r e t h Sit Still my Daug
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Fall 2021
learning to be still in a noisy world
The Spanish Bride She journeyed across the sea not knowing she would become
Stepping Out in Faith
The Naomi Syndrome
Lessons from Lebanon
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by Sarah Schurman She looked so familiar but they struggled to place her.
Suddenly a name appeared in their mind but it came out more like a question, "Is this Naomi?" they called. The woman quickly corrected them, "don't call me Naomi, call me Mara." How did a woman whose name meant pleasant become one desiring to be known by a name meaning bitterness? Surely this was no overnight transformation, but one born over the previous decade. Naomi's story begins with her husband's decision to leave the land of their nativity, to journey to the neighboring Moab in an effort to escape the famine that gripped Bethlehem. This choice would yield severe consequences that shook the very foundation of Naomi’s life, making her vulnerable to the root of bitterness. First came her husband's death, followed by that of her two sons ten years later. Now as a widow with no sons, she chooses to return home to Bethlehem since the famine was long over and her people were preparing to enjoy a bountiful harvest. While she was returning to the familiar, she was no longer the same, bitterness had consumed her soul. The episode in front of her curious neighbors was not the first time the influence of bitterness revealed itself. Even as she began her homeward journey, her two daughters-in-law accompanying her, she soon
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wedding photos by Juan Gestal
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Serves 1 1 cup unsweetened nut milk ½-1 cup ice ½ cup carrots, chopped ¼ cup pumpkin purée (canned or cooked pumpkin) ½ teaspoon fresh ginger 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/16 teaspoon cloves 8 pecans 1-2 scoops vanilla protein powder Directions: Simply blend until smooth and enjoy!
Serves 2 to 4 1 cup canned coconut milk 1 cup unsweetened almond milk 2 teaspoons cinnamon ½ teaspoon sea salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, to taste ½ teaspoon turmeric, ground or grated ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, grated ¼ teaspoon organic orange zest 3 ½ cups cooked squash (1 cup spaghetti squash, 2 ½ cups butternut squash- or all butternut squash) 1 roasted onion Chopped pecans or sprouted pumpkin seeds, optional to garnish Directions: 1) Simply blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if needed to make a thinner soup. 2) Warm and serve. Sprinkle extra cinnamon on top for serving and chopped pecans or sprouted pumpkin seeds, if desired.
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Serves 4
3 cups cubed sweet potatoes 1 Tablespoon coconut oil, divided 2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided Dash of cardamom, optional Dash of sea salt 2 Tablespoons organic orange juice 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon organic orange zest 1-2 Tablespoons organic maple syrup ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ cup pecans, chopped
Directions: Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Melt the coconut oil on the stove, or massage ½ Tablespoon coconut oil into the sweet potatoes with your hands and toss with 1 teaspoon cinnamon, cardamom and salt. Bake in a glass baking dish for 20 minutes. Pull them out of the oven and stir them with the rest of the coconut oil, cinnamon, orange juice, orange zest, maple syrup, vanilla and pecans, and bake for another 10-20 minutes until tender. Enjoy!
Serves 4 to 6 4 cups frozen cauliflower rice 2 Tablespoons homemade broth ½ cup mushrooms, diced ½ cup onion, minced ½ cup carrots, shredded ½ cup celery, diced ½ teaspoon garlic, minced ½ teaspoon sage, fresh or dried ½ teaspoon thyme, fresh or dried ½ teaspoon parsley, fresh or dried ¼-½ teaspoon pepper, to taste ½ teaspoon sea salt ¼ cup kale, minced Pecans, chopped or slivered almonds (optional) Cooked acorn squash halves (optional, for serving) Directions: Heat the broth in a pot on medium high heat, and begin cooking the cauliflower rice, all the veggies (except the kale), and seasonings. Stir and cook the veggies for approximately 10-15 minutes until the veggies are softened. Add a little organic butter or avocado oil if the veggies start to stick. Add the kale, and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the kale is wilted but still bright green.
