BEST WAY~ S ~

 

BEST WAY

~S~

 Simple Diet

 

"Behold I have given you every herb yielding seed...

And every tree in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed;

to you is shall be for meat."

 Genesis 1:29

 

 

The American Dietetic Association, in its position paper on Vegetarian Diet (Journal of ADA, November 1997, Volume 97, Number 11) states t hat "Appropriately planned vegetarian diets are4 healthful, are nutritionally adequate, and provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases."

 

Adam and Eve lived in a garden. They subsisted on fruits, nuts, and grains. When they left the garden, vegetables were added. Scientists are discovering that those very foods are loaded, not only with the vitamins and nutrients we are familiar with, but they include a substance called fiber that is ONLY found in plant foods. And they are now naming other substances called phytochemicals ONLY found in plant foods whose primary known function is to enable the body to resist disease. The chronic lifestyle diseases that so many people are suffering and dying from today are especially benefited. Samuel L. DeShay, MD,a physician in the Maryland/Washington, DC area, was a missionary to Africa for some 23 years. He and his wife Bernice, a registered nurse, cared for t his population, who subsists primarily on plant foods. During their tenure there, not ONE of the native patients they saw had heart disease.  The one case of heart disease that they did see was in a missionary European descent. A plant based diet:

1.  Is nutritionally sound.
2. Is economical
3. Disease preventing/health promoting
4. Increase energy
5. Improves overall physical appearance
6. Increases permanent weight loss
7. Improves gastrointestinal function
8. Reduces levels of serum cholesterol and triglycerides
9. Reduces blood pressure in those with hypertension
10. Reduces risk of death from heart disease
11. Reduces risk of kidney/gall bladder disease
12. Reduces insulin requirements
13. Reduces risk of ALL cancers
14. Reduces female disorders
15. Reduce ARTHRITIS pain
16. Improves sexual function
17. Reduces desire for stimulants like alcohol and tobacco and other drugs
18. Was God's original plan- Genesis 1:29
19. Is what is on heaven's menu ~ Revelation 21:4, 22:2



Beloved Names of God ,,,,series.."King of Israel"

 

King of Israel

 

"Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi... thou art the King of Israel."

John 1:49 kjv

 

• Name of God the Son
• Jesus is directly referred to as the "King of Israel" four times
• Israel has a history of warrior kings. In a time of subjugation by the Romans, many hoped the prophesied Messiah would be a king who would lead them to independence.
• In one of the most straightforward proclamations of faith in scriptures, John tells the story of Nathanael, who acknowledged and accepted Jesus within seconds of meeting Him.

As a descendant of Kind David (some say through both sides of His earthly family), Jesus may well have had a legitimate claim to the throne of Israel. But despite His legitimacy, Jesus wasn't interested in crowns. When Nathanael asked how this stranger (Jesus) knew his name, Jesus explained that He saw Nathanael sitting alone under a fig tree. Immediately Nathanael declares Jesus the Son of God and King of Israel.

A bit of an overreaction, surely! But not if Jesus had been working in Nathanael's heart, as he sat pondering under that fig tree. We have no reason for Nathanael's solitude or explanation of what his thoughts might have been, but his instant recognition and understanding of Jesus suggest a prior encounter. Jesus didn't want to rule in Israel, He wanted to rule in Nathanael's heart. Just as He wants to be King of your heart today.

Biblical Portrait

So with all the things going on in the world today I thought that a book that I found recently might be the perfect thing to share here. It is a book by Nancy Leigh Demoss called "Biblical Portrait of Womanhood~ discovering and living out God's plan for our lives." Doesn't that sound like just the thing needed - right now? I think so. There are so many counterfeits of what a woman should be - and sometimes those counterfeits seem so strong that it is hard to follow what God wants for us. But the good news is that it is possible. And I believe that this book will give us all more insight into the women God created us to be. Please join me every Friday as we work through this series.
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"Within my lifetime, there has been a sweeping revolution- a revolution of how women view themselves and their roles, how they view men, how they view their families, and how they function in our culture.

Whether they realize it or not, the vast majority of Christian have bought into this "new" way of thinking. In the home, the church, and the marketplace, they have adopted the values and belief system of the world around them. The world promises freedom and fulfillment to those who embrace its philosophy. But sadly, millions of women who have done so have ended up disillusioned, wounded, and in terrible bondage.

