Tired of Double Dutching through life

Today I listened to a sermon that spoke directly to me. We can choose to have a life of peace and be content in that life listening to and living a life that is God lead. Or we can choose to take the reigns ourselves and do things our way. Only one of these ways of living leads us to the pathway of true peace.

I feel like I've been double dutching my way through life. I jump and have one or both feet in God's world and then jump back into living my way, trying to accomplish things on my own. Back and fourth I go with the jump ropes of life twirling around me in a repetitious vortex of getting a piece of peace.

I realize that I am ready to put down those jump ropes, take off my tennis shoes and use my bare feet to start walking in faith consistently. It's the doorway to real peace, joy, and contentment. A true peace that comes not from the world, but from the God center placed within me. When I start looking for things, answers, opportunities outside myself I remain unfulfilled and discontented regardless of what's gleamed from living this way. Each time I come back to God and allow Him to take lead I have a sense of quiet peace, a joyful calm knowing that my Father knows best. I don't have to hop and jump around in a state of confusion from trying to control every event in my life. I feel like I can finally catch my breath because I don't have to avoid being hit by those ropes constantly jumping and out of breath.

When I think of the deal God provided us with ("My son for your sins"), words can't describe the state of my heart. I can't believe the things I put myself through when my mind pushes this fact aside. I can't believe what a know-it-all I think I am to believe I can come up with all my own answers. When I look back at that person I've been I give great thanks that God is patient, kind and forgiving, always. I am thankful for being allowed to fall face down from those double dutch ropes time and time again. The harder I hit my head the wiser and more humble my head becomes. God is always there with his infinite wisdom to patch me up and give me yet another opportunity to follow him. When people and life disappoint He never does.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind
Romans: 12:1 & 2

The Meaning of Christ-mas for me...

Over the last few years with family stress, and the craziness of life, I learned to dread the Christmas season . The emphasis in society of this and any holiday seems diluted and materialized. For me it became a time for trying to please everyone, sadness and rushing around and for what?

This year I took Christ-mas back for myself. This season is again Holy and meaningful and true to itself. Each day I'm doing an exercise and reading from the Bible on the power of Gods love. Sending us His only son baby Jesus is the Only gift that matters for me as a growing soul in our Lord. God performed the ultimate sacrifice because HE LOVES US THAT MUCH!!

This Holy season I'm taking the time and effort to be in the moments of the SPIRIT of Christ-mas. I am celebrating thorough out December for the One who gave everything for us His Children. I will remember that if we listen and follow, He will make us as white as snow continually forgiving our sins thus recreating us in His image...

Isaiah 1:18
psalm 51
Have a very Merry Christmas

Not giving in or up

Life is getting more and more challenging for many of us. God may not solve or bring my problems to an end but he continues to give me the strength to carry on. Amen for that!

Hurray for Carob!

Having a chocolate allergy, well really sucks LOL!  For years I have had secret little affairs with chocolate knowing its effect on my body.  As of late however,  I realize the repercussions of putting something in my body that it recognizes as foreign.

Over the years I have tried Carob with less than thrilled results. However, lately I came across raw carob, which Iv'e known about for a while. I managed to track some down through the internet and much to my delight I made a cup of (cocoa) hot carob that is, and it was fabulous!!!  Iv'e tried carob powder in the past (roasted) but found the taste to be too strong, but the raw carob is much more mild.  I cant wait to make other chocolate- like treats with this lovely powder.  I have also tried a carob bar from the health food store and it was not all bad either. I think I'm in a more accepting space knowing that chocolate has to be off limits which allows me to want to bring other alternatives that are pro health instead of anti health.

One of the positive aspects of bringing carob into my life are the health benefits it brings. It helps to improve digestion and acts as a mild analgesic, as well as adding antioxidants to the diet.  Carob has no caffeine or theobromine that act as stimulants as in chocolate.  Carob's also rich in vitamin E, A, D and the B vitamins.  It contains calcium potassium, and iron, and has natural pectin which helps remove cholesterol.

Carob powder can replace cocoa powder in any recipe with the advantage of carob not having the addictive qualities of chocolate.

I highly recommend giving carob a try wether food allergies are present or not. Its a tasty and healthy addition for making edible and drinkable treats for everyone.

It's the little things

Life has been challenging lately to say the least. I have met with extreme stress and events that I felt I couldn't overcome lately. I have been pulled into the 'hollow zone'. I dubbed it because it's a place where life's challenges overwhelm and draw you in like a category 5 tornado, whirling and spinning out of control leaving one feeling helpless, without shelter, even the most spiritually minded. My focus was constantly attracted to the circumstances and events in my life that I simply had no control of and I couldn't break away from it.

Fortunately, there has been a silver lining behind my storm cloud. Through much prayer and patience I am resetting my coping ability and thought processes so that I can refocus on refocusing:). I appreciate and am thankful for my breath(having asthma it's something not to be taken for granted!). I and grateful for waking up each morning with sight, and mind and strong spirit. I am ever so grateful for living in a country and a place where I can hear the music of birds singing, and natures greatest hits, instead of bombs going off. I purchased to lovely tea/cocoa mugs that add beauty and fun to my tea time. I am practicing hot yoga(more on that in my next blog), and it demands my complete attention and my body and spirit thank me for it. I love spending time with my little bulldog and being distracted by his silly ways and demands for ice cream! I focus on the love that's in my life and not on what is lost( there is a reason and lesson in all relationships).

My ability to reexamine my life and get a handle on stress is making a big difference. Do I still have stress? Yes, life wouldn't be life without it, but am I better able to manage it's effect on my health, mind and spirit yes. I am glad for the silence where I can be and listen and learn...

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Checking Out....

One of my favorite bible passages talks of being in the world but not being of it. John 1 talks about not coveting the things of the world but living to please God. I always gain great comfort, from this, like a pep talk from God :)

I often more now than ever find that I have to check out of the world, that includes all media, stressful situations and people, doing frivolous things (whatever I feel that is for me). I take some time to regroup my spirit and mind, to clarify my focus, clear away the mental fog. I focus on the word and my Lord (though I'm always in communication with Him).

Checking out allows me to better hear His voice, to remember to focus on living for others and that we are all connected and here for a greater purpose than our egoic desires. I pray daily but when I check out I spend much more time in prayer and meditation. I try to spend much more time in nature and connect more with our earth and it's beauty. No matter my personal accomplishments nothing feels more satisfying than helping someone else, even in the smallest way.

When I check out I don't focus on my personal pain, the resentment I may feel towards someone, and other negative feelings that cause my body and mind stress. I need these check outs to function and live on this earth with a mind of hope and with love in my heart.

Checking out allows me to remember....
I am grateful for this...