Do you ever feel like there’s just not enough time in your day to do much more than say a quick prayer and a thank you to Jesus when it comes to your time with God? I did a poll on my Instagram stories and it was abundantly clear that time with God is a struggle for many women. We get busy, we get tired, we fall asleep, and then the day is over with no time spent with God.
Well Sis, I want to help you get some quality time in with God. Here are 5 quick things busy women can do to have meaningful time reading the Bible daily.
Devotional & Meditation On the Word
Idea number one is for you to choose a devotional and single out the anchor scripture of that devotion. Once you’ve done that and before you read the devotional, read the scripture word for word and then meditate on its meaning. You can follow this up by completing the devotional or taking this bonus step.
Open your Bible and read the entire chapter that the verse comes from in your study Bible. Use the study notes in the Bible for further understanding.
You-Version Bible Plan
Another idea is to consider picking and using a YouVersion Bible plan for your time with God. This is similar to the devotional idea, but many of the YouVersion Bible plans for example, can be 5 to 30 days long.
Additionally, follow the bonus step above for the Bible plans anchor verse(s).
Remember that there is no pressure to do the bonus step. It’s just a way to get deeper study in during your quiet time.
Do you ever feel like there’s just not enough time in your day to do much more than say a quick prayer and a thank you to Jesus when it comes to your time with God? I did a poll on my Instagram stories and it was abundantly clear that time with God is a struggle for many women. We get busy, we get tired, we fall asleep, and then the day is over with no time spent with God.
Well Sis, I want to help you get some quality time in with God. Here are 5 quick things busy women can do to have meaningful time reading the Bible daily.
Devotional & Meditation On the Word
Idea number one is for you to choose a devotional and single out the anchor scripture of that devotion. Once you’ve done that and before you read the devotional, read the scripture word for word and then meditate on its meaning. You can follow this up by completing the devotional or taking this bonus step.
Open your Bible and read the entire chapter that the verse comes from in your study Bible. Use the study notes in the Bible for further understanding.
You-Version Bible Plan
Another idea is to consider picking and using a YouVersion Bible plan for your time with God. This is similar to the devotional idea, but many of the YouVersion Bible plans for example, can be 5 to 30 days long.
Additionally, follow the bonus step above for the Bible plans anchor verse(s).
Remember that there is no pressure to do the bonus step. It’s just a way to get deeper study in during your quiet time.
Start A Book Of The Bible
The next idea is to begin reading a book of the Bible. Choose a book of the Bible first, then learn the context of everything that’s taking place in the book. Ultimately, this involves reading a summary of the book. I like to use The Bible Handbook by Daily Grace Co for this step.
Now for the reading part, you should read the book section by section. In each book there are chapters and in each chapter, there are usually sections. So read one section per day. In most books this should take no longer than 5 minutes per section.
If you want a deeper study, read the study notes in your Bible for more clarity.
Email Devotional
The second to last idea is to sign up for a daily email devotional from a Bible-believing and teaching pastor.
For instance, I love Rick Warren’s email devotionals.
Podcast
Finally, there are biblically sound devotional podcasts that are great to listen to as you get dressed for the day, are cooking, working out, commuting, etc.
One of my favorites is the “God Is Within Her” women’s devotional podcast with Valarie Reynolds.
I also have A surprise!
I will be starting my very own Her Faith Walk – Women’s Devotional Podcast in a few months. If you want to be notified when I launch, join the HFW Circle when you sign up for one of my freebies here.
Do you want to become a believer today? I’ll show you how here.
I’ve got a new smoothie recipe creation for you to try!
Btw, if you didn’t realize it, I create these recipes myself and experiment with the ingredients in my kitchen. I have to say that it is truly therapeutic. Who knows, maybe I will get into some food recipes at some point. Of course, that would take me having to cook more in general, lol!
This smoothie is really creamy, which I like! It actually reminds me of a milkshake.
It has a fresh taste to it and you’ll experience the fruity hints of strawberry and peach as you drink it.
It is considered a green smoothie as well because it includes spinach.
Check out the ingredients below, make it yourself, and enjoy.
Btw, let me and the community know your thoughts on it once you try it. I would definitely appreciate your feedback sis!
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients I decided to use in this creamy green smoothie and how some of them have mental health benefits.
