Thursday, October 11, 2012

Maintaining the Temple

     As some of you know, we began home-schooling in August.  We have all learned a great deal since then about the studied material as well as each other.  I plan to post later about the process and challenges we faced as first time home-schoolers but today I want to share just one of the things that I have learned.
    
     When I left my job to teach my kids, it was for many different reasons.  One of the things I was excited about was leading a healthier lifestyle.  I worked twelve hour shifts, which left very little time to exercise and prepare healthy meals for me and my family.   Unfortunately, with the challenge and excitement of new school material, working out a schedule, and maintaining the house, I lost focus on healthier living, more specifically exercise.  We neglected physical activity almost every day for the first two months of school.  Although I am pleased with our academic progress I have felt very convicted about our lack of exercise.  

     1 Corinthians 10:31 says "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."  It doesn't say, "you're okay as long as most of what you do brings glory to God".  Also, 1 Corinthians 6: 20 says "for you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's".  For me that spells CONVICTION!      
    
     For too long, I let myself believe that we did not have time to exercise or cook healthy.  Yesterday, was day 1 of no excuses.  Directly after my quiet time, I woke C. (my ten year old son) and we went outside for a great workout.  We ran, did push-ups, sit-ups, and other exercises for about an hour.  We came back in and had a banana while I fixed pancakes (recipe below) and he did his devotional.  After breakfast, I was surprised when C. said he felt awesome, with an enthusiasm not typical of my video game playing, book reading boy.  Talk, about one proud (and sore) Momma!

So here is my new healthier pancake recipe as well as a few tips for less mess.


Healthier Pancakes
            Dry
1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
3 tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/3 cup milled flax seed
2  tbs sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
          Wet
3 cups buttermilk
1 cup milk
3 eggs
1 cup melted butter
1 ½ tbs vanilla
3 tbs honey
1 tsp lemon juice
*optional walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips


Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.  Beat eggs with all wet ingredients.  Combine mixtures using a whisk only until lumps are broken.  Use spoon to mix thoroughly but do not over mix.  Cook on flat griddle at about 225°.  (Your griddle is ready when a drop of water will sizzle.)



 Yummy!!!

Hang your recipe on a pant hanger to keep it clean and visible!
I found that a coffee cup works great for holding my utensils without making a mess and taking up much space.  I used my cup that I checked my eggs in since we have backyard chickens.

Something to think about...
Time and time again in the Old Testament God's people neglected the temple and brought judgment on themselves.  Although, we are not under the law, we should still take time to care for the temple of the Holy Spirit.  We may not bring judgment on ourselves but we bring poor health, laziness, and teach poor habits to our children. We do have time to make healthier choices and move more!  I hope this encourages you to be more healthy, thanks for reading, and God bless!