I Feel Jesus Walking Beside Me...

God never ceases to surprise and amaze me! His grace really is sufficient in ALL THINGS at ALL TIMES, but our human nature is to want to understand and plan everything. When we don't feel in control of our circumstances we get frustrated! The really cool thing about God is that He is completely trustworthy and knows how to order the steps in our days better than we do. "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 a hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11

Today, I went to have my annual blood labs done and I had to go without an appointment because I just felt I needed to go TODAY... Their soonest opening wasn't for three days, which didn't work with my schedule. Because I was fasting (If you know me, you know I have to eat about every 2 hours or your leg might be in danger), I got my children off to school and went straight to the lab. Of course, the parking lot was packed! However, as I approached the door I was literally thinking (almost out loud), "Although there are going to be 20 people ahead of me it will be okay. They just don't know that I walk in favor with God! Lord, I know you will get me through this quickly." Getting blood drawn is never ANYBODY'S favorite thing to do, right? It goes in the same category as getting a filing. Ugh!.... So, I push the dreaded door open and walked inside.

As the door opens, I find only about 5 people waiting. And, to my absolute delight, two of them were my new neighbors! They are an older couple that have been building their home themselves for about the last 2 years. We see them come and go, but I have noticed a car there at night the last two nights... It turns out that she has recently had surgery and has been very sick. I ran over and hugged them. With tears in her eyes, she began to explain her pain and told me that they had moved only their bed and a few necessities because they were so overwhelmed and alone. Oh, a knife to my heart! They have needed help and didn't know how to ask!!

My mind whirling: "Lord, this is why you brought me here today at this very hour!! You ordered my steps and took me to them. This day wasn't about me but about my friends. Thank you for your guidance! I would never have known they needed help and they would not have asked!"

Because, God ordered my steps this morning, I am now able to organize some meals for them and together, with our other neighbors, we will get them moved! I'm so thankful that God has a beautiful plan for everyone's lives and that he planned for us to help each other. We are the New Body of Christ to one another until He returns. We are NEVER ALONE in our struggles! Please allow Him to guide you even when you don't understand the tug at your heart asking you to go somewhere or to make a phone call. We all need help and none of us want to ask....  "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." - Hebrews 13:16

My neighbors may never know that they blessed me this morning (except I will probably tell them, you know). They were my comfort and my sense of purpose in being in that lab. My day took an unexpected turn and I feel Jesus walking beside me! By the way... You do need to know that I was the next one called for my blood draw and I was out by 9:00 AM!! Why do we ever expect anything less than victory with Jesus?! God bless you on your journey. Our God is a Great Big God! 

- Kim Hoff
Rev2Rev.com
Bootcamp2Beautiful.com

Lupe's Story! - Inspiration for the Rev Shirt: THAT'S SO COOL!

They say that with God all things are possible and I always believed that. But sometimes we just “believe” it you know, we just say it because it’s there. But there’s always a moment in life when you experience something that changes your perspective and faith in God and you truly realize that with God all things are possible. That life changing experience for me took place several years ago on October 3, 2008 but I still remember as if it was yesterday.

 

Almost two years ago on October 3, 2008 at about 10pm my sister Dellie suffered from a cerebral aneurism. It all stared with a headache while she was at a church retreat in San Bernardino. Eventually the headache got really bad and she fainted. She was unconscious for along time until the ambulance got there since she was in the mountains. She was then hospitalized at San Bernardino hospital. We of course were in Fresno and didn’t find out until she was at the hospital. When she arrived at the hospital she was in really bad condition. Much of the blood in her brain had spread throughout her body and the doctors said she could only live up to 4 hours and then she would die. The only other option they had was to do her a surgery; however they said her chances of surviving were extremely small. My 2 other sisters who were there with her decided to do the surgery. Eventually the rest of my family, who were in Fresno, found out and drove to San Bernardino. I was terrified when I hear what had happened. I had just seen my sister completely well the previous day. How could this be? I wondered. My entire family and my church began praying because we believed God could do the impossible and he had a far greater purpose for my sister.