For more than 20 years, I have listened to the heartcries of these women:

• women who are exhausted from trying to juggle the demands of job and family
• women who are desperately lonely
• women who feel trapped in unhappy marriages
• women who battle a pervasive sense of hopelessness and despair
• women who live under a crushing load of guilt and failure
• women who are struggling to find a sense of purpose in the midst of the "daily-ness" of life
• women who have never known what it is to have whole relationships built on mutual love and commitment
• women who live with crippling fears and chronic anxiety

I find that many women have given up hope that they can ever be released from their emotional and spiritual prisons. But over and over again, I have seen a light kindled in their eyes when they discover that the "abundant life" God promised truly can be a reality, regardless of their circumstances. The purpose of this booklet is to help us discover the path to that abundant life and to examine our lives in light of God's design and plan.

Before you go any further, I feel I should warn you that what you are about to read is not politically correct. It flies in the face of what we have been taught as 20th-century, "liberated" women. It is contrary to our natural instincts. It will never be the majority position and is likely to make some women uncomfortable.

But I can assure you that it is the only path to true joy, peace, and fulfillment as a woman. You see, God made us, He loves us, and we can only be whole when we function according to His design for our lives.

If your heart longs to be free to fulfill the purpose for which you were created, I invite you to join me in seeking to know the heart and ways of God.

I am praying that God will orchestrate a counter-revolution in our day-- a quiet revolution of women who are willing to patter their lives, not after the world but after the Word of God. I am convinced that the influence of an army of godly women will be incalculable-- in our homes, our churches, and our culture. Will you be one of those women?
*******************************************************************************

Do you see what I mean? I think this book - even though it was published in 1999 - it is even more needed today than ever before. And before I close this post - I would like to share a little poem shared in this book
*********************************************************************************

 

It is time for women

of biblical faith to reclaim our

territory. We know the Designer.
We have His instruction manual.

If we don't display the Divine

design of His female creation,

no one will. But if we do, it will

be a profound testimony to a

watching, needy world."

~Susan Hunt

 



More Help With Step 4

Step 4

"Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves."

 

"What are some of the principles inherent in each step that we are encouraged to practice in all our affairs?"

"In steps four and five we learned courage and integrity as we faced the truth about our defects of character. Applying these principles in all our affairs means that we are no longer ruled by a fear of admitting our mistakes. We have the integrity to show the world our true selves. No longer needing to appear to the world as perfect people, we can live more fully, having the courage to face up to our mistakes and test our strength in the challenges of life."

Working Towards a More Manageable Life...Step 4

Step 4

"Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves."

      23“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others. 24“You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!

      25“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. 26“You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also.

      27“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28“So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Matthew 23:23-28

      1Under these circumstances, after so many thousands of people had gathered together that they were stepping on one another, He began saying to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2“But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. 3“Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops.

      4“I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. 5“But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him! 6“Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God.

Luke 12:1-6

 Just a little note about verse 5~
"Fear Him: Reverent fear of God liberates from all other fears (vs. 7)."
Note from my Andews Study Bible

    11Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. 12The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.

Romans 13:11-13

 Another note I found that I thought worthy to be shared~
"Armor of light~
As light dissipates darkness and armor protects against assaults, Christian conduct born of compassion and pure conscience has power to dispel and reverse the moral decay of the world."

19But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I shall find out, not the words of those who are arrogant but their power. 20For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power.

1 Corinthians 4:19-20
"Power~ to effect change"

3For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. 5For each one will bear his own load.

Galatians 6:3-5

"Examine- before God.
Work~ deeds.
 "And not in regard to another~  not in competition or comparison with another person."

3For the lips of an adulteress drip honey
         And smoother than oil is her speech;

4But in the end she is bitter as wormwood,
         Sharp as a two-edged sword.

5Her feet go down to death,
         Her steps take hold of Sheol.

6She does not ponder the path of life;
         Her ways are unstable, she does not know it.

Proverbs 5:3-6

2All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight,
         But the LORD weighs the motives.

3Commit your works to the LORD
         And your plans will be established.

Proverbs 16:2-3



A Pursuing God?

Do you ever struggle with believing that God loves you?

I have and to be honest - the doubt pops it's ugly head up every now and then.

As my husband and I were visiting with Kenny after church one Sabbath, he shared a story that touched my heart. Kenny's Father-in-law was an self claimed atheist. When the family got together for meals and such he would e respectful when people would pray, but really didn't want to ever talk about God or spiritual things.

