Who Inspires You?

In January 2013 I attended my first girlfriends conference at Trinity Church. That's where I "unofficially" met Linda Freeman. Little did I know, 1 year later she would become my pastor, my mentor and my friend! 

Have you ever met someone that you just knew you had to befriend? Well, Pastor Linda was that someone for me. :-) When I heard her speak about Peacemakers Family Center, the social work that they do for the community, and her book, I knew this was the type of woman I needed to be around. Her words and actions inspired me! 



Fast Forward 1 year, I became her intern. As her intern, one of the assignments I was given was to assist with a missions project in Cambodia. Our main assignment was to create a biogas digester at Teen Challenge Cambodia (a rehabilitation center). This biogas digester would provide methane gas for cooking and electricity for the facility. The use of the methane gas would eliminate the need of using firewood. Our project was a success and this center now has a functioning kitchen. 

Now we have partnered with Cambodian Care Ministries and our vision is to establish 200 schools where underprivileged children will have the opportunity to learn how to read and write. In addition to providing an education for these children, we will be establishing medical clinics and supplying the children with proper shoes in order for them to walk to school and prevent injuries. 

Have you ever met someone that has inspired YOU to do great things? :) 

If you'd like to be a part of our mission and vision to inspire change, feel free to click on the link below. Our goal is to provide 600 pairs of shoes to the children in Cambodia. Each shoe is only $15 and will last up to 5 years. 

https://fundraise.theshoethatgrows.org/checkout/donation?fcid=534792/

We are also selling Pastor Linda's book "Inspired For Greater Things" which is a quick MUST READ and is only $15 as well. :-) All of the proceeds will go towards our mission projects in Cambodia (you can purchase the book on Amazon or directly through me). 

Thank you in advance for your support. :) 

Proverbs 28:27 ~ Those who gives to the poor will lack nothing...

Love,

Jeanette, An Athlete On A Mission 

 

Building A Future

I am a paralegal. I am an athlete. And I am a missionary. All of these things embody who I am today.I do not live an ordinary life. I live an extraordinary life! In the words of my Pastor Linda Freeman, "when I chose to follow Jesus, I chose a life of adventure!"

I thank my parents for imparting in me as a child, the foundations of faith and the importance of having an education. I strongly believe I am who I am today as a result of those things.

This past August I traveled to Cambodia with a missions team. We have partnered with an organization by the name of Cambodian Care. This organization has a vision of establishing 200 schools. These schools will give children an opportunity to learn how to read and write, and more importantly, to learn about their creator Jesus Christ. There is no greater gift than the gift of an education. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn. Education is power! Having an education and faith in Jesus Christ opens doors to the impossible.

We were all placed on this earth for a reason. God doesn't make mistakes. If he made you, you have a purpose. Part of your journey in this life is discovering that purpose. Life is not meant to be a sprint, it's a marathon. Enjoy every step along the way.

Love,

Jeanette, An Athlete On A Mission

Jeremiah 29:11 ~ for I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

My Strength Lies Within

One of the reasons why I enjoy CrossFit so much is because it's a strength and conditioning exercise program that builds you from the inside out. Our relationship with God should be the same way. God wants to do something in us in order to do something through us. Developing a personal relationship with God begins with an internal transformation. He is more concerned about the condition of our heart than our performance. When we surrender to him and humble ourselves, we can truly appreciate his love, mercy, and grace. God doesn't expect a flawless performance. He loves when we come from our broken state because it is there where his mercy is reflected. Man looks at the outward appearance but God looks inside. 

How amazing is it that although God owns the world all he wants is our heart! 

Love,

Jeanette, An Athlete On A Mission

Psalm 73:26 ~ My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Your Circle of Influence

One of the greatest gifts God has given us is the gift of "Free Will." With free will we are able to make our own choices, but those choices dictate the circumstances we face tomorrow. While on my mission trip to Cuba last month, it was clear to me that not everyone can exercise this gift freely. So free will is not something we should take lightly. 

                                                           Cuba Mission Trip 2015

Each day we must make conscious decisions. Choosing your friends and those people you allow into your inner circle is one of those important decisions. This choice, as simple as it may sound, can have a great impact on your life. The people you allow into your inner circle can make you or break you. The right people can have a positive impact on your life whereas the opposite can prevent you from becoming the person God created you to be. 

I've learned that less sometimes is actually more, and what surrounds you creates your world! So take a look around....... How are you exercising your gift of Free Will?

Love,

Jeanette, An Athlete On A Mission

Matthew 7:17 (KJV) ~ Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

Plan, Prepare and Expect

When was the last time you prepared a vision board? Have you ever prepared one? If you haven't, I encourage you to do so.

I went into 2015 with intention and expectation. Knowing that I had a lot I wanted to accomplish this year prompted me to create a vision board. We've heard it said time and time again... "Those who plan, prosper." So why don't we plan? I believe that oftentimes we do plan, we just lack execution. We get "busy" and next thing you know another year has past. I refuse to allow that to happen to me this year! My vision board serves not only as a reminder of my goals, but it's also a form of motivation. Half of my board is full of affirmations and Bible verses, while the other half paints a clear picture of what I want to accomplish. 

One of the goals I set myself this year was to improve my weightlifting skills and my overall performance as an athlete. I've been doing CrossFit for almost 4 years now. In January I took an Olympic Weightlifting Certification Seminar.  At this seminar I met Jim Krebs who is now my weightlifting coach and nutrition counselor. Jim has only been training me for about a month but I can already see major improvements in my technique, form, and my overall athletic performance. He clearly was an answer to one of my prayers. I look forward to continuing this journey with him. He's an amazing coach! 

                                                                        Jim Krebs a/k/a KrebStrong

 

I share this because I want you to plan, prepare, and prosper this year! :) Figure out what your priorities are. If you don't know what you're working towards, other things become priority. Stay focused and determined and don't let life get in the way! 

                                                                          My 2015 Vision Board

Love,

Jeanette, An Athlete On A Mission 

Psalms 20:4 ~ May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.

The Little Train That Could

"I could" live in the past and allow those things to hold me back or "I could" leave those things behind and move forward towards the destiny God has set for my life. It's my decision.... And I've decided that I'm jumping on "the little train that could." I could live in regret, but I won't! I could live in defeat, but I'm not! I could, however, live with expectation knowing that God has a GREAT plan for my life and all I have to do is take purposeful steps. 

Too often we allow our past to dictate our future. By doing so we're letting life pass us by. Make the decision today to jump on "the little train that could" and see where it leads you. I have a feeling you'll enjoy the ride! :) 

Love,

Jeanette, An Athlete On A Mission  

2 Timothy 1:7 ~ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.