This & That

It’s easy to become so hyper-focused in one area that we lose zeal in another. However, God’s will is that we prosper and be in health, just as our soul prospers.

The time of year has come when many of my friends feel burdened by uncertainty. Their anxiety is on 1,000! They are vacillating between options, desperately struggling to trust themselves. Rightfully so. Interestingly, it’s all my fault.

Yep, I’m the problem. Although I am accountable enough to own it, I'm not remorseful enough to backpedal.

Surely, you’re wondering what kind of friend I am and why others would subject themselves to emotional distress on my behalf. Simply put, it’s my birthday season! You read correctly: SEASON. I celebrate from 10/01 - 12/15, and part of the celebration always includes a quiz to see who truly knows me.

The results are always the same. I am dearly loved, but bay-beeee, these folks don’t know me at all! EVERYONE FAILS. Miserably, might I add. This cracks me up year after year. What tickles me even more are the few who vow to do better the next year.

They never do.

This year’s multiple-choice challenge was This OR That. I went easy on them. Instead of having 3 or 4 answers to choose from, my tribe worked through 20 best-answer scenarios such as:

I'd rather mop while listening to _ on repeat than _, although I love both.

Last Two Dollars x Johnnie Taylor; Cigarettes & Coffee x Otis Redding OR Cigarettes & Coffee x Otis Redding; Last Two Dollars x Johnnie Taylor

If I were a tree, I would be a _.

Redwood OR Palm

The 2026 scores currently range from 40-60%. Bless their hearts 🙄

This year’s quiz brought to mind something my pastor often says:

In the Kingdom of God, things aren’t always this or that. Sometimes, they are this and that.

Dr. Dharius Daniels

As I prepare for the next chapter of life and another calendar year, I am reflecting on how God’s expectations of us are spiritual and practical.

His expectations of me have spiritual and practical elements.

Think about it…

• The God who fights for us also trains our hands for war and our fingers for battle. (See Exodus 14:13-14 & Psalm 144:1)

• The all-knowing One who searches hearts and examines minds also instructs us to ask, seek, and knock as an expression of faith and reliance on Him. (See Jeremiah 17:10 & Matthew 7:7-11)

• Because Jesus, the Word wrapped in flesh, experienced being fully human while still being fully God, He sympathizes with our weakness as He intercedes for us. He petitions the Father on our behalf, and still, we are to go boldly before the throne of grace in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

There is purpose and power in combining This & That.

Learning what my 40+1-year-old body needs on this wellness journey also requires identifying the necessary This & That’s:

Prayer & Preparation

It’s easy to become so hyper-focused in one area that we lose zeal in another. However, God’s will is that we prosper and be in health, just as our soul prospers. Physical wellness should be a byproduct of a well soul.

My soul is only as well as the health of my relationship with Yahweh. This relationship requires abiding in His presence and practicing spiritual rhythms. I also need to meal prep, strength train 3 times per week, and shoot for at least 8K steps daily.

Steadfastness & Self-control

I need long-term endurance and self-restraint. Wellness is a lifetime spirit, mind, and body journey that includes stewarding my temple well. Having revelation and information for defining wellness from season to season helps me remain committed to the process over time.

Knowing what to do is one thing. Doing it is another. Staying disciplined enough to continue doing what I know to do is where I often struggle.

Humility & Hunger

I am not strong enough to remain consistently committed to wellness. There. I said it. I need the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit for this. As I’m typing this, I am also realizing the need to pray that, as I delight myself in the Lord, He would grant me the lasting desire (aka hunger) to thrive on this journey.

I pray that every milestone and mini victory compels me to keep going and that I rebound quickly from setbacks.

Amen.

Meal Prep from Bottom to Top:

Breakfast: Egg white & spinach omelette on toasted sourdough with strawberries + Yogi tea with Black Girl Vitamins Collagen Powder.

Lunch: Pan-searched chopped chicken with sweet peas, feta, and red pepper flakes.

Snack: Lesser Evil Popcorn

Dinner: Turkey and Veggie Stew (it’s still frozen in this picture) and grapefruit.

LET’S REFLECT

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV

Grab your journal, get cozy in a quiet corner, and allow Holy Spirit to reveal areas where you may have plenty of information but lack the necessary revelation to remain committed to spiritual, emotional, and/or physical wellness.

Sincerely,

LaToya NaShae