The 5 "Ps" from Susan Gregory

http://www.daniel-fast.com/daniel-fast-success/

The first step ...

One of the differences between human beings and animals is the ability to plan and then change one's lifestyle in order to fulfill those plans. This is not the same as bears hibernating or squirrels hiding nuts (and forgetting where) in preparation for winter. It is an intentional progression to an envisioned place or time of life.

The problem is that with the power to plan comes the power to procrastinate or put off what is to be done today until some later date.

Don't wait for the giant step. Once there is a plan or desire in place, every right step we take brings us that much closer to the goal. Remember the wise man says the longest journey begins with the first step.

So whether it's coming to Christ, changing eating habits, or pursuing some inward hearts desire, it all begins with thst first small step. Now. Right at the moment you think of it.

May I encourage you to prepare for your fast today. Eat the right things starting today...not after the holidays. Decrease the caffeine and sugar starting with the very next meal and January's real time will be easier. Here is a word from Daniel Fast Coach, Susan Gregory.

Daniel Fast: Your Personal Retreat with Jesus - Daniel Fast

http://www.daniel-fast.com/daniel-fast-retreat/

One of the differences between human beings and animals is the ability to plan and then change one's lifestyle in order to fulfill those plans. This is not the same as bears hibernating or squirrels hiding nuts (and forgetting where) in preparation for winter. It is an intentional progression to an envisioned place or time of life.

The problem is that with the power to plan comes the power to procrastinate or put off what is to be done today until some later date.

Don't wait for the giant step. Once there is a plan or desire in place, every right step we take brings us that much closer to the goal. Remember the wise man says the longest journey begins with the first step.

So whether it's coming to Christ, changing eating habits, or pursuing some inward hearts desire, it all begins with thst first small step. Now. Right at the moment you think of it.

May I encourage you to prepare for your fast today. Eat the right things starting today...not after the holidays. Decrease the caffeine and sugar starting with the very next meal and January's real time will be easier. Here is a word from Daniel Fast Coach, Susan Gregory.

Daniel Fast: Your Personal Retreat with Jesus - Daniel Fast

http://www.daniel-fast.com/daniel-fast-retreat/

Daniel Fast 2019

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk

Those of you who know me well also know that it is that time of the year when the topic of fasting starts popping up. Yep. Right in the middle of the holidays! The start of a thing gives a good indication of what the outcome is going to be. So with the year — the foundation we lay in the first days or weeks has a lot to do with how we progress through the 11 plus months to come. Hence the fast.

Last year there were people who reported controlling the sugar habit, some reported losing weight, and still others just learned to eat better. This year, I want all of the above but most importantly, I want that “spiritual reset” Daniel Fast coach Susan Gregory talks about. I will be using her material (whatever is public domain) as well as some of the posts from last year’s blog. To begin however, I encourage you to watch last year’s instructions, Daniel Fast 2018 Live in the Spirit – YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKpNrzHA2yI or if you like, you may purchase “Rest in Him” which is 2019’s program.

Whatever your choice, do it now, before January steps in as it serves as an excellent guide to organize in order to reap true spiritual results. The fast is not about the food. It is about staying on top of the flesh so that God can have the preeminence that is truly his. Right now, I’ll turn over to Susan for this week’s devotion and more on Daniel Fast 2019 – Rest in Him http://www.daniel-fast.com/daniel-fast-success/

Remember, those who hunger and thirst after righteousness shall be filled.

Good News

The news broadcast my household watches daily has a tiny segment at the end reporting genuinely good news. Countless evenings we slog through the mire of horrors at home and abroad just to get to that 30 seconds of hope.

The world is desperately in need of good news. In their quest they turn to politics, pleasures, work, and even relationships and it all works for a while. But all too soon the enjoyment and the excitement fades and it's back to trivial pursuit.

We do not have to engage in fruitless searches or pin our hopes on the news to tell us something good. There is good news and its this: After centuries of darkness where humanity forgot the voice of God or that he spoke at all, God sent his Son born in the poorest of circumstances, to save the whole world.

That Baby grew up to be the Man we know as Jesus of Nazareth and from that time until now, he continues to change the lives of those who follow him. In spite of the grief and senseless acts of hatred that have become almost commonplace in our society, Jesus Christ offers good news. What we see now is not what will always be. Good will yet triumph and evil will be permanently destroyed.
Do you know the story? Will you share the Good News with someone this season. For unto us is born a Savior, Christ the Lord.

If you can, please join Junior Edsil Myers and I this Sunday at Calvary Assembly of God, 711 Thacker Ave . Kissimmee as we minister in the 1030am and 1pm services. Book signing follows.

Keeping Christmas

In John Bunyan's timeless allegory  Pilgrim's Progress, his parable of the Christian's journey from sin to heaven,  we see Christian and Faithful walking their way to the Celestial City. One of the towns they encounter is Vanity Fair.. The town's undying appeal was that it offered everything one could possibly want to purchase. It glittered, and sparkled with so many delights, once one stopped to browse, it was not uncommon to get forever caught up in the madness of it all. Christian and Faithful stood out because they dressed differently, and spoke differently than the consumers in Vanity Fair. They were repelled by the emptiness of it all and saw what a poor trade-off it was in comparison to the pilgrims' destination. And when Faithful dared to open his mouth to appeal to reason and point to a better way, he paid with his life.

