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A Late Night Message

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A Late Night Message
It was Lisa Bevere, Sheila Walsh, and me – sitting down together, having a conversation. Only I wasn’t doing any of the talking. I was listening intently, with tears running down my cheeks.

That night, I’d gone to bed early because I wasn’t feeling well. An hour after lying down, I woke up with severe stomach pain. I took a dose of Pepto Bismol, hoping it would help.

Since I couldn’t sleep, I went into the living room. I should pray, I thought. Or read my Bible. But I didn’t. Instead, I turned on the TV and watched the 10pm news.

Once the news was finished, I turned on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.” Jimmy made me laugh, which helped me to forget about my stomach pain. After the show went to commercials, I started flipping through the channels, thinking I might find a good movie or something.

And there she was – Lisa Bevere. Looking right at Sheila Walsh on “Life Today” but talking directly to me.

“He {God} really loves to make us face what we fear because he knows that it’s going to actually position us to be fearless.”

Immediately, my eyes welled up. I knew God wanted me to hear this message. My stomach pain wasn’t random.

Lisa went on to say, “I think there are people out there right now that they’ve been going through hardship….”

Yes. That’s me.

“And they’re looking at their past to figure out what’s going on and it’s not about their past, it is about their future.”

Lisa began talking about destiny and how we can’t live out God’s plans for us if we pray small, safe prayers or live small, safe lives. And then she said four words that are still emblazoned on my heart: “Struggle can be strengthening.”

For the past year, I’ve been in a spiritual wilderness. Never have I experienced such an arduous season of emptiness, dryness, and hopelessness.

Satan has successfully trampled on me. Beat me down. Fed me lie after lie that I’ve willingly believed. Filled my mind with fear.

Fear has been a problem for me since childhood. I’m not sure where it took root, but, from a young age. I thought I had to be perfect. I believed that if I lived by God’s rules, I would somehow earn His love. That by doing good I was good.

Even though I know that isn’t true, I sometimes default to that line of thinking. But God – my gracious, tender-hearted Father – wants me to accept His unfailing love. A love that isn’t conditional on how well I write, how many books I sell, how patiently I parent, or how fit (or unfit) my body is.

More than anything, I want to fulfill God’s plans for my life. I don’t my failures, insecurities, or fears to hold me back from all the Lord has for me.

Today I choose to believe God so I can move forward in His purposes.

Today I receive God’s healing from past hurts and present fears.

Today I trust God to use my struggles to make me stronger in Him.

What about you? Are you with me? Are you ready to pursue your God-given destiny?

Today let’s choose to stand on God Word and expect Him to help us. Let’s say together: “I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears” (Ps. 34:4 NLT).

 

Your Future Starts NOW

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Your Future Starts Now!
This past weekend I attended the Designed for Life Women’s Conference at JQH Arena in Springfield, MO. It was a power-packed event – not just because of the world-class speakers – Robert Madu, Holly Wagner, and Julia A’Bell – but because God spoke.

Each message I heard challenged me, but one in particular stood out from the rest. It was a session with Julia A’Bell (Hillsong Church, Australia) entitled “Your Future is Now.”

When Julia was younger, she wanted to be a successful point guard, so she worked hard to sharpen her skills. Every day after school, Julia practiced dribbling the basketball in her garage – first with her right hand for 30 minutes and then with her left for even longer (because her left hand was weaker). Over time, Julia got good – really good – and was able to achieve her goal.

But in order for Julia to reach her preferred future – being exceptional in her sport instead of average – she had to make a choice. Actually, she had to make a series of choices, day after day. Julia learned to travel the difficult path of discipline. She traded afternoons with friends for hours alone in the garage. Bounced a ball instead of watching television. Pushed forward instead of giving up.

Julia’s story made me think about my goals. What things do I want to see happen in my life? And what choices do I need to make to get there?

I have several goals that I envision to be part of my preferred future, such as more date nights with my husband, for our daughters to love the Lord and His Word, and to travel on more outdoor adventures as a family. But there’s one area of my life that keeps tripping me up – my body.

When I look in the mirror, I don’t recognize the person I see. It’s not me. It doesn’t feel like me, either. No longer do I jump out of bed in the morning, eager to start my day. Now I sort of roll off my mattress and slowly put my feet on the floor. I feel old and sluggish, and I don’t like it. Not one bit. The extra 10 pounds I’m carrying right now feels like 50. My preferred future, which is getting back to my “normal” size, seems like a huge mountain in the distance. I feel as if I’ll never get there.

