Wordless Wednesday - Coming Soon

Won't be much longer!

Hydration - Got Water?

so dry

So, today I was out in the backyard picking up toys that were laying in the summer sun.  The plastic was bleached, and the cheapest toys from the dollar store...I don't have to tell you how brittle they were.  They broke in my hands as I picked up all the pieces.

It made me think of a video I saw just this week by Dr. Mommy. She talks about the importance of staying hydrated, including some new information I hadn't heard before about the internal systems of the body. I really liked it because most of the time we hear about the symptoms of dehydration (tired, grumpy, dizzy), not the internal long-term consequences (kidney function and brain support). Our focus is on how we feel, not the other more serious effects.

In some respect, it's like the way we live our lives.  We know we need daily refreshment from God to stay spiritually hydrated.  The symptoms of  spiritual disconnect (lack of peace, joy, kindness, etc.) remind us to do something about it.  We can't forget, however, the system-altering effects of  long-term disconnect (a brittle spirit, a broken faith).

There is great hope and life in Jesus's words:
“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 
John 7:37b - 38

Are you dry and brittle?  Do you break internally at a mere touch? Jesus offers daily living water.  All we have to do is drink.

Blessings for Balance,
Steph

P.S. Make sure to watch Dr. Mommy's video on hydration below. So important!



Health Tip: Water ~ It Does a Body Good from Daisy Sutherland aka Dr. Mommy on Vimeo.

Wordless Wednesday - Backyard Devotion

Dear Father God,
In the heat of life

protect my heart from being scorched.

I reach up to you,

the only source of real fruitfulness.

Thank you for keeping your eyes on me (as you do the sparrow)

and providing an oasis in your shelter.
Amen.

Hazelnut Cappuccino and Orange Julius Protein Shakes

So, who loves the taste of protein shakes?  Yeah, me neither.  We all know we need lots of protein after a workout, but come on...we've already exercised discipline enough!

Here are the recipes for the shakes I whipped up this morning.  It's good that I'm writing them down here, because I never remember my spontaneous kitchen creativity when I'm ready to repeat the yummy! Be forewarned, though...you may gulp them down so fast, you'll end up with brain freeze.  : )

Hazelnut Cappuccino Protein Shake
In the blender, pour 1 cup of skim milk.
Put on the blender lid, leaving the top hole open for adding the other ingredients.
Start the blender, adding these ingredients in order: (have them ready to go)
1 T Toasted Hazelnut Cappuccino instant coffee (Maxwell House International Cafe)
1 serving vanilla flavored protein shake
1 egg (optional)
1 cup crushed ice
Blend until ice has been reduced to a milkshake consistency.
Top with a dash of nutmeg

Orange Julius Protein Shake

In the blender, pour 1 cup of skim milk and 1/8 cup orange juice concentrate. 

Put on the blender lid, leaving the top hole open for adding the other ingredients.

Start the blender, adding these ingredients in order: (have them ready to go)

1 serving vanilla flavored protein shake

1 cup crushed ice

Blend until ice has been reduced to a milkshake consistency.

By the way, my favorite tasting protein shakes are Advocare meal replacement shakes and are yummy by themselves. Chocolate is my favorite. The protein is actually broken down to be used instantly by your muscles.

Enjoy a protein shake after your next workout and let me know if you try one of my recipes!

Love and Blessings for Life Balance,
Steph