The Acidic/Alkaline Balance Challenge

If your physician has prescribed an ‘anti-inflammatory diet’ would you know what to eat?  Probably not. It’s one of those  “dog year” questions (relatable in practical terms.) It has to do with the pH scale’s acidic/alkaline relationship.  The more acidic one is, the more prone to illness one becomes.

Imagine the pH scale being in a straight line from 1-14.  7 is neutral, (like pure water.) 1 is acidic, (like battery acid) and anything above is considered alkaline.  Balance is what it’s all about. Try to maintain a pH of around 7.3 – 7.4.

What causes inflammation? Stress is a major contributor and in today’s world who isn’t under stress? Find ways to relieve daily stress through exercise, relaxing bubble baths, soft music, fresh air, massages or anything that calms you besides food.

The anti-inflammatory diet isn’t a “diet” as much as a lifestyle choice. One thing is certain, however, not addressing your health concerns will only create larger ones down the road! Chronic inflammation is dangerous! It is not a “little” problem if you ignore will simply go away. Chronic inflammation can eventually cause intense health issues including heart disease, IBS, colitis, arthritis, dementia, kidney disease, and cancers.

A healthy anti-inflammatory diet is on the alkaline side of the pH scale. It primarily consists of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, herbs, and whole grains such as oats, quinoa, brown rice, and buckwheat (Kashi).  In truth, if you eat as God instructed Adam in the Garden of Eden, you’ll add a lot more life in your years.

Coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks are incredibly acidic so cut down. Increase your water intake with lemon. Although you’ll notice lemon and vinegar is acidic on the pH scale, each actually metabolizes into an alkaline food. (God knew it all the time!)

Every meat is acidic, especially processed meats with dyes and chemicals such as cold cuts, bacon or hot dogs, so consume lean protein like fish, chicken, sirloin, and pork loin.

Sugar and artificial chemically treated foods are highly acidic. Unfortunately, so are the nightshade plants like tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and eggplant. This doesn’t mean you must give them up entirely, but only consume occasionally. Balance is the key here.

Wheat, unfortunately, is on the acidic side of the scale. However whole wheat contains a great deal of fiber, so only avoid enriched breads and balance whole wheat products with more fruits and vegetables. Try to consume fiber-rich vegetables like sweet potatoes, corn, squash, alfalfa, beans, and lentils. The fiber helps remove toxins from your system and avoids damaging inflammation. Increase water consumption also.

One characteristic of the anti-inflammatory diet is the recommended inclusion of omega-rich fatty acids, especially omega 3’s. These consist of milled flaxseed, walnuts, olive oil (best-used cold), avocados, and good fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines.

Avoid salt and choose to flavor your foods with healthy herbs. Garlic, turmeric, cinnamon and capsaicin are especially helpful with their anti-inflammatory properties!  And don’t worry about not enjoying any treats either. Good dark chocolate contains a lot of antioxidants as does a glass of red wine.

Do you see the pattern here? You can enjoy so much more than you thought you could! Simply eat healthier and consume more whole foods to rid yourself of the artificially flavored, chemically processed boxed foods you might pick up at the supermarket for “convenience.” There is nothing convenient about pain and inflammation! Strive for a happier, healthier lifestyle.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Advertisement

Travel along the Right Path!

The parable of the Sower in Mark 4 has always been one of my favorites. I of course immediately connected it with health applications.

You remember the parable, right? Jesus is speaking about the Sower, representing Jesus. The Word of God,  represented by seed, is scattered.

First, the seed lands on the path where birds come and pick it apart, taking it away. Some seed falls on rocky soil where it doesn’t grow because it has no root. Other seed falls among the thorns and gets choked off by other foliage. But some seed grows in good soil and flourishes.

So how does this tie in with health?

1. In Jesus’s first example, seed is scattered but eaten by birds.

The seed, representing God’s Word, never changes. The birds represent Satan and false teachers, who turn away because they either don’t want to believe or desire to follow God’s Truth. They already have a god, themselves. They are unteachable.

