Chronicles of Kyle

Humble Husband * Fond Father * Enthusiastic Educator * Lover of Life

Fuel Your Day: 3 Easy Macro-Balanced Meals to Conquer Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Are you tired of feeling drained or guessing if your meals are actually helping you reach your health goals? Achieving easy macro balanced meals doesn’t have to be complicated, nor does it mean sacrificing flavor or spending hours in the kitchen!

Balancing your macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fats) is the secret to sustained energy and hitting your fitness goals. We’ve put together a full day’s worth of delicious, simple, and perfectly balanced macro recipes to keep you energized from morning to night.


☀️ Start Strong: The “Power Bowl” Overnight Oats (Breakfast)

Kick off your day with a breakfast that’s as easy to make as it is nutritious. This overnight oats recipe is a game-changer for busy mornings, delivering a fantastic blend of complex carbs, protein, and healthy fats. Prep it in minutes the night before, and wake up to a ready-to-eat power meal!

The Recipe (1 Serving)

  • 1/2 cup Rolled Oats: Complex carbs for sustained energy.
  • 1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt (2% or 5%): Your protein powerhouse.
  • 1/2 cup Milk (dairy or non-dairy): For the perfect consistency.
  • 1 Tbsp Chia Seeds: Healthy fats, fiber, and an extra protein boost.
  • Optional: 1 tsp Maple Syrup or Honey: A touch of natural sweetness.
  • Toppings (Morning Of):1-2 Tbsp Sliced almonds or Walnuts: More healthy fats and crunch.
    • 1/2 cup Mixed Berries: Fiber and antioxidants.

Instructions

  1. Night Before: Combine oats, Greek yogurt, milk, chia seeds, and sweetener in a jar. Stir well, seal, and refrigerate overnight.
  2. Morning Of: Give it a stir, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

Estimated Macros (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 337 – 450 kcal
  • Protein: 25g – 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g – 55g
  • Fat: 10g – 15g

🍲 Satisfying & Soulful: Southwest Chicken & Black Bean Soup (Lunch)

This vibrant soup is packed with flavor and all the macros you need to power through your afternoon. It’s warm, hearty, and uses those fantastic ingredients like brown rice, black beans, chicken broth, and Greek yogurt to create a perfectly balanced meal.

The Recipe (Yields 6 servings)

  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil: For sautéing.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion, diced
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper (any color), diced (optional)
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp Chili Powder, 1 tsp Cumin, 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, diced
  • 6 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1 cup Frozen or Canned Corn (drained, optional)
  • 1 (15 oz) can Black Beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1.5 cups Cooked Brown Rice
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
  • Topping (Per Serving): 1/4 cup Plain Greek Yogurt (2% or 5%)

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pot. Sauté onion and bell pepper until soft. Add garlic and spices, cook for 1 minute.
  2. Pour in broth, tomatoes, and corn. Bring to a low boil.
  3. Add diced chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes until done.
  4. Stir in black beans and cooked brown rice. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Serve hot, topped with Greek yogurt.

Estimated Macros (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 300 – 380 kcal
  • Protein: 25g – 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g – 40g
  • Fat: 5g – 8g

🌙 Dinner Done Right: 3 Easy Macro-Balanced Supper Options

Wrap up your day with a satisfying supper that’s simple to prepare and perfectly balanced. Here are three flexible ideas that complement your earlier meals without being repetitive.

1. Salmon Bake

  • Protein & Fat: 4-5 oz Salmon fillet
  • Carbohydrate: 1 cup Cubed Sweet Potato
  • Vegetable: 1.5 – 2 cups Broccoli florets or Asparagus
  • Directions: Toss potatoes and veggies with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place on a sheet pan with the seasoned salmon. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
  • Estimated Macros: 450-550 kcal | 30-35g P | 40-50g C | 15-25g F

2. Turkey Taco Bowl (The “Quick & Lean” Option)

Fast, flavorful, and keeps things lean.

