This weekend was a crazy one to say the least. I attended my grandmother in law's funeral Friday and later that night my mother was hospitalized after falling from the stairs in my house. I have spent the entire weekend since Friday at the hospital with her.
For most this might just be a little bumps and bruises accident but for my mom it was devastating. While she is not old in age she has endured some very serious medical conditions in her past. She was diagnosed 6 years ago with a cancerous brain tumor. After a surgery, chemo and radiation she beat the cancer but the trauma took a toll on her body.
She has suffered from memory problems since then and also has mobility and stability issues. This fall for her has just made the situation worse and she now has to start recovering all over again. It has been a very exhausting process because we are also dealing with insurance issues. She is unemployed and does not have medical coverage at this time.
I am the oldest child and have been trying to take care of all these issues for her. I will most likely have to put my workouts on hold for a week until I can get some more rest. The last thing I need is to run my body down and get sick. I will still stay on top of my food the best I can even though my appetite isn't that great.
I have been eating lots of hospital food during the day and at night I am too exhausted to eat so I just go to bed. I will do my best to stay active one way or another, rest, and take my vitamins to make sure my immune system is strong.
As soon as I am able to I will be back to blogging my food and workouts and sharing my passion with you all. Your prayers and support are greatly appreciated at this time. Thank you.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Survival Kit
I wrote this post about a year ago on another blog I had. I was reminded of it this week when I saw my daughter packing a survival bag. I know she was just being silly but it brought light to some issues going on in my life. God used that metaphor to speak to my heart and help me release some things I was holding onto.
I realized that when something painful or disappointing happens in my life I tend to create a survival kit. I think of ways to handle my pain instead of depending on what God has already placed within me.
Every promise He has ever made will come to pass. No matter what the external circumstances look like I must rest in the truth. I must hold onto my faith and remember that God is in control. He has the ability to calm the storm even when I am afraid to get out of the boat.
No matter how much I tremble in fear. No matter how much it hurts. No matter what I lose in the process. I must trust the Lord with all my heart and not lean unto my own understanding. I must acknowledge Him in all His ways and believe that His perfect plan is unfolding as it should.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Along this journey of life we tend to get knocked down at times. Many of us live day to day just trying to survive after heartbreak or disappointments. Whether they be from failed relationships, economical issues, unemployment, or other adversities. We tend to have our way of coping and dealing with these issues.
At times we may feel like we struggle to breathe or find a way to keep going. We search for ways to strengthen our faith or look for something to give us hope.
We often ask "when are things going to change?" "When will my promise come to pass?" "Can my dreams or the visions I hold close to my heart really manifest?"
I have been there. I have struggled to live each day while holding onto my faith, my mind, my heart and soul. At times I have considered letting go and just forgetting everything God has promised me.
At times I feel like the dreams I have for myself will never come to pass. I worry, I stress and sometimes I am down right angry and frustrated. I have served God with all my heart and I wonder at times if my labour..my pain...has been in vain.
I have built up walls, dug trenches, and created coping mechanisms to get me through some pretty rough times. I have used food, relationships and emotions to fuel my journey.
I have been in survival mode. Maneuvering my way through life just trying to make it day by day. Not really sure of what is coming but just walking by faith.
I had my go to bag...or what others might call a bag of tricks. I call it a survival kit. I have carried this heavy bag for over 10 years.
I am letting it go. I no longer hold onto the fear of being hurt, rejected, disappointed or failing. I live for the now. I live in the very breathe and heartbeat of God. I am dependant on His word to get me through the day. I am nourished by His truth and sheltered by His love.
I am no longer just trying to survive. I am living and loving this life that God has designed for me. I now realize that everything I need to make it through this journey is inside of me.
I have been equipped for the journey. I am not just meant to survive but to live abundantly and forever live in the promises of God.
God is my "lifeline"
I realized that when something painful or disappointing happens in my life I tend to create a survival kit. I think of ways to handle my pain instead of depending on what God has already placed within me.
Every promise He has ever made will come to pass. No matter what the external circumstances look like I must rest in the truth. I must hold onto my faith and remember that God is in control. He has the ability to calm the storm even when I am afraid to get out of the boat.
