Doesn’t Christmas touch many aspects of our relationships with family and friends that otherwise would probably recede into the background of everyday life? Jesus is all about relationships. We are more tolerant of those family members that sometimes get under our skin. Suddenly we are involved in worship services, Christmas parties, decorations, shopping and gift giving. Who gets a present and how many cards will I send? Does the Lord understand that in my heart He is still my priority? Do I spend too much of my time and cash on secular aspects of the season’s celebrations?
There are so many questions and so much activity that, I often feel stressed instead of joyous. It’s Jesus’ birthday. He does understand that we need each other to celebrate. We bring those we love together. Many friends that we barely interact with during the year are still our friends. They still love us and wish that they had made more time to spend with us too. We are all so busy, we also understand.
When I take the time to reflect on how God delights in my happiness, the stress fades and I feel renewed and sweetly peaceful. And so it goes… Be kind to yourself and enjoy the love sent down to us as a precious child. Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
A Mother's Prayer
Dear Father God,
Tears swell and my heart aches when I feel his tiny fingers cling to me. The wonder in his eyes, his helplessness, innocence and trust, all bombard me with the depth of his dependence on me. I think of so many failed attempts to conform myself for You – So many broken vows, angry words, lost chances, unkind actions. Can it be possible that I will be the one to shelter and instruct another? How will I fulfill the enormity of nurturing this precious child?
My Lord, you know all of my weaknesses. Help me to find victory over them for my child’s sake. Put within me a new heart, as clean as his is, so that we may begin together. Give me the desire to sacrifice willingly and to discipline myself totally. Let the confidence you have shown by placing this blessed child in my care, become my own.
I seek your counsel in every moment and every decision I make. Recreate me, Father, to be like stained glass, allowing Jesus, the light of the world, to pierce the colors that are me until we blend and shine through with love – A steady sunbeam to glow before my child as he grows. Fill me with a passion for your Word and elevate my soul towards You so that I may gain the wisdom and patience his mistakes will demand. Let my love be freely given - With no trace of it hoarded away in any dark, selfish corner of my heart. But if in my weakness I should fail him, reassure his heart with the knowledge that he is always cherished and that nothing, can separate Him from Your love for him.
My fear is great at times, knowing that my little son will be watching and learning from me – It doubles the burden of my imperfections. Please don’t let my faults stain his chances. Give him the courage to realize the great strength found in weakness; his need to turn his struggles over to you so that his lower instincts to embrace sin will have no power over him. Show him, rather, how to draw power from Your Throne.
Lord, I implore you to inspire my teaching. Give me the depth of understanding and the total acceptance of who You have created him to be. Show me how to nurture his dependence on You, which will form a healthy self-esteem in him. Deliver him from temptation, making him capable of withstanding whatever Satan throws at him. Let nothing in this world ever devastate him or separate him from his faith in you.
Father, I dedicate my precious little son to You as a faithful servant to further your Kingdom. I trust you to direct my guidance of him so that he puts all his trust in You and loves all humanity with a truthful, compassionate heart. Let his faith always give him hope and a firm assurance that he is a child of God, unique and invaluable to You. I ask all this in the precious name of Jesus ... Amen.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Oh, So, Foolish Pride…
It’s not exactly praiseworthy, but I’ve been known to stand at the mirror while morbidly contemplating my body. (Can I get a witness?) I stare at the contents of my closet, with my wiggly thighs and dimpled knees defiantly mocking me. I suck in my belly and wonder how long I can keep that up.
I’m just a tad bigger than I used to be in my prime, so it often takes a while to find something that will accommodate my “current version.” Wouldn’t it be great if the clothes in there would just magically transform? Yeah, right.
Since I'm not currently shrinking and probably won't be any time soon, seems like my clothes could, I don’t know, maybe… e x p a n d! But they never oblige...Go figure.
Well, I’ve gotten over it, somewhat, because I finally did move the most treacherous ones, (the very smallest), into the spare bedroom closet. Now they have a designated storage place of their own - Make any sense to you?
