A Journey with God: Embracing Purpose on a Medical Mission to Fiji
Thank you very much for taking the time to read about my beautiful journey with God and the Mission that may change my life forever.
If you don’t already know me, my name is Erika. I am a Marine Corps veteran, EMT, personal trainer (obviously), photographer, and most importantly, a child of God. The past few years have been riddled with bottomless pits of despair, heartbreak, and what seemed like no “light at the end of the tunnel”.
Around 2014, while I was still in the Marine Corps, I had a meltdown as I drove home from working on Camp Pendleton. I had returned from a deployment the year prior and I felt incredibly lost. I sobbed as I asked God what my purpose was in life. Why am I here? Who do you want me to be? How do I do more? How do I save people? Show me how to be a person with a larger purpose!
A few years ago I found Christ and was reborn! My walk with the Lord has been tumultuous to say the least, but beauty and glory are brewing! He has pruned people from my life, opened new doors, and mended bridges that were scorched beyond repair. A few months ago my church held a ministry fair; calling us to use our gifts and talents for the Lord. I scoured the tent for a new ministry I could serve in; I currently serve on the worship team and the choir. Nothing caught my eye, nothing made an impact; that is until I stopped at the table for mission trips! Lying there, on the table, was a flyer for a Medical Mission Trip to Fiji. My heart raced, I picked it up, and I knew; this is where God is calling me.
We will be going to a remote village on the island of Fiji to provide medical care, dental care, eyeglasses, and spiritual counseling from October 27th to November 7th, 2023. We will be among the villagers healing them, worshiping with them, and sharing with them the power of God’s love!
My dream is to eventually become a firefighter or paramedic but this is where God has placed me at the moment. My desire to save people, to mend their broken parts, is not going unheard. This opportunity is exactly what I needed and I feel I have found my purpose! With God’s blessing and your support, we can make this dream come true.
“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” -1 Peter 4:10
I feel God calling me to use my knowledge, my hands, and my heart to go heal his people. If you are willing, and if the Lord moves you to do so, any gifts of sponsorship will be greatly cherished! We are partnering with Marine Reach Fiji, a Youth with a Mission Outreach. All sponsorships will cover airfare, in-country expenses, and medical supplies needed by the clinic. Could you please also pray for our team, for safe travels, and for God to move tremendously as we serve and treat those that are in need. I want to thank you ahead of time for being willing to participate in this Mission for God.
There are a few ways to provide support:
• Venmo: @patienc3
• Cash
• Check
• If you are wanting your donation to be tax-deductible it must be made out to the church which I can provide further information upon request
• Pet Photography Fundraiser
Empower Your Entrepreneurial Journey: Join Self-Made Training Facility for Unparalleled Success
In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, entrepreneurs are constantly seeking opportunities to gain a competitive edge and take control of their destinies. Self-Made Training Facility (SMTF) emerges as the premier destination for entrepreneur trainers, offering a transformative environment where individuals can harness the power of cutting-edge systems to shape their careers and achieve unprecedented success. Let’s explore the exceptional benefits of joining SMTF and how it can help entrepreneurs supercharge their professional journeys.
1. Comprehensive Training Programs:
SMTF provides a comprehensive range of training programs meticulously designed to address the diverse needs of entrepreneurs. These programs cover essential aspects such as business strategy, marketing, finance, leadership, and personal development. By enrolling in SMTF, aspiring trainers gain access to a wealth of knowledge and practical tools that equip them with the skills needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business world.
2. Cutting-edge Systems and Resources:
SMTF takes pride in its state-of-the-art systems, tailored to meet the unique requirements of entrepreneur trainers. With a robust infrastructure in place, trainers can efficiently manage their businesses, streamline administrative tasks, and focus on what truly matters—their clients’ success. From automated scheduling and client management to progress tracking and reporting, SMTF’s cutting-edge systems ensure trainers have more time and energy to invest in delivering exceptional value to their clients.
