Did you know that the air quality in your home is five to seven times worse than outside?
Did you know that clearing you home of the toxin load can help you lose weight? (Yes, it slows down you metabolism!)
Did you know that it is not only cleaners but also bathroom products, laundry detergent and even fabric sheets that have chemicals that lead to cancer, allergies, skin issues and other illnesses?
Did you know that there is more than 30 different names for Formaldehyde that manufacturers use to “mask” what is in their products?
Did you know that Tide is the number one cause of eczema?
Did you know that in a manufacturing plant where detergent is bottled if there is a spill they have to evacuate?
Try clearing out your home!
Are you using Cascade in your dishwasher, we have Diamond Brite. Try it for a month and see the difference with none of the chemicals and toxins.
What shampoo are you using? Pantene, Suave, Herbal Essences, Nioxin, Aveda? Try Affinia or Sei Bella and feel good knowing that you aren’t massaging toxins into your scalp every morning.
What about Pledge? Spray cleaners like this one are believed to cause some skin cancers.
Johnson & Johnson, everyone knows those baby baths, lotions and shampoos, but while it smells great many children products are tainted with Formaldehyde, which causes cancer and leukemia.
What do you use on your floor? Swiffer? Did you know that the cleaners used on your floor come into contact with the people and animals of your house constantly? Don’t let your family get sick, try Tough and Tender instead.
Are you using Resolve on stains? Why not try our non-caustic options.
Are you using Crest to brush? That tingly feeling isn’t actually making you any healthier.
CoverGirl or Revlon? Did you realize that using these and other common make-up brands means you’re rubbing chemicals directly on to the most porous part of your body?
Did you know that families that take a “good” vitamin could reduce their risk for cancer, allergies (yes, even allergies), heart disease, leukemia, obesity, arthritis and ADHD…the list goes on and on! If you’re taking Gummies, One A Day, Centrium or a generic version you body is unable to absorb the nutrients. Try Vitality for a month and feel the difference! www.melaleuca.com/oligo
Do everything in your power to minimize your family’s risk!!
What don’t the labels tell?
Label information is directed at “acute” or immediate effects only. You are not given information about “chronic” or long-term hazards of chemical products, such as cancer or birth defects. Think about how many products in your home have a “Keep out of reach of children” warning on them. If they are harmful, then we should seriously consider using them. There are other concerns about labels as well. Some products contain ingredients that have not been officially recognized by the federal government as hazardous, but yet are still cause for concern. “inert” ingredients are chemicals added as “carriers” for the active ingredients in cleaners and pesticides. Only a percentage of the inert ingredients are required on the label, not their identity. Some inert ingredients are hazardous.
There is not standardized list of chemical names. Many chemicals have numerous trade and/or scientific names. This makes it hard for you to compare products. Antidotes listed on the label may be incomplete, out-of-date or even dangerously wrong. According to a 1984 report by the National Academy of Sciences, less than 2 percent of all new and existing chemicals have been tested sufficiently to allow a complete health hazard assessment. Also, many labels do not tell you how to dispose of a product safely. The use of the term “non-toxic” is for advertising only. It has no regulatory definition by the federal government.
Why Switch Stores?
To can guarantee a safer home. The examples above are just a FEW to show how we have to take charge of our family’s health and homes. Switching stores is the first step to making a great life for yourself and your family! Do you know anyone who…has kids, isn’t a fan of Wal-Mart, makes the big trek to health food stores, has allergies, asthma, cancer, skin issues, bloody noses, eczema, acne, arthritis (to name a few things we “live with” because doctors say there’s only so much we can do to “help”) or wants to live life healthy?
Email me today, only if you're ready to make a change.
DV-NMV
Friday, February 1, 2013
Takin' Five on Friday - Afraid
Got five minutes? Let’s write. Let’s finger paint with words –>{click to tweet}.
Let’s just write and not worry if it’s just right or not. Here’s how to play along:
1. Write for 5 minutes flat for pure unedited love of the written word.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in {you can grab the button code in my blog footer}
3. Go leave some comment props for the five minute artist who linked up before you {and if you love us, consider turning off word verification for the day to make it easier for folks to say howdy}
It’s a great way to catch your breath at the end of a long week.
-----------------------------
When I saw the post in my email this morning, what did I do/think you wonder. I ignored it. Huh, fear? Afraid of who? Afraid of what? Okay, seriously, I'm a ostrich with my head in the sand.
And here is what literally just smacked me up side 'da head!
3:39
Holley and Lisa Jo, I thank you. Here's what I just figured out. As soon as Holley started talking about God sized dreams I quit reading her emails. They showed up in my inbox right on schedule and they have stayed there. Why? I don't know, ahem didn't know, until five minutes ago.
Here's what I'm afraid of. Being "seen".
What's my God sized dream? Oh, it's a doozy, but if I acknowledge it, then it becomes real and I have to face it. So, let me run scared, NOW!!!!
