01Jan
Tyra Lane-KingslandHome Life, Nourishing Life

Black Eyed Pea and Collard Stew

Tradition

Originating in Africa many many years ago, cow peas, or as we call them in the U.S. black eyed peas have been eaten as a symbol of luck and prosperity.  That tradition continued in America with peoples of African descent. When combined with collard greens, you are doubly blessed.  The black eyed peas are said to represent coins and the collard greens dollars.  Though I’m not into doing things for good luck, I’m just compelled to whip up a batch of this stew.

This recipe was inspired by my friend, Dr. Celeste Owens.  True to Tyra style, I had to make it my own by adding smoky depth, some interesting spices and altering the base to create a stew that is warm and satisfying.  Pair with brown rice or quinoa and cornbread for a hearty vegan meal.

Black Eyed Pea and Collard Stew

1 bunch collard greens washed, deveined and chopped

1 green bell pepper deseeded and diced

2 cups cooked black eyed peas*

4 tbsp avocado Oil

1 large onion diced

4 large cloves garlic minced

1 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

2 tsp chili powder

½ tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp berbere

1/2 tsp sea salt

1 chipotle pepper in adobo *

2 cups vegetable broth

1 14 oz can diced tomatoes

Blend in blender tomatoes, garlic and chipotle pepper until smooth.   Heat avocado oil over medium heat in a large pot.  Add onions and green pepper and sauté for 5-7 minutes.  Add tomato mixture and all spices and simmer for 5 minutes. Add broth and collards and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes. Add black eyed peas and cook for an additional 10 minutes until flavors combine. This dish is sure to find it’s way into your regular lineup.

*Cooking your black-eyed peas from scratch is easy peasy. Say goodbye to using canned beans (which can be too high in sodium and too mushy) and say hello too cooking dried beans quick and easy without soaking. My friend Tiffany of it’s me, lady g, shows you how to get it done in a snap HERE.

*If you are sensitive to SPICY add just half a chipotle pepper and a tiny pinch of the red pepper flake. Taste then feel free to add more to your liking. This dish does have a little heat!

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

31Dec
Tyra Lane-KingslandNourishing Life, Real Life 5

Get Rid Of It

I’m moving full steam ahead to run into 2015 with right thinking and right believing. To ensure that my spirit, mind and BODY are in alignment, I’m going to start 2015 resetting my body by doing a 3-day cleanse; I’m going to rid of it.  The ‘it’ being toxins and junk from my body.

 

I have several friends that have purposed to honor their temples in various ways for the upcoming year. One friend is becoming a vegetarian, one is doing a 10 day cleanse and another is going raw for the year.

 

The benefits of a cleanse are numerous:

 

Eliminate Toxins

Balance Hormones

Break Bad Habits

Retrain The Palette

The reset is your jumpstart. After the cleanse though you must stay the course. Imagine yourself…it’s a perfect summer day. As you move about, the soundtrack that plays in your mind is Will Smith’s Summertime. The sun is shining and you take your car to get detailed; vacuumed, hand-washed, clean in and out and smelling good. Then you take your clean ride off-roading, getting it all muddy and filthy. Would you do that?

 

The same can be said then about muddying up your body. After you reset and do a cleanse, do you want to go eat a bag of Cheetos which contains items the body can’t readily recognize and/or process? Get rid of it.

 

For my cleanse, I will start each morning with green tea. I will then have a smoothie for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I will treat myself to 2 snacks a day i.e. kale chips, nuts or seeds. I’ll be making some of my favorite smoothies including my Apple Pie Smoothie. I’ll generally add chia seeds and coconut water to up the nutrient quotient and add almond or sun butter for protein. After the 3-day cleanse, I’ll continue to eat light, lean and clean by consuming mostly raw foods for the next 7 days.

raspberry smoothie

berry cucumber

 

berry smoothie

Then God said, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food.”

