Tag: Faith

Be Bold in Your Faith

Christian, faith, Health

“Blessed are those who believe without seeing.” John 20:29

Buckle up as I vulnerably share a neat interaction that led to me meeting a new friend and fellow believer! Just a quick note that I have previously authored four Christian-focused blogs on my website. Not many people will read the blogs as most people come to my page for nutrition, health, and fitness but for that one person who may be lifted up by my sharing the gospel or my Christian faith is well worth the time spent writing this up. Writing is also therapeutic. Anyway, on with it…

 

You must be bold with your faith because you never know who is inspired to turn closer to Jesus and away from satan by you vocalizing your love for Christ. “many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14)

 

Last Thursday at my local YMCA in TN I hit the treadmill to warm up before lifting. When I finished and turned to clean my treadmill and depart for the weights, I saw a man with an awesome t-shirt advocating for science which I obviously appreciated. The man’s t-shirt read, “science does not care about your feelings.” That is a cool shirt and I love that shirt because I am an evidence-based dietitian. This man and I had a great 2–3-minute conversation near the treadmills about how science matters so much for both of our professions. I asked his name, and I will never forget it but for sake of ann9ominty I will leave it out of this blog but you can believe I am praying for him.

The man expressed he holds a Ph.D. In chemistry.  He learned I was an RDN and said, “you do have a lot of science courses in your training as well.” Yes, we most certainly do! We got on the topic of faith somehow as most people who are so into science often lack a belief in Jesus Christ. The man expressed he was a non-believer. He said, “you can’t prove Jesus is real and said the bible was just some unproven book.” My heart sank but I respect others’ opinions especially since I was a former non-believer who said God did not exist in my days before I became a true follower of Christ in 2012.

The man was shocked to learn I was a Christian and very strong in my faith as a follower. He asked, “why do you believe in something you can’t prove miss science-based dietitian?” I said with conviction and enthusiasm, “Great question but here’s the deal since you asked. I can’t see the wind or the heat but I can feel it. I can certainly feel the hot temps and as a result lots of dry grass and crops. I can also see the trees moving and I know that is the wind even though I can’t see it there is a byproduct of those things we “can’t see”.  Just like how Christ works miracles we can’t see the moving parts but we can see the result. A child from my hometown surviving a freak accident in the water he should have died but was revived by the Lord. Many other miracles have happened in my life that I could not see Jesus but I am alive because of Him and that is why I stand firm in my faith.

We walk by faith, not by sight. I look around and see miracles even though I can’t tangibly see Jesus. That is what true faith is.

 

I did also interject that the bible is not a book of stories but it is the biography of Jesus. There is also physical evidence of Roman crucifixions that Jesus described in the New Testament.  Furthermore, I know God is with me even when I can’t “see Him” I can most certainly feel Him and I see the miracles He works all around us. I told the man Jesus loved Him and I will pray He comes to know the Lord someday because it makes things so much easier. It is also comforting knowing earth is not our home and that heaven is. He asked me what was in heaven? I expressed I am not sure but I know for certain there is no death, disease, hate, war, racism, or sin, and we celebrate with our King in paradise without any worries, unlike on earth. It is our eternal home and that gives me hope in this broken world. Jesus is coming back and I would rather spend my entire life trusting and following His guidance and find out He does not exist than get to the end of my life without following Him only to learn of His existence when He comes back. The man argued I could not prove of Jesus or of His return and I said that is okay. It is not my job to push you to do anything.

I used to be a nonbeliever too. I just want you to know that Jesus loves you and when you are ready or willing He wants to have a relationship with you. I said as a non-believer I hated it when people pushed God on me. I won’t ever push faith on anyone but if a firefighter pulled you out of a burning building you would want to share that with the world praising them and thanking them because of how joyful you are That is exactly what I have felt since accepting Jesus as my savior in 2012. He saved me and I can’t keep quiet about that. I am a sinner who needs a savior and He makes my life better. The man actually told me to be quiet and to leave him alone. For you as a follower of mine on social media or a stranger coming to my page you will learn I am so outgoing I am not offended by someone telling me no. You also know how kind I am and that him saying this did not hurt me because a women next door overheard us.. She was an 82-year-old woman who was almost in tears listening to me talk about Jesus. She asked me about my faith and testimonial, and we bonded over how good God is. She said she could feel and see the Holy Spirit as she peered into the room to witness this conversation. I literally had no intention of talking to the guy behind me in the gym but somehow we had a dialogue that prompted me to feel God more than ever.

