A Startling Revelation I walked along the sidewalk outside of the lackluster apartment complex I was living in for the year. As cars whizzed by in the seeming din of ordinary, I was listening to a book on prayer by one of my favorite teachers. When he made a certain point, my heart stilled and a whole new understanding opened to me. He was saying that a single human author could not have written the whole Bible. It took different personalities, relationships with God, and types of calling to write God’s Word through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. As I pondered this, like ocean waves crashing over me, I wanted to raise my hands in deep joy and worship. I was less than a year into my bipolar diagnosis. At times, I struggled deeply with shame and a distinct feeling of ‘less than’ because of the ravages of mental illness. I had yet to have a truly hopeful perspective about its presence in my life. But something changed for me during that walk. As I thought more about the uniqueness of the Word of God, I realized, not only are there different ways of communicating, but also a wide range of emotions contained therein. You see, those with bipolar disorder have been to the depths of despair, the melancholy of soul, and a wondering if God is there. Yet, we have also experienced the heights of joy and beauty of full-hearted worship of God. Also, those with bipolar disorder have a range of genres with which they readily connect. For example, the theological truths of Scripture connect with what is often a highly developed analytical, left-sided brain. Yet, poetry and artistry are relatable because there is often, also, a penchant for right-sided brain expression. I felt such a depth of thankfulness and praise as I came to these realizations. The same God who revealed Himself uniquely through His Word, using individuals with various ways of understanding Him, had made me. And it was all to His glory. I was all to His Glory. My journey with mental illness took a decided turn toward a belief that God did not just intend for me to survive my days, but to thrive in them. As I pursued wholeness and healing, I would increasingly enjoy God, thanking Him for how He had made me. Seeing the Glory of God in Mental Illness With something so messy, like bipolar disorder or any mental illness, it is easy to believe the lie that its redemption must nearly fully wait for Heaven and God’s arms. But, no. This is not the perspective of God. In our journey of growth and sanctification, the battles of a fallen world affecting one’s mind can be some of the greatest means of experiencing the glory of God. It happens through the strength needed to overcome the darkness by gaining understanding of ‘an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison’ (II Corinthians 4:17b ESV). It also happens in embracing the glory of God in how one is made precisely for that glory. And, with this, there is the delight found in beholding Him: “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV) The Role of the Body of Christ Furthermore, this understanding of the glory of God being present, not only for the individual experiencing mental illness, but also for the Church of which they are a part, poses a radical means of liberating an increasingly present contingent who struggle with mental illness. Too often, those with mental illness, myself included, are met with sympathy, which can translate to expressing grief over what one is experiencing. While those sentiments are heartfelt and sincere, they can potentially be damaging to the overall perspective of the one diagnosed with mental illness. What if, instead, the Church could come to a place of seeing mental illness as unto the glory of God? Don’t misunderstand me, there is a deep need for entering this hardship of a brother or sister in Christ. But, there is, quite possibly, a greater need to offer hope centered upon the sovereign work of God in both creating each one of us uniquely, and writing each of our stories. Meaning, everything, even and especially mental illness, is a means of displaying the goodness and grandeur of God. It’s not an easy road, this change of perspective. But it is not insurmountable. It truly does begin with the glory of God. For, if we believe His glory, and enjoying Him, is our ultimate prize from now throughout eternity, then, is there anything too fallen it escapes the light-filled presence of our Great God? Working Together to Encourage One of the reasons I believe this can be so difficult is that much is ‘raised against the knowledge of God’ (II Corinthians 10:5 ESV) in the midst of mental illness. It can be exceedingly strenuous to ‘take every thought captive to obey Christ’ (II Corinthians 10:5 ESV) when one’s mind is compromised. Thus, how much more do we need those in a different place, to stand in the gap and take the thoughts of shame, doubt and fear, captive for us. Then, we need them to voice those words of hope into the darkness which shrouds. Yet, the truth remains, those with mental illness, do have a hard, sometimes exceedingly hard, road to walk which no one else can walk for them. But there is no better way to walk it than to let the light of God’s truth, the depth of His brilliance, penetrate every corner of one’s mind, from every direction. That day, when God used a Bible teacher, full of love for His Word and His glory, I was simply placing myself in the path of the golden realities of what God says is true, and His Holy Spirit did the rest. But too, others have shone the light upon my path. Specifically, I remember my twin sister taking my hand when I was just out of the hospital because of an episode of mania related to bipolar disorder. She said, with such hope, ‘God is going to bring you through this so completely.’ Hallelujah and Amen. Together, we, the Church, can see that which the Enemy intends to cripple us, the Body of Christ, become something which profoundly glorifies God. One thought of His truth, one word of His hope, and one robust belief in the reality of His glory, at a time. About Abby![]() Abigail Alleman is a wife, mother of 3, missionary with Cru, writer and more. As she walks this long road home, she seeks to see God’s glory and good purpose in all things, including her journey with bipolar disorder. She blogs her love for God and the life He’s given her at abigailalleman.com and hosts a weekly podcast called Messy Life Mighty Love. Missionary with Cru Twitter: @abbyalleman
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As I have been on the path to wholeness after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder over four years ago, I have learned how to do battle in my mind. My mind is what the Enemy says he has in the grey murkiness of chemical imbalance. But, all glory to God, He speaks His life and healing with every one of His thoughts over me. These Rs have become a good way to remember this mental battle and to help others do the same. 1. Remember Why We Want to Win: There are many reasons to overcome something like mental illness (or whatever may be your battle). We want to feel strong once again. We want to stop the hurting in our neuro-pathways as they lead us nowhere good. We want to give relief to those who love us and ache at our distress. But the only to true reason to win—the one we are called to forever—is the worship and praise of God. His glory is tantamount, and He has made us to be vessels of worship and praise. As we find victory in the mental battles, His kingdom reigns in our minds, and our lives. We experience the beauty of songs of deliverance and offer them to a broken world. 2. Realize You Are Immersed in God’s Love: In any kind of warfare, we need a safe place to rest amid the battle. So, we must establish this and return often to it. The truth of truths is God’s irresistible grace and bountiful love. As Zephaniah 3:17 say, ‘he rejoices over us with loud singing.’ His delight is in us and He just wants us to delight in Him. He longs for us to rest in who He is and His great, great love made known through Christ His Son. We can never get enough of the curling up on Abba Daddy’s lap as He speaks love into all that we are. 3. Recognize the Dark vs. the Light: Our minds steer the rest of us. Therefore, it is so important we reflect enough to understand what is going on in our minds. We may be feeling down, lonely, elated, triumphant, but why? These things are articulated by our thoughts. For example, we are somehow hearing, "No one truly loves me." Or maybe, "Others don’t consider me important enough to spend time with me." We may even hear "You are unlovable." "No one wants you." These last two read like direct lies from the enemy of our souls. Conversely, we may be hearing good things. Regardless, we must recognize what is steering our feelings and truly, all that we are. 4.Replace the Bad with the Good: As we discern where our thoughts are coming from, we can then take the steps to replace those negative thoughts with positive ones. Let me be clear. The good is not ‘wishful thinking’. It is truth based directly from the Word of God revealed fully to us through the person of Jesus Christ. So we speak into ‘unloved’ replacing it with ‘loved’, because ‘God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son…’ We are loved through Jesus. That love is proven true by the perfect redeeming work of God and not by what we have done. Therefore, it is the central truth of our minds. We constantly feed this Gospel to ourselves that it might make deep roots within us, conquering all the thoughts not aligned with it. 5.Repeat…Pray without ceasing: We keep these things before us—why we want to win, the constant healing, restful reality of Abba love, the dark versus light thoughts, and the transformation of our minds by the Gospel. We repeat or stay somewhere in these four places constantly. It’s a way of ‘praying without ceasing’ as the Apostle Paul advises. And it enables us to keep the battle in our minds at the forefront. Satan is a Deceiver and masquerades as an Angel of Light. So, he loves to deceive us, by offering fullness through something other than God’s love. He also promises of our heart’s desire based on his kingdom that is of this world. The only way to win this war is to fight the battle of our minds, not being lured away from it. My journey with mental illness has been a blessing in this most important battle. Through my struggle and its intensity, the dark and light are so clear, the Enemy’s hand is tipped and I know his tactics. I want to encourage you, too, that your deep struggles will do the same as you remember the five Rs and win the battle of the mind. About Abby![]() Abby is a small-town loving, big city adventurer. She and her husband have worked with high school students most of their lives! Since their internship in Budapest, Hungary in 2005-2006, they have been working with the ministry of CRU. In May of this year, they moved to Hungary answering God's call to work long-term with the students of Central and Eastern Europe. Abby loves to laugh, especially at herself, has a passion for God and making Him known and is ever