Day 11 of a 90 day get fit challenge. Do you remember that TV advert when the little girl was saying "Daddy or chips, daddy or chips?" My version today was "Milky Way or an apple, Milky way or an apple?"

Day 11

Out and about at work today.  Took a packed lunch, making sensible choices.  It takes a little bit more thought and time but it will be worth it in the long run.  I'm in this for the long haul, no easy quick path, it is going to be a long path over many months.  So one day at a time I will make the correct choices to get me to my goal.  I know what my goal is and I am on my way there.

Went into a shop today with my friend, he chose a little choc bar which was a good choice for him.  I looked at the chocolate bars very briefly and came out of the shop after purchasing apples and bananas :)  One day at a time, I know I'm going to do it this time.

Day 11 my face is clearer my skin looks much more healthy, I can see definite positive changes already.  When you are only eating good wholesome food all the time the benefits are visable.  I am living on veg, fruit, fish, chicken, red meat but not alot, eggs, no more than 2 slices of wholemeal bread per day, a little cheese that is my great food love in life but I am being very careful and having very small amounts. So it's going well.  To you guys who are also doing this, keep it up, make good choices.  Small steps will achieve great results in time.

"Persevere to win the prize"

Last night I downloaded and read some of "The Same Love" enhanced ebook by Paul Baloche.  As a christian singer songwriter for me it is important to listen to what our most inspirational songwriters are saying and how God is leading their songwriting.  Whatever field of work we are in,  there is always further scope to learn from others.  We are never too old or too experienced to learn from others. My mam was always expanding her knowledge and learning new things.  She learned how to master using a computer before any of her children did.  Inspirational.

God's love is the same yesterday, today & forever.

The same love...Is calling us all be name
You are calling us all by name

The Same Love: Paul Baloche

Middlesbrough Guy and friend Gram Seed, have you heard his story? If not read on...Inspirational.

A FORMER criminal, alcoholic and self-proclaimed tramp has won a literary award for a book detailing his life story.

Gram Seed,  decided to write his life story, "One Step Beyond"  after a near-death experience led him to set up a Christian charity and to turn his back on a life of crime and drink.

Gram became a Christian on 9th November 1996 at 2.45pm and since then he has been ministering to people who are without love and hope.  He has also been searching for a base for the last 9 years, which he has now found. Gram & the team are preparing for their open day later this month.  It is so amazing what Jesus is doing for and through Sowing Seeds ministry.

Their open day is on 25th May from 10.00am-3.00pm at their new premises on Bishopton Lane Stockton. 

As already noted, Gram & the team's ministry premises is now in the centre of Stockton, I love visiting there for a few hours on a Friday.  Today a group of us were learning new worship songs and praising the Lord, superb time.

Gram's book is definitely worth reading, it's quite gritty, I found myself so wanting to get to the part of his story where his life became better,  and when it did, it was an utterly powerful turn of events in his life.  This gentle giant & his team are now a forceful presence of love at the heart of Stockton On Tees.

I will leave you with this wonderful song "Hosanna" sung so beautifully by Selah

God Bless

Viv :)

Day 10 of a 90 Day Fitness Challenge: "The Milky Bars Are On Me" Or Something Like That :)

Day 10

Thank you Richard,  Emma & Keith, your Beetroot comments on Facebook were highly amusing :) I couldn't believe there was a song about Beetroot.  Here it is, this is Lance Percival 1963 "The Beetroot Song"

While I was making lunch today I was thinking about the Juice drinks I had read about yesterday and then these words came floating into my brain :)  To the tune of "Old MacDonald Had A Farm"  It's not my fault silly melodies float around my brain, I'm working with little people (children) alot of the time :)

Now don't just read it, you've got to sing it

I went to the shops today
What was beckoning me
Apples Carrots & Beetroot
I'll juice them for my tea

With a juice juice here
And a blitz blitz there
Here a juice there a blitz
Everywhere a juiceblitz
Dieters you must try this
I need Plain Bounty

Oh, man, I needed just a little bit of chockie today... just a little biscuit...  I haven't had anything like that for 10 days... so I had one of the following:

I ate it slowly and savoured the moment, it passed quickly but it did the trick.

