Today begins a new day. Today I start over. Today I am free.
Yesterday was hard. Don't know if it was the weather, the food I consumed at the tailgating (no, I didn't drink alcohol!), or my life story just whirling around and around in my head, making me think of regrets, unmotivation and opportunities missed or passed over. Either way, I could not physically or mentally move and my body ached as much as my soul.
I missed doing my Bible study AND my meditation this weekend so maybe I was having withdrawals. I am a sinner in so many ways. I procrastinate. I envy. I hate. I self-pity. I sloth. I could go on and on and on but I won't. I am working on being better and that is enough for now.
I did two meditations this morning to try and catch up. I will do two tomorrow to finish catching up but here's what I learned.....
MY GREATEST FEAR.
It is rejection.
There, I said it and I'm not ashamed.....anymore.
I use to be very ashamed. The fear of rejection has fueled so many mistakes (ok, ALL of my mistakes) in my life. I want to be accepted. By EVERYONE. By strangers, by family, by friends, by co-workers, by animals, by children, by elderly people, by clerks in stores, by waiters, by my children's teachers, by people who will never like me or care about me. I have suffered rejection. And it has NOT been my fault. Well, maybe once or twice but the rest of the time......NO.
What am I so aftraid of? What is the worse that will happen if I am rejected? I don't know but it has paralyzed me so many times I have tailored my whole life around trying to make sure it doesn't happen. I have not done things because I was SURE I'd be rejected if I tried. I have given up because I knew it would end in being rejected. I have cried and cried at only the possibility of possibly being rejected.
In todays meditation, I was to imagine a majestic mountain top and think of how to get there. I imagined the paths being overgrown with weeds and thorns. I was to remember that sometimes the "road less traveled" is the best path but that you have to pull those weeds, get them out of the way and clear your path. I imagined one big weed blocking my way and was told to think of that as my greatest fear. Then I was told to pull it and toss it aside so I can continue on my journey.
It. Was. That. Simple.
Rejection is rejection. It can not hurt me if I don't let it and it can not stop me if I pull it up and toss it aside. It has no physical strength. It can not break a bone. It can not chain me up and refuse to let me do anything. I had that once. I had that BECAUSE I was afraid of rejection.
I am free. I can do whatever I want and I can think whatever I want.
Today I continue to cleanse my mind and soul, letting my spirit, THE spirit, fill me. Today I start cleansing my body. It's hard. I'm not sure I can do it. The cleanse/detox I have chosen is rigorous. But, I know there are options that are just as good and I WILL make my body healthy, one way or another.
Here is a link for anyone not sure they can do the whole month cleanse thingy. It gives you the basics of what is healthy to eat and will possibly show you if you have allergies if you start reintroducing regular foods SLOWLY. It is a printable list you can keep on your frig so it's there, looking at you (much like the pig that oinks every time you open the frig door....only more subtle) http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/elimination-diet-printable-one-sheet
I AM FREE.
"In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and He answered by setting me free" - Psalms 118:5
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." - Galatians 5:1
Monday, November 18, 2013
Friday, November 15, 2013
Preparing for the Cleanse (aka stuffing my face with cheesy gooeyness while writing my healthy grocery list)
Yes, I'm eating all the junk I love while preparing to cleanse my body, once and hopefully for all, of all the processed toxins I have been consuming and not able to rid completely from my body. I am also weaning myself off my two favorite things in the world (besides my husband, thanks be to God that I don't have to give HIM up!)....coffee and chocolate!
Hey, I said I was going to do this but I'm also human!
I made my grocery list today for the first week and also got a good idea of what the "nitty gritty" of this detox/cleanse really is from a culinary standby. I will say this....it's going to be hard but it's going to be sooooo worth it. The food is good, healthy, no nonsense foods that everyone should be eating. It's old-school. It's a lifestyle change but it could be as normal a habit (after the 30 days) as spaghetti or French fries. I think that is why I was attracted to this, because it's a month long and you can make some serious changes in a month. It also has a lot of Oriental type foods and dishes and I'm a sucker for good Oriental (especially Thai) foods.
During my research today and making-of-the-list, I discovered some really good recipes, some interesting sites and enthusiasm of putting really healthy foods into my body and finding new organic and local sites to buy from, plus a renewed enthusiasm for my own gardens, both veggie and herbal.
