Comparison is the thief of joy Find your unique fit and smash your fitness goals

By Traci Townsend

Here’s what I need you to know. You do not have to be perfect to be fit. You do not have to be a certain size to be fit. You do not have to have a restrictive or limited diet to be fit. In fact, I believe, there is a unique fit for each person, but what tends to happen is we compare ourselves to others. We compare our looks to others and we compare our habits to others. And I think we compare ourselves to others so much that we begin to lose ourselves and undervalue who we uniquely are.

I am also working on not comparing my fitness to that of others. It’s hard, but I’m working on it and you can, too. As I’ve grown in my fitness journey, fitness has become about understanding how movement and nutrition affect my body and the best way that I can incorporate them into my lifestyle. And I think that’s what everyone should try to do - determine how to incorporate movement and nutrition into their lives and recognize that it might look different from someone else, and that’s okay.

There was a podcast that I recently listened to that focused on weight loss and the messages that society sends about larger body sizes. In this podcast, Dr. John Berardi and guests discuss the biases held against people of larger body sizes. This podcast offers a variety of perspectives on the topic and several things resonated with me, especially this statement, “...it means that people make their own choices about how best to meet their own health and fitness goals and that when they are doing so they don’t have to stigmatize other people on their weight or their appearance.”

A coach can provide detailed information about health and fitness and support you along your fitness journey. However, you are the expert of yourself and, as a team, you and your coach can determine your own, unique fitness goals. You know yourself better than anyone else.

It’s time to be your own, unique self!

And if you are ready to start your fat loss journey, but you don’t know where to start or you want some accountability and guidance to reach your goals, I’m here for you. Check out my website https:// www.fitnesswithtraci.com/ for information about my online fitness and nutrition services.

That’s all for now. Stay focused and fierce friends!

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT TO BE FIT. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A CERTAIN SIZE TO BE FIT. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE A RESTRICTIVE OR LIMITED DIET TO BE FIT.

INGREDIENTS:

Salt Ground Black Pepper Granulated Garlic Baby Bella Mushrooms 2 Tbsp Butter Red Onion , diced Garlic , minced 1/2 cup Beef Stock 1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce 1 Medium Baby Marrow 6 Portions of Ravioli

STEP 1

About an hour before you plan to pangrill the Rib Eye Steak, take them out of the refrigerator. Each steak gets seasoned on all sides with Salt (to taste) , Ground Black Pepper (to taste) and Granulated Garlic (to taste) . STEP 2

Let the steaks rest turning about every 15 minutes. This gives the seasoning time to pull a little moisture out of the steak allowing flavor to penetrate the meat. It also helps the steaks brown during cooking. STEP 3

While the ribeyes are resting make the Mushroom. Melt Butter (1 Tbsp) in a sauté pan. Add Red Onion (1/2) and cook for 2 minutes until onion starts to soften. Add the Garlic (3 cloves) and Baby Bella Mushrooms (1 lb) and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes. Season with a pinch of Salt (to taste) , Black Pepper ( to taste) and Granulated Garlic (to taste) and reduce for 1 minute. STEP 4

Pour in the Balsamic Vinegar (1 Tbsp) and reduce for 3 minutes. Add the Worcestershire Sauce (1 Tbsp) and Beef Broth (1/2 cup) and reduce by ½ about 4-5 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the remaining Butter (1 Tbsp) smooth out the sauce and keep it warm for serving. STEP 5

About 30 minutes before grilling set pan on high heat. After 20 minutes the pan should be really hot. Place the steak gently. Pan fry for 5 min either side. STEP 6

Fry ravioli on a low temp pan. Add it to the mushrooms STEP 7

Remove the steaks from the grill pan and allow them to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving. STEP 8

If you like your steak more done leave it on the grill pan for additional time. 2min additional minutes for medium and 4 for medium well. STEP 9

Serve these ribeyes with the Mushrooms and Ravioli over the top. Garnish with the Baby Marrow Ribbon and you good to go.

FAITH-BASED FILMS TO INSPIRE

It should not come as a surprise that Netflix has quickly become the trend of the day. There is no longer a requirement to wait in line at the cinema in order to watch the latest release. Streaming services allow users to watch their preferred television shows and movies from the convenience of their own homes with just the push of a button. The following is a list of Christian movies that you can watch on Netflix while you relax.

