Jan 30, 2021 | Faith, Family & Home
Finding Balance Through Self-Care
I will admit, I most certainly have a tendency to… let’s say, overcommit to some of my gospels. First and foremost? Philippians 2:3. You know, the part that says “Count others more significant than yourselves.” I can’t tell you how often I find myself run ragged trying to ensure that all those around me have what they need; nice clothes, exercise, balanced meals, spiritual enrichment, and this list goes on. Meanwhile, I push myself to the side, looking like a stray dog, overweight, body aching, eating cake for breakfast.
Get Honest With Yourself
At some point, I had to recognize that self neglect had become something I was so guilty of, it was damaging my health. Self-care never was a priority for me because I so frequently struggled under the false burden to prove I was an excellent follower of Christ by being servant to my family and community. Don’t get me wrong, this verse should be very instrumental in our day to day lives, but never at the risk of our own mental and physical wellbeing.
Understand All That You Give
I entered 2020 running on empty, exhausted with my life, emotionally defeated, and physically drained. I look back now and know that had God not revealed to me early on the importance of caring for myself, I would have broken. He gave me a simple lesson: you cannot fill another’s cup if yours is empty. We are called to live selflessly, without conceit, to not show partiality, and to display the same unconditional love and servanthood to our neighbors as Christ does for us. Nevertheless, God desires for us to be whole in Him first by obtaining a great level of spiritual health. We must remember that Christ needs us to give to ourselves so that we may then give to others.
“Caring for myself does not make me self-centered, it does not negate all that I do for others.”
Fix Yourself Up
It has certainly been a year of growth, but I am most thankful that finally I have gathered the awareness that my overall health is just as important as the health of those closest to me.
Moreover, caring for myself does not make me self-centered, it does not negate all that I do for others, nor does it take away from living out my calling through Christ.
So how am I going to make changes in my self-care this year?
^
This means a long list of exercising, drinking more water, taking my supplements, limiting my sugar intake, seeing my health care providers and yes that includes my massage therapist.
^
I need to seek assistance to properly confront my anxiety and OCD, and overcome the stigmas I associate with needing help.
^
Embrace the people around me that bring me love and laughter.
It is time I learned that caring for myself equips me to understand what I need in all facets of life and to be able to identify when those needs aren’t being met. And boy, am I going overboard with it this year!
Jan 25, 2021 | Food, Quick Snacks
Another quick, healthy snack that you can make on-the-go and still indulge!
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1 Apple (Honey-crisp or Fuji)
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Almond Butter (Justin’s is my favorite)
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Granola (I LOVE the Honey Almond Granola from SAM’S CLUB)
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Honey (optional)
Apples and almonds are always a good choice together!! Add in granola and you have the best snack to grab on your way to work or the next thing on your kids’ to-do list! Your family, including the kids, would love this! Did I mention.. it’s only 2 steps!
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Wash and slice an apple to your liking
Step 2
Spread the desired amount of toppings (almond butter, granola, and honey) to apple
Jan 25, 2021 | Food, Quick Snacks
Healthy Snack
Grilled Almond Butter and Honey Sandwich
Let’s start the new year off with a quick and healthy snack!
- Earth Balance Butter
- 4 Slices of Brioche bread (Ezekiel Bread for you super Healthy folk)
- Almond butter
- 1/2 Banana peeled and sliced
- Honey to taste
Healthy, dairy-free snack that’s easy to make! Your family, including the kids, would love this sweet, tasty sandwich to enjoy on any given day! It’s also very filling.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Butter the 4 slices of bread on both sides
Step 2
Spread almond butter on two slices of bread, then drizzle on some and top with banana slices.
Step 3
Cover the sandwich bases with the other two slices, buttered sides up.
Step 4
Heat a frying pan and place the sandwiches with the buttered side down and fry for a few minutes until nice and golden.
Step 5
Turn the sandwiches over and cook until golden brown.
Jan 22, 2021 | Family & Home, For The Holidays, Homeschool
School… this can be a dreaded word even in “normal” times, but these days, it is especially daunting since many of us have found ourselves navigating school at home. Frankly speaking, school has recently become something I dread the most, and this is definitely true after the holiday break.
