New Year...new challenge

Okay ladies it's time. Time for what you ask? Time to STOP eating the sugar filled treats and start moving your body. Have you noticed over the break that your body is moving a little more slowly or your joints are a little more achy? Do you know what is to blame for you feeling this way? Yes, it is big and bad and it tastes so good...it's sugar. Most of you may know this and some of you may not, but do you know what makes our jeans fit a little big more snug or what contributes to that weight gain over the holidays? Most of you are thinking, "Duh Katy I know it's all the junk I ate." Yes, you are correct, but what specifically is the biggest culprit? You guessed it...sugar. Sugar is such a sneaky little bugger because it tastes so great and it gets us hooked before we even realize! Unfortunately it's not as sweet as it tastes because it's responsible for weight gain, sore joints, irritability and/or depression and a whole list of other things. So now that I've completely annoyed and depressed you with all this info, what can we do about this? Well that's part of the challenge for January. I told you all in class that I was going to issue you all a challenge for the month of January and here it is:

This is based on an honor system, so no cheating! Really though, do you want to win a prize that you didn't earn? I didn't think so. So here goes; for every day that you exercise for at least an hour, you earn 50 points. For each day that you eat clean you earn 50 points. This means staying away from processed foods, and instead eating veg/fruit, lean meats, oatmeal, drinking lots of water, etc). If you need help with ideas for breakfast, lunch or dinner just email me at katy.masone@hudsonchapel.org I'll be happy to give you some ideas. Also, I want you to give yourself 20 points for each night that you get at least 8 hours of sleep. So, we will ALL start this January 1 and go until January 31st. I want you all to take one day off each week from exercise, therefore the most points you will be able to earn from exercising for the entire month would be 1,350. That's four weeks, 28 days, with one day off (1200 points) and then since there are 31 days, you can earn that extra 150.

I know you all can do this! If you have decided to commit to this challenge I will have a paper for you to sign the first week back to fitness which is Wednesday the 5th. If you just can't wait to get on board and want to let me know now that you are taking the challenge, I want you to email me at the above email. I can't wait to see all your beautiful faces. Oh and you probably want to know about the prize right? Well it will be worth your while...believe me! :)

Philippians 4:13
"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

Grateful,
Katy

What the snow is teaching me...

Okay, so I don't know about the rest of you, but this snow business is getting a little out of control. I know many people are saying, "what is up with this much snow this soon?!" I could not agree more. These past two days, I have learned quite a bit from the snow. Although, the life lessons I am learning from the snow are not necessarily about dealing with it directly. I actually enjoy playing in the snow with Isaac and Ella and I really don't mind going out and shoveling. What I struggle with is how the snow disrupts my daily routine.

I am a true creature of habit. I wake up at pretty much the same time each day and my routine goes as follows: drink a big glass of water, start the coffee, read my bible, make breakfast for kids and I, get dressed, take kids to school, teach a class, and the day goes on in a very planned manner. Some of you may think, "oh geez Katy, get a life!" On the other hand some of you may be thinking, "oh I can totally understand that." I tell you all this to say that when something like a snow day comes along, my schedule is thrown for a loop and I am left annoyed or frustrated. I was thinking about this yesterday as the kids and I spent the day together and I thought, why get frustrated or irritated? Wouldn't God be more pleased and I in a much happier mood if I used this opportunity to really enjoy the gifts that God has given to me...for example my children. :) So when I often see this unplanned day off as something to deal with, I can instead enjoy doing those puzzles, reading books and playing games because it is precious time that God has gifted to me. I also know that all too soon Isaac and Ella will be older and it won't be very cool to hang out with Mom.

I know for a fact that many of you do a great job of taking those unplanned moments and making great memories from them. My hat goes off to you and I thank you because, you may not realize it, but you have inspired me! I believe that God takes joy in seeing us break from the busyness of our lives to sit and read a book with our child or even just read from His word by ourselves. So with that said, let it snow!

Philippians 2:3-4
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Grateful,
Katy

Busyness getting the best of you?

This time of year comes with much anticipation, excitement and...busyness! The question I have for you is simple. Are you taking the time to soak in all the wonder or are you getting consumed by the busyness of the season? Whether it's coming from the radio, pulpit or some Christmas program, the topic more than not is how to avoid getting too busy and therefore forgetting to focus on Christ being the whole reason for Christmas. Do you really listen to the advice you are getting? Do I? If I'm honest with myself then I know the answer to that is most likely a no. Don't misunderstand, my intentions are good, but I find myself thinking about things that are pretty insignificant in comparison. I am double checking to make sure that I have a gift for everyone on my list, that the decor in my house is up to par and then there's all those Christmas programs and class parties. I love it all and I don't think that God is necessarily displeased by all of these things. I think what is displeasing to Him is how it all that just overtakes the simplicity and true wonder of the season.



