Healthy Lifestyles For Women

The Kick Off

2011-12-12T11:24:00.000-08:00

Today I have control of my eating. I am doing good. I got up and exercised for twenty minutes. I had water then I had oatmeal with peaches for breakfast.

I got a little hungry this morning a couple of hours after breakfast, so I drunk water. Lunch I had self control and I feel like I did not over eat. I had a roast beef sandwhich on wheat bread with provolone cheese and swiss chees. I also had a hand full of salt and vinegar chips. I had Mellow Yellow for drink. I know that is not the healthiest lunch but like I said I did not OVER eat which is key for ME. The goal for me is to get CONTROL of my eating. I will work on the healthy part after the holidays.

Last week I would have had two roast beef sandwhiches and half the bag of chips. SERIOUSLY!! I told y'all I was bad. I was on my way to obesity. My stomach hangs over my pants now. I can barely button and zip my pants. I hate looking at my self naked in the mirrow. I don't have any energy. This has got to go.

Ok I know y'all are thinking I am being to hard on myself I have to be in order to turn things around before they get worse. We can make all the excuses we want. "I am big boned, I am on medicene that makes me eat, Big is the new sexy, I love me some me, Accept me for the way I am."....NO, NO, NO. The truth is your miserable and out of shape. Let's get some self-control. From now on we eat to live not live to eat.

What Happened?

2011-12-12T11:09:00.000-08:00

What happened to me the last seven months? Well, a lot. The journey has not been good. I have gained more then twenty pounds in the last seven months.
I became an emotional eater. I was on a circle of eating then regretting I ate so I would eat some more. This time I am going to take you all with me on this journey. The journey is going to be real.

The first step if for me to get out of this slump, the slump I have been in for seven months. I got burned out and lazy. I am wearing different hats in my life right now. Plus I deal with insecurities.

I am insecure about whether I am good enough. I have got to learn to be me, no matter what. I am not shaped like Beyonce or Rihanna. I am not Halle Berry either. I don't have a big bottom, big breast and small waiste. Instead of the insecurities making me push harder to be a better me, it does the opposite. I get to a point when I don't care and just start feeling sorry for myself. I try to eat away my insecurities which in the long run is just making everything worse and makes me feel worse.

I want the skinny waiste and the nice body which I was on my way to at the first half of the year but then it seemed like it wasn't good enough. I guess there is always room for improvement but not to the point where it makes me quit and not care about myself.

This is it! Today I declare and decree I am a beautiful woman of God and I am not going to have any more slumps. I am not going to have any more slumps physically and spiritually.

New Business Opportunity and Health Products

2011-05-13T12:33:00.000-07:00

I am really excited about becoming a Young Living Independent Distributor. Young Living sells aromatherapy products and nutritional supplements. I listed some facts about the company below. Please also check out my website https://www.youngliving.org/talisashannon for more information, to order products, and become a distributor.

"Is one of the world's leaders in the cultivation, distillation, and production of pure essential oils.
Is headed and founded by D. Gary Young, one of North America's foremost authorities on essential oils.
Is the first company to combine guaranteed pure essential oils with dietary supplements.
Sells products in over twenty different foreign markets, including Canada, Japan, Australia, and the UK.
Has more than 125,000 distributors.
Uses a proprietary low-pressure, low-temperature stainless steel steam distillation system designed by Gary Young to preserve the high quality of essential oils.
Owns more than 1,800 acres of farmland in France, Utah, and Idaho with over 70,000 square feet of greenhouse space.
Cultivates over fifteen different herbs and botanicals, including peppermint, spearmint, basil, clary sage, lavender, rosemary, thyme, melissa, and wolfberry.
Is the largest importer of the Ningxia variety of Chinese wolfberry, a superfood studied in China for its immune-supporting and anti-aging benefits. "

Reset Button

2011-05-13T12:21:00.001-07:00

I watched a movie around Christmas time about a man who kept messing up Christmas for his family. He had to relive the same day over and over again until he made all the right decisions. He had to treat everyone with respect and have the perfect day before he could move on to the next day. He was getting a chance to hit the reset button on bad decisions that he made. Wouldn't it be nice if we could all hit a reset button on life or at least when we make mistakes?

Guess what, we do have a reset button. The reset button has a name, Jesus Christ. PRAISE GOD!!! Jesus died so we can have a reset button. He forgives us and does not condemn us for our bad decisions. He helps us get out of the bad stuff we got ourselves into. I am so greatful for my reset button cause I would not be sitting here typing this blog if it were not for Him. When we believe that Jesus is the son of God and confess our wrongs, then we will be saved, made new. He loves us so much that He resets us and does not remember the wrong we did. 2 Corinthans 5:17 in the CEV Bible "Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new."

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Not Quite Swimsuit Ready?

2011-05-11T13:41:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for the swimming pool? If not, do not give up. It is not too late to trim down and change to a healthy lifestyle.The spring time is a good time to get outside and burn extra calories. The nice weather will help you melt off pounds in no time. Going for a long, brisk walk or jog outside will burn lots of calories. Playing sports with friends and/or family is also fun. Nothing like a good basketball game or tennis match outside, especially if you win. Remember to drink plenty of water while doing outside activities.
Spring time is also when fruit is blooming. Fruit is a great substitute for the sweet tooth. Instead of going for that gallon of ice cream, go for a bag of orange. Another sweet tooth craving healthy treat goes back to my child hood, frozen juice cubes. Poor your favorite juice in ice cube trays and put them in the freezer. About half way through the freezing process stick tooth picks or Popsicle sticks in the middle of each cube. Once they are frozen remove the tray and their is a healthy snack. Frozen yogurt and sherbet are also light, healthy snacks that curve that sweet tooth craving.
Once again remember to drink plenty of water. Do not do a crash course diet where you starve yourself for a week, it is not healthy. Instead, make being healthy a lifestyle.

Learning to be a self-controlled wife

2011-05-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

Being a wife is not easy. It is a role that takes a lot of patience and biting of the lip to keep from talking too much. However, sometimes my lip gets loose and starts moving so fast I don't realize it until after it has stopped. When my lip does that it forms words that I did not know existed in my mind. They are not curse words but hurtful words. If I am really upset my hand wants to join in the "fun" sometimes and start doing its own thing by slamming stuff around.
I have learned to train myself by letting love take over my heart. I take a moment to walk away then come back when I am ready to talk calmly. Sometimes, as women, we do not have to talk at all, but with our actions. Continue to show love to your husband even when he has made you upset, it will blow his mind. It takes a lot of self-control, faith and patience to do this. For example, your husband won't do something for you that you have been begging him to do. However, he keeps throwing his dirty clothes on the floor and all over the nice clean bedroom you just straightened up. Instead of yelling at him like you always do and get no results, try walking in the room without saying a word (and smile like you sincerely) then proceed to pick up his nasty clothes. After you get done give him a little peck on the cheek and a hug then walk out of the room. If it doesn't work the first time came keep doing it. Love never fails!

Be True to You

2011-03-08T11:17:00.000-08:00

Are you true to yourself? Are you you all the time or do you change depending on the atmosphere?
Every place has a different atmosphere. Every home, for example, is not like yours. Every church is not like yours. Everyone is not always going to have the same opinion as you do. Therefore we should not become like everyone else because we do not have the confidence to be different in an environment. If you do not agree with something say so but do it in a respectful way. If you feel uncomfortable saying anything then just be an example instead of following the crowd. For example, there is a woman's meeting that is supposed to be a Christian environment but it turns into a gossip meeting. You shouldn't join in the gossip but say something about the women gossiping. If you do not feel comfortable correcting, then politely change the subject.
Do not compromise who you are to be a people pleaser, rather be a God pleaser. If you do not know God on that level get to know Him. Pray and ask Him to show you how to live a life that is pleasing to Him so you will not blow in the wind. Trying to people please will make you miserable, therefore please God so you will be filled with peace and joy that surpasses all understanding.

Too Lazy

2011-01-24T13:47:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 20:4 says, "If you are too lazy to plow don't expect a harvest."
We all have many desires that are within our reach but the one thing holding us back can be ourselves. The scripture can be used in any area of our lives, especially health. Basically, if a person is not willing to put in the work then the person can not expect the results they want.
Exercising is time consuming. There is no way around it taking time. If everyone reading this blog took a moment and reflected on their daily lives then they would see they have the extra time to exercise. It might be a matter of waking up 30 to 45 minutes early. It might be a matter of turning off the television or even exercising while watching it.
There is time to exercise and take care of ourselves, there is no excuse. Each person has to do what works for them but the key word is do. Do exercise and not be lazy sitting around wishing for more muscles or weight loss. It is not going to happen without the work. You get out of it what you put into it. In the end the result will be worth the hard work because it will be the result desired.

Always Hungry?

2011-01-05T11:28:00.000-08:00

I have heard many people say that the more they eat right and exercise, the more hungry they are. Some people just give up and start back living an unhealthy lifestyle because of this. It is the reason why many of us hate trying to lose weight is because it feels like we are starving. Why?
Many people blame it on an increase in metabolism. Of course exercising and eating right is going to make our metabolism faster but that is not the only reason. Another reason we feel like we are starving at the beginning stage of a healthy lifestyle change is because of a hormone called leptin.
Leptin was discovered in 1994 by scientist doing research on obesity. Leptin is a hormone that travels back and forth from our fat cells to brains to communicate. It tells the brain that we have enough energy from fat and do not need to eat any more but it can also tell the opposite.
When a person starts to lose weight they burn of fat. The leptin hormone is like hold up, we need to go tell the brain that we need more energy our buddies are leaving and we have to bring them back. So the brain tells you, you are hungry. A lot of people get hungrier under stress, why, because they are burning more energy due to that stress. The leptin hormone is telling them they are hungry when they really are not but just need to refocus the energy.
Whats the solution to controlling our leptin hormone? That is the solution. Learn to control leptin and not let it control you. There is no supplement or prescription for it because the body does not receive it in that form. Eating healthy snacks life fruit, low sugar and low sodium in between meals will help you control the hungry feeling. Of course drinking lots of water is another trick. Another good hint is to obey the leptin. Do not continue to stuff yourself when the brain is telling you your full. It can make the leptin levels all out of whack, which is what happens to obese people. Obese people have to relearn how to take control of their leptin hormone levels.
Always remember we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. Philippians 3:14.

Bring On The New Year

2010-12-31T12:05:00.000-08:00

The New Year is coming and it is going to be good. God is going to break out on people who have been faithful in their walk with Him. It is going to be the year that true, consistent Christians will prosper in every area of their lives.
God's grace is sufficient meaning it is not too late to receive Jesus into your heart and make Him Lord. It is not too late to reconcile with Him and start a fresh, new relationship with Jesus.
A quick testimony of what God did for me in 2010. I have always known God as Lord and Savior since I was 8 years old. Of course I have made some bad decisions from the age of 8 until now. In 2010 I learned to truly depend on Him and to see Him as my Father as well as my Husband. God showed me myself through my surroundings, which is my family. Through God showing me these things I grew closer to Him and closer to the purpose He has for me.
I am so excited about what God is going to do for my family and I in 2011. It is going to get better and better for everyone who continues to whole heartily seek the Lord. Remember God loves us and is always ready to receive us as His children. Let 2011 be the year that you receive His love and love Him back.

Lift Up Men In Prayer

2010-12-29T06:53:00.001-08:00

It is late and I am usually in the bed by now but this is something I had to write from God. People complain about the leaders of this country and of the church. In order for the problem to be fixed we have to have good leadership in the home.
Man can not keep blaming the woman or anything else for his mistakes. We as women are going to make mistakes. It goes all the way back to Adam and Eve. Eve ate the forbidden fruit first. Here comes Adam doing it because Eve did it. Uh, Adam you supposed to be the leader not the follower. Not that it excuses the women from doing wrong either.
God was more upset at Adam because he was supposed to be in charge. Adam got distracted and disobeyed God. The same thing is happening to our men now. Men are getting distracted from God with the economy, selfishness, lustful desires which will cause them to reason with the devil and disobey God.
We have got to take a stand against Satan by consistantly praying for them. Whether they be married or single; rich or poor; young or old. We have got to get our good leaders back.

The True Gift

2010-12-21T05:26:00.000-08:00

It is the season of giving. So many people are caught up on giving physical gifts that they get so stressed out about not being able to give anything. Many people end up getting those pay check loans or title loans which usually end up doubling in cost because of the high interest. Some people just choose not to participate at all.
I spoke to someone about this the other day. They were upset because they did not have any money to give and did not want to participate in the family gatherings. I told that person that is should not matter what physical gifts you have, your presence should be gift enough.
God has given Christians spiritual gifts that we can share with others. If you don't have physical gifts to give, give yourself. Give the gift of love.
Love is something everyone desires and it is the most powerful gift of all. Love is the reason why we celebrate Christmas because it is the reason why Jesus was born. "For God so LOVED the world He sent His only begotten son."John 3:16. Isn't Christmas about celebrating the birth of Jesus, therefore it is about celebrating the gift of love.

If Only...

2010-12-13T09:03:00.000-08:00

It is great to make goals and have visions for our life. As a matter of fact it is healthy to have goals and visions so life does not just pass us by. Goals and visions give us a since of purpose. However it is not good to continue to put off these goals and visions.
So many of us sit around and think "if only" then I could do what I need to do. For example some people say if only I had a million dollars my life would be so much better or if only I was married. If only I had went to college or if only my kids would act right. If only I could lose 10 pounds. If only, if only, if only, if only....
Do not wait for "if only" to come. Enjoy where you are today and if you do have an "if only" do something about it. I am not saying go out and marry the first person you see if getting married is your "if only" but what I am saying is start taking steps to prepare yourself for marriage. Read books about marriage, get to know married couples to get tips from them and so on. The same thing for people who want to lose weight or go back to school.
Even for someone who wants to be a millionare. Start making goals, plans and visions then put them to action. Start reading books about money, investing or starting your own business depending on your goal. Set a goal, research, start taking steps to achieve that goal, then endure. Endure the beginning stages, test and trials, do not shrink back. Stay consistant and before you know it that "if only" will become a reality. Stop saying "if only" and start taking action.
Another key thing to achieving your "if only" is do not let anyone talk you out of it. No matter what is going on around you. If family members come to you and say that is not a vision or goal then just turn your head then keep going. If people tell you that is not possible say yes it is and keep going. Some people may stop talking to you because you stand up for your "if only" goals but keep going. Adopt the Energizer Bunny mentality and just keep going, going, going, going...then BAM. There your "if only" finally is in reality. You lost that 10 pounds, you started that business, you graduated from school with honors, and so on.
Don't let anyone stand in your way of the "if only" goal, including yourself. Stop saying "if only" and start taking action.