We are all destined, for the rest of our lives, to be consumers of goods and services. But should that be our whole life? When did Vanity Fair move into our space to such a degree, Advent is now marked by continuous Black Fridays  (starting in October) and an overt war against Jesus as THE reason for these holidays?

Where did, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life " go? If we were visited by strangers from another planet (humor me, please) would they know the season is not about sales, and gifts, angelic love stories, and even lights? Would they be misled into thinking this season is about US - our needs, our want, our desires? 

 Christians, are we being faithful in keeping Christ central to all we do? How are we keeping Christmas this year?

November 2017. By the end of the meetings in Jamaica we were already talking about what 2018 should look like. Seems like months passed without much happening besides just praying and basking in the afterglow of what God had already accomplished.

Then came July and the meeting in Jamaica with pastors and ministry leaders. That brought a renewed sense of mission and the planning ramped up. From that point on every week exposed a different piece of the puzzle as the full scope of what we pictured this year to be took shape.

Little by little, working here in Florida and the churches in Jamaica doing their part the months rolled by. November slipped in and at last we embark on the last leg, the last few items to pack in anticipation of leaving next Wednesday. 

The very day Jesus ascended to Heaven we were told he is coming again. One day the talking, planning, and preparing will be over. Christ will come and it will be time to go. Ready?

Walk on

Somebody is breathing a sigh of relief this morning, the long hard, week is over. Maybe you feel like you did not fare so well in the battle. It could be temper got out of hand, or something was said a little too sharply,  was misconstrued, or someone kept silent when he or she should have spoken.Whatever the reason, there is a sense of relief today because the perceived failure is behind you.

There are so many scriptures about God being our strength which by the way, would not be necessary if we did not have weaknesses. There would absolutely be no need to rejoice in the fact there is no condemnation in Christ for the forgiven, if we never missed the mark. The reason we are admonished to pray for each other and to bear each other's burdens is because burdens are a fact of life.

Lift up your head this morning and behold the face of our Glorious Lord who says come unto me all who are pressed down by burdens. I will give you rest...l am your rest. Let's not allow the devil to take away the victory of getting up after we have fallen. Maybe, there was no fall. Just a bump in the road; God is greater than the condemnation we heap on ourselves. Keeping walking. That's what we do and therein lies the victory.

Seasons

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk
It is well into October and still the temperatures refuse to relent, staying in the 90s or high 80s. For some scorching temperatures gave way to violent storms that left death and devastation in their wake. Others are looking at grim reminders of a flood- silt and mud and nameless debris spread like a blanket over what used to be treasured belongings. Ash piles, twisted metal, lone mailboxes standing like exhausted sentinels, waiting for mail that no longer comes. Not since the fires leveled whole communities. Weary knees, drooping hands, wordless cries, all give testimony to long praying short on answers.

And we sigh and wonder when and sometimes if it will ever end...

Notice though, no matter the destruction that occur, the seasons change. Leaves turn to rusty gold and leave the security of their branches to carpet the ground. The snow has already made it's appearance, a sure herald of the long winter ahead.

Yes, there is a time and a season that God has set, unalterable. Many of us are in the midst of what feels like epic disasters. Death of loved ones, ailing relationships, agonizing uncertainty of how to let go or what that even means. But hang on. Seasons however violent, however hard or long they last,  God's immutable Law declares they can only last their allotted time. Spring, summer, autumn, winter. Mark your season,  await the change.

The SPIKES is Right

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk

As we walk this road there are so many instances where we can only appeal to divine wisdom. But there are tools to help us especially in the aftermath of a disaster or truly life altering news.

I'm paraphrasing today from Dr. Renato Lenzi's SPIKES Protocol given to me by one of our hospice providers. Starting with "S."

S-etting, can make all the difference. Choose a quiet area with few distractions and calm your own spirit before you begin to intervene.

P- erception, find out what the person thinks about the situation. Pay attention to both body and spoken language; what is not said is equally important.

I-nvitation, "may I suggest or have you considered", is a whole lot better than "you should". Don't force your point of view or try to solve. Sometimes listening and allowing the person to talk it though is the best remedy.

K-nowledge, use your experiences sparingly. Jargon and big words may be just a waste of time. Speak at the person's level and make sure they are following what you are saying.

E-mpathy, please dont say "I know how you feel" unless you actually have had the experience. And even then, your response may have been different. Say "this may be hard for you, or "I can't imagine how this must hurt." Cry with them, pat their shoulder, hold their hands IF their body language says this is okay.

S-trategy, explain what you can do to help or repeat their action plan to them. Clarify any questions and last, see if they are open to meet again or to be referred to another professional.
Remember, sharing each other's pain is one way of showing the love of Christ in us.
Walk in His steps .

Pick your pace

Today for the first hour of walking, I encountered no one. The first jogger past me well into the turnaround. Later there were dog walkers, strollers talking away on their cell phones, cyclists, a runner "wide open" and more walkers.

