"Life is not a race ~ but indeed a journey. Be honest. Work hard. Be choosy. Say "thank you", "I love you", and "great job" to someone each day. Go to church, take time for prayer. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. Let your handshake mean more than pen and paper. Love your life and what you've been given, it is not accidental ~ search for your purpose and do it as best you can. Dreaming does matter. It allows you to become that which you aspire to be. Laugh often. Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them. Some of the best things really are free. Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming. Forgive, it free the soul. Take time for yourself ~ plan for longevity. Recognize the special people you've been blessed to know. Live for today, enjoy the moment."
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Preventing Oral Cancer
Below is another cancer prevention article I thought was informative.
"Besides preventing cavities, a periodic dental cleaning or checkup could save your life.
Along with preventing and detection of cavities, a routine cleaning is an opportune time to check the mouth for signs of oral cancer.
As part of National Oral Cancer Prevention Week, Dr. Jeffery Capes, an oral surgeon with Coastal Oral Surgery on St. Simons Island, is encouraging patients to ensure that their dental health professional check for possible signs of cancer.
"About 8,000 people die of oral cancer a year," Capes said. "That's about one person every hour, every day."
The Oral Cancer Foundation predicts about 37,000 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with oral cancer, and in the past five years, the number has been growing.
Unfortunately, it often is detected in its latter stages, when about 45 percent die within five years of diagnosis.
"And that death rate hasn't changed in five, 10, 20 years, while the survival rate for other cancers has," Capes said.
Oral cancer has a high risk of producing second, primary tumors and spread to the neck and lymph nodes. The primary tumor can also invade deep into the tissues of the mouth or jaw.
Persons who survive a first encounter with the disease face a possible 20 times higher risk of developing a second cancer and the risk can last for 5 to 10 years after the first occurrence.
When found early, the survival rate of oral cancer can be as high as 90 percent. Oral cancer in its early stages isn't difficult to discover, but a lack of awareness and a national program for screenings may be reasons why it's not detected earlier and death rates are so high, the Oral Cancer Foundation reports.
When the cancer starts producing pain, it's often progressed into its later stages, Capes said. "There's usually nothing as far as pain a patient will notice in the beginning," he said.
White or red patches on the tongue or floor of the mouth that last more than two weeks should be checked by an oral health professional, Capes said. "They can take a biopsy of it and results will dictate what to do next," Capes said.
In the past, persons over age 40, especially men, had been most at risk for oral cancer. Recently, however, the proportion of women and the young diagnosed with the disease has been climbing.
Smoking and alcohol consumption are the main risk factors for the disease and, lately, studies suggest the human papilloma virus (HPV) may also be a causing agent.
"Really, people should have a soft tissue exam during their six-month (dental) checkup," Capes said."
Thursday, April 28, 2011
How To ... Do Skin Self-Exams
Please read the article below that I copied and pasted. And please take preventative measures when it comes to checking for the signs of skin cancers.
"Early detection of skin cancers - particularly melanomas - is crucial to treatment. You can help protect yourself with regular at-home body inspections, says Dr. Melissa Schwarzschild of Richmond Dermatology & Laser Specialists in Richmond, Va. "You can be proactive and alleviate anxiety," she says.
Do regular inspections. Check all of your moles about every six months, especially if you have lots of them or have a personal or family history of skin cancer. See a dermatologist once a year for a routine full-body check.
Get to know your moles. Know their location, size and color.
Look for new or changing moles. It's normal to develop new moles into your early 20s, but not beyond. Pay attention to any new growths or moles that have changed in size, color or shape.
Take pictures. If you have lots of moles, keeping up with potential changes is difficult. One good idea: take photographs every six to 12 months; save and date the images on a computer and review as needed. You may find a "scary" mole has always been there - or that it is in fact new.
Beware of pink or black. Normal moles and other benign skin growths typically are varying shades of tan to brown. Melanomas may be black or less commonly pink, while other skin cancers tend to be pink and are often scaly. See your dermatologist if you notice a pink or black lesion.
Check "hidden" spots. Don't overlook the soles of your feet or your genital area; ask a partner or friend to check your back and have your hairdresser inspect your scalp. Skin cancers can appear even in areas where the sun doesn't shine."