Genesis 1:29

 

Consuming raw food by way of smoothies gives your body access to optimal levels of vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Consuming as such can contribute to improved immunity, increased energy and improved digestion.

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Since you’ll be eliminating toxins from within, you can also eliminate toxins through your largest organ, the skin. Move it out and get rid of it.

 

Dry Brushing

Your skin excretes 1/3 of the toxins from your body. Dry brushing stimulates the lymphatic system, which helps remove toxins from the body. To read more on dry brushing click here.

 

Detox Bath

An Epson Salt detox bath helps draw out toxins, reduce inflammation, helps muscle & nerve function and more. Whip up 1 cup of Epsom salt, ½ cup baking soda and a few drops of essential oils and enjoy.

 

So who’s with me? While you may not go as radical as my friend doing raw 365, you can do SOMETHING. Purpose in your head and heart to make daily food choices, that positively impact your health.

 

For additional encouragement please visit the recipe link of my website for tasty, healthy meal ideas.

 

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

29Dec
Tyra Lane-KingslandReal Life, Spiritual Life 9

Get Your Mind Right

In preparation for moving forward in your destiny, you’ve got to GET YOUR MIND RIGHT. Not just you, me too. I’m on my way to my destiny, my victory; I’m on my way. I will not allow anything to hinder my forward progress, including my own stinking thinking. In order for me to run, not walk the race that’s been set before me, I have to cultivate a thought life that is consistently in alignment with the truth.

 

So before we go setting resolutions, making plans, and strategizing our 2015, let’s purpose in our hearts to weed then cultivate the landscape of our minds because what you think is what will become of your life.

 

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.

Psalm 23:7

 

In order for us to fulfill the call of God on our lives, we must have right thinking. Getting our minds right and focusing on truth brings us into alignment with His perfect will for our lives. Getting our minds right means that we cast down untruths that attempt to usurp the truth of God’s word concerning us.

 

Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

2 Corinthians 10:5

 

We will put on the mind of Christ, weed out the lies and speak truth over our families, our communities, and ourselves.

 

How do you get your mind right?

 

You put on the mind of Christ and get your mind right by declaring what God says. The mind is prone to thinking toxic, unhealthy thoughts. We may spend much of our thought life rehashing what happened in the past, who did us wrong, what mistakes we made, who we may or may not have offended and on and on. Or we may spend much of our thought life projecting into the future speculating about what could possibly happen if…We can curb some of that thinking by focusing instead on embracing what we do have which is this present moment. For more on embracing the now moment, click here.

 

We renew the mind by taking our focus off what has happened, could happen or our own beliefs on the matter and instead focus on what God says about the matter.

 

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:2

 

We renew the mind by meditating on truth.

 

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

 

There have been times where my thinking has not been in alignment with the truth of God’s word. I’ve had instances when I’ve been driving that I’ve visualized myself getting into a car accident. I can play the whole story out in my head, replete with screams, broken glass, injuries and more. But putting on the mind of Christ, I am training myself to meditate on the truth. So I picture myself reeling in that toxic thought and I then commence to replace it with the truth that says, “He has given His angels charge over me to keep me in all my ways.” With time and practice I’ve been able to completely eradicate some of my old toxic thoughts.

 

Like a garden, the mind is fertile ground. How thoughts are fed and what they are fed directly contributes to their growth or demise.

 

On my daily drives up and down my street, I admire one of my neighbor’s landscaping. His grass is meticulously cut, hedges precisely trimmed and plants and other greenery strategically appointed with not a weed in sight. I watch him as he hauls out several mowers, a wheel barrel, trimmers and more to artfully and carefully sculpt and maintain his well tended landscaping. He is out there often, seems like several days a week seeing to his well-crafted handiwork.