The thing is each came from a different home, possibly started at a different time, and all went at his or her own pace.

Looking at the people on the cell phone my first thought is,  that's not walking. But by the same token,  if I jogged I'd have pain until next Tuesday 😲 and I don't even remember what year it was that I ran as fast as I could.

What a beautiful thing this race is not for the swift or the battle for the strong. Endurance is what counts. Making it to the finish line is what matters.

God calls us to get on the field and run or walk or jog the best race we can without worrying about the speed of others.

Come on, let's go. You got this ...

Yes. I am Strong

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk
We all love the fearless Elijah for whom even King Ahab had a healthy respect. It's powerful stuff calling down fire, being fed by ravens,  raising the dead, and at the end of the journey departing to glory in a chariot if fire!

Yep. Elijah was the man.

But who remember the not so glorious days? Elijah running from Jezebel. Elijah so lonely and discouraged he is convinced he is the only righteous person left. But wait, there's more. What about Elijah depressed, laying down and praying to die?

What? Wasn't he annointed and filled with the Spirit of the Lord?

Sure he was. Then what happened?

Being human is what happened. Sometimes we give so much, we come up empty. And physical and mental exhaustion are two of the devil's favorite places to play.

Down does not mean backslidden or spiritually dead. It's just a side effect of being human.

Keep crying out to God. Be honest with him and wait...

He'll send angels.
God bless you, Friend.

Second Wind

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk

Walking 6 miles is challenging no matter how you go about it. The first mile is difficult because I'm just getting warmed up. The last is a "beat downer" if I'm not careful because I  have already given all l have. First mile is altar time, laying first of all the walk, then all I mean to pray about before the Lord. Last mile I'm done praying for a while now so I go to affirmation of who God is, his promises, and who I am in Him. I have found l can do all these mental strategies but l simply cannot "create" a second wind. That comes entirely from outside myself and is not based on my works. It happens as I walk and wait in faith.

Walking with Christ has some of those same trials. We go through the warm up, we hit the trail and all seems to be going fine. But no matter what calisthenics we perform or how faithful we are to our worship and devotional routine, there comes a time when we are just "done."

We affirm, and confess but like with my walks,  we cannot generate that second wind by mere effort .  The scripture says it best, "It's not by might or by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord of Hosts."

So if you are feeling beaten down today in spite of doing the Christian walk. Keep walking. Keep waiting. The Spirit will come to strengthen and help you so you can finish strong.

Finished

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk
The Day of Atonement, the holiest day of the Jewish year, will be celebrated September 17th through 18th. Christians do not have to celebrate the Old Testament feasts and ordinances because they were simply types and shadows of he who was to come.  Every sacrifice, every ceremony, every feast, was a forerunner of what would be accomplished in Jesus.
All is fulfilled in him.
Atonement for us was done on the cross when Jesus sacrificed himself as a Lamb without spot or wrinkle, to be the substitute/ the propitiation for the sins of the whole world.
In the words of Paul, who has bewitched us that having begun in grace we pick and choose when to flip back to the Law?
Read Romans - a better way;  Hebrews - a better covenant,  Thessalonians- a better hope.
Remember, what the Law could not do, God sent Jesus made under the Law as the complete Redeemer of those born under the Law. That's us and as many as will accept the finished work of Calvary.
Nothing needs to be added.
By all means fast and pray but remember, all that is needed is already accomplished by Jesus Christ.
Let us walk in the simple but profound truth of Salvation by grace.

God in the Plan

Funny thing about plans. If you don't have one, things fall apart. And if you have one be prepared for it to change on a dime. Guess that's why there's the little saying, "blessed are the flexible; they shall not be bent out of shape."

Seriously though, how do we regroup when plans fall apart? Let's start at the beginning. The first thing is to commit or give our plans to the Lord. Understand He is the final word so though we may draw a rough outline, it's up to him to make things take shape. 

Everything we say is subject to his approval or disapproval. He sees our course of action when it is either not good or not right for the moment.

Second, understand there are no coincidences in the life of the believer.  All things will truly work for good. Don't wait for hindsight to become full of faith ...thats not faith at all. If God sends us on detours,  block roads, or just make us sit in traffic (so to speak), our time is not being wasted. Rather, He is synchronizing our movements with His purpose.

Last, endeavor to simply trust in God. Many are the plans in our hearts but it is God's purpose that will prevail. And thats a very good plan.

No Exceptions to the Rule

God makes no exceptions when it comes to obedience to his Word.

It's not like if we serve him long enough and after a while become sluggish or jaded in our walk, He's going to give us a free pass. The command is always the same, be holy for I am holy.

None of us "got this" to the point where there is no longer a need for checkups. The Scriptures tell us to examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith.

Notice the word, not merely look at ourselves but examine. When we go to the doctor it's not just to be looked at.  We want to be examined, we want our symptoms taken into consideration before a diagnosis is made.

It's great to look into the Law of liberty and glory in our heavenly status , not so much fun to be examined to see what wicked ways are in us. 

Today with the Lord is what makes or break our witness. Today is what our friends and family see. Today is what the world will see, and decide by our actions whether or not we have been with Jesus. 

