Consider the leaf TURNED.: Faith

Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts

Earlier this week, I was rereading my "Give Me Jesus" journal and was touched by my own words that I had written to God in the previous week. It was like I was reading someone else's words as I could barely remember writing this prayer myself. Maybe it's because my quiet time with the Lord is very early in the morning, sometimes before my first cup of coffee, or maybe it's because I have a serious case of Mommy Brain, or maybe God just wanted to stir my heart again.

I usually keep my own struggles between me and the Lord, but all week God has been telling me that I needed to share this prayer with others.

Maybe you're feeling the same way I am currently feeling, or just need a little encouragement to surrender it all to God, but here's the prayer that I wrote to God last week. I hope it touches your heart in the same way it keeps touching mine, every time I read it.

Heavenly Father,

Today I am struggling with my body. I don't quite understand why my body has gained so much weight and doesn't want to let it go. I eat healthfully, trying to honor my body, my temple, that You have given me.

Lord, Your word says that my joy, my happiness, comes from You - not my dress size. As I refocus my energy on You, please take care of the rest?

I want to focus my energy, my mind, on things that matter to You God. Give me Your eyes so I can see as You see, Lord.

And allow my heart to be filled with love, peace, and forgiveness, not just towards others but towards myself too.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

XOXO,

SMP

No cheats. No slips. No excuses. For 100 Days, I followed the Whole30 program and I couldn't be more thrilled by the results. Now, I'm not a newbie to the Whole30. My first adventure was in August 2012 and before this year's Whole100, I had completed 4 previous rounds. With every previous round, I would lose 5-6 pounds and then try to keep to 80/20 paleo. Some weeks would be better than others and those 5-6 pounds would slowly creep back on - usually in the form of bloat. I decided at the end of 2014, that I wanted to REALLY make this a way of life. I REALLY wanted to change my habits for good. The last 100 days have done exactly that.

I would say the first 30 days were just like every previous round - I felt better, had clearer skin, lost 5 lbs, but I had a list of things I still craved and desired. Then around Day 40, I had another dose of the magic. Something I hadn't experienced previously. My cravings were really diminishing. I was feeling GREAT, and my body was really changing. I was actually quite surprised on Day 61 that I hadn't lost any more weight because my body looked so different. On that day, I decided to break up with the scale for good because it truly does not tell my story.

The days kept flying by and it became easier and easier to remain on plan. I turned down my mother's lasagna at a family gathering without a problem. I wasn't even tempted to eat pizza during a get together at my husband's Crossfit Box. Off plan foods just weren't even interesting anymore. I honestly craved my nutritious and delicious foods that I had made a habit of creating every day. I fell in love with red cabbage and if you're following me on Instagram you have noticed that I've eaten it almost every day since I've discovered that I loved it.

My Whole100 Results

I decided to not weigh myself today because for the first time in forever, I don't care what the scale says. Coming from a person who used to weigh herself multiple times a day, this is a huge victory for me.
When I look at the progress photos above, I know that my body composition has changed. I'm less bloated and I'm down a dress/pants size. That tank top is an XL and I can now fit in a Medium sized shirt.
I lost 1 inch off my waist and 2.5 inches off my hips.
I've seen major progress in the gym - I've hit new PRs on my front squat and deadlift and I've been able to run during workouts without needing to take walking breaks.
I've solidified these new healthy eating habits and choosing real food, all the time, is just my new normal.

People keep asking me what I'm going to do now. If I've ordered a pizza or stuffed my face with a cupcake yet. And the answer is I'm eating the same stuff I ate yesterday and the day before. It's delicious and makes me feel great - why would I go back? Sure, if someone had a delicious, freshly baked cupcake in front of my face right now, I would consider eating it. But the difference is that before, just the thought of a cupcake would trigger my cravings and I would be heading straight to the kitchen to satisfy my sweet tooth. Instead, I have no compelling feeling as I type this.

I think I've finally taken control of my relationship with food.
It no longer controls me - I am in charge.
I am Whole30.

XOXO,
SMP

Faith is powerful, but it requires us to take action.

