"The opposite of holy is not dirty. It is common."
Dear family in the Lord!
Today I welcome you with a quote someone shared with me. As children of God we are called to be holy, but what does holy mean in a practical sense? Let's look at it together!
Last weekend our team went to a suburb of Chicago to have a conference with other Christians. The conference itself exceeded all expectations by far, but the day after turned out less desirable.
A friend that had a major part in the day of the conference, was supposed to do the same at a different event next day. Unfortunately she had been having symptoms during the weeks prior to our trip, so that she decided to see the a medical doctor twice, in order to get healed. After her second visit she was prescribed antibiotics that she started taking the day of our important conference. During the night after the amazing conference, she started to throw up and ran a very high fewer. We were all sure that it was a reaction to the antibiotics. We decided to make sure she drank water and kept her in bed with cold wraps on her head.
However, the people we stayed with made it clear to us that they thought it was irresponsible to not have her brought to a hospital with a temp of 102.5. So we left it up to our friend to choose to go to the ER or not. Needless to say that we had a lot of prayer support during the whole time. She, exhausted and in terrible pain, desired relief and chose to go to the ER. By the time we got her to the ER her fever had dropped by 2 degrees.
After her first examination she was declared "not in immediate need of attention" so we sat with the suffering little impersonation of her for over two hours in the waiting room. When she was designated a room her fever had dropped another degree. She was still in excruciating pain. The assigned doctor, (here is some comic relief) was a German, who didn't think that our diagnosis was accurate, so she had her take a different antibiotic and put her on an IV with water and pain medicine. Our friend didn't feel better at all and the tests they did to pinpoint the problem came back negative. So they ended up giving her morphine which made her dizzy, but didn't deliver the much desired relief of pain. She did feel a little appetite however and rather than something nourishing, such as a broth, she was given "Jello", which, no surprise, made her more nauseous.
When she was released, a total of 10 hours later, she was in the same terrible state and still throwing up just now with a naturally lowered temp. My faith in the medical world by that time had dropped from a low number to a negative value. All I could think of was getting her away from the hospital and the people that would put their sole trust in it and to get her home. So we did decide to make the seven hour trip home that night. I never appreciated the effects of sugar like I did on that long road trip!
She ended up seeing our trusted Nutrition-Response-Therapy Doctor who was able to help her and now she is fine once again.
We prayed and discerned throughout that whole day, "How could this happen?" Where was the open door for the enemy to touch us? For me it was clear that this horrible distraction was able to get to us because she had made a choice. The choice was to go back to something we already knew doesn't work anymore. She was like the Israelites in the desert, freed from slavery, desiring to go back to Egypt because they were hungry, rather than trusting that God is not forsaking them in the place He had led them to. Maybe she thought it was too expensive to see our NRT Doc in the first place when symptoms started occurring. Anyway, it turned out "not affordable" to not go the unusual route, as we have seen in this latest experience.
Dear family in the Lord, I know hospitals can save lives and doctors can be tools of health. I am not stating that everybody has to draw the same conclusions that I have. My life's experience, though, has been that
1) My mother was advised to abort me for "medical concerns" (we both turned out alright)
2) I have been misdiagnosed and/or mistreated with various meds ....
3) ....which led to side effects that I needed treatment for and even more longterm problems for not having been healed of the original issue.
4) Now, after going the uncommon route, I am totally wrecked, rendered useless and out of order to function in the regular world: I can't go back to wearing or smelling perfume without getting migraines, I can't use most lotions without getting rashes, I can't eat what most people eat without getting sick, I can't be sedentary without having insomnia, body aches and anxiety, I can't even take a vacation from my lifestyle during a week of vacation: I'll get sick. It is like coming down from a mountain and realizing that you are one of the very few that have been changed forever.
You see that based on my experience of what doesn't work for me and what does work for me I am making choices. Some sneer at me for that, others, on the same path to seeking lasting health, ask me to share what I have found. It turns out that our call for being holy can be extended to not going the common medical route, but to seek for uncommon ways; and the fruit that follows will serve as proof.
Dear family in the Lord, I know there are Quacks and Charlatans out there. That is why we need to ask people we trust for recommendations and see for ourselves.
Being holy means being uncommon. Not uncommon to be different at all cost, but after having discerned truth, daring to go new ways, which can turn out to be rather old, but forgotten, ways.
I pray that we would be refreshed and joyful during our live's journey to Wholesome Holiness!
Be blessed abundantly!
Monday, August 26, 2013
Sunday, July 28, 2013
No Spain- No Gain
When the woman (Eve) saw that the fruit of the tree (of the knowledge of Good and Evil) was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband (Adam), who was with her, and he ate it. Genesis 3, 6
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Luke 23. 34a
Dear family in the Lord!
