I recently read how heart attacks are the number one killer of women, which is something that I did not know.
Below I copied and pasted what I read about it, and you might find some of the warning signs to be surprising (i.e., "how are hearts are somewhat protected by estrogen.") If you do not already know the warning signs of a heart attack, then knowing what to watch for could save your's or someone else's life.
"Women fret about the possibility of breast cancer. They worry about the potential of dementia.
They should be concerned about their hearts, because more women die of heart attacks than any other cause.
"It's true that our hearts are somewhat protected by estrogen, so studies show that our risks for attack increase after menopause. But we should be taking steps to care for ourselves at all ages," says Sherry Torkos, a Canadian pharmacist and fitness instructor. Torkos and Dr. Martha Gulati, a cardiologist and professor at Ohio State University, are co-authors of "Saving Women's Hearts" (John Wiley Publishing).
Question: You're going to tell me we should be proactive and heart healthy and that includes exercise, right?
Answer: Right. It's never too late to take steps toward a healthy heart. Aim for 10,000 steps a day. If you are sedentary, try to walk 10-15 minutes a day and gradually increase your time.
Q: Why don't women recognize symptoms of heart attack?
A: The warning signs can be different. There can be chest pain, but also pain around the shoulder, neck or jaw. It can be vague - like nausea and fatigue. Sometimes women dismiss the symptoms as "just not feeling well," so they delay getting treatment. That's partly why women are twice as likely to die as men in the first year after a heart attack and are less likely to survive their first heart attack.
Q: What's the difference?
A: In the first year, 42 percent of the women who suffer an attack die, as opposed to 24 percent of the men. We simply delay treatment. Dismiss our condition as "nothing significant." And often, once we do go to the emergency room, we are more likely to be investigated as having an emotional reaction as a heart attack. ... We also are less likely to be given the same standard of care medications or be referred to a cardiologist than men.
Q: What are the risk factors for women?
A: Stress in later life seems to have a greater impact, particularly job stress. Also extra weight ... and, of course, smoking. There is a big connection between a large midsection, or apple shape, to the body and more danger for a heart attack.
Q: So we exercise more and we lose weight. What else?
A: Supplements. Fish oil reduces multiple risk factors and lowers triglycerides. It also reduces inflammation and clotting. Cutting down on sodium. It's shocking how much salt is in the average diet.
Q: I have written before about my friend Nell Kenyon, 79, for whom swollen hands were the only sign of a massive heart attack. Nell says she never felt any pain.
A: That's not an untypical story. The answer for all women is to be empowered. Know the symptoms. Know the best lifestyle to avoid the number-one killer for women. You can beat the odds."
Monday, May 30, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Love and Respect: A Royal Marriage
My husband and I were in an A.B.F. (Adult Bible Fellowship) at church a year ago or so that was centered around the book called Love & Respect by Emerson Eggerichs. It was such a great A.B.F. that brought things into perspective.
Below is something that I read along the same lines as the A.B.F., and was actually written by Emerson & Susan Eggerichs. I think it speaks volumes as to how a marriage should be.
"Marriage is a lot like royalty. A wife wants to be first in the heart of her prince. A husband wants to be the hero that his princess admires and respects.
There is something intriguing about royalty – and a royal marriage. It's as if something within all of us longs to be royal. Did you know that God says we are royalty? "You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9).
God has put in the heart of every little girl to be a princess. She dresses up, talks about it, even dreams about it. As a woman, she wants to be first in the heart of her prince. She wants to be loved and treasured like a princess.
A little boy wants to be the hero, defending the fort and saving others from danger. As a man, he wants to be the prince, the hero that his princess admires and respects. He is designed by God to be a man of honor, one who is responsible to provide and care for his princess.
The wedding ceremony is a great picture of the prince and the princess dynamic – the love and respect is evident, and it is beautiful. But what often happens in that first year is that he isn't as loving as she expected or needed him to be. And she often stops treating her prince with the respect that he needs. She needs to be loved, to be his princess; he needs to be respected, to be her prince. When this dynamic breaks down, the relationship gets crazy.
In my book, The Language of Love and Respect, I talk about the concept of wanting to be treated as a prince and a princess. "The man with basic goodwill wants to serve his wife, and he would even die for her. When his wife shows him unconditional respect, in most cases he will feel like a prince and be motivated to show her the kind of unconditional love she desires. She is a princess who is loved." (p. 18)
Benevolent Goodwill
In a safe and secure kingdom (even when that kingdom is a home), its people thrive. Effective kingdom leaders demonstrate benevolent goodwill to the people. In marriage, the importance of goodwill is just as important.
One key to making your relationship safe and secure is to demonstrate benevolent goodwill toward your mate – to believe he or she has good intentions, to expect the best of the other person. Even when your mate messes up, you can choose to believe in the goodwill of your spouse.
Unfortunately, what often happens when you feel unloved or disrespected is that you start predicting and judging the other person's motives. Research shows that successful couples don't make condemning judgments about the other; they choose to trust their mate's intentions.
