Flu-Like Illnesses Linked To Well-Child Visits

It has been a very long time since I posted!  I hope everyone is staying warm & healthy during this cold & snowy winter!

Here is a link worth sharing:  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140212144611.htm.

I take our children to the doctor's office for well visit appointments a couple times a year, but never really thought about them getting sick from going to the appointments.  When I think of a doctor's office, I think of it as a somewhat sterile place, in a sense.  Well, my children will not be playing with the toys & reading the books there anymore.  And I will have hand sanitizer in tote as well.

Take care!

Wishing You a Happy Easter!

I know that I have not posted in a long while, but having another child has kept me pretty busy :)  Even though my schedule is full, I love being a stay-at-home mommy!

 

With that said, please take a few minutes to watch the below video.  Just as our Heavenly Father has fatherly responsibilities, so do fathers, as well as mothers, on earth.  So, please take a few minutes to love on your children this Easter & everyday--the kind of love that God showed to His Son--which is the best gift you can give them!

 

Jesus Lives!!! 

 

Become A Friend of God

I can only imagine the utmost joy that Mary felt when she saw the face of her son, Jesus, for the first time.  I know how much joy I felt when I gave birth to our firstborn daughter four years ago, & then our son a few months ago.

In my eyes, there is not much that trumps a baby that smiles for no other reason than looking at someone that is smiling at them.  It does not take much for a baby to smile.  Why can't we all be like that?  Think about how Jesus smiles at His children, & especially when they give their whole self to Him.  Why not consider giving your whole self to Him since He died on the cross to do the same for us?

To show our daughter the true meaning of Christmas, we went to a nursing home tonight to hand out Christmas cards, & bless the lives of the elderly people who might not have loved ones to share the holidays with.  It truly touched my heart to see our daughter bring a smile to their faces with her Rudolph nose & antlers.

This Christmas, why don't you take a minute to sew some joy & hope into someone's life.  Someday we all will seek His face, & we want to make sure that we make a Godly impact on earth by being a light to the lost!

*Merry Christmas!*

"Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. - Deuteronomy 34:10

One of the great differences between Moses and any other character in the Bible is how God describes Moses. Moses was a friend of God, and he met God face to face. "The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend" (Ex. 33:11a). So often, we view others for what they can do for us, instead of who they are. There is a difference between being a servant and being a friend. There is a difference between being an employee and being a son.

Do you seek God's face, or do you find that you spend more time seeking His hand? God wants us to seek Him for our every need. However, there is a higher calling for every believer. That is to seek God's face, and to see Him for His love and tenderness toward us as His children. He can provide for our physical needs, but when we see Him face to face, we are changed. We no longer see Him as one to be feared as much as one to know intimately. We no longer view Him for what He can give to us, but for what He already has given for us.

When we see Jesus face to face, we are no longer slaves, but friends. We do not fear Him as a slave fears his master. We have entered a new kind of relationship-a relationship that has mutual respect and care.

Today, Jesus is calling you to seek His face, not just His hand. When you seek His face, you will know His provision and His mercy in all aspects of life. Seek His face today and become a friend of God."

Psalm 62:5-6

I have not posted in a while, because I have been busy with our newest addition & 4 year-old daughter.

The below paragraphs are encouraging!  We all want a cookie cutter life where there are no worries.  However, that will never be the case here on earth.  We can only expect the perfect life--utter bliss--when we get to Heaven!  So, learn to turn all your worries over to God; read the Bible daily so that your living your life according to His will for you; & enjoy life as He intended us to no matter what your circumstances are.

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. - Proverbs 13:12

Life is filled with disappointments. Many of God's greatest servants experienced deep disappointment in their journeys of faithfulness to God. Joseph, after spending years as a slave and in jail for crimes that he did not commit, revealed deep disappointment when he was forgotten another two years in prison. John the Baptist, when awaiting execution, doubted whether Jesus was, in fact, the Christ because he was sitting there awaiting his death. Elijah, losing all hope and despondent to the point of death, asked God to take his life in the desert; and Peter, who left his fishing business and invested three years of his life only to watch his Savior crucified, wondered whether the purpose of those three years could be justified.

