Use Your Imagination

Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. Ephesians 1:18

It is a wonderful thing when someone lets you know that they are praying for you, especially when you haven’t specifically asked them to pray regarding a need in your life.  This week I got a text from a friend who lives in a different time zone.  She told me that she had been praying for me during her prayer walk that morning.  She was praying for me before my day had even started.  I had no idea of what she talked to God about, but throughout the day as challenges and blessings came, I imagined what her conversation with God was like.  Knowing she prayed for me empowered me to live my day with purpose and courage.

In this passage, Paul is telling the members of the church of Ephesus that he was praying for them.  He was in prison, yet he was praying for them.  He starts this section by not only telling them he is praying regularly for them (vs 16), but he goes on to tell them what he is asking God to do for them.  This not only encourages and empowers the church members, but teaches them how to pray for each other. 

Paul asks God to enlighten the eyes of their heart.  The Passion translation says “illuminate the eyes of your imagination”.  Living life by faith requires imagination.  Sometimes our imagination gets consumed with the facts of life – the jam-packed schedule, the wayward child, the financial shortfall.  Paul is showing us a higher form of imagination – the wild imagination of a child, where if something can be imagined, it is possible.  Paul asks God to reveal to our imagination what He is calling us to, like a spiritual lightbulb moment when we see the richness of this amazing life of living for Him.  This can bring us past imagining the facts of life, to the truth of God’s purpose which is more than we can comprehend.  (Ephesians 3:20)

Paul concludes this chapter by continuing his teaching on the identity of the believer.  As adopted sons and daughters of God, chosen and beloved we are entitled to boldly access His power, the very same power which was in Jesus as He rose from the dead (vs 20).  Imagine what that power can do in our lives, and our world!  Paul prays with exuberance and passion because He knows that the revelation of the true identity of each believer will empower them to live out the purpose God designed and will ultimately bring glory back to Himself. Paul concludes with a reminder that Jesus is ultimately exalted as the head of the church, and the believers are His body on this earth.  Jesus fills the church with His presence and blessing.  If we use our imagination, God can light it up with how much greater a purpose He has given us than our own plans and dreams. He created us for so much more – just imagine it!

God has created us with an imagination that needs to be cultivated towards Him.  What is one area of your life where you can cultivate seeing the hope to which God has called you?

Healthy Steps – Meal Prep

So much is going on in my life and home right now and I’ll just bet it is the same for you. Are you trying to keep up that New Year’s resolution to eat better and exercise more?

A key for me has been meal prepping, and if you haven’t attempted it, I would like to encourage you to give it a try.

Quinoa and Turkey Sausage

Maybe it seems like meal prepping is too much work, but in reality with a bit of effort at the beginning, you can give yourself the gift of time, health and peace of mind when you know what is for supper.

Start with your family’s favourite recipes, or a new cookbook. My go-to is http://www.skinnytaste.com for healthy recipes. The WW points are included which keeps me on track. So far every one I have tried gets a big thumbs up from my husband too (always a bonus).

You can find meal plan ideas online that will outline suggested meals for the week if it is the planning that causes you more headaches. I’m working on compiling some of my family’s favourite healthy recipes, so stay tuned for that! After eight years on this healthy eating journey, I have amassed quite a few!

Start small – I would not suggest you dive in with once a month cooking! Plan one meal ahead. Yesterday, I made a WW recipe Instant Pot Chicken Mole. Quick and easy. I simply doubled the recipe and have enough for supper tonight which helps as I am working an evening shift. Sometimes if I am off two days in a row (oh, the luxury!) I will make a fresh meal the second day and then alternate the leftovers. That way you are not eating the same meal two days in a row.

I sometimes double recipes and pop the extra in the freezer for a busy work day ahead. Those are also great to take to a friend who might need a break from cooking one night.

Use those “servants” you have in your chicken. Years ago before blogs were popular I subscribed to an email list on homemaking and the writer called her bread maker and crockpot her “servants”. She liked to get them working early in the morning. Now we can add Instant Pot to that list of servants.

Another method of meal prepping that has benefited me is to cut up fruit and vegetables when I get home from the store, or at least for more than one meal. If we are making homemade pizza for supper, we chop enough veggies to add to scrambled eggs the next morning. I am more likely to eat a salad at work if everything is cut up. The same goes with grabbing fruit for a snack or dessert. If you open the fridge and see a whole pineapple, chances are you won’t feel like cutting it up for a snack, but something less healthy might be more convenient.

