As I stand in the cereal aisle at the grocery store, box after box stares back at me. Each one promises benefits: whole grain...low fat...full of vitamins. With so many options, by the time I make a decision and place the box in my cart, my head is spinning.

As I look at my calendar, I feel the same way about my schedule. Appointment after appointment is listed, and each has its own purpose and benefit: making new friends...improving a skill...learning more. By the time I close my calendar, my heart is spinning.

Although we live in a world full of abundant options, we simply can't do it all. And there's a price to pay when we try: we end up living halfhearted lives.

During a particularly busy season in my life, a cold knocked me out for a few days, but I had time to do some thinking and praying. I heard a little challenge on the inside, "Girl," (yes, sometimes the Spirit has a southern accent in my head) "it's time for you to live wholeheartedly."

Now, I didn't hear an audible voice (and if I had, I do realize the southern accent would not be there), but I did feel led to look at what Scripture has to say about living wholeheartedly and how that applies to my busyness. Within the results of my search, two verses really stuck out to me:

All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. Matthew 5:37

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord. Col. 3:23

When I read these Scriptures, I realized that a lot of the time I had been living halfheartedly. In other words, I had said yes on the outside when my heart wasn't in it. I imagine you've experienced the same.

So what do we do? I believe that when we have a decision to make, we can ask ourselves these three things...

1. Can I say a wholehearted yes to this?
2. If not, can I say a wholehearted no instead?
3. If not, how can I change my yes or no to a wholehearted one?

For example, a dear friend asks you to meet for lunch on the following day. You love the person but you know that accepting would impact your other commitments. Part of your heart says yes and the other part says no. You realize that next week your schedule will be a lot less crazy, therefore, you propose an alternate date so that you can give a wholehearted yes.

Or maybe someone wants you to be involved in a service opportunity that doesn't quite fit your strengths, but it does trigger an idea of an area where you would actually like to serve more. So you respond with a wholehearted no to the first opportunity and pursue the other one instead (without guilt).

Figure out what you need less of in your life so that you can embrace more of what God has for you, including your God-sized dream. If there are any halfhearted areas in your life, then that's the perfect place to start looking at what you can decrease or eliminate so you can say a wholehearted yes to your God-sized dream!

You'll know when you're living wholeheartedly because you'll experience more joy, energy, and enthusiasm about what you're doing. We're told our heart "is the wellspring of life." In other words, it's the source of everything in our lives and when your heart can pour out freely, there's no stopping God's plans for you! That's a benefit no cereal or circumstance can beat.

Biography:

 

The transition into a new year is always a time to reflect on our lives; to look at how far we have come and setting new goals to get us closer to where we want to be. We set goals in many areas of our lives, including finances, career, spiritual and family.  Our health should be no different.  However, with the busy lifestyles we lead, it becomes increasingly more challenging to live a healthier lifestyle. As life happens, our physical body seems to be the first thing we neglect. In order to enjoy true wholeness, we need to care for our Mind, Body, and Spirit.  I have put together seven tips to get you started on the road to a healthier you.  

1. Increase your water intake - Water plays such an important role in our bodies, from regulating body temperature to helping our bodies absorb vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. One of the simplest things you can do to help manage your weight is to replace your sugary sodas, juices, lattes, etc. with water. This change alone will cut tons of empty calories from your diet.  

2. Eat clean - Eating clean means eating non-processed, chemical-free, natural ingredients.  Basically, eating foods that are as close to the way they are found in nature. For example, eat an apple instead of an apple pie.

3. Add protein - Include protein with each meal. Fish, chicken, turkey, lean cuts of beef, nuts, Greek yogurt, egg whites, and cottage cheese are excellent protein choices. Including protein with each meal will help keep you full longer, help cut down on cravings, and boost your metabolism. 

4. Eat fresh fruits and vegetable - Fruits and veggies are naturally low in calories; they are a healthy nutritious fast food. Eating plenty of fruits and veggies may also help reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and some cancers.

5. Include good fats - Don't go no fat, go good fat.  Olive oil, coconut oil, avocados, nuts, and omega-3's are all great sources of good fat.  Good fat can help reduce cholesterol levels, protect against the buildup of plaque in your arteries, and help prevent belly fat.

6. Get active - Walking is still one of the best forms of exercise that you can do; plus it's cheap, safe and effective. Walking 30-40 minutes on most days of the week along with a healthy diet will not only reduce your waist line and the padding on your hips, it also provides numerous other health benefits.