I am by no means saying disregard how many years we have walked with the Lord. What I am saying don't let the path be too familiar. Let there be a freshness, a newness to the journey. And when we find we have taken a shortcut or a detour let us be quick to get back on the straight and narrow. Even after a hundred years of walking with God, we are still just learning to live out his nature. We will only experience perfection when we gain heaven and eternity. And there are no exceptions to the rule.

If we walk it, they will come.

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk
One of the things we did this weekend spending time with our children and grandchildren was visit Disney Springs. It provided the usual bustling crowd, a wide array of places to stop and shop, and yes entertainment - music of all kinds.
 I quickly noticed though all the music were good in their genre, not everyone stopped everywhere. And the musician that drew and maintained the biggest crowd was the one who had the most to offer.  He played 'a mean' Spanish guitar and he interacted with individual members of the audience. The thing is, he stood out.
We as believers are not performers seeking applause but we are on the world's stage. People watch us to see what we do. The people who make the biggest impression are those who show, without a doubt, they are different. Living epistles, as we are called, must have a better story than the world. Cities on a hill must have brighter lights. Followers of Christ must be seen to walking differently than the world. Only then, will we be able to cause others to glorify God because they see us as in, but not of the world. If we walk it, they  will come.

While I wait, I will ...

This may be a preview for a few if you.But I want to share a thought I'll be speaking on August 26th (Miracle Temple, Poinciana).
We are people of faith, right? And some of us even know how to hitch fasting, prayer, and the Word to our faith to bolster its effectiveness.
But what we struggle with even after all that, is the waiting. Agree?
You see, God never promised an immediate answer to every prayer.
Abraham waited 25 years, Joseph 10, then there is David, and Jabez (time not given) and there is Anna and Simeon waiting for their first glimpse of the Messiah.
Perhaps even more unfathomable are the 700 years of silence between the Old and New Testaments, while creation held its breath for the Redeemer to make His entrance.
The trick is knowing what to while you wait.
In the doctor's office we read a magazine, at the movies we eat popcorn, drink soda and watch the trailers.
What will we do while our answer tarries? Will we get mad at God, be nasty to the people around us, or just fall off the ledge into bottomless depression?
As you walk through days or years of prayer what's your plan. Fill in the blank: While I wait I will........
Great is your faithfulness, O God.

The Evidence , Please.

I don't understand how we can hide the evidence that we are Christians.  And I'm not talking about saying "praise the Lord saints" to everyone we meet,  carrying a Bible, or any of the overt signs of being saved.
Rather, I'm referring to the issue of who we should be in our "conversation" or way of life. As you walk into our home, you know a small child lives there.  There are no posters announcing his presence, his toys may not be all over every room, but the subtle signs are plain for all to see.
The refrigerator is his gallery. Then there are workbooks,  games, slippers , you get the idea. His presence is everywhere.
Wherever we are there should be no doubt to whom we belong. We should leave a trail of praises, gratitude, love and peace behind us. The fragrance of Christ should emanate from our person, in spite of all of our only too human imperfections. The question on the floor ladies and gentlemen is this: If you were in a room full of people in a pretty social interaction,  would there be enough evidence to convince those around you that you are a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ? Is there unmistakably evidence every single day?
As we walk testimony is one thing and I don't deny it's power. But what about the evidence?

Finding Joy

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk
Several years ago I learned an unforgettable lesson about true joy.  Kenneth Mitchell had gone fishing and brought us back a five gallon bucket of blue runners (I think that's what they're called). I grabbed my knife and headed for the washroom, no problem. I love fish!
As I started scaling Junior Edsil Myers quietly opened the door and took his place beside me at the sink. Nothing he's ever done has been more significant or more treasured than just pitching in when it never even crossed my mind to ask for help. His presence brought such joy the task took second place.
In our work-a-day world we are often faced with many difficult or tedious tasks. Sometimes we hop to it not because we are so fired up to work, but just to get it out of the way. Then, maybe a song comes to mind, or it could be just a few words of a Bible verse.  At other times a spiritual song comes pouring out from a river of raw inner emotions. Whatever the case, we suddenly realise the Presence of the Lord has swept in and everything changes.
Joy my Friends is not always about doing what we want to do,  much more about who stands with us.
The presence of Jesus, He changes everything.

It's Called Faith

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk 

I am amazed how we sometimes compress or make our faith small to match our wish list. Here's what I mean. Somehow, its okay to believe God "for" what we need and hang on through thick and thin until the answer is received.

But do we realize God changes circumstances,  shaking things up in our lives to get us to conform to His Image?

He is just as at work when he closes a door as when he opens one; when he gives or he takes. Let's widen the reaches of faith from a good time, all's well concept to a God who works through all things, at all times, for our good and His glory. No it's not a cake walk. It's trusting the plan when we cannot see His hand.

