Lord, I believe; Help my unbelief.

Hey guys,

So I had my first counseling session today - & to honest, I really do feel so much better.  I am so excited about this process. 

We decided that my ultimate goal through this is to find God.  Find God through this hurt, realize I do have a purpose, despite what  I may think.  I mean - I know who God is, I trust God, But can I be making an effort to actually FIND and SEEK Him? Absolutely.  Every week she will give me a homework assignment, and this week I am to dig into Psalm 1, 19. & 119.  What can God's word accomplish?

Like she said to me "Lord, I believe; Help my unbelief" I belive in Him, In his power and His ways. I believe he can move mountains and take this hurt away.  :)

I wanted to share a few scriptures with you that have been really powerful to me!

Ps, 119:105 " Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path "

2 Peter 1:3-4 "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  Through these he has gives us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."

Gods power - ALL I need.
How amazing.
How reassuring.

On healthy news!!
I've kinda slacked in the eating healthy department.. Well, it's not that i'm not eating healthy - I'm just not eating my proper meals.. and I can deffintally see an effect, even a week! This really does have to be a consistent thing... Oh well ...

I'll post some new recipes tomorrow :) :)
I have some good ones!!
LOVEEEEEEEEEE <3
Chels

how cool!!

So, I just figured out that I could see like where in the world people are reading my blog...
I have had 25 hits in russia! and 85 in the UK! How awesome!!

So, I spent all last night and this morning praying and talking to a bunch of people about the idea of me possibly writing a book!  I think i'm in!  It will be such a HUMBLING challenge.  I will write about my life journey, struggles we face in the world, sex trafficking, etc.  I'm really excited for this.. I have people who are already have offered to write some parts in it, and I'm just so thrilled!

It will be awhile, but stay tuned!
OH! and did I mention i'm down another pound? and feeling great!
but... My debit card got COMPROMISED, so not cool.  I had to go in and get a new one, but no money was taken! Thank goodness! :)

If you have any ideas, or you feel that you have had a story in your life that you want to share in this book! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE
Message me on facebook
OR
email me.
chelseyburchell@gmail.com

LOVE YOU ALL!
Chels

Am I crazy?

Would it be absolutely crazy of me to actually attempt to write a book?
A book kind of like captivating.
Just a crazy though - would people actually read it?

I love writing.
Hm.
Random thought.
Could I really do it?

overwhelmed

Holy Stink.

I am so overwhelmed! I honestly thought only 5 or 6 people actually read my blog, but I have been getting an abundance of love being poured into my email inbox, facebook messages, text messages, and I feel so grateful that people are actually interested and encouraged by my life and journey!

I have had such an awesome time just writing down all my thoughts, whether they make sense or not, or whether or not I read it two days later and say " what was I thinking saying that!?"

I wanted to talk about something.  Something that has been on my heart. Marriage.  My Boyfriend & I have been together for 3 years, it's been such an amazing journey, filled with it's ups and downs. I love him, with my whole heart.  I'm at that point in my life where everyone around me is getting engaged/married/having babies, and I feel like I'm missing out, or that I'm not going to be able to experience it.  I know. It's selfish thinking, and I regret it.. because instead of being happy for those people, I sit around and sulk.  Everyone says to me " when are you guys getting engaged?!" Etc.

When In all realness, As much as I'm so excited to one day be engaged and married to Sean.  I'm not ready.  Maybe in a year or two.  But right now - I'm not ready.  I'm just discovering for myself that I need to make some life changes, and I know that it will take awhile before I'm okay with myself, before I can fully love myself.  I need to realize that God's timing is the perfect timing.  That I can wait a couple of years, have my life in order, have my relationship with God be on such a high point, to be financially and emotionally stable.

I am so grateful that I have someone like sean who supports me in all these descision's, who encourages me to make these life changes, and who - despite our ups and downs, will never leave my side.

So, to answer everyones question.
No, we will not be getting engaged soon. This change i'm making could take weeks, months, maybe even a year.

But - when we do, I'll be sure to write a blog about it :)

LOVE & PEACE.
Remember JER 29:11 " For I KNOW the plans I have for you, declares the Lord..."

it's personal.

Hey guys...
So, I know I've been blogging about my lifestyle changes.  I think it's time to blog about my LIFE changes.

I'm currently sitting here, with tears streaming down my face, realizing I need to make some changes in my life.  I've said it before, But I never really took that next step.

These past few years have been the hardest years I think I will ever have to face.  I lost my family, some of my closest friends,  I lost respect and dignity.