It's been a lovely sunny day today, I love this time of year especially seeing the pink blossom trees.  I wish the blossom lasted longer.  I took a picture of my pink blossom tree today, I've been meaning to do that for years.

Well this has been about food today, fitness chat to come soon, I've got 80 days left, I'll blog about fitness  on day 70 :)

Music in Viv's world today is "In Christ Alone" by Phillips Craig & Dean, they have added an extra section to this song, lovely arrangement.

So until tomorrow folks...Beetroot :)

Oh no that was yesterday.  Let me try that again.

Bye for now, until tomorrow folks...Bounty Bar :)

Day 9 of 90 Day Fitness Challenge. Yes to the Beetroot, but definitely No to the Yukkie Horseradish & Vodka...Disgusting!!! :)

Day 9

Day 9 already, the time flies.

Well the word for today is Beetroot.  Sometimes beetroot doesn't taste too good but sometimes like today as part of my dinner tonight it was sweet,  juicy and pure dope (that means good, if you don't know :) )

I have a real taste for sweet vegetables,  put a plate of parsnips and beetroot in front of me for dinner and I would be a happy bunny.  I may do that one day ha ha

Here is an idea for a beetroot drink, be careful with the ginger though as it could be quite hot if too much is added.

Here is another idea with apples, I really like the sound of this one and I will be trying it soon.

Beetroot helps lots of different ailments, here is a little background theory to the beneficial properties of this vegetable.

• Beetroot helps the body to utillise calcium, which is important for skeletal health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

• It contains soluble fibre which has also been shown to have cholesterol lowering properties.

• As Beetroot is virtually fat free and low in calories it has a GI of 64 which is extremely low GI (Glycaemic Index), so it's converted into sugars very slowly which helps to keep blood sugar levels stable.

• It's iron content means that it's good for those with anaemia & fatigue.

• A study by Wake Forest University in NC USA suggests that Beetroot can help protect against alzheimer's and dementia. Drinking beetroot juice increases blood flow to the brain in older people, which may be able to fight the progression of dementia.

Have you ever made beetroot soup?  I haven't, but this soup recipe sounds like it will be worth trying.  I will be omitting a few of the ingredients, that's the beauty of following a recipe isn't it?  you can make it your own once you have the basic ingredients.    Here is a beetroot and goat's cheese soup recipe you may like to try.

  http://soup-tuesday.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/beetroot-soup-with-goats-cheese.html

A friend suggested to me today that I write a song about the theme of this challenge.  A few years ago I wrote in collaboration with a friend,  an amusing song about the busy time at Christmas.  I have sung this song during a few Christmas concerts.  It runs along the lines of a Victoria Wood type funny song.  I might just take her up on that challenge.  

Talking about Christmas our (Liz Clarke & I) first Christmas concert booking came in today  which will be at a venue in  Bury St Edmunds.  I have been there once before but I can't exactly remember where it is.  If my memory serves me right it was either near Great Yarmouth or Blackpool :)  I'll have to check that one out.

Don't worry I'm not going to post a Christmas song, I'll leave that until next week ha ha

Until tomorrow get juicing...

Bye

Day 8 of 90 Day Fitness Challenge. The Smell Of Chicken Curry Was Hanging In The Air.

Day 8

Why are churches always so hospitable?

I had 2 appointments in the same church this morning.  During appointment number 1 the smell of curry cooking was hanging in the air,  and people were commenting on the lovely smells coming from the kitchen.

No 2 Appointment was in the same place over lunch. Were the said yummy curry was one of the options.  Plus an array of tempting cakes for pudding.  My friend had her eye on the lemon drizzle cake.

It took me 2 seconds to make my choices, tuna salad & a banana.  When you are trying to lose weight it is easy when you are at home to make the correct choices, but when you are out and about you're faced with other unhealthy choices.

I was talking to two ladies in that church,  the first lady had recently lost 3 stone. The other lady said her hubby had recently lost 2 & a half stone,  it seems like many people have this challenge in their lives.  The second lady also said that another friend of hers had got to her target weight but was determined to lose another 11lb, however,   this extra loss was causing her to look gaunt, not good.