Take a Break

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk
There is a simple scripture about God giving his beloved sleep. Also we have Jesus saying come unto all you who are burdened with care and l will give you rest. For all our busyness there is definitely a place for the theology of rest.
We need mental breaks when we are laboring under weighty subjects needing unending concentration. So in between do something involving the other side of your brain. I bake and  go over the top in my kitchen lol
We need prayer breaks when we are so focused on our need we get tunnel vision and miss God's Awesomeness. Walk, look at a sunrise or sunset, look at the world around you. Or, put some music on and sit with your Bible on your lap.
Sometimes our bodies just ache. At least, mine does.  It's not always necessary to push past the pain. Sit down. Order in if you can. If you can't, make your favorite meal and then sit down.
The point I'm making is God created rest stops in all sphere of life. Take them and show God how much you appreciate His wisdom.

Road Signs

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk
As I approached my turnaround point this morning I noticed a couple of property signs. And I thought Christians have those too. I love the "Private Property no Trespassing" sign on my life. I am my beloved's and he is mine.  Jesus says I'm in his hands and nothing can "pluck" me out.
The "No Parking" sign speaks to the fact I am God's temple. I wish I could be so spiritual I am always singing Hallelujah! But that's not the case. So when a whole caravan of negative emotions start competing for space, the Holy Spirit makes sure if they are not the crew from Whatsoever Things with names like honest, pure, virtuous,  good report, etc., then they cannot park.
We all know sometimes in spite of ourselves we can feel like we are losing the battle though not the war. The law of the Tow Away Zone says the Spirit of Christ is authorized to remove every thought,  every action, everything that exalts itself against Him. It is that Power which guarantees when the enemy comes in, like a flood ,the Spirit of the LORD lifts up a standard against him.
We are told to be mindful of the signs on the road both spiritual and physical. Walk not as fools but as wise. Know who you are, whose you are, and demand that the enemy respect your boundaries.
Walk strong in Christ.

The Gift of Service

Merit raises, performance bonuses, fee for service, and promotions, all have one thing in common. They are things we earn. If we are not careful our Christian life can reflect the same pattern - doing more to earn more. Who puts that pressure on us? Our acquaintances, those we lead and most of all, ourselves.
No one wants to admit to having "feet of clay" so we do everything possible to live an image.
Listen, God loves you and his favor is a free gift. One cannot earn a gift.
Yes, we work and try to be steadfast in our devotion to God but it's not because those actions will get us extra points.
What we do is from a place of deep gratitude for what he has already done. If works have made you the hamster in the wheel, you will only get burnt out. You won't be happier by simply going faster; you won't be fulfilled by being recognized. At least not for long.
That is why the Word tells us to do all we do as unto God i.e. to please him. That's it. Not for reward or promotion but as a gift to him. We don't expect payment when we give a gift, right?
Next week or next work day remember to pray: Lord, let all my service to others be a gift to you.
Amen.

Finding true joy

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk
Duty can be the death of happiness let alone joy. Focusing on duty only causes us to dwell on where we would rather be instead of all the intricacies of the moments happening right around us.
Every minute we spend is time we cannot ever recapture. And every minute we live, as children of God, are ordered by him. Oh yes, he's there at the unpleasant jobs whether it is seeing to the bodily comforts of a disabled person or waiting until the individual yelling at us runs out of breath.
God is there when we have plans for time off and the call comes to take someone somewhere and minutes turn to hours as we serve.
We are not our own and no one is absolutely free to do exactly as he or she pleases. The key then is to find joy in the moment. It does not have to be big, overwhelming things. It's flowers, sunshine, a thank you that came packaged in a smile, and most of all the being alive to experience it all.
God is there in duty or in desire. Whichever road you are on today, focus on Him and even duty will bring unexpected joy.

He'll Carry you!

...He stirs up your nest. He disappoints your hopes. He brings down your confidence. He makes you fear and tremble, as all your strength fails, and you feel utterly weary and helpless. And all the while He is spreading His strong wings for you to rest your weakness on and offering His everlasting Creator strength to work in you. And all He asks is that you sink down in your weariness and wait on Him. Allow Him in His Jehovah strength to carry you as you ride upon the wings of His omnipotence. Dear child of God, I pray you, lift up your eyes, and behold your God! Listen to Him who says that He "fainteth not, neither is weary" (Isa. 40:28), who promises that you too will not faint or be weary, who asks nothing but this one thing, that you should wait on Him. And, let your answer be, With such a God, so mighty, so faithful, so tender, My soul, wait thou only upon God!

Just Waiting ...

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk
Waiting on God. Funny, we never think about how much of life is spent, just waiting.
There are lines for everything and traffic lights to everywhere. We wait to be friends, sweethearts, and spouses and then we wait for children. Birth,  grow up and out of the house.

Then there are the seasons of time as we pass through the seasons of life.

One would think we would have gotten accustomed to the idea that very little come immediately.
We pray, and pray, and pray until we begin to doubt that God really cares. But nature itself teaches there is a blessing in the waiting.

Like a baby in the womb or fruits on the vine, waiting is not inactivity. While we are not permitted to see the inner workings leading up to answered prayer, they are maturing and in time will be visible in the natural.

Yes it's hard work and faith is often challenged. Nevertheless, wait on the Lord ...wait I say on the Lord.

Lord I'm walking, waiting on you to overtake me.

Someone Needs You!