"Early detection of skin cancers - particularly melanomas - is crucial to treatment. You can help protect yourself with regular at-home body inspections, says Dr. Melissa Schwarzschild of Richmond Dermatology & Laser Specialists in Richmond, Va. "You can be proactive and alleviate anxiety," she says.
Do regular inspections. Check all of your moles about every six months, especially if you have lots of them or have a personal or family history of skin cancer. See a dermatologist once a year for a routine full-body check.
Get to know your moles. Know their location, size and color.
Look for new or changing moles. It's normal to develop new moles into your early 20s, but not beyond. Pay attention to any new growths or moles that have changed in size, color or shape.
Take pictures. If you have lots of moles, keeping up with potential changes is difficult. One good idea: take photographs every six to 12 months; save and date the images on a computer and review as needed. You may find a "scary" mole has always been there - or that it is in fact new.
Beware of pink or black. Normal moles and other benign skin growths typically are varying shades of tan to brown. Melanomas may be black or less commonly pink, while other skin cancers tend to be pink and are often scaly. See your dermatologist if you notice a pink or black lesion.
Check "hidden" spots. Don't overlook the soles of your feet or your genital area; ask a partner or friend to check your back and have your hairdresser inspect your scalp. Skin cancers can appear even in areas where the sun doesn't shine."
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Who Does God Say That I Am?
In my prayers each night, I have been asking God, "Who am I, and who do You say that I am." I want God to mold me into who He wants me to be, not who I think I should be. And I have come to the realization that He wants to change me, and not just my circumstances.
But to be honest with you, I did not always have this mindset, and sometimes it is hard not to want my circumstances to change. It is easy to pray and ask God to fix whatever issues you may be having. But it is another thing to ask God to change you. And on top of that, when He does decide to change you, are you ready to step up to the plate and not hold back? Many of us would rather stay in our comfort zone--our own little bubble--and not step out in faith.
How about giving God the chance to do the steering in your life? Because when God is in control, there is no room for human error.
Are you willing to pray this prayer, and be ready for what He has in store for you?
But to be honest with you, I did not always have this mindset, and sometimes it is hard not to want my circumstances to change. It is easy to pray and ask God to fix whatever issues you may be having. But it is another thing to ask God to change you. And on top of that, when He does decide to change you, are you ready to step up to the plate and not hold back? Many of us would rather stay in our comfort zone--our own little bubble--and not step out in faith.
How about giving God the chance to do the steering in your life? Because when God is in control, there is no room for human error.
Are you willing to pray this prayer, and be ready for what He has in store for you?
Monday, April 25, 2011
Clinging To Your Life...
Read the below scripture, and think about how it might be applicable to you.
"If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it." – Luke 17:33
Have you clung to you life? I know that it is easy to do when you are not focused, because I have done it myself.
"If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it." – Luke 17:33
Have you clung to you life? I know that it is easy to do when you are not focused, because I have done it myself.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Whose Kingdom Do you Belong To?
My husband and I went to Good Friday communion at church this morning. The church that we attend has two Good Friday services--one in the morning and one in the evening--which consists of a service, footwashing, and then a light lunch/dinner is served. There is always a piece of paper with conversation starters to ask the people at your table while you eat. One of the questions stuck with me, and I wanted to take a minute to share it.
"Why do you think that most people live like life is all about establishing their own kingdom when it is really about a kingdom where Jesus is king?"
Please share your thoughts.
"Why do you think that most people live like life is all about establishing their own kingdom when it is really about a kingdom where Jesus is king?"
Please share your thoughts.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Being Faithful vs. Being Dishonest
"If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities." - Luke 16:10
This is a great verse to write down on an index card and memorize. Or you could write this scripture and others down on paper and tape them to your bathroom mirror, desk, etc. -- this is something I have done.
This is a great verse to write down on an index card and memorize. Or you could write this scripture and others down on paper and tape them to your bathroom mirror, desk, etc. -- this is something I have done.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Finicky Eater
One of mine and my husband's biggest frustrations with our almost 3 year-old daughter is the fact that she will not eat the nutritious foods--such as vegetables--that are "essential" and "paramount" to her growth and development.
To give you a little background on her... In November 2009, somehow she got campylobacter and Ecoli. Before she had the bacterial infections, she ate beets, sweet potatoes, etc. And post the bacterial infections, she became an extremely finicky eater, which takes its toll on me and my husband everyday.