No matter how much I tremble in fear. No matter how much it hurts. No matter what I lose in the process. I must trust the Lord with all my heart and not lean unto my own understanding. I must acknowledge Him in all His ways and believe that His perfect plan is unfolding as it should.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Matthew 6
25Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
25Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?
31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Along this journey of life we tend to get knocked down at times. Many of us live day to day just trying to survive after heartbreak or disappointments. Whether they be from failed relationships, economical issues, unemployment, or other adversities. We tend to have our way of coping and dealing with these issues.
At times we may feel like we struggle to breathe or find a way to keep going. We search for ways to strengthen our faith or look for something to give us hope.
We often ask "when are things going to change?" "When will my promise come to pass?" "Can my dreams or the visions I hold close to my heart really manifest?"
I have been there. I have struggled to live each day while holding onto my faith, my mind, my heart and soul. At times I have considered letting go and just forgetting everything God has promised me.
At times I feel like the dreams I have for myself will never come to pass. I worry, I stress and sometimes I am down right angry and frustrated. I have served God with all my heart and I wonder at times if my labour..my pain...has been in vain.
I have built up walls, dug trenches, and created coping mechanisms to get me through some pretty rough times. I have used food, relationships and emotions to fuel my journey.
I have been in survival mode. Maneuvering my way through life just trying to make it day by day. Not really sure of what is coming but just walking by faith.
I had my go to bag...or what others might call a bag of tricks. I call it a survival kit. I have carried this heavy bag for over 10 years.
I am letting it go. I no longer hold onto the fear of being hurt, rejected, disappointed or failing. I live for the now. I live in the very breathe and heartbeat of God. I am dependant on His word to get me through the day. I am nourished by His truth and sheltered by His love.
I am no longer just trying to survive. I am living and loving this life that God has designed for me. I now realize that everything I need to make it through this journey is inside of me.
I have been equipped for the journey. I am not just meant to survive but to live abundantly and forever live in the promises of God.
God is my "lifeline"
Monday, January 14, 2013
I Trust You, Lord!
I Trust You, Lord by Donnie McClurkin (Lyrics)
I Know That Faith Is Easy When Everything Is Going Well
But Can You Still Believe in Me When Your Life's a Living Hell?
And When All the Things Around You Seem to Quickly Fade Away
There's Just One Thing I Really Want to Know
Will You Let Go? (I'll Trust You, Lord)
Will You Stand On My Word? (I'll Trust You, Lord)
Against All Odds Will You Believe What I Have Said? (I'll Trust You, Lord)
What Seems Impossible ... (I'll Trust You, Lord)
Will You Believe? (I'll Trust You, Lord)
Every Promise That I Made Will You Receive? (Yes, I Will Trust You, Lord)
I Know How Bad It Hurt You When That Loved One's Life Came to An End
And When They Had to Leave You, You Said You'd Never Love Again
But Will You Trust That I Can Help You and I'll Never Turn Away?
Will You Trust Me, Child, no Matter, Come What May?
What If It Hurts? (I'll Trust You, Lord)
What If You Cry? (I'll Trust You, Lord)
What If It Doesn't Work Out the First Time That You Try? (I'll Trust You, Lord)
What If You Call My Name ... (I'll Trust You, Lord)
And You Don't Feel Me Near? (I'll Trust You, Lord)
Will You Believe in Me Or Will You Fear? Oh, My Child?
(Yes, I Will Trust, You Lord)
I Will Trust (3x)
Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh
But Can You Still Believe in Me When Your Life's a Living Hell?
And When All the Things Around You Seem to Quickly Fade Away
There's Just One Thing I Really Want to Know
Will You Let Go? (I'll Trust You, Lord)
Will You Stand On My Word? (I'll Trust You, Lord)
Against All Odds Will You Believe What I Have Said? (I'll Trust You, Lord)
What Seems Impossible ... (I'll Trust You, Lord)
Will You Believe? (I'll Trust You, Lord)
Every Promise That I Made Will You Receive? (Yes, I Will Trust You, Lord)
I Know How Bad It Hurt You When That Loved One's Life Came to An End
And When They Had to Leave You, You Said You'd Never Love Again
But Will You Trust That I Can Help You and I'll Never Turn Away?