Some of the most caring promises in the Bible have to do with God making sure people are not lonely, even if alone. He promises to marry to the backslider, to be a Father to the fatherless, and to place the widow in families.
Why? Because like the child says, we sometimes need God "with skin on " we need human relationships.
You may be very happy in your nuclear family but the nose pressed up against the windowpane of your life, longing for the warmth within, may be your relative. Why should your co-workers know you as awesome friend and best buddy, when the person with whom you shared space in the womb, long for the sound of your voice or to know you care? Someone you know, someone with whom you share the same DNA may be at the point of giving up. All they need is one sign that someone cares. Will you be the one?
Suicide is on the rise because people walk to the end of themselves and are unable to find their way back ...
Burst your bubble and touch someone. God may chose to do a world of good through you if you just reach out.

Weekly Word from the Wisdom Walk

Did my 5.5 miles😲😎!
That's not the best part however. The absolute best part is having my antennae up and my eyes open to all the LORD would quicken to my  spirit. Today I learned two things about the work of the Holy Spirit in us.
Neither of my rabbit friends wanted to sit long enough for a picture.  One just froze as it saw me forgetting to chew the piece of greenery hanging from its mouth ...
Looking down from my great height all l saw was tangled undergrowth and a terrified little rabbit failing miserably at the game of chameleon. When it realized I wasn't going to move, it turned around, ducked under the brush, and bolted in a straight line .
The second lesson was, I took an umbrella in spite of the clear skies when I started my walk. Not only did it not rain, I ended up carrying something I did not need because I did not know enough about weather to simply trust my eyes.
God gives us his Holy Spirit to get us home in spite of obstacles. That rabbit's instincts guided it as surely and exactly to its warren as if the way was paved. The Spirit within us knows the way and where the casual observer sees tangles and chaos, He is still able to take us directly where we need to be. 
Faith is also not taking the umbrella of plans a,b, and c because of past experieces. Rather, it's trusting the Spirit within and walking out in faith. God knows the way.
The lesson then is let us  trust the Holy Spirit in us to see what we can't, and know what we  don't,. After all, this walk is not by might or power but by the Spirit of the LORD.

Praying the Scriptures – prayer changes everything

This is the first of three lessons dealing with prayer. Hope you will read, practice, and be blessed!

John chapters 15 and 16 had much to say about how Jesus view our relationship with him and especially the authority we are permitted to exercise through prayer. Then John 17 details Jesus’ own prayer for us, his church. All through the gospels we see Jesus getting up early and slipping off to pray — one such example is Mark 1:35.

What is prayer? There are many definitions but I decided to ask myself what am I doing when I pray? Take a moment and think about that …

What are some of my challenges?

a.      Mind wanders

b.      Having to be careful I’m not just presenting a shopping list

c.       Entering in to the place of his presence

d.      Time – time no presence, no time and glory falls — why is that?

e.       Internal issues - emotional

Back to top: dealing with the issues by bringing every thought into prayer as they pop-up

Prayer changes things because God answers and intervenes by changing us or the situation. 

How then do we pray?

1.      Praying in the Spirit

Ephesians 6:18

1 Corinthians 14:15

Romans 8:26

2.      Perseverance in prayer

Luke 18:1

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Psalms 55:17

3.      Supplication for the saints

James 5:16

1 Timothy 2:8

The Persecuted church — Psalm 3

4.      Prayer for utterance and boldness for those who minister the Word

Ephesians 6:19

Colossians 4:3-4

Keep the Change

Did you know your body works against you as soon as you begin to lose significant weight? So if you lost say ten pounds and you get the feeling of being always hungry, you are not imagining it.
How do you keep the change when you are challenged with having to  look at those food commercials and think about what has been removed from your new lifestyle eating plan?
I'm not a dietician but this works for me.
1. No one can live on a diet. Life gets pretty tedious counting every drop of everything to be ingested.
2. Moderation is sustainable and can be just as healthy. Have the smallest serving possible of what you crave, and move on. It's dangerous to say, "I messed up so it doesn't matter." Doing the right thing,  eating healthy always matters.
3. Variety is your friend. Pretty soon even more fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables will be available. Try some new ones or old standbys in new combinations.
 4. Remember this is for the long haul.
Keep the change you have made by doing all the same things that got you to this point.
Your health will thank you.

Weight Watching:Spiritually and Physically (Used with Permission)

Overweight Physically and Underweight Spiritually

My journey to healthy eating didn’t gain traction by counting calories or obeying rules of the food pyramid. The process began in earnest when I admitted that, yes, I was overweight physically. But, more importantly, I was underweight spiritually. I was spiritually malnourished. Tying these two issues together is what opened my eyes to see God in a whole new way.

I’m reminded of the story in the Bible where a rich young man comes to see Jesus. The young man explains that he is following all the religious rules, but still feels something is missing from his pursuit of God. He asks, “What do I still lack?” Jesus answers, “If you want to be perfect [whole], go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me” (Matthew 19:20 – 21 NIV).

The rich young man then goes away sad because he won’t give up the one thing that consumes him. He is so full with his riches he can’t see how undernourished his soul is. It’s at this point in the biblical story that most of us start to look at all the rich people we know and think, “Well, I sure hope they get this message. Good thing I’m not rich. Good thing Jesus doesn’t ask me to sacrifice in this way.” Or does He?

