Why Lisa Gets My Third Star ⭐

On a straightforward scale from 1 (low) to 5 (high), how many stars would you give your One Word of the Year?

My One Word deserves 3 stars. It prompted self-reflection, yet concurrently, I grappled with the challenge of consistently contemplating it. 

😅 My chosen word was 'healthy.'

Lisa Burgess responded to my blog, and her comment was truly invaluable to me. She wrote, 'Maybe the fact that you survived this year proves that you are healthier than you realized!'

This insightful perspective is why my One Word earns 3 sterren (stars), and the third star goes to her. It's thanks to what she contributes, infusing meaning into our One Word, even during moments of disappointment. So, Lisa, thank you for your tireless efforts and love. 

🌟 Although I wasn't creative enough for my One Word, I am grateful for everything you did around my One Word and others, Lisa.

Read other ONE WORD Blog Posts Here.  

Unfiltered: When My One Word Let Me Down 🌟

So, this year, I thought "healthy" would be my thing, a simple fix. But let's be real – it's been more like a roller coaster with allergies and stress hormones thrown in.

January brought the loss of my father-in-law to cancer, and then February served up a surprise church plot twist (church division) 🙏 Perhaps 'healthy' wasn't the ideal word for a season where life had its own script!

Truth is: I tried to make better choices, but I'm no health guru. Some days, I mess up, choose not-so-healthy stuff, and just feel like I've goofed.

My grace is sufficient for you
Here's the deal – I'm learning that God is there for me. His grace covers me, especially on those not-so-great days. It's like a safety net for my imperfect self. Even when I'm a mess, He is there, whispering, "My grace is enough for you."

I asked God for health, but...
As the year wraps up, I'm letting go of the pressure to be a health superstar. Whether or not I pick another word, I'm just rolling with it and accepting that I'm me – flaws and all. Because, let's be real, God and His grace in Jesus are the real deal in this imperfect journey of mine. 

💔 I need Him every hour.

I asked God for strength,

but, He made me weak

so that to His will . . .

I would daily seek.

I asked God for health,

but, He made me queasy

so that I would see . . .

the faithful race wasn’t easy.

I asked God for riches,

but, He made me poor

so that I would hear . . .

Jesus’ knock on the door.

I asked God for happiness.

but, He made me sorrowful

so that for my sins . . .

I’d repent and be mournful.

I asked God why,

I didn’t get my heart’s desire

He told me it was because . . .

I AM so much wiser!

Deborah Ann Belka

😊 Have you ever chosen a One Word? If so, how was that experience for you? 

Linked to Sweet Tea & Friends

New Insights About My One Word: Healthy

It's been nine months since I embarked on my journey with my 2023 Word: "healthy." I must confess that I've been a bit disappointed in my progress. 🙁 "Healthy" has, at times, eluded my thoughts, and when it does cross my mind, it's often in a negative context. 

But guess what? I've decided to take proactive steps and turn things around. So, I delved into my Bible to explore my Word "healthy" in a fresh and positive light, aiming to infuse some renewed energy into the month of October.

3 Bible verses about health (or healthy)

What I discovered was both inspiring and transformative. I embarked on a Bible search, focusing on "healthy," and stumbled upon these three remarkable verses:

1. Psalm 147:3: "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
2. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit... Glorify God in your body and in your spirit."
3. Matthew 9:1: "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick."

Renewed insight
These verses unveiled a fresh understanding of "healthy." It's not confined to diet and exercise alone but encompasses the mending of emotional wounds and nurturing my spiritual connection. This renewed insight has transformed my perception of "healthy" a little bit. 

What does this mean for my "healthy" journey? 

It involves tuning in to my body's signals, recognizing its limits, and prioritizing rest in our fast-paced world. But there's another side to this journey that deeply resonates with me. It's the daily confrontation with the brokenness in the world, my family, and my own life. While I focus on my physical well-being and tackle immunity and histamine issues, I'm reminded of the imperfections in our world by the brokenness I encounter daily.