God's word says that if we have faith as small as a mustard seed, we could tell that mountain to move and it would move. So even if we have "enough" faith as the scripture says, we still have to TELL the mountain to move, in order for it to move. We can't just think it and believe it, we have to ACT on our faith.

These words apply to every area of our lives. When I think about my health journey, I know that I must not only have faith that I will see a change in my life, but I have to act on it. I have to ask God for wisdom every day to help me make the right decisions and then I must go and actually make those choices. We can't pray for God to help us lose weight, battle our addiction to food, and heal us of our medical conditions, if we are still binge eating on ice-cream and cookies. It's just not going to work.

So I pray today, that through this scripture you find motivation to step out of your comfort zone. To take a leap of faith. To take one action that leads you closer to your goals - whatever they may be. God promises to give you the strength to continue in this race, but you have to keep walking.

XOXO,

SMP

Before and after his Whole30

My father is my hero. In his younger days, he used to be a body builder and I remember being able to hang and swing holding onto his biceps. After a long car ride home, I would pretend to be asleep in the car, just so he could carry me in the house in his strong arms.

As the years went on and his priorities shifted from bodybuilding to becoming the first pastor of a Spanish speaking congregation in our small town in Pennsylvania and the founder of a local food bank, the weight started creeping on. He was (and is still) so committed to helping this community that his health took a back seat.

Due to the weight gain and poor diet, my father then developed poor circulation in his legs and cellulitis. Over the years, he's had two surgeries to address the issues and after an ER visit this past December, was headed for a third.

I had spoken to my family about the Whole30 since I discovered it back in August 2012, but they never thought it was feasible for them. After all, I come from a very Puerto Rican family that can live off of rice and beans alone. But after my dad's latest health concerns, he decided to embark on his own Whole30 journey.

About 10 days into his Whole30, feeling great and loving on his granddaughter Isabelle

I am so proud of his commitment and dedication over the last 30 days. I've seen with my very own eyes, how his energy has increased, how positive he feels about life, and how he went from needing 5-6 cups of coffee per day to only 1-2 cups. I've seen him reach for a piece of fruit for a snack instead of his usual crackers with peanut butter. I heard from my mom that he's sleeping so much better and longer at night. I've seen him preach on Sunday mornings with more fervor. I've seen his suits fit him so much better.

And most importantly, I've seen his inflamed leg return back to normal. In just 30 DAYS. See for yourself:

No medication, no surgery, just eating real food.

Is that not incredible?! FOOD IS MEDICINE!

By simply eating real foods like meat, vegetables, fruits, eggs, nuts, and avocados, he has taken his health into his own hands. Oh, and he also lost 23 pounds. TWENTY THREE POUNDS. No big deal.

My father is so encouraged by his results that he has officially decided to extend his Whole30 to a Whole60. In his own words,

"I give God all of the glory. Without His help, I couldn't do it. And I thank God that He gave Melissa and Dallas Hartwig all of this knowledge and wisdom to help so many people like me."

I couldn't be prouder. My father is my hero.

This picture was taken today, February 9th

And just because I love this picture...

On my wedding day, January 2012, before we knew anything about Whole30.

Philippians 4:13

Source

Philippians 4:13. This is probably the most quoted verse in the Bible after John 3:16. And even though it's so well known, I often have to repeat this verse to remind myself of its power. This verse says so much.

It does not say that I can only do the things I'm good at naturally. It does not say that I can do SOME things.

Sure, if I relied on my own knowledge and strength I would find myself facing many limitations. But when I rely on Christ, the cornerstone, I can do ALL THINGS.

All things.

Don't forget that.

It is truly hard to believe that we are at the halfway point of our pregnancy! I am getting more and more excited (and more and more nervous) about the reality of becoming parents. I feel so blessed and I can't wait to experience the next 20 weeks! They sure are going by mighty fast.

I also can't believe how much more I'm showing these days. And baby still has a lot more growing to do! It is amazing to see what our bodies have been designed to do.

6 weeks, 8 weeks, 13 weeks, and 15 weeks

16 weeks, 17 weeks, 18 weeks, 19 (almost 20) weeks

We continue to pray for a healthy second half of this pregnancy and a healthy and strong baby! We have chosen to not find out the gender of our little blessing, but I do have an inclination. We shall find out if a mother's intuition holds true. After all, I do have a 50% chance of being right! Either way, we will be thrilled.