Jesus meant His comment for any of us who wallow in whatever abundance we have. I imagine Jesus looked straight into this young man’s soul and said, “I want you to give up the one thing that you crave more than Me.”

For me, I was like the rich young man when it came to eating. I refused healthier breakfast options, such as egg whites and fruit, while filling myself with candy-sprinkled doughnuts. I choose soda instead of water, chips instead of carrot sticks. Even when my sugar high crashed and I complained of splitting headaches, sluggishness, and unwanted extra weight, I steadfastly refused to even consider giving up my daily brownie.

God made us capable of craving so that we’d have an unquenchable desire for more of Him, and Him alone. Nothing changes until we make the choice to redirect our misguided cravings to the only One capable of satisfying them.

Paul wrote to Christians, “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better” (Ephesians 1:17 NIV).

I don’t know about you, but to me this one benefit of knowing God better is worth all the effort and sacrifice that a healthy eating journey requires. It’s easy to feel that our struggle with food is such an unfair deal. But I encourage you to see the process today as a path that offers both physical and spiritual benefits.

Taking Dominion

Most times when Christians especially talk about taking dominion it usually means over sin, or demons , or things in the spiritual world. Every now and then the term is used in reference to animals. Rarely  and I mean almost never,  do we ever use those words as something we can do in our own lives.
So as the Daniel Plan comes to an end terms of my introducing it to you,here is a parting thought. Take dominion. Take dominion over your eating habits, your perception of food, and your health behaviors , starting right now.
We have always said it's not about perfection or never being able to satisfy a craving. It's about doing the everyday right, for the long haul .
Let's plan not to go back to the high sugar high calorie choices we know are diseases looking for a place to happen . Let's be intentional about incrementally exercising as a path to fitness as well as weight loss.
And last, teach those things to our children and those around us.
Remember, it's never too late to start to do the right thing.
Bless you on your journey.

Lets see. Hmm, What shall I Drink?

Here is some information taken from www.seattleorganicrestaurants.com/vegan-whole-food/herbal-teas-health-benefits.php

A little something about teas. Enjoy!

Top 10 healing Herbal teas and their health benefits

1. Green Rooibos Tea (with lemon grass)—high in antioxidants and can fight cancer and improve vascular health
2. Valerian Tea—helps to improve sleeplessness and stress
3. Echinacea Tea—helps to treat colds, flues and common infections
4. Peppermint Tea—helps to improve digestion and relieve irritable bowl syndrome
5. Dandelion Tea – Great for detox and improves digestion and liver function

6. Peppermint Tea—helps to improve digestion and relieve irritable bowl syndrome

Peppermint is a nutritious herb that can help indigestion and calm stomach disorders. Peppermint tea can also sooth stomach muscles and intestine and improve the inflammatory bowel disease. The powerful phytonutrient in peppermint can also reduce the growth of cancer cells in liver and pancreas.

7. Dandelion Tea – Great for detox and improves digestion and liver function

The health benefit of dandelion has been known for centuries and Persians were the first to discover the great medicinal properties of dandelion. For centuries, dandelion has been used to improve liver function, digestion and expel kidney stones. The active phytonutrient in dandelion can also help to promote weight loss and detox the body from accumulation of toxins and free radicals. 

8. Passion flower Tea—helps insomnia and anxiety

The leaves of the medicinal passionflower plant have active compounds known as flavonoids and alkaloids. Like chamomile, valerian root and lavender, this great medicinal herb can help sleeping problems and combat stress and anxiety.

9. Thyme Tea—helps coughs, bronchitis and brain cells

Thyme is a great herbal remedy rich in minerals, flavonoids and antioxidants. One of the oils in thyme known as “thymol” can help to increase the omega 3 fatty acids essential for growth of brain cells. Also, according to a study by the Biochemical and Biophysical Research, thyme oil can help to protect brain cells against aging and can prevent Alzheimer’s disease.  Thyme tea can also relax coughs and bronchitis and fight against infections.

10. Hawthorn tea—promoting vascular health and reducing high blood pressure

Hawthorn tea is well known for its great antioxidant and medicinal properties and can prevent cardiovascular diseases. The antioxidants in hawthorn tea can increase the circulation and prevent plaque built up in the arteries. Hawthorn tea can also improve hypertension, anxiety and stress.  

One more week before the Daniel Plan ends. Hope you have established some great habits by now.

Sources:

http://positivemed.com/2013/05/02/7-healing-herbal-teas/

http://www.naturalnews.com/041509_herbal_tea_natural_remedies_health_protection.html

Let's Review...

Hello All:
This week I'm asking you to do the work. If you have been following the Daniel Plan for the past several weeks , then you know we are getting close to the end of our launching period .
With that in mind, let's review. Think about your eating plan so far.
What new things have you added?
Has you food outlook changed at all?
Have you lost, gained or maintained your weight ?
What have you done well?
What can you do better?
Last, have you developed or are you on your way to crafting a healthy and sustainable eating plan?
These questions are important because this is not a diet . It's a way of life that goes a long way toward  maintaining excellent health.
Keep at it!
Email me at laurenmyers339@gmail.com

What's in My Food Anyway?