7. Eliminate or reduce the amount of sugar in your diet - Reduce or eliminate large doses of sugar you may be eating or drinking throughout the day. Replacing  super high-content sugary foods like donuts, cakes, cookies, sugared cereals, soda, and other snacks with a healthier choice will make a drastic difference in how you feel throughout the entire day; not to mention, it will help reduce your waistline.

Biography

Marlo Rhodes is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition and Wellness Coach. She has appeared as a guest speaker on Gospel1590 KPRT, a local Radio station in Kansas City. Marlo specializes in designing personal nutrition, strength training, and cardiovascular plans for her clients. She has personally lost over 60 pounds and has kept it off for over five years. Although Marlo is an IT Professional by trade, her passion is to share her story and help others achieve their health, fitness, and weight loss goals.  Marlo believes that faith in God coupled with, determination, discipline, dedication, and perseverance can enable you to reclaim your body and your health at any age. 

Did you know? Road to a Cheerful Giver

Receiving a tax refund used to be one of the most exciting moments for me as an individual. Why? Because it often was a lump sum that would allow me to spend and splurge on unnecessary things. In the past few years, I actually learned that a refund was simply an overpayment to the government of money that could have been in my pocket throughout the year. That overpayment never came with interest or dividends - so as tax season is upon us, be careful to consider why you are receiving a refund. It could mean that your allowances, withholdings or other tax information is leading to an overpayment. Consult your tax professional for ways to minimize the refund and maximize your savings throughout the year.

Nevertheless, if you get a refund, don't fall into the trap that companies anticipate - spending and splurging. We spend and splurge when we have failed to put a financial system in place (i.e. budget) to enable us to save for those things we want and desire and/or the unexpected. Let us or someone help you with creating a budget that will enable not just gratification for your wants and desires but peace of mind that you are prepared for the unexpected. You never know, the unexpected could be a word from the Father asking you to sow into the life of another; but if you are unprepared, you could find yourself frustrated at your inability to fulfill the command of the word. Remember, "He who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly but he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully." (2 Corinthians 9:6)

Associates with Forward Financial Group (FFG) have one mission: to inspire and encourage you when the road appears unsure or circumstances present an unclear path. At your convenience, we'll travel to your home or office, discuss your options, and put our proven financial tools to work for you.

Personal Website:

Maurice Jackson, District Manager, Forward Financial Group: http://mjackson.forwardfinancialgroup.com

 

"The most powerful life we live is one that is lived from within. Deep within the heart of every woman exists profound, life-giving treasures and answers." Tyra Eckwood  

Precious Rubies is back with intense passion and zeal to see women advance in their inner lives. The inner life is a flourishing waterfall that, if maintained effectively, can position you above life's circumstances. Precious Rubies' first release in 2010 was about the heart. The heart is a precious ruby that needs to shine above all else.

As 2014 advances forward, let's polish and renew our hearts. Everything concerning your life begins in the heart. Anything that can change your heart has the power to change your life. God tells us to guard our hearts because the issues of life flow out from it (Proverbs 4:23) and the blueprint of our life rests in our heart.

Many women attempt to hide trouble in their hearts. When the heart is troubled it disrupts rhythm and harmony with God, preventing peace from residing there. Additionally, it shuts off creativity and strength. When your heart is troubled, you lose focus and your thoughts and imagination can become governed by fear.

The last few months of 2013 were stressful for me. I woke up one night with an anxious heart concerned about the upcoming new year and all that I assumed was coming with it. I was thinking of everything that I planned to accomplish throughout the full year instead of in increments. I began to entertain foolish thoughts and say whatever was in my heart. Pretty soon, there was no peace in my heart, and when there's no peace, there's a lot of negative energy going in multiple directions, hindering any ability to produce something good.

I am pleading with you to kick trouble out of your heart! Slow down, regroup, and refocus so God can give you peace and direction. The Bible says, "wherever your treasure is your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). 2014 is a year full of great opportunities, purpose, and assignments. We can't accurately pursue what God has in store for us if worry, fear, and doubt are camping out in our hearts! It is so past the time in our lives to value the treasures within us.

To polish this Ruby-the heart-we must know what our treasures are. Health, well-being, stable minds, good decision-making, our family, and friends are just some of the treasures that we may possess. This will cause the heart to be unwavering and full of the peace of God. Here are some practical ways to renew your heart:

• Bible reading

• Praying

• Releasing stress

• Helping others

• Serving in your community

• Laughing often, which is like medicine to the heart

• Monitoring what you eat

Your Precious Rubies assignment for 2014 is to discover the influence of the inner life and make known the power of a woman whose inner life is strong, vibrant, and effective.