Sloppy

(cc)

Carrying on with my musty theme, here's a lovely verse from 1 Peter 1: 16-17 that I've been feeling cleansed by:



As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, "I am holy; you be holy." You call out to God for help and he helps--he's a good Father that way. But don't forget, he's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living"



I have felt so refreshed to get to know this side of Papa who lovingly nudges and reminds me that my life has gotten sloppy in certain areas as of late. I suppose this is what others refer to when they talk about the Lord's discipline? Perhaps this is the same thing parents do with their kids when they start leaving dirty socks all over the house.

Musty

If you live wide-eyed in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. Keep your eyes open, your lamp burning, so you don't get musty and murky. Keep your life as well-lighted as your best-lighted room." (Luke 11)

Perhaps its holidays that do it to me. After I get back from a trip, I find it difficult to get back into a routine. My body just learned to do nothing and now I'm to kick it back into normality! I didn't feel like going back to church yesterday because I felt lazy and musty...but wouldn't you know, my fire was lit by fellow torch bearers who faithfully keep their lamps lit through living wide-eyed in hope and belief. Wow, how important it is to continually and regularly meet with others who believe and hope in the Truth.

This is what has healed & replenished me as of yesterday: belief. Belief that the words I read in scripture are true. Belief that I can read the scriptures and encouraging words I've received from others over and over and believe them (this can be difficult for one who feels musty and unmotivated)!

Reason for our ability to believe in Goodness & Truth, reveal to us what it is that we can do to keep our lamps burning as we struggle from the grips of our own unique mustiness. Thank-you for Your church and for those who believe who are able to encourage us during periods of unbelief and skepticism.

Back to normal life

We'll see how long I can handle my new purply/pink background, hopefully at least until Valentines Day. I must say I do enjoy Valentines day, I love all the happy colours, chocolates, and pink cupcakes in the midst of winter.

I haven't written in awhile due to Christmas and a lovely trip to Costa Rica, which was a time of warmth, eating fresh fruit, at least a fresh fruit smoothie a day, practicing spanish, lots of iced decaf mochas, beach & jungle walks, etc. (it is very easy to eat local out there!).

My latest goal and motivation since being home is simply to cook and eat nutritiously. Now that I have energy, it feels like such a gift to be able to bake/cook. It's remarkable how much time it takes to plan out the week's menu, shop, and then make it all. But, I figure it is a worthy task seeing there is a little one inside of me taking in everything I am. Food is disappearing way faster than before pregnancy, so the food budget has had to expand, but if any budget expands because of nutrition I feel it is a worthy department to put more money into.

This weeks menu: bean/veggie wraps, spicy cheese-chicken-tortillini, veggie stirfry, chickpea salad (just had this in Costa Rica with tomato, onion, cilantro, & lime: simple and good), parmesean potatoes, cinnamon rolls, and lots of raw veggies and dip.

Wishing you a nutrient dense day!