Magical Moments to Refocus and Get Grounded Again. And Again.

There is something magical about quiet moments in a Florida air-conditioned Starbucks. A hot, dark cup of Pike (you Starbucks people know exactly what I'm talking about), and a divine moment with God. You know, God, the Maker of the Universe. The Creator of all, Heavenly Father, Alpha and Omega, and Perfect Friend. 

Magic in the making.

Before you critique me for mentioning "magic" and God in the same paragraph, quietly reach down and pick that wad of underwear out from your butt crack. I have run into so many people claiming Christianity who are so quick to critique people because they don't care to try to understand another human being on the face of the planet and forget the true mission of Jesus: Love God and love people (Matthew 22:37-39). In no way am I insinuating that God does medicine-man-witchcraft-magic. To some of us who love unicorns and all things that sparkle, the term magic has nothing to do with sorcery or even Harry Potter himself. 

Alright, moving on. 
Back to the magic of the above stated equation.

Starbucks' air conditioning + black coffee + quiet moments with God = magic 

It is in these moments when I am brought back to earth. When my ungodly unattainable expectations for myself are brought back into reality. When I begin to see how far off I have been. When I return my focus to I AM. 

But Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to Bnei-Yisrael and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is His Name?’ What should I say to them?”

God answered Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” Then He said, “You are to say toBnei-Yisrael, ‘I AM’ has sent me to you.” 

God also said to Moses: “You are to say to Bnei-Yisrael, Adonai, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My Name forever, and the Name by which I should be remembered from generation to generation.

Exodus 3:13-15

Jesus even declared he is, "I AM." 

John 8

I AM WHO I AM. 

Seems so simple. And complex. Simultaneously. That's the trinity for you! Everything and all things and intricate and beautifully simplistic all jumbled up together at one time with perfect organization. And sprinkles on top. 

As I graciously bask in my magical moment with God at Starbucks in the air conditioning, sipping my coffee, I am absolutely bewildered that I would even consider taking my gaze off something so magnificent, so amazing, so...(ahhhhhh there are no words to describe him)! But I totes do. All the time. 

Insert positive self talk: Give yourself grace, Kelsey. You won't get it right all the time.

End positive self talk.

I'm practicing positive self-talk, so better utilize every opportunity, right?! 

The reality is, there is an enemy who wants to distract us from being so crazy in love with Jesus that we worship whatever else. Satan wants to have God's spot (Isaiah 14:13-14). I see those distractions in my life. It comes mostly in perfectionism and people-pleasing. 

Having been an avid athlete and finding my happy place in CrossFit nearly three years ago, I have definitely prioritized weight-lifting, diet, my physique, WODs, workout clothes, and more before God. As if "perfecting" my lifts or looking "perfect" will fulfill everything in my life. I love CrossFit. I love fitness. I really do. But, I have to assess if my actions show that I love God more or the gym more. Ouch. Sometimes I wonder when enough will be enough. If it's not residual issues from the eating disorder that used to control my every thought and action, it's the distortion of something good. I make fitness my idol. 

But, then, I'll experience a magical moment with God (not always at Starbucks) and reality will come crashing down again. Realizing I have placed myself on the throne and lost focus of my Creator. Again. 

But, even there, I could get discouraged that I have failed yet again. But, no, not this time satan. You lousy dude. 

See how this can spiral out of control? 

Where do lies and distractions get you down? How are you falling into the trap of idolizing anything other than the Creator God, Adonai himself?

The things that matter most.

May I encourage you to be aware. Sit still. At Starbucks, or not. Drink coffee, or not. Be where you need to be to hear the silence. Seek God's voice. This will entail turning your phone off and logging out of Facebook. Schedule this magical time if you have to. It's more than worth it. 

As I begin to end this blog post, I am inspired and motivated to reprioritize life. God. Family. Friends. Loving people. Doing good. Less obsessing about the worries of the world. Less counting macronutrients in pursuit of a perfect physique. More enjoying life. More of what God has intended. Freedom and peace. 

Live fully, love wholly, rejoice daily, 

Kels

xoxo

How a Plant-Based Diet Can Improve More than Just Your Physique

This blog is primarily to serve women. It is about women. Written by women. Until now. James is my best friend, partner in crime, and biggest supporter. When he started his clean eating/veganism journey this past January, I asked him to write his story to share. We never in a million years expected veganism to not only transform our bodies but also our relationship. Here's our story, as told by James and myself!