On day he was talking to Kenny's sister-in-law and he told her that God had spoken to him and that they(God and he) were good. Later when the family got together for a meal, he wanted to pray. What a change in this man!! God had pursued him his entire life and finally won him over. It wasn't too much longer after this meal that he passed away from cancer, but what a comfort it brought to his family to know that he had recognized God speaking to him and that he had responded.

This story reminded me of the story of the Lost Sheep found in Luke 15:1-10 ~ click on link if you would like to read the story.

It also reminded me of another quote - "if there had been but one lost soul, Christ would have died for that one." So I looked it up. Here is the quote with more valuable information.

"As the shepherd loves his sheep, and cannot rest if even one be missing, so, in an infinitely higher degree, does God love every outcast soul. Men may deny the claim of His love, they may wander from Him, they may choose another master; yet they are God's, and He longs to recover His own. He says, "As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out My sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day." Eze. 34:12.

In the parable the shepherd goes out to search for one sheep--the very least that can be numbered. So if there had been but one lost soul, Christ would have died for that one.

The sheep that has strayed from the fold is the most helpless of all creatures. It must be sought for by the shepherd, for it cannot find its way back. So with the soul that has wandered away from God; he is as helpless as the lost sheep, and unless divine love had come to his rescue he could never find his way to God."
Quote from the book "Christ Object Lessons" Chapter 15 click if you would like to read the whole chapter - or even the book. It's free! :)

When you find yourself feeling unloved by God, try to imagine yourself as that one lost sheep- He will come looking for you. Because we have a pursuing God...A God that so loved us that He sent His only Son to save us!

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness;

 but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish,

 but that all should come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9

BEST WAY ~ S~

BEST WAY

~S~

Sunshine

"But unto you that fear my name shall the SUN of righteousness arise with healing in His wings."
Malachi 4:2

 

Here's what moderate exposure to SUNSHINE can do for you!

1. It helps convert cholesterol-like substance in our bodies to Vitamin D.
2. It increases the circulation and enables the red blood cells to carry more oxygen.
3. It imparts a healthy tone to the mind and nervous system.
4. It prevents and counteracts mental depression(SAD-Seasonal Affective Disorder)
5. It increases the number of white blood cells in the body.
6. It stimulates the liver to properly perform its functions.
7. It stimulates body functions through the pineal glad, which in turn benefits the pituitary glad which controls the hormone production of other endocrine glands including the liver, pancreas, thyroid and adrenal glands.
8. It lowers the level of blood sugar in the blood stream when it is too high and raises the level if it is too low.
9. When you combine sunbathing with a regular program of exercise, fatigue and exhaustion tend to be reduced and the ability for work is increased. This is due to an increase of glycogen content in the blood and muscles following exercise in the sunlight. The pulse rate is lowered, because the heart muscle is pumping more blood at each beat. This enables your heart to rest more between beats. And yet, the blood output is increased by and average of 39% for several days after a sunbath.
10. A high level of triglycerides, the amount of fats in the blood and a high blood pressure are both lowered by adequate sunlight. Simply taking sunlight on the body will lower the blood pressure. And, when a person combines exercise with receiving sunlight, high blood pressure is lowered even more.
11. Sunlight is known to kill certain germs on exposure. It also promotes the healing of wounds.

 

photo found on Facebook - to add to the info about what sunlight can do for you

 



It's a Favorite

Today I wanted to share a favorite. This is not a new favorite, I have enjoyed Parkay Spray butter for quite some time now. This something great to use when you want the flavor of butter but not the fat of butter on your food. It's amazing what a few sprays of this will do to a piece of toast or a baked potato.

 

I realize that it is a processed food and might have some chemicals and ingredients that are not the best for me- but this is one way for me to try to lower the fat content in my diet. A high fat diet does more harm than most people realize.

I hope you get a chance to try this something. If you can not find this brand, maybe you can find another spray butter. Good luck! :O)

Beloved Names of God....The Rock

 

The Rock

 

"He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just."

Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV

 

• Name of God the Father
• The name "the Rock" appears thirteen times in scriptures.
• Rocks have always been a symbol of strength and steadfastness. Calling upon God as The Rock is a simple metaphor everyone can understand.
• Knowing he was about to die. Moses wrote The Book of the Law to help guide the "stiff-necked" Israelites. He gathered their leaders together for one last speech and began y proclaiming God as the Rock they should rely on.

