Weight Loss Motivation

Are you looking for some motivation to lose weight or just to start working out?

Thanks to Sia Cooper at Diary of a Fit Mommy who recently posted about it, I found DietBet! You pay $35 into the pot and starting on May 1st you attempt to lose 4% of your current weight in 4 weeks. Whoever achieves their goal splits the pot. Sounds like pretty good motivation to me!

If you would like to join me in this Dietbet click on the link: http://diet.bt/QSmanM

Check out this video to find out how it works: https://www.dietbetter.com/dietbet-4/how-it-works

I will keep you updated on my progress along with some health tips I learn along the way.

Good Luck!

Thank You Jesus





This Easter weekend I am in awe of all that Christ did for me. Not only did He come to Earth in the form of a human being, but he died on a cross and rose from the dead 3 days later so that I can spend eternity with Him. As a result of what He did I am able to live, enjoy all that He created, and share His love with others. I was blessed with the opportunity to go camping in the Blue Mountains Friday night and enjoy His beautiful creation, and Sunday I was able to worship my Risen Savior with Hillsong Church in downtown Sydney. It was an amazing experience! One of the songs we sang Sunday night is called "Man of Sorrows" from the Glorious Ruins album, and I just love the words so I wanted to share it along with some photos from the weekend. 

Man of sorrows Lamb of God
By His own betrayed
The sin of man and wrath of God
Has been on Jesus laid

Silent as He stood accused
Beaten, mocked, and scorned
Bowing to the Father's will
He took a crown of thorns

Oh that rugged cross
My Salvation
Where Your love poured out over me
Now my soul cries out 
Hallelujah
Praise and Honor unto Thee

Sent of Heaven, God's own Son
To purchase and redeem
And reconcile the very ones
Who nailed Him to that tree

Oh that rugged cross
My Salvation
Where Your love poured out over me
Now my soul cries out 
Hallelujah
Praise and Honor unto Thee

Now my debt is paid
It is paid in full
By the precious blood
That my Jesus spilled

Now the curse of sin 
Has no hold on me
Whom the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed

Oh that rugged cross
My Salvation
Where Your love poured out over me
Now my soul cries out 
Hallelujah
Praise and Honor unto Thee

See the stone is rolled away
Behold the empty tomb
Hallelujah God be praised
He is risen from the grave

Oh that rugged cross
My Salvation
Where Your love poured out over me
Now my soul cries out 
Hallelujah
Praise and Honor unto Thee




















Well as you can see we had alot of fun. Can't wait until our next trip!

Ch Ch Ch Chia

Do you remember that jingle for Chia Pets? Well watching that commercial was the only time I had ever heard of Chia until recently when I discovered Chia Seeds and the fact that they are really good for you.  Now I am obsessed!

These are a few of the reasons that I love Chia:

- It is a superseed and the highest plant source of Omega-3
- Gluten-free
- Not processed
- High in fiber
- Rich in protein
- High in antioxidants
- It has more calcium that milk
- High in other vitamins and minerals
- Helps to balance blood-glucose levels
- Keeps you hydrated 
- Keeps you full longer

Chia is just an amazing seed! It absorbs up to 10 times it's weight in water and forms a gel-like substance. This is what helps to keep you full and hydrated.


This is the Chia I buy

I love to eat Chia with my breakfast in the mornings. It doesn't have much of a taste, there is just a little crunch. It is delicious sprinkled over the top of cereal with milk, fruit and yogurt, it is also good on oatmeal, or in smoothies for an extra boost.

Found this pin on Pinterest

Most grocery stores have Chia in the health food/gluten free section.

If you would like more info or recipes with Chia click here or you can always search on Pinterest.

Weekends are for Food and Fun

Preparing the food
Our friends Adrian and Linda had an engagement party this weekend. I had the opportunity to help the amazing Nancy out a little with the food! I learned how to make lemon ginger meringue tarts, use a blow torch, whip my own cream, fill puff pastries, and so much more. It was so much fun to learn so many new things in just a few hours. I went home for a bit to get ready, grab the hubs, and then headed back for the party. They had such a cute and rustic setup with pallet tables, milk crate seats, mason jars, and lanterns. etc. I had such a great time spending time talking to friends! I'm so happy for Adrian and Linda!


Congrats Adrian and Linda!

Some of the Merrylands Crew


Friday night we also had neon night at youth and it was a big hit! Everyone was decked out and glowing under the blacklights. The atmosphere was great, worship was amazing and, Ben Little brought the word. It has been an awesome weekend so far!