Kara

Why You Can’t Quit

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Do you ever go through those seasons or times when it seems like everything would just be better if you quit?
Maybe it’s a diet or a healthy eating plan, a budget, a new business venture, or even an attempt at fixing broken relationships. Possibly it’s  trying to speak life into dead places, or to find your voice in a new calling, or to stop losing your temper with your kids.

Whatever that THING is that you’ve been called to, sometimes it just feels hard. Heavy. Too much.

I get it.

I’ve been in those seasons, too.

For me, it’s usually because I’ve picked up something that wasn’t mine to carry,  I’ve made it about ME instead of about Him, or because I’ve forgotten that He who calls is FAITHFUL.

Sometimes it’s just because change is never easy…breaking old strongholds, going a different direction, learning new responses…it takes WORK. It takes resolve. It takes JESUS! We forget, so we try to buckle down and plow our way through it on our own. We strive and strain and operate from our own places of brokenness.

At some point, we inevitably will make a mistake to want to throw in the towel all together.
It’s possible that in those times, the enemy comes after your heart and convinces you that you don’t have what it takes- that you’re never going to find break-through, so it’d be easier to just quit trying.

I’m learning that those are the times we need to keep showing up. THOSE are the times we need to speak louder. Pray harder. Be bolder.

Because right around the corner?

Breakthrough.

Right on the other side of opposition? BREAKTHROUGH.

I grew up listening to Ricky Skaggs bluegrass music (yes, totally not kidding), and one of my favorite songs had the line, “The Darkest Hour is Just Before Dawn”.

For many of us, we just never make it to seeing the sunrise because we turn back at the last hour.
We stop after six laps when after the seventh, the walls would have fallen.
We wander in the desert like the Israelites begging of the comforts of our captivity when He is trying to lead us into the Promised Land.

I don’t want to quit on the things the Lord has called me to.

And, deep down, I know you don’t either.

You were made for HARD THINGS and to press in when things get difficult…you were made for MORE than shrinking back and playing small. So what do we do when we’re faced with such discouragement, such opposition, and such difficulties?

STAY CONNECTED TO HIM.

We’ve got to stop judging our ‘success’ by comparison to the people around us, by the amount in our bank accounts, the number on our scales, or the amount of likes we have on social media.
We’ve got the learn the hard, holy, and humble lessons of persevering even when we can’t see progress.

To not just know but to BELIEVE 2 Chronicles 15:7, Galatians 6:9, and Mark 10:27.

We have to stop looking for an emotional high and to just be obedient to what we’ve been called to do.

Even in the hard.
Even in the lonely.
Even when it looks like what we are doing matters to no one else.

Keep going.

Run YOUR race today.

Whether your battle and calling is washing dishes and taking care of your babies at home, or leading a Fortune 500 company with integrity and excellence, it matters.

You can’t quit because ALL OF IT MATTERS.

No calling too small.
No gifting wasted.

Keep going.
We need you.

#initwithyou

 

“A Day without Women” and the type woman I CHOOSE TO Be

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If you’ve turned on the news today, or looked at a newspaper, you’ve probably seen that it’s International Women’s Day. It’s also a day that thousands of women in cities across the globe are gathering together for a women’s strike called “A Day Without Women”.

From what I’ve read and seen on the news, the goal of this event  is to encourage women from “abstaining from doing paid or unpaid work, to avoid spending money (except at women owned businesses), and to wear red in solidarity. They are urging businesses to close down for the day to ‘show their support’ and/or give all their female employees the day off. The reach and influence of this event is SO big that several school districts across the nation have completely closed school due to the high number of anticipated absences of staff and students alike.

Traditionally, the goal of International Women’s Day is to “celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.”

And hear me on this, I am for you, women. All of you. Regardless of your age, your background, your ethnicity, your religious beliefs, your achievements, your choices in child-rearing or in who you are attracted to. I AM FOR YOU.

And yet, at the same time, I don’t plan to participate in “A Day without women” to prove how necessary I am.

I know that I was created to serve and to love well- Even when it’s not validated and reciprocated, or even acknowledged. I try to follow the example of servant leadership that Christ modeled for me- to humbly serve where I am planted.
To not have to scream louder or demand more about what I deserve, but to simply offer up what I’ve been given.

