Detox Challenge Day 10

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

proverbs 4:7

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Reflection on Day #9

I spent another day fighting the dreaded couch. It reminded me of the Couchto5K training method. Get up and get going, but it starts by getting up off the couch, getting up off your butt. You have to start and stay motivated. My motivation has energized and encouraged me, so I got out of the house and went to the driving range, the grocery store and the bank, and then back home. We got a quarantine curfew and limited services open due to this pandemic. And the numbers are still going sky high daily. I just needed to get out of the house since I am not working from home right now, and that worked for me. It gave me some time to myself and a chance to identify what the nightly meal would be.

Focus on Faith

I know that Christmas is nearing and that I am nearing the end of this detox journey, but I know that I have more to learn, more to gain from developing a greater discipline and devotion to managing my day. I am doing something but sometimes something is the specific thing that I need to focus on at the moment. At certain times, I need to focus on a sermon and then follow up on how to distribute my multimedia work across a wide spectrum of social media. My ministry is deeply tied to my faith. My faith is enwrapped in so much that I do daily. At the end of the day, I praise God for where He has grown me and I am on the lookout for more that He has for me. I thank God for some bits of inspiration and encouragement tat I find in other blogs like the Simple Preacher and the Devotional Guy. They may not be aligned in delivery but they both help me periodically pick up the broken pieces after a fit of depression or doubt. Thank God for who He sends your way in whatever form He decides to send them, even when it is in the form of a blog or email marketing.

Focus on Fuel

I spent some time deliberating about wheat or lentil pasta, and then I really went there weighing out avocado oil versus olive oil. I knew it was becoming an obsession and I took a moment to evaluate my progress in short. Nearly 2 weeks prior I was buying 2 bottles of Pepsi and Mountain Dew with a chilled bottle of Starbucks vanilla frap. Let that sink in with all of that sugar and more. Add to that an order of French fries or a Reese’s peanut butter cups. I have come a long way when I am debating vegan options for cooking oil. Either one is better than the peanut butter cups. I will go with the wheat pasta today and get with the lentil pasta on a later date. It’s okay. It will be all right. I know that now and I know that it is going to take a while to get way better. 10 days just got me started with a detox and an eye-opener.

Focus on Fitness

I know that I got to do better. I cannot wait on someone to come along and join me. I got to do this on my own if need be, but I got to do this. I need to increase the intensity of my workouts. I need to expand my workouts from 60 minutes to 90 minutes per day. And I know that as long as I want to play golf, tennis and more, I need to ensure that I stretch and care for my back and knees. Today has me at the driving range, but tomorrow or this weekend I will be by the lake running and walking. Sunday I might even play golf, but here is where I am today.

When you do something every day that moves you in the direction of your goal, you develop momentum.

brian tracy

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Detox Challenge Day 9

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And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9 (esv)

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Making more homemade meals has been just one added benefit of the challenge so far

Reflection on Day 8

I roasted some baby potatoes seasoned with rosemary and garlic the other day, filling the house with a tantalizing aroma as it blended with some roasted vegetables. Day #8 had me baking some much larger Russet potatoes combined with the same medley of roasted vegetables. I dressed my baked potato with rice and vermicelli mixture and black beans with chopped green onions. (You don’t see that plated because once you pop open a baked potato. . . well, if you don’t know, you just don’t know about it.) I might try adding sautéed mushrooms and onions with the next one, but I recognize that even something as basic as a baked potato does not have to remain plain and bland. With the right touch of herbs and accompaniment from complimentary vegetables, you can dress up any seemingly plain dish to the point where you feel like an artisan in midst of a standout creation. And it tastes good. Plus, with these larger potatoes and their added toppings, I found myself filled and satisfied by one potato and a couple of servings of roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.

One of my goals was to eat more vegetables. Another was to increase the variety of fruit and vegetables that I consume, especially various colors such as red, orange, yellow, purples and greens. As I approach Day #9, I have indeed met my mark for consuming veggies. I just need to keep pushing myself with the fruit, especially the berries.