 

Had I not had that conversation with that man I would not have met my new friend Julia who has a grandson that is studying nutrition at the University of Tennessee. She said her grandson needs some mentorship so here we are. I made a new friend who said my faith encouraged her and her words of affirmation helped me see how important the work I do as a RDN is even when I feel like it isn’t. Julia and I exchanged contact information and she will be joining the women’s bible study group that I am starting with a new friend. She said it’s hard to run a business in these times and gave me some good wisdom on ignoring the enemy who is trying to distract and bring me down from helping people. Julia was shocked to learn that I am only 31 YO and reminded me the Lord has beautiful plans for my future as a dietitian and thought leader. She also said she would pray for the prosperity of my business during these hard times. God is good. We are at spiritual warfare right now and if you stay quiet because you are afraid to offend someone sharing the gospel you need to ask for God to give you the courage.

 

So, Christians, be bold in your faith you never know who is listening or watching. It is not our job to convert people to following Christ, but it is our job to not be fearful of sharing our love for Jesus and what He has done for us. We are ambassadors of heaven. This is a vulnerable blog expressing how important it is to encourage one another in faith and to be kind living a life that is centered on Christ. Thank you for reading this. Thank you for following my pages and investing in our business. I also appreciate all of the messages, mail, and random notes I get about how bold I am in my faith and how it inspires others. That means more than you know. Especially as a non-believer, I can’t express how much God has helped me reach this point in life to work and help so many other people.

 

God is good. God defeated satan. Keep your eyes on the Lord and the blessings ahead. Please follow my personal IG devotions with wendi page. For those that want to attend the local women’s bible study in Brentwood, TN please send me an email so we can give you the details to join us.

Soft reminder last summer I posted my blog, “The Sixty Dollar Effect “ in which I share how God-provisions if you’re willing to trust Him. Please go read it along with Jesus Does Not Need a Perfect You but a Health You, because that’s what my life’s purpose is for.

My purpose is to serve God and glorify Him which I do through my work as a dietitian, speaker, and writer. I help men and women live healthier lives along with our youth so that they can be healthy ambassadors of heaven. We all play a role in Kingdom work.

“For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you. ” Luke 12:22 God has made miracles out of some major messes in my life that would have broken me had I not had God as my foundation. When we are in need we have two choices, turn away from God or turn towards God.  Turning towards God means spending time in solitude with Him, reading the bible, and attending worship instead of trying to be self-sufficient.

If you’re interested in a daily devotional, Please be sure to follow my personal IG account Devotions with Wendi

Your sister in Christ,

Wendi A. Irlbeck

 

Jesus Doesn’t Need a “Perfect” You; He Needs a “Healthy” You!

Health, Sports Nutrition, Weight loss

Have you ever felt “out-of-control” in areas of your life that you know Jesus wants you to be better in? I am not talking about attending church or worship here. Yes, you should absolutely attend regularly and seek His word. You should also read the bible regularly. What I am getting at is your daily habits, financial management, sleep hygiene, exercise routine, eating habits, and what you turn to in times of stress to “cope”.

Proverbs 15: 22 tells us,” Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers, they succeed.” I am not a pastor, but I have been called by God to speak up and to grow His Kingdom through physical health, nutrition, and overall inspiration. As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I can provide you, counsel, on making healthier choices within your lifestyle to support your physical health. You do not have to do this alone. As a healthy lifestyle coach, I can support you as part of your counsel. I want to help you gain control of your health and fitness.

Drawing awareness to our current situation. In times of crisis and despair, we may allow our physical health to go unchecked. We may come up with excuses like “I am too busy, I don’t have time, I have too many meetings, I have to take care of my children and everyone else.”

For every excuse or limitation, you express for neglecting your physical health, there are several motives to address your health.

Your longevity in life will be cut short with poor health

Your mind, agility, stamina, and performance are affected by what you consume, and the amount of physical activity completed.

As a parent, spouse, son, daughter, brother, sister, leader, manager, employee, and follower of Christ you are called to be an example. How can you expect others to be focused and perform their best if you do not?

Physical and spiritual energy can rise with greater health and fitness. If you realize you are feeling more sluggish, tired, and low energy you are not alone. This pandemic has brought on a whole new level of challenge and crisis.

Your body is a temple and if you have been a poor steward lately, I want to tell you, “it is OKAY”. It is not okay to realize it and do nothing about it. The more you turn to unhealthy food, alcohol, sedentary lifestyle vegged out on the couch in front of the news or Netflix with a bag of chips the more likely you will be less convicted to follow the Lord. In fact, you may find yourself being tempted by satan to do more “unhealthy things” because they temporarily feel good and distract you from dealing with the reality at hand.