In biblical times, rock would have been guideposts in the desert for generations of travelers and comprised the structure of sturdy homes, bombs, and fortresses. In a time when people often lived nomadic lifestyles(either by choice or by conflict), very few things were permanent; and for this reason, things that withstood the test of time wee cherished greatly.

 

God takes the idea of permanence to the extreme. After all, He existed before the rocks were made and will still be around when they are no more. God is there for anyone to hold on to in tempestuous waters and hide behind in fearsome storms. He is there to build our lives, our families, and our futures upon. A the Gospel writer Matthew pointed out, the foolish person builds their house on changeable foundations(the sand), but the wise person builds their house on The Rock.

It's An Anniversary...

So this week marks an anniversary in my journey. It's an anniversary which has brought up some difficult memories and some discouragement. I am so thankful to be 3 years out now.

 

On January 3rd, 2014 I had my first chemo treatment... I was told to expect to lose my hair two weeks later- which would be on a Friday. On Thursday - I remember going to run some errands and I noticed that my hair felt good and bouncy. I even began to think that maybe I would be one of the lucky few who did not lose their hair.

 

On Friday, when I washed my hair, I began to notice hair loss.

That week end our son would have his daughter and I did not want to put more stress on her by her knowing what was going on. So I gently washed my hair on Sabbath morning. On Sunday morning - there was not even the ability to do anything other than wetting my hair. I was losing hair so much that when I pulled my hand from my head - I gasped at the amount of hair. I did my best to get through the day.

 

That day -our oldest son showed up with his head shaved-he knew that I was losing my hair and he wanted to support me. It made me cry.

 

As soon as our son and his daughter left- my husband and I went to the sunroom and he began to use his clippers to cut my hair - no mirror was involved at this point. It was hard enough as it was. I reached into the trashcan and pulled out a handful of hair to put into a baggie to save- I wanted to have it to compare it to the hair that would grow back later. I had heard all the stories of how peoples hair came back another color and many times curly. And I wondered how my hair would come back.

 

After he finished cutting my hair - he used his razor to shave the rest off. As I sat on the toilet looking at a magazine, while he cut, I stopped for a moment and thought of the episode of Amazing Race where the team had a challenge to shave  their heads in order to bypass a challenge- I laughed and I said  - well at least we know I would be willing to shave my head for a million dollars! LOL You have to find humor where you can in these situations.

 

 I prayed and ask God to help me be ok with what I saw in the mirror. And I looked. It is shocking to see yourself without hair for the first time.

 

My husband then shaved his head.

 

Everyone told me - oh your hair will come back fast. Well I knew better - I had done the research and knew that hair usually grows about 1/4- 1/2 inches a month- and at that rate it would take quite some time for my hair to grow back to pre chemo length. At first when people told me that I tried to share the fact with them - that no - my hair would not grow back fast - that it would take quite some time just to get to the length of the shortest I had styled my hair as an adult. After a while though, I gave up. They would just have to figure it out for themselves.

 

May of 2014 was my last chemo and about a month after that last chemo - my hair began to grow back! It  was super fine and not much color at first- and then it became kitten fur soft and brown - it came in about the same color that I lost- what I lost had more red tint to it - but that might have been bleached a bit by the sun.

 

Just two weeks after this photo was taken, I decided I would not handle wearing a hat any longer- and took it off for the last time.

I year later my hair was getting closer to how I like to wear my hair - I was thrilled when I was able to style the front closer to how I like!!

 

 

At one point over the last year - I thought that maybe my hair was not even growing in the back. That was before I changed my lifestyle and went to a more plant based diet. Since then I have noticed that my hair is growing again...thankfully!

 

 

 

Each morning when I shower and every time that I blow dry my hair and fix it I am thrilled to have hair again. Sometimes when the wind blows my hair - I feel a thrill of thankfulness!

 

On our way through life - we will meet difficult situations - and during these times we need to hold onto God even tighter. Depend on Him to get us through and one day we will be on the other side and can look back and see how He had led us and how He was with us every step of the way.

 

My hair is finer than before, not as full. And it can be discouraging sometimes - when I try to go back to an easier way of fixing my hair and it does not work any more because of the fineness of my hair- but I just decide to be thankful to have hair, because I know exactly what it feels like not to. 

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Just wanted to take this opportunity to say a Hello to Nita in SC- thank you so much for your kind comment. It means a lot to me. I try to respond to comments- but I never know if the person gets the response or not.

  

 

 

More Help with Step 3

Step 3

"What are some of the principles inherent in each step that we are encouraged to practice in all our affairs?"