What's my daily desire? Godly love, peace and contentment within the walls of this house. Where does that start? With me. How's it going? Hah, yeah, I'll let you know tomorrow.
What do I aspire to? Sharing my Health and Wellness company with everyone I interact with. Do I do it? Nope. Too afraid to share it, even though the impact is priceless.
Being successful, being seen, putting myself out there. It scares me silly. For years my family drilled into me that I wasn't good enough, wouldn't be good enough, couldn't be good enough. So much so that I'm actually scared to try to be.
3:44
WOW!! Thank you Lisa Jo for helping me realize what wall I had hit. I knew it was there didn't have a clue how to get out of this invisible box. I have been dealing with family drama and knew it was bogging me down. I just never knew how much it still tied me in place.
I deserve to acknowledge my God Sized Dream, big and scary as it may be. Godly love, peace and contentment, well, that's ours for the enjoying. To build a WAHM business and help the women, men and children that God places in my path to achieve health, wellness and freedom? That's not just for me, that's for all you others out there too that deserve all that amazing stuff too.
This blog? Well, I should come more regularly and capture these things. These moments, these thoughts, this is the stuff my life is made of. My faith-steps and foot-prints. Why be afraid of myself here. This is my safe space. The space that if God sends someone over, there is a reason.
I am enough. Enough to face the moments of being afraid and knowing that God is right here too, wanting me to stretch, dream, share and go, relying on Him as my guide. Nothing to be afraid of.
LuvNHugz - SupportNPrayerz
DV-NMV
Let’s just write and not worry if it’s just right or not. Here’s how to play along:
1. Write for 5 minutes flat for pure unedited love of the written word.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in {you can grab the button code in my blog footer}
3. Go leave some comment props for the five minute artist who linked up before you {and if you love us, consider turning off word verification for the day to make it easier for folks to say howdy}
It’s a great way to catch your breath at the end of a long week.
-----------------------------
When I saw the post in my email this morning, what did I do/think you wonder. I ignored it. Huh, fear? Afraid of who? Afraid of what? Okay, seriously, I'm a ostrich with my head in the sand.
And here is what literally just smacked me up side 'da head!
3:39
Holley and Lisa Jo, I thank you. Here's what I just figured out. As soon as Holley started talking about God sized dreams I quit reading her emails. They showed up in my inbox right on schedule and they have stayed there. Why? I don't know, ahem didn't know, until five minutes ago.
Here's what I'm afraid of. Being "seen".
What's my God sized dream? Oh, it's a doozy, but if I acknowledge it, then it becomes real and I have to face it. So, let me run scared, NOW!!!!
What's my daily desire? Godly love, peace and contentment within the walls of this house. Where does that start? With me. How's it going? Hah, yeah, I'll let you know tomorrow.
What do I aspire to? Sharing my Health and Wellness company with everyone I interact with. Do I do it? Nope. Too afraid to share it, even though the impact is priceless.
Being successful, being seen, putting myself out there. It scares me silly. For years my family drilled into me that I wasn't good enough, wouldn't be good enough, couldn't be good enough. So much so that I'm actually scared to try to be.
3:44
WOW!! Thank you Lisa Jo for helping me realize what wall I had hit. I knew it was there didn't have a clue how to get out of this invisible box. I have been dealing with family drama and knew it was bogging me down. I just never knew how much it still tied me in place.
I deserve to acknowledge my God Sized Dream, big and scary as it may be. Godly love, peace and contentment, well, that's ours for the enjoying. To build a WAHM business and help the women, men and children that God places in my path to achieve health, wellness and freedom? That's not just for me, that's for all you others out there too that deserve all that amazing stuff too.
This blog? Well, I should come more regularly and capture these things. These moments, these thoughts, this is the stuff my life is made of. My faith-steps and foot-prints. Why be afraid of myself here. This is my safe space. The space that if God sends someone over, there is a reason.
I am enough. Enough to face the moments of being afraid and knowing that God is right here too, wanting me to stretch, dream, share and go, relying on Him as my guide. Nothing to be afraid of.
LuvNHugz - SupportNPrayerz
DV-NMV
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Takin' Five on Friday - Cherished
Lisa Jo invites us to join her, every Friday... 1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. Please visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. That is like the one rule we all really care about. For reals.
OK, are you ready? I’ve had this word on my heart for you all week. Usually I’m wondering what the prompt will be right up until nearly midnight myself. But this week – this week I think a few of you at least need this word…
::
Cherished…
11:50
There is a sweetness in being cherished. A thrill in the early stages of love that every note, flower, kiss and touch leaves you feeling cherished. As the years go by the need of feeling cherished grows stronger. I want you to remember to leave me a note when you leave, hold my hand, wrap me in a hug. Remind me that you don't forget about those sweet moments of intimacy amidst all the chaos of every day. Help me to cherish the moments when little ones climb into bed with us, safer there between mom and dad than anywhere else. Remind me that when the lights grow dim and a family of seven crowds onto the couch, that Friday night movie times are the family moments to cherish forever. Sometimes it comes easy in the early days of two to remember to cherish each other but don't let the habit fall by the wayside. Everyone needs to be cherished, feel cherished and while after thirteen years it becomes something we remember to do, it is every bit as precious as it was on day one.