The bacterial infections completely affected her mentally and emotionally. She used to be happy-go-lucky and had a great disposition. But now she can be emotional, etc., which many people attribute that to the terrible twos. I do not believe that, though. Many people and doctors want to blame the way someone feels on their age, but I believe that one's overall health plays a major role in their disposition and everything else that goes along with having health issues.
On a somewhat positive note, she will eat almost any kind of fruit that I give her. I am elated that she has not completely ruled out fruits, because they have some nutritional value. However, like I said, vegetables are out of the question.
The only part of the day that I can bank on her eating all her meal is breakfast. Most days, I give her granola, oatmeal or something else healthy. About once or twice a week I give her eggs, but she is starting to refuse them.
Lunchtime and dinnertime are not easy on any of us. It is hard to not get upset when she refuses almost everything I make for her, because it is hard for a child her age to understand that she needs to eat healthy in order to feel her best and thrive. We also do not want her to associate us getting upset with her with eating at the table. And furthermore, we do not want to bargain with her to get her to eat her food.
So, if anyone can give us some suggestions as to what to do to get her to eat healthy, we would greatly appreciate it!
To give you a little background on her... In November 2009, somehow she got campylobacter and Ecoli. Before she had the bacterial infections, she ate beets, sweet potatoes, etc. And post the bacterial infections, she became an extremely finicky eater, which takes its toll on me and my husband everyday.
The bacterial infections completely affected her mentally and emotionally. She used to be happy-go-lucky and had a great disposition. But now she can be emotional, etc., which many people attribute that to the terrible twos. I do not believe that, though. Many people and doctors want to blame the way someone feels on their age, but I believe that one's overall health plays a major role in their disposition and everything else that goes along with having health issues.
On a somewhat positive note, she will eat almost any kind of fruit that I give her. I am elated that she has not completely ruled out fruits, because they have some nutritional value. However, like I said, vegetables are out of the question.
The only part of the day that I can bank on her eating all her meal is breakfast. Most days, I give her granola, oatmeal or something else healthy. About once or twice a week I give her eggs, but she is starting to refuse them.
Lunchtime and dinnertime are not easy on any of us. It is hard to not get upset when she refuses almost everything I make for her, because it is hard for a child her age to understand that she needs to eat healthy in order to feel her best and thrive. We also do not want her to associate us getting upset with her with eating at the table. And furthermore, we do not want to bargain with her to get her to eat her food.
So, if anyone can give us some suggestions as to what to do to get her to eat healthy, we would greatly appreciate it!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Regeneration
This is a pivotal video of Paul Washer, founder of the HeartCry Missionary Society, speaking about regeneration. One point that he addressed that spoke to me was about God's grace, and how just because we have His grace does not mean that we can take advantage of it and sin. His message positively impacted me!
Monday, April 18, 2011
"That's My King!"
We saw this video in church today, and it sums up who Jesus is.
He is my King, and I love Him for who He was, is, and is to come!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
God’s Purpose in Difficult Times
By Alan Redpath
"There is nothing, no circumstance, no trouble, no testing,
that can even touch me until, first of all,
it has gone past God and Christ, right through to me.
that can even touch me until, first of all,
it has gone past God and Christ, right through to me.
If it has come that far,
it has come with a great purpose
which I may not understand at the moment.
it has come with a great purpose
which I may not understand at the moment.
But as I refuse to become panicky,
as I lift up my eyes to him and accept it
as coming from the throne of God
for some great purpose of blessing to my own heart,
no sorrow will ever disturb me,
no trial will ever disarm me,
no circumstance will cause me to fret,
for I shall rest in the joy of what my Lord is!
as I lift up my eyes to him and accept it
as coming from the throne of God
for some great purpose of blessing to my own heart,
no sorrow will ever disturb me,
no trial will ever disarm me,
no circumstance will cause me to fret,
for I shall rest in the joy of what my Lord is!
That is the rest of Victory!
…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 NIV"
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Servitude To Him
"Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal." - John 2:24, 25
"According to the Master's teaching, one makes the most out of life if he is willing to lose it. His assignment is to lose one's life in servitude to Him. For losing it for His sake is saving it. Self must be cast aside, that is the lower self must be trampled under by the higher self. The alabaster jar must be broken, that the precious ointment of blessing may flow out to fill the house. Grapes must be crushed for there to be wine to drink. Wheat must be bruised in order for it to be made into bread to feed the hungry world.
