Cleansing from the Inside Out

We have spent quite a bit of time this past year learning about wellness, clean eating and super nutrition. One component of our wellness experience has been learning about cleansing. This summer I have been learning about spiritual and emotional wellness and the process of cleansing from the inside out. The principles I have been learning start with accepting who I am and emptying out my misconceptions, selfish tendencies and pride. The inside out cleaning process for me begins with reflection, confession, includes prayer and meditation. Trials that come my way can be tools used by the hand of God to strengthen me if I am willing to refrain from asking why and ask what now. When we turn our pain over to God he can redeem it and turn it into something good for our character development.
I must be willing to take a long hard look at my life, my attitudes, my thoughts and the ways I respond to the circumstances and relationships in my life. When I see areas that need to be cleaned up, thoughts and actions that need to be changed, I confess my shortcomings and where I miss the mark. I ask for forgiveness and know that I am truly forgiven and will have access to the Holy Spirit power I need to continue my inside out cleaning. Only then am I able to be filled with the truths and tenements of my faith that motivate me and empower me to change. When I am filled, I can begin to pour out….serve, love beyond measure, put other’s needs before my own and be available to follow where God may lead me. This is not a check list or a fail safe formula but for me it is a reminder to live moment by moment yielding my stubborn selfish will to God’s will for my life. It means being a good listener, finding joy in tough situations, and choosing to love even the irregular or difficult people in my life that often don’t behave in a way that I want or expect. Love is action and I want to be filled with love at all times, the unconditional kind of love that comes from God. I want to be a warrior ready to take action, to serve and pour out God’s love on others.
One desire I have as I tackle my inside out cleaning is the discipline of intention. I want my life to make an impact. I want to build relationships and be an encourager. I want to be an example that others want to follow. I want to be a servant leader. As a mom and now a Gammie blessed with 9 grandchildren, I have precious children to love and a deep desire to be a role model to them. I want to pass on my love for God and teach them about Jesus.