Ok, listed below is an itemized grocery list, in order of how you should possibly find them in a typical grocery store. I do suggest going to either a local farmers market or Whole Foods to find the majority of these things and looking online to find the closest source for the "plant based protein powder". As the idea of starting to consume such a product could be overwhelming, I have found a video that may help with the process of choosing: http://www.chrisbeatcancer.com/my-favorite-plant-based-protein-powder/
Fresh spinach (about 6 cups)
Endive (or other dark green lettuce) 2 heads
Napa Cabbage (one head)
Red Cabbage (one head)
Bok Choy (about 6 cups)
Swiss Chard (about 2 cups)
Cilantro (one bunch)
Fennel (one bunch)
Celery (one bunch)
Sprouts (one package)
Shallots (one bunch)
Rosemary (4 sprigs)
Green onions (one bunch)
Yellow Onions (3)
Red Onions (4)
Broccoli (about 2 cups)
Cauliflower (about 10 cups)
Parsnips (3)
Ginger (one piece)
Garlic (12 bulbs)
Avocado (4)
Zucchini (2)
Squash (2)
Mushrooms (one container)
Hummus (can be used instead of Sunflower Pate) (or make your own: see Dr. Oz recipes)
Tomatoes (1)
Cucumber (2)
Carrots (10)
Lemons (6)
Lime (1)
Nectarine (1)
Mango (1)
Cherries (as many as you like)
Apples (as many as you like)
Long grain wild rice (3 cups)
Quinoa (1 cup)
Chickpeas (2 cans)
Black Beans (2 cans)
Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp.)
Water chestnuts (1 can)
Vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium/fat free) 2 1/2 cups
Hemp seeds (1 tbsp.)
Flax seeds (5 tbsp.)
Sesame seeds (1 tsp)
Sunflower seeds (1 cup)
Walnuts (1 cup)
Raw Almonds (1 cup)
Hazelnut Butter (4 tbsp.)
Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil (11 tbsp.)
Coconut Nectar (1 cup) info about: http://www.coconutsecret.com/nectar2.html
Flax Oil (1 tbsp.)
Olive Oil
Apple Cider vinegar (1/2 cup)
Rice Wine vinegar (2 tbsp.)
Stevia (4 tbsp.)
Cacao powder (4 tbsp.)
Vanilla Extract (2 tbsp.)
Dried Parsley, cumin, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, chili powder, coriander, sea salt, Chinese 5 spice (http://chinese.food.com/recipe/chinese-five-spice-powder-24232), fajita seasoning, chipotle powder (or smoked paparika, chili powder and red pepper)
Brown rice crackers
Halibut fillets (2)
Catfish fillets (2)
Ground turkey or lean beef (2 lbs)
Chicken breasts (8)
Coconut Milk (4 cups)
Unsweetened Almond Milk (at least 2 cups)
Frozen peaches (5 oz)
Frozen Blueberries (2 cups)
Frozen Raspberries (2 cups)
Parchment Paper
White WINE (yay!)
ORIENTAL SECTION or oriental market
Kimchee (or make your own: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/quick-spicy-kimchee-recipe/index.html)
Miso (use Japanese)
Wheat free Tamari
Nori Wraps
Wasabi (get powder if you can, it last longer)
HEALTH FOOD SECTION or Health Food Store
Plant based protein powder (in vanilla and chocolate)
Maca Powder : http://www.vegkitchen.com/nutrition/7-top-health-benefits-of-maca/
Spirulina : http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/923.html
Yerba Mate Tea : http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/6-health-benefits-of-yerba-mate-tea.html
Any green teas (organic) : http://www.chrisbeatcancer.com/tea-up/
A couple of places the daily meals call for sides and there is no recipe so I found ones I thought were filling, tasty and fit in this detox/cleanse routine.
Oven Roasted Parsnips Fries : http://mamasweeds.com/2013/08/09/oven-roasted-parsnip-fries/
Brown Rice Pilaf : http://www.food.com/recipe/brown-rice-pilaf-165739
And how to make rice flour so you don't have to buy it special : http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Rice-Flour
I know this looks like a lot to start off with but many of these things I know I already have and maybe you do too. If not, you shouldn't have to buy as much next week because a lot of these are used again and again. (please forgive me if I left anything off, it WOULD be a good idea to double check before you head to the store) And look at the longest part of the list......it's in the produce section!
We don't have any large grocery stores out here in the "boonies" so I'm headed to Whole Foods Market in Memphis Sunday! Yay me! (right after I sin, sin, sin at the tailgating tomorrow!)
"Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fattened ox and hatred therewith." - Proverbs 15:17
Hey, I said I was going to do this but I'm also human!
I made my grocery list today for the first week and also got a good idea of what the "nitty gritty" of this detox/cleanse really is from a culinary standby. I will say this....it's going to be hard but it's going to be sooooo worth it. The food is good, healthy, no nonsense foods that everyone should be eating. It's old-school. It's a lifestyle change but it could be as normal a habit (after the 30 days) as spaghetti or French fries. I think that is why I was attracted to this, because it's a month long and you can make some serious changes in a month. It also has a lot of Oriental type foods and dishes and I'm a sucker for good Oriental (especially Thai) foods.
During my research today and making-of-the-list, I discovered some really good recipes, some interesting sites and enthusiasm of putting really healthy foods into my body and finding new organic and local sites to buy from, plus a renewed enthusiasm for my own gardens, both veggie and herbal.
