Thursday, March 31, 2011
Success
"Success means we go to sleep at night knowing that our talents and abilities were used in a way that served others."
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Raising Children In A Christian Home
I would like to know your thoughts on how you raise your child or children in a positive Christian environment.
I know one of the most rewarding but somewhat challenging jobs is being a father and a mother. I am somewhat of a perfectionist, even though I know that no one is perfect, and want our almost three year-old daughter to be the best little Christian girl. I want to make a positive impact on her life being that these are the most important years in molding and shaping her. However, I always doubt my ability to be the Godly example He wants me to be.
If you can give me some feedback as to what you do in raising your child or children, I would greatly appreciate it!
I know one of the most rewarding but somewhat challenging jobs is being a father and a mother. I am somewhat of a perfectionist, even though I know that no one is perfect, and want our almost three year-old daughter to be the best little Christian girl. I want to make a positive impact on her life being that these are the most important years in molding and shaping her. However, I always doubt my ability to be the Godly example He wants me to be.
If you can give me some feedback as to what you do in raising your child or children, I would greatly appreciate it!
Guilt & Sins
Have you ever felt guilty about past, present, or future sins? Worry no more! God never intended us to carry our guilt or sin. That is why Jesus suffered all the pain of sin on the cross for us.
I feel like some people are blind to the fact that they do not even realize how much peace they will feel if they repent of their sins, not dwell on their sins, and not blame others for their sins--they need to move on before their sins consume their very being. For some, the guilt of sin can even make them physically ill.
Jesus--being a sinless human being--paid the price of a SEVERE death for us. If that does not choke you up, than I do not know what will. It would be like a son or daughter giving their life for their dad or mom. We need to keep His death and ressurrection in the front of our minds, and remember that He is our vindicator.
What guilt are you holding onto today? Let go, and let live!
If you want to learn more on what I am talking about, read Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12.
I feel like some people are blind to the fact that they do not even realize how much peace they will feel if they repent of their sins, not dwell on their sins, and not blame others for their sins--they need to move on before their sins consume their very being. For some, the guilt of sin can even make them physically ill.
Jesus--being a sinless human being--paid the price of a SEVERE death for us. If that does not choke you up, than I do not know what will. It would be like a son or daughter giving their life for their dad or mom. We need to keep His death and ressurrection in the front of our minds, and remember that He is our vindicator.
What guilt are you holding onto today? Let go, and let live!
If you want to learn more on what I am talking about, read Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Walnuts Are Healthy For You
"U.S. study ranks walnuts as most healthy nuts
LOS ANGELES, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Walnuts have a combination of more healthful antioxidants and higher quality antioxidants than any other nut, U.S. researchers have found.
Study findings were presented on Sunday at the 241st National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Anaheim, Southern California.
Nuts contain plenty of high-quality protein that can substitute for meat, vitamins and minerals, dietary fiber, and are dairy- and gluten-free, ACS researchers said in the study.
Moreover, nuts contain healthful polyunsaturated and monosaturated fats rather than artery-clogging saturated fat, according to the study.
The researchers based their conclusion on analysis of antioxidants in nine different types of nuts: walnuts, almonds, peanuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, macadamias and pecans.
They found that walnuts have the highest levels of antioxidants, with plenty of high-quality protein that can substitute for meat, vitamins and minerals, dietary fiber, and are dairy- and gluten- free.
The latest study adds more evidence that walnuts are top nuts for heart-healthy antioxidants, the researchers said.
Previous studies showed that regular consumption of small amounts of nuts or peanut butter can decrease the risk of heart disease, certain kinds of cancer, gallstones, Type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.
But the latest study is the first to compare both the amount and quality of antioxidants found in different nuts.
"Walnuts rank above peanuts, almonds, pecans, pistachios and other nuts," said Joe Vinson, Ph.D., who led the latest study.