  • Protein: 4-5 oz Cooked Lean Ground Turkey (seasoned with taco seasoning)
  • Carbohydrate: 3/4 cup Cooked Quinoa or Corn
  • Vegetable/Fiber: Shredded Lettuce, Diced Tomato, Onion
  • Fat (Controlled): 2 Tbsp 2% Plain Greek Yogurt or 1/4 Avocado
  • Directions: Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Top with salsa or a light dressing.
  • Estimated Macros: 380-450 kcal | 35-45g P | 35-45g C | 8-12g F

3. Classic Chicken, Rice & Veggie Plate (The “Ultimate Template” Option)

Simple, versatile, and easy to adjust for your precise macro targets.

The Recipe (Per Serving)
Macro Component Item Quantity (Approximate) Instructions
Protein Chicken Breast 4–5 oz (cooked weight) Grill, bake, or pan-sear with salt and pepper.
Carbohydrate Cooked White or Brown Rice 1 cup (cooked) Use microwave pouches or batch-cooked rice for speed.
Vegetable/Fiber Steamed Green Beans or Broccoli 1.5 – 2 cups Steam briefly until tender-crisp.
Flavor/Fat Olive Oil, Soy Sauce, or Lemon Juice 1 tsp maximum Drizzle lightly over the plate.
Check out these resources for guides and recipes:

The Ultimate Guide to Devotions for High Schoolers

A high school student sits at a desk, illuminated by a lamp, reading a worn Bible with a journal and pen nearby. The scene is quiet and peaceful.

Feeling overwhelmed? Stressed? Like you’re constantly running from one thing to the next?

High school is a wild ride. It’s a time of big tests, complex friendships, figuring out who you are, and constant pressure. But what if there was a way to navigate all of it with a sense of peace and purpose?

That’s where a devotional life comes in.

A devotion isn’t about being perfect. It’s not about checking a box on a spiritual to-do list. It’s simply about setting aside a few minutes each day to connect with God, get grounded in His Word, and find strength for whatever life throws at you.

This guide is your roadmap. We’ll cover the “why,” the “how,” and the “what” of a devotional life, giving you the tools you need to build a powerful and personal relationship with God right now.

The “Why”: Why Are Devotions So Important for Teens?

When life gets crazy, it’s easy to feel disconnected. A daily devotion is like plugging your phone into a charger—it recharges your spirit and gives you the power you need to face the day. Here’s why it’s so critical for this season of your life:

  • It’s Your Anchor in a Storm: High school can feel like a hurricane of social pressure, academic stress, and an uncertain future. When you’re anchored in God’s truth, you won’t be tossed around by every wave.
  • It’s a Source of Peace: The world is loud. Your devotion time is your personal space to quiet the noise, listen to God, and find peace that goes beyond your circumstances.
  • It Shapes Your Identity: Who you are is defined by who you listen to. Spending time with God helps you discover your true identity in Him, not in the grades you get or the likes you receive.
  • It Builds a Personal Relationship: Faith isn’t just a tradition or something your parents believe. A consistent devotional life is how you build your own real, living relationship with Jesus.

The “How”: A Simple Guide to Doing a Devotion

Don’t overthink this. Getting started is easier than you think. You don’t need a seminary degree or a silent room. All you need is a willing heart.

Here’s a simple four-step method you can use:

Step 1: Find Your Time and Place

Consistency is key. Pick a time of day that works for you. Maybe it’s 10 minutes before school, during lunch, or right before you go to bed. Find a spot where you can be alone without distractions.

Step 2: Read God’s Word

This is the core of your devotion. Don’t worry about reading the entire Bible in a year. Just start somewhere. You could read a chapter from the book of John, a psalm a day, or even just a few verses.

Step 3: Reflect and Ask

This is where the Bible comes to life. As you read, ask yourself questions:

  • What does this verse teach me about God?
  • What is it telling me about myself?
  • How can I apply this to my life today?