I exercise regularly and make nutritious food choices (most of the time), but I can’t seem to lose the extra pounds. Even though I’ve never struggled with my weight, I’ve found it increasingly difficult to stay fit as I’ve gotten older. I don’t like the fact that I’m getting fluffy and soft! Some people might blame my new shape on hormones. After all, I’m in my 40s now, and supposedly a female’s body chemistry goes wacko in this season of life. I could use that excuse for my excess baggage, but I won’t. I take full responsibility for my actions.

But I wonder, How did I get here?

The answer is simple: By taking one step at a time . . . in the wrong direction.

Over the past few months, I’ve been slowly sliding into a pit of despair because of this whole weight thing. A thick blanket of shame has covered me. I’ve been crying out to God, desperate for answers. Desperate for change.

During Julia’s session, she shared a simple truth I needed to hear: “God will help you with the changes you need to make now to experience your preferred future!”

Since the conference, the Lord has given me insight into how to reduce the inflammation in my body. 

  • Stay away from foods that are problematic for me: gluten, corn products, grains, chocolate, sugar, and nuts (especially peanuts).
  • Drink six to seven 8-oz glasses of water each day.
  • Stop eating a snack after dinner (when I’m not hungry but want something sweet).
  • Get back on track with strength training (3-4 times per week).
  • Discipline myself to eat slowly and to stop eating when I’m nearly full.
  • Recognize the temptation to eat when stressed and choose to do something else instead (like pray!).

What is your preferred future? Maybe you want get healthier and lose a few pounds (or a lot). Or perhaps the extra weight you’re carrying isn’t physical at all. Your marriage is falling apart and you don’t know what to do. Your child is far from God and doesn’t seem interested in spiritual things. You battle an addiction to alcohol or drugs. Whatever your struggle, you need to know that you can break free from patterns of sin. Your situation is not hopeless and not beyond God’s ability to heal. 

The transformation you desire begins with one step – a move toward God. When you turn to the Lord, He will show you the way to go. He’ll provide everything you need to pursue the wonderful plans He has for your life. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jer. 29:11 NLT).

Today you can turn your back on negative self-talk and listen to what God says about you.

Today you can refuse to be immobilized by discouragement and defeat.

Today you can stop trying to make strides in your own strength and lean on the Lord’s power.

Today you can choose a different path.

Today you can decide to take the steps necessary to achieve your dreams.

So, what are you waiting for? Get moving! Your future starts NOW!

{Stay informed about upcoming events, new Daniel Fast recipes, and my latest blog posts by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.}

God is Proud of You

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Isaiah 43:4

I couldn’t believe what I’d just heard.

I was having lunch with my friends who are missionaries in El Salvador. For about an hour, we shared what the Lord is doing in our lives. Mostly, I just sat and listened, gleaning from their godly wisdom. I soaked in their passion for ministering to hurting people, secretly hoping it would rub off on me. Then, as we said good-bye, my eyebrows raised when I heard, “We’re proud of you.”

What?! I thought. They’re proud of ME? No, no! It’s the other way around!

What I wanted to say was, “It’s your commitment to the poor that touches my heart deeply! It’s your tenacity to share the gospel in one of the most dangerous countries in the world that challenges me! It’s your faithfulness to share the love of Christ that reminds me to reach out to others! I’m so proud of YOU!”

But I didn’t. I was too shocked to speak. As I drove home, I wondered, Were they praising my achievement of being a bestselling author of two books? Patting me on the back for having a successful online Daniel Fast ministry? Applauding my abilities as a speaker?

No, I don’t think so. I doubt that their affirmation was prompted by any accomplishment or accolade. Instead, they wanted to communicate, “We’re proud of who you are. We see the Lord at work in your life, and we thank Him for what He’s doing.”

I thought about those four words several times throughout the day. Such an unexpected gift from my dear friends. Such a priceless treasure I will hold in my heart always. Then I realized that their declaration was God’s message to me as well.  

The Lord is proud of me simply because I’m His child. I belong to Him, and He thinks I’m pretty special. My heavenly Father loves me when I’m generous and kind. He loves me when I’m selfish and mean. God doesn’t focus on all the bad stuff when He looks at my life. That sin has been covered by the cross! What He does see is His beloved Son, Jesus, and He is well pleased.

If you’ve been born again – if you’ve accepted God’s gift of salvation – the Lord sees you the same way! Your Father wants you to know that He’s proud of who you are! You’re precious and valuable, not because of anything you’ve done, but because you’re His.