When life doesn't add up, it leaves the heart sick. When we have done all we know to do and the formula has not worked, it leaves us questioning. These are times that try the very souls of men. There is no human sense to be made of it. We are left with a choice: to cling or not to cling. There are times when holding on to our Master's robe is all that we can do. It is all that He wants us to do.

The heights by great men reached and kept

Were not obtained by sudden flight;

But they, while their companions slept,

Were toiling upward in the night.

Standing on what too long we bore,

With shoulders bent and downcast eyes,

We may discern-unseen before-

A path to higher destinies!

~Longfellow

There is only one answer to life's disappointments. Like the psalmist, we must "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken" (Ps. 62:5-6)."

Why Sleep Is So Important

Please take a few minutes to click on the below link & read the article.  The article brings light to an issue that I have struggled with for many years, which is sleep.  Over an extended period of time, I have not gotten a sufficient night's sleep, & especially now that we have a newborn baby in the house.

However, I believe that ever since I had the baby a little over a month ago, my hormones are back in check, & I have been sleeping a lot better at night--that is, when the baby is sleeping.

The one thing that stuck out to me in the article was the paragraph that said, ""Anyone who uses an alarm clock "is by definition sleep-deprived," Mahowald said, "because if the brain had received the amount of sleep it wanted, you would have woken up before the alarm went off.""  I find that so true!

The answer to the problem is to attempt to get plenty of sleep each night!

http://www.lef.org/news/LefDailyNews.htm?NewsID=12373&Section=Nutrition&utm_source=DailyHealthBulletin&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Nutrition&utm_content=Body+ContinueReading&utm_campaign=DHB_120313

The Power of Our Words

This is a great reminder of the power of our words!

"“The tongue has the power of life and death...”

(Proverbs 18:21, NIV) God has given us amazing power through the use of our words. God created the world with the words He spoke, and we also have creative power with the words that we speak. Maybe you aren’t where you want to be in life today. Could it be because of the words you’ve spoken in your past? Have you spoken words of death by saying things like, “I’ll never rise any higher; I’ve gone as far as I can go?” Or maybe you’ve said, “I’ll never break this addiction. I’ve had it too long; it’s too hard.” Now, you are eating the fruit of those words — you’re still in the same place. If you are ready to change your situation, then it’s time to change what you say about your situation. If you want a different harvest, you have to change the seeds you are sowing. Today, choose to speak life over your future. Let your attitude be, “This may be the way it’s been in the past, but this is not the way it’s staying. I’m coming up higher. I may feel weak, but my declaration is that I am strong.” Speak life, choose life, and move forward in His victory and blessing. A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father in heaven, I repent for speaking words of death and sowing defeat in my own life. I ask that You uproot any negative crop from the past and help me speak words of faith so that I can walk in victory in every area of my life in Jesus’ name. Amen."

A Display of Faith

Please take a few minutes to click on the link below & read the Focus on the Family article.  It goes to show how "Courage is contagious."

http://www.focusonlinecommunities.com/blogs/Finding_Home/2012/10/10/texas-high-school-cheerleaders-in-court-battle?refcd=136901

Could Fructose Promote Cancer?

Sorry, I have not wrote posts in a few weeks.  But I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, & we have been adjusting to having a new addition in our household.

Below is a link to an interesting article about whether or not fructose fuels cancer.  Please take a few minutes to read the article.

http://www.vitalchoice.com/shop/pc/articlesView.asp?id=1930

Tips to Naturally Lower Your Blood Pressure

Being that I am pregnant, I have my blood pressure checked at every appointment.  Thankfully, my blood pressure has always been normal, so I am happy about that.  But I have family members who have to be careful with regard to their blood pressure, & they have to closely monitor it.

So, if you are one of those people who needs to monitor your blood pressure occasionally or frequently, please consider the below tips that I read about in one of the health-related emails I receive.  I believe that if you can be proactive about your health by incorporating the natural approach into your lifestyle, it might keep you from having to add another pill to your regimen.