"My name is James T. Blunt. I started this year weighing about 215 pounds and feeling very dissatisfied with my physical appearance. I am an avid Crossfitter and Olympic weight-lifter. I am, by no means, sedentary. But, I didn't have the body composition that I desired.

I felt that I had all the typical knowledge one would need to be "fit." I have read many books and listened to many well educated people give lectures on fitness and nutrition. I didn't always implement all of the information that I had, but I rarely gorged on foods that were, what I considered to be, downright unhealthy. Since I wasn't getting the results I desired, I decided to go on a journey and looked in a place I had heard was a deep, dark cave of muscle loss and lethargy. Veganism."

Tom and Gisele seem to be doing just fine on a plant-based diet!

It's me, Kelsey, again! A few other things were in the works as James and I were discussing what changes we could make in our diets to achieve a leaner physique and gain more energy. I had been in contact in a chiropractor and nutrition specialist in South Carolina and learned a ton about detoxing and the health benefits behind omitting caffeine, sugar, and toxins. James and I had also come across documents and articles valuing a primarily plant-based diet. Did you know Tom Brady and the beautiful Gisele eat an organic 80% plant-based diet?! (Check out details here.)

I'll let James take it from here...

"I watched a documentary that would totally shift the way I thought about food and specifically proteins. The film was titled, 'Forks Over Knives.' I strongly recommend giving it a look. After watching the film, I decided to go on an 80% vegetable diet and reducing my meat consumption to only 20% of my daily caloric intake. I mean, I am a weightlifter...how could I keep all these "gainz" if I stopped eating meat?!"

Kelsey here! This is the time, too, that James' church, Celebration Church in Jacksonville, Florida, started the Awakening Fast. It was a 21 day time to fast and intentionally spend more time seeking God. 

Cue James...

"So after about a week of detoxing, my church called for a 21 day fast. During the fast I decided to give up all meats, refined sugars, and caffeine. Over those 21 days, I got so close to the Lord! My spiritual life exploded! My relationship with my beautiful girlfriend saw so much improvement! My cognitive thinking was better. I was more aware of me and my surroundings. My energy went through the roof, I was completing much longer, harder workouts and still feeling great!

"My spiritual life exploded! My relationship with my beautiful girlfriend saw so much improvement! My cognitive thinking was better."

Before the fast, I was often tired well before completing of the Workout of the Day (WOD). I extended the fast to continue on with the new lifestyle God has revealed to me. I have introduced meat in moderation, but still shy away from refined sugars. I occasionally drink coffee, but keep my caffeine intake to a minimum."

How could I go without meat proteins and strive for my fitness goals?!

It was at the time of the Awakening Fast that I decided to jump on board with James. Being so enveloped in the fitness industry, I too, could not fathom going meatless. In reminiscence, I had learned that my body would thrive on foods that are more simple to digest because the acidic level in my stomach is low. When I would eat meat, I would get bloated and uncomfortable. But, I kept eating meat anyway and attempting to supplement because, How could I go without meat proteins and strive for my fitness goals?!

The pieces started fitting together. I adopted a mentality of working with my body instead of supplementing to correct my body. In addition, James and I have been working on supporting each other in as endeavors. I felt called to join him in the Awakening Fast. So, bye-bye meat! (I kept caffeine...I'm still working on weaning myself off of it!)

My diet consisted of mostly organic produce, legumes and grains, and plant based protein powder. Like James, I felt awesome! I got on a good sleep schedule and actually slept 8+ hours per night, my occasional pimple stopped popping up unexpectedly, I had tons of energy, and could see changes in my physique within two weeks. I have a long history with an eating disorder. Eating a plant-based diet helped me feel even more removed from those old tendencies that tried to expose themselves from time-to-time. The most notable improvements were in my relationship with God and with James. I prioritized time reading my Bible and in prayer throughout the 21 day fast and reignited the passion to do so on the regular. The more in-tune I became with God, the more James' and my relationship improved. We were giving each other grace and trying to see things from the other's perspective. We were well rested and energetic, so were tended to be less cranky toward each other. The more we took care of ourselves, the more we had to give the other person. It's truly been amazing!

James' before and after...21 days progress!

"I encourage everyone to look deep and muster the courage to step out and try something you have never tried before. That is the only way to get results you've never achieved before! My favorite quote goes a little like this, 'It's not what we don't know that gets us in trouble. It's what we know to be true that just ain't so that is the problem,' -Mark Twain."