At the beach in Spain, observing myself relaxing my regiment of strenuous exercise and disciplined meal sizes, it dawned on me: No Spain - no gain. Spain is my personal paradise on earth. And you can't exist in paradise without gaining something. Be it body fat pounds or the revelation that God is Good and man is not. Let's talk about two people who had everything they needed and experienced the pain of desiring to gain more.
The creation story in Genesis teaches us that God is a God of grandeur and simplicity. He created a marvelous world for His children to fruitfully live in with the need for just ONE RULE. Where in the Western World can you go (or travel) to today and find that you only need to abide by ONE RULE?
This one rule, to not eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil, could be paraphrased by God saying, "You get to trust me completely." If Eve had trusted God completely she and Adam would have cast the snake out of the Garden before it could plant the seed of distrust in their hearts. "Did God really say...? Does God really mean it well with you...? Can't you see that God withholds the ability to be like him from you...?" But they chose to argue with the father of lies.
We know how the story unfolds. Eve believed the snake and desired to be like God, so they ate from the forbidden fruit. With that they gained the ability to know Good and and to know Evil. But God didn't want them to know Good and Evil. At least not at that time. He wanted them to grow up in a peaceful world full of providence where they could get to know Him better every day, experience His goodness and be grounded in a deep and unshakeable trust in Him. How could the history of the world have unfolded if they would have listened? How could our personal history unfold if we would abide by this one rule?
Within seconds of exposing their uncorrupted DNA to the fruit of the knowledge of Good and Evil, man was infested by the consequence of listening to a liar rather than trusting in their maker's one rule. Consequently man knew he was judged to death and hid from his creator, for he now knew first hand that they had chosen evil over good, separating them from their maker. I wonder: What would have happened if Adam and Eve had eaten from the tree and, rather than hiding from God's presence, had directed their remorse towards scandalous hope for mercy and shouted into God's face "FATHER, FORGIVE US! WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WE ARE DOING!"
Jesus shouted on our behalf. While he hung and endured the death penalty for man, who, overcome by the terror of sin, ran away from God. Jesus, in unimaginable physical and spiritual agony because of being burdened with the sin of the world, directed his pain of being separated from God towards God and interceded for the ones that were killing him. He did what Adam and Eve failed to do, he directed the hope for mercy towards God. He could have hid, he had the authority to burn the whole place to ashes. No, Jesus did not back down. He died knowing that mankind was not capable to overcome their own corruption- but God was and He did. The terrible gap that man caused by choosing to distrust God was fixed by God Himself in Jesus.
The transition of man choosing evil to the topic of nutrition will not surprise you; as it is not new.
Thinking of the food industry in the Western World today I can't help but desire that mankind would be convicted of their evil. Just like Adam and Eve our society fell for the lies of the devil and built an empire upon it. "Paradise" in my analogy would be our ability to govern and have dominion over the creation. But somewhere between the distrust that the earth will naturally continue to produce sufficient food for us, and the greed of gaining riches by exploiting what is exploitable, we have been terribly corrupted. We ate the forbidden fruit of wanting to be like God.
Produce is genetically modified so it turns out bigger and more profitable. Livestock is exposed to growth hormones and treated like a mere profit production machine. The consumer lost touch with the reality of what it takes to produce the food and drink they have gotten used to. To find relief for our consequent aches and illnesses we turn to synthetic pills and put our hope for mercy into doctors.
We are stuck in a vicious circle. As long as we, the consumer, continue to literally pay homage to this industry, it will not stop. As long as we profit from this cycle by finding the price tags on our food to be to our liking, we say that we stand in agreement with it.
We can't change the way the whole world turns. But we can face God, if we are convicted, and ask Him to forgive us for we don't know what we are doing to His creation, including ourselves. Neither humanism, nor environmentalism, nor emancipation of the organic farmers, nor ethicists can take our guilt away or put an end to our problem. Our only hope is to direct our scandalous need for mercy towards God the Father rather than hiding in our evil system. Let's individually and corporately stand in front of Him and seek the way to live in this world and yet not be of this world. One practical way, is to continuously make small and improving changes in the foods we buy. Here is a new product for your consideration:
(....drumroll....)
Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Luke 23. 34a
Dear family in the Lord!
At the beach in Spain, observing myself relaxing my regiment of strenuous exercise and disciplined meal sizes, it dawned on me: No Spain - no gain. Spain is my personal paradise on earth. And you can't exist in paradise without gaining something. Be it body fat pounds or the revelation that God is Good and man is not. Let's talk about two people who had everything they needed and experienced the pain of desiring to gain more.
The creation story in Genesis teaches us that God is a God of grandeur and simplicity. He created a marvelous world for His children to fruitfully live in with the need for just ONE RULE. Where in the Western World can you go (or travel) to today and find that you only need to abide by ONE RULE?