Since the surgery was done quickly they had to cut off all of Dellie’s hair completely. Thankfully she survived the surgery but was in a coma. I still remember the moment I first entered that hospital room where she was and saw her laying on that bed with cables connected to her everywhere. It was rather heart breaking seeing my dear sister lying there with no hair and her whole body swollen. Her eyes were closed and she didn’t move. She couldn’t even breathe on her own. As soon as I entered the room I ran out because I just burst into tears. I felt so desperate and helpless. But now I realized I wasn’t helpless because any prayer of an earnest child of God reaches Him and he does great miracles. The doctors didn’t have much good news for us. They told us Dellie could live only a few days. Or if she survived she would probably stay in a vegetative state and perhaps be sent to a nursing home. They also said she could stay blind, mute or even paralyzed. It was so hard hearing those words but God was telling me to hope and have faith so I did as well as my family and many others. And God heard our prayers. Within 4 days my sister opened her eyes. She still couldn’t move but we knew God was doing a miracle. Since she was all the way in San Bernardino we could only go see her every weekend because we had to go to school and my dad had to work. My mom of course stayed there with her.

Eventually she was transferred to Loma Linda University Medical Center near San Bernardino. For me the days seemed to go by really slow, but we continued praying and trusting God. Dellie was in the ICU for about 1 month. Eventually she began moving little by little. In November, half way through the month, she was transferred to the Rehabilitation Center where she began walking little by little, as well as eating solid food and writing. The doctors were all amazed by her quick recover, but we knew it was God doing the impossible. I remember on Thanksgiving my family as well as my youth group drove down to Loma Linda to be with her and my mom. It was the best Thanksgiving ever. No turkey, mashed potatoes or gravy, just my whole family together in a hospital room with my sister. That was all that really mattered.

On December 6, 2008, about 2 months later, my sister finally came back home in Fresno. We (my sisters and I) put up balloons and signs all over the house. We even bought a cake which read “Welcome Back Home Dellie.” We were all happy to have her back. I remember waking up that day at 5 am in the morning to wait for her. I remember when we opened the door and my sister Silvia pushed her in with the wheelchair. Dellie was crying and I knew why. She was happy, but she was also thankful. She was thankful because God had done a miracle in her life; he had done the impossible. I too began to cry. I hugged her and I said to her “Welcome back Dellie. I love you.” That was a day I’ll never forget and forever thank God for.

A year later she was back playing the piano at my church and I realized that with God everything really is possible. She was diagnosed with meningitis, but she still remains strong and that strengthens my faith. She continues living life as it is and sharing her testimony with anyone she can and for that I admire her. I understand we live in fallen and corrupt world but it amazes me how God can still love us and listen when we cry out to him. I used to read Mark 10:27 “with God all things are possible” and be like “That’s kool.” But it wasn’t until I witnessed a miracle that I realized how real those words really are. I’m, glad to know I serve and follow an awesome God who can do anything even when we feel like there’s no way out. – Lily (Lupe) Remigio

Every Revelation Revolution (Rev) t-shirt made is designed around someone’s testimony! Every design represents the hand of God in their life; miracles of healing, answered prayers, dreams come true, and hope of a magnificent future. This is the story of the THAT’S SO COOL design:

Meet Lupe!

Lupe’s sister, Dellie, was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm and told that she would not live. If she did survive, she could be paralyzed or in a vegetative state forever... This diagnosis was unacceptable to this family of faith! Together they stayed by her bedside and prayed night and day. There wasn't a doctor anywhere that could convince them that their God wouldn't heal Dellie!

I first met Lupe when I was the guest speaker at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes lunch when she was a Senior in high school.  I asked the students that day to simply answer the question, “What has God done for you lately?” Out of the many testimonies that were submitted, Lupe’s story of faith, in the face of extreme adversity, touched our hearts! Her story became the inspiration for our very first shirt design. It was printed in her school colors and represents the "unexpected twists and turns of life" that Lupe described in her testimony. Mark 9:23 was the scripture they hung on to during Dellie’s illness: "Nothing is impossible with God."

One month later, on October 3^rd  at the local fair, we unveiled the t-shirt and to our great surprise, got to meet Lupe, Dellie and their family. It was an absolutely incredible moment surrounded by a reverent hush all around our booth! It was if everyone knew that something very special was happening. We gave her family shirts and took pictures in the booth. Tears flowed as Dellie shared her own story with us. What an amazing girl! "I don't ask God why this happened to me. I know with all my heart that he loves me and that he has a good plan for my life. I have a lot to share and tell people about what I have gone through and what God can do with our faith." said Dellie. "I have to tell you something else...." she said. "My aneurysm was a year ago TODAY."  God had arranged for all of this to happen one year to the exact day of her diagnosis! There wasn’t a dry eye in the place....

Friends, I tell you this story of Lupe and Dellie's faith to remind you to open your eyes to the confirmations and blessings in your own life. God is busy loving you and is interested in evey detail of your life! Release your faith and let God do his miracles.

