You know that old saying, "When life hands you lemons, squeeze out or make some lemonade!"? Well, after today, let's just say I now have an *abundant* supply of lemonade...I mean seriosuly! lol!
I won't even begin to list everything, it's irrelevant now! I do want to say this though, "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice." (Phil. 4:4) I had a hard time rejoicing all throughout the day. It's hard to rejoice when happy things aren't happening. It's hard to rejoice when you feel like Job in the scriptures, all that affliction and no answer as to why. Anytime we have a season of continual "not happy" things happen, we immediately sympathize with Job...."Oh my life feels just like Job. When will this end Lord, remove this cup from me Father!" Oh don't act like you have never said that or thought that before. Lol! This time I don't see Job. This time I just see what I need to do. I need GOD!!! I have gone to Him quite a bit today. I have screamed out His name, cried some tears, prayed and pressed. Yet, the day continued on offering me more "things"! I'm good Life, I'm good!!! No more lemonade, no more lemons. I want some strawberries now or some kiwi, maybe even some cantaloupe. I have a new found appreciation for a plain old glass of water! In fact I might be choosing water much more often...hehe...not that I drink lemonade, just saying!
I'm constantly reminding myself today of truths! I have spoken them, declared them, prayed them, sung them, hummed them, I didn't dance though, not yet anyways! God gave me this little song about a year back....
"I'm just gonna dance my cares away
I'm just gonna dance my cares away
I'm gonna dance my cares away
It's in His hands, it's in His hands
I'm just gonna shout my fears away
I'm gonna shout my fears away
I'm gonna shout my fears away
It's in His hands, it's in His hands
For He has lifted me up over mountains
And He has lifted me up over seas
He has lifted me up, made it quiet and still
And I will rest in His peace"
Don't steal my song now people!!! But I found myself remembering this song today! It brings me to that scripture:
"For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently." (1 Corinthians 10:13 AMP)
Many scriptures came to mind today that I spoke over myself. Thank You God for Your word that is true!
"Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you." (Luke 10:19 AMP)
All throughout the scriptures God commands us, His people, to be Strong and of Good Courage, not to be afraid or dismayed, for He promises to be with us wherever we go.
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:7 AMP)
I am standing Strong and Steadfast in the Lord despite what I keep seeing. I'm finding ways to control my emotional outbursts that result from these things...I WILL have the Victory! God promised me victory! "I'm a Conquerer through Jesus Christ the King!"
When you are feeling pressed on all corners, when you have done all you know to do to no avail, when you are at the end of the line, and all the poop is hitting the fan, Jesus Christ is there holding your hand!!! :)
He has not let me fall today, but has kept me. I may have lost my cool a few times, but I will remain true to Him as He continualy proves true to Me!!!
Night Folks!
Christina
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Attempting...
I'm not sure if it's the right time to get this out(uncooked vs. cooked), but I'm attempting at least a preview of what has been and still is marinating within me. God has really been messing with me, changing my thoughts, opening my heart, stretching and growing me, filling me, emptying me....this process is in no way comfortable or easy. At times I feel like throwing in the towel, but as soon as that thought comes in, that thought goes right back out. There is no "back" to go to. Everything there has been burnt up, what would I go back to? Ashes? "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV) However, regardless of that thought not being able to manifest further, it's the other feelings and emotions that once surrounded that thought, led up to that thought, or are left behind by that thought that remain the thing I must push past.
I know the reality, the truth, that No Easy Button Exists! I know it, I believe it, I do not look for it, but at times I sure do want it. Easy way, easy road, easy path, everyone happy, everything good, everything smooth, easy breezy pumpkin pie! There is no such life! Except however, for those who are in Christ Jesus...you see by the "Transforming and Renewing of our minds" we are able to have a completely different outlook on our surroundings. "Easy" means something different depending on which side of the spectrum you are gazing. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control....sound familiar? The trustee Fruits of the Spirit right here! These are the things we are called to walk in. "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." (Romans 8:5, 6 ESV)
Now herein lies the problem so many of us face...we try to walk according to the Spirit not by the Spirit, but by our flesh. Repeating, We Try To Walk After The Spirit Accordimg To The Flesh! We don't mean to, or often realize that is what we have done. We sit and wonder and ponder, why oh why are we seeing "failures" in life...why aren't things going according to plan, why are things so difficult, why have I not seen the changes that You promised God? Am I doing something wrong? Am I out of order in some area of my life? What do I need to see, to change, to remove? Is this a really long storm I must suffer through? [Enters in Loud Scream Stage Left!] lol! The secret, the key, the answer.....
Stay tuned for next season of.....hahahaha, just kidding! Seriously though, the answer is so simple...we are trying to serve God, worship God, live according to His word, all on our own strength. WE are MOVING first! We are doing the right things, on the right path, yes, yes, yes...God sees us and it's not that He is displeased, the problem is how often we are being weakened, how often we are finding ourselves on an empty tank when we just filled up the other day, or earlier that day...what? Am I making sense? I sure hope so! You see NOTHING has ever happened without FIRST the moving of the Spirit..."In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be...."(Genesis 1:1, 2 KJV). Before God said Let there be, before He created Light, before He created the beauty we see, Life, Man and Woman, Creatures....PICTURE THIS..."The Spirit moved upon the face of the waters." At the Day of Pentecost when the beginning of the workings of the Disciples happened, the boldness, the one accordness, the unity....THE SPIRIT OF GOD FELL UPON THEM! "When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1-4 ESV)
Ah, so powerful!
You move and we want more, You speak and we want more, You move and we want more, More of Your Spirit! Release the Fullness, of Your Spirit, Shekinah Glory Fall, Shekinah Glory fall!
Worship! Prayer! Walking! Warring! Declaring! Stretching Forth! Release! Nothing can happen until the Spirit First Moves!!! If the Spirit of God, which is Life, is noth there, then it is a dead thing!
Now maybe you are perfect, maybe you don't experience failures, maybe you got everything together, maybe you are right on track, or maybe you see how easily one can move before the Spirit and becomes weakened. You see if you fail, if you fall, if you are weak...it is your flesh. You see God cannot, will not, and does not fail! God is righteous, God is just, God is Faithful.
I'm going to stop here...again, I'm still marinating and it's hard to articulate what God is doing in me, the next levels, the new changes, without sounding jumbled. I'd love to hear your thoughts about this, maybe a revelation God gives you as you read this, I don't know!
Toodles for now,
Christina
Friday, August 26, 2011
Endurance...
I was re-reading "The Torch and the Sword" this morning and this passage stuck out to me so strongly. I thought I would share it with you in hopes of it touching your heart and causing you to desire to push forward more fervently as it is doing for me.
"The fire burns, but what you lack is discipline and endurance. You walk adequately for short periods. Now you must learn to walk with endurance. You must resolve to walk in each day on the domain over which the Lord has given you to rule. He has given you authority, but you must walk with Him in your domain. Only then will you be fruitful and multiply as you are called. Your domain is your garden. The path of life always leads to unity and harmony-with God first, and then with all that is His. This takes strength and endurance because the whole creation is now in discord and opposes unity."
Discipline: to bring to a state of order and obedience by training and control.
Endurance: the ability or strength to continue or last especially despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions.
May we all run with endurance this race set before us. In Jesus Name AMEN!!!!