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“A man’s mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild; but whether cultivated or neglected, it must, and will, bring forth. If no useful seeds are put into it, then an abundance of useless weed seeds will fall therein, and will continue to produce their kind. James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

 

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Bonsai tree 2

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And the same level of care and attention needs to be paid to the thoughts running free in our heads. Get your mind right. Like my neighbor, we need to tend our minds, carefully weeding out, cutting toxic negative thoughts and strategically planting the truth of God’s word so that our minds are precisely arranged with truth. When we do not sow truth, the toxic environment (the weeds) will grow and can eventually try to choke out the truth, robbing truth of essential nutrients. That can then lead to other physical, mental and behavioral issues.   Neuroscientist Dr. Caroline Leaf suggests 75-98% of physical, mental and behavioral illness comes from one’s thought life.

 

So my friend, GET YOUR MIND RIGHT by putting on the helmet of salvation, girding ourselves with truth, lacing up our feet with the gospel of peace and running the race that’s been set before us.

 

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

25Dec
Tyra Lane-KingslandSpiritual Life

Ancient of Days {A Spoken Word Poem}

On this, the day we recognize the birth of The Savior of the World, let us remember that He is:

~The One Who Was

~The One Who Is

~The One Who Is To Come

 

Eternity Beach

 

 

I pray this Christmas you are filled with the hope that your future is merry and bright. He who was, is and is to come, the One who has known you from the foundation of the earth, loves you with an everlasting love.

 

Ancient of Days

Daniel 7:9,13,22

 

From the beginning of time,

A ruler divine,

Creator of heaven and earth

From conception of the first birth,

The Ancient of Days.

 

Seated high on the throne,

With wisdom and power unknown,

All authority in hand,

Author of the master plan,

The Ancient of Days.

 

A great exchange

From times prearranged

From Father to Son

All glory and dominion

The Ancient of Days.

 

To defeat the enemy

Liberate the saints, you and me

To establish an everlasting kingdom,

Freedom and victory for me has been won

The Ancient of Days.

 

Eternal praise for the Ancient of Days

Mighty and wondrous

In all your ways

We cry holy, holy, holy

To your name

Glory glory, glory

To the Ancient of Days.

We cry holy, holy, holy

To your name

Glory, glory, glory

to the Ancient of Days.

 

© Tyra Lane-Kingsland

 

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

 

photo credit

25Dec
Tyra Lane-KingslandHome Life, Real Life

Wishing You All That’s Merry and Bright

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas

 

Kingsland Kids

My children keep me laughing and praying.

 

 

‘Tomar & Tyra

 

My husband keeps me smiling.

 

Today may you bask in His presence, enjoying all that’s merry and bright.

 

Stone

 

 

Thank you for becoming a part of my Inspired Life family.

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It is my prayer that you experience the totality of wellness: spirit, mind and body. I believe this can be accomplished by obeying God, embracing the now moment and honoring the temple. So give yourself the gift of wellness this Christmas and beyond. And I pray my website serves as your go to resource for support and encouragement.

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I’m looking forward to experiencing an amazing 2015 with you as we continue to grow in wisdom and in stature; in favor with God and with man.

 

Be blessed.

 

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

24Dec
Tyra Lane-KingslandHome Life, Nourishing Life 4

10 Reasons to Eat This One Thing

Ch-ch-ch-chia. You remember the commercial from the 80’s advertising the pottery that grows. One would take the animal shaped terra cotta form, soak it in water, spread on the seeds, add water and watch it grow. You could buy them at stores like Rite-Aid, CVS, Ames and Woolworth, which makes this trip down memory lane even funnier because some of these stores don’t even exist today.

 

chia pet

 

Chia, which has been cultivated by the Aztecs for ages, means strength. This concentrated super food contains protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals and vitamins. It has a mild flavor and can easily be added to smoothies, cereal, baked goods and savory dishes. So here are 10 reasons why you should eat this one thing.

 

Easily Digestible

Unlike flax seed, the body can easily process chia seeds in their whole form.

 

Calcium

Calcium is essential for healthy bone, muscle and nerve function. While we’ve all been taught for years that you need to drink milk for calcium, here’s a great dairy free way to increase your calcium intake.

