tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59313569938340585632024-03-19T01:05:33.647-04:00Faithful Solutions"May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing with hope." - Romans 15:13Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-414700174853384242014-02-28T17:56:00.000-05:002014-02-28T17:56:11.592-05:00Flu-Like Illnesses Linked To Well-Child Visits<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been a very long time since I posted! I hope everyone is staying warm & healthy during this cold & snowy winter!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a link worth sharing: </span><a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140212144611.htm"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/02/140212144611.htm</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take care!</span>Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-50532344269033131822013-03-31T17:53:00.000-04:002013-03-31T17:57:29.693-04:00Wishing You a Happy Easter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">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!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">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!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Jesus Lives!!!</span> </div>
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Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-36810696125856188002012-12-24T00:47:00.000-05:002012-12-24T00:47:20.616-05:00Become A Friend of God<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Merry Christmas!*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. - Deuteronomy 34:10<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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."</span>Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-29491927859016663762012-12-06T10:50:00.001-05:002012-12-06T10:50:08.568-05:00Psalm 62:5-6<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have not posted in a while, because I have been busy with our newest addition & 4 year-old daughter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. - Proverbs 13:12</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The heights by great men reached and kept<br /><br />Were not obtained by sudden flight;<br /><br />But they, while their companions slept,<br /><br />Were toiling upward in the night.<br /><br />Standing on what too long we bore,<br /><br />With shoulders bent and downcast eyes,<br /><br />We may discern-unseen before-<br /><br />A path to higher destinies!<br /><br />~Longfellow</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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)."</span>Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-37770557741588007642012-11-02T11:49:00.001-04:002014-02-12T21:23:23.816-05:00Why Sleep Is So Important<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The answer to the problem is to attempt to get plenty of sleep each night!</span><br />
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<a href="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"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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</span></a><br />
<br />Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-2139525795065410352012-10-24T11:07:00.000-04:002012-10-24T11:07:11.721-04:00The Power of Our Words<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a great reminder of the power of our words!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">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.</span><br />
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<tr><td align="center" class="ecxprayer" style="color: #3f4f55; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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."</span></td></tr>
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Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-80763053048177270472012-10-17T15:18:00.000-04:002012-10-17T15:18:01.448-04:00A Display of Faith<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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."</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.focusonlinecommunities.com/blogs/Finding_Home/2012/10/10/texas-high-school-cheerleaders-in-court-battle?refcd=136901"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.focusonlinecommunities.com/blogs/Finding_Home/2012/10/10/texas-high-school-cheerleaders-in-court-battle?refcd=136901</span></a>Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-24425354790712728362012-10-09T18:44:00.001-04:002012-10-09T18:44:56.998-04:00Could Fructose Promote Cancer?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Below is a link to an interesting article about whether or not fructose fuels cancer. Please take a few minutes to read the article.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.vitalchoice.com/shop/pc/articlesView.asp?id=1930"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.vitalchoice.com/shop/pc/articlesView.asp?id=1930</span></a>Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-3023307741595391682012-09-20T15:59:00.002-04:002012-09-20T16:02:20.336-04:00Tips to Naturally Lower Your Blood Pressure<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"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:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Low-Salt Diet</span><br />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.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Moderate Physical Activity</span><br />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.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Moderate Alcohol Intake and No Smoking</span><br />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.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stress Reduction</span><br />Find calming ways to decrease your stress and blood pressure through deep breathing, meditation, counseling, yoga or qigong. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Eat More Fruits and Vegetables</span><br />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. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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."</span>Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-69653488858749306182012-09-13T15:48:00.001-04:002012-09-13T15:48:25.400-04:00Reevaluate Your Daily Agenda<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Something to ponder...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“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.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- Elisabeth Elliot</span>Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-59115023138854124422012-09-05T13:31:00.001-04:002012-09-05T13:31:37.867-04:00Ann Romney's 2012 Republican National Convention Speech<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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!</span><br />