My husband often laughs at the fact that I just can't sit still most of the time. If I'm at home, there's always something that needs done. As a mom, I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who feels this way. What I don't like is how I find the dirty dishes in the sink more nagging to me than my child who wants to play a game with me. Who usually wins out in my attention? Yep, the dishes. Does this bother me? Of course it does, but not enough that I leave the dishes alone! So my goal this Christmas season? It will be to take ONE day at a time and use the daily opportunities that Christ gives me to focus myself and my family on the huge gift that Christ gave us, His son.



Luke 2:16-20

"So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."



Merry Christmas!

Katy

What would Jesus eat?

On Thanksgiving, my sister and brother-in-law handed me a magazine with an article they thought would interest me. It was from the magazine, "Christianity Today". The article was titled, "A Feast Fit for a King, Returning the growing fields and kitchen table to God". The author, Leslie Levland Fields, starts the article with her latest experience at a church potluck event. The offerings are the usual hot dogs, white enriched buns, buckets of fried chicken, Doritos, jello molds and the like. Once the blessing over the food is given, the author wonders to herself, "What would Jesus put on his plate? Would He be okay eating the chicken that probably lived an inhumane life and was fed substandard food?" She goes on to reveal what most of us already know, that the majority of food produced in the United States is just not good for us and the question we need to be considering is, "Would and is Jesus okay with how food is grown and how animals are cared for prior to us eating them?"



Please don't mistake me for telling you to go out and buy all organic food. What I really want you to consider is, where does the food I buy come from? Maybe you know your grocer supplies locally grown food or maybe you have no idea if your apple came from an orchard in Ohio or California. As Christians sometimes we get scared to talk about this because it can seem a bit political, but really we should be the ones who care the most! This is God's creation we are talking about. So when you go to the store, what are you supporting? Are you buying fruit and vegetables that are so sprayed down with chemicals that they are almost more toxic than not? Are we buying the chicken that's $2 cheaper just to save a buck, but was pumped with so many antibiotics that it can't even walk properly because it's body is so large? I know that this topic brings up much debate. Perhaps I even ticked you off a little bit, I am sorry for that, but I hope it makes you consider your purchases beforehand. My hope is that when it is time to shop for our families, we would consider more than just cost, but also what will make our families healthier and in the end brings glory to God as well.

Proverbs 22:9

"A generous man will himself be blessed, for he share his food with the poor."

Grateful,

Katy

Don't be scared of the turkey!

I find myself amused this morning as I watch the discussions on the morning news programs. This is a rarity because most mornings I am in a hurry to get children dressed, fed, teeth and hair brushed and on the way to school so that I can get myself off to teach a class. Thanksgiving has given me a break in my routine for which I am so thankful for. So, as I sit and drink my coffee watching this program, I hear them calculating the calories in a typical Thanksgiving meal. They go on to discuss the length of time you would need to exercise in order to burn off the calories consumed. My thoughts? Please don't be one of those people who diets on Thanksgiving! I know we can get nervous, especially those that are trying to keep their eating in check, but take the day to enjoy yourself. Now, please don't use this as your free pass to eat until you pass out! :) I am saying, let's just not worry about every little calorie that goes into your body and just enjoy time spent with family and friends.

That said, what should the day after Thanksgiving look like? It should consist of eating healthy, unprocessed foods that will give you the energy you need to complete a challenging workout and to accomplish all the things you need to do that day. I believe that people get themselves in trouble, not by eating a Thanksgiving meal, but by eating that way until Christmas. PLEASE don't do that. Your body will not be happy and neither will your mind! Sugar and other processed foods do more than just pack on pounds. They can really alter your mood and energy levels, certainly not something we need.

Okay enough of that! Please enjoy your Thanksgiving and remember to thank God for all He has blessed you with. I am so thankful for each of you. God created only one you. Use the unique qualities He has given you to bless those around you.

1 Corinthians 15:57
"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Happy Thanksgiving!
Katy

Do you realize how blessed you are?

With Thanksgiving right around the corner isn't it only appropriate to remember how truly blessed we are? The reality is, that if you live in the United States and live in a home you are in the top 5% of the wealthiest in the world. Even though most of us know this, we (myself included) find it easy to complain. I find it inconvenient if my Blackberry takes too long to search a topic on the Internet or if my cable goes out for a brief moment. How ridiculous is that?! Shouldn't the fact that I am warm in my home when the weather is cold or that I have my choice of food to eat be something I continually thank God for? My inconveniences are nothing compared to what some people are struggling with on a daily basis.