When we do neglect our body, we are neglecting the Creator’s creation. I want you to love yourself and respect the body that Christ gave you to live in. Jesus is the Creator of our physical bodies, and it is within our bodies that we serve others as He calls us to do. If you are too tired, sick, and disease-stricken because you have been a poor steward of your habits then you’re unable to support your family and ultimately serve our Lord. Jesus died on the Cross for our sins. You are forgiven regardless of what you do but you must “repent”. I am not here to preach you must “eat perfectly”, exercise every day, and live a “perfect life” because we know that does not exist. Again, we were born into sin and we will never be perfect.

Jesus does not need a perfect you, He needs a healthy you.

Scripture speaks of many reasons to maintain health and even has guidelines to not only build a healthy body but to maintain it. We live in a fallen and broken world. It is much harder to resist the devil and follow Jesus if you are not physically well. When you are too tired, fatigued, and ill you are more susceptible to further sin, poor relationships, and reduced life.

Here are my tips as a Christ-centered dietitian that is biblical to support your physical health

Eat the Rainbow and Consume a Balanced Diet Prioritizing Quality Foods

Learning “self-control” with certain discretionary foods that lack nutrients. I am not saying do not eat cookies or dessert. I am expressing the importance of consuming quality foods first that support healthy body weight.  It is important to maintain a healthy weight as we age to support overall health and well-being. For more on maintaining a healthy weight please check out the National Institute of Health (NIH) fact sheet. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics also has some great resources on eating well and eating right for a healthy weight found here .

Please check out my website for various recipes to keep you and your family fueled and healthy! I have also written a blog on effective strategies for losing weight in a flawed industry. Please check out the blog here .

As it is written in scripture, Thessalonians 4:4, “Each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable.” Jesus created you and you should want to respect the body He gave you. Again, you do not have to be perfect and have a “six-pack” but you should maintain a healthy body weight to honor God’s creation.

Movement is Quite Truly Medicine

The physical activity guidelines have recently been updated that adults should complete 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75-150 min of vigorous-intensity per week. For more specific details and guidance please check out the World Health Organization (WHO). I have also provided guidance on safely starting an exercise program in a previous blog on staying healthy during COVID-19.

1 Timothy 4:8 states, “Physical exercise has some value.” I think Paul would agree in today’s world exercise has significant value. People use to work hard on the farm, walk everywhere and the forms of transportation were not available back in the day. Today, everything is as convenient. We are more sedentary, many on the average struggle to get the minimum recommendation of physical activity. It is a blessing and a curse that you can have anything at your fingertips. You can even have food and groceries delivered right to your door.  We drive everywhere, we do not take the stairs, and park too close to our offices. If you struggle to walk up the stairs with pain or are out of breath you may need to work on your fitness.

Commit yourself to regular activity. Walk more, park further away from your destination, and take after-dinner walks. See my previous blog for more simple ways to increase your fitness appropriately to reduce the risk of injury. Remember too much too quickly can lead to muscle strains and then further limitations to get healthier.

Limit Alcohol or Avoid Drinking Altogether

So many are turning to substances like alcohol in times of crisis. It is leading to greater disease, poor health, and the ultimate demise of many relationships. One of them being your relationship with Christ. Ephesians 5:18 states, “Don’t get drunk with wine, which will ruin you. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” This scripture should encourage you to evaluate your relationship with alcohol. During times of crisis and stress do you find you consume greater wine, beer, and other forms of alcohol instead of turning to Jesus? Do not get drunk on alcohol, instead get drunk on the Holy Spirit.

In my personal experience, I have lost some of my closest loved ones because they have turned to alcohol instead of the holy spirit. These amazing people lost life of wellness, joy, family, and authenticity. It is debilitating to support someone and watch them struggle with their addictions only to see it be their demise because they refused to understand they had a problem. If you feel shame that is not Jesus, that is the devil. Be sure to get Jesus back on your throne. There is no shame or guilt when we turn to God to express our sins. If you are reading this and feel convicted to get drunk on the Holy Spirit instead of win, I am proud of you. I am cheering for you. It is not easy but, “With God, All Things Are Possible” Matthew 19:26.

Addiction to substances and alcohol can be debilitating. If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol encourage them to seek help. It is never too late to turn your life around. It is more than just your thoughts you must control, but your actions.  Admitting you have an addiction and seeking help and the Lord to get sober is possible. If you are able but unwilling to admit you have a problem, then no one can help you. But if you seek the Lord and those around you no one can stop you. Do not turn to the red one who will tempt you but the Lord.

