Don't Give Up

Last week I was in Dallas for a wonderful event with other Christian women in media. I had an extra day before my flight home, so I was praying about what to do with it, and God reminded me of a place I visited eight years ago. In 2008 I was in Dallas at a special environmental clinic trying to get help. It was a pretty awful month. But one day my mom drove me to see the famous mustang sculpture. It was the one bright spot in that very difficult time.

Fast forward eight years later, when I'm back in Dallas, and God told me to return to that spot with the beautiful sculpture. Only this time it was a completely different story.  Here's a little video that I recorded and shared on facebook, but I thought I'd post it here as well.

Wherever you are in your journey today, don't give up! God crafted you as His masterpiece for a special purpose. And He can fill you with more of His Life than you can imagine possible!

Blessings to you my friends.

“For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it.” -‭‭John‬ ‭5:21‬

P.S. I had major technical difficulties trying to include the video in this post. It seems to be showing up in some web browsers and not others. I apologize if you can't see it. If we're friends on fb, you can go to my fb page to watch it. Thanks for your patience. =)

Those "Pesky" Symptoms...

I know symptoms feel pesky at best and downright miserable other times. But they do have a purpose. I thought I'd repost this from last year, hopefully as an encouraging reminder to see the benefit in symptoms. =)

The Purpose of Symptoms

Through the years I've experienced a wide variety of physical symptoms, ranging from unpleasant and annoying to debilitating and dangerous. It's not enjoyable to have symptoms of any kind, but I've learned that symptoms really do have a purpose.
Most doctors are trained to provide symptom relief for patients. Few doctors seem to understand the purpose of symptoms, and that the goal isn't just to make them "go away."

The purpose of symptoms is to let you know that something is amiss in your body and it's time to address it. This is just like when a squeaking or grinding sound in your car makes you realize you better get it checked. Physical symptoms are the body's way of communicating that there's a problem. You would think this concept would be common sense, yet so many people have an unhealthy perspective on symptoms.

There are two extremes in how people handle their symptoms.

One is to ignore them completely and to keep pushing their body to do whatever they want it to do...to their own detriment, usually symptoms getting more and more severe.

The other extreme is to focus on symptoms so much that the person becomes consumed with them and actually perpetuates even more symptoms.

I can tell you that at different times I've experienced both extremes.

I realize that with chronic illness, a lot of time is spent managing symptoms. But I think having a healthy perspective on their purpose helps us handle them better.

First, we recognize that a physical symptom is a message from the body. Then we keep asking questions until we identify the root cause of the symptom. Why is the body asking for help? Once the root cause is identified, then we can select appropriate treatment that will help the body do its job of healing the root cause. Then, hopefully within a short amount of time, the problem is corrected and the symptom goes away, because it's no longer needed. This is the healthy approach to whatever symptoms we experience. And the sooner we address symptoms, the sooner we can help the body resolve them.

So for example, about two weeks ago I started feeling really awful, much worse than I normally do. My body felt heavy, achy and exhausted. I mostly ignored it for a few days, just continuing with my regular healthy habits of taking care of myself. Finally about the 4th day, I realized I better figure out WHY I was feeling so awful. A little detective work revealed two bacterial infections. No wonder I was feeling awful! But since I didn't have other "common" symptoms associated with bacterial infections, I hadn't thought to check that originally. But my body persisted with some symptoms until I discovered the root cause. So now I'm doing specific things to fight the infections and hopefully I'll soon be feeling like my "normal" self again. =)
 
Sometimes I experience symptoms from detoxing. When the body is ridding itself of toxins, parasites, viruses, etc., there are usually accompanying symptoms. It's important to listen to the body and not push it to detox too quickly or too much at one time. But when I know it's a detoxing symptom, I endure it until that detox cycle is finished. Thankfully, there are some natural remedies that help with symptom relief, as well as with foundational healing. (I'll write more about these two things next time.) 

The main thing is to look past the symptom to the root cause and take whatever steps you can to help your body heal that. So you might say that symptoms are actually helpful things, when we understand their purpose and take a healthy approach to resolving them. 

