Affirmations: beginning of a positive life

Accepting yourself for who you are is one of the first positive steps you must take in order to become focused on recovery! Don’t believe the negative, worldly hype that Satan sends out, whispering in your ear that you’re not worth it!  I can assure you; God doesn’t make junk! He made you – so you’re not junk!

I once presented my dejected new patient, Inez, with a pad of paper. It contained two columns. I asked her to write all her good qualities down one side and those she thought needed improvement on the other.  She began writing diligently.  Then I noticed she abruptly stopped writing. Looking over, I asked her why had she stopped? She said, “I’m finished, I can’t think of anything else.”  I smiled and took the pad from her. One side was almost totally filled with negativity. The other column only stated, “I have good hair.”  She couldn’t think of anything else valuable in her personality or looks.

Why do we sometimes judge ourselves so adversely? Has life beaten us down so much, we believe we deserve nothing better? God states that He only wants what’s best for us!

Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Who would you rather believe: Satan who wants to discourage us from positive actions, or God who wants us to abundantly thrive?  Well over time, I’m happy to say that Inez rediscovered her kindness, helpfulness, generosity toward others and her smile. She learned she was more than an outside shell attempting to become thinner. She developed a total mind, body, spirit view of health!

Below are  a ‘List of Affirmations‘. If you are one who feels beaten down by life, I ask you to copy some of the these and post them on your refrigerator, pantry, computer, car dashboard, pocketbook, closet, dresser or bathroom mirror.  Anywhere you’ll see them throughout the day.  For what a person believes about himself, he tends to live. 

1. God does not make junk!
2. Today I’m taking steps to improve my life!
3. I am special because God created me. Psalm 139: 13,14
4. Feeling good about myself is more important that ANY food!
5. I’ll make someone laugh today, including myself!
6. It’s not selfish to treat myself well.
7. I forgive my mistakes because I realize I can’t be perfect.
8. I desire to honor my body’s temple of the Holy Spirit.
9. I am a kind person and others appreciate that!
10. HEALTH feels WONDERFUL!
11. I’m developing more self-discipline each day!
12. It’s okay to let others know the real me.
13. I’m making the tough choices that must be made!
14. I expect my body to be submissive to God’s Will, because He gives me willpower.
15. I have friends who love me as I am, regardless of my size.
16. I don’t have to be a size two in order to have worth!
17. I am a loving person.
18. I am strong, honest and helpful.
19. Being outside in the fresh air makes me feel closer to God!
20. I deserve to be treated with respect because God respects me.
21. Any change always has drawbacks but I’ll overcome!
22. I’ll pray as I walk today!
23. Success is a continuous journey, not a one-time destination.
24. I will prepare my mind for success because I KNOW I can do this!
25. Happiness is a choice and I choose it!

Proverbs 23: 7 “For as he thinks within himself, so he is.” 

When All Else Fails . . . Eat Healthy?

Proverbs 3:21, “My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them,”

How many times have we heard the expression, “When all else fails . . . Read the Manual!”  ”When all else fails . . . PRAY.”   or  ”When all else fails . . . Eat Right!“ Actually we should read the Bible, pray and keep our bodily spiritual temple Holy FIRST, don’t you agree?  

My friend Samantha posted these amazing thoughts the other day on her blog, http://manfonhealth.wordpress.com . Routinely I find many correlations between nutrition and spirituality, it’s why I began New Creations Ministries.  Samantha confirms this manifest so beautifully! I wanted to share it with you today.

The One Thing We Haven’t Tried

A wise man once said:

“Let thy food be thy medicine, and thy medicine be thy food.” -Hippocrates

Hippocrates is commonly known as the FATHER OF MEDICINE. He believed that the human body had an innate ability to heal itself. I cannot help but ponder why it is we have ventured so far away from this ideal of Hippocrates…Let FOOD be thy MEDICINE!  What a concept right!? Using the terms FOOD andMEDICINE interchangeably (Who would’ve thought)?!  As a society, we have veered so far off this path that it has become almost impossible to remind ourselves of the importance of food.

