Author: steps2successwithspiritualsolutions

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Have you ever looked at a beautiful picture which relects nature and wished you could live there?

When God created the earth, He did not intend for us to live in a cramped city environment. Our bodies were created to be in motion, and consume a plant based diet. Because we have not followed His plan, we suffer with many diseases of the mind and body.

When is the last time you heard the birds sing or enjoy a refreshing gentle breeze? When have your children or grandchildren been able to run on grass, pick flowers, or enjoy a camping trip?

It’s never too late for change. Many questions may come to your mind mostly involving finances. If pure country living is part of God’s original plan, won’t He provide for you to make the transition? I am praying for Divine Intervention for all of us. I prefer the melodious singing of birds as opposed to the sound of screeching police sirens.

Dear God, please give us the desire to live as you intended for us to live. Amen

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself. 1 Corinthians 6:19 NLT

The Epistle of John includes recognition of the importance of good health: “Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers. 3 John 1:2

As I reflected on my historical battle with food, my dilemma began in childhood. The maternal side of my genealogy included an acquired taste for fried foods, gravies, unclean meats, and rich desserts. As a result, our family history includes Heart disease, Hypertension, Diabetes, and Kidney problems. The majority of our family has one of the previously mentioned diagnoses, and is carrying the above recommended weight, even including a morbid obesity status.

The struggle is real. However, God promises us that He will provide a way out of temptation. Yesterday, I was invited to dine at Olive Garden. Although, this would never be my personal restaurant of choice; I acquiesced to please one of our elderly church Mothers. When I looked at the menu, my brain initiated the “get that food right now” process. My mouth watered as I looked at the enticing pictures of pastas ( heavily laden) with creamy sauces and mountains of cheese. Then God provided my way out. I began to look at the high calorie counts which included a high sodium and fat content(not listed on their menu-already prepared foods are high in fat and sodium) which would use up my weekly allocation. I ordered a vegetable flatbread which included unlimited salad. I strategized by heaping a large portion of salad on my plate and allowed myself only one of the scrumptious breadsticks. My downfall was the after dinner chocolate mints which I ate and enjoyed.

I am not fooling myself nor am I placing myself in a self-righteous mindset. My victory from making poor food choices is a daily struggle. I pray constantly to overcome the demon of appetite. However, I believe that I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. The journey to optimal health continues, but, it requires active and willful participation.

The benefits that I have received from sacrificing:

1. 40 lb weight loss

2. Energy to maintain an active lifestyle.

3. Change in my outlook on life: no more negativity.

4. Most importantly, I have the desire to study God’s Word, and pray for guidance before making any decision.

When I do what is expected, God will lead me to the path of victory. I am grateful that He will never fail.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but, let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:2

Only God gives perfection❤🙏

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

Around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! Acts 16: 25-26

Throughout the bible, God instructs his people to be filled with joy and to rejoice. We are to stop worrying, ask God in faith for what we need, and rejoice (by claiming and believing) that he will do exactly what he said he will do.

Philippians 4:4-7 (NLT) says:

4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Yesterday at church, I looked at many sorrowful faces sitting in the pews. Are our minds so bogged down with problems, that even in church, we are unable to let go, and embrace the never-ending love of our Creator?

So, how do we begin to receive the joy that God intended for us to have?

1. Develop a spirit of thanksgiving. Thanking God throughout the day for all blessings helps to keep our mind spiritually connected.
2. We are a beacon of light. Believing Christians are to express their happiness, and demonstrate to the world the inner peace that only comes from God, by smiling. In fact, your smile is a living testimony to others.
3. Watch your words! Stating positive words of encouragement, and praising God for his continuous grace and mercy, empowers us to overcome the toughest situations.
4. Read your bible. God has given us many practical examples in the Word. Do as Paul and Silas did; pray, and sing. Listen to spiritually uplifting music. God will deliver us.
5. Minimize the number of interactions with people who always focus on their problems. Unless it is your gift of ministry, most individuals are unable to maintain their own joy, when they allow others to bombard them with ongoing problems.

It is a personal choice to “always be full of joy in the Lord.” I encourage you to develop a daily plan on how to retrieve the joy, and happiness that God desires for you to possess. Praise the Lord! I am alive! I have one more day. I just can’t stop praising his name! Jesus!

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

As a nurse for many years, one of the most exciting things to hear is the sound of a beating heart; especially the sound of a baby’s heart inside the protective environment of its mother.

Everyday we awaken and our heart is beating, we are reminded that we are inside the protective environment of our loving Creator.

…I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10 ESV

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

We are unable to perform good deeds or give up bad habits to acquire righteousness by faith. It is only by having a renewed (clean) heart by loving and obedience to God that transformation can take place.

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Sonya Johnson Ruiz