Baby, we can't wait to meet you.

We know you're going to be so special

and will bring our family so much joy and love.

Love, Mommy & Daddy

Pinterest Source

Thank you, Lord.

Recently, I was given a new teen study Bible along with the other youth of my church. Since I teach Sunday School twice a month, it's nice to have the same version as my students. While I was waiting for my dinner to finish up in the oven, I decided to pop open the Bible for some quick spiritual nourishment. I found some additional notes on the meaning of the word endure that I just love and had to share with all of you.

The Hebrew word for "endures" is amad (aw-mad'). It means "to take a stand and refuse to be moved." To endure is to remain constant and never end. How incredible is it that God's mercy towards us is never ending. God has taken a stand on our behalf and refuses to be moved from our side.1

Amen to that.

1Extreme Teen Study Bible
Copyright 2012 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Source

10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?

She is more precious than rubies.

11 Her husband can trust her,

and she will greatly enrich his life.

12 She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.

13 She finds wool and flax

and busily spins it.

14 She is like a merchant’s ship,

bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household

and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.

16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it;

with her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She is energetic and strong,

a hard worker.

18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable;

her lamp burns late into the night.

19 Her hands are busy spinning thread,

her fingers twisting fiber.

20 She extends a helping hand to the poor

and opens her arms to the needy.

21 She has no fear of winter for her household,

for everyone has warm clothes.

22 She makes her own bedspreads.

She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.

23 Her husband is well known at the city gates,

where he sits with the other civic leaders.

24 She makes belted linen garments

and sashes to sell to the merchants.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity,

and she laughs without fear of the future.

26 When she speaks, her words are wise,

and she gives instructions with kindness.

27 She carefully watches everything in her household

and suffers nothing from laziness.

28 Her children stand and bless her.

Her husband praises her:

29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,

but you surpass them all!”

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;

but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.

31 Reward her for all she has done.

Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Proverbs 31:10-31 NLT

Dear Blog,

I am sorry for neglecting you. I have been very busy with work, church, and wifely duties. With everything on my plate, I needed to re-prioritize my daily activities. Unfortunately, I realized that I was letting you distract me from the what I really needed to get done. At the time, I decided to cut out blogging completely (I even quit Facebook for a week!), but I do miss you. However, when I should be working, I need to be working. When I should be at the gym, I need to be at the gym. When I should be cooking, cleaning, or just snuggling up with my husband, I need to be doing that. I just have to find a good time to fit you in. Maybe I go back to just once a week. We shall see. This is the first Saturday morning where I didn't have something planned, so I'm taking advantage. Actually, I was supposed to be on my way to NYC to meet up with my girls Steph and A'sha, but A'sha has been interviewing at different hospitals all over the place and we couldn't keep our date. A little disappointed, but I'm so proud of her! Med School is no joke and she has been so dedicated and focused. It's paying off now that so many different hospitals want to interview her!

Any who, here's what's been going on in my life.

GOOD FOOD JOURNEY:

I need to get back on track. Whenever I cook, I am still making good, real food, but we have let ourselves indulge in takeout or at restaurants a little more than we should be. My face is breaking out a lot more again, I feel sluggish, and I just don't feel as awesome as I did before. I probably have gained a few pounds, but I don't want to check. I said I was going to break up with my scale and I meant it. I'm gauging my need to clean things up by how I feel. And that was the whole point of the Whole30 right? To listen to your body? I thought so.

Here are a few delicious and nutritious meals that we have enjoyed. I'm taking this as a reminder that I feel so much better when I eat like this! I am more satisfied and generally happy about my food choices when they are colorful, flavorful and packed with good-for-me stuff. Don't forget this SMP!

Sausage, sweet potato, scrambled eggs, avocado, and cilantro

Chicken salad made with homemade mayo, mixed greens, stuffed in red pepper shells and carrots

Roasted butternut squash and it's roasted seeds!