"Has your doctor or pharmacist told you your blood pressure is too high? Elevated blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is two or more blood pressure readings greater than 140 mmHg systolic (top number) or greater than 90 mmHg diastolic (bottom number). Try these easy steps to lowering your blood pressure through diet and lifestyle:
 

• Low-Salt Diet
  Minimize consumption of restaurant foods and packaged foods, including canned soups and frozen entrees, which may be high in sodium. Read food labels and eat less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium each day, or about 3.75 grams or 2/3 teaspoon of table salt. Leave the salt shaker behind and be creative with herbs and spices. Explore ways to enhance the taste of foods with salt-free flavors such as lemon, garlic, ginger, sage, rosemary, thyme and curry.

• Moderate Physical Activity
  Increase physical activity to 30 to 60 minutes a day. Remember that every little bit counts, including taking the stairs, walking around the block on breaks, parking farther away in the parking lot, or getting off at an earlier bus stop. If you are overweight, a loss of 10 pounds can help lower your blood pressure. It is always a good idea to schedule a physical exam with your doctor before starting an exercise program.

• Moderate Alcohol Intake and No Smoking
  Avoid smoking and excess alcohol as these can increase your blood pressure. Substitute with delicious nonalcoholic fruit drinks and herbal teas such as hibiscus tea, pomegranate juice and green tea.

• Stress Reduction
  Find calming ways to decrease your stress and blood pressure through deep breathing, meditation, counseling, yoga or qigong.

• Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
  Fruits and vegetables provide great sources of blood pressure-lowering nutrients such as potassium and magnesium. Magnesium-rich foods include black beans, okra, spinach, pumpkin seeds and squash seeds. Unless you have kidney disease, you should increase consumption of foods high in potassium such as apricots, bananas, beets, Brussels sprouts and cantaloupe.

These simple dietary and lifestyle changes are safe and effective ways to lower your blood pressure. Uncontrolled hypertension puts you at an increased risk for heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney damage and blindness."

Reevaluate Your Daily Agenda

Something to ponder...

“One reason we are so harried and hurried is that we make yesterday and tomorrow our business, when all that legitimately concerns us is today. If we really have too much to do, there are some items on the agenda which God did not put there. Let us submit the list to Him and ask Him to indicate which items we must delete. There is always time to do the will of God. If we are too busy to do that, we are too busy.”

- Elisabeth Elliot

Ann Romney's 2012 Republican National Convention Speech

If you were not able to watch Ann Romney's speech at the 2012 Republican National Convention, please take the time to watch the video.  In my eyes, she did an outstanding job, & touched mine & my husband's hearts!



Guidelines for Healthy Food

Follow the below instructions to ensure healthy eating habits.

When you go to the grocery store, please read the labels, & try to shop at local, organic produce stands, if you have them at your discretion.  Personally, I like to support local farmers.

"In your search for healthy food to feed your family, here is what to look for, whether you're at the grocery store or farmers' market. Foods that meet these standards will almost always be a wise choice:

1. Grown without pesticides and chemical fertilizers (organic foods fit this description, but so do some non-organic foods)
2. Not genetically modified
3. Contains no added growth hormones, antibiotics, or other drugs
4. Does not contain artificial anything, nor any preservatives (for fresh produce, you can now add the presence of MAP coatings or 'edible packaging')
5. Fresh (if you have to choose between wilted organic produce or fresh conventional produce, the latter may be the better option)
6. Did not come from a confined animal feeding operation (CAFO, a.k.a. factory farm)
7. Grown with the laws of nature in mind (meaning animals are fed their native diets, not a mix of grains and animal byproducts, and have free-range access to the outdoors)
8. Grown in a sustainable way (using minimal amounts of water, protecting the soil from burnout, and turning animal wastes into natural fertilizers instead of environmental pollutants)"

- Dr. Mercola

Tips for Osteoarthritis Pain

Even though I do not personally battle with osteoarthritis pain, I know that there are a lot of people that struggle with it.  I found this article to be helpful & informative!

"The warming Seattle weather is giving many of us incentive to enjoy the outdoors and become more active. For some, increased activity can flare-up arthritis pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion. The following are five natural ways to address arthritic pain:

Weight Loss

If someone is overweight, this is indeed a great goal to include in any comprehensive plan to address osteoarthritis. Even modest decreases in weight can improve joint function. Appropriate rest after a flare-up of pain is also critical for preventing excessive wear on arthritic joints. Generally, 12 to 24 hours of rest after an episode of acute inflammatory pain is adequate. Too much rest can lead to atrophy of muscles and lessened joint mobility.