The message the Lord spoke to my heart is also meant for you: 

“You are precious and honored in my sight, and…I love you” (Is. 43:4).

Receive those words as God’s gift to you today!

{Stay informed about upcoming events, new Daniel Fast recipes, and my latest blog posts by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.}

Your Failures and God’s Grace

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Your Failures are Covered by God's Grace
I blew it yesterday. Not once. Not twice. But three times. If I’d been playing baseball, I would have completely struck out.

The day started out well. I went to the gym, rode 17 miles on my bike, worked on the computer, and visited a friend. By 3:00pm, though, I was tired. As I sat in carline, waiting to pick up my daughters, I prayed about my attitude. “God, you know I’m worn out. Please help me to be patient with the girls, despite how I feel.”

The first five minutes went well. I asked Isabelle and Jocelyn to tell me something good that happened at school, and we chatted about their experiences. But as soon as we started discussing homework, everything went downhill.

Isabelle got annoyed because I was asking too many questions. I got frustrated with her for being defensive. My blood pressure rose and so did my volume. By the time we pulled in the driveway, I was steaming mad.

Strike one.

My husband met us at the door with a smile on his face. “Hi, babe. How are you doing?”

“Just great,” I replied through clenched teeth. Though Justin usually greets me with a kiss when he gets home from work, he decided to steer clear. My body language and facial expression communicated that I was not in the mood for a little smoochy smoochy. Justin got the message and kept his distance. In fact, he bolted to his shed to escape the obvious tension in the room.

Strike two.

The next few hours were pretty uneventful. I calmed down. Isabelle studied for a test. Jocelyn, the peacemaker, played her guitar. Justin finally dared to reenter the house. We had a peaceful dinner.

Just when I’d almost forgotten about the events of the afternoon, I was blindsided by another wild pitch. At bedtime, Jocelyn brought me her Language Arts paper and asked if I’d look over it. Right away, I could see that she hadn’t followed directions, and many of her answers were wrong. When I told her so, Jocelyn started crying. “But I put my paper on the kitchen table so you could check it! I don’t want to redo the whole thing!” she said. “Jocelyn, you didn’t tell me about the paper, so I didn’t know. You’ll just have to get up early in the morning and correct it,” I told her.

Jocelyn kept wailing. Even after I tucked her into bed, she was still hysterical. Eventually she cried herself to sleep.

Strike three.

Do you ever have days like I did? When your poor choices lead to conflict with family or friends? When your words aren’t loving and kind but sharp and cutting? When gentleness and patience are nowhere to be found?

Mistakes cause us to struggle with bouts of sadness, regret, and self-loathing. And the Enemy loves every minute of it. He takes great pleasure in beating us down and then stomping all over us in our moments of weakness.

But that is never God’s response to us! The Lord knows we will blow it sometimes. His Word promises, “The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning” (Lam. 3:22-23 NLT).

When we disobey God and hurt others, we don’t need to walk around in shame. But we do need to repent and follow this two-step process of restoration as outlined in God’s Word:

1. Confess your sin to the Lord. 
Tell God what you did wrong. Yes, He already knows, but your confession is not for Him. It’s for you.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

2. Forgive, and ask for forgiveness.
Forgive the person who offended you. If you hurt someone, humble yourself, and say, “I was wrong. Will you forgive me for _____?”

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (Col. 3:13 NL).

Maybe you struck out yesterday. Or maybe your no hitter is happening today. Just remember, your failures don’t ever exclude you from God’s glorious grace. Just turn to the Lord, and let His love cover your failures.

Today when I pick up my daughters from school, I’m determined not to swing and miss. Today I’ll rely on the Lord to help me hit a home run.

{Stay informed about upcoming events, new Daniel Fast recipes, and my latest blog posts by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.}

Pray for Our Babies

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Planned Parenthood

She was only 16. Pretty, outgoing, and full of hope for the future. Her plan was to attend college after graduation. Then she got pregnant. But despite the shame and fear she felt, a scared, young girl chose to let her baby live. And, I’m so thankful she did. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here.

Since the Roe vs. Wade decision to legalize abortion in 1973, more than 57 million babies have been murdered. 57 million. That’s the equivalent of annihilating a whole country the size of Italy or France, all in the name of a woman’s “right to choose.” And Planned Parenthood is the primary organization that’s providing this barbaric procedure.

Currently, there are 820 Planned Parenthood clinics in the United States. One of them is less than a mile from my house. Ironically, it’s positioned between a Goodwill Store, where people drop off unwanted items, and Other Mothers, which carries second-hand maternity and children’s clothes.