Occasionally certain patients are “know-it-alls” who fail to listen and change because “I know all that already.”  Sad for them and frustrating for any health professional who is attempting to change a patient’s unhealthy lifestyle.   “Well, I’ve already read about that in Prevention magazine, Ellie.” Do they really know more than the teacher? Since they are unteachable, they fail to change their ways. They prefer to follow a false diet guru, which leads to a downward health spiral.

2. The second scattered seed falls upon rocky soil.

These patients start out with joy and determination! They have a mountaintop view. But they want instant gratification and therefore fail to grow in rarified air. They create no roots grounded through educational, strategizing processes.

A garden doesn’t grow on rocky soil, neither does a healthy lifestyle. It takes a lot of deeply planted ideas, patience, and nurturing to change one’s habits.  When changing a habit gets tough, they’ll skip appointments because they don’t want to admit failure. They’ll find an excuse as to why they fell off their program.

These are “yes, but” patients. “Yeah, I know I should exercise but I couldn’t this week because I was babysitting my niece.”  Okay, then get her involved and exercise together. “Well, I could, but she needs a nap after kindergarten.”  Okay then exercise while she’s napping. “Well yeah, but the music might wake her up,” and on and on. One must want to change more than I want it for them!!!

3. The third example the seed is scattered among thorns.

The thorns represent the world: temptations. A patient hears what he’s to do but life gets in the way.  Restaurants, Super Bowl parties, stress, emotions, drugs, alcohol, television shows, even Aunt Martha’s cookies, or other unexpected activity becomes a stumbling block to health. The world contains many obstacles (thorns) which block us from studying God’s Word or preventing a healthier lifestyle.

These people play the “victim” card. There’s always an excuse not to do the right thing. “Well, I couldn’t hurt Aunt Martha’s feelings! I had to eat them!”  God always provides a way out so there’s no excuse to fail. Start strategizing other options using God-given Wisdom.

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT)

Follow the sensible path to weight loss and you’ll find a lifetime full of rewarding, healthly living.

Common “Secrets” to Increasing Vibrancy

  “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.  We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;” (2 Corinthians 4: 7-9)

No one wants to lose vibrancy as we age.  Unfortunately, natural aging is the second law of thermodynamics. This scientific law states: ‘everything is winding down.

That alone would convince me that evolution is bunk. How can evolutionists believe we are evolving to a higher being if they also believe in this fundamental law of physics?

Thanks to Adam, we are resigned to live within this fragile clay jar until God calls us Home.

Some accept aging gracefully but I’m not one of them. I want to live as energetically and actively as possible while honoring my temple of the Holy Spirit! Consuming healthier food, which improves our mood and vitality level, is one way to do that.

Here’s how we all can live life more vibrantly:

1. Consume higher quality foods.  If you never changed the oil in your automobile but then drove it 55,000 miles, how would it respond? Not very well. Consider how your heart feels as it pumps blood through miles of blocked arteries to run your engine after it’s been clogged by chemically-processed, fattening food. Visualize all that sludge creeping through your veins. Yuck.
2. How energetic do you feel when you’re ill or are fighting the pain of arthritis? Not very! Omega 3’s3 also boosts the immune system and is anti-inflammatory. (You’ll be able to hold onto that exercise equipment without cringing.) By consuming Omega 3’s instead of saturated fats, you’ll be lubricating your metabolic engine. Where can you find these vital nutrients? In olive and canola oil, halibut, wild-caught salmon, tuna, oysters, trout, eggs, yogurt, peanut butter, oatmeal, walnuts, milled flaxseed, pasta, Brussels sprouts, spinach, kale and cod liver oil.
3. Snack on berries and other colorful fruit!  Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cherries, red grapes (resveratrol), plums, oranges, or other fruit.
4. Consume more fish, especially salmon, because it restores brain cells and fights dementia. You’ll remember those funny stories you want to tell your grandchildren.
5. Eat breakfast! Consume a good high (5+ grams) fiber cereal: Shredded Wheat, Great Grains, Grape Nuts, and Raisin Bran. Fiber naturally rids your body of toxins and restores natural energy balance. Increase your fiber naturally through whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fruits!
6. Drink more water. Water plumps up your arteries and removes dangerous toxins out of your system, restoring one’s energy and mental clarity.
7. Coffee, green tea, a glass of red wine, and dark chocolate all contain powerful antioxidants. Recently conducted studies have shown these can ward off dementia.
8. Spice up your life with herbs and seasonings: curry, cinnamon, mint, parsley, turmeric, tabasco, paprika, garlic, and virtually any seasoning except salt. (Blood pressure tends to rise over your lifetime.)  Seniors sometimes lose their sense of taste and tend to eat blander foods but spices stimulate brain cells, releasing serotonin; another feel-good neurotransmitter!
9. Add low-fat dairy and dark leafy vegetables for calcium.  Did you realize that skim milk actually has a higher protein percentage than other milk?  Calcium is extremely important for shrinking and thinning bones.  Add a walk, weight-bearing exercises, and consume 1200 mg. of calcium and one 1000 IU vitamin D supplement daily. But please take them with food to absorb nutrients.
10. Put on a Smile! True beauty comes from within. A positive attitude makes others want to know you! Surround yourself with friends. Praise God for the precious life He gave you!