This one rule, to not eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil, could be paraphrased by God saying, "You get to trust me completely." If Eve had trusted God completely she and Adam would have cast the snake out of the Garden before it could plant the seed of distrust in their hearts. "Did God really say...? Does God really mean it well with you...? Can't you see that God withholds the ability to be like him from you...?" But they chose to argue with the father of lies.
We know how the story unfolds. Eve believed the snake and desired to be like God, so they ate from the forbidden fruit. With that they gained the ability to know Good and and to know Evil. But God didn't want them to know Good and Evil. At least not at that time. He wanted them to grow up in a peaceful world full of providence where they could get to know Him better every day, experience His goodness and be grounded in a deep and unshakeable trust in Him. How could the history of the world have unfolded if they would have listened? How could our personal history unfold if we would abide by this one rule?
Within seconds of exposing their uncorrupted DNA to the fruit of the knowledge of Good and Evil, man was infested by the consequence of listening to a liar rather than trusting in their maker's one rule. Consequently man knew he was judged to death and hid from his creator, for he now knew first hand that they had chosen evil over good, separating them from their maker. I wonder: What would have happened if Adam and Eve had eaten from the tree and, rather than hiding from God's presence, had directed their remorse towards scandalous hope for mercy and shouted into God's face "FATHER, FORGIVE US! WE DON'T KNOW WHAT WE ARE DOING!"
Jesus shouted on our behalf. While he hung and endured the death penalty for man, who, overcome by the terror of sin, ran away from God. Jesus, in unimaginable physical and spiritual agony because of being burdened with the sin of the world, directed his pain of being separated from God towards God and interceded for the ones that were killing him. He did what Adam and Eve failed to do, he directed the hope for mercy towards God. He could have hid, he had the authority to burn the whole place to ashes. No, Jesus did not back down. He died knowing that mankind was not capable to overcome their own corruption- but God was and He did. The terrible gap that man caused by choosing to distrust God was fixed by God Himself in Jesus.
The transition of man choosing evil to the topic of nutrition will not surprise you; as it is not new.
Thinking of the food industry in the Western World today I can't help but desire that mankind would be convicted of their evil. Just like Adam and Eve our society fell for the lies of the devil and built an empire upon it. "Paradise" in my analogy would be our ability to govern and have dominion over the creation. But somewhere between the distrust that the earth will naturally continue to produce sufficient food for us, and the greed of gaining riches by exploiting what is exploitable, we have been terribly corrupted. We ate the forbidden fruit of wanting to be like God.
Produce is genetically modified so it turns out bigger and more profitable. Livestock is exposed to growth hormones and treated like a mere profit production machine. The consumer lost touch with the reality of what it takes to produce the food and drink they have gotten used to. To find relief for our consequent aches and illnesses we turn to synthetic pills and put our hope for mercy into doctors.
We are stuck in a vicious circle. As long as we, the consumer, continue to literally pay homage to this industry, it will not stop. As long as we profit from this cycle by finding the price tags on our food to be to our liking, we say that we stand in agreement with it.
We can't change the way the whole world turns. But we can face God, if we are convicted, and ask Him to forgive us for we don't know what we are doing to His creation, including ourselves. Neither humanism, nor environmentalism, nor emancipation of the organic farmers, nor ethicists can take our guilt away or put an end to our problem. Our only hope is to direct our scandalous need for mercy towards God the Father rather than hiding in our evil system. Let's individually and corporately stand in front of Him and seek the way to live in this world and yet not be of this world. One practical way, is to continuously make small and improving changes in the foods we buy. Here is a new product for your consideration:
(....drumroll....)
The POWER FOOD "Sprouted Quinoa"!
(You'll find it in the Natural Section of Coborns and can use it instead of rice, cereal, pasta, etc.)
Sprouted Quinoa is the best option when it comes to grain products! You'll get a great serving of complete protein, B2 Vitamins for your brain and muscles, antioxidants to protect you from sickness, magnesium and iron to improve your blood health, and fiber which has been proven to bring your cholesterol levels in a stout balance.
With this I release you back into your day, praying that you wouldn't buy into the Devil' s accusation but desire to have God use you as part of His solution for breaking His one rule, to trust Him.
Be blessed abundantly!
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Spiritual Spa# 22: Organic Growth
To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3,1
Dear family in the Lord!
At times my life has been like the life of a conventional tomato.
Tomatoes in all their different kinds are to be considered an absolute everyday must-have food! Lycopene and antioxidant activity make these little mysteries (is it a fruit? does it belong on veggie tales??) your good friend when it comes to fighting free radicals in your body. The health benefits are more available and digestible if you cook with them. So start every veggie pan or pasta sauce with tomatoes and onions. Sauce away with tomatoes!
In Spiritual Spa#9 What would Jesus eat? I mentioned an important part of my personal history. I was part of a toxic christian fellowship for three years and that is now over three years ago. I was treated like a conventional tomato as described by Jillian Michaels in the much quoted book "Master your Metabolism".