Step 4: Respond in Prayer

Talk to God about what you just read. Thank Him for the message. Ask for help applying it to your life. You can also pray for your friends, family, or any challenges you’re facing. This isn’t a formal prayer; it’s a conversation

The “What”: Resources and Ideas to Get You Started

You’ve got the “why” and the “how,” but what should you actually use? Here are some of the best tools and ideas for teenagers.

Devotional Books

These books offer daily readings and guided questions to help you dig into Scripture.

  • For the Straightforward Teen: Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. Short, simple, and personal messages from God’s perspective.
  • For the Deep Thinker: The Case for Christ Student Edition by Lee Strobel. This devotion explores the historical evidence for Jesus.
  • For the Girl Who Wants to Grow: Live in Grace, Walk in Love by Bob Goff. Uplifting and inspiring stories that challenge you to live your faith out loud.

Devotional Apps

Your phone is probably already in your hand. Why not use it for good?

  • YouVersion Bible App: Free, and has thousands of reading plans on every topic imaginable, from anxiety to relationships.
  • First 5: A great app to help you start your day with a short devotional before you get on social media.

Devotion Topics for Your Life Right Now

Don’t know what to read? Start with a topic that’s relevant to what you’re going through.

  • Devotions on Anxiety and Stress: When school feels overwhelming.
  • Devotions on Friendship: When relationships are complicated.
  • Devotions on Identity: When you’re trying to figure out who you are.
  • Devotions on Social Media: When comparison is stealing your joy.

Creative Devotion Ideas

Devotions don’t have to be limited to reading. Get creative!

  • Journaling: Write down your prayers or what you’re learning.
  • Worship Music: Create a playlist of songs that help you focus on God and pray the lyrics.
  • Art: Draw, paint, or doodle what a verse means to you.
  • Prayer Walks: Take a walk in your neighborhood and pray for the people and homes you see.

Common Roadblocks and How to Overcome Them

Starting a new habit is tough, and you’ll likely hit some bumps in the road.

  • “I’m too busy.” Even 5 minutes is better than zero. Start small and schedule it in your phone like an appointment.
  • “It’s boring.” Try a different resource. Maybe an app is better for you than a book. Or listen to an audio Bible while you’re getting ready for school.
  • “I feel guilty if I miss a day.” Don’t. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about a relationship. If you miss a day, just pick up where you left off the next day.

Your journey starts now.

Don’t wait for the perfect time or the perfect feeling. Pick one idea from this guide and try it today. Your relationship with God is the most important thing you’ll ever build, and it starts with a single step of faith.

Finding Your Purpose in Christ: A Devotion for the Soul

Do you ever wake up on a Monday morning with a sense of dread, feeling as though you’re just going through the motions? The alarm clock blares, the to-do list seems endless, and a quiet question echoes in your heart: “Is this it? Is there more to my life than this?” This feeling of being adrift, of not knowing your true purpose, is a universal human experience. But as Christians, we know there’s an answer—and it’s not found in a career, a title, or an accomplishment, but in a relationship.

The Bible is a road map for discovering the purpose of your life. It tells us that before we were even born, God had a plan for us. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “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.” This isn’t just a feel-good verse; it’s a profound promise. You are not a random accident. Your life has divine intention. The key to unlocking that intention is to align your heart with His.

The Call to Live a Life on Purpose

Finding your calling isn’t about figuring out a single, grand career path. It’s about a daily commitment to follow the will of God in every area of your life. It’s about serving, loving, and using the unique gifts and talents He’s given you to glorify Him.

Think of it like this: a compass is useless without a magnetic north. In the same way, we can wander aimlessly until we orient our lives toward our true North—Jesus Christ. When we seek Him first, everything else falls into place. Our work, our relationships, and our actions take on a new meaning. They become part of a larger, more beautiful story—the story of God’s redemptive work in the world.

So how do you start? It begins with prayer and a posture of listening. Carve out a few moments each day to sit with God, open His Word, and ask Him to reveal His purposes for you.