3. Networking and Collaboration Opportunities:
At SMTF, entrepreneurs have the opportunity to connect and collaborate with like-minded professionals, fostering a vibrant community of ambitious individuals. Engaging with fellow trainers offers invaluable networking opportunities, facilitating the exchange of ideas, insights, and potential collaborations. By tapping into this powerful network, trainers can broaden their perspectives, gain inspiration, and forge meaningful partnerships that accelerate their growth.
4. Personalized Support and Mentorship:
SMTF is committed to the success of its trainers and goes above and beyond to provide personalized support and mentorship. Expert trainers and industry veterans are readily available to guide, inspire, and offer advice tailored to individual needs. This mentorship ecosystem empowers trainers to overcome challenges, explore new avenues, and unlock their full potential, ultimately setting them on a trajectory toward extraordinary success.
5. Flexibility and Autonomy:
One of the most appealing aspects of joining SMTF is the freedom and flexibility it offers. As an entrepreneur trainer, you have the autonomy to set your own schedule, determine your rates, and choose your target audience. SMTF provides a platform that empowers trainers to build their brands, market their services, and establish a thriving business on their terms. This flexibility allows trainers to strike a harmonious work-life balance while pursuing their entrepreneurial aspirations.
Conclusion:
In an era where entrepreneurship is highly regarded and the desire for self-determination is paramount, Self-Made Training Facility emerges as the ultimate launchpad for aspiring entrepreneur trainers. By joining SMTF, entrepreneurs can access comprehensive training programs, leverage cutting-edge systems, and benefit from a supportive network and mentorship. Embrace the opportunity to take control of your destiny, shape your career, and unlock unparalleled success with Self-Made Training Facility. Together, let’s pave the way to a remarkable entrepreneurial journey.
BREAKING NEWS!!
SMTF EXECUTES ANOTHER FRANCHISE IN FOLSOM, CA
Folsom, California – Self Made Training Facility, the premier fitness center, has announced the execution of a new franchise in Folsom, California. The new location marks the latest expansion for the rapidly growing brand, which already boasts multiple successful locations throughout California.
The new Self Made Training Facility Folsom is located at 9580 Oak Avenue Parkways and spans over 8000 square feet, making it one of the largest fitness centers in the area. The facility features state-of-the-art equipment, including free weights, cardio machines, and specialized training equipment, such as sleds and battle ropes.
“We are thrilled to bring the Self Made Training Facility experience to Folsom,” said the franchise owner, Kenneth Kobain. “Our goal is to provide the community with a top-notch fitness center that caters to individuals of all fitness levels, from beginners to professional athletes.”
Self Made Training Facility prides itself on its personalized training programs, which are designed to meet the unique needs of each individual client. The facility’s team of experienced trainers will work with clients to create customized training plans that focus on achieving their specific fitness goals.
“We believe that fitness is not a one-size-fits-all solution,” said Kobain. “That’s why we take a personalized approach to training, which enables us to help each client achieve their goals in the most efficient way possible.”
In addition to its personalized training programs, Self Made Training Facility also offers a range of group fitness classes, including HIIT, strength training, and yoga. The classes are led by experienced instructors who provide a fun and motivating atmosphere to help clients stay on track and achieve their fitness goals.
INSTAGRAM:
WE JUST EXECUTED ANOTHER FRANCHISE @selfmadetrainingfacility is now in Folsom Sacramento Ca. IG @smtf.folsomsacramento is now live, My homie @kenny_kobain a successful entrepreneur in Real Estate and other business is going to lead the way and add SMTF to his business portfolio. He will lead all the trainers and its athletes to success. We are excited to add Northern Cal to our SMTF family!
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If you are interested in joining the Self Made Family visit our website in the bio link.
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Trainers and coaches reach out to Boi @kenny_kobain
Chances are, as you’re reading this, you’re hunched over your phone or slouched at your desk. And it hurts. You’re in desperate need of some exercises for low back pain.
