Opportunties - Day 8

Colossians 4:5  

⁵Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; 

make the most of every opportunity.

  

⁸For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light ⁹(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)

 ¹⁰and find out what pleases the Lord.

 ¹⁵Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,

¹⁶making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil

 Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 

¹⁹Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. 

Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 

²⁰always giving thanks to God the Father for everything,

 in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Last evening the sky was brilliant with color as the sun was setting.  
I caught a glimpse of it as I was standing in front of my kitchen window washing dishes.  
It captured my attention and I wanted to soak it all in.  I quickly went to grab a cup of coffee so I could just sit and take it all in and enjoy the moment.

The sky was so breath taking that I wanted to capture it on my camera (love to take pictures).  So, I literally ran to get my camera.  I ran because I know how quickly the scene in the sky can change.  And so it did.  I was still able to capture a few pictures and felt some disappointment that my camera just could not capture the beauty that I saw with my eye's.  

Two things I thought of during this brief experience.


Too often We miss out on opportunities for Something God has for us or wants us to do because we're "so busy" or caught up in "our own thing"  Or we're just NOT PAYING attention .... listening, watching for what God has for us.


The opportunities, like the sunset fade away and are gone.  Every sunset's is unique.  


Second,  only we can experience what God has for in the moment.  We can try to save it like a picture and remember the moment in the future.... but just enjoy the MOMENT!  You can never truly recapture the sights, sounds, feelings of a moment.  It's a precious gift. 


Live in the Moment.... 
When Your seeking something.... You will find it.  Even in the mist of our daily lives, You'll find it.


God so wonderfully made us, we are incredible creatures.

We don't even know we're seeking things.  

But we are continually seeking. 

(unconsciously happening.... )

For instance, when I was blessed to become pregnant with my first child (after 5 years of praying and believing).... everywhere I looked I felt as though I saw pregnant women.  WHY, because I had a different focus in my life, Living and breathing a pregnancy.   


When I've thought about purchasing a new car... and liked a certain type of car.... everywhere I looked it seemed I saw this kind of car.  WHY, because I had a focus in my life of something I wanted.


What we desire takes over our life.   This is why we need to clean house.  Go with the Lord into each room in side of our minds.... opened up the closets, sweep under the furniture... open up the cabinets and get rid of that old stuff.  Old unhealthy thoughts, boxes of unforgivenss, resentments, bitterness.... OLD idea's and belief's that are not in sync with the world of God.   


Then  YOU HAVE to fill it with the things of GOD!  (1 Corinthians 13).  FILL it so there is NO room for any thoughts of unforgivness, resentments, bitterness.... anger.


Then Your Desire will be to please your creator.  Then Your desire will be to take care of HIS temple.  Then through your desire you'll see and seize the opportunities GOD has for YOU.


You will DESIRE healthy Foods
You will DESIRE exercise and activity


When I'm B A L A N C E D it's because my foundation is the "rock" (my Savior), and I'm taking care of my MIND, BODY, and SPIRIT.   This Prevents: falling, slipping  


When I'm focused on taking care of ME.... physically, mentally, spiritually.... I'll SEE OPPORTUNITIES that BRING me health and wellness.  


TODAY:
I will  make time for 15 minutes (at least) of feeding my MIND, BODY, and SPIRIT things that are healthy and Good
TODAY:
I will see Jesus standing besides me... ready to hold my hand, pat me on the shoulder to encourage me..... Carry me if I need him to.
TODAY:
I  will look for Opportunity to LOVE THOSE AROUND ME that God has put into my life.
TODAY:
I will CHOOSE and SELECT foods that bring my body LIFE! (not fulfilling my lust for food that has no nutritional value and choosing portions no bigger than my fist!)
TODAY:
I will seize every opportunity to MOVE!  walk, stretch.... Even if it doing squats while talking on the phone... or leaning against the kitchen counter and doing "counter push ups"... or stretching while watching the News on TV... MOVE MOVE MOVE  ..... seize opportunities to strengthen my body!
TODAY:
I will be the best I can be ...
TODAY:
I will respect my body and life that GOD gave to me as a GIFT
TODAY:
I will look for the opportunity God puts in front of me to be a witness for HIM


Salute!  to your Health and Wellness

What are you thinking? Day 7

Psalm 139

 ¹ O LORD, you have searched me

and you know me.

