"Don't miss the life that happens in the middle zone--between now and what you think your life should be like. When  you miss those moments when you'd rather be doing something else, you are missing your own life. Those moments are gone. You will never get them back."

~From Women, Food and God by Geneen Roth

Today, February has shown its nasty side - the world is covered in ice and snow and antsy school children are home, most likely driving their caregivers crazy. As a kid, if we had a day off from school, we could be found frolicking through the snow-covered fields, oblivious to the wind and cold. Later, as a mom, I remember those "cabin fever" days well. Then, the temptation was to turn on the videos to keep them occupied and out from under my feet. Now, parents stand by helplessly as kids turn to screens aglow with games and hypnotizing YouTube feeds and Snapchat posts.

Studies show that high technology use contributes to associations with obesity in kids, sleep problems, depression, anxiety, language delays and even aggressive behavior. I  know how difficult it is to drop our to-do list and engage with our kids on a personal level. Getting out the floor puzzle, the Sorry game or Uno cards seems like such a sacrifice. When you're stuck inside, unable to go anywhere because of inclement weather, it seems like those nitty-gritty days of childcare will never end. But they will end, and you will never get those moments back. Devices and screens will be around for decades to come, but your young children will not. You will blink and they will be high-schoolers, dealing with acne and peer pressure and SAT's. You will blink again and they will be off to college or moving out and getting their own place. Welcome to the "Middle Zone" my friend, with all its interruptions, annoyances and dreams of the grass being greener on the other side. You have been given today- to love and guide your children, and yes, to set boundaries for them when they have not yet learned to set them for themselves.  The "Middle Zone"- embrace it whole-heartedly and don't miss one moment!

 

 

I know how busy all of you fantastic women out there are, and that's why I have developed what I think is the perfect solution for busy women like yourself! In just 3 hours you can be on your way to:

*Identifying the major culprits that are keeping you from reaching your wellness goals.
*Formulating a plan to help you begin to see the results you've always dreamed of!
*Receiving the support and accountability you need for one month to see lasting results!

And to make it even more unbelievable, you will also receive my holistic health book, "Building Kingdom Health" and a half hour massage- FREE!

This is a $200 value! How can you put a price tag on your health, right? Through the end of the year I am offering this amazing special for just $159!

Don't keep putting it off- your health and well-being is worth it! Contact me to schedule today! All you need is 3 hours of your valuable time and you will be on your way to an amazing RESET!

CS Lewis said, "You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." A new year is upon us, and it's time for goal setting and dreaming new dreams. So I thought about how I want my life to change and grow and pull me forward in 2017... and I heard the word "Streamline". Oxford dictionary defines it like this- "Make more efficient and effective by employing faster or simpler working methods; free from turbulence." Wouldn't we all like our lives to flow a little freer, and be more effective in our giftings, experiencing less resistance?

The first area of my life that came to mind was my schedule. I, like those of you who own your own business, tend to try to accommodate everyone all the time, because hey, I don't punch a time clock and I want others to think I view them as valuable, right? By not setting boundaries around my schedule. I realized that I was communicating that I, in fact, do not value my own time. Once I convince myself that my time is indeed valued and limited, others in turn will value it as well. I have now set defined hours for my massage and wellness coaching services and at the same time have freed up space in my life for other pursuits and passions. 2017 is going to be a great year-- can you feel it?

Stay tuned for Part 2... Finances :)

OK... so it's the beginning of another year, and many people are feeling compelled to make their annual New Year's resolution...


Do I want to set myself up to fail yet again?...


I just endured a week-long, annoying post-Christmas cold and I'm not feeling particularly motivated to make some huge life change right now. I'm barely back into my post-holiday routine and random, stray Christmas decorations are now collecting dust on shelves in remote rooms.


And so as I was cleaning at my Dad's this morning and praying as I worked, my mind wondered to what this New Year might bring. What posture should I take in welcoming in another year full of possibilities?


And then a single, "simple" word flashed into my mind. I knew immediately it was a word from my Lord- SIMPLIFY....to make less complex or complicated; make plainer or easier; clarify.


For me those single, clear words are always the most profound and also the most challenging to decipher and put into practice. "What does that look like, Lord?" I asked as I continued cleaning.


I noticed right away that the definition did not say "make plain or easy". Oh...that one word could miraculously transform our lives to one of ease and effortlessness. No, that would be too easy. "Plainer" and "easier" simply mean plainer and easier than it was before. And then there's that word "clarify" which means to illuminate.


I realize that a full revelation of my "Word for 2016" will take some time. In the weeks and months ahead God will unwrap this precious gift and understanding will come. 


Above all things, my prayer for the New Year would be that my "simplified" life may reflect the glory and essence of my Lord and that His love would illuminate those areas that are not yet yielded to His will.


What is He speaking to you about this amazing gift called "2016"?


  
 

     You know you want to make a change, but there are too many obstacles in your way. “I don’t have time to fit one more demand into my schedule…It will cost too much money to change my diet... My husband and kids will never get on board… I’ve tried diets in the past—I will probably just put the weight back on again.”  Sound familiar? These are common obstacles (some might call them excuses) that we have all struggled with when contemplating making a change in our lives. Did you know there are 5 stages we go through when making lasting changes in our lives?


Stage 1 -You are not even aware you need to change- this is where you might be right now. OK, yes, you’ve heard a hundred times that you should drink more water and eat more fruits and vegetables; but that’s for someone else, not you.

