November - Week 4 - Your Body Is Your Temple - De-Stress Your Life

Debt, medical emergencies, family conflict, job loss, unemployment, and career demands, are just a few triggers to a stress-ridden life. Even the most optimistic person can sometimes find themselves overburdened with the demands and unpredictability of life. The truth of the matter is with each sunrise as we begin a new day even with the best of plans we are unable to predict what a new day will bring. The only true control we have is over our attitudes.

The root of stress usually lies within the worry, frustration, or disappointment that ensues when faced with obstacles. It's easy to say "think positively" or "focus on the positives" until something happens that shakes your world up so badly that it eclipses any attempt to see the brighter side of your circumstances.

I believe it is important to allow ourselves to feel the pain of tough circumstances in order to deal with the reality of the situation. The key is learning how to transition from that place of pain and disappointment into focusing on the positives. When we focus our minds on all that we have to be thankful for, instead of dwelling on circumstances that only God can control, we free ourselves from unnecessary stress and worry.

This week I encourage you to make a list of situations your are able to actively improve and a list of those things that are beyond your power to change. It is these situations that our faith is strengthened as we seek God through prayer and witness the power of his sovereignty. In all things, place your faith in the one who knows your struggles best, and prepare to share your testimony with the world!! Have a great week!

November - Week 3 - Your Body Is Your Temple - Know Your Medical Status

"My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge" - Hosea 4:6


One of my least favorite things to do each year is going in for my annual physical. Regardless of how healthy I feel, or how many healthy lifestyle practices I have been diligently adhering to over the course of the year, as I go from the waiting to the examination room, I can't help but to wonder what if? What if this is the time something is wrong?

It is this fear that keeps many away from routine doctor's visits until symptoms begin to manifest making it a necessity to schedule an appointment. Hosea 4:6 states that "people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge." This is true in all areas of life particularly when it comes to health and wellness. Some may say what you don't know won't hurt you, I believe what you know can save you. Regardless of how we may dread those office visits, choosing not to be informed of our medical status only denies us of the opportunity to the early detection of illnesses and treatment options. It also prevents us from having the chance to alter our lifestyles in the event that we are at rist for certain diseases.

This week I encourage you to go ahead and schedule your family for an appointment for a full medical physical to include HIV and STD testing. Knowing your status can save your life. You owe it to your family, friends, and to yourself. Have a great week!!

November - Week 2 - Your Body Is Your Temple - Flee Sexual Immorality

"Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body." - I Corinthians 6:18

The weather's getting cooler... The days are shorter... And suddenly after being single for the past several months, now seems like a great time to find someone to shield you from the coolness of the night as you envision yourself taking long walks in the park with someone special.

Long walks lead to long kisses... Long kisses lead to "let's go back to my place," and before you know it your special "friend" has a toothbrush in your bathroom, and the long walks in the park have been replaced with escapades in the bedroom...

There is truly something special about meeting someone that stimulates your mind, body, and spirit. That someone who inspires you to be your best and causes your dimples to sink in deeper every time you see their face. One of the nicest surprises is discovering that your attraction is not simply physical but rooted in the very presence and conversation generated whenever they are around.

Becoming intimate can hinder the process of getting to know someone because it takes the focus off of learning more about the person and instead shifts the focus to fulfilling lustful desires. The substance of a relationship needed to bring individuals together in lasting marriages must first begin with the foundation of a strong friendship. Far too often we allow our physical desires to cloud our judgment leading us to spend time in relationships that we were never purposed to be in. Then we later wonder why we haven't met "the one" This week I encourage you to focus on friendship. It's time to end the cycle of high divorce rates, serial dating, STDs, unplanned pregnancies. Become dedicated to learning and loving your mates with the love of God. Intimacy may be fun for a night, but a strong friendship can last a lifetime... Have a great week!

November - Week 1 - Your Body Is Your Temple - Dine With Pizazz!!

Happy November!!!

The holidays are just around the corner, and during this time of year many of us are more tempted than any other time to continue or increase a pattern of unhealthy eating habits. Energy drinks, dietary supplements, coffee, sugar, and fast food are just some of the secrets behind how some of us are able to juggle the endless demands of our every day lives. As we struggle to cram more into an already over booked schedule, instead of re prioritizing our calendars, we negotiate our diets. It's no wonder why so many of us are always tired, overweight, and moody. the answers to many of our health concerns lies within our diet.


We tell ourselves, "I'll eat healthier tomorrow," as we pull up to the quickest drive thru window, or "I'll develop a work-out regimen next year," as we slide quarters into the office vending machine. And who needs sleep with all of the energy drinks and energy-boosting dietary supplements on the market? Most of us have routines and styles of eating and cooking that can be traced back to childhood that are being passed down to future generations as we continue the legacy of unhealthy diets. As the saying goes "when we know better, we should do better."


Just as bad-decision making eventually catches up with us, so do bad eating habits. This week I challenge us to eliminate at least one unhealthy dietary habit from our routines. Trade in that soda for a bottle of water, substitute your chocolate fix with some fruit. Pack a lunch instead of dining out for lunch. It's time that we begin to model healthy habits not only to maximize our lives today but the lives of tomorrow. Please check out the below low calorie recipe, "Spicy Shrimp Stew." Have a great week!!!


Spicy Shrimp Stew

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 cup sliced onion
1 cup sliced green bell pepper
3/4 cup chopped celery
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup water
1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups cubed, peeled potato
2 cups diced tomato
One 10-ounce package frozen mixed vegetables
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
3 to 4 cups cooked brown rice


1. In a 6-quart pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic and cook, stirring, until softened, for 2 to 3 minutes.

2. Stir in the flour until absorbed. Stir in the water, seafood seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper; bring to a boil. Add the potato, tomato, and mixed vegetables. Return to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes.

3. Add the shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are cooked, for about 5 minutes. Serve over cooked rice.