Lessons From Our Kids

2010-12-08T13:38:00.000-08:00

I have talked about this before in blogs about when observing my kids I learn about myself. Today I learned another lesson, from my son. He is two in a half, full of joy and energy. He is also very curious and adventureous. He can also be very destructive. He loves trains and has a book about them that he loves so much. Today he was looking at the pictures but I guess he wanted to see what would happen if he tore the page. I saw that he was getting ready to start tearing it and of course I tried to stop him. My trying to stop him did not do its job. His curiousity out weighed my warning.
After the page was torn into two, he realized what he had done. His facial expression was so heartbreaking, he looked like he had lost his best friend. He cried and got mad at me! I told him I tried to tell you not to do it but you did it anyway. He wanted me to fix it but I could not, why, because I have no clear tape. So now he is going to have to wait until I get some more tape.
How many of us have done that? We made a wrong choice out of disobedience and when we saw the damage we had done blamed it on something else. I have done that many times. Instead of blaming someone else it is better to take a moment and evaluate yourself. Once I realized it was me I was able to repent and wait patiently for the problem to be fixed. I put the problem in God's hands. He is such a loving God, He forgave me so I faithfully trusted and waited on Him then He fixed it. He will also do the same for you.
That was a great observation I learned from watching my child. Take the time to observe your children today to see what lesson God shows you.

Lift Each Other Up

2010-12-03T12:30:00.000-08:00

Today I was out and about running errands when I ran into a very pretty woman. Her make-up, hair and clothes were beautiful. Before when I would see a woman who seemed like she had it all together I would covet then start to feel bad about myself. Now I see myself different. I compliment and sometimes ask for advice like where did they get a nice jacket from. Anyway, back to the woman I saw, I complimented her make-up because I promise it looked like she had it done by a professional. She was so excited and surprised. You would have thought I had given her a million dollars. That compliment made her day, especially to hear it from another beautiful woman, myself.
I told that story to say we as women have got to start lifting each other up. There is so much hate, covetousness, and jealousy going on between women these days. It has got to stop! We are all different and we each have something the other may need. It is time to lift each other up and help.
Now I am not saying we all have to be best friends with everybody but do not feel bad about yourself when you see someone with better stuff. We don't know what they went through to get the nice stuff. Plus, they still might be going through something even with the nice stuff. When I say stuff I mean anything from man to nice jewelry.
What if I had hated on that lady and not opened my mouth? Her spirits would not have been lifted and her day would probably have gotten worse. I helped boost someones confidence instead of tear it down by hating on her. I also boosted my confidence by opening my mouth to say something and it felt good to help someone else feel better.
Remember that lifting each other up and treating each other kindly is a good way to receive the same thing. We should treat each other the way we want to be treated.

Beat Stress And Fatigue

2010-12-01T12:43:00.000-08:00

A lot of people call this time of year the season to be stressed instead of the season to be jolly. I am here to say that it can be the season to be jolly for everyone. Stress and fatigue can be controlled by making three lifestyle changes.
1. Exercise- Get moving! Laying around hoping and praying that you wake up with a six pack is not the way to get the perfect body. Trust me, I tried. The best way to get in shape and get the blood flowing is to exercise, yes even in the winter time. The chemicals released during exercise give energy and releave stress. There are a couple of ways to do it by a gym membership or at home. Choose the way that best fits your life as long as you do it.
2. Eat Healthy- This time of year many of us are eating a lot of comfort food like fruit cake. That is fine but just remember to eat moderately if you are going to partake in all the sweets. Too much bad carbohydrates will weigh you down and make you feel sleepy. Eating the good carbohydrates like fruits, whole grain wheat and lots of protein will give natural energy to make you feel like you will never have to sleep again, maybe.
3. Last but definately not least, PRAY! Praying and having a relationship with God is the key to a peace of mind. Isaiah 26:3, amplified version "You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You." When we focus on God, we will be at peace in every area of our lives.

What Would The World Be Like?

2010-11-29T13:33:00.000-08:00

Imagine everyone debt free.
Imagine everyone rich.
What would the world be like?

Imagine everyone physically fit.
Imagine everyone with no sickness or disease.
What would the world be like?

Imagine no one arguing or angry.
Imagine no crime.
Imagine no war.
What would the world be like?

Imagine no heartache or pain.
Imagine no depression or suicides.
What would the world be like?

Imagine everyone not sinning.
Imagine everyone walking in unconditional love.
What would the world be like?

Imagine if everyone believed in Jesus.
Imagine if everyone lived according to the Bible.
What would the world be like?

Secret Spending

2010-11-26T13:39:00.001-08:00

I was reading a magazine article about a topic that many people do not discuss, why, cause its a secret. The secret is married couples who secretly spend money. As soon as spending money is mentioned the finger pointing goes straight to the female but that is not always the case. Many men have secret addictions that require spending money without their wife knowing. No matter who is doing the spending it can cause a good marriage to go sour. A survey was done and 80% of married couples have dealt with this in their marriage. Just because majority of people think something is okay does not mean it is.
There are some solutions to this problem. The first solution is to be open and honest with each other. If a spouse has a secret addiction that is costing the family money (all addictions cost something) then it is time to be honest. It might hurt but in the end it will be better. The couple can seek Godly counsel to put the marriage on track. A wise person seeks counsel.
Another solution for a couple who just wants to have money for themselves is to reach a compromise for an allowance. Some people call this "mad money". It allows each spouse a little freedom.
I hope this blog will help married couples improve in their marriages. This is the time of year when most spending takes place. It is also that time of year that causes depression and addictions to take place. During these times remain thankful and positive. Remember communicate with people who will help lift up and not tear down.

Thank You, Lord

2010-11-24T12:04:00.000-08:00

Thank You, Lord, for Your saving grace.
Thank You, Lord, for Your love.
Thank You, Lord, for creating the earth.
Thank You, Lord, for providing.
Thank You, Lord, for healing.
Thank You, Lord, for protecting.
Thank You, Lord, for never forsaking.
Thank You, Lord, for never changing.
Thank You, Lord, for Your Word.
Thank You, Lord, for opportunity.
Thank You, Lord, for friends and family.
Thank You, Lord, for everything.
Thank You, Lord, for Thanksgiving food.

Job Description Of A Godly Woman

2010-11-15T19:48:00.000-08:00

All are welcome to apply. Entry level position. No experience is necessary. The job can be performed every where you go. There is no start up cost because it has been paid by Jesus Christ and He will train you for the position.
Qualifications: Confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe it in your heart. Repent from your past sins. Receive Jesus into your life.
Job description: Love is the main duty but also remain thankful, joyful, faithful and peaceful when the job gets a little rough. There maybe times when you don't feel like working but push through, it will be worth it. Renew your mind daily by developing a relationship with Jesus Christ. Read the Bible, Pray and attend a church where you can grow spiritually. Give God glory with your lifestyle. Right now this seems easier said then done but promotion will come if you do your best on the job. Jesus will promote you from glory to glory to glory.
Hours and Days: 24/7 and yes all Holidays
Pay: Unconditional love, grace and mercy from an all powerful God and Eternal Life

Hair Is No Excuse Not To Workout

2010-11-14T19:25:00.000-08:00

African American women have a history of creative hair styles. The styles are known to be show stoppers and jaw droppers. They are so magnificent that the fresh from the salon hair style keeps many African American women from exercising. Hair should not be the excuse to not take care of our bodies. One way to keep the hair nice is to tie it up in a silk scarf. There are silk scarves available that help absorb the sweat and they are not very expensive. I have one and it works good. The key is to leave it on as the sweat dries. Once the sweat is all gone then take the scarf off so the hair will continue to lay down. There is also the regular sweat head band to put around the edges to keep the hair looking straight.
A lot of women have decided to wear their hair natural. Some examples of this are twist, small afro and braids. This is an easy up keep and looks great. Wearing a weave while exercising regularly can become itchy, if you sweat in abundance, which may make the style uncomfortable. It is best to try different styles that best fits you and your lifestyle. There is nothing wrong with changing it up a bit. I personally, like to wear my hair short because it gives me more options and it is easier for me to up keep. When I had long hair it was in a pony tail majority of the time because of the thickness of my hair and when I sweat it really gets thick.
The point of this blog is to keep us, all women, moving to a healthy lifestyle with no excuses to achieve our goals.

Vitamin D But Lactose Free

2010-11-12T09:03:00.000-08:00

If your like me lactose does not sit well on your stomach. As a matter of fact your stomach starts to talk to you after trying to digest lactose. This can be a very embarrassing situation. Don't worry, we are not the only people who have this. Nearly 75% of adults worldwide have lactose intolerance. We still need vitamin D, especially women, to help us maintain healthy bones as we get older.
If you are not a fan of diary products then the best way to get Vitamin D is through supplements. Taking vitamin supplements is a great way to prevent deficiency and not to worry about getting enough in food alone.
Vitamin D supplements can be found in any pharmacy and health food store. They can also be purchased at the links I have below.
Another way get enough Vitamin D without lactose is to substitute. There are other great tasting milks available to by besides just regular hurt your stomach milk. The first one is almond milk. Almond milk is made from almonds and is very thin. It does not have a lot of protein but has antioxidants which is a plus. Rice milk is another type but is has more fat then almond milk. It also does not have that much protein. The last milk is the more popular substitute for milk and that is soy. Soy milk has lots of protein and comes in many types all lactose free. It is also very tasty and good to cook with. Soy milk is used in a lot of organic products that do not contain lactose like cheese and yogurt for examples.
If non of the above products satisfy your taste buds and you can only drink regular milk then there is another option. There are some medicines that are over the counter and for severe lactose intolerance provided by the doctor with a prescription. These medicines help the body digest lactose at ease without all the stomach bubbles.

Ready, Set, Cook!

2010-11-08T12:56:00.000-08:00

Taste of Home is having a great cookbook sale just in time for the cooking season. The sale starts November 9, 2010 and ends November 18, 2010. See details below.

Shop Taste of Home $5 Cookbook sale. Cookbooks up to 80% off. Expires 11-18-10. Shop now and get Free Shipping on your order of $20+ use code: LST02

Duster Buster

2010-11-07T19:52:00.000-08:00

I know that Swiffer has been out for a while but I am just now catching on. At first I was skeptical about it. However my ceiling fans were starting to look dark grey because of all the dust. I thought either I am going to climb up on a ladder again or find something a lot easier and less dangerous to clean it with. We have high ceilings in our living room so cleaning the ceiling fan with a chair and a towel does not work. Anyway, I was browsing through Wal-Mart in the cleaning product section and the light was shining brightly on the Swiffer section. The light was like if you did not buy this product instead of breaking your neck to clean that ceiling fan. So I bought it, tried it and love it.
Oh my goodness it took me 5 minutes to clean the fan. My ceiling fan has never looked so clean. The handle extends out so all I had to do was climb up in my kitchen chair and push the button on the handle then dust my little heart out. I was so excited I was dusting everything in the house with the Swiffer. The amazing thing is that I like it so much I did this on a Saturday night. All I had to do is throw away the duster part and I will put a new one on when it is time dust again. It was great and I recommend this product to anyone who has high ceilings.

Insanity DVD Workout

2010-11-04T15:12:00.000-07:00

Whew! I borrowed this workout from a friend of mine and let me tell ya, I am thinking about investing in it myself because it is worth the money. It is a very good workout that I can feel on every inch of my body. It is very high impact and the video warns if you have bad knees don't try it. Of course if you do have health issues consult your doctor before starting any diet and fitness program. This workout is pure Insanity. It comes with 10 DVDs, calendar, fitness guide and nutrition guide for a sixty day total program.
So far I am sore but filled with more energy. My favorite workout is the cardio abs that is mainly done standing up and holding in the mid section. It last for about 16 minutes with cardio that is focused on the abs. It is hard work but worth it because I have a goal of loosing five pounds. I am pretty sure this workout is going to do it along with me watching what I eat. It is Insanity!

Pomegranate Power

2010-11-03T13:39:00.000-07:00

"For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, that flow out of valleys and hills, a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey," Deuteronomy 8:7-8

Pomegranates is a powerful fruit that is filled with great antioxidants. There are many ways pomegranates can be cooked and drank. Below is a recipe called Turkey Pomegranate Chili from POM Wonderful recipes.

Ingredients
-Juice from 2-3 large POM Wonderful Pomegranates,* or 1 cup POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice
-1/3 cup arils from 1 large POM Wonderful Pomegranate
-1 4 x 4-inch double-thick piece of cheesecloth and kitchen string
-2 tablespoons oil
-1 1/2 cups chopped onion
-1 cup chopped red, yellow or green bell pepper
-1-2 chipotle chilies in adobo sauce,** finely chopped
-2 cloves minced garlic, or 1 teaspoon pre-minced garlic
-2 cans beef or vegetable broth (add more if needed)
-1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
-1 15-oz. can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
-1 6-oz. can tomato paste
-1 teaspoon salt
-1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
-1 bay leaf
-2 1/2 cups shredded cooked turkey or diced cooked steak or beef
Garnish (optional):
-Shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

Preparation
-Score 1 fresh pomegranate and place in a bowl of water. Break open the pomegranate underwater to free the arils (seed sacs). The arils will sink to the bottom of the bowl and the membrane will float to the top. Wrap 1/3 cup of arils in cheesecloth and tie into a bag with kitchen string. (Refrigerate or freeze remaining arils for another use.)
-Prepare fresh pomegranate juice.*
-Place oil in a Dutch oven or soup pot and heat until hot. Saut onion, bell pepper, chilies and garlic for 3 minutes.
-Stir in broth and pomegranate juice; immerse cheesecloth bag in mixture.
-Stir in beans, tomato paste and seasonings. Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat.
-Cover and simmer over low heat, uncovered, for 1 hour.
-Remove bay leaf and discard. Stir in turkey; simmer 3 minutes more.
-Remove cheesecloth bag and discard. Check seasoning. Sprinkle cheese over each serving.
-Refrigerate or freeze any leftovers in tightly sealed containers.
*For 1 cup of juice, cut 2-3 large POM Wonderful Pomegranates in half and juice them with a citrus reamer or juicer. Pour mixture through a cheesecloth-lined strainer or sieve. Set the juice aside.