Thank you to those who have mentioned to me that you are following this blog.  I've had the thumbs up for the cough medicine bottle :)

I was going to take a picture of my dinner tonight and upload it but I forgot,  so this is what my plate looked like after I had finished my dinner tonight. :)

A few of you have also mentioned how much you like the videos so here are a few more that are on my heart at the moment.

It is Pentecost Sunday this Sunday so Julie & I are thinking about song choices for that service, let me know if any spring to your mind that you think would fit for this service.

Paul Baloche has posted a picture/prayer on Twitter today "Open The Eyes Of My Heart Lord"  Beautiful song.  Here is an explaination from him about how that song was birthed.

I've been working on a much slower arrangement of this song lately.  I'd love to record it.
Much Shalom to you today.

Day 6 & 7 0f 90 Day Fitness Challenge: The Weigh In

Day 6

Nothing to note today of any value towards this challenge yet.

Day 7

Weigh in day at the end of this first week on this challenge.  Lost 6lb I'm really pleased with that result.

Success is not a race, be patient.

Success leads to success.

Success is always a work in progress.

Success doesn't come to you--you go to it.

Success is a journey, not a destination. Focus on the process.

Some people dream about success... while others wake up and work hard at it.

Success is achieved and maintained by those who try-and keep trying.

Everyday is a good day to SUCCEED!

If at first you don't succeed-try, try again...Well this is where I started last week...Tried again and success in this first week.  To my 2 friends who have been in touch and said you are doing this challenge as well, keep at it.  And to you if you are trying to lose weight and get fitter stay motivated.

Keep Sweating guys it's the key to success
Over & Out :)

Day 5 of 90 day get fit lose weight challenge. Spotify Apps, Honey & Lemon & an invite to The Games Centre

Day 5

Well, itchy-throat-itis continues, coughing is under control with the cheap but effective medicine.  But I've got no energy so just resting today.  I typed into Youtube itchy throat and this video nearly made me choke with laughter. This is how this girl gets rid of an itchy throat.

I hope you saw the funny side of that video :)

My daily reading was amazing today,  let me explain:

A friend quite forcefully recently said to me that I was not being assertive enough over an immediate issue that was happening that day.

To be assertive in that particular  situation would of meant going against the authority and rules of the place I was a guest of at the time.  Being assertive over that issue was certainly not on the agenda for me in that situation

My whole person and character is pretty passive.   There are reasons why we are either assertive or passive in nature.

However something happened yesterday that I was so disappointed about, so I showed this disappointment with just a few words and thought I had let it go.   But I was really disappointed and so I couldn't let it go until I had explained my reasons.  So today I have done that.  Whether this will change anything I'm not sure but at least I've explained instead of being passive and just accepting something I found difficult to accept.

So, after praying this morning into that disappointment here is the reading:


DEAL WITH IT NOW
Sorry, but problems don't magically solve themselves because you refuse to deal with them. Actually, they multiply, and 'no matter how fast you run, you will not escape.' Kristin Armstrong says: 'We become...adept at running...We try to flee from our pain, our past and our issues. The problem is, we can't run or hide or push things away forever. Eventually we'll tire...and have to slow down. And when we do, all our junk will come rolling behind...headed straight for us at top speed. All the time we've been fleeing, our junk has been snowballing...picking up size and momentum. If we aren't brave enough to face it when it's "small," it'll run us over later. Now's the time to...deal with it...as fast and as strong as you are, you can't keep this up much longer.' So what problem are you running from today? What issues are causing you to 'lose your strength?' Make up your mind to stop right now and deal with them. 'Do not give the devil a foothold' (Ephesians 4:27 NIV) by spending one more day on the run. It doesn't matter how badly you've failed in the past, '...The blood of Jesus...cleanses us from all sin' (1John 1:7 NLT). Whether it's a stubborn habit, or someone you fear confronting, 'step up to the plate.' The thing that's chasing you will lose its power when you face it down in the name of Jesus. Paul says, '...Having done all...stand' (Ephesians 6:13 NKJV). And you do that through the power of God, not in your own strength. '

Three of my very good friends have been in hospital over the last few weeks, Liz, Cindy & Stu & a few other friends who are suffering with long-term sickness, they are in my thoughts & prayers alot.