Will You Trust Me, Child, no Matter, Come What May?
What If It Hurts? (I'll Trust You, Lord)
What If You Cry? (I'll Trust You, Lord)
What If It Doesn't Work Out the First Time That You Try? (I'll Trust You, Lord)
What If You Call My Name ... (I'll Trust You, Lord)
And You Don't Feel Me Near? (I'll Trust You, Lord)
Will You Believe in Me Or Will You Fear? Oh, My Child?
(Yes, I Will Trust, You Lord)
I Will Trust (3x)
Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh
Trust:
reliance: confidence in and reliance on good qualities, especially fairness, truth, honor, or ability.
hope for future: hopeful reliance on what will happen in the future
"He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." Revelation 21:5
"But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." Psalm 31:14
"When I am afraid, I will trust in you." Psalm 56:3
"He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD." Psalm 112:7
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;" Proverbs 3:5
"The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God." Daniel 6:23
Today even when my faith is shaken I must trust in the Lord. I must trust that every promise He has made will come to pass. No matter what it looks like I must trust that God is in control. I rest in knowing that HE created me for His glory. He is orchestrating my life to fulfill His plan.
I TRUST YOU LORD!!!!!!
Monday, January 7, 2013
Nourish Your Immune System
With the colder weather beating down our door and flu season in full effect it's important to nourish our immune system. We don't have to wait until we are sick to start eating things that heal our bodies. We can start now by cleaning out or immune system and building it up with some great nutritious foods.
First of all let's start by trying to understand what the immune system is and what it does for us. The immune system is like our little army of soldiers. It is responsible for protecting our bodies from illness, infection, and disease. It is a complex system that uses different body tissues and chemical reactions to defend our bodies from harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, microbes, free radicals and parasites.
The lympathic system plays a huge role in immune function. It is responsible for circulating and draining body fluids known as lymph to and from our organs. Lymph transports nutrients to the organs and removes any excess substances from them. They also contain white blood cells. The white blood cells are the little soldiers that kill the harmful invaders in our bodies. We have about 50 billion of these little soldiers.
Diet and lifestyle habits have a huge impact on our immune health. Unhealthy habits such as smoking, eating processed foods and drinking alcohol can increase the number of harmful chemicals in our bodies. These invaders are known as free radicals. Free radicals can also enter our bodies by breathing in pollutants found in our environments such as cigarette smoke, paint fumes, exhaust fumes and other air pollutants.
Free radicals cause cell damage within our bodies. This cell damage can eventually lead to illness and disease. If our army (Immune System) is constantly working to defend itself from free radicals then it has fewer resources available to fight off other invaders such as viruses and bacteria. This is why we tend to get sick when we compromise our diets with unhealthy foods or make unhealthy lifestyle choices.
So to sum this all up it's important to avoid free radicals so that we have enough strength to fight off illnesses such as colds and infections. Something as simple as a cut requires the help of the immune system. Every illness, injury and threat to the body requires an immune response in order to heal.
An overworked immune system that is constantly being attacked and compromised can also cause issues like chronic inflammation and autoimmune disease. Some autoimmune disease include: Celiac Disease (gluten intolerance), Cirrhosis of the Liver, Lupus, Psoriasis, Arthritis, Type I Diabetes Crohn's Disease, and many other diseases. Cancer is also linked to a compromised immune system.
Eating properly can drastically reduce and reverse chronic inflammation, boost your immune responses and help combat and reverse the affects of free radicals. Keeping your free radical intake low and your antioxidant intake high by avoiding processed foods and eating a wide variety of fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds is the best way to build a healthy immune system.
Now that you understand a lot more about your immune system let's start making it stronger with the foods:
Carrots, bell peppers, and dark leafy greens- contain high levels of vitamin A which protects the body from infection by moistening mucous membranes and producing healing enzymes.
Sunflower seeds and almonds- high in vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant. These foods have been found to play a large role in the prevention of both bladder and prostate cancer as well as Alzheimer's Disease.
Papaya, strawberries, citrus and broccoli- high in vitamin C which is an immune booster. Vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells. It has also been shown to prevent free radical formation.
