17Jun
Tyra Lane-KingslandHome Life, Real Life 2

5 Tips for Raising Fit Kids

5-6 days a week. That’s how often I workout. I plan and prepare healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner for myself. It takes more effort at my age and after having 5 children then throw in genetics and I’ve really got to work hard to keep my temple operating at peak performance.

 

But do I go through the same lengths to ensure that my children are living well mind, body and spirit? I consistently feed their spirit by modeling my relationship with God before them, raising them rooted in the word of God and placing them in environments that affirm what I’ve already presented to them. Their minds are nourished when I attentively listen to them, show them how to embrace the now moment, spend quality time with them, and create opportunities for them to express themselves and to shine. Finally, I nourish their bodies by bringing food into the home that adds to not detracts from their health. But in addition to that, I’ve got to ensure that they are physically active.

 

The typical American lifestyle today is sedentary. Children are attached to television, desktops, laptops, DS, Smartphones, tablets and the like. When I was a child, I was outside playing. Outside in torrential Boston snow in the late 70’s and early 80’s. And it was REAL accumulation not just a few inches. I was outside when it was HOT and our only means of cooling down was taking a dip in the forceful current flowing from the fire hydrant. I was outside playing tag, mother may I, hide and go seek, hop scotch, double Dutch, hot peas and butter and red light/green light (am I telling my age?). When I was a child, I played and played hard!

 

So let me ask you, “Are you creating an environment for your child that promotes physical activity”?

 

The behaviors that are established in our youth carry us into our adulthood. We want to raise children who value honoring the temple through proper nourishment, rest and exercise.

 

Here are my 5 Tips For Raising Fit Kids

 

  1. Model The Behavior

It starts with us. Do they see us actively engaging in some form of physical activity? Even my two-year old recognizes exercise. When he sees me in my leggings grabbing my sneakers he says, “Mommy, you do exercise?” Oh, it just warms my heart. Then he proceeds to join me, even if just for a brief moment in my daily routine.

hold plank

lift weights

 

  1. Proactively Create Opportunities

Have you created time in your children’s schedule for daily exercise? Our children’s day can be so jammed packed that it squeezes out time for physical activity. Even if it’s 15 minutes of outside time right after school, ensure you’ve given time for physical activity.

Health Expo

 

 

  1. Know What They Like

Know what type of physical activity your children enjoy then create opportunities for them to DO that activity. My 2nd born isn’t that interested in a great deal of physical activity. He’s much more content with a big pile of Legos. But he loves his scooter and somewhat likes bike riding. He likes to take his scooter with him to the park. Now that used to annoy me because he’d ask for it when I was already driving away from the house to head to the park or he’d be careless with it after riding it for 10 minutes. So I’ve had to be flexible and create room for him to bring it and coach him on being more responsible with his things.

Tennis

 

 

  1. Make It Fun

In order for me to want to get through my workout, it has to be somewhat enjoyable (I’m not one who naturally thinks exercise is FUN. I hear that those people do exist but I’m not one of them). So for ourselves and for our children we should engage in physical activity that gets us smiling and having a good time. I bought my daughter an ankle skip ball and I even enjoy that one. My 1st born is really into dancing these days so Zumba type workouts appeal to her. My 4th born LOVES sports so his idea of fun is to bring out 2 bikes, a soccer ball, tennis rackets, scooters, golf clubs and a basketball and of course he wants me to do all those activities with him.

Hoola Hoop

 

Skip Ball

 

 

 

  1. It’s A Family Affair

Invite them to join you during some of your exercise routines. Let them come up with an exercise of the week. Plan family bike rides, hikes, relay races, and more. I’ve even known some families to come up with Olympics style games. And if you can’t get around to planning a special outing, you can all just DANCE! Chances are you’ve got music on your smartphone. So play an upbeat song and get moving!

hold plank

Fit Kids

bike riding

By employing the above strategies you are well on your way to Raising Fit Kids. Your children will proactively participate in establishing good habits that will benefit them for a lifetime. They will #ChooseWell and honor their temples through proper nourishment, rest and exercise and will experience living fully. What a wonderful legacy you will impart to them that will benefit generations to come.