11:55
Have a wonderful weekend. Go "cherish" a moment with a loved one, now.
DV-NMV
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
My Thoughts on The Flu
As the flu is reaching epidemic proportions and everyone is raving about whether or not it's ethical, responsible, selfish or personal to get (or not get) a flu shot, here's my two cents worth.
Where does the flu come from every year? Please tell me. Yeah, yeah, I can "google it" and see what wikipedia.com and webmd.com "say" but someone, please tell explain it to me in a way that makes sense. Oh and where does it "go" for the half of the year that we're not infected by it? Twenty years ago when we had so much less medical technology (heck, ten years even) and yet I don't remember the flu being a pandemic concern. How is it that as we progress in this world we are getting worse? How does a virus go "dormant" for months and then rear it's ugly head only to sicken thousands and kill hundreds each year? None of this makes sense to me.
This is the same planet I have been living on for 33 years now and while medical discoveries continue to improve our health and longevity "every day" why in the world have we not eliminated this stupid virus? Yeah, yeah, "it morphs and mutates every day and so there's nothing that can "stop it" from spreading and infecting people" - heard that too, but then what are we vaccinating against? I just read today that the vaccine this year is averaging a possible 60% success rate because there are some that are still getting a "strain" not protected against by this vaccine.
Vaccines, don't even start me there. There is no other medicinal treatment in this world that is a "one-size-fits-all" dosage, yet vaccines are? Again, something that has NEVER made any sense to me. I don't completely disagree with the need for a vaccine. My problem is when the vaccine costs a hundred bucks and then you have a 50/50 chance that it might work. Seriously, of all the things I consume - food, gas, insurance, water, cleaners, shampoo - if there is a 50% chance it could help and a 50% chance that it wouldn't, why spend my money on it? Why did vaccines against polio, measles, rubella and mumps work but we can't make one work for the flu?
This is what frustrates me. I have grandparents that are of compromised health. I have a neighbor girl that lives with SMA and is at risk of getting even just a minor cold. If our health care system and big pharma really cared about these people, the vaccines should be of minimal to no cost if they are not completely dependable. If our medical community is making such great strides in health care then why is this "a pandemic" and such a problem when it used to not even be on the radar of our lives.
I truly believe that a huge part of this is not about getting "stuck" with a vaccine and hoping it works so much as actually taking care of yourself, your family and your neighbors. If you are remotely unwell, your child or your spouse, STAY HOME!!! Hand sanitizer in your bag, bleach wipes at the entrance of every store so you can wipe down your cart, Lysol wipes in every room of your house, seriously people, are these things helping us? No, think about it, if it was, this "epidemic" would not be so nearly out of control. Keeping your rear at home when you're sick, keeping the kids home from school (yes, you'll have to miss work) until they are 24 hours plus healthy and just generally maintaining yourself and your home are steps that are just as important as any shot you could get. Yes, I'm "that mom" that has her child miss an extra day of school "just to be sure" rather than take the chance that he's going to expose someone else. Also, if my child is sick with a fever I will let them sweat it out. Why give her Tylenol so that she will feel good enough to run around and play yet she's not resting so her body can fight what's wrong, in turn taking her longer to get better because she's just wearing herself out more.
I just don't get it. I hate this flu stuff. I really feel it's as much political as anything. Divide and conquer, instill fear in people and make them choose sides. The political race, the flu vaccine debate, the rest of anything else you and your neighbor disagree on, it is what it is. God will take care of us. He knows what's going on around here while we walk around in this maze of mirrors every day. We are in a society that thrives on "to each his own" leaving each other to do for themselves and worrying only about what he is going to "get" next.
We need to get back to a world of hard working, integrity solid and faithful people that do unto others first and then reap our own rewards later. Having pride in things accomplished and earning the things you work for rather than waiting on someone to "hand it to you". Where we first think of others and share that which we have been blessed with when reaping in the bounty from the Lord. Help your neighbor, so that when they fall ill, they might stay in and rest rather than worry about their list of things that needs done. Rather than being so wholly dependent upon medicine and doctors to cure what ails us, take rest in the Lord that He will provide all you need and care for you in even your weakest moment, without question, without pause. Yes, your doctor, big pharma and the ER nurse are there when you need them but not without a cost to you. What are you willing to pay by trusting in them? Do they deserve your trust? We need these health professionals in our lives, most certainly do occasionally, but at times we forget that not everyone has our best interests in mind.