Psalm 147
That's why... in my "healthy" journey, Psalm 147:3 holds deep spiritual significance. It reminds me that amidst life's brokenness, there's a Divine Healer who can mend my heart and bind my wounds. It's about discovering spiritual healing and solace in a chaotic and imperfect world. 🌟❤️

Back on my knees

As Matthew 9:1 reminds me, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick." It's not just my loved ones who may have turned away or followed different paths. I too need Him, every hour, as my Healer. This truth beautifully aligns with my One Word: "healthy." So... back on my knees, no, no not in the physical sense for my knees would surely protest, but in the tender disposition of my heart."

How long has it been since you talked with the Lord

And told him your heart’s hidden secrets?

How long since you prayed?

How long since you stayed

On your knees till the [dawn broke] through? [1]

One of you?

I'm not done reflecting and exploring these Bible verses in their context and what they may hold for me on my journey through 2023, but I wanted to share this moment with you. Perhaps one of you has written a blog post about these 3 Bible verses? If so, could you please share a link?

🌟🕊️ #Healthy2023 

[1] Jim Reeves

Linked to One Word 2023 September Linkup

Look at the purple flowers!

I'm so happy walking around here. The birds are oddly quiet. It gives this unique vibe in the forest, like nature's holding its breath. I do miss the chirping, but I get it, birds need their peace during molting 'cause it takes so much energy. They're just finding a hideout (and chilling). [1]

Letting the Imagination Run Wild
It's kinda like going through the menopause, I realize. Sometimes you just don't have the energy to be all cheerful. I chuckle because my imagination is going wild again, and I snap a pic of my shadow on the forest path. Hey there, it's me... Not molting. But I've already come a long way through my menopause, you know?"

Sighing Trees
Now I'm passing through this sad part of the woods. Climate change is causing a massive die-off of larch and spruce trees. Like way back, the apostle Paul said creation groans in birth pains, well, I'm groaning a bit too as I walk through here. It looks so gloomy. I glance up at the blue sky. When will He make all things new? That's when Earth will be truly beautiful. More amazing than I can imagine.

I've Sighed Too
A couple of weeks ago, I was sighing too. I couldn't see a way forward. Lisa Elliot wrote in her blog: "We all have a limit. And I reached mine. Not for the first time in my life. I felt emotionally, mentally, and spiritually drained." [2] Her words hit me 'cause they perfectly summed up how awful I felt. I'm thinking back to that as I walk past these dead trees.

From My Diary:
July 31

Lately, I've been having these dark thoughts. Just saw the photo of Mom and Dad on the wall, and a bunch more pics of people who've passed away. I'm crying over the imperfection, over life being "a sigh," grieving losses... (in my diary, I mention names and stuff). I can't see beauty; I feel drained. But...

 
(Continue below the photo)

💖 But... Mandy's blog comforted me. [3] She wrote,

"God is waiting for you, to take you in His arms, to recharge you, restore you, and refresh you with His Holy Spirit. Sometimes He does it like a fast charger, in rapid time. But more often, He takes His time with you, sets you apart, and fills you with His Holiness. It might feel like it takes forever, but He's got you and wants to have you with Him in Eternity."

God knows about me. He sees how exhausted I feel, and all I have to do is to be His child.

End of my Diary Page

~~<><><><>~~

Yep, yep, yep, it's blooming still!
I leave the sighing spruces far behind and head toward the heath. Thanks to God, a few weeks of rest, my hubby's love, a talk with the therapist... I'm feeling resilient again and way happier. Plus... being in nature is just awesome! I keep coming back to the heath to check if it's still blooming. And every time, I'm almost dancing as I say: yep, yep, yep, it's still in bloom.

💜 I can already see my bench.

If Jesus Sat Beside Me, What'd...
I drop my backpack and walking stick and take a seat. This is my spot for reading, letting-go-of-everything spot, savoring spot, meeting spot. And I think: if Jesus sat next to me on this bench, what would He say? He'd probably point to the heath and say:

Look at those purple flowers. They don't toil or worry about their existence. Even Solomon, with all his splendor, can't match their beauty. Why are you so anxious? Let go. Your Heavenly Father knows what you need. If He cares this much for these heath plants—every summer, He calls them back from death to life—how much more will He care for your immortal soul and your mortal body?