When teaching a class, especially when we are going through a tough part in the workout and I see everyone is wanting to call it quits, I tell them one simple thing. Do you all know how lucky you are to feel that "burn" in you legs or to feel your arms getting so tired you can hardly lift that weight? Well, you are because you actually have legs and arms that work correctly and you are not paralyzed, therefore you can feel that glorious pain! Okay I know I sound melodramatic, but is it not the truth?

When things get hard, whether it's a workout or just a life experience, thank God for that struggle. Why? It's simple, Christ is making you stronger through whatever hardship you are going through. Once you are through it, He's going to use it for His glory and it will more than likely be used as a story to bless someone's life. Pretty awesome if you ask me! So although what you are experiencing may seem pretty awful, and by the way it I know some of you are really dealing with big things, don't take your eyes off of Christ. He is your rock and the only real stability in your life.

James 1:12 "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."

Grateful,
Katy

Clean life...clean diet

I am often asked about my daily diet from people who take my fitness classes. Sometimes people are looking for a quick fix, other times people are really looking for a way to eat healthier so that they will feel better and their bodies will be able to perform at a higher level. My advice is a simple...eat a clean diet. What does that mean? Well it means eating things that are natural. More specifically, this means the food hasn't gone through much of anything since being pulled or plucked from the earth. Most people realize that eating foods that are highly processed are just not a good idea. Processed foods do not aid in creating a more healthy body and they simply add useless calories, sugar and fat to our bodies. All this is fine and good in writing, but living it out on a daily basis is a whole other thing. When you find yourself hungry after a workout or you have been busy all day only to realize you haven't ate lunch, what are you going to reach for? Well if you haven't planned accordingly you are more than likely going to reach for that box or bag of processed food. If you plan ahead a little and put things in your kitchen that support your healthy habits and get rid of the things that don't, well eating healthy will be that much easier.

The same goes for living a "clean life" or more specifically a Christ centered life. If we continually add garbage to our life, it's going to be that much harder to stick to the path that Christ calls us to. That so called garbage might look a little different for each person. It might be certain TV shows, music, books, magazines, or even a friend that continually pushes you in the wrong direction. I encourage you to seek those things that support your relationship with Christ. This might be a bible study, a mentor ship, serving in a ministry, reading your bible daily, spending time in prayer daily, encouraging a friend/family member or just placing yourself in an environment that will help you to grow in your relationship with Christ.

I know that living both a "clean life" and eating a "clean diet" are hard things to do consistently. That's the point right? Trying to become more like Christ and making your body healthier doesn't come naturally. It takes work. Are you willing to put the time in?

Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Grateful,
Katy

It's not all about me

How easy it is to get caught up in our own little world! I know I can easily get a one track mind when it comes to my schedule and what needs to be done to make it happen. From the moment I wake up I could tell you exactly how I would like my day to go. I have a friend who is so good at taking things as they come and embracing each moment as it stands. I find myself in awe of her and wishing I could be more like that. I believe that she realizes, on a much deeper level than I, that it isn't "all about her". She knows there are people to encourage, kids to inspire, a husband to who needs a listening ear and arms to hug at the end of the day and most importantly, a God who loves her so much and wants nothing more than for her to obey Him and just listen.

I want to be more like that and it really only takes one thing. It takes making Christ the priority in my life at all times. When I am busy serving Him by helping others and listening to Him by reading His word and spending time in prayer, I don't have time to think about my worries. I'm too busy worrying about what God wants from me! When I feel like my friends aren't there for me or my kids don't appreciate me enough, well who's to blame for this feeling? Me!! Logically I know that when a friend lets me down, she is not doing this to hurt me, it's just human nature. None of us are perfect. When my kids whine and complain and make me crazy, they aren't doing it to hurt me. They are imperfect little beings who are going to disappoint me at times. So who is the only one who won't disappoint and who knows exactly what I need when I need it? Yes, it's Christ. So when you find yourself disappointed because someone let you down and didn't realize that things should revolve around you (sense the sarcasm) realize that maybe it's time to shift the focus on to Christ and off of yourself.

I so appreciate being able to share with each of you that read this blog. Know that these are things that I struggle with and it's just me working things out in writing. I hope that it serves to encourage you and also to know that there is someone else out there dealing with the same things!

