Just on Juice - Day 7

Boaz Ministries

We made it! And by the grace of God, we feel great, have lost pounds, inches, and fluids due to water retention - that very subtle swelling of the ankles...GONE! We've gained a greater appreciation for the healing and rebuilding properties found in the natural vegetables and fruits God created. Processed foods are not on our shopping list, and from this day forward, we will add more and more green, immune system-strengthening foods.

Bruce says, "The seven day juicing cleanse was an experience I'll never forget and one that will serve me well for the duration. Everything said about the benefits of juicing turned out to be true. Well worth every stomach growl and trip to the bathroom! I have reached my weight loss goals, and know I now have the discipline to resist unhealthy eating in the future. There will be "crazy days" (I will allow myself a day to splurge on a treat or fast food item) - but juicing is now a permanent part of my life."

As for me, I'm so thrilled about my 13-pound weight loss, that I can't even think about giving myself a "crazy day." I've been edified and inspired, and my mind is clearer than when we started! Can't beat that!

All systems are "GO!" And we had a lot of fun doing it together. We highly recommend at least a 3-day juice fast, if you feel you can't do 7. It will change your life for the better!

Just on Juice - Day 6

Boaz Ministries


We're both at the point where the "deprivation" we feel is almost our friend; and not a nagging reminder of this fast. Bruce said while he isn't "major hungry," he was feeling a bit weak. And we reasoned that there are a couple of key factors for this. One: he's been active each day, traveling into DC, keeping his normal pace - and two, he has not had his usual protein and fiber sources (or his sugar snacks!).

It's almost over, and Bruce has actually reached the lower end of his desired weight range! My weight loss goal is now within reach because I can see how to manage and balance my physical activity with dietary choices (continuing to be balanced and eating super foods), portion control, hydration and proper rest.

We're doing this for our personal enrichment, individually; for each other as partners in life, for our children and future grandchildren, and most of all, to the glory of God for an effective witness!

6 days done, our last day approaches!

Just on Juice - Day 5

Boaz Ministries

First of all, I've lost 10 pounds in 5 days! One of the key things I've been focusing on is a re-focusing of my dietary choices. Most people live to eat - but for maximum health, we need to flip it and "eat to live." And every now and then, the body needs to detox. I'm so thankful for the information. 

We've decided to incorporate a 3-day cleansing fast once per month, along with making sure we have some juiced meals during the week.

Bruce says, "This seven day juicing cleanse is one of the more difficult challenges I've ever faced. With two more days to go I'm getting used to it and when I get on the scale I see that it's working. Keeping busy and going to bed early (what I used to do sometimes when I couldn't afford to eat) along with prayer for discipline and strength is carrying me across the finish line with a renewed commitment to continue to eat healthfully."

We're almost there - 5 down, 2 more to go!

Just on Juice - Day 4

Boaz Ministries

Per Bruce: "While juicing is beneficial, it is not always good tasting.Part of the fun of juicing is trying different combinations of fruits and vegetables. When the combination is right it tastes great; when the combination is wrong, it's just wrong. Today was a wrong day. Thank God it's over."

Translation - Bruce prefers juice blends with a fruity mix! He didn't like lunch and dinner today. He enjoys "Morning Glory" for breakfast, and so do I. It's fruity with kale, a cucumber and ginger; so we guzzled that down this morning. We had a modified "Bruschetta Tang" for lunch - and I got a little creative, strayed from the path. However, I enjoyed my blend. For Dinner, we went red-ish. Beets, tomatoes, carrots... again, my creation. I appreciated the smoothness and it tasted "wholesome."

I continue to lose weight - down 7 pounds since Sunday! Bruce has dropped 5, to his happy surprise! Eat-fests like the All Staff luncheon at my job today don't faze me at all. And tomorrow, my Company is hosting a Job and Training Fair - and there will be catered treats for the Vendors. I'll be sipping on my juice bottle, as I did today, and keep it moving!

All in all, we're having fun with this cleansing fast. Now I know which ingredients are more flavorful and agreeable to my husband. But I appreciate that he went ahead and drank his juice, because he knew it was good for him!

Four down, three to go!

Just on Juice - Day 3

Boaz Ministries


We are literally putting this day to bed! Both of us had challenges today, it's almost a blur.

For breakfast we tried a recipe called "Jolt Juice": 2 apples, 1 orange, 1 cucumber, 1/4 peeled lemon, 4 kale leaves. Outstanding flavor! We revisited "Bruschetta Tang" for lunch; and for dinner, we enjoyed "Green Machine" - 4 kale leaves, 2 apples, 2 cups of spinach, 1/2 cucumber, 2 celery stalks, 1 carrot and 1" of ginger. Again - amazing flavor.