A conventional tomato grows in overexploited, and with that nutrient scarce, soil to meet the needs of parsimonious consumers. What was the soil in my group? The members. Any relationship where the stronger party uses the weaker to meet their needs is abusive. Instead of leading our gaze to Jesus and nurture a personal relationship with Him the leaders led us to look at and obey them. A soil void of nutrients.
A conventional tomato is not being trusted to deal with natural problems like weed or insect infestation. The risk that during the process of fighting opposing elements it could be killed overrides the benefit that in this process of struggle it can grow more attached to the ground and absorb more nutrients, becoming a tomato with higher nutrient levels. How does that translate into my cult situation? The leaders established an atmosphere where the person that pointed out a problem with the leadership became the problem. To undermine a persons ability to discern or at least give feedback on felt dynamics weakens/injures their trust in their personal sense of reality. If we shared problems that occurred with friends or family, usually having to do with them expressing concern, often resulted in having to give up all contact with them. A plantation sprayed with toxic pesticides against any potential problem.
A conventional tomato gets plucked and shipped before it is ripe to not turn moldy at the grocery store. Because it was harvested before its time it gets sprayed with argon gas to make it turn red prematurely. We really need to get this. I am not the only one that has been forced to "pretend like everything is great". We do it to ourselves and maybe even our families. We think we need to portray like we have it all together when in reality we don't. My life in this cult was ruled by charade. The leadership gained the trust of the vulnerable "sheep" and combined with complete confusion managed to produce followers that didn't know right from wrong because those words were up to the leadership's definition. We had to pay for leaderships plans and expenses. We had to give our time and the lack thereof. Cut off relationships including family. Be obedient to the point of insanity. We did terribly unloving deeds in the name of righteousness and "God". We looked down on other Christians, because we were shining examples of obedience, dying to the flesh, speaking in tongues, prophesying and doing what needed to be done to further a kingdom. We pretended we had it all figured out and professed trust and testimonies and defended the leadership when attacked- even though or maybe because they convinced or coerced us to play a part in their aspirations of grandeur. And all that with a smirk. Sprayed with toxic gas to appear ripe.
Guess what, when it comes to buying tomatoes I go organic!! :)
My life after leaving the dangerous influence of that leadership has been much more compared to the life of an organic tomato. The new soil the Father in heaven planted me into was filled with generous and loving people that did everything they could to nourish my broken soul. I was entrusted with having a unique personality and design. In the manner of the play "The king's speech" I learned that God gave me a voice and it is a great adventure to figure out what He wants to say through me. One outcome of that journey is this blog. People covenanted with me rather than seeking to rule over me and that laid a healthy foundation for life-giving relationships including struggles. I have been given permission to grow organically, meaning there is no force or demand on how I am to turn out. That is freedom.
So, dear family in the Lord, let's go vote every time we go into the grocery store as we pay $1 more and invest into organic tomatoes. No one should be treated like a conventional tomato, not even a tomato.
Be blessed abundantly!
A time for every purpose under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3,1
Dear family in the Lord!
At times my life has been like the life of a conventional tomato.
Tomatoes in all their different kinds are to be considered an absolute everyday must-have food! Lycopene and antioxidant activity make these little mysteries (is it a fruit? does it belong on veggie tales??) your good friend when it comes to fighting free radicals in your body. The health benefits are more available and digestible if you cook with them. So start every veggie pan or pasta sauce with tomatoes and onions. Sauce away with tomatoes!
In Spiritual Spa#9 What would Jesus eat? I mentioned an important part of my personal history. I was part of a toxic christian fellowship for three years and that is now over three years ago. I was treated like a conventional tomato as described by Jillian Michaels in the much quoted book "Master your Metabolism".
A conventional tomato grows in overexploited, and with that nutrient scarce, soil to meet the needs of parsimonious consumers. What was the soil in my group? The members. Any relationship where the stronger party uses the weaker to meet their needs is abusive. Instead of leading our gaze to Jesus and nurture a personal relationship with Him the leaders led us to look at and obey them. A soil void of nutrients.
A conventional tomato is not being trusted to deal with natural problems like weed or insect infestation. The risk that during the process of fighting opposing elements it could be killed overrides the benefit that in this process of struggle it can grow more attached to the ground and absorb more nutrients, becoming a tomato with higher nutrient levels. How does that translate into my cult situation? The leaders established an atmosphere where the person that pointed out a problem with the leadership became the problem. To undermine a persons ability to discern or at least give feedback on felt dynamics weakens/injures their trust in their personal sense of reality. If we shared problems that occurred with friends or family, usually having to do with them expressing concern, often resulted in having to give up all contact with them. A plantation sprayed with toxic pesticides against any potential problem.
