C.N. Bring's Blog: The Celia Kelly Series, page 2

SIMPLE SERVICE A FAMILY AFFAIR

PCW2 Trailson Moore, wife Kayla, baby Sawyer, Holden-5, and Jaxson-7

Last week I posted a piece on how serving can be messy! I was talking to my daughter Kayla this past weekend and she talked about how she and her husband, as a family, are going about teaching service to their boys. We all want to make a difference and sometimes it’s difficult to know how to apply that. So how can you teach service and do it together as a family?

Kayla and her husband, Trailson, decided that the best way to teach was to serve together as a family.  Their boys are seven, five and one years old, so simplicity is the best teacher. They decided to make it a goal to do an act of service everyday and then talk about it at dinner that night. How? It can be simple as opening a door for someone, picking up a piece of paper a friend dropped in the hall, Kayla saw garbage in a parking lot and had an extra bag in her car to pick it up and throw it away. The point is to pay attention to even the smallest opportunities to give someone a hand or make the world a better place.

We’ve all been there. A moment comes up where we think, “I should help him with that…” and then the moment passes and we let an opportunity to serve pass right on by. We are either afraid to step up or just don’t take the time to do it. Part of serving, the messy part, is learning to push past that and do it anyway! Teaching your children to pay attention to the opportunities to act in service gives them a priceless tool to make the world a better place one moment at a time, one life at a time. And if you are serving as well and they are watching…that’s the best lesson of all! The more you practice it, the more natural it becomes until it’s a part of who you are.

If you have had an experience to serve or teach service to your children please share it with us in the comments section below. We should all be encouraging each other to make the world a better place!

SERVING IS MESSY

Glen and I

I have come to realize through my life that from the everyday to specific careers it’s all about serving those around us. My husband and I have recently made service a priority together. It’s easy to get caught up in the everyday and be busy with that. As our children left home, we still filled our days, but realized we might not be filling it with what God had in mind for us to do. This particular message really spoke to us both.

Why is serving messy?

1. Serving involves risk. It usually involves fear and moving out of your comfort zone and a lot of times that means you step out in faith in order to get the job done. There are the obvious walks of lives and professions such as law enforcement or the military. In these, service can mean you go as far as to sacrifice your life. The not so obvious are in the everyday when we have the opportunity to make a difference one life at a time or by donating our time to others. It’s easy to give money, but giving of ourselves and our time is a sacrifice that we often talk ourselves out of! Or I should say, I talked myself out of!

2. Serving involves working with others. I think the Bible verse that Pastor used here says it best.

“Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Phil 2:2”

We all come from different backgrounds and have different gifts. The most important thing to remember is that when you are working together you are on the same team, with one mind and one purpose.

3. Serving involves discovering your gift. Every person has a gift and the ability to share it and therefore the opportunity to serve. There are things I do well and other things not so much. We figure out the difference and we all do what we are meant to do creating a smooth working machine. If we are all doing what we are meant to do, we are a working part of the machine and we fit perfectly.

4. Serving involves time. Serving is a command, not an option. Now this is a game changer for most of us. I have struggled with this because I have been a time hog! I don’t like to give it up. Here’s the thing, our lives will always touch too many people to be totally self-involved.

The verse Pastor used here was this: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matt 6:33”

I would add this verse: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this; Love your neighbor as yourself. There are no greater commandments than these. Mark 30-31”

I have discovered you can’t serve others without a heart of love and you can’t love others without serving in some way or another. It all goes hand in hand and it involves in many cases, your time.

My husband and I decided to start by donating time to the USO together as a team. But that is a small thing in God’s bigger picture and I am learning that’s not all of what God had in mind. A neighbor might need some groceries because she can’t get to the store, for example. People need us every day! I challenge you all to find your gift and then find a place where you fit in perfectly to share it in service to others and more importantly to God! Commit to a life style of serving. Discover the gift God has given you! Re-prioritize your time to make service a priority, not an option. Let God use you.

 

This content is from a recent sermon about service. To listen to this message or others from Pastor Dale Satrum go to Foothills Community Church.

