Hello my friends, I just wanted to post a quick note that I'll be taking a break from blogging for a few weeks. Some of you know that my family has been going through quite a crisis lately. My mom was very sick and now apparently there's mold somewhere in our house. So while our lives are in upheaval, I'll be focusing on other things. But hopefully I'll be back to blogging in January. In the meantime, we sure appreciate your prayers!
God bless.
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Thursday, December 3, 2015
What It's Like...
Recently I came across something I wrote several years ago. It was when I was very ill and didn't have any answers yet. I thought maybe you could relate. And I thought maybe it would be something you could share with friends or family to help them understand a little better.
I praise God for how far He's brought me! But I still need Him every day. And He's still here for me, every day.
Here's there for you too.
God bless.
I’m Walking
“How are you doing?” my friend asks me.
I pause before answering as a thousand thoughts run through my head.
I know my friend asks because she cares, but how can I explain to her in a moment the pain, loss, and struggle I’m going through? It’s not easy to put into words.
How am I doing? How do I really feel?
Well…I’m exhausted, too tired to stand up. Though I’m always resting, I feel like I’ve just run a marathon. My head pounds, and fever burns my eyes. My joints and muscles throb with pain and inflammation. I feel like an old woman, barely able to shuffle through each day. I’m too weak to cry.
This constant pain and continual weakness has led to discouragement and despair. I must accept the loss of my life as I knew it. No more sports, hobbies, or social life. No more work, ministry, or service. Every day I have to watch carefully what I eat, where I go, and what I do, for fear it might be the straw that breaks me. Limitation is my middle name. I am trapped in the prison of my body.
Daily I struggle with hopelessness, the temptation to give up, the fear that things will never change. I feel alone, like an outsider. Always watching others, unable to participate in normal activities. I am reduced to a spectator in life.
Some days I remember that I’m not the only one in this world who is suffering. Others around me have lost their health, a loved one, job, ministry, or something else. I know they are struggling too. Yet we seldom connect. We just float around each other, stuck in our individual bubbles of painful circumstances. Wishing things were different, yet feeling helpless to change the way things are.
Yet in this place, I still cling to hope. Even when I’m too weary to care anymore, I know there is someone who cares for me. His name is Jehovah Jireh – the Lord who Provides. His provision often comes in unexpected ways...little gifts that remind me I am not forgotten, abandoned, or forsaken. He provides what I need just when I need it.
He gives me grace to let the tears flow. He sends a friend who steps into my world and cries with me. At His prompting, someone sends a card with Scripture that encourages my heart. He causes birds to sing outside my window, reminding me to worship. Flowers from a family member bring to mind His care of the lilies of the field. All of these good gifts come from my loving, heavenly Father. Even in the worst situation, He is my faithful provider.
So, how am I doing? I’m living through some very difficult circumstances one day at a time, by the grace of God, held in His loving arms, trusting in His faithfulness to meet my every need. In other words, I’m walking by faith. And though it isn’t easy, it’s the best way to live.
I praise God for how far He's brought me! But I still need Him every day. And He's still here for me, every day.
Here's there for you too.
God bless.
I’m Walking
“How are you doing?” my friend asks me.
I pause before answering as a thousand thoughts run through my head.
I know my friend asks because she cares, but how can I explain to her in a moment the pain, loss, and struggle I’m going through? It’s not easy to put into words.
How am I doing? How do I really feel?
Well…I’m exhausted, too tired to stand up. Though I’m always resting, I feel like I’ve just run a marathon. My head pounds, and fever burns my eyes. My joints and muscles throb with pain and inflammation. I feel like an old woman, barely able to shuffle through each day. I’m too weak to cry.
This constant pain and continual weakness has led to discouragement and despair. I must accept the loss of my life as I knew it. No more sports, hobbies, or social life. No more work, ministry, or service. Every day I have to watch carefully what I eat, where I go, and what I do, for fear it might be the straw that breaks me. Limitation is my middle name. I am trapped in the prison of my body.
Daily I struggle with hopelessness, the temptation to give up, the fear that things will never change. I feel alone, like an outsider. Always watching others, unable to participate in normal activities. I am reduced to a spectator in life.