Focus on Faith

Live @ Lunch Bible Study

Download Live @ Lunch Bible Study Lesson: Undefiled Part 2

This 10-Day Detox Challenge started based upon my personal study on preventable chronic disease among minorities, in particular among Blacks and LatinX communities. It was also sparked by my Old Testament biblical study and research surrounding Daniel and his refusal to defile himself with the Babylonian king’s delicacies. That also took shape in the form of our Live @ Lunch Bible Study series Undefiled with its second part coming up this Wednesday at 12 PM PST via livestream.

Focus on Fuel

My fuel for today is all about antioxidants, the foods that naturally counteract the damaging effects of certain toxins on living organisms like the human body. I want to continue to clear out my system naturally and strengthen my body as I am able. If that means coming up with an alternative option for adding more berries, so be it. If that means granola or oatmeal with a nut-based milk like Almond Breeze, then I am going for it. Also, I am dying to crank out some of these Almond Breeze blueberry pancakes that Jessica Alexandra has as a featured recipe. That might be Day #10, though. No matter how I spin it or look at it, I am compelled to get more antioxidants on the menu and by adding berries of all sorts, especially blueberries, I am going to be on the right track.

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Focus on Fitness

My journey today takes me to a new peak. I have done the things to increase my heart rate in the past few days. My visit to the scale showed that I had only lost 1.5 lbs, but I also know the numerous other benefits that i have experienced over the last week. Yet, I totally get it. I was not pushing myself to any new level or degree with exercise due to the unknown for me. I was not sure about my energy level throughout this process. Let me say that the right way. I was not sure about what my energy level would be throughout this entire process and that makes it hard to plan and prepare for an extensive and intensive workout plan. I know next time that I can push it a little further and harder due to this initial experience. You got to keep in mind that I have never fasted before and I have done a primarily vegetarian diet with fish and chicken even turkey bacon in the past. This was an entirely new perspective with a goal of detoxification, not simply a shift to veganism.

It’s always too early to quit

Norman vincent peale

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Detox Challenge Day 8

How are you going to lay aside what you claim the Lord laid upon your heart? #purpose #perseverance #endurance #longsuffering #Godsplan

— RevBruceJ (@RevBruceJ1) December 21, 2020

Day #7 Reflection

My day was filled with contemplations and considerations. What I did learn was that I have consumed way more vegetables than fruit and like I said before not enough water. My best practices need to be for what’s best for me and my health. That is a surefire reminder to me that my health is in my hands, as in it is my responsibility to manage my health as a steward of the body that the Lord has given me. And in 50 years of living, I can openly admit that I have not always been a wise steward over this body.

A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

proverbs 16:9 (Nkjv)

Focus on Faith

Faith might be required for you to keep going as much as it is required for you to get things started. It may not be the same measure of faith. It might not be the same level of faith. But it is faith that is required. When you feel like letting go or even letting loose like going off, let the words of this text redirect you and recharge you: but the Lord directs his steps. Your plans can blow up and fall asunder, but the Lord has a plan that supersedes all of our planning.

Focus on Fuel

Today I am snacking on berries and raw almonds. I haven’t dove enough into those raspberries and blueberries, not even them blackberries. I used to have to pick the berries that I wanted for Grandma M.A. to make her cobbler. I would reach in between them twisted thorny vines to pick those fat blackberries without getting pricked. Today all I have to do is reach in the fridge, so I guess I will accept the easy route and eat a handful of them for their antioxidant bounty.

Focus on Fitness

Maybe it will be a walk on the streets or a just a few indoor exercises on the bedroom floor, but I plan to raise my heartrate today. There is plenty around to raise my blood pressure, but I am duty bound to fight off such things as much as I can today. I want to break a sweat a few times today doing some strenuous activity and preparing my body for ongoing workouts during this break.

Prayer is humbling work.

e.m. bounds

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Detox Challenge Day 6

He who gives to the poor shall not lack. . .

proverbs 28:27

Day #5 Reflection

The end of the workweek was a welcomed day, especially since it ended my seasonal session for after school programming and provides me with a bit of a respite for a few week. I will probably get some running and golf in when and where I can during the next two weeks. I have already been tuning up at the driving range, so I think I am ready to hit the course again.