Once a couple decides to see each other as good-willed people, it changes their perspective and the filter through which they view their relationship. "Good-willed" doesn't mean we'll do good all the time; it just means that the intentions are good.
Matthew 26:41 says it well: "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak". Since a man and a woman naturally view conflict differently, they too often judge each other. During those times when your spouse is frustrating you, you can still believe in your mate's goodwill, respond accordingly and treat each other as teammates, partners, even allies.
Royal differences
Though the differences between men and women are part of the relationship challenge, God intended it to be this way. Women and men simply have different filters through which they experience life. She sees through pink sunglasses, hears with pink hearing aids and speaks through a pink megaphone. He sees through blue sunglasses, hears with blue hearing aids and speaks through a blue megaphone.
Yet, when blue blends with pink, it becomes purple, God's color – the color of royalty. He made us male and female to reflect His image, and as we love and respect each other, we create that purple, blending together as one to reflect the very image of God. When we understand this, we can begin to value our prince and our princess as God does, and we can trust that this is a truly magnificent design.
Even as allies you'll have moments of conflict. But whether it's a disagreement over sex or taking out the trash, each of you can rehearse what you know to be true: He's a good-willed man; she's seeing the situation through princess-pink glasses. He's not wrong; she's just different. We are friends; we are allies. Then, by going to God during conflict, we can discern His answer, what His royal purple, is. When we do this, we find the heart of God.
A Peace-filled Kingdom
Though the prince and princess of the movies tend to be perfect, you're married to an imperfect person. So how do you show unconditional love and respect when your spouse is so obviously imperfect? Unconditional means there is no condition or circumstance or situation that would cause him to be hostile (the opposite of love) or cause her to show contempt (the opposite of respect). It is choosing to show your princess a loving attitude, or your prince a respectful attitude, regardless of the weaknesses of the flesh.
It's not always easy, but we must avoid passing condemning judgment on our spouse. Judas and Peter both denied Jesus. Jesus saw Peter as having a willing spirit but weak flesh, so He never passed judgment on Peter. If you're married to a man like Peter, don't see him as a Judas. How does the Lord see your husband or wife? He's a prince, a co-heir with Christ. As a child of God, he is royalty. As a child of God, she is royalty.
Seeing each other as God sees us, as His prince and princess, will cause us to treat each other differently. God has an unconditional commitment to loving us, and so should we. That's part of maintaining a peace-filled, good-willed kingdom – and a royal marriage."
Below is something that I read along the same lines as the A.B.F., and was actually written by Emerson & Susan Eggerichs. I think it speaks volumes as to how a marriage should be.
"Marriage is a lot like royalty. A wife wants to be first in the heart of her prince. A husband wants to be the hero that his princess admires and respects.
There is something intriguing about royalty – and a royal marriage. It's as if something within all of us longs to be royal. Did you know that God says we are royalty? "You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9).
God has put in the heart of every little girl to be a princess. She dresses up, talks about it, even dreams about it. As a woman, she wants to be first in the heart of her prince. She wants to be loved and treasured like a princess.
A little boy wants to be the hero, defending the fort and saving others from danger. As a man, he wants to be the prince, the hero that his princess admires and respects. He is designed by God to be a man of honor, one who is responsible to provide and care for his princess.
The wedding ceremony is a great picture of the prince and the princess dynamic – the love and respect is evident, and it is beautiful. But what often happens in that first year is that he isn't as loving as she expected or needed him to be. And she often stops treating her prince with the respect that he needs. She needs to be loved, to be his princess; he needs to be respected, to be her prince. When this dynamic breaks down, the relationship gets crazy.
In my book, The Language of Love and Respect, I talk about the concept of wanting to be treated as a prince and a princess. "The man with basic goodwill wants to serve his wife, and he would even die for her. When his wife shows him unconditional respect, in most cases he will feel like a prince and be motivated to show her the kind of unconditional love she desires. She is a princess who is loved." (p. 18)
Benevolent Goodwill
In a safe and secure kingdom (even when that kingdom is a home), its people thrive. Effective kingdom leaders demonstrate benevolent goodwill to the people. In marriage, the importance of goodwill is just as important.
One key to making your relationship safe and secure is to demonstrate benevolent goodwill toward your mate – to believe he or she has good intentions, to expect the best of the other person. Even when your mate messes up, you can choose to believe in the goodwill of your spouse.
Unfortunately, what often happens when you feel unloved or disrespected is that you start predicting and judging the other person's motives. Research shows that successful couples don't make condemning judgments about the other; they choose to trust their mate's intentions.
Once a couple decides to see each other as good-willed people, it changes their perspective and the filter through which they view their relationship. "Good-willed" doesn't mean we'll do good all the time; it just means that the intentions are good.
Matthew 26:41 says it well: "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak". Since a man and a woman naturally view conflict differently, they too often judge each other. During those times when your spouse is frustrating you, you can still believe in your mate's goodwill, respond accordingly and treat each other as teammates, partners, even allies.