 

Exercise must be coupled with proper nutrition. CLICK HERE to read more on getting them to eat right.

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!
Happy to connect with A Little R & R

15Jun
Tyra Lane-KingslandHome Life, Real Life 14

Summer Slow Down

7 more days. Really?! Seven more school days until the completion of the 2014-2015 school year. Of my 5 children, 3 are in school. Our school year has been greatly extended because of many snow days and delayed openings. And not only does it mark the completion of the school year but also a break from their STEM club and Boy Scouts.

 

With the intensity of their schoolwork, extra curricular activities, my home, business and ministry commitments, we are all in need of the summer slow down. I usually have their summer calendar FULL by April. From VBS and camps to vacations and festivals, that calendar is jammed packed. Not this year friends.

 

I’ve taken a different approach. As always (well, almost all the time), I’ve followed the Holy Spirit’s leading. He gently showed me that some of my family’s joy and fun have been squeezed out. As stated earlier, with the intensity of our day-to-day activities and my husband starting a new job, fun has been in “Life’s” clutches struggling to get free.   So I release FUN from its restraints. We will bask in the summer slow down, embrace the now moment and have fun.

 

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

 

Lord I resolve not to allow “Doing Life” to squeeze You out, squeeze fun out, squeeze joy out. I will find my delight in You Oh Lord and will reflect your glory and fullness of joy onto my loved ones. And with the reflection of your glory I will command the atmosphere in my home to be saturated with love, joy, peace and fun.

 

To embrace the summer slow down and have fun I’ve left the calendar pretty open. The 3 oldest will have one week of camp each and we’ve got one family vacation planned otherwise, we’ll figure it out as we go along.  I’ll have the children create at least 20 things they want to do and we’ll put them in a jar and pick.

 

And so far we are off to a great start. I went to an all-day jazz concert with a friend who is witty and kept me in stitches. The children have had fun hanging out at The National Harbor, a pool party, eating out (which is a real treat because we usually eat at home) a health and fitness expo, and a water gun battle. Now if mommy and daddy can get a date night….

 

Some of my personal favorite ways of summer slow down:

 

~Reading historical Christian fiction

~Going to the beach

~Going to a concert

~Sitting in a coffee shop with my laptop and a steaming cup of Joe (this is a rare treat)

~Sitting on the front step of my home, gazing out onto the water, listening to the birds and geese.

 

What are you doing to embrace the summer slow down and have fun? Let me hear from you. If you are challenged with granting yourself permission to have fun, CLICK HERE.

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

Happy to connect with these friends encouraging the Body Life Giving Linkup, Purposeful Faith, Dance With Jesus, Grace & Truth

12Jun
Tyra Lane-KingslandHome Life, Nourishing Life 2

Chipotle {At Home}

Simple Menu + Humble Ingredients = Success

 

Chipotle has managed to take a few simple items and strike gold. Everyone loves Chipotle. From children to seniors, burritos bowls to guac, everyone loves almost everything about Chipotle. Since you love nearly everything about Chipotle, why not save yourself some time (you know how those lines can be during the lunch rush), some added sodium and fat and prepare Chipotle at home.

 

This is a family favorite in my house. I just line everything up and each person (except my 2 year old) assembles his or her own bowl.

 

Chipotle {At Home}

 

Cilantro Lime Rice

2 cups cooked brown rice

zest of 1 lime

¼ cup cilantro chopped

2 tbsp olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

 

Mix all ingredients together.

 

Cilantro Lime Rice

Black Beans

 ½ lb cooked black beans *

1 cup reserved bean juice or water

1 onion diced

1 large clove garlic minced

3 tbsp olive oil

2 tsp ground cumin

salt and pepper to taste

braggs liquid aminos (optional)

 

Heat olive oil over medium heat. Saute onion for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook another minute. Add the rest of ingredients and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes.

 

*For more on how I always keep cooked beans on hand and not from a can, click here.

Black beans

 

Roasted Peppers and Onions

1 large red onion halves and sliced

1 pepper (sweet or green) sliced

1 tsp chili powder

salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400. Toss all ingredients and roast on baking sheet for 15 minutes or until brown on edges.  Turn vegetables midway through cooking time.