 

Phosphorus

A mineral that is present in every cell of the body. It is critical in how the body uses carbs and fat. It also helps with kidney function, the heart and nerve signaling. Again we are told to get it from meat and dairy but its right here in the chia. BAM!

 

Omega-3

We hear a lot about omega-3 in the news these days. This fatty acid can help lower bad cholesterol, curb stiffness and joint pain, and promote healthy development of a growing baby among others. Omega-3 has even been seen to help curb depression. Most often we are told to get it from fish. You can certainly get it there but a sprinkle of chia in your smoothie will do just fine too.

 

Fiber

Helps to keep blood sugar and hunger in check. Most Americans aren’t getting enough. Make sure you get enough by adding a teaspoon of chia to your oatmeal.

 

Manganese

My 6-year old daughter was recently asking me about the skeleton and how it supports the body. Well here we see another mineral that’s key to healthy bones. It is also needed to help absorb calcium and the functioning of the thyroid gland.

 

Protein

When I say protein your mind might immediately think meat. Every cell in the body contains protein too. Chances are you are getting enough in your diet but here’s an easy way just in case.

 

Iron

While most people are probably getting enough protein, I talk to so many people who are iron deficient. Iron is essential for growth, development and cell function. Many people end up taking iron supplements, which can cause constipation. Keep your plumbing running smoothly by just adding chia to your daily routine.

 

Zinc

Important to immune function and wound healing, zinc is also critical for smelling and tasting.

 

Magnesium

Helps maintain normal nerve and muscle function. It also helps your heart beat steady and bones stay strong

 

I hope you are on your way to buy your chia seeds. I get mine from the bulk bin at my local natural food store. You’ve been given 10 reasons to eat this one thing.  Taking small steps can vastly improve your overall health.  Here’s to your next small step.

 

Chia-Seeds

 

Your food is your medicine.

 

Here’s to nourishing your temple.

 

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

22Dec
Tyra Lane-KingslandReal Life, Spiritual Life 4

How To Find Your Way

Bright Morning Star

Aster Lampros Proinos

“Quiet the little ones; gather them near your bosom. Remember now, carry only what cha need and nothing else. This ain’t gon be easy. You must listen to what I say. I’ll guide you from the front and we trustin’ the Lord ta be our rear guard. So les be movin.”

starry night

I imagine Harriet Tubman would have had a dialogue similar to this as she guided over 300 slaves on 19 different missions to their freedom. A fearless activist, she was called the “Moses” of her day. During the Civil War, she served as a nurse, scout and spy. Using the stars as her navigation guide, she risked her own life to afford others a taste of freedom.

 

And so it is with Jesus Christ. He gave His life so that we might have a taste of freedom. Like a good shepherd, He draws his sheep near. He calls us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. His light so shines to guide us away from the ugliness that lurks within our heart: greed, malice, envy, lust and into His abounding love, joy and peace.

 

There have been times I’ve been lost, aimlessly wandering around trying to find my way.  I’ve looked for worldly land marks to gauge if I’m walking in the right direction; markers like academic success, career success and popularity.  In surrendering to Christ, I now know these markers were human, worldly indicators of moving in the right direction.  Today, I KNOW that living a lifestyle of obedience is not only how I find my way but also how I stay on course.

 

As the Bright Morning Star, Jesus is our navigation system. No need for GPS. Just trust Jesus, for His navigational coordinates are exact and will never lead you to a dead end.

 

Just as the Magi looked to the star to lead them to the Savior of all mankind, I invite you to look heavenward.

 

Jesus says, “I Jesus have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne. I am the Bright Morning Star.” Revelation 22:16

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Trust Him to lead you in the way everlasting.

Points to Ponder

  1. Have you ever had the chance to gaze at a star filled sky free of city lights? When staring into the heavenlies, what were your thoughts?
  2. In what specific ways has Jesus guided you out of darkness and into the light?
  3. Why do you think Jesus calls himself the Bright Morning Star?