A conventional tomato gets plucked and shipped before it is ripe to not turn moldy at the grocery store. Because it was harvested before its time it gets sprayed with argon gas to make it turn red prematurely. We really need to get this. I am not the only one that has been forced to "pretend like everything is great". We do it to ourselves and maybe even our families. We think we need to portray like we have it all together when in reality we don't. My life in this cult was ruled by charade. The leadership gained the trust of the vulnerable "sheep" and combined with complete confusion managed to produce followers that didn't know right from wrong because those words were up to the leadership's definition. We had to pay for leaderships plans and expenses. We had to give our time and the lack thereof. Cut off relationships including family. Be obedient to the point of insanity. We did terribly unloving deeds in the name of righteousness and "God". We looked down on other Christians, because we were shining examples of obedience, dying to the flesh, speaking in tongues, prophesying and doing what needed to be done to further a kingdom. We pretended we had it all figured out and professed trust and testimonies and defended the leadership when attacked- even though or maybe because they convinced or coerced us to play a part in their aspirations of grandeur. And all that with a smirk. Sprayed with toxic gas to appear ripe.
Guess what, when it comes to buying tomatoes I go organic!! :)
My life after leaving the dangerous influence of that leadership has been much more compared to the life of an organic tomato. The new soil the Father in heaven planted me into was filled with generous and loving people that did everything they could to nourish my broken soul. I was entrusted with having a unique personality and design. In the manner of the play "The king's speech" I learned that God gave me a voice and it is a great adventure to figure out what He wants to say through me. One outcome of that journey is this blog. People covenanted with me rather than seeking to rule over me and that laid a healthy foundation for life-giving relationships including struggles. I have been given permission to grow organically, meaning there is no force or demand on how I am to turn out. That is freedom.
So, dear family in the Lord, let's go vote every time we go into the grocery store as we pay $1 more and invest into organic tomatoes. No one should be treated like a conventional tomato, not even a tomato.
Be blessed abundantly!
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Spiritual Spa # 21 The Lie with the "I"
If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
1. Corinthians 12, 26
Dear family in the Lord!
I have had a hard time finding the words to this post. Since the beginning of February to be quite honest. I am now applying an expert's advice: If you have a writer's block- write about writer's block. So, what I basically want to tell you since over a month is "I hurt because people I care about hurt." It's not only sickness related, but that is definitely a good chunk of it. I am also grieving over choices people close to me make to isolate themselves or choose deception over going on a journey to seek truth. I am saddened by stories of families, including my own, being affected by sin of others. There. I find it quite a stumbling block being affected by the problems brought onto you through other people.
One of the saddest attitudes I have run into, whether it be training or counseling related, goes like this: at the end of the day my actions only hurt myself. Like the gambler that thinks his addiction doesn't affect his family. Or the alcoholic that is convinced he has it all under control. Or the person that can't close the fridge when the tummy is filled. Or the feud started by one convincing but bitter person. Nobody lives in a vacuum. We all affect one another. Your choices affect more than just you.
Items we pay for in the store are overpriced because people steal. Food quality is a thing from the past because people are greedy. Poor kids in poor countries make our clothes for little wage because we want to be fashionable.
Paul describes the followers of Jesus Christ in his letter to the Corinthians as ONE person. One body. One head. One heart. We get the picture. Just like when you get a compliment for your hair your toes aren't like: "Would someone notice my purple shine- I keep this boat floating?!"
To be one means to stick together through good and bad and care about one another gently. So hands down, can we say if we see another part of the body at fault "Well, that is their own problem! Too bad they don't come to our church building!"?
Your choices affect every body including your own. That's incredible power. And here starts my problem with this peppy piece. What if you are sick and hurt? Am I blaming you? Are we to judge you, the ones that suffer because you do? No, no, and no. In the book of Job we learn that Job's friends got into a lot of trouble for thinking Job did something to deserve any of his misery. But he didn't- that wasn't the point and they missed it.
Switch from Pop, Diet Pop or sweetened drinks to "La Croix" water. You find it in the same isle as those catastrophic cans. Maybe you have been looking for a truly guilt free alternative. I believe "La Croix" water does the magic. It's bubbly and comes in fabulous flavors such as Coconut or Peach-Pear. They are completely sugar/sweetener and sodium free, flavored with natural flavors only and have 0 calories. It's not sweet, but in my humble opinion a refreshing treat.
With that said I release you back into march, hoping that you are inspired to look for these little (or maybe big) things that are up to you, but then again - not just you. There, it is said. Thanks to the expert!
Be blessed abundantly!
1. Corinthians 12, 26
Dear family in the Lord!
I have had a hard time finding the words to this post. Since the beginning of February to be quite honest. I am now applying an expert's advice: If you have a writer's block- write about writer's block. So, what I basically want to tell you since over a month is "I hurt because people I care about hurt." It's not only sickness related, but that is definitely a good chunk of it. I am also grieving over choices people close to me make to isolate themselves or choose deception over going on a journey to seek truth. I am saddened by stories of families, including my own, being affected by sin of others. There. I find it quite a stumbling block being affected by the problems brought onto you through other people.