The parable of life is the same, unbroken and unbruised men are of little use. Life is one constant battle after another in which good triumphs over bad, the spirit over flesh. We have not begun to live until we cease to live for self. True living is dying!"
"According to the Master's teaching, one makes the most out of life if he is willing to lose it. His assignment is to lose one's life in servitude to Him. For losing it for His sake is saving it. Self must be cast aside, that is the lower self must be trampled under by the higher self. The alabaster jar must be broken, that the precious ointment of blessing may flow out to fill the house. Grapes must be crushed for there to be wine to drink. Wheat must be bruised in order for it to be made into bread to feed the hungry world.
The parable of life is the same, unbroken and unbruised men are of little use. Life is one constant battle after another in which good triumphs over bad, the spirit over flesh. We have not begun to live until we cease to live for self. True living is dying!"
Friday, April 15, 2011
"Do They See Jesus In Me?" Song
The above video goes along with what I posted about whether or not people see Jesus in you. The words to the song encapsulate how we should be as Christians.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Do You See Jesus In Me?
Did you ever stop to think how people perceive you? Would they see something special and genuine about you? Do you think that they would be compelled to ask what it is about you that seems different from most people? Well, my heart's desire is for people to see Jesus in me.
We need to reevaluate ourselves daily to make sure we are in alignment with Him. When we are attuned to God's heart we are attuned to His ways. But it means constantly reading His Word, and praying and asking Him if there are any unconfessed sins that are hindering our walk with Him.
I never want to be the type of person who puts on a facade to make people believe that I am the perfect Christian who has no worries. I have been guilty of this in the past, though, because no one wants to come across as having problems. But I have learned that God does not want us to be dishonest with ourselves or others. I want my smile and disposition to be sincere. And if I am going through trials, I want people to know that I am at peace because God is working in my favor.
Today, I heard someone say that she saw a woman wearing a small pin that had a powerful statement on it. The pin said, "Do you see Jesus in me?" What a great conversation piece! I am actually going to find and purchase one of those pins and wear it on my coat, because if there is one thing that I am passionate about, it is winning souls for Christ. I mean... God put us on earth to spread the gospel.
So, would you be bold enough to wear this type of pin?
Are you reflecting His ways?
We need to reevaluate ourselves daily to make sure we are in alignment with Him. When we are attuned to God's heart we are attuned to His ways. But it means constantly reading His Word, and praying and asking Him if there are any unconfessed sins that are hindering our walk with Him.
I never want to be the type of person who puts on a facade to make people believe that I am the perfect Christian who has no worries. I have been guilty of this in the past, though, because no one wants to come across as having problems. But I have learned that God does not want us to be dishonest with ourselves or others. I want my smile and disposition to be sincere. And if I am going through trials, I want people to know that I am at peace because God is working in my favor.
Today, I heard someone say that she saw a woman wearing a small pin that had a powerful statement on it. The pin said, "Do you see Jesus in me?" What a great conversation piece! I am actually going to find and purchase one of those pins and wear it on my coat, because if there is one thing that I am passionate about, it is winning souls for Christ. I mean... God put us on earth to spread the gospel.
So, would you be bold enough to wear this type of pin?
Are you reflecting His ways?
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Why You Should Think Twice About Eating Certain Cereals
Please click on the link below and read the article on how unhealthy some cereals are. After you read the article, you might change your mind on whether or not you and your family should be eating it.
http://www.nourishingourchildren.org/Cereal.html
http://www.nourishingourchildren.org/Cereal.html
Monday, April 11, 2011
Nutrition Newsletter
If you want to learn about "Top 10 Simple Dietary Tips," "Plan for Healthy Weight Loss," and "20 Supercharged Smoothie Recipes!", sign-up for Rockwell Nutrition's "Quick Tips Nutrition News" on their Web site and you will receive the three health e-books for free--you can click on Rockwell Nutrition's link on the left-hand side of my page.
There is a wealth of information on Rockwell Nutrition's Web site. When my family or I have an ailment, I always go to their Web site and look up what they recommend.
So, check out their Web site, and see what you think. They are a wonderful company to deal with, and offer top-notch expertise!
To great health!
There is a wealth of information on Rockwell Nutrition's Web site. When my family or I have an ailment, I always go to their Web site and look up what they recommend.