Tools for Discovering Your God-Given Purpose

To aid you on this journey of finding your purpose in Christ, consider incorporating a few simple tools into your daily routine.

1. A Daily Devotional: Starting your day with scripture and reflection sets the tone for a purpose-filled life. A well-written devotional can provide daily inspiration and a fresh perspective on God’s Word.

  • Recommendation:
    • Jesus Calling by Sarah Young: A beloved daily devotional that offers words of hope and comfort. It’s an excellent way to connect with God’s presence and feel His peace. [Amazon Link Here]

2. A Christian Journal: A journal is a powerful tool for self-reflection and discovering your calling. Use it to write down your prayers, the scriptures that stand out to you, and any thoughts or revelations you have about your unique purpose in Christ.

  • Recommendation:
    • The Daily Journal of Grace: 5 minutes with God: A beautiful, guided journal to help you pray the Bible and write down your reflections. It’s a great way to deepen your prayer life and hear from God. [Amazon Link Here]

3. Inspirational Christian Wall Art: Surround yourself with reminders of God’s truth. Seeing a powerful scripture or an inspirational quote every day can refocus your mind and heart on the greater purpose of your life.

  • Recommendation:
    • “But They Who Wait For The Lord Shall Renew Their Strength” Isaiah 40:31 Christian Wall Art: This piece of art serves as a beautiful daily reminder of God’s promise to renew our strength as we wait on Him. [Amazon Link Here]

A woman's hands writing in her Christian journal, a powerful way for Christians to find their purpose.

The Best is Yet to Come

Don’t let the start of a new week bring discouragement. Instead, see it as a new opportunity to seek God’s will and live out the purpose He has for your life. Your purpose is not about what you do, but about whose you are. You are a child of God, created with divine intention and called to do good works.

As you step into this week, remember the promise of Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Embrace the adventure of discovering your unique contribution to the Kingdom and walk confidently in the purpose-driven life God designed for you.

Best Cooperative Board Games for Large Family

Family game night is a cherished tradition, but finding the right board game for a large family that can engage everyone and foster teamwork can be a challenge. Competitive games sometimes lead to bruised feelings, especially with a wide age range. That’s where cooperative board games come in. These games are a fantastic way to bring everyone together, working as a single team against the game itself. You win or lose together, which makes for a truly rewarding and unifying experience.

To help you find the perfect addition to your family’s game collection, we’ve put together a list of the best cooperative board games for large families, with options for different age groups and interests. These top picks are highly recommended for their engaging gameplay, replayability, and ability to create memorable family bonding moments.

A large family enjoying collaborative board games together.

The Best Cooperative Board Games to Bring Your Family Together

1. Forbidden Island

A great gateway cooperative game for families

Why it’s a great pick: Forbidden Island is a fantastic introduction to cooperative board games. It’s easy to learn and plays in a relatively short amount of time, making it perfect for families with younger kids. Players work together as a team of adventurers to collect sacred treasures from a sinking island before it disappears into the sea. The game board is made of tiles that are removed as the game progresses, creating a thrilling race against time. This game is all about communication and strategic planning.

Amazon Recommendation: Forbidden Island–CLICK HERE

2. Pandemic

An excellent cooperative strategy game for older kids and teens

Why it’s a great pick: If your family enjoys a deeper gameplay experience, Pandemic is a classic for a reason. As a team of disease-fighting specialists, you must work together to discover cures and prevent outbreaks from wiping out humanity. Each player has a unique role with special abilities, requiring strong teamwork and planning to succeed. While it may seem complex at first, the core mechanics are simple to grasp, and the tension builds with every turn, making for an incredibly engaging experience.