One of the saddest attitudes I have run into, whether it be training or counseling related, goes like this: at the end of the day my actions only hurt myself. Like the gambler that thinks his addiction doesn't affect his family. Or the alcoholic that is convinced he has it all under control. Or the person that can't close the fridge when the tummy is filled. Or the feud started by one convincing but bitter person. Nobody lives in a vacuum. We all affect one another. Your choices affect more than just you.
Items we pay for in the store are overpriced because people steal. Food quality is a thing from the past because people are greedy. Poor kids in poor countries make our clothes for little wage because we want to be fashionable.
Paul describes the followers of Jesus Christ in his letter to the Corinthians as ONE person. One body. One head. One heart. We get the picture. Just like when you get a compliment for your hair your toes aren't like: "Would someone notice my purple shine- I keep this boat floating?!"
To be one means to stick together through good and bad and care about one another gently. So hands down, can we say if we see another part of the body at fault "Well, that is their own problem! Too bad they don't come to our church building!"?
Your choices affect every body including your own. That's incredible power. And here starts my problem with this peppy piece. What if you are sick and hurt? Am I blaming you? Are we to judge you, the ones that suffer because you do? No, no, and no. In the book of Job we learn that Job's friends got into a lot of trouble for thinking Job did something to deserve any of his misery. But he didn't- that wasn't the point and they missed it.
We can get callous though and omit to do our part, I'm referring to our own lives now. Especially amongst Christians I have come across the 'tude that "the kingdom is not eating and drinking" and we therefore need not worry about what we eat- but the negative effects of this ignorance are still showing and growing. We think it important to share the Gospel with a bumper sticker on our cars, but fail to realize that the only community to which our terrible eating habits are Good News is: the pharmaceutical industry.
Yes, there is grace. But there is also responsibility.
Since I believe that the physical and the spiritual world are not separate, I am convinced that our invisible actions matter just as much as our visible. We reap what we sow, in the seen as in the unseen. That includes keeping our hearts transparent to our Father in heaven and having him clean up, letting him into every room of our "house" and fill it with his furniture, pictures and lamps. Do you need to forgive someone? Do you need to ask for forgiveness? Do you need to break unhealthy soul ties? Are you refusing to listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in an aspect? And it includes treating this physical temple we have been given with similar dedication.
Do you want to hear how I was freed of this heavy heart I carried around for a while? Jesus. I found myself worn down over weeks of waiting for some kind of relief, realizing that in this time of distress more than anything I need a savior. Jesus is enough. He is the King of kings. I can leave looking at the mere situations behind and put all my hope and trust in Him. Man, it is so simple to get distracted from this core of our faith.
From here I want to offer you a slight switch in your lifestyle that you could consider as "doing your part", as far as you can control it in the natural. (By the way, I am NOT sponsored by La Croix)
Switch from Pop, Diet Pop or sweetened drinks to "La Croix" water. You find it in the same isle as those catastrophic cans. Maybe you have been looking for a truly guilt free alternative. I believe "La Croix" water does the magic. It's bubbly and comes in fabulous flavors such as Coconut or Peach-Pear. They are completely sugar/sweetener and sodium free, flavored with natural flavors only and have 0 calories. It's not sweet, but in my humble opinion a refreshing treat.
With that said I release you back into march, hoping that you are inspired to look for these little (or maybe big) things that are up to you, but then again - not just you. There, it is said. Thanks to the expert!
Be blessed abundantly!
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Spiritual Spa Video #1 "Chicken Spa"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Let me show you how simple it is to make your own baked chicken at home!
Let me show you how simple it is to make your own baked chicken at home!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Spiritual Spa #20 WHAT PERSONAL TRAINERS THINK ABOUT NOT-FIT PEOPLE
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” Titus 2 11+12
Dear family in the Lord!
Welcome in 2013! Let's get right into the good stuff!
Excuses, excuses. We all have them. We all fall short. Today I'm going to shock you with how the stereotypical Personal Trainer thinks. Don't worry- I'm here to encourage and not to tear down.
First of all, someone who becomes a Personal Trainer has a passion for physical fitness. Many have their own history of overcoming reasons to not be in good physical shape. They have a desire to see others getting "bit by the health bug", because they know you will also start to feel GREAT. To start looking at one health aspect of your life after the other and bringing chaos and omission to order and discipline. So when we hear excuses we like to challenge: Do they really pose impossible hindrances or are they just a shortcut to not feeling guilty for omitting? A Personal Trainer understands that something is holding you back. We have been there. But to listen to people lie to you, and more important to themselves, is probably the most frustrating part of being a Personal Trainer.
There are likely Personal Trainers out there who would use the insight they have and look down on people still in need of a lasting lifestyle change. That is how the world (not the kingdom of God) works. The dentist might look down on the cavity patient. The Postman might judge your front yard. The judge might judge and think to himself "what a bunch of lunatics out there".