STRONG WOMAN CHRISTIAN AUTHOR TRACIE PETERSON

Christian author Tracie Peterson and her husband Jim have been married nearly 35 years and have three grown children and three grandchildren.  They live in my old neck of the woods in Montana surrounded by mountains and about 90 miles from Yellowstone Park. As a full time author, occasional speaker and teacher, Tracie spends a lot of her time on the road. I have had the pleasure to meet Tracie and hear her speak and she is such an inspiration to me.

Author Tracie Peterson

What was your training and education? Mainly life.   I have a small amount of college, but mostly I have worked at my craft via writing conferences, workshops and tons and tons of reading. I also credit God with giving me a vivid imagination and the ability to be a natural storyteller.

What is your idea of strength? Strength to me is standing in the face of adversity or ease and remaining the same person no matter the environment. My strength personally comes via my relationship with Jesus and knowing that there is nothing I can’t face with Him. It doesn’t mean that I don’t have moments of frustration or worry, but I try to constantly take it back to Him, knowing that there’s little I can do to change the problem, but God can change my heart regarding the problem.

Who inspired you as you were growing up? My mother and grandmother were both strong Christians and they taught me to pray and have faith. Books were also a strong influence and gave me great inspiration.

Does your faith play a part in who you are and what you do? Absolutely. My writing is a ministry in which I hope to convey the hope I have in Christ. I want the stories to offer Biblical application, as well as the Gospel message. The world is full of hurting and lost folks who just want to believe there is something or someone out there who can help.

What was the most difficult struggle you had to overcome along the way? One of the most difficult was my 3rd pregnancy.  The doctors had determined that something was wrong with the baby and wanted me to abort.  I didn’t believe that was the way we were supposed to go.  I figured that no matter what, this life was precious to me and I would deal with whatever issues we had to face.  It was a really hard time because the doctors were not sympathetic. They kept saying, you and your husband are young and can have other children, but we couldn’t bring ourselves to accept that abortion was the answer.  We prayed a great deal and so did a lot of other people.  It really rocked our boat and for a long time I couldn’t understand why we had to go through something like that.  Our son Erik was born on Mother’s Day and there was nothing wrong with him.  Whether he’d been healed in the womb or nothing had ever been wrong to begin with, we don’t know or care.  What I do know is that God was with me every step of the way.

Related to writing it is probably the struggle to not be distracted. Early in my writing career there were a lot of distractions that came in the form of things like: What do I want to write? Who am I writing for? What do I want to be known for? Why do I want to write? The latter is probably the most important question a writer can ask themselves. Knowing why you write is going to save you a lot of grief in the long run.

Did you ever want to give up? What kept you going? There have been a lot of times that I’ve wanted to give up.  Besides of the situation with my 3rd pregnancy, there were all sorts of problems.  Marital issues, betrayals, mental battles, alcohol and drug issues, just to name a few.  There were times when I woke up actually saying to God, “Do I really have to deal with another day?” What keeps me going is knowing that this world and all that is in it is temporary.  There is nothing here that will remain. That’s a comfort when you think about the trials and conflicts you face.  God has pulled me through all of those times with the firm belief that these things are dust in the wind.  I also had great support from friends and family.  I think it’s important to admit when you feel overwhelmed and can’t go on and get encouragement. Sometimes pride stands in the way, however, and we don’t want to admit that we can’t handle everything ourselves.  Sometimes the best show of strength is in reaching out for help.

What has been the most rewarding experience in your life/and or career? Why? Rewarding experiences are truly one of those things that depends on the person. Knowing Jesus, marrying my husband and having children, becoming a published novelist – all are rewarding for different reasons. I’ve been blessed by a so many wonderful things and people and it would be impossible to pick just one to call the most rewarding aside from my knowing the Lord.

Who is one of the strongest women you know today and why?  There is a woman in Burundi Africa who is an adopted (by the heart anyway) daughter-in-law. She is an incredible woman who lives with seemingly insurmountable odds in one of the poorest nations in the world. She and her husband have 7 children and barely have a place to live and food to eat. Yet this woman along with her husband have started over 10 churches in Africa. She teaches the young women around her to put their trust in God, even in the midst of a life that offers so little good. Her name is Albine and though she has been plagued with sickness, tragedy and loss, she continues to live her life, raise her children in a positive spirit and teach those around her that God is truly sufficient. That’s true strength to me.

