rather

I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold
I'd rather be His than have riches untold
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands
I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hands
 

Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin's dread sway
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today

I'd rather have Jesus than men's applause
I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause
I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame
I'd rather be true to His holy name

be

[inspired by a handful of beautiful couples who have so humbly opened their struggles up that i might see what they see. thank you for such an honor.]

walk with me, [downtown on a warm night, perhaps]
you don't have to say anything.
just be with me.
but if you do feel the need to speak,
speak of Him.
recite to me what you've been meditating on.
and walk confidently,
knowing that i don't need you to be perfect.
be a man of your word,
sure and decisive.
guard your heart and your integrity.
and mine.
seek to honor Him in all things.
know that i am overjoyed to partner with you.
be patient with me
allowing my identity to be distinct from yours.
i do not define you
as you do not define me.
ask me questions,
please don't demand that i believe things exactly as you do.
allow me to learn, aware that you are not half the teacher that He is.
love me like i matter,
like my opinions, desires, and feelings carry as much weight as yours.
love Him more than your reputation.
love knowing Him more than knowing about Him.
apologize if you hurt me.
be gracious when i apologize for hurting you.
read to me.
listen.
don't be afraid if i cry.
take responsibility for your mistakes.
love Him most.

health tip #11

invest in some new running shoes.
this will likely provide more incentive for you to be more active.
[also note that even if you aren't a runner, running shoes provide more of an angle which helps to propel you along on your walk!]

health tip #10

avoid fructose! specifically high fructose corn syrup
and watch this video, if you have the time. it is about an hour and a half.
i will warn you, this man is a bit intense and his teaching gets a bit technical at times, but if you can hang in there it is WELL worth it...

Sugar: The Bitter Truth
Robert H. Lustig, MD,
Professor of Pediatrics - University of California, San Francisco 

Dr. Lustig explores the damage caused by sugary foods. He argues that fructose (too much) and fiber (not enough) appear to be cornerstones of the obesity epidemic through their effects on insulin.