Loves and Hugs,
Christina
"The fire burns, but what you lack is discipline and endurance. You walk adequately for short periods. Now you must learn to walk with endurance. You must resolve to walk in each day on the domain over which the Lord has given you to rule. He has given you authority, but you must walk with Him in your domain. Only then will you be fruitful and multiply as you are called. Your domain is your garden. The path of life always leads to unity and harmony-with God first, and then with all that is His. This takes strength and endurance because the whole creation is now in discord and opposes unity."
Discipline: to bring to a state of order and obedience by training and control.
Endurance: the ability or strength to continue or last especially despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions.
May we all run with endurance this race set before us. In Jesus Name AMEN!!!!
Loves and Hugs,
Christina
Monday, August 22, 2011
The Prize...
[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope] That if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body]. Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own. I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward. (Philippians 3:10-14 AMP
Saturday, August 20, 2011
BUSY....
Today has to be one of the busiest Saturday's and this is supposed to be my rest day. Haha! Started the first half of the day Volunteering at a "Fill My Backpack - Backpack Drive" outreach event at my church. The turnout was amazing and it was such a blessing to see all the smiling kids with their new backpacks filled with supplies, fresh new haircuts, painted faces, and chowin' down on some yummy snacks. The blessing went beyond Volunteering because my kiddo's were able to participate in the drive as well, which definitely helped. Three kids all in school with huge classroom supply lists...adds up fast especially when this is the first year they are wearing uniforms. Man, it's like paying college tuition and I have some years yet before I have to deal with that. Geesh! Ah well! I'm so appreciative of any help and to be a help where I can.
On with the busyness...I am trying to make bread for the kids lunches at school next week before jetting to a Birthday Party and at the same time all my boys are outside cutting our jungle (extremely overgrown grass and bushes)...then it's back home, finish making more bread, get everything ready for tomorrow's long day at church...oh and yesterday was Youth so it's a packed weekend....
No complaints here though! Just trying not to go crazy running around like a crazy person. Took a minute to write and release my brain so I can keep going! The funny thing is not until now did I realize at the music I had put on earlier, for the purposes of calming me, stopped playing...
Lesson here is: Don't forget to stop and breathe! You need air! Lol!
Ok, back to working. Loves and Hugs and have a super rest of the weekend!
Until next time,
Christina
On with the busyness...I am trying to make bread for the kids lunches at school next week before jetting to a Birthday Party and at the same time all my boys are outside cutting our jungle (extremely overgrown grass and bushes)...then it's back home, finish making more bread, get everything ready for tomorrow's long day at church...oh and yesterday was Youth so it's a packed weekend....
No complaints here though! Just trying not to go crazy running around like a crazy person. Took a minute to write and release my brain so I can keep going! The funny thing is not until now did I realize at the music I had put on earlier, for the purposes of calming me, stopped playing...
Lesson here is: Don't forget to stop and breathe! You need air! Lol!
Ok, back to working. Loves and Hugs and have a super rest of the weekend!
Until next time,
Christina
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Toe Jam or In a Jam or just Jam and Bread...
Today, I had a Bread Baking Victory, my emotions exploded out like a shook up can of soda, and I have yet to repaint my toe nail polish...ok that last one was random, but it's been bugging me that I haven't made time for that! I had some multiple food victories today actually. I define a victory as something my kids and hubby like. They are so dang picky! Everyone blames me because I'm allergic to so much that I'm the picky one, but NO! It's always a question of "well what do you eat then?" Oh My Gosh people, I eat food! I eat all the time! I don't starve myself! I enjoy delicious food everyday I just usually have to make it myself. I can't eat junk, unless I make GF versions which end up being healthier when you make it from scratch because you know what ingredients are in it. I eat bread, salad, chicken, fish, soup, tacos, wraps, toast, sandwiches, donuts, cookies, smoothies, fruit, veggies, rice, potatos, chips, etc, I EAT! It's just all my food is mostly made by me and is made with a few different ingredients. It's too expensive to buy Premade GF, Soy-Free, and Chocolate Free products. These are my main problem causing foods. Well not the Gluten, but the wheat, barley, and rye grains themselves. Although they don't cause too many problems like chocolate and soy do. Anyhow, running off on a tangent...
I made pasta salad with quinoa elbow noodles, mixed veggies, chicken, and tomato basil feta crumbles...delish! Kids love it and are taking it to school tomorrow. I also made bread today. I modified my recipe and added Kamut to my Rice Flour Blend....also delish! My kids love the bread too and so did Jerry. Victory!!! I'm really craving something sweet and I try tricking my cravings by eating something healthier in place of it. Like a Smoothie or fruit, a piece of toast with almond butter and strawberry fruit spread, anything I can think of...it works for the moment, but my mind is holding on to the want. I have my sights set on a GF Vanilla Cupcake from Safeway, which goes against my buying of pre made store bought items, but if I make it homemade I will eat all of it and then wish I hadn't. Too much of anything is a bad thing, especially when sugar is involved, no matter how raw in form or natural it may be (agave, honey, raw cane sugar, etc). Oh well, tonight it's nada!
As far as emotions go...eh, I'm probably a big ol' mess! I just don't have the time to give in to them for long, there is way too much that needs my attention. I explode, gather my self of pieces, and keep on moving! Haha! My interesting little world for sure.
So what did we learn here today everyone? (hands raised..."yes, ____[name goes here]____" "Um, we learned today that Christina is emotional, baked bread and pasta salad, needs to laint her toes, and wants a cupcake." "yep, that about sums it up."
(I might need help! Lol! I think Someone already called 9-1-Jesus! Hehehe!)
Well, goodnight (no it's not bed time, but it is night time so Good Night!
Christina
I made pasta salad with quinoa elbow noodles, mixed veggies, chicken, and tomato basil feta crumbles...delish! Kids love it and are taking it to school tomorrow. I also made bread today. I modified my recipe and added Kamut to my Rice Flour Blend....also delish! My kids love the bread too and so did Jerry. Victory!!! I'm really craving something sweet and I try tricking my cravings by eating something healthier in place of it. Like a Smoothie or fruit, a piece of toast with almond butter and strawberry fruit spread, anything I can think of...it works for the moment, but my mind is holding on to the want. I have my sights set on a GF Vanilla Cupcake from Safeway, which goes against my buying of pre made store bought items, but if I make it homemade I will eat all of it and then wish I hadn't. Too much of anything is a bad thing, especially when sugar is involved, no matter how raw in form or natural it may be (agave, honey, raw cane sugar, etc). Oh well, tonight it's nada!
As far as emotions go...eh, I'm probably a big ol' mess! I just don't have the time to give in to them for long, there is way too much that needs my attention. I explode, gather my self of pieces, and keep on moving! Haha! My interesting little world for sure.
So what did we learn here today everyone? (hands raised..."yes, ____[name goes here]____" "Um, we learned today that Christina is emotional, baked bread and pasta salad, needs to laint her toes, and wants a cupcake." "yep, that about sums it up."
(I might need help! Lol! I think Someone already called 9-1-Jesus! Hehehe!)
Well, goodnight (no it's not bed time, but it is night time so Good Night!
Christina
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Roll that....heart?