**Tip: Chipotle chilies in adobo sauce are smoked jalapeno chilies with a sweet-hot smoky flavor. They come in small (usually 4-oz.) cans in the Hispanic food section of larger supermarkets. Freeze any remaining chilies and sauce from the can in a tightly sealed freezer container for future use.

Nutrients Per Serving (20.4 oz.): 446 calories, 32g protein, 49g carbohydrate, 15g total fat (3g saturated), 57mg cholesterol, 1588mg sodium, 256 RE vitamin A, 70mg vitamin C, 5mg iron, 5mg niacin (B3), .7mg vitamin B6, 25mcg selenium, 1mg manganese.

Note
This can also be made using steak, ground beef or vegetables.

Portion Control

2010-11-02T12:44:00.000-07:00

The other day I went shopping with a friend of mine who looks great after having a baby just eleven months ago. She is almost back down to her regular size. When we met she was pregnant with the baby so I did not know what her regular size was but I did notice she is getting small and fast. She said she just lives life. She is a stay at home who home schools, has a farm and loves God. She stays busy but does find time to take walks in the park when the weather is nice. The busyness of her life is her exercise. She does not eat the bread of idleness, in other words she is not lazy. She also does not stuff her self when she is full. She uses self control when it comes to eating so she can eat what ever she wants. She is not greedy or gives in to gluttony. When she told me that I thought,WOW!
Portion control can really make a difference in our everyday living. It is us being in control of the food instead of the food controlling us. This is something very powerful that we should all remember this time of year when we are looking to keep warm with comfort food. It is fine to partake in sweets but use portion control. It will help to stay in control of weight and maybe even loose some before the New Year holiday.
Another thing about portion control is to continue eating fruits and vegetables. Basically remember to maintain a healthy, balanced diet with not too much sweets this holiday season. One thing I do is ask myself if the huge slice of double chocolate cake worth the sacrifice. By the time I wrestle with my self I sometimes get just a small piece or not a piece at all. Just thinking about whether I should eat it or not makes me not want to.
This holiday season I am going to use portion control. I know I said this season because sometimes it is easier to make small goals. After this season is over we will say portion control for the next couple of months and so forth. If you decide to make the same pledge let me know by responding to this post and we will get through it together.

Cook & Freeze by Dana Jacobi

2010-11-01T10:02:00.000-07:00

I saw the author of this book on a talk show today and I thought "Wow, she is good!" She has a book called Cook & Freeze that gives 150 recipes of food that can be frozen to be used later. This book is worth investing in if you are a busy mom and someone looking to save money on food. It is also good for someone like me who does not know how to freeze food. I stick foil over it and put it in there but it doesn't last. If I don't take it out of the freezer soon enough to eat then it is not the same food I froze. Dana Jacobi teaches the right methods of freezing so that food will not get freezer burned.It is also a good book for this time of year when a lot of cooking takes place and many leftovers are thrown out. Many of the food we throw out can be frozen to save for later. A couple of examples are chili and soup. Usually when cooking chili and soup there is a lot leftover. The soup can be put in frozen bags and laid flat to freeze. It is important to make sure there are no air bubbles in the bag when freezing.

This wonderful book called Cook & Freeze is available on Amazon and there is a link to the upper left hand corner. It is also available at retail stores and book stores.

Characteristics Of A Good Husband

2010-10-28T12:55:00.001-07:00

A little while a go I wrote a blog about the characteristics of a good wife. Now it is time for the husbands.

1. Fear the Lord. Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction".

2. Love his wife unconditionally.

3. Gives himself for her. In other words not selfish and wanting to please himself.
Ephesians 5:25 "Husbands love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her"

4. Leads wife to purity by being a living example of the word of God. Ephesians 5:26 "that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the Word"`

That pretty much sums up the characteristics of a good husband. I know it is not a lot but if he follows these four then everything else will fall into place.

Four Loko

2010-10-26T08:10:00.001-07:00

We have all tried energy drinks to get us through a long day. We have also done the coffee drink to get a boost. Well there is a new energy drink on the market that is supposed to give a boost of energy but relax you at the same time. It is called Four Loko and is quickly becoming a new party drug, but legal. This drink contains alchohol along with caffiene. It is basically mixing Red Bull with beer which is very dangerous. The Four Loko drink has caused people to literally pass out at parties because of the indegredients. It can cause the body to go crazy because it does not know if it should get pumped up or relax. People are starting to try to get Four Loko banned because it has caused rapes and some serious health issues for people who have indulged. It just goes to show that just because it is legal does not mean it is good for you.

Push Through Pain

2010-10-25T19:31:00.001-07:00

"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ`s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy" 1 Peter 4:12-14.
When a person first starts to get in a regular exercise routine their body is sore. Sometimes it so sore or painful that they can freely move their body. However the person must push through the pain because it will not last long plus the end result will be fabulous.
The same thing happens in trials of life. Things come up like a family member may not like the fact that a person has totally surrendered their life to Jesus. The family member does not want anything to do with this person but should the new Christian stop loving Jesus? No, because the end will be God getting the glory. The new Christian should pray and love the person the best way they can.
Through any pain in life it is good to push through and not to give up on God. Give the situation over to Him so He can fix it. While God is fixing it trust Him and do not complain but praise. Praising God in the middle of pain will bring peace and joy that surpasses all understanding, including yours. It is like stretching out those muscles until they stop hurting. After all the stretching, the muscles are stronger and leaner. The spirit of a person is stronger and leans more on God after pushing through pain.
Please continue to push through pain because the end result will be awesome.

Does True Love Exist?

2010-10-21T11:23:00.000-07:00

Does true love exist? I asked this question on Facebook because I wanted to know what people thought. So many people are looking for love which there is nothing wrong with. People just need to make sure they are looking for the right kind of love. After all we, meaning humanity, are created in God's image and God is love. We are naturally loving and are searching for love. Our lives are shaped around it. Hopefully we are shaping it around the right kind of love.
The right kind of love is unconditional love. This kind of love does not quit, it last until the end. This is the kind of love God has for us and this is the kind we are supposed to have in our hearts. This is the kind of love we long to receive. Unconditional love is true love.
True love does exist. It exist in Jesus Christ who gave us the ultimate sacrifice, Himself. Even when we mess up He welcomes us back in His arms if we choose to return to Him. He does not condemn us but loves us. Condemnation comes when we do not receive His love but receive the other love that results in heartache and pain. The other love I am talking about is love for the world. This love is temporary and is never truly at peace. This love leaves to try to find the next best thing when the going gets tough. This love is focused on self and sometimes will do what it takes please self even if that means hurting other people.
It is good to love people but do it with unconditional love and not the temporary love. Love like Jesus loves. The first step is loving Jesus by believing He is the Son of God. Then confess and repent from sins. Continually delight yourself in Him by loving Him and He will direct your life. He will show you the benefits of His unconditional love and how to give it to others. If everyone found true love in Jesus the world would be like heaven.

Tyler Perry on Oprah

2010-10-21T06:27:00.000-07:00

Tyler Perry is a person who entertains people with humor that has a serious message behind it. None of us knew the real person behind the fame until he appeared on Oprah. His past was something that was dark and not funny like his character, Madea. He suffered from severe physical and sexual abuse that change his life. He says that he would remember that joy his mom had when they were in church no matter what was going on. He remembers thinking that he wanted to know what she knew. He wanted to know Jesus.
If it were not for Jesus in Tyler Perry's life he would not be the man that we all know him today. He admitted yesterday that if it were not for faith in Jesus he does not know where he would be. It was a very awesome testimony of how to overcome any obstacle in life with the love of Jesus.
If you are going through something or have a dark past know that the love of Jesus can give a peace that surpasses all understanding. He will give you a joy that is unexplainable to people. He will bring you out so miraculously no one will know about your past until you tell it as a testimony to help others. I am a living witness about how awesome Jesus is. If you want prayer and/or to receive Jesus in your life send me a message. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He sent His Son, and WHOEVER BELIEVES WILL BE SAVED".

It's All Mental

2010-10-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

The Biggest Loser was a good episode last night. They brought back the players that did not make it on the campus to see how much weight they lost at home. They all did good. Sometimes all it takes is for the extra push to get moving.
Once a person realizes they can do it then the way they feel about themselves changes. They see that they are not a failure and they can do anything they set their mind to do. Working out will make a person sore but that just means it is being done right. The soreness will not last long and then the person will see that it was worth the pain because of the results.
If you are a person who has been putting of getting into shape and making a healthy lifestyle change for whatever reason, it is time to get moving. Tell yourself you can do it. Make out a schedule and stick to it. Think and speak positive thoughts about yourself then how you feel will follow.

Shortest Blog

2010-10-18T12:21:00.000-07:00

It has been more than a week since I have posted on this blog. Please forgive me to all my fans and I appreciate your support. Feel free to check out links and other pages I post on this blog. The links have great sales and it is a easy way to shop for the holiday season that is approaching fast.
Also get out and enjoy the nice fall weather along with the beautiful scenery. It is a great way to get free exercise outside of the house and gym before the winter months. Going to fall festivals and garage sales is a great way to get in exercise plus have fun.
This is the shortest blog I have written but that is okay. Sometimes short is good. Please feel free to send me suggestions about topics you want me to research and talk about on this blog. Be blessed!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2010-10-09T15:17:00.000-07:00

I know that it is the 8th day of October but it is never to late to talk about awareness of breast cancer. October is breast cancer awareness month. Many retail stores have put out displays in between the Halloween and Christmas decorations to let people know to wear pink to raise money for the cure. I am writing this blog as my part to let people know more about it.
The main sign of breast cancer is a lump in the area. Many times it can be a cyst or something minor. It is important to go to the doctor to get it checked out regardless. The doctor will run many tests before it is actually diagnosed as breast cancer. If it is diagnosed then the doctor will go over treatments with you.
Remember the #1 healer is Jesus. Keep your eyes and heart toward the Lord if you are dealing with this disease. Keep your heart toward God if you are not dealing with it as well. Always remember to take care of yourself by eating right and exercising because it will help to prevent the disease.

Who Is Your Engineer?

2010-10-08T10:50:00.000-07:00

"When the train goes through a tunnel and the world gets dark, do you jump out? Of course not. You sit still and trust the engineer to get you through." Corrie ten Boom
I thought this was a good metaphor of when things get wacky in our lives, not give up. Sometimes life requires us to sit back and trust the engineer in our lives. The engineer is God. I am at this place in my life now. I have done all I can do, now I am trusting the engineer in my life. I know He is going to bring me through this dark tunnel into the light.
As I type this I think about the coal miners in Chile. They are stuck in a dark hole, waiting for almost three months to see light. When they show them on the news camera they are not down there all crying and panicking. Honestly, I would probably be down there going crazy. Anyway, yes, they miss their families but they have a hope. They know they are not going to be in that dark whole forever. They know they are going to see light.
Today, I am encouraging you as I encourage myself. If you are going through something trust and believe the engineer of our lives, God, is not going to keep us in this dark tunnel. He is going to bring us into marvelous light.

Healthy, Comfort Food Snacks for the Cold

2010-10-04T21:56:00.000-07:00

Every now and then we all crave some comfort foods to help us feel better after a long, cold day. Unfortunately the comfort foods we choose are not always the healthiest. Below are a few comfort food ideas with good taste and not that much fat to keep us healthy.
1. A green apple with cinnamon.
The green apple has natural sugars that make it sweet therefor the only seasoning needed is a sprinkle of cinnamon. The green apple can be cut up into large pieces and placed in a bowl of water. Place the bowl in the microwave for about one minute. Take it out and sprinkle cinnamon to taste.
2. A small bowl of oatmeal mixed with dry fruit.
This is one of my favorites. I enjoy a small bowl of oatmeal, mixed with dried cranberries. I put the cranberries in before I put the oatmeal in the microwave for a sweet treat.
3. Room temperature pudding.
This is a great treat that has hardly any calories. Buy the individual size pudding cups and put them in the cupboard instead of the refrigerator.
4. Sugar free warm drinks.
Liquid is a great snack filler as well. Especially sugar free hot chocolate or apple cider.
Remember to shop for these healthy items in the store and resist grabbing the bag of cookies for just-in-case situations. If you don't buy it, you won't see it and you won't eat it.

Cold Morning vs. Warm Bed

2010-10-04T21:27:00.000-07:00

Burr! It is that time of year when the mornings are cold and the bed is warm. Hitting the snooze button five times seems so much like the best idea when the bed is so nice and cozy. Squeezing in exercise in the afternoon somewhere between helping kids with homework and cooking dinner always seems like a good idea on a cold morning. Then the afternoon comes around and you barely have the energy to get ready for the next day. Why? Because you hit the snooze button five times that morning instead of exercising.

Exercising in the morning can give a person enough energy to last through the whole day and maybe beyond. The hard part is getting out of a warm, comfortable bed into the chilling, cold air to do it. A good idea to help get moving is to try laying out exercise clothes just like work clothes. This way the clothes are the visible so that you have to get up and exercise.

Another way to get moving in the morning is to do some stretches and exercise in the bed. You can lay flat on your back and pull the legs up to the chest to stretch them. Lay flat on the back and punch the cold air with the fist a few times or do leg lifts to get the blood flowing. When the blood starts flowing you will start flowing and be ready to get up to do a morning exercise routine.

What Is Your House Built On?