There are some things that I buy already prepared. Yes, it costs more, but my health is worth it. If you absolutely hate cutting vegetables for snacks – buy a veggie tray. I pay extra to purchase riced cauliflower. It is really a great substitute for rice (or you could go half and half with rice) but for that item I would rather pay than compare.

Again, start slow. Some weeks I will prepare three or four items on one day for the freezer. Other weeks are busier and I just double recipes as I go.

Deep Water Life

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.  When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. (Isaiah 43:2 NLT)

Deep water.  That is where life finds me now.  No land in sight.  My feet can’t touch the bottom.  Exhilarating, scary, and yet beautiful. 

Everything is in motion around me like the deep ocean waves in this season.  Nothing is certain, not even the colour as the water goes from dark blue-black in the shadows to brilliant hues of aqua and sky blue in the sunshine.

The little boat of my life bobs along, sometimes rising high, sometimes in the deep valleys between waves when the storms roll in.  In an instant, jobs become uncertain, friends disappoint.  Sickness impedes and the shoreline of success is as invisible as the shore.  It can be so tempting just to say “I guess I didn’t hear God after all” and give up on those big dreams. 

My husband and I planted a new church this past June.  During the first round of COVID.  We gave up jobs, left friends and family, and moved to a new city at God’s call.  Some days there are challenges as big as ocean waves on every side and I hear my enemy whisper the same question he posed to Eve, “Did God really say?” (Genesis 3:1 NLT). 

Yes. Yes. Yes.  God DID say to leave the comfort of the shallows and head out into the deeper water.  But when the weight of the dreams and goals I have gets heavy, Jesus reaches out His hand and catches me, steadying my little boat.  He is the faithful keeper of the promise made in Isaiah 42.

Matthew 14 tells recounts the disciples’ experience of being in deep water, terrified by the storm that raged around them.  Many were fishermen, so it would take quite a storm to frighten them.  In the tempest, Jesus came to them and told them “Be brave and don’t be afraid.  I am here!” (Matt. 14:17 TPT).

Photo by Teddy Thornton on Unsplash

Just remembering that He is with us brings us back to where we need to be – focused and dependent on Him.  It was only when Peter’s eyes went back to the waves (verse 30) he began to sink. 

I am in a place of complete dependence on God, and I know that is just where He longs for His children to settle.  I’m not perfect, and still have times of tears and anxiety, but I am learning literally day by day that when I can’t work enough, love enough or plan enough in my own strength and I stop fighting His guiding current, His strength and provision show themselves mightily. Jesus gets the glory and the praise – opening the hearts and eyes of others as we share all He has done.

Maybe you find yourself in deep water now.  Separation from family, illness, unrest, financial strain, career uncertainty as a myriad of waves may surround you. Being fully dependent on God for all of these things, especially when you have no idea what to do, puts you in the current of His power and love and you will safely reach the shores of your destination.  You will add faith to faith as you navigate and this is a precious treasure not just for you, but for those around you who are floundering in the sea. You will not just survive, you will THRIVE!

Stormy days will still come, but so will warm sunny mornings and peace can be found in every one of them as we chart the course by His word, good teaching under your pastor shepherd and time at His feet in prayer and praise.

Deep water life.  It’s where faith is built and lives are changed. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in this world.

Photo by Anastasia Taioglou on Unsplash

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

Today was my first Saturday not to have to work in about a month. It will be a month before I get another. I love the work I do and find it very satisfying but I’ve been looking forward to today. A day to exhale and prepare my heart for Christmas.

I planned to do only what made me happy today. I started my day with coffee and my Advent devotions. I’ve found several really thought-provoking ones on the YouVersion Bible app. Then I had a chat with my uncle on the phone. He always shares where to find the deals and I love how out laughter filled conversations.

I took my time making baked oatmeal cobbler for breakfast. Its only 4 WW points and is really a comfort food meal. My husband and I watched a Christmas movie while eating breakfast. It felt so luxurious not to rush.

Then I stole away to my craft room to work on Christmas gifts. Its a creative space, not a tidy one, but I feel refreshed there, thinking about people I love as my hands fashion the gifts. I spied the treadmill and did a short workout. Yes! It is what I wanted to do. Being active every day is a gift I give myself and I am grateful for it.

My husband and I made supper together which is one of my all-time favourite things. I also made a second meal for tomorrow as I will be heading to work after church. Meal prep has been key not only for my weight loss goals but it eliminates some mind clutter when I know what’s for supper.

I did some preparation for church tomorrow. Again, it is not a chore to me, especially when I could work at my own pace. It is my joy to serve our much-loved church family and our community in this way.

As my husband studied his message I enjoyed a book and a hot bath. We moved into this house months ago and finally I took the time to relax in this way.