Ahhhh! It's not a scream, it's a Sigh! My heart is so full right now. God has awakened me to His Spirit lately in a new way. My ears are cleaner and my sight is getting crisper. I am seeing some ugly stuff, but also finding comfort in God's Word. I really don't like seeing the ugly stuff, but God shows me anyways. It's something I know I must see. I cannot live a lie. I must live according to the truth...when my eyes are open, I see things in me that need to change in order to get closer with God, I see things in other people that I didn't know were there, I see my surroundings and hear the enemy's footsteps. You see, when I allow God to show me things, my senses come alive and kick into Hyper-Sensitive Mode. I see longer distances, hear the tiniest sounds, see the filth in the carpet that the regular vacuum did not pick up, and smell the stench of the enemy's tracks a mile away. The alarm sounds when the enemy is approaching, and let me tell you, he has been at my heels constantly trying to trip me up. I will not fall you little dog...don't you know I have on the Armour of God. Don't you know who I am, who I serve, who is on MY side? Let me introduce you to JESUS!!!! Wooohooohaa! Yeah buddy, you didn't even know who you were messing with, so back it on up and MOVE OUT THE WAAAAYYY! Hahaha!
In other spectacular news....school week 2 resumes this week, this time with a full week. I packed all the lunches, set out all the clothes, put away the laundry, I'm washing some laundry tonight, I even took myself a refreshing shower. I'd say I'm on track and it feels Grrrreat! There is no better feeling than feeling accomplished, whether in my work or in the Lord...feeling accomplished is the deepest sense of satisfaction. This ain't no regular gas...this is high octane, super duper supreme, only for the best of the best, all natural, fuel...you can't buy or manufacture this stuff...oh no! It comes from a good ol' job well done! It's earned! My reward is a smile in the the happy bank...I was running low and needed to make some deposits. Can't let my funds become insufficient...no one wants that now! Lol! Oh I really do crack myself up! I'm sitting here with thee biggest grin. The things that pop into this brain of mine...crazy? Why yes, yes I am!
I'm on a good roll, and my speed is kicking up, ain't no stoppin me now! Waaaahooooo!
Until the next time,
Christina
In other spectacular news....school week 2 resumes this week, this time with a full week. I packed all the lunches, set out all the clothes, put away the laundry, I'm washing some laundry tonight, I even took myself a refreshing shower. I'd say I'm on track and it feels Grrrreat! There is no better feeling than feeling accomplished, whether in my work or in the Lord...feeling accomplished is the deepest sense of satisfaction. This ain't no regular gas...this is high octane, super duper supreme, only for the best of the best, all natural, fuel...you can't buy or manufacture this stuff...oh no! It comes from a good ol' job well done! It's earned! My reward is a smile in the the happy bank...I was running low and needed to make some deposits. Can't let my funds become insufficient...no one wants that now! Lol! Oh I really do crack myself up! I'm sitting here with thee biggest grin. The things that pop into this brain of mine...crazy? Why yes, yes I am!
I'm on a good roll, and my speed is kicking up, ain't no stoppin me now! Waaaahooooo!
Until the next time,
Christina
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Let the children come...
This morning my baby Jae woke me up at 6:15am all extra wide eyed and super hungry...the school routine has definitely kicked in. I would have liked to sleep in just a little longer, but ah well. I made her some cereal and decided to sit at the table with her and read my bible. Part of me wanted to run back under my covers though...hehe! The word was so good. I would read and then God was downloading some things into my spirit. I would close my eyes and then read more. I tend to visualize in my mind when God shows me things. Jaeana asked me, "Mommy, are you reading with your eyes closed?" I chuckled and said, "No I'm just thinking about what I'm reading." She then responded with a big..."Ooh, so you are reading it in your mind!" hahaha! I love my baby! How children try so hard to understand the things of this giant world we live in is so precious. These little mini people, with a big imagination, big hearts, and joyful smiles, WANT to soak up and absorb all the understanding they can. Then something happens and that WANT turns into a huge dislike and disinterest, emotional roller coasters leading to anger and depression, which causes more negative responses. My heart is saddened that we all take that route at one point or another. I think how Jesus spoke boldly about letting the little children come to Him. Children are so special, often untainted by the ugly world to some degree...they get wronged, get hurt, and life beats them up. Their precious little spirits become corrupted, and now look at us adults, walking around with our shields up, keeping everyone out even Jesus...the cool thing is He is sitting at that spot saying, "let the little children come unto Me"...children run into the arms of the ones they love with no reservations or thoughts about what they look like while doing it. They run, they smile, they laugh...let us tap into our inner child, the child who really, really wants to run into the arms of Daddy...
Toodles and Noodles (GF of course),
Christina
Toodles and Noodles (GF of course),
Christina
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
First Day's Round...
Whelp folks, it was my kiddo's first day back to school and I had my whole FREE Day in front of me! What did I do?...fall asleep on the dang floor of the office waiting for Jerry to finish a computer...lol! Help me! Lol! Yeah, that's pretty sad. It's my own fault for not forcing myself to go to sleep last night. It was as if I had some built in First Day of School Energy...you know when you are in school and all the thoughts about a new school, new class, new expectations, new friends, anything new, keeps your mind moving and you from sleeping! What the heck, I know my kids were starting a new school, but come on, I sure ain't! Lol! I WANT to sleep! I LIKE to sleep! My kids were up and down all night, Jaeana mostly and ended up in my bed at 2am. Cedric was throwing up because he decided to sneak peanuts and put them into his cereal last night. He is allergic to them and his throat gets itchy which inevitably leads to a puke party! Yeah, hard lessons learned here! It's Not Worth It! Poor kid! Hopefully he learns this lesson before it goes too far! Like mother, like son I guess! Dang, I thought I could keep saying he was like Jerry...but here is a little bit of me sneaking in.
On to other news, I'm in a great mood at the moment, after getting a little coffee in me...a couple sips and I'm a changed person! Hey, I held on all day! I just don't want to take a nap and not be able to go to sleep tonight. I cannot repeat this day again. Here's to starting routines again!
I tried a RAW Gojiberry Granola bar at Starbucks and it's delish! I really need to begin experimenting with recipes here! I need to find what my body likes, what likes my body, and how I can get the same happy liking relationship incorporated in the whole family. We have changed so much of our eating habits already, but I don't dare stop now, not when the world of new things awaits my creativity!
Wednesday....my long days! My ministry rehearsals night! My day to fellowship and work alongside of great people to prepare an excellent offering to the Lord and the Body of Christ on both Friday Nights at Youth and Sundays for Morning and Evening Services. I'm so in love with what I do, serving God and His people, that I don't realize what my life looks like to those around me. My life is Ministry! People on the outside think I'm crazy, but I wish they could see what I know! I'm called! God called me on the Calling People Phone and said, "Christina, I WANT YOU!" I answered Him with a hesitant, "YES" and I cannot turn back now! I'm about My Father's Business as Jesus once spoke at the age of 12. I get drained, beat up, abused, walked all over, kicked around, near drowned...but I will NOT be stopped! You see these are illusions, lies of the enemy, that I can't make it, that I shouldn't do it, that I should quit and give up, that other things are more important! Don't you get it? Our lives have purpose, not OUR own purpose, HIS PURPOSE...we are called according to HIS purpose. I may fumble my way through this whole journey fighting my flesh to keep it submitted, fighting my own will and allowing His to be #1, fighting against all the people around me who don't understand! I don't do it for you, I don't do it for me, I do it for Him!