Roasted Veggies

 

Guacamole

2 ripe avocados

juice of ½ lime

3 tbsp cilantro chopped

2 tbsp red onion diced

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tbsp jalapeno chopped (optional)

salt and pepper to taste

Cut avocado and deseed. Scoop out avocado and mash with fork.  Add remaining ingredients and mix.

Guacamole

 

Corn

Trader Joe’s Roasted Corn

Just heat.

Corn

 

 

Proudly set out your Chipotle {At Home}, assemble your bowl and enjoy. This is also a great meal to double or quadruple to feed the masses.

Burrtios

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

10Jun
Tyra Lane-KingslandNourishing Life 1

Eat Right All Summer Long

The cloying smell of burning coals finds its way to your nose. The intoxicating aroma draws you in. You begin to salivate as you can practically taste the offerings that will soon be delivered from the grill.

 

Even though I don’t eat most of the food generally served at cookouts, the smell of those coals still does something to me. So I’m here to share with you the tips I employ to choose well when attending summer gatherings.. The season is upon us. You are soon to be bombarded with cookout invitations, birthday parties, backyard get togethers and the like.

 

Charred meat. Saturated fat. Sugar. Alcohol.

 

Barbecue Ribs. Potato Salad. Macaroni Salad. Baked Beans. Punch. Cake. Soda.

 

This is just some of what you can expect to find at the next BBQ. Nonetheless, you will be duly equipped to choose well. I can still enjoy the food, fellowship and fun while making an active decision to choose well.

 

Tyra’s Tips for Choosing Well At Summer Gatherings

 

Be Sensitive To The Hostess

Who really wants to deal with an obnoxious, self-righteous food nazi? Nobody. So no need to make big public declaration about not eating those charred rib because of the carcinogens (just keep that info to yourself). As others enjoy their BBQ, don’t highlight the fat and sugar grams in each item they’ve consumed. I offer information if I’m specifically asked about my food choices.

 

Avoid Mayonnaise Laden Dishes

Aside from the fact that dairy based dishes don’t really hold well in the heat given it’s been sitting outside for a while, you may want to minimize the added saturated fat and calories of mayo based dishes, esp. if you are working on your beach body. Bathing suits and sundresses here I come.

 

 Watch The Sugar

With the soda and sweet treats that usually make an appearance at summer gathering, you may have to exercise some restraint. When chatting and socializing in hot weather, it’s easy to drink several sodas. Then top that off with some cake and popsicles and you’ve probably exceeded your recommended daily allowance of added sugar. Need a sweet treat? Reach for a slice of watermelon. Watermelon is highly alkaline and super hydrating.

 

Travel With Food

I’m infamous for traveling with my own food. Today, it’s pretty common to have a vegetarian, vegan or whole food eater in a group. But years ago it wasn’t so popular. And quite often people simply did not know how to accommodate my dietary choices and frankly I didn’t want to place that burden on them so I just travelled with my own food. Often, I’ll make sure I’ve eaten well before arriving at the event so that I will not be tempted by the cakes and chips. I also like to bring the hostess a dish. This always ensures that at a minimum I can eat the item I’ve brought. Below is one of my favorite summer items to bring. It is very adaptable and can easily be doubled or quadrupled to feed the masses.

 

Black Bean and Corn Salad

 

2 cups cooked black beans * (rinsed)

1 cup corn kernels

2 stalks scallions diced

½ sweet pepper diced

1 avocado cubed

1 tbsp olive oil

juice and zest of ½ lime

2 tbsp cilantro chopped

2 tsp ground cumin

salt and pepper to taste

 

Toss all ingredients together. Chill for a few hours for flavors to combine.

Black Bean Salad

 

As stated, this recipe is very adaptable. Sometimes I make a sweet version by adding diced mango and 1 tbsp honey. I vary the color of the sweet pepper based on what I have in the fridge. I’ve added jalapeno if I want to little kick. I like to use raw corn shucked right off the cob but Trader Joe’s also has a good frozen roasted corn that would work well in this dish. Have fun with it.