Ok, listed below is an itemized grocery list, in order of how you should possibly find them in a typical grocery store. I do suggest going to either a local farmers market or Whole Foods to find the majority of these things and looking online to find the closest source for the "plant based protein powder". As the idea of starting to consume such a product could be overwhelming, I have found a video that may help with the process of choosing: http://www.chrisbeatcancer.com/my-favorite-plant-based-protein-powder/
Fresh spinach (about 6 cups)
Endive (or other dark green lettuce) 2 heads
Napa Cabbage (one head)
Red Cabbage (one head)
Bok Choy (about 6 cups)
Swiss Chard (about 2 cups)
Cilantro (one bunch)
Fennel (one bunch)
Celery (one bunch)
Sprouts (one package)
Shallots (one bunch)
Rosemary (4 sprigs)
Green onions (one bunch)
Yellow Onions (3)
Red Onions (4)
Broccoli (about 2 cups)
Cauliflower (about 10 cups)
Parsnips (3)
Ginger (one piece)
Garlic (12 bulbs)
Avocado (4)
Zucchini (2)
Squash (2)
Mushrooms (one container)
Hummus (can be used instead of Sunflower Pate) (or make your own: see Dr. Oz recipes)
Tomatoes (1)
Cucumber (2)
Carrots (10)
Lemons (6)
Lime (1)
Nectarine (1)
Mango (1)
Cherries (as many as you like)
Apples (as many as you like)
Long grain wild rice (3 cups)
Quinoa (1 cup)
Chickpeas (2 cans)
Black Beans (2 cans)
Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp.)
Water chestnuts (1 can)
Vegetable or chicken broth (low sodium/fat free) 2 1/2 cups
Hemp seeds (1 tbsp.)
Flax seeds (5 tbsp.)
Sesame seeds (1 tsp)
Sunflower seeds (1 cup)
Walnuts (1 cup)
Raw Almonds (1 cup)
Hazelnut Butter (4 tbsp.)
Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil (11 tbsp.)
Coconut Nectar (1 cup) info about: http://www.coconutsecret.com/nectar2.html
Flax Oil (1 tbsp.)
Olive Oil
Apple Cider vinegar (1/2 cup)
Rice Wine vinegar (2 tbsp.)
Stevia (4 tbsp.)
Cacao powder (4 tbsp.)
Vanilla Extract (2 tbsp.)
Dried Parsley, cumin, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, chili powder, coriander, sea salt, Chinese 5 spice (http://chinese.food.com/recipe/chinese-five-spice-powder-24232), fajita seasoning, chipotle powder (or smoked paparika, chili powder and red pepper)
Brown rice crackers
Halibut fillets (2)
Catfish fillets (2)
Ground turkey or lean beef (2 lbs)
Chicken breasts (8)
Coconut Milk (4 cups)
Unsweetened Almond Milk (at least 2 cups)
Frozen peaches (5 oz)
Frozen Blueberries (2 cups)
Frozen Raspberries (2 cups)
Parchment Paper
White WINE (yay!)
ORIENTAL SECTION or oriental market
Kimchee (or make your own: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/quick-spicy-kimchee-recipe/index.html)
Miso (use Japanese)
Wheat free Tamari
Nori Wraps
Wasabi (get powder if you can, it last longer)
HEALTH FOOD SECTION or Health Food Store
Plant based protein powder (in vanilla and chocolate)
Maca Powder : http://www.vegkitchen.com/nutrition/7-top-health-benefits-of-maca/
Spirulina : http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/923.html
Yerba Mate Tea : http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/6-health-benefits-of-yerba-mate-tea.html
Any green teas (organic) : http://www.chrisbeatcancer.com/tea-up/
A couple of places the daily meals call for sides and there is no recipe so I found ones I thought were filling, tasty and fit in this detox/cleanse routine.
Oven Roasted Parsnips Fries : http://mamasweeds.com/2013/08/09/oven-roasted-parsnip-fries/
Brown Rice Pilaf : http://www.food.com/recipe/brown-rice-pilaf-165739
And how to make rice flour so you don't have to buy it special : http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Rice-Flour
I know this looks like a lot to start off with but many of these things I know I already have and maybe you do too. If not, you shouldn't have to buy as much next week because a lot of these are used again and again. (please forgive me if I left anything off, it WOULD be a good idea to double check before you head to the store) And look at the longest part of the list......it's in the produce section!
We don't have any large grocery stores out here in the "boonies" so I'm headed to Whole Foods Market in Memphis Sunday! Yay me! (right after I sin, sin, sin at the tailgating tomorrow!)
"Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fattened ox and hatred therewith." - Proverbs 15:17
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Cleansing.....or "Sweeping out all the junk to make room for new and improved"
Yesterday I had a migraine. I was expecting it, it's part of my monthly ritual. My migraines, however, have "evolved" over the last few years though into somewhat of a monster and no doctor, neurologist, gynecologist, or specialist has been able to diagnose me with anything other than "body migraines". I guess that's ok because THAT is what they are. Migraines all over my body. In every part. With seizures that radiate throughout like thunderstorms. In a nutshell.