Let's note that this is part of the fallen world we live in. To think that you would be judged when you enter a gym or join some kind of a workout setting is futile. You are always being judged. Face it and ask our Father in heaven to implant HIS judgement in your heart.
Next I'd like to address another severe issue. When I went through a continuos Ed class about Injury prevention I was shocked to find the room filled with 40 mid aged Personal Trainers, Gym owners or Group Exercise Instructors who were for the most part injured for a lifetime. The Instructor of the class had us introduce ourselves and speak about our injury history. Many of the impaired Fitness Professionals mentioned to have been "young and stupid"- they had worked their body beyond what it could take. Back, shoulder, knee, hip, wrist, elbow, neck, jaw, no part of the skeleton was left out. To be honest: That class made a lasting impact on me. It taught me to stay in tune with what my body wants, can handle and needs. I love my body. I don't think I need to beat it up or force it to look (or fall short) of what I think I'm expected to look like. I also like to encourage my clients that it is more important to consider what is realistic to achieve and maintain in YOUR life, rather than comparing your choices to others.
Let's note that to fall into the trap of trying to compete with everybody out there and be the fittest, best looking person ever is part of a fallen world we live in. Face it and ask our Father in heaven for forgiveness.
Lastly let's look at the M word. Motivation. Coming to the conviction that you need to work out doesn't mean the work is done. I love how I feel after working out. I love getting stronger or challenging my strength. Trainers, Gym owners or Instructors realize though that the hardest part about working out is to actually show up. Getting up an hour earlier, not directly heading home after work, leaving the comfort of your house after dinner... It is absolutely understandable that all the above pose potential stumbling blocks to your success. Let me fill you in on a secret: That can be the reason for choosing a fitness related career! Did you ever notice that hair stylists have great hair, chefs might be chubby, or law enforcement officers have a hard time being "off duty"? It's because they love what they do and become what they do. Does this mean that every Fitness Professional must look ripped and super fit? No, it does not. But does it mean we think twice about eating dessert, having a pizza or skipping a planned work out? Probably yes.
Let's note that we all are subject to lacking motivation to do what we know we are called to do because it is part of the fallen world we live in. Face it and ask for the diligence to do every good work.
You might have noticed that neither the Personal Trainer nor everybody else is perfect or has it all figured out. We all are in need of first salvation and then redemption. I hope the post today reminded you that we are surrounded by darkness but can't use this an excuse to not take care of our bodies and seek health. Into the darkness shines a LIGHT and the darkness was not able to defeat this LIGHT. This light that wants to penetrate every aspect of our lives is called Jesus Christ. To live like Paul writes to Titus in the quoted verses, a wholesome lifestyle of godliness, we need his spirit- the Holy Spirit. Ask and you shall receive!
Be blessed abundantly!
Dear family in the Lord!
Welcome in 2013! Let's get right into the good stuff!
Excuses, excuses. We all have them. We all fall short. Today I'm going to shock you with how the stereotypical Personal Trainer thinks. Don't worry- I'm here to encourage and not to tear down.
First of all, someone who becomes a Personal Trainer has a passion for physical fitness. Many have their own history of overcoming reasons to not be in good physical shape. They have a desire to see others getting "bit by the health bug", because they know you will also start to feel GREAT. To start looking at one health aspect of your life after the other and bringing chaos and omission to order and discipline. So when we hear excuses we like to challenge: Do they really pose impossible hindrances or are they just a shortcut to not feeling guilty for omitting? A Personal Trainer understands that something is holding you back. We have been there. But to listen to people lie to you, and more important to themselves, is probably the most frustrating part of being a Personal Trainer.
There are likely Personal Trainers out there who would use the insight they have and look down on people still in need of a lasting lifestyle change. That is how the world (not the kingdom of God) works. The dentist might look down on the cavity patient. The Postman might judge your front yard. The judge might judge and think to himself "what a bunch of lunatics out there".
Let's note that this is part of the fallen world we live in. To think that you would be judged when you enter a gym or join some kind of a workout setting is futile. You are always being judged. Face it and ask our Father in heaven to implant HIS judgement in your heart.
Next I'd like to address another severe issue. When I went through a continuos Ed class about Injury prevention I was shocked to find the room filled with 40 mid aged Personal Trainers, Gym owners or Group Exercise Instructors who were for the most part injured for a lifetime. The Instructor of the class had us introduce ourselves and speak about our injury history. Many of the impaired Fitness Professionals mentioned to have been "young and stupid"- they had worked their body beyond what it could take. Back, shoulder, knee, hip, wrist, elbow, neck, jaw, no part of the skeleton was left out. To be honest: That class made a lasting impact on me. It taught me to stay in tune with what my body wants, can handle and needs. I love my body. I don't think I need to beat it up or force it to look (or fall short) of what I think I'm expected to look like. I also like to encourage my clients that it is more important to consider what is realistic to achieve and maintain in YOUR life, rather than comparing your choices to others.