Spanish Tortilla with potatoes, sausage, green peppers and onions

Sweet potato and cauliflower soup

Go BIG or Go HOME Salad: mixed greens, roasted broccoli, roasted butternut squash, roasted tomatoes, garlic chicken, and of course, avocado.

Roasted chicken (yes, I roast breast-side down) and potatoes (yes, white potatoes)

Lemon Rosemary potatoes and brussels sprouts

Bowl of comfortliciousness

Roasted cauliflower, golden beets and chicken wings

Even during Hurricane Sandy, we tried our best to maintain our Good Food principles:

Bacon on the grill

Eggs cooked in the bacon grease - amazing!

Thank God we still had gas for our grill!

PERSONAL STUFF:

We are also going through some personal stuff - within our home and within our family. No need to go into too much detail, but I just want my readers to know that I'm real. Everything isn't always peachy. Nothing's ever perfect. But despite the season that we and our loved ones are passing through, we are believing in God. Believing in His love, His mercy, His grace and His peace to bring us through the storm. There is nothing impossible for God, so we are standing on His promises.

Philippians 4: 6-7

Fresh red roses under the 1 Corinthians 13 sign in your bedroom is a welcomed reminder that LOVE NEVER FAILS.

IN OTHER NEWS, I cut my hair! Of course, I already miss my long hair, however I really needed the cut. It's much healthier now and I know it will grow fast. It always does.

Until next time!

XOXO,

SMP

Source

Psalm 103

Of David.

1 Praise the Lord, O my soul;

all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

2 Praise the Lord, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits—

3 who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion,

5 who satisfies your desires with good things

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The Lord works righteousness

and justice for all the oppressed.

7 He made known his ways to Moses,

his deeds to the people of Israel:

8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious,

slow to anger, abounding in love.

9 He will not always accuse,

nor will he harbor his anger forever;

10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve

or repay us according to our iniquities.

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his love for those who fear him;

12 as far as the east is from the west,

so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father has compassion on his children,

so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;

14 for he knows how we are formed,

he remembers that we are dust.

15 The life of mortals is like grass,

they flourish like a flower of the field;

16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,

and its place remembers it no more.

17 But from everlasting to everlasting

the Lord's love is with those who fear him,

and his righteousness with their children's children—

18 with those who keep his covenant

and remember to obey his precepts.

19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven,

and his kingdom rules over all.

20 Praise the Lord, you his angels,

you mighty ones who do his bidding,

who obey his word.

21 Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,

you his servants who do his will.

22 Praise the Lord, all his works

everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the Lord, O my soul.

(NIV)


Source

"I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart." Jeremiah 1:5

I have always loved this verse as well as this whole chapter. It spoke to me from a very young age. It told me that God knew who I was and who I was going to be before He even decided to plant my soul and spirit into my wonderful mother's womb. It means that I have a purpose.

And so do you.

Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

(Luke 9:23 NKJV)

Yesterday, on my way to a special anniversary church service at a sister church, I heard Casting Crowns' new song "Jesus, Friend of Sinners" on the radio. I had heard it once or twice before but this was the first time that I really listened to the lyrics. The song really struck a chord with my heart.

Jesus, Friend of Sinners

Songwriters: WEST, MATTHEW / HALL, MARK

Jesus, Friend of sinners we have strayed so far away
We cut down people in Your Name, but the sword was never ours to swing
Jesus, friend of sinners the truth's become so hard to see
The world is on their way to You but they're tripping over me
Always looking around but never looking up I'm so double minded
A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners break our hearts for what breaks Yours

Jesus, friend of sinners the one who's writing in the sand
Make the righteous turn away and the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember we are all the least of these
Let the memory of Your mercy bring your people to their knees

Nobody knows what we're for, only what we're against when we judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs, crossed over the lines and loved like You did?

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus friend of sinners break our hearts for what breaks yours

You love every lost cause; you reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame; they're the reason that You came
Lord I was that lost cause and I was the outcast
But you died for sinners just like me a grateful leper at Your feet

'Cause You are good, You are good And Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever
You are good, You are good and Your love endures forever

Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus friend of sinners break our hearts for what breaks Yours

And I was the lost cause and I was the outcast
Yeah...
You died for sinners just like me, a grateful leper at Your feet

The part of this song that hit me the most was the following line:

Nobody knows what we're for, only what we're against when we judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs, crossed over the lines and loved like You did?