Women- you are strong. You quite literally shape lives and communities, corporations and generations. You are gifted and able and strong. There is no doubt about that.

I know that my experience has not been the same as many of yours and that many of you have had to walk much harder roads. Today, I’m praying for you. And I’m celebrating women and all the GOOD THINGS we bring to the world. International day of women- yes. Good idea.
But “A Day Without Women?” Not for me.

I don’t plan to strike.
I know that the work that I do matters, and so I don’t strike to prove it to anyone…I continue working because I know that it’s necessary…I know that it blesses others and I want to contribute to being the GOOD in the world.

If all female caretakers in nursing homes took a break today, what good is that doing for the sweet individuals who rely on their care? If nurses and doctors decided to not show up today, lives would literally be lost. For the students sitting in classrooms today with their teacher not present, what benefit are we adding to their lives?

I say this humbly and as kindly as my flawed heart is able: Is my goal to get the glory or is my goal to make the lives of others better?

I know many will disagree. I know many will read this and quickly dismiss it. I might even receive some hateful comments or messages.

But for me, it was a good chance to go back to the type of woman that I choose to be and the type of woman I’m praying my daughter will grow up and choose to be…a woman who serves.

A woman who has been healed by the love of a God who never lets her down and who has made me whole.
A woman who chooses to just go out and to BE THE GIFT whenever possible.
A woman who doesn’t have to scream louder to make her point known, but who shows up and faithfully speaks the words that she has been given.
A woman who has a heart at rest, that isn’t conditional based on circumstances. I choose to be THIS type of woman:
Proverbs 31:
10- A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
    and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
    and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

My friend Jennifer posted this on Instagram this morning and it perfectly sums up what I’m trying to express.
She wrote:
“I am not strong or powerful simply because I’m a woman. Our only strength and any influence we can each hope to have comes through the power of a resurrected Savior. Christ in us- the hope of glory.”

Today, let’s be women who are able to rest in knowing who we are and WHOSE we are.

And regardless of how you feel on this topic, let’s love. Disagreements and differences of opinions do not have to mean destruction of relationship. I am for you, I am with you- even if we may have different ideas or opinions.

Love y’all,
Kara

Dance Workout Sample!

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Hello, friends!

For #workoutwednesday this week, I’ve got you a super fun DANCE WORKOUT sample from a live class. This workout is a clip from one offered in the At-Home Tribe workout library. It’s 13 minutes long, requires NO equipment and is sure to STIR UP SOME JOY in your heart today.

Find 13 minutes, push play, and have some FUN!!!

Sharing our Successes: Meet Emilee!

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Today I want to introduce you to my friend Emilee. She has a POWERFUL story to share today about her heart and health transformation. I am so excited to share this story with you! Emilee is INSPIRING and I know she is going to encourage your heart today.

Background:

My name is Emilee and I’m 33 years old. I live in North Carolina with my firefighter husband and four children (ages 1-9). I homeschool my kids and I love movie nights and game nights with my family. I’m a Netflix junkie and a used goods treasure hunter.

How did you get started on your journey?

After 4 kids and ten years of neglecting my health, I had gained over 130lbs. When my daughter was born in December of 2015, I was diagnosed with post-partum pre-eclampsia. I was prescribed blood pressure medication. Up until this point, I had avoided any real issues with my health. But this was a wake-up call for me. I felt that my body was warning me that it was time to make some changes and focus on my health. I had always felt that I didn’t have the time or that it wasn’t that important because I needed to make sure my husband and children were taken care of first. But I realized that it is not at all selfish to take care of your body and your health, and in fact by doing so I can serve my family better. I started by writing down what I was eating everyday so that I could hold myself accountable. I was also looking for a way to get physical exercise, but was very intimidated by most of the programs I saw. A friend suggested that I try At-Home Tribe. I joined on February 22nd, 2016. I began by following 3 of the workouts per week. I didn’t add in the sprints or any other days of activity, but I was already noticing a difference. The scale didn’t move tremendously, but I was gaining confidence and physical strength. I was slowly gaining the ability to do physical movements that were once impossible for me.

What changes did you implement along the way?

