“For unto us a child is born, unto us, a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
As we begin our day, it’s helpful to remember the names of God. The needs we bring in prayer aren’t just something He provides. They’re Who He IS. Whatever need you have or situation you face today, I pray you are comforted by remembering Who holds your every need,...
The weight of shame is one of the heaviest to carry, isn't it? During my ten-year struggle with eating disorders, I felt hopeless at times. I felt sad. I felt powerless. The darkest, most painful sting, though, was the shame. There were several reasons for that, I'm sure. Maybe it was because I was professing my faith yet felt powerless to step out of my bondage. Perhaps it was the hypocrisy of coaching women in fitness while hiding my secret struggle. Maybe it was simply the most strategic...
“And when you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people are making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for fifteen minutes of fame! Do you think God sits in a box seat? Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace. The world is full of so-called...
Many of us are familiar with various types of eating struggles which arise from situations other than hunger. Not all of us are familiar with how to overcome them. When it comes to walking in victory with food-related battles, it is important to understand that—in addition to problem patterns with eating behaviors—there are also different types of hunger. Furthermore, they can overlap, making it even more complicated at times. Whether we are working on something as complex as restoring a...
A common question I get from clients is how to move past the guilt they feel when eating certain foods. In almost every scenario, the foods they feel guilt about eating are things which they enjoy and want to be able to have on occasion, but don’t feel they should be “allowed“ to have. No one ever feels guilty after eating nutrient dense foods like veggies and lean protein... The foods that cause guilt are typically processed / packaged or higher calorie / less nutrient dense. However, they...
“I just need more willpower!” “I’ve lost my motivation!“ How many times have we said something similar? Likely, too many to count. Whatever healthy habit we’re struggling with, chances are we consider the main problem to be a lack of willpower and / or motivation. I’m here to tell you, that isn’t the case! You don’t need more willpower and you shouldn’t rely on motivation.
The problem with willpower is that it’s exhaustible. Think about it: how many times have you woken up with resolve and...
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Generosity is a gift from God. Generosity is an act of worship when the posture of our heart is full of cheer. A generous life serves the Lord with time, talent, and treasure, all to lend itself to the work of Him who...
Do you have a case of scripture-stasis? You know that sense that you'd like to learn to spend time in God's Word but just feel a little stuck? It's incredibly common. I'd say it's one of the most common struggles I hear regarding growing with God. If that's you and you could use a little help, my top three tips are:
Just start!
Ten minutes, an hour, it doesn't matter. Just start. Don't wait until you have your schedule perfectly ironed out. Don't wait until you can guarantee you won't be...
"He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake." Psalm 23:3
There's a popular trend toward self-care. Have you noticed it? There are a plethora of self-care guides suggesting ways to manage everything from exhaustion to appetite through cocktails of autonomous effort. I find myself with unsettled feelings over this self-care movement. Why? One simple reason, self. The very phrase "self-care" should raise eyebrows. In and of our self, there is no lasting...
I read a quote recently that struck me. American Journalist Sydney J. Harris wrote, "Middle-age is that perplexing time of life when we hear two voices calling us, one saying, 'Why not?' and the other, "Why bother?" Bullseye! This topic has been swirling around in my mind for months. For those of us not quite in the prime of our youth and not quite menopausal, we find ourselves in the chasm of the middle. The middle can be an uncomfortable place. It's a place I'm becoming well acquainted...
Nourish: Discover God's Perfectly Balanced Plan for Your Body and Soul Encouragement and practical knowledge for living a healthy spiritual & physical lifestyle, inspiring you to get healthy from the inside out.
Devotions for a Healthier You A devotional filled with scriptures, encouraging stories, and tips on keeping a healthy mind, body, and spirit.
100 Simple & Delicious Recipes for Clean Eating An inspirational cookbook chock-full of healthy, innovative yet simple recipes.