Praise God for providing common sense. Your Choice.

Create A Positive Attitude!

Have you ever thought, after accomplishing something extremely tough but satisfying,  Why did I grumble so much, thinking I couldn’t do it? Well, let me ask a question, “Who influences you?”

When you were a child, did you strive for perfection or excellence? God doesn’t expect perfection. In our imperfections God allows us to grow, building confidence through a sense of accomplishment.

“Why didn’t I do this sooner?” is usually the first comment I hear when a person successfully loses weight. All that complaining and believing stinkin’-thinkin’ negativity is time wasted! Whoever said you couldn’t accomplish something?  Unfortunately, whether it’s a parent, employer, acquaintance or sibling, don’t hang around those who express negativity!  It only brings you down.

“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)

Have you found that if you’re around a chronic complainer, it changes your attitude too? Me too. Now I’ll smile and say something my mother used to say, “Now say two good things.”

Associate with positive people. Even though I assured patients they could indeed lose weight, some kept whining, “You don’t understand, it’s too hard.” Actually, the harder a challenge, the more satisfaction comes in conquering it! Besides the Holy Spirit, you are the only one who lives in your body. Success depends on your mental determination.

I’ve worked with patients who had hundreds of pounds to lose. Talk about mountains to conquer . . . well even climbing a mountain begins with a single step. Start walking!

The Israelites complained almost every day after fleeing Egypt and meeting struggles along the way.  “Oh to be back in the days of leeks, onions, cucumbers, meat and garlic.”  Complain, complain!  I miss a nice drink of water . . . complain! I wish I could take a hot shower . . . complain! Even Moses couldn’t stay positive as he led through challenging circumstances. He lost his optimism around complainers. He then sought positive influences through quiet time and prayer with his Lord.

I understand legitimate gripes – that’s totally different. Everyone has to vent some time. If one holds stress inside, it will come out in self-destructive ways. But either rectify the situation or let it go before it destroys your godly character.

“or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”   (Proverbs 22:25) 

Negative speech corrupts good thought patterns no matter how strong one is. Remember Job’s friends who simply sat with him at first as a supporter? Then they opened their mouths. As the saying goes, with friends like those, who needs enemies? Pray for spiritual friends who will build you up, not drag you down! Find happy, optimistic people to be around and it’ll change your outlook.

How does one increase positive development?

• Develop your assets. Don’t know what they are? Ask a trusted friend. Remember you’re unique. You don’t have to like everything about yourself but everyone has good points. Discover and embrace yours!
• Do something nice for others. Remember life isn’t all about you. Sharing happiness while helping others is an uplifting feeling!
• Find ways to learn different activities to attract upbeat friends into your life: photography, art, sports, theater, comedy, or some other club.
• Find new influences. Invite positive friends over for coffee or go shopping.
• Read motivating biographies or self-help books. Highlight inspiring points.
• Reward yourself with small non-food treats, Chart accomplishments after reaching goals. It’ll build confidence.

Happiness is a choice. Choose to glorify God and find the peaceful JOY He gives! Rid yourself of the negative influences, both spirituality, and nutritionally.