Preaching to Myself
Alright, so Jesus isn't sitting right next to me on this bench, that's for sure. But you know what's so nice? He left us His words, and I'm giving myself a good dose of that Good News. I've had moments when I'm just plain worn out, and days when I'm wrestling with some serious doubt. But here's the thing: if He's putting so much effort into making that field look stunning every single summer, can't I trust that He's more than capable of looking out for me too?

💜💜💜

Loving This Warm Light
As I head back to my bike, I'm completely focused on the beautiful trees around me. Fortunately, the world isn't all dead spruces. Sunlight makes its way to the forest floor. In August, those sunbeams seem to have a velvety glow; I wish I could hold onto it all day: sun gold! [4] And as a bonus, I spot an amazing spider web hanging between the trees. I walk through a deep layer of old leaves to get there and snap a photo.

“When summer gathers up her robes of glory, and like a dream of beauty glides away.”
— Sarah Helen Whitman

✨ I wanted to capture the web's sparkle. Did I succeed?

Quote from Elyse F.
I'm wrapping up my blog post with a quote to encourage my fellow Christian "sisters":

Let the counsel of Jesus penetrate deep into your hopeless heart, take root, and grow into complete trust: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27) "Whoever believes in Me will live, even though they die" (John 11:25). Yeah, it might look gloomy, but joy comes in the morning, with the break of day. Source: Home, Elyse Fitzpatrick [5]

~~<><><><>~~

[1] Moulting Birds
[2] Lisa Eliott: The well that never runs dry (lees het)
[3] Mandy's blog: Zoete Genade
[4] During August, the sun is positioned lower in the sky. Its rays have to traverse a greater expanse of atmosphere before reaching our eyes. This leads to a greater scattering of light, giving it a softer quality.
[5] Book: Home, how heaven and the new earth satisfy our deepest longing

🚶‍♀️🌳 Have you ever gone for a walk in August? Your experience? 

🌲😢 Seen dead trees due to drought? What did you feel?

Linked to: One Word 2023 August Linkup (my One Word is healthy)

You know what? I Let Go

TIRED OF MEDICATION
Early May

Got it, found my phone. Huh, it's already this late! I drag myself up in bed. Everything turns gray for a moment, and my ears start buzzing. Then the pink flowers on my bedroom wallpaper come back into focus. Now get out of bed! I don't feel like it. My new medication makes me so tired.

🙏 'Please, God, help me!' I pray, 'help me get through this day!'

CHILLING IN NATURE: Thank you Lord

Voice memo, May 16

Here I am, surrounded by the beauty of the forest. My backpack leans against a tree trunk, the thermos with coffee sits in the moss. It's absolutely delightful to be back here. I still feel pretty tired, but this morning I told myself, "Come on, let's do this." Now I feel the wind on my skin and see the sunlight shifting across the moss. I lean forward and touch it: wow, it feels rougher than I thought. Deep sigh. Another sigh, and then silence. Okay, I won't walk to my favorite wooden bench under the beech tree (5 kilometers away). I accept that I can't do that and simply enjoy what I can do. Sitting here and breathing in the scent of the forest. What a beautiful bonus. Thank You, Lord.

🎙️ End of voice memo

"The forest is quiet; even when it whispers, it's still quiet. Because the trees, even when they're closely packed, adhere to something that humans, despite the promises they make to each other, so rarely adhere to: it stays between us." Søren Kierkegaard

LIVING WITH SIDE EFFECTS: Seeking balance 

May 25

Over 7 days have passed! It took a long time for the side effects to subside (or rather, for me to cope with them). During the first few weeks, I didn't dare to drive a car and skipped the Sunday gatherings. The worst part for me was the slowness in my thinking and the feeling of dullness. I still find it quite inconvenient.

HOPE IN DIFFICULT TIMES: Praying at Bethesda 

"Praying at Bethesda" helps. What a beautiful book! In Chapter 1, Joni E. writes about the dark time she went through after an accident and while being hospitalized.