Because of this, I have been carrying around such heavy burdens.  I have been carrying around the weight of shame, and guilt, and I've been carrying around the awful words people have said to me.  "Your such a hypocrite"  "Your nothing but a worthless piece of crap"  " your going no where in life"  "I hope you go to hell"  "God dosn't love a person like you" I keep those words in the back of my head, and I allow myself to believe them.  I dwell on them, and then I get to a breaking point.  Where I become angry, I lash Out, I say things I don't mean.. And I regret them after because I didn't them. 

Today, at 11:31 AM.  I got down on my knees at work.  I cried out to God & I allowed myself to lay all my burdens at his feet like He asked me too.  I gave all my pain to Him, I gave all my hurts to Him.  I am so honoured, and joyful that I have such an amazing God who allows me to do that.

I tired counselling once, but I had an idea in my mind that I didn't need it, so I stopped. But I think I do.  So I have my first session booked again with an amazing Christian Agency.

I'm excited to make this change in my life, I'm scared.  I'm nervous. I'm anxious. But I know it's a process.. Just like working out and losing weight.

I am writing this to ask you to help me stay accountable to this change, to stop taking other peoples burdens upon myself.

I know I have a God that will never fail me, Who will never leave me nor forsake me.

Thanks.
I love you all so much.

GIRLS ONLY! No boys allowed...

Unless you want to learn about homemade cellulite cream and stretch mark wonders.. Your more than welcome ;)

So, as I'm sitting here drinking my wonderful protein shake, I thought I'd share with you two loves of my life !

The first, cellulite.  Cellulite sucks.  Also known as the infamous "cottage cheese legs" I really do hate that saying.  As I was getting older, I was noticing it more and more and it wouldn't go away! If you google "cellulite in celebrities" 1000 people would come up.  Even victoria Secret models have it! No matter how hard you work out, or how much you try and tighten your legs.. It won't go away! UNTIL...

I found this awesome HOMEMADE cream, that has ACTUALLY worked, obviously it won't take it all away, but it for sure toned it down! You won't see results right away, its just like going to the gym.. it takes time, and consistency! So , here it is:

8 oz. Uncented lotion

3 TBSP Witch Hazel Lotion

10 drops Juniper Oil

10 drops Rosemary

30 drops Cypress oil

30 drops Grapefruit oil.

Directions: Add all of the essential oils together with the witch hazel lotion and mix together. When completed, add uncented lotion and shake well.

Application: Apply daily to the area you want to treat. Use a circular motion and massage gently into the skin. The best time to apply the cellulite treatment cream is in the morning after a shower, and at night before bedtime.


I also recommend cellulite body wrap kits. They are another good way to get rid of cellulite, and in combination with the cellulite treatment cream they work magically. 

Onto my next remedy.
Stretch marks. Ew - okay, so after gaining the weight I did.. I got mad stretch marks in my thighs/butt.  I know some people get in their boobs as well.. Anyways

Go to your local drug store/walmart/zellers and pick up Coco Butter BUT for pregnant ladies.  Honestly, it does WONDERS! It may not make them disappear, but it will make them fade! Again, it's all about consitency! :)

I hope you guys have a great weekend!!!
OH !!! and did I mention i'm down 6 pounds!!! yay!! :)
I feel sooo great!

Chels

Gingered Chicken with Vegetables

 

Nutrition Info Per Serving

Calories 263
Carbohydrate 11g
Protein 29g
Fat 11g
Cholesterol 66mg
Sodium 411mg

 

Ingredients

• 2Tbls  vegetable oil, divided 
  
  
• 1boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
  
  
• 1cup  red pepper strips 
  
  
• 1cup  fresh mushrooms, sliced
  
  
• 16 fresh pea pods, cut in half crosswise 
  
  
• 1/2 cup  sliced water chestnuts 
  
  
• 1/4 cup  green onions, sliced 
  
  
• 1 Tbl  fresh ginger root, grated 
  
  
• 1 large clove of garlic, crushed 
  
  
• 2/3 cup  reduced-fat, reduced-sodium chicken broth 
  
  
• 2 Tbls  Equal® Spoonful 
  
  
• 2Tbls  low sodium soy sauce 
  
  
• 4tsps  cornstarch 
  
  
• 2tsps  dark sesame oil 
  
  
• salt and pepper to taste 
  
  

  Directions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir fry chicken until no longer pink; remove chicken from skillet.
  2. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in skillet. Add red peppers, mushrooms, pea pods, water chestnuts, green onion, ginger and garlic to skillet. Stir fry mixture 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables are crisp tender.
  3. Meanwhile, combine chicken broth, Equal®, soy sauce, cornstarch and sesame oil until smooth. Stir into skillet mixture. Cook over medium heat until thick and clear. Stir in chicken; heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Serve over hot cooked rice, if desired.
     