DV-NMV
Where does the flu come from every year? Please tell me. Yeah, yeah, I can "google it" and see what wikipedia.com and webmd.com "say" but someone, please tell explain it to me in a way that makes sense. Oh and where does it "go" for the half of the year that we're not infected by it? Twenty years ago when we had so much less medical technology (heck, ten years even) and yet I don't remember the flu being a pandemic concern. How is it that as we progress in this world we are getting worse? How does a virus go "dormant" for months and then rear it's ugly head only to sicken thousands and kill hundreds each year? None of this makes sense to me.
This is the same planet I have been living on for 33 years now and while medical discoveries continue to improve our health and longevity "every day" why in the world have we not eliminated this stupid virus? Yeah, yeah, "it morphs and mutates every day and so there's nothing that can "stop it" from spreading and infecting people" - heard that too, but then what are we vaccinating against? I just read today that the vaccine this year is averaging a possible 60% success rate because there are some that are still getting a "strain" not protected against by this vaccine.
Vaccines, don't even start me there. There is no other medicinal treatment in this world that is a "one-size-fits-all" dosage, yet vaccines are? Again, something that has NEVER made any sense to me. I don't completely disagree with the need for a vaccine. My problem is when the vaccine costs a hundred bucks and then you have a 50/50 chance that it might work. Seriously, of all the things I consume - food, gas, insurance, water, cleaners, shampoo - if there is a 50% chance it could help and a 50% chance that it wouldn't, why spend my money on it? Why did vaccines against polio, measles, rubella and mumps work but we can't make one work for the flu?
This is what frustrates me. I have grandparents that are of compromised health. I have a neighbor girl that lives with SMA and is at risk of getting even just a minor cold. If our health care system and big pharma really cared about these people, the vaccines should be of minimal to no cost if they are not completely dependable. If our medical community is making such great strides in health care then why is this "a pandemic" and such a problem when it used to not even be on the radar of our lives.
I truly believe that a huge part of this is not about getting "stuck" with a vaccine and hoping it works so much as actually taking care of yourself, your family and your neighbors. If you are remotely unwell, your child or your spouse, STAY HOME!!! Hand sanitizer in your bag, bleach wipes at the entrance of every store so you can wipe down your cart, Lysol wipes in every room of your house, seriously people, are these things helping us? No, think about it, if it was, this "epidemic" would not be so nearly out of control. Keeping your rear at home when you're sick, keeping the kids home from school (yes, you'll have to miss work) until they are 24 hours plus healthy and just generally maintaining yourself and your home are steps that are just as important as any shot you could get. Yes, I'm "that mom" that has her child miss an extra day of school "just to be sure" rather than take the chance that he's going to expose someone else. Also, if my child is sick with a fever I will let them sweat it out. Why give her Tylenol so that she will feel good enough to run around and play yet she's not resting so her body can fight what's wrong, in turn taking her longer to get better because she's just wearing herself out more.
I just don't get it. I hate this flu stuff. I really feel it's as much political as anything. Divide and conquer, instill fear in people and make them choose sides. The political race, the flu vaccine debate, the rest of anything else you and your neighbor disagree on, it is what it is. God will take care of us. He knows what's going on around here while we walk around in this maze of mirrors every day. We are in a society that thrives on "to each his own" leaving each other to do for themselves and worrying only about what he is going to "get" next.
We need to get back to a world of hard working, integrity solid and faithful people that do unto others first and then reap our own rewards later. Having pride in things accomplished and earning the things you work for rather than waiting on someone to "hand it to you". Where we first think of others and share that which we have been blessed with when reaping in the bounty from the Lord. Help your neighbor, so that when they fall ill, they might stay in and rest rather than worry about their list of things that needs done. Rather than being so wholly dependent upon medicine and doctors to cure what ails us, take rest in the Lord that He will provide all you need and care for you in even your weakest moment, without question, without pause. Yes, your doctor, big pharma and the ER nurse are there when you need them but not without a cost to you. What are you willing to pay by trusting in them? Do they deserve your trust? We need these health professionals in our lives, most certainly do occasionally, but at times we forget that not everyone has our best interests in mind.
DV-NMV
Monday, January 14, 2013
Slacker
Yup, that's me. Well, that's what I feel like. Since I haven't written regularly in ages I feel like a total slacker. I have a few topics in mind, just haven't taken (made) the time to write. Part of this stems from drama with my parents. For whatever reason in usually flares up around then and comes really close to ruining Christmas for me. This year was of course no different. Directly after Thanksgiving it started. I was getting multiple phone calls a day from my dad only to have him tell me how I needed to quit lying and playing games with his life. The amusing thing is I don't have time for that kind of stuff. Add to the care of five children, maintaining a home, providing meals for my family, organizing hot lunch at school and the other details that this SAHM juggles without thinking, oh and an extra task of managing the neighbor's chores for the month of December the last thing I wanted to do is create more drama to ruin my parents' lives. They do that well enough on their own.