So, check out their Web site, and see what you think. They are a wonderful company to deal with, and offer top-notch expertise!
To great health!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Today's Words of Encouragement
I needed a little inspiration today, so I read a page from a book of encouragement that I have. The paragraphs below go hand-in-hand with what the speaker at our church preached about today on showing love and being generous.
"Share your good fortune with the people who are at the center of the circle of your life. If you invest in your dreams, it's impossible to overpay. Give away smiles, and watch them come back to you a hundred times over. Spend your twenty-four hours wisely and well each day.
Stuff your pockets with kindness and optimism; there is nothing more precious in the world. It's really kind of funny: Someday, you'll look back on your life, and you'll realize that the riches you prized . . . had absolutely nothing to do with money."
Do not just go through the motions everyday, and make a positive impact in someone's life!
Share with me how you have positively influenced someone's life.
"Share your good fortune with the people who are at the center of the circle of your life. If you invest in your dreams, it's impossible to overpay. Give away smiles, and watch them come back to you a hundred times over. Spend your twenty-four hours wisely and well each day.
Stuff your pockets with kindness and optimism; there is nothing more precious in the world. It's really kind of funny: Someday, you'll look back on your life, and you'll realize that the riches you prized . . . had absolutely nothing to do with money."
Do not just go through the motions everyday, and make a positive impact in someone's life!
Share with me how you have positively influenced someone's life.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Missions
For the past few years, I have had a passion for Christian missions. Thinking back to my youth, I had the opportunity to go on mission trips with the youth group from my parent's church, but never went. I guess I was either scared or too selfish. And now I regret never having went and preached His Word. For all I know, it could have positively impacted my life, not to mention the lives of others. But we cannot change our past. We can only make better choices for our future.
The dedicated missionaries who are martyrs for Jesus touch my heart. To think that there are Christians out there that are willing to put their lives on the line for Him humbles me. They are being tortured beyond belief, and have not given in to the people persecuting them, or given up hope. Because they ultimately know that even if they die, they will have potentially touched the lives of those they encountered. But most of all, they will spend eternity with Him.
What I have came to recognize is that we do not have to travel to other countries to preach the gospel. The minute we pick up a phone and call an unsaved friend or family member, or step out our front door, we our on His mission field. The easy part is picking up the phone or stepping outside. However, the hard part is having the guts to speak to them about Christ.
Before you approach your friend or loved one, pray and ask God to give you the right words. And then start off the conversation by letting them know that salvation is free, and the best gift anyone could ever give them. Then God will help you with the rest.
Recently, I subscribed to a free magazine by The Voice of the Martyrs. If you want to read about Christians in other countries who are being persecuted in His name, please visit http://www.persecution.com/.
The dedicated missionaries who are martyrs for Jesus touch my heart. To think that there are Christians out there that are willing to put their lives on the line for Him humbles me. They are being tortured beyond belief, and have not given in to the people persecuting them, or given up hope. Because they ultimately know that even if they die, they will have potentially touched the lives of those they encountered. But most of all, they will spend eternity with Him.
What I have came to recognize is that we do not have to travel to other countries to preach the gospel. The minute we pick up a phone and call an unsaved friend or family member, or step out our front door, we our on His mission field. The easy part is picking up the phone or stepping outside. However, the hard part is having the guts to speak to them about Christ.
Before you approach your friend or loved one, pray and ask God to give you the right words. And then start off the conversation by letting them know that salvation is free, and the best gift anyone could ever give them. Then God will help you with the rest.
Recently, I subscribed to a free magazine by The Voice of the Martyrs. If you want to read about Christians in other countries who are being persecuted in His name, please visit http://www.persecution.com/.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The 100/100 Plan In Marriage
I copied and pasted the below email that I received. We should apply this to our marriages.
