James 1:2-4, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Welcome to day 7 of our challenge! A full week today, with just 2 more to go.

Do you feel more health conscious? Are you experiencing a closer walk with God? If not, keep going it does get better, and you will be stronger because of it.

I was outside enjoying the warm weather and began to think of the Goodness of God. I appreciate the way God uses the simplest things to make us recognize and appreciate him!

Jumping into our day with both feet – let us focus a little more on God today.

Devotion:

Pick your favorite worship or paise song. Begin to sing it and really think about the words of the song. Picture just how God is that, has done that, etc. really put yourself in the song. The words seem to have a greater meaning when we view them through the lens of our life.

Now give God praise! And don’t be afraid to allow that praise to organically transition to worship. For God is that good!

Exercise:

I know many people love to go to the gym. My husband goes 5 days a week, and that is fine. For me, I enjoy being outdoors. I like physical activity that involves being in the sun. What is your preference? While the weather continues to be nice, choose some physical activities that cane be done outside. Is your stationary bike or treadmill mobile? Consider moving it in an area that will allow you to enjoy the sun.

Whatever you choose don’t forget to spend at least 30 minutes getting fit!

Healthy Eating:

Whatever you decide to eat today, consider your body, your health, and enjoy.

Don’t forget to email me at otp.ministry1@gmail.com Or comment below.

Have a blessed day.

Luke 21:19, “In your patience possess ye your souls.”

Hello Family! We are at the end of Day 6. I hope you are enjoying the challenge as much as I am.

I pray that your mind is filled with the goodness of God daily. I pray that you have more energy and are inspired to stretch yourself to achieve.

Here is a mindfulness exercise.

Walk back through your day. Consider how your energy level. Have you noticed an improvement? Do you see areas where you can add more effort?

Consider the food you have consumed today. Do you feel you made healthy choices? Can you remember your vegetable choices? Did you enjoy eating them? Did you feel weighed down? Or was there a lightness to your day?

Consider the time spent with the Lord. Are you satisfied with the quality of the experience? Some say you need to have a certain amount of time – and that is a good idea. However, I do go for quality over quantity. Did you touch God? Did you bask in his presence?

If you are satisfied with you efforts, then it was indeed a great day.

If you feel you missed the mark on a few things, that’s okay. Now you are aware of where you can make improvements.

Remember it is all about balance.

Keep pushing. Keep pursuing God. Keep seeking healthy foods – find recipes you will enjoy. Try new foods.

Tomorrow is day 7, we are going to crush it!!

Have a great night.

Isaiah 62:6-7, “ I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence, And give him no rest,
till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.”

Happy Tuesday!

I trust that you are all still hanging in there. It does get easier and you are building habits that will positively impact your life.

Remember we are playing the long game, not looking at short term. Our goal it to position ourselves so that we are always ready to do God’s will.

As they say, if you stay ready, you won’t have to get ready. 😊

Devotion:

Today we want to take time to pray for healing. Especially for those who have reached a point of desperation. A point where a person can fall prey to the unscrupulous.

We want to pray that God not only heals in whatever way is needed, but that he will also protect the vulnerable. God is able, and he is willing. We just need to encourage his people to step out on faith. To trust God for what seems impossible.

Just like the woman with the issue of blood. She had to encourage herself and speak within herself- “For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.” Mark 5:28. Her desperation attached to her caused her to wholeheartedly pursue her miracle. She received just what she needed from God.

However, there are some who are desperate, but lack faith. They lack the faith to pursue God relentlessly to receive their miracle. Instead, their desperation moves them to go after relief anyway they can.

We need to be that watchman on the wall, praying for them. we must relentlessly pursue God for them.

Exercise:

Today, do something fun that you enjoy, such as a bike ride, swimming, jump rope, or running (if that is your cup of tea). Whatever it is, go outside and move. Find a physical activity that will increase your heart rate and provide natural stress relief.

Remember to wear your hat, sunglasses and sunblock to protect yourself.

20-30 minutes is our starting goal. However, feel free to over achieve and increase that time.

Healthy Eating:

If you have not noticed by now, I love Delish.com. I can go there and find quick, easy, and delicious recipes. Here is a simple one…

Who said it was hard to eat healthy? 😎

Have a great day 5.

See you tomorrow!

Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through ^[a]Christ who strengthens me.”

Hey there OTP family!! How ways your day 4 of the challenge?

Many people think change is heard or nearly impossible. I can honestly say or is VERY challenging. To change your old habits and develop new ones takes patience, courage, perseverance, and strength. But not our own strength. We must rely on God to helps us make lasting change.