“A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.” (Proverbs 15:18)

Overcoming Sabatage Situations

Have you encountered these situations?

Food saboteurs might be lurking all around you. Virtually all social situations present challenges regarding remaining faithful to a weight loss plan. Arm yourself for any upcoming grand social occasion with some practical ways to resist saboteurs.

“But I Baked This Just for You!”     

Do you believe that sometimes you are lost in a universe of saboteurs just as the Robinson family was in the 1960s television series, Lost in Space? Is “Danger, Danger, Will Robinson!!!” running through your head right now?

Think about this possible family scenario:  Aunt Esmeralda remarks during dinner, “Andrea, save room for dessert because I made your favorite chocolate cherry pie!”

So now the guilt feelings start emerging.  How do I get out of this? I’d love to have a slice but my weight loss is going so well. I’m remaing so self-disciplined, I can’t give in!

If you are a “people-pleaser,” you would rather hurt yourself than someone’s feelings, so you will probably eat it.  Let me ask you if you were a recovering drug addict and someone came to you and cajoled, “But I bought this cocaine just for you!” would you take it? Hopefully not. Why? Because it would destroy your healthy-living goal and wreck your godly temple, thus grieving the Holy Spirit, that’s why! Common sense!

The pie itself isn’t wrong to eat. It’s how we react to food that’s the key. Who is in control: your brain or your emotions? Your weight goal motivation or the pie?

Here are some strategies to overcome this temptation:

First, acknowledge your aunt’s kindness because I doubt her intention was to sabotage you. Recognizing what she did was very considerate because, in her mind, it was. You can privately declare to Aunt Esmeralda, “What a thoughtful gesture! Would you mind if . . .” while already resolving to eat less stuffing, gravy, potatoes, candied yams, and rolls during dinner so you can eat a small sliver afterward. You’re exchanging carbohydrate and fat selections for another choice.

What you do not want to do is a state that you’re trying to get healthy because that might insult her, insinuating that her foods are unhealthy. It could even create a tirade of family protests, “You look great!” “You can’t lose anymore”  “You look gaunt!” inhibiting your restraint. Don’t believe your own publicity! (Are you feeling healthier and energetic? That means the most.)

If you decide to take a piece home, break the larger piece into smaller bites, freeze those and consume over several days. (Call your aunt and let her know how much you enjoyed it even more, the following day!) You probably will because you can savor the taste without feeling uncomfortable. Walk three miles the next day for an entire piece or two miles for a sliver. Remember, it’s your choice – you’re in control. Exercise it off, don’t wear it!

“It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,” (Titus 2:12)

Where there’s a will there’s a way.  You can incorporate these actions into any social scenario. Use the above strategies whether it’s a July 4th BBQ rib dinner or your favorite cake at a birthday party.

You can have your cheesecake and eat it too if you strategize beforehand. Life is a chess game. Be prepared, have a plan, and to be five steps ahead.  You’re conquering “self” and becoming a New Creation.

Diet Confusion? Begin Strategizing Actions

Is your head spinning from all the diet advice that is posted out there on the news and TV? How does one know Truth? Well, it shouldn’t be that complicated.

God did not originally create food as either good or bad, food is simply nutrients. As Paul urges with his letter to the Corinthians 10″23, “all things are permissible but not all things are beneficial. Some foods are permissible but not all are constructive.”

We’ve discovered that some foods contain more nutrients than others and serve a purpose, while some are simply pleasurable to eat. But none are forbidden. Please don’t throw away all the food in your cupboard that some people consider “bad.” Throwing away food would be wasteful and against God’s principles of good monetary stewardship.

Start with Small Changes. It Creates Positive Habits.

Another truth we should learn is to establish that it’s always best to begin with small changes. This will anchor habits and develop a positive attitude to instill lifetime practices. Habits are like muscles that get more powerful with use. As you create and reach realistic goals you will begin to get mentally stronger. (In the past did you set unrealistically high goals that were unattainable and therefore discouraged you enough to quit?)

