESS, PEACE, FORGIVENESS, LOVE and GRACE!  Imagine living a life with those blessings.  Our homes, marriages, children, careers if our hearts/mind were full of those blessings.  

I know personally I want to WORSHIP & HONOR God in my marriage, my home, my role as a leader, as a runner and most importantly as a Woman of God.  I would rather be poor but rich in Gods love.  I would rather live in a small home but know my children are following Gods plan.  I would rather change one person life than have a big head from success. 

Yes, some might not understand but for those who do think/pray about this.  Last night a powerful message was given and it's aligned with my devotional this morning.  God is speaking through me to help you.  I pray this post inspires you and simple let God change your life!  

Strong & Fearless ❤️

Do You Need a Heart Transplant

Good Morning and Happy Thursday, 

Simply just enjoy waking up before it's light out and starting my day!   

His blessings have already poured out!  A good word and quiet time.

Jesus Loves me unconditionally ~ I am Valuable ~ He has a purpose for my life ❤️

I'll continue to stand on His promises and continue to grow in His ways.  If I'm building my identity on anything else (career, material things, my spouse, children, approval, etc) I'll always struggling with being insecure. 

When I read that I thought WOW!  It's so true because I used to live my life that way.  Angry, jealous and always looking for more in the wrong places.  Once I gave that up I started to live a life of peace - Peace in my heart ❤️ Sure people may upset me but I no longer carry that burden.  I'm not defined by status in my career.  I won't live my life for my children and give myself nothing. 

It's easy to get caught up in what the world think, says and does but once you know who you are in Christ you'll have a easier time making decisions.  We have to remember this is our walk - not theirs! Yes, people might get me angry, yes I want a bigger house, yes I want this or that but when my flesh takes over I know sooner or later that is not who I am.   God is good at convicting me HA!  

So yes I do watch my tongue (words) and actions but at the end of day those negative feelings are gone - Sometimes it can take awhile.  Why carry that anger in my heart?  It's only hurting me.   

As the word says: The fear of human opinion disables, trusting in God protects you from that - Proverbs 29:25

And that's the beauty of being a child of God - He PROTECTS ME!   I'm choosing to live a life for God.  That's my quality of life.  Joy, Peace, Forgiveness, Happiness, Prosperity, Grace and Humblness.   

They do cost but are you willing to give up your ways? 

So, challenge yourself today:

A harsh tongue reveals and angry heart VS An encouraging tongue reveals a happy heart 

Which one are you going to choose today? 

Prayer:  Lord, I pray for whoever is reading this that it'll touch their heart one way or another.  Maybe they are struggling with what the world thinks.  Maybe they have anger in their heart.  Maybe they just need to feel your comfort. I pray you wrap your loving arms around them and show them your gentleness.  Only you know their heart's desires.  We live in an ugly world but when we walk with you we see the beauty of life.  Let them walk today in happiness and smile.  Let them not be worried.  Let them know who you are there for them.  That they are protected!  We thank you for this beautiful day.  In Jesus name we pray, Amen.