real gratitude

I live in an apartment.

I went for a walk today around town. I looked at all of the beautiful houses and thought, "I hope these people appreciate what they have! If I had a house and property like this, I would be so grateful!"

Then a still small voice said, "Are you grateful now?"

Tears welling up in my eyes, I thought, I used to be.

Maybe it's watching tv, looking at what everyone else has that has tainted my heart.

The Lord is so good. So patient. So loving.

He gently reminded me of all of the good things I DO have.

And then I thought.......I want to be grateful in every circumstance. Not WHEN I have a house, or lose weight, or anything. Right now I am grateful......in this moment.......in my heart.

A peace washed over me, like only God can do.

What is real gratitude? Grateful for only the things that make you happy or things that you enjoy?
Or everything? Every unwanted circumstance, every person that rubs you the wrong way. We are so quick to run from things that make us uncomfortable or unpleasant.

But, if we are willing to stop looking around and open our hearts to God, we can find true gratitude in all aspects of life. And instead of wishing for something else, we can be ready for what He needs to teach us.

rainy day smoothie

Today I made a smoothie..........yum! :)

I put the following ingredients in my ninja blender and whooped it up!

2 handfuls total of a blueberry, raspberry, blackberry mix
1 banana
cup or two (depending on how you like it) of unsweetened vanilla almond milk
Tablespoon of ground flaxseeds
1/2 teaspoon maca root powder
Tablespoon raw honey

When I woke up this morning I was starving! I used to just grab anything with my coffee, even if it was a chocolate chip cookie, just to satisfy my hunger. It's like I couldn't wait...........I didn't want to feel hunger. I have a lot of chilhood issues that threw me into an eating disorder and poor body image/self esteem. After many years of soul searching and therapy, I am so relieved to say, that's not an issue today.

Today, I was able to wait for my smoothie. I got my daughter off to school, my husband off to work, and then it was time to nourish myself with an antioxidant power packed smoothie!

Take the time to make foods and drinks that are good for you. You are worth it! :)

Looks aren't everything

Do you feel like you have to look like you just stepped off the cover of a magazine?
Well, ya don't. Don't buy into the media.
There is only one you. God created you unique for a purpose. And honestly, in my experience, beautiful people are nice to look at, but a lot of the times, that's about it.

Take this chicken dish I made for example:

Not looking so appealing is it? Kind of a mess. But let me tell you..............it's delicious!!
Just grilled chicken with a basil lemon marinade with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Got the recipe from my brother Jim........love him!

You've heard it said.........it's what's on the inside that counts.........I used to laugh it off when I was younger. Not anymore. Not at 41. Beauty fades with the morning dew..........what are you really made of?
You may feel like a messy chicken dish.......but that's ok, because you are a beautiful one of a kind creation. There will never be another you!

Hydrate with food

Eating healthy is so simple.

Spring salad greens, mandarin oranges, cucumber, tomato, and a little dressing. Voila!

I feel the best when I eat foods with water in them. When I am hydrated, I'm happy!

At this time of year I am feeling especially grateful for the foods God created.

I'm so excited about the Spring and Summer produce,  and the wonderful weather!
Til' next time my friends:)