What is your advice to other women out there who are facing adversity on their own personal journey? Remember it’s all temporary and learn to find joy even in trials. So many times people have the attitude that life will begin when their troubles are behind them, never realizing that their trials and difficulties are as much their life as the times of peace and perfection.   A friend once told me the best thing I ever helped her learn was to laugh at herself. The trick is learning to face it all with a heart of joy fixed on the Lord.

Tracie Peterson Website

Check out Tracie Peterson’s latest novel A Matter of Heart

Book 3 in the Lone Star Brides series

Buy This Book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Books-A-Million

Texas born and raised Jessica Atherton is a wealthy young woman whose heart was broken when the man she intended to marry wedded another. But her world is upended when two men come into her life and both manage to stir her heart. Harrison Gable is a rich young lawyer who intends to travel the world and live a life of opulence. His ambitions match Jessica’s dreams, but her heart has begun to change.

Austin Todd, former Secret Service agent, enjoys working now as a Texas Ranger cattle inspector. But learning of forged gold certificates and missing printing plates, he’s drawn back into the world of intrigue and agrees to help solve the case. Austin is well-thought-of and admired in the community. Jessica is drawn to his kind nature and the unspoken pain she sees in his eyes. Will Jessica choose financial security or follow her heart?

 

 

 

 

THRILLER MYSTERY SERIES OF THE YEAR

Listed in USA Book News, The Celia Kelly Series has won the International Book Award for Religious Fiction, ABA Literary Excellence Award for Mystery/Suspense, Wise Bear Books Award for Military/Mystery, and CN Bring was listed as one the 50 Writers you Should Be Reading.

“The Celia Kelly Series is a fast-paced, character-driven thriller with unexpected twists and turns that leave you breathless.”

The Pact

While Commander Celia Kelly deals with the mystery of her MIA husband, she’s ordered to go after The Pact in the mission of a lifetime.

“Celia Kelly is the female version of Jack Ryan, brilliantly written!”

The Lie

The Secretary of Defense is captured behind enemy lines, a Navy SEAL is dead, and a president is suspiciously uncooperative, Commander Celia Kelly must risk everything to uncover The Lie.

” I always liked mysteries, Agatha Christie was always a favorite, but CN Bring is now my favorite mystery writer!”

The Truth

Terrorism hits home and Commander Celia Kelly is on a wild goose chase, trying to negotiate with the terrorist while The Truth about her MIA husband is finally revealed.

Filed under: Thriller Books

WHAT MAKES LABOR DAY GREAT

This Labor Day as we think about what makes our Nation great we must remember how  small businesses and big businesses get their start. It’s by people beginning with an idea, a dream and working hard to make it happen. Facing and overcoming obstacles instead of allowing obstacles to stop them. I think they all have this in common…. Via Real Simple (Magazine)

 

Filed under: Strong Men, Strong Women, Thriller Books, True Story Tagged: Labor Day, Strong Men, Strong Woman, Thriller books, Weekly Strong Tip

POWs and MIAs PRESENT DAY

In The Celia Kelly Series, Commander Celia Kelly’s husband has gone mysteriously MIA over the Mediterranean Sea. While solving multiple other mysteries, she also is haunted by where he is, if he’s alive or dead and what happened. In reality this is happening to other wives, mothers, fathers, siblings, and even husbands. Our military works hard to return them, (even remains), home.

According to CNN here are the names from 1991 to present day.  Please read their names and send prayers for their families.

(CNN) -- Here’s a look at POW/MIA’s in Iraq and Afghanistan from 1991 to the present.

Scott Speicher:

January 17, 1991 – During the first night of Operation Desert Storm, Navy pilot Lt. Cmdr. Michael Scott Speicher is shot down over Iraq.

May 22, 1991 – His status is changed from MIA (missing in action) to KIA (killed in action).

January 11, 2001 – His status is changed from KIA back to MIA.

October 11, 2002 – Speicher’s status is changed again, from MIA to missing-captured.

March 10, 2009 – His status is changed from missing-captured to MIA.

July 2009 – A crash site is investigated by U.S. Marines after a tip from an Iraqi civilian.

