Feel the BURN...

Hey all, its me Courtney...I know its been awhile so I feel the need to reintroduce myself, maybe send out a reminder, and a found flyer! Life is busy as usual with church, starting a new job, and going to school. I wouldn't have it any other way though. So why the post all the sudden? I feel inspired ladies!

Everyone knows that as Apostolic's we love love love to eat. Lets be real before church... we eat, after church... we eat, celebrating... we eat, mourning... we eat, single... we eat, married... we eat, preggers... we eat, you get the idea! Don't get me wrong I have always loved eating. But before church I was quite the athlete I was a dancer, soccer player, want to be track star, and I played rugby for a season. I wouldn't say I enjoyed working out but I did feel satisfied after a good run (though during I was whining). But now I find it harder to find time to work out (with all they eating we do!). I do not believe in New Years resolutions, some of my close friends and family will remember the one I made last year and broke only a day after I made it. So this is not a New Years resolution, its more like a rebellion.

Do not be alarmed people I am not doing anything illegal! Just going against the grain, revolting against the status quo, REBELLING! I remember the first year I was in church, after every single service I went out to eat. It seemed that all I did. It continued through out the four years, even if we ate at home rather than going out. Now I am watching a friend of mine go through the same thing. The funny thing is, before I even met her people were saying that she reminded them of me. I love my little twin! Well, people have been telling her that now she's in church she can gain weight, put some meat on her bones, and get fat. I am a very real person and I can admit that before I was in church I probably was a little to skinny. Though I weigh the same I did in High School (minus muscle LOL).

This is right before I got into truth. I was 19 here (and had recently made a dumb decision to dye my hair auburn). I was about a size 4 here, now I am a comfortable 6 (not church 6 but a real 6 -inside joke for Kendra and Misha). Now I am realistic do I want to be this small again eh not really. But I do want to be healthy. I have never been one to focus on the number on the scale so I am not into losing poundage! But inches may be nice or some toning! I want to make a disclaimer I do not think I am fat! Never have! Back to my friend...So Kendra and I have been trying to tell her we don't need to let ourselves go just because we are in church! The funny thing was, I had let myself go. I even noticed myself becoming lazy and down... So Im REBELLING!

Okay this is me eating LOL, but really I am rebelling! On Monday I took a big step...I went on the elliptical at work. It hurt I thought I was going to die. And I realized that was not for me. So I went on YouTube and subscribed to Befit. I know Jillian Michaels does not have the same morals that I do, but she is amazing at working out and I like her video. So I started 30 day shred on Wednesday. I loved it! Well I suffered but I made it! On Thursday I felt stronger and was able to focus on form. That day I felt a change in my attitude and how I carried myself (maybe because I could barely walk). That night I went to a youth conference in Fontana. My legs hurt so bad that when I had to sit and stand I want to scream. But it was worth it. I took my measurements to see my progress but for modesty purposes I wont be sharing... But I will be sharing how many inches I lost. Today I feel great. I just finished my workout and I am ready to see what today holds.

This is me pre-workout videos I think you can see the weight in my face, since my dress is flowie, but I guess only I will see the real improvements. (Hey notice the natural hair color lol)

What excites me is I am doing this for me. Not because my friends are, not because I want to look like someone else, not for some guy (there is none lol), and not for approval. I am doing this because my body is a temple. I am doing this because I want to feel good. I am REBELLING because just because your happy or saved doesn't mean you need to be unhealthy.

<3 all="" love="" p="" to="">

Court

Maidens For Missions

Hey everyone,

I know I am horrible about posting! But I would love if you all would take time to look at my new Blog, MaidensforMissions.blogspot.com. This blog is about The Maidens for Mission, which is a group of young ladies, getting together to raise money for Missions!

Loves,

Court

Happy Holy Ghost Birthday to ME!!

