The First Hours of Sunrise

April 24, 2015April 24, 2015Leave a comment

I find you in the morning, God – like the sun that slowly slips into view. You enrapture my heart with such warmth and expectancy. The day is new and your mercies are newer. I find you in the first hours of sunrise – encompassing and consuming like fire.

You hold me tightly to your chest in the morning shimmer light and say – child walk in fulfillment, march in power and love in my grace. How fitting to charge your feeble child with such a glorious banner.

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. – Psalm 143:8

You take the weak and make them strong. My unsteady hands you strengthen, my unkempt hair you braid in your golden light. You replace my morning cup of coffee with the dew of your succulent grace. I drink this cup in full surrender knowing your ways are higher than mine.

May this fearful child walk toward the sunlight in full abandon like Peter upon those foamy waves. Blind trust is asked of me – and I will walk toward the light for you are the light, sweet Lord. Wash me in the streams of your goodness and grace.

Facing the day head on, I say thank you God for your provision. You are unbreakably strong. You move in my heart in the morning. But, I ask you consume me all day long. Make me aware of your presence at every moment and shine from within your brightly burning abundance of passion and purpose.

4 Simple Tips That Will Help You Stick to a Diet

April 14, 2015April 14, 2015Leave a comment

Summer is here, and that means those bikini bodies need to be in top condition. However, if you’ve had a cold winter – like the northeast, you might just be peeling off those layers and wondering, what happened!?

You can’t sip on that warm sugary cocoa anymore. It’s time for chilled coconut water and pool side grilled chicken. I think it’s a fair trade.

At any rate, here are some tips that help keep me on the straight and narrow during the spring and summer seasons:

Sparkling Water with Frozen Fruit

Coke (excuse me, I am from Texas – and soft drinks are known as just ‘coke’ there) but – it’s horrible for you. Gross. I recently watched a video of a woman literally cooking it over the stove and once the water evaporated, it was not a pretty picture – it contained loads of dripping sugar.

So, it’s off limits while dieting and should be just in general because it’s nasty for your temple. This also includes diet drinks. Think about how many ingredients are in that Diet Pepsi (I choose Pepsi, because that is my weakness.) Swap your soft drinks for sparkling water – and to make it fancy add some frozen fruit, fresh lemons or mix up a little half iced tea and half sparkle water.

Just Lace Up Those Shoes

I find that if I get into my comfy clothes after work and just walk around my apartment in the sky barefoot that I am way less motivated to get moving. However, if I change out of my work clothes, put on some yoga pants, T and tennis shoes, I am so more likely to go on a stroll, jog or jump on that elliptical.

Look at Inspiration Pictures

I’ve tried to with and without – especially at work. Look at pictures of inspiration on Pinterest or Instagram. It just helps plain and simple. Those cookies in the work kitchen or candy in the bowl look less than tasty when you see motivational quotes to get your tush moving or pictures of hardcore yogis.

Post your Meals on Social Media

Seriously, post your meals on Instagram (maybe not Facebook – that could get annoying). People can get over seeing delicious meals on their feed every now and then. And, it not only holds you accountable to your little community of people on your social media platform of choice, it might just inspire someone else as well. Spreading the clean eat goodness around!

Fruit & Nut Cereal {Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Paleo}

April 13, 2015April 13, 2015Leave a comment

If you are like me, you are not a huge fan of cereal. First of all, being gluten free, I cannot eat a lot of different kinds. Shout out to Chex here – for creating so many flavors of cereal for wheat allergy people like me.

Anyway, you will absolutely love this fruit and nut cereal. Not only is it gluten free, it can be paleo and dairy free by using almond milk or coconut milk. Yum.

You will need: 1 banana (chopped), 12 grapes (halved), 1 handful of almonds, 1 handful of walnuts and 1 cup – or ½ cup of coconut milk.

Also – feel free to try out different fruits like: blueberries, strawberries, pineapple. There are endless combination that could be yummy. I just used the fruits that were in my fridge.

This is absolutely an amazing bowl of goodness to start your day off with. It’s crunchy, sweet, creamy and satisfying. Not to mention, it does not have all the gross preservatives, sugar and food coloring.