COME SUNDAY

A crisis of faith is never an easy thing to show onscreen; what could be more internal than the struggle to understand one’s relationship with God? Come Sunday is based on the true story of Carlton Pearson, a beloved Oklahoma bishop — and favored protégé of evangelist kingmaker Oral Roberts — whose cleaving from the Pentecostal gospel caused a deep schism not only inside his own soul but in his marriage and large Tulsa congregation as well.

FAITH AND HOPE

HOLY EXPECTATIONS

A touching story about a young woman who discovers she is pregnant with her late husband’s child. She turns to her faith for guidance as she tries to navigate this difficult situation. The movie reminds us that God always has a plan for us, even when we can’t see it. Some consider this film one of the best Christian movies on Netflix.

SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME

International art dealer Ron Hall and his wife, Deborah, seem to have it all. But their world is turned upside down when they take in a homeless man named Denver. Despite their differences, the Halls and Denver develop a deep bond that changes all of their lives forever. Faith and Hope is a heartwarming story about two best friends who turn to each other for strength during tough times. Faith’s father is diagnosed with cancer, and she turns to Hope for support. The girls lean on each other as they navigate through this challenging time in their lives. The movie reminds us that Hope is always present, even in the darkest of times.

BY: ELEVATION WORSHIP & MAVERICK CITY MUSIC

[Verse 1]

Will You be my light, when I cannot see? When I can’t take another step, Lord, would You carry me? When I’ve lost my fight, will You be my strength? Will You set me a table in the presence of my enemies?

[Chorus]

I shall not want, I shall not want Oh my soul’s got a shepherd in the valley and I shall not want I shall not want, I shall not want ‘Cause my cup’s running over, running over and I shall not want

[Verse 2]

I will lift my eyes to where my help comes from And I won’t be afraid of the shadow ‘cause I’ve seen the sun No, I will not stop, when the way gets hard ‘Causе the green only grows in the valley and that’s whеre You are

[Chorus] [Refrain]

Oh yeah I got everything that I need, Your goodness and Your mercy I got everything that I need, Your goodness and Your mercy Y’all say that I got everything that I need, Your goodness and Your mercy Say

[Bridge]

And I got goodness and I got mercy Hallelu, glory hallelujah I got goodness (Somebody say) and I got mercy (Hallelu) Hallelu, (Glory) glory hallelujah (Say it again, I got goodness) I got goodness (And I got mercy) and I got mercy (Hallelu) Hallelu, glory hallelujah (The Good Shepherd) The Good Shepherd (Leads me to the waters) Leads me to the waters Hallelu (Halle, halle), glory hallelujah And He anoints me (Hallelujah), anoints me with His oil (Hallelu) Hallelu, glory hallelujah (Now my cup is) Now my cup is (Cup is running over) My cup is running over (Hallelu) Hallelu, glory hallelujah I won’t fear, no, (Fear no) fear no evil (Hallelu) Hallelu, glory hallelujah (I will dwell) I will dwell in His house forever (Hallelu) Hallelu, glory hallelujah (Hallelujah) Hallelujah (Can we all say?) Hallelujah (Hallelu) Hallelu, (Oh yeah, oh yeah) glory hallelujah (I got a new song to sing, say) Hallelujah (I got a new song to sing) Hallelujah (Hallelu) Hallelu, glory hallelujah

[Verse 3]

And when this life is over, I’m gonna live again Gonna trade this cross for a crown, no, this is not the end And when You call my name, I will take my rest There’s a mansion in glory and You’re gonna meet me there

[Chorus]

I’ll be home in His presence forever, I shall not want For the Lord is my shepherd, in the valley For the Lord is my shepherd, when I’m lacking For the Lord is my shepherd and I shall not want

[Refrain]

I’ve got everything that I need, Your goodness and Your mercy Is following me Got everything that I (Hey, hey hey hey) need, Your goodness and Your mercy Is following me Got everything that I need (Yeah, yeah), Your goodness and Your mercy Is following me Got everything (Hey) that I need (Your goodness and Your mercy) Your goodness and Your mercy (Your mercy) Is following me Got everything that I need (Your goodness and Your mercy) Your goodness and Your mercy Is following me Got everything that I need

[Outro]

I got goodness and I got mercy (Say y’all) Hallelu, glory hallelujah (If you don’t have anything else, you got Your goodness) (I got good-) I got goodness (Oh, no no no) and I got mercy (Hallelu) Hallelu, glory hallelujah (I thought I lost everything, I thought I lost everything) But I got goodness, and, and I got mercy (Hallelu) Hallelu (I thought I lost it all, I thought I lost it all) Glory hallelujah (But I still got something that matters) (I got) I got goodness (Yeah) and I got mercy (Hallelu) Hallelu, glory hallelujah