I think back to my old (pre-nutrition enriched) self and am reminded of some of my old thoughts. I use to think  eating healthy was just a way to lose weight.  I never really believed “You are what you eat.” I would go from one extreme diet to another. I even remember back to a time when I would eat a bowl of cereal for breakfast, an apple for lunch, and a Lean Cuisine for dinner. At that time, I considered this menu to be a healthy one! After a few weeks of eating like that and obsessively exercising I was sick for a solid week or two. Yet still, it neverfully registered with me that what I was doing was bad for me. ” I’m appalled by my “old self” ways, but really I was just IGNORANT!

Nutrition has been put on the back burner in today’s society; we are not taught the importance of nutrition.  We go from hearing about one fad diet to the next, or about the next quick fix for weight loss which never seems to work long term.   A lifestyle change of eating right and exercising has the power to prevent degenerative diseases, cancer, obesity, aging, autoimmune diseases, psychosis, colds, flus…the list is endless!

Today, our society tends to laugh at holistic/natural medicine and write it off as quackery.  A “Pill for every Ill” has been the adopted motto of today. Headache, stomach ache, depression, can’t focus…No worries, there’s a drug for that! Does anyone ever stop to think, “What is in this drug that I’m taking?” or “WOW, this drug has over 20 dangerous side effects?” Each year, there are an average of 106,000 deaths due to adverse drug reactions. 106,000 deaths! And by no means am I hating on doctors, because they work wonders and save lives each and every day! But what I am saying is, first and foremost, you control what you are putting into your body.  Less than 6% of today’s graduating physicians receive any training in nutrition.  We need nutrition education instead of all of this medication. We have to be the change we wish to see in the world!

HEALTH IS A CHOICE!! Only you can take responsibility for your health which is why it can be a struggle sometimes. You have to make the choice to change your life!

Fruits and vegetables have crazy amounts of vitamins and minerals which equal healing power! YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT. Think about it, if you were to plant a tree tomorrow and never gave it water or nutrient rich soil, it would NOT live for 100 years like you would hope and the same thing goes with our bodies! We have to start putting nutrients in and it is up to you to do just that!

I was amazed once I started researching fruits, vegetables, herbs, vitamins, minerals, etc when I found that for almost every pharmaceutical drug, there is a product of nature that has the exact same healing benefits, without the chemicals and those 20 odd side effects! Vitamins and nutrients enable our bodies to heal itself.

Since I’ve adopted eating healthy as a LIFESTYLE and not as a “quick fix,” I have felt better than ever! In the past year alone, I have not been sick one time. I have not taken one pharmaceutical drug or over the counter drug (Yep, no Tylenol! Who would’ve thought that was possible?! haha)

Imagine the money you can save just by eating right and getting yourself healthy. No more/minimal doctor bills and paying for drug prescriptions.

We are living amidst a SICK nation where annually there are:

650,000 Heart disease deaths

550,000 Cancer deaths

106,000 adverse drug deaths

Cancer and disease statistics have not drastically changed over the past five decades, therefore we need to try something NEW!  The statistics for the healing powers of nutrition are out there, they have just been chosen to be ignored. While good health has been proven to work, it does not make a lot of money for the corporate world.

I’m going to leave you with this thought by Orthomolecular expert Andrew Saul,

“We need a new paradigm..a whole new way of looking at things. We need to BOOST health with NUTRITION. It’s really the one thing we haven’t tried.”

Eating Structurally in an Unstructured Lifestyle

What do you do when your nutritional willpower doesn’t coincide with the demands of your chosen profession?

Proverbs 19:20, “Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.”

Some of the toughest eating challenges I encountered was when I was employed in the public relations field. There were times when I’d sit down for lunch and an unexpected phone call or guest took precedence. Or I was driving to meetings and ran into traffic delays.  I was leading an unstructured work schedule. No normal 9-5 lifestyle! I enjoyed the diversity but it was tough to remain healthy, eat right and stay disciplined.  Sometimes circumstances intruded and I found myself wolfing down a fast food burger on the run or became susceptible to tempting foods such as donuts or cookies in an office lobby.