Ok, enough of that. Just needed to share so there is an understanding of where my journey has come from, what pushes me and where I'm headed.
Recent events with our healthcare system are wrecking havoc on people who have "pre-existing conditions" and had great healthcare that was handling their particular issues. As much as I understand the need for that same care for everyone, regardless of wealth, (I was a single mom who owned her own restaurant and couldn't afford insurance when I started having my seizures and was told by the emergency room doctor to "just take Excedrin for Migraine until you can afford insurance so you can have the tests and get the medicines you need.") I also believe things should have been better thought out before it went into effect. But, it wasn't. And there is no doubt that insurance companies will be using every excuse to raise rates, drop customers and be choosy about each new customer they get. My insurance already requires a "healthy you" checkup each year with required tests and an information sheet filled out regarding my "lifestyle choices" My rates depend on those results and whether I smoke, drink, have multiple partners (I don't!) and what sports I participate in.
I see the train derailing and I am NOT going to be one of those who sits and waits and has no knowledge or ability to take care of myself, my family and my friends (if they so choose). There is no harm in using century old, proven methods, to take care of ourselves and make ourselves better. Inside and out, mentally, physically and emotionally.
First of all, I suggest to everyone to get into a group that meets at least weekly. Bible study, kick boxing, coupon swapping, continuing education, church, yoga, WHATEVER! Just DO IT! I have discovered having a support group, faces that see my face, hugs, coffee, community....these are things we all need. There is a 98 year old man that just started going to the church I attend often. They were talking about him at Bible study and how his wife died last year and he said he is just lonely and doesn't want to be alone anymore. He says the most amazing, heartfelt prayers each Sunday before offertory. He is touching so many lives just by continuing to LIVE. The preacher changed his whole sermon after hearing him pray and let God lead him to give the most enthusiastic speech I've heard in a long time. He is touching MY life. I was someone who had almost given up on people as a whole, on community, on fellowship. Then I thought...."how dare I give up? Look at him. He drives himself, he dresses for church, he shows up, he volunteers, he has not given up when everything and anyone would say "it's ok, you've done your work, rest now." Who else's life is he touching? Anyone that lets him. Anyone that lets God. He still has purpose because he is BREATHING!
OK, get involved, you have PURPOSE because YOU are still breathing!
Second, work on your heart and soul. Get books, read cute, uplifting sayings and quotes, subscribe to a mediation program. I just started one with Oprah and Deepak Chopra. Here's the link if you are interested: https://chopracentermeditation.com/. It just started so you can still catch up. And it's FREE! I feel the need for it in my life because I am doing a Bible study and everyday I find myself praying that I will have the ability to hear God, to hear my spirit telling me what I should do. But, the world is buzzing around me. There is so much noise.....dogs, cats, chickens, cows, ducks, 4-wheelers, dirt bikes, TV, Pandora, kids, telephone, Facebook, Pinterest, etc., etc., etc. So, I truly believe God led me to this series to answer that prayer. To give me that ability to be able to shut out and tune in.
And I'm GOING to do it!
Third, clean out that body! Look, I know. Believe you me, I KNOW how hard that one is. I have two teenagers and a 9-year old at home and a husband who, I believe, was attracted to me initially because I was a chef that specializes in good old-fashion, just-like-Grandma-use-to-make, home cooking! Well, that and Thai....but he's not so thrilled with fish sauce (another story for another day). Anywayyyyyy, detox. Get those preservatives, artificial sweeteners, GMO's, chemical based, can't pronounce ANY of the ingredients FILLERS out of your system!!! (because, face it, Twinkies and Ding Dongs no longer have any taste, they are strictly comfort foods. Just like Pop Tarts, microwave popcorn ((ok, they do pump enough chemicals and add enough salt to make popcorn have a "movie theater butter flavor")) and potato chips.)
Just relax and let your mind wrap around it without getting all defensive.
Most food, yes, even fruits and vegetables, have no flavor. We have to ADD it.
THAT IS SCARY. Isn't it? I am scared. I want my body cleaned out and I want to start over. I want to watch everything that goes in it and I want to find natural solutions to problems that we have only had in the past 20 years. Think of all the new diagnoses that didn't even exist when we were children. Think of all the things our grandparents NEVER had that we have at younger and younger ages.
Children with obesity and diabetes.
Young teenagers having heart attacks.
Young adults with fertility issues and cancers.
In the past five years I have lost over ten friends MY AGE (pushing 50 with a shovel) to diseases. That is NOT our new "norm" y'all! (yes, I am from Mississippi with the "y'all")
I will be starting a cleanse, detox, whatever......first thing Monday. And ummmmm yes, I realize it's close to Thanksgiving and Christmas and this is severely going to affect my usual "goodies" I partake of BUT, I will feel better in my skin. I will learn better eating habits. I will learn discipline and control. Here's the link to the program I will be starting for those who aren't afraid (or who watch my progress and then decide AFTER the holidays to try it...and no, I will never judge, it won't be my journey, it will be YOURS) http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/clean-detox-manual?page=11.
