June 6th, 2023 Christ at the center. This is my tagline for Integrated Life and this last week, I was asked to be more specific about what exactly Christ is the center of. My immediate response was that you need Christ at the center of your life to effect any lasting and meaningful change. As I thought about it further, I created a little visual in my mind of Jesus standing in the middle of a target. Ultimately, I want to be there in the center with Christ right there at my side. However, in reality, where am I on the target in relation to Him when I am dealing with certain issues or decisions? Am I standing on the outer ring of the target, just in case I need to call on Him? Will He still hear me if I'm that far removed from Him? Am I half-way in, our would that be half-way out? Am I embarrassed to be near Him? Or, do I purposefully look past Him, waiting for or calling on someone or something else that I think will satisfy? He is constantly inviting me to join Him in the middle. Do I move to the center to cooperate with Him and His grace? When Christ is at the center of your life, it implies that He is right there in the middle of everything: your identity, your worth, your conversations, your actions, your marriage, your parenting, your friendships, your planning, your choices, YOUR LIFE. That is what I mean when I say, "Christ at the center". He is the center of everything. And by everything, I mean every thing.
SPIRITUAL
What decisions are you facing this week? Keep your eyes and your heart focused on Christ throughout the day and especially when decisions need to be made. Put yourself in the middle of the target with Jesus, to lead and guide you in all circumstances.
SELF Get outside! It's the end of spring and summer is right around the corner. Take advantage of the season and enjoy the outdoors. Research shows that being outside (for just 2 short hours/week) boosts both your mental and physical health. I think it boosts your spiritual health as well. Just look at the beauty God has created for YOU! You can't help but to be filled with gratitude. My challenge to you is to spend at least 10 hours outside over the next week. Will this be easy or hard for you? Some ideas: 40 min walk/run every day Read outside Eat outside Garden/yard work Hike Go to a lake/river Lunch break outside - eat, walk Meet a friend for coffee and sit outside Meet a friend at the park for a picnic What would you add?
SERVICE Now that we are back in Ordinary Time, we are back to fasting on Wednesdays. If you are new here, this is something that has been going on for several years. Here's the scoop... Every Wednesday we fast and pray for our husbands (if you are not married, for your future husband) for strength, encouragement and conviction to be strong spiritual leaders in our homes and their place of work. Pope St. John Paul II said, "As the family goes, so goes the nation and so goes the world in which we live." If we want to see a change in our nation and in our society, we must first sanctify our marriages and family life. There is power in a woman fasting and praying for her husband. There is also power in doing this together, as a community. So, please join me in this movement to change the culture and strengthen marriages.
Balsamic Vinaigrette I really enjoy a good vinaigrette on my salad and I can honestly say that this recipe is my all time favorite. So much better than anything ever bought in a store or even at a restaurant. I make this in a little pint size mason jar and use a lid like the one in the picture so it can be easily poured. Store in the fridge. 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 3 T. extra-virgin olive oil Juice of 1 small lemon 1 T. water 1-1/2 T. Dijon mustard 1-2 cloves garlic, minced well 1/2 t. sea salt 1/4 t. finely ground black pepper 1-2 t. pure maple syrup Place all contents in a small jar and either whisk together or put a lid on the jar and shake. This is most delicious after sitting in the fridge a few days. This recipe is adapted from the one in this cookbook.
Whatever you do for your family, your children, your husband, your wife, you do for God. All we do, our prayers, our work, our suffering, is for Jesus. ~St. Teresa of Calcutta
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