August 2, 2009 – The U.S. Dept. of Defense announces that remains found at the crash site have been positively identified as Speicher’s.

507th Maintenance Co. and Apache Helicopter Pilots:

March 23, 2003 – Members of the Army’s 507th Maintenance Co. become separated from a 600 hundred vehicle convoy traveling from Camp Virginia, Kuwait to Baghdad, Iraq. After mistakenly driving into Nasiriya, the group is ambushed. Nine soldiers are killed in the battle and eight are captured.

Two soldiers die after being captured.

– Pfc. Lori Piestewa – first female killed in the Iraq War.

– Sgt. Donald Ralph Walters

Five are captured alive and kept together as a group. At some point, they are moved from Nasiriya to Samarra.

– Army Specialist Joseph Hudson

– Pfc. Patrick Miller

– Army Specialist Shoshana Johnson

– Specialist Edgar Hernandez

– Sgt. James Riley

One seriously injured soldier, Pfc. Jessica Lynch, is taken captive and separated from the other POWs. She is kept by Iraqi forces for a period of time and then taken to an Iraqi hospital.

March 24, 2003 – An Apache Longbow helicopter crashes in Karbala, Iraq. The pilots, Chief Warrant Officer David Williams and Chief Warrant Officer Ronald Young, Jr., try to evade capture but are taken prisoner by Iraqi forces. The pilots are taken to Samarra and eventually join the other POWs from the 507th Maintenance Co.

April 1, 2003 – After receiving a tip from an Iraqi, U.S. forces storm the hospital in Nasiriya and rescue Pfc. Lynch.

April 13, 2003 – U.S. forces arrive in Samarra on their way to a battle in Tikrit. An Iraqi asks them if they’ve come for the Americans and then leads them to the seven POWs.

2004 – The Army concludes that Walters was captured, taken to another location and shot. His status is then changed from KIA to POW-Murdered.

Keith M. Maupin:

April 9, 2004 – Army Reservist Spc. Keith Matthew Maupin is captured by insurgents after his convoy comes under attack near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq.

April 12, 2004 – The military classifies him as “duty status whereabouts unknown” (DUSTWUN).

April 16, 2004 – Al Jazeera broadcasts a videotape of Maupin made after his capture. The US Army declares him missing-captured.

June 28, 2004 – A videotape allegedly showing Maupin’s execution is broadcast by Al-Jazeera. The U.S. Army states that it is impossible to identify the person on the tape as Maupin.

March 30, 2008 – Maupin’s family announces that his remains have been found in Iraq, and positively identified by DNA testing.

Kristian Menchaca and Thomas Tucker:

June 16, 2006 – Insurgents attack a check point in Yusufiya and capture two soldiers, Pfc. Kristian Menchaca and Pfc. Thomas L. Tucker.

June 19, 2006 – U.S. forces locate the bodies of Menchaca and Tucker. The bodies show signs of severe torture and mutilation.

Ahmed K. Altaie:

October 23, 2006 – Spc. Ahmed K. Altaie disappears in Iraq. It is initially unclear whether he has been kidnapped or left intentionally.

December 11, 2006 – The DOD changes his status from “duty status whereabouts unknown” to missing-captured.

February 14, 2007 – A videotape of Altaie appears on an insurgent website, but it’s unclear when the tape was made.

February 25, 2012 – The Pentagon confirms that it has received and positively identified the remains of Altaie. No further information is given.

10th Mountain Division’s Second Brigade:

May 12, 2007 – A military convoy is raided west of Mahmoudiya, Iraq. Four American soldiers are killed. A massive search ensues for missing U.S. troops. They are part of the 10th Mountain Division’s Second Brigade out of Ft. Drum, New York.

May 14, 2007 – The Islamic State of Iraq, a Sunni insurgent group, claims it has captured three U.S. soldiers.

May 15, 2007 – The missing soldiers are identified as Spc. Alex R. Jimenez, Pfc. Joseph J. Anzack Jr., and Pvt. Byron W. Fouty. Their status is listed as DUSTWUN, duty status whereabouts unknown.

May 24, 2007 – A body found earlier in an Iraqi river is positively identified as Pfc. Joseph J. Anzack Jr.