"In step three we learned faith as we made the most important decision we had ever made, the decision to trust God- as we understood God- with our will and our lives. Practicing the principles of faith today means that we will no longer go through life acting however we feel like acting at any given moment. Instead we will look to our Higher Power(God) for guidance and strength as we face each decision."

Working Towards a More Manageable Life...Step 3

Step 3

 

"Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him."

 

I am so glad that we have the love letter from God - the Bible- that we are able to read so that we are able to know Him better and better as we study His Word.

 

 

28But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, who owed him a hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me what you owe.

29And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.

30And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

Matthew 18:28-30

 

 

  21From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. 22Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You.” 23But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s.”

      24Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. 25“For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul

Matthew 16:21-26

 

8For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

 

 

1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not lack.

2He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters.

3He restores my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.

5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.

6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Psalm 23

 

1He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
         Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

2I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
         My God, in whom I trust!”

3For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper
         And from the deadly pestilence.

4He will cover you with His pinions,
         And under His wings you may seek refuge;
         His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

Psalm 91:1-4

 

5Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.

6In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

 

 

*Please remember that these lists verses is not a totally complete list - it is just a list of some basic verses that go with each step. There are many more gems in the Bible. If you have a reference Bible - you could look up these verses and then see what verses that the references refer you to - to do an even more in depth study. May God bless you as you study the Bible. :O)



An Epiphany...

Last week I had an epiphany.  Way back in 2011(I believe) a friend of mine shared with me about a health seminar coming up. Those of you that have been with me a long time will remember the seminar that I went to that we got to see the movie "Forks Over Knives" I learned a lot. I put into practice a lot of the information. During the next year - I took great care of myself by eating a mostly plant based diet along with exercise, in the process I lost about 50 pound.

Life got in the way - and a ton of stress came into my life- and I left the path towards better health. And I fell back into a not so healthy lifestyle. And after a while - I found out that I had cancer, which lead to me going through chemo.

As I was getting my healthy lunch together, a salad, cooked kale, corn on the cob and a piece of homemade flaxseed bread, I was thinking about how much I enjoy eating healthy and that this was something I wanted to do the rest of my life (I am not 100% healthy eating but I am making much better choices than I was for a while there). Anyway as I was thinking - It dawned on me that it was God's leading for me to go to that seminar back them and for me to work towards better health. I believe that the benefits of taking care of myself made a big difference. I really feel that God lead me to that seminar so I could get myself in much better shape and prepared to me and my body for what I was going to face. I believe that I would not have made it through chemo and all as well as I did - had I not spent that year working towards better health.

God was in control and is still in control. It is so comforting to look back and realize that God was leading and that He put all the pieces together that worked things out. And I know that right now - He is working. There are areas of my life that are causing me some frustrations and stress. Things I have been praying about for quite some time and I just don't seem to see an answer to. But He knows the end from the beginning and He is working things out. I can trust He is in control and surrender my life to Him and allow Him to guide and direct me.  It might take weeks, months or even years, but I believe I will see His hand at work in these areas of my life as well.

Anyway I just wanted to share this with you all  - so that maybe if you too are going through some stressful times that you will try to spend some time to see how God has lead in your life to this point and it will help prepare you to be watching for His hand in your life in the future. :O)

BEST WAY ....~E~

Today we continue our series with the "E" in Best Way.

 

Exercise

 

"In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and WALK!"
 Acts 3:6

 

 

Here's what happens when you exercise:

1. It increases circulation.

2. The heart rate increases to pump necessary oxygen to each muscle.

3. It increase the stroke volume, the amount of blood pumped with each heart rate.

4. It decreases the pulse rate, there by giving the heart more time to rest between beats.

5. It decreases one's risk of death in the even of a heart attack.

6. The lungs are expanded and thus strengthened to supply fresh oxygen to the entire system.

7.  Liver, kidney, and lungs will be strengthened to perform their work.

8. Exercise invigorates the mind.

9. Digestion is aided, and disease stomach is relieved and the bowels are strengthened for correct elimination.

10. Impurities are expelled from the system.

11. The skin expels impurities that otherwise would have to be expelled by the excretory organs, and the skin is given a healthy glow.

12. It increases weight loss.

13. You sleep better.

14. You are less affected by stress.

 



A Problem With Static?

A Problem With Static?

 

The winter weather can play havoc with our skin and hair. This year I have really noticed the damage done to my hair and the frizziness that this weather causes.