Give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Eyes Opened to His Holiness

March 24, 2015March 24, 2015Leave a comment

Today I was struck by a deep feeling of absurdity. I let so many things weigh me down in this world. I get frustrated that my pencil skirt it a bit tighter this week than last week. I fuss about my hair – it’s not lying right over my face. That alters my day. That coffee that I spilled all over the floor this morning – it overwhelms my heart, and I let that frustration boil over into my day…

There are so many little things that add up to make rocky mountains of stress. Then I hear words on the radio like this,

‘You’re the one who conquers giants. You’re the one who calls out kings. You shut the mouths of lions.You tell the dead to breathe. You’re the one who walks through fire. You take the orphan’s hand. You are the one Messiah. You are I am.’ – Mercy Me

And I feel ridiculous and somewhat petty. I am literally crying over spilled milk – while God is majestically moving in many hearts and minds. I am the one stuck in the bubble of absurdity with eyes focused on the small, minute things that do not matter in the whole scheme of life.

I need to open my eyes to his holiness – and fix my heart on the bigger picture, that will for sure change your prospective and pity party over the mundane snug pencil skirt.

Let us praise the miracle maker today – and really mediate on the fact that our God is wholly competent. Of course he cares about the things that overwhelm your heart; but, may we never forget that greater is he who is in us – that he who is in this world. May we focus on that fierce lion mouth pad locker. I truly get chills – because that is the God we worship and trust!

Lemon Feta Cheese Spread {Gluten Free}

February 18, 2015February 18, 2015Leave a comment

This beautiful, creamy spread is perfect for quick chicken dinners. I love to spread this on my baked chicken – to create a little tasty zest. If you are a cheese lover, this is a perfect little topping for that lean and green dinner.

It is so simple to make, and if you are not a fan of spreading it over your chicken, pair it with some pita chips and use it as a tasty snack dip. Yum.

It is gluten free and creamy, delicious.

You will need: 1 cup crumbled feta cheese, juice from 1 lemon, red crushed pepper, 2 tbsp. olive oil.

Simply, pour your feta cheese in a bowl and add other wet ingredients. Use a fork to mash all the ingredients together. And top off with some crushed red pepper for spice. Of course – you can always leave the little kick out if you wish (and maybe replace with a sprinkle of garlic powder!?)

Grasping for Crumbs

February 2, 20151 Comment

Do you ever feel like you are grasping for crumbs?

Life is a battle and only the physically strongest and fittest survive – or do they? That is at least what this world teaches us. Are you tired of pumping your wings and fighting for the sustenance that seems to be measly and left over?

Often times, I feel like a seagull. I soar the heights, relish the bright rays of the sun and enjoy the ripples of the wind. But when it comes time to eat, I scavenge in frenzy. It seems to always be a struggle. Worry shocks my body and that fight or flight mode wreaks havoc on my body. Agony sets in.

Yet, I am quick to forget where the true feast is prepared for me. I rely on myself and my body to sustain me; but, this only leaves me tired and in despair. Grappling with the natural world is senseless. It never gratifies.

My God sits at a table adorned in a gold table cloth and says – eat of my food. For the Lord’s manna is truly satisfying. He hands me his utensils of splendor and urges me to dine with him. He invites me to sit at a table across from the true giver of abundance and the maker of the miraculous.

You feed them from the abundance of your own house, letting them drink from your river of delights. –Psalm 36:8

It’s my choice to tuck that napkin in my blouse and sup with the King of Kings. I don’t need to grasp for soggy morsels floating in the sea like a wild foul. I am not wild; however, I can feast on the untamed goodness of the King of Heaven. My fate is sealed in trusting in him and putting my assurance in his divine care.

In Jerusalem, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will spread a wonderful feast for all the people of the world. It will be a delicious banquet with clear, well-aged wine and choice meat. – Isaiah 25:6

Roasted Rainbow Carrots {Gluten Free}

January 28, 2015Leave a comment

Looking for an earthy dish to serve to family and friends? Well, look no further than this simple rainbow carrot recipe. It is very simple to make and absolutely delicious.

Like melt in your mouth delicious. And it looks rather beautiful.

You will need: 1 bag of rainbow carrots (you can get these at Trader Joe’s), 2 tbsp. of olive oil and a heaping tbsp. of 21 Seasoning Salute (from Trader Joe’s as well).

First cut your carrots long ways – you can see from the picture below, how I cut the carrots. You will need some elbow grease for this, but you can do it.