I'm learning how to find my focus...funny thing is no one really knows the ME that wants to emerge...I barely know it because it's something I subconciously work hard to supress. My shields automatically go up on their own when something that could potentially lead to something uncomfortable or hurtful poses a threat! It's the place of total vulnerability, the place that allows the Holy Spirit to work in me, the place where "FEAR HAS NO HOLD OVER ME! IM A CONDUIT OF JESUS CHRIST!"
I'm stopping now or I'm gonna shout in this Starbucks!
Loves and Hugs Guys,
Christina
On to other news, I'm in a great mood at the moment, after getting a little coffee in me...a couple sips and I'm a changed person! Hey, I held on all day! I just don't want to take a nap and not be able to go to sleep tonight. I cannot repeat this day again. Here's to starting routines again!
I tried a RAW Gojiberry Granola bar at Starbucks and it's delish! I really need to begin experimenting with recipes here! I need to find what my body likes, what likes my body, and how I can get the same happy liking relationship incorporated in the whole family. We have changed so much of our eating habits already, but I don't dare stop now, not when the world of new things awaits my creativity!
Wednesday....my long days! My ministry rehearsals night! My day to fellowship and work alongside of great people to prepare an excellent offering to the Lord and the Body of Christ on both Friday Nights at Youth and Sundays for Morning and Evening Services. I'm so in love with what I do, serving God and His people, that I don't realize what my life looks like to those around me. My life is Ministry! People on the outside think I'm crazy, but I wish they could see what I know! I'm called! God called me on the Calling People Phone and said, "Christina, I WANT YOU!" I answered Him with a hesitant, "YES" and I cannot turn back now! I'm about My Father's Business as Jesus once spoke at the age of 12. I get drained, beat up, abused, walked all over, kicked around, near drowned...but I will NOT be stopped! You see these are illusions, lies of the enemy, that I can't make it, that I shouldn't do it, that I should quit and give up, that other things are more important! Don't you get it? Our lives have purpose, not OUR own purpose, HIS PURPOSE...we are called according to HIS purpose. I may fumble my way through this whole journey fighting my flesh to keep it submitted, fighting my own will and allowing His to be #1, fighting against all the people around me who don't understand! I don't do it for you, I don't do it for me, I do it for Him!
I'm learning how to find my focus...funny thing is no one really knows the ME that wants to emerge...I barely know it because it's something I subconciously work hard to supress. My shields automatically go up on their own when something that could potentially lead to something uncomfortable or hurtful poses a threat! It's the place of total vulnerability, the place that allows the Holy Spirit to work in me, the place where "FEAR HAS NO HOLD OVER ME! IM A CONDUIT OF JESUS CHRIST!"
I'm stopping now or I'm gonna shout in this Starbucks!
Loves and Hugs Guys,
Christina
Saturday, August 6, 2011
More...
Continuing to read in the book of Revelation...
The revelations God has been awakening me to are enlarging like a growing flame and I am becoming increasingly stirred in my spirit. I asked for Him to come. I asked Him to meet with me. He has answered as He is Most Faithful One. I began feeling blue, or melancholy this evening. I was determined though to press past that and find Him! It's like you and the Lord are walking along the way and all of a sudden a crowd begins to appear. The people are pushing and shoving, my Master and I have gotten separated, although I still see glimpses of Him...I must get to Him, I must grab His garment, His hand. I must get past these people and get to Him. The people, the crowd, it's the junk in my mind, my own emotions, my own will, my own Self-Life and not my Life in Him. It represents the Life that often causes us to feel separated from His presence at times. Without warning crowds appear and disappear. Your surroundings keep changing, like you're stuck in some awful nightmare of weird flash scenes. There are always 2 constants...You and Jesus. Remember that and you will remain victorious, not without battle, but victorious every time.
I have grabbed hold of Jesus, My God, My King, My Lord, My Savior, My Everything...and I am not losing Him! Oh Devil, did you think this an easy win? How mistaken you are! Watch and learn...it is I who is victorious in Jesus Christ, for He is mine and I am His! And through Him, every mountain, every valley, every storm, every rain, is in HIS HANDS! I surrender to Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God! Here I am Father, whole heartedly I deny myself and follow You. It is Your voice I hear and none other shall I follow, not even my own! I trust in You Abba and my love grows for You and in You. Thank You Daddy! Love Your Daughter, Christina.
Be encouraged tonight friends....God is with You where ever you go!
Toodles,
Christina
The revelations God has been awakening me to are enlarging like a growing flame and I am becoming increasingly stirred in my spirit. I asked for Him to come. I asked Him to meet with me. He has answered as He is Most Faithful One. I began feeling blue, or melancholy this evening. I was determined though to press past that and find Him! It's like you and the Lord are walking along the way and all of a sudden a crowd begins to appear. The people are pushing and shoving, my Master and I have gotten separated, although I still see glimpses of Him...I must get to Him, I must grab His garment, His hand. I must get past these people and get to Him. The people, the crowd, it's the junk in my mind, my own emotions, my own will, my own Self-Life and not my Life in Him. It represents the Life that often causes us to feel separated from His presence at times. Without warning crowds appear and disappear. Your surroundings keep changing, like you're stuck in some awful nightmare of weird flash scenes. There are always 2 constants...You and Jesus. Remember that and you will remain victorious, not without battle, but victorious every time.
I have grabbed hold of Jesus, My God, My King, My Lord, My Savior, My Everything...and I am not losing Him! Oh Devil, did you think this an easy win? How mistaken you are! Watch and learn...it is I who is victorious in Jesus Christ, for He is mine and I am His! And through Him, every mountain, every valley, every storm, every rain, is in HIS HANDS! I surrender to Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God! Here I am Father, whole heartedly I deny myself and follow You. It is Your voice I hear and none other shall I follow, not even my own! I trust in You Abba and my love grows for You and in You. Thank You Daddy! Love Your Daughter, Christina.
Be encouraged tonight friends....God is with You where ever you go!
Toodles,
Christina
A Rabbit Trail....
Deep in thought...
In battle, regardless of which side you are on, each side shares a same focus...finding the weak side of the enemy. I can picture the old battles of the Revolutionary War, each side discussing which area they were going to try and target...a soldier comes over of a particular rank and says, "Captain, we've lost our left flank! What are the orders?" Every soldier has a task and those in 'intelligence' focus on finding the weak areas of the opponent and taking them out there. The thought being, if you can make them weak you have your in! Does that make sense? There must be an old saying somewhere that says, "if you've fallen once, you'll fall again!" I'm not sure, but it feels like a saying, otherwise I just made it up. Lol! Anyhow, when I think of "the enemy" and all his deceptive plans against us, I think of how he targets the "weak" areas. He goes for an area we may have struggled with before and tries to get us to fall again. Reminds me of that scripture, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" (1 Peter 5:8 KJV). The enemy is waiting, sunken down low in the brush, watching our every move, waiting for an "in"...oh how easily at times we give that up, deliver it right into his hands, shouting out, "hey I'm weak right here!" and then thinking that we are safe!