Some days I remember that I’m not the only one in this world who is suffering. Others around me have lost their health, a loved one, job, ministry, or something else. I know they are struggling too. Yet we seldom connect. We just float around each other, stuck in our individual bubbles of painful circumstances. Wishing things were different, yet feeling helpless to change the way things are.
Yet in this place, I still cling to hope. Even when I’m too weary to care anymore, I know there is someone who cares for me. His name is Jehovah Jireh – the Lord who Provides. His provision often comes in unexpected ways...little gifts that remind me I am not forgotten, abandoned, or forsaken. He provides what I need just when I need it.
He gives me grace to let the tears flow. He sends a friend who steps into my world and cries with me. At His prompting, someone sends a card with Scripture that encourages my heart. He causes birds to sing outside my window, reminding me to worship. Flowers from a family member bring to mind His care of the lilies of the field. All of these good gifts come from my loving, heavenly Father. Even in the worst situation, He is my faithful provider.
So, how am I doing? I’m living through some very difficult circumstances one day at a time, by the grace of God, held in His loving arms, trusting in His faithfulness to meet my every need. In other words, I’m walking by faith. And though it isn’t easy, it’s the best way to live.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
How Can I Serve You Better?
This fall I've been inspired with new plans and dreams. I feel that the dawning of a new season is coming soon! I'm excited about what God has in store for me in the near future.
I'm so thankful for the opportunity I've had to serve you through this blog. I'm always encouraged when I hear from people who've been helped by it. That makes the time and emotional investment so worth it! =)
As I think about the changes I want to make in my goals and plans for the future, I'd love to hear from you about how I can serve you better.
Would you do me a favor and take a few minutes to reply to the following questions? You can post your answers in the comments or email them to me. It'll help me know how to move forward more effectively.
Thanks so much!
1. What is the most helpful/enjoyable thing for you about this blog?
2. Are there certain topics you'd like me to write more about? Or less about?
3. How often would you like to receive new posts...
every other week, once a week, more than once a week...?
4. Is the blog mobile-friendly? Do you like the appearance/format of it?
5. How often do you recommend this blog to others or share specific blog posts? What prompts you to share or not share?
6. What suggestions do you have for me to improve the blog to meet your current needs?
7. What are you thankful for today?
(Ok, this one's just for fun.) =)
I'm so thankful for the opportunity I've had to serve you through this blog. I'm always encouraged when I hear from people who've been helped by it. That makes the time and emotional investment so worth it! =)
As I think about the changes I want to make in my goals and plans for the future, I'd love to hear from you about how I can serve you better.
Would you do me a favor and take a few minutes to reply to the following questions? You can post your answers in the comments or email them to me. It'll help me know how to move forward more effectively.
Thanks so much!
1. What is the most helpful/enjoyable thing for you about this blog?
2. Are there certain topics you'd like me to write more about? Or less about?
3. How often would you like to receive new posts...
every other week, once a week, more than once a week...?
4. Is the blog mobile-friendly? Do you like the appearance/format of it?
5. How often do you recommend this blog to others or share specific blog posts? What prompts you to share or not share?
6. What suggestions do you have for me to improve the blog to meet your current needs?
7. What are you thankful for today?
(Ok, this one's just for fun.) =)
Thursday, November 5, 2015
The Great Coffee Debate
For years people have debated whether coffee is bad for your health or good for your health. Personally I'm not a coffee drinker, don't even like the smell of it. But I know that many people view coffee as necessary to life. =)
So I did some research for you. I found this article from 2010 which lists 8 reasons not to drink coffee, and I think they are valid reasons.
Then I found this article from 2015 that says coffee can be good for your heart, brain, etc.
Both articles cite studies to back up their claims. Clearly there's conflicting "data" on this topic. I'm sure it's hard to get accurate studies only about coffee when people's lifestyles are so varied and results of drinking coffee can be different from person to person.
However, there are some important, agreed-upon, facts about coffee that can guide your decision:
1) Coffee is a heavily sprayed crop (97% of it according to Dr. Mercola).
Unless you buy certified organic coffee from a trusted source, you need to know that what you're drinking contains several dangerous toxins - including pesticides, herbicides, toxic fertilizers, and sometimes mycotoxins (toxins from mold, which are even more poisonous than many heavy metals).