     Makes 4 servings. Per Serving: 2 Vegetable, 4 Meat, 1 Free.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  YUMMY!
  ENJOY!

Feeling GREAT but discouraged

Hey Ya'll!

First of all I want to share one of my really great friends new blog! Its all about homemade crafts! :)

http://umidesigns.blogspot.com/  so everyone should check her out and follow her! I have a feeling she will post some really cool/cute stuff!


So, I really need to keep in mind that After a 1.5 , I am obviously not going to see any physical results.. My flabby tummy is still there.  I need to not be discouraged! Because It has only been 1.5 weeks, but I have already lost 3 pounds, and I FEEL so much better, and I'm eating so much more healthier, so that makes me feel accomplished! I am ADDICTED to working out now... which is good.. Because Instead of staying at home and watching One tree hill.. I worked out, which is huge.. because those of you who know me, know that I would never miss one tree hill.  I have hopefully encouraged 3 of my friends to go out and get a membership today, which is so exciting!

All you cambridge people.. Goodlife fitness has an AMAZING deal on right now! They just re-opened, added a co-ed side and BRAND new equipment ( they still have their womans only side! ) When my mom signed up last year, it was $23 bi-weekly, until the end of next week it's only $14 bi weekly and you pay NO enrollment fee - Just because of the new renovations/re-opening.. So a month I'm paying $29! ( which includes my corporate rate! ) All those who live in this area should go grab a membership while you can :)

I'm going to post a new blog right after this with some YUMMY recipes :)

Bye guys!!!
Love & Peace.
chels

I puked.

Yes, today my trainer pushed me so hard. I puked. It was so nasty.
but - It made me feel like I was accomplishing something, she pushed me to my max.
I did a 90 Second plank, 90 SECONDS! Last week I could only do 10 seconds, Let me tell you though, I was screaming, and my body was shaking, but I did it!!

She also has me eating 7 times a day.. So right now im sitting hear eating my bowl of grapes.. I didn't realize How IMPORTANT it was.  That people who go on a crappy diet like eating 1 meal a day and then a shake and just drinking lots of water, they arn't going to lose any weight!! You need to EAT so the GOOD fats replace the BAD fats.

I have to work tonight, so I won't be going to the gym - But I'm sure to do a work out video!  I realized today how hard I'm going to have to push to reach my goal, that I can't slack a day.  It's all about dedication and perserverance.  It's a  lifestyle change!

Chels

green & yellow Green & yellow!

Good job Packers!!  Winning the super bowl :) so glad the people I celebrated it with were all Packers fans!!

Anyways, sorry for no post this weekend, it's been really busy! But I'm happy to report that I'm up to working out 2 hours a day, 5 days a week! I feel GREAT. I get up before work at 5 am, go for an hour, then after work at 6pm I go for another hour, hopefully doing classes 3 times out of the week :) I have so much more energy, I think I may reach this goal I have! whoohoo.

Here's my schedule for toning my LOWER body!

• 10 minute Warm up on treadmill
• 3 sets Squats on Bosu ball
• 3 sets Dumbbell lunges
• 3 sets Seated Calf raises
• 3 sets Kneeling arm and alternating leg kicks
• 3 sets hamstring curl with ball
• 5 minute Cool down on treadmill

Don't fear, I'm still in the process of making this video of how I make shakes!  I've just been busy.
haha - Anyways, it's bachelor time!! Here's a tip for when your sitting watching tv... Take some weights or if you don't have weights, something heavier and just sit and do arm curls... You can always be exercising!

anyways, till next time !
love & peace
chels!

Good advice from my Personal Trainer!

Hey guys!

So Before my workout today I was talking to my Personal Trainer, and she gave me some awesome advice! I told her my goal weight, and how I much I wanted to loose.  She told me that She had a client once who wanted to loose 20 pounds! At the end of her training sessons ( 3 months ) so only lost 9 pounds, but took of 19 INCHES of her body!!! She went down from a size 31 waste, to a 27!  She told me that it's all about eating healthy, and making sure you working out 4-5 times a week...  That when you work out you gain muscle, and burn fat. 

So don't be dissapointed if you work out so hard for a month and see little weight loss!!

It's about getting comfortable in your own skin, despite what the scale says! And when your at a point where you are confident in walking out in a two peice bathing suit, and you feel BEAUTIFUL, then you have reached the ultimate goal :)

Love!!!
Remember, God created you in His image :) You are fearfully and wonderfully made!