Oh don't give me that look, you all do it! Yes YOU! You haven't taken care of your body with healthy food, exercise, and rest like you know you have needed to and now your tired, constantly running on low energy reserve, using fake energy givers like caffeine, trying to survive this crazy life, crazy people, and maintain a regular routine...sound familiar? It's one of the many pictures I could paint. Do you not think that leaves your left flank weak, so to speak? The enemy is closely watching and waiting. If you are tired then you aren't in 100% mode and it's slightly easier to trip you up because you are not completely on guard. You're man on the left flank is dozing off, the enemy's going to infiltrate, you will lose, and now you must retreat because part of your ground has been taken...the bible says Be Sober, Be Vigilant! That means be Awake, Be On Guard! Why? Because your adversary, your enemy, The Devil, as a roaring lion, walking about seeking whom he may devour. I have posted about this scripture before, but it came to mind today as I was reading the Word.
Sometimes we think we are just FINE and if you know me, you know I dislike that word greatly...when someone says FINE they are saying, "I'm not ok, but I don't want to talk about it." FINE is FAKE! You're not FINE, your struggling, having a hard time, trying to grit your teeth and move on. Well just say THAT then. Say, "I've been better", or "Not the best, but I'll be ok", or even "I have had much better days, but I'm going to proclaim victory even when I can't see it." Or dang it just say, "I'm alright." It's an acceptable answer that doesn't always lead to 20 questions about your life. If you say FINE enough times, that becomes the bar at which you set your life. You become used to operating in FINE and then are in shock when you get blind sighted by something that actually knocks you down.
Let me put it this way...have you ever stayed up super late, for whatever reason, until some crazy A.M. hour, maybe 2am or 3am in the morning? You know you have to be up early for that "thing", but you decided you will down a coffee or those awful 5hour energy drinks and suck it up the next day. Anyone? Yeah, you know what I'm talking about...hahah! You may even wake up easily without something in the morning and you are just FINE until later in the day when you will inevitably have a crash...some people can do this for a couple days, and sadly some live this life daily. What happens is, your body is fighting so hard to survive this crappy lifestyle and you are leaving your left flank wide open for attack (sickness, weakness,....the enemy's attacks). You may be able to carry on seemingly undetected, thinking your weak and open spot has been unspotted....but oh how clever is the enemy. He is not just gonna march in Your grounds just cause the opening is there...oh no! He is waiting, watching, studying your moves. He knows that time will come where you begin to believe and buy into your own FINE statement, you're not on guard....He's IN!
Where does that leave you? Fighting harder than you ever needed to, barely making it, on the verge of defeat.
I tried to abstain from sharing this scripture figuring it would take too much connecting of the dots to explain how I got from one place to another, knowing I probably lost most of you already in this message, but I'm compelled to share it.
Revelation 2:3-5 in the Amp says this: "I know you are enduring patiently and are bearing up for My name’s sake, and you have not fainted or become exhausted or grown weary. But I have this [one charge to make] against you: that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love]. Remember then from what heights you have fallen. Repent (change the inner man to meet God’s will) and do the works you did previously [when first you knew the Lord], or else I will visit you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you change your mind and repent."
We get used to operating in Auto Pilot mode...or drink that caffeine for energy mode....or operating on 80% as if it's 100% instead of actually being 100% for a change. Sure, we worship God hard, give our "all" or offer our "all we have left to give", we are devoted, dedicated, hard working, Christians...WE, surely we, are the True Worshipers as stated in John 4:23-24. Hahaha...are we? This scripture hit hard because God is saying, I know you have endured, you're staying true to Me, you haven't given in, you're enduring, but...and that But was huge...you have forgotten your First Love! When we operate in a "less than" mode, we are putting ourselves before God. He asks for us, and our love for Him draws us to offer Him our best...give Him more...I love the saying my Pastor gives..."God doesn't ask for much, just All of you!" hahaha...I love it! When it's your First Love, you give it all, you go over the top, above and beyond..you're in love. Somewhere along the way, our relationship got old, went on auto pilot, and now we are giving 80% as if it's 100%.... giving God our "all we have left" instead of our "all"... Bottom line is we need to take care of ourselves. Be the best we can be, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually...yes God knows your busy life, He knows the cost of the Call, He sees where you are at...forget not...."It's not by (your) power, nor by (your) might, but by MY spirit says the Lord!" Operate in His power and strength and your 80% will become His 100%...and think of what could happen then....and yet GOD IS BIGGER THAN EVEN THAT! Ha! Love it!
If you stuck with me this long, Thanks! Just getting out what was in!
Loves,
Christina
In battle, regardless of which side you are on, each side shares a same focus...finding the weak side of the enemy. I can picture the old battles of the Revolutionary War, each side discussing which area they were going to try and target...a soldier comes over of a particular rank and says, "Captain, we've lost our left flank! What are the orders?" Every soldier has a task and those in 'intelligence' focus on finding the weak areas of the opponent and taking them out there. The thought being, if you can make them weak you have your in! Does that make sense? There must be an old saying somewhere that says, "if you've fallen once, you'll fall again!" I'm not sure, but it feels like a saying, otherwise I just made it up. Lol! Anyhow, when I think of "the enemy" and all his deceptive plans against us, I think of how he targets the "weak" areas. He goes for an area we may have struggled with before and tries to get us to fall again. Reminds me of that scripture, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" (1 Peter 5:8 KJV). The enemy is waiting, sunken down low in the brush, watching our every move, waiting for an "in"...oh how easily at times we give that up, deliver it right into his hands, shouting out, "hey I'm weak right here!" and then thinking that we are safe!
Oh don't give me that look, you all do it! Yes YOU! You haven't taken care of your body with healthy food, exercise, and rest like you know you have needed to and now your tired, constantly running on low energy reserve, using fake energy givers like caffeine, trying to survive this crazy life, crazy people, and maintain a regular routine...sound familiar? It's one of the many pictures I could paint. Do you not think that leaves your left flank weak, so to speak? The enemy is closely watching and waiting. If you are tired then you aren't in 100% mode and it's slightly easier to trip you up because you are not completely on guard. You're man on the left flank is dozing off, the enemy's going to infiltrate, you will lose, and now you must retreat because part of your ground has been taken...the bible says Be Sober, Be Vigilant! That means be Awake, Be On Guard! Why? Because your adversary, your enemy, The Devil, as a roaring lion, walking about seeking whom he may devour. I have posted about this scripture before, but it came to mind today as I was reading the Word.
Sometimes we think we are just FINE and if you know me, you know I dislike that word greatly...when someone says FINE they are saying, "I'm not ok, but I don't want to talk about it." FINE is FAKE! You're not FINE, your struggling, having a hard time, trying to grit your teeth and move on. Well just say THAT then. Say, "I've been better", or "Not the best, but I'll be ok", or even "I have had much better days, but I'm going to proclaim victory even when I can't see it." Or dang it just say, "I'm alright." It's an acceptable answer that doesn't always lead to 20 questions about your life. If you say FINE enough times, that becomes the bar at which you set your life. You become used to operating in FINE and then are in shock when you get blind sighted by something that actually knocks you down.
Let me put it this way...have you ever stayed up super late, for whatever reason, until some crazy A.M. hour, maybe 2am or 3am in the morning? You know you have to be up early for that "thing", but you decided you will down a coffee or those awful 5hour energy drinks and suck it up the next day. Anyone? Yeah, you know what I'm talking about...hahah! You may even wake up easily without something in the morning and you are just FINE until later in the day when you will inevitably have a crash...some people can do this for a couple days, and sadly some live this life daily. What happens is, your body is fighting so hard to survive this crappy lifestyle and you are leaving your left flank wide open for attack (sickness, weakness,....the enemy's attacks). You may be able to carry on seemingly undetected, thinking your weak and open spot has been unspotted....but oh how clever is the enemy. He is not just gonna march in Your grounds just cause the opening is there...oh no! He is waiting, watching, studying your moves. He knows that time will come where you begin to believe and buy into your own FINE statement, you're not on guard....He's IN!