Even though I drive past the clinic several times each week, I don’t like to think about what happens there. It sickens me to consider the atrocities occurring within those brick walls. But, I need to think about it. For far too long I haven’t.

But recent reports on Planned Parenthood’s activities have jolted me to action. I’m horrified by how they’re harvesting babies’ organs for financial gain! And I’m angry. Angry at Planned Parenthood for committing such evil. Angry at our country for letting it happen. Angry at myself for being apathetic and uninvolved.

America, it’s time to wake up! Our babies are being murdered. Living, breathing human beings are being destroyed because of pure selfishness and greed.

What Planned Parenthood is doing is wrong. They must be held accountable and punished for their crimes. If we allow them to continue their practices, we share in their guilt. By doing nothing, we condone their actions.

If you’re like me, you feel helpless. You want to change the situation but feel powerless. Let me remind you this is a spiritual battle. And, we must fight with spiritual weapons. We must pray.

Every time you see an article about Planned Parenthood online or when you drive past a clinic, take a few minutes to intercede. Pray for:

  • Women who seek the services of Planned Parenthood – That they will understand the full impact of abortion – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Pray they won’t be deceived and will choose life.
  • Employees who work at Planned Parenthood – That they will be convinced that what they’re doing is evil and unethical. Pray they will quit their jobs.
  • Our government – That they will see the truth of what is happening and withdraw all financial support from the organization. 
  • Believers – To take a stand for the unborn and to be faithful to pray regularly.
  • Our nation – That that we will repent of this wickedness and turn to God.

I’m passionate about this issue because I could have been a statistic. After all, my life was unplanned. My conception wasn’t convenient. But, thankfully, I had two parents who wanted me. I had a mother who valued the growing baby inside her body.

A few days ago I made the five-minute walk to the Planned Parenthood clinic in my neighborhood. I sat down on the sidewalk in front of the building and bowed my head. At first, no words came. Only tears. I wept for the babies. For the hurting girls. For the deceived workers. For our nation’s sin. For my sin. “God, forgive us!” I cried.

Our country is making a grave mistake by not protecting our babies. God’s judgment is coming if we don’t repent. But the good news is, there’s hope. God promises to show mercy if we turn to Him.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chron. 7:14).

Will you cry out to God for our little ones and the women who carry them? We can’t continue to be silent. Unborn babies are relying on our prayers!

Please share this blog post on social media so others will join us in prayer.

{Stay informed about upcoming events, new Daniel Fast recipes, and my latest blog posts by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.}

 

Say “Yes” to the Daniel Fast!

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Say "Yes" to the Daniel Fast
This past Sunday morning was like déjà vu. You know, when you feel as if you’ve been in the same situation before. The thing is, I have. Nearly six years ago.

In August 2009, I sat in the same church under the same pastor, hearing the same challenge to seek the Lord through the Daniel Fast. I eagerly accepted. Even though I’d never done a three-week partial fast, I was excited to see what God would do as I submitted to Him. But I had no idea how that one decision – that one “yes” – would change the course of my life.

I couldn’t have dreamed I would write a bestselling book, The Ultimate Guide to the Daniel Fast.

That my website would become a worldwide resource and ministry tool.

That God would open many doors for writing and speaking.

That I’d publish a second book, Spiritually Strong.

And, that’s just the beginning.

Two days ago, as my pastor shared his reasons for calling our church to a time of praying and fasting, I heard a familiar voice: Will you trust me? Will you commit to three weeks of fervent prayer? Will you set aside your agenda and seek my will?

Again, I answered, “Yes.”

Less than two weeks from today, our church will begin a corporate Daniel Fast. Already, I’m beginning to pray. Already, I’m asking God to prepare my heart and to move powerfully among our church and community. Already, I’m believing this Daniel Fast will be miraculous in ways I can’t even imagine.

God is also calling you. Can you hear His voice? Listen closely because He is speaking.

Will you accept His invitation? Will you step out into the unknown and pursue a deeper relationship with God? Will you commit to a three-week Daniel Fast?

The Lord wants to show His love to you and demonstrate His power in your life. Don’t let fear or disobedience rob you of the blessings God wants to give you.

Just trust Him. Just say, “Yes.”