I was seriously at the point of exploding. I finally did. Everyone was coming at me with their issues of life and I generally only get to listen. Rarely does anyone hear what I say. Whether the hear the words I speak or listen to what I'm saying, I feel on a veritable island most days. Yes, dear husband, I feel the same with you. Everyone assumes that I sit around doing nothing all day, that I have a ton of free time and heck, I've got it easy.
There is the truth. The thoughts that have been floating in my head for weeks now. I feel like no one values me, my time or my thoughts. No one calls me to ask how I'm doing, no one truly cares how my day went when they get home, they all just start in on their needs and wants. Granted I'm not great at calling my friends and asking how they're doing, but when I'm free they're working and when they're on their way home there are a minimum of five kids causing chaos making it difficult to carry on any kind of conversation. What am I doing wrong that I feel so lost right now. What in the world would I come here to write about when no one cares anyway. I know that I started this blog in order to capture my thoughts and memories of this life, okay God I did that part, but I'm so lost and why would I want to capture and remember that?
Okay so this is getting therapeutic now. I get it, Dear Father, that's what I should be capturing here, spending time here "hearing" the things you say that I can only "hear" when I'm writing. Working through my sadness, lostness, loneliness and feeling your love. Okay, okay, you hear me, I get it now, I'll make more time to connect with you here.
I love you, Dad, Father of my soul, you are where the chaos of my life makes sense. Love, me, your daughter.
DV-NMV
I was seriously at the point of exploding. I finally did. Everyone was coming at me with their issues of life and I generally only get to listen. Rarely does anyone hear what I say. Whether the hear the words I speak or listen to what I'm saying, I feel on a veritable island most days. Yes, dear husband, I feel the same with you. Everyone assumes that I sit around doing nothing all day, that I have a ton of free time and heck, I've got it easy.
There is the truth. The thoughts that have been floating in my head for weeks now. I feel like no one values me, my time or my thoughts. No one calls me to ask how I'm doing, no one truly cares how my day went when they get home, they all just start in on their needs and wants. Granted I'm not great at calling my friends and asking how they're doing, but when I'm free they're working and when they're on their way home there are a minimum of five kids causing chaos making it difficult to carry on any kind of conversation. What am I doing wrong that I feel so lost right now. What in the world would I come here to write about when no one cares anyway. I know that I started this blog in order to capture my thoughts and memories of this life, okay God I did that part, but I'm so lost and why would I want to capture and remember that?
Okay so this is getting therapeutic now. I get it, Dear Father, that's what I should be capturing here, spending time here "hearing" the things you say that I can only "hear" when I'm writing. Working through my sadness, lostness, loneliness and feeling your love. Okay, okay, you hear me, I get it now, I'll make more time to connect with you here.
I love you, Dad, Father of my soul, you are where the chaos of my life makes sense. Love, me, your daughter.
DV-NMV
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Praying For You
Fell swoop statements blaming this tragedy and every single other one like it on "guns" - "mental illness" - "the parents" or whatever other "thing" you want to shake your finger pointing at is not the answer. The answer is getting off our derrieres and accept responsibility for our actions and lives. When something doesn't go "right" it's not time to blame every thing and every one around you for it, it's time to take a deep breath and look at the situation and see where you can go from here.
I hear the sentiment "How could God let this happen?" whenever a tragedy happens. Columbine, 9/11, Oklahoma City Bombing and now Newtown. That frustrates me so. How could He prevent it? How many of us turn to Him in the midst of our every day joy? How many of us turn to Him in our time of need? How many of us get up each morning and say a prayer for Him to guide us through all that which is in store for us on this day.
Look at it this way. In the beginning there was only one, a man and here's what happened. God said to him, eat from any tree in the garden, except that one. Genesis 2:16-17 But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die." Except that ONE, Adam heard Him say it. Here's a garden of trees, full of fruit, ready to nourish you and I tell you to eat of them, enjoy them, please just don't eat the fruit of that one tree. It's your choice which fruit you eat, how much you eat, when you eat and why you eat that which you choose for the day. I just ask that you refrain from eating of this one tree, that's all.
God also says it is not good for man to be alone and after much thought creates woman. God leaves man and woman to their FREE WILL and goes back to His duties. Now, let me ask you this. Why did He not prevent the following then? Genesis 3:1-6 The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.
Ah, yes, if He can prevent anything from happening, why not that? Why not prevent the first sin, the first time man and woman fail to do as He asks, why "let" the serpent trick His precious creation? Because with the first words He spoke He gave man FREE WILL, "You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden..." Yes, I take this discussion very seriously.
God did not breathe life into the man and directly tell him, you may eat of this tree on Monday, sweep the pathway on Tuesday, water the flowers on Wednesday and so forth. He gave man free will to tend and watch over the garden in the way the man saw fit. God believed in man, believed in his ability to make wise choices and in order for man to make those choices, God blessed him with freedom and a brain. Need more proof that God immediately blessed man with a mind of his own? Genesis 2:19-20 So the Lord God formed from the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would call them, and the man chose a name for each one. He gave names to all the livestock, all the birds of the sky, and all the wild animals. See, we already made it back to the freedom thing, God let man name the creatures, every single one, God didn't do it, didn't tell man what to call the creatures, God simply created and trusted man to manage the rest.