June 4, 2007 – The Islamic State of Iraq releases video showing what appears to be the military identification cards of the two missing American soldiers. Above the photos, written in Arabic, is the message, “Bush is the reason for the loss of your prisoners.”

June 27, 2007 – The Department of Defense has changed the status of Pvt. Byron W. Fouty and Spc. Alex R. Jimenez serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom from DUSTWUN to missing-captured.

July 9, 2008 – The remains of Fouty and Jimenez are discovered in Iraq and positively identified by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner the next day.

Sgt. Bowe R. Bergdahl:

June 30, 2009 – A U.S soldier is captured in southeastern Afghanistan along with three Afghan soldiers, after leaving his post.

July 2, 2009 – A U.S. military official says that the soldier is being held by the clan of warlord Siraj Haqqani. The Taliban previously claimed to have captured the soldier.

July 19, 2009 – A videotape of Bergdahl is released by his captors.

December 25, 2009 – His captors releases another video, showing a soldier believed to be Bergdahl.

April 7, 2010 – A video posted on a radical website purportedly shows Bergdahl performing a series of exercises.

June 12, 2010 – Bergdahl is promoted to specialist.

December 7, 2010 – His captors releases a nearly 45-minute video of a thin Westerner identified as Spc. Bowe Bergdahl.

May 6, 2011 – Robert Bergdahl, his father, makes his first statement since the disappearance of his son.

June 12, 2011 – Bergdahl is promoted to sergeant.

June 6, 2013 – Bergdahl’s family announces that “through the International Committee of the Red Cross, we recently received a letter we’re confident was written to us by our son.”

January 2014 – A U.S. military official tells CNN that the military has obtained a new video of Bergdahl.

May 31, 2014 – President Barack Obama announces the release of Bergdahl. In exchange for Bergdahl’s release, five detainees at Guantanamo Bay are released to Qatar.

U.S. Paratroopers:

November 4, 2009 – Two U.S. paratroopers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division are reported missing during a supply mission in Afghanistan.

November 11, 2009 – The body of paratrooper Benjamin Sherman is found near the Morghab river in Afghanistan.

November 18, 2009 – The Dept. of Defense announces that one soldier remains missing in Afghanistan, Army Sgt. Brandon Islip of Richmond, Virginia.

November 29, 2009 – Islip’s body is recovered in Afghanistan.

U.S. Sailors:

July 23, 2010 – Two U.S. sailors are reported missing after departing their compound in Kabul City, Afghanistan in a vehicle and not returning.

July 27, 2010 – The DoD announces that the body of Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin McNeley, who died from wounds sustained on July 23, was found in Logar province on July 25. Petty Officer 3rd Class Jarod Newlove is listed as DUSTWUN. Search and recovery efforts are ongoing, and the incident is under investigation.

July 29, 2010 – The Navy confirms Jarod Newlove is dead and that his body was recovered from a river July 28.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SACRIFICE AND SERVICE!

Filed under: Mystery, Strong Men, Strong Women, Thriller Books Tagged: Air Force, Army, Celia Kelly Series, Marines, MIA, military, Navy, Navy SEALs, POW, Valor

FLORAL IN DETAIL

CN Bring:

Got a wedding coming up? This is a few things we did!

Originally posted on THE CELIA KELLY SERIES:

Photo by Kacie Quesenberry‏

Photo by Kacie Quesenberry‏

Photo by Kacie Quesenberry‏

OUR FAMILY WEDDING TABLES IN DETAIL

The logs were cut (by Glen Bring) and a hole was bored out in the center for a paper cup with floral foam so the flowers could be arranged and kept fresh with water.  For the moss on the tables that also had flowers, the stems were stuck into a plastic bag (under moss) holding wet floral foam to keep them fresh for the entire evening. Vicki Moore created the arrangement which consisted of moss, Pianese, white roses and greens.

My job was the table runners. The table runners are 12 inch burlap, surged on edges with 6 inch lace sewed down the middle. A simple clean design. The time and work put forth by all was worth it!

View original

Filed under: Thriller Books

ON RAISING STRONG WOMEN

My daughters, Kayla, Melissa, and Felecia at Melissa’s wedding

My husband and I have been blessed with raising three daughters. I am very proud to have watched them all grew up to be individuals who are gifted strong women in their own right.