I know, I know, its pretty weird. But, I’m the worst pack rat in existence. Some of those clothes are authentic antiques from when I was in my teens. You don't want to venture a guess on that one and I sure don’t want to go there either. Funny thing is, a lot of those clothes are back in style again. Yeah, well, a lot of good it does me - I can’t wear them, remember! You’d think I’d just sack them up and donate them to the local High School, right?
That would be entirely too logical. Well, maybe tomorrow... When I consider it, there’s no rational explanation… Hum, except prideful recollection of vain “Barbie” doll memories - Way back when I was enviably thin. (At least that's the way I remember it!)
Not to worry, though. Pride has a way of quickly burning off the top when it is thrown into the refiner’s fire! And you can always rely on His perfect fit. You see, when it comes to God, it’s free, given to all His children and it does come in an expandable fit. Yea, come to think of it, His garment of salvation grows right along with me. Christ’s unmatchable act of sacrifice wraps around me no matter what, so that even in my swollen state, (head included), he’s got me covered. It’s a great, luxurious fit. But the absolutely incredible part is that my Savior calls me His own “beautiful bride” - You gotta love it!
The Bible tells us what the well-dressed child of God is wearing these days. Isaiah 61:10 says, "For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness." I’ve never had to starve or lament over my garments of salvation and my robe of righteousness. As a matter of fact, the moment I asked, they came straight from God, through the righteousness of his Son, Jesus Christ. It's Jesus' robe I wear. And I must say, I feel like a real winner in it!
Colossians 3:12-14 has even more to say about some pretty cool attire. "Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Did you notice that phrase, "over all"? (Not to be confused with "overalls" - that's an entirely different look.) We're instructed to put on love. Love is the ultimate accessory - Just kind of pulls it all together, if you know what I mean. With or without the thunder thighs, we’re talking one really great look - Oh, how my Father loves me!
I’m just a tad bigger than I used to be in my prime, so it often takes a while to find something that will accommodate my “current version.” Wouldn’t it be great if the clothes in there would just magically transform? Yeah, right.
Since I'm not currently shrinking and probably won't be any time soon, seems like my clothes could, I don’t know, maybe… e x p a n d! But they never oblige...Go figure.
Well, I’ve gotten over it, somewhat, because I finally did move the most treacherous ones, (the very smallest), into the spare bedroom closet. Now they have a designated storage place of their own - Make any sense to you?
I know, I know, its pretty weird. But, I’m the worst pack rat in existence. Some of those clothes are authentic antiques from when I was in my teens. You don't want to venture a guess on that one and I sure don’t want to go there either. Funny thing is, a lot of those clothes are back in style again. Yeah, well, a lot of good it does me - I can’t wear them, remember! You’d think I’d just sack them up and donate them to the local High School, right?
That would be entirely too logical. Well, maybe tomorrow... When I consider it, there’s no rational explanation… Hum, except prideful recollection of vain “Barbie” doll memories - Way back when I was enviably thin. (At least that's the way I remember it!)
Not to worry, though. Pride has a way of quickly burning off the top when it is thrown into the refiner’s fire! And you can always rely on His perfect fit. You see, when it comes to God, it’s free, given to all His children and it does come in an expandable fit. Yea, come to think of it, His garment of salvation grows right along with me. Christ’s unmatchable act of sacrifice wraps around me no matter what, so that even in my swollen state, (head included), he’s got me covered. It’s a great, luxurious fit. But the absolutely incredible part is that my Savior calls me His own “beautiful bride” - You gotta love it!
The Bible tells us what the well-dressed child of God is wearing these days. Isaiah 61:10 says, "For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness." I’ve never had to starve or lament over my garments of salvation and my robe of righteousness. As a matter of fact, the moment I asked, they came straight from God, through the righteousness of his Son, Jesus Christ. It's Jesus' robe I wear. And I must say, I feel like a real winner in it!