Amazon Recommendation: Pandemic–CLICK HERE

3. Castle Panic

Defend your castle in this fun tower defense game

Why it’s a great pick: With a player count of up to six, Castle Panic is an ideal board game for a large family. In this game, players must work together to defend their central castle from a relentless horde of monsters. The game board features a series of rings, and you’ll need to use your cards wisely to take down the monsters before they reach your castle walls. It’s a great way to introduce strategy and teamwork in a fun, accessible package.

Amazon Recommendation: Castle Panic–CLICK HERE

4. Flash Point: Fire Rescue

A highly thematic cooperative game about saving lives

Why it’s a great pick: For a family that loves a good theme, Flash Point: Fire Rescue puts players in the role of firefighters working together to put out fires and rescue people and pets from a burning building. It’s a great example of cooperative board games with a strong narrative. The game’s mechanics are driven by dice rolls, which adds a layer of unpredictable chaos, making it both challenging and exciting. It’s a great way to teach the importance of teamwork and resource management.

Amazon Recommendation: Flash Point: Fire Rescue–CLICK HERE

Why Choose Cooperative Games for Your Family Game Night?

Cooperative games are not just about winning; they’re about the shared experience. They encourage open communication, problem-solving, and a sense of collective accomplishment. Instead of competing against each other, family members can cheer each other on, celebrate victories together, and strategize as a unified force. This shift in mindset can transform family game night from a competitive showdown into a truly unifying and memorable event.

So, whether you’re a new gamer or a seasoned pro, adding one of these best cooperative board games to your collection is an excellent way to strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories.

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Easy Canned Deer Meat Recipe

Many people have reached out about the canned deer meat recipe we use. This recipe is versatile in that it can be used in various forms. Barbecue can be applied and eaten the same as pulled pork. The canned deer meat can be used in stew. Canned venison can also be substituted in place of beef for Roast Beef Manhattans. After the canning process is complete, the meat is heat and eat, so it can so drained and eaten as it is out of the jar.  The canning process seals the jars so they are preserved for years. Below I am providing the general recipe with links to supplies. Feel free to add your own additional spices at the time of canning,  but we prefer to add  more spices and flavoring at the time of preparing a meal. Once supplies are purchased, they can be reused.

Canned Deer Meat

*This process needs to be done on an old stove top and not a glass stone top*

*a pressure cooker is needed for this, preferably with a pressure gauge to take away the guess work* CLICK HERE for an option to one with a pressure gauge.

~Cube deer meat and get as much of the fat and stripping off as possible.

~Soak in cold salt water or milk over night. 

~Drain.

~Put in sterilized quart jars (or pints). CLICK HERE for a link to the jars we use or use ones you already have.

~Put a teaspoon of canning salt per quart. CLICK HERE for this type of salt. Be sure it is NON-IODIZED. 

~Put a teaspoon of lard on top. CLICK HERE for a good option or buy at a local grocery store. 

~(If you prefer pint jars, just half the salt and lard. These amounts are approximate because I have never done pint-sized portions)

~Don’t add water to the inside of the jars. Cooking the meat will release its own liquid.

~Put the rings and top on and tighten.

~Put the jars in the pressure cooker with two quarts of water at the bottom of the pressure cooker.

~Put the top on and wait for the steam to come out of the top hole without the jingler on.

~When it does steam, add the jingler and keep it at 10 point pressure for 90 minutes. If it goes over 10 point pressure, lower heat.

~After 90 minutes, take off the heat. Let the cooker go to 0 pressure.

~Then twist the tip off the pressure cooker and set the jars on a towel.

~While setting out, you will hear the tops pop on the jars, and then you know they are sealed.

~You will know that the jars did not seal if the bubble on the top of the jar lid still has some give and does not pop inward.

~If jars don’t seal, they can be stored in the fridge and meat needs to be eaten in a week or two.

This easy canned deer meat recipe that can be tweaked based on personal preference. Every member of our family enjoys this, and we hope you do too.

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No S Diet Results Before and After

I know some have read my original post where I talked about my initial No S Diet results CLICK HERE. That’s been my most viewed blog post. With this post, I want to update my progress of my No S Diet Results in 2021.