I quote:

"I desperately wanted to cry. Instead, I suppressed my tears and comforted myself with one of those classic hymns: 'Pass me not, O gentle Savior, Hear my humble cry, While on others Thou art calling, do not pass me by.' As I sang those words or softly hummed the melody in the silent night of my hospital room, I always thought of the pool of Bethesda in the Book of John 5. When friends visited me in the hospital, I often asked them to read that passage. John tells the story of a man who had been lying by the pool of Bethesda for 38 years. And then it says that Jesus saw him lying there and knew 'how long he had been in that condition.' In my imagination, I was lying there too, seeing Him standing by the pool while the disciples wondered why He lingered and didn't just walk to the temple. And then I would call out to Him and beg Him not to pass me by, not to ignore me: 'Lord Jesus, here I am! Please, don't pass me by! Heal me, please! Help me, please. Don't leave me lying here!'

In reality, Jesus had seen me all along, even though I didn't understand that at the time. He knew me. He knew my fear, my sorrow, my despair, my desires, and my immeasurable needs. And He didn't pass me by. Throughout all those years, He never passed me by. And He will never pass me by, for all eternity. The fact that I was lying by the pool of Bethesda was, of course, only in my imagination. But Jesus' unceasing 'watchcare' and His compassion are not imagination." Source: Praying at Bethesda, Joni Eareckson Tada

📝 End of quote 

🎧 "Pass me not": see video below

😍 Beautiful (this comforted me):

"In reality, Jesus had seen me all along, even though I didn't understand that at the time. He knew me. He knew my fear, my sorrow, my despair, my desires, and my immeasurable needs. And He didn't pass me by. Throughout all those years, He never passed me by. And He will never pass me by, for all eternity."

LET GO AND LIVE: Vulnerability and God's love 

This little book helped me put everything back in its place inside me. It also helped me embrace my vulnerability. Joni feels like a wise big sister, with a wealth of experience, bringing me closer to God. 

Beside Bethesda, Joni Eareckson Tada (video)

May 26

I'm going to wrap up my blog now. Today, I planted my two lilies in the garden. They outgrew their pots. It was such a lovely moment with the sun on my face, my hands in the soil, and mama robin very close by.

"Distract your thoughts, look down at the lily, and stop staring at your worries. Look up at the bird and stop staring at your worries." Søren Kierkegaard 

🌞🌿 What was your favorite little moment of happiness this week?

Arise and eat

Today, I want to share with you my recent experience at our church gathering. After a month of feeling too exhausted due to medication and being hesitant to drive, I finally made it to the service this Sunday. Determined to stay alert and engaged, I decided to postpone taking my medication until after the church service. And guess what? It worked! 

Sitting there, surrounded by others, and simply listening felt so good. Plus, there's something truly beautiful about singing together.

During the service, we offered prayers for the sick and for those undergoing medical examinations. In the midst of it all, my mischievous son playfully nudged me while we were praying. I couldn't help but smile at him because, well, the prayer was about me.

A touching Sermon

The sermon really touched my heart as it revolved around the story of Elijah, who, feeling overwhelmed and afraid, fled to the wilderness. God came to him, touched him, and spoke to him. Interestingly, God didn't come to take Elijah home, which is what he desired. Instead, the Lord came to renew his strength. He never gives up on us. He will never abandon us or say, "I can no longer help you."

This resonated deeply with me during the sermon. It felt as though God was reaching out to me, laying His hand upon me and speaking through His Word. "Take and eat the food I have set before you," He seemed to say: Jesus invites you to come to Him again and again. The pastor emphasized that when we feel overwhelmed, we should come to Him. We should taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34) and experience His refreshing and restoring touch.

Awaken! Divert your gaze from the circumstances, from the actions of others. Keep your eyes steadfastly fixed upon Me. Fixate upon Me, partake of what I have bestowed upon you: consume and quench your thirst. I intend to fortify you, empowering you to press on, both on a personal level and as a united congregation. He yearns to invigorate and rejuvenate our very souls.

Bread symbolizes the life we possess in Jesus Christ. For the bread of God is He who descends from heaven and bestows life upon the world. Jesus proclaimed, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.'

God seeks people who acknowledge their own weaknesses so that He can work in and through us. He knows our weaknesses and provides for us, nourishes us, strengthens us, encourages us. He comes to us, speaks to us, lays His hand upon us, and says, 'Arise and eat.' That is what we need to do in this season. That is the message: arise and eat, for He wants to use you. He has a plan for you. There is still a journey ahead. Rise and partake of the Bread of Life, the Word of God—Jesus Christ—and trust in Him. He provides your strength until you meet Him, until He brings you home in heaven.