learning how to do that with three small children, ages 5, 3 and one month. She wouldn't trade the journey for anything! She blogs regularly at Fan the Flame. Last fall, I was starting to feel really down about myself. I liked very little about myself: my hair, my weight, my clothes, etc. I really struggled with thought about my worth and effectiveness as a Christ-follower. I wanted to jump into fitness. I wanted to change my diet, cut my hair, buy a new wardrobe – I wanted to FEEL good about myself. But I didn’t do a thing. Everybody’s story is different. God uses different circumstances, catalysts and concerns to bring people to the point of trusting Him and helping them walk in the truth. This is mine for believing the truth of who He made me. I knew last fall that if I jumped into DOING things, that I find only temporary satisfaction with who I am at best. Lasting understanding of my worth and acceptance of where God has me wouldn’t come from doing the right things without the right understanding of the truth of what God thought of me right where I was. I had to face me where I was, and cover it with the truth of Christ. Christ died for right now me. He looks at me and sees a me I don’t understand. He sees me as a precious pearl, a treasure worth giving everything for. He knows each hair on my head – even if I was losing them quickly through post pregnancy hormones! He doesn’t see me for flab or fab, He sees me as a beautiful creation completed in Him. I needed that truth to penetrate deep, and really, truly believe it. So then we come to early spring. I was becoming more disciplined in my home life because I was believing the truth about who I am in Jesus. I was watching less TV and getting my house work done quicker. I was left with all this extra time, and I started to think about working out. I am not a big active person. I enjoy good books and movies, and most things that involve sitting on a couch. I don’t have a ton of energy. But God kept showing me Christ-like friends who honored and worshiped God through their workouts. I REALLY don’t enjoy exerting energy and have yet (still) to see all the benefits of eating right and working out. But God kept bringing it to mind. Then it hit me one day, “ I am a mom of two kids under two… I will never have energy.” Thus, my excuses didn’t hold me back and I just started to do spend my last half hour before bed to workout. As I started dedicating time to fitness and thinking more about healthy choices for food, I noticed that I am not making these choices for me. I was established in God’s thoughts before the foundation of the earth. How God sees me hasn’t changed, thus the essence of who I am hasn’t changed. What did change in me was my willingness towards following Christ. Romans 8:5-7, 12-13 says, “For those who live according to the flesh think about the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, about the things of the Spirit. For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind-set of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit itself to God's law, for it is unable to do so.... So then, brothers, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, for if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” When we live a life submit to God over to giving into our flesh, we live more to how God wants us to be than how our flesh wants us to live. Our flesh will work more to feel good in the moment, where the Holy Spirit will lead us to lasting joy. Our flesh will want us to find comfort in TV, sleep, food, etc., where the Holy Spirit will lead us to in comfort in God. Our flesh will keep us from seeking real accountability for our actions, where the Holy Spirit will lead us to people who truly care about us to tell us the truth. Overall, my WHY is so I can die to my flesh. I don’t want to live for myself or my comfort. I want to live according to the Spirit, and denying myself my whims of comfort helps me to follow Jesus and seek what’s His heart. I am not legalistic in what I can and can’t do. I eat juicy hamburgers when they are available, or enjoy cake that I bake without feelings of guilt. But actually thinking about how I can daily die to my flesh helps me make more decisions for the Kingdom of God than the kingdom of Leah. Lord Jesus, Can you show me more how I can serve you? What areas of my life are done without much thought? What things am I doing that is not by faith? Jesus, I desire to look more like you than looking like me. Help me to be more like the me you have called me to be than the me I see right now, but be okay with the person I am right now. About Leah![]() Leah works with Master Plan Ministries at Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. Other than watching college students' lives change, she enjoys getting her mind blown by God and His Word, watching sci fi, baking cupcakes, and spending time with her hunky husband. Staying optimistic is definitely an "easier said than done" sort of thing, but does not mean that a person should ever allow themselves to give up on the idea. One of the things necessary to achieve that goal would be the knowledge how to effectively solve our problems. For example, if we're talking about combating money related issues, there are multiple simple measures you can take like using Kohl's coupons from Discountrue to save on our major purchases, which should help you get a hold of your finances. But what do we do when our minds start to wander away from the proper thought process? Here are five helpful tips when you find yourself being a bit too negative.
