Be a Lighthouse

Today I’d like to explore the topic of getting older. Not older in the sense of finally turning 16 and getting a license, but older in the sense that many of us are approaching 40, 50, or 60. I don’t know how you feel about that, but many “developments” are happening; I now have my mother’s hands.

Yes, the physical changes are occurring, but the best part about getting older? The inner changes. Do you know what the biggest difference is between 16 and 60? Perspective. At 16, life is about what you could become. At 60, life is about so much more—knowing who you are and what actually matters.

In our youth, we’re told we can be anything, do anything, go anywhere. We all read and believed Dr. Seuss in Oh, The Places You’ll Go. In my 30s, I poured myself into building, growing, and achieving with Reliv International. I loved it—the thrill, the personal development, the Go!Go!Go! spirit.

I kind of thought I’d conquer the world. Truly.

But aging has a way of shifting and reordering priorities. The outer world fades; the inner world comes into focus. For me, that’s quiet time in the morning with Jesus and a cup of coffee. It’s hearing my grandchildren come in the back door squealing for Grandma. It’s learning to truly see my people and be fully present for them. (Read more about that here.)

Even as my heart was finding this deeper joy in presence, there was still one unsettled area: food.

For many years, Lori around food never experienced a sense of “rightness.” What kind of food? Well, processed foods and sugar, to be exact. I just wanted to be balanced. I wanted the deepest parts of who I am to align with how I cared for myself. And I knew the hinge—the most important aspect—was food.

Why food? Because it had the power to elevate me or make me sluggish. I knew what foods I should and should not eat, but it was difficult to adhere to any plan. I used to make promises to myself about being “good” and not eating that certain something—only to have the promises fade into insignificance when temptation showed up.

So even though I may have looked like I had myself together, I was often distracted, sluggish, preoccupied—a hot mess.

I was embarrassed that this took up so much brain space. Why couldn’t I conquer how to feed myself?

Working with my son Eric, who has done deep work in the area of addiction, was extremely helpful. One time we gave a talk and named it The Theology of Addiction, which made so much sense to my heart: theology means the study of God. The Theology of Addiction. The Study of God in Addiction. Wow.

Talks like that helped me see that not only was I addicted to sugar, but there was some sort of spiritual component to it. I wasn’t sure how it all fit, but I was beginning to see more clearly.

In 2018, I had a radical conversion experience, which led me into a more trusting, honest relationship with God the Father. (Thank you, Jesus!) I came to a place of deeper surrender.

I believe we all have a line—the line dividing what we want others to see about us. What I had to do was let God under my line. I had to invite Him into the struggle. It felt awkward because He is so big and my issue seemed so small: I cannot actually figure out what foods to put into my mouth.

But once I allowed Him in, I only felt His warm gaze, infinite love, and His quiet invitation to let Him be involved in every decision. Nothing was too small. He loved everything about me.

Talk about freedom.

Learning how to eat in a healthy way became my response to the understanding that I am loved, I am enough, I am worthy.

From there, I discovered how to make foods that weren’t just healthy but delicious. This morning for breakfast, I had a waffle made from riced cauliflower and frozen hash browns. I served it with two slices of bacon and two scrambled eggs. Luscious.

If you know anything about me, you know how much I love to share Truth (and recipes) with others.

That’s why I became a wellness coach. Not to conquer the world. Not to climb ladders. But to guide faith-filled women who long for self-mastery too.

Women who want to feel strong, fuel their bodies with whole foods, overcome sugar and processed food, and finally like the person they see in the mirror. Women who know it’s not vanity—it’s sanity. Women who understand progress happens over time, not through quick fixes.

Now that I’m all mature and such, I’m no longer chasing “success,” at least not the kind the world defines. I’m simply showing up, feeding myself (and my family) well, and helping other women do the same.

And honestly? It’s everything.

So let’s talk about you. Have you ever experienced that push inside—the pressure to achieve greatness? Where does that come from in your life? Culture? Pride? Parents? Have you been able to look that in the eye and say, “I am enough”?

Eating whole foods is the center of my wheel. If that is not in place, I pretty much fall apart. What is your center? What do you need to get right every day in order to be the best you? Prayer? Hydration? Spending time with kids? Going on long walks?

How can you make that more of a priority?

As we age, it’s about using our wisdom so we can feel balanced and calm, a lighthouse shining for others. When I was younger, I thought it was my job to run around doing the saving. I love perspective!

This week, I invite you to pause and ask yourself: What is at the center of my wheel? Name it. Nurture it. And let your light shine steady—for you and for those you love.