Not Just Another Pretty Plate

As we dined on cheesy cardboard, I announced to the family that I felt terrible about the pizza-thon and that it was time we became more health-conscious. When I told them we were going to start eating better, you can probably guess the response.  It was a synchronous groan. They almost harmonized. It was kind of pretty.

Over the next week of research into the more healthful alternatives, I was surprised to find so many different ways to eat healthy. Sad to say, not all of them were good. I tried one of those protein bars and thought I'd bitten into a dirt clod. There were shakes, too˜though I'm using the term loosely. I even tried pizza on rice cakes. My family thought I really had baked the cardboard circle. "Mom, there's Styrofoam in here." 

That's around the time I read an article on the real secret to fine dining: Put the Styrofoam pizza on a pretty plate. A little drizzle of colorful sauce here, a sprig of greenery there and voila! Fine dining! With just the right tablecloth, the family is sure to think they're having something special for dinner. Nevermind that my kids didn't know what to do to with the greenery. One of them asked if they should eat it or plant it. Still, no matter what you're serving, presentation is everything!

There's something even more important that I want to carefully present to my family. It's God's Word and it's completely vital for a healthy spiritual diet. Pizzas may come and go, but I don't ever want to be casual about the spiritual health and feeding of my family. Reading God's Word needs to have a concrete place in our family. 

Not only do we need to read the Bible together as a family, but my children should be able to catch me reading God's Word. They'll understand more of its importance to them if they see by my example that it's important to me. The opposite is true, too. If my kids don't see me giving his Word prime time˜even on my busiest days˜I might as well be telling them protein clod bars are wonderful - but they're just not for me.

Staying faithful to God's Word is essential for life. It's more essential than staying faithful to any kind of protein bar diet, though I did find a way to make that happen. I just sandwich the thing between two Ding Dongs and wash it down with a chocolate shake (a real one). Now there's presentation! 

If you're interested, there is more information about:
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The most important Book of all time.

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Contributed by Rhonda Rhearrhea@juno.comRhonda Rhea writes for dozens of great Christian publications and speaks at conferences and events across the country. You can find her new book, Amusing Grace, at your local Christian bookstore. Rhonda's husband, Richie Rhea, is a pastor in Troy, Missouri. You can reach them through her Web site atwww.rhondarhea.net