 ² You know when I sit and when I rise; 

       you perceive my thoughts from afar.

 ³ You discern my going out and my lying down; 

       you are familiar with all my ways.

 ⁴ Before a word is on my tongue 

       you know it completely, O LORD.

Psalm 139:23-24 (New Century Version)

 ²³ God, examine me and know my heart; 

       test me and know my anxious thoughts. 

 ²⁴ See if there is any bad thing in me. 

       Lead me on the road to everlasting life.

I Can't Fool GOD!   I can lie to myself, stick my head in the Sand.... Pretend ...  but HE knows me inside and out.

When I fail at making healthy choices or exercising.... I can make ALL the EXCUSES in the world and even believe my excuses BUT  GOD KNOWS.

That is why on this journey I've had to really truly stop and have a talk with the Lord.  WHY oh WHY do I make choices I KNOW are not right?   Like the late night Snack that I don't really NEED.

Quite Honestly, the foundation of what I found out is this.   EXAMINE my HEART!

Where are my desires?  

I know I say I want to serve the Lord

I know I say I love my family first

I know I say I want to be healthy and well

BUT, if it's not happening

If I don't read and pray each day

If I have "issues" with family members of resentment, upsets, unforgiveness... things harbored

If I don't make choices every day towards health and wellness...

Then MY TRUE DESIRES are not where I think they are!

That's what I've discovered

I'm so elated that I have entered into a new level of Health in my 50's!  I feel more energetic, stronger physically... can run without passing out, wake up without the aches and pains in my feet and joints.... I've lost weight .... my body is more toned....

WHY!  Because I found out that to be BALANCED I need to set my focus (desires) on The LORD!   

He is my creator

My Body is HIS TEMPLE

I seek to please HIM.....  All that I have HE has given me

TODAY I will again re-enforce those HABITS that reflect my focus:

I woke up and PUT a big SMILE on my face and quoted 3 times: this is the day the Lord

   hath made, I WILL REJOICE and BE GLAD IN IT.

I did my thing (ya know) and then stepped on the scale.  BE ACCOUNTABLE!

I got my "organic" coffee (still working on changing that to herbal tea- better choice)

JOURNALIZING!!!  Which is nothing more or less than putting MY FOCUS for the 

   day on my walk with the LORD.  Reading HIS word, LISTENING and Talking to 

   the  LORD.  Reinforcing my thoughts about making HEALTHY CHOICES!

21 days to Health and Wellness is about MAKING NEW HABITS

but ya can't make new habits until you are HONEST about your current HABITS!

you can't make new habits until you exam and clean inside- MIND and HEART

then You can exam and clean up the BODY.

EXAM yourself IN GOD's WORD!

Salute!  to your Health and Wellness

Day 6 -Balance takes Focus

Would you want to wake up next to you?


Do you wake up with a smile on your face and and song in your heart?

If you don't, why not?

Great is thy faithful is one of the songs we sang in Church growing up.


After a life giving breakfast of oatmeal, a few raw almonds and blueberries.... Oh yes Emerge C  vitamin pack mixed with Kyo green...( haven't you figured by now that I'm quite serious about taking care of ME).  Filled up my pitcher of water/lemon for the day... put on my work out clothes.


I'm pumped up for a new day and humming along... the words to great is thy faithfulness

Song's Chorus Lyrics:  Great is Thy faithfulness, Morning by morning new mercies I see: All I have needed Thy hand hath provided Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!

Thought this morning..... Can the Lord say to me"great is thy faithfulness". Wow








With a humbled and prayerful attitude I will ask God to give me his Joy/strength, faith and love so at the end of today I can hear my Savior say to me "my good and faithful servant...goodnight"




I will please him today with what I 
eat 
think 
and therefore  what I
do!

(body,   mind   &  spirit)

Salute! To your health and wellness


PS   Blueberries and almonds are fantastic healthy SNACK foods! 


end of day blogging:
PSS   Know this,  I also have trials and road blocks during my day's.... like my murdering my computer and spending hours working on reviving it !  I lost ALL (2 years worth) of my pictures and documents that I had on the computer.  Yes, I had some moments of "crankiness" .... but my ability to handle stress is SOOOOO much better than in years past.  Being Balanced (Body, Mind and Spirit) and having chosen good nutrition today  (B Vitamins are incredibly important for stress) and exercise  IS THE KEY!