Focus on Faith

I pondered on Proverbs 28:27 for a moment as I prepared to support a shoe drive today. I do not have much to give, but I am giving up a few pairs of running shoes that rarely ever get any action. In the text, the focus is on the act of giving and not on the amount that is given. I had to recognize that. Then, I also had to realize that part of my responsibility includes giving a portion of what I would have spent on snacks and junk if I wasn’t doing this detox challenge right now. Based on some of what was shared in All Things Charity, I will calculate what I normally would spent on unhealthy snacking and donate either the food or the funds to fight food insecurity.

from-the-sanctuary-to-the-streets-helping-the-poor-and-needyDownload

Focus on Fuel

Today I plan on keeping an eye on my portions and spacing out my meals and snacks. No work and plenty of free time makes for a dangerous point in the midst of this challenge. In my preparation, I accounted for my workdays more than I considered my days off. I have to retain my focus on the plan and the purpose to keep going strong through the day and the weekend, especially as I seek to add more physical activity.

Focus on Fitness

Like I said, with no work, I have plenty of time to fill my day with physical activity. After my livestream focused on GYNECOLOGIC CANCER AWARENESS and my guest Mz. Sharifah a cancer survivor and cancer patient advocate, I will drop off my donation for the shoe drive and perhaps stop at the driving range. I might end my daylight hours with a short walk around the block to match my morning routine, but I know that I will definitely get in some deep stretching touching in the hopes of doing a long run tomorrow.

An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.

henry david thoreau

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Detox Challenge Day 5

Rejoice always

1 Thessalonians 5:16

Reflection on Day #4

It came and went quickly. I thought that I would need to dig in so much deeper to get through the day, but I actually held on well. I felt satisfied which is different. Afternoon cravings are now curtailed with a bowl of raw almonds and mixed nuts rather than chocolate peanut butter cups or some other form of craving killer. I can honestly say that I gave yesterday a full effort without having to force myself. That’s what I call personal growth, even if it is only in one area of my life. That’s what it is and I will take it with full gratitude.

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Focus on Faith

I rally on my time reflecting and meditating on the Scriptures during this detox period. God has been stirring up some old ideas from the past that I dropped by the wayside in lieu of other work and He has also been granting me some new insights into carrying out my ministry work despite the COVID-19 conditions. I am earnestly working on some of the items immediately and eagerly anticipating how to get to other pieces of the puzzle, but as they say God is not finished with me yet. There is more that I am sure that He has to reveal to me in our time of communion.

I am certain of this, though. I am a firm believer that a greater percentage of God’ grace has been spent on sparing me of the ramifications of my own foolishness. Yet, as I ponder further upon how much god has to offer, I am seeking the place and space for when and where God rewards my faithfulness.

Focus on Fuel

This time has allowed me to discover some new dishes and to return to eating more raw vegetables beyond a salad. I usually eat cauliflower and broccoli raw and uncooked. No ranch dressing or cheese, please. I just eat the florets. I have even been able to nibble on a handful of raw Brussels sprouts, but I do have to admit that those have me drinking a lot of water to get them down. At the end of the day, I would rank the broccoli at the top of my got to raw fuel list with baby carrots.

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Focus on Fitness

Today I need some of that vitamin D that only direct sunlight can provide. Working remotely from home has its benefits, but some of he drawbacks include that vortex where you find yourself locked into work mode and without proper break times. I knew this going into this challenge, so I was careful to schedule my fitness breaks. I like how world class runner Steven Gomez shows us how to adjust our schedules. However, I am at the point where I need to add alarms to my smartphone as reminders to take my fitness breaks. My fitness breaks during work a simply mini moments that serve as power breaks where I will rise up and walk around, stretch or even take a break from the screen and step outside. Today I will definitely find me a spot in the sun for a moment and make the most of it. These breaks are key to a continued awareness of my physical restoration and recharging during my work schedule.

An unwavering dedication to God’s way is the mark of a true steward

Larry burkett

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Detox Challenge Day 4

But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ “ 

Matthew 4:4 (NKJV)

Day 3 Reflection

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I found myself digging deep yesterday. Nothing was ultimately wrong. I just went there. I took a moment to take my mind off of everything that I had going on and coming up, and I simply sat still for a moment and enjoyed the sun beaming down on me in the stillness of the moment.