Royal differences
Though the differences between men and women are part of the relationship challenge, God intended it to be this way. Women and men simply have different filters through which they experience life. She sees through pink sunglasses, hears with pink hearing aids and speaks through a pink megaphone. He sees through blue sunglasses, hears with blue hearing aids and speaks through a blue megaphone.
Yet, when blue blends with pink, it becomes purple, God's color – the color of royalty. He made us male and female to reflect His image, and as we love and respect each other, we create that purple, blending together as one to reflect the very image of God. When we understand this, we can begin to value our prince and our princess as God does, and we can trust that this is a truly magnificent design.
Even as allies you'll have moments of conflict. But whether it's a disagreement over sex or taking out the trash, each of you can rehearse what you know to be true: He's a good-willed man; she's seeing the situation through princess-pink glasses. He's not wrong; she's just different. We are friends; we are allies. Then, by going to God during conflict, we can discern His answer, what His royal purple, is. When we do this, we find the heart of God.
A Peace-filled Kingdom
Though the prince and princess of the movies tend to be perfect, you're married to an imperfect person. So how do you show unconditional love and respect when your spouse is so obviously imperfect? Unconditional means there is no condition or circumstance or situation that would cause him to be hostile (the opposite of love) or cause her to show contempt (the opposite of respect). It is choosing to show your princess a loving attitude, or your prince a respectful attitude, regardless of the weaknesses of the flesh.
It's not always easy, but we must avoid passing condemning judgment on our spouse. Judas and Peter both denied Jesus. Jesus saw Peter as having a willing spirit but weak flesh, so He never passed judgment on Peter. If you're married to a man like Peter, don't see him as a Judas. How does the Lord see your husband or wife? He's a prince, a co-heir with Christ. As a child of God, he is royalty. As a child of God, she is royalty.
Seeing each other as God sees us, as His prince and princess, will cause us to treat each other differently. God has an unconditional commitment to loving us, and so should we. That's part of maintaining a peace-filled, good-willed kingdom – and a royal marriage."
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Is Sunscreen Enough on "Don't Fry Day"?
"Despite skin cancer's being largely preventable, it remains by far the most common type of cancer in the United States. There are over two million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed annually, which is more than new cases of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined. To help reduce rising rates of skin cancer, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention designated the Friday before Memorial Day, May 27, 2011, as "Don't Fry Day."
This year, the National Council urges everyone to think beyond sunscreen to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors. While generous sunscreen usage is an important way to protect your skin from the sun, there are additional sun safety measures that can help prevent skin cancer:
-- Avoid sun burning, intentional tanning, and using tanning beds;
-- Wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses;
-- Seek shade;
-- Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand;
-- Get vitamin D safely through food and vitamin D supplements.
"As millions of Americans head outdoors for family fun on Memorial Day weekend - the unofficial kick-off to summer - 'Don't Fry Day' is an important reminder for the public to protect their skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation while enjoying the outdoors," said Sandra I. Read, M.D., co-chair of the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. "While most everyone enjoys a sunny day, keeping your skin safe from overexposure to UV radiation can be easy by practicing simple sun-safety tips."
The American Cancer Society recommends that everyone "Slip! Slop! Slap!(R)...and Wrap" - slip on a shirt; slop on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher; slap on a hat; and wrap on sunglasses.
The UV Index forecast is a helpful resource to learn your daily risk of overexposure to the sun. Developed by the National Weather Service and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the UV Index forecasts the strength of solar UV radiation on a scale from 1 (low) to 11+ (extremely high). Simply log on to the EPA website at http://epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex to see the National UV map, download a free UV Index widget for your website, or download a free mobile application for your smart phone. The predicted UV level can be used as a guide for appropriate sun-protective measures to prevent overexposure to UV radiation.
Skin cancer is on the rise in the U.S. Here are some statistics:
-- The American Cancer Society estimates that, 68,130 cases of malignant
melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, were diagnosed in 2010.
-- One American dies of melanoma almost every hour.
-- While the incidence of many common cancers is falling, the incidence of
melanoma continues to rise.
-- Melanoma is now one of the most common cancers among young adults ages
15-29.
To minimize the harmful effects of too much UV exposure, the National Council advocates that comprehensive protection from UV radiation should be a life-long practice for everyone.
For more information, including how to use the UV Index to plan outdoor activities, visit the National Council's site at www.SkinCancerPrevention.org. The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention is the united voice of more than 45 organizations, associations, and agencies dedicated to reducing skin cancer morbidity and mortality in the United States. Council members represent some of the nation's premier physicians, researchers, clinicians and advocates for melanoma and skin cancer prevention."
This year, the National Council urges everyone to think beyond sunscreen to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors. While generous sunscreen usage is an important way to protect your skin from the sun, there are additional sun safety measures that can help prevent skin cancer:
-- Avoid sun burning, intentional tanning, and using tanning beds;
-- Wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses;
-- Seek shade;
-- Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand;
-- Get vitamin D safely through food and vitamin D supplements.