Your lower back is one of the most important parts of your body’s kinetic chain. “It’s where everything in the body connects,” says Jeff Brannigan, program director at Stretch*d, which offers in-studio and online classes. When this area of the body becomes tight, injured, or weak, it can wreak havoc in every other area of the body.
The vertebrae in your lower back—a.k.a. the lumbar spine—are the largest and bear the most weight, which means there are many possible ways to wind up with lower back pain. Simply sitting for long periods of time is one of the biggest culprits. “Most often, back pain results with no known cause,” says Jordan Seda, DPT, OCS, a certified strength and conditioning specialist at Stroma. “For example, imagine sitting at a desk and feeling a spasm in your back an hour into your workday. Prolonged periods of inactivity do not treat the body well.”
Of course, there are plenty of ways to wind up with a lower back injury that don’t involve sitting. “Lower back pain or weakness can stem from a multitude of reasons depending on your field of work,” says Miguel Aguilar, founder of Self Made Training. “Working a hard-labor job consisting of picking up or pulling heavy objects, crouching and bending over, or repeating the same movement repeatedly can cause lower back pain.”
Caring for your lumbar spine and finding lower back pain relief is all about having the right balance of exercise and stretching. “Each segment of your body needs to have a certain amount of flexibility and a certain amount of stability,” says Jenna Crivelli, DPT, a physical therapist at Stroma.
It needs to be able to support you as you bend over to pickup your toddler and keep you steady when you have to stand for an hour when you can’t find a seat on the train. “Health is about balance, and so the spine is also about balance,” Crivelli says. Figuring out how to relieve lower back pain, therefore, requires a mix of movement, stretching, and strength training.
First, you want to stay mobile. “Our bodies were made to move,” says Seda. “Movement allows for circulation of fluids that keep our tissues healthy and prepared for having to perform more strenuous physical tasks.” When we sit at a desk all day without taking walk breaks, it’s “terrible” for the body, adds Brannigan.
This is why regular lower back stretches are so important. “Active, movement-based stretching helps promote circulation and reduces the stiffness that builds over time when you stay in one position for too long,” Brannigan says. “When static for too long, muscles become tight and contracted; gentle, movement-based stretches will help loosen these muscles up and relieve tension.”
Finally, it’s important to make sure you’re also doing strength-building exercises one to two times a week to keep your back muscles strong, says Aguilar. “Surrounding our spines are core muscles that keep our spine stable,” he says. “It’s important to balance stretching with strength-building exercises to help lengthen muscle tissues and increase flexibility to be able to perform muscle-building exercises pain-free, and with greater range of motion to make the exercise more effective.” Free workout apps and YouTube workouts are a great place to start.
The most important thing you can do to fix lower back pain is to have a consistent routine filled with the best back exercises. (Some good workout songs won’t hurt either.) Here are 17 lower back exercises designed to keep you flexible, strong, and pain-free.
The Pelvic Clock
“I love this exercise, as it can be used as a way to warm up to other exercises,” says Mody of this move to help strengthen the lower back. “It is subtle but effective at awakening your abdominals and improving stability of the lumbo-pelvic junction.”
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet shoulder-width apart. Imagine that there is a clock face resting on your abdomen with a marble in the center of the clock.
- Slowly draw in your stomach muscles toward your spine and tilt your pelvis back, flattening your back onto the mat. Imagine the marble rolling toward 12 o’clock.
- Next, tilt your pelvis forward, rolling onto your tailbone. Imagine the marble rolling toward 6 o’clock. The stomach muscles will relax and your back should arch off the mat slightly.
- Next, drop your left hip bone down toward the mat. Your right hip bone will lift toward the ceiling as you imagine the marble rolling toward 3 o’clock.
- Finally, drop your right hip bone down toward the mat as you imagine the marble rolling toward 9 o’clock.
- Repeat five times clockwise and five times counterclockwise.
Bird Dog
“This is one of the most researched low back exercises, as it works on the stabilization of the low back (lumbar multifidi) while keeping the abdominals (transversus abdominis) contracted,” says Mody. The key: making sure your abdominals stay engaged and activated throughout the movement.