I’m not discussing a willfully, undisciplined life.  I’m speaking of employees whose jobs are modified each day. Those which might have you eating on the run if you’re lucky – skipping meals if  you’re not!  Major examples of these positions are; Realtors, police officers, firemen, medical doctors, nurses, repairmen or delivery positions which might find one running behind schedule due to an emergency or traffic. In other words I’m speaking of any position which doesn’t run on a typical time clock.  Any emergency, phone call or unexpected surprise means disruption in routine.

Do you catch yourself skipping meals for the sake of the business?  Don’t!  No one is indispensable – don’t allow a job to destroy your health!  Eating in the car? Just too dangerous!  Grabbing a candy bar to get you through?  Empty calories = cranky employee.  All of these  situations are normal and could happen. So what do you do if that’s typically your way of life?  You can’t quit your job, that’s not an option in this economy.

The secret to overcoming the challenge of an unstructured eating lifestyle is to anticipate that it could happen. Be prepared: Always carry a small snack for unexpected interruptions, such as:

• a thermos for hot soups or cold drinks
• a small cooler which can be filled with ice and used in emergencies
• a box of raisins or dried fruit for quick energy
• homemade trail mix
• peanut butter in a small container to spread on whole wheat crackers or celery sticks
• a bag of pretzels
• good quality protein bar
• walnuts or low-sodium nuts
• pumpkin or sunflower seeds
• an apple, banana, berries or other fresh fruit
• If you’re near a fridge, stock it with grapes, carrot sticks, Laughing Cow cheese or an extra yogurt you can grab on the run.

Develop your own ideas!  You’re not powerless simply due to circumstances!  Check out the many wonderful WordPress food blogs with great snack and lunch recipe suggestions. I urge those who would like to add a link to do so.  Don’t become a victim, overpower challenging obstacles!

Proverbs 8:14, “Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power”

Thanks for the “Wonderful Team Member” Award!

Well, what a wonderful surprise!  As I logged on to my blog this morning, I discovered that my dear friend Liam, had nominated me for another award!  He’s been a wonderful, loyal friend for nearly eight months now, so please check out his blog,  http://thelifeofathinker.wordpress.com.  Liam’s a very talented writer, musician and interviewer.

I’m extremely grateful that this is such an easy one to win.  No revealing, personal attributes necessary.  Whew, dodged a bullet there, didn’t we?  The icon below is now sitting on my mantel with all the other awards I gratefully accepted but am not sure I deserved.  Nevertheless, it’s not going to be given back!

The Rules:
1. Nominate 14 people for the award in a post over 7 days!

Wow!  Pretty simple rules as far as receiving an award goes. You can easily nominate over 7 days or all at once.  All of  my followers have supported and encouraged me, so of course it’s tough to choose just 14, but here are those which I nominated for this award:    Note:   It’s not necessary to editorialize but I like to let you know a little about their posts.

1. http://itsawholelifestylething.wordpress.com/ (talk about a non-selfish team spirit! Really inspires and motivates)
2. http://homemakingwithheart.com/ (sweet, practical and a real team spirit to assist others)
3. http://gollygoshgirl.wordpress.com  (whimsical, yet practical posts)
4. http://kerrichronicles.com/ (she finds interesting ways to inspire others through written and audio posts)
5. http://manfonhealth.wordpress.com/ ( contains so many unique ideas to follow in any daily routine!)
6. http://jeanalphin.wordpress.com/  (so cute, funny and simply loves animals!)
7. http://bobbinsworld.wordpress.com/ (diverse, interesting, entertaining)
8. http://somedayfitgirl.com/ (inspiring posts about conquering ‘self’ for greater reward)
9. http://pomegranatebandit.com/ (examples of a well-disciplined life)
10. http://beautifulcourageousyou.wordpress.com/ (practical, inspirational posts!)
11. http://7babyelephants.com/ (what an excellent bunch of ideas for healthy living)
12. http://seizethereins.com/  (professes thru her writings what we might feel in our own lives)
13. http://plantingpotatoes.wordpress.com/  (through her own reality check, she inspires us toward a true Christian lifestyle)
14. http://pickfreshfoods.com/ (fantastic, simple, nutritious recipes for anyone on your ‘team’)

So that’s all there is to it.  I hope you’ll discover not only ideas for a healthy lifestyle but also find websites that will encourage you mentally and spiritually as well!