 

For more on cooking beans and having them fresh and always readily available so you don’t have to use canned, click here.

 

You are now armed and ready to choose well when attend your next summer gathering. In fact, these tips can be used to eat right all summer long.

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

09Jun
Tyra Lane-KingslandReal Life, Spiritual Life 16

Engaged In Spiritual Battle

I am weary. I am weak. I am worn. But I stand.

 

Having done all to stand, I still stand. It seems as if I’ve been in an ongoing spiritual battle. Perhaps the battle has been underway for a very long time. Perhaps I’m just coming to the realization of what’s been going on. I thank the Lord that He has given me greater sensitivity, “eye to see” and “ears to hear” what He is doing in the earth. The rate at which he’s been revealing has been accelerated and I stand in awe that He longs to show me great and mighty things. Though being a recipient of these revealed mysteries has not been without a fight.

 

At every turn it seems as if plans have been thwarted, dreams have been obliterated, and relationships fractured. But God…I stand on his word and I stand on His promise that no weapon formed against me shall prosper. They may form, and they may even try to take root, but they will not prosper.

 

My General, my Commander is Jehovah Sabaoth, The Lord of Hosts. He is the head and has all sovereignty in heaven and on earth. And He goes before me in battle. Radiant in all His glory He leads us into battle.

 

Who is the King of glory?

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies—

he is the King of glory.

Psalm 24:10

 

What He’s shown me is He is simply looking for you! Yes you. His eyes are looking on the earth for those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. Friend as we worship, we fall in line, right behind Jehovah Sabaoth. He is flanked by angels and believers of times past. His army is ever growing. And while it appears that the enemy has an even larger army with more powerful weaponry, He wants you to open your spiritual eyes so that you can SEE.

 

So he answered, “Do not fear,

for those who are with us are

more than those who are with

them.” And Elisha prayed, and

said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes

that he may see.” Then the Lord

opened the eyes of the young man,

and he saw. And behold, the mountain

was full of horses and chariots of fire

all around Elisha.

2 Kings 6:16-17

 

And how do you open your spiritual eyes to see this reality, His reality? Through worship.

 

Thank you God for opening my eyes to see so that I do not have to fear. Friend, neither do you have to fear. Just be strong and courageous.

 

In the midst of battle last week, I called a friend to pray. Having other strong believers to unite with in prayer is crucial. And while we were connected physically on the phone, we were both filled with an immense awareness of the mighty moves that were taking place as our spirits connected. My friend told me to “Stand and Watch. Stand and Watch”. And just today, another friend, without prior knowledge of last week’s conversation sent me precisely the word applicable to my current situation. Which also happened to be a RIGHT ON TIME word for a different friend with whom I had been praying just earlier in the day. You see, this is how God operates. We are all spirits and when we worship him in spirit and in truth, His truth resonates through the body of believers and we see the TRUE CHURCH! A united body of believers not only connected within a physical church but whose spirit are available and united to carry out kingdom activity in the spirit realm.

 

Standing, watching, fully engaged in battle. Shoulders almost unable to bear the weight, calf muscles feel like they’re on fire but I stand.

 

Now then, stand still and watch

this great thing the LORD

is going to do right before your eyes.

1 Samuel 12:16

 

But you will not even need to fight.

Take your positions; then stand still

and watch the LORD’s victory. He is

with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem.

Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out

against them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you!”

2 Chronicles 20:17

 

While I stand having done all to stand, I am still weary. Donning each piece of my spiritual armor is taxing.   The armor is extremely heavy. I feel like my spiritual legs resemble my natural legs after doing 50 straight squats. I’m sweaty and quite frankly maybe even a little smelly but…

 

I’m STILL STANDING!

 

I’ve been listening to Chris Tomlin’s “Whom Shall I Fear” for weeks now. You can read more about that and what to do when under attack by clicking here. It is because of my worship that I’m still standing. It is because of my worship that I can SEE Jehovah Sabaoth right before my eyes. It is because of my worship that I can patiently wait.

 

And while I stand and wait and worship, God is faithful to continue ministering to me. He gave me a new song this week that continues to minister hope and love and peace.