Colossians 3:12-14 has even more to say about some pretty cool attire. "Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Did you notice that phrase, "over all"? (Not to be confused with "overalls" - that's an entirely different look.) We're instructed to put on love. Love is the ultimate accessory - Just kind of pulls it all together, if you know what I mean. With or without the thunder thighs, we’re talking one really great look - Oh, how my Father loves me!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
There Is Only One God
In 1 Kings 18:20-39, Ahab summoned all the people and the prophets to Mount Carmel because he wanted to persuade them to worship Baal. But Elijah knew that Baal was not really a god and he couldn’t be called upon to help the people. And since the people were completely silent, Elijah decided to show them God’s faithfulness by proposing a simple contest. In the end, Baal failed miserably and God shocked the people with his power and responsiveness. (Read the above referenced passages, if you haven’t already.)
But why did the people fail to take a stand? Why didn’t they decide immediately to follow whoever was the true God? Maybe some were not sure. But many knew that the Lord was God.
Sometimes people want to enjoy sinful pleasure. It isn’t just about the people back in the Old Testament times that followed Ahab in his idolatrous worship. In the current situations we face, it is important to take a stand for the Lord. If we just drift along with whatever is pleasant and easy, we will eventually realize that we have been worshiping the false god of comfort. Being a Christian isn’t about being comfortable all of our lives. There are always trials we must face squarely, leaning on the Lord to give us the strength and courage that we need to get through them. Our life experiences always teach us more about the God that we serve.
Although the prophets of Baal screamed all afternoon, no one answered them. Their god was silent because it was not real. The gods we may be tempted to follow are not idols of wood or stone, but they are just as fake and deceptive because they cause us to depend on something other than God. If we spend our lives chasing power, status, possessions or money, those things can become our gods. But when things get scary and we frantically call out to these gods, there won’t be any answer or guidance.
God sent fire when Elijah called to Him and he will help us accomplish what he requires of us too. We may not see fire come from heaven like Elijah did, but God will make it possible for us to accomplish his purposes. If we remain in His will, He will make a way.
But why did the people fail to take a stand? Why didn’t they decide immediately to follow whoever was the true God? Maybe some were not sure. But many knew that the Lord was God.
Sometimes people want to enjoy sinful pleasure. It isn’t just about the people back in the Old Testament times that followed Ahab in his idolatrous worship. In the current situations we face, it is important to take a stand for the Lord. If we just drift along with whatever is pleasant and easy, we will eventually realize that we have been worshiping the false god of comfort. Being a Christian isn’t about being comfortable all of our lives. There are always trials we must face squarely, leaning on the Lord to give us the strength and courage that we need to get through them. Our life experiences always teach us more about the God that we serve.
Although the prophets of Baal screamed all afternoon, no one answered them. Their god was silent because it was not real. The gods we may be tempted to follow are not idols of wood or stone, but they are just as fake and deceptive because they cause us to depend on something other than God. If we spend our lives chasing power, status, possessions or money, those things can become our gods. But when things get scary and we frantically call out to these gods, there won’t be any answer or guidance.
God sent fire when Elijah called to Him and he will help us accomplish what he requires of us too. We may not see fire come from heaven like Elijah did, but God will make it possible for us to accomplish his purposes. If we remain in His will, He will make a way.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
“Council in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” Proverbs 20:5
God knows all things, including the evil that exists without my conscious awareness inside even my ostensibly innocent intentions. Although I might think I do, I rarely understand all of my motives before I act.… Ahh, but my Heavenly Father is continually working on my behalf, even when He forces me to face those inconsistencies that endlessly confuse me. I may be thinking that my thoughts and actions are much purer than they actually are. It is during these uncomfortable stretching sessions that I can catch a glimpse of His unfathomable grace. At my covert worst is when He is at His breathtaking best, intricately arranging circumstances that compel me to accept the reality of my manipulative flesh nature. I have learned from sheer repetition to accept His admonition with a repentant heart and allow Him to burn off any cloud of self-delusion. I humbly accept His mercy, grateful that He is gradually transforming me into a much healthier version of myself. I take heart in the knowledge that God disciplines those whom He loves.
Father, I am so grateful that you love me with absolute, unconditional love. It is encouraging to know, at my deepest level of understanding, that You are my perfect resource for everything I need. It is incredible to me how You actually use my bad thoughts or behaviors as stepping stones to a closer relationship with You. Help me to continually understand the great need I have for Your cleansing love.