Begin by Meditating on These Points:

Try to understand why you do what you do. Romans 7:15 laments “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”

Understand the WHY. Why are you eating? Start with recognizing your routine habits and behaviors. Do you feel out of control? Conquered by food triggers? Discouraged?  Bored? Do you need something to crunch on when you feel frustrated? Grab comfort food like chocolate when you’re sad?

Please understand that sometimes a cookie isn’t just a cookie. Sometimes a cookie represents your subconscious thoughts of warmth, comfort, memories of home, love and security.  It is not wrong to eat a cookie if you are in control, but if the desire for a cookie is “calling your name,” controlling you, then you need to discover the psychological or emotional reason you need it to feel fulfilled.

Be truthful with yourself. It’s your choice, so why lie to yourself? If you defiantly state that you are going to eat that cookie, then OWN that decision! It was nobody else’s. No one put a gun to your head and forced you to consume that cookie. Now exercise – you own that too.

If you fail to control your emotions, figure out why you do what you did! Failure is actually the beginning of success. It is an opportunity for discovering the reasons for actions. To make excuses or to believe that the devil made us do it is a delusion.

Start to recognize your emotional food triggers so you can be aware of them and begin taking steps to change your habits.

Resolve not to purchase any more processed foods or foods laden with chemicals and preservatives. Stop bringing it into your home! Let’s face it, as the adage goes: “if it’s in your house, eventually it’s going to be in the mouth.” If you don’t place junk in your house, then you won’t be placing it in your personal bodily temple of the Holy Spirit.

Life is a chess game. Develop upcoming strategic moves as you continue toward your goals. It’s similar to an athlete developing muscle memory. Before you know it, you’ll choose the correct action without even thinking about it.

Remember you are setting life goals, not weight-loss goals.

New Year, A New Attitude, New You!

It’s the New Year again! A time of renewal and positive actions.  And yet are you feeling just a bit frazzled?

Have you had a little too much sugar this holiday season??? Does the house look like a disaster area after unwrapping all those presents and having toys underfoot? Need to release some pent-up energy after the in-laws departed?

Fear not, you tell yourself, this too shall pass, and life as I know it will return . . .   Oh, but wait! It’s a New Year – I’m supposed to strive toward a new and healthier attitude. Guilt sets in when you procrastinate.

Hmm, perhaps that’s part of the problem. You’re plain tired!!! All you want to do is get back to “normal” again. That means routine – which means it’s couch potato time once again.

As tempting as it is to curl up under a pile of covers on a cold day! Resolve to make this coming year a truly positive and healthy one instead. (Drink green tea which energizes and assists in weight loss.)

Find family and friends who will involve you in healthier living. (Even if it’s being accountable to someone over the phone.)

Conquer one challenge at a time. Keep it simple. Anything can become too complicated when one tries to do too much in a short allowance of time. Health takes time! Relax and get your support base together and that means a fun family exercise.

Without proper exercise, we’re only spinning our wheels and we’ll never lose that holiday season weight. Muscle is the furnace that burns fat. That’s why exercise should be a daily personal routine. Find something you enjoy as exercise: dancing, walking, pickleball, snowshoeing, or building a snow fort with the kids.

Now I can hear you sigh, “You mean I have to exercise every day?”

“Oh dear,” I reply. “You mean I have to brush my teeth every day?”

Yes. That is unless you enjoy rotting teeth and bad breath.  You choose to brush your teeth each day because the payoff is better than the alternative. Same as health.

And who said exercise needs to be dull? Make exercise fun first of all, and then incorporate different types of exercise into your daily routine so you don’t get bored.  Just like a well-rounded, varied daily diet! I couldn’t eat one type of food forever, could you? Each food contains different vital nutrients. Same as various exercises that assist with firming up different body parts.

Variety really is the spice of life. Did you get an exercise video for Christmas? Use it as a family! Did you get snowed in and couldn’t get to work or school?  Sledding, walking, swimming, skiing, – it’s all exercise. Each exercise works for different muscle groups just as nutrients provide different metabolic benefits as well. Therefore, we need variety.