When you are open, God can and will use different medium to minister his grace and truth to your spirit. It may be a song, a line of scripture, a word from a Pastor, or even a blog post. And for me right now the message continues to be to stand and my song, Jonathan Butler’s “I Stand On Your Word”, confirms it.

 

So friend, I invite you to join me in prayer. We must be ever so sensitive as to what is happening in the spirit realm so we can move and act accordingly. While I am engaged in spiritual battle, I stand. In standing we are not just passively waiting, our spiritual muscles are engaged and we worship.

 

Eternal God, Most Gracious and Holy Father, you alone are the only wise God. It is to you we look for direction. You are all knowing and all powerful. And right in the midst of holding the universe together, you are concerned about us. You see us, you know us and you love us and for that we just say thank you. We thank you for purifying our hearts and making us new. Jehovah Sabaoth, the enemy has been relentless in his attacks against us but we thank you that you’ve given your angels charge over us and they bear us up. We thank you that you deliver us from the evil one’s snare. By the authority given to us we cancel every plot or scheme devised to bring us harm. We cast the imps of division, strife, rebellion, fear, anxiety, depression, and confusion back into the pit of hell. You O God are our refuge; our fortress and a very present help in the time of trouble. Out of your immense love for us, you will deliver us, honor us and satisfy us with long life and for that we say thank you. With the fruit of our lips we say thank you. We lift holy hands and say thank you. You are worthy to be praised! Amen.

 

Still Standing!

 

Inspired Fully

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

Delighted to connect with others encouraging the Body of Christ @ Purposeful Faith, Life Giving Linkup, Grace and Truth , Dance With Jesus

05Jun
Tyra Lane-KingslandNourishing Life 6

Raw Chocolate Truffles

One of my all-time favorite desserts is the Lindt Lindor Truffle.   You can read more about my love affair with those here. They are luscious, creamy dreamy little bites of heaven. At the start of 2015 I went on a 10-day raw food cleanse. During the cleanse I got a bad Jones for the truffles. As to not give in and break my cleanse, I had to come up with a viable solution and here it is. Love at first bite. And it’s guilt free indulgence as it contains only good for you ingredients. I make a batch and put them in the freezer (they do not require doing so) and eat just one at a time to exercise discipline. And when I eat it, I slowly savor each tiny bite. So take this post with you to your natural food store, grab the ingredients and whip up a batch. Perhaps you already have these ingredients already in your pantry. Yay for a well stocked pantry. You can even find little raw bites like these for sale in your natural food store but they are way too expensive. Once you have these ingredients in your pantry, you can make these time and again for a fraction of the cost you’d spend buying them in the store. You can also use some of these ingredients to make one of my favorite smoothies.

 

SMOOTHIE: Black Forest Smoothie

 

So without further adieu, onto our little tasty bites of chocolate goodness.

 

RAW CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

 

12-14 medjool dates

¼ heaping cup raw cacao powder + 3 tbsp

½ cup walnuts

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 tbsp water

small pinch salt

Shredded unsweetened coconut (optional)

Crushed pistachios (optional)

 

In the food processor blend the nuts until they are finely chopped. Do not over blend, as you do not want to make a paste or butter. Next add the dates, ¼ cup cacao powder, vanilla, water and salt. Blend until it forms a smooth sticky mixture. Lightly wet your hands, grab a small amount and roll between your palms to form balls. Then roll the balls in the remaining cacao powder, or coconut, or crushed nuts.

 

Guilt free, chocolate indulgence at its best. Enjoy!

raw chocolate truffles

To read more about the health benefits of raw cacao powder click here.

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

01Jun
Tyra Lane-KingslandReal Life 9

Does God Want You To Have Fun?

Ok, sometimes, actually most times I think I’m just a bit too serious. My life necessitates it; lots to do for lots of people. This requires me to have laser focus and to carry out affairs in militaristic fashion. Then couple that with my A-Type personality, perfectionist nature and being a borderline Pharisee, leaves a sister little room to even think about fun, recreation or pleasurable activities.