Father, I am so grateful that you love me with absolute, unconditional love. It is encouraging to know, at my deepest level of understanding, that You are my perfect resource for everything I need. It is incredible to me how You actually use my bad thoughts or behaviors as stepping stones to a closer relationship with You. Help me to continually understand the great need I have for Your cleansing love.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Living Out God's Love
Mother Teresa said, "It's not what you do so much that matters, but how much love you put into it."
The Bible says, "Do all your work in love" (1 Corinthians 16:14).
Seems like an easy enough concept, doesn’t it? But then, I think of the many times I’m feeling unloving. I can so easily lose touch with what God would have my life mean. Although I want to always live with Christ as my center, allowing no other priority to become higher,I sometimes fail that goal. It hurts me when the love fades. I’m no good at pretending.
Thankfully, God is gracious and merciful. He shows me, either in his Word, or by the actions or words of another person, or by so many other ways, how to turn back. His love fills me once again. With a gentle nudge, Jesus is clearly there to lead me back onto the narrow road - The path less traveled, but well weathered just the same. My feet feel sweet familiarity as I resume my walk with Him. Love buds, then blossoms as I let Him show me how to live, step by step. God’s love lived through me is so good. I am truly blessed!
The Bible says, "Do all your work in love" (1 Corinthians 16:14).
Seems like an easy enough concept, doesn’t it? But then, I think of the many times I’m feeling unloving. I can so easily lose touch with what God would have my life mean. Although I want to always live with Christ as my center, allowing no other priority to become higher,I sometimes fail that goal. It hurts me when the love fades. I’m no good at pretending.
Thankfully, God is gracious and merciful. He shows me, either in his Word, or by the actions or words of another person, or by so many other ways, how to turn back. His love fills me once again. With a gentle nudge, Jesus is clearly there to lead me back onto the narrow road - The path less traveled, but well weathered just the same. My feet feel sweet familiarity as I resume my walk with Him. Love buds, then blossoms as I let Him show me how to live, step by step. God’s love lived through me is so good. I am truly blessed!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Godly Flat Tire
Well, it’s been awhile since I’ve had the chance to sit down with my thoughts. God has blessed us this day in a very tangible way. Although we had a flat tire on the interstate, while traveling to Florida, we were so graciously spared an accident, heatstroke and unimaginable inconvenience.
We did get pretty shook up at the loud sound of the tire going “see-ya” at 70 miles per hour! Dave was able to edge over to the shoulder without incident. It was 89 degrees so he could have easily lost his cool. But, Dave had a can of that instant-fix-tires-temporarily stuff so we crept off Interstate 10, where we immediately came upon the Beaumont Welcome Center. Smiling faces, instant air conditioning and an accessible landline all greeted us as soon as we stepped inside.
We were invited to wait in their employee lounge area on a comfy sofa. Wifi, had been installed this morning and they were all eager to see if we could access their new service on our computers, which, gratefully, we could. Coffee and cool bottled water was also available upon request. So, Dave messed with his email and I dove into the latest Koontz novel, which I have been so looking forward to reading. These conditions worked to sooth our nerves and silently sing God’s praises.
Less than an hour later, (funny how the time seemed to just fly by), the road service fix-it tire guy showed up and put a donut tire on. (Never heard of that silly little tire before. Actually, it did kind of look like a donut.) Anyway, off we were to find the Auto Repair Service department at Sam’s Club, which just happened to be seven miles away, directly off Interstate 10. The shop normally closes at 5: 00 p.m. It was 4:55 p.m. (This could have gotten ugly!) But, the service guy mysteriously decided to make an exception and immediately put a new tire on our little chariot. (Chrysler Sebring Convertible – My last ditch grasp at lost youth.)
There you have it folks: Just like a perfectly set-up line of dominos, every detail fell into place as we experienced the unfathomable grace of our Heavenly Father!