"As millions of Americans head outdoors for family fun on Memorial Day weekend - the unofficial kick-off to summer - 'Don't Fry Day' is an important reminder for the public to protect their skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation while enjoying the outdoors," said Sandra I. Read, M.D., co-chair of the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. "While most everyone enjoys a sunny day, keeping your skin safe from overexposure to UV radiation can be easy by practicing simple sun-safety tips."
The American Cancer Society recommends that everyone "Slip! Slop! Slap!(R)...and Wrap" - slip on a shirt; slop on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher; slap on a hat; and wrap on sunglasses.
The UV Index forecast is a helpful resource to learn your daily risk of overexposure to the sun. Developed by the National Weather Service and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the UV Index forecasts the strength of solar UV radiation on a scale from 1 (low) to 11+ (extremely high). Simply log on to the EPA website at http://epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex to see the National UV map, download a free UV Index widget for your website, or download a free mobile application for your smart phone. The predicted UV level can be used as a guide for appropriate sun-protective measures to prevent overexposure to UV radiation.
Skin cancer is on the rise in the U.S. Here are some statistics:
-- The American Cancer Society estimates that, 68,130 cases of malignant
melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, were diagnosed in 2010.
-- One American dies of melanoma almost every hour.
-- While the incidence of many common cancers is falling, the incidence of
melanoma continues to rise.
-- Melanoma is now one of the most common cancers among young adults ages
15-29.
To minimize the harmful effects of too much UV exposure, the National Council advocates that comprehensive protection from UV radiation should be a life-long practice for everyone.
For more information, including how to use the UV Index to plan outdoor activities, visit the National Council's site at www.SkinCancerPrevention.org. The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention is the united voice of more than 45 organizations, associations, and agencies dedicated to reducing skin cancer morbidity and mortality in the United States. Council members represent some of the nation's premier physicians, researchers, clinicians and advocates for melanoma and skin cancer prevention."
Monday, May 23, 2011
Give of Your Time
Do you have a desire to give of your time to the good of others? Well, I do. And even though I am not able to give as much time as I would like to certain causes--this is due to the fact that we have an almost 3 year-old daughter that I have to tend to--I still have a burning desire.
An example of how I am giving of my time is that for a week in June this summer I am helping out with our church's Vacation Bible School. I am looking forward to investing about two hours of my time for five days to little children, some who may come from a broken home, who may not know Christ, etc.
Life should be all about being a servant to others. I have a verse posted by our computer that says what I am trying to say in a nutshell, which is "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
Two things to think about...
1. How much do you have that you are not giving back?
2. Do you have a heartache for the lost, and desire to share the hope you have?
If both are applicable to you, then please get out there and give of your time. Because in the grand scheme of things, you will never get back the time you lost only making life about you, and no one wants regrets looking back at their life in retrospect.
I needed God to convict me a few years ago with regard to being selfish. So, ask God to give you the desire to take the focus off yourself, and put your energy to helping others.
An example of how I am giving of my time is that for a week in June this summer I am helping out with our church's Vacation Bible School. I am looking forward to investing about two hours of my time for five days to little children, some who may come from a broken home, who may not know Christ, etc.
Life should be all about being a servant to others. I have a verse posted by our computer that says what I am trying to say in a nutshell, which is "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
Two things to think about...
1. How much do you have that you are not giving back?
2. Do you have a heartache for the lost, and desire to share the hope you have?
If both are applicable to you, then please get out there and give of your time. Because in the grand scheme of things, you will never get back the time you lost only making life about you, and no one wants regrets looking back at their life in retrospect.
I needed God to convict me a few years ago with regard to being selfish. So, ask God to give you the desire to take the focus off yourself, and put your energy to helping others.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Prediction of Date & Time For The Rapture
Well, here we are again with someone trying to predict when the world will come to an end. I cannot believe some people actually think that they know the exact date and time when the rapture will occur when the Bible specifically states that the day or hour is unknown.
Please click on the link below and read what Jim Daly at Focus on the Family has to say about it.
http://www.focusonlinecommunities.com/blogs/Finding_Home/2011/05/19/will-the-world-end-on-saturday
Please click on the link below and read what Jim Daly at Focus on the Family has to say about it.
http://www.focusonlinecommunities.com/blogs/Finding_Home/2011/05/19/will-the-world-end-on-saturday
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Are You Living Up To God's Expectations?
This really made me think...
"Perhaps when we are taken up to heaven and Jesus leads us through the gate, He will stop and introduce us to a very shining, beautiful soul who is receiving great honor. We will curiously ask Jesus, "Who is this person? They are certainly remarkable. What did they do with their life?" Then Jesus will turn to us with a tear in His eye and whisper, "This is you. This is what you could have been."
"Don't be satisfied to live under the influence of spiritual Demerol, accepting the mediocrity of the easiest path and reaching out to no one because you "deserve" a rest. Instead, remember that the Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ..." (Ephesians 3:20). Every day is a gift. What will you do with it?"
Does that make you think about whether or not you are making sure that you are living your life in alignment with God's will for you? Do you ask Him daily to reveal His will for your life?
