Taking Care of Me

Psalm 139 is one of my favorite Psalms.  I love how it speaks of God’s love and care for us. I also love people watching, especially kids. I’m not getting to people watch much right now, but I have seen families out on walks and at the grocery store. I’m glad that families are getting out in the fresh air and doing things together. It’s fun to hear what the kids are saying and noticing. Small children love discovering the world; everything is new to them. Truly God did a good job when He created the world and when He created us. No two people are alike! 

Since God did such a good job creating us, shouldn’t we value His creation, which means not only the world around us, but our bodies as well? Let’s incorporate some healthy habits into our life to take care of our bodies. A few simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference in our overall health.

I know I try, but as a busy mom, grandparent and teacher; I’m often so busy taking care of everyone else that I forget to take care of myself. I fall prey to eating what I shouldn’t and forgetting to drink enough water when I’m busy. I’m learning it takes planning ahead and having healthy options available.

Caring for ourselves involves our whole self, our body, soul and spirit.  When we take good care of ourselves, we can better take care of others. How are you doing caring for yourself and how can you and I do better? Check the sideline to see what I’m working on this week.

As parents we spend a lot of time making sure that our kids are taking good care of themselves. We encourage healthy habits such as brushing teeth, wearing a coat when it’s cold outside, taking vitamins and eating their vegetables. Maybe it’s time we focused a little attention on another incredible, unique person that God made – you and I! Take care this week and thank God for who He created you to be. You are amazing! 

PARENT OR GRANDPARENT PRAYER:
Dear God,
When I am busy, I find it all too easy to eat what I shouldn’t. I’ve let some of my healthy habits slip and I need to reevaluate and get back on track. Help me remember that you made my body and that I have a responsibility to take care of it. If I remember to feed my soul and spirit too, maybe I won’t be so apt to binge on comfort foods when I’m tired. Guide me as I make these healthy choices to take care of myself. Show me ways I can encourage my family to make healthy choices too. I’m so thankful that you are with me on this journey. One day at a time, I can do this with your help. Thank you for the amazing and wonderful way that you made me and made everyone in my family. Each one of my kids and grandkids are so unique and have so many talents and abilities. I love watching them grow and learn new things. I want to encourage each one of them to be all that they can be. Thank you God. Amen

TAKING CARE OF ME

Here’s what I’m doing this week to be more healthy. Care to join me?

• Cutting back on the amount of sugar I put into things. In most recipes, I can half the sugar and it still tastes good. I like substituting honey for sugar in coffee and tea. I also have been cutting back on my salt because salt is in so much already.
• Eating more fruits and vegetables. I love fruits and veggies, especially when they are fresh. I try to keep a stock of fresh fruits and veggies on hand for snacking on.
• Filling my water bottle when I get up in the morning so that I can carry it with me wherever I go – that way I can keep track of how much I’m drinking.
• I will walk more – walking is exercise and it also refreshes my soul and spirit.
• I will put on some praise music and dance for the health of my body and soul.
  
  TAKING CARE OF MY SOUL & SPIRIT

• To feed my soul and spirit, I will listen to praise music and get up earlier so that I have time not only to read God’s Word, but also to pray.  Maybe I can take time to pray while I’m waiting for my teakettle to heat up. If you are not a morning person, try a different time of day – maybe when the kids are napping.
• I will make time to do something I enjoy doing such as read a book or sit and play my piano. Gardening is another soul refreshing experience.
• I will do something fun with someone I love – even if I have to do it virtually. Yes, playing a virtual game with someone or working together on a photo book virtually or reading a book to your grandchild virtually or in person are all ways of connecting, laughing and building those relationships and it puts joy into your life. Speaking of reading, watch for my book coming out soon, “God Made Me”. There are even ads for connecting virtually with grandkids – look it up and see what you can find.
• Listen to an inspirational podcast, movie or video.
• Take a nap. Who has time for a nap? (Especially if you have young children, right?) Well, at least take a quick minute or two to sit, watch the clouds with your toddler or read a short story.
• Walk – This is good for your body and for your soul. Do a stroller walk with another mom in your neighborhood or go for a walk with your whole family

Kid’s Section

SHARE A STORY: God Made Me – Psalm 139
Did you know that God made you? He did! He made every part of you, your teeth, bones, skin, hair. He made you very special and He wants you to take care of your body because He loves you. Psalms 139 in our Bible tells about how special you are to God. It says,

God made me and He knows everything about me.He knows when I get up in the morning – (Yawn and stretch)
And when I go to bed at night. – (Put head on hands as though sleeping)
He knows where I am when I’m hiding, – (Cover eyes)
Even when I’m completely out of sight. – (Cover eyes)
He knows what I’m thinking about and what I’m going to say. – (Hands by mouth)
He knows when I’m at home, at school or at the park to play. – (Pretend to run)
He’s never far away from me.- (Hands outward and then point to self)
Where I live, He knows.-(Put fingertips together above head like a roof)
Although I cannot see Him, – (Cover eyes again)
He’s there wherever I go.
He thinks about me everyday, more thoughts than I can count. – (Count)
Those thoughts add up to a magnificently, marvelous amount.
He created every part of me both inside and out. – (Point in and out)
I am wonderfully made. It makes me want to shout! – (Yeah God!)
God, you’re work is amazing! I know that very well. – (Fingers point to temples)
You have a special plan for me to live for you and tell; -(Hands by mouth)
You know all I think and do, so help me to do what’s right, – (Put fingers by temples then bump fists together)
I want to live for you, Oh God, morning, noon and night. – (Make sweeping, clockwise motion with hands)

PRAYER:
Dear God, Thank you for making my body and for making me in a special, unique way. Help me to keep my body clean and healthy. Help me do the things that would honor you. Amen

MEMORIZE: Psalm 139:14 NIrV – (Hold hands as though holding a book.)
How you – (Point upwards.)
Made me – (Point to self.)
Is amazing – (Hold up closed fists then open hands wide.)
And wonderful – (Jump up and down with hands in the air.)

THE MAIN IDEA
KNOW: God did a good job when He made me.
TALK ABOUT: What makes your child unique and special.
ASK: Who made you? God made me.
AND DO: I can take care of my body.

FUN IDEAS FOR THIS WEEK

• Draw a picture of yourself with your child – stick figures are fine.
•   While doing routine tasks such as brushing your teeth or hair, thank God for your body.
• Pray for a specific family member every night at bedtime.