2 Corinthians 5:17, reminds us that God is all about change. When he saves us, he delivers us from what we used to be and brings us into a state of righteousness. He is all about helping us make changes that bring glory to his name.

So don’t give up on your progress. Even on those days where you may have missed the mark in your devotion, exercise and healthy eating, get back up and dust yourself off. Keep trying – you will succeed.

Keep Philippians 4:13, on you mind, your lips and in your heart. Repeat it to your self and be encouraged to press on.

Devotion:

Do a small Bible study before you go to bed. Grab a note book, a reference Bible, a dictionary, and your favorite worship music. Choose a chapter of your favorite book (I recommend James), and study. Don’t forget to start with prayer. Run references and take notes.

Exercise:

I love to search YouTube for different workout or walk videos. Things that I can do from home. Find a room with some space, find a video that interests you, and get moving. Remember our goal is to move for 20-30 minutes daily.

Healthy Eating:

Be courageous. Find interesting recipes that utilizes ingredients you do not normally eat. Make your meal an event. I found the following recipe on delish.com:

Whatever you choose to eat, I hope you enjoy.

We are heading into day 5 with a great attitude!!

https://youtu.be/1q-Zh9n6Cr8?si=lSGqs3BsecI6IxzH

1 Corinthians 15:51, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

Happy Sunday!! It is Day 3 of our challenge. And no, we are not allowed a day off because it is Sunday.

Here are my recommendations for the day:

Devotion:

Get involved. Fully engage in your church’s worship service. Close your eye and really sing praises unto God. Go into a deeper place of worship than you normally do. I am sure you have heard “you get out what you put in”, and this is so very true. Pour out all you have to God, so he can replenish your reserves. Really pay attention to the preaches word, takes notes so you go over them later. Ask God to open your understanding to his word to a greater degree. Apply that word to your life.

Exercise:

Take a nice walk with your family. Spend 20-30 minutes out doors appreciating God’s goodness. A nice brisk walk to move your body, to wake up your joints and bones. To increase your heart rate and keep it there for at learn15 minutes. Then a normal walk speed to allow heart rate to go back to normal.

Healthy meal:

If you are anything like me, you don’t like to cook on Sunday’s. Select a restaurant that offers healthy food options and enjoy. Select a meal that you find appetizing, but one that is also healthy. Don’t over eat, but enjoy a healthy serving. Remember you do not need to clean your whole plate, but eat enough to be satisfied. Avoid the “stuffed” feeling altogether.

As you wind down for the day, take some time to meditate on the morning message. Take a moment to read and meditate on todays scripture 1 Corinthians 15:58. Ask God to reveal himself to you to a greater day.

Remember, our goal is to find our balance. A healthy relationship with God, with food and with our bodies. Once we have achieved this balance, we are in the right position to accomplish the will of God for our lives.

Have a blessed day!

Psalms 100:4-5, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

Hey there OTP family!! It is a holiday weekend and believe me, there will plenty of temptations and excuses to mess up on the challenge. But we are going to push through it.

It’s called balance!

We will enjoy our time with family and friends and take part in all the fun activities. We will just work on our choices. We will get our devotion, and workout in early. This will leave the whole day free.

The next hurdle will be our food and drink choices. We will address those as they come. Making the best choices we can.

Devotion:

First, let us focus on devotion – spending time with God! We are expanding on the holiday theme by taking time to celebrate the God of our salvation. This morning (afternoon), we just want to take a moment to appreciate the God who has done so much for us.

Yesterday, we meditated on the mercies of God. Today we just want to be thankful unto him and to bless his holy name. Yes, there is nothing like praise and worship.

If you are anything like me, the best location for me to find some alone time with God is in my bedroom. So it is an easy transition to getting in a position to exercise. Whatever your location, let us make time to move the body God gave you.

Exercise:

Next, let’s focus on a great meal that will treat our body right and boost our energy.

Healthy meal idea:

Directions

1. Step 1In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add onion and bell peppers and season with oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes. Remove peppers and onions from skillet and heat remaining oil in skillet. 
2. Step 2Add steak in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook until steak is seared on one side, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook until the steak is seared on the second side and cooked to your liking, about 2 minutes more for medium. 
3. Step 3Add onion mixture back to skillet and toss to combine. Sprinkle provolone over steak and onions then cover skillet with a tight-fitting lid and cook until the cheese has melted, about 1 minute. Remove from heat. 
4. Step 4Arrange lettuce on a serving platter. Scoop steak mixture onto each piece of lettuce. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Enjoy your meal!