Where does that leave you? Fighting harder than you ever needed to, barely making it, on the verge of defeat.
I tried to abstain from sharing this scripture figuring it would take too much connecting of the dots to explain how I got from one place to another, knowing I probably lost most of you already in this message, but I'm compelled to share it.
Revelation 2:3-5 in the Amp says this: "I know you are enduring patiently and are bearing up for My name’s sake, and you have not fainted or become exhausted or grown weary. But I have this [one charge to make] against you: that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first [you have deserted Me, your first love]. Remember then from what heights you have fallen. Repent (change the inner man to meet God’s will) and do the works you did previously [when first you knew the Lord], or else I will visit you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you change your mind and repent."
We get used to operating in Auto Pilot mode...or drink that caffeine for energy mode....or operating on 80% as if it's 100% instead of actually being 100% for a change. Sure, we worship God hard, give our "all" or offer our "all we have left to give", we are devoted, dedicated, hard working, Christians...WE, surely we, are the True Worshipers as stated in John 4:23-24. Hahaha...are we? This scripture hit hard because God is saying, I know you have endured, you're staying true to Me, you haven't given in, you're enduring, but...and that But was huge...you have forgotten your First Love! When we operate in a "less than" mode, we are putting ourselves before God. He asks for us, and our love for Him draws us to offer Him our best...give Him more...I love the saying my Pastor gives..."God doesn't ask for much, just All of you!" hahaha...I love it! When it's your First Love, you give it all, you go over the top, above and beyond..you're in love. Somewhere along the way, our relationship got old, went on auto pilot, and now we are giving 80% as if it's 100%.... giving God our "all we have left" instead of our "all"... Bottom line is we need to take care of ourselves. Be the best we can be, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually...yes God knows your busy life, He knows the cost of the Call, He sees where you are at...forget not...."It's not by (your) power, nor by (your) might, but by MY spirit says the Lord!" Operate in His power and strength and your 80% will become His 100%...and think of what could happen then....and yet GOD IS BIGGER THAN EVEN THAT! Ha! Love it!
If you stuck with me this long, Thanks! Just getting out what was in!
Loves,
Christina
Friday, August 5, 2011
Raw Detox Journal Day 5, Five, ffff5...
Raw Detox Journal Day 5
10:19am August 5th, 2011
I am prematurely starting today's journal early, but already have seen changes worth noting now. This morning I woke up with a huge headache and a sore body. I overdid the Almond Milk and Nuts/Seeds yesterday...too much sodium! Then yesterday I did not have any IBuProferen in my system (which is good)...sad to say it felt like detoxing from the beginning all over again. I woke up, got a big glass of water, and started drinking.
Today is a JUICING Day! It's a faster way to detox and flush your system because your body does not have to work through digesting all the fiber from the meat of the fruits and veggies...this will be the first half of my day and then I'll add in some yummy leafy greens and some watery melon, cantaloupe actually. That's the plan thus far....all until I was juicing and um, we will just say my body decided it was finally ready to...uh...Release! Lol! What?!?!? Ok then! That's what I was thinking to myself, but I will gladly accept it! Release in any form is a great thing! Releasing From, Releasing Into...especially as this is the prophetic Year Of Release for 2011....but I won't get into that, I think I even blogged about it earlier in the year, I don't remember though.
Annnnnyhooot....I am feeling good, I'm still happy, I am fighting a headache, but I'm still on a good track. The only thought left in mind, in regards to food that is, is coffee after this detox. My goal is to drink more tea than coffee...I can make a caffeinated or decaf cup of chai tea and add a little agave and a drop of organic half n' half and it's like having a warm cup of coffee. I can do the same for iced, but I'm not much of an iced coffee fan, I like my espresso! I don't need it or even want it as much, but it's easy to over do, especially for me because it becomes my "sweet treat" rather than cookies or dessert...BUT HEY! Now that I have a new excitement for foods, I will be using my new recipes to create all kinds of "sweet treats" that will "treat" my body much better! Yay!
As for now, time to get some work done and prepare for tonight's Youth Service...I love my YOUTHers and I'm excited to Fellowship with them tonight. So I leave you with a little Rebecca Black...."It's Friday, Friday, Gonna Get Down On Friday..." lol! "Cuz it's my moment....!" hahaha ah
Well toodles folks,
Christina
10:19am August 5th, 2011
I am prematurely starting today's journal early, but already have seen changes worth noting now. This morning I woke up with a huge headache and a sore body. I overdid the Almond Milk and Nuts/Seeds yesterday...too much sodium! Then yesterday I did not have any IBuProferen in my system (which is good)...sad to say it felt like detoxing from the beginning all over again. I woke up, got a big glass of water, and started drinking.
Today is a JUICING Day! It's a faster way to detox and flush your system because your body does not have to work through digesting all the fiber from the meat of the fruits and veggies...this will be the first half of my day and then I'll add in some yummy leafy greens and some watery melon, cantaloupe actually. That's the plan thus far....all until I was juicing and um, we will just say my body decided it was finally ready to...uh...Release! Lol! What?!?!? Ok then! That's what I was thinking to myself, but I will gladly accept it! Release in any form is a great thing! Releasing From, Releasing Into...especially as this is the prophetic Year Of Release for 2011....but I won't get into that, I think I even blogged about it earlier in the year, I don't remember though.
Annnnnyhooot....I am feeling good, I'm still happy, I am fighting a headache, but I'm still on a good track. The only thought left in mind, in regards to food that is, is coffee after this detox. My goal is to drink more tea than coffee...I can make a caffeinated or decaf cup of chai tea and add a little agave and a drop of organic half n' half and it's like having a warm cup of coffee. I can do the same for iced, but I'm not much of an iced coffee fan, I like my espresso! I don't need it or even want it as much, but it's easy to over do, especially for me because it becomes my "sweet treat" rather than cookies or dessert...BUT HEY! Now that I have a new excitement for foods, I will be using my new recipes to create all kinds of "sweet treats" that will "treat" my body much better! Yay!
As for now, time to get some work done and prepare for tonight's Youth Service...I love my YOUTHers and I'm excited to Fellowship with them tonight. So I leave you with a little Rebecca Black...."It's Friday, Friday, Gonna Get Down On Friday..." lol! "Cuz it's my moment....!" hahaha ah
Well toodles folks,
Christina
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Raw Detox Day 4
Ahhh! This is the best day yet...talk about overcoming Day 3 Hurdles...lol! Today an executive decision was made in regards to this detox. My friend and I have had a really hard time physically, just feeling fatigued and somewhat sluggish, then my kidneys and her stomach have just not been being very obedient...LOL! We are modifying our foods slightly by adding in a healthy change each day or to a particular meal. Today we added in some Almond Milk, and we are continuing a small intake of Nuts/Seeds. This has helped tremendously and I AM BEAMING WITH HAPPINESS and a little more energy!
The Recipes responsible for this happiness are as follows:
(these recipes are original creations, names and all....had to make names...lol!)
For Breakfast...