My smoothie ingredients measured and ready to blend. by Priscilla Henley
Spinach:
According to Science Daily, the following can be said about spinach:
“Something as easy as adding more spinach, kale, collards and mustard greens to your diet could help slow cognitive decline, according to new research. The study also examined the nutrients responsible for the effect, linking vitamin K consumption to slower cognitive decline for the first time.”
According to Medical News Today, I found the following about Greek yogurt (probiotic yogurt):
Research suggests that consuming probiotic yogurt is beneficial for a person’s mental health.
A 2016 study found that workers who ate 100 grams of probiotic yogurt a day or took a daily probiotic capsule experienced less stress, depression, and anxiety than those who did not.
This effect is likely due to to the relationship between the gut and brain, and the ability of the gut to make neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine (Burgess).
Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a polyunsaturated fatty acid that can help fight inflammation and keep cholesterol levels in check. “Research has also shown that omega-3s can help boost your mood and help improve mood disorders like depression,” says registered dietitian Brigitte Zeitlin. “Use flaxseed oil as the basis for your salad dressings, and reap these mood-elevating benefits.”
Chia seeds have a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, one tablespoon of chia seeds contains 1,769 milligrams of omega-3s. These nutrients play a role in the functioning of serotonin and dopamine, both critical to mood and mental health.
Furthermore, chia seeds contain magnesium, which is sometimes referred to as “the stress antidote.” Some doctors and scientists believe that depression rates are increasing because we no longer get enough magnesium in our diet. “Top 10 Foods You Should Eat Every Day.” Newport Institute, 7 Aug. 2020, https://www.newportinstitute.com/resources/mental-health/top-10-foods-you-should-eat-everyday/
Almond Milk
Organic Agave Nectar
Prepped Smoothie
I use a single serve Ninja with Nutrient & Vitamin Extraction.
Prepped Smoothie by Priscilla Henley
RECIPE with nutritional facts
Peachy Green Mental Health Smoothie
This healthy and delicious green smoothie is creamy with a sweet taste of peaches and strawberries. Grab it in the morning as a quick breakfast to go.
Single Serve or Large Blender
1 cup spinach (I use baby spinach)
1/2 cup peaches (Frozen)
1/2 cup strawberries (Frozen)
1/4 cup vanilla greek yogurt (I use the brand Chobani)
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (I use Almond Breeze)
1/2 tsp organic agave (I use Organic Agave In The Raw)
1 tbsp chia seeds
1/2 tbsp flax seed
Place every ingredient into your blender. Blend the mixture until smooth.
Serve & enjoy your smoothie immediately.
Breakfast
American
anxiety & depression smoothie, health smoothie, mental health smoothie, smoothie, smoothies for mental health
'For thus said the Lord God , the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” But you were unwilling, and you said, “No! We will flee upon horses”; therefore you shall flee away; and, “We will ride upon swift steeds”; therefore your pursuers shall be swift. A thousand shall flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you shall flee, till you are left like a flagstaff on the top of a mountain, like a signal on a hill (Crossway Bibles, 2008).'
Do you ever feel the urge to act on temptation? You may feel the Holy Spirit say go left, but you think to ignore in rebellion and go right? Well this is how I see Israel acting in Isaiah 30:1-17. Like us, in some moments of temptation, they are making a decision to disobey.
The entire book of Isaiah speaks to the rebellion of Israel from the Lord’s covenant instructions brought through the law of Moses and their reliance on false gods and ungodly political alliances. Isaiah warns how Israel will face judgement through their exile, the admonishment of their political alliances with other nations, and those nation’s falling (The Daily Grace Co., 2017, p. 132-134).
Isaiah also speaks to hope. Hope will be found in the Lord after the exile is over. He accounts that Israel will receive their homeland back. They will also receive the promise of the coming of the Redeemer, the Messiah(The Daily Grace Co., 2017, p. 132-134).
When we don’t have a relationship with the Holy Spirit, the wrong path is easy to go down with Satan. We may actually do things that we never really believed we would. In addition we may also fall into a pattern of rebellion against God like Israel. As a result we may have to face consequences that won’t be so pleasant. They will hurt and can sometimes break us.
In verses 15-17, the Lord speaks a warning through Isaiah. He explains that “in returning to Him and rest they shall be saved” and that “in quietness and in trust they will obtain their strength.” But God knows His people very well and explains that Israel will ignore this by believing in their own strength. They will be unwilling to return to Him. They won’t find rest and strength (Crossway Bibles, 2008).