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Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-89004084657322477852012-08-29T10:00:00.000-04:002012-08-29T10:00:03.528-04:00Guidelines for Healthy Food<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Follow the below instructions to ensure healthy eating habits.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"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:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grown without pesticides and chemical fertilizers (organic foods fit this description, but so do some non-organic foods) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not genetically modified </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Contains no added growth hormones, antibiotics, or other drugs </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Does not contain artificial anything, nor any preservatives (for fresh produce, you can now add the presence of MAP coatings or 'edible packaging') </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fresh (if you have to choose between wilted organic produce or fresh conventional produce, the latter may be the better option) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did not come from a confined animal feeding operation (CAFO, a.k.a. factory farm) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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)"</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">- Dr. Mercola</span>Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-45074567021321726962012-08-22T16:44:00.002-04:002012-08-22T16:44:55.218-04:00Tips for Osteoarthritis Pain<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"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:</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weight Loss</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Topical Creams</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alternating Hot, Cool Moisture</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anti-inflammatory Diet</span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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 <span style="font-style: italic;">The Anti-Inflammation Diet and Recipe Book</span>, published in 2006.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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."</span>Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-38824118915366678862012-08-16T09:29:00.000-04:002012-08-16T09:30:35.781-04:00Make A Joyful Noise!<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I need to practice waking up everyday praising Him for everything we have!</span><br />
<br />
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</span>
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</span>
<tr><td align="center" class="ecxscripture" style="color: #3f4f55; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: italic; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"“Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud on their beds”</span></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<tr><td align="center" class="ecxverse" style="color: #3f4f55; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">(Psalm 149:5, NKJV)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">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? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">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!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">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!</span><br />
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</span>
<tr><td align="center" style="color: #899fa5; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A PRAYER FOR TODAY </span></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<tr><td height="15"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></td></tr>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<tr><td align="center" class="ecxprayer" style="color: #3f4f55; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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."</span></td></tr>
</tbody>
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</td></tr>
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Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-18245237626319285412012-08-08T11:37:00.001-04:002012-08-08T11:37:21.243-04:00Healthy & Quick Meal Tips<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I am all about tips to help me in the area of meal planning.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"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. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking times of beans and other foods. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Buy prepared deli foods from PCC or Whole Foods as side dishes or to add to salads.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keep the following on hand to add to salads, soups and other meals: </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Protein sources: </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pre-cooked whole grains like quinoa, barley or brown rice</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pre-cooked beans stored in the refrigerator or freezer or canned beans. Be sure to rinse the beans to reduce excess sodium.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marinated and baked tofu or tempeh</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hard-boil eggs chilled in the fridge (will keep for 5-7 days in the refrigerator) </span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vegetables & fruits:</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Shredded cabbage, kale, chard, or any other green leafy vegetable </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Frozen vegetables as a backup, if fresh vegetables are not available</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Herbs, spices, sauces & dressings:</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At least one or two homemade dressings and sauces.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dried herbs and spice mixtures </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prepared curries and simmer sauces for quick flavor."</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-3528187949522002022012-08-02T17:56:00.000-04:002012-08-02T17:56:08.183-04:00Consequences of Faith<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>""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." </em>Romans 6:4</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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."</span>Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-61729119417465583872012-07-26T15:49:00.000-04:002012-07-26T19:24:07.753-04:00Opposition<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.focusonlinecommunities.com/blogs/Finding_Home/2012/07/25/did-facebook-boycott-chick-fil-a"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.focusonlinecommunities.com/blogs/Finding_Home/2012/07/25/did-facebook-boycott-chick-fil-a</span></a>Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-45145580392587614222012-07-18T17:36:00.002-04:002012-07-18T17:36:12.141-04:00Wednesday's Quote<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1d1d1d;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1d1d1d; mso-bidi-font-family: OLIVEOIL;">Great quote!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1d1d1d;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #1d1d1d; mso-bidi-font-family: OLIVEOIL;">“I
want the presence of God Himself, or I don't want anything at all to do with
religion... I want<i> </i></span></b><b><u style="text-underline: thick;"><span style="color: #1d1d1d; mso-bidi-font-family: OLIVEOIL; mso-bidi-font-size: 19.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">all</span></u></b><b><span style="color: #1d1d1d; mso-bidi-font-family: OLIVEOIL;">
that God has or I don't want </span></b><b><u style="text-underline: thick;"><span style="color: #1d1d1d; mso-bidi-font-family: OLIVEOIL; mso-bidi-font-size: 19.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">any</span></u></b><b><span style="color: #1d1d1d; mso-bidi-font-family: OLIVEOIL;">.” </span></b></span></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1d1d1d;"><b><span style="color: #1d1d1d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: OLIVEOIL;">- A.W. Tozer</span></b></span></div>Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-63926434886182182332012-07-11T10:59:00.003-04:002012-07-15T17:32:12.176-04:00Faith & Expectancy<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Three words... Never.Lose.Faith!</span><br />
