All posts in category Christianity

Our Travels, Our Food, Our Mission

I spend a lot of time in the kitchen prepping, cooking, and baking. This ensures that my family is being well-fed AND that we are saving money. My reward for all this work is knowing that when we go out to eat, we can do it well. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does have to be fresh and real. So, on our 2 day excursion to Asheville, we took advantage of our time there. We love to eat, and the following pictures show it.Our favorite spot to visit is Sunny Point Cafe. They specialize in breakfast, but have some great main dishes too. They also grow a number of their veggies in the garden that sits alongside of the cafe (that’s where my “bee on the flower” photo was shot). Scott loves their carrot pancakes (that I did a “remake” of at home), and I love their Ahi tuna burger and their bean and veggie burger. And their local grits with local goat cheese also tops my list.
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Ahi Tuna Burger from Sunny Point Cafe
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Shrimp Ceviche from Tupelo Honey Cafe
We also headed to Tupelo Honey Cafe where I ordered shrimp ceviche – excellent flavor and very filling. On our last night there, we tried a new spot for us – Carmel’s. The salad I ordered was loaded with fresh berries, almonds, and goat cheese (there are a lot of goat farms around which is fine with me!). We all know how easy it is to overcook a chicken breast, but this one was super moist. I ate every bite of the entire salad 🙂 After our 6 mile hike, we went to Neo Burrito and I ordered the Spinach Cotija Burrito – rice, black beans, mushrooms, spinach, pesto, cotija cheese, and salsa. Did I mention a salsa bar for all your salsa needs? 20140918-184842.jpg
The Berry Salad with Blackened Chicken from Carmel’s – blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries galore!
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Spinach Cotija Burrito from Neo Burrito
Our final destination was Spartanburg for the RecSpo Conference. This event took place in the new Star Center which hosts Upwards Sports. What an awesome facility! The purpose of Upwards is to teach students the skills and sportsmanship of various sports while teaching them about the love of Jesus. And that is in part why we were there. While this began as a trip to earn credit for Scott’s seminary degree, it soon became an event we looked forward to attending since fitness and sports are highly valued by us. And even more importantly, we knew we would be learning how to reach people for Jesus through sports. Our hearts were blessed, contacts made, and prayers begun as we seek to see what God is calling us to do through the recreational activities we are involved in. While I know God has something specific He is calling me to do, and I am seeking Him on this, the one thing He did reveal to me while I was there is that I must be intentional about sharing Jesus with others where He currently has me – schools, ballet, football, grocery stores, and with friends and family. Please pray for me as I head forward with this truth and with whatever it is God is directly calling me to do. I am humbled and excited to see what’s in store for me (and my family)!20140918-184904.jpg
The BRAND NEW Star Center for Upwards Sports

 

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by M. Terry on September 18, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in Christianity, Family, Fitness, Food, Spiritual, Travel

Posted by M. Terry on September 18, 2014

https://wholetothecore.com/2014/09/18/our-travels-our-food-our-mission/

The Best Things in Life Are Free Part 2 of 2

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From the veggie/flower garden of our favorite Asheville restaurant- Sunny Point Cafe

Yes, the best thing in life are free. My husband and I had the opportunity to get away for the week. We spent a couple of days in Asheville and then headed over to Spartanburg for the RecSpo Conference in the new Upwards Facility. This was part of his seminary degree, and I had the chance to attend as well. For two people that have a heart for fitness/sports and ministry, this was SWEET! Now to reflect and hear what God is leading us to do…

While on our trip we were able to take a hike through Graveyard Fields outside of Asheville. We were supposed to do a 3 mile hike, but we missed a turn and doubled it- oops! That’s okay because it made our post-hike burritos taste that much better. The sights, smells, cooler air, and heart-pumping walk were free…and wonderful!

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The beginning of our hike of Graveyard Fields

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From the top of Graveyard Fields

At our conference, legendary FSU coach Bobby Bowden gave a great talk to all the attendees. I plopped myself outside the upper room where I knew he was and waited patiently for him to emerge. I asked for a photo because “I’m an FSU alumni” I told him, and he gave me a GREAT, BIG squeeze. (I think that’s a  smile on my face!) Yes that was free too – and a memory I will hold onto forever!20140918-184603.jpg

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The BRAND NEW Upwards fields where Scott was playing ultimate Frisbee

Then there is this photo of the soccer field. Scott was able to get out on a gorgeous afternoon and play some ultimate Frisbee while I was jiving with the ReFit Revolution ladies. There is something incredibly refreshing when you can move and feel alive! Yep. That’s free too.

The Best Thing in life is Jesus. He’s free. And the other best things in life – family, friends, creation, and simply enjoying life- are free too, so celebrate all things free this weekend!

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by M. Terry on September 18, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in Family, Fitness, Spiritual

Posted by M. Terry on September 18, 2014

https://wholetothecore.com/2014/09/18/the-best-things-in-life-are-free-part-2-of-2/

The Best Things in Life Are Free Part 1 of 2

I’ve been a bit quiet here on my blog recently. This is because my time has been spent elsewhere- namely on my mom. My stepdad’s health has been poor, but about a month ago it began to deteriorate quite rapidly. And one and a half weeks ago, it plummeted to the point that even the doctor was surprised by his decent and hospice was called in. Then, just several days after hospice came on the scene, my stepdad peacefully left this earth. My mom has been amazing through it all. And she would be the first to tell you that it isn’t through her strength, but only because God’s strength is being made perfect through her weakness.