The day was all I hoped it would be. My muscles are relaxed, my mind is clear and I feel reenergized by treating myself well and preparing for days ahead.

In this busy Christmas season, one unlike we have ever known, take time to be good to yourself. Unwind and relax, even just for a while. As the familiar carol encourages, “Let every heart prepare Him room.” When you pause and allow yourself to be refreshed then you can focus on what is really important. What is important in this season is not gifts, decorations or baking, but Jesus.

As you prepare to make room in your day and your heart for Jesus, He will bring the best Christmas gifts of all – love, joy, peace and rest. When you have those, you have all you need for the year ahead, and enough to share as well.

What’s on Your Heart This Season?

I love to walk, especially in the fall. Crisp, fresh air, brilliant leaves in the trees and crunching under my feet. It does me good in body, mind and spirit.

I am wondering what this season of life looks like for you? Do you wonder where God is or how He will work it all out? Are you rejoicing in His goodness and faithfulness? Would you share your season with me, my friend so I can walk alongside you?

In future blog posts I want to explore and share encouragement and strength from God’s Word thats relevant to your season. He wants to refresh you spiritually, emotionallyand physically.

Let’s walk together!

Active Living

In January, I made a renewed effort to be active every day. My WW coach challenged me to 100 days of activity and the timing could not have been better as we were coming out of days of holiday feasting and sedentary celebrating. I managed to be active for at least 10 minutes on 99 of those first 100 days of 2020.

Charts really work for me so I enjoyed colouring in or putting a sticker (we scrapbookers always have stickers!) over each day. I felt a bit disappointed that I missed one day so once the 100 days were over, I started again! Its just that easy to take that step in the right direction. I am at day 90 of 100 and have not missed a day.

I did learn an important lesson in the 100 day challenge that I need to cut myself some slack if I do miss a day due to feeling under the weather, or just the surprises of life.

I am not striving for perfection, just progress.

I have a workout room in my house and that gives me no excuses when the weather is less than ideal. I have amassed a large collection of workout DVDs, most of which were thrift store finds (which speaks loudly to the resolve of people to stick with their workout goals) and I decided to use each one and see if they fit my life and skill level.

It took me a few weeks to accomplish this goal, but now I have a collection of DVDs that I enjoy using and that are at my current level of fitness or just reasonably beyond so that I am encouraged to progress. I donated those that I did not enjoy or were not challenging enough.

Variety in activity is key for my physical health. Throughout the week I have push days, maintain days and active rest days. This keeps my body from getting into a rut. If I do the same workout day after day, week after week, my body adjusts to it and then it is not as effective. I also need variety to make sure that my fitness level is increasing for my entire body, strength and cardio, both upper and lower body fitness.

Mentally, I also need variety in my activity. If I do the same workout repeatedly, I find I am not as focused and my mind starts wandering to the to-do list for the rest of the day, or what’s for supper. Then I am not being present for the workout and I will not exert myself to the best of my ability. Why bother being active if there is only minimal effort being expended? If I am not focused I might as well go on to the next thing in my day.

When I started trying to be active I had a stationary bicycle and I could ride for the length of one song on my iPod. And that exhausted me. Now with incorporating activity into almost every day in some way, I can ride 10 km on my bike before work, or run a 5k on a Saturday and I am trying to increase my fitness on a regular basis. If I miss a day, I feel off. I never expected to be THAT person who complained about missing a workout. Some days I still have to push a bit to lace up those workout shoes, but when I am finished, I always am glad I took the time to be active.

Being active is addictive. My mind needs the clarity that comes with focus and increased oxygen to clear the cobwebs. My body needs to be stronger and more flexible as I get older. My soul needs me to take time to look after myself so I can look after those I love to avoid burnout.

So what’s your activity like? Now is a great time to start being more active or upping your current activity level. Summer weather makes it great to be outside in the fresh air. Especially where I live when I know colder weather will be here before I know it. YouTube has a wide variety of workout videos and during this pandemic season there are lots of workout apps and services offering free classes to allow you to try something new. My neighbour told me she is doing yoga with friends using an online video meeting service. Great idea! Perhaps like me, you have DVDs gathering dust – give them another try. If you like them, great – if not, pass them on and encourage someone else to be more active as well.

Don’t feel you have to take on a 100 day challenge like I did. Make an attainable goal for you – but be specific! Perhaps next week you will walk for 15 minutes on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, or take the kids to the park and play frisbee on Saturday.

Make a plan, be active and you will soon see results in your body, your mind and your soul.