"A handful of walnuts contains almost twice as much antioxidants as an equivalent amount of any other commonly consumed nut. But unfortunately, people don't eat a lot of them. This study suggests that consumers should eat more walnuts as part of a healthy diet.""
The article I copied and pasted above made me think how I need to eat more walnuts.
Instead of eating chips, cookies, and anything else that is an unhealthy snack, grab a handful of walnuts, which are my favorite.
LOS ANGELES, March 27 (Xinhua) -- Walnuts have a combination of more healthful antioxidants and higher quality antioxidants than any other nut, U.S. researchers have found.
Study findings were presented on Sunday at the 241st National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Anaheim, Southern California.
Nuts contain plenty of high-quality protein that can substitute for meat, vitamins and minerals, dietary fiber, and are dairy- and gluten-free, ACS researchers said in the study.
Moreover, nuts contain healthful polyunsaturated and monosaturated fats rather than artery-clogging saturated fat, according to the study.
The researchers based their conclusion on analysis of antioxidants in nine different types of nuts: walnuts, almonds, peanuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, macadamias and pecans.
They found that walnuts have the highest levels of antioxidants, with plenty of high-quality protein that can substitute for meat, vitamins and minerals, dietary fiber, and are dairy- and gluten- free.
The latest study adds more evidence that walnuts are top nuts for heart-healthy antioxidants, the researchers said.
Previous studies showed that regular consumption of small amounts of nuts or peanut butter can decrease the risk of heart disease, certain kinds of cancer, gallstones, Type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.
But the latest study is the first to compare both the amount and quality of antioxidants found in different nuts.
"Walnuts rank above peanuts, almonds, pecans, pistachios and other nuts," said Joe Vinson, Ph.D., who led the latest study.
"A handful of walnuts contains almost twice as much antioxidants as an equivalent amount of any other commonly consumed nut. But unfortunately, people don't eat a lot of them. This study suggests that consumers should eat more walnuts as part of a healthy diet.""
The article I copied and pasted above made me think how I need to eat more walnuts.
Instead of eating chips, cookies, and anything else that is an unhealthy snack, grab a handful of walnuts, which are my favorite.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Vitamin Deficiencies
Before we had our first child, I had health issues from anxiety to lethargy to others that I cannot think of at the moment--I still deal with many of the same health issues to this day. Back then, my health issues were somewhat manageable, because it was not to the point where it was debilitating.
Looking back in retrospect, I believe that many of my health issues stem from malnourishment and vitamin deficiencies during my college years--I was not the epitome of great health. Like most college students, I did not eat healthy at all. I ate Ramen Noodles, which I do not even like the smell of now, and other unhealthy foods as well. There were even some days where I would not eat much at all. Money was tight, and I worked hard for every penny. Being a full-time college student, working full-time, paying rent and utilities, and other bills takes its toll on you. Thankfully, I had a woman--who I call my second mom--who looked after me during my college years! She was my guardian angel, and I thank God for her. I know He put her in my life for a reason.
Due to all the pressures of life back then, I seeked medical advice. The doctor had me on many different medications, one of which was Paxil. The doctor prescribed Paxil due to the amount of stress I was under. At the time when I took Paxil, I was getting ready to graduate, get married, move, working full-time, etc. I believe that the Paxil wreaked havoc on my body, along with all the other medications. I was on it for about six months, and then stopped taking it cold turkey about a month before our wedding, because I no longer had health insurance. The doctor did not inform me that I needed to gradually decrease my dosage until I was no longer taking it. It was after our wedding that I started not to feel well, which gradually snowballed to the point where I am today.
When my husband and I found out I was pregnant about four years after we were married, we were estatic! For the first month of pregnancy, I felt good, and then it went downhill. I experienced anxiety; heart palpitations; I was not hungry; my hair and nails would not grow like a normal pregnant woman's does; etc. The good thing was I did not have any sort of morning sickness or nausea. The only time I was nauseas was after I had the flu shot--I am not sure if flying caused me to be sick after I had the flu shot.