I experienced some pangs of hunger between breakfast and lunch so I sipped on my "Bruschetta Tang", slowly. That helped, then I loaded up on water for the rest of the day (which ended two hours ago).

The greatest part of this for me. is the fact that I am losing actual weight! In three days, I've lost 5 pounds! And my energy level has increased!

Bruce reports: "My will power was tested today as several lunchtime food trucks were in my face all day. I got through the day by focusing on the results I'm achieving and praying for strength. Still not crazy hungry, but hungry. This is hard but I'll get through."

Focusing on the results is excellent motivation. Ain't no stopping us now! We have 3 days under our belts (no pun intended), and 4 days to go!

Thank you for your prayers. Don't stop!

Just on Juice - Day 2

Boaz Ministries

Well, the second day is a wrap. And we basically repeated the breakfast ("Morning Glory") and Dinner ("Sunset Passion") recipes, with an orange added to each. It was delish! Lunch ("Mean Green") consisted of 1 apple, 1 cucumber, 4 celery stalks, 5 kale leaves, 1 inch of ginger and 1/4 peeled lemon. YUM!

Because I have fasted before- taking only water, the discipline it takes is not foreign to me, and I'm handling it pretty well.. This experience is particularly agreeable because it is so tasty.

Bruce and I check in on each other throughout the day, and it truly makes a difference when you have a buddy. At one point during his "intentionally busy day" he sent me an email to share on Boaz:

"It appears that my body now knows something is going on that is different from the norm. Hunger aches along with stomach growling are the order of the day. Brotha HONGRY!"

He also told me that he knows the toxins are flushing from his body - and that's a good thing!

Keep praying! Two down, five to go!

Just on Juice - Day 1

Boaz Ministries

We completed our first day of just juicing! Breakfast ("Morning Glory"), consisted of 2 apples, 1 cucumber, 1 cup of blueberries, 2 cups of grapes, 2 cups of spinach, and a pinch of ginger. Lunch ("Bruschetta Tang"), was 2 tomatoes, 2 peeled garlic cloves, a bunch of Basil, and 1/4 peeled lemon. Finally, Dinner ("Sunset Passion") was a mellow blend of 1 sliced beet, 1 apple, 1 cucumber, 1 carrot, 2 cups of spinach, 1/4 peeled lemon and 1/4 peeled lime.

The 7-day plan we are following allows for mixing it up and substituting. Because we're new to this, we are taking it easy and going by the recipes - although I have switched out kale for spinach so far. And of course, drinking lots of water after a juice meal is essential.

Bruce said: "The hardest part about day one was thinking that I have six more days to go. Keeping busy was key to getting through the day and it looks like I'll get a lot of things done over the next six days. The juice tastes better than I thought it would."

As for me - today was a success. I was able to sing in a choir, with vigor, and was not tempted in the least to partake of the sumptuous fellowship feast that followed the service. I feel energetic and excited to see what tomorrow brings.

We do recommend prepping and bagging your fruits and veggies the night before. I'll juice what I plan to take to work in the morning - and pour it into my 32 oz "sippy cup."

One down, six to go!

"Doing It Together" - Just on Juice!

Boaz Ministries

Tomorrow, Bridget and I begin another exercise in “Doing it Together” by way of a “Seven Day Fast/Cleanse."

This will be very hard to do as we both like to eat! But by doing it together we can encourage each other, keep an eye on each other, and pray for each other.

We will be submitting daily progress reports each of the seven days we are fasting/cleansing.

Below is the shopping list we found on www.justonjuice.com. We'll be following the suggested menu on the website, and welcome you to join us, or at least think about planning to do a juicing fast in the near future. This was something we'd been preparing to do for some time. We look forward to experiencing the health benefits of a lifestyle of juicing on a regular basis.

We thought a picture of some of the veggies and fruit we purchased for the fast would be helpful to readers. And we solicit your prayers... It's on!!
 
Shopping List of 7 Day Juice Fast Plan

12-15 Granny Smith Apples x 2
16 – 20 Cucumbers
1 Bag of Carrots
1 Bag of Oranges
6-12 Tomatoes
7 Beets
1 Garlic
1 Bag of Basil Large
4 Cups of Blueberries
A Bag of Grapes
3 Bags of Celery
5 Big Bags of Spinach or 8-12 Bundles of Kale
A Ginger Root
7 Lemons
2 Limes

More Prayer, More Power! "Her Sexuality"

Boaz Ministries



"Lord, help me to always treat my wife with respect and honor and never say anything that would demean her, even in jest. Help me to be considerate of her when she is exhausted or not feeling well. But I also pray that she would understand my sexual needs and be considerate of those as well.