 

I decided to ask my sister in law, who has had cosmetology training, and ask her the best things to do for the frizzies. She gave me several suggestions.

 

First of all, she said to use moisturizing conditioner.

 

Another suggestion she mentions was to spray my brushes with Static Cling - the spray for clothes. Lucky for me, I already had a bottle. I had never hear this idea before. Have you?

  The last suggestion is quite ingenious. She said to use a dryer sheet. To rub it on your hair. The great thing about this is you can keep one in your purse and carry it with you.

 

Another thing I have tried is using a Pantene product. I had been looking for a leave-in conditioner and this was the closest thing that I could find:

I think that it has helped.

 

 

I am hoping between these ideas that I can get my hair under control. It's basically just the longer layer in the back that is giving me the problems. I guess wearing coats and bring my hair out from under the coats may be causing the problem. I may try to wash the coat with fabric softener and dryer sheet and hopefully that can help as well.

Beloved Name of God......Lamb of God

Lamb of God

"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith,

Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

John 1:29 KJV

 

• Name of God the Son
• The "Lamb of God" is referred to only twice. Both references are in the book of John.
• Lambs were habitually sacrificed in burnt offerings. In genesis 22:8, Abraham says, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering" (NIV) For God Himself to make a sacrifice meant something world changing was about to happen.
• When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming to be baptized, he proclaimed Him as "the Lamb of God" and for shadowed His destiny as a sacrifice for all our sins.

What made Jesus different? Napoleon Bonaparte, war general and emperor of France, felt confident enough to venture and opinion.

 

"Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires," he wrote, "but on what did we rest the creation of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded His empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for Him."

 

As God incarnate, Jesus was more powerful than any king, emperor, or war leader that ever lived. And how did He come into the world? As a sacrifice! As a lamb to be slain so the people HE loved would live forever. What emperor has ever give so much to his people or paid such a high price for his gift? In weakness there is strength and in His absolute vulnerability to the evil of this world, the Lamb of God had strength enough to save us all from its power. Forever.

 

Being Content..

Sharing a Streams in the Desert devotion today - hope it blesses you!

*********************************

 

I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content (Philippians 4:11).

Paul, denied of every comfort, wrote the above words in his dungeon.

A story is told of a king who went into his garden one morning, and found everything withered and dying. He asked the oak that stood near the gate what the trouble was. He found it was sick of life and determined to die because it was not tall and beautiful like the pine. The pine was all out of heart because it could not bear grapes, like the vine. The vine was going to throw its life away because it could not stand erect and have as fine fruit as the peach tree. The geranium was fretting because it was not tall and fragrant like the lilac.

And so on all through the garden. Coming to a heart's-ease, he found its bright face lifted as cheery as ever. "Well, heart's-ease, I'm glad, amidst all this discouragement, to find one brave little flower. You do not seem to be the least disheartened." "No, I am not of much account, but I thought that if you wanted an oak, or a pine, or a peach tree, or a lilac, you would have planted one; but as I knew you wanted a heart's-ease, I am determined to be the best little heart's-ease that I can."

Others may do a greater work,
But you have your part to do;
And no one in all God's heritage
Can do it so well as you.

They who are God's without reserve, are in every state content; for they will only what He wills, and desire to do for Him whatever He desires them to do; they strip themselves of everything, and in this nakedness find all things restored an hundredfold.

More Help With Steps One and Two

 

 

So I am going to be sharing a little helpful information that will go nicely along with the Managing Your Life posts. This week we will do steps one and two to catch up.

Step One 

"What are some of the principles inherent in each step that we are encouraged to practice in all our affairs?"

"In step one we learned the principle of honesty as we admitted our personal powerlessness over food(or what ever) and the fact that without help we could not successfully manage our own lives. Now we want to continue being honest with ourselves in all our affairs. One way in which we practice honesty today is by admitting that we are still compulsive overeaters,(or what ever defect of character or addition that we are dealing with), that we still need daily help."

Step 2

"Step 2 we learned hope as we came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. This same hope will now need to underlie all our actions. Even in our loneliest hours, we can remind ourselves of the great truth that we are not alone; even in our weakest moments we will find the strength we need if we believe it is available to us and ask for it."

Working Towards a More Manageable Life....Step 2

Step 2

 

"Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity."

 

Or how I like to say it:

 

Came to believe that God could restore us to sanity.