Beneficial to Life

I have an anchor scripture that has been foundational in the faith part of my journey to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.  This past week it has been on my heart with a new facet of understanding for me.  I love that about God’s word – it is alive! Because of that, a scripture that I think I have all figured out is able to speak into other areas of my life in a fresh way.

The scripture is 1 Corinthians 10:23 and I am going to share it from a few translations because they each have something to offer.

Everything is permitted, but everything isn’t beneficial. Everything is permitted, but everything doesn’t build others up.  (CEB)

The Amplified Bible, of course, goes a little further and says: 

All things are lawful [that is, morally legitimate, permissible], but not all things are beneficial or advantageous. All things are lawful, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life].

In this age of grace that we live in, we are not under the laws that tell us what we can eat.  It is all permissible.  I don’t have to have a prayer meeting before I get in the buffet line.  I do not have to worry that I will be served food that is not permissible for me. 

However, when I am in that buffet line, what I should be thinking is, what foods are beneficial to me?  What foods are going to fuel my body, provide nutrients to keep me healthy and strong so I can carry out God’s plan for my life?  What is going to satisfy me?

I can choose to fill my grocery cart with processed food, and empty-calorie junk food.  I’m still going to heaven.  But…am I honouring the temple God gave me (this physical body)? 

Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you? Don’t you know that you have the Holy Spirit from God, and you don’t belong to yourselves? You have been bought and paid for, so honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (CEB)

If after eating these foods I have a sugar crash or feel unwell, will I be able to do what God asks me to do – whether it be singing on the worship team, visiting those in hospital, doing my best in the office or keeping up with my family?

Slow Cooker West African Stew with Quinoa

Now before you start thinking that I eat only whole foods in nutritionally perfect portions – hold it right there!  I get cravings for pizza and cookies and at times I will choose to eat them.  I will try a friend’s new recipe at small group.  I eat birthday cake at parties (many times I share it with my husband because I know the tenth bite tastes the same as the first).  I am free to eat what I want and God still loves and accepts me – but I want to eat what is beneficial for me.

Keeping this scripture in mind has helped me more times than I can count when faced with cravings or food challenges.  I am certain it can help you as well.

As I mentioned, I thought I had this scripture down pat and had dug all the spiritual nutrition out of it that was there.  Oh, no.  Last week I was thinking about how I spend my days (that’s the planner girl coming out again) and thinking of choices of TV shows, books, social media posts and conversations I partake in.  None of it is bad per se, but what is beneficial – what is strengthening me spiritually?  Again, I am not suggesting legalism in any way because that can discourage or divide people.  What I am trying to do is to think about God being included in that social media post, that conversation, book or movie.  If that is not comfortable for me, then maybe I should make another choice.

Photo by Tamas Pap on Unsplash

When I look at this scripture in the Message translation, it illuminates another facet – let’s look at it:

Looking at it one way, you could say, “Anything goes. Because of God’s immense generosity and grace, we don’t have to dissect and scrutinize every action to see if it will pass muster.” But the point is not to just get by. We want to live well, but our foremost efforts should be to help others live well.

The last sentence grabbed my attention – We want to live well, but our foremost efforts should be to help others live well.

So while I want to be a conscious consumer whether taking substance into my physical body or my soul, I need to be aware of how this affects others as well. 

A challenge I have is with “food pushers” – “oh one piece of cake won’t hurt”, or “I made it just for you”.  While I am not unmovable with food choices, on the whole I choose very intentionally. However, I have to balance this with love.  I have strategies I use to help me in these situations but ultimately I don’t want to crush the loving gesture of another.  This is where sharing with my husband comes in very handy!!  This helps me grow in love, being aware that my relationship with the giver of the food is more important on this occasion, and helps the giver grow as well – being hospitable or showing love through cooking. 

When it comes to what I consume in my soul, not getting involved in debates on social media keeps me peaceful, but I am also looking out for others. Maybe someone is watching to see how the “Christian girl” will respond.  Maybe taking a stand and letting someone know I would rather choose another movie to watch will help them make a soul connection and grow spiritually as well.

Photo by Noah Buscher on Unsplash

In my journey to be healthy physically, I progress one choice at a time.  Spiritually, the journey moves forward the same way.  We are all only one choice away from getting back on track or moving closer to the goal.  Isn’t that amazing?

God cares immensely about this journey we are on and He will guide you on that next choice if you simply ask.  What’s for supper?  What’s on Netflix?  How do I respond to that controversial Facebook post?   What is my reaction to someone that let me down?  Making the next step towards what is beneficial is just a prayer and a decision away.

Photo by Letizia Bordoni on Unsplash