BOOK REVIEWS

BEAUTIFULLY FLAWED:

RECOGNIZING YOUR WORTH IN THE SPLENDOR OF YOUR FLAWS

By: Liezel Snyman

The story captured within these pages will leave you gasping, inspired, and hopefully changed! Liezel’s caring heart and positive attitude are evident to anyone around her. She truly uses her platform to make a difference in the lives of women in need of grace, compassion, forgiveness, and new beginnings. She is vulnerable enough to use her own past pain to prevent the future pain of others. Her journey is undeniably an inspiring story that teaches us our painful and dark pasts can open doors to a hopeful future. Liezel Snyman, is a loving mother, devoted wife, entrepreneur, life coach, and author and with a bright smile, she invites you to explore with her, the struggles of life, dealing with teenage pregnancy, loss, secrets, adultery, effects of divorce, illness, confusion as well as her journey into deliverance, autonomy, grace, freedom and ultimately forgiveness. She believes wholeheartedly, that the way to build deeper, authentic relationships is to allow ourselves to be authentic. We need to see ourselves, the way God sees us. He loves us with our flaws and all… Together we can inspire, spread hope, and make a difference.

UNSHAKABLE FAITH: OVERCOMING HINDRANCES

By: Christopher Roberts

I have written this book to help people exercise God’s unshakable faith in their day-to-day living. Basically, I have used some of my own experiences to help people recognise the hindrances that can come into their lives; hindrances that set themselves up against God’s will and purpose for their futures. Some of these hindrances relate to specific troubles that can come against you; religious observation, financial difficulties, poor choice of friendships, and fear and confusion; to name a few. I have therefore considered some of the attacks against my own faith, throughout my Christian journey, and included them in this book to help those who have faced trials of a similar magnitude. It is my prayer that you will discover what stands against your faith, ‘What hinders you’, so that so that you might learn to overcome in all things in the precious name of Jesus, so that you can exercise unshakable faith.

MORE OF GOD: A DISTRACTED WOMAN’S GUIDE TO MORE MEANINGFUL QUIET TIMES

By: Betsy de Cruz

This book will help you take small steps toward God and experience more of His power and presence. Many of us long to experience more of God in our daily lives, yet we’re too distracted by a busy schedule, our own anxious thoughts, and even social media to hear His voice. We can’t slow down long enough to receive what God wants to give us. Betsy de Cruz has learned that opening small windows to invite God in can make a big difference in our day. In More of God, Betsy invites us to a fresh sense of God’s presence as we rediscover: •How spending 20 minutes with God leads to more peace and joy all-day •Ways to conquer distraction and grow our prayer lives •Simple solutions to help us hear God’s voice as we read Scripture •Creative ideas for making quiet time a delight instead of a duty •Hope and help when life gets too hard to have a quiet time

SRI LANKA IN CRISIS

President Rajapaksa has fled to the Maldives. Protestors have stormed the presidential residence after months of economic crisis. Citizens had demanded the President resign as the country is running out of food, fuel and medicine after corruption crippled the finances of the country which was further exacerbated the economic shut down of the Covid 19 pandemic. With rampant inflation, long queues of people awaiting fuel, tensions reached boiling point leading to the mass street protests which ultimately led to the ousting of a sitting President. The country is currently looking to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for economic assistance as citizens await solutions to the staggering problems and shortages with which they are faced.

ROE V WADE

The American Supreme Court has overturned Roe v Wade 1973 on 24 June 2022. The case established the constitutional right to an abortion. “The Constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision, including the one on which the defenders of Roe and Casey now chiefly rely – the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment,” “It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives,” Justice Alito wrote. Justice Alito was joined by by four other conservatives. The three liberal justices opposed the decision. President Biden labelled the ruling as taking an “extreme and dangerous path.” “It’s a sad day for the court and for the country,” “The Court has done what it has never done before: expressly take away a constitutional right that is so fundamental to so many Americans.”

TANZANIAN MYSTERY DISEASE

The mystery disease has infected over a dozen people, three of which have succumbed to the disease. Patients have presented with symptoms similar to Ebola or Marburg virus diseases namely, fever, headache, fatigue and bleeding, especially from the nose, according to Tanzania’s chief medical officer, Dr. Aifelo Sichalwe. Preliminary tests have excluded Ebola and Marburg viruses and have also tested negative for Covid 19. The WHO has warned that Africa is facing a growing risk of outbreaks caused by zoonotic pathogens that have non-human origins and switch species and infect humans.

