There is a lot of pressure out there to feed our families the “right” things. After listening to several educational talks at moms’ groups, watching Food, Inc. along with several other documentaries, and gleaning from my natural researcher friends…I was left feeling convicted and pretty overwhelmed.
Of course I want to feed my family well, but it can be very expensive and time consuming. I enjoy cooking, but day in and day out, it gets tiresome. So, instead of losing my mind over all this health food stuff, or being controlled by it, I started taking small steps towards healthier eating. I encourage you to do what works for your family…but please “just say no” to the guilt monster!
Here are a few changes we have made over time: buying bread with fewer ingredients and that doesn’t have sugar listed towards the top; shredding block cheese; juicing fresh fruits and veggies when they are on sale or getting them from our Amish neighbors; using real butter and coconut oil; making homemade granola; buying lean burger and local chicken when able.
And then there are some things I tried that grossed my family right out, like using whole wheat flour for baking and replacing sour cream with plain yogurt (so I reluctantly surrendered those since they were not received well by my family…baby steps).
I have been in bondage to food, whether it was overeating or obsessing over what I was eating…it was a miserable place to be. I pray for freedom for all of us in this area. Time and finances are big factors when it comes to feeding our families. Let’s trust God to lead us and not turn a blessing into a curse.
but don’t let it keep you from being caught up with Christ.
“Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.” John 4:27
We spend so much time bringing food to our family, but, how much time do we spend offering them the sustenance found in God’s Word? Not only does He provide our daily bread but He is our bread. Like the Israelites and their heaven-sent manna, God gives what we need for each day. How often are we malnourished because we aren’t collecting the spiritual food that He has poured out for each day?
“I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.” John 6:48-51
Oh, like Job, may this be true of us, “I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.” Job 23:12
As I mentioned before I have strayed from my commitment to God’s Word. So, I am asking Him to help me to put Him first again and grow my appetite for the feast that is found in Him. And if you need that prayer too, I am offering it on your behalf as well.
Let us hold firmly to the word of life and offer this word, this bread, this Jesus to those in our care.
Isn’t this the food that really matters? May this spiritual food grow us up and strengthen us for the task at hand.
“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4
Like a merchant ship, bringing wonderful treasure from afar, let us bring life-giving, satisfying, delightful food to our families- by offering them the real deal; Jesus…the Word, the Bread of LIfe, and our Eternal Provision.
“Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” John 6:32-33 (emphasis mine).
For Mindy (Job 23:10-12)
Peace, I come to know You more
Oh Lord, I come to feast
I come to Your table; hungry
I am ready to feast
I accept Your invitation
To eat of lasting peace
Free, I come before You now,
Oh Lord, I want to see
I come before You in prayer
Asking for eyes to see
As I lay Your word in my lap
Knowing it can set me free
Whole, I’m clean by Your grace,
Lord, I give my soul
I taste of Your grace and truth
Your Spirit fills my soul
I drink of Your sweet Presence
In You I am made whole
Fed, I give all thanks to You
Oh Lord, I take my bread
I sit at Your table; feasting
Eating my daily bread
I am full of Your fresh hope
Thankful that I’ve been fed.
Thankful that I’ve been fed.
c. 2014 Katie Reid, Echoes of My Heart
To hear a sample of this song, or purchase, click here.
Women to Women, Coffee For Your Heart, #TellHisStory, Three Word Wednesday and Words of Life Wednesdays.
Yes! I have tried taking these baby steps towards healthier and least costly eating for our family, as well, Katie! Coconut oil, real butter, making cheese, making granola, etc. We have been doing a lot of the same things. 😉 And a great reminder that the most important bread is from God’s Word…and I don’t get my fill every single day either. But I am working my way through the Bible this year and having an accountability group has helped me tremendously! 😀 Blessings to you and so appreciate your continued support of W2W Wednesdays.
Yeah friend, same wave-length. Pleasure to link-up.:)
Katie, this is beautiful! Thank you for pointing us to the most important food, The Bread of Life! How often I put more emphasis on “what am I going to make my family for dinner?” instead of, “what spiritual food am I giving my family today?”. Thank you for this timely reminder! I love that you have a debut album…will check it out! Blessings!
Your post inspired me today Julie. I think I need to get up earlier so when the kids get up I can greet them maybe fix them breakfast (at least some of the time) instead of them doing it. Excited to see how it goes and hoping it makes for a more peaceful, welcoming tone in our home. 🙂
I’m a die hard poem fan & absolutely love your poem/song! Simply beautiful! I have lately recommitted to healthier eating and I know I’ll be coming back to read this again. Thank you!
Thanks Kaylene! Half of the tracks on my album, Echoes of My Heart, are poems.:)
I enjoyed reading your insight here. I think its the perfect balance. I’ve felt myself and others go towards legalism here when we try be completely clean in eating…it’s easy to miss the Spirit and purpose behind it…any time something becomes an obsession its time to evaluate….I am so glad I read this and I couldn’t agree more…you gave me some good ideas and also the food on your table looked lovely and yummy!
Thank you Somer. I agree, “it’s easy to miss the Spirit and purpose behind it.” What starts off as a good thing, can quickly get off-balance or be fear-based or pride-based, etc. Thanks for commenting, appreciate your encouragement.:)
I loved your poem! I just loved how you pointed us to the importance of being nourished through God’s Word and to remember that we need to offer this Bread of Life to those around us. The more we give ourselves that nourishment I believe the more naturally it will spill over to others. Thank you for sharing with TWW, Katie. Much love.
Thank you Beth. Yes, this, “The more we give ourselves that nourishment I believe the more naturally it will spill over to others.” Now, I need to go do that!:)