He will save you. As it is written in James 5:15-16 “The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

Sleep is not a luxury

Sleep is one of the most important factors in supporting good health and well-being throughout your life. Getting adequate quality sleep can help safeguard your mental health, physical health, quality of life, and even safety. Your food choices, attitude, productivity, and even your cognition can be affected by your sleep patterns according to the Sleep Foundation. Children between the ages of 6-14 years old need roughly 9-11 hours of sleep. Adults between the ages of 18-64 years old need approximately 7-9 hours of sleep. Unfortunately, we live in a society where it is a “badge of honor” to work as many hours as possible on as few hours of sleep as possible. This is what is referred to as “The grind” in sports performance. Psalm 127:2 tells us that, “In vain you rise up early and stay up late.”

No one feels healthy or makes good choices when they are sleep deprived. In fact, as you know sleep deprivation can lead to poor dietary choices, auto accidents, injuries in sport, and illness. A person not getting enough sleep will experience fatigue, irritability, mood changes, and poor memory recall according to the Centers for Disease (CDC) and Sleep Medicine. Our brain and bodies can struggle to function when we go for several days without quality sleep. Again, without sleep, we run the risk of making poor choices, having loose lips, a tongue that may not speak in kindness, and increase our risk for chronic conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and more according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute .

God desires you to get rest. Rest is so important that Jesus placed ‘rest’ within the Ten Commandments. In Mark 6:30-32, Jesus pleaded that His disciples take time to focus on restoration. Jesus stated, “every seventh day, you should rest.” Sundays should be allocated to time with Jesus and refraining from work.

For more information on the importance of getting enough sleep and hours per stage of life please check out SleepFoundation.org . 

I pray this blog has provided you with some clarity, comfort, motivation, and has sincerely convicted you to make a conscious effort to be healthier. I believe wholeheartedly Jesus wanted me to write something invaluable that is biblical. This article is just the start of what is to come.  In the last few months I have opened my eyes and ears to the way the Lord has shown up in my life. Jesus has been desiring me to integrate His work into my work as a female business owner. My ministry is nutrition. I was a non-believer up until 2012 when I found Jesus and began a relationship with Him. Never would I have never imagined I would write something like this, but I am so grateful I did.

Health is so much more than being “fit” for a race, sporting event, physique competition, or looking “good” on a vacation. Good health and fitness is about stewardship and taking pride in caring for your body. Loving the skin you’re in. Looking in the mirror every day and saying “I love myself because you love me and created me, Jesus”. If you’re a Christian you know Jesus loved us so much that He gave up His only begotten Son, Christ Jesus, to redeem the sins of the world. Yes, the entire world of believers and non-believers.

If you’re a non-believer reading this. Please open your heart to God. I know it may seem scary or that Jesus doesn’t care about you. Or that you are in control of your life, not Him. I get it, I was there. I was you and I remember saying “Jesus doesn’t care about me or my problems”. That’s the Devil. Open your heart to Jesus so that He can help you. What’s the worst that will happen? Will he change your life? Yes, not only will He comfort you but if you allow Jesus into your life He will put you back together in ways you can’t on your own. This will forever change your life in ways science can’t explain.  The only regret I have was not turning my life over to Christ sooner. But that’s the beauty of God’s Grace, He loves us no matter how many times we turn our backs on Him or choose “our will” over His.  Jesus isn’t interested in perfection or performance. Jesus just wants your heart and mine.

Use this article as a soft nudge to focus on being healthy to be a better disciple of Jesus as a mom, dad, grandparent ect. you will experience a better quality of life. Focus on being strong and healthy to provide for your family instead of that six-pack. I hope you feel equally convicted to improve your health as I did in writing this.

If you enjoyed this blog, please share it! Please also check out my other blogs for inspiration and healthy eating tips available HERE ! Additional tips guidance, tips, tools, and strategies on being healthier please follow me on social media. I am active on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for more nutrition information. You can also learn more about the various telehealth services if you desire to work with me by clicking HERE .

Testimonials of my coaching and client success found at the testimonial link on my website.

 

Wendi is a devoted Christian, registered dietitian, writer, speaker, performance nutritionist, and healthy lifestyle coach. Wendi utilizes evidence-based science to create nutrition programs so athletes can optimize performance, minimize health risks, and enhance recovery from training while focusing on injury prevention. She partners with parents, sports performance staff, special needs, and recreational athletes and organizations to eat and fuel for success. Wendi also works with the general population on healthy eating. In addition to lifestyle coaching, she makes her rounds presenting across the country and even in Canada. Wendi has presented at various conferences and clinics. To name a few, the University of Regina in Canada, the University of Northwestern in Iowa, Northwestern State Clinic, Michigan State High School Strength and Conditioning Association clinic. Wendi is a former college athlete, with over a decade of experience in the health and fitness industry. Wendi earned both her B.S. and M.S. at the University of Wisconsin-Stout and has spent time learning from several professionals in the field along with an internship at the University of Florida. Wendi operates her private practice virtually and remotely but is based primarily in Grand Rapids, MI.