Okay, so back to the forbidden fruit. Even then, in those early days of creation man and woman couldn't help but want that which they couldn't have. Genesis 3:6a The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. Smooth talking and convincing got through to the woman that the forbidden fruit wouldn't kill her, but give her wisdom and knowledge of right and wrong. She quite likely had no clue what that even meant but just the same longed to have it. We've all heard the phrase, "What's good for the goose is good for the gander." Is this where the phrase began? I'm serious, Genesis 3:6b So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. Think about it, he didn't question her, making sure the fruit she was giving him was from the appropriate trees, he just accepted and ate it. We are still the same way, surrounded by advertising, media and peer pressure that says "this is acceptable", "this is normal", and "everyone else is doing it" so we can hardly help ourselves but to do it as well. Think of all the things that we try and willingly accept because it was recommended. Exactly like Adam when Eve handed him the forbidden fruit, we simply accept and consume because surely whatever we're given is always given to us with our best interests in mind.
This is where we are falling into brokenness. Instead of establishing our values and morals upon Biblical principals we are constantly bombarded with the ways of the world. In turn if you don't "accept" the ways of the world you're being intolerant, close-minded and even prejudicial. We are born as imperfect, broken human beings into a world of chaos and distress. As a parent it is my responsibility to raise my child into a responsible, caring, giving and serving individual. It is also my responsibility to teach them that even though we are broken and sinners we are loved and forgiven. God has given me a list of commandments that He holds most important and it is my best interests to follow these commands. These commands are not outdated and antiquated but the are still a standard in which we should treat and hold our family, friends and neighbors accountable. We are faced with a million obstacles in life that make us who we are, I see these obstacles as the crosses we've been given to bear. The crosses we bear in life are not excuses to live by but reasons to live on. Live on, because you don't even have to bear the crosses in your life alone, God is always willing to take it upon himself for you. Matthew 11:28-30 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Your Father doesn't want you lost and burdened, He wants you to turn to Him and let Him guide you through this broken world.
These crosses we bear, sins we commit and pain we face is where we fail each other. We accept that which is around us in abundance is what we should also want and do. We instinctively know the difference between right and wrong, acceptable and unacceptable, where we all differ is how we view these differences. This is why I'm praying for you today. I pray that the next time you see someone you know and say the standard "hi, how are you" to them that you pause long enough to look them in the face and see if their "pretty good, you?" response is an honest one. In turn if someone does the same to you and you're not "pretty good" then please don't say you are. If your day has been rough, say so, we all end up there at some point and need to be heard when we're crying and broken. The other problem is we live in a "me" world and it's easy to look around and think that everyone else has it together and "I'm" the only one that doesn't when in all honesty the reality is quite likely the opposite. Know that we're all broken, we're all hurting sometimes and we all need to know someone cares. So rather than point a finger at guns and mental illness when tragedies occur, see the fingers on your own hand that are pointed back at you and ask yourself what you can do in your own neighborhood to prevent another one.
God gave us all free will to use as we see fit. We are still living in the "garden of Eden" only it has developed into December 2012 and it is our responsibility to tend this land we are on. It is our responsibility to come together as a community, taking care of each other, helping each other and serving each other. Does a nation come together in celebration at the end of a beautiful December day? Does a community come together in awe of a rainbow? Does a family come together in joy over a meal at the dinner table? These are the beautiful things that God blesses us with regularly but do we notice and rejoice over them as we should? We usually keep on going, caught up in our own little worlds, focusing on tomorrow before today even ends. How many parents hugged their children tighter and made sure to share kisses good-night with their families last Friday? Did they do that Thursday night in the midst of "normal"? The real problem with tragedy is that we have to face one in order to be thankful for all that we have. God knows the number of our days before we are even born, of each and every single one of us. No matter if you are blessed with 95 years, 32 years, 6 years, 5 weeks, 2 days or even just hours of life, they are the ultimate gift God has given you and your loved ones. If you had known the way these lives would end would you sacrifice even knowing these lives?
We choose to make each day everything that it is. We choose, not God, every step we take and the direction we go. Here is my prayer for you, starting today and every day I pray this for you. I pray that you can go forward today not wondering at how God could let this tragedy happen but that you forge ahead living and loving more passionately because of it. I pray that you see not the pain in the tragedy but the blessing in the love that pours out afterward. I pray that you hug the friend with sad eyes, even if they say they're doing "pretty good" because you know that there is more to life than just words spoken in casual conversation. I pray that your neighbor takes notice when you're struggling with what life has tossed your way and reaches out to hold your hand in that time of need. I pray that you see the wonder and glory of God when you're knocked to your knees with no air in your lungs and yet you know He is hearing every word you're crying out. I pray that you can feel how truly close to Him you are when you're kneeling there at His feet. I pray that you know that you are never alone, your Father is beside you, I am thinking of you and you are, without question, absolutely loved in all your beautiful imperfection. (I know that you are because I know that I am.) I pray that you feel in your heart that you and your story has value, impact and power in this world. I pray that you use that amazing power to share your Father's love, absolutely amazing love, to all those you touch every day. I pray that you believe everything I have written here, whether I know your name or not, I love you and appreciate the impact you leave on my life. Most importantly I pray that you go and be the change you want to see in this world. That truly is how to change this world, start right there at home, within the walls that you exercise your amazing and beautiful free will.
