Our God

Book Review: Left to Tell

The stench of death. The pang of hunger. The lonliness of desolation. Thoughts echo in my head of a place I've never been. My heart aches for people I've never met. I've found my heroes in the people of Rawanda. It is a place steeped in misery, hatred, evil, despair...and two more things: hope and forgiveness.

I just finished reading Immaculee Ilibagiza's account of the Rawandan Genocide told in her story "Left to Tell". How is it possible? This is the question that keeps ringing in my ears every day. How is it possible that humans could become such brutal killing machines? How is it possible that the world could turn a blind eye? How is it possible that these people could survive such atrocities and live to worship and rebuild their lives? This story haunts me. It makes me think. It reminds me that we are all steps away from becoming those brutal killers. It reminds me to have compassion. It reminds me to be prepared....to be strong in mind and spirit.

This story has not left me. I doubt it will for a long time...in fact, I hope it stays with me forever.

Hope and Happiness,
{Megan}

...and so it begins...

Ok, so I've been following the Paleo diet fairly strictly since January. There have been a few "cheat" days here and there and a couple days in a row where I haven't really followed it (and certainly felt the effects!).

I really want to push myself harder and get in better shape so I've decided to take on the Whole 30 challenge as well as the BP challenge by "Whole Family" for the next month. I'm excited and scared. Mentally I'm there and ready. But, when I look at my calendar I get a little worried....I've got my birthday, Easter and a vacation planned during the next month. But as Whole9 says "Its NOT hard". There are so many things vastly more difficult than making myself eat good food, so its time to suck it up and make it happen!

In addition to pushing myself in my diet and workout, I decided it is a good time to go through one of my favorite books again called "Face to Face". It is a daily prayer devotional that is based all upon scripture.

So here is to tomorrow....the beginning of 30 days of eating well, working out and being faithful in prayer!

Hope and Happiness,
{Megan}

New Mornings

New Favorites

I've been trying out new ingredients and new recipes this last week or so. Here are a couple of my new favorite meals!

The paleo pancakes are divine. Better than the "real" thing!
Kale is my new go-to energy booster. Its chok full of vitamins and I certainly feel a boost of energy after any meal with kale.

Hope and Happiness,
{Megan}

The Cost of Eating Well

Its easy to eat. Our society makes it too easy. Fast food joints on every corner, Starbucks in every grocery store.....its everwhere. But what about good food, natural food? Maybe its not as convenient, but it certainly can be cheaper. (This article goes into full detail).

I've been following a number of paleo blogs and they all have the most amazing organic foods that do really cost quite a bit of money. I'm just not at a point where I can spend that kind of money on food. But! I can eat better food, fresh food and healthy food. Today I went to Walmart to see what I could find there. To my delight I was able to get quite a bit of really great produce under $20. I got some zucchini, some beautiful kale, turnips, oranges, lemons, limes and blackberries. Tonight I made roasted turnips with green beans and chicken. It was absolutely delicous and cost about $2. Not too bad. I'll try to post more of my meals and the cost break down in the coming weeks.

Hope and Happiness,
{Megan}

Glorious Morning

Yesterday morning, I had a number of errands to run, but I made a point to get in a morning walk. I went to a park overlooking the valley and it was a great workout, but also incredibly peaceful and relaxing. The day had started with rain, and I arrived just as the sun came out. The clouds still lingered and it was truly beautiful.

The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
Their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
{Psalm 19:1-4}

Hope and Happiness,
{Megan}