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

19Dec
Tyra Lane-KingslandHome Life, Real Life

A Few of My Favorite Things

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

These are a few of my favorite things…

So go the opening lyrics to one of my favorite songs played during the holiday season. This popular Rodgers and Hammerstein song is from the movie The Sound of Music. And it’s not really a Christmas song so I don’t even know why it’s played this time of year but it’s one of my fav’s nonetheless.

 

The things mentioned in that song are by far not MY favorite. I just love the melody. So let me share with you a few of my favorite things. Oprah isn’t the only one with favorite things.

 

MacBook Air

I’ve been using Apple products nearly all my life. When I was in 4th grade my class was selected to pilot a program for having computers in the classroom. This pilot was conducted my MIT. Each student had a computer on his or her own desk. We stayed in the same class, with the same students and same teacher for 4th and 5th grades. The outcome of the pilot, I’m not sure, as I was just a kid. But from my 1st experience with Logo until now, I am an Apple girl. In fact, my Dad has NEVER owned a PC. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. But really, this computer is the best. Lightweight, efficient, user friendly, durable, safe, it’s worth the financial investment. When you are in the market for a new computer, check this one out. Kudos to the hubs for hooking me up with it.

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Popcorn

Really, it’s my favorite food of all time. Not just my favorite snack, but also my favorite food. Sweet, salty, savory, I love it all. The best popcorn I ever ate was popped old school on my stovetop (that’s how I always make it) and came from a farm I visited. I was visiting this pumpkin patch and a nice gentleman there handed me a dried cob and said, “Here Take home and make popcorn”. Now I’ve seen these ears for years on visits to farms and just thought of it as chicken feed or something. Can you say…BEST. POPCORN. EVER.

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Coffee

Oh sweet Joe. The ceremony of making it alone brings me such joy. That walk to the pot. Measuring in the grounds. Adding the water. Turning it on hearing the initial bubble to the final drip before the machine chimes indicating the coffee is ready. And my delight in taking that 1st warm, creamy sip is mmm, so big. Just thinking about it brings a smile to my face.

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The Beach

San Tropez, Bora Bora, Greece, Tahiti. Yup, these are the locations on my bucket list. When I retire you can find me on a beach in one of these locations. I’ve always LOVED the beach. The rhythmic calm of the waves lapping immediately relaxes me. The smell of the ocean and the feeling of warm sand under my feet just makes me feel so connected to God.

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Girlfriends

“Girlfriends, my girlfriends, there through thick and thin” went the intro to a popular UPN television show. I have been blessed to have excellent relationships with many women. The girlfriend dynamic is so sweet and so special. One of my girlfriends and I have been friends for virtually my WHOLE life. There she is on my left, literally my best friend forever. Friendship is such an important relationship. To have someone of the same gender in whom you can confide, share, relate, laugh and cry…(insert wipe tear from eye). To all my girlfriends reading this, “I love ya sweetie!”

white button up

A Crisp White Shirt

There is something just so fresh and so clean clean about a crisply ironed skirt with heavy starch. I’m learning how to incorporate more color into my wardrobe here lately but nothing will ever take the place of my staple; the white starched shirt. Worn with a suit, jeans or khakis, it is versatile.

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Books

I’ve heard it said that you should never use the words always and never because no one person “always” or “never” does anything but I beg to differ. I have ALWAYS loved books. Autobiographies to historical fiction, I just love to read. And real books too, no Kindle or Nook for me. I love the smell and feel of paper. I actually went through a grieving process when Borders closed. I just loved that place. For me books hold hope. The ability to read something and be thrust into the writer’s creation or to read something and be transformed by its effect on your life amazes me. My poor husband has to compete for space with the ever-present book in my bed…and on the nightstands and in his chair and piled up beside my bed. I’ve got this stack reading for my Christmas break reading. I remember when my 2nd born was about 2 he really wasn’t that interested in books. I was crushed. I could not comprehend how a child who came out of my body could not love books just as much as I. Needless to say he is now 9 and likes book. Mostly anime but I can live with that.