1. Be Thankful You may not have every single thing that you want in life, but guess what? No matter how down you may feel, you still have a lot to be grateful for. It is human nature to excessively focus on what we don't have and while this can serve as a powerful motivational tool, it does not always do wonders for our level of optimism. Take a moment to count your blessings and be grateful for the things that you do have. So the other day I was just grumpy. And why in the world would I want to stay that way?! You've got me. But it's like my grumpiness just wanted to be there, almost like a leech sucking the life out of me, clinging with all it's might to not let go. Yuck! And I can see the same thing in my kiddos. Grumpy clinging to grumpiness. Then I was reminded of this verse. Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs... Enter His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. For Yahweh is good, and His love is eternal; His faithfulness endures through all generations." -Psalm 100 But when you're grumpy shouting to the Lord triumphantly is one of the last things you want to do. But just like smiling it's an instant game changer. I tried it out on my kids when they were stuck in a complaining mood which was intensifying my grumpiness. I went first and we played the lets shout about how awesome God is game. It was kind of hard to think of what to say, but the results were incredible! After every shout came not just a smile and change of attitude but a giggle! Isn't God just so generous that He made praising Him be fruitful in our own attitude. It reminds me of giving. Not only is the gift-getter blessed, but also the giver. The same is true with shouting joyfully to the Lord, not only is the Lord blessed but so is the shouter. Cool huh! 2. Exercise Regularly God designed out bodies in such beautifully intrigue ways. And He built them in ways that exercise would help bring us health and change our mood. Exercise triggers the release of healthy endorphins and these endorphins lead to a significant decrease in stress and anxiety. Exercising is great for getting your mind off of troublesome situations and helping you step back and gain perspective. 3. Look At The Big Picture We often struggle to realize that the world is much bigger than just us or our silly problems. Learning how to take the focus off of your issues and think about the things that other people are going through helps immensely. Whether it's conversing with family and friends about their problems or something as simple as turning on the news to find out about a tragedy that took place elsewhere, widening the scope of our vision is a necessary part of remaining optimistic. My husband and I like to play the What's True game when we are stuck in a complaining or negative mindset. We try to recount Scripture that reminds us what's true regardless of how we feel. Everytime the Lord uses it to bring truth to the situation which gives comfort. "This is my comfort in my affliction, that your word has revived me." Psalm 119:50 4. Be Kind To Yourself It definitely hurts to be criticized and unfortunately, we tend to be our own worst critics. While you should not be letting yourself off the hook for doing things that are uncouth or unbecoming, every mistake does not require an extended bout of self flagellation. When the voices inside of your head start to speak lies, cling to what God says is true about you and find your identity in Him and His righteousness. 5. Be Here Now To be here now means to be fully present in the current moment. Our optimism tends to wane when we spend too much time gazing into the future or the past, at the expense of the present. Positive and productive people do not allow themselves to get bogged down by things that they cannot control, they merely focus on the things that they can. Wherever God has you, walk by faith taking the initiative in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results up to Him. Sharing this over at these awesome blogs. In a little more than two weeks I will run my first half-marathon. 13.1 miles. It is a goal I wouldn’t have thought possible just a few months ago. But the thing with the limits we place on ourselves and the corresponding disbelief that we can meet new goals, is that often it’s simply not true. Even and especially when we have felt defeated in these areas in the past. The last time I ran consistently was before I was pregnant with my first child. Then it was a couple of miles a couple of times a week. After I had kids, well, there was the issue of having kids to take care of AND the fact that things didn’t feel *quite* the same when I tried to run. Last June, eight and a half years later, my sister asked if I would run a 5K with her while we were on vacation. Just a little over three months earlier I was in the ICU in a foreign hospital. I wasn’t sure I could do basic life things let alone take up running again. Logically, this was a far-fetched, if not impossible, goal. But, I love my sister and decided to try. I walked/ran a couple of miles. I came back delighted that I could run a stretch, probably half a mile. I felt lighter and freer. I felt hope. A couple of weeks later I ran most of that 5K. My sister stayed with me when I had to walk a couple of times. Finishing felt wonderful. After this, I kept on until I fell on uneven sidewalk while running with my husband. Four stitches. No running till I healed. Sadness. Setback. Then I prepared to move to Florida…in August. I was worried about the heat, finding new running paths, and finding someone with whom to run. So I prayed. I prayed simply and fervently for a good running path and one new friend with whom I could run. It didn’t happen right away. So I went to the apartment complex’s fitness center and used the elliptical machine. I started asking people if they ran. Finally, I found someone to run with me. I had to get up early to which I am kind of allergic. But I did. Then we ran and I fell again. I told my new friend ‘please, can we just keep going?’ So with blood oozing down my leg and from my shoulder, I ran back with her. Again, I couldn’t run until I healed. Another setback. Why not just give up? Because it is about more than running, more than physical health. It is about the truth that God is with us and for us. It is about how He loves us just because we are His. Just because we are the ones redeemed through the blood of His Only Son. And because of this love, we can see the impossible come to be. We can face crushing setbacks and find only more of Him. We can stay in bed and miss a morning run knowing we are just as loved as if we ran 10 miles. (I am still working on this one.) We are free to move toward beautiful, exciting, rewarding new things. As we do so, we prove the Psalmist true: ‘I sought the LORD, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.’ Psalm 34:4-5 He wants to take our fear of failure, injury, how it’s just too hard and deliver us. Practically, taking steps toward better fitness is a discipline which gives far more than it takes. The truth is, we don’t start out going 13.1 miles. We start out with clumsy half miles and relish the joy that we can. We pray for God’s blessing remembering He is with us and for us. We pray for friends who will run beside us and beauty along the path before us. We expect that He will answer and are overwhelmed when He gives us exceeding, immeasurably beyond. And when we fall, we cry and hurt, but we don’t lose heart. He has overcome it all. He makes our story grow and we can’t help but share it all with others.
About Abby![]() I am wife to a wonderful man, mama to three precious now-little-but-soon-will-not-be loves. Each born in a different place--two states including 2 states and 2 countries. I am a farm girl who found her heart in the city. I can now claim fluency in 3 languages :: English, Spanish & Hungarian.This combined with the all-too-true 'mommy brain' explains much regarding my mental state most days;) I am a sojourner longing for Home. Yet, in my messy and broken, I embrace the moments given with all I have. I am seeking, praying, and learning again and again that it is for His Glory I live. My prayer is that my little life would make much of Him! I write regularly at Abigail Alleman. If you'd like to read more from this contributor, type her name in the search box on the top right.
Sharing this over at these awesome blogs. Have you ever had one of those days where the walls seem to be falling in all around you, and pressures and stresses seem to tug at you and you can't get loose? The past few weeks have been like that for me. I will spare you the details, but let's just say I was at the end of my rope, sick non-stop the whole entire day. I was sick of being sick. Have you ever felt that way? Now in the Bible, when weight and pressures came to grab hold, individuals often resorted to one of two things: Fighting against God or running.
About Jen ![]() Though born, raised, and still living only miles from where she grew up, Jen's heart lies in the nations. Jen loves the beautiful tapestry found in the wide diversity of people, different cultures, and all nations. Jen and her husband have been married twenty years, and have parented fifteen kids and counting; twelve foster, one adopted, and two bios. Her multi-racial family reflects her passion for unity, desire for faith without walls, and missional mindset to share both the gospel and the power of redemption to a world desperately needing the hope found in Jesus Christ. Jen and her husband have led in a variety of ministries; including prayer, small groups, children's, and women’s. Jen advocates for the orphan as a board member for the non-profit, A New Song; and loves doing missions work internationally, along with her family. You can find Jen writing about faith, while challenging her readers at her blog, Rich Faith Rising, as well as at tweeting faith-filled messages @Jen_Avellaneda . Jen is also on Facebook. If you'd like to read more from this contributor, type her name in the search box on the top right. Sharing this over at these awesome blogs. Do you want to read more posts like this when you're on the go? As well as get exclusive access to monthly challenges, Bible reading plans, and discipleship foundations? Take Missional Women on the go with our app--free for our readers, don't miss out! “Health is the greatest of God's gifts, but we take it for granted; yet it hangs on a thread as fine as a spider's web and the tiniest thing can make it snap, leaving the strongest of us helpless in an instant. And in that instant hope is our protector.” ― Jennifer Worth, Shadows of the Workhouse Recently I got hooked on a popular BBC show: Call the Midwife. Opening an episode in the first season is the quote mentioned above. On one hand I agree. Last Monday began with grocery shopping, a walk through town, playing with my children and hosting two dinner guests. I wrapped up my day on Skype with a dear friend who lives a whole continent away. I ended that conversation feeling strange and 20 minutes later I knew why. My health suddenly snapped and I was thrown into a stomach flu that lasted three days. I would have never seen it coming, but sometimes that is how sickness is, it blindsides us. It is fragile. Ms. Worth also says health is the greatest of God’s