And for those who want to know why I'm waiting, it's because I'm going to tailgate with my son and his new wife this weekend to watch the Alabama (ROLL TIDE)/MS State game. My husband is a State alum as well as my new daughter-in-law, my son is finishing (I hope) his degree there and I have been a Bama fan from birth (thanks to my dad and Uncle Mike!) So see, I have priorities too. I am not perfect. I love football, chili and pecan pie (all of which I intend on enjoying even more knowing I have to give up two out of the three on Monday!)
I will leave you today with this Bible verse that I randomly opened the Bible up to after writing this post.
" Mine eyes do fail with tears, my bowels are troubled, my emotions is poured upon the earth for the destruction of the daughters of my people; because the children faint in the streets of the city." - Lamentations 2:11
How fitting is this? How can we say there are no miracles when we witness them everyday we open our hearts, souls and mouths?
Ok, enough of that. Just needed to share so there is an understanding of where my journey has come from, what pushes me and where I'm headed.
Recent events with our healthcare system are wrecking havoc on people who have "pre-existing conditions" and had great healthcare that was handling their particular issues. As much as I understand the need for that same care for everyone, regardless of wealth, (I was a single mom who owned her own restaurant and couldn't afford insurance when I started having my seizures and was told by the emergency room doctor to "just take Excedrin for Migraine until you can afford insurance so you can have the tests and get the medicines you need.") I also believe things should have been better thought out before it went into effect. But, it wasn't. And there is no doubt that insurance companies will be using every excuse to raise rates, drop customers and be choosy about each new customer they get. My insurance already requires a "healthy you" checkup each year with required tests and an information sheet filled out regarding my "lifestyle choices" My rates depend on those results and whether I smoke, drink, have multiple partners (I don't!) and what sports I participate in.
I see the train derailing and I am NOT going to be one of those who sits and waits and has no knowledge or ability to take care of myself, my family and my friends (if they so choose). There is no harm in using century old, proven methods, to take care of ourselves and make ourselves better. Inside and out, mentally, physically and emotionally.
First of all, I suggest to everyone to get into a group that meets at least weekly. Bible study, kick boxing, coupon swapping, continuing education, church, yoga, WHATEVER! Just DO IT! I have discovered having a support group, faces that see my face, hugs, coffee, community....these are things we all need. There is a 98 year old man that just started going to the church I attend often. They were talking about him at Bible study and how his wife died last year and he said he is just lonely and doesn't want to be alone anymore. He says the most amazing, heartfelt prayers each Sunday before offertory. He is touching so many lives just by continuing to LIVE. The preacher changed his whole sermon after hearing him pray and let God lead him to give the most enthusiastic speech I've heard in a long time. He is touching MY life. I was someone who had almost given up on people as a whole, on community, on fellowship. Then I thought...."how dare I give up? Look at him. He drives himself, he dresses for church, he shows up, he volunteers, he has not given up when everything and anyone would say "it's ok, you've done your work, rest now." Who else's life is he touching? Anyone that lets him. Anyone that lets God. He still has purpose because he is BREATHING!
OK, get involved, you have PURPOSE because YOU are still breathing!
Second, work on your heart and soul. Get books, read cute, uplifting sayings and quotes, subscribe to a mediation program. I just started one with Oprah and Deepak Chopra. Here's the link if you are interested: https://chopracentermeditation.com/. It just started so you can still catch up. And it's FREE! I feel the need for it in my life because I am doing a Bible study and everyday I find myself praying that I will have the ability to hear God, to hear my spirit telling me what I should do. But, the world is buzzing around me. There is so much noise.....dogs, cats, chickens, cows, ducks, 4-wheelers, dirt bikes, TV, Pandora, kids, telephone, Facebook, Pinterest, etc., etc., etc. So, I truly believe God led me to this series to answer that prayer. To give me that ability to be able to shut out and tune in.
And I'm GOING to do it!
Third, clean out that body! Look, I know. Believe you me, I KNOW how hard that one is. I have two teenagers and a 9-year old at home and a husband who, I believe, was attracted to me initially because I was a chef that specializes in good old-fashion, just-like-Grandma-use-to-make, home cooking! Well, that and Thai....but he's not so thrilled with fish sauce (another story for another day). Anywayyyyyy, detox. Get those preservatives, artificial sweeteners, GMO's, chemical based, can't pronounce ANY of the ingredients FILLERS out of your system!!! (because, face it, Twinkies and Ding Dongs no longer have any taste, they are strictly comfort foods. Just like Pop Tarts, microwave popcorn ((ok, they do pump enough chemicals and add enough salt to make popcorn have a "movie theater butter flavor")) and potato chips.)
Just relax and let your mind wrap around it without getting all defensive.
Most food, yes, even fruits and vegetables, have no flavor. We have to ADD it.