These poisonous chemicals are linked to all kinds of health problems including various cancers, Parkinson's, miscarriages, endocrine problems, etc. So saying coffee is good for your heart or brain is not true of non-organic coffee because of the toxins it contains, which are actually quite damaging to the heart, brain and the rest of the body.
2) Adding sugar, dairy and/or non-dairy creamers to your coffee is definitely unhealthy.
Sugar, especially first thing in the morning, spikes insulin levels and over time contributes to insulin resistance - a major indicator of disease and health decline. (For more info on that, here's a great article.)
While I think organic, raw dairy products can be healthy for many people, conventional dairy has many problems. And research indicates that putting dairy in your coffee interferes with the body's absorption of the healthy antioxidants in the coffee. So any benefit is basically cancelled.
Finally, non-dairy creamers are highly unhealthy. Just read the list of ingredients: partially hydrogenated soybean oil, high fructose corn syrup, natural flavors (which can include things like MSG - which is very toxic), etc. For more details on the dangers of non-dairy creamers, check out this article.
3) Caffeine is bad for pregnant women.
Some doctors say it's ok to drink coffee in moderation while pregnant. However, Dr. Mercola advises never to drink coffee while pregnant, because caffeine easily passes through the placenta to the baby, who does not have the ability to detox it. I would think that erring on the side of caution is always best in this situation.
4) If you do drink coffee, be sure to use non-bleached filters.
The bright white filters are bleached with chlorine and contain dangerous disinfection byproducts such as dioxin. These toxins then leach into the coffee during brewing.
I realize it's sad that in today's world you can't just drink a cup of coffee that's free of toxins. But I hope this information is helpful for you in finding a healthy form of coffee, or in encouraging you to wean yourself off of it and find better, healthier sources of energy and antioxidants. Because if you can't function in the morning without a cup of coffee, then your body is trying to tell you something.
So I did some research for you. I found this article from 2010 which lists 8 reasons not to drink coffee, and I think they are valid reasons.
Then I found this article from 2015 that says coffee can be good for your heart, brain, etc.
Both articles cite studies to back up their claims. Clearly there's conflicting "data" on this topic. I'm sure it's hard to get accurate studies only about coffee when people's lifestyles are so varied and results of drinking coffee can be different from person to person.
However, there are some important, agreed-upon, facts about coffee that can guide your decision:
1) Coffee is a heavily sprayed crop (97% of it according to Dr. Mercola).
Unless you buy certified organic coffee from a trusted source, you need to know that what you're drinking contains several dangerous toxins - including pesticides, herbicides, toxic fertilizers, and sometimes mycotoxins (toxins from mold, which are even more poisonous than many heavy metals).
These poisonous chemicals are linked to all kinds of health problems including various cancers, Parkinson's, miscarriages, endocrine problems, etc. So saying coffee is good for your heart or brain is not true of non-organic coffee because of the toxins it contains, which are actually quite damaging to the heart, brain and the rest of the body.
2) Adding sugar, dairy and/or non-dairy creamers to your coffee is definitely unhealthy.
Sugar, especially first thing in the morning, spikes insulin levels and over time contributes to insulin resistance - a major indicator of disease and health decline. (For more info on that, here's a great article.)
While I think organic, raw dairy products can be healthy for many people, conventional dairy has many problems. And research indicates that putting dairy in your coffee interferes with the body's absorption of the healthy antioxidants in the coffee. So any benefit is basically cancelled.
Finally, non-dairy creamers are highly unhealthy. Just read the list of ingredients: partially hydrogenated soybean oil, high fructose corn syrup, natural flavors (which can include things like MSG - which is very toxic), etc. For more details on the dangers of non-dairy creamers, check out this article.
3) Caffeine is bad for pregnant women.
Some doctors say it's ok to drink coffee in moderation while pregnant. However, Dr. Mercola advises never to drink coffee while pregnant, because caffeine easily passes through the placenta to the baby, who does not have the ability to detox it. I would think that erring on the side of caution is always best in this situation.
4) If you do drink coffee, be sure to use non-bleached filters.
The bright white filters are bleached with chlorine and contain dangerous disinfection byproducts such as dioxin. These toxins then leach into the coffee during brewing.