So, for nine months, I did not feel healthy, even though I might have been to a certain degree. The only thing I could bank on were the good pharmaceutical grade vitamins I was taking daily.
After I had our daughter, I had severe postpartum issues, and was not going to take an anti-anxiety medication for it--I just prayed that God would get me through it. What made it more difficult and hard on my body was the fact that I was breastfeeding. And even though I was taking great prenatal vitamins, I was not eating enough, even though I tried to eat as much as I could. I was deadset on breastfeeding, though, because I knew how bonding it is, and I was not about to give her formula. I remember crying every time I fed her, because I kept thinking about how fast she would grow up. To this day, I still have a hard time thinking about how fast a child grows up, but cope with it a lot better than I did. But for 15 months of breastfeeding her, I have wonderful memories, and not-so-wonderful memories that only entail how I physically felt--the last day that I breastfed her was very sad for me!
I believe that everything happens for God's glory, and that I went through my struggles to get me to where I am today. I yearn for Jesus more than I ever did, even though I grew up a Christian. I can honesty thank God for my struggles, because though they were trying times in my life, I grew closer to Him.
I am happy to say that I am more health conscious and in-tune with my body than I ever was. I know how to better address my health issues, and have a better sense about nutrition than I did.
I hope I help anyone who reads this who might be struggling with some of the same health issues. Hang in there!
Looking back in retrospect, I believe that many of my health issues stem from malnourishment and vitamin deficiencies during my college years--I was not the epitome of great health. Like most college students, I did not eat healthy at all. I ate Ramen Noodles, which I do not even like the smell of now, and other unhealthy foods as well. There were even some days where I would not eat much at all. Money was tight, and I worked hard for every penny. Being a full-time college student, working full-time, paying rent and utilities, and other bills takes its toll on you. Thankfully, I had a woman--who I call my second mom--who looked after me during my college years! She was my guardian angel, and I thank God for her. I know He put her in my life for a reason.
Due to all the pressures of life back then, I seeked medical advice. The doctor had me on many different medications, one of which was Paxil. The doctor prescribed Paxil due to the amount of stress I was under. At the time when I took Paxil, I was getting ready to graduate, get married, move, working full-time, etc. I believe that the Paxil wreaked havoc on my body, along with all the other medications. I was on it for about six months, and then stopped taking it cold turkey about a month before our wedding, because I no longer had health insurance. The doctor did not inform me that I needed to gradually decrease my dosage until I was no longer taking it. It was after our wedding that I started not to feel well, which gradually snowballed to the point where I am today.
When my husband and I found out I was pregnant about four years after we were married, we were estatic! For the first month of pregnancy, I felt good, and then it went downhill. I experienced anxiety; heart palpitations; I was not hungry; my hair and nails would not grow like a normal pregnant woman's does; etc. The good thing was I did not have any sort of morning sickness or nausea. The only time I was nauseas was after I had the flu shot--I am not sure if flying caused me to be sick after I had the flu shot.
So, for nine months, I did not feel healthy, even though I might have been to a certain degree. The only thing I could bank on were the good pharmaceutical grade vitamins I was taking daily.
After I had our daughter, I had severe postpartum issues, and was not going to take an anti-anxiety medication for it--I just prayed that God would get me through it. What made it more difficult and hard on my body was the fact that I was breastfeeding. And even though I was taking great prenatal vitamins, I was not eating enough, even though I tried to eat as much as I could. I was deadset on breastfeeding, though, because I knew how bonding it is, and I was not about to give her formula. I remember crying every time I fed her, because I kept thinking about how fast she would grow up. To this day, I still have a hard time thinking about how fast a child grows up, but cope with it a lot better than I did. But for 15 months of breastfeeding her, I have wonderful memories, and not-so-wonderful memories that only entail how I physically felt--the last day that I breastfed her was very sad for me!