Let's note that to fall into the trap of trying to compete with everybody out there and be the fittest, best looking person ever is part of a fallen world we live in. Face it and ask our Father in heaven for forgiveness.
Lastly let's look at the M word. Motivation. Coming to the conviction that you need to work out doesn't mean the work is done. I love how I feel after working out. I love getting stronger or challenging my strength. Trainers, Gym owners or Instructors realize though that the hardest part about working out is to actually show up. Getting up an hour earlier, not directly heading home after work, leaving the comfort of your house after dinner... It is absolutely understandable that all the above pose potential stumbling blocks to your success. Let me fill you in on a secret: That can be the reason for choosing a fitness related career! Did you ever notice that hair stylists have great hair, chefs might be chubby, or law enforcement officers have a hard time being "off duty"? It's because they love what they do and become what they do. Does this mean that every Fitness Professional must look ripped and super fit? No, it does not. But does it mean we think twice about eating dessert, having a pizza or skipping a planned work out? Probably yes.
Let's note that we all are subject to lacking motivation to do what we know we are called to do because it is part of the fallen world we live in. Face it and ask for the diligence to do every good work.
You might have noticed that neither the Personal Trainer nor everybody else is perfect or has it all figured out. We all are in need of first salvation and then redemption. I hope the post today reminded you that we are surrounded by darkness but can't use this an excuse to not take care of our bodies and seek health. Into the darkness shines a LIGHT and the darkness was not able to defeat this LIGHT. This light that wants to penetrate every aspect of our lives is called Jesus Christ. To live like Paul writes to Titus in the quoted verses, a wholesome lifestyle of godliness, we need his spirit- the Holy Spirit. Ask and you shall receive!
Be blessed abundantly!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Spiritual Spa #19 Tickle me Jesus! (The fight between Cookie Monster vs. Veggie Tales)
The Lord sustains the weak on their sickbed
and restores them from their bed of illness.
Psalm 41, 3
Dear family in the Lord!
What a promise! Especially in these days were everybody seems to believe that "it's going around".
In the spirit of "Oh taste and see that the Lord is good" let's think about how we can avoid catching "it". This season offers you all sorts of sweet treats and baked goodies, paired with the desire to huddle at home. As much as I love all of the above I want to share a new thought with you.
What happens when you eat a sweet treat? Your body reacts to the sugar! Usually you interpret that reaction as positive and stimulating. There you have your pattern. You're hooked. You want more. Society tells you it makes you human to tick this way. -For my salty tooth audience that was about to zone out reading this I want to point out that the simple carbs in chips and crackers have the same effect on your body, so keep those peepers engaged- Now what about if you were hooked to a food that did more than stimulate you- it would first of all sustain and saturate you?
You are what you eat and you crave what you eat- hence: you crave what you are. Sobering, huh?
Reminds me of the story in the Gospel where Jesus asks his followers to eat his flesh and drink his blood. We talked about that in Spa #10 Offensive Cuisine. People were very entertained by Jesus. He fed them, he excited them by performing miracles of healing and other sorts. He stimulated them to stick around. Like putting marshmallows in a salad. But when he told them that they need to get also sustained and saturated by him, most of them took off. Sobering, huh? God wants to go deep with us. We decide if we let God tickle us, if we allow him to stimulate us or if we let him touch and mold us, if we allow him to sustain us. Sniffing Jesus means just sniffing. Eating Jesus means becoming Jesus.
Can we come alongside God to sustain us on the sickbed? Maybe we can even do our part and avoid ending up on the sickbed altogether? The key is truly acknowledging and honoring your immune system as a force that can work for you or can be weakened by your choices.
Here some reminders on how to
STAY STRONG or GET BETTER
by merely natural means:
1) Sugar intake. You've heard this before. Limit/ avoid sugar intake to not add stress to your challenged immune system.
2) Eat saturating foods. Dark green leafy veggies such as kale, spinach, broccoli to boost Vitamin C intake.
3) Drink loads of water! Dehydration is a direct consequence from suffering from allergies and linked to sinus, ear and throat sickness.
4) Garlic, onions and Coconut oil. Add these good friends of mine to your dishes to boost your immune system.
5) Winter Power Fruit: Pomegranate! So worth to dig and chew through this sweat/sour treat!
6) Rest is a weapon. Get the amount of sleep you need.
7) Praise God for his providence through the wisdom of nature!
8) Get out there! Go for a walk, take in that sun when it comes around. There's no age tag attached to snow- so play in it and absorb that Vitamin D childlike!
I hope you were inspired to taking matters of health into your own hands, which includes, but is not limited to, lifting your health up to the Father above!
Be blessed abundantly!
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