I want to thank the lovely woman in my life Kelsey Clevenger and the author of this blog for coming on this amazing journey with me. She has had outstanding results, also. She has been so willing to support me and all of my 'crazy ideas.' I think this one is a success. Last but not least, if no has told you today that they love you, I love you and I'm praying for each and everyone of you!"

And with that, we're out! 

Live fully, love wholly, rejoice daily, 

James and Kelsey

xoxo

The Truth of Your Existence

I have to admit.

I am so hard on myself. If I were to track the negative thoughts that run through my head, you (and I) would, most likely, be appalled. It seems ironic that I help women better their relationships with their bodies when I seriously struggle with accepting myself.

But, I do believe this is exactly where I am supposed to be...on this journey with you. No almighty been-there-done-that-and-overcome-body-image-issues-and-know-how-to-love-myself attitude coming from me. Nope, just raw, vulnerable "I feel you, sister." 

Today, James (the most amazing man in the world who just so happens to be my boyfriend) gave me one request.

"I have one request for you. I just ask for the rest of the week, you practice giving yourself grace. You so need it!...I just ask you to do one thing for me until Sunday and just practice giving yourself grace...I know you can do it, babe! You are loved and valued!" 

He really loves me. It is through situations such as these that I come to know this man wants the very best for me. And the very best right now is for me to learn to love me, value me, and accept me.

So, I was inspired to write a little something to express myself. In my head, I know the truth. I pray I (and you!) come to know Truth in our hearts.

True Beauty's Quintessence

By Kelsey Clevenger

When you look into the mirror,
What do you see?
Something horrific, tragic,
Someone disastrously ugly.

When you look into the mirror,
What comes to mind?
Unlovable, unworthy, 
Unfavorable, unkind.

Darling, my dear,
Do you know who you are?
Your Maker, your Father
Is not too far.

He hand-knit your soul,
Crafted your being.
He loves you and
Rejoices over you with singing.

I pray you come to know
The Truth of your existence.
With purpose and passion
God pursues you with persistence.

You are His gem,
His precious girl.
More valuable than the
Most most perfect of pearls.

Glistening, sparkling,
You are God's delight.
Sweet darling, please believe
You are perfect in His sight.

Stop feeding yourself lies,
Make the voices halt.
No more negativity,
Make positive your default.

For the words you speak
Become your essence,
When God actually calls you
True beauty's quintessence.

Sweet girl, lovely one
You have so much potential.
And loving who you are
Is so very essential.

If you're anything like me, and the truth of who you really are and your real value has been masked by societal pressures and downright lies, may you find peace today in knowing you're super awesome. You're made to do awesome things. And there is an awesome God who's got your back.

Live fully, love wholly, rejoice daily,
KC
xoxo

To Seek Understanding

"Help me to seek understanding before seeking to be understood."

That prayer resonated with me this morning. So often I earnestly desire to be understood.

If only they tried to understand me. 
If they tried to understand what's going on with me, they would get it. 

I walk the line of immature self-absorption in effort to feel understood when 1) I am fully known and understood by the freakin' Creator of the Universe God Himself and 2) my wasted effort to feel understood inhibits my ability to understand others, which consistently narrows my focus on myself.

We all have a story behind the facade of smiles and "I'm good" answers when asked how we are. We have pain. Scars. Aches. Loneliness. Abandonment. Hopelessness. Fear. Anger.

Scars. Aches.

Loneliness. Abandonment. Hopelessness.

Fear. Anger.

While I have been adamantly aiming for others to fully understand the complexities of my life, I have overlooked others' need to be understood and accepted as-is. What a humbling and sobering reality.

Brene Brown is one of my role models. She researches acceptance and belonging. She says all people want to experience a sense of belonging. 

Check out Brene Brown's teaching on vulnerability here:

 

For more from Brene Brown, check out her website here.

So, as a Christian passionate about living out my faith, my role is to, first, love God and, second, love others (Matthew 23:34-37). As love is a choice prompted by action rather than a feeling I conjure through romantic Netflix movies, my focus must change from being understood to understanding.

What that tangibly entails? I'm not entirely sure. But that is the beauty of being a work in progress. Several times in the Bible, God is referred to as a potter and his people are the clay (Isaiah 64). What does a potter do? Mold clay. 

So, today, may I be molded. May I learn to remove my focus from being understood and learn to better understand those around me. And may you be malleable clay, as well. 

Live wholly, love fully, rejoice daily. 
Kels
xoxo

Jesus Gives Life

Too much and still not enough.
Broken in this world, yet complete in Him.
Seeking outer beauty when the inner has eternal value.
Long days, lonely nights.