 



 

18“BEHOLD, MY SERVANT WHOM I HAVE CHOSEN;
         MY BELOVED IN WHOM MY SOUL is WELL-PLEASED;
         I WILL PUT MY SPIRIT UPON HIM,
         AND HE SHALL PROCLAIM JUSTICE TO THE GENTILES.

19“HE WILL NOT QUARREL, NOR CRY OUT;
         NOR WILL ANYONE HEAR HIS VOICE IN THE STREETS.

20“A BATTERED REED HE WILL NOT BREAK OFF,
         AND A SMOLDERING WICK HE WILL NOT PUT OUT,
         UNTIL HE LEADS JUSTICE TO VICTORY.

21“AND IN HIS NAME THE GENTILES WILL HOPE.”

Matthew 12:18-21

 

 

23And Jesus said to him, “ ‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” 24Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.”

Mark 9:23-24

 

10And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath.

11And, behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no way lift herself up.

12And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.

13And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

Luke 13:10-13

 

 

Just wanted to share a small little note about the word "loosed" from verse 12- "That is, "set free" in the sense of being freed to remain free." Isn't that a beautiful promise!?

 

When God lays His hands on you - you are healed- you are set free!

 

"It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."

John 6:63

 

"Jesus' concerns are clearly about spiritual things. Success in this world is relatively unimportant in contrast to eternity.

"The words...life~ Jesus' word is what really matters, not miracles."

 

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believes on me should not abide in darkness.

John 12:46

"Light~ a metaphor for revelation"

 

I love You, O LORD, my strength.”

2The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
         My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;
         My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

3I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,
         And I am saved from my enemies.

Psalm 18:1-3

 

 

1I cry aloud to the Lord;

I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.

2I pour out before him my complaint;

before him I tell my trouble.

3When my spirit grows faint within me,

it is you who watch over my way.

In the path where I walk

people have hidden a snare for me.

4Look and see, there is no one at my right hand;

no one is concerned for me.

I have no refuge;

no one cares for my life.

5I cry to you, Lord;

I say, “You are my refuge,

my portion in the land of the living.”

6Listen to my cry,

for I am in desperate need;

rescue me from those who pursue me,

for they are too strong for me.

7Set me free from my prison,

that I may praise your name.

Then the righteous will gather about me

because of your goodness to me.

Psalm 142

 

"verse three~ Even in the situation of despair and depression David knows that he is in God's hands. This consciousness gave him new courage to trust in the LORD, the only refuge in his life."

 

*Italic information is either from my Andrew Study Bible notes or SDA Commentary.

 

 

 

 

Three Important Way to Prevent Osteoporosis

Last week I took my Mother-in-law to the Dr. If was an appointment that I was glad I went to. I found out some interesting information that was helpful to me. And I am going to share with you all - just in case this is something someone else needs to know.

My Mother-in-law at age 75 had her first bone density test just a month or so ago. I don't know how she feel through the cracks on this test- too bad she did not have it done a few years ago, maybe then she would have gotten some information to help her take better care of herself. Anyway she found out that she is just a couple of clicks away from having osteoporosis. She is at a -2.3 an at 2.5 you are considered to osteoporosis. At -2.3 she is considered to have osteopenia.

The Dr. shared with us that fact that the body will work hard to have enough calcium. And if you are not getting it in your diet and supplements - then the body will start pulling from your bones- and your bones get porous.

So there are several different ways to get calcium- the best way is by a healthy plant based diet. You can get calcium from dark leafy vegetables, sesame seeds, chia seeds, almonds, and so many more. I will include a couple of photos that show great sources of calcium. So refer to them. And of course, there is calcium supplements. These supplements usually have Vitamin D which is also very important in the health of your bones. (My Dr. says anyone over 35 really need to take supplements of calcium and D- just to make sure of your bone health. And last but not least - is the importance of using hand weights. Three or Five pound weights are great to use - I would suggest if you haven't used hand weights before - start with the 3 pound weights. And try to use the weights at least 3 times a week. By using hand weights you stimulate bone growth.

I also learned that women who are menopausal - no longer getting the hormones that you get before menopause- are at a higher risk of getting osteoporosis. There are also a list of diseases that cause a person to have more of a risk of getting osteoporosis. There is also a list of medications that also raise a persons risk of osteoporosis- chemotherapy is one of them- I learned this when I went to get my bone density test this year. Thankfully I am doing good. And now I know even more information that can help me work towards keeping my bones strong and healthy.