We are so thankful that Lupe and Dellie have shared their life-changing story with us. Dellie is an amazing young woman with a truly humble and unshakable faith in Jesus! She enjoys playing piano again and is such a gift to everyone who knows her. God is good ALL the time!! As a way to celebrate God’s  continued healing in Dellie’s life we are blessing them with $5 from the sale of every THAT’S SO COOL shirt sold! Be part of the blessing to this family. Visit us at www.Rev2Rev.com and order your shirt today! - Kim Hoff, Rev2Rev

Boost Your Mental Focus

Welcome to 2013! With the turning of the calendar to a new year, inevitably comes the wiping of our blurry eyes to gain a new, fresh life vision. It is so easy to get overwhelmed by the emotions we leave behind in 2012 and the excitement and possibilities of all that 2013 holds. "Out with the old and in with the new," right? Well, that is a lot of work and takes a lot of mental focus!

We are created to handle difficult situations, but prioritizing them when everything seems to be knocking on your door at the same time can be stressful. The kids are bored, the Christmas decorations need to come down, things are falling apart at work, the phone keeps ringing, text messages are loading up on your phone, the dog is sick, Aunt Lilly wants you to come visit and all you really want to do is pull the blanket up to your chin, watch movies, and eat junk food (not to mention you haven't begun the work-out schedule you listed as your New Year's Resolution)!

Listed below are three simple things you can do to FOCUS YOUR MIND:

Replace Old Thought Patterns with New Thought Habits
Its not just about thinking positive thoughts, its about recognizing thought patterns. Do you let your mind spin out of control in negative directions? Do you amplify "the bad" until it is "the worst" in your mind? You know.... "I shouldn't have eaten that cookie! That was a bad choice. I just can't do this with all the holiday food around. I should just eat another one because I already blew it today! I'm not going to fit in my jeans, the buttons are going to pop off! I'm such a mess... My entire life is out of control. I give up!" - ever do that to yourself?

STOP allowing negative thought patterns to beat you up! PUT a POSITIVE THOUGHT in IT'S PLACE ON PURPOSE! Replace it with thoughts like: "I shouldn't have eaten that cookie, but its okay. No biggie. I work out hard and I'm still on track. A few more squats tonight before bed!" THE ONLY WAY TO GET RID OF A BAD HABIT IS TO REPLACE IT WITH A GOOD HABIT!

Take Mental Mini-Vacations
Make time through out the day to "quiet your mind." Make time to allow yourself just 60 seconds of relaxed breathing. Intentionally take your mind to another location that is peaceful for you. My peaceful place is the beach. I often go there mentally and gift myself that mini-vacation. I visualize the ocean lapping the beach and the sun setting over the horizon. I can feel the warm sand between my toes and hear the seagulls calling to each other over the pier. There is a gentle breeze blowing warmly across my face and in the distance I see a small fishing boat gently rocking in the waves..... - And....I feel better already! Take in every sensory aspect of your mini-vacation; really GO THERE and release your tension. You'll be amazed at the affect it has on your entire body. Your breathing is calm, your heart rate comfortable.... This is a good thing to do several times a day. MAKE THIS A HABIT!

Put Good Stuff in Your Head
Similar to positive thinking, but this is purposefully taking in the goodness around you and becoming part of it. There is enough bad stuff all around us to depress the most uplifting thinker, but there is also some really beautiful things happening that we miss. You may have already begun smiling, saying "Hello" or holding doors open for strangers; "paying it forward" by buying lunch for an unsuspecting friend; calling Uncle Joe just to brighten his day. But, did you really take in what you did or did you just let it go? YOU WERE PART OF SOMETHING GOOD! You made a positive difference today! KEEP TRACK OF THE GOOD IN YOUR WORLD and STOP KEEPING TRACK OF ALL THE BAD STUFF! It will change your outlook on life!

It only takes one simple thought to throw us completely off-track! Remember these simple tips and really practice them! It takes repetition to replace any habit, but setting new mental habits can be the key you've been searching for to really make great progress this year. BOOST YOUR MENTAL FOCUS! Don't give in and NEVER GIVE UP! You were designed and created to "Live A Powerful Life!" Now, GO GET 'EM!!

Happy New Year

- Kim Hoff, Hope Coach
www.Rev2Rev.com, 
www.BeautifulInsideOut.com
www.Bootcamp2Beautiful.com

Listen to Your Heart but Don't Let Your Emotions Vote!