To enjoy life; relationships, exercise, food, as well as your occupation should be satisfying.  Look forward to family exercise as much as you do sitting down and watching the game on television. Think of the happy memories you’ll create.  There’s always an upside!

Children will remember the times they exercised as a family and enjoyed the fellowship. That’s a wonderful heritage to pass along.

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” Psalm 127: 3-5 (ESV)

 

This Should Be Your Favorite Gift!

What Will It Take to Make You Happy This Christmas?

How many times have we overheard someone say, “If only I could win that lottery, my troubles would be over!” “If only we lived in a larger home, we wouldn’t fight all the time.” or “If only I were thinner, I would be happy!”

Christmas is coming soon. What would it take to make us happy?  Would incredible wealth, a great home, Lamborghini, a perfect body, or perhaps gourmet meals with servants to wait on you every night make us happy?

What happens when you reach that goal and there is still emptiness within your soul? What fills the void then?

Adam was created by God Himself, with the perfect physique, and placed in a perfect world but he still wanted something more. Walking with God wasn’t enough for him, and he reached for something he shouldn’t have. Even living in a perfect environment didn’t bring happiness!

Don’t judge him too harshly however for we are still like that today. It’s called “Keeping up with the Joneses.” Many desire what someone else has: a 60-inch TV, a nifty sports car, luxury vacations, an Oscar . . .  a 22-inch waist.

Do you believe having a perfect body will make you happy?

“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”  (1 Samuel 16:7)

A pure and grateful heart is more pleasing to the Lord than a small waistline or celebrity status.

Perhaps relationships will make us happy? Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob thought that but quickly discovered that spouses, siblings, friends, and children can break a heart. Humans have character flaws and will eventually let you down. Let our plumb line be centered not on others, but on Christ who is truly perfect.

Will money instill happiness? It is futile to believe that if we won the lottery, our worries would be over.  Does great wealth provide security?

No, not even King Solomon found happiness in wealth. Solomon possessed greater monetary possessions than anyone and yet declared, “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”  (Ecclesiastes 1:1b).  He had it all: wine, women, and song but it didn’t buy happiness. Power and other materialistic provisions require a heavier responsibility.

Searching to fill a void in your life without God, leads to various addictions and pain. All Solomon’s wealth, power, and countless idol-worshiping wives drew him further away from his Center of Influence, his LORD God.

Who is your center of influence? Do other people’s opinions mean more to you than the Lord’s? Who controls your temple of the Holy Spirit?  Do you love some component of your life more than God? Have you made a graven image out of your work, a hobby, a relationship, an addiction to food?

If you are not happy within yourself, no amount of materialism or gifts received will change that. You will never be content. You will ultimately search for additional fulfillment. The more wealth Solomon accrued, the more meaningless his life became.

Let God make a difference in your life. Find real Joy by trusting in Christ’s generous sacrifice which brings Salvation and peace. It is a gift from the Lord!

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”  (Philippians 4:12)

Where’s Christmas?

This post was written years ago when we lived up north. Sadly, it seems to be as much or even more appropriate today.

***

The beginning of December, I set out to find a small manger for a Christmas craft project. It could have been anything, on an ornament, a Christmas card, or even a figurine.

First, I went to the Dollar Store. I found nothing Christian but countless sets of Christmas cards with Santa and reindeer on them. Next, I went to Walmart (good luck there.) Nada. Then I walked through Home Depot – absolutely nothing Christian at all, but I could have purchased a red and green six-foot dragon . . . what that has to do with Christmas I’ve yet to figure out.

A few days later, still searching, I traveled to two shopping centers in another town. I checked out Michael’s craft store. The sweet girl acknowledged they used to carry them . . . but searching together, neither of us could find them anywhere. Neither did World Bazaar, J.C. Penny, or T.J. Maxx.

I thought Christian-run Hobby Lobby would undoubtedly carry a small manger scene, even if it was on a postcard! Yet once again, found nothing. I’m praying they were only sold out.

Finally, I found a Lifeway Christian bookstore. Aha! I thought, of course, I’ll find a manger scene here! And yes, I did! It was on a box of spiced apple cider. Desperate to find anything that might work, I purchased the over-priced drink mix, cut out the cardboard manger scene on the front, and pasted it on my craft project. (At least we’ll enjoy the beverage sometime during these cold winter months.)