2010-10-03T06:32:00.000-07:00

What happens in your house when things go wrong? What happens when unexpected bills, sickness and other trials come in your home? Does your family rejoice, count it all joy and have peace that surpasses all understanding? Does your family completely fall apart with arguments and sinning taking place when trials come?
This day in time when there is so much going on in the world it is important that families have a strong spiritual foundation. The best spiritual foundation is the Word of God. It is important to renew minds and hearts daily by spending time with Jesus. The devil is out to kill, steal and destroy not us but the Word of God. The devil does not want families to exist to prevent the spreading of God's word. If he destroys the family then hearts will be broken and people, maybe even kids, might turn their hearts from God if they have not built their house on the Jesus.
Beware of the devil's schemes. Do not let him come in and destroy your home. Stay committed to God and the covenant relationship with Him. The trouble in your home will not last with a good foundation in Jesus.

The Purpose Wheel (www.purposewheel.blogspot.com)

2010-09-29T12:10:00.000-07:00

The Purpose Wheel ™

8 Week Lifestyle Renewal Program

The Purpose Wheel™ is an 8 week program divided into two phases. Phase I is Rebalancing and Phase II is Long-Term Lifestyle Maintenance. The program has been designed by a team of nutritionists, fitness instructors, and alternative medicine practitioners. LoveLovingLove, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to heal impoverished communities with holistic health education and love. We have partnered with the best nutritionists from Khizen LLC and USANA to create a program that helps clients:

· lose weight
· increases energy
· builds lean muscle
· improve quality of life

What makes our program unique is that we focus on the wellness of the whole person according to their purpose. We also aim to improve the seven elements of personal health. We recognize these as being:

· physical
· emotional
· spiritual
· intellectual
· occupational
· social
· environmental

For more information or for an application contact:

Rashida Ali-Campbell Executive Director and Wellness Coach

Ph: 610.931.0826 Email: rashida@lovelovinglove.com or lovelovinglove@gmail.com

Characteristics Of A Good Wife

2010-09-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

1. Loves God. "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30.
2. Good conduct. "Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they without a word may be won by the conduct of their wives." 1 Peter 3:1
3. Submit. " Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord" Ephesians 5:22
4. Takes care of the house. "She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness." Proverbs 31:27
5. Speaks with wisdom. "She opens her mouth with wisdom and on her tongue is the law of kindness."
6. Takes care of herself. " She makes tapestry for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple." Proverbs 31:22
7. Handles money wisely. "She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard" Proverbs 31:16.
8. Hard worker. "She seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands." Proverbs 31:13

Are You A Closet Eater?

2010-09-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

We have heard of anorexia and anemia as food disorders but there is one that is new to the scene. It is called closet eating which is binge eating but in private. Some type of eating disorder affects 10% to 15% of women in the United States. The disorder growing more popular is closet binge eating. The difference between binge eaters and closet binge eaters is the mental state of the person. Binge eaters overeat anywhere, any time of the day no matter who is looking. They are not ashamed that they are overeating. Closet binge eaters are more sneaky and try to hide the fact that they overeat which is dangerous.
Closet binge eaters mainly over eat due to emotions. They eat more if they have had a stressful day by sneaking food. If this sounds like something you do, then beware. Closet binge eating is dangerous because it can cause unwanted weight gain suddenly. A person my think they can afford to sneak a binge but then it becomes regular. Before the person knows it they have gained weight and become unhealthy.
The best way to prevent this is self control. A person should find other ways to handle stress instead of sneaking food. Exercise is a good way to handle stress with out gaining weight. It is better to sneak away and do jumping jacks or run on the stairway at work. Do things to improve your health not hurt it.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

2010-09-24T21:39:00.000-07:00

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
from Allrecipes.com

Prep Time: 45 Min
Cook Time: 3 Hrs
Ready In: 3 Hrs 45 Min.

Original Recipe Yield 8 servings

Ingredients:

Noodles (the noodles should be prepared the night before)
2 eggs
4 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour

Soup
8 cups chicken broth
2 cups diced celery
1 cup diced onion
3 cups baby carrots, chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 pound chopped, cooked chicken meat
1 (16 ounce) package frozen corn kernels
salt and pepper to taste
seasoned salt to taste
1 cube chicken bouillon

Directions
1.Mix eggs and milk together until well beaten and then add salt and flour. Dough should be stiff. On a floured surface roll dough out really thin, 1/8 of an inch. Let dry 30 minutes and then cut into thin slices. Place on wax paper and let air dry OVERNIGHT.

2.In a large stock pot add chicken broth, celery, onion, baby carrots, and garlic. Fill stock pot, 2 inches from the top with water. Simmer until vegetables are tender, about 2 hours.

3.Add chicken and corn. Season with salt, pepper, seasoning salt and chicken bouillon granules. Simmer for 30 minutes, checking to see if water level has decreased. Add water if needed.

4.Bring to a boil, add noodles, stirring often. Noodles should be done in 20 minutes. Serve hot.

Nutritional Information
Amount Per Serving Calories: 343
Total Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 96mg

The Biggest Loser -Week 1 Season10

2010-09-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

The Biggest Loser premier was very interesting. The trainers traveled to seven cities and had three people compete from each city in a challenge. The first two people to win were on the show. I am sure there is going to be a twist later in the season involving the other people who competed.
The very interesting thing was that every person has a story. Their story involved some breaking point in their lives that made them just want to eat. They were using food to fill that void and fix their emotions. One guy said he has an addictive personality inherited. He made a good point about turning to food instead of alcohol or drugs. I think that is what a lot of people do. Since it is food some people have the mind set that it is not going to hurt to lay around and eat a whole bag of chips. The truth is it does hurt, especially if it becomes a habit or an addiction.
Everyone of us have had some traumatic event that has changed our life. It is okay to mourn, get angry and upset BUT we can not stay there forever. We have to get up, dust the dirt off and keep on going. We have to fight for our right to live past the trials and tribulations of life. The key is to be thankful to God for everything we have and not dwell on the bad. When we dwell on the good the strength and joy comes to keep living.

A Good Woman

2010-09-20T11:29:00.000-07:00

This blog is based of the scripture Proverbs 12:2, "A good man obtains favor from the Lord, But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn."
This scripture is not just talking to man but to woman as well. We obtain favor from the Lord because we strive to be good. The key word is strive because we are not perfect, mistakes do happen. Just because mistakes happen does not mean we intentionally make mistakes. If we do make a mistake then we are to confess, ask for forgiveness and repent. Repent means to turn away from and do not do it again especially since we know that it is wrong. That is what the scripture means by "wicked intentions". God knows our hearts, He knows everything about us, therefore He knows when we mess up on purpose.
God does forgive and will not condemn if we change our ways to be "good". Some people reading this blog feel like your life is going in a big circle. You keep doing the same thing and keep getting the same result. If this is you then it is time for a change. Change to try to be a good woman who loves God and wants to please Him rather then pleasing everyone else including self. It is time to get off the merry-go-round.
If you are ready to get off the merry-go-round of life. Then respond to this blog by leaving a comment with your contact information. The comment will not post publicly. If you are reading this on Facebook then send me a private message.

It's Chili Time!

2010-09-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

Yay!! It is finally fall and it is time for warm, cozy food. Wait! Does that mean it has to be high in fat & calories? Of course not! I have searched high and low to find a low fat recipe of an all time favorite, chili. This recipe is on http://www.lowfatcooking.about.com/ and it has several five star reviews.
There will be a lot more recipes and tips coming to get us through this fall/winter season in a healthy way. Feel free to send any suggestions as well.

Three Bean Crockpot Chili
by Fiona Haynes at About.com
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours, 15 minutes

Ingredients:
•1 large onion, chopped
•2 large carrots, diced
•3/4 pound extra-lean ground beef
•1 tbsp chili powder
•2 tsp cumin powder
•1 15-ounce can reduced-sodium kidney beans, drained and rinsed
•1 15-ounce can reduced black beans, drained and rinsed
•1 15-ounce can reduced-sodium pinto beans, drained and rinsed
•1 4-ounce can diced jalapeno peppers, drained
•1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

Preparation:
Coat the inside of a 4-5-quart crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. Place chopped onions and carrots at the bottom of the crockpot. Brown ground beef in a skillet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle chili powder and cumin into skillet. Remove spiced ground beef with slotted spoon and place on top of vegetables in crockpot. Add kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans, jalapeno peppers and crushed tomatoes. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Serves 8
Per Serving: Calories 263, Calories from Fat 30, total Fat 3.4g (sat 1.3g), Cholesterol 26mg, Sodium 476mg, Carbohydrate 38.7g, Fiber 11.7g, Protein 19.6g

Self Abuse

2010-09-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

The news this morning was talking about a young woman who had acid thrown on her face in Vancouver. She claims she was walking down the street and an African American woman threw acid on her face for no reason. The lady a description of the woman to give to police and people were looking for someone to match the description. The woman got all kinds of recognition in her home town. The lady finally confessed she splashed acid on her own face. She made everything up. The police questioned her motives but her answer was she doesn't know. The woman will continue to be investigated.
The question is why? Why would someone self abuse themselves to that degree when their life seemed to be perfect?

One Flaw In Women

2010-09-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

This poem is from an email I received. It is good! Be blessed!

One Flaw In Women

Women have strengths that amaze men.....

They bear hardships and they carry burdens,

but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy

and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in..

They stand up to injustice.

They don't take "no" for an answer

when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel

and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about

a birth or a wedding.

Their hearts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member,

yet they are strong when they

think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss

can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you

to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what

makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideas.

They give moral support to their

family and friends.

Women have vital things to say

and everything to give..

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

The Crown of the Wise

2010-09-12T14:28:00.000-07:00

Growing up it was fun to pretend to be kings and queens with beautiful crowns that shined with jewels for miles away. Now that we are adults we have our crowns, not actual crowns but life. Crowns represents what kind of life we have. Is our life crowned with joy, peace and prosperity? Is our life crowned misery, worry and struggle?
If you have a crown of life that is basically like the crown of thorns they gave Jesus on the cross be encouraged because the bad crown can be turned into a gold crown filled with jewels. The Bible says in Proverbs 14:24 "The crown of the wise is their riches, but the foolishness of fools is folly." The Bible defines the wise as those who honor God with their lives. We honor Him by seeking Him first. First does not mean just the time of day but first in our thoughts and the way we live. We must put God first in our hearts and seek His will in every area of our lives we are wise. If we do this we will receive a crown that is full of riches. Riches are not just money but also include peace, joy, strength. We need these spiritual characteristics to stand against the trials so when around us are not perfect we remain grounded full of joy, peace strength that is everlasting.
Choose to wear the crown of the wise. Choose to put God first in every are of your life.

What's In Your House?

2010-09-09T19:56:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 15:6 says, "In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but in the revenue of the wicked is trouble."
Is your household filled with peace and love no matter what is going on? Does your house always seem to be chaotic and something bad always happening? I ask this because people have to know that what is happening physically around them is what is happening in the spiritual realm. For instance, if someone does not read the Bible except for church on Sundays then chances are your life is not going as smooth as it should be. This person has no relationship with God. They don't know God and He will give some mercy but why not choose all of God. It is the same thing as a married couple who do not spend time together. They don't know each other so it is hard for them to please one another and give what each other truly desires.
When people truly seek God first He will give the desires of thier heart. He will fill their houses with treasures. Treasure is not just money but in every area of life. God's desire is to give us a great life. We must desire Him and His will. I pray that everyone who reads this will choose to live righteous. If you have not accepted Jesus in your life as Lord, please reach me through leaving a comment to this blog. Your information will not show publicly. It will come to me first.

Learning From The Kids

2010-09-08T11:49:00.000-07:00

I have been observing my kids lately and realized their behavior is all too familiar. I think where did they learn this behavior from. Then the light bulb cuts on that they learned it from me.
Moms if you want to learn more about yourself, watch your children. Their character, speech and obedience in every area. More then likely the way they act comes from watching you. Also God will use our children to teach us a lesson on how we treat Him. For instance, if you are going through a stubborn season of not listening to God, then watch how your children respond to you. Your probably thinking, I keep having to tell my kids the same thing over and over but they do not listen. Evaluate your relationship with God because there maybe something He is trying to tell you but you are not listening.
This happened with me dealing with my seven year old daughter. She used to pout every time I would tell her to do something. After several instances I prayed and asked God what am I doing wrong. God said you keep pouting when I tell you to do stuff so that is what I am showing you through her. After I repented and stopped pouting toward God, my seven year old stopped. Isn't God awesome?
Learn from your kids, it will definitely be a blessing.

Messages

2010-09-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

I was at my nephew's high school football game last week and was shocked. My husband and I were both taken by surprise the way the girls were dressed. He said, "These girls are in high school?" My first reaction was, "Yeah, and?" with a neck roll giving him attitude that I apologized for later because he was right. The girls were dressed way to revealing. I'm thinking where are these girls' mommas? It wasn't just one click, or a couple of girls here and there, it was everywhere. It wasn't even that hot outside. Those girls were sending the absolute wrong message that I know they do not want to deal with. They were to young to deal with the messages they were sending. I know first hand cause I dealt with those messages and ended up pregnant before I could take care of myself.
Ladies, I am here to tell you the messages you are sending by dressing provocative it is not worth it. My husband told me that men are hunters by nature, so they are going to look no matter what you have on. What message are you sending to the hunter by the way you dress. Are you saying, "Yoo Whoo, I'm right here come get it. You don't have to work hard for it. I am available." The message you should be sending is, "If you like it you better put a ring on it and on yours before this is available. Your going to have to work hard for it baby."
Now, I am not saying start dressing all manly either. Some women need to feminize their wardrobe up a little bit. I like my baggy jeans and oversized t's on occasion but I also like to dress up. You might be thinking well clothes don't make me who I am. Well no, but people will view you how you view yourself. If you view yourself as a one night stand woman and dress like that then that is the message you are sending to people.
I hate to be so blunt but somebody has to be. The lust in this world is getting worse and dressing provocative does not help. The excuse of that is all they sell in the stores has got to stop also. They still sell boot cut jeans in stores and not just skinny jeans.
Respect yourself and you will be respected. Remember you are a precious jewel made by God.