Moving on to Spotify Apps.  I have bitten the bullet today & joined the £4.99 a month package on Spotify Hallelujah no more adverts!!! and other benefits that I am just exploring.

A few days ago I received a friend request from my young nephew to join The Games Centre.  What's the games centre?  I thought.  I chatted to my nephew on the phone about this today.  So I asked my nephew how many friends he challenges on there,  I was thinking probably many, to my utter surprise he mentioned his friends name to me just the one and said "you know him?" I said "Yes" then I said "who else" he replied "Oh, only him and now you if you will accept my friend request"  Oh how could I refuse...children grow up so quickly and when they reach out for us are we there?

So my nephew has advised me to download the Temple Run, 100 Floors & Angry Birds App, I'll have a go today just for him :)  He will be at university before we all know it, so I'm taking advantage of this little request, I was very touched by it actually that this nearly teenager,  friend requested his auntie :)

In a mellow and calm mood,  here is a lovely piece from the Margaret Rizza Collection.

I might get round to blogging about getting fit and losing weight soon but at the mo I can't because my life has took an unexpected turn this week, but stay tuned it will happen.

Have a peaceful evening, over and out :)

Day 4 of 90 Day Challenge Get Fit Lose Weight. Cough Medicine & Laurel & Hardy A Great Mix.

Day 4

Well, I tell you what, I definitely choose the wrong week to start this challenge.  I've hardly slept for the past few nights due to a cough, can you hear me? I'm coughing for England, exercise is totally off the agenda, appetite is low so that will work in my favour.  But do you know what the good is that has come out of these distressing few days in my life?  Any ideas?  Think.......No Idea.......Ok, I will tell you.

I have been taking a cough medicine with a high price tag attached I won't write down the brand but I'm sure you will have an idea of the popular expensive brand.  Well let me tell you, I am living proof, that the said expensive brand doesn't work and it cost £4 something.  So this afternoon, I phoned my hubby and asked him to pop into a chemist on his way home and to ask the pharmacist for their recommendation.  He came home with a bottle of cough mixture that cost £1 something.  It tastes vile,  but man does it work... Praise The Lord.  I've been cough free for 3 hours.  So never mind a video or a poem right now,  I am giving you a very important picture,  and don't forget this picture because one day you may need this bottle.

This my friend is pure nectar, cheap, discusting, but does what it says on the bottle.  It brings relief. Thank You God & Bells Healthcare Products :)

All is not lost.  I know it is only day 4 of this challenge BUT I decided to have a sneaky hop on the scales this morning and what it showed was in my favour :)  BUT you will have to wait until Day 7 to find out the result of my first week.

Bye For Now

Oh I can't go without posting a vid it wouldn't be right in fact I might post 2.

I was at Stockton Baptist Tabernacle Church recently chatting with their sound engineer Don about our sounds needs for an event there in the summer.  He showed me their church promotional video, I thought is was very good.  Every church should have one :)

And the final video,  can't beat a little Laurel & Hardy.

From my little corner of the world today... toodaloo :)

Day 3 Easy Day In One Way. No To Treadmill, Hello Chicken Soup.

Day 3

Keeping to my weight loss day today was easy, but not for good reasons.  I didn't get any sleep at all through the night due to a nasty bad throat and cough.  So consequently I had hardly any appetite all day.  Lunch was a bowl of chicken soup and dinner was an omelette.  Treadmill was out today, I didn't have the energy to push myself through an exercise session.  So it was a day of paracetamol, honey & lemon lockets & cough medicine.

I was really encouraged by a text I received from a lady whose husband is ill and in hospital at the moment she wrote about a song from my "Veiled In Mystery" Album, these were her words "Hi Viv, "Veiled In Mystery" track 9 "Don't Be Afraid" Is helping me alot.  I fell asleep listening to it last night. Thank you, love to you x"

Even when we are not with others we can still sense & feel their pain.  During those times,  that discernment leads us to hold that person/those people before God in prayer asking Him to help, strengthen, soothe and heal their pain.

Prayer is such a powerful act on our part because when we do pray for others our prayers are heard by God and answered, sometimes not in the way we would expect but they are answered.