These are Tips #3 and #4 about how to handle some of the stress in our lives. A large part of stress for me is dealing with my emotions as I take some of the crazy punches in life. We are all emotional beings living in a fast-paced, rambunctious world. It is difficult to stay calm and make rational decisions when your entire being is screaming, "That's not fair!" Its normal to feel frustrated, angry or hurt. I'm not saying that your emotions don't matter. I'm just saying that there is a big difference between  listening to what our heart is telling us to do and reacting to how we feel about something. The first is a  a "gut instinct" while the second is a wishy-washy "emotion." They are very different!


Tip #3 Listen to Your Heart
I've learned that when my head is quiet, I can hear my heart. Calm down, take a few deep breaths, even wait for a few hours before you react to something that gets you emotionally excited. It is our inner being that gives us that balanced sense of what is right or wrong for us, but our emotions can override that wisdom. When you feel a calmness within you (whether you like the answer or not) that is your "gut instinct" winning out over how you feel about the situation. So take the time to walk away from the situation, calm your emotions and listen to your inner voice.

Tip #4 Don't Let Your Emotions Vote
Let's be really honest here.... Our emotions fluctuate throughout the day depending on the situations we face. They are a flashing billboard that says, "Your senses have now officially been overloaded!" When this happens it should be a warning to you that No Decisions Should Be Made until Further Notice! Think about your reactions to the following daily situations:

• You wake up startled and find your alarm didn't go off.... (Oh, Dang! Hurry!!)
• You wait and wait in line at the coffee hut, while some Bozo in front of you orders 2 of everything on the menu. You get to the window very upset and find out that Bozo paid for your order..... (Grumpy face.... Warm heart.)
• The person in front of you insists on driving 5 miles per hour BELOW the speed limit and you can't get around them. You finally get a second lane, they cut you off again and make the next light leaving you sitting there.... (Grrrr!)
• Nothing is going right at work. You're getting really frustrated. The boss calls you in (busted) and to your surprise, gives you a raise and a nice pat on the back... (OMGosh! Shocked!)
• You arrive home after an exhausting day to find the house clean, flowers on the table and dinner made.... (Awwwe..... So loved.)

While emotions are a necessary for us to feel compassionate toward one another and to warn us of potential dangers lying ahead, they are also proven to be a terrible basis for making good decisions. When you feel emotionally overwhelmed try the following:

1. Remind yourself that emotions are a temporary response to an overwhelming situation
2. Breathe and regain your perspective
3. Use the emotional response to tune into your "gut instinct" (Think before you act!)
4. Weigh your options listening to your heart and inner wisdom
5. Guide your emotions back to a confident level by making a wise decision

We were created with emotions on purpose. It is our job to tune into them enough to understand why they have brought such a response upon us, but also to use that alert system to guide our thoughts back to a rational decision making process. Everyone experiences ups and downs in life. Listen to your heart and don't let your emotions vote!

Kim Hoff, Hope Coach

www.Rev2Rev.com

www.BeautifulInsideOut.com

www.Bootcamp2Beautiful.com

Visualize and Set YOUR Mind

What is it about the holidays that brings out the "very best" in people? You know....the ones that cut you off in traffic, let the door slam in your face and forget that you are "the customer!" All of this not to mention FAMILY! The grumblings from Great Grandma Edna, catering to Uncle Sal's constant demands, and the "constructive" criticism from your second cousin's, sister-in-law's wife.... Hahaha! The funny part is that we probably fit into those categories in someone else's life. Yikes!

In order to navigate stressful situations, it is necessary to prepare your mind for success and visualize all things working together for a good result! Implement these two techniques into your life and you will begin to see changes immediately.

VISUALIZE A POSITIVE OUTCOME - Stop anticipating the worst case scenario and begin to expect good things to happen. Its like shopping for a Camaro. Once you've set your mind and begun to search for one, you will see them everywhere! It's the same with good and bad in our lives. Look for the good in everyone and everything and you will begin to see more good than bad in your day!

SET YOUR MIND AHEAD OF TIME - When negativity does come your way, you have a tremendous amount of control over how those troubles affect you. It is YOUR attitude that gives trials and tribulations the power to change your outlook, alter your path, and bring you down. Decide when you get out of bed in the morning that you are going to have a great day regardless of the troubles that come your way!

Remember all good habits take time to form. Be patient with yourself and keep working to renew your mind... You have nothing to lose and your "mind" to gain! "LIVE A POWERFUL LIFE!"