Spelt, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, oats- these foods all contain zinc which is an element that maintains white blood cell levels and helps heal wounds.
Garlic- This powerful food has been known to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. It also helps in preventing cancers especially kidney and colorectal (bowel, colon).
These are just a few of the powerful healing foods that have been found to promote a healthy immune system. The best way to reap all the benefits of these power foods is to eat them raw. This ensures that the nutrients are not being destroyed through overcooking. Try juicing them, making a smoothie or throwing them in a salad.
References: Nutribullet's Natural Healing Foods Guide.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. In no way does this information replace the advice of a doctor. Please consult a doctor before beginning any dietary program.
First of all let's start by trying to understand what the immune system is and what it does for us. The immune system is like our little army of soldiers. It is responsible for protecting our bodies from illness, infection, and disease. It is a complex system that uses different body tissues and chemical reactions to defend our bodies from harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, microbes, free radicals and parasites.
The lympathic system plays a huge role in immune function. It is responsible for circulating and draining body fluids known as lymph to and from our organs. Lymph transports nutrients to the organs and removes any excess substances from them. They also contain white blood cells. The white blood cells are the little soldiers that kill the harmful invaders in our bodies. We have about 50 billion of these little soldiers.
Diet and lifestyle habits have a huge impact on our immune health. Unhealthy habits such as smoking, eating processed foods and drinking alcohol can increase the number of harmful chemicals in our bodies. These invaders are known as free radicals. Free radicals can also enter our bodies by breathing in pollutants found in our environments such as cigarette smoke, paint fumes, exhaust fumes and other air pollutants.
Free radicals cause cell damage within our bodies. This cell damage can eventually lead to illness and disease. If our army (Immune System) is constantly working to defend itself from free radicals then it has fewer resources available to fight off other invaders such as viruses and bacteria. This is why we tend to get sick when we compromise our diets with unhealthy foods or make unhealthy lifestyle choices.
So to sum this all up it's important to avoid free radicals so that we have enough strength to fight off illnesses such as colds and infections. Something as simple as a cut requires the help of the immune system. Every illness, injury and threat to the body requires an immune response in order to heal.
An overworked immune system that is constantly being attacked and compromised can also cause issues like chronic inflammation and autoimmune disease. Some autoimmune disease include: Celiac Disease (gluten intolerance), Cirrhosis of the Liver, Lupus, Psoriasis, Arthritis, Type I Diabetes Crohn's Disease, and many other diseases. Cancer is also linked to a compromised immune system.
Eating properly can drastically reduce and reverse chronic inflammation, boost your immune responses and help combat and reverse the affects of free radicals. Keeping your free radical intake low and your antioxidant intake high by avoiding processed foods and eating a wide variety of fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds is the best way to build a healthy immune system.
Now that you understand a lot more about your immune system let's start making it stronger with the foods:
Carrots, bell peppers, and dark leafy greens- contain high levels of vitamin A which protects the body from infection by moistening mucous membranes and producing healing enzymes.
Sunflower seeds and almonds- high in vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant. These foods have been found to play a large role in the prevention of both bladder and prostate cancer as well as Alzheimer's Disease.
Papaya, strawberries, citrus and broccoli- high in vitamin C which is an immune booster. Vitamin C stimulates the production of white blood cells. It has also been shown to prevent free radical formation.
Spelt, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, oats- these foods all contain zinc which is an element that maintains white blood cell levels and helps heal wounds.
Garlic- This powerful food has been known to have antibacterial and antiviral properties. It also helps in preventing cancers especially kidney and colorectal (bowel, colon).
These are just a few of the powerful healing foods that have been found to promote a healthy immune system. The best way to reap all the benefits of these power foods is to eat them raw. This ensures that the nutrients are not being destroyed through overcooking. Try juicing them, making a smoothie or throwing them in a salad.
References: Nutribullet's Natural Healing Foods Guide.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. In no way does this information replace the advice of a doctor. Please consult a doctor before beginning any dietary program.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
It's Finished
But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.
John 19:30
The price has already been paid. We don't have to struggle with addictions, illness and pains. God gave up His son to take our place and pay the ultimate sacrifice.