As a recovering perfectionist, when I don’t master certain goals easily, I avoid pursuing them altogether. So now you’re either thinking “I’m not alone!” or “Why am I taking homeschool advice from this looney?!” Well, perhaps my own trial and error can shed some light on getting back into the swing of homeschooling after the holidays!
Here are a few simple, yet helpful tips:
Find Balance
Like everything in life, passion and drive will go up and down. While some days are wonderful and others aren’t as great, balance means looking at the overall average, taking small steps, and focusing on the big picture. As you seek balance in homeschooling after an amazing socially distanced holiday and welcome into 2021, trust that God has already paved the way.
Bring God into Your Lessons
It doesn’t matter how you do it – whether it’s VeggieTales, Superbook, a simple prayer, or an in-depth study of a book in the Bible – invite God into your homeschool. He is essential. Good luck attempting to handle it all without Him! Bringing God into your lessons will not only set a strong example of faith, perseverance, and patience for your kids, but it will also help you to feel a sense of peace and hope as you face each day and new challenges.
Give Yourself Opportunities to Fail
The thing about failing is that it offers us a chance to learn and do better next time. As long as you’re breathing, there are endless opportunities to dust yourself off and try again. Homeschooling inevitably comes with some struggles along the way, but don’t let fear of failure stop you from feeling confident in your abilities as a teacher and as a mother. I encourage you to know that you are doing just what God has called you to do during this season of life.
Avoid Comparisons
Comparing your kids to others, or even to their siblings, will lead to setbacks and frustrations. Kids excel at different things, and not everyone learns at the same speed. To be honest, I’ve fallen short on this countless times. In these moments, it’s helpful to take a step back and identify your kids’ unique strengths. Help them to grow these skill sets and use them to their advantage to improve in other areas.
As we all embark on the return to homeschooling, it is important that we remember to seek balance, include God in our lessons, find freedom in failure, and embrace our kids’ unique potential!
Dec 31, 2020 | Faith
Suffice to say, 2020 has had its fair share of lows. As for all of us, the global pandemic has forced me to navigate so many unforeseen challenges with family, friends, and faith. It has been a year of adjusting and readjusting, adapting to changes that seem to appear at the drop of a hat. And while I have struggled to overcome each new obstacle, 2020 has forced me (as JJ Heller would say) to find the “big magic in the mundane, the big picture in a small frame”.
What I Learned Along the Way
For all its difficulties, this year brought to the forefront some lessons that I was remiss to have forgotten. I was reminded of the things I take for granted, the necessity of finding time to care for myself in the midst of caring for so many others around me, and the simple fact that none of us can ever truly have it all together, and that’s okay! 2020 has given me the gift of remembering that valuing life and time with your family, and prioritizing grace, unconditional love, and forgiveness is the most important thing we can do. Time doesn’t stand still for anyone, and as this year closes, I am finding myself thankful to be reminded that each moment is a blessing.
Finding Faith in the Chaos
We certainly couldn’t have predicted the events of this year, but we do get to choose how we respond to it, who we will believe in, how faith will take us forward. Above all else, 2020 has made it evident why it’s imperative to believe in someone bigger than the trials of today. We must saturate ourselves in God’s word and prayer. We must embrace the beauty of vulnerability and living in community. Despite the many challenges I may have endured, this year especially, God has repeatedly shown me His Victory. He has opened my eyes to new ways of experiencing Him.
Stepping Forward Without Fear
As 2021 rapidly approaches, I find myself calm. While the unknown is always scary, I feel that God is pushing me out of my comfort zone into a new season of life. So next year? Next year, I am along for the ride, surrendering to be used as a vessel. I am remembering what 2020 has taught me, what God has illuminated amongst the hardship. I am leaving behind the fear and doubt that have kept me in bondage. As we embark upon a new year I’m eager for God to help me discern His voice, to know that He will reveal Himself to me like never before, even in the midst of the chaos. Let us remember as the New Year rings in, together, with the help of God, we can move mountains.