Can you believe it? We are almost a month into our Daniel Plan effort. I hope you are seeing results physically, or in your attitude toward food and your ability to practice healthy eating.
This week I am  talking about some of those big names in foods - calories, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and so on. I'm going out on a limb here and say that calories are the amount of energy contained in what we eat. Good calories are what we want while empty calories are to be avoided. Good calories are the fruits, vegetables, proteins, fiber, etc. and the empty ones are sugar, processed food, white flour, white rice, and such like.
To complicate matters a bit, we need to be aware that some foods that are good for us have high levels of natural sugar or a high glycemic index. Starches have a higher glycemic index than vegetables (for the most part). Low glycemic index foods include zucchini, spinach, artichokes, berries, peaches, apples, and many more. Fill up on the "lows."
“Phyto” means plant Phytonutrients boost metabolism (the speed at which we burn up what we eat), helps us fight disease, and strengthens our immune system. This about covers your entire spectrum of vegetables.

• Red, orange and yellow vegetables and fruit (such as tomatoes, carrots, peppers, squash, sweet potatoes, peaches, mangoes, melons, citrus fruits, and berries)
• Dark green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, kale, bok choy, broccoli, Swiss chard, and romaine lettuce)
• Garlic, onions, chives and leeks
• Whole grain products (such as brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, barley, wheat berries, and whole wheat whole grain breads and whole grain cereals)
• Nuts and seeds (such as walnuts, almonds, sunflower, sesame and flax seeds)
• Legumes (such as dried beans, peas, lentils, soy beans and soy products)
• Tea and coffee (such as green tea, black tea and other herbal teas)
• Dark chocolate

Our next "heavy hitters" are called antioxidants. They are good for longevity and overall health. Eating antioxidant rich foods, herbs, teas and supplements result in:

• Slower signs of aging, including of the skin, eyes, tissue, joints, heart and brain
• Healthier, more youthful, glowing skin
• Reduced cancer risk
• Detoxification support
• Longer life span
• Protection against heart disease and stroke
• Less risk for cognitive problems, such as dementia
• Reduced risk for vision loss or disorders like macular degeneration and cataracts
• Antioxidants are also added to food or household products to prevent oxidation and spoilage

Here are some examples of antioxidants:

1. Goji berries
2. Wild blueberries
3. Dark chocolate
4. Pecans
5. Artichoke 
6. Elderberries
7. Kidney beans
8. Cranberries
9. Blackberries
10. Cilantro
11. Clove
12. Cinnamon
13. Oregano
14. Turmeric
15. Cocoa
16. Cumin
17. Parsley (dried)
18. Basil
19. Ginger
20. Thyme
Other antioxidant-rich herbs include garlic, cayenne pepper and green tea. Try for two to three servings of these herbs or herbal teas daily.

Disclaimer: I am a Registered Nurse, not a dietitian. This blog is solely for the purpose of promoting good health. It is not meant to be a substitute for speaking with your doctor before making any drastic change in diet or exercise patterns that may affect your overall health and wellbeing.

Oopsie!

So with Valentine's Day barely behind us, I imagine lots of people are saying, "I blew it!" I mean big time - food, drinks, desserts, and oh, the chocolate!
There's hope . This is your do over moment. Just resume hour healthy eating plan starting with your very next meal. No guilt necessary . After all, you have the rest of your life to do well.
So let's revisit:
Make your own food whenever you can
Avoid processed and preservatives
Sugar tastes good, but it's not your friend
Make an appointment with yourself to move. I mean exercise 😀😉
Drink lots of free, water
And last , get some rest.
Happy do over weekend and stay strong next week.

Same food, new flavor

This week almost on a whim and to rescue some veggies languishing in my refrigerator, I did a mixed bake. Chunks of butternut squash,  eggplant,  and beets, sprinkled with salt,  pepper, an Italian blend of herbs, sprayed with olive oil and baked at 425 until crunchy tender.

While they were still hot, I tossed them in light salad dressing and a little more olive oil. Yum!

Healthier does not have to be boring. It's all about creativity and the willingness to experiment. So what if it doesn't turn out the way you expected? Bet you will still have a great idea about what to do next time.

Happy eating😊

DANIEL PLAN

January 28^TH – MARCH 28^TH

FOCUS – Think of the long term benefits – not diet but a healthy lifestyle

FAITH – Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. (Psalm 37:5 NLT)

FOOD – think before you eat. Kick the "see food" diet.

FRIENDS – Work as a team - find a buddy to help keep you on track

FITNESS – Exercise - every little bit helps. A simple daily walk down the block and build on it. Take the stairs, park further from the entrance.

“You can actually eat anything based on one rule: Eat real, whole food. Eat a colorful variety of real, whole foods from real ingredients that you can make yourself — ​or that are made by another human nearby. If it was grown on a plant, eat it. If it was made in a plant, leave it on the shelf” Warren, Rick. The Daniel Plan Jumpstart Guide: Daily Steps to a Healthier Life (pp. 6-7). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

Google: free Daniel plan tips (many resources on this page)

Free Guide: http://www.faithgateway.com/daniel-plan-jumpstart-guide/