God's word says that obedience is greater than sacrifice. Many of us see our adversities and issues in our lives as sacrifices. We see our healthy lifestyles as sacrifices because we have to give up things we love.
Instead of obeying God and surrendering to His spirit we fight against it. We drown out His voice as we fill our lives with things that give us temporary pleasure.
God promised us that it was finished. Everything we dream and hope for. All the things that God has spoken to us..they are finished. The price has been paid.
We can walk in freedom now. We can walk in healing how. We can walk in joy now. Power now. Love now. Abundance now. Peace now.
We don't have to struggle trying to make things happen when it has been finished.
We must learn to walk in obedience....bringing our bodies and minds under subjection to the spirit. Walking in the perfect will of the Father and giving Him the glory.
Today as you walk out this calling God has placed on your life I pray that you would continue to align yourself with God. That you would understand His sovereign plan for your life and live by faith...trusting and believing in His promises.
That you may come to know the fullness of His glory. That you would awaken to your true identity in God. That you would remove the limits, labels, and masks and walk authentic to your purpose. Knowing that who you are inside is greater than anything you could ever come against.
Surrendering your will and walking the will of the one that created you. Living the abundant and prosperous life Christ died to give you. One that is filled with good health, love, peace and hope.
God's word says that obedience is greater than sacrifice. Many of us see our adversities and issues in our lives as sacrifices. We see our healthy lifestyles as sacrifices because we have to give up things we love.
Instead of obeying God and surrendering to His spirit we fight against it. We drown out His voice as we fill our lives with things that give us temporary pleasure.
God promised us that it was finished. Everything we dream and hope for. All the things that God has spoken to us..they are finished. The price has been paid.
We can walk in freedom now. We can walk in healing how. We can walk in joy now. Power now. Love now. Abundance now. Peace now.
We don't have to struggle trying to make things happen when it has been finished.
We must learn to walk in obedience....bringing our bodies and minds under subjection to the spirit. Walking in the perfect will of the Father and giving Him the glory.
Today as you walk out this calling God has placed on your life I pray that you would continue to align yourself with God. That you would understand His sovereign plan for your life and live by faith...trusting and believing in His promises.
That you may come to know the fullness of His glory. That you would awaken to your true identity in God. That you would remove the limits, labels, and masks and walk authentic to your purpose. Knowing that who you are inside is greater than anything you could ever come against.
Surrendering your will and walking the will of the one that created you. Living the abundant and prosperous life Christ died to give you. One that is filled with good health, love, peace and hope.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
He Knows Me
"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations" Jeremiah 1:5 (KJV)
"My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:15-16 (NIV)
To know someone is to be intimate with them. To know there innermost thoughts. To understand how they work...what makes them tic.....what moves them.
God's knows us. Before He formed us....created us.....He knew us. He was intimate with our spirit because we are a part of Him. He put His spirit in Earthen vessel. He formed us from the earth and breathed life into us.
He created us unique to our calling. Everything that we are. Everything that we do is for His glory. That truth is so beautiful to me. Every time I read those scriptures I get chills up my spine.
When I thought I was nothing, worthless, unlovable....God said I was His. He claimed me when no one else wanted me. When the world turned their back on me God turned my face to Him. He revealed His glory. He awakened me to my identity. He showed me that He loved me.
There is nothing in this world that I want more than to awaken people to that truth. Many of us are searching and searching for a truth that is already within us. We try to fill the voids in our lives with food, unhealthy habits and temporary fixes. The only thing that will ever fill that emptiness is God's love.
To know Him....to be intimate with Him and understand who He is and who He is in you is the most liberating thing in this world. It releases you from unrealistic expectations....those that tell you that you can only be something if you do something. It releases you from those self defeating thoughts that say you can't because of who you are or what you did.
Those are lies. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. With His power working through you you can defeat every adversity. His stripes heal you. His love sets you free. There is nothing in this world that can define you. You are His and He is unlimited.....therefore you are unlimited.
Every dream you have....every hope you wish...they can also come true. You can reach higher, be great, walk in authority and have what He promised you. Let do this! It's time to be all that HE created you to be. It's time to see yourself as HE sees you.
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