Topical Creams

Topical capsaicin cream has been shown to be effective for osteoarthritis pain. Capsaicin is a compound extracted from cayenne, or Capsicum species, peppers. Creams with 0.25 percent to 0.75 percent capsaicin, and sometimes even less, have been shown to be temporarily effective for decreasing joint pain. The cream is typically applied to affected joints up to three times a day.

Alternating Hot, Cool Moisture

Contrast hydrotherapy is another simple home remedy that can decrease joint pain and soreness. Simply put, the topical application of alternating hot and cool moisture helps the body’s blood vessels to expand and contract, essentially acting as a circulatory pump. Improved circulation to the body’s muscles and joints will naturally enhance the health and healing of joint tissues, speeding the removal of cellular wastes and hastening the arrival of nourishing nutrients. Contrast hydrotherapy can be done in the shower, with at least three cycles of three minutes of hot water followed by 30 seconds of cold or cool water. It can be applied to a specific area of the body or joint in the shower or outside the bath with moistened towels. The degree of heat or cold should be only to tolerance, and persons with diabetes, asthma or Raynaud’s conditions should avoid very cold applications.

Anti-inflammatory Diet

For the extra motivated, an anti-inflammatory diet can be very effective. Although osteoarthritis is not always an inflammatory process, many patients have benefitted from following an anti-inflammatory diet. Specifically the diet has helped to reduce pain and increase mobility, in addition to its added cardioprotective and other benefits. There are many types of anti-inflammatory diets out there, but a good starting place is Dr. Jessica Black’s The Anti-Inflammation Diet and Recipe Book, published in 2006.

Lastly, it’s important for anyone with arthritis pain to see their health care providers for continued management and monitoring. A trip to a qualified Chinese herbalist would be ideal, for individualized herbal treatments specific to each person’s unique presentation."

Make A Joyful Noise!

I need to practice waking up everyday praising Him for everything we have!

"“Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud on their beds”

(Psalm 149:5, NKJV) As you woke up this morning, what was the first thing that went through your mind? Did you wake up with a song of praise on your lips? When we start the day in worship, we start the day connected to Almighty God. When we live a lifestyle of praise, it shows that our faith is constantly in Him. We make glorifying God a priority. It’s not secondary, “Oh, if I have time.” No, you’re always talking about God’s goodness. You’re constantly telling your friends how God has blessed you. In your car, you’re singing songs of praise. At the office, under your breath, you’re thanking God for His favor. You get up in the morning and say, “God, I love You today. I praise You today. Thank You for another beautiful day.” Then, when you go to bed at night, you bless Him for His faithfulness! Friend, when you have the high praises of God coming out of your mouth, the scripture says Almighty God will go to war against your enemies. Praise precedes the victory, so start the day right and live a lifestyle of praise! A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father, thank You for Your good and precious promises to me! I choose to receive Your goodness by faith and sing a song of praise to You. I commit the day to You and make praising You a priority. Thank You for working on my behalf in Jesus’ name. Amen."

Healthy & Quick Meal Tips

Personally, I am not one who plans a week's worth of meals the week before even though I should.  I usually figure out what to make for dinner the day of, & I inevitably have to go to the grocery store that day to get the ingredients that I do not have on-hand.  If I would only plan seven days worth of meals prior to the following week, then I could go to the grocery store & get everything I need.  It would be even better to plan 14 days worth of meals.

So, I am all about tips to help me in the area of meal planning.

"Do you ever feel like the day has just passed you by? You're not alone. As our days seem to become busier and busier, it's crucial to make sure our brains and bodies are getting enough nutrition to stay strong, sharp and healthy.

Fortunately, healthy home-cooked food doesn't always require hours in the kitchen. Follow these tips to keep up your busy schedule without sacrificing nutrition.