'Oh Sweet Ginger' Smoothie
1 Cup Almond Milk (more or less depending on desired thickness)
1Cup Frozen Mango Chunks
1/3 Cup Frozen Blueberries
1/3 Cup Frozen Strawberries
Freshly Shaved Ginger Root (using a peeler, 3-4 long shaved pieces)
*optional add small squeeze of Raw Agave
And bbbblend!!!!
This was thick and creamy and I ate the first half with a spoon before I drank every last drop. A cup of dreamy heaven I tell you, like eating milky ice cream - which is diff for me because I cannot eat dairy!
Then it was onto Lunch...
(This idea came from my Detox Pal Amy and I kind of ran with it, imagine salad with No dressing, No oils, No seasonings, but fulfilling and delicious beyond what your taste buds could imagine! Credit goes to Amy for inspiring this delicious delight! Thanks Amy!)
'Salad Voila!'
Fresh Big Romaine Leaves (broken into smaller portions)
Baby Spinach
Diced Cherry Tomatoes
Handful Fresh Chopped Parsley
Handful Fresh Chopped Cilantro
2 Small or 1 Large Freshly Minced Garlic Cloves
1/2 Squeezed Lemon
Mix all together in a Ziplock Bag and pour into your Bowl
*optional, top with small handful of mixed nuts/seeds (cashews, almonds, sunflower seeds, pistachios)
Enjoy this tangy, delicious salad and feel like you were served some exquisite new Raw Meal...you will love it, if you love garlic that is!
These are the creations that have filled me with a happy smile, food can be so much fun...healthy Raw food! It's time to get creative folks...use that imagination you remember as a child and get in that kitchen and start chopping! I know there is a whole world of flavors and foods I have never even experienced, but for me, a regular person, dealing with food allergies, needing to get out of the boring repetitions of the foods I have been eating.....well this is Simply Divine!
Hopefully I have inspired you to dig in and get chopping!
Now, in other news...I have had a heart of intercession today, but it wasn't so heavy as it often comes, it was more of I just had to pray in the spirit in the middle of what I was doing...Chopping Veggies, Blending Fruits, Typing or working on the Computer, playing Solitaire on my iPad, cleaning with the kids.....I just had to pray! Like I was talking to myself! It was great, and I am so honored to have a relationship with God in this way. Have you ever seen those people...some of you are those people..you know the ones with their Bluetooth in ear or their Headphones and they are walking through the store or the mall or anywhere just having conversations, ordering their food or whatever, and going back to the conversation without skipping a beat....DO YOU KNOW? Well that is what its like sometimes when I start praying throughout the day and this intercession hits like this...THIS wave is pretty much like that without an electronic device, but something more internal...its fabulous! Although, I have to admit, if I wasn't at home, having an electronic device in my ear would look much better than that crazy girl walking and talking to herself. LOL! Still, I impress upon you...spend some time with God today and let Him be the buddy in your ear. It's one facet of your relationship where you can learn to share your whole world with Him. Then other times it can be much more intimate and alone.
Well that's all for now folks...feels good to be blogging again! Tata!
Christina
The Recipes responsible for this happiness are as follows:
(these recipes are original creations, names and all....had to make names...lol!)
For Breakfast...
'Oh Sweet Ginger' Smoothie
1 Cup Almond Milk (more or less depending on desired thickness)
1Cup Frozen Mango Chunks
1/3 Cup Frozen Blueberries
1/3 Cup Frozen Strawberries
Freshly Shaved Ginger Root (using a peeler, 3-4 long shaved pieces)
*optional add small squeeze of Raw Agave
And bbbblend!!!!
This was thick and creamy and I ate the first half with a spoon before I drank every last drop. A cup of dreamy heaven I tell you, like eating milky ice cream - which is diff for me because I cannot eat dairy!
Then it was onto Lunch...
(This idea came from my Detox Pal Amy and I kind of ran with it, imagine salad with No dressing, No oils, No seasonings, but fulfilling and delicious beyond what your taste buds could imagine! Credit goes to Amy for inspiring this delicious delight! Thanks Amy!)
'Salad Voila!'
Fresh Big Romaine Leaves (broken into smaller portions)
Baby Spinach
Diced Cherry Tomatoes
Handful Fresh Chopped Parsley
Handful Fresh Chopped Cilantro
2 Small or 1 Large Freshly Minced Garlic Cloves
1/2 Squeezed Lemon
Mix all together in a Ziplock Bag and pour into your Bowl
*optional, top with small handful of mixed nuts/seeds (cashews, almonds, sunflower seeds, pistachios)
Enjoy this tangy, delicious salad and feel like you were served some exquisite new Raw Meal...you will love it, if you love garlic that is!
These are the creations that have filled me with a happy smile, food can be so much fun...healthy Raw food! It's time to get creative folks...use that imagination you remember as a child and get in that kitchen and start chopping! I know there is a whole world of flavors and foods I have never even experienced, but for me, a regular person, dealing with food allergies, needing to get out of the boring repetitions of the foods I have been eating.....well this is Simply Divine!
Hopefully I have inspired you to dig in and get chopping!
Now, in other news...I have had a heart of intercession today, but it wasn't so heavy as it often comes, it was more of I just had to pray in the spirit in the middle of what I was doing...Chopping Veggies, Blending Fruits, Typing or working on the Computer, playing Solitaire on my iPad, cleaning with the kids.....I just had to pray! Like I was talking to myself! It was great, and I am so honored to have a relationship with God in this way. Have you ever seen those people...some of you are those people..you know the ones with their Bluetooth in ear or their Headphones and they are walking through the store or the mall or anywhere just having conversations, ordering their food or whatever, and going back to the conversation without skipping a beat....DO YOU KNOW? Well that is what its like sometimes when I start praying throughout the day and this intercession hits like this...THIS wave is pretty much like that without an electronic device, but something more internal...its fabulous! Although, I have to admit, if I wasn't at home, having an electronic device in my ear would look much better than that crazy girl walking and talking to herself. LOL! Still, I impress upon you...spend some time with God today and let Him be the buddy in your ear. It's one facet of your relationship where you can learn to share your whole world with Him. Then other times it can be much more intimate and alone.
Well that's all for now folks...feels good to be blogging again! Tata!
Christina
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Raw Diva Detox - Day 3...
Raw Detox Journal - Day 3
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011
9:10pm
Well my kidneys started hurting...fun times! Lol! I'm avoiding the Dr. and antibiotic route if possible, hoping and praying this will pass, but we shall see...I'm pretty sure the Bible says "this soon shall pass" hahaha...ok well besides the fun pains in my back and legs I'm still doing this thang! I must say, I am desiring, craving, dreaming of all the stuff I cannot have....it's not an overpowering thing, but just proves even more how weak our minds can be...I must admit, I had some pistachios and peanuts today. Its not forbidden just they say it can increase or kick up cooked food cravings so it's best to stay away...well it definitely helps you just have to be very careful not to eat too many or else......well, just or else!
I don't really want anything much except maybe some coffee, just a creamy cup! Lol! I haven't felt my energy boost quite yet, but I have felt some changes...it's coming and going, the energy waves that is...today is hurdle day, so I'm hoping tomorrow is better.