That’s not my normal modus operandi. That’s not the way that I regularly handle a highly compacted schedule. But I found it both necessary and refreshing. In that brief moment, I was able to refocus and take my mind off the fact that I had not eaten bread in 4 or 5 days. I did not even think about not having meat since Saturday night. In fact, I paused and reflected for a moment on how much I did not feel like I was missing meat. I thanked God for encouraging words from others like Natalie Cone as I pushed through Day #3. It was necessary time to refocus.

Focus on Faith

Matthew 4:4 helps me to negate any notion that our lives hang in the balance without any support from heaven. Let us recall that the Lord is a Provider, often called Jehovah Jireh in the Old Testament. And what the Lord provides is sufficient, enough to carry us through until He comes through again to amply supply our needs and answer our supplications. No, we do not live by bread alone. And the Lord is the source of our daily bread no matter who He might use to get it to us. But we are to daily depend on “every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4, NKJV).

Focus on Fuel

I will refer back to Matthew 4:4. We don’t live by bread alone. If this remains unclear for you, think about the wide variety of vegetables available to you. Take inventory of the varieties of legumes and nuts. Try to keep track of all of the pulses and types of seeds available to us day after day. Let the vast amount of choices provide you with options for your meals and snacks.

Focus on Fitness

Things went a little different yesterday. Instead of a standard walk for a fitness break, I played with the dog and she kept me busy dodging and dipping as we covered about 3/4 of the backyard. Today, I might take another detour from the norm. If nothing else, I know that I have not lacked motivation. I have remained consistent with my mornings of modified pushups and my evenings with some deep breathing and stretches. I have been sleeping more soundly and feel no loss of strength. By this weekend, I might go for a longer run and possibly walk a par 3 golf course. I have yet to decide, but I know that if the last 3 days are any indication of what today brings then I am more than ready to fully engage.

“Success is knowing your the purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential, and sowing seeds that benefit others.”

John c. maxwell

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Detox Challenge Day 3

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…”

daniel 1:8 (NKJV)

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Day 2 Reflection

Reflecting on Day 2, I had to truly rely on my purpose. I snacked on raw almonds and ate a hearty salad, but I felt content despite some temptations. I am a chocolate lover and the idea of not being able to grab one of those chocolate and mint or even chocolate and peanut butter energy bars seemed to nag at me at various times throughout the day. I went back to Daniel 1:8 and my purpose. That fed me throughout the day with a mix of mini cardio and strength training sessions. Thank God for Him supplying strength through His Word.

Focus on Faith

Today we focus on Daniel’s commitment to remain undefiled during Live @ Lunch Bible Study. Our biblical focus is Daniel 1:1-16. We look at what Daniel was both refusing and requesting regarding his daily provisions. What we tend to see is that those ten days might have been a test, but I can only imagine how much personal strength and confidence it took for Daniel to even take the risk to make his request known to his captors. I want to keep my focus on my faith as a part of my detox journey.

Focus on Fuel

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I got to mix things up a little bit today. The vegetarian chili was a great kickstart to this 10-Day Detox Challenge, but I am itching for something else. I might roast some broccoli and cauliflower with some quinoa or brown rice plus a hearty salad of mixed greens. That sounds like a plan.

Focus on Fitness

This morning I kicked off my workday with a brief session of modified pushups and stretches. I tend to take the first 10 minutes of my day doing my AM workout and downing at least 10 ounces of water. By organizing my fitness breaks throughout the day, I have managed to keep my energy level up to par and I have been able to push through some periods of the day that usually found me looking for a nap or midday siesta.

This has been a great time to mix up my workouts, too. Last night’s breathing exercises and stretching yoga poses settled me in for a good night’s rest and got me in a comfortable place for just sleeping through the night. If I keep this up with daily fitness breaks, I will find myself in an entirely different place come Christmas Eve at the end of this 10-Day Detox Challenge.

“Success is costly.”

A.w. tozer

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Detox Challenge Day #2

How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. – Psalms 119:9

Day 1 Reflection

I considered yesterday a success. Why do I say so? I found myself satisfied and sustained, not looking for food to fill or kill a craving, In some cases, I had enough leftovers to plan out the next day’s meal options. I will take it as a win, including the time that I was able to work in walking and working out during my mini ten-minute breaks.

