Category: Uncategorized

Process of Elimination

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

The most difficult part of change is constantly losing sight of the end result-your goal. There is no easy way to make the journey. Utilize your resource for strength: God is able and willing to be your personal guide and trainer when we make the right choices. So go ahead, change those eating habits, pursue continuing education, walk daily, pay off debt, stop smoking and drinking. Whatever you need to do, you are never alone!

E-Ever Changing (life is not static)

L-Let go (of harmful past behaviors)

I-Information (seek credible facts)

M-Mindset (change your thoughts)

I-Ignorance (replace the unknown)

N-New (acquire healthy behaviors)

A-Action (make a conscious choice)

T-Time (Do it now!)

I-Initiative (you must be motivated)

O-Omnipotent (tap into power from God)

N-Never Negotiate (stick to the plan)

Prayer for Today: Dear God, Please help me to make the major changes in my life that will benefit my relationship with you by becoming the best that I can be. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Dealing with Failure

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

As a child, I lived in the Northeast city environment with our home facing a busy street. I never had the opportunity to learn to ride a bicycle until we relocated to Houston, Tx at the age of 12. It was out of necessity that I had to acquire a skill that most children learn at an early age. The difficult task of balancing on a moving object resulted in numerous falls along with sore arms and legs. I can still remember the first time I rode without a fall. The feeling of accomplishment gave me the courage to keep riding on a daily basis. I wish that I could say that I never sustained another fall. Learning how to maneuver the bicycle to avoid objects or cycle over uneven pavement and streets required additional skills. It was a rough year; however, I still possess great cycling skills in mid-age.

As we endure the vicissitudes of life, more often failures exceed our accomplishments. We become discouraged and overwhelmed with disappointment when the expected result is not achieved. Perseverance appears to be a waste of time and we often throw in the towel by giving up. Rethink through self-evaluation; acquiring a new skill is a realistic goal when we have a plan. Our mindset of making giant leaps has to be tweaked to accepting baby step progress. Have you thought about the qualities that you will achieve when you overcome the failures? Endurance boosted self-esteem, and a positive attitude of “I can” are just a few of the characteristics that you will possess along with your new accomplishment.

1. Journaling provides a method for documenting your short-term and long-term goals, the plan for achievement, and a tangible history of your victories along with the defeats. Remember to evaluate and modify your original plan when the steps do not produce the desired outcome.

2. Never forget to seek God in prayer. Asking for Divine intervention gives us an increase in faith and acknowledges our dependency on God.

So, go ahead, and learn to ride the bicycle, anticipate the falls; but, get up and keep going.

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

Prayer for Today: Dear God, Please help me to seek you when I fall. I know that you will give me the strength to keep moving forward. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

The Journey to Self-Denial

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given only vegetables to eat and water to drink. Daniel 1:12

My struggle to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle has always been a daunting task. Failure after failure resulted in a “Pre-Diabetic” diagnosis in mid-life. With a maternal and paternal family history of Cardiac Disease, Diabetes and Hypertension, it was inevitable that I would suffer from these conditions. I was fatigued, moody, and experienced daily chronic pain in my lower joints.

During a visit to my Primary Care MD, he recommended a daily medication used for Diabetes with the side effect of decreased appetite. I reluctantly agreed to take the medication; however, it kickstarted my weight loss. The old saying is true-All good things come to an end. The side effect of decreased gastric motility caused me to stop the medication after one month. I was disappointed because I had lost 12lbs in 4 weeks.

God knew my desire and had another plan for the transition to a healthy lifestyle. I was reading the story of Daniel and the Hebrew boys who asked to eat a diet as opposed to the food offered by King Nebuchadnezzar. The previous knowledge of following a Vegan diet from 2007-2009 allowed me to reflect on past eating habits. In desperation, I admitted that I was weak and undisciplined, and asked God for His Divine intervention.

Fast forward one year later, I have lost 40lbs and 10 inches from my waist. I no longer suffer from chronic pain. My mood has stabilized, and I am full of energy. The most incredible changes are the loss of desiring unhealthy foods and a new body image. I am eating a plant-based diet, and have incorporated a daily walking plan which has resulted in a normal HgA1c blood level–no more Pre-Diabetes.

I have only made these changes because of my dependency on God. Being an overcomer involves praying when I am faced with the temptation of appetite. I thank God for always providing a way out when I desire foods that are harmful. It is a choice to deny what I desire. My testimony is that it is worth following God’s victorious plan for my life.

Prayer for Today: Dear God, Thank you for intervening on my behalf, in my journey for living a healthy lifestyle. As I continue on this path of self-denial, I ask for the strength to choose healthy foods. I realize the dietary instructions that you provide in the Bible are for my benefit. Please help me to overcome my unhealthy eating habits. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Beautiful Nature

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

…Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet, I say unto you that even Solomon in all of his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Matthew 6:28-29

The many stressors that exist in each of our lives can be alleviated by taking the time to simply enjoy the beauties of nature. God created an earth which is still full of splendor and breath-taking scenes of tranquillity.

Many individuals have become addicted to alcohol, prescription drugs, and other temporary and expensive fixes to provide a false serenity. It is unnecessary to spend hundreds of dollars on exclusive spa treatments when the beauty of nature is free of cost.

Challenge yourself to discover the glorious things of nature which reflect the love of our Creator, and point to the treasures of an eternal life.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz

Christ Our Example

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:5

Christ never murmured, never uttered discontent, displeasure, or resentment. He was never disheartened, discouraged, ruffled, or fretted. He was patient, calm, and self-possessed under the most exciting and trying circumstances. All His works were performed with a quiet dignity and ease, whatever commotion was around Him.

Applause did not elate Him. He feared not the threats of His enemies. He moved amid the world of excitement, of violence and crime, as the sun moves above the clouds. Human passions and commotions and trials were beneath Him. He sailed like the sun above them all. Yet He was not indifferent to the woes of men. His heart was ever touched with the sufferings and necessities of His brethren, as though He Himself was the one afflicted. He had a calm inward joy, a peace which was serene. His will was ever swallowed up in the will of His Father. Not My will but Thine be done, was heard from His quivering lips.

Ellen G White

Our Only Savior

Practical Messages for Impractical Times

God is here. He has provided us with the reassurance that He loves us and will always be with us, leading and guiding through every situation.

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are MINE!

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, and the flames will not set you ablaze.

For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One your Savior.

Do not be afraid for I am with you! Isaiah 43: 1-3, 5

Dear God, There are times that I do not remember that you are always with me. In every situation, you have promised to take care of me. Please help me to acknowledge that you are my only Savior and Deliverer. Amen.

Sonya Johnson Ruiz