The Munchies: Solutions

2010-08-23T19:18:00.000-07:00

Now that we know from the previous blog, The Munchies: What and Why, about cravings, lets look at some solutions. Some of these might be easier said then done but give them a try because it could work.
1 A good support system. Get your family and friends involved by telling them to hold you accountable. Don't be afraid to tell your spouse, "look do not let me eat this whole pint of chocolate chunk ice cream or I will blow up like a balloon." They will appreciate you telling them that you need their help. However, do not give them evil looks or talk back or make excuses when they do hold you accountable. (Like I said before, some of this is easier said then done.)
2. Balanced diet. Keeping track of what you eat is a good way to stop cravings. Eat sweets moderately or even find substitutes for sweats, like fruit. Eating 6 small meals is better then eating 3 big ones. Do not go more then 4 hours in between meals because there is a risk of over eating due to being extremely hungry. Drinking water between meals helps stop hunger. If you are fasting and praying do not over eat when coming off the fast. It is better to start back moderately eating after a fast and not anything too filling.
3. Break habits. It is good to change up your routine to stop the habit of eating everyday at a certain time even when you are not hungry. Also changing up a route that is often driven so you will not have to pass the donut shop. If you are in the habit of eating while watching television after the kids go to sleep, try to find something else to do instead. This could be a time to do some writing, catch up on reading or laundry.
I hope these tips help you to control the munchies better. They have helped me, especially eating the 6 small meals a day. It has really sped up my metabolism and I am not extremely hungry all the time.

The Munchies: What and Why

2010-08-22T18:38:00.000-07:00

There are many reasons why the munchies a.k.a cravings occur. Before we all give in to our cravings we should evaluate ourselves and ask why we want the food.
The first reason we tend to binge out on food is our emotions. If someone is feeling sad, lonely or depressed then they may have a tendency to eat more sweets. The same thing could also happen if someone is having the best and happiest day of their life.
Another reason is because eating late at night or during certain events is a habit. For example a person has a habit of eating a bowel of ice cream every day after dinner. This habit can cause a lot of weight gain especially if it is not done moderately.
Mental association is another reason that we crave foods. This is basically like seeing the McDonald's sign as your driving down the interstate then all of sudden the craving of a Big Mac arises. Mental association is when we see things that remind us of food and makes us crave it.
Of course dieting makes us crave food. The moment we decide to remove bread from our diet is when we start craving yeast rolls. Some people say to allow a cheat day or meal while dieting but be careful not to eat 3,000 calories while doing so.
Many people do not realize that craving may also have to do with hormones in our brain. The hormone serotonin controls our feelings of pleasure and relaxation. If the serotonin levels are low in our brains then the more carbohydrates we crave because they contain tryptophan. Tryptophan is a type of amino acid that helps increase serotonin levels. Some diet pills and foods will contain tryptophan to help stop cravings of carbohydrates.

The Munchies: An Ugly Monster

2010-08-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

I am terrible at resisting the munchies but I am so determined to win. Having the munchies is my biggest enemy right now. It is really tempting when I am relaxing after a long day and watching television. The kids are nestled in their nice beds and the house is so peaceful that I feel like it is my me time. Many times it is not that I am hungry but the food is very convenient and sometimes soothing. I fast and pray to spend time with God. At other times I just want to eat just because, and that is not good. Eating just because leads to gluttony which leads to laziness and that is not good either.
How many women can understand what I am talking about?
This demon is going to be defeated. Therefore the next few (not sure how many) articles will be about defeating this demon. I am going to research to figure out who, what, when, and where about the munchies. After I find all the answers we will not be defeated anymore because we will know the truth and the truth sets us free. Stay tuned and keep checking back for more information. Also feel free to contact me at talisashannon@gmail.com if you have some information and/or input.

Fasting and Praying

2010-08-20T04:02:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord! God is so awesome!
There is so much going on these days about detox and cleaning out your colon to lose weight. Well there is another way to lose weight but I am not just about physical weight. You can be renewed physically and spiritually by fasting and praying to God. Doing this is a great way to release burdens, get answers to prayers and draw closer to God. It also helps physically as well.
There are different types of fast. It can be food and drink, when a person just drinks water. It can be a Daniel fast when a person just eats fruits and vegetables. It can be a media fast when no entertainment is being used, just reading the word of God.
Let God reveal to you what kind of fast you should do. If there is something that is trying to take control of you and you can not control like sweet food, then you should consider fasting from it. When you fast make sure you pray and don't just pray for yourself but for others. The windows of heaven will open when it is done with a genuine heart for God. Also ask God how long you should fast and stick to it. The enemy will try to creep in and say you can stop fasting your prayers are answered but you had an agreement with God. God will honor you for keeping that agreement.
If you still are not sure about fasting and praying feel free to comment and leave your email so I can respond. Also there are many books about fasting that break it down even further. To the left is an example of a book that is really good. It breaks down the reasons to fast and pray. It will bless you tremendously.

Think Like a Bee

2010-08-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

"Honey is good for you, my children, and it tastes sweet. Wisdom is like honey for your life- if you find it, your future is bright." Proverbs 24:13-14, Contemporary English Version Bible.

Bees hunt after honey as if their life depends on it because it is their life. Honey has many great benefits for humans before it has been heated. The pure honey I am talking about is good for our skin. It helps with scarring, swelling and odors. It has great antibacterial uses as well. Honey is great to help fight against colds and gives energy when digested.

The scripture above compares honey to wisdom. Honey is very valuable to bees and to us as well. However, it still can not do what wisdom can do. If honey can do all those amazing things, just imagine what wisdom does for us. The beginning of wisdom is worshipping God. God is wisdom therefore when we seek God wealth, health and honor will follow us. Therefore we should seek after the wisdom of God like bees seek after honey.

Quick & Easy Workout

2010-08-18T10:50:00.000-07:00

It is a busy time of year with school starting back and getting prepared for the upcoming season changes. It is also the eighth month of the year which is when a lot of people start slacking off on weight loss goals. If you are one of the people slacking due to not enough time, be encouraged. Doing a quick workout at times when you do not have any time is fine. However, a quick workout may not help you lose weight but will help you maintain so you will not get too far off track.
An example of a quick workout that works for me is the triangle. The triangle is 100 jumping jacks, 100 sit ups and 100 butt kicks on each leg. You can also make it a square and do 100 kickboxing air punches. This workout takes 15 to 20 minutes to help you maintain the size and shape.

Discovering Avocados

2010-08-05T21:07:00.000-07:00

Just recently I bought some avocados because I wanted to use them for sandwich dressing. I did not realize that a mushy avocado is not bad but it is ripe. The avocados I bought were hard and the sandwich dressing was a little crunchy.

In my research about avocados I have discovered that they can be used for just about anything like sandwich dressing instead of mustard or mayonnaise. Some people have used avocados as butter in recipes. Avocados have a lot of health benefits and has a mild taste which is why it is easy to swap out for fattening ingredients.

There is a website called avocado.org which has a ton of information and recipes. Below is an example recipe that I have not tried yet.

Avocado, Bacon and Tomato salad

Ingredients (this amount is 4 servings)

■8 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch dice
■ 2 Tbsp. large capers, thoroughly drained and patted dry
■ 4 thin slices red onion
■ 12 cup assorted lettuces, such as romaine, arugula, escarole and watercress
■ 1 ripe, Fresh California Avocado, seeded, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
■ 4 medium tomatoes, cored and diced
■ Croutons
■Vinaigrette
■ 1 ripe Fresh California Avocado, seeded, peeled, quartered and thinly sliced
Instructions

Cook bacon in pan over medium heat until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain well on paper towels. Leave bacon fat in pan.

Increase heat to medium-high. When pan is hot, but not smoking, add capers and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain well on paper towels.

Soak onion slices in ice water for 2 to 3 minutes, drain on paper towels and separate into rings.

Toss salad greens in a large bowl with bacon, onion, avocado, tomato and Homemade Croutons.

Sprinkle salad with the Vinaigrette and toss to coat all ingredients evenly.

Divide salad equally onto plates. Top each with a fan of thinly sliced avocado, and if desired, drizzle with Cracked Black Pepper Oil.

Sprinkle with capers and serve immediately.

Color Your Diet

2010-08-05T20:41:00.000-07:00

Eating the colors of the rainbow is a good way to know that you are eating right. I am not talking about eating Skittles candy but a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. Below is a couple of examples of each color food and how they help our bodies.
Red
1. Chile peppers- a spicy food that helps curb appetite
2. Strawberries- good for vitamin C but also help whiten teeth
Orange
1. Mango-helps inhibit the growth of cancer cells
2. Sweet Potato-full of Potassium
Yellow
1. Corn-helps protect eyes from harmful light
2. Pineapple-reduces bloating
Green
1. Pears-reduce hunger
2. Avocado-mood enhancer
Purple
1. Plums-fights viruses like the flu
Blue
1. Blueberries-improve memory
White
1. Onions-prevent cavities

Do Not Fear Being Too Holy

2010-08-03T05:04:00.000-07:00

Jesus says in the Bible "Be Holy as I am Holy". He does not say be Holy but make sure you keep up with what the world is doing so people will not think you are too Holy. Many Christians use that as an excuse to continue to compromise with the world's ways. They call themselves Christians but still test the waters with drinking, listening to music, and going to the club for example.
I am not saying do not go out and have fun but don't compromise with the world. I love football and I enjoy going to the games but it does not embarrass me that I do not know the songs they play any more. It makes me proud to know that when majority of the stadium sings the songs I do not know them because I am not a crowd pleaser but a God pleaser. I am not afraid of standing out like a sore thumb.
As Christians we are to be different and not blend in with the world. If standing out and representing Jesus to people means being different then so be it. I am not going to loose my soul to gain the world. I do not need to keep up with the world to know what is going on in it. Looking at the people when I go different places lets me know what is happening. Looking at the news lets me know what is happening. Most importantly the Word and the Holy Spirit let me know what is happening.
Being a Christian is not just talking the talk but also walking the walk. Surrender your whole heart to Him not just some of it but all.

Bedbugs Are Waking Up

2010-07-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

During the warm summer months bugs are known to try to creep in to homes to find a nice place to stay for the winter. Most people complain of ants, spiders, roaches and flees but there is another bug that people should be aware of. The bug I am talking about is the known as the Bedbug.
Bedbugs are increasing rapidly because people have them and do not know it. They think it is something else. A survey done by exterminators was just released saying that 95% of the workers have been treating homes for bed bugs. People do not know they have them because they are so tiny. They are about the size of a grain of rice. Their eggs are even smaller and can hardly be seen by the naked eye but they multiply like crazy. A female bedbug can lay between 200 to 500 eggs in her life span of a few months. That is a lot of bugs! Because they do lay so many eggs that is what gives them away. After the eggs are laid and hatch they leave behind the shells. The clutter of shells leaves behind dark spots on the corners of mattresses, wall or any other crevice. If a person sees these things then action must be taken immediately to get rid of them because they do bite.
Unfortunately bedbug bites look similar to any other bug bit. They are raised, itchy and annoying. They are not dangerous unless it keeps happening and the bugs keep increasing. Then the risk of infection occurs and other diseases.
The best way to prevent and get rid of bedbugs it t have a clutter free environment. The bedbugs like to hide in tight places so having as less tight places as possible for them is best. The mattress can also be vacuumed to suck up the bugs. Once the mattress is vacuumed it must be emptied right away to keep the bedbugs from coming back. Scrubbing all the furniture in the room then vacuuming up any debris is a great way to get rid of bedbugs. All of those can be done to get rid of bedbugs.
Keeping a clean home and washing everything regularly is the best way to get rid of bedbugs.

Fast Food Is Making A Change

2010-07-20T10:31:00.000-07:00

This is a very interesting article about trans fat being cut out of fast foods. This a good thing but it does not mean it is safe to eat fast food for every meal. Eating out should still be done with caution and moderately.

Major Fast Food Chains Have Reduced Trans Fat from http://www.everydayhealth.com/
"FRIDAY, July 16 (HealthDay News) -- New research indicates that major American fast food chains have substantially cut down on the use of unhealthful trans fats in their cooking oils.

The finding comes from the University of Minnesota's School of Public Health, and is being reported this week at the National Nutrient Database conference being held in Grand Forks, N. D.

"While it took time for major fast food chains to decrease trans fats in their foods, I'm pleased to see that they have done it," Lisa Harnack, director of the university's Nutrition Coordinating Center, said in a news release.

"I'm also pleased to see that they haven't raised levels of saturated fats to replace trans fats," she added. "This is good news, as the average American gets about 10 percent of calories from fast food. But moderation is still key when considering fast food. Calories and sodium are high and portion sizes are often too large."

The finding follows increasing pressure by global health authorities to reduce consumption of trans fats to trace amounts, along with a Congressional law passed in 2006 that mandates disclosure of trans fat content on American food labels.

Trans fats can upset the healthy balance of human cholesterol levels, boosting artery-clogging "bad" LDL cholesterol and reducing the levels of "good" HDL cholesterol. In fact, in terms of consumption, there is no safe level of trans fats, according to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.

Relying on the school's proprietary database on the nutritional value of more than 18,000 foods, Harnack and her research team examined trans fat and saturated fat levels in the french fries sold at five popular nationwide fast food outlets: McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Jack in the Box, and Dairy Queen.

The authors found that between 1997 and 2008, three major chains -- McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's -- significantly decreased the amount of trans fats in their french fries, with saturated fat levels either going down or staying the same.

Although Dairy Queen and Jack in the Box did not show similar decreases in the same time frame, the team noted that post-2008 data suggests that both have cut back on their trans and saturated fats use over the last couple of years.

The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health.
More information
For more on trans fats, visit the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
Last Updated 07/16/2010 "

What Are You Looking For?