"Perhaps when we are taken up to heaven and Jesus leads us through the gate, He will stop and introduce us to a very shining, beautiful soul who is receiving great honor. We will curiously ask Jesus, "Who is this person? They are certainly remarkable. What did they do with their life?" Then Jesus will turn to us with a tear in His eye and whisper, "This is you. This is what you could have been."
"Don't be satisfied to live under the influence of spiritual Demerol, accepting the mediocrity of the easiest path and reaching out to no one because you "deserve" a rest. Instead, remember that the Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ..." (Ephesians 3:20). Every day is a gift. What will you do with it?"
Does that make you think about whether or not you are making sure that you are living your life in alignment with God's will for you? Do you ask Him daily to reveal His will for your life?
Monday, May 16, 2011
Doing Good
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9
Have you been sowing to what is temporal and appealing, or what is eternal?
Are you happy with what you are reaping?
Have you been sowing to what is temporal and appealing, or what is eternal?
Are you happy with what you are reaping?
Friday, May 13, 2011
Sowing Good Seeds
Below is an awesome devotional that I read yesterday, and wanted to share. It is applicable to everyone, and if we apply it to our lives, we will reap the benefit.
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life”
(Galatians 6:7–8, NIV)
"Whether you realize it or not, everything you are experiencing in your life today is a direct result of the seeds you’ve sown in your past. Today, you are planting seeds for the harvest in your future. Just as the farmer expects a crop from the seeds he sows, we can expect a harvest from the seeds we’ve sown, good or bad. That’s why we have to be deliberate about the seeds we are sowing. We have to wake up every day and set our minds on God’s Word and choose to speak His truth over our lives. We have to constantly evaluate our actions to make sure we are depositing good seeds so we can reap a good harvest in the future.
Why don’t you take some time right now to ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and mind? See if there are any negative seeds that you’ve sown in the past that need to be uprooted. Be deliberate about planting the Word of God in the soil of your heart. Sow good seeds into your future so you can reap the harvest of blessing God has designed for you!"
(Galatians 6:7–8, NIV)
"Whether you realize it or not, everything you are experiencing in your life today is a direct result of the seeds you’ve sown in your past. Today, you are planting seeds for the harvest in your future. Just as the farmer expects a crop from the seeds he sows, we can expect a harvest from the seeds we’ve sown, good or bad. That’s why we have to be deliberate about the seeds we are sowing. We have to wake up every day and set our minds on God’s Word and choose to speak His truth over our lives. We have to constantly evaluate our actions to make sure we are depositing good seeds so we can reap a good harvest in the future.
Why don’t you take some time right now to ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and mind? See if there are any negative seeds that you’ve sown in the past that need to be uprooted. Be deliberate about planting the Word of God in the soil of your heart. Sow good seeds into your future so you can reap the harvest of blessing God has designed for you!"
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Struggles
Do not ask God to remove your struggles. Let your struggles refine you, and draw you closer to Him.
If we had no struggles, then why would we need to trust in God?
Are you letting your struggles get you down? Or are you thinking about how your hardships can make you a better person?
Maybe you can be a light to someone who might be going through a similar situation as you are who thinks there is no hope. This is a great opportunity to share the hope of Christ with them.
If we had no struggles, then why would we need to trust in God?
Are you letting your struggles get you down? Or are you thinking about how your hardships can make you a better person?
Maybe you can be a light to someone who might be going through a similar situation as you are who thinks there is no hope. This is a great opportunity to share the hope of Christ with them.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Living Life To Our Fullest Potential
Great inspirational quote I read...
“We are all functioning at a small fraction of our capacity to live fully in its total meaning of loving, caring, creating and adventuring. Consequently, the actualizing of our potential can become the most exciting adventure of our lifetime.”
– Herbert Otto
“We are all functioning at a small fraction of our capacity to live fully in its total meaning of loving, caring, creating and adventuring. Consequently, the actualizing of our potential can become the most exciting adventure of our lifetime.”
– Herbert Otto
Sunday, May 8, 2011
A Tribute To Mothers
To all the moms out there... Happy Mother's Day!
Three young girls sang this song today in church about moms, and it made me cry. There is a special bond between a mom and her child or children.
The song made me cry, and I laughed when the Pastor read some of the list below. I hope it brings a smile to your face!
Three young girls sang this song today in church about moms, and it made me cry. There is a special bond between a mom and her child or children.
The song made me cry, and I laughed when the Pastor read some of the list below. I hope it brings a smile to your face!
"I OWE MY MOTHER
1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
'If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.'
2. My mother taught me RELIGION. 'You better pray that will come out of the carpet.'
3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
'If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!'
4. My mother taught me LOGIC . 'Because I said so. That's why.'
5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
'If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me.'
6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
'Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident.'
7. My mother taught me IRONY. 'Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about.'
8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS . 'Shut your mouth and eat your supper.'
9. My mother taught me about CONTORTION. 'Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!'
10. My mother taught me about STAMINA. 'You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone.'
11. My mother taught me about WEATHER. 'This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.'
12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY. 'If I told you once, I've told you a million times: Don't exaggerate!'