 

The Pharisee in me thinks, “My God is a God of order. He is a God of rules. Just get the work done. Maybe you’ll have time for fun later”. But then God dropped this in my spirit, “Your denial of pleasure wasn’t imposed by me. It was self-imposed. Lighten up and have a little fun.”

 

Can it be? Does God want you to have fun?

 

I denied myself nothing my eyes desired;

I refused my heart no pleasure.

my heart took delight in all my labor,

and this was the reward for all my toil.

Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done

and what I had toiled to achieve,

everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind;

nothing was gained under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 2:10-11

 

My heart’s cry is to not meaninglessly toil, in an effort to serve the Lord and obey Him, yet do so with joy. I do carry out my work cheerfully as unto God. Still, in my working, living, moving and doing I am a vibrant BEING who should have fun BE-ing. It’s not as if I’m trying to imbibe in the pleasures of the world such as riotous living, I’m merely talking about granting myself permission to do things that are pleasurable. This has been a constant struggle for me. You can read more about that here. But God is helping me by continuing to reveal His truth. And He is showing me that fun; joy and delight are all close to His heart. He is showing me that my family would be blessed if I allowed myself to have more fun.

 

Jesus said in John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

 

Life more abundantly sounds fun and lively to me, not stiff and always so business like. Let me just stick a pin here and say, I do have lots of fun with my children. They think I’m silly and funny. I like to make jokes with them, do silly dances and I always threaten to embarrass them at school with my funny antics; it’s allowing myself to have fun, be joyous and experience pleasure in things that are just for Tyra that presents a problem for me.

 

Does God want us to have fun?

 

Delight yourself also in the Lord,

And He shall give you the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

 

Again, seems to me like God wants holy, righteous, delight, and joy and for us to have fun that is rooted in Him.

 

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11

 

God Has Fun

 

I can only imagine God creating man and creating the heavens and the earth. Sure, it was serious business, but to play in the dirt and create man ….Mmm that must have been at least a little fun. Children love having fun playing in the dirt ’til this day. God himself delights in you. He also works in us to will and to do for His good pleasure.

 

God Created Us With Pleasure Sensors

God gave us our senses to relate to the beautiful, wonderful world He created. The pleasure sensors allow us to actively engage with Him and with others.

 

God Encourages Us To Have Fun

While the Word cautions us against riotous living, we also see many examples in the Word of people engaging in pleasurable activities. From David dancing undignified to feasts and celebrations, folks were having a good time. When the prodigal son came home they killed the fatted calf and proceed to have a PAR-TAY!!! God encourages fellowship among believers. So should I feel bad if I want to enjoy an evening out with a girlfriend sharing laughs and having fun?

 

God has granted me permission for pleasure. And step-by-step I’m giving myself permission to accept it. Last year I went on a week vacation with my husband, our 1st time away, just the 2 of us in 12 years. We hadn’t been away since before we had our 1st born. Before going I really wrestled with the decision to go. Even up to the week before I had guilt about leaving my children to do something fun. I had crazy, twisted thoughts like, “A good mother doesn’t abandon her children”. What?! But I know these thoughts stem from my childhood. But I thank God for walking me through the process to free me. And indeed that vacation with the Hubs was one of the best experiences in my life.

 

So I’ve declared that this is the summer of fun! I am granting myself permission for pleasure. I will go out to dinner with a friend just for the sake of laughs and fun and not feel guilty about it. I will go to a concert and dance and sing.

 

And right after I made this declaration to myself, my 6 year old daughter asked me randomly out of the blue, “Mommy what do you like to do for fun?’ I was so taken aback since I’d just gone through this whole dialogue with the Lord about this. Then I had to think on it for a while. I’ve denied myself fun pleasurable activities so much, I couldn’t quickly think of what I DO like to do for fun.

 

And wouldn’t you know, after making this declaration, I received a phone call. A friend has invited me to an all-day Jazz Fest. Oh what fun! But my 1st thought, “Oh, I can’t go.” But no, It’s a new day. I’m going AND I’ve given myself permission to be excited about it and to have fun. Thank you Lord for permission to LIVE FULLY!

 

A merry heart does good, like medicine

But a broken spirit dries the bones.