Only You can help us find that balance. Make our sexual relationship fulfilling, enjoyable, freeing, and refreshing for both of us. May our intimacy bond the two of us together and connect our hearts and emotions as well as our bodies. Help us to freely communicate our needs and desires to one another.

Text:
'The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. and likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 1 Corinthians 7:4'"

More Prayer, More Power! "His Health"

Boaz Ministries

"Lord, I pray for Your healing touch on my husband. May every part of his body function the way You designed it to.

Wherever there is anything out of balance, set it in perfect working order. Heal him of any disease, illness, injury, infirmity, or weakness.

Strengthen his body to successfully endure his workload, and when he sleeps may he wake up completely rested, rejuvenated and refreshed.

I pray that he will have the desire to take care of his body, to eat the kind of food that brings health, to get regular exercise, and avoid anything that would be harmful to him. Help him to understand that his body is Your temple and he should care for it as such (1 Corinthians 3:16).

Text:
'I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you. 2 Kings 20:5'"

More Prayer, More Power! "His Finances"

Boaz Ministries

"Lord, I commit our finances to You. Be in charge of them and use them for Your purposes. May my husband and I be good stewards of all that You give us and walk in total agreement as to how it is to be disbursed. I pray that we will learn to live free of burdensome debt.

Where we have not been wise, bring restoration and give us guidance. Show me how I can help increase our finances and not decrease them unwisely. Help us to remember that all we have belongs to You and to be grateful for it.

Text:
'Do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek first the kingdom of God, and all these shall be added to you. Luke 12:29-31'"

Creating a Broken Home from Jump - A Rant

I'm looking at young people, ages 19-23, many of whom haven't completed their education. But they are getting one thing done: making babies. It is disheartening, and disturbing because these individuals have no clue about what they are doing to the children they're bringing into this world.

They are starting their "families" out already behind the eight ball. With so many things still unaccomplished, and so much emotional growth and development yet to occur, these unfortunate young people blissfully walk into a myriad of 'life just got real' moments that they will not be able to manage; not without a lot of support.

It hurts my heart and I want to just shake these young folks into reality:

1. Babies are cute, but they are not dolls. And they are more expensive as they grow up.
2. You and the person you made that child with will outgrow each other - sooner than later.
3. You may actually "grow up", wise up, and desire/have another relationship/family, and you will find out that being responsible for this child will be longer than 18 years.  (btw, "18 years, then out the door" is a myth, unless you are truly deadbeat parents)
4. OR - you will simply be irresponsible and have no relationship with the child.
5. This path is a set-up for constant drama. Very seldom do young parents have the maturity to agree to be civil toward each other and make sure the child's needs are met - even though they are not together.
6. Your plans, education, opportunities are put on hold. Your lack of planning due to your immaturity will hinder whatever progress you were previously making. And if you weren't doing anything with your life - it is quite unlikely that you will magically excel in life after having a child so young.
7. It's not "fun", after the baby. Sex really isn't love, and a baby doesn't make someone love you or stay with you, and least of all marry you! (And if you don't want to get married - just having a baby is purely selfish and immature. It's more work than you realize.)
8. It is not fair to expect your parents to take care of your child. They already raised their children.
9. A bad relationship with the baby mama will ruin your credit and gouge your pay check before you even get started...it's called child support. Very unfortunate.
10. A bad relationship with the baby daddy might make you feel like he can't see his child.Ever. Bad move.

I just wonder why young people STILL think they can handle becoming parents when all they have is infatuation and overactive hormones - even if they have all kinds of examples via friends and acquaintances, and in some cases, family members who have warned them about the dangers of engaging in this unwise manner.

This is for the youngbloods: for real-for real -you are doing nothing but adding to the numbers of children from broken homes, putting them at risk for all kinds of emotional turmoil in the future because their parents did not know enough to realize that sex with Mr./Ms. Right Now is a dangerous, life-changing activity that should be avoided like the plague.

I pray for the children of these children.

#drops the mic

On the Ministry of Marriage - My Testimony

The Lord knows the last thing on my mind was a second marriage. When my 31-year marriage ended with the death of my husband, Lamont Wynn, in 2010, I was content with the fact that the Lord would continue to be my Source and my Husband for the rest of my life. 