Ya gotta love it…
We did get pretty shook up at the loud sound of the tire going “see-ya” at 70 miles per hour! Dave was able to edge over to the shoulder without incident. It was 89 degrees so he could have easily lost his cool. But, Dave had a can of that instant-fix-tires-temporarily stuff so we crept off Interstate 10, where we immediately came upon the Beaumont Welcome Center. Smiling faces, instant air conditioning and an accessible landline all greeted us as soon as we stepped inside.
We were invited to wait in their employee lounge area on a comfy sofa. Wifi, had been installed this morning and they were all eager to see if we could access their new service on our computers, which, gratefully, we could. Coffee and cool bottled water was also available upon request. So, Dave messed with his email and I dove into the latest Koontz novel, which I have been so looking forward to reading. These conditions worked to sooth our nerves and silently sing God’s praises.
Less than an hour later, (funny how the time seemed to just fly by), the road service fix-it tire guy showed up and put a donut tire on. (Never heard of that silly little tire before. Actually, it did kind of look like a donut.) Anyway, off we were to find the Auto Repair Service department at Sam’s Club, which just happened to be seven miles away, directly off Interstate 10. The shop normally closes at 5: 00 p.m. It was 4:55 p.m. (This could have gotten ugly!) But, the service guy mysteriously decided to make an exception and immediately put a new tire on our little chariot. (Chrysler Sebring Convertible – My last ditch grasp at lost youth.)
There you have it folks: Just like a perfectly set-up line of dominos, every detail fell into place as we experienced the unfathomable grace of our Heavenly Father!
Ya gotta love it…
Monday, May 4, 2009
Benevolence is alive and well at HCF
Hill Country Fellowship sure had the Word in action going on this past Wednesday.
1 John 3:18 (NLT)
“Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions.”
Though we were considerably grimy and tired after an afternoon of sorting and hanging clothes, sweeping a huge, considerably dirty floor, moving toys, furniture and various items into an attempt at some kind of recognizable order, our Benevolence Barn got a fairly decent overhaul for just one day’s labor. Workers showed up, actually being the example of God’s people who laid down their lives for the benefit of others—to help those in need. When we give of ourselves, we give in love and we give a lot!
One of our churches outer buildings, for those of you who don’t know, is full of donations of all sorts of useful items. It’s the old, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” arrangement. Many members of our congregation, as well as others in our community have brought us bits and pieces of their lives to share with anyone who might have a use for them. Those in need take freely, with grateful hearts, from our supply. Those who come can see for themselves that we care about their physical needs and we love to help them. (We will soon be open certain days each month.)
This ministry is strikingly similar to James’s teaching too. James 2:14-17 (NLT)
“Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone. 15Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, 16and you say, "Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well"—but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
17So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all—it is dead and useless.”
How clearly do your actions say you really love others? Are you as generous as you could be with your money, possessions, and time? Whether by word or deed, spread some love around every day – After all, that’s what we are here for!
1 John 3:18 (NLT)
“Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions.”
Though we were considerably grimy and tired after an afternoon of sorting and hanging clothes, sweeping a huge, considerably dirty floor, moving toys, furniture and various items into an attempt at some kind of recognizable order, our Benevolence Barn got a fairly decent overhaul for just one day’s labor. Workers showed up, actually being the example of God’s people who laid down their lives for the benefit of others—to help those in need. When we give of ourselves, we give in love and we give a lot!
One of our churches outer buildings, for those of you who don’t know, is full of donations of all sorts of useful items. It’s the old, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” arrangement. Many members of our congregation, as well as others in our community have brought us bits and pieces of their lives to share with anyone who might have a use for them. Those in need take freely, with grateful hearts, from our supply. Those who come can see for themselves that we care about their physical needs and we love to help them. (We will soon be open certain days each month.)
This ministry is strikingly similar to James’s teaching too. James 2:14-17 (NLT)
“Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions? That kind of faith can't save anyone. 15Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, 16and you say, "Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well"—but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
17So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all—it is dead and useless.”
How clearly do your actions say you really love others? Are you as generous as you could be with your money, possessions, and time? Whether by word or deed, spread some love around every day – After all, that’s what we are here for!