Super Fruits

Have you heard of super fruits before? This is something I recently heard of and began looking into. Different sources include different fruits on the list of "super fruits," but the main ones you'll see in a health food store are -

 acai
 goji
 mangosteen
 noni
 seabuckthorn

The reason they're called "super fruits" is that they are packed full of antioxidants, phytonutrients, and anti-inflammatory properties. They can help the immune system, digestive system, cardiovascular health, and much more.

Different fruits are helpful for various functions in the body. Such as, goji can help with eye health, noni with digestive issues, etc.

Dr. Axe has a few articles on his website about some of these super fruits if you want more information on specific ones.

Most of these fruits come in liquid form, though you can find some of them dried or as a powder. I decided to try a liquid product that contains four fruits (acai, goji, mangosteen, and noni). It does need to be refrigerated, but it's easy to take. I started very slowly with it, I think I took 1 tsp. at first. It made me detox some, so I didn't take it every day. But I do think it's been helpful for me.

Theoretically, any good and healthy food we can give our bodies should help them do the work of healing and repairing. I'm glad I gave these a try. =) If you decide to try super fruits, just remember to read labels and make sure there aren't added ingredients, such as preservatives, flavorings, etc.

Note: Generally speaking, it's best to only start one new product/supplement at a time. That way you can tell if it's causing any problems or being helpful. =)

Travel Tips - for Healthier Flying

After seven flights in the last five months, I'm starting to get the hang of traveling by air once again. =) It's very different than 12 years ago when I used to fly often...both because of changes in regulations and changes in my health. So here are some things I've learned that helped me. Feel free to add any of your own travel tips for flying as well.


Before you fly -

If possible, don't book an evening flight. Delays often happen and you can end up not arriving til the wee hours of the morning, which is very hard on the body. Try to book morning or early afternoon flights, so you'll have plenty of time to arrive at your destination and still have a reasonable bedtime.

Wrap any bottles of supplements you're taking in aluminum foil and place them in your checked luggage. This will help protect them against the emf's in the luggage scanner. Apparently the scanners for carry-on baggage have higher emf levels than checked luggage, so put anything emf sensitive in checked bags not carry-ons.

If you don't have a problem with plastic, then pack your clothes in large size ziploc bags to protect them from the petroleum fumes on the airplane. These fumes easily penetrate most luggage, so extra protection for clothing is helpful. I actually put everything I'm packing in ziploc bags for that extra protection.

If you're traveling with essential oils, put them in a small ziploc bag in your carry-on. When you reach the security check point, ask an employee to hand check the ziploc bag for you. That way it won't go through the scanner. I know some people say that airport scanners aren't bad for essential oils, but I prefer to be cautious. And it's not hard, the employees were willing to hand check mine for me.

Also at the security check point, you can ask for an "opt out" from the body scanner. Instead of having to go through the body scanner (which is a lot of emf's!), they will have someone do a quick pat down for you. It's not a big deal. It does take a few extra minutes though, so make sure you consider that when planning your arrival time at the airport.

Wear comfortable shoes and socks. You have to remove your shoes now at the security point, so it's good to have socks on (and not be walking barefoot on the floor, which undoubtedly has many germs, chemicals, etc.).

Take a sweater or jacket with you. Most planes and airports are cold.


While you fly -

Get some spring water in the airport and make sure you stay hydrated. The water served on most flights is "purified water" not spring water. "Purified water" is basically the same as tap water, so I always buy spring water in the airport before boarding.

Use the restroom right before your flight so you won't have to enter the lavatory on the plane if possible (those are full of chemicals, smells, germs, etc.).

Sit closer to the front of the plane if you can. I was told that the air is filtered in the front of the plane and then pushed back. This means that supposedly the cleaner air is closer to the front.

On some airlines, you can tell the person at the desk that you have special needs and they will often let you board earlier or help you with any possible accommodations. If you need extra leg room, the very first row of seats or the exit rows have more space.

If you end up seated next to someone with strong cologne or something that's a problem for you, feel free to ask a flight attendant if you can move to a different seat. As long as the flight isn't packed full I found they were willing to let me move.

If you have a good mask that works for you, you can wear it on the plane.


After you fly -

Plan for at least a day or two of rest after your flight. Allow your body time to recover from the flight and adjust to any time changes.

If you can, take a detox bath in epsom salts, or at least soak your feet in epsom salts.

