Reshaping It All (20 page)

When we become conscious with God through Bible reading, Scripture meditation, and prayer, we clarify our purpose and draw from His strength. That's so important in every stage of our journey, whether we're just starting out or have been walking for years.

Just like our children, our bodies need mindful discipleship. That's where the Spirit becomes a parent of sorts. Parents go through three stages of training:

1. Leading the way.

2. Walking beside them.

3. Walking behind them.

In the first stage we lead the way, live by example, and set clear guidelines for them. My boys are in this stage. Young minds hungry to be filled with knowledge, watching eyes looking for examples to follow. In the same manner our bodies require that first stage of training when we set out on new paths. We need people around us who are good examples to follow, and we need clear guidelines to adhere to so we know what to do. This is the stage in which we closely monitor ourselves and remain mindful of our actions.

Natasha is nearing the second stage where I'll soon be walking beside her. While the boys are still in the first stage, I know that in just a few short years she'll be a young woman with a mind of her own. I pray that I have been a good example thus far and that I've instilled good values in her. She'll be making more choices, and trust will have to kick in when she's out of my sight. The same holds true for us. There comes a time when the plan we choose becomes ingrained in us. That's when the conscious living that we chose becomes habit, conviction, and routine. It's a comforting phase to walk in because we're living a lifestyle instead of an outline of rules. We instinctively follow because our hearts have been trained.

The third stage is a place of freedom. That's when our children are adults, making their own decisions and living their lives. My kids are not there yet. But I know that when the time comes, I'll still be a part of their lives, only my job as a mom will be to stand behind them and catch them if they fall.

You will reach that place of freedom too, and persistence will be there to catch you if you fall. God will be there when you fall, but I also know that He equips us with persistence, which is the very thing we need to move on. We all fall, but persistence tells us to get up and get moving again. I slip up from time to time when I eat more than I should or skip workouts, but I've matured in this area so that I know I can get right back on track today and trust that I'll stay on track tomorrow. I haven't always been this way. Remember I was the kid with the chipmunk cheeks eating Big Macs before each audition. I was the young woman turning to food when Val was out playing hockey. I struggled immensely, and I praise God that I did because I learned, and I grew, and I gleaned faith in the process.

If you're just entering that first stage of your journey, rejoice knowing that you will grow and that with maturity and time it will get easier. You'll be able to walk into a restaurant and not only know what item to choose off the menu, you will want to make the best choice and will enjoy every bite.

I've gotten to the point in my own life where I eat until I'm satisfied. Not only do I not desire to eat more, but my stomach isn't the size that it used to be so I can't. Conscious training has transformed me into a different person spiritually, mentally, and physically.

I hope you grabbed that pen and are starting to record your progress. You'll find that keeping a food diary is a helpful way to keep track of your changes. We can see our progression as well as where we've gone wrong. And in addition to Bible reading, I also see the value in keeping a diary/journal of all the times you've heard God speaking to you. You may be reading Scripture and something pops out to you, or a sermon on the radio seems to be speaking directly to you. It could be answers to prayer (I like to write down my prayer requests and check them off as they're answered) or unexpected encouragement from a friend. Any number of things could be God's way of speaking to you.

A food diary and a God journal go hand in hand perfectly! Keep track of what you're eating, how much you're exercising, and how much water you drink. Next, write down the moments you know God was encouraging you along the way, no matter how small they seem. When I really start to notice God's hand in every aspect of daily living—accepting that it's not just a coincidence—I'm empowered to press on. It could be through something as simple as a TV commercial. I might be driving by a gym and be reminded to exercise. It could be a delicious recipe on your computer that offers a better alternative for a healthy dinner instead of going to the drive-through window. When you start recording each event, you'll be amazed at how active God really is in your life. Consider them as an encouraging nudge from the Lord.

God is coaching me every step of the way. It's a great way to connect as Father and daughter, actor and coach. Sometimes the "sides" look fine, but because He's reviewing the entire script of my life, I know that He knows what's best. "Father knows best."

"The LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in." (Prov. 3:12)

The Pantry

CHOCKED-FULL OF FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The Main Ingredient

Whether our actions are an asset or a liability, conscious living brings us to a place where we take note of them. By being aware of our weakness, we can change our behavior to strengthen our resolve or do away with bad habits. When we see the good that we've done and the difference it's making, we are able to note the area of growth and improve upon it. Closely monitoring ourselves is one way to bring conscious living to the forefront and make the changes that need to be made.

A Slice of Advice

Dear Candace,

I love what you're doing and think you look amazingly beautiful!
Full House
is still one of my favorite shows! They just don't make them like that anymore—good clean fun!

I checked out your Web site and was reading this question and answer column when I came across the answer to your secret for keeping fit! First time I'm hearing of Pilates (strange pronunciation to boot!). I looked it up on Wikipedia and found it grouped with yoga. A lot of things said against doing yoga, so I was wondering whether Pilates would fall into the same group. What are your thoughts on yoga too?

—Bella

Dear Bella,

Great question! I tried yoga on and off about nine and ten years ago but always felt uncomfortable with the meditation. I loved holding the positions as they strengthen your body immensely but could never put my finger on the thing I didn't like about it. Over the years I too have read several articles on yoga and the spiritual dangers of it. I decided to stay away from it although I'm not saying it's wrong to do it by any means; it's just my preference. Pilates on the other hand does not fit into the same category. It is not about meditation and contacting your "inner self." It is strictly movements done on either a mat, a reformer, a chair or tower that all work to strengthen your core, resulting in long, lean muscles. It's amazing and the best workout I've ever done. I never thought I'd have a flat stomach after having three kids, but I do! Oh, and the breathing is important only so your core is working properly—not for spiritual reasons.