I believe that everything happens for God's glory, and that I went through my struggles to get me to where I am today. I yearn for Jesus more than I ever did, even though I grew up a Christian. I can honesty thank God for my struggles, because though they were trying times in my life, I grew closer to Him.
I am happy to say that I am more health conscious and in-tune with my body than I ever was. I know how to better address my health issues, and have a better sense about nutrition than I did.
I hope I help anyone who reads this who might be struggling with some of the same health issues. Hang in there!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Health & Wellness
Wanting to achieve optimal health? Visit Rockwell Nutrition's Web site--you can click on the link to their Web site on the left-hand side of this page. Rockwell Nutrition has stellar nutritionists who will give you guidance as to what vitamins and supplements will help you get your health back on-track.
You can purchase a phone consultation, and the nutritionists will give you nutritional advice. They are extremely knowledgeable about nutrition and alternative medicine; very helpful; and pleasant to talk to. Also, they take the guesswork out of deciding for yourself what products will best assist in aiding your recovery, not to mention the fact that they sell top-notch products.
Why not do yourself a favor by investing in your health. If you invest in your health now, you most likely will not have to pay for it later.
You can purchase a phone consultation, and the nutritionists will give you nutritional advice. They are extremely knowledgeable about nutrition and alternative medicine; very helpful; and pleasant to talk to. Also, they take the guesswork out of deciding for yourself what products will best assist in aiding your recovery, not to mention the fact that they sell top-notch products.
Why not do yourself a favor by investing in your health. If you invest in your health now, you most likely will not have to pay for it later.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Our God-Given Purpose
Do you ever wonder what your purpose here on earth is? Do you ever pray and ask God to reveal your purpose to you? Well, I have wondered and prayed what my purpose is, until I read somewhere what everyone's purpose should be. Our purpose is to win souls for Christ (i.e., our unsaved family members, neighbors, coworkers, etc.). These people should be our mission.
Recently, I started sending Godly inspirational text messages to friends and family members, some saved and some unsaved. I figure that that text message might be a prompt for unsaved loved ones to desire to inquire. For example, if you read the Bible or a daily devotional, and come across something pivotal--which, by the way, everything wirtten in the Bible is pivotal--type up a text or email, and send it to those you want to know Jesus. It is that easy! God can work through you, and give you the courage to speak to them if the time comes when your text or email had a impact on someone. Do not be scared!
So, that is my challenge to you. Take the time to encourage someone, and bring them to know Christ. You know how wonderful it feels to get a note, text or email of encouragement--you feel loved. Show someone that you care.
Also, a good book to pick up and read is The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.
Recently, I started sending Godly inspirational text messages to friends and family members, some saved and some unsaved. I figure that that text message might be a prompt for unsaved loved ones to desire to inquire. For example, if you read the Bible or a daily devotional, and come across something pivotal--which, by the way, everything wirtten in the Bible is pivotal--type up a text or email, and send it to those you want to know Jesus. It is that easy! God can work through you, and give you the courage to speak to them if the time comes when your text or email had a impact on someone. Do not be scared!
So, that is my challenge to you. Take the time to encourage someone, and bring them to know Christ. You know how wonderful it feels to get a note, text or email of encouragement--you feel loved. Show someone that you care.
Also, a good book to pick up and read is The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Physical Appearance
It amazes me how people in our society--especially in Hollywood--put so much emphasis on physical appearance.
Today, I had to think about how marred and disfigured Jesus was when he was crucified, and how that did not matter to Him. He knew what the outcome of His crucifixion would be, and loved us so much that He endured the suffering.
It saddens me to think that He loved the people that beat and tormented Him so much, and they did not even realize it. They did not think He was the Messiah, because He did not look the part.