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The Ninja

Ok I use this thing every day and sometimes several times a day. I cannot thank my aunt enough for purchasing it for me as a surprise gift. I use it so much that within a year I had to replace a part. Fortunately I have a 5-year warranty and the replacement was hassle free. From grinding lemons for lemon water to daily green smoothies to soup, I make it all in my Ninja. I love it so much I even want to take it on vacation with me.

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Thank you for coming into my world and sharing in a few of my favorite things. What are some of your favorite things? What one thing would your life not be the same without? Do tell.

17Dec
Tyra Lane-KingslandNourishing Life, Real Life, Spiritual Life

Be Quiet, I’m Trying to Think

QU-IET!!! QUI-ET!!! QUIET!!! Is this what your brain is screaming? Is this what your soul is crying out for?

 

If you are able, pause everything you are doing for a moment. Close your eyes. Inhale deeply. Hold a few seconds. Then exhale slowly. Repeat that ten times. Deep, cleansing breaths do the body good.

 

But we are in such a rush, in such a hurry that we don’t even take the time to BREATHE. Most of us are moving at such a frenetic pace, that even the thought of slowing down to breathe may not be very practical. One may even think, “Ain’t nobody got time for that”.

 

But I beg to differ. I say you can’t afford not to. We have so many things vying for our attention and the things are winning the battle. From the moment you wake up, your brain is bombarded and generally you are an active participant in the mayhem.

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~Wake up and pick up your device to check your personal email, work email, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest and the like.

 

~Turn on the news to check the weather

 

~Turn on the radio in your car or insert ear buds in your ear to listen to something

 

~If you take public transportation check social media again….and again. Be subjected to listening to the conservations around you.

 

~Arrive at destination and check email and social media again

 

~And it same continues all day and night

 

The onslaught of chatter, stimuli, ear noise and eye noise is endless.

light waves

 

You have to tell all that stimuli, “Be quiet! I’m trying to think”. God wants you to rest (click here for more on rest). He wants you to rest your brain. He wants you to make room to breathe. And to do so, you will have to be purposeful and intentional about quieting the chatter.

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And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. Mark 6:31

wheat

 

But quieting the mind for some people is not so easy. The constant chatter of external noise is sometimes a diversion from having to confront the internal noise. Sometimes we don’t want to deal with our own thoughts.

 

I once stayed at a monastery for work related training. The grounds were beautiful: lots of trees, walking paths and a lake. The rooms were sparsely furnished: a bed, a dresser, a bible and a chair. No clock. No radio. No TV. No external stimuli; just me and my thoughts. It was a wonderful time for solitude and reflection.

 

But some in my group just couldn’t get with the idea of minimal external stimuli. Some of them in fact went to the manager and asked if a TV were on the premises. They were told yes there was one in a locked training room. They then went on to ask if they could be permitted into the room to watch the TV. The manager obliged and they went to watch TV. As they recounted this story the next morning at breakfast, I was amazed that they went to such lengths to fill the quiet.

 

Our minds need rest and quiet. In order for our brains to work as designed, they need periods of low activity so the brain can properly process and catalog the day’s events.

 

We need quiet time to examine our lives openly and honestly – spending quiet time alone gives your mind an opportunity to renew itself and create order. ~Susan L. Taylor

 

The benefits of creating mental white space are numerous.

 

~Clarity of thought
~Ability to hear clearly from God
~Ability to renew the mind
~Helps relax and calm you down
~Makes room for new creative ideas
~Helps keep emotions balance
~Creates an environment conducive for peace
~Creates room to address deeper thoughts and feelings

 

My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, In secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places Isaiah 32:18

 

So how do we create mental white space and breathing room?