13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE. 'I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.'
14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION. 'Stop acting like your father!'
15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
'There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do.'
16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION. 'Just wait until we get home.'
17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING. 'You are going to get it when you get home!'
18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
'If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way.'
19. My mother taught me ESP. 'Put your sweater on. Don't you think I know when you are cold?'
20. My mother taught me HUMOR.
'When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me.'
21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
'If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up.'
22. My mother taught me GENETICS. 'You're just like your father.'
23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
'Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?'
24. My mother taught me WISDOM. 'When you get to be my age, you'll understand.'
25. And my favorite: My mother taught me about JUSTICE.
'One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you.'"
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Encourage Persecuted Christians
In a previous post, I talked about how I signed up for a free magazine by The Voice of the Martyrs--in case you do not know what The Voice of the Martyrs is, please visit http://www.persecution.com/.
In church a few months or so ago, the Pastor had told us about how we can pick up a packet on the table in the foyer to write and send a letter of encouragement to a Christian who is being persecuted in another country. So, I picked up two letters--one for me and one for my husband--we both signed our names to each letter, and I mailed it to the designated Christian in prison. It made me feel so good to know that I could bless someone--many miles away--who is putting their life on the line for Him!
With that said, please visit http://www.prisoneralert.com/, and click on "Write an encouraging letter" to show your love and support. When you type your letter to the Christian prisoner, there is a tool on the Web site designed to translate what you write in the prisoner's native tongue.
So, bring a smile :) to someone's face, and make their day! We all know how good it feels to get a nice letter from someone. Think of how an encouraging letter might make someone feel who might be in a dark prison! Be a light!
In church a few months or so ago, the Pastor had told us about how we can pick up a packet on the table in the foyer to write and send a letter of encouragement to a Christian who is being persecuted in another country. So, I picked up two letters--one for me and one for my husband--we both signed our names to each letter, and I mailed it to the designated Christian in prison. It made me feel so good to know that I could bless someone--many miles away--who is putting their life on the line for Him!
With that said, please visit http://www.prisoneralert.com/, and click on "Write an encouraging letter" to show your love and support. When you type your letter to the Christian prisoner, there is a tool on the Web site designed to translate what you write in the prisoner's native tongue.
So, bring a smile :) to someone's face, and make their day! We all know how good it feels to get a nice letter from someone. Think of how an encouraging letter might make someone feel who might be in a dark prison! Be a light!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Stroke Is Something You Can Avoid
Please read below as it is very informative, and can save a life!
"To hear boomers talk, their greatest health fear associated with aging is Alzheimer's disease.
The benefit of adding 20 years to the lifespan in the last century is overshadowed, they say, by an awareness that one in two people will end up with some form of dementia.
But these boomers are ignoring a more serious health problem they can control, says Dr. Orly Avitzur, medical adviser to Consumer Reports Health and a neurologist.
"Stroke is the No. 1 cause of disability in the United States and a more common condition to have," she says. "It is also the No. 3 cause of death and should be in the forefront of our concerns."
As Avitzur points out, little can be done, at this point, to stave off Alzheimer's. "But a person can make profound lifestyle and medical changes that will reduce the risk of stroke by 80 percent."
Consumer Reports Health cites 11 strategies for stroke prevention as part of National Stroke Awareness Month in May.
About every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke and more than 77 percent are first events. To read the complete report, go to ConsumerReportsHealth.org.
Stroke is caused by a sudden loss of blood flow to the brain or bleeding around the brain. Both incidents cause brain cells to die.
"Hypertension is the most important and treatable factor for stroke, yet more than half of Americans with high blood pressure don't have it under control," Avitzur says.
These medical and lifestyle changes can help prevent a stroke:
--Lower blood pressure - high blood pressure damages arteries so they clog or burst more easily, escalating the risk of both types of stroke: ischemic and the less common but deadlier hemorrhagic.
--Improve cholesterol levels - LDL (bad) cholesterol, a fatty substance in the blood, builds up plaque on artery walls, causing arteries to narrow.
--Rein in diabetes - high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels over time.
--Consider low-dose aspirin - aspirin wards off heart attack and stroke by preventing artery-blocking blood clots. But it's not for everyone so a physician should be consulted.
--Have pulse checked - arterial fibrillation, a heart-rhythm disorder, can lead to blood clots that travel to the brain, amplifying the risk of an ischemic stroke.
--Neck surgery - think twice because surgery to remove blockages in the neck arteries (or carotid arteries) can reduce stroke for those who have already had a stroke. But for those with a narrowed carotid artery that hasn't triggered any symptoms, the risk of stroke is much lower and the benefits of surgery is small.
--Follow a brain-healthy diet - diet has a strong influence on an individual's risk of stroke. In a study that assessed people's consumption of fruits and vegetables, each extra daily serving reduced stroke risk by 6 percent. Other studies have linked high-potassium diets with lower stroke risk and sodium-heavy diets with higher risk.