 - Kim Hoff, Hope Coach
www.Rev2Rev.com, 
www.BeautifulInsideOut.com
www.Bootcamp2Beautiful.com

Need a little "POWER-SURGE?!"

It is hard to believe that October is gone and we are heading for Thanksgiving and Christmas! The older our kids get, the faster the time flies. Good thing it is only them having birthdays! After watching the election of our US President last night, reading all the depressing posts and knowing how difficult the holidays can be for  so many people, I decided that it is time for some honesty, transparency, reality, and truth on my part....

The honesty.... I have felt that naggy-depression-like feeling trying to catch-up with me for quite for some time. We have lost so many loved ones, friends and friendships over the last 5 years that I often find it easy to slip into my Pity Party Clothes, wrap up in my blankie and pull it over my head for a few hours. Blah! That's not the me I like! And, definitely doesn't lead to the wife and mommy my family likes either. "Run for the hills, guys!!"

The transparency.... I put on a smile and talk a good talk because seriously I've learned that it pulls me out of my own pit. I've learned that there isn't always someone who wants to climb down in there and drag me out all the time. Becoming my own best cheerleader starts with my own mouth and my thoughts. But yes, often I am talking myself into having a good day. "Drop the violin, Kim and let's play some funky music white girl!"

The reality.... I am super blessed to have my career collide with my faith in that I truly LOVE what I do. My Bootcamp2Beautiful has been a dream under construction for a very long time. My passion is for people to have an unshakable self-confidence that beams from the inside to the outside - but not in a cocky way, so drop that blingy chip off your shoulder! B2B is an 8-hour day camp where I give women permission to think only about themselves. Why? Because, if you don't know what makes you happy and how to keep YOURSELF that way, no one can do it for you!! And, this is true for everyone, not just the gals. I promise, no amount of money, cars, diamonds, friends, fancy houses, food, or love is going to make you feel worthy and amazing ALL of the time.

The truth.... We are created with everything we need already built-in to LIVE A POWERFUL LIFE! We just forget how to use those PowerTools! For the next 6 weeks I am going to share little glimpses of what I've learned and use every day to get through this crazy life. I will post on Facebook when there is a new blog to read. They won't always be long (I will hush, I promise!), but I believe you will find the tips worthwhile.

Its "crunch-time" kids! The pressure for winter formals, family gatherings, budgeting, shopping, traffic jams, overeating and kids on vacation is here. I know I need a little extra Power now and then, and especially now! Join me for a little "POWER-SURGE" - just that extra boost right when you need it!

Thanks for dropping in! - Kim Hoff, Rev2Rev.com

"How are you?"

We live in a society where it is common for people to ask, "How are you doing?" And... the canned response is, "I'm good. How are you?" When in all truth, we may be very far from "good." We don't want people to know that we are struggling. We assume that everyone else's life is perfect and so there is NO WAY we are going to tell them that our's is not!

I admit that through the trials in my life I have learned to look at whatever "bright side" remains in any situation and that speaking positive statements out of my own mouth leads my brain to a positive conclusion and my  outlook will follow. (Col 3:17) This being said, I have also learned that the more transparently I am willing to live my life and share my story, the more others let down their guard and share theirs as well. It is then that healing takes place and we find that we are much more alike than different in the pain and suffering we experience.

Now, I am not advocating that you go "dump your junk" on the next person who asks how you are doing! Be sensitive to the context of the situation, listen to the intent behind the other person's questions about your life, and, if appropriate, don't be afraid to share the truth (briefly). End your response on a hopeful note acknowledging to yourself and them that through Christ you "can handle this" and expect good things to happen! (Phil 4:12-13) Maybe even ask if they have faced a similar situation. You never know what trials other people are facing and how your honesty could break-off the intimidation and overwhelming feelings of failure that their problem weighs on them!

Take a moment to breathe and realize that your struggles (past and present) are "common to man." (1 Cor. 10:13) We all face troubles at different times in our lives. Sharing how you survived them, taking down the "Wall of Perfection," and allowing other people to be real with you is a huge gift of being part of the "new body of Christ." We are one body meant to function together to feel whole! (Eph 2:17-21)

God bless you on your journey and don't forget that you were created to "LIVE A POWERFUL LIFE!"

- Kim Hoff

P.S. Learn more about how to LIVE A POWERFUL LIFE by visiting us on the following websites and upcoming events:
www.Rev2Rev.com
www.BeautifulInsideOut.com (Kim's Bio and June 2012 Event: Bootcamp2Beautiful)
www.Facebook.com/Rev2Rev.KimHoff