Jesus wants us be cleanly and look nice, but He does not want our physical appearance to become our idol. This is where Hollywood comes into play. It amazes me how magazines, T.V., etc. promote plastic surgery. What amazes me even more is that the age for having plastic surgery is getting younger and younger. You hear or read about teenagers asking for plastic surgery as birthday or graduation presents. Little do these teenagers know that plastic surgery will not give them true joy, only Jesus will. Once they have one procedure done, they will most likely want more. Parents should instill positive comments about their child's appearance to them all throughout their lives, and let them know that they should embrace the body that God gave them.
I do believe, though, that if it is absolutely necessary to have plastic surgery to say, help one breathe or fix a disfigurement, that is fine. It is when people are not happy with their appearance, and want to tweak something, so to speak.
Be happy with how you were made. And do not let society tell you differently, or revert your thinking. Keep your eyes on God, and ask for His approval. Ultimately, it is His approval that matters most!
Today, I had to think about how marred and disfigured Jesus was when he was crucified, and how that did not matter to Him. He knew what the outcome of His crucifixion would be, and loved us so much that He endured the suffering.
It saddens me to think that He loved the people that beat and tormented Him so much, and they did not even realize it. They did not think He was the Messiah, because He did not look the part.
Jesus wants us be cleanly and look nice, but He does not want our physical appearance to become our idol. This is where Hollywood comes into play. It amazes me how magazines, T.V., etc. promote plastic surgery. What amazes me even more is that the age for having plastic surgery is getting younger and younger. You hear or read about teenagers asking for plastic surgery as birthday or graduation presents. Little do these teenagers know that plastic surgery will not give them true joy, only Jesus will. Once they have one procedure done, they will most likely want more. Parents should instill positive comments about their child's appearance to them all throughout their lives, and let them know that they should embrace the body that God gave them.
I do believe, though, that if it is absolutely necessary to have plastic surgery to say, help one breathe or fix a disfigurement, that is fine. It is when people are not happy with their appearance, and want to tweak something, so to speak.
Be happy with how you were made. And do not let society tell you differently, or revert your thinking. Keep your eyes on God, and ask for His approval. Ultimately, it is His approval that matters most!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Silence
I read about when Jesus was questioned by Herod before He was crucified, and how He said nothing in His defense.
Instead of defending yourself during conflict, when you know God knows what you are saying is right, you should be silent like Jesus was when He stood before Herod.
Instead of defending yourself during conflict, when you know God knows what you are saying is right, you should be silent like Jesus was when He stood before Herod.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Think about this... "Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." - 1 Corinthians 15:58
Monday, March 21, 2011
Parenting
Do you ever feel like your parenting skills are not up to par all the time? God literally gave us His instruction book -- which is better than any parenting book you can buy -- but we do not always look to it for direction. Do not get me wrong, though, because there are great Christian parenting books online or in stores, but nothing compares to His Word.
We all know that parenting is not easy. But, ultimately, we want our child or children to grow up and have a strong relationship with Jesus, and we want them to see that in us.
So, my question is... When patience runs low and you have no more energy at the beginning, middle, or end of your day, how do you cope?
We all know that parenting is not easy. But, ultimately, we want our child or children to grow up and have a strong relationship with Jesus, and we want them to see that in us.
So, my question is... When patience runs low and you have no more energy at the beginning, middle, or end of your day, how do you cope?
Make This Year Better Than Last Year
This is great quote to ponder. “Intolerance of your present creates your future. What will you no longer tolerate in 2011 in order to make it better than 2010?” Think about that, and be proactive in making your life better than it was.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Books
You can find great deals on books and much more at Christianbook.com. One of my favorite books that I bought our daughter from Christianbook.com was Let Me Hold You Longer by Karen Kingsbury.
The Bible
You should read your Bible daily. Do not be biblically illiterate! After all, the Bible is our roadmap to life.
What Will You Do With Your Life?
"At the end of this life, what will you wish you'd done more of? Less of?
Why not ask God to empower you to spend the rest of your life closing the gap between what you'll wish you'd have done and what you are doing?"