Chels

bodyPUMP kicked my butt.

yeah - I did a class today, called BodyPUMP... When I read the description it didn't look so bad.  Toning/core class, using mostly weights... Oh my lanta,   I am so sore, but yet - I feel so refreshed!! OH!

And, I did a Friday morning weigh in ..... drum roll... I'm down Three pounds since Sunday!!! yay!!! And that's including my... " order-pizza-during-snowmageden " on wed night with my mom... haha

I think the biggest thing that I'm doing is actually eating 3 proper meals.. Here's what my routine was...

Get up at 6:00 AM , Go to work ( not eat breakfast )
Come home at 9:15 , Sleep for a bit, get up - do Some house stuff..
Go to work at 2:00, eat a few junk food snacks to hold me over
Work till 6:00. and I don't end up eating dinner till 9:00!

So my goald is to try and eat 3 proper meals at the proper times, and NOT eat after 9:00 because that is where you gain the most weight, because your eating, then sleeping, and nothings digesting it properly!

I thought i'd post two things for you..

First, is my exercise routine for toning my upper body!
• 8 minute Warm up on treadmill
• 3 sets Lat pulldowns
• 3 sets Dumbbell front raises
• 3 sets Bicep curls
• 3 sets Triceps pushdowns with rope
• 3 sets Dumbbell lateral raises
• 10 minute Cool down on treadmill

Secondly, Here's a 10 minute kick boxing video I found on youtube! Something to do before you crawl into bed? It seems lame at first, but she works you!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlX_Gy4HP2E

Anyways, Time to head to the gym! pfft, and sean just texted me " wanna order pizza tonight!? " In which I responded " you can! i'll bring myself a salad :) " and here's my friends blog! http://alexisclarks4c.tumblr.com/%20

Love & Peace

CHELS
Oh, and please take time today and pray for Egypt! :)

saying goodbye to my comfort ( aka junk ) food!

So - First of all ...

Why does the most unhealthiest food, taste the Best?  How is that fair? I don't understand!  It's been really hard to eat healthy.. I won't lie.  Saying 'no' seems to be so easy.. But, not when its right in front of you

Good things its just me & my mom in the house! We went through our cupboards/drawers/fridge, got rid of all junk food and I headed to the grocery store to get some healthy foods!

I've decided to take PORK out of my diet, which is, so sad because I love me some bacon.. I just researched how horrible it was for you, needless to say.. Goodbye pork.

I'm going to be more flexible with my diet foods, espcially fish. I hate fish - But its so healthy for me, so if it fills my tummy, Then I'll be okay!

I know this is so cliche, but make sure you check labels! Sugar is huge. Stay away from the sugars!

Anyways,
I hope You all can keep me accountable  ( & I'll do the same for you! ) to keep eating healthy!
I'll let you know when I mess up

love & peace
Chels

Hair Growing Shampoo!

Yes - I am being serious!
Hair Growing Shampoo.. Also known as F.A.S.T  which standings for " Fortified amino scalp therapy "
Now, I used this about two years ago, and it worked AMAZING, I decided to pick it up again a few weeks ago because I want longer hair for my friends wedding, I have noticed a change already in the the length, and fullness of my hair! Its a lot softer too :) Its all natural herbs and amino acids!

I would HIGHLY recommend this product to anyone, I wish I took a before and after picture! It is about $16 and You can get them at Trade Secrets here in Cambridge, not a lot of hair salons have it because it's new to Canada!

Anyways, I highly doubt i'll make it to the gym today cause' of this snow storm! Probably do some at home exercises, like lunges with weights, stair pushups, and crunches!

Love & peace
Chels

First day of working out!!

Hey ya'll!
So today was the first day to put my new gym membership (goodlife fitness) to use! Wow - so out of shape! haha It was cardio today.. &  I'll let you guys in on the routine that I'm Sticking with each day! So here is it:

Cardio:
• 5 minute Warm up on treadmill
• 20 minute Jog on treadmill
• 10 minute Stationary Bike
• 10 minute Elliptical trainer
• 5 minute Cool down

I was fine on the Bike and treadmill, but for some 10 minutes on the elipitcal killed me!  I am still sick with a cold, so that could of played a factor into my sluggish ways, but still - I was sweating, and my heart rate was going really fast ( that's good, right !? ) 

Note to self: Remember my iPod or headphones to watch t.v! I forgot how boring it was to workout with nothing.. I always need to be distracted.

Anyways, I'll post a video later today after ONE TREE HILL! On how I make my shakes :) :)
Until next time..
love & peace
CHELS