Let me preface this by saying that I have wavered some from my diet since I wrote about it in 2018. Life happens. However, at the end of February, I got serious with following the No S Diet, while coupling what I mentioned in this article CLICK H ERE. In it, I discuss fasting and No S Diet combined.

I also became much more active with resistance training. I was not motivated with traditional means, but I started using a resistance bands system called X3, and it has sky-rocketed my weight loss and results. While it has a high price tag for some, the results I have gained have paid for my investment. The system can be checked out HERE. This system rebooted my motivation as a fresh way to get in shape. They also have a community of users in the Facebook group. Comment if interested in joining that group to see the amazing progress from thousands of other people. Here is a progress pic of myself from the end of February until now. Disregard the dumbbells as they have done nothing but collected dust for months now. I also incorporate push-ups and dips with X3:

The No S Diet plus intermittent fasting plus the X3 Bar system have helped me with my health and diet goals. I went from 236 to 205 pounds in roughly 4 months. I have set my mind to it and have no plans to stop.

I can’t emphasize how much variable resistance (Google it) and bands have helped my recovery time and joints. While I am a proponent of the patented X3 bar and the system it provides, there are other ways to try alternative means of variable resistance if the X3 Bar does not fit your budget. See below….

Undersun provides a great program and community of users and the system can be bought through Amazon CLICK HERE. This system has an app and workouts to follow along with it. It does not come with a bar and foot plate, yet it has a system to follow. 

Serious Steel offers great bands but the only negative with this set is that there is no bar or foot play and no program to follow. However, you can access the set HERE .

Lastly, here is a set of bands with a bar and a few other accessories but it lacks the foot plate and no program to follow. CLICK HERE.

The above are budget-friendly band systems to test the waters with variable resistance before making a bigger investment with X3 Bar system. I do feel my recommendations above are good starting points, but the X3 Bar system is far and away the most holistic option for optimal results.

With any exercise system, diet is key and that’s what I have had success with, with the No S diet and intermittent fasting. Also, I am not affiliated with the X3 bar but wanted to share my success story. The budget-friendly alternatives do contain affiliate links, but again, in no way do I mean to come off as “salesy” but just wanted to provide other means to get started.

No S and fasting work, when coupled with some sort of activity, expedite the results one will see . Comment and let me know what exercises you are incorporating to meet your goals! Best of luck to everyone’s health and fitness endeavors!

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No S Diet Plus

My No S Diet Results article has gotten quite a bit of traffic and comments. I wrote that piece back in 2018. Some people have asked me if I have still been following the No S Diet guidelines. The simple answer is YES. The realm of possibilities with this protocol are quite endless. What I am currently following is what I, myself, call the No S Diet Plus.

No S Diet Plus

I will make this article brief, as it is simply an insert, to the long, detailed article I initially wrote about the No S Diet. Before I I get started with what currently works for me, let me introduce myself. My name is Kyle Ballou and I am 35 years  old. I am an educator and have three young kids of my own.  A person must eat to live. I get that. However, because I was always so busy, I sometimes ignored this important detail of life. Sometimes I would skip meals altogether and then attempt to catch back up by binge eating and/or eating food that was not wholesome. I became attracted to the No S Diet for it’s sheer simplicity–No Sweets, No Snacks, No Seconds, EXPECT on days that start with S. 🙂  However, I took it up a notch. Read on find out what my  “Plus” is with the No S Diet Plus…

Intermittent Fasting

I have been intrigued with fasting for a while now. There are many ways to go about fasting that can be read HERE. My approach is the 18:6 protocol coupled with the No S Diet. Fast 16 hours, eat during an 8 hour window. Why did I add this part to the diet? A couple of my reasons.

  1. My busy lifestyle had me skipping breakfast anyway, so it was actually natural for me to take in my first meal at 11ish.  My only adjustment was when I stopped eating.  In this case, my fasting window is from 7 PM-11 AM. A big chunk of that fasting window is while I am sleeping.
  2. Fasting has many health benefits that can be read about HERE.