Cancer Precautions & Alternative Treatments
This info was sent to me by a fellow-blogger. It is a good read for anyone who is interested in alternative type treatments for cancer, as well as some precautions we can all take.
Johns Hopkins has recently sent this out in its newsletters. This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as well. Dioxin chemicals cause cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies.
Don't freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic. Recently, Dr. Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at Cast le Hospital, was on a TV program to explain this health hazard. He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us. He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers. This especially applies to foods that contain fat. He said that the combination of fat, high heat, and plastics releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body. Instead, he recommends using glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex, or ceramic containers for heating food You get the same results, only without the dioxin.
So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc., should be removed from the container and heated in something else. Paper isn't bad, but you don't know what is in the paper dishes. It's just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc. He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons. Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Saran, is just as dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food. Cover food with a paper towel instead.
Additionally, chemotherapy and radiation are not the only measures to use in the fight against the growth of cancer cells.
Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins:
1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.
2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime.
3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.
4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle factors.
5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and including supplements will strengthen the immune system.
6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.
7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.
8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction.
9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.
10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.
11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.
*CANCER CELLS FEED ON:
11a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses, but only in very small! amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in color. Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.
11b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk cancer cells are being starved.
11c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer.
11d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).
11e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine. Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.
12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines becomes putrefied and leads to more toxic buildup.
13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.
14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the bodies own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.
15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger, un-forgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.
16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells. (No plastic containers in micro. No plastic wrap in microwave. No water bottles in freezer.)
I hope you found this information enlightening...pass it on to your friends and loved ones.
Johns Hopkins has recently sent this out in its newsletters. This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as well. Dioxin chemicals cause cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies.
Don't freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic. Recently, Dr. Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at Cast le Hospital, was on a TV program to explain this health hazard. He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us. He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers. This especially applies to foods that contain fat. He said that the combination of fat, high heat, and plastics releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body. Instead, he recommends using glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex, or ceramic containers for heating food You get the same results, only without the dioxin.
So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc., should be removed from the container and heated in something else. Paper isn't bad, but you don't know what is in the paper dishes. It's just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc. He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons. Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Saran, is just as dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food. Cover food with a paper towel instead.
Additionally, chemotherapy and radiation are not the only measures to use in the fight against the growth of cancer cells.
Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins:
1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.
2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime.
3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.
4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle factors.
5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and including supplements will strengthen the immune system.
6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.
7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.
8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction.
9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.
10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.
11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.
*CANCER CELLS FEED ON:
11a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses, but only in very small! amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in color. Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.
11b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk cancer cells are being starved.
11c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer.
11d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).
11e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine. Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.
12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines becomes putrefied and leads to more toxic buildup.
13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.
14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the bodies own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.
15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger, un-forgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.
16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells. (No plastic containers in micro. No plastic wrap in microwave. No water bottles in freezer.)
I hope you found this information enlightening...pass it on to your friends and loved ones.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Can We Wait?
Jesus replied, “People soon become thirsty again after drinking this water. But the water I give them takes away thirst altogether. It becomes a perpetual spring within them, giving them eternal life.”
“Please Sir,” the woman said. “Give me some of that water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again and I won’t have to come here to haul water.”
John 4:13-15 NLB
Isn’t it just like human nature to look for the easy way, or the shortest way, to the desired end? The woman misses the point so totally that it seems almost pathetic. Before we get all huffy and self-righteous though, we might consider if we aren’t just as pitiful when it comes to grasping God’s intended purpose. We want to lead godly lives, but we would rather avoid the tedious process that is the natural path to the end result – and we definitely don’t want to have to WAIT for it.
In our world of instant gratification at all cost, we have become a people who miss the journey even more so than our predecessors. Although we have progressed as far as instant access to information, we often lack real understanding. We are incredibly impatient and in our rush to avoid anything challenging, we miss the lessons intended to teach us the value and purpose of achieving a godly lifestyle. By constantly avoiding the process, we learn very little. And then we audaciously proclaim God’s way as terribly difficult. Jesus said, “My yoke is easy and my burden light.” So which is it?