--Be physically active - excess fat, especially around the abdomen, raises blood pressure. Do at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise 5 days a week or more.
--Trim your waist.
--Drink moderately as drinking is associated with a 64 percent increase in the risk of stroke, raises blood pressure, promotes clot formation and increases the risk of arterial fibrillation. Light drinking appears to reduce stroke risk.
--Quit smoking.
Finally, if you think someone is having a stroke remember to act F.A.S.T.
F - FACE - Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face drop?
A - ARMS - Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?
S - SPEECH - Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred?
T - TIME - If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately."
"To hear boomers talk, their greatest health fear associated with aging is Alzheimer's disease.
The benefit of adding 20 years to the lifespan in the last century is overshadowed, they say, by an awareness that one in two people will end up with some form of dementia.
But these boomers are ignoring a more serious health problem they can control, says Dr. Orly Avitzur, medical adviser to Consumer Reports Health and a neurologist.
"Stroke is the No. 1 cause of disability in the United States and a more common condition to have," she says. "It is also the No. 3 cause of death and should be in the forefront of our concerns."
As Avitzur points out, little can be done, at this point, to stave off Alzheimer's. "But a person can make profound lifestyle and medical changes that will reduce the risk of stroke by 80 percent."
Consumer Reports Health cites 11 strategies for stroke prevention as part of National Stroke Awareness Month in May.
About every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke and more than 77 percent are first events. To read the complete report, go to ConsumerReportsHealth.org.
Stroke is caused by a sudden loss of blood flow to the brain or bleeding around the brain. Both incidents cause brain cells to die.
"Hypertension is the most important and treatable factor for stroke, yet more than half of Americans with high blood pressure don't have it under control," Avitzur says.
These medical and lifestyle changes can help prevent a stroke:
--Lower blood pressure - high blood pressure damages arteries so they clog or burst more easily, escalating the risk of both types of stroke: ischemic and the less common but deadlier hemorrhagic.
--Improve cholesterol levels - LDL (bad) cholesterol, a fatty substance in the blood, builds up plaque on artery walls, causing arteries to narrow.
--Rein in diabetes - high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels over time.
--Consider low-dose aspirin - aspirin wards off heart attack and stroke by preventing artery-blocking blood clots. But it's not for everyone so a physician should be consulted.
--Have pulse checked - arterial fibrillation, a heart-rhythm disorder, can lead to blood clots that travel to the brain, amplifying the risk of an ischemic stroke.
--Neck surgery - think twice because surgery to remove blockages in the neck arteries (or carotid arteries) can reduce stroke for those who have already had a stroke. But for those with a narrowed carotid artery that hasn't triggered any symptoms, the risk of stroke is much lower and the benefits of surgery is small.
--Follow a brain-healthy diet - diet has a strong influence on an individual's risk of stroke. In a study that assessed people's consumption of fruits and vegetables, each extra daily serving reduced stroke risk by 6 percent. Other studies have linked high-potassium diets with lower stroke risk and sodium-heavy diets with higher risk.
--Be physically active - excess fat, especially around the abdomen, raises blood pressure. Do at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise 5 days a week or more.
--Trim your waist.
--Drink moderately as drinking is associated with a 64 percent increase in the risk of stroke, raises blood pressure, promotes clot formation and increases the risk of arterial fibrillation. Light drinking appears to reduce stroke risk.
--Quit smoking.
Finally, if you think someone is having a stroke remember to act F.A.S.T.
F - FACE - Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face drop?
A - ARMS - Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one drift downward?
S - SPEECH - Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred?
T - TIME - If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately."
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Cast Your Cares On Him
Do you tend to worry and get stressed out, or do you cast your cares on Him? I know that when the day-to-day pressures of life get me down, I naturally get overwhelmed. But when I feel myself going to that place, I try to remember to say, "Devil, get thee behind me! You are not going to steal my joy!"
Choose today to live with a gentle and humble attitude, because as I have said before, it is all about emulating Jesus' attributes everyday.
And let this be your daily prayer... "Heavenly Father, today I choose to cast my cares on You. Teach me, Holy Spirit, to have a gentle and humble attitude. Help me find rest for my soul so that I can love others the way You love me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen."
And let this be your daily prayer... "Heavenly Father, today I choose to cast my cares on You. Teach me, Holy Spirit, to have a gentle and humble attitude. Help me find rest for my soul so that I can love others the way You love me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen."
In order to remember the prayer, write it down and post it somewhere you will constantly see it.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Accept God's Plan
I needed to read today's devotional--copied and pasted below.
I can never let my faith in Jesus waiver. I need to trust that all things will work out in His time, not mine.
"No matter what may be happening today, God has good things in store your future! It may not be easy to see now, but God has already lined up a new beginning, new friendships and new opportunities for you.