<table bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 322px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="center" class="ecxscripture" style="color: #3f4f55; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: italic; text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"“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”</span></td></tr>
<tr><td align="center" class="ecxverse" style="color: #3f4f55; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Matthew 7:7, NLT)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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."</span></td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-72021924403447185632012-07-04T17:04:00.000-04:002012-07-04T17:04:06.513-04:00The Cost of Freedom<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Have a great 4th of July!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/RC12WTcS3LM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-14638865856367009862012-06-28T10:38:00.000-04:002012-06-28T10:38:00.435-04:00A Brief Explanation on High-Fructose Corn Syrup<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do not always look at labels on the foods and such that I purchase. However, when it comes to h</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">igh-fructose corn syrup, I try to avoid it as much as possible, and especially since diabetes runs in mine and my husband's families.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have issues with hypoglycemia/low blood sugar, and notice that if I consume more sugar than I should, a few hours later I have heart palpitations and feel weak and lethargic. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As such, I try to steer clear of sugar cane. If I want something sweet to tie me over, I almost always have an organic 80% cocoa dark chocolate bar in the fridge to eat a nibble or two of, which is much better for me, my husband and daughter to consume.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The below article explains in brief a little about high-fructose corn syrup.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"This is one in an occasional series on nutrition topics.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Buzzword: High-fructose corn syrup </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Mystery: Is high-fructose corn syrup responsible for the obesity epidemic, or isn't it? Is it worse for us to eat than sugar? Should we avoid it in the grocery store or is it really just the same as sugar? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Expert: Frank Hu, M.D., Ph.D., professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and Channing Lab and Brigham and Women's Hospital; and director of the Boston Obesity Nutrition Research Center, Epidemiology and Genetics Core. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q: What is high-fructose corn syrup? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A: High-fructose corn syrup is made of corn. The starch is converted into sugar through a process called hydrolysis. The finished product typically consists of about 55 percent fructose, 40 percent glucose and other minor sugars and other ingredients. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q: How is that different from table sugar? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A: Table sugar, called sucrose, is made from sugar cane [or beets] and is 50 percent glucose and 50 percent fructose. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q: What makes high-fructose corn syrup different? Why is it used in place of sugar? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A: It's cheap, it's much cheaper than table sugar. That's one of the main reasons it has been used ubiquitously in the U.S. food supply. Metabolically they are not substantially different. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q: Does that mean it's fine to eat? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A: We should worry about sugar in general. On a gram-for-gram basis, high-fructose corn syrup may not be worse than table sugar but there is just too much in our food supply, especially in [the form of] soft drinks. Because it's cheap, consumption of high-fructose corn syrup has gone up so much in recent decades and has become one of the main sources of calories in our diet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Takeaway: High-fructose corn syrup, sugar, and caloric sweeteners by any other name deliver a lot of empty (non-nutritive) calories. For better health, avoid products with added sugar, whether it comes from corn, sugar cane or beets."</span>Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-41268796235595357142012-06-20T16:25:00.000-04:002012-06-20T16:25:18.382-04:00Six Symptoms That Need Addressed<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please read the below article as being informed may potentially save a life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"As we get older, even those of us in the best of health will have various unusual symptoms. Some boomers and seniors ignore these problems or dismiss them as part of aging. But these six symptoms should never be ignored; they should be diagnosed as soon as possible: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- SHARP PAIN IN A JOINT: It could be nothing. Maybe you bumped your elbow or knee without even noticing it. But sudden sharp pain in a joint, especially if it gets worse or does not go away after a day or two, could be something more serious. If the pain occurs more than once, see a doctor. In some cities, there are sports clinics that offer free preliminary examinations that will let you know if you need a more thorough look at the problem. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- SUDDEN HEADACHES: If you suddenly begin experiencing frequent headaches for the first time in your life, see your regular physician first. He or she can help decide whether the symptom is serious enough to see a neurologist. Even if aspirin or ibuprofen relieves the headaches, do not rely solely on such medication. Find out what is causing the pain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- UNEXPLAINED BLEEDING: If you pass blood from the rectum or genitals on more than one occasion, or if you suddenly begin having nosebleeds or spitting up blood, that symptom needs an immediate examination. If the bleeding comes from a body opening below the waist, you probably will need to see a gastrointestinal specialist. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- EXTREME TENDERNESS IN ANY BODY PART: If you experience a new and somewhat constant pain in a fleshy body part, and it does not stop within a week, have a doctor examine the site. In fact, this can actually be an emergency if the pain is located between the ribs and hips. You may have swallowed a sharp object that is piercing tissues or there may be an intestinal blockage. Never dismiss lingering mid-body pain as "just a stomach ache." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- STRANGE LUMPS UNDER THE SKIN: The appearance of a lump under the skin, no matter where it appears on your body, is suspicious. Do not ever ignore it. It probably is not a malignant lump, but it is always best to make sure with a biopsy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- STRANGE MARKS ON THE SKIN: Most people know that changes in a mole need to be diagnosed. But moles are not the only thing on skin that could be serious. An annual skin examination of your entire body is a good thing. But if a patch of skin becomes red and flaky, or turns white or darkens, do not wait for that annual exam. Have it looked at right away. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Never allow the cost of a doctor visit or co-payment stop you from seeing a doctor. If you are in a dire financial situation, and do not know of a church or charitable organization that can offer help, make a doctors appointment anyway. You can make payment arrangements when the examination is over, and the physicians staff may even know of ways to find financial help. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If the only doctor you know is your family practitioner, and you need a specialist, you can ask for a recommendation or use the Internet to search for one locally. If the specialist has a long waiting list, your practitioner may intervene to arrange an appointment sooner. Call your regular doctors office to discuss the issue so that you do not have to pay for an extra office visit."</span>Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-77831890080795243032012-06-13T15:00:00.003-04:002012-06-13T15:03:07.969-04:005 Year-Old Girl Sings A Beautiful Song<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please take a minute to click on the below link and watch the five year-old girl sing the song, "Above All." She had to memorize almost six minutes worth of song and words. I hope it touches your heart as much as it touched mine--especially since our daughter will be five years-old next year.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.godvine.com/Cute-5-Year-Old-Kaitlyn-Maher-Sings-Above-All-219.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.godvine.com/Cute-5-Year-Old-Kaitlyn-Maher-Sings-Above-All-219.html</span></a><br />
<br />Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-15262187546246521452012-06-06T22:51:00.001-04:002012-06-06T22:51:58.443-04:00How To Pray With Your Children<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I read the below article on Focus on the Family's Web site, and thought that I would share it since it is one of the many important aspects of parenting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"No matter how old your children are, it's never too late to begin praying with them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by Mark Holmen</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perhaps you've never prayed with your children. But no matter how old they are, it's never too late to start. It helps to remember that prayer is simply a conversation with God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are a few ideas to get you started:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>1) Newspaper Prayer.</em> Try this idea at the beginning of the day as you're eating breakfast. Have each family member take a portion of the newspaper and circle items that he or she feels need to be prayed for. Then ask family members to pray for the things they circled in the paper. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) <em>Sentence Prayer.</em> You can help your children pray aloud by giving them a sentence to complete, such as:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Lord, I thank you for …" </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Lord, forgive me for …" </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Lord, help my friend …" </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Lord, help me be more …" </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Lord, help me to let go of …" </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Lord, give me the courage to …" </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Lord, one of the fears I need help with is …"</span></li>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) <em>Highs and Lows.</em> Ask your children what their "highs" were from the day, and then ask them about their "lows" from the day. Share your highs and lows as well, and then pray for them together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) <em>Prayer Journal.</em> Share your prayer requests with the other members of your family and then record them in a prayer journal. One person can pray for all the requests you've listed for the day. The next time you pray together, look over the requests you listed previously and update any changes and answers. This is a good way to see how God has been active in your prayer lives. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) <em>A.C.T.S. Prayer.</em> This is a well-known form of prayer that is easy to remember:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>A</em> stands for “adoration.” Begin the prayer by simply adoring God for who He is. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>C</em> stands for “confession.” Spend some time confessing your sins. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>T </em>stands for “thanksgiving.” Take time to thank God for the blessings that He has given to you and your family. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">S stands for “supplication.” Lift up specific areas of your life in which you need God to supply for your needs."</span></li>
</ul>Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931356993834058563.post-74246239597817186512012-05-30T14:50:00.001-04:002012-05-30T14:54:17.763-04:00Don't Worry Yourself Sick!<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tend to worry, so the below message speaks to me. I am going to make it a note to memorize Matthew 6:27.</span><br />
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<table bgcolor="#ffffff" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 322px;"><tbody>
<tr><td align="center" class="ecxscripture" style="color: #3f4f55; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-style: italic; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”</span></td></tr>
<tr><td align="center" class="ecxverse" style="color: #3f4f55; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Matthew 6:27, NIV)</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is there something that you are worrying about today? To worry means to allow something to revolve in your mind over and over again. God doesn’t want you to live worried or anxious about anything. He knows that worry steals your peace and joy. It affects every area of your life. Have you heard the saying, “Don’t worry yourself sick?” That’s because worrying affects your physical body. It affects your sleep. You won’t ever gain anything by worrying; in fact, you’ll lose precious moments that you can never get back again. The good news is that God has promised that you can have victory over worry. It starts by making the choice to trust in Him. When you cast your cares on Him, He will give you His peace.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Decide today to put an end to worry in your life. Choose to feed your faith and fill your mind with God's promises. As you focus on God’s Word, you’ll drive out worry and fill your heart with faith and expectancy; and you’ll be empowered to move forward into the life of blessing He has in store for you!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heavenly Father, today I choose to put an end to worry in my life. I choose to feed my faith by studying Your promises and declaring Your Word over my life. Help me to totally trust in You today and every day in Jesus’ name. Amen."</span></td></tr>
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</table>Devoted To Christhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01969158548791081291noreply@blogger.com