Toddles til tomorrow,
Christina
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011
9:10pm
Well my kidneys started hurting...fun times! Lol! I'm avoiding the Dr. and antibiotic route if possible, hoping and praying this will pass, but we shall see...I'm pretty sure the Bible says "this soon shall pass" hahaha...ok well besides the fun pains in my back and legs I'm still doing this thang! I must say, I am desiring, craving, dreaming of all the stuff I cannot have....it's not an overpowering thing, but just proves even more how weak our minds can be...I must admit, I had some pistachios and peanuts today. Its not forbidden just they say it can increase or kick up cooked food cravings so it's best to stay away...well it definitely helps you just have to be very careful not to eat too many or else......well, just or else!
I don't really want anything much except maybe some coffee, just a creamy cup! Lol! I haven't felt my energy boost quite yet, but I have felt some changes...it's coming and going, the energy waves that is...today is hurdle day, so I'm hoping tomorrow is better.
Toddles til tomorrow,
Christina
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
7 Day Diva Detox: Day 1 & 2
I have begun a 7 Day Detox Cleanse and this is my journey....I thought I'd take you along for the ride. Here are Days 1 and 2...
7 Day Diva Detox Journal
Day 1 : 7 Day Diva Detox
11:35am - August 1st, 2011
Well after being awakened at 6am to the mornings "pee in the bed crisis", I somehow managed to fall back asleep off and on, experiencing heavy dreaming, only to awaken abruptly at 11:30am fully and completely wide eyed (with that startled feeling lingering).
Today is my water only fast day until tonight when I can indulge on some delicious fruit. I didn't eat much yesterday and I'm not at all hungry yet today...although I know I do need to drink some water soon. I'm excited to reclaim my stolen energy and find a new and fresh glow. I have already had a couple "second thought" feelings and I haven't even experienced any cravings yet. The mind is a powerful thing....but I have fasted before, I have quit particular items for long periods of time before. I know I can do this! Gotta push past my flesh and make my body even more healthy...I'm doing this for you temple! You will thank me when I'm done! As for you negative thoughts, releasing toxins, and reconstructive cravings...you will not prevail! 7 Days....I can do this!
My Monofruit Meal Choice for this evening is: Kiwi
Well Tata for now,
Christina
Day 2: 7 Day Diva Detox
2:09pm - August 2nd, 2011
Another morning being awakened at 6am...this time its dealing with our son the "sneak"...I guess I can chalk this up to school starts next week and as much as I don't want to get up that early yet, I guess I can no longer fight the inevitable....last night I had the worst headache from caffeine withdrawals. These toxins releasing is hardcore stuff, but it's been worse so I can handle it. My good friend Amy is doing this Detox with me and it sure helps to share back and forth our experiences. We both agree it's like split personality syndrome...."yes this is good", "Mmmm...coffee...!", "Ah green smoothies", "mmmm, chips and guacamole please with rice and cooked peas!", "this is so good for me!", "oh just one bite of that ice cream sandwich that I'm not supposed to have anytime....mmmm....coffee!" hahaha
Yet here I am being successful, surprisingly not so hungry, and making my way to a better me. Day 2 almost over...I'm wondering what the effects of introducing coffee back in will be like. I don't want to kick that away completely and I already began to lessen my intake. I don't really eat all that bad now, I just felt like my body needed something more. I should do this little detox every so often throughout the year, maybe even as a Daniels fast because it sure does fit the category of pulse and water...um but 21 Days is a long time...lol, ok maybe using these methods along side of some grains/seeds/nuts and cooked veggies too...
My food today:
Lots of Water
Breakfast was a Monofruit Meal: Canteloupe
Lunch was a Green Smoothie + Veggie Pickers:
My Green Smoothies Recipe
1 organic sliced banana
1 1/2 cups organic frozen mango chunks
1 organic frozen strawberry
4 organic frozen raspberries
Handful of Organic Baby Spinach
3 Mint leaves
A little water
Blended using a celery stalk to stir and then eating that celery as my Veggie Picker
Tonight's Evening Meal is a Big Green Salad:
I'll dice up some assorted peppers, use Romaine and Baby Spinach leaves, and then toss in some other assorted veggies I pick
This is a RAW Detox by the way...the recipes are endless and beyond anything I would have even imagined to try...this may only be a 7 Day Detox, but I will definitely be continuing on exploring RAW recipes.
Well back to it then,
Christina
7 Day Diva Detox Journal
Day 1 : 7 Day Diva Detox
11:35am - August 1st, 2011
Well after being awakened at 6am to the mornings "pee in the bed crisis", I somehow managed to fall back asleep off and on, experiencing heavy dreaming, only to awaken abruptly at 11:30am fully and completely wide eyed (with that startled feeling lingering).
Today is my water only fast day until tonight when I can indulge on some delicious fruit. I didn't eat much yesterday and I'm not at all hungry yet today...although I know I do need to drink some water soon. I'm excited to reclaim my stolen energy and find a new and fresh glow. I have already had a couple "second thought" feelings and I haven't even experienced any cravings yet. The mind is a powerful thing....but I have fasted before, I have quit particular items for long periods of time before. I know I can do this! Gotta push past my flesh and make my body even more healthy...I'm doing this for you temple! You will thank me when I'm done! As for you negative thoughts, releasing toxins, and reconstructive cravings...you will not prevail! 7 Days....I can do this!
My Monofruit Meal Choice for this evening is: Kiwi
Well Tata for now,
Christina
Day 2: 7 Day Diva Detox
2:09pm - August 2nd, 2011
Another morning being awakened at 6am...this time its dealing with our son the "sneak"...I guess I can chalk this up to school starts next week and as much as I don't want to get up that early yet, I guess I can no longer fight the inevitable....last night I had the worst headache from caffeine withdrawals. These toxins releasing is hardcore stuff, but it's been worse so I can handle it. My good friend Amy is doing this Detox with me and it sure helps to share back and forth our experiences. We both agree it's like split personality syndrome...."yes this is good", "Mmmm...coffee...!", "Ah green smoothies", "mmmm, chips and guacamole please with rice and cooked peas!", "this is so good for me!", "oh just one bite of that ice cream sandwich that I'm not supposed to have anytime....mmmm....coffee!" hahaha
Yet here I am being successful, surprisingly not so hungry, and making my way to a better me. Day 2 almost over...I'm wondering what the effects of introducing coffee back in will be like. I don't want to kick that away completely and I already began to lessen my intake. I don't really eat all that bad now, I just felt like my body needed something more. I should do this little detox every so often throughout the year, maybe even as a Daniels fast because it sure does fit the category of pulse and water...um but 21 Days is a long time...lol, ok maybe using these methods along side of some grains/seeds/nuts and cooked veggies too...
My food today:
Lots of Water
Breakfast was a Monofruit Meal: Canteloupe
Lunch was a Green Smoothie + Veggie Pickers:
My Green Smoothies Recipe
1 organic sliced banana
1 1/2 cups organic frozen mango chunks
1 organic frozen strawberry
4 organic frozen raspberries
Handful of Organic Baby Spinach
3 Mint leaves
A little water
Blended using a celery stalk to stir and then eating that celery as my Veggie Picker
Tonight's Evening Meal is a Big Green Salad:
I'll dice up some assorted peppers, use Romaine and Baby Spinach leaves, and then toss in some other assorted veggies I pick
This is a RAW Detox by the way...the recipes are endless and beyond anything I would have even imagined to try...this may only be a 7 Day Detox, but I will definitely be continuing on exploring RAW recipes.
Well back to it then,
Christina
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