Back to the basics

Back to the basics. That is the word for today. Truth be told, I’ve been feeling convicted lately. I’ve known for a while I need to be writing, but somehow I’ve let it slip to the bottom of the priority list. So since today is the first day of the rest of my life, I’m starting today!

Before I get into what I want to say, I’d like to share a bit more about the journey I’ve been on over the last thirteen years. As many of you know, I started getting passionate about health beginning in 1998 when I began learning about the connection between health our and what we choose to eat. This led to the founding of a ministry called Healthy Moms, Healthy Families. My heart’s desire was to help others (especially moms) discover the benefits of feeding themselves and their families healthy, plant-based, whole foods.

Along the way, I published a newsletter, taught classes, ran a buying club for organic foods, wrote a book, spoke at conferences, and published magazine articles. I enjoyed it all very much, but there came a point in time, around 2005, when I felt the Lord asking me to let go of it all. And so I did. And for the next three years I basically sat at my dining room table and hung out with God. What I mean by that is that for three years, I was in the Word…for hours each day. I’d drop the kids off at their homeschool academy and I’d come home and worship, pray, and study the Bible. It was glorious! I loved every minute of it. And I learned so much! The Lord poured so much into me during that time.

I am eternally grateful that I didn’t hang onto “doing ministry". Those years of “doing nothing” – which is what it looked like to most of the world – were the most productive years of my life. Just “being” with the Lord deeply strengthened my relationship with Him. Soaking in His truth taught me so much. I can testify that John 14:26 is true: But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. The Holy Spirit really does teach us…if we take the time to listen.

It’s going to take a while to share all of what’s on my heart. But I’m looking forward to it. I certainly haven’t arrived; in fact I think I’m just getting started. There is so much to learn and it takes a lifetime. The fact of the matter is the Lord teaches us so that we can share with others. What we experience is not just for us - He wants us to encourage each other. It will be really good for me to put what I’ve learned into words. I learn a lot when I do. And I hope you will too.

I guess I’ll have to get back to the basics...next time :-)