Isaiah continues on to state God’s words about what comes next. He says, “you shall flee away” and “your pursuers shall be swift.” He says, “A thousand shall flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you shall flee, till you are left like a flagstaff on the top of a mountain, like a signal on a hill (Crossway Bibles, 2008).”
So military action will occur.The Lord will frustrate the battle. Let’s refer to verse 3 of Isaiah 30 when God says, the “protection of Pharaoh turn to your shame” and “the shelter in the shadow of Egypt to your humiliation. Essentially this is a return to Egypt, who once oppressed them before they became free (Crossway Bibles, 2008).
Don’t reattach yourself to your oppressor as Israel did. Your oppressor is Satan, and His plan is eternal death for all people. But God the Father has said otherwise. He has sent a Savior for the world, named Jesus. Jesus ensures we have an eternal life.
So today, examine if you’ve received salvation or do you have a break in your relationship with the Holy Spirit. If you have gone astray, there is still time to return to God and build or rebuild that relationship with Him.
You will never regret choosing God. And He has so much love that he wants you to experience by following and knowing Him. Instead of finding yourself in a helpless war with your flesh and Satan, ask the Holy Spirit to search you and remove any behaviors not in alignment with His will. Ask Him to spiritually armor you up to follow Him and fight successfully amongst spiritual warfare.
Pray this week:
Dear Father,
My hearts desire is to be in alignment with you. Please forgive me for the times that I rebel or begin a pattern of disobedience. I want to honor you in how I live, get to know you more and experience your love. Open my eyes to the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. Order my steps dear God.
In Jesus’ Mighty Name,
Amen
Join my free prayer circle for support from a community of women who pray for one another everyday.
Do you want to become a believer today? I’ll show you how here.
Sources Used:
Evans, Tony. The Tony Evans Bible Commentary. Holman Bible Publishers, 2019.
The Daily Grace Co., et al. “Isaiah.” The Bible Handbook, edited by Jana White and Alli Turner, Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee, 2017, pp. 132–134. Source used to understand the context of the book of Isaiah from the Holy Bible
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version: The ESV Study Bible. Crossway Bibles, 2008.
Recently, I have been trying to find more ways to care for my mental health.
I’ve always loved a good smoothie and I thought to myself that smoothies could be a great way for me to include certain foods in my meals throughout each day.
With that in mind, I decided to begin creating a smoothie with mental health benefits.
I also have to mention that I am a creative person who loves to make and put together different projects. So to scratch, the creative itch I’ve been having lately, crafting a smoothie for my husband and me was a win.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients I decided to use in my first smoothie and how some of them have mental health benefits.
My smoothie ingredients measured and ready to blend. by Priscilla Henley
Oatmeal:
According to Eating Well, whole grains like oatmeal are identified as,
beneficial for depression in the Nutritional Neuroscience study. Plus, another study published more recently revealed that women who ate moderate amounts of whole grains were less likely to experience anxiety (Horton).
Horton M.S., RD, Brierley. “5 Foods to Eat for Better Mental Health.” Eating Well, 13 May 2021, https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7902827/foods-to-eat-for-better-mental-health/.
Blueberries:
Also, according to Eating Well, blueberries are identified as,
In the world of berries, wild blueberries deserve a special shoutout: just a half cup of wild blueberries delivers more than a day’s dose of manganese. Manganese may be a lesser-known mineral, yes, but it’s one that seems to be important for mental wellness. In a study published in 2019 in the journal Nutrients, Japanese adults who consumed the lowest levels of manganese were more likely to have symptoms of depression and anxiety, compared to their counterparts who got more manganese into their diets (Horton).
Horton M.S., RD, Brierley. “5 Foods to Eat for Better Mental Health.” Eating Well, 13 May 2021, https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7902827/foods-to-eat-for-better-mental-health/.
bananas may play a more indirect role by shoring up the amount of serotonin the brain is able to produce.3 The body needs other nutrients to properly make and use serotonin, including vitamin B6,4 and bananas are an especially rich source of this vitamin.
If a diet inadequate in vitamin B6 is contributing to low levels of serotonin, dietary changes may help—but that doesn’t mean eating one banana a day will be enough to improve your mood (Schimelpfening).