Jesus is the living Word and the Bible is the written Word and we need to take each into our souls, devouring every morsel of all that is available to us so we can begin to know how to live our lives in such a way that our comprehension of our life's purpose progresses. And although that progression may be achieved in tiny increments, we can gradually begin living a life that reflects truth and glorifies God.
Since each new day demands our participation, let’s decide in advance to let His faithful instruction be on our lips and burnt into our hearts - so that it can take us as HE wills
“Please Sir,” the woman said. “Give me some of that water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again and I won’t have to come here to haul water.”
John 4:13-15 NLB
Isn’t it just like human nature to look for the easy way, or the shortest way, to the desired end? The woman misses the point so totally that it seems almost pathetic. Before we get all huffy and self-righteous though, we might consider if we aren’t just as pitiful when it comes to grasping God’s intended purpose. We want to lead godly lives, but we would rather avoid the tedious process that is the natural path to the end result – and we definitely don’t want to have to WAIT for it.
In our world of instant gratification at all cost, we have become a people who miss the journey even more so than our predecessors. Although we have progressed as far as instant access to information, we often lack real understanding. We are incredibly impatient and in our rush to avoid anything challenging, we miss the lessons intended to teach us the value and purpose of achieving a godly lifestyle. By constantly avoiding the process, we learn very little. And then we audaciously proclaim God’s way as terribly difficult. Jesus said, “My yoke is easy and my burden light.” So which is it?
Jesus is the living Word and the Bible is the written Word and we need to take each into our souls, devouring every morsel of all that is available to us so we can begin to know how to live our lives in such a way that our comprehension of our life's purpose progresses. And although that progression may be achieved in tiny increments, we can gradually begin living a life that reflects truth and glorifies God.
Since each new day demands our participation, let’s decide in advance to let His faithful instruction be on our lips and burnt into our hearts - so that it can take us as HE wills
Monday, April 27, 2009
Purpose Driven Connection
Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Connection is sweeping the world with a new hope for God’s love, spread through anointed volunteers who have gone to over 69 countries to help in the refugee camps, hospitals, schools and clinics. This is all part of Rick’s worldwide initiative. How’s this for an acronym…? “PEACE Plan to promote reconciliation – Equip leaders – Assist the poor – Care for the sick – Educate the next generation… I love it!
The goal of the peace plan is described by Rick as the three-legged stool – churches, governments and resources of business and nonprofit organizations. What a tremendous vision God has laid on Rick Warren’s heart. Who better than the author of, “The Purpose Driven Life", which according to the premier issue of ‘The Purpose Driven Connection is “the best-selling hardback in American history and the most translated book since the Bible.” Translated in 91 languages, this book has sold more than 40 million copies.
I just love this quote from Warren about his PEACE plan: “The PEACE plan is like we’re building a plane while flying it."
As The Purpose Driven Connection movement continues to engage many more churches, leaders and volunteers, we can look forward to a growing worldview of trust and cooperation as the Holy Spirit leads.
And all God’s people said…AMEN!
The goal of the peace plan is described by Rick as the three-legged stool – churches, governments and resources of business and nonprofit organizations. What a tremendous vision God has laid on Rick Warren’s heart. Who better than the author of, “The Purpose Driven Life", which according to the premier issue of ‘The Purpose Driven Connection is “the best-selling hardback in American history and the most translated book since the Bible.” Translated in 91 languages, this book has sold more than 40 million copies.
I just love this quote from Warren about his PEACE plan: “The PEACE plan is like we’re building a plane while flying it."
As The Purpose Driven Connection movement continues to engage many more churches, leaders and volunteers, we can look forward to a growing worldview of trust and cooperation as the Holy Spirit leads.
And all God’s people said…AMEN!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Thoughtful quote:
Philip Yancey (The Power of Writing, Christianity Today – Oct. 24, 1994 issue)
“We may be entering a different kind of Dark Ages, a time when the devil owns the airwaves and when words seem gray and dull compared to the dazzle of virtual reality and multi-media CD-ROM. I have hope, though, because despite the waves of hysteria and authoritarianism in church history, words of truth have survived, emerging later as living forces to change individuals and entire cultures.”