THAT IS SCARY. Isn't it? I am scared. I want my body cleaned out and I want to start over. I want to watch everything that goes in it and I want to find natural solutions to problems that we have only had in the past 20 years. Think of all the new diagnoses that didn't even exist when we were children. Think of all the things our grandparents NEVER had that we have at younger and younger ages.
Children with obesity and diabetes.
Young teenagers having heart attacks.
Young adults with fertility issues and cancers.
In the past five years I have lost over ten friends MY AGE (pushing 50 with a shovel) to diseases. That is NOT our new "norm" y'all! (yes, I am from Mississippi with the "y'all")
I will be starting a cleanse, detox, whatever......first thing Monday. And ummmmm yes, I realize it's close to Thanksgiving and Christmas and this is severely going to affect my usual "goodies" I partake of BUT, I will feel better in my skin. I will learn better eating habits. I will learn discipline and control. Here's the link to the program I will be starting for those who aren't afraid (or who watch my progress and then decide AFTER the holidays to try it...and no, I will never judge, it won't be my journey, it will be YOURS) http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/clean-detox-manual?page=11.
And for those who want to know why I'm waiting, it's because I'm going to tailgate with my son and his new wife this weekend to watch the Alabama (ROLL TIDE)/MS State game. My husband is a State alum as well as my new daughter-in-law, my son is finishing (I hope) his degree there and I have been a Bama fan from birth (thanks to my dad and Uncle Mike!) So see, I have priorities too. I am not perfect. I love football, chili and pecan pie (all of which I intend on enjoying even more knowing I have to give up two out of the three on Monday!)
I will leave you today with this Bible verse that I randomly opened the Bible up to after writing this post.
" Mine eyes do fail with tears, my bowels are troubled, my emotions is poured upon the earth for the destruction of the daughters of my people; because the children faint in the streets of the city." - Lamentations 2:11
How fitting is this? How can we say there are no miracles when we witness them everyday we open our hearts, souls and mouths?
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Caretakers of our bodies
I am doing a Beth Moore Bible study with a group of ladies. These ladies are from the church I have been attending. I will say now, I am not a member yet of this church, nor am I a regular attendee. I have had a hard time finding my way back to church, to the church family, because of a time in my life where I was so involved, giving all I had and was, to the church. I had turned to that church, I now believe, for the wrong reasons....to save my marriage and my family. I thought if I did everything right, if I gave myself completely to His service, He would make everything right in a very wrong life.
Apparently, it doesn't happen that way. And, in discovering this, in asking my priest to accept that I would have to leave that marriage to save myself and my children, in getting the answer of "this is your lot in life and you must bare it or leave the church", I felt rejection not only from him but from my church family and yes, from God. In a time when I needed them all so much.
I am now married to a wonderful man who lives his life as an example of how we all should be. I get angry sometimes because he is so patient, so giving, so caring and so selfless that others (yes, even myself) have taken advantage of him. We had somewhat of a heated discussion just last week because I thought someone was taking advantage of him and I wanted him to stand up for himself. He said that the person needed what he had and who was he to deny someone of a need. He (kinda) told me it wasn't hurting me and so it wasn't my concern. It was then I realized how much I love another person and he realized how much I love him because I told him that it WAS my concern. I am his defender, I am his support, I am his backup and seeing anyone use him hurts me. He told me he had never had that kind of love. I fell more in love with him (and I didn't think that was possible!).
How do these two examples tie into each other? Well, I see love as supporting someone no matter what. In understanding they aren't perfect but you would defend them to the death anyway. I did not get that from my church and associated that I wasn't getting that from God. I have shied away from church, from others, because I have been afraid of receiving that rejection again. I now have a husband who has taught me to love without expecting anything simply because it's the right thing to do. To give without thought of receiving simply because it's the right thing to do. To trust without knowledge that you will not be deceived simply because it's the right thing to do.
I know God has led me to this Bible study because I have been away from Him too long. He has led me to this group of ladies who, not ONCE has said "We didn't see you in church Sunday." Who accept me but don't expect one thing in return. I am finding my way back, I am loving again, I am giving again, I am trusting again and God has been there, patiently waiting, loving, giving and trusting that I would come back to Him.
I titled this blog today "Caretakers of our bodies" because I intended on talking about preparing our bodies to be open by cleansing and purifying ourselves. I am a firm believer in cleansing our bodies of all the toxins we are exposed to so they don't build up within us and cause permanent damage. But aren't our souls like that too? We need to get all the "junk" out of there so we can receive the good stuff. So we don't become toxic in our thoughts and deeds.
And, as God will have it, I read a verse this morning, while catching up on my Bible study, that spoke to me. It wasn't part of the study but, like so many times before, God led me to flip my Bible open to what HE wanted me to hear. II Timothy 2:19-21 says "Neverthless, the foundation of God standeth steady, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour and some to dishonor. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and useful for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work."