If possible, spend some time grounding (with your bare feet on the earth) over the next few days to help your body get rid of excess emf's from the plane.

Take extra vitamin C and magnesium for a few days. Or add whatever supplements are helpful for you and support your immune system.


Well, I hope these ideas are helpful. It's wonderful for me to be able to fly places again! And I'm thankful for the things I've learned which have made the experience a little easier. Let me know what other tips you have learned as well. =) 

Liver 101

Last month my doctor assessed that my liver was only functioning at about 73%. That explains some things, such as being more sensitive to chemicals and foods, fatigue, etc. So I've been working on helping my liver recover with essential oils, an herbal liquid product, and other things.

Then one of my friends told me about some health videos that were helpful. I just watched this one about the liver and thought it was very informative. It is about 45 minutes I think, but you can watch it in segments if necessary. I think there's a lot of helpful information in it.

My one comment to add is that I don't think vegetarian is the best thing for everyone. Each person is different and for some people vegetarian is not the healthiest option. Of course I always recommend eating natural/organic meats if you do eat meat, not the conventional, toxic meats.

Anyway, I hope this is helpful. There are many other videos by this lady as well. So far I've only seen this one, but I look forward to watching more as she seems to be a good resource for health information.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=N4TmlCIBIQY

Horrible Stories with Happy Endings

So many people I've talked with recently have shared stories of the awful things they've been through with their health challenges...
- severely painful medical procedures
- doctors telling them they're fine, or that it's all in their head and putting them on anti-depressants
- other people telling them sickness is result of sin in their lives
...on an on. It's so sad to me.

But sometimes as people share their stories with me, after the horrible stuff comes the part when they finally found answers, when a doctor actually helped them, when root causes were discovered and when health was recovered!

I love hearing these "happy endings" after such horrible experiences. Although really they aren't "endings," they are new beginnings.

That's what my story is like now, full of hope and new beginnings as my body continues to heal. But for many years I only lived in the horrible part. I didn't know if my story would ever have a "happy" turn again.

So for those of you feeling stuck in the awful places right now, please take heart! It is possible that one day you'll see the end of that level of suffering and experience a new beginning of better health.

And for those of you who are recovering, please keep sharing your stories! Keep giving others hope. Keep sharing about what has helped you. Keep reaching out with compassion and kindness to those who are still where you once were.

We need each other. May we all continue working together to see more and more people live through the horrible parts of their story to a happy, new beginning!

Things You Probably Never Think Of

The last seven months have been an interesting journey for me, as I've moved more than 15 times. I thank God that He has always provided places for me to stay. I have been so blessed by the kindness and hospitality of others, and I've prayed God would make me a blessing at each place too.

Along the way God has continued to teach me many things. I'm so thankful that He never wastes anything. There is always a good purpose in the difficult things He allows. He still amazes me and often surprises me. =)

Anyway, all that to say that I've noticed some things about keeping a healthy home in recent months that most people never think of. So I thought I'd mention them here and perhaps this will be a helpful reminder for someone. =)

Things most people never think of...

1) Check under your kitchen and bathroom sinks at least once a week to make sure there's no water leaking anywhere.
This is what happened at our house that led to mold. We had a very tiny leak that wasn't noticeable from the outside, but underneath the sink mold started growing. A similar thing happened while I was staying at a friend's house recently. I noticed some water on the floor and traced it to a leaky pipe under the sink. Good thing we caught that one right away.
Checking regularly doesn't take long and is so vital in case you do get a leak at some point.

2) Clean your dryer at least once a month.
Again, most people never think of this, but especially if your washer/dryer are in a garage, so much lint, dust, dirt, etc. can build up. It's not hard to clean it. You can use a wet paper towel or cloth to wipe out the inside of the dryer, all around the place where the lint filter goes, and the inside part of the door. You may be surprised just how dirty it is. Cleaning regularly is good for the machines and for the clothes.

3) Dust fans and vent covers regularly.
Some things that people forget to dust are ceiling fans and floor fans, as well as vent covers where the air comes out and the intake vent for air/heat. A lot of dust can build up on these things. Since they are circulating air, if you don't dust regularly you'll be circulating dust along with the air.

These things aren't hard to do, they're just stuff we don't usually think of.

Please feel free to add to this list in the comments if anything else comes to mind. =)