2010-07-20T04:59:00.000-07:00

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What do you want out of life? I ask this question because many people need to know that what you put into something is what you get out of it. The effort to succeed has to be one hundred percent. The will to be perfect has to be one hundred percent as well. If you are looking for love then walk in love, if you are looking for disrespect then act disrespectfully. People will respond to you the way you respond to them and to your self.
I know that everyone has heard the saying, treat others the way you want to be treated. The statement is true but it does not say some people or just rich people but people. People also includes those that you do not get along with. It is tough but we must treat our enemies with love. We have to trust God that He is going to handle our enemies for us.
What we put into our body, physically, also counts. If you are someone looking to loose weight then the effort must be put into it. A person can not loose weight by eating fatty foods and being lazy. Once again if a person puts one hundred percent into it then they will receive a nice body. If a person starts to slack off taking care of themselves then that is what they are going to get, slack.
The same is for a job promotion, starting a business or financial increase. If you want those things then get the knowledge and wisdom on how to do it. Seek and you will find it, knock and the doors will open for you. If no body is home when you knock the keep seeking soon the door will open.
What ever it is you are looking for, start doing it and then you will find it.

Wisdom is Health

2010-07-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones." Proverbs 3:7-8.

Living wisely and taking care of ourselves will bring us good health. God says so in the Bible. If we live in Jesus Christ and take heed to the Holy Spirit, He will guide us into all truth and the truth will set us free. The freedom is in all areas of our lives, including physically.

Let God be the guide to all of our physical needs like when and where to see the doctor, for example. He will also provide so that you can purchase the healthy foods. He will guide you to eat the right foods and not to over eat. When we are filled with wisdom from God we do not have to be filled with food when we are going through hard times because we know God is taking care of the situation.

In order to receive God's wisdom accept Jesus into your heart by confessing your sins and asking for forgiveness. Then confess that you believe in Jesus and God raised Him from the dead. Then ask God to poor His widsom on you as you start learning more about Him through the Bible. In Jesus name. Amen

Simple Spinach Recipe

2010-07-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

Spinach is a great source of iron. A lot of people do not like the taste of spinach so I hope this delicious recipe from Eatingwell.com will help.

6 servings, about 1/2 cup each

Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
20 ounces fresh spinach
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Preparation

1.Heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until beginning to brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Add spinach and toss to coat. Cover and cook until wilted, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and add lemon juice, salt and crushed red pepper. Toss to coat and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Per serving: 68 calories; 5 g fat (1 g sat, 4 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 4 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 3 g protein; 2 g fiber; 172 mg sodium; 540 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (180% daily value), Folate (46% dv), Vitamin C (45% dv), Iron & Potassium (15% dv).

Shopping Tips For New Expecting Moms

2010-07-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

Finding out the news of having a new baby on the way is very exciting. It is so much fun searching for the perfect items for the new life entering the world. There is so much to decide on and so many baby gadgets that are cool but some are unnecessary. Here are some helpful tips to help the new mom to be get started.
Tip #1: Is a bassinet really necessary?
It depends on the size of the house your baby will live in. If the new born baby's room is too far from the parents' room then it may be necessary.
Tip#2: What kind of crib should be purchased?
It should be a crib that is suitable for your needs. If you planning on having many children then a strong long lasting crib that can be passed down for each baby will be good. If you are a mom that is planning on having one possibly two children, then a crib that converts to a toddler bed might be better fit your needs.
Tip#3: Is a changing table important?
Like tip #1 it depends on the space. It is great to have because they are elevated so it is easier to change the babies diaper. They are also great because the changing table provides extra storage to help keep the baby's room organized.
Also don't forget decorations. Picking bright colors with lots a shapes helps to stimulate the baby's brain cells. The decorations will also keep baby occupied as they start to mature and discover their surroundings. The baby will stare at the decorations for a while as they figure out what it is.
There are two gadgets that I suggest every parent purchase a monitor system and diaper pail. The monitor system is great to listen to the baby if you are in the room preoccupied by something else. The parents will always be able to hear the baby and some have a small video camera to watch the baby as well. A diaper pail like the Baby Genie for example that keeps the smell under control is a great investment. They really help lock in the odor that the parents do not want the whole house smelling like.
Of course do not forget the grooming products that the baby needs like a bath tub. Investing in a couple of entertaining products is a good idea but not necessary for a new born. When the baby turns about 4 to 6 months of age that is when more toys and swings come in handy. Getting an in house carrier is helpful, especially if stairs are in the home and the living space is large.
Do not worry about the cost because seek the first the kingdom of God and everything else will be added. There are many of bargain places to shop online, like the one below, and in stores. Just seek God for wisdom on what, when and where and he will guide you.

Water is Good, But Not Too Much

2010-07-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

Did you know that too much of anything is very harmful to the body? Well it is and it is called intoxication. The things that are healthy for us, if consumed in large quantities, will become harmful. It could happen with fruit and vegetables by taking in too much vitamins. The big shocker is water can do the same thing.
When too much water is consumed it makes the brain swell. The body does not keep a well balanced level of electrolytes when it is dehydrated or over hydrated. Electrolytes activate muscle and neuron activity in the body. Drowning out the electrolytes with water is very harmful to your health. It can lead to medical treatment or even death.
It happened to a woman in 2007. She had entered a radio water drinking contest in California. During the contest she consumed too much water and died a couple hours later.
An adult is only supposed to consume 2 to 2.5 liters of water a day. If you work in the heat or an athlete that sweats enormously then mix water with other fluids like Gatorade that will refuel the electrolytes and quench the thirst.
Remember water is good for you to prevent dehydration but don't over do it. A well balanced intake of water every day is the key to healthy hydration.

No More Yo-Yo Dieting

2010-07-11T19:35:00.000-07:00

Do you have five or ten pounds that keep disappearing then coming back, then disappearing again? If you do this is called yo-yo dieting and it is not healthy for you.
Yo-yo dieting is when a person eats as few calories as possible for a long period of time. Then after they loose the pounds go back to eating the same as they did before. Sometimes after the eating less period a lot of binging occurs which will cause double the calorie intake. The body will get confused and not know when it is full which causes the eating to increase. Eating suddenly a bunch of junk food can cause the metabolism to slow down. Which means that soon the weight lost will come right back.
Doing this up and down weight gain is also not healthy for the heart. The blood cells and organs are one week pumping out a bunch of insulin, then next has to slow down. Making drastic back and forth changes in weight over again will eventually cause a metabolism shut down. This can also cause some other serious diseases like diabetes.
The best thing to do is do a lifestyle change. That is what they teach on the "Biggest Looser" and "Loosing it With Jillian". There are only a few people on those shows who have not been successful. They were determined to live a healthy lifestyle and stick to it. A lifestyle change is to keep healthy, well balanced foods in your home at all times and making exercise a regular part of your life. Also stop emotional eating. Getting control of your emotions is another key element that will keep your weight more consistent.

The Contentious Woman

2010-07-11T15:32:00.000-07:00

A Contentious Woman
Who can live her?
She argues and manipulates;
She does not clean any plates.
This woman is not honored.
instead she is pondered.
She is simple and lacks
wisdom.
And very seldom does she inherit the
kingdom.
Lord, I pray that all women stop being contentious.
And let You change them to be virtuous.

A Precious Jewel

2010-07-10T15:08:00.000-07:00

How valuable are you women? Do you think you are not worth anything? If you do it is a lie. God values you so much therefore we should value ourselves and each other.
Think of yourself as a precious jewel worth more then you can imagine. You would not let any body touch it, throw it against the wall, or cover it with food. You keep this jewel in a lock box and where it for that occasion. You watch over this jewel day and night. The jewel is so bright that it lights up a pitch black room.
Now if we can take care of a jewel like this why we can we not take care of ourselves? We are far more valuable then the jewel in God's eyes.
As women we have to learn to see ourselves how God sees us, not how man does. Many men look at women as a piece of meat. It is happening more and more as the world draws away from God. A woman's sexuality is everywhere but we are more then that. We carry the heart of God. We love more then men and we desire love. I am not talking about the wham-bam thank you love, but we give and desire eternity, the agape love. Women that is another thing that the world is trying to take from us, our heart. Guard your heart. Value yourself and other women.
When I say value other women it is time for us to look out for each other. I hear so many women say they can not be friends with women because they are back stabbers. We need to cut that out. Our children are dying and we need each other now more then ever. We have to be strong together and encourage each other, not hate. Do not be envious of anything another woman has whether it is a man, children, clothes, car whatever it is do not envy. We do not know what that woman had to go through to get what she has and just because she seems to have the perfect life does not mean that it is in some cases. If it is the woman who has it all together then we should honor her and have her be a mentor instead of slandering her. This woman can help get you to where you need to go in your life.
Last but definitely not least. If you do not value yourself and want to or if you desire the agape love, accept Jesus into your life. Yes, I am asking you to become a Christian. I am a witness to God's love. It has kept me through some trying times in my life and it is still keeping me. I know that I have someone guiding me for the rest. Now in order to receive Jesus in your heart, do what Romans 10:9-10 says, " And if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him (Jesus) from the dead then you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Praise God.

Why, LeBron, Why?

2010-07-09T13:32:00.000-07:00

Ouch! That really hurts! I can not imagine how everyone in Cleveland is feeling right now. I am sure they are pulling out that big knife that LeBron James stabbed in their backs. It so disappointing that he is not sticking with the people that helped make him who he is. Instead of being loyal and committed he is going his own way. Why?
Look at all the players who stuck out on the teams that were horrible. Look at Kobe Bryant, imagine if he had not stuck it out with the Lakers. When he first started with them they were not winning but look at them now. Of course we definitely can not forget about what Michael Jordan did for Chicago. He made people want to move to Chicago and play basketball. I think that LeBron James is going to sincerely regret this decision. He could have made Cleveland the best team.
Sometimes it takes time to get to the top so many people want to rush it. It is happening more with young people rushing to success that they push away from it. No body wants to go through the storm to get to sunshine but sometimes the only way to get to the sunshine is to go through. Instead of waiting for victory to happen people try to force it to happen by making a bad decision. My whole point is that LeBron James should have waited and stuck it out with Cleveland.

The Ultimate Supplement

2010-07-08T10:59:00.000-07:00

There have been studies about how different vitamin supplements can be healthy and prevent disease. There is an ultimate supplement that helps a lot of different areas. This super supplement is called fish oil.
Fish oil has Omega 3-fatty acids that are beneficial to good health. Many people do not consume enough fish to get the amount necessary to have a positive effect which is where supplements come in handy.
Some of the things Omega 3-fatty acids help with are:
1. Heart Problems
The Omega 3-fatty acids help get rid of bad blood fat cells and increase the good ones that prevent heart disease and high blood pressure.
2. Inflammation
This is a very important benefit because inflammation is linked to a number of diseases including cancer, arthritis, psorisis and Alzheimer's. They are able to prevent inflammation by stopping the production of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules.
3. Anti-aging
It has been found that the ingredients in fish oil can give any cell in the body a longer life span. It does this by slowing down the detioration of the protective caps on the chromosomes.
The fish oil supplement is also good for pregnant women and unborn babies. It keeps the mom healthy and helps the baby's development.
I hope this is some beneficial information and if you have any more questions or concerns contact a medical professional. There is a lot of information out there about this supplement, I basically summed it up but feel free to add comments and more research.

Oven Baked Chicken from Elle Krieger on the Food Network

2010-07-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

This recipe is a great alternate to fried chicken. It is healthier and easier to cook.

Prep time: 10 min.
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: About 1 hour

Ingredients

•cooking spray
•20 crackers, whole-grain , saltine-like, pulsed in a food processor to fine crumbs (about 1/2 cup)
•2 1/2 cup(s) cereal, Cornflakes , pulsed in a food processor to fine crumbs (about 1/2 cup)
•2 tablespoon sesame seeds
•3/4 teaspoon pepper, cayenne
•1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
•2 large egg white(s)
•1 cup(s) yogurt, low-fat plain
•1 tablespoon mustard, dijon-style
•1/2 teaspoon salt
•4 chicken breast halves , bone in, skin removed, rinsed and patted dry
•4 chicken, thighs , bone in, skin removed, rinsed and patted dry

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
Combine the saltine and corn flake crumbs, sesame seeds, cayenne, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl.
In a large bowl, the egg whites, yogurt, mustard, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and coat thoroughly with the yogurt mixture. Then, one at a time, dip the chicken pieces in the cracker mixture, packing the crumbs evenly onto the chicken. Arrange the chicken on the prepared baking sheet and spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Bake until the juices run clear when the chicken is pierced with a knife, 45 to 50 minutes.

Serving size: 1 breast half or 2 thighs
Nutrient Notes: Excellent source of: Niacin, Vitamin B6, Selenium, Riboflavin, Thiamin, Vitamin B12, Iron, and Phosphorus; Good source of: Folate, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, and Zinc.
Number of servings: 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories: 270
Total Fat: 5 g
Sat Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg
Sodium: 590 mg
Total Carbohydrate: 21 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 33 gIngredients

Family Movie Time

2010-07-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

It is very hot today where I live and I am sure it is where most of you live. It is just that time of year. A fun family time is to go spend a couple of hours in air conditioner at the movies. I have seen two great family movies this summer. "The Karate Kid" and "The Last Airbender".
"The Karate Kid" is about a little boy who moved to China and was trying to fit in. The movie is kind of predictible from the previews but it is still a good story. There was good action with a touch of comedy. There were only a couple of cuss words and a adolescent kiss, but other then that it was clean. It kept my kids attention the whole time, well at least the 11 and 7 year old. The two year old was a sleep because it was nap time. The movie is rated PG and I hope there is going to be another.
"The Last Airbender" was also about a little boy as well. He has a purpose to basically be the peacemaker because he has the most sought after gift. It was a great movie about purpose and gifts. It has a lot of action, good graphics and it is 3D. It is great for all ages. As a matter of fact I sat next to a little boy who was about seven years old and it kept his attention the whole time. The movie is rated G. I hope there is going to be another one as well.

Wake Up Call

2010-07-07T09:59:00.000-07:00

It looks like another wake up call for young party goers. Lindsay Lohan was sentenced to a 90 day jail sentence after missing alcohol education classes. She also was at the 2010 MTV Music Awards and celebrated at after parties. The alcohol detector anklet Lohan was wearing went off because she had consumed alcohol that night. She is to report to jail on July 20th. The actual jail time for the young actress could be shortened, depending on behavior. However, this might be what she needed to save her life.