#JusticeForJesse

Women’s month, August of 2019, was no reason to celebrate for the women of South Africa, as it was rocked by some of the most horrendous, brutal and tragic murders in South African history. The spate of killings birthed a new movement known as Am I next? Her death left a community reeling with shock and anger, a university in mourning and a family broken and distraught. Now nearly three years later to the month the Cape Town High Court pronounced itself in the sentencing of the convicted murderer of Jesse Hess and her grandfather, Chris Lategan. David van Boven, her cousin, was given two life terms for murder, forty years for robbery, eight years for sexual assault and three years for fraud. The accomplice, Tasliem Ambrose was sentenced to twelve years imprisonment for two counts of robbery. Outside the Cape High Court, Lance Hess, the father of Jesse Hess said,”… our healing process will start now.” He further expressed his relief that the proceedings were over and the hope that the convicted will not get parole.

CO-FOUNDER OF SOUTH AFRICAN SATANIST CHURCH HAS SUPERNATURAL ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS CHRIST

Co- founder of the Satanic Church in South Africa, Riaan Swiegelaar, has told of his personal encounter with Jesus Christ on a Facebook Video posted on 4 July 2022. He describes the encounter as having his heart overwhelmed with the love of Jesus. He has subsequently resigned his position and membership within the organization. “I got involved with Satanism because at the time it resonated with me, being very broken and sad without realizing it. I think the reason a lot of people resonate with Satanism is they come from a very broken place. I have met thousands of Satanists over the last three years and I’m not saying the intentions are bad, they are extremely broken and extremely hurt… that’s the one thing we all have in common,” he said. “I did this ritual and I opened myself up and Jesus appeared and I was extremely cocky and I said, ‘if you are Jesus, you need to prove it.’ And he flooded me with the most beautiful love and energy and I recognized it immediately because that woman at the radio station showed it to me. That’s how I recognized the love of Christ.”

TEENS DIE AT TAVERN

On Sunday 26 June 2022, Twenty two teenagers celebrating the end of exams died in an incident at a the Enyobeni Tavern in East London, in the Eastern Cape. The owner together with two employees have subsequently been arrested and charged with selling alcohol to minors. “We still don’t know what killed our children,” President Ramaphosa said.”Families need answers, they want to know what happened to their children,” Many of the teens ranged between the ages of thirteen and seventeen. Community members say there is a well-known problem of underage drinking. President Ramaphosa addressed mourners at the funeral service of the departed as he continues to face several challenges including South Africa’s load shedding crisis, corruption and questions about large amounts of money reportedly found hidden in furniture in his own game farm.

8 8

The Monthly cost for the Mission Year is R8600.00 per student, which includes all aspects of the G.A.P Year Biblical Study program, Adventure sports (some optional), Transport, Three meals a day, Accommodation & Amenities, out reaches, 1st year Bible School, Training in Evangelism, Haggai, foundations for Farming & so much more…

5

BELARUS UZBEKISTAN

KAZAKHSTAN TAJIKISTAN KYRGYZSTAN

JORDAN AZERBAIJAN

MOROCCO TUNISIA

LEBANON

TURKEY GAZA & THE WEST BANK ISRAEL SYRIA

IRAQ TURKMENISTAN

IRAN AFGHANISTAN

ALGERIA

SENEGAL MAURITANIA MALI NIGER

NIGERIA

BURKINA FASO

CAMEROON CENTRAL AFRICAN REPLUBLIC LIBYA

CHAD EGYPT

SUDAN PAKISTAN

SAUDI ARABIA

KUWAIT BAHRAIN OMAN YEMEN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES QATAR ERITREA

ETHIOPIA

CONGO (DRC) KENYA

TANZANIA SOMALIA

UGANDA CHINA

INDIA

NEPAL BANGLADESH

SRI LANKA

MALDIVES

MALAWI COMOROS NORTH KOREA

BHUTANBHUTAN

MYANMAR VIETNAM LAOS

BRUNEI MINDANAO (PHILIPPINES)

MALAYSIA

INDONESIA

JOIN TCL DIRECTORY TO ADVERTISE YOUR MINISTRY OR BUSINESS. EMAIL: SALES@TCLMAG.ORG.ZA OR WHATSAPP: 081 514 5992