gifts, but I have to disagree. God has promised us His grace through Christ. This, my sisters, is the greatest gift! One of the first people to show me this is Julie, a mentor of mine from early high school. Julie, at only 39 years old, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Each time I visited Julie, she asked how she could pray for me. Although Julie went to be with Jesus at only 41, her legacy of prayer stays with me. She showed me that even though our health can be taken from us, our faith cannot. I desire to have God redeem the time I spend sick communing with the One who heals both body and spirit. As cold and flu season approaches, here are some practical ways you can continue to meet with Jesus and minister to others. Pray. As we go about normal days, it can be hard to have uninterrupted time of prayer. Laying in bed gives you plenty of time to connect with God and pray for others. Pray for your family, husband and children (if you have them), friends, pastor, country’s leader, boss, etc. Read. If you are able, read your Bible. You may also want to treat yourself to a good Christian book on Kindle to read while sick. Listen. Audible and YouTube have several audio Bibles, along with other encouraging literature. If you are unable to read, listening can center your heart and mind on Christ. You can also worship Him by listening to sermons or worship music. Communicate. I have to admit FaceBook is what I am drawn to when I’m in bed. It is easy to spend hours just scrolling. As my husband Josh says, “That’s soul-crushing”. You can use social media to ask for prayer for yourself, which is fine. However, many times I do this but it’s because I’m lonely and just want company! If you do choose to get on social media, a good idea would be to contact a few people and ask how you can pray for them. You could also write a letter or if you feel up to talking, call a friend. It speaks loudly to care for someone else when you are hurting. I’m praying for your health as I write this. I also pray for you in sickness, for Him to minister to you and use you. So in that instant when the tiniest thing makes your health snap, you will allow the Hope of Jesus to be your protector and trust in His love and care for you. And trust Him to redeem that time. About Taylor![]() Taylor has lived over half her life desiring to know God and make Him known. She is the wife to Josh Irby and the mother to four beautiful children. She lives in Bosnia working with college students and young moms. She loves creating art and music and teaching her children piano. You can read more on her blog: Irby Road. If you'd like to read more from this contributor, type her name in the search box on the top right.
Sharing this over at these awesome blogs. I am a bit of a chocolate addict. I try not to buy candy when the neighborhood kids are selling them for school because I lack self-control in this department. I can’t simply eat one chocolate truffle. I will eat the whole box within twenty-four hours. I know my weakness. I realized I had a serious obsession a couple of years ago when a friend and I decided to treat ourselves to an evening out. After a delicious dinner, we decided to split a desert – except she wanted a chocolate shake, and I wanted a fudge pie. Rather than flip a coin, we decided to order both. Twenty minutes later, I had a serious stomach ache, and a heavily convicted heart. My friend felt equally horrible, and that day we made a pact to fast chocolate for a season. Gluttony is a sin. When I eat chocolate, I am usually not “keeping my body under” as Paul advised us to do in I Corinthians 9. As God’s disciple, I need to live like an athlete during training season. I’ve come to realize that sometimes I need to say “no” to my stomach in order to say “yes” to God. Healthy eating is part of living a crucified life that stays on mission. Healthy eating is not about me. It’s about living a life that is obedient to the wisdom found in God’s Word. Let’s keep in mind 3 Biblical Principles that provide direction in this area: 1. My body is God’s dwelling place. How holy is my temple if I am lead by my stomach? “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies” (I Corinthians 6:19-20, NIV). 2. Undisciplined habits are potential stumbling blocks. What is more important to me – feasting on everything my eyes see or fasting junk to achieve God’s greater calling for my life? “Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall” (I Corinthians 8:13). 3. Bringing God glory should trump satisfying my appetite. Aren't God’s servants held to a higher standard and called to live a crucified life? “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God….For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved” (I Corinthians 10:31 & 33). As God’s ambassador, I am called to live a life that focuses on serving others, not myself. I am called to live a life above reproach. I am to yield every part of me to my Savior – even chocolate candy bars. About Lyli![]() Lyli Dunbar loves teaching. For 17 years, she mentored teenagers in the Christian school setting, and now she has serves as Associate Director of Curriculum at Trinity International University Florida. Lyli married her Prince Charming in her 40’s and has a heart for encouraging young couples and singles in God’s waiting room. She enjoys road trips with her husband, connecting with women through Bible study, and reading way too many books. Lyli writes about life lessons and faith on herpersonal blog. You may also connect with her on Facebook,Twitter, and Pinterest. If you'd like to read more from this contributor, type her name in the search box on the top right.