I realize it's sad that in today's world you can't just drink a cup of coffee that's free of toxins. But I hope this information is helpful for you in finding a healthy form of coffee, or in encouraging you to wean yourself off of it and find better, healthier sources of energy and antioxidants. Because if you can't function in the morning without a cup of coffee, then your body is trying to tell you something.
Thursday, October 22, 2015
If You Can't Pronounce It, Avoid It
For the last few years I was using a wonderful organic shampoo that was homemade by a small business. It only had 6 ingredients and no fragrance, plus it worked great in my hair! I was SO thankful for this awesome product! Then as of August, the company was no longer in business. =(
So I began searching for an organic shampoo to replace it. I read almost every shampoo label in the health food store. I scoured the internet. Weeks and weeks of searching and I still haven't found a satisfactory product. In fact, I was shocked by what is sold as "organic" shampoo. The only truly chemical-free product I found was made out of olive oil, but it had borax in it. I don't have a great history with borax, so I didn't want to try that one.
Otherwise, these so-called "organic" and "natural" shampoos still contain various ingredients that are chemical or toxic in nature. You wouldn't believe the kind of ingredients I found in "organic" baby shampoos even! I guess companies assume that if they label their product as "natural" or "organic" consumers won't bother to read the labels and investigate the ingredients.
So, I've decided that my basic rule of thumb is this - "If you can't pronounce it, then you better avoid it."
In the process of my search I found this great website that has a list of many of those unpronounceable ingredients. I think it's a great resource for when you need info on a specific chemical. This link is for the information on an ingredient called "phenoxyethanol." When I read that on a baby shampoo label, I was pretty sure it couldn't be a "natural" ingredient. I was correct. Here's the info on it, rather scary if you ask me.
http://chemicaloftheday.squarespace.com/todays-chemical/2011/2/28/phenoxyethanol.html
The Environmental Working Group also has a helpful database, which lists specific details about all kinds of cosmetic products and what toxic rating each product has. I found the info in this database enlightening, but unfortunately I still didn't find a suitable shampoo.
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
For the moment I'm using a "natural" shampoo that has less than 10 ingredients. Unfortunately it does contain parabens, a kind of preservative used in many cosmetics. (Parabens are endocrine disruptors and have been linked to breast cancer.) Thankfully, I found out this month that my organic shampoo maker is back in business! So hopefully I'll soon have my healthy shampoo again. In the meantime, I encourage you to read the labels on your shampoo and find the least toxic option you can. And with all your personal care products, remember this rule of thumb:
If you can't pronounce, better avoid it."
So I began searching for an organic shampoo to replace it. I read almost every shampoo label in the health food store. I scoured the internet. Weeks and weeks of searching and I still haven't found a satisfactory product. In fact, I was shocked by what is sold as "organic" shampoo. The only truly chemical-free product I found was made out of olive oil, but it had borax in it. I don't have a great history with borax, so I didn't want to try that one.
Otherwise, these so-called "organic" and "natural" shampoos still contain various ingredients that are chemical or toxic in nature. You wouldn't believe the kind of ingredients I found in "organic" baby shampoos even! I guess companies assume that if they label their product as "natural" or "organic" consumers won't bother to read the labels and investigate the ingredients.
So, I've decided that my basic rule of thumb is this - "If you can't pronounce it, then you better avoid it."
In the process of my search I found this great website that has a list of many of those unpronounceable ingredients. I think it's a great resource for when you need info on a specific chemical. This link is for the information on an ingredient called "phenoxyethanol." When I read that on a baby shampoo label, I was pretty sure it couldn't be a "natural" ingredient. I was correct. Here's the info on it, rather scary if you ask me.
http://chemicaloftheday.squarespace.com/todays-chemical/2011/2/28/phenoxyethanol.html
The Environmental Working Group also has a helpful database, which lists specific details about all kinds of cosmetic products and what toxic rating each product has. I found the info in this database enlightening, but unfortunately I still didn't find a suitable shampoo.
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
For the moment I'm using a "natural" shampoo that has less than 10 ingredients. Unfortunately it does contain parabens, a kind of preservative used in many cosmetics. (Parabens are endocrine disruptors and have been linked to breast cancer.) Thankfully, I found out this month that my organic shampoo maker is back in business! So hopefully I'll soon have my healthy shampoo again. In the meantime, I encourage you to read the labels on your shampoo and find the least toxic option you can. And with all your personal care products, remember this rule of thumb:
If you can't pronounce, better avoid it."
