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The Direction of…..Pineapples??

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The Direction of…..Pineapples??

The life of a 13 year old…..I am finding out it is quite different from what I remember at that age. My daughter recently turned the big 1-3 and it has been a roller coaster. Nowadays, she is in to pineapples! Pineapple everything….pineapple socks, pineapple necklaces, pineapple stickers, pineapple wallpaper (Iphone), pineapple earrings….everything is a pineapple. When I asked her why pineapples, she had no answer; it is “just the direction” she is headed right now. Next week or next month, it may be something different, but for now, the direction is pineapples. Sigh!

We all go in different directions at times. Most recently, I took a little bit of a “time out” just to see where I was headed in life. I find that is very much needed at times. Plus, sometimes you have to pause, fight some battles, put out some fires, and put that superhero cape right back on. Life has a way of navigating us off course. So, pausing is good!

Regardless of which direction we are headed, we have to remember, that we never stop learning, especially from one another. I am taking some wonderful small group classes, and the people that surround me teach me so much about life and love. We are geared towards learning…it’s in our DNA.


The pursuit to know more, be more, and do more really is a part of our ‘make up’, but these qualities can lead us off course when not balanced with wisdom and a clear knowing of OUR divine destiny.

As we approach this Resurrection Sunday, let’s take a moment to pull out the magnifying glasses to truly examine our lives. Are we just going through the motions? Have we lost our peace….joy….love for others, or even pursuit of Jesus? Has restlessness, hurt, or even anxiety become the norm? God uses these things as warnings, sort of red flags, to get us to slow down or even caution us that we are headed in the wrong direction. We can’t successfully journey with “baggage”…it truly gets us nowhere!

This Easter weekend, celebrate life….celebrate new beginnings….celebrate Jesus!

Let’s Live!

Tekeela

Health/Wellness

Embracing Boundaries

by tekeelab2 Comments on Embracing Boundaries
Embracing Boundaries

I am trying to wrap my head around the fact that 2018 is almost gone! Gone! I miss summer already.  This time of the year with the time change, means less day time hours which can affect many in more ways than one.  Less daylight hours mixed with the upcoming holidays can be a bit overwhelming.  Embracing boundaries can be a useful tool to keep us on track.  Boundaries are essential to maintain a balance. 

Some may cringe at the very sound of ‘boundaries’ suggesting it is always negative in connotation but boundaries can be a key to maintain peace.

One of my favorite past times, now that the weather is cooler,  is to walk around my neighborhood.  I am always on the lookout for neighbors who may be in the yard so I can pause and chat a bit.  At one particular house, I am on full alert because they have a dog that always seems to pop up out of nowhere.  The funny thing is that they also have an invisible fence which should put me at ease, but it does not.  As much as I prepare for that dog, he always catches me off guard.  The reason is,  I can pass by his house one or two times, and there is no sign of him.  But, just when I let my guard down, he flies from the back of the house, and he runs as fast as he can until he reaches the invisible fence.

I am so grateful for that fence even though I cannot see it.  It serves as a healthy boundary between me and the dog.  It protects me because…let’s just say I don’t want to know what that dog will do to me.  The fence also protects the dog from me.  That is his yard..his territory, and I have no right passing that boundary line.

Psalms 16:5 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance (NIV).

Psalms 16:5 is one of my favorite verses.  It indicates that God has boundary lines for each of us. We are all different; we all have a purpose and a destiny.  Those boundary lines serve as a way to keep us in our own lane in other words.  They remind us of our limitations, but they also challenge us to reach higher when we haven’t reached our fullest potential so that we can acquire our delightful inheritance.

Often, when I am tired,  and my children are busy talking or want to interrupt, I will ask them to ‘give me a moment’.   I may need a moment because I need to get my thoughts together.  That small response serves as a boundary as well.  It helps me and them because, when I am not at my best,  they won’t get the best me.

As we head into the holidays, let’s remember to set boundaries.  We want to reach our abounding potential and purpose during this season.  We also want to give others our best and not just our leftovers because we are tired.  Boundaries are good…boundaries are ok, and boundaries can help us to maintain a balance.

What about you?  Do you struggle with setting boundaries?  Do you believe God wants to challenge you more because you have not reached the boundary lines for your destiny?

Let’s live!