This beautiful song was a response to a great tragedy
Ave To Love:  Philippa Hanna

"Do Not Fear/Be Afraid" is written 365 times in the bible, one for everyday of the year, coincidence?
Don't Be Afraid:  Vivienne Neville

I Feel Your Pain

Sometimes the world spins in reverse
Sometimes you just can't find the words
I know just how the feeling hurts
I feel your pain

You feel that no one knows you well
You have so much you'd like to tell
No one can hear your calls for help
I feel your pain

It's like they just don't understand
It's like you're walking on broken glass
You feel the need to watch your back
I feel your pain

I know how it can drive you insane
I know the words you long to say
It hurts to see you in that shade
I feel your pain

You should know you're not alone
There are others out there feeling cold
If I could only heal the broken souls
I feel your pain

Don't succumb to the little things
Don't allow them to increase
I want to help and bring you peace
I feel your pain

Soon all your worries will fade away
So many tears you've come to waste
I long to see a smile on your face
I feel your pain 

Christian Rivera

Be Strong Today & Happy

Day 2: Chocolate Cupcake, Hot Steak Pie & Fresh Cream Strawberry Sponge Cake

Day 2

Well, are you ready for this?  My first appointment yesterday morning was visiting a  Toddler's event at St John's Church Egglescliffe 9am which takes place every Tuesday during term time.  At the end of this PIPS Service tea/coffee was served along with beautifully decorated chocolate cupcakes especially baked by a lady from the congregation for this service.  Oh my goodness, temptation No1, I declined the offer of the cake.

An hour and a half later at my next appointment (lunchtime) they were serving up hot steak pie, the smell was lovely, I declined and asked if I could have a ham salad sandwich.  Temptation No3 I was offered Fresh cream strawberry sponge cake with fresh strawberries on the side, I didn't expect my first day on this challenge to be faced with all this!  I asked for a portion of strawberries without the cake.  It was only noon, I had the rest of the day to go.

After work I relayed my achievements to my hubby.  "On the first day of my 90 day challenge, I've declined 3 bad things and also I've wrote a blog"  I said excitedly, he said "have you done your exercise for today?"  Ohhhh, I forgot about that part of the challenge :)

A couple of months ago my treadmill was moved into my office and had turned into a shelf with some of my boxes of Cd's pilled up on it.  I had to rescue it from its lifeless state and breathe life back into it.

Songs in Viv's world Today:
Amazing Love: Graham Kendrick

This next song was floating through my mind while driving through Portrack Lane Stockton between appointments,  because I was thinking about a music workshop I will be leading for a big children's event in July,  I need some fun tunes for the children to make up their own lyrics to.  I think they will enjoy this one :) "Woo woo ooh, I wanna be just like you, I wanna walk like you, talk like you do"

This is a great book about the Grace of God.  Highly recommended.

Have a great day, God Bless.

90 Day Challenge: If At First You Don't Succeed Try Try Try Again

Getting fitter and losing weight, I am an expert at failing in this part of my life.  I have tried a few times in the past and failed.  I'm going to try again.  During This 90 day Challenge I will blog on how I am doing also upload vids & chat about music and add some inspirational book quotes.

You may want to join me on this challenge, in the words of my niece "Just Do It"  Why have I decided to try again?  Yesterday our friend David came to visit us and talked about his adventure as he rode his bike from the UK to Spain.  Such a facinating story, he inspired me again to try again.  So here goes. Tune in tomorrow for an update on today :)

Shine:  Salvador
I woke up to another day
Another day to celebrate
Your beauty and Your mystery, it’s more than any eye can see
I’m not the man I was before
With You, my life is so much more
Break the chains and open doors to a world I can't ignore 

Lord let me shine, shine like the moon
A reflection of You in all that I do
Lord let me be a light for Your truth
Light of the world, I wanna be used to shine for You 

As simple as a passing smile
Or listening a little while
To someone that's convinced that they are in this all alone
Here's my chance to share the news
To introduce the good that's You
Here You go again, You never cease to blow my mind 

Lord let me shine, shine like the moon
A reflection of You in all that I do
Lord let me be a light for Your truth
Light of the world, I wanna be used to shine for You 

You're the love that we all need
You lift us up to our feet
You hold the key to eternity
The King of Kings alive in me.

Have a great day