Serve the stuffing in a glass bowl with chopped pecans, or add the veggie stuffing into cooked acorn squash halves or cooked small pumpkin halves and top with chopped pecans or slivered almonds. If serving the stuffing in the squash “bowls,” bake at 350 degrees for up to 10 minutes to slightly toast the pecans.
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I'm exhausted and badly in need of rest. Knots sit
Jesus (Luke 10:38-42), and propelled Peter to deny inside and I sigh in frustration. Anxiety has come call- ever knowing Him (Matthew 26:69-75). ing. Although this old nemesis no longer gets the final And, though the Bible categorizes anxiety as say, I have learned that left unchecked, anxiety can hit a common human condition, it makes it clear that, me at any time and rob me of far too much. for a believer, anxiety should never be a controlling condition. At some point in our lives, we all have some form of anxiety. Google "definition of anxiety" and In my own battle against sinful anxiety the you are gifted with over 500 million results. following truths have helped me. I pray they also help you. Some make anxiety a career. In Scripture, the word anxiety is translated into several different English words such as: thought, worry, anxiety, care, fear, and even distracted. Without a doubt, a significant challenge of anxiety is that it divides and distracts our minds so intensely that we either become frozen with fear or gripped with panic. The Bible has many examples of good people who struggled with anxiety. It made Elijah run (1 Kings 17-19), sent Mary and Joseph back to Jerusalem (Luke 2:41-48), caused Martha to complain to
Anxiety may or may not be rooted in a spiritual problem. Several health factors can cause or exacerbate anxiety. If you haven't gone to your doctor for a physical recently, do so as soon as possible. However, please note that, upon hearing the word anxiety, many doctors reach for a prescription pad as their first line of defense. While there are times when medication is needed, a believer should carefully and prayerfully seek wisdom regarding all prescriptions.
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62 Sit still my daughter | Fall 2021 It comforts me to know that the God who created me is sympathetic to my physical weaknesses. "For he knoweth our frame; he understandeth that we are dust" (Psalm 103:14). Regardless of the root cause, anxiety is not an excuse to sin. However, it may be a reason to give yourself permission to be human and in need of help, both heavenly and humanly. Trauma, lack of sleep, certain personality traits, bad habits, faulty coping mechanisms, and sin can all contribute to anxiety and cannot be fixed with medicine. Studies show that most anxiety hinges on life events that need to be worked through, patterns of behavior that need to be unlearned/relearned, and/or sin that must be faced and repented of. Therefore—
Anxiety always comes with choices. What we do when we feel the first twinge of anxiety may not alleviate anxiety, but it will lead us either toward or away from healing. We can choose— • to get help through pastoral, biblical, medical counseling, or all three • to surround ourselves with positive relationships and a healthy church community that will hold us up in prayer • to change dietary habits and what we put into our minds and hearts • to take advantage of getting outside in the sunshine, exercising, and other things that have been known to help lessen anxiety "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1). Whether or not physical factors contribute to our anxiety, the spiritual reality must be addressed. Anxiety is always more manageable when I trust my heavenly Father. Right now, as I write this article, I am both a bit anxious and a bit excited. I am also somewhat anxious about getting prepared for an upcoming trip to Canada. If I were to remain completely passive, it is doubtful that either this article or the trip would be successfully completed. So then, is all anxiety sinful? This definition of the word trust has had a profound impact in my life: "Trust is not a passive state of mind. It is a vigorous act of the soul whereby we choose to lay hold on the promises of God and cling to them despite the adversity that at times seeks to overwhelm us." (Jerry Bridges, Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts) I always thought that if I trusted God, I would never have any angst or stirring in my soul. In Philippians 4:6, Paul tells us to be "careful [anxious] for
Fall 2021 | Sit still my daughter 63 nothing." And yet, earlier, he writes that he hopes to send Timothy because he would "naturally care [be anxious]" for the church at Philippi (Philippians 2:1920). The root word for careful (anxiety) and care in these verses is the same. In other words, there is a helpful and an unhelpful “anxiety.” The opposite of anxiety is not peace. The opposite of anxiety is apathy, and apathy doesn’t get anything done. There is a helpful concern that helps us plan for our future, get a job done, and take care of ourselves and others. And then—there’s the other. "Fear," Elisabeth Elliot once said, "arises when we imagine that everything depends on us." The same can be said of anxiety. Concern that humbly takes our cares to the One who is in control is wisdom. Anxiety that controls us is not concern, it is sinful anxiety.