"The Trouble with the 50/50 Plan" (Rom. 5:8) "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
"When two people get married, they have expectations of how the relationship should work. Often, the unspoken assumption is that 'My spouse will meet me halfway.' Sometimes it's called 'The 50/50 Plan.' When the husband and wife operate on this pattern, it's easy for it to spread to other members of the family. The '50/50 Plan' say, 'You do your part, and I'll do mine.' This concept sounds logical, but families who use it are destined for disappointment. Among the problems with the '50/50 Plan' is that giving is based on merit and performance. We focus more on what the other person is giving than on what we are doing. Love is withheld until the other person meets our expectations. Since this way of measuring out our love is subjective, the motivation for our actions is based merely on how we feel. It's impossible to ever know if a person has ever met you halfway. As Thomas Fuller said, 'Each horse thinks his pack is heaviest.' Early in our marriage we tried this plan. I would give affection to Barbara only when I felt she had earned it by keeping the house running smoothly. Barbara would show me affection and praise only when I would hold up my end by getting home on time, keeping the house in a reasonable state of repair, or working in her garden. Contrast this with the type of love God shows for us. You might say that, no matter what we do, He gives us 100 percent. As Romans 5:8 shows, He gives us love even when we don't deserve it. I propose that couples adopt 'The 100/100 Plan' in marriage. Under this plan, each person gives 100 percent no matter what the other person does.
Discuss: As you look at your marriage, do you think you've been operating according to 'The 50/50 Plan?' Write down some specific ways.
Pray: That God's Spirit of unmerited giving will permeate the heart of each member in your family."
"The Trouble with the 50/50 Plan" (Rom. 5:8) "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
"When two people get married, they have expectations of how the relationship should work. Often, the unspoken assumption is that 'My spouse will meet me halfway.' Sometimes it's called 'The 50/50 Plan.' When the husband and wife operate on this pattern, it's easy for it to spread to other members of the family. The '50/50 Plan' say, 'You do your part, and I'll do mine.' This concept sounds logical, but families who use it are destined for disappointment. Among the problems with the '50/50 Plan' is that giving is based on merit and performance. We focus more on what the other person is giving than on what we are doing. Love is withheld until the other person meets our expectations. Since this way of measuring out our love is subjective, the motivation for our actions is based merely on how we feel. It's impossible to ever know if a person has ever met you halfway. As Thomas Fuller said, 'Each horse thinks his pack is heaviest.' Early in our marriage we tried this plan. I would give affection to Barbara only when I felt she had earned it by keeping the house running smoothly. Barbara would show me affection and praise only when I would hold up my end by getting home on time, keeping the house in a reasonable state of repair, or working in her garden. Contrast this with the type of love God shows for us. You might say that, no matter what we do, He gives us 100 percent. As Romans 5:8 shows, He gives us love even when we don't deserve it. I propose that couples adopt 'The 100/100 Plan' in marriage. Under this plan, each person gives 100 percent no matter what the other person does.
Discuss: As you look at your marriage, do you think you've been operating according to 'The 50/50 Plan?' Write down some specific ways.
Pray: That God's Spirit of unmerited giving will permeate the heart of each member in your family."
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Great Online Godly Resource
If you have family-related questions, and want answers based on God's Word, then please visit Focus on the Family's Web site at http://www.focusonthefamily.com/.
"About Focus on the Family
Helping Families Thrive
Focus on the Family is a global Christian ministry dedicated to helping families thrive. We provide help and resources for couples to build healthy marriages that reflect God’s design, and for parents to raise their children according to morals and values grounded in biblical principles.
We’re here to come alongside families with relevance and grace at each stage of their journey. We support families as they seek to teach their children about God and His beautiful design for the family, protect themselves from the harmful influences of culture and equip themselves to make a greater difference in the lives of those around them."
I signed up to receive emails from Focus on the Family, which are very informative. It is awesome to have such a wonderful Godly resource at your fingertips!
"About Focus on the Family
Helping Families Thrive
Focus on the Family is a global Christian ministry dedicated to helping families thrive. We provide help and resources for couples to build healthy marriages that reflect God’s design, and for parents to raise their children according to morals and values grounded in biblical principles.
We’re here to come alongside families with relevance and grace at each stage of their journey. We support families as they seek to teach their children about God and His beautiful design for the family, protect themselves from the harmful influences of culture and equip themselves to make a greater difference in the lives of those around them."
I signed up to receive emails from Focus on the Family, which are very informative. It is awesome to have such a wonderful Godly resource at your fingertips!
Monday, April 4, 2011
The Golden Rules of Living
"If you open it, close it.
If you turn it on, turn it off.
If you unlock it, lock it up.
If you break it, admit it.
If you can’t fix it, call in someone who can.
If you borrow it, return it.
If you value it, take care of it.
If you make a mess, clean it up.
If you move it, put it back.
If it belongs to someone else and you want to use it, get permission.
If you don’t know how to operate it, leave it alone.