Isn't that a miracle? I was thinking I needed to focus on letting y'all know how to purge and cleanse your bodies so you can start healing your bodies and eating right and God took my secret prayer from the most painful part of my heart and He showed me that TRUE healing comes from realizing that there is good and evil in the world and that if we purge our hearts and our souls by just realizing this simple fact, we will become a vessel to be used in His name.
Maybe next time God will led me to share information I have gathered about cleansing our bodies to get all the toxins out but...... "Not my will, but Thine, be done". Amen.
" For it is God which worketh in you both to will and do of HIS good pleasure." - Philippians 3:13
Apparently, it doesn't happen that way. And, in discovering this, in asking my priest to accept that I would have to leave that marriage to save myself and my children, in getting the answer of "this is your lot in life and you must bare it or leave the church", I felt rejection not only from him but from my church family and yes, from God. In a time when I needed them all so much.
I am now married to a wonderful man who lives his life as an example of how we all should be. I get angry sometimes because he is so patient, so giving, so caring and so selfless that others (yes, even myself) have taken advantage of him. We had somewhat of a heated discussion just last week because I thought someone was taking advantage of him and I wanted him to stand up for himself. He said that the person needed what he had and who was he to deny someone of a need. He (kinda) told me it wasn't hurting me and so it wasn't my concern. It was then I realized how much I love another person and he realized how much I love him because I told him that it WAS my concern. I am his defender, I am his support, I am his backup and seeing anyone use him hurts me. He told me he had never had that kind of love. I fell more in love with him (and I didn't think that was possible!).
How do these two examples tie into each other? Well, I see love as supporting someone no matter what. In understanding they aren't perfect but you would defend them to the death anyway. I did not get that from my church and associated that I wasn't getting that from God. I have shied away from church, from others, because I have been afraid of receiving that rejection again. I now have a husband who has taught me to love without expecting anything simply because it's the right thing to do. To give without thought of receiving simply because it's the right thing to do. To trust without knowledge that you will not be deceived simply because it's the right thing to do.
I know God has led me to this Bible study because I have been away from Him too long. He has led me to this group of ladies who, not ONCE has said "We didn't see you in church Sunday." Who accept me but don't expect one thing in return. I am finding my way back, I am loving again, I am giving again, I am trusting again and God has been there, patiently waiting, loving, giving and trusting that I would come back to Him.
I titled this blog today "Caretakers of our bodies" because I intended on talking about preparing our bodies to be open by cleansing and purifying ourselves. I am a firm believer in cleansing our bodies of all the toxins we are exposed to so they don't build up within us and cause permanent damage. But aren't our souls like that too? We need to get all the "junk" out of there so we can receive the good stuff. So we don't become toxic in our thoughts and deeds.
And, as God will have it, I read a verse this morning, while catching up on my Bible study, that spoke to me. It wasn't part of the study but, like so many times before, God led me to flip my Bible open to what HE wanted me to hear. II Timothy 2:19-21 says "Neverthless, the foundation of God standeth steady, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour and some to dishonor. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and useful for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work."
Isn't that a miracle? I was thinking I needed to focus on letting y'all know how to purge and cleanse your bodies so you can start healing your bodies and eating right and God took my secret prayer from the most painful part of my heart and He showed me that TRUE healing comes from realizing that there is good and evil in the world and that if we purge our hearts and our souls by just realizing this simple fact, we will become a vessel to be used in His name.
Maybe next time God will led me to share information I have gathered about cleansing our bodies to get all the toxins out but...... "Not my will, but Thine, be done". Amen.
" For it is God which worketh in you both to will and do of HIS good pleasure." - Philippians 3:13
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Welcome and May God Bless You!
Well, this is my first post. Chef will be so proud! Let me start by explaining the name, then my purpose, and finally what led me here.
Divine, as defined in yourdictionary.com, means "relating to God or extremely good". All good things come from God and I believe He meant for us to live off the land and provide for our families and those less fortunate. The world today is ate up with artificial everything and we have become so dependent on others for our needs, we have forgotten how to take care of our own. We have forgotten what our grandparents taught us; how to live off the land, be self-sufficient and how to love our neighbor as ourselves. Isn't THAT "relating to God and/or extremely good? Yeah, I thought so too..... Restorative is actually the word that restaurant was taken from, or "to restore" and the first dishes sold were called "restoratives". My first day of culinary school I heard aforementioned "Chef" say the first restaurant was named "The Divine Restorative" and it has been in my head and heart every since. I did my final project on it. We had to design a restaurant from top to bottom with menus, budgets, scale design, theme, everything. I did mine based on a family farm where the barn had been turned into a restaurant and everything sold there was either grown there or within 100 miles. It was a "green" restaurant and I will hold on to those plans for the rest of my life just in case.....