Why not ask God to empower you to spend the rest of your life closing the gap between what you'll wish you'd have done and what you are doing?"
Your Prayers...
"Think of the last thing you prayed about--were you devoted to your desire or to God? Was your determination to get some gift of the Spirit for yourself or to get to God? "For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him" (Matthew 6:8). The reason for asking is so you may get to know God better. "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4). We should keep praying to get a perfect understanding of God Himself."
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Relief Support
If you would like to support Japan earthquake and tsunami relief, consider donating to World Vision--their Web site address is http://www.worldvision.org/. "World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice."
Gluten-Free Diet Challenge
"A gluten-free diet is a diet completely free of gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat (including kamut and spelt), barley, rye, malts and triticale. Gluten is also used as a food additive in the form of a flavoring, stabilizing or thickening agent, often hidden under "dextrin". A gluten-free diet is the only medically accepted treatment for celiac disease, the related condition dermatitis herpetiformis, and wheat allergy.
Additionally, a gluten-free diet may exclude oats."
Try a 30-day gluten-free diet challenge, and see how you feel in a month. Who knows? You may experience increased energy, weight loss, etc., so give it a go.
Additionally, a gluten-free diet may exclude oats."
Try a 30-day gluten-free diet challenge, and see how you feel in a month. Who knows? You may experience increased energy, weight loss, etc., so give it a go.
A Life of Faith
Today's Devotional:
"In the Old Testament, a person's relationship with God was seen by the degree of separation in that person's life. When we think of separation today, we do not mean to be literally separated from those family members who do not have a personal relationship with God, but to be separated mentally and morally from their viewpoints.
A life of faith is not a life of one glorious mountaintop experience after another, like soaring on eagles' wings, but is a life of day-in and day-out consistence; a life of walking without fainting (See Isaiah 40:31)."
Live by God's example through His Word, not by other's opinions. God never promised us that we would have a strife-free life, but one of complete and utter peace and joy during trials and tribulations, knowing that He will guide us through step-by-step if we are willing to hold His hand. He will never push Himself on us. So, please ask Him to be your personal tour guide through life.
"In the Old Testament, a person's relationship with God was seen by the degree of separation in that person's life. When we think of separation today, we do not mean to be literally separated from those family members who do not have a personal relationship with God, but to be separated mentally and morally from their viewpoints.
A life of faith is not a life of one glorious mountaintop experience after another, like soaring on eagles' wings, but is a life of day-in and day-out consistence; a life of walking without fainting (See Isaiah 40:31)."
Live by God's example through His Word, not by other's opinions. God never promised us that we would have a strife-free life, but one of complete and utter peace and joy during trials and tribulations, knowing that He will guide us through step-by-step if we are willing to hold His hand. He will never push Himself on us. So, please ask Him to be your personal tour guide through life.
Friday, March 18, 2011
What Is God's Will For My Life?
I read this today, and believe it is so true. "We have the gospel of Christ in us, and we do not have time to waste. Some wonder if it is unfair for God to allow so many to have no knowledge of the gospel. But there is no injustice in God. The injustice lies in Christians who possess the gospel and refuse to give their lives to making it known among those who haven't heard. That is unfair.
I find it interesting that one of the most common questions asked today among Christians is "What is God's will for my life?" or "How do I find God's will for my life?" Many Christians have almost assumed the attitude that they would obey God if he would just show them what he wanted them to do. The answer is clear. The will of God is for you and me to give our lives urgently and recklessly to making the gospel and the glory of God known among all peoples, particularly those who have never heard of Jesus."
I find it interesting that one of the most common questions asked today among Christians is "What is God's will for my life?" or "How do I find God's will for my life?" Many Christians have almost assumed the attitude that they would obey God if he would just show them what he wanted them to do. The answer is clear. The will of God is for you and me to give our lives urgently and recklessly to making the gospel and the glory of God known among all peoples, particularly those who have never heard of Jesus."
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