January 22, 2014

Hungry?


Are you hungry?
Do you notice yourself foraging your cupboards and refrigerator looking for something to satisfy your craving?

Recently I realized that I was starving.
I felt like I was always looking for food (very unlike me) and often snacking on the unhealthiest, easiest foods I could find.

One afternoon the thought came to my mind, like the voice of a wise physician, "Jen, you ARE hungry.  Don't just eat-- NOURISH."

When I went shopping I focused on healthy produce.  At home, I notice my cravings and as I feel hungry I make choices that will FEED my body with healthy nutrients.

I'm eating more, I'm eating colorful, I'm eating purposefully, and I feel better.

Duh.  NOURISH.

Sometimes my soul hungers.

I feel thirsty for something.  I find myself flipping through shows on Netflix, scanning Facebook, or reading the news.  Even though I'm tired, I stay up later searching for something to quench me.  Even though I'm overwhelmed with all that I have to do, I spend too much time watching silly snippets on YouTube.  Why?

Often, the thought comes to my mind, like the voice of a wise physician, "Jen, you ARE hungry.  Don't just eat-- NOURISH."

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
(John 6:35)
... for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.
Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.
(Exodus 16:3-4)

Where do I shop for holy soul food?  The scriptures, on my knees, and at the temple.  I love to read good, inspiring books (LOVE Women and the Priesthood, by Sheri Dew).  Inspiring conversation is my spiritual green smoothie.

And can I recommend something to you?  Even if you are not "religious" (whatever that means), or are not Mormon.  Download the Mormon Channel App.  It is so inspiring.  Just listen to the beautiful music while you're cooking dinner.  

On the Mormon Channel, go to "Series" and click "Enduring it Well" to hear how others have dealt with addiction, teen pregnancy, injury, cancer, death of a loved one.  Inspiring!  (I love my local Christian radio too, and classical, and just fun, good music.)

Last night I went to the temple.  I headed 30 minutes in the wrong direction on the way home, so my 1 1/2 hour ride home ended up being 2 1/2 hours.  (Dumb.)  I listened to a wise woman, Julie Beck, teach me about Visiting Teaching and how to minister to others.  (Series... Relief Society... Visiting Teaching.)  My soul was fed and I am changed for the better.  

(I listened to Tad Callister's recent CES devotional on the way up-- AMAZING!  Can't wait to let my kids listen to it!!)

I have come to really love driving long distances (to everywhere), or tasks like folding laundry or cleaning up, because my body can be busy while my mind is being inspired!!

Today-- let us eat and be FILLED!
We are so lucky to live in a day and age when we can so easily nourish our bodies and souls.
Let's choose wisely and partake of that which is best in the world.
Eat your veggies!!!


4 comments:

Debbi said...

Thanks for this today. It was exactly what I needed. I always look forward to reading your posts, you inspire me to be better.

Erynn said...

It feels like every single post, you are writing to me personally because it's exactly what I need to hear. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

I love Enduring it well!! Did you listen to the one about the couple adopting a child from Haiti - with the earthquake. It was remarkable. And the story of Tyler Robinson. Wow. What a kid. Coincidentally I saw the music video for Imagine Dragons song "Demons" just minutes after listening to the program - and the video was dedicated to him!! That is awesome. You should be on that program! Your story inspires me every day. Thank you for sharing it with the world. I have been reading your blog for along time, along with my sister. We prayed for you while you were in hospital. You are awesome. Thanks for sharing.

jenifer said...

Thanks!! You're too fun. I appreciate your prayers more then you know!

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