My oldest daughter Felecia is an accomplished teacher in Portland, Oregon with a Bachelors as well as a Master’s in education. Felecia and her husband are now raising a daughter of their own. I have proudly watched her implement strength while raising her daughter.  Together, Felecia and her daughter, even have a garden plot in a Community Garden in Portland, as she is always looking for opportunities to teach her something new.

My second daughter Melissa Coulier is an accomplished photographer/ producer, and works and lives in LA with husband, actor/comedian Dave Coulier and is also a stepmother to Dave’s son, Luc. She studied photography in Spokane, Washington and also studied in Italy. Melissa won Raw Photographer of the Year 2010 and recently finished directing her first documentary, Stripped, which is to be released the beginning of next year.

My youngest daughter is an Army wife to a Black Hawk Pilot raising three young boys. They have traveled across the United States, Japan, and are now stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. Moving every two or three years  as well as responsibilities that come with being a military wife requires a very special strength all it’s own. Many things fall on her when her husband cannot be there to help. She still takes time to pursue her own interests and designs clothes when she gets the chance and she does amazing work.

How do you help promote strength as they grow? I have run across a few articles that I pulled a few tips from over the past few months and want to share some of them along with my thoughts from over the years.

HELP THEM KNOW WHO THEY ARE: We tend to be who people tell us we are. Take every opportunity to point out your daughter’s strengths. She will see herself as you see her. Boost her self-confidence, don’t tear it down. “Your words will become her beliefs. One caution about praise: be matter of fact, be genuine, and don’t over inflate her.”

TEACH INDEPENDENCE: Encourage her to do for herself and to try new challenges. Continue to send messages of strength: “You can do this.” “You can figure this out.”

LEARNING TO THINK: Parents have a responsibility to teach their daughters to think. Ask them questions. “What do YOU think about that?” “Why do you think that happened?” “That answer is correct. How did you figure that out?” By questioning, praising, and probing you will help your daughter sharpen her ideas, refine her thinking, learn to express her opinions, value her intelligence and achieve more.

LEARNING EVERYDAY: No matter what a girl’s age it’s important to encourage her to learn. Read together about important things. We should all be learning something new everyday!

STRONG EDUCATION: Teach your daughter the opportunity to for education is a privilege! Frame your conversations with her about her future with expectations of higher education. Teach early that college can follow high school.  Also encourage her through all her school years. She should be making the most of everyday of her education. It’s easy to just “get by”. Learning to apply herself on a daily basis and giving her best everyday will serve her well the rest of her life.

SHE CAN BE ANYTHING: Women can and do select careers in all fields. Point this out whenever you can. One of the most important roles for women will always be raising a family of their own. Society in recent years has minimized this. Before I began my writing career, I was a stay at home mom for several years before I chose to work outside of my home. In today’s world many women chose to do both, work outside of the home while also raising a family. Influencing  our own children who will someday be contributing members of society is a very important job. Parenting, in my opinion, will always be the most important job of all!

TEACH FAITH:  Make sure they walk into church each Sunday, know God’s Word and know that they can have a personal relationship with Jesus. True strength comes when we rely on God’s promises. Life will throw us a lot of curve balls and faith is one way we get through life’s many challenges.  Also check out Raising Godly Children.

WEEKLY STAY STRONG TIP: TOP 10 MILITARY FITNESS QUESTIONS

Shared from Military.com
Top 10 Fitness Questions

by Stew Smith

I have had many emails that ask similar questions, so I have compiled a list of the top ten questions. Here are the questions I consider my Top Ten. They range in subject, but are all relevant to fitness and health.

1) Should I lift weights as fast as possible?

Of course, I know to lower them slower, but on the positive portion of the exercise, I am unsure.

Answer - If you are lifting weights to prepare for Physical Fitness Training (PFT) or Bootcamp, then you can stop lifting period, and consult the article “No Weights at Bootcamp.”

Otherwise, I like to lift slow on the “down” (should take about 2-3 seconds), and explode on the “up” to build power. There are some workouts I like to do occasionally where you do a 20 second rep – 10 seconds down, and 10 seconds up. Give that a try on your workouts once a week. – Stew

2) How can I pass the Navy PFT swim portion with a better score?

