Right now? Oatmeal…

Daily writing prompt
Describe one habit that brings you joy.

Now, I’m certain that you were expecting wax poetic over my prayer life, studying the word of God, and/or the incredible love of Jesus Christ… but, I think I do that already. This morning, I opted for something different!

So, in all seriousness, when IBS decided to have a field day with me nearly two months ago… oatmeal has been my life’s blood!

After things were said and done, they kind of just sent me home with a sack of medications. Apparently, I would be on my own from that point, as they didn’t seem bothered by the results from my two procedures. That’s the beauty of IBS… it won’t kill me, but it will never go away.

I had to start at the bottom of my health pile, sifting through every single detail of my own body’s struggle with foods, stress, trauma, poverty, and circumstantial solitude. I shall have to walk this path alone, as far as doctors are concerned. I’ve come to peace with the 4 medications I’ll be taking from now on, as none of them effect the brain. My spirit and emotional health belong to God, and him alone.

This is where my joy of oatmeal arrives… it’s the single thing to eat each day that doesn’t hurt! Even with the removal of caffeine, gluten, and lactose products, I’m still far from home on the IBS Safari Tours!

I’ve adopted an intermittent fasting lifestyle, somewhat. Though the schedule allows for me to consume calories for up to an 8 hour stretch, my body only seems to be happy with eating between noon and 5 o’clock. Part of the issue comes from all the medications I use throughout the day to coat my stomach and intestines. I have to take them 4 times a day in order to eat, and there’s time restrictions for before and after each dose. 5 hours is easier to work with, truth be told.

Why is 5 hours easier, you ask? Because, my roommate IBS tends to lose all trust in my ability to feed myself when she gets upset… always has and always will! No matter how my mind copes with stress and trauma, IBS will always have her day in court, so to speak.

Thankfully, she readily accepts the oatmeal with a tablespoon of brown sugar and a bit of Oat Milk. Work with what you got… and I got oatmeal, baby!

Cookies?

Listening to God…

Daily writing prompt
Describe one habit that brings you joy.

Listening for God’s voice on a regular basis, is my habit of choice!

It offers me so much joy, because He reminds me of his promises.

Though it be only a whisper, I can hear His words clear and true…

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. ‘” — Jeremiah 29:11

I believe!

Here, have a cookie…

Whoomp there it is…

Words…

Thoughts or feelings…

Paper and ink…

You asked me to describe one habit that brings me joy, not tell you the answer, so here we go…

Daily writing prompt
Describe one habit that brings you joy.

This habit that I describe, not only brings joy to my life, but purpose.

I do it when I rise, and when I rest…

I do it when I am happy…

or when I am sad…

I do it when I struggle…

and I do it when I feel triumphant…

Have you guessed it yet? I won’t leave you hanging…

What can all these pictures and descriptions tell you? Well, you should have noticed some reading, a bit of writing, some praying, some singing, some more reading, and even more praying. The last picture should be the dead giveaway for you…

Walking… sometimes through what I read, or write… other times by singing, praying, and reading some more… but always walking homeward…

Get it… Walking with God!!!

It may not seem like much, but at least I am still standing, right?!

I know I was not supposed to give you the answer, but if you read this far, you deserve to be rewarded.

**Bonus**

Don’t forget to wash your hands!