Isn't this the truth? Are we missing the point as followers of Christ?

I pray that through my life people can see God's love, mercy, forgiveness, grace, and goodness.

I pray that they see Jesus reflected in me.

Nothing else. No judgement. No pointing fingers. No hate.

Just LOVE.

That's the message of Christ.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

NIV

Linking up with:

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Two years ago, my father went to Haiti on a missions trip with a group of others. It was a life changing experience for him. He saw many things that broke his heart, that frightened him, and although they spent a week in a medical tent providing simple care - he came back feeling like he didn't do enough. When asked if he would ever go back, he said he wasn't sure. In fact, he didn't talk much for days after his return. When he did, all he would say is "I can't forget the children of Haiti."

There were many things he experienced that scarred him for life - like hearing the cries of people being sacrificed as part of the pagan rituals that still occur in this country - and him not being able to save them.

Well God has big plans for him and God told him to go back. This time with a different mission - bringing the Word of God - the medicine for the soul. My dad, along with two other brothers from our church just landed yesterday in Port-au-Prince for a week long Jesus campaign.

Will you help me pray for them?

Please pray for protection, guidance, and for the message that is going to be delivered. Pray for the Haitians that their ears and hearts would be open to receive the message of Christ, the Lord, Our Savior. Please pray for many lives to be saved and for the safe return of my dad and his colleagues.

As a daughter, of course I worry a little bit about what he may face on his trip. But I trust that God is in control and He will be with my father. So today, and forever, I stand on the promise of Isaiah 41:10 and will not fear, because the Lord, our God, is with them. And this trip is for God's glory and I know that my father will be richly blessed for being obedient to the Lord.

Thank you in advance for your support and your prayers during this week. They are greatly needed!

A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.
(Psalm 23:1-6 NKJV)

Linking up with:

Inspired by the women of Internet Cafe Devotions, I will be participating in Word Filled Wednesdays. Psalm 18:2 originally states that The Lord is MY rock, but once I was joined to my husband, we became ONE. So the Lord is OUR rock and OUR fortress. Without the Lord, we wouldn't be where we are today, and we are so grateful for His eternal grace and mercy.

Original photo taken by my favorite photographer, Marjorie, another strong woman in Christ.

Linking up with:

1 Corinthians 13:13

Now those of you who know me very well will know that I love a song with a good drum beat. Especially when listening in my car, I will tap the steering wheel as if I'm playing a drum (I get that from my Papi who has played congas his whole life), or I will play the air drums like it's nobody's business.

The song "One thing remains" has been on constant repeat in my car the last couple of days. Not only does it have a killer drum build up that stirs up everything inside of me, the message is so simple, yet so true, and oh so powerful.

Lyrics

Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant through the trial and the change
One thing… Remains
One thing… Remains

Your love never fails, never gives up
Never runs out on me

Because on and on and on and on it goes
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never, ever, have to be afraid
One thing remains

In death, In life, I’m confident and
covered by the power of Your great love
My debt is paid, there’s nothing that can
separate my heart from Your great love...

No matter what we are going through, our God's love is GREATER, NEVER-ENDING, and will NEVER FAIL US.

XOXO,

SMP

Search This Blog

Prayer: For Those Struggling With Body Image

100 Days of Whole30 - Results are In!

Faith Without Action is Dead

Whole30 Recap: My Father's Story

I Can Do All Things...

Ohhhh, We're Halfway There...

God is a faithful God

Endures Forever.

Proverbs 31 - A Virtuous Wife

Dear Blog: I am sorry.

Psalm 103 - Praise the Lord, O my soul!

Word Filled Wednesdays - Jeremiah 1:5

Word-Filled Wednesdays - Luke 9:23

Jesus, Friend of Sinners

Word Filled Wednesdays - 1 Corinthians 10:31

"I can't forget the children of Haiti" - my dad

Never Forget - 9.11.01

Word Filled Wednesdays - Psalm 121:1

Word Filled Wednesdays - Psalm 18:2

One thing remains

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Sara-Marie

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