After I had been a Tribe member for about 3-4 months I started adding in a day or two of running per week. Before I had gained 130lbs, running was a hobby for me. It was something I truly enjoyed. When I wasn’t physically able to do it anymore, it made me feel horrible. But after 3-4 months of Tribe workouts, I went for a run. I was super slow and honestly it hurt, but, I did it. This was huge for me! In addition, to adding in the running I also tried to really pay attention to WHAT I was eating not necessarily the amount of calories I was eating. I realized that yes, I can eat chips for lunch and stay within my calorie range, but I’m not going to feel good. I’m not going to have the energy to do what I need to do. For the first time I began to view food as fuel.

What does your typical week of exercise look like?

My exercise routine is constantly changing based on my mood, energy level, circumstances, etc. Some weeks I do metabolic workouts, some weeks I run, and some weeks its a combination of the two. I’ve learned through this process, that if I try to force myself to follow a routine to a tee, that I’m going to get burnt out really quick. There is a fine balance between staying committed and doing hard things vs making a set of laws that will determine if I am successful or worthy. The single most important thing I have taken away from the At-Home Tribe program is FREEDOM.
I have to ask myself, what is the thing that commands my attention the most? Where is my devotion? If my heart is devoted to an exercise routine, it will ultimately fail me. I am instead called to turn my heart to Christ, fully trusting that He knows my energy levels, my mood, my circumstances. He knows what I have to give today and what I will have to give tomorrow. If I am doing my best with what I have been given everyday….that is enough!

What types of foods do you eat?

Again, I’ll echo my last statement about freedom. I eat all types of food. I’ll eat cake at my kid’s birthday party or maybe have a biscuit with my dinner….but moderation, moderation, moderation. As I said earlier, food is fuel. I’ve learned that the hard way. So, yes, I am totally free to eat anything I want, but I will have to deal with how those foods affect my body, my mood, my energy. This is a big motivator to me to stick with protein and produce as much as possible…because I just feel better. I can think clearer, I have more energy, and I don’t feel my emotions sliding all over the place like I do when I’ve had lots of sugar or processed foods. If I depended on a strict food plan to guide my decisions, I would be in big trouble because my nature is to want what I can’t have….and lots of it.

What have been a few things that have helped you along the way?

Transparency! I’ve realized that one of the biggest ways the enemy defeats us is by encouraging us to keep things hidden, and then make us feel condemned. I can at any time get on the Tribe Facebook page and be honest about my bad day, or my three steps backward…and more often than not, there is someone else that says “hey that’s me too”…and you pick up and go forward knowing that you are not alone.

What has been the biggest challenge on your journey?

My biggest challenge has been erasing the timeline in my head. I think it’s good to have goals, it gives you something to work for. But sometimes I get so focused on the goal that I forget where I have been. Again, this goes back to where my heart is. And, I would also say…remaining humble. It’s super easy to allow yourself to get a little prideful when you start seeing positive changes. God is merciful to me here, He gives me some time to revel in my success but gently reminds me that, ultimately it was Him that gave me the strength to get to that place.


What keeps you going when you’re ready to quit?

Progress Pictures! I may or may not be the selfie queen…but when I look back at pictures from when before I started, and even way after, I am blown away. I can remember how I felt during those days, wondering if I would ever see a difference. And yes, there is undeniable proof.

What advice do you have for someone who is ready to get started on their own journey?

I’m wearing a large shirt and pants today…and I’m so happy, because I used to wear a 3x. About 35 lbs difference here….70 lbs total

Small steps are still steps…and they will add up. Furthermore, this is YOUR journey, you don’t have to or need to do what the person next to you is doing. First and foremost, check your heart. If your relationship with Christ is suffering, everything else will suffer as well, even if it seems ok right now. We share the same inheritance as Christ. We are sons and daughters, so this battle…whatever it is, is something that your Father wants to hear about and longs to help you with.

When preparing this post I asked Emilee how much weight she had lost so far. She replied with “To date I have lost 70 pounds. If you told me a year ago I’d be 70lbs lighter and be encouraging others, I would have laughed at you. God is good.”

Thank you for sharing your story with us today, Emilee.

I pray that it encourages anyone reading to show up and to allow the Lord to lead their journeys towards better health. It IS Possible…one step at a time.