Proverbs 17:22

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

Happy to connect with friends at Life Giving Linkup Purposeful Faith Women  With Intention Dance With Jesus Grace and Truth

27May
Tyra Lane-KingslandHome Life, Nourishing Life 3

How To Build The Perfect Smoothie

Nearly every day for me starts with a green smoothie. Since breakfast is my least favorite meal of the day, drinking a smoothie ensures I get the jumpstart needed for my day in a gentle and nutritious way.

 

Follow these steps to master building the perfect smoothie.

 

First things first. You must have a good quality high-speed blender. On the market today are plenty to choose from; Ninja, Blend-Tec, Vitamix, and more, take your pick. I use this Ninja that was purchased for me as a gift and I love it. I use it at least once a day every day, sometimes even 3 times a day.

 

berry smoothie

If your produce has already been washed, you can make your smoothie in a matter of minutes. So grab an item from each of the categories below and let’s blend.

 

LIQUID

Always start with a few ice cubes unless you’re using frozen fruit. The high-speed motor on your blender is likely to slightly heat the contents of your drink as you are blending. And I don’t know about you but I don’t like drinking my smoothies hot.

 

Then add about one cup liquid of your choice. Some excellent options are:

~Coconut Water

~Non-Dairy Milks (Coconut, Cashew, Almond)

~Water

 

 

VEGETABLES/FRUITS

Here the combinations are endless. I do try not to combine too many high sugar fruits in one drink. Even though it’s natural sugar, we still want to be mindful of overall sugar intake. Some of my favorite fruits & veggies:

 

Veggies

~Spinach

~Kale

~Swiss Chard

~Beet Greens

~Cucumber

~Avocado

Spinach

Collards

 

Fruits

~Berries

~1/2 Banana

~Kiwi

~Apples

Strawberries

Raspberries

 

 

PROTEIN

If your drinking your smoothie as a meal replacement you’ll want to add protein. Some good choices:

~Nut Butters (Peanut, Almond, Sunflower Seed)

~High quality plant based protein powder

~Plain Greek Yogurt

 

 

ADD INS

Up the nutritional factor my adding some of these boosters:

~Spirulina

~Chia or Flax seeds

~Raw Cacao Powder

 

Ok friends, now that you’ve learned how to build the perfect smoothie, what are you waiting for? Get to blending!

 

Raspberry Smoothie

kale smoothie

Berry Smoothie

 

IMG_6239

IMG_4899

IMG_6855

IMG_8174.JPG

Check out two of my favorite smoothie recipes

Apple Pie Smoothie

Black Forest Smoothie

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

25May
Tyra Lane-KingslandSpiritual Life 8

Lord, Here’s My Worship

“He threw up all in the bed”, was my wake up call at 1:01am. My husband alerted me that our sweet 2 year old was laying in this mess. I jump up and indeed the entire bed was filled with vomit.

 

Saturday evening I was tired and drifted right off to sleep. I hadn’t been asleep long and glory to God that worship had ushered me to sleep because it was in a spirit of worship that I jumped up to clean the mess.

 

Lord, Here’s My Worship.

 

So went the rest of the wee hours of the morning. Nearly every half hour, my sweet baby continued to throw up, until 5:30am. After a while he was just dry heaving because there was nothing left to come up. My mama heart was hurting for my baby so I just held him and rocked him.

 

Lord, Here’s My Worship.

 

Yet with every wake up, every lurching of his stomach, every clean up of the mess was my worship. Washing the soiled linens, stripping soiled clothes…yet again and scrubbing vomit out of the rug, my worship was present in that too.

 

You yourselves like living stones are being built up

as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood,

to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God

through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5

 

As I continued to listen to the pure, unadulterated worship of singer Jason Upton, my heart was filled with tremendous joy. I was reenergized and revitalized, not just to meet the needs of my baby in that moment, but I KNEW something was happening in the spirit.

 

My mouth is filled with your praise,

and with your glory all the day. Psalm 71:8

 

So as I continued to praise and worship the Lord, I remembered that it was now officially Sunday, the day of Pentecost. I could not have planned a better way to usher in Pentecost, to have my heart and mind set squarely on worshipping the Lord, with no distractions. For Him to orchestrate this divine appointment with me was just so perfect.