• Use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking times of beans and other foods.
• Use a crock-pot (slow cooker) to reduce time spent in the kitchen. It cooks food at a low steady heat allowing for unattended cooking.
• Freeze leftovers in single-size portions. Take a portion out of the freezer and place in the fridge the night before for a quick lunch or dinner the following day.
• Buy prepared deli foods from PCC or Whole Foods as side dishes or to add to salads.
• Keep the following on hand to add to salads, soups and other meals:
• Protein sources:
• Pre-cooked whole grains like quinoa, barley or brown rice
• Pre-cooked beans stored in the refrigerator or freezer or canned beans. Be sure to rinse the beans to reduce excess sodium.
• Marinated and baked tofu or tempeh
• Hard-boil eggs chilled in the fridge (will keep for 5-7 days in the refrigerator)
• Vegetables & fruits:
• Shredded cabbage, kale, chard, or any other green leafy vegetable
• Frozen vegetables as a backup, if fresh vegetables are not available
• Frozen fruit such as raspberries, blueberries, or pineapple to quickly add a serving of fruit to dinner or to the breakfast cereal or smoothie. Thaw only amount of fruit needed in the refrigerator, under running water or microwave.
• Herbs, spices, sauces & dressings:
• At least one or two homemade dressings and sauces.
• Dried herbs and spice mixtures
• Prepared curries and simmer sauces for quick flavor."

Consequences of Faith

A fully devoted life for Christ has hardships that are intended to draw us closer to Him.  So, please do not give up, and ask God for help during the difficult times, as opposed to handling the challenges on your own.

""We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Romans 6:4

If you commit yourself to live for Christ in and through your work life, there will be a consequence of faith. You could avoid much hardship and take a much easier road in life if you do not choose to live an obedient life of faith in Christ. This is a spiritual law. None of us is excluded from identification with the cross.

When we commit ourselves to fully follow Christ, He begins a "circumcision" process in each of us designed to rid all that is of the world system from our lives. This circumcision is required of every believer. Moses had much preparation from God for His calling to free the people of Israel from Egypt. He spent years in training as a young boy in the family of Pharaoh. He tried to free the people through the flesh by killing an Egyptian. That cost him 40 years in the desert of loneliness and toil before God said he was prepared to free the people from their suffering. God invested much in Moses; however, that preparation was not enough. Experience and preparation had to be mixed with obedience. God required his family to be circumcised. Moses failed to circumcise his son before returning to Egypt. This was so important to God that He was going to kill Moses if he did not uphold his commandment. "At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses and was about to kill him" (Ex. 4:24).

Are there any areas in your life that have not come under the lordship of Christ? Is there any lack of obedience that will prevent you from being used fully by the Lord? Ask Him to show you this today so that you might be fully used of God."

Opposition

I read Jim Daly's post from yesterday on Focus on the Family's site.  The post was concerning the controversy with what was said by the President of Chick-fil-A.  Below is the link to read what Jim wrote.

http://www.focusonlinecommunities.com/blogs/Finding_Home/2012/07/25/did-facebook-boycott-chick-fil-a

Wednesday's Quote

Great quote!

“I want the presence of God Himself, or I don't want anything at all to do with religion... I want all that God has or I don't want any.”


- A.W. Tozer

Faith & Expectancy

Three words...  Never.Lose.Faith!

"“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you”

(Matthew 7:7, NLT) Is there something you are believing God for today? Does it seem like it’s taking a long time to come to pass? Be encouraged because the Bible says that through faith and patience you will inherit His promises! If you’ll stay in faith, if you’ll keep on seeking Him, it won’t be long until you see that breakthrough! The problem is that most people give up just before they get their miracle. They stop when things get hard or when they don’t get the answer they want the first time. But today’s verse encourages us to continually ask and continually seek. That doesn’t mean that we seek Him one time and then stop. No, we seek Him until we have the promise! Today, submit your prayers to the Lord and keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking on the door, and it will be opened to you. Know that God is working behind the scenes. He is perfecting whatever concerns you. Don’t give up! Instead, start thanking Him for His faithfulness in your life. Thank Him for His promise that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek after Him! Father in heaven, thank You for giving me a diligent spirit. Thank You for Your faithfulness. Give me strength to stand and seek You until I see Your promises fulfilled in every area of my life in Jesus’ name! Amen."

The Cost of Freedom

Please take a couple of minutes to watch the below video.  I watched it on CBN this afternoon, and it is a great reminder of the men and women who served/serve our country to give us freedom and protect us from harm.

Have a great 4th of July!