Put your sweet little carrots in a bowl and soak them in some olive oil and sprinkle in your spices.

Line a baking sheet with foil and preheat the oven to 350. Dump your carrots on the baking sheet and shake more 21 Seasoning Salute on them.

Pop them in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Yum – and serve at a dinner party or as a side at your dinner. Healthy and naturally gluten free.

You Made Something Out of Nothing

January 26, 20151 Comment

There is so much joy in looking out at the mountains and knowing that these mighty, majestic sturdy structures were not made by man. No, they were fashioned and formed by the hand of the most brilliant sculptor.

Chills – he breathes and brings life to a cavern that is vacant. He touches a stone and it expands, hovering over the streams below. He makes something out of nothing. Creation – is his canvas and we are his handiwork.

Once just flesh temples, God gave us each unique personalities with distinct looks. How do we not just marvel at this miracle? The miracle of life from the hand of a perfect, powerful being that is not just commanding but also loving, meek and mild!

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. – Hebrews 11:3

We must thank God for this precious gift of life – for the beautiful present of his presence in us. He made the mountains, oceans and rivers; but, do not forget, he formed you.

You are thriving. Your heart is pumping because of him. From the womb to the earth, he knows your name and calls you blessed, beloved and chosen. He has taken your life from nothing to something. You are not stained and dirty anymore, you were bought with his ultimate sacrifice.

Walk tall and strong today taking in the majesty of creation and the marvelous work that is you!

Energy Cases of God’s Flickering, Spattering Light

January 22, 2015Leave a comment

Spark – that glow that ignites your heart and soul. It’s the warmth that brings color back to skin and a rosy gloss back to your cheeks of flesh. Have you felt that spark?

Like fireworks that blaze across the sky, God’s love is like a sunburst in your soul. This love is like a sparkler that creates images of light into the dark skyline. You can only stand in awe and marvel at that beauty – the beauty that illuminates the night and brings a glow where that space was once midnight black.

Imagine that radiance in your heart? Oh, to think of our hearts as energy cases of God’s flickering, spattering light. Popping and crackling in our chest and waiting to overflow through our eyes and lips. Why do we not let this love case overflow? Is it due to fear, insecurity or bitterness?

Let it glow, water walker! Let that love light spill out. You’ve heard the Bible song ‘This Little Light of Mine.’ Well, you child – do not have little light inside your heart, it’s a raging fire. I think on the Ginny Owens song:

“I don’t wanna be a flame. I wanna be a raging fire.”

Pray for that fire pit in your soul to intensify – to consume.

Rage on in our hearts, God. Light our wandering feet. Enable us to hold out that sparkler of your truth and mark the trail that you place before us – with the bread crumbs of your promises. Your love is brilliant. We want to shine it – brightly.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleans us from all sin. – 1 John 1:7

You are Here for a Reason

January 21, 2015January 21, 20152 Comments

Life is hard. It is definitely not for the faint of heart. It’s difficult to navigate through the rough seas that seem to engulf your understanding of your precious purpose. You don’t see God’s hand and don’t feel his effervescent love at times – and that’s alright. You are human and the world is dirty and dark.

However, that does not mean his love is not present in your life. No, quite the opposite! God has never promised us that it will be easy; but, he promised us that we will never be alone. Sure, we can feel alone at times, but crack open his word and you will see that this quite frankly is not the case.

“Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Who have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.” – Psalm 73: 23-25

Say that to yourself – he is continually with you! What a beautiful promise to mediate on!

Your vision can be clouded by the shroud of businesses, work and pace that seems to encircle us on a day to day basis. But – remember to look to the sky and consider your purpose. Because, dear one, you were made with a heavenly purpose in mind. This morning I was reminded of this promise by a sweet, sanctified song which says,

“Every time that you wake up breathing, Every night when you close your eyes, Every day that your heart keeps beating, There’s purpose for your life, So don’t give up, Don’t lay down. Just hold on. Don’t quit now, Every breath that you take has meaning – You are here for a reason.” – Ashes Remain

So do not be forlorn or disheartened if you do not feel your purpose just yet. Know that you are here for a reason. Allow yourself to be a bright beacon for Christ and shower his love on others today. Be the lighthouse in the rough sea in someone else’s life.