That is it. We have found time to spend time with God, to move our body, and to eat a healthy meal. Now, we can focus on enjoying our day. We can focus to doing what God has called us to.

Don’t forget – take a moment to share your thoughts. Share recipe and exercise ideas. Share your testimony!!

Comment below or email us at: otp.ministry1@gmail.com

Lamentations 3:22-23, “²² It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

²³ They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness

Welcome to day 1 of our journey to have a healthy relationship with God, with food, and with our bodies.

– With food, because this is the fuel for our life! Our choices in food will either energize us and provide our vital organs the nutrients the need to effectively do their job correctly. Or pull us down, clog our system and make it impossible to fully complete the call of God on our lives.

– With God, because he is our everything and without him we are nothing

– With our body, because we must move to stay alive. Movement (daily exercise) allows our each part of our body to do what it was designed to. When we are less active our bodies complain (sore, pain, stiffness, stops working).

3 John 2, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”

Our goal is to please God by working towards a healthy relationship or prosper in every area of our lives.

As a part of the challenge I am going to post some healthy recipes and some exercise ideas for you. I am also going to share some daily devotions as well. Ideally, I will endeavor to share something each day of our challenge. However, if I miss a day or two – keep going strong. I most definitely will be right along with you.

Let’s get moving!!

Here is a healthy lunch recipe:

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat oven to 375°. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss bread with 1 teaspoon olive oil, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Spread in a single layer and bake until golden and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes.
2. Step 2Meanwhile, season chicken on all sides with oregano and remaining ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat remaining 1 tablespoons oil until shimmering. Cook chicken, turning occasionally, until both sides have a nice sear and an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of breast registers 165º, 2 to 3 minutes per side.
3. Step 3Transfer chicken to a cutting board. Once cool enough to handle, slice chicken into strips.
4. Step 4In a large bowl, toss chicken, croutons, lettuce, Parmesan, and desired amount of Caesar dressing; season with salt and pepper
5. Step 5Divide salad among tortillas and wrap up burrito-style. Slice in half and serve.

Don’t forget to get 20-30 minutes of exercise in today. Taking a walk is always fun and easy – and it’s free. No gym membership required.

Please share your favorite healthy meals and fun simple exercise ideas.

For today’s daily devotion, please take time to meditate on God’s word, specifically Lamentations 3:22-23. Think on just how good God has been to you and how he provides for us daily. All because of his mercy that is new every morning. God is compassionate and faithful towards us. Then have a quick prayer of thankfulness. Not asking for anything, but just thankful and grateful to God.

Go about your day with this scripture on your mind and a praise in your heart.

Our 21 day challenge begins September 1, 2023.

III John 2, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health even as thy soul prospereth.”

Our overall goal to be get to and remain in a state where we are mentally, physically and spiritually able to effectively fulfill God’s will in our lives. A state where we can receive all that God has for us, and then turn around and pour back into the lives of the people God has placed in our orbit.

We are striving for balance in our lives.

By definition, balance an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady. It is a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.

We are going to achieve correct proportions of the areas below, so we can remain upright and steady in our walk with God.

The challenge will focus on 3 core areas daily:

– Eating Healthy

– Physical activity

– Daily devotion

If we are mindful of these 3 areas, we will strike a balance in our lives that positions us to achieve our goals.

It is important to understand when we have the proper balance, our whole life is affective.

– We are more confident,

– We are more assertive,

– We are more humble,

– And we seek to achieve more.

The challenge will require you to plan a healthy meal daily, take 20-30 minutes daily of physical activity, and to spend 20-30 minutes daily in devotion to and with God. I would even encourage you to increase the time to at least 1 hour daily with God, but for the purposes of the challenge we only ask for 20-30 minutes.

That’s it – the complete challenge.

I will share daily posts with examples of healthy recipes, and some ideas on physical activity and daily devotion.

I invite you to share your thoughts, concerns, failures and triumphs throughout the journey. We will strengthen and encourage one another.

Take this time to plan ahead so we can all be prepared on day 1.

Have a blessed day.

We are working on a 21 day healthy body, healthy spirit challenge beginning September 1, 2023.

More details to follow…

As Friday is September 1st, I will have the details posted by tomorrow to give you a couple days to prepare.

We had such a great response from our prayer challenge last week, we don’t want to lose momentum.

We are on a journey to be healthy and whole – both spiritually and naturally.

I hope you are as excited as I am to begin!

Get those healthy recipes ready and have a blessed day.