Freedom from gluten: to liberty and justice with God

About ten years ago, I became very sick with stomach issues beyond my control. I went to many doctors and most of them said I "probably" had colon problems or a stomach bug. Ew, thanks for telling me I have a horrible stomach ache that will never go away! 

Over the past couple of years, I've gotten better with eating clean and getting my exercise to keep up my body as a temple for God. Obviously, I want to look good because I am a girl! But I think it's important to remember that it's really not for me. God says so in 1 Corinthians 3:16. I am here on Earth to show how much God gives as the creator of everything living and breathing! It's amazing and strangely awesome that he created the World and wants us to prosper even if that means we will go through trials. I live to praise him through my health issues. 

This year, I made a pact to be more intentional. Many people choose to lose weight or read more books for the new year. I agree entirely with both of those! Moreover, I think there's so much more than those. And that's why I am excited to say that I can, without a doubt, eat gluten now!

That may sound super weird, but I have not been able to eat any gluten for ten years without throwing up or tasting acid in my mouth anytime I had a bite of gluten. Pretty gross, huh? Yeah, my body wasn't so happy that I was such a beach bum! I think the reason my nervous system is working so well now is because... I have quit watching movies and tv shows on the daily. I gave it up for Lent, and I honestly will probably keep it up! I'd rather be outside and watch a movie every couple of months. It's much more affordable and fun (:

Cheers to temples, rain, and sunny days,

Rachel

Illuminated shadows: Food for thought and a penny in my pocket.

'A penny in my pocket, a dollar in my shoe, and when I give it all to Jesus, there's nothing I can't do.' 

-Jana Alayra

      When I was born, my skin was yellow with a deficiency that I couldn't put my finger on. No one else really knew why. I thought maybe it had to do with the fact that I had two older brothers and an older sister. I am talking about those little ideas that pop in your head when you DO something. Whether it's a belief or simply the food you eat, everything impacts you to a certain degree. There's the age old question... Why do you do what you do? Cows say 'moo', I say 'hey you'. My point is everyone speaks the same language in their own special way. We're only humans and animals. God is the whole sum of our parts. I love to use the car analogy. When I first started driving, I was in a toy car in my backyard saying 'choo choo, out of my way, I got this, guys'. As an adult, I will do the same thing in a different way.

      My first car was a 1999 Dodge Caravan. My life was in that van. Literally. I would travel the entire world in that van if I could. But at some point, it had to break down. It was my special something for 3 years. Wow. I know it's only a car, but it was my car (even if my parents paid for it, they said YOU take care of it). I had my blanket, my cooler of food, and my music. Yup, that just about sums up my life. God is that CAR. Ha. Yeah.... I attach to tangible objects too. I'm a sinner. I came back from Colorado knowing that reality hit me hard and I had to change into a flower rather than a thorn in my hip. With no car, no computer, and a cracked iphone, I flew to Colorado. I came back with an open wound that God would heal and continues to heal daily.

     I'd love to be a wallflower, but I want to fly down on a jet. A jet that leads me home, but lets me sore into the wild with my gluten sensitive stomach and all. I thank Jesus every day that I am alive because I have had countless doctor's appointments with doctors who don't know why I have gluten sensitivity. And no, I don't have celiac disease, I have been tested for that and have a low blood count sometimes so I choose not to drink alcoholic beverages like you might. I have nothing against those who drink. I really wish it could be normal for me to drink. But reality check: I tried alcohol before a little before I turned 21. Then I had one or two once I turned 21 and I tired of it quickly. I have never been drunk nor do I want to be. Real talk: I don't have time to see every doctor in the USA and with God as my witness, I can get through the battle I face everyday. It's expensive to live in a world where hotdogs and corndogs exists because I love food especially corndogs (cuz they punny and yummy).

Boo my nervous system and Yay for God who understands my woes,

Rachel

P.S. I do have a car, and it feels so good to know that it's get me places Coldplay constantly reminds me, "and it was allll yellow".