Some people believe that miracles were a thing of the past, but I know that they still happen on a daily basis. It was November 23, 2008 I was 19 at the time. It was the first time I had ever walked into an Apostolic church, and it felt completely different from anything that I had ever felt in my life. I didn't know that that service would completely change my life forever. I had been living a life of heartache and pain wondering around without purpose. I had tried everything, said the sinners prayer on a daily basis, and nothing helped me to change. My brother, his girlfriend (now wife), and my best friend and I were all sitting in a pew together. I remember looking around watching people worship and raise their hands. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life. I turned to my brother and said "When can I get baptized?" He looked at me and smiled, "Courtney its worship service now just wait." Everyone had their eyes closed and they were worshipping! I knew if I didn't get baptized in that moment, it may never happen. So, I left the pew and walked down to the altar over to a preacher and said, "Excuse me, if you do not baptize me now, I will leave here the same way I came."  He jumped down from the platform walked me to the back where the baptismal was. I was so excited and nervous all at the same time, but I knew that I needed this. Finally, Kendra and Misha noticed I was not longer with them. Kendra turned to Brendan and said, "Wheres Courtney?" In that moment they opened the curtain to the baptismal, everyone turned and looked. My family and friends saw that I was being baptized in the wonderful name of Jesus. Finally, my sins were remitted and I was washed clean by the blood of the lamb. While worshipping at the altar I was filled with the wonderful gift of the Holy Ghost. I had never felt cleaner nor had I ever felt lighter. After altar call we were walking out of the church and someone turned to me and said, "Courtney your pimples are gone, and your hair is laying perfectly." Now for some of you reading this, that is no big deal but for those of you who knew me then you know that I battled with painful cystic acne and well I have curly hair so enough said there. God showed me that night that nothing is impossible for Him.

As I sit here and write this post my heart is full! Knowing that 4 years ago God changed my life. I will never go back to the life that I had lived. Through all of my heart ache and trials nothing will ever convince me to not live for God. I can't believe its already been 4 years, but yet it feels so much longer.

The New Chapter...

Finally, I have moved to Southern California to start my new chapter in life. It was bitter-sweet leaving my home for 5 years, Sacramento. I met so many amazing people who truly impacted my life and supported and loved me in my times of need. My last Tuesday night service was truly emotional, shockingly I balled my eyes out (okay maybe thats not shocking). After that I packed with some belongings that I still had in Sacramento and headed to Tracy, to pack up what I had stored at my parent's. After loading up my I had another emotional fair-well with my Daddy and then once again with my Mommy. It was so hard leaving my parents because I knew at that moment our relationship would change. I was moving from dependency to independence. 

My little brother and I left Tracy that friday at 6am. It was such an easy drive but nerve racking wondering what Upland/Ontario held for me. Its silly to think how nervous and emotional I was because I moved with my big brother and sissy. But it was me growing up and that in its self was scary. So, now I am here living my new life. Starting Grad School in 6 days, interviewing for jobs, and getting established in the church. BTW, I love my church! 

I know I have been inconsistent in my blogging but I promise to try harder!!

Happy Birthday Meggerson!!

Sweet 17! Awww I am so proud of my baby sissy! She has had some ups and downs this year but all and all she has made it!! Man I am so blessed to have this sweet young lady in my life!! I love her with all of my heart!!

Dear lil Meggy Meggerson,

I know sometimes it may seem that I do not have time for you. It may seem like I don't love you because I don't call. Know that I pray for you, love you, and think of you often. I love my lil sissy to the moon and back!!

Happy Birthday,

Your Medium Sissy,

Court

Tis' The Season...To Crush LOL

Okay, now that it is Christmas time it seems that LOVE is in the air. There is just something about this season that makes it so easy to fall in Crush LOL. Maybe its the white twinkle lights that get mistaken for fireworks, maybe its that we are on a sugar rush from all the sweets we eat, or maybe its the fact that Christmas makes us all misty eyed, IDK but all I know its so easy to fall in Crush. So, I have a warning for all of you falling in Crush, 1) don't be blinded by the good attributes to the point where you are unable to see whats wrong with them. 2) Do not become a stalker (nobody likes a stalker). 3) Make sure he is available. 4) Look at how he is with children. 5) Does he treat his Mama right. 6) Is he age appropriate? 7) Is he slightly interested in you. 8) Does he have a JOB. 9) Does he Love GOD? 10) Is he real LOL. These have no order but try to look for them.... Awww to be in Crush LOL

Typical Courtney Moment...

I DROPPED MY PHONE IN THE TOILET...It works but I am leaving it in rice. People of God I need you all to pray round the clock...I am believing God for a Miracle!! Believe with me!!

<3

Court