If I can say what’s in my heart in words that translate easily to another, then my heart prevails. My heart is the only part of me with any real value. The rest is superficial at best and absolutely wicked at worst. But the evil one can not touch my heart because it already belongs to Jesus – so from it springs His truth and love: I am just a grateful bystander.
“We may be entering a different kind of Dark Ages, a time when the devil owns the airwaves and when words seem gray and dull compared to the dazzle of virtual reality and multi-media CD-ROM. I have hope, though, because despite the waves of hysteria and authoritarianism in church history, words of truth have survived, emerging later as living forces to change individuals and entire cultures.”
If I can say what’s in my heart in words that translate easily to another, then my heart prevails. My heart is the only part of me with any real value. The rest is superficial at best and absolutely wicked at worst. But the evil one can not touch my heart because it already belongs to Jesus – so from it springs His truth and love: I am just a grateful bystander.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Amazing, by Toni Smothers
Life was mute – Few rainbows.
And there were only puny, fleeting sunsets.
No time to notice anything,
Too many goals, too busy - Numb to love’s ever-flowing rhythm.
Trees and flowers swayed, giving beauty to each day.
So what?
God’s perfect truth, His essence – Was a distant myth.
My frozen granite heart knew better.
Life was for self, snatching moments, surviving.
The entire world cannot comfort one heart void of hope.
So what?
Busyness is foolishness – More unstable than whirlwinds.
Worse even than plain falsity, wherein dwells the Devil.
Funny - The evil one knew me well enough to swear he'd won me -
With his shiny dime.
So What?
So everything...At least according to the Lord.
The One God, Almighty.
The author of it all - Creator extraordinaire!
He sent his answers well before I asked for them.
Turns out that I'm more precious than I’d ever dreamt -
Jesus told me so.
Why did He care so much that he could not abide my anguish?
Why indeed?
Why had the great God claimed me?
If ever there was a good reason to ask, "Why me?" I know none better.
But claim me he did - His own, from the very first.
Never to be lost again!
Remarkable!
He sweetly healed each grief, searched me, and still He took me to Himself.
A place beyond rainbows, beyond sunsets... and far past shiny dimes.
Thank God!
Thank God for His perfect love, which sweetens all of life.
Its music plays a chorus within all hearts to hear.
Eyes see each sight and sound beam bright with promise.
And Grace and mercy transform all who would come –Yes, even you -
If you will take a chance and simply draw near!
Amazing!
And there were only puny, fleeting sunsets.
No time to notice anything,
Too many goals, too busy - Numb to love’s ever-flowing rhythm.
Trees and flowers swayed, giving beauty to each day.
So what?
God’s perfect truth, His essence – Was a distant myth.
My frozen granite heart knew better.
Life was for self, snatching moments, surviving.
The entire world cannot comfort one heart void of hope.
So what?
Busyness is foolishness – More unstable than whirlwinds.
Worse even than plain falsity, wherein dwells the Devil.
Funny - The evil one knew me well enough to swear he'd won me -
With his shiny dime.
So What?
So everything...At least according to the Lord.
The One God, Almighty.
The author of it all - Creator extraordinaire!
He sent his answers well before I asked for them.
Turns out that I'm more precious than I’d ever dreamt -
Jesus told me so.
Why did He care so much that he could not abide my anguish?
Why indeed?
Why had the great God claimed me?
If ever there was a good reason to ask, "Why me?" I know none better.
But claim me he did - His own, from the very first.
Never to be lost again!
Remarkable!
He sweetly healed each grief, searched me, and still He took me to Himself.
A place beyond rainbows, beyond sunsets... and far past shiny dimes.
Thank God!
Thank God for His perfect love, which sweetens all of life.
Its music plays a chorus within all hearts to hear.
Eyes see each sight and sound beam bright with promise.
And Grace and mercy transform all who would come –Yes, even you -
If you will take a chance and simply draw near!
Amazing!
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