Today’s Focus

Focus on Faith

I am careful to put my focus on necessities right now. One of those necessities is to be washed in the Word, cleansed the sense where I am feeling regenerated and renewed. I reflect back to when I read The Unusual Suspect by Stephen Baldwin. That gave me some real, in-your-face rugged and radical Christianity. I could hardly put that book down. Today, I cling to God’s Word with that same desire and determination that once caused me to read the New Testament epistles daily.

Focus on Fuel

Yesterday, I consumed a bulk of legumes and nuts. I technically filled up on them early enough to not have to worry about any other snacks. Today, I am determined to add more fruit to breakfast and lunch. Dinner might include some additional leafy greens like kale and arugula mixed as a salad base.

Focus on Fitness

I liked squeezing in 10-minute breaks yesterday. It kept me on my toes. Today, my main adjustment is to start and end my work-from-home day with breaks as my bookends. One will open up my workday, while the other will act as the closure for it. I will add a bit of stretching and some yoga positions for breathing and digestion. The beauty of such a schedule is that I have total creative control over it.

A good example is the best sermon.

Benjamin franklin

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Undefiled

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…”

Daniel 1:8 (NKJV)

Tomorrow, the 10-Day Detox Challenge begins. It is derived from the first chapter of the Book of Daniel. It is a diet of primarily vegetables and water. The test of Daniel and his companions in captivity for ten days revealed to prove them in better shape and countenance than those who had indulged in the king’s delicacies as shared in verse 5. In essence, it has its origins in the Law of Moses with clean and unclean food lists in Deuteronomy and Leviticus. But Daniel holds fast to the integrity of his diet by not allowing himself to become defiled by the food from the king.

What Do I Need for the Challenge?

Come to this same blog post tomorrow for more information and encouragement. Beyond a regular fast of abstaining from eating for a given period of time, this challenge focuses on FAITH, FUEL and FITNESS. For FAITH, we want to commune with God as we seek to rely upon God heavily during the transition. In the area of FUEL, we want to look at food differently. We want to see food as fuel for our energy. We will concentrate on water, fruit, veggies, nuts and seeds. Finally, we will add some FITNESS to help us offset our diet and help us energize ourselves throughout the day.

Tune in to the Bible Study Livestream on Daniel this coming Wednesday

Rick Warren had launched the Daniel Plan years ago. I sought out what his work had to offer and realized that I wasn’t going to do a 40-day Daniel plan. I recognized that I was not fasting. I also was in agreement with part of what Warren had shared as a detoxification of the body. My spiritual encounter led me to something similar to Warren’s ESSENTIALS but the the 3 focus points for this detox challenge are not as extensive as Warren’s system. I say go for it if you feel led to follow Warren’s lead with the Daniel Plan. I am just putting my focus on an initial detox, celebrate Christmas, and then another detox to launch the new year.

Your refusal to be defiled can lead to some divine results.  By giving God the time to work on you, He can cleanse you both physically and spiritually. Regardless of the circumstances or conditions, we must settle the matter in our hearts first.  In our hearts, we must decide that we will stay true to God. The attitude must precede the action that leads to the accomplishment.

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From Eden to Egypt Day 16

1 Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth. 2 The fear and dread of you will fall on all the beasts of the earth, and on all the birds in the sky, on every creature that moves along the ground, and on all the fish in the sea; they are given into your hands. 3 Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.- Genesis 9:1-3 (NIV)

God made a covenant with Noah. He told Noah: Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth. He had said earlier that the animals were to be released in order to multiply and fill the earth in chapter 8. He preserved these people to fill the earth from their line. It was to be done through Noah and his sons, multiplying and filling the earth.
God offers us everything. He says so in verses 2 and 3. We are offered all as food to us. Yet, we must not approach this lightly. God has a caveat that is also revealed in this covenant. But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in it. That’s not for you. You have to prepare it a certain way, in a manner that is acceptable by God.

We have to learn the way that God wants us to live. There are reasons that kosher diets and other dietary restrictions work. We see the laws in Leviticus as a good source for understanding healthy biblical eating. Even though all is offered to us, we still need to watch how we eat. Look at diabetes and other preventable diseases and health issues. Those typically come about by what we take into our bodies. God offers us a natural way of eating, not preservatives and additives. Take care to be wise stewards over all that God has offered you, especially your body, mind and spirit. Be mindful of what you take in.

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