And, while this is just me wondering aloud right now—could it be that Paul's admonition to his young colleague about his recurring stomach issues (1 Timothy 5:23) and the spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7) hint at the possibility that Timothy's concern showed the possibility of morphing into sinful controlling anxiety? The truth is, we can prepare and put in a good effort, but we cannot control the outcome. And here is a gentle reminder—complete trust is not just clinging desperately to God's promises. Trust chooses to live within and act upon God’s promises. Rooted deeply in my struggle with anxiety was the doubt that God truly loved me. I knew what His Word told me. But I didn't "feel" like He loved me. Choosing to live within and act on the promise of God’s love began by asking myself—
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We've said it a million times but we'll say it again here, sugar isn't something you want to put in your body. In moderation, fruits, root vegetables and grains can give your body all the natural sugar that converts into energy that it needs. With so much processed and packaged foods cleverly marketed to satisfy our need for convenience, it's easy to consume too much sugar each day and why we have put together twelve ways to help you curb your sugar cravings and addiction once and for all.
to have to pass on a lot more "bites" than other people - but that's okay. Knowing what triggers you that will leads to bad choices like binge eating and the guilt that follows and avoiding it all together is the safest bet.
3.If you're really new to this 'giving up sugar' thing, ditch the sugary drinks first. Coffee with a ton of creamer and sweetener/sugar. A nice Coke mid-way through the day. A giant "healthy" smoothie that really just loaded in sugar. Say no to drinking all that sugar it's even worse than eating it because it gets into your 1.Take your fridge and pantry seriously. We're always blood stream faster and causes that insulin to spike going to crave things more intensely when they're closer more quickly (which leads to fat retention and weight to us, so if you've got a freezer full of ice cream or a gain). So pass on the sugary drinks first and then start pantry full of cookies, you're going to have a much, to pass on the rest of it, too. much harder time with cravings than someone who doesn't. So set yourself up for success. Get rid of the 4. Eat more of the good stuff. It can be easy to mistake sweet things filling your home so you can crave eating a sugar craving for what's actually just plain and simple more natural and nutrient rich foods. (If you've got a hunger! Healthy fats, fiber, lean proteins and vegetables spouse who refuses to abandon the sweets, then just are what your body really wants, and if you give it what ask them politely to hide the sweets in a secret location it really wants, it'll start to treat you better in return. If where you won't be able to sniff them out) you're really, really craving sugar one day, just bake up a sweet potato and sprinkle a little cinnamon on top. Just 2.Know if you're an "all-or-nothing" type. Some as good and still satisfying. people can have a single bite of a cookie or a dessert and be fine to pass on the rest of it. Others can have a single 5. If you've got kids, avoid the easy, go-to sugar traps. bite of something which then leads to another bite It can be really convenient to just run to the grocery and another and until they've eaten the whole thing! If store and grab some pre-packaged cookies to have for you're the latter and really committed to get that sugar your kids to bring to their school event. But I'm tellintake down, you need to be aware that you're going ing you, some of those cookies are going to be coming
Fall 2021 | Sit still my daughter 99 home with them, and then who's going to be eating ar-related/health goals, you're going to have a hard time them? People WILL eat healthy food if you put it in accomplishing them anyway. front of them - even kids. Try grabbing a veggie tray instead and if leftovers come home? Guilt-free snacking. 