My purpose here is to share knowledge. Knowledge I have through years of living frugally, growing some of my own food, having farm animals, being a decent cook, mom, activist, survivalist, friend, neighbor, nature lover and Christian. Then too, I will be using knowledge I gather through my immense library of books on Mother Earth News, Farmers Almanac, Backwoods Home and Country Wisdom. That, with a sprinkling of my mamaws wisdom (God rest her soul), my Grandmamas Cajun puns (still kickin at 92!), verses from the Bible that ALWAYS seem jump out at just the right moment (God's miracles everyday!) and thoughts shared from friends both near and far that are wise and dear. And I hope you will share things you know. A collection to help us all.
It's a crazy world we live in and it's getting crazier every day. I see moral decay. I see more and more use of artificial things, most of which we are putting inside our bodies for convenience sake. It scares me. I personally am affected, I believe, by this. I have migraine with seizures and they can't determine what causes them. I am guilty of convenience. I am guilty of MSG and GMO usage. I want to stop so I can save myself and hopefully others. It's not going to get better, it's going to get worse. If you are the main shopper for your family, you have noticed a huge increase in food prices this year, some things doubling or tripling in price. There ARE things we can do. We are the caretakers of our bodies, our families and our land. Even if you live in an apartment, you can grow herbs and/or some vegetables and eat healthier by buying locally. We don't get lazy about making sure we have our TV schedules planned so we can see all our favorites shows. If we can do THAT (which I find daunting and overwhelming), then we can control other areas of our lives.
I will leave you today with this....a picture one of my best friends sent me a few weeks after her house burned. She keeps jars of seeds in her kitchen for the following years planting and had had a grease fire and lost almost everything. We had just been talking about my garden and she said "well, I guess on the bright side this year, I won't have to get our there and sweat in the garden, all my seeds burned up". She started crying and said she didn't know how she was going to take anything good out of this, that she was trying but that it was so hard and that she'd rather have her garden and her house. The next morning she found this okra (from her seeds) growing on a burnt piece of wood. She said "You know, burnt wood is great in a garden......." Thank you God!
Divine, as defined in yourdictionary.com, means "relating to God or extremely good". All good things come from God and I believe He meant for us to live off the land and provide for our families and those less fortunate. The world today is ate up with artificial everything and we have become so dependent on others for our needs, we have forgotten how to take care of our own. We have forgotten what our grandparents taught us; how to live off the land, be self-sufficient and how to love our neighbor as ourselves. Isn't THAT "relating to God and/or extremely good? Yeah, I thought so too..... Restorative is actually the word that restaurant was taken from, or "to restore" and the first dishes sold were called "restoratives". My first day of culinary school I heard aforementioned "Chef" say the first restaurant was named "The Divine Restorative" and it has been in my head and heart every since. I did my final project on it. We had to design a restaurant from top to bottom with menus, budgets, scale design, theme, everything. I did mine based on a family farm where the barn had been turned into a restaurant and everything sold there was either grown there or within 100 miles. It was a "green" restaurant and I will hold on to those plans for the rest of my life just in case.....
My purpose here is to share knowledge. Knowledge I have through years of living frugally, growing some of my own food, having farm animals, being a decent cook, mom, activist, survivalist, friend, neighbor, nature lover and Christian. Then too, I will be using knowledge I gather through my immense library of books on Mother Earth News, Farmers Almanac, Backwoods Home and Country Wisdom. That, with a sprinkling of my mamaws wisdom (God rest her soul), my Grandmamas Cajun puns (still kickin at 92!), verses from the Bible that ALWAYS seem jump out at just the right moment (God's miracles everyday!) and thoughts shared from friends both near and far that are wise and dear. And I hope you will share things you know. A collection to help us all.
It's a crazy world we live in and it's getting crazier every day. I see moral decay. I see more and more use of artificial things, most of which we are putting inside our bodies for convenience sake. It scares me. I personally am affected, I believe, by this. I have migraine with seizures and they can't determine what causes them. I am guilty of convenience. I am guilty of MSG and GMO usage. I want to stop so I can save myself and hopefully others. It's not going to get better, it's going to get worse. If you are the main shopper for your family, you have noticed a huge increase in food prices this year, some things doubling or tripling in price. There ARE things we can do. We are the caretakers of our bodies, our families and our land. Even if you live in an apartment, you can grow herbs and/or some vegetables and eat healthier by buying locally. We don't get lazy about making sure we have our TV schedules planned so we can see all our favorites shows. If we can do THAT (which I find daunting and overwhelming), then we can control other areas of our lives.
I will leave you today with this....a picture one of my best friends sent me a few weeks after her house burned. She keeps jars of seeds in her kitchen for the following years planting and had had a grease fire and lost almost everything. We had just been talking about my garden and she said "well, I guess on the bright side this year, I won't have to get our there and sweat in the garden, all my seeds burned up". She started crying and said she didn't know how she was going to take anything good out of this, that she was trying but that it was so hard and that she'd rather have her garden and her house. The next morning she found this okra (from her seeds) growing on a burnt piece of wood. She said "You know, burnt wood is great in a garden......." Thank you God!
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory
of God" - I Corinthians 10:31
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