Tekeela

Health/Wellness

Identity: So Much Is Settled When We Know Who We Are!

by tekeelabLeave a Comment on Identity: So Much Is Settled When We Know Who We Are!
Identity: So Much Is Settled When We Know Who We Are!

School is back in session which somewhat signifies the end of summer.  I have traded in the sound of kids running in the neighborhood for the many after school updates from my middle schooler.  She always has a very detailed update to provide as soon as she opens the car door. I must admit that my curiosity often peaks as to what happened during the school day so I often find myself rushing through the car rider line to catch up on the latest scoop! I remember, oh so well, being in middle school; a very crucial time of body changes and acceptance (among so much more).  It is a time when identity can be misconstrued and even at that young age, our minds begin to battle about who we are.

Even into adulthood, we struggle with identity.  In an age of social media and quick access to almost anything, we can battle with identity because our minds are being infiltrated with images (almost nonstop) of what other imperfect human beings label as being acceptable or unacceptable.  This then, can create an open door for Satan to wage war on our minds, wearing us down until our identity is left in question.

I like to give an example of: if someone called you an apple or a rock, that probably wouldn’t bother you that much.  Why? Because you know in your heart and mind that you are not an apple or a rock!  That statement would more than likely roll right off your shoulders, and not affect you at all. We should have the same approach when the enemy tries to whisper to our minds, that we “are a loser”, “not pretty”, “never will make it”, “not like other women/men” and the list goes on and on!

The truth is, so much is settled when we know who we are and whose we are!

God in His perfection created us. He is the same God who put those bright, shiny stars in the sky.  He is the same God who intricately divided the land to form continents, countries, even down to states and towns.  He is the same God who created vast amounts of water to create the oceans, lakes, and rivers that surround us. He perfectly made everything that we see and even what we don’t see for that matter (heaven).  So why, when it comes down to creating us, would He all of a sudden, not be perfect? God is perfect and He perfectly designed each of us even down to the most delicate detail.

Psalms 139:13  (New Living Translation) You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. 

Therefore, we cannot let an imperfect enemy (Satan), imperfect past, imperfect generation before us, and certainly not another imperfect human define who we are!

Genesis 1:27 (New Living Translation) So God created human beings in His own image.  In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them. 

We have to constantly walk closely with God so we can always hear what He says about us. His approval and acceptance of us trumps everyone else’s.  He will guide us and always lovingly bring us back to Him when we are off track.  In our different seasons of life, He is always there to cheer us on and remind us of just who we are!

 

Let’s live!

Tekeela

food

Veggies, Veggies, and more….Veggies!

by tekeelabLeave a Comment on Veggies, Veggies, and more….Veggies!
Veggies, Veggies, and more….Veggies!

We all heard growing up that we ‘must eat our vegetables’.  While some of us may have mastered this task, getting the recommended servings each day can be a challenge.  I love the idea of eating lots of veggies because it is a way to fill our plates up without adding alot of calories.  Plus, they add lots of needed vitamins and minerals.  Fiber from vegetables can aid in weight loss, lower cholesterol levels, and assist with proper bowel function.

According to Choosemyplate.gov (click on link for more tips),  “the amount of veggies we need to eat depends on our age, sex, and level of physical activity“.

While we may have some vegetables that are our least favorite, there are so many to choose from!  Below are some tips to add veggies to each of your meals and snacks:

Breakfast

Add veggies to omelets.  Veggies such as spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and peppers can add color and taste to those boring eggs.

Add veggies to smoothies.  Veggies such as spinach and kale is a sneaky way to get the veggies in without sacrificing the taste of the smoothie.  Adding avocado can give your smoothie a rich texture.

Add veggies to juices.  Juicing is back on the scene and is a perfect way to toss in veggies that maybe we normally wouldn’t choose (beets and radishes).

Lunch 

Add veggies to salads.  Salads are a go to for lunch but they don’t have to be boring.  Choose dark, leafy veggies such as spinach or kale to be the base of your salad.   Change the veggies from day-to-day (also salad dressing) to give you a different taste.  Don’t overlook veggies such as red cabbage, scallions, snow peas and green peppers which can add a lot of flavor to your salad.

Add veggies to your sandwiches and wraps.  Just like with salads, choose different veggies to change the taste.  Drizzle olive oil or even use pesto to add more flavor to your salad/wrap.

Dinner

Add veggies as the main side to your dinner.   There are so many veggies (click on link) to choose from so be creative.  Try roasting them in the oven to add variety ( just rub on the olive oil and season).

