Ten Days to Go - How is your heart?

Well, here we are...10 days until Christmas. I've been swamped with no time to focus on writing here (I write a lot for paid work and that gets my time first!).  How about you?  Are you ready?  Are you stressed?  Do you remember the reason for the celebration?  How is your heart?

I'm as guilty as anyone about getting caught up in the rush to the "finish line" and forgetting to keep things in perspective...forgetting about the importance of the anticipation of Jesus.  That's what these 10 days should be about.  In ten days, we celebrate the fact that heaven opened up and sent THE Savior of the world.  God looked down on all that he'd created and realized we needed help.  In his incredible mercy, he took pity on the human race and delivered unto us a child.  But not just any child.  His child.

As a new mother, I cannot imagine sending my child out into this cruel world...to die a horrible death...to suffer at the hands of others...to save selfish, ungrateful, unkind...me.  Yet, I am immeasurably humbled at the thought that while I was still an enemy of God, he chose to redeem me with his own son and he chose a young, inexperienced, unassuming, but sold-out girl to do it.  Of course, Mary did not know at first what would be asked of her child, how her mommy heart would be broken.  What a gift that the Lord did not reveal to her the fullness of His plan, because she might not have been able to handle it.  I don't think I could have.  Thank you, Lord for loving me.  For demonstrating your love and compassion by walking alongside those who are willing to walk in your way - even when it doesn't make sense to them, You steady their path and give light to the next step leading them to Your will.  Thank you most of all for Jesus.

Luke 1: 30-38
30But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 

34“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

35The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37For no word from God will ever fail.”

38“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

 

Christmas Craziness

Is it me or has the Christmas craziness already started?  Okay, I know it's December, but still!  Shopping, decorating, cooking, scheduling parties, Santa pics, ordering Christmas cards, don't forget stamps, oh and the holiday office parties...whew.  I'm exhausted already.

During the hustle and bustle, be sure to take time to breathe. You should know by now that I'm a big believer in the importance of being physically, emotionally and spiritually well.  Take time to relax and to take care of yourself.  Nourish yourself with plenty of good food - not the crap on the center of the conference table (yes, I know about that).  Drink plenty of water - the winter air and central heating dry you from the outside in.  And be sure to take time to rest and meditate on the reason for the season.

Yesterday was the first day of December and the first day of Advent.  I've never really paid too much attention to Advent.  I came to Christ as an adult and in a relatively nontraditional church.  Now I attend a very nontraditional church.  Advent always seemed like something for Catholics or more orthodox Christians.  But the more I know my God, the more I revere his presence.  The more I want to find intentional ways to stop and BE WITH Him.  Advent is about the anticipation of Christ's birth - the Savior of the world coming in the flesh for you and for me.  We are observing Advent in our home by reading specific passages each day from yesterday through Christmas day.  We have to do it at dinner, because it's just the only moment when we are all settled in the same place together and able to give the Scripture and each other our undivided attention.  It works and we believe is establishing a wonderful tradition for our family!

The house is decorated.  Gifts have been purchased.  All that remains is the arrival of the most special guest.  Be healthy!

Do you eat for any other reason?

I was reviewing a client history form recently and came across this question of her - do you eat for any other reason [than to nourish your body]?  I think we all do.  I do. My guess is that you do too. 

The truth is that food and drink are part of our lives in many different ways.  Coffee as a morning ritual; birthday and wedding cakes; champagne to toast the new year; lamb at Easter; and potato latkes for Hanukkah. These are just some of the well-recognized ways that food is part of our lives.

You may have your own food rituals or habits.  Usually the center around other people and social events. As we approach the holiday season, there'll be lots of these.

There's nothing wrong with having these rituals or using food for more than just fuel.  One reason dieting can be stressful and one reason they fail is that a dieter may feel a sense of loss or over-restriction.  If an (non-medically necessary) eating plan makes it hard to participate in celebrations with your friends and family, it's unlikely to last. 

Source

The truth is that you can enjoy your favorite foods AND adopt a healthy lifestyle (see my Thanksgiving tips. The secret is moderation - a small serving will do - and balance - 80% super nutritious foods and up to 20% indulgence. A registered dietitian can help you create a plan and provide the support and (gasp!) accountability that you may need to learn to successfully navigate these food-filled events. 

Celebrate the season.  Enjoy a small cup of eggnog, slice of pecan pie, or gravy on your turkey.  Don't go overboard.  And don't feel guilty.  Be healthy!