Halfway through this hectic quest I felt like Charlie Brown, frustratingly asking where was Christmas??? I could find a plethora of Santa’s, sleighs, reindeer antlers, elf hats, chipmunks, cute bears and Grinch’s, but no Christ in Christmas!

Then I thought, at least I can find Christmas at church.  Absolutely! I’ll find Peace on Earth here during this Joyous Season. Instead, I found a church member fussing in public, running around fuming, complaining, blaming others because they felt overworked and unappreciated in their position. (Hey, if your position is primarily to please people and not our Lord, get your priorities straight!)

Then yesterday, as my husband and I were finalizing the Christmas gifts and food for four community families in need; getting ready to drop off our congregation’s many generous donations, I found it. Eureka!

THIS IS WHAT CHRISTMAS IS ALL ABOUT:  Christmas is about the Joy of Christ – blessing others, not ourselves. Bringing smiles and true Joy freely to others! A Free Gift.

As Jesus left his heavenly home to be born in Bethlehem, living as a man among us, he understood that completely. He beheld some petty frustrations of his friends and the slings and arrows of the Pharisees. He experienced the same feelings, joys, frustrations, challenges, and laughter that we do.  He gave of himself, unselfishly. He sacrificed EVERYTHING, his very life for our pettiness, grumpiness, busyness, and selfish human behavior. All we must do is accept it. That was the best GIFT he could ever give.

Parents -do your children know what is the real reason for Christmas?

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”   (John 3:16)

Building Mental Muscle for Successful Weight Loss

Thanksgiving is coming. How can you remain healthier with all those food choices facing you in the world?

Losing weight isn’t meant to be easy. But that’s what makes it great when you do. No one else lives inside your body, so no one else can do it for you. Mentally, when it comes to a healthier lifestyle, you alone are in charge of your decisions.

But you’re not actually alone. One person does not constitute a team. Great Quarterbacks can’t win alone. They are surrounded by a good team.

Are your best friends, coworkers, children and spouse assisting you as cheerleaders? Real friends will support you because they want you to be healthy. Satan doesn’t and will throw everything in your path to trip you up. God never tempts – Satan always does.

Surround yourself with those who have your best interests at heart. Who would that be? “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

To resist temptation, clear your mind and listen to your LORD. Temptation begins in the mind. “As a man thinks, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7)  Trust that you can overcome temptation because you are strong and courageous thru Christ.

Have the mindset that you and Jesus are a team and he wants you to be triumphant. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 2:5)

Who is your culinary Lord? Has a potato chip, chocolate, bratwurst, or Cheese Whiz begun ruling your life? I doubt very much if it’s broccoli or Gee, I can’t get enough spinach!

No, it’s always something tempting or decadent. Satan knows this and will throw favorites in your face when you’re most vulnerable. Therefore, consume nutritious snacks throughout the day to stabilize your blood sugar and temptations at bay. (Bananas, yogurt, grapes, dark chocolate, peanut butter on whole grain crackers, etc.)

To combat temptation, memorize scripture. Write these Bible verses down and place them on your fridge, bathroom, and bedroom mirror, or in your change purse to inspire you. It will reinforce your determination to not be taken down by something as frivolous as the second piece of pumpkin pie.

What has He written down in His Word?

Self-Control: “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Tell yourself that you can do this! Resist temptation. (James 4:7) Turn away – get your mind on something other than food. Resist that second helping on Thanksgiving dinners at grandma’s house. Get outside and walk, play cards, and start washing dishes. If you’re home: read a book, turn on music, and paint your nails. You can’t get into a bag of chips with painted nails!

Gluttony: “Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.” (Philippians 3:19)

God gave us a bounty of goodies to eat, so that’s not the problem. The challenge is to love the Lord more than that choice. Please remember that Christ died for ALL sins, and gluttony is a sin.

Discipline: “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I should be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:27)

Have a joyful Thanksgiving. Remember it’s about the company and fellowship more than food. Slow down and savor not only the food but time with loved ones.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26)