Stage 2- You are actually thinking about making a change, but you haven’t taken any action steps yet.

Stage 3- Now I’ve got your attention- you are starting to gather information about what this change might look like and how much will it cost you.

Stage 4- You are finally starting to take some action steps to reach a particular health goal. Maybe you are starting to drink more water during the day. Perhaps you have substituted your morning donut with a piece of fresh fruit. Better yet, you have called a Health Coach and scheduled your complimentary health consultation, so you can formulate a plan to reach your goals.

Stage 5- You’re in the zone—you are confidently taking consistent steps to maintain your new found wellness goals—and you feel great. You might experience an occasional set back, but when you do, you pick yourself back up and move forward. You are boldly taking additional steps to improve your health. You are excited about the new YOU and telling your friends and family about your new lifestyle.


As a health coach, I am specifically trained to help you get started on your wellness journey. I can help you stay motivated to reach for those health goals you once thought unattainable. You have what it takes to grab hold of a brighter, healthier future. I am here to help guide you and cheer you on, but you are the one who makes it happen! Call or email me today to schedule your complimentary health history consultation. I believe that together we can see those obstacles removed once and for all!!

    When we think of the word "relationship" we picture the man or woman of our dreams, or maybe images of a romance gone sour comes to mind. Over the course of our lives we give pieces of our heart to different people through those relationships. But have you ever thought about what kind of relationship you have with the food you eat? Does that chocolate cake fill your heart to overflowing with feelings of ecstasy? Do waves of comfort and satisfaction sweep over you as you finish off those French fries? God has put within food certain nutrients that give us feelings of satisfaction, but do you feel controlled by the lure of calories and cuisine?

    Food is not only fuel for this temporary body; it is a central part of life. Think about how many of our holidays revolve around feasts, cookouts and picnics. We associate food with family, festivities and celebrations. Is it any wonder that we hold tightly to these foods that feed not only our physical bodies, but our very souls? Many people let food use and control them, rather than see food as a gift to be enjoyed and received with thanksgiving. Those tasty morsels can be harsh task masters, when they demand attention late at night. They are experts at smothering the exhilarating moment of satisfaction with the sauce of guilt and remorse. When we feel overpowered by an unhealthy craving, do we stand back and ask where it is coming from? Or do we let ourselves be led into the snare? Have we let our blood sugar drop too low, are we thirsty, bored, lonely or craving human relationship? A bag of chips is a poor substitute for an encouraging word or hug from a friend.

    So how do we break the seductive call of that late night binge? It starts by asking, "What am I using food for?" What needs are not being met through relationship and purpose? Next, we need to listen to what our body is really asking for. Are we feeding it super-sized portions of nutrient-poor food? We may feel full but not satisfied and we start reaching for snacks in an hour or two. Our eating may be tied to the hands on the clock, not to our own internal time table. Try eating only when you are hungry and stopping before you are stuffed. What is your body crying out for? Protein, warm soup, a refreshing salad? When we take time to enter into the experience of eating and not just shovel fuel into our body "machines", we can truly take pleasure in our meals with gratefulness.

    So go ahead, break up with those tyrannical goodies that seem to control your thoughts and actions. Take back your heart- nurture it and fill it with real life. Discover the joy that true freedom from food brings!
 

Have you ever been talking to someone and all the while, they are looking beyond you, or through you- anywhere but AT you! How frustrating and even degrading this can be!

Deep listening is healing.  It creates a unique connection between both the speaker and the listener.

Genuine listening is:

1. Focused and non-judgmental

2. Trying to understand the speaker's point of view

3. Staying focused

4. Acknowledging what is being said through nodding or occasional comments

5. Responding in love

6. Providing feedback

Are you a good listener? When was the last time you really tuned into what the other person was saying rather than thought about the next thing you were going to say? Can you think about a time you were NOT a good listener? How did you feel after the conversation?

Our most important listening "assignment" is to practice hearing the voice of our Lord. Proverbs 1:33 says, "But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure without fear of eveil." By giving God our full attention while He is speaking, we can know His heart for us and become more familiar to His gentle voice.

Remember, we have two ears and only one mouth. Today, may you be not only His mouthpiece of peace, but may you truly hear with His ears the cries of those who are hurting and alone all around you.

Following the path with you...

 

     God is a triune God and we are created in His image. We are spirit beings, we possess a soul, and we live in a body. God has made us as humans to live in a state of homeostasis or balance. There are many different levels of health, and people have their own perception of what state of health they are in. Levels of health can fluctuate throughout our lives and our health can constantly improve.

So what exactly is "health"? In the Jewish belief system, health, healing and wholeness were all part of the experience of living and worshipping. For them, to be healthy and whole, meant they were in right relationship to themselves, others, God and their environment. This is a foriegn concept to many of us in the west, where we tend to compartmentalize each area of life.

Today the World Health Organization defines health as "state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease."  We are all on our own individual journey in creating greater levels of health and wellness in our lives. Some continue to look for the perfect diet to help them lose weight. Others seek out help to help them stick to an exercise regimen. Still others join support groups or volunteer. The tools to help us achieve the level of wholeness we desire are as varied as the people who seek them.

Path of Life Health and Wellness exists to walk alongside you in that individualized journey, offering support and tips, recipes and nuggets of truth that I have found along my path. Let's share our stories, struggles and words of encouragment to help each other grow and flourish along this path called life.

Grace and peace on  your journey...