Snacks

Yes! Veggies can be wonderful for snacks as well.  Ditch the carrots and cucumbers (maybe) and opt for sliced zucchini, squash, or peppers.  These are great uncooked and if you have already used them in your morning omelet or salad,  just save some over for snacking.  Sweet potatoes when roasted may satisfy the sweet tooth (especially if you sprinkle on some cinnamon).  Finally, make up some kale chips (hmmm) by roasting kale.  I had to save that one for last because kale chips may sound a bit interesting but don’t knock them until you try them!

Challenge yourself!  See how many vegetable servings you can get in a day!  I would love to hear from you!

Let’s Live,

Tekeela

 

 

 

 

 

Health/Wellness

Stress Eating….My Love for Gummy Savers!

by tekeelab2 Comments on Stress Eating….My Love for Gummy Savers!
Stress Eating….My Love for Gummy Savers!

I don’t exactly remember when my  love for gummy savers started.  I have always had a sweet tooth but my fondness for gummy savers may even surpass the ‘sweet tooth’ adage.

Before I continue, I need to disclose that I know there is nothing healthy or nutritious about gummy gavers…absolutely nothing!  It is pure sugar and artificial flavors (not to mention all the other ‘not so good’ ingredients).  That often does not stop me though!  I have come to realize that if I am having a stressful or busy day, I want gummy savers.  If I am rushing around or preparing for a busy week, my mind goes to gummy savers. I knew I had it ‘bad’ when I started receiving gummy savers as birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, Valentine’s gifts or gifts for any occasion, and I was perfectly happy!  Ecstastic!  I had my final “aha” moment when I purposely decided to cut back.  It was hard!

Often times, there is a link between the foods/things we constantly crave.  We can become emotional or even stress eaters and this requires a shift to being aware of what we are eating and why we are eating!  Of course we want our food to taste good, but we also want it to provide the nutrients we need for energy to carry out our daily activities.

I wish I could say that I have mastered the consumption of gummy savers, but I haven’t.  I have cut way back and try to think of them as more of a treat.  I have also tried to find more healthy food choices that I can substitute when I have cravings for gummy savers.  Planning ahead helps too.  If I know my day is going to be busy or a bit stressful, I keep fruit or nuts nearby.  I have also found that it is best that I don’t keep gummy savers in the house (yikes)!

So, if you find yourself constantly craving a food item or thing, take a moment to make sure there is no link between it and your emotions.  Remember, we are our very best when we are healthy and making healthy choices!

Let’s Live!

Tekeela

Health/Wellness

A Change in Perspective…

by tekeelab2 Comments on A Change in Perspective…
A Change in Perspective…

So last week was a pretty full but fun week.  It was so refreshing to sort of continue the celebration of Resurrection Sunday with a break from the norm.  I was able to spend the first part of the week in beautiful Charleston.  I think what I love most about Charleston is the good food.  Well….I’m sort of torn between the good food and beautiful scenery but since I love to eat, food WINS.  We did something a little different this time by researching some of the best but maybe hidden restaurants.  And when I say we should never judge a book by its cover…some of the restaurants could have easily been overlooked by the outside appearance but on the inside….the food was truly a hidden gem.  I normally would not suggest eating BBQ, pizza and fried seafood within a 2 day span but sometimes you “gotta do what you gotta do” (1 life…just live)! By the third day, a salad and water was all I could lift my fork (and cup) to. We did a ton of walking so that helped with the overconsumption of food.

Finally, I wrapped up my week by going to Denver (training). I had never been to Denver but it was so pretty and I appreciated the beautiful plains (being a rural girl myself) and breathtaking mountain views.  Those views made me reflect on just how big God is.  As a matter of fact, the entire week made me think about our amazing God.  He created those hands that prepare and serve good food day in and out.  He created the amazing water views in Charleston and those soaring mountains in Denver.  He gave us the ability to love and bring joy to each other…even those we just pass during our busy days.

I think sometimes, we just need a change of perspective….a break from the norm.  It doesn’t mean we have to travel out of town.  Simply taking a different route home or going on a scenic walk—perhaps holding a conversation with someone you would never talk to or even visiting an elderly relative/neighbor would be a change! Let’s never lose our focus of what life is truly about.

Let’s Live!

Tekeela