Too loud but not bold enough.
Empty from the pain, yet full from His grace.
Seeking more than what is superficially offered.
He saves, gives life.

When You Do, Sometimes You Don't

I have always been a “doer” and a “busy-bee.” I try to do it all. Rest? Who needs it when you can meet friends for coffee dates, coach youth athletics, serve at church, cover extra shifts at work, and prepare meals for sick friends?

On the surface, these things appear righteous and respectable. But, when the motive of the doer is analyzed, a thoughtful gesture or favor may be more self-gratifying in nature. Often times, the insecure thought pattern behind the over-committed individual is “I do, therefore I am. If I do (insert good/moral thing here), I must be good/moral.

God created each of us with passions and skills and He has a plan to use those qualities of our character. We learn this in Ephesians 2:10. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” We can busy ourselves doing good things, but still be out of His will.

Getting caught up in doing the right thing, being in the right place, volunteering for too many extracurricular activities can and has distracted me from knowing God more. If you want to recognize and know the voice of God, you must devote time and effort to cultivate a love relationship with Him.

Is it wrong for a person to volunteer at a local food bank? No, not if that is where God has called the individual to serve. Am I sinning when I meet up with a friend for a coffee date, with the mindset of nurturing our relationship? Absolutely not! But, I must question my motives. Is my goal to serve my friend and love on them, or am I avoiding the loneliness I often feel when I am at my house by myself before my roommates get off work when I know I should be studying the Word or writing?

This is not as much an issue of procrastination as it is avoidance of truth and evasion of pain. And it is draining! Oswald Chambers said, “It is impossible to get exhausted in work for God. We get exhausted because we try to do God’s work in our own way.” Though I do, I don’t. I don’t prioritize time to cultivate my love relationship with the Lord. I don’t pursue the passion He has intricately woven into my being. I don’t serve in the capacity He calls. So, though I am doing and am utterly consumed with mostly good things, I don’t do what I have been created to do.

Where can you simplify your schedule? How can you prioritize time to do those things God is leading you to do? I encourage you to track your week. In hourly (or half hourly) increments, write the activities, service, hobbies, down time, etc. How often do you pursue those things that bring you joy? Are you living with the purpose God has planned?

For a little inspiration, check out:
ibloom.co/ “10 Ways to Get Inspired”

Glorifying God with Your Body

Throughout my personal struggle with body image and loving myself for who God created me to be rather than what God created me to look like, I have read countless books, articles, and heard several speakers use 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 in reference to the way we must approach our physical body in the context of bringing glory to God. This verse is often quoted within the realms of eating disorders, body image distortion, exercise addictions, over and underweight, inner peace, confidence, and self-love.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV).

Another popular passage is 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, “Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.” (ESV)

In The Message this same scripture states, “You realize, don't you, that you are the temple of God, and God himself is present in you? No one will get by with vandalizing God's temple, you can be sure of that. God's temple is sacred—and you, remember, are the temple.”

As these verses are inspiring and encouraging (they ARE the WORD of GOD), we cannot use these commands conversely to support over-exercising, obsession with calorie counting, and worshiping the body above the Lord.

Let me take a quick detour as to explain myself more fully. The Word clearly states that one must be right with others before giving to the Lord. He is not interested in money from His people if we have relationships to mend. At church on Sunday, our pastor reminded us that we must not use broken relationships or strife as an excuse to withhold giving. That is twisting the Word to suit our selfishness. Example: Someone somewhere is mad at me, so I cannot give today.

Manipulating the meaning and using false application of the Word is wrong. Yes, your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. But, girl, you cannot stretch scripture to excuse your actions when you invest 90 plus minutes sweating on the elliptical and only a fraction of that time digging into the Word. The Bible is God’s Word. He communicates to us through it, revealing His truths and teaching us of His goodness, faithfulness, and almighty power.

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (NIV)

We must find a balance between caring for our bodies (“temples”) and becoming overly consumed with weight loss or maintenance. Consider analyzing how you spend those precious minutes of the day. Do you exercise longer than you study the Word? Are you flexible with your schedule in a way that would allow you to simply cancel plans and go where God wants you to be in the very moment He calls? Are you glorified by your fit physique or do you glorify God with your body? Obsession over exercise and weight loss is far more than a health issue; it is a heart issue. While exercising your body is of value, exercising your soul is eternal.

Love wholly, live fully, rejoice daily.