{Stay informed about upcoming events, new Daniel Fast recipes, and my latest blog posts by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.}

Roasted Red Cabbage

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Roasted Red Cabbage

Roasted Red Cabbage

If you're not already a fan of cabbage, this dish will turn you into one! Roasting cabbage in coconut oil gives it a wonderfully sweet flavor. Enjoy!
3 from 2 votes
Print Recipe
Course Side Dish
Servings 8
Calories 37 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1-1 1/2 pounds red cabbage, cored and roughly cut into wedges/pieces
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
  • Place cabbage in a large bowl. Add coconut oil, and stir well. Sprinkle in garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir again.
  • Arrange cabbage pieces in a single layer on an 11 x 17-inch baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes. Flip cabbage, and roast until tender and the edges are browned, about 10-15 minutes more. Serve.
  • Yield: 8 servings (serving size: ½ cup)

Nutrition

Calories: 37kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Asparagus, Kale, and Pine Nut Sauté

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Asparagus, Kale, and Pine Nut Sauté

Asparagus, Kale, and Pine Nut Sauté

This Daniel Fast vegetable dish was created when I was on day 11 of a fast. I wanted something new and different. So I bought a pound of asparagus, grabbed a bunch of fresh kale from my garden, and came up with this tasty recipe. If you like asparagus, you'll love this simple sauté.
4 from 2 votes
Print Recipe
Course Side Dish
Servings 6
Calories 85 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 pound asparagus spears, woody ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • ¼ cup chopped onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 cups torn kale, stems removed, torn into bite-size pieces, and lightly packed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, julienned or 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add pine nuts. Cook 2-3 minutes or until lightly toasted, stirring occasionally. Transfer pine nuts to a bowl or plate.
  • Add sesame oil, asparagus, and onions to skillet. Cook until onions are soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add garlic, water, kale, basil, and salt. Stir well.
  • Cook another 2-3 minutes or until asparagus is crisp tender (if skillet starts to get too dry, add another tablespoon of water). Sprinkle with pine nuts, and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 85kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 3gFat: 6gFiber: 2gSugar: 1g

While She Still Breathes

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Miss Georgia

I sit next to my friend, Georgia, while she sleeps in her bed. Her body is wracked with infection. Her organs are shutting down. She hasn’t been able to eat or drink in more than a week. While Georgia inhales and exhales deeply, I watch. I listen.

In and out, in and out. Every two seconds. Like clockwork.

I think about all the millions of breaths Georgia has taken over the past 80 years. And how God has provided every single one. How he was present with her very first. How He’ll be there during her very last.

The oxygen tank hums. Georgia still breathes.

In and out, in and out.

My eyes drift from my friend to her nightstand. The table is covered with medical supplies: oral swabs, wipes, mouthwash, and a bottle of hand lotion. The lotion catches my eye because of its name – “Cherish the Moment.” I pray aloud. “That’s what I’m trying to do, Lord.”

I look at this woman – this sweet lady that God brought into my life, and I cry. Tears fall because she’s dying. But, more than that, because I don’t know what’s next for her. I’m not sure where Georgia will be when she stops breathing.

Since God brought Georgia into my life in 2010, I’ve talked to her repeatedly about spiritual matters. Although she has always been polite and considerate, she has never showed interest in the things of God. When I first met Georgia, I asked if she believed Jesus died for her sins. She replied, “I’ve never sinned.” I didn’t know if she really meant it or if it was her dementia doing the talking.

You see, Georgia has battled mental illness for decades. From what I can tell, she suffered from some traumatic event in her early 40s and has never been the same since. Medical records list “schizophrenia” as a result. Although I’ve been able to piece together stories from her life, there are many gaps. There are missing pieces.

And the main one is: Has Georgia ever made the decision to follow Christ?

I don’t know.

Georgia doesn’t seem to know.

But God does.

The Lord – the Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omniscient One – knows every detail of Georgia’s life. He alone knows the condition of her heart. Of anyone’s heart, for that matter.

Last week when Georgia was much more alert and responsive, I told her repeatedly, “God loves you so much. He’s always loved you. Do you believe that?” But, today, she sleeps. I say it anyway.

God brought me this beautiful gift of Georgia, but sometimes I feel I’ve failed Him. Failed her. I want more than anything for her to become a Christian. To be set free from the fear that has kept her bound for many, many years.

But I know it’s not my job to rescue Georgia. It never was. No, my only responsibility is to love her. To laugh with her. To care for her. To sit by her bedside while her sick body slowly deteriorates. To hold her weak, frail hand while she sleeps.

While she still breathes in. While she still breathes out.

Do You Trust God?

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Do You Trust God? by Kristen Feola

It’s easy to say the words, “I’m trusting in the Lord.” But, what exactly does that mean?