No S Diet Plus Results

Once I added this to my regimen, I have been losing a pound or two a week, like clockwork. My wife also does it and it fits our busy lifestyles so well.  At the end of our fasting window, we are more intentional in making healthy meals because our bodies are ready for them.  With this, you can choose to continue your fast through the weekend or since those are your “S days” (free days) you may decide to forgo the fast on those days and start back Sunday evening into Monday morning.

Disclaimer and Tips

Before starting any type of diet or exercise regimen, it is important to consult with a doctor beforehand.

Another tip is that if you become hungry during your fast, a glass of skim milk always helps satiate me and gets me through any hunger pangs.

Also, diet coupled with exercise is crucial in fast tracking your weight loss endeavors. The 10,000 rule is powerful–10,000 steps a day is a great goal to set for good health. That is all well and good but documentation is the number one thing to hold yourself accountable and consistent. I started off by using  this journal HERE to manually write down my fitness and food journey.

When that became too monotonous,  I turned to a comprehensive health tracker like the one HERE. This gives me a holistic view of my health all the time–diet, heart rate, sleep, exercise, nutrition–a one stop shop for wellness. With this I am quickly able to tweak any part of my lifestyle that could be derailing my efforts.  While this was a bigger investment, I decided to get more serious and not put a price tag on my health.

I only share these two bits of information as what has worked for me in fast tracking my results and is in no way something that has to be purchased but writing activity down does help. Be intentional. 🙂

Give No S Diet Plus a try and see how you like it. Here’s to your great success stories!

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Is Qkids Legit?

Well, is Qkids legit? Oftentimes people are leery when others talk about ways to make money online. Rightfully so! I have been part of some of the schemes of “if you scratch my back I will scratch yours” mentality. I have been a part of network marketing programs in which I feel the only reason the person looks to help is because he/she is receiving a hidden benefit for themselves.  The more the prospect sells, the more the person in the upline reaps the benefits. So, when my wife came to me with an opportunity to teach English to Chinese children online, I knew that this offer might be different. Of all people, I knew I could fully trust my wife’s judgement. To read about my whole experience with Qkids, CLICK HERE.

Money Talks

For most people, the legitimacy of something comes down to whether a fair amount of money can be made consistently. The screen shots below are only for informational purposes, but they show my monthly incomes for every month I have been with the Qkids company. It should be noted that amounts some months are far more than others.  This is attributed to the sheer flexibility of the opportunity. I am able to choose the schedule that works best for me and work as little or as much as I like. Read more on that by CLICKING HERE.

Once a person applies and is hired, money starts going into his/her bank account 30 days later. Other opportunities rely on items sold or commissions and take months or years before things come into complete fruition financially. This is different in that you are working with Chinese children from the comforts of your own home with a ready-made presentation. Essentially, you get paid to play and have fun. See my monthly payouts below…

Is Qkids LegitIs Qkids LegitIs Qkids Legit

 

Conclusion

I have been pressured by people who did not have my best interest at heart. To be fully transparent, Qkids does have a referral program. Employees do receive referral money for helping aspiring teachers, interested in making money online from home. There are never pushy sales pitch but only a helping hand if asked. Never once have I pressured anyone to join, but the only people I share my link with are those who have reached out to me first. I believe in the company and its mission.  Plus, they pay consistently by the 15th of every month. Those are the reasons much of this blog is devoted to being a resource to people who wish to take the online ESL teaching route. To take advantage of this opportunity, feel free to APPLY HERE.

Best of luck in your money-making endeavors.

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Devotion for Today: Matthew 5:13

Devotion for Today

Devotion for Today

The devotion for today is Matthew 5:13. To read last week’s devotion CLICK HEREThe devotion this week really spoke to me. The expression “if your are worth your salt” came to mind for me.

What worth do I have for this world?