Now, here's a funny twist: right in the midst of my struggle with food allergies, the sermon tells me to "arise and eat." Will I ever be able to eat everything? Well, maybe that's a question for the new earth. 😊

Instead of feeling ashamed

 I see that it has been two months since I last wrote here. That's not good. And yes, I am really working on my One Word "healthy".

I am trying to eat well. My son told me about an app where you can record what you eat and whether you are getting enough nutrients. I did it for half a week, but then forgot about it. Ha-ha, that's often how it goes with me, and sometimes I feel embarrassed about it. Until I hear from others around me that they also forget things.

Instead of feeling ashamed for forgetting healthy habits, I'm embracing my forgetfulness as an opportunity to practice mindfulness and being present in the moment. #healthyliving

Healthy in my thinking
At the moment, I am more focused on "being healthy in my thinking". Making healthy choices. Even that is not easy. But I turn my small problems, like how do I stop using the internet when it's bedtime, into a prayer... Or I focus on cause and effect. Like: what result does my not-stop-using-Instagram will have on my day tomorrow. That really helps.

Instead of seeing healthy thinking as a daunting task, I'm choosing to approach it with curiosity and experimentation. I'm turning my small problems into opportunities for growth and finding creative solutions to make healthy choices easier. #healthymind

📱🍔🍟🍕😅💭Do you ever get so engrossed in scrolling through your phone, that you forget you were actually supposed to be eating that delicious meal in front of you? Or is that just me and my forgetful brain?

How to Stay Healthy with Histamine Allergies

Hi there! Today, I want to talk about a topic that's close to my heart: My One Word HEALTHY. Recently, I had a bit of a health scare. My internist/immunologist warned me that too much one-sided food could make my health fragile.

And let's face it, no one wants to be fragile! So, I decided to do some research and explore the synonyms and antonyms of My One Word "Healthy."

As it turns out, there are many synonyms for "Healthy" that can help me understand what it truly means to be healthy. Words like "Vital," "Robust," and "Fit" all connote a state of good health and well-being.

On the other hand, the antonyms of "Healthy" like "Unhealthy," "Sick," and "Ill" remind me of what I need to avoid in order to stay healthy. These words may be scary, but they serve as a helpful reminder of the consequences of neglecting our health.

Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle
So, what have I learned from my research? First of all, it's important to take care of my body and minds in a balanced way. Too much of anything, even healthy food, can have negative consequences. And secondly, exploring the synonyms and antonyms of a word can help me gain a deeper understanding of its meaning. I've known this all along. I know I have to strive to be as healthy as possible in all areas of my life.

Not sitting in the chair for too long.

Not watching nature webcams at night (haha)

Eating healthy and varied food.

How to Stay Healthy with Histamine Allergies
But there's a problem on my path. I can't eat a lot of food because I'm allergic to histamine in the food. How do I stay healthy with that? I refuse to let that stop me from living a healthy and fulfilling life. I'm seeking help from an immunologist who will guide me towards a balanced diet, even with my food allergies. You know: when life gives you histamine allergies, make low-histamine lemonade! Oh no, give me coffee instead please. 

Luckily, I am allowed to drink coffee with milk. All jokes aside, it can be tough to navigate dietary restrictions 

Healthy is my One Word for this year

Today, I made an effort to come up with my "One Word" for 2023. I wanted to find a word that truly resonates with who I am. It was a bit of a challenge, but I am happy to say that I was able to successfully come up with a word that I feel really embodies me.

I am excited to start using it as a guiding principle in my life.

"Healthy" is my One Word for this year. I have set some small goals for myself in order to live a healthier lifestyle, but I believe that this word encompasses much more than just physical health. I want to be healthy in my thoughts, in my relationships with others, and in my walk with God.

I believe that by focusing on my own health, I will be better able to serve God and my neighbor.

One area I'm focusing on is my immune system and allergies. I have some specific goals in mind and am scheduled to visit an immunologist in the end of January to discuss my needs and come up with a pla