Superheroes - Part 1

                                                                    Andrea's before pic

Meet Andrea Avendano. A daughter, sister, mother and missionary. These are all roles Andrea plays daily, whole heartedly. She's a voice for countless women being sex-trafficked around the world. She's on a mission not only to create awareness on the topic but also to develop change! That being said, how many of us know that when you have all of this going on, the person that tends to get neglected the most is yourself? 

In September of 2016 after years of excuses, procrastination, and failed attempts at losing weight, Andrea decided she was tired of the temporary fixes and needed a lifestyle change. She was going to invest in her physical fitness and not in pharmaceutical companies. Andrea was ready to live a healthier lifestyle and was going to make it a priority.  She joined Orangetheory Fitness and signed up for a weight loss challenge. Joining the challenge gave her added motivation, taught her how to balance exercise and nutrition, and the coaches served as accountability partners.

Fast forward 5 months, Andrea's lost 27 pounds of fat while gaining solid muscle on her legs, glutes, and arms. Her pant size went from a 14/12 to an 8/10. Her cholesterol dropped by 50 points without taking cholesterol meds. She has more energy, is more confident, and feels happier! Andrea chose to celebrate her victory by chopping off her hair to a pixie cut! :)  I hope Andrea's story inspires you to focus on your health and overall well being. 

                                                                   Andrea's after pic

~ 1 Corinthians 6:19-20... Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body.

Love,

Jeanette, An Athlete On A Mission 

God Dreams

Is there a dream God has placed in your heart?

Sometimes you have to silence the voice inside your head that says "You can't" and replace it with what God says. God says "You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you." He also says " For I know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." We must stand firm on God's promises for our life. In Him we find strength, and because of Him we have purpose.

The dream God has placed in my heart has been to incorporate my passion for fitness into my ministry. A few things have blossomed as a result of that dream. One has been establishing "fitness & fellowship" days with my sister. Her and I began a journey last year where we would get together on Fridays to do a little bit of Zumba followed by a time of fellowship. We called it "fitness & fellowship fridays." It was a time for us to enjoy what we love to do together.. Dance & Fitness. It also gave us an opportunity to spend quality time together. Now we're taking our "fitness & fellowship" concept outside of her home.

On Saturday, April 23rd we will be participating in the 3rd Annual Glory Run. It's a 5k Run/Walk that benefits FCA - Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Then, on Saturday April 30th we will be hosting a Zumbathon fundraising event to help fight sex trafficking in Cambodia by teaching families how to become self sustainable and educating children.




We also have been teaching Zumba fitness classes to staff members of various preschools. Our goal is to encourage the teachers & students to live a healthy lifestyle by doing a form of exercise they enjoy. Fitness should be fun... And that's what we bring to the table! :)

So once again I ask you... What dream has God placed in your heart? Don't let that dream die. God created you in His image to build an incredible future and live life to the fullest.

 **If you'd like to participate in any of the events above, we'd love to have you! :-) 

Here are the links...

http://miamifca.org/5k-glory-run

http://zumbathon2016.eventbrite.com

Follow us on FB & IG - Fit Sisters Miami


Romans 8:28 ~ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Love,

Jeanette, An Athlete On A Mission

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.

Happy New Year

I love celebrating the new year! A new year resembles a new beginning. The old has gone and made a way for better things. It doesn't matter what you did or did not do last year. This year is not meant for you to have a do-over, it's meant for you to have a fresh start! I thank God because His mercy is new everyday. He's not concerned with what you did yesterday. He wants to meet you exactly where you are today, and He wants to take you places you've never been before. He wants you to have a fresh start! God wants you to be whole or as I like to call it, Fit - Mind, Body & Spirit! :) He didn't create us for mediocrity. He created us for greatness! 

We each have a unique fingerprint. Do you think that's a coincidence? Absolutely Not! God designed us a certain way for a reason. We are all gifted in different ways. Give yourself the opportunity to discover who God created you to be. Stretch yourself in ways you never thought you could. Challenge your mind and your body. It's in the midst of those challenges that you begin discovering your true potential. And guess what? It's never ending! :) Every day is a new day and with each day comes new opportunities and adventures. Embrace the journey! 

May the best of your days be the rest of your days. Wishing everyone a Happy & Prosperous New Year.... Cheers to 2015! :-)

Love,

An Athlete On A Mission 

Jeremiah 29:11 ~ 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.” 

Merry Christmas

God's way of gauging success is very different than our way. God is not concerned about the career you have, the title you hold, or the possessions you own. He's simply concerned about YOU! God wants to know you and he wants your life to bear fruit. He doesn't call us to be busy, he wants us to be fruitful. Living a fruitful life pleases God. 

Unfortunately, there are many hurting people in the world. People that live without a purpose,  people that can't seem to find their way or feel like they've lost their way. The good news is "there is a way" and his name is Jesus. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life! By choosing to follow Jesus you choose life and your life takes on an entirely different meaning.  Your path becomes brighter and your eyes are open to matters you may have been insensitive about in the past. 