Am I a loyal employee and colleague, devoid of gossip?

Do my actions always reflect unconditional love for my spouse?

Do I spend enough time with my kids and set a good example for them?

Are our actions more godly or earthly?

We must be good christian examples if we want to be “worth our salt” with any human being we come in contact with.  Are we walking the walk?

A pinch of salt for a colleague who needs help at work. Some grains of salt for the person wanting to speak about the boss negatively.

A dash of salt with a compliment to your wife about how nice she looks in her new outfit.

A tablespoon of salt for your children to help you with the recipe for supper.

All of the salt you spread adds flavor to your character and the world around you!

When we begin to stray from those positive, Godly aspects of life, we then begin to lose our salty flavor.

Eye Opener

An example of slightly straying was a time, several years ago, when we had some friends over.  Adults sometimes have an occasional adult beverage and casual conversation.  My whole perspective changed, when my daughter approached me and asked what I was drinking. When I told her it was a beer, she asked if she could have a drink. I said “no” and stated that it was only for adults.  She asked why, and I explained that it had alcohol in it and that children should not be drinking alcohol because it is not good for them. Her next question rendered me speechless…

“If alcohol isn’t good for me, then why are you drinking something that is not good for you either?”

From the mouths of babes…

My daughter made a valid point to me that day and she was right. Since then, I have felt convicted. I felt like I lost some credibility with her that day. She looks up to me and has only seen me drink very few times, so when I was drinking something she had not seen very often, it really stood out in her mind. Her question that day was completely innocent and something I needed to hear.

Perhaps I lost a little of my salt that day, but the beauty in all of this is that it does not have to end with that one event. Anyone who strays or loses some of their spiritual brine, by partaking in an earthly time, does not need to feel hopeless.  Every day in a new day and we must make the best of it with the actions we show. Stay salty, my friends. 🙂

To watch some powerful testimonies CLICK HERE.

Devotion For Today: Luke 6:38

 

Devotion for Today

Devotion for Today

The devotion for today is Luke 6:38. To read a little motivation from the last blog post click here. We all have talents and gifts we can bestow on others. Some of us are intimidated by the idea of giving to others. It is not that we are selfish; however, I know sometimes I do not feel worthy nor do I always feel like my cup runs over with talents or gifts that I can pass on to others.  Having said that, God has given each of us gifts that we should outwardly bless others with. We just has to be receptive to the subtle hints and messages He gives us.

I might add that this does not have to be a monetary gift to someone else.  Gifts come in all forms. Some may bless others with music. Others are great communicators. Some are great writers. Others can cook anything you ask them. Whatever the gift and talent may be give it, give it, give it!

No Strings Attached

I will never forget one time when a friend of ours, down on his luck, came to us to borrow some money. We had noticed some changes in his behavior, but he had been so helpful to us, so I was quick to give him the money.  After I gave him the money, I went back inside feeling defeated.

Leah (my wife): Whats wrong?

Me: He just asked me for money. I might as well kiss that goodbye.

Leah: If you are willing to give someone money, Never expect it back. In the end, expecting something back only makes you bitter and defeats the whole purpose.

I feel that this encounter that day was a great reminder for me that if we, as people, feel moved to gift someone money, we should NEVER expect something back in return. That goes for anything.  Don’t give with the intent to receive praise, recognition, or something in return, but know that the Lord will bless those who are willing to give and to serve.

What if I am broke and/or have no talent?

I oftentimes feel this way. I feel that I have no talent nor am I worthy enough to bless someone else.  However, that is my mind only playing games with me. If you are struggling to find what works for you, then simply give others the gift of kindness.  Include others in your day-to-day. Never let someone sit alone. With suicide on the rise more and more every year, goodness is the biggest gift that ALL of us can give. Kind words can be the difference in someone making a poor decision due to a sense of hopelessness or having a more positive outlook. It really can be the difference in saving someone’s life.

For great testimonials and motivation, click here.

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