If you have any of the risk factors that I mentioned - you may want to google - osteoporosis or osteopenia and see what you can find out. There may be some important information for you to help you work towards better health. These conditions are things that we can avoid. The best thing we can do is to work towards better health by following the health principles. Please join me in doing what you can to be healthier.

Oh and if you don't commit to taking better care of yourself - you could end up on a once a week medication that can help strengthen your bones. But why take a medication -when you can add more calcium rich foods to your diet and commit to lifting weights just 3 times a week.

Now if you have to take medications for osteopenia or osteoporosis - then please follow through and do so. If you have osteoporosis - you can get fractures so much easier - even from just sneezing. And once you get a fracture it is much harder to treat those patience with osteoporosis. So please take care of yourself.

BEST WAY... "B"

Today we begin our series on the health benefits of the BEST WAY method - from this book: "Somethin' To Shout About!" by Donna Green-Goodman, MPH

 

 

Bedtime Regularity

 

"Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest."

Matthew 11:28

During sleep, the body is repaired. All its activities lessen- less heat is produced, the breathing is slower, the heart beats more slowly, digestion is lessened, the nerves and muscles are relaxed. The entire system is slowed down, and the body building cells carry on their recuperative work.

1. Have regular hours for sleep. By sleeping at regular hours every night, the health, spirits, memory, and the attitude are improved. Irregular hours of sleeping causes the brain forces to be sapped.

2. Have an abundant supply of fresh air during sleep.  Sore throats, lung diseases and liver disorders occur when there is not a continuous supply of fresh air during sleep. Also, one wakes up feeling exhausted and feverish from the lack of oxygen. But, when there is a supply of fresh air while sleeping, a sound sweet sleep is induced.

3. The stomach should have its work all done that it may rest as well as the other organs while sleeping. When the stomach is not empty before sleep, the digestive process continues during the sleeping hours and this results in unpleasant dreams. Since the stomach has worked while you were sleeping, you awaken unrefreshed in the morning and with little desire for a hearty breakfast. You may experience the feeling of an unsettled stomach and/or nausea.

4. Early to bed and early to rise. The greatest amount of restoration is done to the body during deep sleep. Studies show that, due to the "circadian rhythm: which is regulated by the sun's rays, the deepest sleep occurs between 9p.m. and 12 midnight.

5. Persons who rest on the 7th day experience a joy unbeknownst to those who don't.

6. Persons who plan recreational vacations are rejuvenating their lives.

When you can't sleep:

1. Take a warm bath.
2. Have a cup of chamomile, catnip, skullcap, hops or lady's slipper tea.
3. Listen to some soothing music.
4. Turn off the craziness on TV and do some spiritual reading instead.
5. Count your blessings as part of your end of day conversation with God.

Favorite Things

So I have a new favorite!

And I also learned that at Christmas time - is a great time to try new shampoos!

 

So I had wanted to try this shampoo. And I had picked up a shampoo and a conditioner, but thankfully before I left the store - I saw an endcap that had a packaged deal- it had a shampoo, a conditioner and the hair mask stuff- all for just under $10.00! Now that's a great deal because if these  3 things were purchased separately it would cost just over $16.00. So if you want to try a new shampoo - be sure and look around the stores around Christmas and see if you can try it for a deal. And I may have missed out on an even better deal - because if  had have been staying up with cutting out my coupons - I might have had a coupon and been able to save even more money!!

And by the way - this stuff smells awesome and seems to do well with my hair. I am having some issues with static in my hair - and I have some pointers for that coming up in another post. Stay tuned.

Beloved Names of God.... Balm of Gilead

"Is there no balm in Gilead?"

Jeremiah 8:22 kjv

 

• Name of God the Father
• Gilead's "balm" is referred to three times in the KJV
• The place known as Gilead is a mountainous region in present-day Jordan. The balm that bore its name, a healing compound produced from the Commiphora gileadensis tree, was famous across the Middle East in biblical times.
• In Jeremiah 8:22, the prophet was bewailing an idol-worshipping Judah around the time of the Babylonian occupation. If they did not change their ways, he warned, their punishment would be such that they would use up all earthly balms and cry for more. Eventually they would have to turn to God. His healing would be the very real equivalent of the famous balm of Gilead. 

As well as being the name of the region, gilead also meant a hill or mound where one stood to give a testimony.

The balm of the Commiphora tree may have been soothing, but anyone who has ever stood on their own personal "gilead" and proclaimed their love of the Lord to the world will know that produces a comfort and healing far more profound than any herbal medicine.