LuvNHugz - SupportNPrayerz
Deo Volente - NMV
I hear the sentiment "How could God let this happen?" whenever a tragedy happens. Columbine, 9/11, Oklahoma City Bombing and now Newtown. That frustrates me so. How could He prevent it? How many of us turn to Him in the midst of our every day joy? How many of us turn to Him in our time of need? How many of us get up each morning and say a prayer for Him to guide us through all that which is in store for us on this day.
Look at it this way. In the beginning there was only one, a man and here's what happened. God said to him, eat from any tree in the garden, except that one. Genesis 2:16-17 But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die." Except that ONE, Adam heard Him say it. Here's a garden of trees, full of fruit, ready to nourish you and I tell you to eat of them, enjoy them, please just don't eat the fruit of that one tree. It's your choice which fruit you eat, how much you eat, when you eat and why you eat that which you choose for the day. I just ask that you refrain from eating of this one tree, that's all.
God also says it is not good for man to be alone and after much thought creates woman. God leaves man and woman to their FREE WILL and goes back to His duties. Now, let me ask you this. Why did He not prevent the following then? Genesis 3:1-6 The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.
Ah, yes, if He can prevent anything from happening, why not that? Why not prevent the first sin, the first time man and woman fail to do as He asks, why "let" the serpent trick His precious creation? Because with the first words He spoke He gave man FREE WILL, "You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden..." Yes, I take this discussion very seriously.
God did not breathe life into the man and directly tell him, you may eat of this tree on Monday, sweep the pathway on Tuesday, water the flowers on Wednesday and so forth. He gave man free will to tend and watch over the garden in the way the man saw fit. God believed in man, believed in his ability to make wise choices and in order for man to make those choices, God blessed him with freedom and a brain. Need more proof that God immediately blessed man with a mind of his own? Genesis 2:19-20 So the Lord God formed from the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would call them, and the man chose a name for each one. He gave names to all the livestock, all the birds of the sky, and all the wild animals. See, we already made it back to the freedom thing, God let man name the creatures, every single one, God didn't do it, didn't tell man what to call the creatures, God simply created and trusted man to manage the rest.
Okay, so back to the forbidden fruit. Even then, in those early days of creation man and woman couldn't help but want that which they couldn't have. Genesis 3:6a The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. Smooth talking and convincing got through to the woman that the forbidden fruit wouldn't kill her, but give her wisdom and knowledge of right and wrong. She quite likely had no clue what that even meant but just the same longed to have it. We've all heard the phrase, "What's good for the goose is good for the gander." Is this where the phrase began? I'm serious, Genesis 3:6b So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. Think about it, he didn't question her, making sure the fruit she was giving him was from the appropriate trees, he just accepted and ate it. We are still the same way, surrounded by advertising, media and peer pressure that says "this is acceptable", "this is normal", and "everyone else is doing it" so we can hardly help ourselves but to do it as well. Think of all the things that we try and willingly accept because it was recommended. Exactly like Adam when Eve handed him the forbidden fruit, we simply accept and consume because surely whatever we're given is always given to us with our best interests in mind.
This is where we are falling into brokenness. Instead of establishing our values and morals upon Biblical principals we are constantly bombarded with the ways of the world. In turn if you don't "accept" the ways of the world you're being intolerant, close-minded and even prejudicial. We are born as imperfect, broken human beings into a world of chaos and distress. As a parent it is my responsibility to raise my child into a responsible, caring, giving and serving individual. It is also my responsibility to teach them that even though we are broken and sinners we are loved and forgiven. God has given me a list of commandments that He holds most important and it is my best interests to follow these commands. These commands are not outdated and antiquated but the are still a standard in which we should treat and hold our family, friends and neighbors accountable. We are faced with a million obstacles in life that make us who we are, I see these obstacles as the crosses we've been given to bear. The crosses we bear in life are not excuses to live by but reasons to live on. Live on, because you don't even have to bear the crosses in your life alone, God is always willing to take it upon himself for you. Matthew 11:28-30 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Your Father doesn't want you lost and burdened, He wants you to turn to Him and let Him guide you through this broken world.