—Candace

A Pinch of Practicality

Close yourself in with God by giving Him your full attention during times of prayer. Rather than spilling off a few words as you drift off to sleep, choose your prayer time to take place during peak hours of the day. Do you find that you're most alert at 11:00 a.m.? If so, that might be a good time to sneak away to a quiet corner for prayer.

Many people find that kneeling to pray helps them focus and is an act of reverence to God. This may not be ideal for the office, but when you are at home, the foot of the bed doubles well as a mercy seat. Ask God to be with you on your journey to reshaping your body, spirit, and soul. Not merely as a walking buddy, but rather as one who leads the way. Make it a daily routine to meet with Him in prayer to discuss your ups and downs.

Food for Thought

• Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. (Prov. 22:6)

• The fear of the LORD is pure,

enduring forever.

The ordinances of the LORD are sure

and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold,

than much pure gold;

they are sweeter than honey,

than honey from the comb. (Ps. 19:9–10)

• The LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. (Prov. 3:12)

The Candy Dish

Every act of conscious learning requires the willingness to suffer an injury to one's self-esteem. That is why young children, before they are aware of their own self-importance, learn so easily. —Thomas S. Szasz

From My Stove to Yours

Yogurt Parfait

Serves 4

Ingredients

3 cups vanilla nonfat yogurt

1 cup fresh strawberries

1 pint fresh blackberries, raspberries, or blueberries

1 cup good quality granola

Directions

In a small bowl, combine strawberries with fresh berries.

Layer ⅓ cup vanilla yogurt into the bottom each of four wide glasses or dessert bowls.

Alternate layers of fruit and granola with yogurt until glasses are filled to the top. Serve parfaits immediately, so that the granola stays crunchy.

Makes for a refreshing treat on a warm afternoon!

TWELVE

Life Is a Glass Jar

Friends are often taken aback when I describe an average day to them. I wake at 3:45 a.m., wash and blow-dry my hair, and take the dog out for a quick walk so I can leave by 4:30 to be on set at
Make It or Break It,
by 5:30. I sit in the makeup and hair chair for the next hour and a half, where I multitask by going over my lines and having a quick bite to eat, and then I'm off to wardrobe.

I'm on set at 7:00 a.m. for rehearsal. At 7:15, when the rest of the country is starting to wake from their slumber, I'm back in the makeup and hair trailer getting touched up again while Tom from the sound department is professionally hiding a mic pack onto the back of my bra. We start shooting by 7:30, and depending on how many scenes I'm in, I might be finished by 10:00 a.m. or 8 p.m.

If I'm finished by 2:00, I rush over to school to pick up my three kids. I know that Val could pick them up too, but I really enjoy that time we spend together, hearing about their day and telling them about mine. I grew up in a home where my mom and dad were involved in our lives, and I want the same for my kids today. My mom always came to the set and baked her famous Chocolate Chip Lace cookies for the
Full House
cast and crew on Friday tape nights. Unfortunately I can't share that recipe, since it's a Cameron family secret, but let me just say, my mom is well liked!

At 3:45 we have a snack, and I help with homework. Then Maks, Lev, and I hop into the car at 4:30 to head out to hockey. Yeah, you read that right—hockey. Knowing how many bruises, cuts, and scuffs you can get, Val and I weren't too excited about the boys embracing the Bures' passion for hockey. But seeing how much Maks and Lev love the sport, we couldn't hold them back. So, just as I did for my husband, I go to the games and cheer the boys on. You might call it screaming when you see me in the stands, but what can I say? Those are my kids on the ice! Hockey practice also gives me a chance to open my laptop, return e-mails, work on my Bible study homework, and make phone calls to my managers and publicist. I try to multitask and use that hour and a half wisely.

Praise God for a husband who likes to make dinner and does it so well because once hockey is done we're tired and ready to eat.

By 8:30 I put the kids to bed and start learning my lines for the next morning's scenes. That's a typical day for me unless I add travel to the mix like today; then of course things can get even busier. As a matter of fact, I just stepped off a plane in San Francisco, and minutes later I'm writing this chapter.

Am I complaining? Not a chance! My workweek is great. I'm part of an exciting show, and I still have plenty of time for my family.

I'm often asked questions like:

• How do you do it, being a mom, involved with your family—how do you keep up?

• How do you ensure that God is always number one in your life?

• How do you maintain a career, a family, and still find time to work out?

• How do you find time to get involved at school?

• How do you do it all and still have time to wash and condition your hair?!

My answer is simple: prioritize.

You might have heard the story of the high school teacher who placed a glass gallon jar in front of his students. After filling the jar with large stones, he asked the class, "Is the jar full?" Unanimously the class said yes.

The teacher then took a bag he had sitting on the counter beside him and poured gravel into the jar. Together they watched it slide into the empty spaces.

"Now I'll ask you again," he said. "Is it full?"

This time some students said yes while others said no.

Scooping sand from a bucket below him, the teacher added sand to the mixture, lifting and shaking the jar until the grains settled in.

"Is it full?" he smiled, wondering if they had finally caught on.

Together the class shouted, "No!"

Grabbing a pitcher of water from his desk, the teacher topped off the mixture and tightened the lid.

"Now, can anyone tell me what this object lesson reflects?" He asked looking out at the class.

One student said that regardless of how busy our lives are we can always make time for more stuff, while another joked that the stones were his dinner, the sand was dessert, and the water was a soda to wash it all down. But the real answer came from a boy in the front row who noticed the order that the objects went in.

He said, "If we prioritize our lives to take care of the important things first, everything finds and settles into its place, so everything can get done."