Philippians 1:3 “I thank my God every time I remember you.”

Focusing on the Strength to Follow Through

Psalm 9:9-10,  ”The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble”

In 1970,a made-for-TV movie entitled Tribes aired. The film is about a new military recruit Adrian,(Jan-Michael Vincent) drafted out of his carefree hippie lifestyle, and the drill instructor whose job it was to make him into a fine soldier who obeys orders. Although I don’t remember much of the movie, I do remember a remarkable scene in which Gunnery Sergeant Drake, played by Darrin McGavin, forces Adrian to hold out two full buckets of water at each side, shoulder-high, as punishment.

Now there were several possible outcomes here:

1. The Gunnery Sergeant will totally break the recruit’s spirit. Adrian will eventually feel what psychologist Abraham Maslow called, “learned helplessness.” That’s a belief that there is no way out of a predicament and one gradually accepts his fate.
2. Adrian will rebel, experiencing increasing anger regarding his circumstances. Becoming bitter, he’ll lash out at life’s unfairness which fell into his lap.
3. Or use his inner resolve to overcome and conquer his challenge.  This in fact, is what Adrian did.  He focused all his attention and mental powers on a special afternoon spent in the company of  lovely young woman. In this state he was able to maintain holding the buckets aloft indefinitely, much to the consternation of Gunnery Sergeant Drake.

Each scenario represents how we make personal decisions as we approach life’s trials. In the face of adversity what do we do?  How does our personality change? Do trials strengthen us or do we become embittered? Do we hunker down or throw in the towel and ask, “Why bother?”

Have you ever wondered what went through Christ’s mind as He was scourged and beaten as a scapegoat for our sin?  Did the Lord question why He was doing this?  Wonder why He was sacrificing His life for someone who tortured and murdered innocent children? The one who stole funds from that charity for personal use?  Or that serial rapist the judge let go, only to do it again? Yes, Christ died for all sinners, even those who simply lied, stole pencils from the office or gave in to gluttony. Every one of us is guilty of sin before the Lord.

Aren’t you grateful that Christ didn’t give in to the discouragement He must have felt because countless sinners reject Him? Or became angry and bitter due to our apathy toward sin? Or disobeyed God’s Will in Gethsemane to avoid unfathomable pain?

I believe He focused on the billions of faces whom He became an offering for. He focused all his attention and mental powers on that future victorious day when Ellie, Sandy, Bill or whomever accepted Him as their personal Savior. He stayed focused, knowing it was worth the sacrifice. Praise God for that!

Now the question is, are we living up to His incredible sacrifice? Are we focused on becoming a New Creation for Christ?

When life becomes hard and we face our own challenges, whether it’s health concerns, addiction or financial problems, we should bring our burdens to the Lord, remaining focused on what’s really important in life: Eternity. Pray for wisdom and power to overcome. His strength will assist in your success.

Isaiah 41: 10 “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

The Correlation Between NASCAR & Health

2 Timothy 2:5, “An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.”

Ever watched a NASCAR race?  When the race car pulls into its pit, the crew springs into action.  They’re aware of the strict rules they must follow in order for their driver not to be injured or disqualified.  Each crew member works as part of that team to ensure maximum efficiency.

There’s a definite correlation between NASCAR and health.  Your brain, heart, liver, lungs, thyroid . . .  every body part, functions as a team to run as one!

For example: one decision which must be made as the driver speeds around the track, is how much fuel to place in the tank. The object is to get just enough fuel to make it over the finish line but not too much to reduce speed with unnecessary weight. Not enough fuel or a few extra lbs could mean the end of viable competition.

When we allow our automobile engine to get down to the bottom of  the tank, it’ll begin to collect dust and debris from the bottom, which can clog your fuel injector and slows down fuel efficiency. It even restricts your fuel filter which has to work harder.  Same with your own body’s fuel intake, it takes energy to make energy. Don’t drag yourself around until you run out of steam!

Getting valuable caloric intake throughout our daily ‘rat race’ is something we should aim for.  Too much and we gain weight – not enough and we lose muscle and brain cells. It’s a matter of  balance.