If it’s none of your business, don’t ask questions.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
If it will brighten someone’s day, say it.
If it will tarnish someone’s reputation, keep it to yourself."
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Always Being An Example For Christ
There has been something that I have been thinking about lately. Many people wear cross necklaces, rings, etc. But is it just for show? Or are they truly exemplifying Jesus in all their actions in the manner in which the cross would represent their behavior lining up with His behavior?
What do I mean by this? Well, say you have your cross necklace on, and are out and about doing errands. You are in a hurry, and anyone who sees you can tell that you have no time for anything else than to get what you need done and get home. With only a half hour to spare to pick up a few items at the grocery store and get home and make dinner, you see an elderly woman in the parking lot who is clearly struggling to carry her groceries. Hunched over with grocery bags and a purse in tote, she looks at you and gives you such a beautiful smile, and you give her a quick smile back and head for the door. Before you reach the door, you could hear the woman say, "God bless you, young lady!", which is when you realized that she probably noticed the cross dangling from your neck. Then it dawns on you what you learned in Bible study about always being an example for Christ. At this point, you can tell that God is nudging you to stop rushing and help her. So, you turn around and do what you knew you should have done in the first place.
I am sure you can think of other examples as well. This was the first example that came to my mind, because even though this scenario has not happened to me, I can relate, because I am always in a hurry when I do errands with our almost 3 year-old daughter.
Are you always attentive to your surroundings? I know that I need to be more aware of my surroundings when I am out on His mission field.
Have you ever caught yourself in a situation where Jesus would not be smiling down at you for your actions while wearing the cross that He died on to give us life?
Who are you representing? Yourself or Jesus?
Please share some of your thoughts with me. And always remember to check your motives, and make sure they line up with His Word.
What do I mean by this? Well, say you have your cross necklace on, and are out and about doing errands. You are in a hurry, and anyone who sees you can tell that you have no time for anything else than to get what you need done and get home. With only a half hour to spare to pick up a few items at the grocery store and get home and make dinner, you see an elderly woman in the parking lot who is clearly struggling to carry her groceries. Hunched over with grocery bags and a purse in tote, she looks at you and gives you such a beautiful smile, and you give her a quick smile back and head for the door. Before you reach the door, you could hear the woman say, "God bless you, young lady!", which is when you realized that she probably noticed the cross dangling from your neck. Then it dawns on you what you learned in Bible study about always being an example for Christ. At this point, you can tell that God is nudging you to stop rushing and help her. So, you turn around and do what you knew you should have done in the first place.
I am sure you can think of other examples as well. This was the first example that came to my mind, because even though this scenario has not happened to me, I can relate, because I am always in a hurry when I do errands with our almost 3 year-old daughter.
Are you always attentive to your surroundings? I know that I need to be more aware of my surroundings when I am out on His mission field.
Have you ever caught yourself in a situation where Jesus would not be smiling down at you for your actions while wearing the cross that He died on to give us life?
Who are you representing? Yourself or Jesus?
Please share some of your thoughts with me. And always remember to check your motives, and make sure they line up with His Word.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Maple Syrup May Help Treat Diabetes
"A U.S. researcher says she has discovered 34 new beneficial compounds in pure maple syrup from Quebec -- five of which have never been seen in nature.
Navindra Seeram of the University of Rhode Island also confirmed that 20 maple syrup compounds she discovered last year in preliminary research play a key role in human health.
"I continue to say that nature is the best chemist, and that maple syrup is becoming a champion food when it comes to the number and variety of beneficial compounds found in it," Seeram said in a statement.
"It's important to note that in our laboratory research we found that several of these compounds possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which have been shown to fight cancer, diabetes and bacterial illnesses."
Seeram and Chong Lee, a professor of nutrition and food sciences at the University of Rhode Island's College of the Environment and Life Sciences, found maple syrup phenolics -- the beneficial antioxidant compounds -- inhibit two carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes that are relevant to type 2 diabetes.
Among the five new compounds is Quebecol, a compound created when the Maple tree sap is boiled to create syrup.
"Quebecol has a unique chemical structure or skeleton never before identified in nature," Seeram said. "There is beneficial and interesting chemistry going on when the boiling process occurs. I believe the heat forms this unique compound."
The findings were taken at the 241st American Chemical Society's National Meeting in Anaheim, Calif."
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