These crosses we bear, sins we commit and pain we face is where we fail each other. We accept that which is around us in abundance is what we should also want and do. We instinctively know the difference between right and wrong, acceptable and unacceptable, where we all differ is how we view these differences. This is why I'm praying for you today. I pray that the next time you see someone you know and say the standard "hi, how are you" to them that you pause long enough to look them in the face and see if their "pretty good, you?" response is an honest one. In turn if someone does the same to you and you're not "pretty good" then please don't say you are. If your day has been rough, say so, we all end up there at some point and need to be heard when we're crying and broken. The other problem is we live in a "me" world and it's easy to look around and think that everyone else has it together and "I'm" the only one that doesn't when in all honesty the reality is quite likely the opposite. Know that we're all broken, we're all hurting sometimes and we all need to know someone cares. So rather than point a finger at guns and mental illness when tragedies occur, see the fingers on your own hand that are pointed back at you and ask yourself what you can do in your own neighborhood to prevent another one.
God gave us all free will to use as we see fit. We are still living in the "garden of Eden" only it has developed into December 2012 and it is our responsibility to tend this land we are on. It is our responsibility to come together as a community, taking care of each other, helping each other and serving each other. Does a nation come together in celebration at the end of a beautiful December day? Does a community come together in awe of a rainbow? Does a family come together in joy over a meal at the dinner table? These are the beautiful things that God blesses us with regularly but do we notice and rejoice over them as we should? We usually keep on going, caught up in our own little worlds, focusing on tomorrow before today even ends. How many parents hugged their children tighter and made sure to share kisses good-night with their families last Friday? Did they do that Thursday night in the midst of "normal"? The real problem with tragedy is that we have to face one in order to be thankful for all that we have. God knows the number of our days before we are even born, of each and every single one of us. No matter if you are blessed with 95 years, 32 years, 6 years, 5 weeks, 2 days or even just hours of life, they are the ultimate gift God has given you and your loved ones. If you had known the way these lives would end would you sacrifice even knowing these lives?
We choose to make each day everything that it is. We choose, not God, every step we take and the direction we go. Here is my prayer for you, starting today and every day I pray this for you. I pray that you can go forward today not wondering at how God could let this tragedy happen but that you forge ahead living and loving more passionately because of it. I pray that you see not the pain in the tragedy but the blessing in the love that pours out afterward. I pray that you hug the friend with sad eyes, even if they say they're doing "pretty good" because you know that there is more to life than just words spoken in casual conversation. I pray that your neighbor takes notice when you're struggling with what life has tossed your way and reaches out to hold your hand in that time of need. I pray that you see the wonder and glory of God when you're knocked to your knees with no air in your lungs and yet you know He is hearing every word you're crying out. I pray that you can feel how truly close to Him you are when you're kneeling there at His feet. I pray that you know that you are never alone, your Father is beside you, I am thinking of you and you are, without question, absolutely loved in all your beautiful imperfection. (I know that you are because I know that I am.) I pray that you feel in your heart that you and your story has value, impact and power in this world. I pray that you use that amazing power to share your Father's love, absolutely amazing love, to all those you touch every day. I pray that you believe everything I have written here, whether I know your name or not, I love you and appreciate the impact you leave on my life. Most importantly I pray that you go and be the change you want to see in this world. That truly is how to change this world, start right there at home, within the walls that you exercise your amazing and beautiful free will.
LuvNHugz - SupportNPrayerz
Deo Volente - NMV
Friday, November 9, 2012
Takin' Five on Friday - Quiet
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..
Jeepers, it's been a while. The whole 30 days did not go well for me. I got a few days done but life, to-do lists, being tired and, well, life got in the way. Yup, life twice, I did that on purpose.
So happy to be here and the subject "Quiet" couldn't be more timely as far as I'm concerned.
4:10
Quiet, nope that doesn't always make me think of the noise level around me. I have times it reminds me to quiet the pace at which I'm racing. After a month of chaos while preparing for our annual bazaar fundraiser at school, I'm enjoying the quiet of a shorter to-do list. The quiet of a pace that instead focuses on cleaning house, lunch, supper, laundry and homework.
These are the times to really appreciate the the quiet of God's calming presence. In the midst of the storm there are always the moments when the seas quit raging and a deep breath of relief is taken. My "God's Heart for You" perpetual calendar (Amen for Dayspring and Holley Gerth) has been a source of peace and quiet in these most recent days.
October 26 - A harsh word stings our spirits...God is there. A bad day threatens to discourage us...God is there. A disappointment knocks the wind out of our sails...God is there. No situation or circumstance is too large or small for God.
October 29 - You with those tears in your eyes, that heaviness in your heart, that bad day hanging on your shoulder... Will you let the arms of heaven hold you close? God whispers these words in your ear, "Oh yes, I know about loss. I know it's hard to live in this world. I understand."
When the world is raging around you, find the quiet in the one place it ALWAYS is waiting for you. Your Father's waiting arms.
4:22
Sorry, I ran long finding and quoting the calendar. Forgive me.
LuvNHugz - SupportNPrayerz
Nicki
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