11. Know where you're weak. If you're going to a party and you KNOW there's going to be a ton of desserts 6. Get more sleep. Research has shown that not getting there, eat before hand (or bring a square of your dark enough sleep increases our sense of hunger, so don't chocolate with you). If you're going grocery shopping, skip out of the sleep if you can. maybe don't walk down the dessert aisle. If you drive past a Krispy Creme donuts every day on your way 7. Buy the dark stuff. If chocolate is just a non-negohome from work and you just can't resist, then start tiable for you, then buy the darkest stuff you can find. driving a different way home. That sounds extreme, but I'm talking 85% and up. "But the dark stuff doesn't we're talking about your health here (and potentially, a taste as good!" you say. Well, here's the thing - you can few extra years of life!). condition yourself to like it. Tell yourself it's better for you and still chocolate, and you'll be surprised how 12. Accept that, for the first 2-12 days, you're not much better it'll taste just from that little self talk. going to be feeling great. No withdrawal is pretty, and We're not saying eat an entire bar of this stuff, but have sugar withdrawals are no different. You take the alcohol a square of it every now and again for a little chocolate away from an alcoholic and it's going to be a painful, fix. detox process - but one that is ultimately so beneficial for your body! Know going in that reducing/cutting 8. Tell your family and friends. That way, even when your sugar intake isn't going to feel great at first, but the cravings come, you'll have people to hold you the benefit - a healthier, possibly longer and more active accountable, and people who (hopefully) won't try life - is so worth the short-term struggle. and sabotage what you're trying to do by bringing over fresh-baked cookies every other day! Be honest about So you have to ask yourself - do I only care about the why you're avoiding sugar, and don't judge them for scale or do I care about my long term health and learnnot viewing things in the same way. Just ask them to ing how to sustain it? help you in the process, and I think you'll be surprised Here’s the difference between Faithful Workouts and at how eager people are to help keep you on track. many other diet plans: we don’t try to provide you with another quick-fix or fad diet. If you look up the word 9. Keep drinking water. This is a big one. A lot of diet, it actually comes from the Latin word diaeta which times, we think we're "hungry" when we actually need means “way of life”. A “diet” should not be a quick fix hydration. Add in some cut up fruit into your water if but a way of life! We can’t continue to approach our you need to make it a little more appealing. I personally eating habits as something that we can change for a love drinking sparkling water (nothing else added in few weeks, then revert back to old habits and expect to there, just the water and carbonation) and then squeez- maintain our results. ing some fresh lemon or lime juice in there. So good! That’s why our nutritional plans and recipes are all 10. If cutting out the sugar is a goal, then write it based on one simple fact- God created our bodies and down. This might not seem like it'll help with your God created food, so eat what God created in its most cravings, but I'm telling you, writing things down can natural state. be so powerful and motivating. Grab a small note card and write down why you're ditching sugar and then To learn more about Faithful workouts and check out tape it on your fridge or bathroom mirror. Slightly their recipe section visit www.faithfulworkouts.com or weird when guests come over? Maybe, but if you're follow them on social media, Facebook and Instagram more concerned with what people think then your sug- @faithfulworkouts
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I believed God had called me to pack up my belongings and move to another state so I could serve in a particular ministry there. I knew it would be necessary for me to sell my home and I prayed that God would bring the right people and that I would get a particular amount that I needed. God in His goodness answered, the house sold after being on the market less than a week for the price I asked! Caroline Fike
Sometimes God answers through delay. I needed to meet with a particular salesperson to settle up accounts. I didn't have all the necessary funds which meant I would have to pay some on a credit card. God allowed that person to be out of the office meaning I could not meet with them until the following week. During this delay God provided what I needed to pay off my debt in cash! His timing is always best even when we don't see it right away.
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TIPS AND TOOLS FOR YOUR
quiet time
Are you new to studying the Bible or maybe a bit intimidated? Well, this is for you! Here are 8 easy steps to start enjoying God’s word and building a real relationship with Him.
HOLY BIBLE
open your heart and mind to the scripture you are about to read. Invite the Holy Spirit in during this time.
