Rise and Shine

Don't forget the strategy at the bottom!
We want to help you actively practice what you are reading today!  
Let God move mightily in your life!

"That you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world."
Philippians 2:15

I am definitely more of a morning person than a night owl, but there are some days a girl just wants to stay curled up in the blankets all warm and cozy.  Today was one of those days.  But somewhere after my hubby hit the snooze, and me dozing back off to sleep, I heard a voice gently whisper, "Rise and Shine."  
It wasn't my husband, he was already fast asleep.

But I heard it, nonetheless.  Immediately I began to think; "I love that verse.  I have not read it in sometime."  But it always brings back such fond memories for me.  I was introduced to it, when being a member in MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) when my kiddos were little.  We had a new theme every year, and one particular year it was "Shine Like Stars" and the verse for the year; Philippians 2:15.
This verse gives whole new meaning to the phrase 'rise and shine.'  
When I was younger I just thought that rise and shine meant get up and be happy.  No reason, just do it.  As I have grown, older I realize the need for people to shine a light in a dark world.  This world, your family, neighbors and all the people you come in contact with everyday are desperate for a light.  They don't need you to preach, and pound God's word into their lives.  They just need a light to shine into their lives.  A light that gives them warmth.  A light that they are drawn to.  A light that points them in a new direction.  And you have likely been called to be the light for someone.
 (Or a lot of someones.)
I don't know about you, but when I have just binged myself into a near comatose state, I'm not much of a light the next day. Or in the days following.  Not too many people would glean joy, happiness and peace from my life during those times.  It's filled with regrets, anger and frustration.
Even the look on my face without saying a word can cause my children to ask,
"What's wrong Mom?"  
To which of course I reply, "Nothing!"
Friend, I pray that you will grasp what rise and shine means for your wellness journey today.  You have been called to rise everyday, and shine amongst the darkness of this world.  In order to do that, you must be fanning your own flame.
Eating healthy, moving your body, praying about gluttonous behaviors, and being honest by weighing in and facing the scale.
It's not easy.  A calling on your life is never easy.  I once read a quote that I love and try to keep in my back pocket everyday;
"Losing weight is hard.  Being overweight is hard.  Choose your hard."
Today I encourage you to rise and shine.  God has great plans for your weight loss journey as you shine a light in the world around you!

Let's Pray.
Dear God,
I want to rise and shine today.  I don't just want to get out of bed and have another ordinary day.  I want to shine like a light for my family and for You.  I know I need to take care of myself to be that light.  Help me God today, to make better decisions, and fan the flame of the light that is in me.  I will shine for YOU.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ I pray,
Amen

E4M DAILY STRATEGY
Rise and Shine
Did you know that there are foods that really make your skin shine?  Check out these four amazing foods that are great for any weight loss plan and proven to make your skin glow too!
 
Pumpkin seeds:
Packed with vitamin E, zinc and magnesium, these tiny seeds keep your skin glowing. They promote a strong regeneration of skin cells and are filled with protein, making them a perfect mid-morning snack. They are a perfect addition to trail mix, or just as a snack in between meals and meetings.
Blueberries:
These are my favourite snack for great skin. Filled with antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals, blueberries are essential in healing any radical damage our skin has suffered.
Strawberries:
A cup of these sweet fruits has 130% of the DV of vitamin C, which is an essential in skin health. Vitamin C actually boosts the production of collagen fibres in the skin that keep it smooth and firm (and clear).
Avocado:
Packed with essential fatty acids, vitamin E and antioxidants, avocados should be a staple in any diet aiming for weight loss (and great skin). The ‘good fats’ are great for the health and hydration of cell membranes. These membranes are the gate keeper of your skin cells – they let the good stuff in and keeping the toxins out. Try chopped avocado in a salad or with a can of tuna for a quick office lunch.