Because I am committed to ministry, as my former marriage had been, I just believed that I would simply carry on in ministry - and, more like the Apostle Paul, be unencumbered by the care and feeding of a spouse. I had one idea about the way things would play out until the second coming of Christ, or the end of my days should He not return before I pass away.  God had another plan. 

My life now is enriched in this second marriage because my husband, Bruce Edwards, is not only committed to ministry with me, he is the founder of a ministry the Lord placed upon his heart several years ago!  When it became apparent that a decision about the direction of our relationship needed to be made, I prayed earnestly for wisdom. Both of us petitioned the Lord for His guidance, because neither of us wanted to enter into a second marriage purely on emotion.  Quite honestly, in my view, it would have been easier not to marry. However, the Lord revealed our purpose as a couple, so we trusted Him with all the particulars, and obeyed His voice.

For believers who marry, we understand that God is bringing two individuals together to do a joint work that glorifies Him, and expresses His love - in all things. Before I married Bruce, the Lord opened my eyes and I began to see all of the wonderful spiritual resources he'd been accumulating in his personal library over the years.  I saw that this man, by God's grace and power, had been preparing to engage in the ministry of healing, starting with himself, and then the relationships of others.  And it was and is a blessing to know what the Lord has been working in him - all of his life.

Nothing happens by chance or accident in God's realm. And everything comes to pass in God's time. The Lord works His will in ways we do not expect - ways we never imagined - for the saving of our souls, and the souls of those along our path who will believe.  In my walk with the Lord, I know that my trials and pitfalls have been turned into triumphs and stepping stones. We know that there are more challenges, more stretching and growing ahead. And we are willing to experience the process because we know God knows what is best as He perfects our hearts and souls - for an effective testimony.

The life of a believer is all about ministry. And marriage is indeed a ministry. When two people seeking the Lord unite in matrimony, it is the family's first ministry. We believe we are on this earth to be the hands and feet of Christ - reaching out in love to all with the message of hope and salvation. We understand that we are to glorify our Father in Heaven in all that we say and do. We know it is possible because we have access to the Power by God's Holy Spirit. We are ever mindful that we are but frail, human flesh - with a Supernatural connection. And when we trust and obey God and take Him at His Word - there is unspeakable joy and incomprehensible peace, even in times of trouble. Our families and those the Lord brings into our lives are encouraged by the godly example of two, very ordinary people.

I'm a living witness of God's mercy, grace, forgiveness and love. And I thank Him daily for the opportunity to continue to be His ambassador, and suitable mate and partner to my loving, God-fearing husband, for the rest of my journey on this earth.

I pray this post will edify, uplift and inspire someone today. God knows who you are. 

Amen.

More Prayer, More Power! "Her Spirit"

Boaz Ministries


Lord, help (wife's name) to be so filled with Your Spirit that people sense Your presence when they are in her presence. As Your daughter, I know she wants to serve You, but help her to understand how and when so that she may glorify You in all she does. Guide her in everything, so that she can become the dynamic, mighty woman of God You want her to be. Give her knowledge of Your will and enable her to stay in the center of it. Help her to trust You with all her heart and not depend on her own understanding. May she acknowledge You in all her ways (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Text:
'The Spirit Himself bears witness with your spirit that we are children of God. Romans 8:16'"

More Prayer, More Power! "His Marriage"

Boaz Ministries

"Lord, I pray that You would unite my husband and me in a bond of friendship, commitment, generosity, and understanding. Eliminate our immaturity, hostility, or feelings of inadequacy.

Help us to make time for one another alone, to nurture and renew our marriage and remind ourselves of the reasons we were married in the first place.

I pray that (husband's name) will be so committed to You, Lord, that his commitment to me will not waver, no matter what storms come.

I pray that our love for each other will grow stronger every day, so that we will never leave a legacy of divorce to our children.

Text:
'Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11'"

More Prayer, More Power! "His Past"

Boaz MInistries


"Lord, I pray that You would enable (husband's name) to let go of his past completely. Deliver him from any hold it has on him. Help him to put off his former conduct and habitual ways of thinking about it and be renewed in his mind (Ephesians 4:22-23).

Enlarge his understanding to know that You make all things new (Revelation 21:5).

Show him a fresh, Holy Spirit-inspired way of relating to negative things that have happened. Give him the mind of Christ so that he can clearly discern Your voice from the voices of the past.

When he hears those old voices, enable him to rise up and shut them down with the truth of Your Word.

Text:
'If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17'"