Change your Heart Change your Life

Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks

We cannot get away from the inner most thoughts of our hearts; whether it is good or bad the inner most matters of our heart always seem to manifest themselves in real life. Before I get super spiritual, when I say matters of the heart I mean how we deeply and truly feel about something and how we make decisions and conduct our lives accordingly. Just like trying to get in shape and lose weight our hearts constantly need to be worked on as well. We have all been around people that say “God blessed me with a new car, a new job and a new wife!” But so often we limit God to that short list of things we need him to give us instead of investing in the work he is trying to do through us. I am guilty of doing this. For years I prayed and asked God to blessed me with this and send me that. Sometimes I would get what I was praying for and then a month later I would forget who gave it to me or complain about the very thing that I asked.

We are all guilty. This year I put away my short list, it just didn't feel right anymore. I was asking God for things and circumstances that would only momentarily appease me instead of truly seeking him. It all started with my heart. What were the negative ideas, habits and thoughts that shaped my life? Why was I always in a position of lack? For starters I had to be honest about the crap that was inside my heart. I realized that I was extremely selfish; I always wanted everything focused on me; I was an instigator and loved to point out the flaws of others so I could look good; I was always seeking praise from people instead of doing what was right regardless of who was watching. There were many other issues of my heart that I had and still have that I needed to be honest about.

Once I let it all out and presented my crooked heart to God my life changed. Instead of asking God for a new job and money in my bank account every day I began to ask him to change my thoughts. Instead of asking for a man I asked God to give me the desire to serve people. Instead of asking for fame and success I asked him to diminish my selfishness so His grace and light could shine through me. It wasn't just through prayer but I had to take actions. Instead of cursing out that woman in traffic I had to shut up; instead of just loving people that loved me I had to go and love those who hated me; instead of just serving myself and my family I had to go and serve others.

The cool thing is, it worked! The evidence of our hearts is all around us; from our attitude, to the way we treat others, to the things we spend our time doing and our relationships. Every single one of those areas in my life changed. Some days, I feel so much love in my heart that it feels like it is going to burst. Of course not every day is sunshine and the things that come from my heart are not always good; but I keep striving and daily laying my imperfections at the feet of God and aligning my prayer with action. When my heart changed my life changed.

I encourage you to be honest with yourself; and instead of asking God for a list of things ask for your heart to change. Have you struggled with negative thoughts and actions? What in your life is evidence of your heart? Share your thoughts and Comments.

Eating Between the Holidays

This is one of my favorite times of year. I love the holidays especially all the food! I most certainly filled my belly on Thanksgiving. However, this week I knew I had to snap back. This week I began consuming mostly raw fruits and vegetables and inundating my system with a stream of natural vitamins, antioxidants and fiber to help detoxify after that feast. In the past I would eat horribly from Thanksgiving till Christmas and right on through the New Year. I would wake up on New Year’s Day asking myself how I was going to get rid of all the weight. Well, this year don’t let that be you! I am not saying don’t partake in the holiday grub (I sure did), but be smart about it! These weeks in between Thanksgiving and the Winter Holidays don’t have to be an all-out gorge feast. Here are a few tips on how to avoid the pitfalls of the holiday “in-between” time.

Eat Mostly Raw: It’s almost been a week since thanksgiving and I have pretty much been eating 90% raw fruits, vegetables and grains for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I will have raw oats and fruit for breakfast, Kale salad with quinoa for lunch and salmon, avocado, tomato and squash for dinner. I also partake and plenty of fruits and veggies for snacks throughout the day. I feel so much better than my post-thanksgiving meal state.

Run from sugar: Thanksgiving and Christmas are a great time to get some sugary goodies in but sugar is not your friend. I am not used to having sugar so when I had a few deserts this holiday I woke up with a terrible headache. Sugar just makes me feel terrible and it is because I don’t consume it on a regular basis. You should do the same in between the holidays really avoid heavy sugar items, it will elevate the stress on your body during this time.

Drink detoxifying juices: Juices are a great way to get vitamins and nutrients right into your blood stream without the burden of eating all the ruffage. In between eating feast you should try to incorporate a juice per day into your regiment. Some of my favorite detoxifying juices are: Beet apple juice, Pineapple Green juice and Grapefruit juice.

Water cleanses: One of my good friends came to celebrate the holiday with me and we both would stop each other throughout the day and drink 4 cups of water in a row. It was a great way to wash down all the fat and sugar, plus it filled up my stomach more. I know water is the last thing we want to see on the dinner table with all the eggnog, wine and cranberry cocktails however, it is crucial! Load up on the water the days prior. Since most of the food is heavy in sodium it often dehydrates us so water is even more crucial.

Cleanse your colon naturally: One of my favorite ways to cleanse is Psyllium husk. Psyllium seed husk are indigestible and are a source of soluble dietary fiber. They are used to aid in digestion. They are also used as a regular dietary supplement to improve and maintain regular GI transit.

So this holiday season don’t let the food get the best of your health!

What have you done to eat healthier post-Thanksgiving? How has detoxifying helped you stay focused on your goals? How does sugar affect your system? Share your thoughts and comments. 

Recipe: Quinoa Italiano

Recipe: Kale Quinoa Salad

Juice: Pineapple Green