Trusting God involves remaining in His Word. Letting go of anxiety. Choosing to rest in His presence. Refusing to be held captive by fear.

In human relationships, we often extend trust to someone only after it has been earned. But that’s not necessary with God. We don’t need to put him on a trial basis or “test” His actions. The Lord is forever faithful and completely reliable. And, just for the record, not one of His good promises has ever failed.

If you’re facing a difficult situation that causes you to be afraid, you can do one of two things: 1) Try to figure everything out on your own (believe me, it doesn’t work), or 2) Cast all your cares on the One who loves you most.

May I suggest the second option? That’s what I’m trying to do right now.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve faced a few situations that have challenged my faith in big ways. I’ve been afraid. Confused. Sad. Angry. Disappointed. Frustrated. Anxious. But in the midst of the confusion and chaos, one word keeps coming to my mind.

Trust.

Even though I’m tempted to rehearse all the “what if” scenarios in my mind, the Lord is calling me to look to Him instead. So I’m relying on the Holy Spirit to guide me. Step by step, day by day. I’m also clinging to the familiar truth of Proverbs 3:5-6, which says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Will you join me? Can we agree to allow God’s peace to cover us, even in the midst of uncertainty?

Together, let’s resolve to walk the path of faith. Let’s trust in the Lord with full confidence that His plans are for our good. We don’t need to worry. We just need to trust Him.

 

My Friend, Miss Georgia

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Last week I visited my friend, Miss Georgia. God brought this sweet lady into my life four years ago, and I’m thankful He did. The Lord has taught me much through her.

Georgia lives in a nearby assisted living facility in the Alzheimer’s unit. She moved there shortly after we met. I used to visit Georgia at least once a week. Sometimes twice. I’d take her out shopping, and we’d spend the afternoon together.

Over the past year, Georgia’s physical condition has worsened dramatically, and she can’t move around easily. Mentally, she has declined as well. Georgia’s words come out like nonsense, so it’s difficult to communicate with her.

Wednesday night I received a call that Georgia had suffered from a seizure, fell on her arm, and fractured it. Today, when I went to see her, she was heavily sedated for the pain and could barely talk.

It made me so sad to see Georgia in that condition. The doctor is recommending surgery on her arm. But, I’m not sure that’s the best option. Georgia is in her 80s, and she’s also very weak. Putting her under anesthetic could be deadly.

Because I’m Georgia’s guardian, the final decision is mine. I’ll consult with my husband, of course, but we need wisdom to know what is best.

Before I left Georgia’s room this morning, I sat beside her bed, laid my hand on her, and prayed. Faith rose up within me, and I asked God to miraculously heal her body, so she wouldn’t need surgery. I believe our great God can touch her bones and make her well.

“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us” (2 Cor. 1:3-4 NLT).

Will you pray with me for Georgia’s healing, physically and mentally? My friend, Miss Georgia, needs the Lord. And,  unless  God does a miracle, she is going to die without Him.

For more on Georgia’s story, read my blog series, “Her Name is Georgia.” 

Get Spiritually Strong in 2015!

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Spiritually Strong by Kristen Feola

What does it take to get in better physical shape? You have to push yourself beyond what’s comfortable. You can’t just sit around and think about working out. You have to get off the couch and do it.

The same is true spiritually.

To grow stronger in the Lord, you must exercise your muscles on a regular basis. I’m not talking about your biceps or quads here, either. I’m referring to your spiritual “muscles” – those unseen parts that make up the inner you – your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

But how are those muscles developed? I’m glad you asked.

My book, Spiritually Strong: The Ultimate 6-Week Guide to Building Your Body and Soul, outlines six exercises that will train your spiritual core – Bible study, prayer, fasting, healthy living, financial stewardship, and serving others. As you develop self-discipline in these areas, you will learn to:

  • Study the Bible and understand what God is saying to you.
  • Pray with power.
  • Incorporate periodic fasting into your life.
  • Honor God with your body through nutritious eating and exercise.
  • Practice good stewardship of the resources God has given you.
  • Serve others in humility as an outward demonstration of God’s love.

(Watch the Spiritually Strong book trailer for more information.)

The Spiritually Strong program includes a 6-week Bible study and a workout plan. It’s perfect for small groups, but you can also do it on your own.

God has called you to be strong in Him and in His mighty power (Eph. 6:10). So do your best to get physically and spiritually fit. You don’t want to miss out on God’s best for your life!


Kristen Feola

 

Kristen Feola, Author and Former Personal Trainer
Kristen Feola
Author and Former Personal Trainer