Lindsay Lohan has been spiraling down hill for years now and she needs help. She starting acting at a very young age and became famous very quickly. The Disney Channel boosted her career when she played in a remake of the "Parent Trap". Lohan's home life was not so wonderful. She had issues with both her parents and not one to turn to for help. It seems like her parents pushed her to become famous but left her out there without any guidance. As a result Lindsay dived head first into the Hollywood party scene before she turned 21. While her partying habits increased, her acting career has decreased. Many directors and other actors have said that she has become not so pleasant to work with any more.

The sentence may seem harsh to some people but I believe the judge is trying to save her. Since she missed the rehab classes, isolating her might be another way to go. I pray that somebody reaches out to her during this time because she needs more than just jail time. She needs someone to pour into her spiritually. The best time to minister to someone is when they are at their lowest point and that is where she is. Hopefully she will receive the love of Jesus into her life.

Selfishness Is Not Righteousness

2010-07-07T05:20:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 14:14 "The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, but a good man (or woman) will be satisfied from above."
This scripture is so powerful. It is basically talking about to stop seeking our own desires and start seeking the desires of the heart of God. When we take our minds off God and start looking at what we do not have, sometimes that can cause us to back slide. Back slide meaning come out of the will of God and start making our own decisions to try to please our selves. When start trying to please ourselves, it usually leads to sin. I am writing this to let everyone know to keep your minds and hearts on things above. God wants to give us what our hearts desire but we have to let Him. We also have to seek Him first and live a life that is pleasing in His sight. It is time for us as Christians to truly be selfless and be God more.

Turn What You Love Into Money

2010-07-03T09:54:00.000-07:00

Everybody has something they love to do but do not make any money. Now is the time to think about turning what you love into money.
If you are a person thinking of being a writer then write. Getting a blog or a website on the Internet is easier then ever. You can write about your passion. There are also many freelance writer websites that let amateur writers post articles. On some of the websites they hire people to write articles.
You might be a person who enjoys decorating or cooking. These services can be done part time in the afternoons and weekends until it starts to grow. The love for cooking could become a successful catering service. The love for decorating could turn into a wonderful interior design business.
There are many things that a person could do. Sometimes it falls into our laps while at other times it takes time and self discovery to figure out what we love. You will know what it is because it is the thing you do not mind doing no matter what time of day it is. It is something that you would do for free because of the passion you have for it.
Some people love to go shopping and are really good at finding bargains. This love for shopping could be turned into a great business like a successful secret shopper. The shopping lover could also start to shop for other people who can not find what they are looking for.
The most important thing to do first is research. Knowledge is the key. Get as much knowledge as possible to learn about what you love and also running a business. I know several women who have done this and are successful. I know some one who turned their love for cooking into a restaurant. I know so someone who is very successful at selling Mary Kay. I know someone else who is getting ready to pursue a cosmetic degree because of her love for hair. These women are doing what they love but getting the knowledge to be successful.
You might be thinking I do not know what I want to do. A good way to find out is pray and ask God to show you through visions and dreams. Also listen to what other people are complimenting you on. For example, if every time you have company over your house someone is asking you for decorating tips, you might want to consider interior design. The old saying goes the sky is the limit. The new saying is the sky is not the limit because there are footprints on the moon.

Easy Baked Salmon Recipe

2010-07-01T12:18:00.000-07:00

I picked this recipe for my blog from allrecipes.com because it is a sample of a food that is good for the whole family. If the family does not like salmon then try this with chicken breast. This recipe will go great with a side of steamed vegetables and brown rice.

Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total: 35 min

Serves 4
*Amount Per Serving
Calories: 375

Total Fat: 24.1g
Cholesterol: 97mgIngredients

Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
4 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
4 (4 ounce) fillets salmon
salt and pepper to taste
1 lemon, for garnish

Directions:

1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2.In a small bowl, stir together butter, mustard, and honey. Set aside. In another bowl, mix together bread crumbs, pecans, and parsley.
3.Brush each salmon fillet lightly with honey mustard mixture, and sprinkle the tops of the fillets with the bread crumb mixture.
4.Bake salmon 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until it flakes easily with a fork. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with a wedge of lemon.

*Some of the items can be substituted for low fat products for an even healthier entree. The pecans do not have to be used.

What Women Should Know

2010-07-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

We are what we eat. I know every one has heard this many times but the statement is very true. We as women can control our moods and energy by the food we eat. We can also control our monthly visitor called the menstrual cycle. This topic is very interesting and answers a lot of questions about why some months the cycle is perfect when other months are horrible. It is because of how we take care of ourselves.
The menstrual cycle happens because of our levels of estrogen. Estrogen is a steroid hormone naturally released by the ovaries. There are different types of estrogen but we are not going to get into all that. The point is if estrogen levels are low it is hard for women to get pregnant and have a monthly cycle. If they are too high then a lot of heavy and painful cycles may occur. It is also hard for women to get pregnant with high estrogen levels. There has to be a good balance of estrogen in our bodies. The balancing can be done naturally by eating the right foods. Below are ways to cut back on estrogen levels.

-Caffeine increases estrogen levels. Cutting back will help relieve breast tenderness during monthly cycles.
-Eat more chicken and fish. These meats have less fat in them. High levels of fat = high levels of estrogen.
-Stay away from a lot sugar and salt. Both of these affect fat levels which again affects estrogen.
-Eat more B vitamins. Eating more vegetables will help.
-Magnesium and Calcium are also needed for estrogen levels.
-Cranberries are very good for a woman's reproduction system.
-Adding more fiber will also help decrease estrogen levels.
-Exercising regularly helps burn fat which decreases estrogen levels.

Basically living a healthy lifestyle that includes a well balanced diet, exercise and worry free, will help balance estrogen levels. If you are a woman who has a healthy lifestyle but still having issues with the menstrual cycle, then you should pray about it and consider seeking a doctor.

The King Is Leaving His Throne

2010-06-30T05:34:00.000-07:00

Wow! At first Oprah Winfrey now Larry King. Larry King anounced that he is "hanging up his nightly suspenders" a couple of days ago on the show. Many people are saddened but it might be time for him to move on. The Larry King Show holds the record for the longest running show on one network. He says that he is leaving for personal reasons. I just hope that is not due to health issues.
No one knows who will replace him but they have not found a replacement for Oprah Winfrey. I wish they would not say replace because Oprah Winfrey and Larry King are both one of kind. The right phrase is take over. Some people want Ryan Seacrest to take the Larry King slot but being that he already has twenty jobs, he may not. I personally don't think Ryan Seacrest is a serious host like Larry King but we will see.

Larry King has not anounced any other future goals in the business, like Oprah Winfrey did. Oprah Winfrey has other business ventures she is persuing which is why her show is coming to an end. I hope we have not seen the last of Larry King, I wish him well.

It's Hot So Eat Healthy

2010-06-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

The summer heat can be very draining of physical energy in adults and children. In order to save your energy you must fuel with healthy foods. Ice cream and a nice, big glass of sugar coated Kool Aid is a quick way to cool off but it also weighs a person down.
The sugar in foods has to be broken down by the body and adding the heat from the sun is not fun. It equals to a tired person who is dragging their feet and can barelly keep their eyes open. During the summer it is best to eat as less fatty foods and sugar as possible. An example meal plan is for breakfast maybe a bowl of oatmeal, or eggs with fruit. A lunch could be a nice grilled chicken salad or tuna salad with fat free crackers. A dinner could be chicken breast with steamed vegatables. A great dessert that is shebert or yogurt porfait.
Some healthy snacks during the summer are a great protein shake, fruit, and a good health food bar like in the picture. A good way to keep up with what you are taking in is to write it down. A food diary helps to keep track of calories and sugars.
Remember, there is nothing better to quench a thirst like a nice, cool glass of water. Water will keep any one hydrated at all times of the year. Be blessed!

Be Thankful

2010-06-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

I know that is not Thanksgiving but God has been dealing with me about this topic for a while. The light bulb has finally cut on which is why I am able to write this blog. The things I understand and have been delivered from are what I can teach about to help others understand. This blog is about being thankful.
Giving thanks to God is a preventive measures to keep the enemy from stealing your faith. It kills doubt and unbelief because your heart changes as the praise flows out of your mouth. For example, a person may be fed up with their car. The car could be a decent car but the paint is chipping and it has a lot of miles on it. The person is constantly complaining and ungrateful about the car. They are always talking about how they want a new car but can not afford one and then they start wishing they had a better job because of all the bills that have to paid. The worry get worse so much that this person starts to get depressed and wishing they had a completely different life all together. Then they start making decisions about how they feel and not by what God said. Their focus is not on God but on their situation.
What if the person just continuously praised God for that car? The person was so thankful and so appreciative that the car never got a spot, bird poop or dead bug. They new God blessed them with that car and their situation could be a lot worse. They also know that if God blessed them with this car He can bless them with another one. Since this person is not depressed or ashamed about his car he let his boss ride with him to lunch one day to a company event. The boss complimented the person for the up keep of the car for the type of car it is. The boss told the person about a position opening up to where he would receive a new car that the company would pay half the car note on. The person applied and got the position. Now the thankful person got a promotion and is paying for a new car at half the price. Wow!
When we show God we are grateful the doors of heaven open up. Giving thanks is not just about singing to a praise song and that is it. It is a lifestyle! A good example is giving your best friend a pair of earrings and she is all excited. Now this is your best friend so you two hang out at least once a week. A month goes by and she has not worn them so you ask her about them. She says one broke because she took them off and laid them on the couch where someone sat on them. On the couch? Your heart is broken because those earrings were expensive. You say O.K. but in the back of your mind you are thinking I forgive you but I will never buy you expensive earrings again. Why? because the person did not show you she valued and appreciated them. If the friend had worn the earrings and taken good care of them then the other friend would have blessed her with some more. Wow!
In conclusion, being grateful in everything leads to excellence and prosperity in every area. Ungratefulness leads to misery, worry, confusion and depression. Being grateful leads you to the promised land flowing with milk and honey. Ungratefulness leaves you doing circles in the wilderness for 40 years.

No Excuse

2010-06-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

There is no excuse for laziness.
There is no excuse for gossip.
There is no excuse for gluttony.
There is no excuse for being poor.
There is no excuse for not speaking the truth.
There is no excuse for sexual sins.
There is no excuse for killing.
There is no excuse for stealing.
There is no excuse for all the hurt in the world.
There is no excuse for lust.
There is no excuse for jealousy.
There is no excuse for anger.
There is no excuse for any sin.
There is no excuse for not being perfect.
There is no excuse because Jesus did not use one when He gave His life for us. He loves us so much that He died with sin all around Him but He did not use that as an excuse. He saved us from our sins by His perfect love so we could have eternal life.
So what it is your excuse for not receiving Jesus in your life?

Is Having An Affair A Fad?

2010-06-18T13:36:00.000-07:00

People are taking marriage vows less & less serious. It seems like every week on national news they are talking about some one famous having an affair or getting a divorce. There are also many movies and television shows that make having an affair look fun. However, it is not fun.
The addition of many social networking sites on the internet does not take the pressure off. It only adds more pressure to have an affair. A lot of it starts innocent with people instant messaging each other as friends then from there the relationship progesses into something more.
I was looking through a magazine because on the cover it had a snip-it of how to make millions without leaving your home or something like that. When I flipped through the magazine and got to the article I was shocked. It was talking about a man who started a website for people to have an affair. The name of the website is called AshleyMadison. I was like oh my goodness, this can not be serious but it is. This website is becoming very popular and making this man very rich. It is for people who are lonely and not completely satisfied in their marriage. This website is wrong on so many levels and the really sad thing is that this man thinks he is helping people but he is not. Websites like this are tearing families apart and sending people down a road they do not want to be on.
Usually if a person is not happy or satisfied in a marriage then another person is going to add even more drama to their lives. Their lives are going to start spiralling downward fast, especially if the person is a Christian. There are many scriptures in the Bible where God is against adultry and that is one of the only few reasons God will allow people to divorce. When a person gets married they make a vow to God and to the person that they will be faithful in the relationship. When an affair takes place, the person has broken the vow to God and the other person. Also there is a lot of hurt and pain that takes place for everyone involved in an affair.
This blog is to make everyone aware of these terrible websites like AshleyMadison that are killing marriages. Please everyone beware and pray that people will not fall prey to the trap of having a relationship outside their marriage.

Kids and Summer Time

2010-06-17T12:17:00.000-07:00

What are your kids doing this summer? Many working parents ponder this every year before school gets out for summer break. Many parents would love to send their kids to something educational with many activities but many of those programs are costly. Majority of children are sent to a relative house or if they are old enough to stay home by themselves then that is the easiest option. There are things parents can do so that the child is not soaking up hours of television and video games.
1. Assign the child a project. An example is if the child is of middle school age they can do a couple of book reports.
2. Assing the kids chores that have to be done everyday before the parents get home. It does not have to be anything like cleaning the carpet but they can vacuum and wash dishes if they are older.
3. If the kids are younger and a relative is keeping them the parents can send crafts for the kids to do. The relative can make sure the kids get time away from the television and do some creative playing time.
4. Take the kids to museums and other things around town on the weekends. Many museums have specials like kids 12 and under are free.
Parents just have to be creative and find ways to continually stimulate the child's mind in the summer. A balance of fun and learning can be created to give the child an exciting summer.