I'll leave you with this verse from Philippians 2:3-4. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Grateful,
Katy

It might hurt a little

I had an interesting conversation with one of my friends last night. We were talking about change in our lives and how maybe we need to experience a little "hurt" and push through it to see the cool stuff that God has in store for us. She used the example of running, and how sometimes we want to stay at a slower pace because it seems easier and yet it is actually harder on our joints. It's not until we just push through and up the pace, that our joints will thank us for the smoother, less jolted run. She then compared it to being a mom and doing the day to day stuff and let's face it, it's a thankless job. We chauffeur our kids around, makes lunches, wipe bottoms, wipe faces, wipe counter tops and no one really says thanks (at least not very often). The thing is, you are in this stage of life for a very specific reason. God wants you where you are and He will use your circumstances for good if we seek Him. So the question is, do we embrace our circumstances or do we continually fight God, shaking our fists at him at Him in rebellion?

I often struggle with this very thing. Just when I think I have things figured out and feel like I'm doing okay, my circumstances start changing. Really though, I didn't have anything figured out! Why on earth do I even try to take the reigns when it comes to my life? Are they not much more safe in the hands of my heavenly Father?

When disciplining children, you often hear of parents telling them, "this is going to hurt me much more than it hurts you". I am confident the child does not agree with this at all, but as a parent I realize the truth in that statement. I hate the look I get from my kids when I need to discipline them, but if I avoid it I am not doing my job in raising them as Christ calls me to. Don't you think that Christ feels the same way when he sees us trying to control our own lives without Him? Yes, He gave us free will and we can make our own decisions, but tell me, when you and I do things our own way how does that normally turn out? Yeah, me too. I make a mess of things.

So although you may be going through something big or small that seems to hurt a little, know that God will use that circumstance to make you stronger in Him. It may even give you a stronger platform in which to speak to someone else who doesn't know Christ and is going through the same thing.

I'll leave you with this verse from Hebrews 12:1
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

Grateful,
Katy

Sure, I'm Content as long as...

Do you find that you are content in most situations? I'm not talking about settling for the mediocre. We know, especially as followers of Christ, that we are not called to be mediocre Christians, but to always strive to be more like Christ. What I mean when I ask if you are content is, are you filled with the joy that only Christ can give no matter what your earthly possessions might be. Are you content with your circumstances? Beyond that, are you using your circumstances, that God has allowed you to be in, to further serve Him more? Luke 16:10 says, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." God knows exactly how we use what He has given us, whether it is very little or much.

Many times I catch myself thinking I am doing pretty good with the whole contentment thing. I give myself a pat on the back and congratulate myself with "being good" with my circumstances. That is usually the approximate time God will gently remind me that this may not be the case. You see, I may think I am content, when in reality I am content as long as I have control. I tell God, "sure I will be content in all situations, as long as you keep my kids safe and healthy, as long as my husband doesn't lose his job, as long as I can get my workout in each day, and basically as long as I get to do things the way I want them done." What??!! That isn't contentment at all! That's conditional and that's not what Christ calls us to be.

It is scary to pray and tell God that you will be content with all He has for you no matter what. Everyone, especially myself, fears the unknown. Remember, that Christ will never give us more than we can handle. Do not mistake this for me saying Christ will never let your life go through tough times, because chances are if you have not had to deal with hardships yet, you will. So who will you cling to during those times? Will your stubbornness and desire to fix things yourself get in the way or will you cling to the only true rock, Jesus Christ?

Philippians 4:12-13
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."

Grateful,
Katy

Patience....REALLY?!

Oh to be a patient person. I don't know about you but patient is one of the last words I would use to describe myself. It bothers me too, because I really admire people who are patient. I often find myself telling my kids things like, "hurry up and finish your breakfast or we will be late for school, or can you please walk a little faster, or Mommy is running late, PLEASE get in the car quickly!" When I think about it, who's fault is it that we are running late? It certainly is not my children's fault (although I do sometimes wish they would move faster) it's their mom's fault! I didn't properly plan ahead of time and because I tried to squeeze too much in, we are LATE!!

After both of my pregnancies, I was not patient at all when trying to lose that baby weight. I really thought if I ate well and exercised consistently that the weight I had gained should come off in a couple weeks, no problem! I didn't care that it took 9 months to put it all on. I wanted immediate results. I had seen those pictures of celebrities and even people I knew that left the hospital looking like they had never been pregnant, why not me too? My stubbornness and inability to accept the fact that losing weight takes a lot of patience and consistency in diet and exercise left me feeling pretty frustrated. Finally with the support of my husband and also a "biggest loser" competition with my family, I was able to lose the weight at a steady and healthy pace.