Thursday, October 15, 2015
New Cancer Resource
Just a quick post today to let you know about a great new resource. It's a series of documentaries called "The Truth About Cancer." It includes interviews with health experts from all over the world! (Including some experts I already knew about and highly respect, such as Jordan Rubin and Dr. Mercola.) All nine episodes of this docu-series will be free to watch online for a limited time.
If you click on this link, you can sign up by email to receive notification for each new episode:
https://go.thetruthaboutcancer.com/?a_aid=550894055d93f
I realize cancer can be a controversial topic, but I think this series of documentaries provides, at the least, a different perspective on cancer, and at best a lot of helpful information and useful tools.
Below is the video of Episode 2: "Cancer Facts and Fictions, Breast Cancer, Hormones, Skin Cancer & Essential Oils"
This video is worth watching even just for the info on essential oils (that starts a little more than half way through the video). I found it very informative and encouraging!
Let me know what you think and please pass this info along to anyone you think would benefit from it! Thanks!
https://go2.thetruthaboutcancer.com/global-quest/episode-2/?a_aid=560559b6b73a9
If you click on this link, you can sign up by email to receive notification for each new episode:
https://go.thetruthaboutcancer.com/?a_aid=550894055d93f
I realize cancer can be a controversial topic, but I think this series of documentaries provides, at the least, a different perspective on cancer, and at best a lot of helpful information and useful tools.
Below is the video of Episode 2: "Cancer Facts and Fictions, Breast Cancer, Hormones, Skin Cancer & Essential Oils"
This video is worth watching even just for the info on essential oils (that starts a little more than half way through the video). I found it very informative and encouraging!
Let me know what you think and please pass this info along to anyone you think would benefit from it! Thanks!
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Things I Like About Living Naturally
Ok, so there are a lot of things about this EI life that are difficult, challenging, even ridiculous. But I don't want to forget that there are also things I appreciate about having to live naturally. Here are a few. =)
Things I like about living naturally...
- eating healthy, home cooked food (yum!)
- smelling like peppermint (from using peppermint essential oil) =)
- learning to appreciate simple pleasures in life
- not having to buy all kinds of hand soap, dish soap, body wash, facial cleanser, etc. (I just use baking soda for everything)
- having people complement me on the gray streaks in my hair because they look "sparkly" =) (seriously, it's happened twice!)
- not having to spend time deciding which shoes to wear with each outfit (um...blue sport slides or black sport slides?)
- becoming a master at "repurposing" things
- lots of opportunities to use my creativity to find alternate solutions to problems
- being thankful for the "little" things that most people take for granted (like having a pillow for my head, water I can drink and clean laundry)
- meeting lots of great people who are also on this journey
- knowing that the patience and perseverance required for this life is building character in me =)
Ok, so I don't always feel thankful for that last one, but deep down I know it's a good thing. Of course we would all choose to have a perfect life if we could. But I've accepted that on this earth no life is perfect. I certainly wouldn't have chosen this EI life, but I am thankful for the benefits that come with it.
How about you? What things in your imperfect life are you thankful for?
Things I like about living naturally...
- eating healthy, home cooked food (yum!)
- smelling like peppermint (from using peppermint essential oil) =)
- learning to appreciate simple pleasures in life
- not having to buy all kinds of hand soap, dish soap, body wash, facial cleanser, etc. (I just use baking soda for everything)
- having people complement me on the gray streaks in my hair because they look "sparkly" =) (seriously, it's happened twice!)
- not having to spend time deciding which shoes to wear with each outfit (um...blue sport slides or black sport slides?)
- becoming a master at "repurposing" things
- lots of opportunities to use my creativity to find alternate solutions to problems
- being thankful for the "little" things that most people take for granted (like having a pillow for my head, water I can drink and clean laundry)
- meeting lots of great people who are also on this journey
- knowing that the patience and perseverance required for this life is building character in me =)
Ok, so I don't always feel thankful for that last one, but deep down I know it's a good thing. Of course we would all choose to have a perfect life if we could. But I've accepted that on this earth no life is perfect. I certainly wouldn't have chosen this EI life, but I am thankful for the benefits that come with it.
How about you? What things in your imperfect life are you thankful for?
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