Try this: “Dear Lord, I pray you will provide clarity and wisdom and open our hearts during this Bible study. Come close as we read your Word. Let the Holy Spirit guide us in truth and light. Amen.”
2 Read Read the text slowly, paying close attention to wording and symbols. Slowing down helps us notice phrases or symbols that may have been missed otherwise. Don’t rely on your own understanding: If you read something you don’t understand, it’s okay to stop and research. Use a trusted website to gain more understanding. EnduringWord.com is a good place to start for commentary on scripture.
3 Think about context It’s all about the context! Not knowing the context allows room for misunderstanding.
Questions to ask: Who was the writer talking too? What was going on during this period in history? Consider cultural context. Is the text referring to what was or wasn’t culturally acceptable at the time? Note the literary context, i.e. words, phrases, or chapters before the text that are being repeated. HOLY BIBLE
4 Observe & highlight Observe symbols such as, numbers, cultural references, names, places, allegories, and metaphors. Take special note of these things that appear over and over or have special importance to guidance or commands. It’s okay to write in your Bible. Highlighting ideas: A Bible color-coding system* is a great way to highlight important subjects in the Bible. Or, if you prefer, use a notebook or Bible study journal to take notes.
5 Interpret & cross-reference Pay attention to cross-reference verses that relate back to the text before it. For instance, can the New Testament scripture relate back to Old Testament? This is key to interpreting as well.
Cross-reference tip: Can the verse be searched in other books of the Bible to speak to the meaning more clearly? If you cannot find related text, then your understanding may be flawed.
6 Ask questions It is absolutely okay to ask questions about what is
written, or what you have heard said about scripture. The Bible is full of people who asked questions. It is especially important to ask questions about false teachings. A good question to ask is: Does this statement or belief line up Biblically? Can you back it up with related reference text? If not, question its validity.
HOLY BIBLE
1 Pray Start your Bible quiet time in prayer. Pray to
7 Reflect Spend time after Bible study to reflect on the amazing story of God. The Bible as a whole is the “greatest story ever told”. Allow Him to meet you where you are. Dive deeper: As you go about your day or week, jot down your thoughts, or questions you may have. You may find there are questions that need further investigation. And that is okay too.
8 Apply Now that you have studied scripture what are you going to
do with what you have learned? No one ever said having a relationship with God would be easy. Asking hard questions: How will you live today in response to what you have studied? Are there areas in your life you need to change in order to follow Christ fully? Remember we are all sinners. Continually to strive to grow in Christ is the goal.
RE S OU R CE S WE LOVE : *Free Bible color-coding bookmark check out: HaveFaithStudio.com
For tools to help decoding verses check out: VerseMapping.com
Learn to study the Bible & free downloads check out: thecharaproject.com
Looking for a Bible reading plan? Use this three month plan on the following pages. Each one has is unique theme for the month. Graphics provides by Have Faith Studio.
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OF PROVERBS S E P T E M B E R R E A D I N G P L A N 1. Proverbs 1:7
16. Proverbs 14:33
2. Proverbs 2:6
17. Proverbs 15:1
3. Proverbs 3:7
18. Proverbs 15:12
4. Proverbs 4:6-7
19. Proverbs 15:24
5. Proverbs 4:23
20. Proverbs 15:31
6. Proverbs 10:13
21. Proverbs 16:16
7. Proverbs 10:19
22. Proverbs 17:24
8. Proverbs 11:2
23. Proverbs 17:28
9. Proverbs 11:30
24. Proverbs 18:4
10. Proverbs 12:1
25. Proverbs 18:24
11. Proverbs 12:18
26. Proverbs 19:8
12. Proverbs 13:1
27. Proverbs 19:11
13. Proverbs 13:10
28. Proverbs 24:14
but with her own hands the
14. Proverbs 14:1
29. Proverbs 29:11
foolish one tears hers down.”
15. Proverbs 14:8
30. Proverbs 29:15
~Proverbs 14:1
READING THE BIBLE FOR WISDOM OF PROVERBS WWW.SITSTILLMYDAUGHTER.COM