 

~Practice deep breathing techniques
~Minimize social media
~Turn off the TV
~Turn off the radio
~Curb mindless eating
~Curb internet surfing

 

TV, radio, social media and the like have their place. And there are times we can extract useful information from these outlets. I am not saying they are inherently bad or wrong. What I am saying to in order to maximize on your mental, social, physical and emotional health, you have to give yourself opportunities to truly rest and quiet the mind.

Tyra serenity

 

You show honor to God when you honor Him in your temple. Your body needs adequate nourishment, exercise and rest. And we can find rest for the mind when we minimize external noise, address our internal chatter and embrace the quiet.

 

As always, I pray that you have been Inspired to Live Fully!

15Dec
Tyra Lane-KingslandReal Life, Spiritual Life 4

Do You Want to Be Changed?

A wonderful change has come over me. These were the words sung as I stood worshipping in church yesterday morning. Often we sing lyrics without deeply thinking about them. But as I sang the words, a movie of my many CHANGES since coming to know Christ began to play in my mind.

 

SELFISH

Hardened by childhood circumstances, I became a selfish person. Born out of my need for self-preservation, not knowing sometimes where I would sleep or when I would eat, I became territorial over MY things, MY space, and MY time. My selfishness was so severe that I even locked MY car and took MY keys with ME when I went out of town once leaving my husband without a car. Mmm. I am not proud of this at all. But I can be honest and share because my heart has been…

CHANGED

 

BITTER

Growing up, I had a relative who was mentally and physically abusive to me. When I was rescued from her torment, I harbored bitterness toward her. This woman not only inflicted pain on me, but on my younger sister and her own children as well. She left a trail of hurt in her wake. But before she passed away I was able to forgive her because I was…

CHANGED

 

PRIDEFUL

Just thinking about it makes me chuckle. I really did think I knew it all. Really. Hardheaded and a little rebellious, I was a piece of work. Until I had a head on collision with the King of kings and I was literally bought to my knees…

CHANGED

 

Scripture come to life right before my own eyes in my own life.

 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

 

You and I are like pearls undergoing change. A foreign object or parasite gets lodged in the oyster’s soft tissue. To ease the irritant the oyster begins to secrete a smooth crystalline substance called nacre around the irritant. As long as the irritant is lodged in there, the oyster will secrete the nacre. The result is a beautiful, iridescent shimmering pearl. And unlike other gemstones, which are mined from the earth, the pearl is formed from a living substance.

oyster shell

The same can be said of our relationship with Christ. The Lord’s love for us is a living substance. Though we may have an irritant in our lives, like pride in my example, Jesus comes and wraps His loving arms around us, coating us in the TRUTH of His word, His nacre and out of that comes a new product, a changed heart.

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Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

 

There’s no doubt about it. When you have a true encounter with Jesus, you change.

 

They came blind. They left seeing.

 

They came crippled. They left walking.

 

They came defiled. They left clean.

 

When you stand in the presence of that which is eternal, everlasting and unchanging, you can’t help but to be changed.

 

Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.

1 Corinthians 15:51

 

He changes our hearts. He takes out the heart of stone and gives us a heart of flesh that beats in concert, in perfect time with His.

 

Thump thump…thump thump…His heart. Your heart. Unified beats enmeshed in love. And it is this unification, this joining of hearts that allows you to now love like Him, walk like Him and talk like Him.

 

The one who is seated on the throne says, “Behold I am making all things new”. This is active present tense. Not just something that may happen in the future, but He IS MAKING all things new and that includes you and I. For me this is good news because there are still many areas in which I am undergoing or still need transformation.

 

This good work He began in me and in you will continue until we see Him face to face.

 

I know I’ve been changed. The angels in heaven done signed my name.

Holler back at me. I want to hear about the wonderful ways He’s changed you.

 

If you have never received Jesus as your personal Lord I Savior, I am praying for you even now that this wonderful change will overtake you too. It’s just so sweet; I want you to be able to experience for yourself in a deep meaningful way what I’m talking about here.

 

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

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