Sharing this over at these awesome blogs Ever run smack dab into a just plain ol’ grumpy person? Maybe it’s you? Maybe missional living; reflecting Christ effectively to the world; is tainted by your bouts of anger, frustration, or impatience. I am not going to lie…my “A” type personality sometimes cripples me from stopping and smelling the roses, from seeing the beauty in those solitude moments of waiting, watching, trusting God is moving in the slow lane. In fact, in the grocery store the other day, there were ten people each waiting in only two check-out lines. Like a leopard, I paced back and forth, isle to isle, trying to figure out which one was shortest. But sometimes we lose time, move farther back in our cause, when we work in the flesh and vain-fully attempt to compete to be first…even if it’s just in a check-out isle. I finally settle for a line, impatient, and not so happy. The lady behind me starts boiling too; until she erupts, insisting they open more isles. I grin at her, nod, admiring her persistence to not wait like a victim, but get things done. A new isle finally opens. The new checker calls the guy in front of me over. But to my surprise, he turns around and says to me, “Go ahead. I will wait. I am working on my ability to be patient.” Ouch! It was then I shrunk small within myself. I mean, who really waits in a line unnecessarily just to see how they can tame the dragon of anger that can sit dormant in all of us? Maybe you struggle with impatience with your kids? Maybe you’re like me, and get an agenda, and then want the universe to somehow align with your so important purposes? Either way, as Christians…as people trying to live for the good of God, for His glory, in His identity….we must prayerfully seek the fruit of the spirit that is patience. A few days later, I had been praying and fasting, when a man behind me in the gas station goes ballistic, honking radically at me for no reason. Could this be “paybacks” for my leopard like pacing in the store? I won’t go into details, but this horn-laying-bully just kept blaring at me for no reason…except maybe I had a crossover, and he had a large, diesel, semi-like beast so near, He could almost taste my bumper. This time I responded calmly. I didn’t scream or go over and talk to him, insisting he was wrong and I was right. I just stood tall, stuck up for myself, and then quietly went on to get gas. I was even more shocked when I realized I just drove away from that situation, not even mad. After all, wasn’t I the same person who days ago aligned with the angry lady behind me in the check-out isle? The only difference was, this time I had committed my day to humbling myself, surrendering to God’s plan, and confessing my dependence on Him…even if His plans didn’t look like mine. We all want to be Jesus loving, Christ demonstrating, mirrors of God. But before can, we must purposefully acknowledge our sin and repent that we can’t ever do it alone. We need the resurrection power of His blood, His Spirit fresh and alive in us, His fire burning away the dross of our own carnal nature. We need a touch of grace. I am the first to say, we can never slay the leopard, or snuff out the dormant volcano inside us…. For if we could, why would we need Jesus? About Jen![]() Though born, raised, and still living only miles from where she grew up, Jen's heart lies in the nations. Jen loves the beautiful tapestry found in the wide diversity of people, different cultures, and all nations. Jen and her husband have been married twenty years, and have parented fifteen kids and counting; twelve foster, one adopted, and two bios. Her multi-racial family reflects her passion for unity, desire for faith without walls, and missional mindset to share both the gospel and the power of redemption to a world desperately needing the hope found in Jesus Christ. Jen and her husband have led in a variety of ministries; including prayer, small groups, children's, and women’s. Jen advocates for the orphan as a board member for the non-profit, A New Song; and loves doing missions work internationally, along with her family. You can find Jen writing about faith, while challenging her readers at her blog, Rich Faith Rising, as well as at tweeting faith-filled messages @Jen_Avellaneda . Jen is also on facebook. Want to read more from this contributor? Put her name in the search box at the top.