The Navy’s bi-annual PFT consists of a 1.5 mile run or 500m swim – usually the swim is a great running substitute for people with bad knees or lower back.

Answer – I would consider taking lessons or watch a swim team practice. Sometimes a picture is worth 1000 words and you can pick up the techniques you need by watching swimmers swim. – Stew

3) I know that I can do the ab routine daily, but what about the pushups/ab superset? I don’t want to stunt my muscle growth by doing pushups too often. Is it okay to do pushups daily?

Answer – I would not do pushups daily – give yourself a day off in between big pushup workouts (over 100-200 pushups in a workout). As far as abs – back to back – they are muscles so they need rest too, but they can function on less rest than major muscle groups. Do abs the same way you can run. I like to run on Monday and Tuesday rest on Wednesday, run on Thursday Friday and Saturday, and rest on Sunday. – Stew

4) What do you consider a rest day? Is it a day without weights, cardio, or both?

Answer – I consider rest nothing more physically exerting than chores around the house or walking. – Stew

5) Can you further explain the double crunch?

Answer – As mentioned in the “Resting with Crunches” article and eBooks, it is a mix of a reverse crunch and regular crunch at the same time, so you lift your shoulders and hips off the floor simultaneously – the only thing touching the floor is your middle back. – Stew

6) With the reverse pushups, am I literally raising my arms/hands off of the ground?

Answer – Yes – from the down pushup position, lift your hands off the floor and pinch your shoulder blades together. This is a great upper back exercise – it helps with posture and stretches the chest. – Stew

7) Is it better to do cardio before or after lifting weights?

Answer – I like to warm up with cardio for about 10 minutes / stretch then lift weights, but then I go for my run or swim or bike for 30-40 minutes after lifting. I find that if I lift after running or other cardio, I do not have the power I had than if I lifted first. It is really up to you, though. To burn more calories, I would lift first, run second. – Stew

8) Can or should I add anything to the supplemental Weightlifting routine? I am concerned about muscle gain, retention, and definition?

Answer – You can do whatever you like – the supplemental weight program in the 45 Day workouts are just that: ideas for you to push yourself a little more than in the 45 Day plan. – Stew

9) Also, if I do everything correctly, to the letter, and also do the supplemental PT, weight routine, and ab routines, how much weight should I expect to lose? I am 5’9” 175lbs. and out of shape.

Answer – It is different with everyone. Drinking water is a major factor to your weight loss too. You must drink lots of water – up to 1/2 to a gallon a day. I have seen people just add more water to their diet and lose a lot of retained water weight fast – up to 20 lbs in one week – but they were seriously bloated. Usually expect to lose 2-3 lbs a week. – Stew

10) Should I do the weights and PT exercises on different days, consecutive days, with a day of rest in between, or on the same day?

Answer – I like to do them on the same day if I have a choice. It is OK to do one but you do not want to do the other involving the same muscle the next day (i.e., pushups on Monday and Bench press on Tuesday) Think about the muscles you are using when lifting, and give them a rest for 48 hours before seriously challenging them again.

Good luck with your fitness program – if you need any help deciding what you should do, please send me an email with your situation and I will help provide some ideas for getting started, pushing harder, or joining the military too.

Thanks for the opportunity to serve.

Stew

Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. If you are interested in starting a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle – check out the Military.com Fitness eBook store and the Stew Smith article archive at Military.com. 

Filed under: Strong Men, Strong Women, Thriller Books, True Story, Weekly Stay Strong Tip Tagged: Air Force, Army, Marines, military, Navy, Navy SEALs, Thriller books, Weekly Strong Tip

THE CHALLENGE

In this intense mystery will Commander Celia Kelly ever find out what happened to her MIA husband? Is he really alive or dead?  As the hunt for a killer unfolds Celia steps into a roll few women have had and fewer have conquered. She is proof that inner strength can move any mountain when coupled with a team who has each others back.  Can you figure it out before she does?

THE PACT

 

 

Filed under: Mystery, Strong Women, Thriller Books Tagged: Celia Kelly Series, CIA, CN Bring, Faith, MIA, Navy SEALs, Strong Woman, The Pact, Thriller books