A Perfect Marriage

2010-06-17T11:33:00.000-07:00

Everyone who is married knows that marriage can be tough. The question is does it have to be tough? A lot of people will say yes because fighting in a marriage is healthy due to the making up. I have a question for you, where is that at in the Bible?
Marriage is an example of how Christ loves the church (us). When a man and a woman say their vows they make a vow to the God and become one. The church becomes one with Christ when they confess their sins, ask for forgiveness and acknowledge Jesus as Lord. Sometimes the church may stray away from Christ, hopefully not on purpose, but when the church does Christ still loves the church (us). This type of love is called unconditional or agape love. Hopefully the church is not taking God's love for granted and using forgiveness whenever it is needed. The same thing applies to marriage. We should not take our spouses love for granted and treat them any kind of way then expect the making up stuff (ya'll know what I'm talking about) to be perfect. When a married couple argues, disagrees, seperated and so on it takes time to rebuild the relationship to where the intimacy reaches the best ever. The couple have to become one again and walk in agreement with each other. The same thing happens when a Christian sins. The relationship has to be rebuilt between Christ and that person by spending time in prayer and reading the Word.
How does our marriages and any relationship including the one with Christ stay on a perfect path? By doing the number 1 commandment and that is LOVE.
1. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 is the definition of love. It is patient, kind, not boastful or prideful. It is not rude or selfish. It is not easily offended and keeps no record of wrong. It rejoices in the truth, not in wrong. It never fails.
2. 1 John 4:18 No fear in love. "but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment." Isn't arguing with your spouse torment? Isn't sinning torment?
3. 1 John 4: 21 If we love God then that means we love everyone including our spouses.
4. 1 John 5:3-5 The commandment to love is not burdensome because God who is in us is greater and more powerful then the world. God gives us the strength to continually walk in love and gives us the victory.
5. The key to always walking in love in every relationship is to continually walk in communion with the one who is love, Jesus Christ.

In Honor of Father's Day

2010-06-14T11:43:00.000-07:00

This is a time to celebrate the dads, after all they do provide the pads.
They use their strong hand to help build this land.
When their day is done at work they go home to their families
and do not go berserk.
Having a great man in the house is so much better then having a creepy mouse.

I know the poem was a little corny but the whole point is for us to celebrate the men in our lives this week. It could be our husbands, dads or any male that has made a difference in our lives. Men work hard and I think as women we sometimes take them for granted because they are so strong. Men need love, support and praise for a job well done as much as we do. Also do not forget to honor the main man in our lives and that is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you do not have Jesus in your life then honor Him by receiving Him. Ask Him to forgive you for ignoring His call and for your sins. Then ask Him to come into your heart and be the head of your life. He will be the ultimate Father to you by loving and guiding you.

Love

2010-05-31T19:43:00.000-07:00

1 John 4:7-8
"Dear Friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."

Healthy French Fries from Fitness Magazine

2010-05-31T19:37:00.000-07:00

Healthy French Fries
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients:
4 teaspoons olive oil
4 medium boiling potatoes scrubbed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan

1. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil; brush with 2 teaspoons of the olive oil. Set aside
2. Cut the potatoes lengthwise into 1/2 inch thick wedges. Transfer to a large bowl. Add remaining olive oil; toss to coat. Sprinkle potato wedges with salt and pepper, tossing to coat. Arrange potatoes in a single layer on prepared baking sheet.
3. Bake in a 450 degree oven for 12 minutes. Turn potatoes; sprinkle with the Parmesan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes more or until tender and golden.'

Nutrition facts per serving (8 wedges):
155 calories, 4g protein, 22g carbohydrate, 6g fat (1.5 saturated fat), 3g fiber.

This a very good recipe that is healthy for you. Leaving potato skins on potatoes make them even more healthier. What makes potatoes unhealthy is all the ingredients added to them.

Celebrate You!

2010-05-13T10:33:00.000-07:00

"The best gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you and you cannot be healthy without celebration being a regular part of your life. You can change the entire atmosphere in your home simply by giving yourself permission to lighten up." This quote is from Joyce Meyer's new book Eat the Cookie, Buy the Shoes.
The book talks about reasons to celebrate life. Women, especially, have issues with taking time out for themselves. God made us to be the nurturers, caregivers and to make sure everyone is taking care of. A good example is the description of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 in the Bible. It describes how the virtuous woman makes sure her family has food, clothes and a nice home. The virtuous woman also clothes herself in fine linens as well. Clothing ourselves is the part a lot of us tend to miss.
We get so caught up in caring for others that we forget to take care of ourselves. Sometimes when we finally do care for ourselves we feel guilty about it so we do not do it any more. That is why Joyce Meyer wrote the book she did to let women know it is okay to go treat and celebrate yourself as long as we stay in God's will. Staying in God's will means to find a healthy balance because we should not over indulge. We are to be good stewards over everything. Going on a shopping spree once a weak when your family is behind on bills, for example, is not a good way to celebrate yourself. Buying one thing for yourself to celebrate working hard to pay off a bill is a good example. Going for a stroll in the park by yourself to get some quiet time is OK. Your family and/or other responsibilities will be fine for a couple of hours. When we are rejuvenated we have the energy to continue to care for everyone else. As the quote says above we set the tone for the environment. I have heard many husbands say that when their wife is happy, everyone in the house is happy.
I have taken notice of this in my own family. When I am bubbly and happy sure enough everyone else is too, including my husband. It is awesome that God blessed us with that kind of power. We should make sure we do right with the gift from God to have a joyful atmosphere by celebrating ourselves and not feel guilty about it.

Food Commercials Drive Me Crazy

2010-05-12T11:20:00.000-07:00

I am writing this blog to vent because this is my weakness. Tuesday night is my favorite television night. I watch the Biggest Loser then TiVo Lost. After the Biggest Loser goes off I watch Lost. Both shows were very good. The Biggest Loser always gets me motivated to exercise. Sometimes I will start doing jumping jacks or sit ups because I am that motivated. However, what is very tempting and not motivating are those yummy looking food commercials. OH MY GOODNESS! My stomach growls at every commercial and it so tempting to run in the kitchen to grab any food I can find. Sometimes I have the urge to run out and buy something after seeing the mouth watering food in a commercial. And I am not ashamed to admit I have done that with cinnamon rolls. I sure did!

Did you know that 80% of commercials is on food? And health experts wonder why America is so over weight. For example, watch Nickelodeon with your kids and count the food commercials. More then half of the commercials will be about food.
How do we stop this madness! It is driving me crazy! Do we stop watching television at night? Help women, lets come together and figure this one out.

The Key to Successful Weight Loss

2010-05-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

The #1 key to successful weight loss is consistancy. Staying consistant means maintaining a balanced diet for the rest of our lives. It may sound frustrating, maybe almost impossible but I am here to tell you it isn't. I used to look at women on television with their perfectly chiseled bodies and get all depressed because I could not look like that. I learned that I could if I stuck with it. I made it a habit to count calories, including drinks. I make it a point to exercise five times a week. I am in better shape then I have ever have been and I am turning thirty next month. I treat myself to some high calorie foods about once a week. I advise that treating yourself should not be done until you reach the weight you want or you completely trust yourself. Early on in my journey treating my self for one meal would turn into one day of high calorie foods, then a week. Next thing I knew I had gained three pounds back. Then I was right back to square one.
A good way to get into practice is to make an eating schedule. Planning out your meals in advance is a great to keep track of what you eat. Many weight loss programs, like Nutri System use this method. It helps the person to stay focused on what they had already planned to eat, drink and snack on.
Another thing that helps me stay consistant in my eating habits is keeping a picture on hand of someone famous whose body I admire. I have a picture of Regina King in the bathroom next to my scale. She is thirty nine and she says she is in the best shape she has ever been in. Every time I get a craving for something sweet out side my schedule I run to the bathroom to look at the picture. It helps keep me focused. I am not doing it to compare myself to her but it gives me a vision of the goal I have for myself.
Remember women it does not happen over night. It takes time to develop good consistant habits. YOU CAN DO IT!

Good Girls Gone Bad

2010-05-05T12:11:00.000-07:00

I was flipping through the television last night, and came across E! showing Miley Cyrus' new music video. I was floored. I know she is growing up and will be eighteen this year. She is becoming a woman but does that mean she has to sell her body? The name of the song is "Can't Be Tamed" which speaks for itself. In the video she had a body suit that was very seductive. The dance moves she was doing were also very seductive with men and women dancers. Ryan Seacrest interviewed her after the video and she said that she was not doing anything she did not feel comfortable doing in front of her family. I am sorry but I would never dance like that in front of my family even now as a grown women. She denied the video's seductive nature by saying it was not about wearing less clothes but about the lyrics of the song. It seemed like all of Miley Cyrus' morals went out the door. The same thing happens to all the teen age pop stars. It happened to Beyonce, Brittany Spears, Christina Aguiler and several others. They start out as young, innocent, good girls but as soon as they turn eighteen the turn bad. I really hope Miley Cyrus does get more and more revealing. It is okay to grow up, we all have to do it but a person does not have to expose themselves and be seductive to proove it. My kids are ten and under, they will not be listening to Miley Cyrus. What is your opinion? Please submit any comments you have.

Love & Unity

2010-04-28T07:25:00.000-07:00

I was watching a segment on the news this morning about moms who were being mean to each other. The moms were sending mean messages over the Internet on blogs, email and other social networking sites. The comments were so mean that one woman committed suicide. What happened to the love and unity between women?
Believe it or not we as women all have the same struggles. It does not matter what color our skin is, where we live, or what culture we are from. Many women suffer from self esteem, love, weight and other feminine issues that seem like we are the only ones going through it. Not all women have the same view or same of solving the issue but the issue is still the same. Jessica Simpson's show on VH1 proves that as she travels around to different parts of the world learning about women in different cultures. The show is pretty interesting if you ever get a chance to watch it.
Anyway the point is instead always beating each other up or comparing our selves to one other, we should be lifting each other up. In today's society we need love and encouragement because everything else is so negative. Plus it is good to have some good women to confide in about those issues I mentioned above. If everyone holds in their issues then the end result could be suicide or the women could take it out on their family which is not fair.
I ask you if there is a woman you need to forgive or have not talked to in a while then go ahead and give them a call. Stop holding the grudge against each other. I guarantee that the person has been thinking about you too and will be excited to hear from you.

2010-04-27T12:54:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone this is a blog entry for married women. Women if you are having issues with intimacy with your husbands this book is the perfect book for you. It helped me realize that some of my past views and issues about sexuality was affecting my marriage. I was not able to have true intimacy with my husband because of my view. This book helped me realize that when we are intimate with our husbands we are giving God glory.
I highly recommend this book for women who desire to have a stronger marriage with their husbands. It changed my life for the better.

We Know About Hot Flashes But What About Cold Flashes?

2010-04-26T13:05:00.000-07:00

I am at the young age of 29, almost 30 years old and recently I have been having cold flashes. I have had them just about ever since my almost two year old son was born. I get chills, my hands and feet turn ice cold. It is a different feeling of getting chills from being sick. I have to wrap up in blankets or put on another layer of clothes to feel comfortable. I grew tired of the cold chills so I started asking some of my female friends and non of them have heard about it. All they knew about was hot flashes. I decided to do some research on the internet to see if I needed to go a doctor or am I just normal.
On the internet I discovered that other women do have cold flashes and the most common reason why was due to anemia or just not eating right. The lacking vitamins are iron and/or B vitamins. Those vitamins are found in vegetables like spinach. I know many people do not like spinach but it is really healthy for women. I also started taking L-Argenine which is great for blood flow. Adding these two items to my grocery list consistantly has made my cold flashes non-existant.
Keeping a healthy lifestyle is a great way to prevent many symptoms. We can pray for healling all we want to but if we are not doing our part to take care of ourselves then we are abusing God. Remember women to always eat right to live right.

Angel Cake, Suprise Low Fat Dessert

2010-04-26T12:51:00.000-07:00

Angel Cake is a great dessert that is low in fat. It is made from egg whites and can be made with yummy fruit for a nice spring or summer treat. Below is a fantastic recipe that I found on Allrecipes.com. This recipe makes 24 servicings with 166 calories per serving.

INGREDIENTS
1 (10 inch tube pan) angel food cake

1 (3 ounce) package strawberry flavored gelatin

1 (15 ounce) can sliced peaches

3 bananas

1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix

1 (8 ounce) container frozen low fat whipped topping, thawed

1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained

DIRECTIONS
1.Break angel food or pound cake into bite size pieces. Put into a 9x13 inch pan (preferably glass).

2.Dissolve 1 package of flavored gelatin in 1 cup of water and pour over cake pieces, spreading to the edges of pan. Drain the peaches and pour the juice over the gelatin in the pan. Slice bananas on top of gelatin. Arrange peach slices on top of banana slices. If desired, add crushed pineapple.

3.Prepare instant pudding according to instructions on box and spread evenly over fruit.

4.Spread whipped topping on top of the pudding. Try to keep the layers separate.

5.Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

How to React When Pain Comes

2010-04-21T11:06:00.000-07:00

If you have lived on this earth more then one year then the chances are very great that you have experienced pain. It could be any kind of pain that can cause physical or emotional hurt. Unfortunatly, pain is a part of life. Our reaction to pain is what makes us stronger. An example is my two year old son, earlier today he had a cut on his hand. I would have never known that he had the cut if it had not been bleeding. He did not cry or anything. He continued to play without letting the cut hinder his concetration. I washed off the blood and put a bandage on it. He was happy that I did step in to help.
My son's reaction to the cut showed two sides of pain that could happen. The first one is we are brave and do not let it bother us. We get through the pain by not letting it distract us and keep telling ourselves it will go away. The other reaction is not wanting to ask for help but happy when someone does intervene. Another reaction to pain that people have can be with our that my son did not show are emotions.
When people react emotionally to pain it can have some bad consequences. Some people over eat, get revenge or worse, kill themselves.
The best way to respond to pain is to calm down and evaluate the situation. A person who has experienced pain should never speak or do anything right away. I know it is easier said then done but it is possible with self control. Ask yourself "Why I am upset, sad, angry or whatever emotion you are feeling". Think about the issue and ask yourself is my reaction going to cause more pain. If you need to seek help about the issue then do not be afraid to ask. Just make sure you are seeking help from someone who is qualified, not someone who will make the problem worse.
My number one source for help is my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I pray about it until I receive peace in my mind and heart. Then the answer on how I should react always comes in my heart. The Bible instructs us to seek Him first and everything else will be added. Don't forget Jesus know how sorrow feels and He sympathizes with us. Seek Him about everything big or small and you will be glad you did.