 

Even here I have to stop. As I weep, I just cry out HALLELUJAH…HALLELUJAH!

 

Lord, Here’s My Worship!

 

With my heart open in a posture of worship, I receive a fresh touch, a special impartation. This is not the 1st time the Lord has had me up in the wee hours of the morning to speak to me. So Holy Spirit I thank you for a fresh touch, for fresh fire, for fresh oil, for fresh wind, for the indwelling of your Spirit.

 

“‘In the last days, God says,

 I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

your sons and daughters will prophesy,

your young men will see visions,

your old men will dream dreams.’” Acts 2:17

 

Even in the midst of the vomit, the Lord sought to connect with me. The glory of the Lord filled my bedroom and I was saturated in His glory. Throw up and worship, who knew they’d go hand-N-hand? As my grandmother would say, the Lord works in mysterious ways. Oh Lord, I’m so grateful that you invite me into your presence to connect with you, to commune with you, to worship you.

 

Oh friends, be open and receptive to entering into worship in peculiar places at peculiar times. We cannot BOX our God in. He is not isolated in silos. He is omnipresent and He longs to connect with you.

 

Are you present and available?

 

Lord, Here’s My Worship.

 

Friends, won’t you join me?

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

 

Photo Credit
Happy to connect with friends at Grace & Truth Dance With Jesus, #SmallWonder

20May
Tyra Lane-KingslandSpiritual Life 1

The Dew In The Morning

Snow. Sleet. Rain. Dew.

 

God created many types of precipitation, each with a different purpose. He masterfully fashioned each to nourish and cleanse the earth. In taking a few minutes to bask in the now moment, my eyes landed on a spider web and I marveled at how droplets of water could cling and hold on to such a thin surface and it got me to thinking about those small yet mighty droplet of water; dew.

 

Dew On Web

 

 

What is dew?

 

Dew is the formation of water droplets that form at night as water condenses. As thin exposed objects lose heat their surface cools. When the surface cools and winds are calm or light, the condensed water vapor rests on the cooled surfaces. As the dew covers live surfaces, it provides nourishment.

 

May God give you heaven’s dew and earth’s richness— an abundance of grain and new wine. Genesis 27:28

 

And I thought to myself, “Lord as I release the heat (frustration, worry, stress, anxiety, turmoil, warfare) and my surface (flesh) cools, allow your dew to fall on me. Lord, let your droplets nourish and cleanse me. Just as your dew clings to the thinnest of spider webs, let me cling just as desperately onto you. Come NOW dew of Hermon and sit and rest upon me.

 

God’s dew represents blessing, growth, abundance and prosperity. So how do we receive the dew?

 

Receive The Word

Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. Deuteronomy 32:2

 

Be Rooted In Him

When we are rooted in him, the dew comes.

My roots will reach to the water, and the dew will lie all night on my branches. Job 29:19

 

Blessings

Psalm 133:3 The dew of Hermon was said to have been so plentiful that is appeared as if a heavy rain had fallen. God wants to make His dew rain and rest on you.

 

When the children of Israel were in the wilderness, God sent dew in the morning. There was a layer of dew AROUND the camp. God will surround you with blessing and favor.

That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp.

Exodus16:13

 

When the dew comes, so does the blessing. When the dew came, the manna came also.

When the dew settled on the camp at night, the manna also came down. Numbers 11:9

 

Dew is life giving and can resurrect dead things in your life.

But your dead will live, Lord; their bodies will rise— let those who dwell in the dust wake up and shout for joy— your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead. Isaiah 26:19

 

I pray these words collect in your spirit and rest there just as the dew rests on the grass. May you be cooled, nourished and refreshed by the dew in the morning.

 

As always, it is my prayer that you’ve been Inspired To Live Fully!

 

Feature Image Photo

Happy to connect with friends at  Grace &Truth and Dance With Jesus

1 … 18 19 20 21 22 … 30

Join the CommunityLIVING FULLY MIND BODY & SPIRIT


Copyright © 2024 Inspired Life, All Rights Reserved.