• Too many calories and our bodies become sluggish. Our flow of blood circulation is diverted to the stomach and therefore less blood flow is available for the brain and extremities.  (Think Thanksgiving dinner.)
• At the opposite side of the spectrum, if one doesn’t consume enough food, then the brain becomes light-headed and  ’spacey’. The body will start cannibalizing its muscles to refuel. (Think starvation diets.)

The proper bodily fuel produces proper running speed and brain power, allowing it to power up when necessary. We need good fats, wholesome carbohydrates and lean protein to run efficiently.  We wouldn’t put junk in our gas tank so why put it into our bodily machine?

When we’re hungry, what do we instinctively grab for quick energy? Sugar, right? It’s our body’s fastest fuel source so that’s what our brain tells us we need. It’ll nag us until we give in to that quick acting, sugary candy if we aren’t supplied with enough good energy. We absolutely need nutrient-dense, quality fuel! Place only productive whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean protein into our fuel tank for maximum efficiency.

The NASCAR driver knows exactly what he needs because he’s attuned to his car. He knows how it  reacts when running properly and what he must do to win. Therefore he’s focused on success and expects his crew to act accordingly!  The entire crew works together for good! If the tire pressure isn’t properly inflated, a lugnut isn’t tightened, the windshield’s dirty or the spotter takes his eye off the track, something disastrous might occur.

We should stay as focused as that. Following sensible nutritional guidelines keeps us healthy. We need to think of our body parts as separate entities all working for our productive health. It requires discipline to run our best race for the Lord! Expect the best of your team and honor God with your disciplined spirit!

2 Timothy 4:7 ”I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

“What’s Healthy Anyway???”

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

Have you ever asked yourself why you really want to be ‘skinny’?

• Is it because you hate your looks and unhealthy lifestyle?  Change is in your control!  (If you’re God’s child, you’re beautiful to him no matter what size you are!)
• Is it because your husband or family nags you?  (If it’s not for you, it’ll be a struggle)
• Is it simply because you’re disgusted or embarrassed by the looks people give you behind your back?  (Well, people watch no matter what size you are!)
• Or is it because you know God expects a health-centered testimony and you’re running from God’s commands? (You can’t  hide – God’s always there!)

Thin isn’t always healthy. Being FIT is healthy! Being able to climb stairs or play with your children without exertion is healthy! Exuding a countenance of  JOY is healthy!

You’re commanded to love others – do you love yourself? When someone you love is on the pathway toward destruction and won’t heed your advice, it hurts to the very core. You’ll do all you can to remove that obstruction and lead them to safety. But what if you don’t care or see the obstacles standing right in front of you and have no desire to change direction? You’re heading 100 miles an hour toward a brick wall and all anyone can do is watch in horror as you self-destruct.

There are many Biblical examples. Look at Abraham as he watched Lot take his family into the toxic environment of Sodom or David as he became addicted to a woman he shouldn’t have.  We all make careless choices and God loves us anyway. He gave us godly instructions on how to live in the Spirit, but many ignore it, choosing rather a pathway to  momentary pleasure . . . until it backfires.

Only God can change lives! Will you allow Him to change yours?  Change must come from an internal desire. Is the self-destructing pull of food addiction, too dear to you?

After embracing the Christian lifestyle and seeing what TRUE joy brings, how many would desire to journey back into the decadent days in which you used to live?  Perhaps that pull will always be there; those same enticement a drug addict, alcoholic or smoker encounters as they struggle each day to remain faithful.  God remains faithful.

Love yourself as God loves you. Realize you have worth simply because you are!

Starting today, determine to turn your life around! It’s not too late. No one has an easy, stress-free road. Everyone wishes they could change their past in some way or another, even Billy Graham. But he embraced challenges, because it made him who he is. Embrace yours!  God doesn’t expect us to be perfect but sometimes we expect perfection from ourselves. When facing tough times, don’t give up and exclaim, “Why bother? It’s not worth it!”   Then upon conquering addictions, (that ‘old man’ way of life) we’ll wonder,  ”Why didn’t I overcome this sooner? It feels so victorious!” 

Remember, we’ll never find an eternally peaceful life in anything this world has to offer.  That’s only found in Christ!

Ephesians 4:24, “Put on your new nature, created to be like God–truly righteous and holy.”