Schimelpfening, Nancy. “Does Eating Bananas Improve Your Mood?” Very Well Mind, 10 February 2022, https://www.verywellmind.com/bananas-increase-serotonin-fact-or-fiction-1066923
If you aren’t aware of the importance of serotonin, read what Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School says about it:
Serotonin can stave off depression and provide a feeling a euphoria.
When you feel happy and all seems right with the world, you’re feeling the effects of serotonin. This hormone is responsible for boosting mood, as well as a host of other functions (Watson).
Watson, Stephanie. “Serotonin: The natural mood booster.” Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, 20 July 2021, https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/serotonin-the-natural-mood-booster
Yogurt:
According to Medical News Today, I found the following about Greek yogurt (probiotic yogurt),
Research suggests that consuming probiotic yogurt is beneficial for a person’s mental health.
A 2016 study found that workers who ate 100 grams of probiotic yogurt a day or took a daily probiotic capsule experienced less stress, depression, and anxiety than those who did not.
This effect is likely due to to the relationship between the gut and brain, and the ability of the gut to make neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine (Burgess).
Burgess, Lana. “8 health benefits of Greek yogurt.” Medical News Today, 25 September 2018, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323169
Almond Milk
Vanilla Extract
Last Saturday
I jumped into my kitchen with my notepad of ideas and started making my first smoothie creation. Studying foods for mental health and sketching ideas were all worth it because my first smoothie was complete and the only thing left to do was to try it.
My very first smoothie recipe was a hit in my house for my husband and me. We found that the single-serve blender did the best blend job. This beautiful purple drink was smooth to drink.
It was refreshing and I look forward to seeing if drinking smoothies consistently will contribute to improvements to my mental health and overall wellbeing. This is just the start!
I’d love for you to try this recipe at home.
Once you’ve tasted it, come back and let me know your thoughts.
The recipe is below!
Enjoy.
Blueberry, Banana, & Oats Smoothie
This healthy and delicious purple smoothie is great for treating anxiety and depression with food. Grab it in the morning as a breakfast to go.
Single Serve or Large Blender
1/4 cup rolled oats (I prefer organic rolled oats)
1/2 banana (Fresh or frozen)
1/4 cup blueberries (Fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup almond milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3/8 cup vanilla greek yogurt (I prefer the brand Chobani)
Place every ingredient into your blender. Blend the mixture until smooth.
Serve & enjoy your smoothie immediately.
Add chia seeds for omega-3 fatty acids which combined with tryptophan, an amino acid could leave you in a better mood and sleeping pattern.
Breakfast
American
anxiety & depression smoothie, mental health smoothie, smoothie
The fear and anxiety that we experience are not of the great God we serve. Many times our anxieties are imaginations that we think up to ourselves. We fester on them and eventually begin to believe them.
This is a snare. It’s a trap orchestrated by Satan. He doesn’t want us to trust God. He definitely wants us to believe that we are all alone. The enemy desires for us to be webbed into bondage by the thoughts and things that we are fearful of.
Have you ever thought of your anxieties this way?
Anxiety is not a God thing. It’s a tool to disable us from fulfilling God’s will for our lives.
Take Moses for instance. He was fearful of a speech difficulty that he struggled with. He actually didn’t believe he could effectively travel into Egypt and command Pharaoh to let the Lord’s people go.
Exodus 4:10But Moses said to the Lord , “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.”
Many times like Moses, all of us allow our shortcomings to disable us into fear.
But Proverbs 29:25 says, “whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”
Do you believe that today? God’s Word is true and never lies.
The next time you are fearful or overcome by anxiety, remember this promise of God. We don’t always know how He does it, but God protects His children. He is graceful, merciful, and kind in heart.
We can trust Him over any anxiety.
I encourage you to break free of your anxiety trap today. Go forth and persevere in the things God has called you specifically to do.
Be not afraid and remember that God remembers us in our fear. We can be reminded by that in scripture when we read that Aaron was sent with Moses to be his spokesman.
Exodus 7:1
And the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet.
God is always for you and will not forget you. He is your safety.
Pray this week:
Dear Lord,
Please help me to overcome my fears and anxieties. Please correct my way of thinking and remind me that you are my safe place. Build my trust in you and my resistance to any snare.
In Jesus’ Mighty Name,
Amen
Do you need someone to pray for you? Send me your prayer request here.
Do you want to become a believer today? I’ll show you how here.
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