Maybe you've experienced some setbacks, but don't make the mistake of expecting the same for your future. Instead, accept God's good plan for your life by declaring His truth. As believers, our attitude should be, "Even though the economy is down, I'm not worried. I know God is going before me, and He has promised He will make rivers in the desert." Or, "The medical report may not look good, but I have another report that says God is restoring health unto me. I believe God has already released healing, health and victory in my future." Or, you may have a child who is not on the right course. In the natural, it seems impossible. But our report should be, "I know God can do the impossible!"
Today, be encouraged and don't give up on your tomorrows. Accept the good plan God has for you -- a plan filled with hope, purpose, blessing, and increase in every area of your life!"
I can never let my faith in Jesus waiver. I need to trust that all things will work out in His time, not mine.
"No matter what may be happening today, God has good things in store your future! It may not be easy to see now, but God has already lined up a new beginning, new friendships and new opportunities for you.
Maybe you've experienced some setbacks, but don't make the mistake of expecting the same for your future. Instead, accept God's good plan for your life by declaring His truth. As believers, our attitude should be, "Even though the economy is down, I'm not worried. I know God is going before me, and He has promised He will make rivers in the desert." Or, "The medical report may not look good, but I have another report that says God is restoring health unto me. I believe God has already released healing, health and victory in my future." Or, you may have a child who is not on the right course. In the natural, it seems impossible. But our report should be, "I know God can do the impossible!"
Today, be encouraged and don't give up on your tomorrows. Accept the good plan God has for you -- a plan filled with hope, purpose, blessing, and increase in every area of your life!"
Monday, May 2, 2011
Hold On To Your Peace
Throughout my life, I have found out that there are some people who make you feel at peace, and then there are some people who make you feel completely opposite.
Copied and pasted below is something that I read a month or so ago that explains what to do when someone steals your peace. I found it encouraging!
"Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you"
(Luke , NIV)
"I've learned that some people are peace stealers. They feel like it's their calling in life to aggravate you, try to make you look bad, and tell you what you can't do. They'll try to bait you into an argument to get you upset, annoyed and frustrated. But don't take the bait! Nothing is worth losing your peace over. They may think they're getting the best of you, but in the end, God can use that to take you higher. When people come against you, choose to keep your peace. Choose to forgive. Pray for that person because that's how you disarm the enemy against you.
Scripture says your battle isn't against flesh and blood. In others words, that person isn't your enemy; the accuser—Satan—is your enemy. He's trying to bring division and get you upset. But when you choose to keep peace, when you keep walking in love and keep a smile on your face, you are overcoming his tactics. That's how you win. Today, choose peace, choose to walk in love, and choose the victory God has prepared for you!"
Will you choose to be a peacemaker?
Sunday, May 1, 2011
What Are Your Earthly Treasures?
Today's sermon at church was geared around the scripture, Matthew 6:19-20, which says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destory, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Life is not about the bumper sticker that states, "Whoever dies with the most toys wins!" We all know that the toys we obtain on earth will not go with us to heaven.
Many people are looking for the next best thing in life that will bring them happiness (i.e., a bigger house, a new car, etc.) But according to the Bible, that is not what life is about. We should base our happiness on what is stated in Matthew 6:21, which is, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Those people who base their treasures around their possessions will never have enough, and will always want to aquire more. Those who love money will never have enough--read Ecclesiastes 5:10-15. Our passion should be geared toward using our money and time to the good of others.
The Pastor mentioned ways you can use your money, time and resources to helping those in need. Since I am a big advocate and have a huge desire for missions or serving those in need, I liked the one bullet point that the Pastor talked about on coordinating an emergency supplies drive for the people who lost everything from the devastating tornado that hit in Tuscaloosa, AL--supplies that can be used are blankets, food, etc. So, tomorrow I am going to call our church office and inquire on how I can coordinate that. I am fortunate enough to have not lost my family, house, and possessions through such a tragic event. And if I can give a little of my time to bringing relief and a smile to someone's face, then to me, that is better than any gift or amount of money I could ever get!
Please share with me ways that you can use your money, time and resources to the better of others. And always remember to honor God with your possessions.
Many people are looking for the next best thing in life that will bring them happiness (i.e., a bigger house, a new car, etc.) But according to the Bible, that is not what life is about. We should base our happiness on what is stated in Matthew 6:21, which is, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Those people who base their treasures around their possessions will never have enough, and will always want to aquire more. Those who love money will never have enough--read Ecclesiastes 5:10-15. Our passion should be geared toward using our money and time to the good of others.
The Pastor mentioned ways you can use your money, time and resources to helping those in need. Since I am a big advocate and have a huge desire for missions or serving those in need, I liked the one bullet point that the Pastor talked about on coordinating an emergency supplies drive for the people who lost everything from the devastating tornado that hit in Tuscaloosa, AL--supplies that can be used are blankets, food, etc. So, tomorrow I am going to call our church office and inquire on how I can coordinate that. I am fortunate enough to have not lost my family, house, and possessions through such a tragic event. And if I can give a little of my time to bringing relief and a smile to someone's face, then to me, that is better than any gift or amount of money I could ever get!
Please share with me ways that you can use your money, time and resources to the better of others. And always remember to honor God with your possessions.
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