Sharing this article over at these awesome blogs On a recent visit to a friend, rather than do the usual round of tours, we had elected to do a little hike. I was thinking "little" hike. My friend was thinking a little "hike." We started out at a good pace, and I was doing just fine. Suddenly, the path incline became very steep. My friend took this part of the path like a person taking the stairs two at a time. On the other hand, my breaths got shorter, my face got redder, sweat was dripping off me. I could not even talk I was gasping so much. My friend looked back at me and called, "Do you need a little rest?" Legs and lungs on fire, I barely nodded. I was just plain embarrassed as we paused. She is older than I, but was at least twenty years younger in her fitness. She had barely cracked a sweat. I love fast food - pizza, in particular. Staying up late, yessiree. Coffee in the morning to get going. Eating veggies was a goal on my development plan on year. Those habits that were fun when I was younger are now mocking me! I looked at her, and I looked at myself. Someone needed to change. My life is not so much about taking hikes, as it is about running a marathon. Not a literal marathon, the pace of life in my role demands the best of my faculties. The older I have become, the more necessary it is to pay attention to my capacity to fulfill God's call on my life. For sure, as the saying goes, "everyone is born with an expiration date." God has numbered our days and put them in His book. Problem is, we don't know the number! It could be big or small-- that part is not up to us. Making the most of the days we have is about maintaining our personal capacity to do the will of God. Could I actually miss out on what God might have in mind for me because I was not in a position to live it out? I know that God would redeem the opportunity in some way, but I don't want to miss what He has for me by not taking care of the life He has given me. That means paying attention to health in four areas: Physically: • What kind of fuel am I giving my body? No one would put water in the gas tank of a car, unless they wanted to destroy it! • What's the quality of my sleep? If you are trying to get by on just a few hours of sleep, you're short-changing your body. It needs those sleeping hours to recover, regenerate, and even process your learning. • What kind of exercise are you getting? Some is better than none, but consistency really helps. The older I've gotten, exercise makes a difference in sleep quality, not to mention emotional well-being. Emotionally: • What kind of fellowship are you having with loved ones and friends? • When is the last time you laughed or played? • In addition to the Lord, who shows you grace in your weak and broken places? Mental/intellectual • Are you continuing to learn new things? • Are you giving your brain a work out? • What are you focusing on? What are you preoccupied with? These pathways get more entrenched the more we practice them (Phil 4:8-9) Spiritual • How's your relationship with the Lord? Do you recognize His voice? • What are you and He talking about? • Are you experiencing His Presence and power in your daily life? Honestly, you know this stuff. So do I. But getting it to go from our heads into actual practice is the challenge. Lately, I've been observing that these areas are very interdependent. Our physical state affects our emotions, and vice versa. Our spiritual life can affect our physical health. Having the capacity to meet the demands of life requires health in all of them. More and more, research shows the connection between stress and physical/emotional/relational fallout. I had an aha! moment a few days ago while looking at Proverbs 3:5-8. In verse 7-8, it says, "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." When we try to figure stuff out on our own without coming to God first, we can experience the stress and pressure of having to be in control of our lives and circumstances. Being in control of our own lives is stressful. We're basically taking God's place by assuming the role of Creator, rather than creature. Stress is a predictable result, and guess what! The minerals that your body begins to dump when you're under stress-- calcium, magnesium, and others-- are exactly what your bones need to be healthy. When we keep the Lord foremost in our minds and hearts, we are able to live in peace, relaxing in the truth that He's got it all under control. Our bodies, emotions, and relationships all know and show the difference. So for healthy living all around, start with the Person who makes the ultimate difference in all areas of life. The Lord will make your paths straight. He will fulfill what concerns you. He has you written on the palm of His hand. He will give you grace to live out His mission. It is after all His plan. Did you benefit from this?
And we have a ton of other FREE stuff for you: Printables, Bible Studies, Videos, Book Recommendations, Giant List of Blog Hop/Link Ups and more. Spend some time exploring the site. About Andrea![]() On any given day you might find Andrea in a meeting, on a plane, or in some part of the world where she meets amazing people and sees just a few of the awesome ways that God is working. She serves as the Global VP for Leadership Development and HR with Campus Crusade for Christ. When she’s home, she enjoy books, time with friends and occasionally gets to the beach. You can find her on twitter at @AndreaBuczynski and blogging at abreflections. Want to read more from this contributor? Put her name in the search box at the top.
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