This holiday season I pray that you are able to find "the way".... and the true meaning of Christmas! :-)  

 Love, 

Jeanette, An Athlete On A Mission 

Isaiah 9:6 ~ For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

A Purpose-Filled Life

According to Dr. Myles Munroe, the greatest tragedy in life is not death, it's life without a purpose. Every human was created by God to live life with meaning and purpose. We were not created just to make a living. We were created for more! But until we discover our purpose, we will never be fulfilled. He further goes on to explain that the source of all human behavior lies in these 5 questions...
1) Who am I? (Identity)
2) Where am I from? (Source)
3) Why am I here? (Purpose)
4) What can I do? (Potential)
5) Where am I going? (Destiny)


Do you know why you are here? The most important question in life is "Why"? Why = Purpose. We were not born as an experiment. God does nothing without a purpose and knowing our purpose begins by knowing our creator. Wanting to know our creator is the beginning of a purpose-filled life. Do you know your creator? 

Love,

Jeanette, An Athlete On A Mission

Proverbs 19:21 ~ Many are the plans in a mans heart, but it is the Lord's purposes that prevail. 

Photo Credit: Cristhina Danies

Who Is A Missionary?

Meet Lacy Beach, a 19 year old Southern Belle from North Carolina. Lacy and I met while studying at the Miami Leadership Institute (MLI). From the first day I met her, I knew she was different. This girl loved God and Loved People. It was evident to me that she had a huge calling on her life. Though she never thought she'd be leaving her Southern way of life to move to a fast paced city like Miami, she did. She knew that's where The Lord wanted her to go. It was a tough decision to make, but she was ready. Ready to grow and learn outside of daily Sweet Tea, a slow-paced culture, quaint coffee shops, her big backyard, and the closeness of family. Her time for more had come!

Fast forward a year, Lacy Beach took another leap of faith and traveled to Cambodia. While in Cambodia, Lacy has been working alongside Cambodian Care (a non-profit organization) building a school in the slums called "Light of Future School." The children that will attend this school have never had an opportunity to receive an education. But now they do! And they are so excited about starting school that they have helped build the school themselves (see pictures below); over 200 children will begin school this month. All of this is possible thanks to the vision and leadership of Cambodian Care along with Lacy Beach's obedience to God's calling on her life. 

You may not be called to a different state or country like Lacy Beach, but God surely has a calling on your life. He may be calling you to do something for your community or to support a local cause. Just be open to what God wants to do in your life. We all have a mission field; yours may be right in front of you. It could be a friend, a family member, or a neighbor in need. Do not miss out on those opportunities God places before you. Strive to be a people builder because how you make others feel says a lot about you.

So the question is, "who is a missionary?" You, Me, Us. We are missionaries! God doesn't call the qualified; he qualifies the called. 

 Love,

Jeanette, An Athlete On A Mission 

Proverbs 16:3 ~ Commit to The Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.

Mind Over Matter

For those of you that know me well, you know I hated running! I actually made fun of people that woke up at 5am on the weekend to run. In my mind, "those people" (as I called them) didn't have a social life! I'm sure many of you non-runners can relate. 

 Then along came my dear friend, Mitzi Espino. Mitzi spoke to me about something called the "Color Run." For those of you unfamiliar with what that is, it's a 5k (3.1 mile) race where people dress up in all sorts of bright colored costumes, run around a park for 3 miles, while music is blaring and colored powder is being dumped all over them. Hence the name: the "Color Run" aka the happiest 5k on the planet. I told her, "I don't run!" But, because this sounds more like a party than a run, I'll do it! Little did I know, that was the beginning of a year full of so called "fun runs." 

The runs ranged from 5k's, to mud runs, to obstacle course races. Hey.... it was all in the name of fun and to support fundraisers, so I thought. 

The ultimate challenge came when again, my dear friend Mitzi, came up with another bright idea! "Let's sign up for a half marathon training program" she said. My reply, "you're crazy..... I can barely run 3 miles and you're asking me to run 13.1 miles?!?!" But guess what happened??? I signed up! :) LOL 

I had no idea how I was going to do it, but I determined to give it a try. Four months later, and a lot of 5am runs into it, I was able to complete a half marathon (13.1 miles). A year later, I ran a full marathon (26.2 miles). How did I do it you wonder.... I changed my mindset. My frame of thought went from "I hate running" to "I'm going to try my best" to " I can't believe I just ran a marathon!" 

But I could not have accomplished this alone. I had friends who challenged me, encouraged me, and coaches who guided me along the way. 

My advice to you today is: surround yourself with people who build you up, believe in you, and propel you forward into a greater destiny. 

Love, 

Jeanette,
An Athlete On A Mission

  Proverbs 13:20 ~ Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. 

Baby Steps

  In life sometimes we are faced with certain obstacles. At times there are so many of them coming at you at once, that it seems unbearable. I was faced with some of these unbearable circumstances a few years ago. I just couldn't seem to figure out how I was going to overcome them. That's when I realized I wasn't supposed to figure it all out alone. It took an overwhelming amount of weight placed on my back for me to discover I needed help! That's when I invited God into my life. That strong, independent girl that thought she had it all figured out needed someone to step in and take over. 

  I still wasn't sure how my problems were going to be solved, but I figured I had to begin by taking baby steps. I began by reevaluating my priorities in life. I decided to shift things around a bit. My new priorities became my Faith, my Family, and Fitness. I knew that in order for me to truly be that strong woman God created me to be, I had to be strong mind, body, and spirit. To me these things became all encompassing; I could not have one without the other. They were a package deal! I can honestly tell you that this has been by far one of the best decisions I've made. I encourage you to take time out today to reevaluate your priorities. It all starts by taking a few baby steps..... 

Love,

Jeanette 
An Athlete On A Mission 

  Hebrews 12:1-2 ~ Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.