Eat Responsibly this Season: Day 5

Would you drive your car with a Blind Fold on?   Just believing you "know the way"?

Silly but that's how I think we choose what to eat and drink each day.  

 Then We  "Cry when we can't fit into our Jeans".

I     A L W A Y S hated to keep track and count calories when "trying to lose weight".   Now I believe I know the truth why I always resisted. 

 It's because I'd have to FACE THE FACTS each day of what I really was eating.   

Oh, ya... I'd be the one to say "oh, Doctor,  I really don't eat much".  This Was TRUE.  But What I didn't say was that the Little I ate was WAY too many calories.  

Then I'd get all stupid feeling  and embarrassed when asked  "do you exercise and how often?".... YIKES! Lie's Lie's Lies'  to myself.  

Driving down the Road BLIND!   Just figuring I KNOW THE WAY.  

Well, That  has stopped this year on my "Journey to Health and Wellness".

Yes, Fall as started in the Air  - OH I love when the air becomes cool and crisp after a Hot dry Summer.

Oh how I always have loved the anticipated holiday festivities, decorations, parties....  Food!  Clipping recipes!  Planning meals 

Nothing better than my memories of baking pies with my Mom for Thanksgiving!  She is an amazing cook and hostess.  

Back to the subject.   Fall has started and the aroma and delightful "eye candy" of beautiful table's filled with fantastic culinary delights  are headed our way.

Below is an example of  MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE and eating responsible this holiday Season.

You could choose a "Starbucks Pumpkin Spiced Latte" or  homemade "Pumpkin Pie".  

(IF you really wanted to celebrate the season with pumpkin).

Look at how irresponsible the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte is compared to a Pie.  (see nutritional guide below)

Latte has NO NUTRITIONAL VALUE 

                 to feed "THE TEMPLE"

The  homemade  Pumpkin PIE is rich in vitamins, fiber and nutrition for LESS calories and sugar.

Latte 380  vs  Pie    280

YOU DO THE MATH!  on Calories alone... BUT don't forget the "nutrition" of what's going in your body!

So,  "Put your Big girl panties on and deal with it!"   

Count Calories, Sugars and Nutrition

They say "drink responsibly" during the holiday season... WELL  I say "eat responsibly"  or you'll wake up on December 31st this year with the SAME OL New Year Resolution.   

1 Corinthians 10:  

¹²So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 

¹³No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 

And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. 

But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Salute!  to Your Health and Wellness 

I pray you ask the Lord to show you and guide your eating habits. God Bless you

Espresso, pumpkin, spices, steamed milk and sweetened whipped cream.

Short 8oz Tall 12oz Grande 16oz Venti 20oz  Nonfat milk Whole Milk 2% Milk Soy (United States) Soy (Canada)  No Whipped Cream Whipped Cream 

Nutrition Facts Per Serving (16 fl oz)

Calories 380	Calories from Fat 120
	% Daily Value*
Total Fat 13g	20%
Saturated Fat 8g	40%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 50mg	17%
Sodium 220mg	10%
Total Carbohydrate 51g	18%
Dietary Fiber 0g	0%
Sugars 49g
Protein 14g
Vitamin A 15% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 50% Iron 0%
Caffeine 150mg
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Now compare that to a Piece of Pumpkin Pie: Nutritional Information Libby's® Famous Pumpkin Pie Servings Per Recipe: 8 Amount Per Serving Calories: 283 Total Fat: 12.1g Cholesterol: 65mg Sodium: 357mg Total Carbs: 38.7g     Dietary Fiber: 2.7g Protein: 6.4g Libby's(R) Famous Pumpkin Pie Serving Size 1/8 of a recipe Servings Per Recipe 8 Amount Per Serving Calories 283 Calories from Fat 109 % Daily Value * Total Fat 12.1g 19 % Saturated Fat 4.7g 24 % Cholesterol 65mg 22 % Sodium 357mg 14 % ** Potassium 173mg 5 % Total Carbohydrates 38.7g 12 % Dietary Fiber 2.7g 11 % Protein 6.4g 13 % Sugars 25.8g Vitamin A 161 % Vitamin C 1 % Calcium 17 % Iron 12 % ** Thiamin 3 % ** Niacin 14 % ** Vitamin B6 4 % ** Magnesium 6 % ** Folate 12 %