We were out to dinner the other night, and our waiter was telling the tourists next to us that the best things are free. He was referring to taking advantage of the nature that the area has to offer as opposed to spending money on other activities. That phrase – “the best things are free”- struck a cord with me because The Best Thing in life is free! I would be remiss if I didn’t take the opportunity to tell you of “That Thing”. We all have a void in our hearts that we seek to fill with countless “things” – money, people, fanfare, prestige, etc. But that void was created by a God who wonderfully created us, and it can only be filled with Him. But our sin seals our hearts and keeps Him out. It is only by God’s sacrifice of His son, Jesus, that that sin can be melted away and our fellowship with our Creator can be restored. Jesus is our gift from God – free and without strings. Yes. Free. We simply extend our hands of surrender to God, and He gives us forgiveness through Jesus. Then we have an amazing well spring of life that allows an unimaginable love and joy to flow out of our hearts and into the lives of others, bringing glory to God. I pray that you know Jesus and, if you don’t, please ask me Him because I want you to be with me in Heaven for eternity!

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

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by M. Terry on September 18, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in Family, Spiritual

Posted by M. Terry on September 18, 2014

https://wholetothecore.com/2014/09/18/the-best-things-in-life-are-free-part-1-of-2/

A Healthy Body by Aleyah

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Here is a post by Aleyah, my 9 yr old daughter. These are her tips for living the healthy lifestyle both physically and spiritually. 🙂

Health

Aleyah D. Terry

Psalm 84:1  

How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!!

God does not want your dwelling place (your body) unclean, so why not keep it clean?!

  • Drink 7-8 glasses of water

  • Get 8-9 hours of sleep

  • Do 1 hour of exercise or more

  • Eat right

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 

~1 Timothy 4:8

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.

~3 John 1:2

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by M. Terry on June 20, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in Christianity, Fitness, Motivation, Nutrition, religion, Spiritual
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Posted by M. Terry on June 20, 2014

https://wholetothecore.com/2014/06/20/a-healthy-body-by-aleyah/

To Worship & To Encourage

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Hebrews 10 reminds us that we are not to neglect meeting together as the church- the bride of Christ. It is within that body of believers that we worship God and the sacrifice of His Son- the sinless Lamb. And it is within this body of believers where we give and receive encouragement. Praising God for Sundays!

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by M. Terry on February 9, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in Christianity, religion, Spiritual
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Posted by M. Terry on February 9, 2014

https://wholetothecore.com/2014/02/09/to-worship-to-encourage/

Born to Die

born-to-die

For this reason Jesus had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.

Hebrews 2:17

May you and your family have a Merry Christmas and a New Year dedicated to living for and serving Jesus!

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by M. Terry on December 25, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Spiritual
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Posted by M. Terry on December 25, 2013

https://wholetothecore.com/2013/12/25/born-to-die/

The Christ Candle – Celebrating the Advent of God in the Flesh

On this Christmas Eve Day, may we focus on God’s gift to us- Jesus Christ. May you and your family have a blessed Christmas, and may the love of Jesus fill your heart throughout the new year!

John 1:1-14
The Word Became Flesh

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

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by M. Terry on December 24, 2013  •  Permalink
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Posted by M. Terry on December 24, 2013

https://wholetothecore.com/2013/12/24/the-christ-candle-celebrating-the-advent-of-god-in-the-flesh/

Celebrating Advent – The Angel’s Candle

Today we celebrate the last Sunday of Advent. This week’s candle is called the Angel Candle and it represents the love which God shared with the world when He sent His Son, Jesus!

 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
   and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:8-14

Just as the angels shared the Good News of the birth of Christ, we are also commanded to go and tell. May we spread the true Gospel through our words, actions, and attitudes, loving each other just as Christ loved us and gave himself for us!

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20

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by M. Terry on December 22, 2013  •  Permalink
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Posted by M. Terry on December 22, 2013

https://wholetothecore.com/2013/12/22/celebrating-advent-the-angels-candle-2/

Worship Is

worshipnotyouIt’s Sunday. I’ve been reminded this past week of the truth stated above. Worship is NOT about me. Worship is not about

  • my likes or dislikes

  • my unfinished “to do” list that runs through my mind (oh so guilty of this one!)

  • my desire to stay in my comfy bed on a weekend morning

  • my concerns over a daunting task that awaits me later this week

  • the person sitting next to me or three rows back

Worship IS for the sole purpose of recognizing the One who deserves all my praise. He is the audience, I am not.

 

Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day.  Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.  For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.  For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.  Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy in his dwelling place.  Ascribe to the LORD, O families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength,  ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name. Bring an offering and come before him; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.  Tremble before him, all the earth! The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.  Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!”

1 Chronicles 16:23-31

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by M. Terry on September 8, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Christianity, religion, Spiritual
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Posted by M. Terry on September 8, 2013

https://wholetothecore.com/2013/09/08/worship-is/

Dear Summer,

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Dear Summer,

Your warm and carefree days rolled in at the end of May, and have all too soon disappeared. But I want to thank you for allowing me the precious time with my children. We may not have traveled far, enrolled in a countless camps, or spent extra time practicing math facts. However, the kids stayed in their jammies until lunch on some days, they created some (ok- a lot of!) pretty cool Lego structures, and battled one another with Star Wars figures and ships.  We played countless games of Uno and Skip Bo, took many trips to the library, and spent time with family and friends. We are not promised tomorrow, so I am grateful that we took advantage of the yesterdays! I have no regrets from the past three months- just wonderful and treasured memories!

“Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4:14

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by M. Terry on August 14, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Christianity, Family, Motivation, religion, Spiritual

Posted by M. Terry on August 14, 2013

https://wholetothecore.com/2013/08/14/dear-summer/

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