My husband often laughs at my impatience. He is quite the opposite of me and has no problems waiting for things. He finds it very humorous when our children express their impatience with a "come on!" or a loud "hmpf!" because they sound just like their mom. So as hilarious as I think that is, I know it is something that I can only change with the help of Christ. He is the ultimate example of patience. He continually sees us doing really stupid things and He STILL loves us! Sometimes I really can't wrap my mind around why Christ continues to love me and I often find myself wondering how He can be so patient with me. If I could only love my husband and kids with a tenth of how much Christ loves me and show them patience in the same manner, well, I can only imagine what kind of super mom/wife I would be. The thing is, I can become a more patient person. I can be a more loving and forgiving person. I just need to rely completely on Christ and not myself. Yes you read correctly, rely on Christ, not me! Believe me, I like to think I can do it all myself, but I can't and I never will. Christ will do it and I will just hold on to Him for the ride.

Colossians 3:12-13
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Grateful,

Katy

Am I being Intentional?

What comes to mind when you think of the word intentional? Perhaps you think planning ahead of time or thinking through something before you give your opinion or maybe having a goal in mind and taking the correct actions to make that happen.

Many times while teaching a fitness class I remind those there to be intentional in their movements. To think through the muscle they are working at that specific time and not to let their mind wander. For example, I tell them to think about the bicep muscle working as they are doing a curl. I also remind those at my class to be intentional about working hard in class, whatever fitness level they are at. They need to decide at they beginning of class, before things get tough, that they are going to work hard and not quit. I don't want anyone just working at 50%, I want 100% from each person. I often tell them that I am not in the business of wasting anyone's time. I also know how good they will feel about themselves once they are done and know that they have worked hard.

Being intentional in your exercise habits is a small example, but what about in our relationship with our spouse and our children? What about the most important relationship we have, the one with Christ. Are you intentional about spending time with Christ, reading His word, spending time in prayer and using the abilities He has given you to serve others and tell them about Christ? What about your relationship with your spouse? Are you intentional about loving them? I'm not talking about a quick hug or kiss, although that is important. I'm talking about serving them, lifting them up on a daily basis, thanking them for the sacrifices they make for you and even bragging to others about your spouse. It will get back to them whether you were putting them down or speaking highly of them and wouldn't you rather it be the latter?

Things don't just happen, it is a result of our actions. I tell my classes often that you just don't "happen" to get in really great shape, you have move your body and watch what you put in your mouth. In your marriage, you will reap the benefits of being intentional and putting your spouses needs ahead of yours. The same goes for your relationship with Christ, it won't progress if you aren't putting the time in. He longs to spend time with you and you will be blessed beyond what you could imagine if you discipline yourself to spend time with Christ and obey his leading.

I will leave you with this from Hebrews 6:10-12
"God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised."


Grateful,
Katy

And it begins...

Here it is, my first post to this Fitness 4 Women blog. I've never blogged before so as I sit and write this I am not sure if I am "doing it right". So bear with me as I begin and share.

Let me first start by telling you something about me. I consider myself a shy person. If you only know me through coming to my classes you may find this hard to believe. It is not until I get to know someone that I really allow myself to reach out. This is something I have always struggled with and continue to work on. So you can imagine my thoughts when I was offered the opportunity to teach fitness classes a few years ago. It scared me big time! The really cool thing is God used a weakness of mine to show His strength. (Isn't that so like Him?) I followed this call and proceeded to study and take my Group Fitness exam and then a year later my Personal Trainer exam. I passed them both and then began to teach. I won't say "something" came over me as I began to teach classes, because I know exactly what that "something" was. It was Christ giving me the strength to teach with passion and certainty. So today as you may have gone to one of my classes at HCC, you saw a shy girl given the power to teach with a great deal of passion and excitement all because of Him. Okay so with that said let's get on to the reason for this blog.

As many of you have heard me say in our fitness classes, I will use this blog to share all the info that I seem to spew out at you at class! I also want to use this as an encouragement to you all. I want you all to know that I struggle with the same things you all do; finding enough time in the day, getting kids to school on time, being intentional about making my husband feel appreciated and loved, helping my children with projects and just spending quality with them, making myself a priority by eating right and moving my body and most importantly spending time with Christ. There is so much to do and it is so easy to become overwhelmed. Hopefully the thoughts I share on this blog will serve to encourage and strengthen you in your walk with Christ, in your marriages and other relationships, as a mom and also as a person seeking to make your body stronger through exercise.

I am honored to share with each of you and so thankful for the role I play in each of your lives. I am here to serve you and come along side you whatever your need.

I'll leave you with this verse from Colossians 3:17, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Grateful,
Katy